US09989216B2
An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises at least one vehicle panel having a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion. The first photoluminescent portion has a first luminescent absorption range and the second photoluminescent portion has a second luminescent absorption range. The illumination apparatus further comprises a first light source configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength, wherein the first wavelength is within the first absorption range and outside the second absorption range.
US09989213B2
The invention relates to a lighting device comprising: an optical reflector (200, 500) which has an interior surface (201); and a light source (205, 505); wherein the interior surface has a plurality of facets (203) that form a Fresnel structure-like reflecting surface (202), and the interior surface may further have a cone (504) so as to avoid light from the light source being reflected back to the light source; wherein at least part of the light from the light resource is reflected by the optical reflector into an output direction. The invention also relates to a luminaire which comprises the lighting device according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an optical reflector for a spot lighting lamp. The method comprises forming (S01) a bowl-like structure that has an opening for emitting light and that has a Fresnel structure on the interior surface of the bowl-like structure.
US09989205B2
Wall grazer light fixtures that are configured to illuminate portions of walls are provided. In one embodiment, a wall grazer light fixture can include one or more first light sources for providing wide angle illumination along a wall. In addition, the wall grazer light fixture can include one or more second light sources arranged in the wall grazer light fixture to provide vertical illumination along the wall. In some embodiments, the wall grazer light fixture can include a circuit configured to adjust a color temperature of the first light source(s) and/or the second light source(s) such that the color temperature of the first light source(s) matches the color temperature of the second light source(s).
US09989203B2
A lighting device comprising a phosphor arrangement (2) having a phosphor region (31-33), a first laser (5) for irradiating a part of the phosphor region (31-33) with a first laser radiation. The phosphor region (31-33) has at least one phosphor which can be irradiated by the first laser radiation and re-emits the first laser radiation at least partly in a manner wavelength-converted into colored light having a first light color. A second laser (6) is configured for emitting a second laser radiation having a second light color. The second light color of the second laser radiation is identical in color to the first light color of the wavelength-converted colored light. The lighting device is configured to simultaneously emit the second laser radiation and the wavelength-converted colored light of identical color emitted by the phosphor.
US09989202B2
A light emitting device and a projection system adopting same. The light emitting device comprises a coherent source generating coherent light, a diffusing element, and a light guide part. The diffusing element includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The diffusing element disperses the coherent light to generate incoherent light. The light guide part is provided on the side of the first surface of the diffusing element and guides the coherent light from the coherent source onto the first surface to form a first light path, guides a part of incoherent light from the first surface through the first light path, guides the remaining incoherent light through a second path, and separates the first and second light paths. The luminous flux of the incoherent light emitting through the first light path is less than that of the incoherent light emitting through the second light path.
US09989199B2
The instant disclosure provides an illumination device and a light-emitting module thereof. The light-emitting module includes a cover structure, a light-emitting structure and an assembled type capacitor assembly. The cover structure has a through opening. The light-emitting structure includes a circuit substrate disposed under the cover structure and a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the circuit substrate and exposed from the through opening. The assembled type capacitor assembly includes at least one assembled type capacitor electrically connected the circuit substrate through an assembled type electrical connection assembly, and the at least one assembled type capacitor is separated from the circuit substrate.
US09989189B1
A piping strapping and insulation system provides a pair of strap assemblies which act to close a seam portion of an insulation structure around a correspondingly-shaped existing piping member such as a pipe, a valve, a pressure vessel, or the like. The straps are removably attached the insulation structure to allow disassembly and reuse of the strapping. It is envisioned that the piping insulation structures would be available in various sizes and shapes which correspond to differently shaped existing piping members.
US09989184B2
A fitting for the mounting of an exhaust probe on an exhaust pipe with a base body having a central axis and secured to the exhaust pipe, with a bearing part having a longitudinal axis to accommodate the exhaust probe, wherein the bearing part and the base body are at least two-part and the bearing part can be secured in the base body in various positions, P1, P2.
US09989183B2
An unbonded flexible pipe for offshore transportation of fluids from a subsea facility. The unbonded flexible pipe has a length along a longitudinal center axis, and a first and a second end, and a first end fitting connected to the first end. The unbonded flexible pipe comprises from inside and out an electrically conductive carcass, an electrically insulating innermost sealing sheath, at least one electrically conductive armor layer comprising at least one helically wound electrically conductive wire and an electrically insulating outer sealing sheath. At least the electrically conductive layers are mechanically terminated in the first end fitting and the pipe comprises electrical connections arranged to apply a voltage over the electrically conductive layers which electrically conductive layers are electrically connected at a distance along the length of the unbonded flexible pipe from the first end fitting of the unbonded flexible pipe to provide an electric circuit.
US09989179B2
An air valve connecting device or attachment includes a mouth engaged in a housing and having a compartment for engaging with either a US or French inflation valve, an actuator slidably engaged in the housing and engageable with the mouth, a tube slidably engaged in the actuator for selectively engaging with the inflation valve, and extendible into the mouth for selectively engaging with the other inflation valve, one or more catches are slidably engaged in the actuator and engageable into the actuator for engaging with the tube and for retaining the tube to the actuator, and a cam member is engageable with the actuator for forcing the actuator to compress the mouth and to grasp the inflation valve to the housing.
US09989176B2
A method of sealing an opening in a bulkhead with a fitting assembly having a tube, a mounting flange, a thermal shell, an adapter, a bushing, and a jam nut may include inserting the tube through the opening; placing the mounting flange against the bulkhead, the mounting flange attached to the thermal shell, the thermal shell attached to the tube, and the mounting flange attached to the adapter so that the adapter extends away from the mounting flange and from the thermal shell through the opening; forming an air pocket by spacing a portion of the thermal shell away from the tube; placing the bushing on the adapter; and tightening the jam nut on the adapter to sandwich the bulkhead between the mounting flange and the bushing to form a seal between the mounting flange and the bushing to seal the opening.
US09989170B2
A strap assembly which may be attached to an overhead hanger is molded with three components used for suspending wires or pipes from an overhead structure such that the three components may be sold and shipped as a single unit, then singulated by the user to use separately. One component is a strap for forming a saddle to hold wires, pipes, and the like; a second component is a dual-function fastener which may be used to permanently attach the strap to a connector, such as a multifunction clip and temporarily fasten the other end of the strap to itself; a third component is a protective tip which may be pushed onto the end of the hanger. The dual-function fastener may be used alone for other purposes.
US09989169B2
A conduit clamp includes a first coupling component configured for attachment to a first attachment structure of a strut channel and a second coupling component different from the first coupling component and configured for attachment to a second attachment structure of a strut channel.
US09989162B2
A dual cartridge temperature control valve having a self-contained, top loading bonnet cartridge and a self-contained, bottom loading seat cartridge. The control valve body may include internally configured pressure channels configured to mate with the upstream and downstream pressure channels of a control valve actuator having internally integrated pressure channels.
US09989158B2
A valve is described including a valve seat defining a first port and a second port and an angularly movable valve member having a first face and a second face. The valve member is movable between a closed position in which the first face thereof, or a valve element associated therewith, closes at least one of the ports and an open position. The valve member defines a first flow passage and a second flow passage, each flow passage communicating with a chamber defined, at least in part, by the second face of the valve member. At least the first flow passage defines or includes a flow director to impart a circumferential or tangential component to the fluid flow therethrough.
US09989157B2
A valve stem packing assembly can seal a valve stem to a valve body having a body cavity. The packing assembly includes a packing ring circumscribing the valve stem within a stem opening extending axially through the valve body. A primary dynamic seal is positioned to seal a dynamic leak path between the packing ring and the valve stem. A secondary dynamic seal is spaced axially apart and functionally independent from the primary dynamic seal and positioned to redundantly seal the dynamic leak path. A primary static seal is positioned to seal a static leak path between the packing ring and the valve body. A secondary static seal is spaced axially apart and functionally independent from the primary static seal and positioned to redundantly seal the static leak path.
US09989156B2
The invention relates to a pressure control valve, composed of at least a valve component; situated between a control chamber and a return chamber, the valve component has an orifice, which a control element can close, partially close, or open, and the control element has at least one, at least truncated cone-like first control element region with a truncated cone angle and the orifice is formed by a through opening, which extends through the orifice element and at its end oriented toward the control element, has at least one cone-like, in particular first, orifice region with a cone angle; and the cone angle is greater than the truncated cone angle.
US09989149B2
A shift control method for a vehicle with a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) includes comparing, by a controller, a current clutch temperature with a first predetermined reference value and a second predetermined reference value, the second predetermined reference value being greater than the first reference value, preventing, by the controller, coaxial power-on downshifting when the clutch temperature is greater than the first reference value, and reducing, by the controller, a shift time by preventing coaxial power-on downshifting when the clutch temperature is greater than the second reference value and then increasing a shift speed when biaxial full skip shifting is required.
US09989141B2
A press plate is tacked to a boss of a cup-shaped flexible externally toothed gear of a wave gear device unit. A second arm as a driven member is attached by a fastening bolt to an end surface on an outer side of an output flange of the wave gear device unit. The fastening bolt is screwed into and secured in a tap hole of the press plate from each bolt insertion hole of the second arm, via a flange-side bolt insertion hole and a boss-side bolt insertion hole. A fastening structure can be achieved in which a driven member is fastened to a wave gear device unit in which holes are easily machined into the output flange, and only a few fastening bolts are needed to fasten the boss, the output flange, and the driven member.
US09989138B2
An integrated drive generator having a variable input speed and constant output frequency, where the integrated drive generator includes a generator disposed about a first centerline. Also included is a hydraulic trimming device disposed about a second centerline. Further included is an epicyclic differential having a ring gear and a sun gear, wherein at least one of the ring gear and the sun gear drives the generator at a constant output frequency, wherein the epicyclic differential is disposed about a third centerline, wherein the third centerline is coaxial with the second centerline.
US09989137B2
A hydrostatic driveline and method of operating a hydrostatic driveline is provided. The hydrostatic driveline comprises a power source, hydrostatic pump, a hydrostatic motor, a direct drive link, a first transmission portion, and a second transmission portion. The direct drive link is in driving engagement with at least one of the power source and the hydrostatic pump. The first transmission portion is in driving engagement with a vehicle output and the hydrostatic motor. The second transmission portion is in driving engagement with the direct drive link and at least one of the vehicle output and the first transmission portion. The hydrostatic pump, the hydrostatic motor, and the first transmission portion form a first power path for the hydrostatic driveline and the direct drive link and the second transmission portion form a second power path for the hydrostatic driveline.
US09989135B2
The invention relates to a hydrokinetic torque coupling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a torque input element (11) intended to be coupled to a crankshaft (1), an impeller wheel (3) rotationally coupled to the torque input element (11) and able to hydrokinetically drive a turbine wheel (4) through a reactor (5), a torque output element (8) intended to be coupled to a transmission input shaft (2), clutch means (10) adapted to rotationally couple the torque input element (11) and the torque output element (8) in an engaged position, through damping means (22, 26), and adapted to rotationally uncouple the torque input element (11) and the torque output element (8) in a disengaged position.
US09989131B2
A chain guide is provided that allows for stable running of a chain, causes less wear or damage on the inner surface of mounting holes or on mounting shafts, and improves the durability without increasing production cost. The guide shoe includes a guide rail and a unit holding part that accommodates a reinforcing unit inserted thereinto from the backside of the guide rail. The reinforcing unit includes a plate and a spacer. The plate and spacer are aligned in a guide width direction, so that a plate through hole and a spacer through hole are continuous in the guide width direction, and are disposed in the unit holding part 22.
US09989130B2
A compression limiter retainer arrangement for a plastic chain guide is provided that minimizes the packaging requirements. The plastic chain guide contains an oblong aperture and a round aperture for mounting to an internal combustion engine. At least one radially inward protruding finger is present at each of the longitudinal ends of the oblong aperture to retain a first compression limiter. Additionally, at least one radially inward protruding finger can be placed proximate to the round aperture to retain an optional second compression limiter. The angular position of the radially inward protruding fingers is defined and limited for optimum chain guide packaging and performance.
US09989127B2
An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, and a first brake. A first sun gear includes a first split sun gear on a drive source side, and a second split sun gear on a side opposite to the drive source. The first spilt sun gear is coupled to the first brake, and is fixed to a transmission case during engagement of the first brake. The second split sun gear is constantly coupled to a second sun gear. An input shaft is constantly coupled to a first carrier while passing through the first split sun gear, and between the first and second split sun gears. An output shaft is constantly coupled to a second carrier.
US09989126B2
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting torque, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft, a fifth shaft selectively connectable to the second shaft, a sixth shaft connected to the input shaft, and selectively connectable to each of the third shaft and the fourth shaft, a seventh shaft connected to the output shaft, and an eighth shaft.
US09989124B2
A power transmission 1 includes an output shaft 9 disposed in parallel to an input shaft 5, and provided at one end with an output gear 35 and at an opposite end with a final drive gear 36 meshing with a final driven gear 37 of a differential device 10, the output gear 35 normally meshing with a reverse speed drive gear 26, and with a first speed driven gear 31 in an array 39 of driven gears 31, 32, 33, and 34 on a counter shaft 8 normally meshing with a first speed drive gear 14 in an array 20A of odd-speed shift position drive gears 14, 15, 16, and 17 on an odd-speed shift position drive shaft 6.
US09989118B2
A wheel carrier assembly (104) for a vehicle (110) is clamped on a frame (14) and a carbon composite brake disc 41 of the assembly is bedded by pneumatically applying the brake pads to the brake disc so as to heat the disc in cycles, the wheel carrier assembly then being removed from the frame and fitted to the vehicle.
US09989109B2
A method is provided for calibrating a control algorithm of a clutch control unit of a vehicle. The method includes requesting, clutch disengagement or engagement, monitoring clutch actuator position, determining a time interval that starts with the clutch disengagement or engagement request and ends when the clutch actuator has reached a predetermined position, and calibrating an estimated time interval of the control algorithm starting with clutch disengagement or engagement request and ending when the clutch actuator has reached a predetermined position based on the determined time interval. A computer program for implementing the method, as well as a vehicle comprising a clutch control unit calibrated according to the method, are also provided.
US09989102B2
A vented gaiter (6) for mounting to a shaft (4) comprises: a rim (34) defining an opening (33) for receiving the shaft (4); and a separate venting element (40). The venting element (40) is disposed within said opening (33). The shaft (4) is received in the opening (33), and the rim (34) is mounted to the shaft by means of a circular clamp (22). The venting element (40) is thus retained in place between the shaft (4) and the rim (34) and allows any air accumulated inside a CV joint enclosure (28) formed by the gaiter (6) when the gaiter (6) is mounted to the shaft (4) to vent axially according to a direction substantially parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. The venting element (40) comprises a gas-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane (41).
US09989097B2
The invention relates to a bearing cage including a bearing cage main body made of a polymer material and having pockets for receiving at least one row of rolling elements of a bearing. The cage is provided with a passive resonant circuit including an antenna coil attached to the cage main body. It is proposed that the antenna coil is formed as a conductive layer directly attached to the cage material of the bearing cage main body and is designed so as to have a breaking point less than or equal to a breaking point of the cage material. Thus, a rupture in the cage main body ruptures the antenna coil, changing the resonance behavior of the passive resonant circuit.
US09989095B2
An integrated shaft bearing assembly is provided having a housing with at least one bearing located in the housing that supports a shaft that extends through the housing. A vent ring is located at one axial end of the housing, with the vent ring having a radial flange that extends toward the shaft. A face seal assembly including a seal support ring is fixed on the shaft. The face seal assembly includes a bellows spring connected to the seal support ring, a face seal carrier connected to the bellows spring, with the face seal carrier supporting a face seal against the face of the radial flange. Here the vent ring is integrated with the integrated shaft bearing and provides a surface for the mechanical seal as well as venting to avoid pressure build up in a region of the mechanical seal between the mechanical seal and the bearing.
US09989094B2
A wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member, an inner member, and double row rolling elements contained between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner member. A cup-shaped steel protective cover is mounted on the inner-side end of the outer member. The cover fitting portion has a cylindrical portion, a radially reduced portion and an elastic member. The elastic member has an annular projection and a contact lip. When the protective cover is fit into the outer member, the annular projection closely contacts with the fitting surface while elastically deforming and the contact lip elastically contacts the inner-side end of the outer member.
US09989093B2
A roller bearing, particularly a needle bearing, for arranging on a pivot pin of a variable guide vane of a turbomachine, is disclosed. The roller bearing includes at least one radially elastic needle which has two opposing end regions and at least one roller region arranged between the end regions and constructed in a cross-sectionally thickened manner. The end regions roll off at associated raceways of a bearing housing of the roller bearing and the roller region is arranged in the region of an associated groove of the bearing housing. A variable guide vane with at least one such roller bearing, a housing of a turbomachine with such a guide vane, as well as a turbomachine, is also disclosed.
US09989092B2
A sintered bearing includes a sintered metal formed by using a metal powder mixture containing copper powder and iron powder. The metal powder mixture contains 80 wt % or more of particles having an average particle diameter of less than 45 μm. The copper powder contains electrolytic copper powder. The electrolytic copper powder contains 40 number % or more of particles having a circularity of 0.64 or more.
US09989089B2
A guide mechanism includes: a guide member having a first groove; a slide member having a second groove; and rolling bodies arranged in a guide groove comprising the first groove and the second groove. A stopper for preventing the rolling bodies from moving out of the guide groove is affixed to the second groove by welding. A method for manufacturing the guide mechanism includes a welding step in which the second groove and the stopper are welded by resistance welding while the stopper is pressed against the second groove.
US09989088B2
A linear bearing (1) includes a collar (2) arranged to receive a shaft (30) therethrough. The linear bearing (1) also has at least one resiliently sprung member (12) mounted within the collar (2) that contacts the shaft (30) when the shaft (30) is mounted inside the collar (2). The at least one resiliently sprung member (12) is arranged to permit displacement of the collar (2), relative to the shaft (30), in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the collar (2).
US09989087B2
A cable transportation system with at least one haul cable has a supporting structure with a tubular portion defining an axis of rotation; a pulley extending about the axis of rotation; and a bearing assembly, which is connected to the pulley and the tubular portion to enable the pulley to rotate about the axis of rotation with respect to the supporting structure, and has a first and second bearing arranged concentrically and in series, so as to ensure rotation of the pulley about the axis of rotation and with respect to the supporting structure utilizing at least the first or second bearing.
US09989081B2
A method and system of affixing a plaque to a solid surface is provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one opening in a face of the solid surface and inserting a plaque support into the at least one opening. The plaque support includes a body defining a passageway therethrough and having a first end and a second end. The first end has a flange portion. Further, at least one outer tab member extends radially outward toward the first end and at least one inner tab member extends radially inward toward the second end. The outer tab member engages the solid surface upon insertion of the plaque support into the at least one opening. The method and system further include providing the plaque with at least one installation fastener. The at least one installation fastener is inserted into the passageway of the plaque support, such that the at least one inner tab member engages the at least one installation fastener.
US09989080B1
An anchoring device for a attaching a plurality of substrates when only one side of the substrates is accessible.
US09989078B2
The present invention includes a method of controlling a fluid flow using momentum and/or vorticity injections. Actively controlling an actuator allows for direct, precise, and independent control of the momentum and swirl entering into the fluid system. The perturbations are added to the flow field in a systematic mater providing tunable control input, thereby modifying behavior thereof in a predictable manner to improve the flow characteristics.
US09989077B2
A fuel tank includes a port and an open-cell foam. The open-cell foam is configured to retain a liquid fuel by an interfacial surface tension between the open-cell foam and the liquid fuel. The open-cell foam is configured to selectively release the liquid fuel when a surfactant is applied to the open-cell foam to reduce the interfacial surface tension between the open-cell foam and the liquid fuel.
US09989076B2
Methods and systems for harvesting mechanical energy for transformation into electrical energy are described. An energy harvesting apparatus may include a housing having fluid disposed therein and a piston assembly configured to move within the housing in one of an extension stroke and a compression stroke. The piston assembly may include a bidirectional rotor configured to rotate responsive to the piston assembly moving in either of the extension stroke and the compression stroke. The bidirectional rotor may be connected to a rotary generator such that rotational energy generated by rotation of the bidirectional rotor may be transferred to the rotary generator. Electrical energy may be produced by the rotary generator responsive to receiving the rotational energy.
US09989072B2
A fan includes an impeller and a frame. The frame is used for accommodating the impeller. The frame includes a plurality of static blade groups. Each of the static blade groups has a plurality of static blades. Moreover, at least one first static blade of a first static blade group and at least one first static blade of a second static blade group are symmetric with respect to a central axis of the frame.
US09989070B2
According to one aspect, an air cycle machine includes a fan rotor, a diffuser cone axially aligned with the fan rotor, and a strut plate assembly. The strut plate assembly includes a first strut plate and a second strut plate with an ejector formed between the first strut plate and the second strut plate. The first strut plate is axially positioned between the fan rotor and the ejector, and the second strut plate is axially positioned between the fan rotor and the diffuser cone. The first strut plate includes a plurality of outer struts and is absent inner struts between the fan rotor and the ejector. The second strut plate includes a plurality of inner struts and outer struts, where the inner struts are axially positioned between the ejector and the diffuser cone.
US09989069B2
One or more through-holes communicating with one or more of the plurality of screw grooves are formed at the cylindrical stator, a total of circumferential dimensions of the one or more through-holes formed at the cylindrical stator is set at equal to or greater than a circumferential dimension of an outer peripheral surface region of the cylindrical stator facing the second suction port, and a gas path through which inflow gas through the second suction port is guided to a screw groove is provided, the one or more through-holes penetrating through the screw groove and the screw groove being apart from the region facing the second suction port.
US09989061B2
The invention proposes an electric pump (1) for delivering a fluid. The electric pump (1) has a first pump component (3) with a first interface (7) and has a second pump component (5). The first pump component (3) and the second pump component (5) are in contact with one another at the first interface (7). Here, the first interface (7) has an incline (11) with respect to a plane running perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (13) of the electric pump (1).
US09989060B2
A fuel system incorporating a boost pump unit, a boost pump unit and method of pumping fuel are provided. The fuel system and boost pump unit are preferably self-priming and do not utilize an airframe mounted pump for supplying fuel for an aircraft combustor. The boost pump unit includes a liquid ring pump and an air/fuel separator. The air/fuel separator has an inlet and first and second outlet ports. The inlet is operably fluidly coupled to an outlet of the liquid ring pump. The air/fuel separator has an arcuate flow path. The first outlet port is in fluid communication with a radially outer portion of the arcuate flow path and the second outlet port is in fluid communication with a radially inner portion of the arcuate flow path. A return line connected to the first outlet port is configured to return fuel to the liquid ring pump.
US09989056B2
A hydraulic pump with an integrated clutch includes an outer cone coupled to a drive gear or a driven gear and having a frictional inner surface, and an inner cone arranged inside the outer cone, coupled to the drive gear or the driven gear and having a frictional outer surface, wherein the inner and outer cones are rotationally and axially movable with respect to each other. A spring is coupled to the inner cone or the outer cone and acts to axially displace the inner cone with respect to the outer cone in a first direction. An actuator including a rod and a piston is coupled to the inner cone or the outer cone and acts to overcome the force of the spring to axially displace the inner cone with respect to the outer cone in a second direction being axially opposite to the first direction.
US09989041B2
Thruster grid clear circuits and methods to clear thruster grids are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a low voltage grid clear circuit to apply first energy to a grid at a first voltage, and a high voltage grid clear circuit to detect a failure of the applied energy to clear a short circuit condition of the grid and to apply second energy to the grid at a second voltage higher than the first voltage.
US09989037B2
Vertical axis wind turbine, indistinctly applicable in land or sea, the main characteristic of which is its low visual impact due to the collapse of its tower and rotor as required by environmental or meteorological conditions.It is constituted by a structure that includes a base (3, 5), a plurality of supporting arms (10, 13), an elevation set (6, 7, 8) and a drive shaft (17) that acts on the generating elements (29) arranged at the base. Said structure supports a rotor (1) and its corresponding blades (2), attached by means of motorized shafts (20) that collapse and expand the blades (2) over the rotor (1).Whenever the electric motor (6) winds the tensioning element (8) attached to two pairs of lower arms (10), they rotate at their base and intermediate point and raise, during their movement, the upper arms (13) and the drive shaft (17). The entirety of this structure is secured with braces (21, 24), which act on the upper and lower part of their corresponding arms (10, 13), achieving a safe collapse and expansion.
US09989028B2
A pressure limiting valve for a fuel injection system may include a sleeve, a fixing pin, a spring, a sealing element, and a seat. The sleeve may have a longitudinal axis. The fixing pin protruding through a cavity enclosed by the sleeve. The spring may have a first end supported on the sleeve and a second end supported by the sealing element. The seat may provide a sealing surface for the sealing element to block a fluid flow through the valve when closed position, and allow this flow to pass in other positions. The outer circumference of the sleeve may vary within predefined tolerances along the longitudinal axis. The fixing pin may be shaped to plastically deform by a movement of the fixing pin along the longitudinal axis, in order to press the sleeve into the housing.
US09989027B2
A high pressure pump is provided to be used in a fuel feeding system for a vehicle engine and receive a fuel primarily pressurized by a low pressure pump, and secondarily compresses the fuel to increase the pressure of the fuel for supplying the fuel to a fuel injector. The high pressure pump includes a pump body and a camshaft that is rotatably installed in the pump body to be rotated using torque transmitted from an exterior of the pump body. Additionally, a roller bearing rotatably supports the camshaft in the pump body and an inlet port is disposed on the pump body to introduce a primarily pressurized fluid into the pump body. An orifice is configured to supply the fluid to the roller bearing while reducing a pressure of the fluid introduced via the inlet port.
US09989018B2
Methods and systems are provided for indicating restrictions in a fuel system vapor recirculation line. In one example, a fuel tank is evacuated responsive to a fuel level below a threshold, and if the vacuum is relieved via a negative pressure relief valve in a capless fuel filler system, the negative pressure relief valve is indicated to be functional such that, responsive to a fuel level greater than a threshold, the fuel system may be evacuated and a restriction may be indicated in the vapor recirculation line responsive to the negative pressure valve not relieving the applied vacuum. In this way, restrictions in the vapor recirculation line may be rapidly diagnosed and excessive loading of a fuel vapor canister may be prevented, thus reducing the potential for evaporative emissions being released to the atmosphere and prolonging fuel vapor canister function.
US09989010B2
A thrust reverser for an aircraft engine assembly, comprising two sub-assemblies configured to surround an engine, each of the sub-assemblies comprising an inner fixed structure, a translating cowl, a torque box, a substantially vertical 12 o'clock bifurcation, and a substantially vertical 6 o'clock bifurcation. At least one of the sub-assemblies comprises at least one separating partition extending between the inner fixed structure, the translating cowl and the torque box of the sub-assembly, the separating partition being rigidly fixed to the inner fixed structure and the torque box, and connected to the translating cowl via a sliding connection.
US09989009B2
Methods and apparatus for sealing variable area fan nozzles of jet engines are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure includes a frame and a seal to be coupled to the frame. The seal to enclose petals of a variable area fan nozzle to substantially prevent airflow between the petals.
US09989004B2
A machine may comprise a piston; a memory; and an electronic control module. The electronic control module may be configured to obtain information identifying a previous amount of wear of the piston pin bore and information identifying a wear limit; determine a base piston pin bore wear rate; calculate an effective piston pin bore wear rate based on the base piston pin bore wear rate; determine an amount of time between a current time and a time when the previous amount of wear of the piston pin bore was calculated; and calculate a current amount of wear of the piston pin bore based on the previous amount of wear, the amount of time, and the effective piston pin bore wear rate. The electronic control module may further be configured to calculate an amount of damage to the piston pin bore based on the current amount of wear and the wear limit.
US09989003B2
Various methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a condition of a cylinder of an engine. In one example, a method includes adjusting recirculated exhaust gas responsive to a determined emission value and indicating insufficient combustion of one or more engine cylinders based on an amount by which the recirculated exhaust gas is adjusted.
US09988998B2
An engine synchronization apparatus includes: a crank shaft position sensor detecting a position of a crank shaft to detect a tooth and a missing tooth; a cam sensor detecting a position of a cam corresponding to an angle of rotation of each of an intake cam and an exhaust cam; and a controller synchronizing the engine to use a tooth detection signal from the crank shaft position sensor and a cam signal from the cam sensor. The controller carries out an engine synchronization by determining the position of the crank shaft and the position of the cam to select one cam between the intake cam and the exhaust cam and to detect the position of a unique part of the cam signal from a voltage level and a level length of the cam signal of the selected cam.
US09988992B2
A method of operating an internal combustion engine, and more particularly a fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector is commanded to inject a fuel requested quantity. The fuel requested quantity is adjusted by closed-loop for controlling an engine speed to match a target value thereof. A value of a first parameter indicative of an amount of electrical energy supplied to an electric battery by an electric generator coupled to the internal combustion engine is measured. A value of a voltage generated by the electric battery and a value of the engine speed are measured. A reference value of the fuel requested quantity is calculated on the basis of the voltage value, the engine speed value and the value of the first parameter. A difference between the value of the adjusted fuel requested quantity and the reference value is calculated and used to control the internal combustion engine.
US09988990B2
A movable electrical generation system includes a generator operable to produce a supply of electrical energy, a prime mover operable to drive the generator, and a first fuel supply selectively deliverable to the movable electrical generation system in a first pressure range. A second fuel, different from the first fuel is selectively deliverable to the prime mover in a second pressure range. A controller is operable to automatically deliver the second fuel to the prime mover in response to the first fuel having a pressure outside of the first pressure range.
US09988989B2
A method for controlling valve timing is provided for an engine including a continuous variable valve duration device disposed on an intake valve side, and a continuous variable valve duration device and continuous variable valve timing device disposed on an exhaust valve side. The method includes: classifying first, second, third, fourth, and fifth control regions depending on an engine speed and an engine load; applying a maximum duration to an intake valve and controlling a valve overlap in the first control region; applying the maximum duration to the intake valve and exhaust valve in the second control region; controlling a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) of an intake manifold to be maintained consistently in the third control region; controlling a wide open throttle valve (WOT) and retarding an exhaust valve opening (EVO) timing in the fourth control region; and controlling the WOT and retarding an intake valve closing (IVC) timing in the fifth control region.
US09988988B2
A slider control module, based on a mode command: selectively extends pins into one or more slider actuators of a camshaft slider. Contact between the pins and the grooves in the slider actuator(s) during rotation of a camshaft slides the camshaft slider axially along the intake camshaft. An actual mode module: determines a last stored indicator of the mode command; commands the slider control module to extend one of the pins to slide the camshaft slider and achieve the last stored indicator of the mode command; and, based on whether the one of the pins extended in response to the command, indicates that an actual mode is either: (i) the last stored indicator of the mode command; or (ii) another mode. The mode command module updates the mode command to the actual mode.
US09988987B2
A method of starting a turbomachine, performed by an electronic unit, the turbomachine including a gas turbine engine including at least one rotor and a starter to drive the rotor in rotation, the method including: receiving an order to start the turbomachine, and executing in response to receiving the order to start: a primary acceleration during which the starter is operated to increase speed of rotation of the rotor; a thermal homogenization during which the starter is operated to keep the speed of rotation of the rotor constant or to decrease it until a predetermined condition is satisfied; after the predetermined condition is true, a secondary acceleration in which the starter is operated to increase the speed of rotation of the rotor; and an ignition in which ignition of the engine is ordered.
US09988980B2
A converting mechanical system including a dual connecting rod having a top section adapted to be pivotally connected to a piston on a conventional internal combustion engine and a bottom section adapted to be connected to a crankshaft of a conventional internal combustion engine. A support surrounds each dual connecting rod and includes a retractable device. A decoupling device is adapted to be located on the crankshaft a conventional internal combustion engine. The dual connecting rod has a first working position and in which the dual connecting rod is rigid and connected to the crankshaft when the piston moves. In the second working position, the dual connecting rod disconnects the crankshaft from the piston by action of the decoupling device.
US09988966B2
An engine system with a coolant control valve includes: a valve housing having a first valve space and a second valve space formed at both sides by a partition and including a connection passage formed in the partition; a first rotary valve disposed in the first valve space and having first coolant passages; a second rotary valve disposed in the second valve space and having second coolant passages; distribution lines respectively connected to positions corresponding to the first coolant passages and the second coolant passages and distributing the coolant coming through the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve; and a driver to rotate the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve. In particular, the first and second coolant passages are connected to the connection passage depending on the rotation positions of the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve.
US09988963B2
A method for monitoring an oxidation catalysis device or DOC arranged in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, in a predetermined range of inlet (2) and outlet (3) temperatures of the DOC, includes injecting predetermined successive quantities of fuel in stages (5, 6) into the inlet of the DOC, recording the outlet (3) temperature of the DOC after each injected quantity of fuel, recording the total quantity injected for a given stage, for which the outlet temperature (3) of the DOC begins to decrease, determining a characterization of the DOC monitored, then comparing this characterization with a test characterization of a similar DOC which has been established beforehand in order to determine a threshold degradation of the DOC monitored that is not to be exceeded.
US09988961B2
A method of purifying exhaust gas may include predicting a slip probability of ammonia (NH3) to a rear end of a selective catalytic reduction on diesel particulate filter (SDPF), comparing the predicted ammonia slip probability with a slip probability of ammonia limiting operation of a low pressure-exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) system, comparing an absorption amount of ammonia with a value obtained by multiplying an ammonia absorption target amount by a minimum target absorption amount ratio when the predicted ammonia slip probability is larger than the slip probability of ammonia limiting operation of the LP-EGR system, limiting the operation of the LP-EGR when the absorption amount of ammonia is not larger than the value obtained by multiplying an ammonia absorption target amount by a minimum target absorption amount ratio, and dosing a urea solution.
US09988957B2
A ventilation system for the ventilation and for the aeration of an internal combustion engine is described and depicted. The ventilation system may have an intake pipe and a supercharger in the intake pipe, and an air-oil separator for the separation of oil and/or oil mist from blow-by gases with at least one inlet and at least one outlet.
US09988945B2
Apparatus for utilizing heat wasted from an engine includes first pressure detecting means (73) and first temperature detecting means (81) for detecting a pressure and a temperature in a refrigerant passage extending from a condenser (38) to a refrigerant pump (32), second pressure detecting means (72) and second temperature detecting means (82) for detecting a pressure and a temperature in a refrigerant passage extending from a heat exchanger (36) to an expansion device (37), and control means (71) responsive to these four detecting means when operating a Rankine cycle (31). Means (71) is for diagnosing whether or not an electromagnetic clutch (35) is stuck responsive to either the first pressure detecting means (73) and the first temperature detecting means (81), or the second pressure detecting means (72) and the second temperature detecting means (82).
US09988936B2
A shroud assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a shroud, hanger, and a hanger support mounted adjacent to a plurality of blades. The hanger can have an interior chamber defining a cooling circuit with a particle separator located within the interior chamber. The particle separator can have an inlet for accepting a flow of cooling fluid, such that a the flow of cooling fluid separates into a major flow and a minor flow carrying particles or particulate matter along the minor flow into a particle collector comprising at least a portion of the particle separator. Particles become constrained to the minor flow and pass into the particle collector, while the major flow is separated into the remaining area of the interior chamber to remove the particles from the flow of cooling fluid passing into the interior chamber.
US09988929B2
A borescope plug includes a threaded section that extends from a head section along an axis, the threaded section including a central passage along said axis. A spindle is located within the central passage. A multiple of detents are positioned in response to an axial position of the spindle along the axis.
US09988913B2
A method for forming a gas turbine engine component comprises the steps of forming a block of a high temperature alloy material. An external surface of the block is machined to form an external surface of a gas turbine engine component. At least one cooling passage within the component that is open to at least one end of the component is machined. At least one insert with a heat transfer feature is formed. The insert is installed within the at least one cooling passage. A component for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
US09988906B2
A turbomachine rotor blade milling machine system includes a fixture having a body including first and second opposing surfaces and a slot. The fixture is configured and disposed to connect with first and second rotor blade sections mounted in a rotor wheel. A mounting system includes at least one mounting element coupled to one of the first and second opposing surfaces of the body at the slot. A milling machine is coupled to the one of the first and second opposing surfaces through the at least one mounting element. The milling machine includes a cutter and is configured and disposed to form an opening extending axially through a dovetail portion of a third rotor blade section arranged between the first and second rotor blade sections.
US09988903B2
A quick change type bit/bit holder includes several different structures for holding the item in a bit block without the necessity of a fastener. The bit portion of the bit/bit holder combination includes a ductile steel insert with a polycrystalline diamond coated tungsten carbide bit positioned therein. The ductility of the steel insert acts as a shock absorber to allow the bit to successfully remove concrete as well as asphalt in a road milling machine.
US09988898B2
A method and system for monitoring a cable within a coiled tubing is disclosed. A first set of excitation signals is applied to the coiled tubing at a first point in time. The first set of excitation signals comprises one or more signals applied at one or more depths. The cable is positioned at a first location within the coiled tubing at the first point in time. A signal corresponding to the first set of excitation signals is detected at one or more fiber optic lines associated with the cable and location of the cable within the coiled tubing is determined using the detected signal corresponding to the first excitation signal.
US09988890B2
System and a method of recovering and processing a hydrocarbon mixture from a subterranean formation
The present invention relates to a method and system for recovering and processing a hydrocarbon mixture from a subterranean formation. The method comprises: (i) mobilizing said hydrocarbon mixture; (ii) recovering said mobilized hydrocarbon mixture; (iii) deasphalting said recovered hydrocarbon mixture to produce deasphalted hydrocarbon and asphaltenes; (iv) gasifying said asphaltenes in a gasifier to generate hydrogen, steam and/or energy and CO2; (v) upgrading said deasphalted hydrocarbon by hydrogen addition to produce upgraded hydrocarbon; and (vi) adding a diluent to said upgraded hydrocarbon, wherein said method is at least partially self-sufficient in terms of hydrogen and diluent.
US09988880B2
A system to optimize a drilling parameter of a drill string includes a drill string control subsystem. The system includes an optimization controller to coordinate operations of the drill string control subsystem during a drilling process at least in part by: determining a first optimized rate of penetration based on a drilling parameter model and a first drilling parameter estimate; providing a first set of commands to the drill string control subsystem based on the first optimized rate of penetration; determining a second drilling parameter estimate during the drilling process based, at least in part, on the drilling parameter model and feedback corresponding to the drill string control subsystem; determining a second optimized rate of penetration during the drilling process based on the second drilling parameter estimate; and providing a second set of commands to the drill string control subsystem based on the second optimized rate of penetration.
US09988875B2
A flow control system is provided for a horizontal well production system having a casing, a tube having an intake opening and disposed within the casing, and a gap formed between the casing and the tube. The flow control system includes a valve having an orifice, coupled to the tube and disposed proximate to the intake opening. The flow control system further includes an actuator coupled to the valve and configured to open the valve in response to a presence of a liquid in the gap, proximate to the intake opening, to permit flow of the liquid into the tube via the intake opening, and to close the valve in response to a presence of a gas in the gap, proximate to the intake opening, to prevent flow of the gas into the tube via the intake opening.
US09988873B2
A method of using a swellable polymer downhole may include introducing a first treatment fluid comprising a first aqueous fluid, a salt with a multivalent cation, and the swellable polymer into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; placing the swellable polymer in a portion of the subterranean formation; contacting the swellable polymer in the portion of the subterranean formation with a second treatment fluid comprising a second aqueous fluid and at least one selected from the group consisting of a precipitating agent, a chelating agent, and a combination thereof; and swelling the swellable polymer in the portion of the subterranean formation, thereby reducing fluid flow through the portion of the subterranean formation.
US09988862B2
A device, system, and/or method for reducing friction required to rotate a tubular within an elevator during the process of running tubulars in an oil and gas well are provided. An elevator roller insert may be used in conjunction with an elevator, such as a single joint elevator. Such an insert may comprise upper and lower rollers which are positioned on upper and lower roller sets or a combination roller set containing multiple upper and/or lower rollers. The result is the provision of a plurality of rollers which bear the weight of a tubular yet still allow the tubular to rotate rather freely, facilitating the maintenance of proper thread integrity of the connections while making up a stand to a string of tubulars as well as preventing the loss of resources due to galled or crushed threads or a tubing segment or stand falling to the rig floor.
US09988856B2
The present invention relates to a method for riser string handling on an offshore drilling vessel (1), the offshore drilling vessel comprising a multiple firing line hoist system, a riser tensioner system (50) arranged in the second firing line, and a suspended riser transfer device (60). The method comprising the steps of lowering a riser string in the first firing line, and simultaneously assembling and preparing a riser tensioner system in the second firing line, wherein the riser hang-off assembly displaces the riser string, leaving the top end of the riser string exposed, from the first firing line to the second firing line to be connected to the riser tensioner system.
US09988842B2
A ladder is provided which may include a positioning system, a fall arrest system, or both. In one embodiment, a rope and pulley system is provided wherein a first end of the rope is coupled to a base section of the ladder, a second end of the rope is coupled with a fly section of the ladder, and the rope extends between a plurality of pulleys. In one particular embodiment, the rope extends between five different pulleys, two being coupled with the fly section and three being coupled with the base section. At least one portion of the rope may extend along the side of the ladder (e.g., along the side of a rail of the fly section) while another section may extend up the front of the ladder between the rails and in front of the rungs. A fall arrest mechanism, or an ascender device, may be coupled with the section of rope extending up the ladder between the rails and in front of the rungs.
US09988839B2
The present embodiments provide for a system of fastening devices, e.g., mounts, brackets, and assemblies for installing roller window shades. In one embodiment, the fastening device system comprises two one-piece, disk-shaped mounting brackets, one for each end of a shade tube, wherein the mounting brackets are configured such that, in use, the outer circumference of the brackets are visible; the mounting means being largely hidden within the bracket or by the shade. In a particular embodiment, the fastening system is designed for use with motorized shades, wherein one mounting bracket is configured to key the shade motor, and one mounting bracket is configured to receive the idler pin.
US09988835B2
A protection arrangement for a current collector arranged on a vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage includes a first protective state in which the current collector is covered by the protection arrangement and a second open state in which the protection arrangement allows contact between the current collector and a corresponding current supply during charging of the energy storage and where the protection arrangement is automatically opened from the protective state to the open state when the vehicle has reached a predefined charging position. The current collector can be enclosed when the vehicle is not charged and the protection arrangement can open automatically when a charging position is reached. This can improve the safety of the vehicle and obviate the need of a specific circuit breaker that can disconnect the current collector from the electric energy storage. The charging of the vehicle can also be simplified.
US09988832B2
A modular door assembly is adapted for installation on existing open frame vehicles formed of tubular members. A novel tubular hinge construction provides support for the door assembly while allowing rotational movement of the door in use. Alternative vehicle elements may also be secured to and operable on the novel hinge.
US09988830B2
A latch arrangement for fastening a panel of a door or a window to a frame element is provided. The latch arrangement includes a locking element mounted on the frame element and displaceable between a locked position in which the locking element can be engaged with a depression formed on the panel locking thereby the panel to the frame element, and an unlocked position in which the locking element can be disengaged from the depression on the panel unlocking thereby the panel from the frame element; an actuating mechanism including a manually operable handle, the actuating mechanism being mounted on the panel and being configured to selectively engage the locking element and to displace the locking element away from the depression to the unlocked position.
US09988829B2
A method of calibrating a standby duration (DV′) of a proximity detection sensor, the sensor alternating between measurement phases (PM), the evaluation duration (DE) of which is measured by a first oscillator (O1) of stable frequency and standby phases (PV), the predetermined standby duration (DV) of which is controlled by a second oscillator (O2), the frequency of which varies according to external parameters. The method provides for performing immediately after the measurement phase (PM), a second measurement phase (PM2) during which a second evaluation duration (DE2) is measured by the second oscillator (O2) and calibrating the standby duration (DV′) using the ratio between the number of oscillations (N1′) generated during the evaluation duration (DE) by the first oscillator (O1) and the number of oscillations (N2′) generated during the second evaluation duration (DE2) by the second oscillator (O2).
US09988828B2
A rekeyable master keyable lock includes a plurality of key followers, a plurality of user racks and a plurality of master racks. One user rack and one master rack are associated with each key follower and are configured to be selectively disengaged from, and reengaged with, the key follower. When the user racks are disenggaged from the key follower, the valid user key can be replaced with a new user key. Reengaging the user racks with the key followers rekeys the lock cylinder to the new user key and invalidates the original user key. Similar functionality applies to rekeying the master key. Either the user key or the master key can be rekeyed without rekeying the other.
US09988825B1
A clip includes a body, a tab, and a tang. The body may be configured to act as a spring. The tab extends upward from the body. The tang extends downwardly from the body.
US09988815B1
A module for mounting within a ceiling panel assembly. The module includes an upper mounting frame that includes a main body portion that defines a central opening, a lower mounting frame that is at least partially received in the central opening of the upper mounting frame, and a latch assembly. The main body portion of the upper mounting frame includes a flange extending outwardly therefrom. The lower mounting frame is pivotable with respect to the upper mounting frame between a first position and a second position. The latch assembly is associated with a first end of the upper mounting frame and the lower mounting frame. When the latch assembly is released the lower mounting frame pivots from the first position to the second position.
US09988811B2
A system for interconnecting multiple panel assemblies comprising a first bracketing body having a first bearing member and at least one planar member; a second bracketing body having a second bearing member pivotally engaged with the first bearing member and at least one planar member; a third bracketing body having at least one planar member; a fourth bracketing body having at least one planar member; a first panel receiving volume at least partially defined by the at least one planar member of the first and third bracketing bodies; a second panel receiving volume at least partially defined by the at least one planar members of the second and fourth bracketing bodies; and wherein the at least one planar members of the second and fourth bracketing bodies at least Partially define a second panel receiving volume. According to another aspect of the present invention, a first thermal insulating body is positioned between and separates the first and third bracketing bodies, and a second thermal insulating body positioned between and separates the second and fourth bracketing bodies. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a fastenerless connection is provided between surfaces of the system and the panel assemblies.
US09988808B2
A building structure includes elements that are integrally connected by a poured bonding structure. The elements include a beam having a cavity that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material and flooring sections that are supported by the beams. The flooring sections include voids that open to a cavity. Inserts are positioned in the voids to control the limit the depth that the pourable bonding material can flow into the voids and to increase the strength of the poured bonding structure.
US09988803B2
A urinal having the bowl surface formed by only the front face portion in an upper region which does not have any forwardly projecting plate-like side walls at opposite sides thereof as in the conventional urinal. Flush water cleans a wider part of the bowl surface than in the prior art as well as reduce an area of the bowl surface that is not cleaned and provide an improved cleanliness and sanitation of the bowl surface. The urinal includes: a bowl surface being arranged so as to situate between a line segment connecting the left and right side edges and an arcuate segment of a circle having a diameter corresponding to the line segment, as viewed in the horizontal section through the flush water discharging device.
US09988802B1
A siphonic toilet including a bowl, a passageway and a valve. The passageway includes an entrance fluidly connected to the bowl, an outlet, and a dam located between the entrance and the outlet, wherein the dam and bowl are configured to hold a first volume of water prior to a flush cycle. An inlet is located in the passageway downstream from the dam to introduce water into the passageway downstream from the dam. The valve is located between the inlet and the outlet of the passageway, and the valve retains a second volume of water when in a closed position prior to the flush cycle of the toilet to affect a siphon during the flush cycle.
US09988797B2
An integrated bathroom electronic system including a plurality of sensors to detect conditions within a bathroom and to provide signals indicative thereof to a controller. A plurality of distinct and exclusive modules or subsystems are illustratively provided for integration into the system. Such modules may include a quick hot water module, a roman tub module, a custom shower module, a hands free faucet module, and a tub shower module. In certain illustrative shower modules, a user interface includes a plurality of user defined presets, each preset including a shower setting stored in memory.
US09988773B2
A road paver includes a screed for applying a material layer to a foundation and a layer thickness detecting device for detecting the thickness of the applied material layer. The layer thickness detecting device includes a first sensor for detecting a first distance from the applied material layer and a second sensor for detecting a second distance from the foundation. The layer thickness detecting device is securely attached to the screed.
US09988763B2
A method to prepare, pulp, and bleach cannabis bast and hurd fibers to allow for the fiber to be incorporated into absorbent cellulosic structures on a wet-laid paper machine while keeping the pectin within the fibers. The wet laid paper machine can use the ATMOS, NTT, ETAD, TAD, or UCTAD method to produce the absorbent cellulosic structure. Absorbent cellulosic structures are produced with the cannabis bast and hurd fibers or with the bast fibers alone with the hurd fibers being combined with paper mill sludge or dust to form a fuel pellet.
US09988762B2
A scalable, energy efficient process for preparing cellulose nanofibers employs treating the cellulosic material with a first mechanical refiner with plates having a configuration of blades separated by grooves, and subsequently treating the material with a second mechanical refiner with plates having a configuration of blades separated by grooves different than the first refiner. The plate configurations and treatment operations are selected such that the first refiner produces a first specific edge loading (SEL) that is greater than the SEL of the second refiner, by as much as 2-50 fold. An exemplary high first SEL may be in the range of 1.5 to 8 J/m. Paper products made with about 2% to about 30% cellulose nanofibers having a length from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm have improved properties.
US09988760B2
A modular carpet system includes a carpet tile and an adhesive. The carpet tile is operative for resisting deformation, even under adverse conditions. In some embodiments, the adhesive may comprise a silicone-based adhesive or a urethane-based adhesive.
US09988755B2
A household appliance (2) has a frontal panel (48) with a front side (62) facing the outside of the appliance (2) in an assembled state and a rear side (64) opposite to the front side (62) facing the interior of the appliance (2) in an assembled state and with an aperture (58). The appliance further has a cover element (60) covering the aperture (58) on the front side (62), and a receptacle (78) arranged on the rear side (64) behind the aperture (58). The receptacle (78) has a sealing element (86) which in an assembled state is in contact with the covering element (60), thereby providing a sealed space between the cover element (60) and the sealing element (86).
US09988750B2
A method of fabricating a composite material part comprises fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix. The method comprises the following steps: making a fiber fabric by weaving yarns having an initial mean fiber percentage; and densifying the fiber fabric with a matrix. The fiber fabric is subjected, prior to densification, to one or more jets of water under pressure so as to reduce the mean fiber percentage in the fabric to a value lying in the range 20% to 45%.
US09988749B2
The present invention relates to an under-thread supply device for a sewing machine, and more particularly, to an enhanced under-thread supply device for a sewing machine, in which the device of the present invention and a unit for mounting said device are just partially changed so as to increase the winding amount of the under-thread of conventional sewing machines in order to achieve improved efficiency of sewing and efficiently reduce the puckering of a work piece without causing changes in the basic structure of conventional sewing machines.
US09988746B2
A partially degradable polymeric fiber includes a thermally degradable polymeric core and a coating surrounding at least a portion of the core. The thermally degradable polymeric core includes a polymeric matrix including a poly(hydroxyalkanoate), and a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali earth metal and a transition metal, in the core polymeric matrix. The concentration of the metal in the polymeric matrix is at least 0.1 wt %. The partially degradable polymeric fiber may be used to form a microvascular system containing one or more microfluidic channels.
US09988744B2
A viscose multifilament yarn has a crystallinity in the range from 15% to 40%, and, after conditioning in the standard climate according to DIN EN ISO 139:2005, a yarn linear density in the range from ≥150 dtex to <1100 dtex and a tensile strength in the range from ≥45 cN/tex to ≤55 cN/tex.
US09988734B2
Disclosed are cup assemblies for holding, sealing, and providing electrical power to a semiconductor substrate during electroplating which may include a cup bottom element having a main body portion and a moment arm, an elastomeric sealing element disposed on the moment arm, and an electrical contact element disposed on the elastomeric sealing element. The main body portion may be such that it does not substantially flex when a substrate is pressed against the moment arm, and it may be rigidly affixed to another feature of the cup structure. The ratio of the average vertical thickness of the main body portion to that of the moment arm may be greater than about 5. The electrical contact element may have a substantially flat but flexible contact portion disposed upon a substantially horizontal portion of the sealing element. The elastomeric sealing element may be integrated with the cup bottom element during manufacturing.
US09988723B2
The sublimation capability of a porous metal plate used in a sublimator is maintained by heating the porous metal plate at an elevated temperature in a flowing stream of oxygen for an extended period of time to form an oxidized surface. A short chain molecule, such as citric acid, is attached to the oxidized surface having multiple functional carboxylate groups and no hydrophobic tail.
US09988722B2
A method of surface coating a metallic object, including removing substantially all of the existing silver sulfide tarnish if present, ultrasonically cleaning the object with immersion in a solvent, uniformly dispersing selected nanoparticles over the surface of the object by sonicating the object in an ultrasonic bath containing the selected nanoparticles. The invention further includes quickly rinsing the object with solvent upon removal from the ultrasonic bath to inhibit formation of large agglomerates, drying the object with a flow of gas, optically inspecting the object for the presence of agglomeration and applying a barrier layer conformal coating and a protective layer conformal coating.
US09988721B2
A method includes additively manufacturing an article in an inert environment, removing the article from the inert environment and placing the article in a non-inert environment, allowing at least a portion the article to oxidize in the non-inert environment to form an oxidized layer on a surface of the article, and removing the oxidized layer (e.g., to smooth the surface of the article). The method can further include relieving stress in the article (e.g., via heating the article after additive manufacturing).
US09988711B2
An apparatus may include an extraction assembly comprising at least a first extraction aperture and second extraction aperture, the extraction assembly configured to extract at least a first ion beam and second ion beam from a plasma; a target assembly disposed adjacent the extraction assembly and including at least a first target portion comprising a first material and a second target portion comprising a second material, the first target portion and second target portion being disposed to intercept the first ion beam and second ion beam, respectively; and a substrate stage disposed adjacent the target assembly and configured to scan a substrate along a scan axis between a first point and a second point, wherein the first target portion and second target portion are separated from the first point by a first distance and second distance, respectively, the first distance being less than the second distance.
US09988708B2
A dyeing device dyes a resin body by vaporizing and depositing a sublimation dye adhered to a dyeing base to a resin body and fixing the dye to the resin body. The dyeing device lowers the pressure inside a closed chamber that closes the periphery of the resin body by a pump. In the state where the adhesion surface of the dyeing base to which the dye is adhered faces the resin body without contact, by heating the dye adhered to the dyeing base inside the closed chamber of which the pressure is lowered, the dye is sublimated, vaporized, and deposited on the resin body. The pressure inside the closed chamber is raised higher than the pressure at the vaporizing and depositing time. By irradiating the resin body on which the dye is vaporized and deposited with electromagnetic wave, the resin body is heated and the dye is and fixed.
US09988701B2
A method for coating a substrate, in which a wire-shaped spray material is melted in an electric arc and is deposited as a functional layer on the substrate. The invention also relates to a functional layer which can be produced on the substrate by this method. The functional layer has a high hardness value and good corrosion resistance on exposure to diesel fuel with a high sulphur proportion.
US09988697B2
This high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet having excellent local deformability contains, in mass %, C: 0.07% to 0.20%; Si: 0.001% to 2.5%; Mn: 0.01% to 4.0%; P: 0.001% to 0.15%; S: 0.0005% to 0.03%; Al: 0.001% to 2.0%; N: 0.0005% to 0.01%; and O: 0.0005% to 0.01%; and a balance being composed of iron and inevitable impurities, in which an area ratio of bainite in a metal structure is 95% or more, at a sheet thickness center portion being a range of ⅝ to ⅜ in sheet thickness from the surface of the steel sheet, an average value of pole densities of the {100}<011> to {223}<110> orientation group is 4.0 or less, and a pole density of the {332}<113> crystal orientation is 5.0 or less, and a mean volume diameter of crystal grains in the metal structure is 10 μm or less.
US09988696B2
A rail cooling method for forcibly cooling a rail by jetting a coolant includes jetting the coolant to a foot back part of the rail from a porous plate nozzle in which a nozzle hole at an end in a width direction is smaller than a nozzle hole at a central part in the width direction and causes a cooling capacity for the end in the width direction of the underside of the base of the rail to be lower than a cooling capacity for the central part in the width direction of the underside of the base of the rail.
US09988687B2
A method of classifying a patient for eligibility for cancer therapy based on the presence or absence of splicing variants in a sample of the patient's cancer tissue. Also, a method of screening cancer therapies for efficacy against splicing variants. More specifically, the methods relate to novel splicing variants of genes associated with cancer risk and survival, particularly splicing variants of PIK3CD, FGFR3, TSC2, RASGRP2, ITGA4, MET, NF1 and BAK1. Also more specifically, the methods relate to classifying a patient for eligibility for cancer therapy involving the use of GS-1101.
US09988683B2
Provided are methods and nucleic acids for detecting, differentiating or distinguishing between colon cell proliferative disorders by analysis of one or more of the genes Versican, TPEF, H-Cadherin, Calcitonin, and EYA4. Further provided are novel nucleic acid sequences useful for the cell proliferative disorder specific analysis of said genes as well as methods, assays and kits thereof.
US09988677B1
The present disclosure provides novel apparatus including, though not necessarily limited to, biosensors utilizing semiconductor materials in electrolyte solutions and methods for using the same. The biosensors rely on a unique property wherein a charged body in the electrolyte solution produces a detectable change in the local conductivity of the semiconductor as the body approaches or travels near the semiconductor.
US09988675B2
An apparatus for identifying transition points in a chemical reaction, the apparatus comprising: a property value receiver, configured to receive a plurality of values of a physical property of the chemical reaction, a function calculator, associated with the property value receiver, configured to calculate a function and verify that the function has a line of best fit with a same slope as a linear function connecting two of the received values, the two values pertaining to a start and end of a time period, a difference calculator, associated with the function calculator, configured to calculate a difference between the calculated function and a plurality of the received values pertaining to the time period having the start and end, and a transition point identifier, associated with the difference calculator, configured to identify at least one transition point of the chemical reaction, using the calculated difference.
US09988671B2
The invention provides methods for detecting target nucleic acid sequences with diagnostic probes including first and second probe regions that are substantially complementary to first and second target regions respectively on a target nucleic acid strand wherein the first probe region is located 5′ to the second probe region. The first probe region is substantially complementary to the first target region, on the target nucleic acid strand, which also includes a second target region, wherein when the first target region is contiguous with the second target region on the target nucleic acid strand, then the first and second probe regions on the diagnostic probe are separated by a spacer region of nucleic acid.
US09988667B2
Provided herein are methods and devices for single object detection. The methods and devices can be used to identify a plurality of epigenetic markers on a genetic material, or a chromatin, encompassing fragments thereof. The invention provides for the characterization of the genetic material flowing through a channel in a continuous body of fluid based on detection of one or more properties of the genetic material. The methods and systems provided herein allow genome-wide, high-throughput epigenetic analysis and overcome a variety of limitations common to bulk analysis techniques.
US09988666B2
Methods for the identification of inhibitors of botulinum neurotoxins are described. Cells are provided that are genetically engineered to express peptides that act as a substrate for a botulinum neurotoxin and the provide reporting groups. Spacer sequences between the reporting groups serve to optimize energy transfer between the reporting groups. Characterization of the energy transfer-dependent signal prior to and following exposure to a botulinum neurotoxin in the presence of a candidate inhibitor provides a measure of the effectiveness of the candidate inhibitor.
US09988658B2
The present invention is directed to a process for the hydrolysis of biomass as well as the saccharide-containing permeate product and the protein-containing product produced by this process. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a process for the production of organic compounds from the saccharide-containing product. In an additional aspect the present invention is directed to the use of the protein-containing product for the production of a fermentation medium.
US09988642B2
The invention relates to identifying and evaluating target coding sequences for control of plant parasitic nematodes by inhibiting one or more biological functions, and their use. The invention provides methods and compositions for identification of such sequences and for the control of a plant-parasitic nematode population. By feeding one or more recombinant double stranded RNA molecules provided by the invention to the nematode, a reduction in disease may be obtained through suppression of nematode gene expression. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants that express the double stranded RNA molecules, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby.
US09988640B2
Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis.
US09988637B2
A Cas9 expression plasmid, a genome editing system and a genome editing method for Escherichia coli are provided. The Cas9 expression plasmid includes a tracrRNA sequence, a Cas9 gene and a chloramphenicol resistance gene (CmR). The Cas9 expression plasmid is applied to CRISPR/Cas-coupled λ-red recombineering system for editing genomes of E. coli with high efficiency.
US09988636B2
The present invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule binding to SDF-1, whereby the nucleic acid molecule influences migration of cells.
US09988631B2
The present description relates to an inhibitory RNA molecule, comprising an oligonucleotide that selectively knocks down expression a Nanog pseudogene expressed in many human cancers, a replicating viral vector capable of encoding such inhibitory RNA molecule, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said vector, and methods of treating cancer by administration of said pharmaceutical composition.
US09988630B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for selectively reducing the expression of a gene product from a desired target gene, as well as treating diseases caused by expression of the gene. The method involves introducing into the environment of a cell an amount of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) such that a sufficient portion of the dsRNA can enter the cytoplasm of the cell to cause a reduction in the expression of the target gene. The dsRNA has a first oligonucleotide sequence that is between 26 and about 30 nucleotides in length and a second oligonucleotide sequence that anneals to the first sequence under biological conditions. In addition, a region of one of the sequences of the dsRNA having a sequence length of from about 19 to about 23 nucleotides is complementary to a nucleotide sequence of the RNA produced from the target gene.
US09988629B2
Provided is a drug that allows highly-efficient skipping of exon 51 in the human dystrophin gene. The present invention provides an antisense oligomer which enables exon 51 in the human dystrophin gene to be skipped.
US09988627B2
The disclosure relates to compositions comprising a RNAi agent having a novel format including a spacer subunit. The disclosure relates to compositions comprising a RNAi agent having a novel format: an 18-mer format with at least one internal spacer. These RNAi agents comprise a first and a second 18-mer strand, wherein the first strand is 18 ribonucleotides or 18 total ribonucleotides and spacer subunit(s), and the second strand is 18 total ribonucleotides and spacer subunit(s), wherein: each spacer subunit consists of: (a) a phosphate or modified internucleoside linker and (b) a spacer; a spacer subunit can be at any position in the strand; the two strands form a duplex with at least one blunt end; and the 3 end of one or both strands terminates in a phosphate or modified internucleoside linker and further comprises, in 5 to 3 order: a second spacer; a second phosphate or modified internucleoside linker, and a 3 end cap. In various embodiments, the RNAi agents comprise a first and a second strand, wherein each strand is a 30-mer or shorter, the first strand comprises ribonucleotides, and the second strand comprises ribonucleotides and one or more spacer subunit(s), wherein: each spacer subunit consists of: (a) a phosphate or modified internucleoside linker and (b) a spacer; a spacer subunit can be at any position in the strand. In some embodiments, the 3 end of both strands further comprise, in 5 to 3 order: a second spacer; a second phosphate or modified internucleoside linker; and a 3 end cap. The two strands can have the same or different spacers, phosphates or modified internucleoside linkers, and/or 3 end caps. The strands can be ribonucleotides, or, optionally, one or more nucleotide can be modified or substituted. Optionally, at least one nucleotide comprises a modified internucleoside linker. Optionally, the first two base-pairing nucleotides on the 3 end of the one or both strand are 2-MOE. Optionally, the RNAi agent can be modified on one or both 5 end. Optionally, the first or second strand is the sense strand, and the sense strand can comprise a 5 end cap which reduces the amount of the RNA interference mediated by this strand. Optionally, the RNAi agent is attached to a ligand. This format can be used to devise RNAi agents to a variety of different targets and sequences. The disclosure also relates to processes for making such compositions, and methods and uses of such compositions, e.g., to mediate RNA interference.
US09988623B2
Provided herein are methods for a novel bead-based next-generation “X-aptamer” selection scheme that extends aptamer technology to include X-modified bases, thus resulting in X-aptamers, at any position along the sequence because the aptamers are chemically synthesized via a split-pool scheme on individual beads. Also provides are application to a wide range of commonly used DNA modifications, including, but not limited to, monothioate and dithioate backbone substitutions. This new class of aptamer allows chemical modifications introduced to any of the bases in the aptamer sequence as well as the phosphate backbones and can be extended to other carbohydrate-based systems.
US09988621B2
The present invention relates to a method for the inactivation of enzymes with a composition comprising a sulfonated peroxycarboxylic acid according to formula (I) wherein: R1 is hydrogen, or a substituted or unsubstituted Cm alkyl group; R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted Cn alkyl group; X is a hydrogen atom, a cationic group, or an ester forming moiety; Y is a hydrogen atom, a cationic group, or an ester forming moiety; n is 1 to 10; m is 1 to 10; and n+m is less than or equal to 18, wherein the composition is contacted with the enzyme.
US09988619B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for a mutein aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase that preferentially charges a tRNA with a non-natural amino acid. Also provided are methods for incorporating the non-natural amino acids, pyridinyl-amino tetrazine amino acids, into a protein, and further conjugating a biologically active adduct to the pyridinyl-amino tetrazine.
US09988614B1
A composition comprising a variant BbsI restriction endonuclease having reduced star activity is provided, as well as kits and methods employing the same.
US09988606B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various methods for generating airway and lung progenitors and epithelial cells and three-dimensional anterior foregut spheres, and to populations of cells made using the methods. The airway and lung progenitors and epithelial cells can be used as a model to study diseases that primarily affect airway epithelial cells, and to study human lung development. Methods are also provided for drug screening. Anterior foregut spheres can be used as a model for lung fibrosis.
US09988595B2
Water soluble unit dose article comprising detergent or cleaning composition, a water-soluble film surrounding the composition and a particle comprising an aversive agent coated onto the outer surface of the water soluble film, and a process for making the water soluble unit dose article.
US09988588B2
A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
US09988587B2
A method for removing nitrogen from natural gas includes contacting substantially dry natural gas that contains unwanted nitrogen with lithium metal. The nitrogen reacts with lithium to form lithium nitride, which is recovered for further processing, and pipeline quality natural gas. The natural gas may optionally contain other chemical species that may be reduced by lithium, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and small amounts of water. These lithium reducible species may be removed from the natural gas concurrently with the removal of nitrogen. The lithium nitride is subjected to an electrochemical process to regenerate lithium metal. In an alternative embodiment, lithium nitride is reacted with sulfur to form lithium sulfide and nitrogen. The lithium sulfide is subjected to an electrochemical process to regenerate lithium metal and sulfur. The electrochemical processes are advantageously performed in an electrolytic cell containing a lithium ion selective membrane separator.
US09988585B2
A method for producing a base oil for lubricant oils comprising: a first step of hydrocracking a stock oil having a content percentage of a heavy matter of 80% by mass or more so that a crack per mass of the heavy matter is 20 to 85% by mass, to obtain a hydrocracked oil comprising the heavy matter and a hydrocracked product thereof, a second step of fractionating the hydrocracked oil into a base oil fraction comprising the hydrocracked product and a heavy fraction comprising the heavy matter and being heavier than the base oil fraction, respectively, a third step of isomerization dewaxing the base oil fraction from the fractionation in the second step to obtain a dewaxed oil, wherein the heavy fraction from the fractionation in the second step is returned to the first step as a part of the stock oil.
US09988584B2
A method of upgrading a heavy crude oil (10) by thermally cracking (12) the heavy crude oil in a cracking vessel to convert a portion to volatile components (14) while simultaneously venting the volatile components from the cracking vessel. Tetrathydrofurfuryl alcohol is optionally added to the heavy crude oil feedstock before or during cracking. The vented volatile components are separated (16) into condensable volatile components (18) and non-condensable volatile components (20). The condensable components are collected and comprise cracked-distilled oil. The cracking residue (48) is removed from the cracking vessel and a cracking residue extract is prepared and mixed with the cracked-distilled oil to produce synthetic crude oil.
US09988583B2
A method for producing a highly aromatic base oil of the present invention includes a step of hydrorefining a clarified oil to obtain a highly aromatic base oil having an aromatic content of 50% by mass or more determined by a column chromatography analysis method. The step of hydrorefining a clarified oil is preferably performed under conditions of a hydrogen pressure of 5.0 to 20.0 MPa, a temperature of 280 to 400° C., a hydrogen oil ratio of 300 to 750 NL/L, and a space velocity of 0.3 to 2.0 h−1. According to the present invention, a highly aromatic base oil used for rubber processing, asphalt reclamation and the like, and a novel method for producing a highly aromatic base oil can be provided.
US09988582B2
A regenerated spent hydroprocessing catalyst treated with a chelating agent and having incorporated therein a polar additive.
US09988579B2
A carrier gas jet is injected into a liquid hydrocarbon material to form a liquid hydrocarbon-gas mixture; flowing the liquid hydrocarbon-gas material through an inter-electrode gap of a discharge chamber, the inter-electrode gap defined by a spaced pair of electrodes, the electrodes being connected to a capacitor; charging the capacitor to a breakdown voltage of the carrier gas; generating a spark discharge in the inter-electrode gap; and recovering a hydrocarbon fraction that includes lower molecular weight hydrocarbons than the liquid hydrocarbon material.
US09988575B2
Polyurethane foam flakes for use as additive to soil and/or other natural plant growth media for improving the water retention and/or reduction of the methane emission.
US09988573B2
The polishing liquid according to the embodiment comprises abrasive grains, an additive and water, wherein the abrasive grains satisfy either or both of the following conditions (a) and (b). (a) Producing absorbance of at least 1.50 for light with a wavelength of 400 nm in an aqueous dispersion with a content of the abrasive grains adjusted to 1.0 mass %, and also producing light transmittance of at least 50%/cm for light with a wavelength of 500 nm in an aqueous dispersion with a content of the abrasive grains adjusted to 1.0 mass %. (b) Producing absorbance of at least 1.000 for light with a wavelength of 290 nm in an aqueous dispersion with a content of the abrasive grains adjusted to 0.0065 mass %, and also producing light transmittance of at least 50%/cm for light with a wavelength of 500 nm in an aqueous dispersion with a content of the abrasive grains adjusted to 1.0 mass %.
US09988567B2
Provided are azeotrope-like compositions comprising tetrafluoropropene and hydrofluorocarbons and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants.
US09988553B2
The present invention provides emulsions comprising curable polyesters and certain surfactants. The emulsions are useful as coatings binders in waterborne thermosetting coating compositions and can be used in conjunction with cross-linking compounds reactive with curable polyesters. Also provided are shaped or formed articles coated with the waterborne thermosetting coating compositions of the invention.
US09988550B2
Provided are overprint varnish (OPV) compositions containing high viscosity essentially non-aqueous dispersions that include acrylic core/shell polymer particles in a non-aqueous solvent such as mineral oil. Also provided are methods of coating a substrate with an OPV containing the non-aqueous dispersions to improve the properties of the OPV when used to coat a substrate, such as improved rub resistance, resistance to yellowing, and desirable gloss values.
US09988549B2
Disclosed is a water-soluble coating composition, which is applied on the surface of fuel rods to prevent scratching of the surface of the fuel rods upon manufacturing a nuclear fuel assembly for light water reactors. This water-soluble coating composition facilitates the formation and removal of a coating film and the resulting coating film can exhibit strength and durability equivalent to those of an existing lacquer (nitrocellulose) coating film, and can thus be used as an alternative to lacquer, thereby easily removing the coating film and improving workplace safety, ultimately achieving improvements in the working environment and high workplace safety.
US09988545B2
A thermal ink jet ink composition includes one or more volatile organic solvents, wherein the one or more volatile organic solvents are selected from C1-C4 alcohols, C3-C6 ketones, C3-C6 esters, C4-C8 ethers, and mixtures thereof; one or more binder resins; and one or more dyes. The ink composition is suitable for use in a thermal ink jet printer and the ink composition has a slow rate of kogation such that it is capable of being printed at least 10 million drops per nozzle from the thermal ink jet printer before drop weight of the ink composition is reduced by more than 10%.
US09988543B2
Provided is an ink containing a copper phthalocyanine pigment, wherein an absorbance ratio (Y/X) of a local minimum absorbance Y of the ink in a wavelength range of from 665 nm through 675 nm to a local maximum absorbance X of the ink in a wavelength range of from 610 nm through 620 nm is 0.660 or greater but 0.740 or less.
US09988537B2
A coating composition for application to a subsea component or structure includes a cellulose acetate, a plasticizer, a vegetable oil, a colorant, and a titanium dioxide stabilizer that are mixed together. The plasticizer is epoxidized linseed oil. The colorant is carbon black powder. The vegetable oil is selected from the group including vegetable oil and soybean oil.
US09988536B2
A composition having at least one first component containing a perfluorinated aliphatic structure in which no more than six fluorine bearing carbons are connected in any single straight chain segment, in addition a group providing binding functionality to a surface to be treated or containing at least one polymerisable double bond or containing at least one cross-linkable group, and in addition a divalent radical containing at least one group capable of forming polar interactions or hydrogen bonds, and at least one second component containing a perfluorinated aliphatic structure in which no more than six fluorine bearing carbons are connected in any single straight chain segment and a moiety containing at least one group providing binding functionality to a surface to be treated or containing at least one polymerisable double bond or containing at least one cross-linkable group.
US09988533B2
The invention relates to mixtures of at least one acrylic resin dispersion A and a second dispersion B which is at least one of a polyurethane dispersion B1 which comprises, in its polymer, moieties derived from grafted fatty acids, and a mixture B2 of a polyurethane dispersion B21 and an aqueously dispersed alkyd resin B22, and to a method of use thereof for coating of porous substrates.
US09988517B2
Microsphere compositions containing a mixture of at least two materials with same or differing phases are described. The materials have differing optical dispersion curves that intersect at at least one particular wavelength exhibiting the Christiansen effect. The materials may be encompassed by a microsphere, which may also include a separation entity.
US09988513B2
A stator compound including an acrylonitrile butadiene isoprene rubber (NBIR) terpolymer elastomeric base.
US09988502B2
Blends of elastomer composites with unfilled or less highly filled elastomer reduces hysteresis without compromising reinforcement. Hysteresis may also be reduced by adjusting the compounding method.
US09988496B2
Highly condensed silicon resins are obtained by a three step continuous procedure without the use of organic solvent, by preliminarily forming a partial alkoxylate by reacting a chlorosilane with alcohol containing no or a minimal amount of water, feeding the partial alkoxylate to a reaction column to form a silicone resin of low degree of condensation, and further condensing the silicone resin intermediate thus formed to produce a silicone resin product.
US09988495B2
An oligomer additive is provided. The oligomer additive is obtained by a reaction of a maleimide, a barbituric acid and a dibenzyl trithiocarbonate. A lithium battery including an anode, a cathode, a separator, an electrolyte solution and a package structure is also provided, wherein the cathode includes the oligomer additive.
US09988494B2
A method for forming a polyarylene sulfide is provided. The method comprises supplying a waste composition to a vessel, the waste composition containing arylene sulfide byproducts, such as an arylene sulfide oligomer, cyclic polyarylene sulfide, and/or fine polyarylene sulfide particles. The arylene sulfide byproducts are heated to a temperature of from about 260° C. to about 285° C. in the presence of a sulfur reactant, thereby forming a high molecular weight polyarylene sulfide having a number average molecular weight of about 2,000 Daltons or more.
US09988492B2
Amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s (PEU) are emerging as a class of polymers that have shown promise in regenerative medicine applications. Embodiments of the invention relate to the synthesis of PEUs carrying pendent “clickable” groups on modified tyrosine amino acids. The pendent species include alkyne, azide, alkene, tyrosine-phenol, and ketone groups. PEUs with Mw exceeding 100k Da were obtained via interfacial polycondensation methods and the concentration of pendent groups was varied by copolymerization. The incorporation of derivatizable functionalities is demonstrated using 1H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy methods. Electrospinning was used to fabricate PEU nanofibers with a diameters ranging from 350 nm to 500 nm. The nanofiber matricies possess mechanical strengths suitable for tissue engineering (Young's modulus: 300±45 MPa; tensile stress: 8.5±1.2 MPa). A series of bioactive peptides and fluorescent molecules were conjugated to the surface of the nanofibers following electrospinning using bio-orthogonal reactions in aqueous media.
US09988488B2
A catalysts for poly(lactide) synthesis having the structure of Formula I: wherein R1 and R2 is, independently, C1-C6 alkoxy, and R3 arylalkyl or substituted phenyl are disclosed. Method of synthesizing the catalysts and method of using the catalysts to prepare poly(lactides) and compositions comprising the catalyst are also disclosed.
US09988485B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing radiation-curing allophanates having residual monomer contents of less than 0.5% by weight and an NCO content of less than 1% by weight, wherein (A) compounds containing isocyanate groups, (B) hydroxy-functional compounds which contain groups which react, with polymerization, with ethylenically unsaturated compounds on exposure to actinic radiation (radiation-curing groups) and (C) optionally further compounds containing NCO-reactive groups, also optionally in the presence of a catalyst, are used to form NCO-group-containing urethanes having radiation-curing groups, which are subsequently reacted, without further addition of compounds containing isocyanate groups, in the presence of an allophanatization catalyst, the ratio of NCO groups of the compounds from A) to the OH groups of the compounds from B) and, where used, C) being 1.45:1.0 to 1.1:1.0.
US09988483B2
The present disclosure relates to pyrrolidine-based catalysts for use in a polyurethane formulation. The polyurethane formulation includes the pyrrolidine-based catalyst, a compound containing an isocyanate functional group, an active hydrogen-containing compound. The use of such catalysts produces high quality polyurethane foam while reducing environmental concerns that can arise during the production of polyurethane foam as well as in the foam that is produced.
US09988480B2
The present invention provides a pigment dispersant that exhibits high fine dispersibility, stability, and fluidity in a small amount, a pigment dispersion liquid including the pigment dispersant, and a process of producing the pigment dispersant and pigment dispersion liquid. The pigment dispersant contains as a main component, a graft copolymer formed through living radical polymerization using two or more monomers including a methacrylate A having an acidic group or a basic group and a methacrylate-based macromonomer B having a methacrylate residue at one terminal of a particular polymer chain that has a molecular weight of from 500 to 5000. A ratio of a total molar number of the methacrylate-based monomers relative to 1 mol of a polymerization-initiating compound in the raw material monomers is from 20 to 50 mol. A ratio of the B component-derived polymer chain to the graft copolymer is from 50 to 90 mass %.
US09988478B2
A cured composition prepared from a photopolymerizable composition that includes diethyleneglycoldimethacrylate and alkoxy-modified (meth)acrylic acid ester having an n not less than 9. The n is an average polymerization degree of an alkoxy part of the (meth)acrylic acid ester.
US09988475B2
The instant invention provides a method for polymerizing one or more ethylene-based polymers. The method for polymerizing one or more ethylene-based polymers according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (1) selecting ethylene and optionally one or more alpha-olefin comonomers; (2) selecting one or more catalyst systems comprising one or more procatalysts comprising Ti, one or more cocatalysts comprising Al, and one or more self-limiting agents (SLA); wherein the ratio of SLA to Ti is from 5:1 to 40:1 and the ratio of Al to SLA is from 2:1 to 40:1; (3) polymerizing said ethylene and optionally one or more alpha-olefin comonomers in the presence of said one or more catalyst systems via a slurry polymerization process or gas-phase polymerization process in one or more reactors; (4) thereby producing one or more ethylene; wherein said catalyst system has a loss of least 85% of catalyst productivity when the temperature is increased from 85 to 115 C.
US09988463B2
This invention relates to isolated antibodies which recognise the exosite 1 epitope of thrombin and selectively inhibit thrombin without promoting bleeding. These antibody molecules may be useful in the treatment and prevention of thrombosis, embolism and other conditions mediated by thrombin.
US09988456B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of generating recombinant chimeric fusion proteins to be used in the cancer therapy, and more specifically, to fusion molecules of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII, Anti-EGFR1-PD1 and Anti-CTLA4-PD1 and methods of generating same, wherein the methods reduce production costs and increase homogeneity of the recombinant chimeric fusion proteins.
US09988435B2
The present invention provides a composite comprising a novel antibody and at least one selected from the group consisting of a solid phase support and a labeled substance. The antibody consists of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 08, and is capable of binding to an intranuclear protein of an influenza virus type A. The influenza virus type A is at least one selected from the group consisting of H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, and H7N9. The antibody is bound to the at least one selected from the group consisting of the solid phase support and the labeled substance. The present invention also provides a detection device and a detection method using the composite.
US09988433B2
The present disclosure provides a method of covalently modifying a biological macromolecule, the method comprising subjecting a reaction mixture comprising: (a) a biological macromolecule comprising one or more thiol groups; and (b) a molecule comprising one or more olefin or alkyne moieties to a radical reaction under conditions sufficient to produce the covalently modified biological macromolecule. The present disclosure also provides a method of covalently modifying a biological macromolecule, the method comprising subjecting a reaction mixture comprising: (a) a molecule comprising one or more thiol groups; and (b) a biological macromolecule comprising one or more olefin or alkyne moieties to a radical reaction under conditions sufficient to produce the covalently modified biological macromolecule. The present disclosure further provides a covalently modified biological macromolecule prepared by any of the disclosed methods. The covalently modified biological macromolecules may be further crosslinked to form a scaffold.
US09988406B2
A crystalline form of crystalline (R)-3-(4-(2-(2-methyltetrazol-5-yl)-pyridin-5-yl)-3-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxymethyl oxazolidin-2-one dihydrogen phosphate, methods of making the crystalline form and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline form are useful antibiotics. Further, the derivatives of the present invention may exert potent antibacterial activity versus various human and animal pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococi, Enterococci and Streptococi, anaerobic microorganisms such as Bacteroides and Clostridia, and acid-resistant microorganisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium. Accordingly, the compositions comprising the crystalline form may be used in antibiotics.
US09988402B2
Disclosed herein is the preparation of functional group containing amine-boranes from the corresponding amines. The mild reaction conditions allow for the direct preparation of several hitherto inaccessible amine-boranes containing a functional moiety, such as but not limited to, alkene, alkyne, hydroxyl, thiol, acetal, ester, amide, nitrile, nitro, and alkoxysilane.
US09988401B2
The present invention is related to crystalline forms of (S)-7-(1-(9H-purin-6-ylamino) ethyl)-6-(3-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one which is a PI3K inhibitor useful in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
US09988400B2
The present invention relates to certain thiazolopyrimidinone compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treatment using such compounds.
US09988396B2
Provided are an oxaziridine compound showing an antifungal activity and cytotoxicity and expected as a new antifungal agent or anticancer agent, and a production method thereof.A compound represented by the formula 1: wherein X is a single bond, —C(H)(R6)— or —C(H)(R7)—C(H)(R8)—; and R1-R8 are each independently a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, or a salt thereof.
US09988394B2
The present invention provides a compound having the structure:
US09988393B2
A monomer comprises the structure wherein R1 comprises H or a substituted hydrocarbyl or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl, and wherein R2 comprises H, a halide, or a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C4) hydrocarbyl. A method comprises (a) reacting a dianhydrohexitol precursor having the structure with an acyl-group containing compound having the structure wherein R1 comprises H or a substituted hydrocarbyl or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl, and X comprises a halide, a hydroxyl group, or an acyl group to form an acylated dianhydrohexitol ester intermediate having the structure and (b) reacting the acylated dianhydrohexitol ester intermediate with an acrylic-based compound having the structure wherein R2 comprises H, a halide, or a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C4) hydrocarbyl, and Y comprises a halide, a hydroxyl group, or an acyl group, to form a dianhydrohexitol-based monomer having the structure
US09988385B2
This invention provides 1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole derivatives which can be used as strongly fluorescent compounds and a one-stage method for their synthesis from simple substrates.
US09988366B2
Compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and the agrochemically acceptable salts, stereoismers, enantiomers, tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds, can be used as insecticides and can be prepared in a manner known per se.
US09988363B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing an ester having formula R—COO—R′ (I), wherein R represents a group selected from: (i) a linear or branched alkyl, containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, (ii) an aryl containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, (iii) a heterocycle with 4 to 12 carbon atoms containing at least one heteroatom selected from O, N, P and S, R′ represents a linear or branched alkyl containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, said process comprising at least a phase of reacting a reaction mixture comprising at least one aldehyde having formula R—CHO (II), wherein R has the meanings defined above, and at least one alcohol having general formula R′—OH (III), wherein R′ has the meanings defined above, in the presence of at least one solid basic catalyst, at a temperature within the range of 120° C.-300° C., obtaining said ester having formula (I).
US09988356B2
The present application provides processes for making pesticidal compounds and compounds useful both as pesticides and in the making of pesticidal compounds.
US09988347B2
Benzamides of the general formula (I) are described as herbicides. In this formula (I), X, Z and R are radicals such as alkyl and cycloalkyl. Q is a 5-membered heterocycle.
US09988346B2
Provided herein are inter alia novel compositions and methods having application in the field of enhanced oil recovery. In particular, the large hydrophobe compounds and mixtures thereof presented herein can be used, inter alia, for the recovery of a large range of crude oil compositions from challenging reservoirs.
US09988342B2
Provided is a method for producing 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride that, according to one embodiment, includes a step (A) for reacting a ketimine compound of 2-aminoethyl methacrylate with water and hydrogen chloride and obtaining a mixture containing 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride, wherein in the step (A), the ratio of the total amount of hydrogen chloride to the total amount of ketimine compound of 2-aminoethyl methacrylate is 1.0-1.5 expressed in terms of equivalents, and the ratio of the total amount of water to the total amount of ketimine compound of 2-aminoethyl methacrylate is 1.0-2.0 expressed in terms of equivalents.
US09988339B2
One embodiment of the invention provides polyisobutylene (PIB) oligomers that are end-functionalized with ruthenium (Ru) catalysts. Such nonpolar catalysts can be dissolved in nonpolar solvents such as heptane, or any other nonpolar solvent that is otherwise not latently biphasic (i.e., if two or more solvent components are present, they remain miscible with each other throughout the entire reaction process, from the addition of substrate through to the removal of product). Substrate that is dissolved in the nonpolar solvent with the catalyst is converted into product. The lower solubility of the product in the nonpolar solvent renders it easily removable, either by extraction with a more polar solvent or by applying physical means in cases where the product precipitates from the nonpolar solvent. In this manner the catalysts are recycled; since the catalysts remain in the nonpolar solvent, a new reaction can be initiated simply by dissolving fresh substrate into the nonpolar solvent.
US09988338B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a terephthalic diester by reacting terephthalic acid with at least one alcohol, wherein terephthalic acid is suspended in the alcohol in a dispersing tank, the preliminary suspension is passed from the dispersing tank into a reactor and converted in the presence of an esterification catalyst to obtain a reaction suspension, a stream of the reaction suspension is drawn off from the reactor, passed through a heat exchanger outside the reactor and heated and the heated reaction suspension is recycled into the reactor, and water of reaction is distilled off together with the vapor as alcohol-water azeotrope, the vapor is at least partly condensed, the condensate is separated into an aqueous phase and an organic phase and the organic phase is at least partly recycled into the reactor.
US09988335B2
A method for concentrating and crystallizing fermentable carboxylic acids, salts, and mixtures thereof may involve the use of carboxylic acids that have a defined temperature dependence of the solubility and of the osmotic pressure. The carboxylic acids may be concentrated by a membrane method and subsequently crystallized out by a cooling crystallization and isolated. In some examples, the membrane method may involve nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and/or membrane distillation for separation into a concentrate and a permeate. Similarly, an apparatus for implementing such methods may include a nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and/or membrane distillation unit for concentrating the carboxylic acid, and at least one cooling crystallization unit for crystallizing the carboxylic acid.
US09988334B2
Provided are novel treprostinil salts as well as methods for making treprostinil salts.
US09988333B2
The present invention relates to a process for reacting chemical compounds comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula (IV) wherein Hal is independently selected from Cl or Br, and X− is a monovalent anion, in the presence of an inorganic acid, wherein the aqueous inorganic acid has a concentration of at least about 60%, at a temperature of about 140° C. to about 250° C., to obtain a compound of formula (V) wherein Hal is as defined above.
US09988331B2
The present invention relates to a particularly economic overall method for producing menthol, specifically for producing optically active, essentially enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure L-menthol and racemic menthol, starting from the starting material citral which is available inexpensively on an industrial scale. The method has the following steps a.1) catalytic hydrogenation of neral and/or geranial to give citronellal, b.1) cyclization of citronellal to isopulegol in the presence of an acidic catalyst, c.1) purification of isopulegol by crystallization and d.1) catalytic hydrogenation of isopulegol to give menthol.
US09988328B2
An object of the present invention is to extend the catalyst lifetime in a method for producing fluoromethane by pyrolyzing fluorine-containing methyl ether in the presence of a catalyst. The present invention provides a method for producing fluoromethane by pyrolyzing a fluorine-containing methyl ether represented by Formula (1) in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst, the pyrolysis being conducted at a moisture concentration of 100 ppm or less, wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different, and each represents a substituted or unsubstituted straight or branched monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group, substituted or unsubstituted monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group, substituted or unsubstituted monovalent cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, hydrogen atom, or halogen atom.
US09988327B2
A method for producing a hydrofluoroolefin is provided. The formation of by-products of an over-reduced product having hydrogen added to a material chlorofluoroolefin and an over-reduced product having not only chlorine atoms but also fluorine atoms in the chlorofluoroolefin replaced with hydrogen atoms is suppressed in the method. The method includes reacting a specific chlorofluoroolefin with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst supported on a carrier to obtain the hydrofluoroolefin. The catalyst is a catalyst composed of an alloy containing at least one platinum group element of palladium and platinum, and at least one second element of manganese, copper, aluminum, gold, lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, silver, zinc, cadmium, indium, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth.
US09988325B2
The invention relates to the hydrocarbon upgrading to produce aromatic hydrocarbon, to equipment and materials useful in such upgrading, and to the use of such upgrading for, e.g., producing aromatic hydrocarbon natural gas. The upgrading can be carried out in the presence of a dehydrocyclization catalyst comprising at least one dehydrogenation component and at least one molecular sieve.
US09988323B2
A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (V): comprising at least the step of reacting a compound of formula (VI) with a compound (VII) wherein; R2 is hydrogen or a C1-C20 hydrocarbyl radical provided that at least one R2 is not hydrogen; R5 is hydrogen or a C1-20 hydrocarbyl group optionally containing one or more heteroatoms from groups 14-16; R6 is hydrogen or a C1-20 hydrocarbyl group optionally containing one or more heteroatoms from groups 14-16; n is 1, 2 or 3; each R8 is a C1-20 hydrocarbyl group; and Hal is a halide; in the presence of a nickel imidazolidin-2-ylidene compound.
US09988320B2
Decomposing waste material may use a no-turn, aerobic composting apparatus that includes an enclosure for containing waste material and a fluid distribution system including a fluid injection member removably disposable in waste material disposed in the enclosure. The fluid injection member includes a plurality of spaced apertures for injecting fluid into the waste material.
US09988319B2
Methods of treating a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant are provided. Embodiments of the subject methods include identifying a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant and applying an assimilable carbon-skeleton energy component-comprising composition to the identified plant. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component, complexing agent and microbe. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications in which a plant is phytotoxic or at least in danger of becoming phytotoxic due to exposure or potential exposure to a phytotoxicant.
US09988314B2
A sintered compact has a first material, a second material, and a third material. The first material is cubic boron nitride. The second material is a compound including zirconium. The third material is an aluminum oxide and the aluminum oxide includes a fine-particle aluminum oxide. The sintered compact has a first region in which not less than 5 volume % and not more than 50 volume % of the fine-particle aluminum oxide is dispersed in the second material. On arbitrary straight lines in the first region, an average value of continuous distances occupied by the fine-particle aluminum oxide is not more than 0.08 μm and a standard deviation of the continuous distances occupied by the fine-particle aluminum oxide is not more than 0.1 μm.
US09988309B2
Disclosed are compositions, devices and methods related to thermal barrier coating materials having enhanced toughness. In some embodiments, a multiphase ceramic can include a first phase formed from a cubic and/or a tetragonally stabilized metal oxide, and a second phase formed from a magnetoplumbite-based aluminate that is chemically compatible with the first phase. Various example applications in which such materials can be utilized are disclosed.
US09988302B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units having improved seals made using two different frit-based edge seal materials, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a first frit material is applied around peripheral edges of first and second glass substrates. The first frit material, which may be bismuth-based in certain example embodiments, is fired with a heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering) process. A second frit material, which may be VBZ-based in certain example embodiments, is applied and at least partially overlaps with the fired first frit material. The first frit material acts as a primer, and the second frit material helps seal together the VIG unit. The second frit material is fired at a significantly lower temperature that enables the glass to retain the temper or other strength imparted by the heat treatment.
US09988295B2
Aspects of the embodiments are directed to systems and methods for forming an optical fiber in a low gravity environment, and an optical fiber formed in a low gravity environment. The system can include a preform holder configured to secure a preform; a heating element secured to a heating element stage and residing adjacent the preform holder; a heating element stage motor configured to move the heating element stage; a tension sensor; a spool; a spool tension motor coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool; and a control system communicably coupled to the heating element stage motor and the spool tension motor and configured to control the movement of the heating element stage based on a rotational speed of the spool. The optical fiber can include a fluoride composition, such ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN), and can be characterized by an insertion loss in a range from 13 dB/1000 km to 120 dB/1000 km.
US09988290B1
A method and apparatus for continuous operation of an aerobic metabolic digester in a multi station aerobic wastewater treatment system is disclosed that eliminates the the volume of residuals solids that must be finally disposed of off site and improves the overall efficiency of the treatment system.
US09988287B2
A process produces salt by way of strong brine concentration after sea water desalination by using a two-way circulation method and bromine extraction. The process includes the following steps: A, preparing fresh water and strong brine from sea water in a high-pressure reverse osmosis unit by using a reverse osmosis method, wherein the concentration of the prepared strong brine is 70000 to 80000 PPM; and B, performing fresh and concentrated separation on the strong brine with the concentration of 70000 to 80000 PPM in a two-way circulation manner by using a concentration difference method till the strong brine is crystallized.
US09988275B1
A method for preparing multi-wall carbon nanotubes comprising atomizing a precursor solution comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a carrier gas. The mixture is then injected through an ultrasonic atomization system to form atomized precursor droplets. Then by injecting the atomized precursor droplets from the top of a vertical chemical vapor deposition reactor, the droplets can then react with a reaction gas in the reactor vessel to form a film that adsorbs to a growth surface in the reactor vessel. Layer by layer multi-wall carbon nanotubes are formed. This method is repeated to form layers of the multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes formed have an outer diameter of 10 nm-51 nm and a length to diameter aspect ratio of 7200-13200.
US09988274B2
A method for chemical modification of graphene includes dry etching graphene to provide an etched graphene; and introducing a functional group at an edge of the etched graphene. Also disclosed is graphene, including an etched edge portion, the etched portion including a functional group.
US09988268B2
The present invention relates to novel anthraquinone derivatives, 2,6-diisohexylanthracene-9,10-dione and 2,7-diisohexyl-anthracene-9,10-dione, preferably to be used for the preparation of hydrogen peroxide, and to a process for the preparation of these anthraquinone derivatives.
US09988267B2
A mixing device for a fuel reformer for mixing at least two fluids is provided. The mixing device includes at least a first plurality of holes which is arranged along a first row, and a second plurality of holes which is arranged along a second row. The mixing device can be used in a fuel reformer for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen rich gas by auto-thermal reaction process having a, preferably cylindrically shaped and double walled, housing with two side walls forming a reaction chamber of the fuel reformer, wherein hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidizing agent are mixed by the mixing device.
US09988266B2
A method for producing ¾-rich synthesis gas comprises the following steps: decomposing a hydrocarbon-containing fluid into an H2/C-aerosol in a first hydrocarbon converter by supplying energy which is at least partly provided in the form of heat; introducing at least a first stream of the H2/C-aerosol into a first sub-process which comprises the following steps: directing at least a part of the H2/C-aerosol from the first hydrocarbon converter into a first C-converter; introducing CO2 into the first C-converter and mixing the CO2 with the H2/C-aerosol introduced into the first C-converter; converting the mixture of H2/C-aerosol and CO2 into a synthesis gas at a temperature of 800 to 1700° C.; mixing additional H2 with the synthesis gas for the production of H2-rich synthesis gas. In a second sub-process running in parallel with the first sub-process, hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2 are produced from a hydrocarbon-containing fluid, wherein at least a portion of the CO2 produced in the second sub-process is introduced into the first C-converter; and wherein at least a portion of the H2 produced in the second sub-process is mixed with the synthesis gas from the first C-converter. The CO2 which is needed for the conversion of C in the first C-converter can thereby be provided independently of an external source, and the entire operational sequence is easily controllable.
US09988263B2
An example provides a method including sputtering a metal catalyst onto a substrate, exposing the substrate to a solution that reacts with the metal catalyst to form a plurality of pores in the substrate, and etching the substrate to remove the plurality of pores to form a recess in the substrate.
US09988257B2
A pinch valve includes a valve block. A valve insert defines a tube chamber and is disposed within an open interior of the valve block. A valve gate includes a body. The valve gate body is movably engaged with the valve insert. The valve gate is at least partially disposed within the open interior of the valve block. A lever is pivotably connected to the valve insert. The lever includes a tube projection that is pivotably movable within the tube chamber.
US09988251B2
An apparatus includes a motor and a drum rotated by the motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. In certain embodiments, the motor and drum are quickly and easily detachable from a structure by way of a flange and mounting bracket. The flange and mounting bracket have holes which are coaxially aligned. A pin or other fastener is used to join the flange and mounting bracket together.
US09988250B2
An apparatus for providing reliable line spooling for hoists, winches, and other pulling and/or lifting devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a motor and a drum rotated by the motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a helical groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. A roller is provided to place pressure on the line against a groove in the drum. In certain embodiments, the drum comprises a groove which widens as it gets closer to the drum. In other embodiments, the groove is formed by sidewalls which are various shapes and dimensions allowing the line to be held in the groove.
US09988244B2
A track module of an escalator or a moving walkway comprises at least two support structures and at least one guide rail. Each support structure includes at least two supports and at least one cross strut, wherein the cross strut is arranged between the at least two supports and connects these together. Each support has a foot fastening region which, in the installed state, is fastened to a carrying structure. Moreover, a balustrade fastening region, to which in the installed state at least a part of a balustrade is fastened, is formed at each support, so that static and dynamic loads acting on the balustrade are transmissible directly to the carrying structure by way of the supports.
US09988240B2
A system and method for controlling the movement of an elevator is provided. The elevator controller directs the operation of the elevator and receives information from the elevator system to calculate a brake profile. The elevator system transmits the brake profile to a master controller. The master controller selectively actuates the brakes to apply a braking force configured to generate the brake profile. The system and method may include local controllers, each configured to actuate a respective brake, wherein the master controller selectively directs the local controllers to generate a brake force commensurate with the braking profile.
US09988230B2
Conveyance means for conveying an IC tag continuous body includes a tractor feeder unit for conveying the IC tag continuous body by engaging and disengaging feed pins with sprocket holes formed in the IC tag continuous body and a negative pressure conveyance unit for conveying the IC tag continuous body while suctioning it to a conveyance belt, and printing on the IC tags in the printing device is configured such that a toner image transferred to the IC tags by a print unit is optically fixed by an optical fixation unit in a non-contact manner.
US09988227B2
A sheet conveying apparatus includes an abutment member against which a leading end of a sheet conveyed by a conveying roller abuts, a phase determiner that determines a rotation phase of a rotor of a motor driving the conveying roller, a controller that controls the motor by controlling the value of a torque current component and the value of an excitation current component so that a difference between an instruction phase and the rotation phase is decreased, and a torque determiner that determines load torque exerted on the rotor. The controller continues driving of the motor if the load torque is lower than predetermined torque in a state in which the leading end of the sheet abuts against the abutment member to deflect the sheet and stops the driving of the motor if the load torque is higher than or equal to the predetermined torque.
US09988225B1
A sheet conveyer having a load applier unit is provided. The load applier unit includes a contacting member, a lever, a contractive spring, and a preloading member. The lever is movable between a first position, in which the lever being moved in a direction to stretch the contractive spring causes the contractive spring having been stretched by the preloading member to be further stretched to urge the contacting member and causes the load applier unit to apply a load that acts in a direction to press a feed roller against sheets on a tray to the holder, and a second position, in which the contractive spring is maintained in a condition stretched by the preloading member without causing the load applier unit to apply the load that acts in the direction to press the feed roller against the sheets on the tray to the holder.
US09988224B2
A removable media tray assembly for an image forming device according to one embodiment includes a media tray having a bottom surface and a front wall extending upward from the bottom surface. A bottom surface defines a media storage location for storing a stack of media sheets. The assembly includes a housing having an opening therein to receive the media tray. A magnet and a plate provide a latching force FL greater than a pick motor stall force keeping the media tray in a closed position during media picking. A handle assembly including a finger bar and a pivoting link is mounted to the front wall. With the media tray being held closed by the latching force, a user-supplied actuation force FA that is less than 22.2 N applied to the finger bar, pivots the link which acts as a force multiplier providing a release force exceeding the latching force.
US09988218B2
A multi-level sorter of a handling system for transporting cases. The handling system has conveyors extending between locations of a facility. The multi-level sorter includes a multi-level frame positionable adjacent at least one outlet of at least one of the conveyors, at least one diverter carried by the multi-level frame, and at least one bin supported about at least one of the levels of the multi-level frame. Each of the outlets of the conveyors aligned with a level of the multi-level frame to pass the cases thereto. The diverter has rollers to pass the cases along a main path and crossbands to selectively divert the cases from the main path. Each of the bins is alignable with the diverter to receive the diverted cases therefrom whereby the cases are sorted.
US09988217B2
Provided is a conveyor belt wear monitoring system capable of determining the wear condition of an upper rubber cover of a conveyor belt. When the conveyor belt is stopped, on the return side of the conveyor belt, a wear detector with a sensor unit corresponding to an upper cover rubber is disposed, the wear detector is controlled by a control unit to move across an entire length in a belt width direction and the distance from the sensor unit and a surface of the upper cover rubber is detected, the detected data is received by a calculation unit, and an amount of wear of the upper cover rubber is calculated on the basis of the received data.
US09988215B2
A system for conveying proppant includes a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt that receives proppant from one or more containers having proppant stored therein. The system also includes a conveyor auxiliary unit connected to an end of the conveyor assembly having one or more joints to enable expansion and collapse of the conveyor belt from the conveyor assembly. The system further includes a proppant chute to direct the proppant from the conveyor belt into a blending hopper, the proppant chute being positioned at a higher elevation than an inlet of the blending hopper.
US09988214B2
A radius conveyor comprising a sideflexing conveyor belt and a touchless magnetic bearing at the inside of a turn. The conveyor belt has electrically conductive elements in a side edge. An array of permanent magnets along the conveyor's side rail at the inside of the turn produces a permanent magnetic field. As the conveyor belt is driven through the turn, the permanent magnet field induces currents in the electrically conductive material. The currents produce reaction magnetic fields opposed to the permanent magnetic field that result in a radially outward force pushing the conveyor belt away from frictional contact with the side rail. Alternatively, permanent magnets in the side edge of the belt and electrically conductive elements in the conveyor's side rail likewise provide a magnetic bearing.
US09988199B2
Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a microwavable food container include: forming a wire mesh over a mold comprising a mirror image of the microwavable food container; immersing the wire mesh in a fiber-based slurry bath; drawing a vacuum across the wire mesh to cause fiber particles to accumulate at the wire mesh surface; and removing the wire mesh including the accumulated fiber particles from the slurry bath; wherein the slurry comprises a moisture barrier, an oil barrier, and a vapor barrier.
US09988197B2
A package system is disclosed for dispensing controlled amounts of a chemical agent. The package system includes an outer package that is generally gas and liquid impermeable. The outer package contains an inner package made from a degradable material, such as a material that is water degradable. The inner package contains a measured amount of a chemical agent. The chemical agent may be difficult to handle and may have corrosive properties, may be an oxidizer, or the like. The package system facilitates dispensing the chemical agent into a particular environment. In one embodiment, the package system is designed to hold a chemical agent for treating recreational water sources, such as swimming pools.
US09988191B2
A lockable sealable enclosure system with a lockable lid openable, and re-lockable, through use of a locking tool. The enclosure system comprises a bottom container, which can optionally support a transparent film to provide water-resistance to the container, secured by a cover. The cover is provided with securing members which lockingly engage the bottom container. A lock release tool comprises latching members for engagement with the securing members, and a cam and cam followers which operate on the latching members are operably able to pull the securing members outwards to release the locked engagement. The enclosure system can include a shock and water resistant wireless pager enclosure.
US09988183B2
A tire-wheel transport pallet having engaging parts engaging the lower circumferential edge section of the rims of a plurality of tire wheels, and a mounting surface on which the tire wheels lying sideways are arranged; a partition plate prevents a horizontal positional shift, and interposed between an upper and a lower level of the tire wheels, which are stacked on the mounting surface in a plurality of levels; a lid covering the uppermost level of the tire wheels, and having, on its bottom surface, a plurality of wheel-position-determining concavities engaging the upper circumferential edge section of the rims of the tire wheels. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the pallet has a plurality of legs projecting downward, and the top surface of the lid has a plurality of leg-position-determining concavities corresponding to the plurality of legs on the pallet, so to stack a plurality of units.
US09988174B2
Embodiments of glass containers resistant to delamination and methods for forming the same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a delamination resistant glass container may include a glass article having a body extending between an interior surface and an exterior surface. The body defines an interior volume. The body may include an interior region extending from 10 nm below the interior surface of the body into a thickness of the body. The interior region has a persistent layer homogeneity such that the body is resistant to delamination.
US09988173B2
The present Invention discloses two robot assisted automated methods for application of decals on complex 3 dimensional surfaces without wrinkle and bubble. The method includes loading of objects having 3D surfaces on an object holding fixture manually from a conveyor belt, picking up a first application fixture automatically by a robot, peeling off the liner disposed on the decal manually and placing the decal on the first application fixture which holds the decal by suction, positioning the decal with exposed adhesive accurately on a first 3D surface of the object and switching off the suction automatically leaving the decal placed on the 3D surface of the object, placing the first application fixture back and picking up a second application fixture automatically by the robot for squeegee application, applying the second application fixture to complete the squeegee application by pressurizing the decal. The first application fixture is configured to be programmed to hold decals of different shape and size and the second application fixture is configured to be programmed to identify the 3D direction of squeezing pad motion within each region of such decals to eliminate the bubbles without wrinkling. The second method uses a mechatronic pick and place mechanism for picking up a decal from the decal stack and placing of the decal on the 3D surface of the object automatically.
US09988171B2
A dispenser includes a rotating member including a first end and a second end, the rotating member having an inner surface and defining an axis of rotation that extends from the first end to the second end; a holding member having an inner surface, an outer holding surface, and a collar at a first end of the holding member, the inner surface enclosing an engaging portion of the rotating member; and a cap attached to the first end of the rotating member and holding the holding member, the collar of the holding member positioned at least partially directly between an end surface at the first end of the rotating member and a stop surface of the cap.
US09988165B2
A packaging system and method for receiving articles from a first location, such as a product delivery system, transporting the articles to a second location for unloading the articles such that they are placed in a desired orientation and number of columns, rows, and stacks.
US09988163B2
A fiber strap packing machine includes a main body. One side of the main body is provided with a fastening device, a cutting device, and a strap pressing device. The fastening device includes a power unit, a tension adjustment unit, and a strap rolling unit. The power unit is connected with the tension adjustment unit and the strap rolling unit. When the strap rolling unit is tightened by a fiber strap, the power of the power unit will be transmitted to the tension adjustment unit through the fastening device. The tension adjustment unit stops the power to be transmitted to the strap rolling unit so as to automatically adjust the tightness of the fiber strap and prevent the tightening device from being damaged by the external force and the power.
US09988153B2
A ram air fan (RAF) assembly is provided and includes a ram air inlet, a heat exchanger disposed in the ram air inlet, an RAF disposed in the ram air inlet to drive airflow through the heat exchanger, a sensor disposed in the ram air inlet proximate to the RAF and a controller. The controller is operably coupled to the RAF and the sensor and is configured to drive rotations of the RAF to achieve a target RAF rotational speed in accordance with a determination that a reading generated by the sensor is indicative of a surge event.
US09988148B2
A vehicle is provided and includes a wing having opposite surfaces and opposite sides and first and second engines disposed to drive wing movement and being respectively supported asymmetrically on the opposite surfaces and at the opposite sides of the wing.
US09988143B2
Some embodiments provide apparatuses configured to deploy a landing gear of an aircraft, comprising: a landing gear coupler configured to couple with the landing gear; a release link configured to cooperate the landing gear coupler with a drive shaft that is configured to drive the landing gear between a stowed position and a deployed position; an override driver cooperated with the landing gear coupler; wherein the release link is configured to releasably maintain a relative position of landing gear coupler relative to the drive shaft, and the release link is configured to disengage a coupling between the drive shaft and the landing gear coupler such that the landing gear coupler is configured to move independent of the drive shaft; and wherein the override driver is configured to drive the landing gear coupler to the deployed position.
US09988142B2
A wing for an aircraft, including a main wing and a wing tip device, a front blade and a rear blade of the wing tip device extending from an attachment end, a front blade leading edge extending in front of a rear blade leading edge and a front blade trailing edge extending in front of a rear blade trailing edge, in a chord direction, and at a front blade tip the front blade extending under a different dihedral angle than the rear blade at a rear blade tip. The front blade leading and trailing edges, as well as the rear blade leading and trailing edges have a tangent-continuous developing. The front blade leading edge extends tangent-continuously with the wing leading edge. The rear blade trailing edge extends tangent-continuously with the wing trailing edge. The front blade trailing edge extends behind the rear blade leading edge, in the chord direction.
US09988135B2
A system for limiting power to a plurality of on-line consumers includes an operating characteristic sensor associated with each of a plurality of prime movers and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a maximum torque capability of each of the plurality of prime movers, determine the available electrical power response of each of the plurality of generators, determine a total available electrical power response, and determine a total maximum power demand. The controller then compares the total available electrical power response to the total maximum power demand, and upon the total maximum power demand exceeding the total available electrical power response, limits power to the plurality of on-line consumers to no more than the total available electrical power response.
US09988133B2
A dual drive system for providing motive power to a watercraft has a frame configured for connecting to the watercraft and a drive assembly connected to the frame. The drive assembly has a manual drive mechanism configured for receiving mechanical input from a user, a motor drive mechanism configured for receiving mechanical input from a motor, a driveshaft having a first end in selective engagement with one of the manual drive mechanism and the motor drive mechanism and a second end in engagement with a propeller, and a drive selector for selectively engaging the manual drive mechanism or the motor drive mechanism with the driveshaft based on a position of the drive selector between first and second positions. In the first position, the drive selector engages the manual drive mechanism with a driveshaft. In the second position, the drive selector engages the motor drive mechanism with the driveshaft.
US09988132B1
The present invention is a combination apparatus having a body with two separate mating arms made of sacrificial anode material and a pair of oppositely disposed removable cutting blades made of material such as stainless steel. A respective cutting blade extends through an interior of a respective mating arm and extends outwardly from an exterior surface of a respective mating arm with cutting teeth of each respective cutting blade aligned with a slope of the exterior surface of a respective mating arm.
US09988131B2
Disclosed are a canister type thruster for implementing smooth upward/downward movement and improving productivity and an installation method thereof. The canister type thruster includes a guide module for guiding upward/downward movement of a canister. The guide module includes: a guide unit that is installed on an inner surface of a trunk so as to support a rack installed on an outer surface of the canister in parallel with a lifting direction to guide the upward/downward movement of the canister, a sliding pad that relieves an impact or a friction applied to the guide unit; and a support protrusion that is provided between the guide unit and the sliding pad to support the sliding pad.
US09988123B2
A suspension and steering assembly is provided for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering means mounted on a vehicle frame; a steering mechanism comprising an upper link connected to the steering means; and a steering stem having a top section connected to a lower link of the steering mechanism; a steering tube having an upper and a lower portion; an upper control arm having a first extremity connected to a middle section of the frame, and a second extremity connected to the upper portion of the steering tube; a lower control arm having a first extremity connected to a lower section of the frame, and a second extremity connected to the lower portion of the steering tube; the steering stem mounted inside the steering tube; and a wheel fork having a lower section for receiving a wheel of the vehicle and an upper section connected to the steering stem.
US09988122B2
A bicycle frame (100) includes: a front triangle (110); a rear frame (130) articulated to the front triangle (110); a body (21) associated to the front triangle (110) and mobile with respect thereto; and a bottom bracket (22) rotatably associated to the body (21) about a first rotation axis (B). The rear frame (130) is articulated to the body (21) about a second rotation axis (C) parallel to the first rotation axis (B).
US09988103B1
A method is provided for lowering a tailgate of a motor vehicle when that motor vehicle is hitched to a trailer having a component that interferes with the lowering of the tailgate. The method comprises the steps of displacing a section of the tailgate to form a clearance opening in the tailgate, folding the tailgate into a lowered position and accommodating the component of the trailer in the clearance opening when the tailgate is folded and lowered. Various tailgate assemblies for performing the method are also disclosed.
US09988101B2
A decorative assembly (20) includes a translucent part (26) overlaying a portion of a chromed visible surface (24) of a base part (22) to define a first visible portion (28) of the chromed visible surface (24) not covered by the plastic layer and a second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24) covered by but visible through the translucent part (26) for allowing the chromed visible surface (24) to be freely exposed along the first visible portion (28) and for allowing light to pass through the translucent part (26) and reflect off the second visible portion (30) of said chromed visible surface (24). At least one of the second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24) or the translucent part (26) includes a three-dimensional texture (32) to redirect the light reflected off the second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24).
US09988099B2
A truck body designed for transporting hard rock mined ore. The truck body includes a body floor having a first material forming a floor structure and a liner structure including a second material covering at least a portion of the floor structure. The second material has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the first material and prevents wear of the truck body floor by the hard rock ore. The truck body includes a front wall and two opposing body sidewalls that taper outwardly from front to rear of the truck body such that a width between the body sidewalls at a rear of the truck body is at least 10% greater than a width at the front of the truck body. The outward tapering of the body sidewalls promotes movement of the load away from the body sidewalls as the load is released from the truck body.
US09988093B2
A vehicle body exoskeleton includes a plurality of nodes each defining a receptacle. A plurality of tubes have first and second end portions smaller than and tapering inwardly from a main portion. Each end portion is received in one of the receptacles. An adhesive is applied to the end portions filling a gap defined between the receptacles and the end portions to bond the tubes to the receptacles.
US09988092B2
An All-Terrain Vehicle with a frame comprising an arcuate shape or an elevated portion with an apex. In one embodiment, the arcuate shape or elevated portion with an apex is located between a rear axis and a front axis such that there is additional clearance over a typical non arcuate frame or a flat frame for a given ride height. The frame may also provide for additional structural strength. The frame may also include the ability to attach periphery accessories such as an engine cage, a passenger cage, trailing arms, power train and transmission.
US09988089B2
There is provided a vehicle body front structure in which left and right frame side mounting members for connecting the rear ends of left and right bumper beam extensions are provided at the front ends. The left and right front side frames are formed from left and right side inner panels and left and right side outer panels. The left and right side outer panels are formed from left and right rear outer panels and left and right front outer panels. The left and right front outer panels are formed from left and right side plates, left and right upper plates, and left and right lower plates. At least one of the set of the left and right upper plates and the set of the left and right lower plates is formed by members different from the left and right side plates.
US09988084B2
Disclosed devices, systems, and methods allow an operator to maintain the speed of a vehicle's propulsion devices at selected speeds, and allow the operator to make adjustments to the selected speeds during or prior to operation of the vehicle. Disclosed embodiments can comprise adjustable limiters that are coupled to the control portion of the vehicle adjacent to or on the speed control levers. This allows the operator to hold the levers against a new limiting surface to keep the vehicle moving at a speed that is less than full speed with minimal aberration and less effort needed by the operator. The device can be adjustable to a range of positions corresponding to different speeds. The devices can also be selectively pivoted or moved out of the way of the speed control levers at any time to allow the levers to have their full range of motion.
US09988081B2
A steering system is provided which more appropriately alleviates driver's discomfort in the wrists. A steering ECU has an estimated grip angle calculating circuit, a deviation calculating circuit, an automatic steering torque command value calculating circuit, and a grip angle command value calculating circuit. The estimated grip angle calculating circuit calculates an estimated grip angle based on a steering angle. The deviation calculating circuit calculates a deviation based on the steering angle, a steering angle deviation, and the estimated grip angle. The grip angle command value calculating circuit calculates a grip angle command value that is a sum of a grip angle and the deviation.
US09988067B1
A front fork assembly of a snow bike is disclosed having left and right legs, each having an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion. The left leg upper and lower leg portions are linearly movable relative to each other. A right leg has an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion, the right leg upper and lower leg portions are linearly movable relative to each other. A ski mount has a lower end for coupling to a ski and an upper end for coupling to the left and right leg. A linear force element is coupled to the left and right legs with a first end adjacent the first ends of the forks and seconds ends coupled to the ski, the linear force element has a different linear force characteristic than the left and right legs.
US09988066B2
A snow raft comprises a plurality of adjustable speed control studs to control the speed of the raft wherein adjustments are made by way of threading and unthreading the studs located within threaded sockets.
US09988063B2
Embodiments of the disclosure enable a cart to be stabilized. A stabilizing mechanism includes a body having a first surface and a second surface that define an elongated nook configured to receive a first rod member. A coupling device is coupled to the body at a third surface such that the coupling device is substantially parallel to the first and/or second surfaces. The coupling device defines an elongated channel configured to receive a second rod member. A wheel assembly is coupled to the body at a fourth surface and includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a plurality of wheels rotatable about an axis of rotation. A first wheel is coupled to the first end portion, and a second wheel is coupled to the second end portion. Aspects of the disclosure provide for utilizing the cart to move a load across various terrains efficiently and effectively.
US09988060B2
A vehicle configured to be moved along a rail includes rollers which in use engage the rail such that each roller has a contact area with which the roller is in contact with the rail. The contact areas of the rollers are positioned to define a beam with a longitudinal beam axis, a rectangular form in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal beam axis and a first beam side, a second beam side, a third beam side and a fourth beam side, in which the first and third beam side extend perpendicular to the second and fourth beam side, at least two rollers define the first beam side, two rollers define the second beam side, one roller defines the third beam side, and one roller defines the fourth beam side. An assembly includes the vehicle and a rail.
US09988058B2
A method and system for automatically creating a unique driver profile for a vehicle from driving habits. A unique driver profile is created with a portable on-board diagnostic series 2 (OBD-2) apparatus and/or linked and/or standalone network device (e.g., smart phone, tablet, wearable device, etc.). The unique driver profile is created from the accepted plural signals including time and geo-location data based on driving habits of the driver. The unique driver profile information is recorded on the apparatus and/or network device, downloaded at a later time or sent in real-time to check and verify an identity of the driver. The unique driver profile helps confirm an identity of the driver of the vehicle based on unique driving habits of the driver.
US09988057B2
A method for determining the mass m of a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is based on the principles of power mechanics. In order to determine the vehicle mass in a simple way as accurately as possible while driving, a speed v of the motor vehicle is determined and a drive power PA of the motor vehicle is determined. The mass m of the motor vehicle can then be determined from the speed v and the drive power PA. A device applies such a method, and a motor vehicle includes such a device.
US09988056B2
Systems and methods are provided for dynamically controlling sensor-based data acquisition in vehicles. The disclosed embodiments may receive signals associated with sensors in a vehicle, wherein the signals are associated with sampling rates, and apply bandwidth filters to the signals to create filtered signals. The disclosed embodiments may also detect an occurrence of an event by comparing the filtered signals to one or more event thresholds and transmit event data to a control system when the event thresholds are exceeded. The disclosed embodiments also may dynamically adjust signals, sampling rates, bandwidth filters, a generated event score, and the event thresholds based on changes to a set of control variables. The control variables may depend on signals associated with a set of sensors in a vehicle or on boundary conditions and signals associated to an external system.
US09988051B2
A system and method of controlling vehicle driving is provided to mitigate a delay in vehicle acceleration when a sailing mode is released. The method includes when a sailing mode is operated, disengaged a clutch and adjusting an engine speed to correspond to a rotational speed of the clutch. Additionally, the clutch is engaged based on whether the sailing mode is released.
US09988048B1
A lane detection method includes: identifying locations of a lane line included in a first image captured using a first camera capturing images beside the vehicle, the first camera being mounted to a mirror that is movable; based on the locations of the lane line, determining a first linear equation corresponding to the lane line; determining a distance to the lane line based on the first linear equation; identifying locations of the lane line included in a second image captured using a second camera capturing images in front of the vehicle; based on the locations of the lane line, determining a second linear equation corresponding to the lane line; based on the first and second linear equations, determining an angle between first and second lines corresponding to the first and second linear equations, respectively; and determining a corrected distance to the lane line based on the distance and the angle.
US09988042B2
When an output of a braking force to a driving shaft is needed, and a needed braking force can be output by regenerative drive of the second motor, the engine self-sustainably operates, the regenerative drive of the second motor is performed to cause the second motor to output the needed braking force to the driving shaft. When the needed braking force cannot be output by the regenerative drive of the second motor, the needed braking force is output to the driving shaft by the regenerative drive of the second motor and motoring of the engine that performs fuel cut using the first motor. When a filter regeneration condition is established, an allowable input electric power is set to be lower than that of when the filter regeneration condition is not established.
US09988035B2
Disclosed herein is an electrically controlled brake system. The electrically controlled brake system includes a motor and a pump, a master cylinder, a reservoir that is coupled to an upper portion of the master cylinder and in which a brake fluid is stored, an accumulator in which a brake fluid pumped from the reservoir is stored by the motor and the pump, a hydraulic path that connects the accumulator and each of wheel cylinders, an apply valve and a release valve that are provided on the hydraulic path and control a hydraulic pressure transferred from the accumulator to each of the wheel cylinders, a pedal simulator including a simulation chamber connected to the master cylinder and configured to store a brake fluid flowing from the master cylinder to provide a reaction force of a brake pedal, and a simulation valve provided at an inlet of the simulation chamber, a backup path that is connected to the hydraulic path and connects the master cylinder and each of the wheel cylinders, a cut valve that is provided on the backup path and blocks the backup path, a first pressure sensor that is provided on the backup path and detects a pressure of the pedal simulator, a second pressure sensor that is provided on the hydraulic path and detects a pressure of the hydraulic path and an electronic control unit (ECU) that determines whether a mechanical leak failure of the cut valve occurs using a correlation between the pressure of the pedal simulator detected by the first pressure sensor and the pressure of the hydraulic path detected by the second pressure sensor.
US09988027B2
A brake system includes a brake activator which controls, when a slipping condition is detected at a central rear wheel based on a signal detected by a central rear detector, the operating condition of a central rear brake based on the signal detected by the central rear detector so as to reduce a braking force on the central rear wheel lower than a braking force which is obtained as a result of operation of an input member. In this state, when an operation quantity of the input member increases as a result of operation of the input member, changing the operating conditions of both a right front brake and a left front brake, the brake activator increases the braking forces in both a right front wheel and a left front wheel according to an operation quantity of the input member.
US09988025B2
A method for ascertaining a pressure-volume characteristic of a vehicle braking system includes determining at least a first pressure-volume value pair of a first pressure occurring in the braking system during a pressure rise and of a first volume displaced in order to produce the first pressure, deriving a second pressure-volume value pair for a second pressure higher than the first pressure or for a second volume greater than the first volume in consideration at least of the first pressure-volume value pair and an indication in a predefined characteristic curve of a volume difference between a first volume associated with the first pressure and a second volume associated with the second pressure, or of a pressure difference between a first pressure associated with the first volume and a second pressure associated with the second volume.
US09988024B2
A machine includes: an axle having wheels mounted to it; a brake system configured to provide service braking to the wheels; a brake pedal operatively connected to the brake system to provide a braking power to the wheels in proportion to the position of the brake pedal; a pedal sensor operatively connected to the brake pedal to sense the position of the brake pedal; a retarder system configured to selectively slow the wheels down; a speed sensor operatively connected to the machine to detect a speed associated with the machine; a controller operatively connected to the speed sensor, brake pedal position sensor, and retarder system wherein the controller is configured to operate the retarder system based on signals received from the speed sensor and brake pedal position sensor. A method for providing an indication to an operator may also be included.
US09988021B1
A lever system for actuating a plunger pin on a trailer jack includes a lever which selectively actuates a plunger pin of the trailer jack. In one configuration an attachment member for attaching the lever to the plunger pin and an engagement member which limits the movement of the lower end of the lever toward the trailer jack. In another configuration, a lever attachment member is used to hold the lever to the jack, and a pin engagement member engages the pin to move it into an open position when the upper end of the lever is moved toward the jack.
US09988016B1
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for authentication of mobile devices for vehicle communication. An example mobile device for vehicle communication authentication a communication module to receive a signal from a vehicle, memory including an application for accessing digital keys, and key accessor. The example key accessor is to activate, in response to determining the application is inactive, the application utilizing the signal. The example key accessor also is to access a key via the application and send, via the communication module, the key to the vehicle.
US09988010B2
A spacer fabric may include a hinge layer, a top layer, and an intermediate layer. The hinge layer may include a first tensile strength and at least one perforation. The top layer may include a second tensile strength. The intermediate layer may include a third tensile strength, and may be arranged between the hinge layer and the top layer. The first tensile strength may be higher than the second tensile strength, and the first tensile strength may be higher than the third tensile strength.
US09988008B2
Described herein is utilization of nontransparent Shock-Absorbing Energy Dissipation Padding (SAEDP) in an autonomous on-road vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a side window located at eye level of an occupant who sits in the vehicle. The side window enables the occupant to see the outside environment. A motor is configured to move the SAEDP over a sliding mechanism between first and second states. A processor is configured to command the motor to move the SAEDP from the first state to the second state responsive to an indication that a probability of an imminent collision reaches a threshold. In the first state, the SAEDP does not block the occupant's eye level view to the outside environment, and in the second state, the SAEDP blocks the occupant's eye level view to the outside environment in order to protect the occupant's head against hitting the side window during collision.
US09988006B2
A front part structure of a vehicle is provided, that includes a bumper fascia disposed at a front part of the vehicle and having an upper end portion opposing a leading edge of a hood, a shroud disposed rearward from the bumper fascia, and configured to lead cooling air to a given device, a coupling member provided with a first portion coupled to the shroud and a second portion that is a portion located forward of the first portion and below the upper end portion of the bumper fascia, and an impact absorbing member provided with a support part that supports the upper end portion and intervenes between the upper end portion of the bumper fascia and the second portion of the coupling member, and a fixed part that is disposed below the support part and is fixed to the second portion.
US09988000B2
The invention relates to a badge assembly for being connected to an airbag cover composing a badge (10) and a retaining plate (20) adapted to be clip-connected to each other, wherein the badge comprises positioning pins (17) which are adapted to be tightly connected to positioning seats (23) of the retaining element. The invention excels by the fact that the badge (10) includes a decoration element (12) and a carrier element (13) being tightly connected to each other, wherein the carrier element (13) comprises the positioning pins (17). The invention further relates to an airbag cover, an airbag module and a vehicle steering wheel comprising said badge assembly as well as a manufacturing method.
US09987994B2
A bicycle rack system has wheel trays spaced apart along a first edge of a roof of a vehicle, a support arm extensible and retractable in length, supported by a pivot mechanism near a second edge of the roof of the vehicle, the support arm extensible to a maximum length substantially greater than the width of the roof, and a specific length substantially less than the width of the roof, and a capture mechanism on a free end of the support arm, adapted to capture a part of the bicycle to be carried in the bike rack.
US09987979B2
A vehicle lighting system includes a first detection unit that detects a moving body around a host vehicle, a first determination unit that determines whether the moving body is a target to which an alert should be sent, a projection unit that can project a first pattern, which indicates first information on the host vehicle, in a predetermined range around the target, a second determination unit that determines whether another vehicle is projecting a second pattern, which indicates second information on the other vehicle, and a control unit that controls the projection unit such that the first pattern is projected at the predetermined range around the target and the first pattern does not overlap with the second pattern or such that the first pattern is not projected, when the other vehicle is projecting the second pattern.
US09987972B2
A ball socket for connection with a ball stud resists accidental pull-out of the ball stud. The ball socket achieves relatively low insertion force but relatively high pull-out force resistance.
US09987968B2
A hook device for securing or releasing a deck panel used in a cargo section of a trailer, the hook device including: a guide bracket configured with at least first and second sides, the guide bracket including a groove formed on the first side and extending to the second side; and a hook configured to operate within the groove to secure or release the deck panel, the hook configured to secure the deck panel in a stored position when the hook is on the first side of the guide bracket and to release the deck panel in a work position when the hook is on the second side of the guide bracket.
US09987966B2
The current invention concerns a method and device for securing cargo load in a container. In an embodiment of the current invention, such method comprises: providing a wall securement device comprising two or more apertures allowing the passage of securing means such as straps, which wall securement device is attached to an inner rigid structure of the wall; and lashing the cargo load with securing means by use of the wall securement device, whereby the wall securement device is located at the corner post of said container. In a second aspect, the current invention provides for a wall securement device for securing loads, wherein the securement device may include a slope-hook edge portion.
US09987951B2
A restraint for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat, a foundation, and a lock system. The foundation is configured to interconnect the vehicle seat to the floor to permit movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along a predetermined path. The lock system is configured to selectively block movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along the predetermined path.
US09987950B2
A vehicle seat bracket assembly is provided that includes a bracket connected to a vehicle seat structure and including one or more retention features. The vehicle seat bracket assembly also includes an electrical connector module receivably connected to the bracket via the one or more retention features. The vehicle seat bracket assembly further includes one or more electrical control modules connected to the electrical connector module.
US09987949B2
A seating structure includes a base, a seat, a backrest connected to the seat, and an electronic circuit supported by the base. The seat or the backrest includes a carrier and a suspension material secured to the carrier and spanning across an opening formed by the carrier. The suspension material includes a plurality of electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic circuit is coupled to the electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic circuit includes an electronic processor and a sensor. The sensor is configured to generate an output signal indicative of an electrical parameter of one of the electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic processor is configured to apply a drive signal to one of the plurality of electrostatic discharge fibers, receive the output signal from the sensor, and determine a state of the seating structure based on the output signal from the sensor.
US09987948B2
A conductor line for supplying an electric load movable on the conductor line in the longitudinal direction of the conductor line, includes at least one conductor strand which runs in the longitudinal direction and has an electrically conductive profiled conductor section for contacting a sliding contact of a current collector of the load and at least one elongated slotted waveguide, which runs in the longitudinal direction, with a longitudinal slot for receiving an antenna which can be moved together with the load. A related current collector and a conductor line system are also provided. The aim is to allow a compact and material-saving design with good fault-tolerant transmission. This is achieved by a conductor line in which the longitudinal slot is tilted by an angle which does not equal 90° about the longitudinal direction with respect to a movement plane on which the current collector can be moved, by a current collector in which the antenna or a part thereof is completely or partly tilted by an angle which also does not equal 90° about the longitudinal direction with respect to the movement plane, and by a conductor line system including such a conductor line and current collector.
US09987937B1
A two layer predictive controller for bidirectional inductive power transfer can include: a first layer controller generating a mutual inductance and a reference active power; and a second layer controller receiving the mutual inductance and the reference active power, and generating a primary phase shift, a secondary phase shift, and a differential phase shift; the primary phase shift configured to manage a magnitude of an output voltage of a primary inverter; the secondary phase shift configured to manage a magnitude of an output voltage of a secondary inverter; and the differential phase shift being a phase difference between the output voltage of the primary inverter and the output voltage of the secondary inverter.
US09987931B2
A method of disconnecting a secondary battery which disconnects the secondary battery from an electric power supply path in an electric power supply system performs shutting off a flow of a current to a secondary battery side through a converter after it is detected that there is an abnormality in the secondary battery, and when it is determined that the voltage of the power storage unit is equal to or less than the voltage of the secondary battery by the predetermined value, maintaining a connection of the secondary battery to the electric power supply path and when it is determined that the voltage of the power storage unit is greater than the voltage of the secondary battery by the predetermined value, operating a relay to disconnect the secondary battery from the electric power supply path.
US09987929B2
An air compressor control method for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method includes sensing variation information of a rotation speed of an air compressor motor and sensing a state of charge (SOC) of a high voltage battery by the fuel cell controller when the rotation speed of the air compressor motor is reduced. An allowable current from regenerative braking of an air compressor is derived using current consumption of an electric or electronic sub-assembly for a fuel cell vehicle in response to determining that the SOC exceeds a predetermined level of the SOC. The air compressor motor is then operated based on the allowable current from regenerative braking by an air compressor controller.
US09987925B1
A display device for vehicles is provided. The display device includes: a base, a connecting assembly and a display module. The connecting assembly is disposed on the base by a hinge. The hinge has a pivot of which the center is defined as a central axis. A connecting groove is disposed on the back side of the display module, such that the display module can be connected to the base when the connecting assembly is slidingly inserted into the connecting groove. The connecting assembly can slide in the opposite direction to be removed from the connecting groove of the display module.
US09987921B2
A siphoning-off guard for a motor vehicle tank system that includes a filler pipe head, a tube and a motor vehicle tank, the motor vehicle tank system contains components which form an end region, the siphoning-off guard being fastened to the end region on the outside surface of the component.
US09987909B2
A convertible vehicle having a displaceable top and a top storage space, which can be closed using a storage space cover, as well as a wind deflector, which is displaceable between a retracted stowage position and at least one erected function position and can have an inner frame on which a wind deflector function element is spanned. The wind deflector can have an outer frame, to which the inner frame is pivotably mounted and which is pivotably mounted to the storage space cover.
US09987906B2
Systems and methods are directed to providing power to a transport refrigeration system (TRS) using an undersized main power source in combination with a secondary power source. The systems and methods allow the undersized main power source to be used with a TRS that requires a power more than a maximum threshold power of the undersized main power source to operate at a full cooling capacity. The secondary power supplements the undersized main power to allow the TRS to operate at the full cooling capacity. Optionally, a tertiary power source can supplement the undersized main power source, or the undersized main and secondary power sources to run the TRS.
US09987901B2
A heat-pump-type air-conditioning device includes an electric compressor, a condenser, a coolant discharge pipe and a muffler. The electric compressor is disposed in a motor compartment of an electric vehicle, while the condenser is disposed in a passenger compartment. The coolant discharge pipe links the electric compressor and the condenser for channeling coolant from the electric compressor to the condenser. The muffler is provided at a position partway along the coolant discharge pipe for suppressing pulsation in the coolant discharged from the electric compressor. The muffler is disposed at a position higher up in the vehicle than the than a coolant discharge port of the electric compressor. A coolant inflow port of the muffler is set at a position higher up in the vehicle than the than a coolant outflow port of the muffler.
US09987898B2
Embodiments of the invention address the area of predictive suspension control system for a vehicle, particularly a two-wheel vehicle such as a motor cycle or a scooter. The system includes a stereo sensor unit which for generating image data, a computing unit which extracts a relevant image portion from the image data based on future vehicle path data, and calculates road unevenness on a future vehicle path of the vehicle based on the generated image data. A suspension control unit generates an adaptation signal for adapting the suspension based on the calculated road unevenness. The computing unit adapts a search direction of a stereo algorithm or a correlation area of the stereo algorithm based on a lean angle of the vehicle to generate the three-dimensional partial image data from the relevant image portion, and fits a road model to the three-dimensional partial image data to calculate the road unevenness.
US09987897B2
The invention relates to a device for adjusting the height of a vehicle body, having two components, which can be moved longitudinally relative to each other, and a movement thread, which is arranged between these components. The movement thread includes a partial thread which is designed as a spindle paired with a first component and a partial thread which is designed as a spindle nut paired with the other component. The partial threads are designed to be axially movable relative to each other by a rotational drive. The device also includes a locking device which bridges the movement thread in at least three longitudinal positions and which comprises an axially fixed locking ring that is arranged on the spindle in a rotatable manner and has locking cams distributed over the circumference and a shifting gate that is rigidly connected to the spindle nut in an axial manner, receives the locking cams, and includes locking stops, which are arranged at end positions of the at least three longitudinal positions and are distributed over the circumference, and switching ramps, which lie axially opposite the locking stops, are provided with slopes that decrease in the circumferential direction, and are arranged over the circumference. A movement of the locking cams towards the locking stops and towards the switching ramps in the shifting gate is provided by an axial movement of the spindle relative to the spindle nut, this displacement depending on a rotational direction of the rotational drive, and a selection of the locking stops is carried out by rotating the locking ring by the rotated locking cams resting against switching stops provided between the switching ramps. In order to shorten the switching paths and the switching times of the locking device, at least one switching ramp arranged between two locking stops is expanded relative to the remaining switching ramps in a direction of the locking stops.
US09987881B2
The steel wire of diameter d expressed in mm has a completely ferritic, pearlitic or ferritic-pearlitic microstructure and a weight content of carbon C such that 0.05%≤C<0.4%, a weight content of chromium Cr such that Cr<12% and a maximum tensile strength R, expressed in MPa, such that R≥175+930.C−600.In(d) and R≥1500 MPa.
US09987876B1
A multi-tiered expandable filing assembly provides at least three modular trays arranged in stacked tiers and supported from two side by a pair of lateral frames. The modular trays receive, store, sort, and organize files, documents, and mail. The modular trays comprise a panel, a peripheral region, and at least one protrusion extending from the periphery. The protrusion extends from the sides of the panel and are configured to couple with the concave humps that form in the support bars of the lateral frames. The modular trays are arranged into three tiers and expanded to additional tiers of trays through constructive arrangement with the lateral frames. The lateral frames comprise a pair of legs, a top bar forming a top convex hump, and a bottom bar forming a bottom convex hump. The top and bottom convex humps from multiple assemblies can be stacked to further expand the assembly.
US09987861B2
A drying device includes: a plurality of laser elements that emit laser beams with controllable intensity and respectively emit the laser beams such that the emitted laser beams partially overlap one another; and a controller that controls the intensity of the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements so as to obtain intensity corresponding to drying intensity set as intensity for drying liquid droplets in a case where at least a part of an image region formed by the liquid droplets ejected in accordance with image information is included in an irradiation region of the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements.
US09987858B2
In one example, a print zone heater includes a structure defining a plenum, a heating element, a fan to move air over the heating element into the plenum, and a conduit from the plenum to carry heated air into the print zone.
US09987856B2
An image recording apparatus includes: a laser irradiation device including a plurality of laser output sections arranged side by side in a certain direction and configured to irradiate positions different from one another in the certain direction with laser light output from the plurality of laser output sections, the image recording apparatus being configured to irradiate a recording target moving relatively to the laser irradiation device in a relative movement direction different from the certain direction, with laser light to heat the recording target, and record a visible image on the recording target; and an image correction unit configured to adjust an irradiation condition of the laser light output from the plurality of laser output sections and correct distortion of an image recorded on a recording surface of the recording target based on a shape of the recording surface.
US09987853B2
A liquid circulation device comprises a liquid chamber connected with a liquid discharge section that discharges liquid, a circulation section which circulates the liquid in a flow path containing the liquid chamber and the liquid discharge section, a liquid supply section, a pressure adjustment section and a control section that, according to fluctuation velocity of the pressure, replenishes the liquid through the liquid supply section if the detected pressure is equal to or smaller than a predetermined pressure value or lower than the predetermined pressure value and the pressure fluctuation velocity is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed or faster than the predetermined speed and adjusts the pressure of the liquid discharge section through the pressure adjustment section and the pressure fluctuation velocity is slower than the predetermined speed or equal to or smaller than the predetermined speed.
US09987845B2
In one example, a printhead assembly module includes an upstream row of printheads and a downstream row of printheads. The upstream and downstream rows of printheads are offset from one another such that a printhead in the upstream row extends past the downstream row at one end of the module and a printhead in the downstream row extends past the upstream row at the other end of the module.
US09987843B2
A liquid discharge head includes a nozzle plate, a substrate, a diaphragm, and a piezoelectric element. The nozzle plate includes a nozzle from which liquid is discharged. The substrate is disposed on the nozzle plate and includes a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle. The diaphragm is disposed on a first side of the substrate opposite a second side of the substrate on which the nozzle plate is disposed, the diaphragm constituting one wall of the pressure chamber. The piezoelectric element is disposed on the diaphragm to deform the diaphragm to discharge liquid in the pressure chamber from the nozzle. The piezoelectric element includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric film, and a second electrode. The first electrode is disposed on the diaphragm. The piezoelectric film is disposed on the first electrode.
US09987840B2
A screen cleaning apparatus (2) and method, wherein: a screen cleaning head (3) is operative to contact a surface of a printing screen (PS), the screen cleaning head (3) includes a screen contact element (17) over which a cleaning sheet (7) is in use disposed, the screen contact element (17) comprises a first section (17a), which is configured to support one of a dry section or a wet section of the cleaning sheet (7) thereabove, a second, vacuum section (17b), at which a vacuum is provided to draw a vacuum therethrough, and a third section (17c), which is configured to support the other of a wet section or a dry section of the cleaning sheet thereabove; and a support (11) to which the cleaning head (3) is supported and which is movable over the surface of the printing screen (PS) to provide for cleaning of the same.
US09987831B2
A method for fabricating a preform (100) by providing a plurality of preform segments (101-103) which each define a portion of a preform (100), positioning said preform segments (101-103) in continuous contact with each other along at least one edge of said preform segments (101-103) such that said plurality of preform segments (101-103) define a cavity (107), and bonding each of said preform segments (101-103) to at least one other preform segment such that said plurality of preform segments (101-103) forms a continuous whole.
US09987826B2
A display device includes a window panel having a first radius of curvature, a display panel and an adhesion layer. The display panel defines a first portion having a second radius of curvature, and a second portion which extends from an end of the first portion and has a third radius of curvature different from the second radius of curvature. In a line normal to the upper surface of the display panel, a first distance between a first point at the upper surface of the first portion of the display panel and a first crossing point at an upper surface of the window panel, is different from a second distance between a second point at the upper surface of the second portion of the display panel and a second crossing point at the upper surface of the window panel.
US09987825B2
A joined body 20 includes a first member 21, a second member 22, and a joint portion 30 which is formed from an oxide ceramic containing a Fe3O4 phase in which a solute component capable of forming a spinel-type oxide with Fe is solid-dissolved and which joins the first member 21 and the second member 22.
US09987820B2
The invention relates to a multi-layer structure in which one or more layers contain an acrylic polymer, and one or more layers contain biopolymers. The acrylic polymer and biopolymer could be in different layers of the structure, or in the same layer of the structure. The combination of acrylic polymer and biopolymer in the same multi-layer structure provides improved properties, such as improved adhesion, improved mechanical properties, and improvements in the ease of manufacturing. An inner layer containing a biopolymer gains significantly improved UV resistance, abrasion resistance, and surface appearance, when covered with an outer acrylic layer. The multi-layer structure may be in the form of a sheet, a film, a tube or pipe, or a profile, and could used by itself or as a cap-layer over another substrate.
US09987811B2
Lining element intended to be inserted into a mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread, the lining element comprising a body and inserts inserted into this body, at least some of the inserts comprising a pattern comprising a plurality of recessed or projecting elements, the pattern being formed as an integral part of the inserts.
US09987810B2
The present invention discloses a single layer rotomolded article prepared from a blend of polyethylene, functionalized polyolefin and one or more resins selected from polyetherester or saturated polyester or polycarbonate or polyamide.
US09987803B2
A method for producing a product using a digital fabrication unit, in which a service for producing the product is started via a communication network via a communication device connected to the communication network, and the product is manufactured using the digital fabrication unit based on data describing production of the product made available to the fabrication unit.
US09987802B2
A method for adjusting a printing head usage amount of a 3D printer and a control device are provided. The method is adapted to control the control device of the 3D printer. The method includes following steps. At least one printing head of the 3D printer is divided into a plurality of sections. An accumulated printing point number of each of the sections is obtained. At least one specific section used for printing a 3D object is selected from the sections according to the accumulated printing point number of each of the sections. The method for adjusting the printing head usage amount of the 3D printer and the control device can avoid excessively high usage amount of some nozzles.
US09987798B2
A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.
US09987787B2
A method and system for hydraulic blow molding a container from a preform 24. A molding medium is injected into the preform from a nozzle 12 during a first molding stage. In the first molding stage, the molding medium is injected so as to be specifically directed at a closed end of the preform 24. During the first molding stage, the preform is axially stretched in response to the force exerted on the preform by the molding medium. The molding medium is also injected into the preform during a second molding stage, where the molding medium is injected at a flow rate greater than a flow rate during the first molding stage. During the second molding stage, the preform is radially expanded into the shape of the container.
US09987785B2
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying activatable melt flowable materials to substrates made from synthetic materials. The methods are concerned with formation of appropriate flowable materials, control over the manner in which the flowable materials are applied, treatment of the substrates prior to application of the flowable materials and the selection of the optimum combination of materials for the substrates and the flowable materials. The methods may be particularly suited for applying flowable materials to surfaces to produce components found in automotive, aerospace including trucks, busses and tractors and marine vehicles.
US09987779B2
A locator pin is provided for a plastic component. The locator includes a main rib, a first secondary rib intersecting the main rib at a first intersection and a second secondary rib intersecting the main rib at a second intersection. The first and second intersections are offset from each other. A plastic component incorporating the locator pin, a plastic component assembly incorporating that plastic component and a method of reducing sink marks in an injection molded plastic component are also provided.
US09987764B2
Tube insertion devices are configured to allow a user to manually insert a hollow tube into a receiving bore, e.g., a pen tube into the bore of a blank. In some implementations, the devices include (a) a pair of elongated arms, each arm comprising a gripping portion and an insertion portions, each of the insertion portions terminating in a distal tip, and (b) a connecting portion joining the arms such that the arms pivot about the connecting portion in a plane defined by the arms when the gripping portions are pressed together by a user. Each of the insertion portions preferably includes a relatively wider proximal portion and a relatively narrower distal tube-carrying portion, the change in width between the proximal portion and the distal portion defining a stop surface.
US09987755B2
A system utilizes electroadhesive surfaces for braking and metering objects in an automated environment. An electroadhesive surface can include electrodes that are configured to induce an electrostatic attraction with nearby objects upon application of voltage to the electrodes. The systems described utilize various configurations of electroadhesive surfaces, sensors, controllers and programmable processors to create smart braking, capturing and metering systems for improved automated material handling.
US09987752B2
Systems and methods for automatic detection of spills are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can have a spill detector comprising at least one optical imaging device configured to capture at least one image of a scene containing a spill while the robot moves between locations. The robot can process the at least one image by segmentation. Once the spill has been identified, the robot can then generate an alert indicative at least in part of a recognition of the spill.
US09987745B1
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for robust robotic task execution. An example method includes obtaining a task-level goal for a robot associated with one or more sub-goals, where accomplishment of the one or more sub-goals accomplishes the task-level goal. Carrying out an operation in pursuance of a given sub-goal may involve controlling at least one actuator of the robot. The method also includes determining one or more parameters indicative of a state of a system that includes the robot and an environment proximate to the robot. The method further includes selecting a particular sub-goal based on at least one of the one or more parameters. Additionally, the method includes selecting at least one controller based on at least one of the one or more parameters and the selected sub-goal. Further, the method includes causing the robot to operate in accordance with the at least one selected controller.
US09987739B2
An apparatus is provided for mounting to a work tool shaft to facilitate and reduce stress in the use of the tool. The apparatus includes a mounting portion adapted for receiving the work tool shaft and a handle mounted to the mounting portion. The handle includes an elongated portion offset from the work tool shaft and adapted for gripping by a user of the tool. The handle elongated portion is disposed, at least in part, intermediate the mounting portion and the work tool head and is substantially in line with the tool shaft. The mounting portion is adapted so that it can slide along the work tool shaft when no leverage is exerted on the handle and can firmly hold the work tool shaft when leverage is exerted on the handle. An adjustment assembly is provided for adjusting the sliding resistance of the mounting portion on the work tool shaft. A brake is adapted to hold the mounting portion in a fixed position along the length of the work tool shaft when leverage is applied to the handle and to allow the mounting portion to move along the length of the work tool shaft when the leverage is removed.
US09987738B2
In a hand-held power tool having a transmission and a torque clutch, which has a torque limiting coupling associated with the transmission and with which a limiting transfer element is associated, to which at least one spring element is axially applied in the direction of the torque limiting coupling, a torque level of the torque clutch being settable via a user-operable operating element at least within predefined limits, the torque limiting coupling has at least one roller-shaped latch member.
US09987735B2
A nail set includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and a pivot axis. The nail set also includes a tool member supported by the elongated body at the pivot axis. The tool member includes a first end portion having a first punch tool and a second end portion having a second punch tool that is different than the first punch tool. The tool member is selectively rotatable about the pivot axis. The nail set further includes a locking member supported by the elongated body and is movable between a first position, where the locking member engages the tool member to inhibit rotation of the tool member about the pivot axis, and a second position, where the tool member is rotatable relative to the elongated body about the pivot axis.
US09987731B2
A bleeder fitting structure includes a rigid first fitting member for rotating the bleeder and an elastic second fitting member connectable with the bleeder to form a flow passage. A deformation space with a certain size is defined between the first and second fitting members, whereby when the second fitting member is connected with the connection ends of different bleeders with different sizes, the second fitting member is deformed to different extents. Therefore, the second fitting member can be tightly fitted with the connection ends of different bleeders with a larger range of size to ensure that the fluid can flow through the flow passage without leakage.
US09987728B2
The present invention relates generally to fixed abrasive articles comprising: abrasive particles; a binder composition; and an abrasive performance enhancing composition, wherein the abrasive particles are disposed on or in the binder composition, and wherein the abrasive performance enhancing composition is disposed overlying the abrasive particles or binder composition or both. The abrasive performance enhancing composition comprises a mixture comprising a lubricant and an anti-wear agent. In particular embodiments the abrasive performance enhancing composition further comprises a fixative material.
US09987723B2
A grinding machine includes a support and a board which is connected to the connection portion of the support. The board has a first opening and a second opening. A transportation device is connected across over the first and second openings. A grinding device has a driving portion and a grinding portion which is connected to the driving portion. The driving portion is connected to the support so that the grinding portion is located above the transportation device. An angle adjustment device is connected between the board and the transportation device so as to adjust inclination of the transportation device so as to grind a larger area of an object.
US09987721B2
A double-side polishing method of polishing both surfaces of a wafer by holding the wafer with a carrier including a holding hole configured to hold the wafer and a ring-shaped resin insert disposed along an internal circumference of the holding hole, the resin insert having an inner circumferential surface configured to contact a peripheral portion of the wafer, interposing the carrier between upper and lower turn tables to which polishing pads are attached, polishing both the surfaces of the wafer while maintaining planarity of the inner circumferential surface at or below 100 μm and verticalness of the inner circumferential surface at or below 5°. The method can inhibit the degradation of the flatness of the polished wafer, such as particularly an outer circumferential sag, due to variation in shape of the inner circumferential surface of the resin insert of a carrier.
US09987715B2
A system for duplicating a master key includes a mechanism for receiving and positioning a master key. The master key defines a major key axis and an intermediate key axis along which a key blade variably extends, and a minor key axis along a key thickness. Optical path components direct a light beam along the minor key axis. The light beam impinges upon the key blade. A portion of the light beam traverses the key blade. A detector receives the portion of the light beam that traverses the key blade. An apparatus imparts relative motion along the major key axis between the light beam and the master key. The light beam scans along the major key axis of the master key. A processor receives a signal from the detector as the beam scans along the major key axis and generates information usable for defining the machining of a duplicate key.
US09987711B2
The invention relates to a welding tool coupling, in particular a hose-assembly interface or a welding torch handle, for connecting a welding tool (3), in particular a welding torch neck, to a supply line of a welding device, comprising a coupling device (2) for detachably coupling the welding tool (3) by means of a magnetic retaining force that can be switched on and off. According to the invention the coupling device (2) has at least one magnet system (10) and at least one short-circuit device, which can be moved in relation to each other between a switch-on position and a switch-off position in such a way that the magnetic flux generated by the magnet system (10) exits from the coupling device (2) in the switch-on position in such a way that the magnetic retaining force is generated and is at least partially short-circuited in the coupling device (2) by means of the short-circuit device in the switch-off position in such a way that the magnetic retaining force disappears. The invention further relates to a welding tool (3) for coupling to such a welding tool coupling, and a welding device having such a welding tool coupling.
US09987710B2
A solder paste whereby metal does not flow out of a joint during a second or subsequent reflow heating stage. The solder paste excels in terms of temporal stability and exhibits high joint strength at room temperature and at high temperatures. The solder paste comprises a powdered metal component and a flux component, the powdered metal component comprising: 10-70 mass % of a powdered intermetallic compound comprising copper and tin and 30-90 mass % of a solder powder including tin as a main component. Neither the powdered intermetallic compound nor the solder powder contains a copper-only phase, inhibiting the elution of copper ions into the flux.
US09987708B2
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to repairing or restoring a liner associated with a combustor of an aircraft engine. The liner is at least partially stripped of at least one detail. An automated welding operation is applied to the liner. A coating of the liner on a cold side of the liner is retained on the liner during the welding operation.
US09987706B2
A method for producing a stainless steel diffusion-bonded product provides a stainless steel material diffusion-bonded product having excellent reliability of the bonded portion by using a direct method, which includes directly contacting stainless steel materials with each other to unify the materials together by diffusion bonding. At least one of the stainless steel materials to be contacted is dual-phase steel having an austenite transformation starting temperature Ac1 point of 650 to 950° C. during the temperature elevation and having an austenite+ferrite dual-phase temperature region in the range of 880° C. or higher. Diffusion bonding is advanced under conditions such that the contact surface pressure is in the range of 1.0 MPa or less and the heating temperature is in the range of from 880 to 1,080° C. while being accompanied by the movement of grain boundary caused when the ferrite phase in the dual-phase steel undergoes transformation to an austenite phase.
US09987701B2
Welding power is generated by first generating two different current waveforms, and comparing the waveform values for control intervals to select which waveform provides the greater current. The waveforms are for different transfer modes, such as one for a pulsed arc portion, and another for a short-circuit transfer mode or for short-circuit clearing. The waveforms may be programmed by settings in a state machine. A balance or relative prioritization in the comparison may be influenced by user inputs. The resulting hybrid process has aspects of both spray transfer and short-circuit transfer modes.
US09987681B2
A molten metal holding and pouring box with a rectangular-shaped upper section and a pyramidal-shaped lower section provides a relatively constant flow of molten metal being poured from the box through each of two bottom nozzles into two separate foundry molds at the same time. The two bottom nozzles are contained in a unitary dual nozzle assembly that facilitates replacement as required by wear, or a change in location of the sprue cups in the two separate foundry molds being filled with molten metal.
US09987680B2
A method of removing voids from a casting is disclosed including the steps of introducing molten metal into a die, providing an impact surface and dropping the die containing the molten metal at least once from a predetermined height to strike the impact surface. A device for removing voids from a casting includes a base, a drive means operably coupled to at least one cam, and a guide configured to receive a die, wherein the at least one cam is positioned on the base to contact a die placed on the guide, and wherein rotation of the at least one cam is operable to raise and subsequently release the die to strike a surface of the base, and wherein the guide maintains the die in a stable orientation relative to a horizontal axis of the base.
US09987672B2
A hydraulic tube expander includes expanding jaws engageable with an interior surface of a tube to expand the tube; a source of hydraulic fluid, a valve located between the source and the expanding jaws and a single-action release actuator operatively coupled to the valve. The valve is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, hydraulic fluid can pass from the source to the expanding jaws and in the open position the hydraulic fluid can pass from the expanding jaws to the source. The actuator is movable between first and second positions. In the first position the valve is in the closed position. Movement of the actuator in a direction from the first position toward the second position moves the valve into the open position.
US09987670B2
A method of reshaping a cylindrical pipe to a ground screw foundation for attaching an object to the ground includes a drawing unit and a working tool having a plurality of press roll disks or press roll disk segments. The press roll disks or press roll disk segments are disposed radially around a longitudinal axis of a holder for the cylindrical pipe, and pivotably around shafts extending at a fixed distance to the longitudinal axis transversely and tangentially relative to the longitudinal axis. A cylindrical pipe is inserted into a holder. The cylindrical pipe or the working tool with the drawing unit is drawn such that a relative movement between the pipe and the working tool is created.
US09987663B2
An ultrasonic sensor includes a substrate on which an opening portion is formed; a vibration plate that is provided on the substrate so as to block the opening portion; and a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode that are stacked on an opposite side of the opening portion of the vibration plate, in which when a direction in which the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode are stacked is set to be a Z direction, and a portion that is completely overlapped by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode in the Z direction is set to be an active portion, the plural active portions are provided so as to face the one opening portion, and a suppressing portion (column portion) that suppresses vibrations of the vibration plate is provided between the adjacent active portions.
US09987652B2
An adhesive feeding device includes an adhesive dripping unit and a magnetic field control unit. The adhesive dripping unit is configured to accommodate an adhesive mixture having magnetic properties and comprises an adhesive outgoing end. The magnetic field control unit is provided above one end of the adhesive dripping unit opposite to the adhesive outgoing end, and is configured to control the adhesive mixture to flow out from the adhesive outgoing end without a firing pin.
US09987641B2
A dosing dispenser system and a dosing dispenser include a slidable control configured to allow a user to select a desired mixing ratio for a product contained in a container attached to the dosing dispenser with a transport medium, such as water, flowing through the dosing dispenser.
US09987639B2
A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.
US09987632B2
A method of separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising directing the plurality of particles (14) into a microchannel (12). A first portion (16) of particles (14) is focused into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). The focused first portion (16) is directed into a first outlet (18) aligned with the equilibrium position. A portion of the fluid is directed into one or more outlets (20, 22). A microfluidic device (10) for separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising a microchannel (12) having a first aspect ratio and a length L, thereby focusing the particles (14) directed therein into an equilibrium position in the microchannel, wherein at least a first portion (16) of the particles (14) focuses at distance X from a beginning of the microchannel (12). A first outlet (18) disposed after distance X and aligned with the equilibrium position to receive at least the first portion (16) of the particles (14) after the first portion (16) focuses into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). At least a second outlet (20) for receiving a second portion of the particles (14) before the second portion focuses into an equilibrium position.
US09987625B2
The present disclosure is directed to a desulphurization agent for removing sulphurous species from a diluent or process stream, and a use of such agent. In some examples, the agent may include a compound of manganese, pore forming particles and a compound of copper. The agent may be introduced into or mixed with the diluent or process stream to effectuate removal of sulphurous species from the diluent or process stream.
US09987621B2
Photocatalyst compositions and elements exhibiting desired photocatalytic activity levels and transparency.
US09987595B2
Disclosed is a header which can prevent a fixing layer for fixing the filtration membrane in the header from being detached from the header and a filtration membrane module comprising the same. A filtration membrane module of the present invention comprises a filtration membrane, a header comprising a case having an opening at an upper part thereof and a partition dividing an inner space of the case into a first space for insertion of the filtration membrane and a second space for fixing the filtration membrane, and a fixing layer. The filtration membrane is potted in the fixing layer which, together with the case, forms a filtrate collecting space in the first space. The partition has a through-hole. The fixing layer exists in at least a portion of the first space, in the second space, and in the through-hole of the partition as well.
US09987592B2
A system for abating waste methane includes a catalytic combustor device configured to catalytically combust waste-associated methane emissions generated by waste in a waste container, where the catalytic combustion is based on a reaction of the methane emissions and a catalyst of the catalytic combustor device in the presence of heat. The system further includes a combustion sensor configured to generate combustion data based on the catalytic combustion, a transmitter, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to control operation of the catalytic combustor device, determine an amount of methane abated by the catalytic combustor device, where the amount of methane abated is based on the combustion data, and report, via the transmitter, the amount of methane abated by the catalytic combustor device.
US09987591B2
The present invention relates to a method for removing sulphur dioxide from gaseous effluent, wherein a mixture of gaseous outlet gasses or gaseous effluent includes sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide, and wherein, to perform a catalytic reduction, a catalyst is used to catalyze a reaction between carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide to produce carbon dioxide and sulphur.
US09987587B2
A method for the treatment of a gas stream, wherein before the combustion of the gas stream, hydrogen sulfide is separated out of the gas stream in a first absorber by an absorption medium, the treated gas stream purified of hydrogen sulfide is burnt in a combustion apparatus, the carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas of the burnt gas stream after combustion is separated in a second absorber by an absorption medium, and the separated hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are separated in at least one desorber from the absorption medium for the regeneration of the latter. The same absorption medium separates the hydrogen sulfide out of the gas stream and the carbon dioxide out of the exhaust gas. A corresponding device for the treatment of a gas stream has a first absorber and a second absorber flow-connected to one another for the exchange of absorption medium.
US09987580B2
Mating interfaces between an air intake housing and an air filter are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an air filter assembly having a mating interface for coupling an air intake housing to the air filter may include an air filter having an exterior, an interior, and outlet; and a mating interface coupled to a circumference of the outlet of the air filter. The mating interface may include an opening for receiving an end of an air tube that is in communication with the interior of the air filter; and a groove in a surface of the mating interface for press-fit receiving a first opening an air filter housing that surrounds the air filter.
US09987573B2
An internally fed drum filter for treating waste water, includes an inlet distribution arrangement for distributing waste water entering the drum filter via an inlet duct, characterized in that the inlet distribution arrangement includes an adjustable flow deflection member arranged near the outflow opening of the inlet duct, downstream thereof, for adjusting the flow characteristics of waste water entering the drum filter via the inlet duct.
US09987561B2
A system for multi-client control of a common avatar is provided herein. The system includes, for example, a cloud game engine and a cooperative play engine associated with the cloud game engine and configured to multicast a video stream from the cloud game engine to multiple players, combine separate response streams from the multiple players into a joint response stream based on avatar functions contained therein and provide the joint response stream to the cloud game engine.
US09987550B2
Unique lottery tickets and/or systems for providing and/or participating in a lottery. In other embodiments, methods of administering and/or participating in a lottery. In at least one embodiment, a lottery integrated with a television or web broadcast, website, or other broadcast or publication.
US09987541B2
An athletic training system includes one or more panels that present a rigid front surface covered by a translucent material behind which is an illumination or light source and a pressure sensor that can detect and measure the pressure caused by impact of a ball (i.e. a soccer ball). A control device communicates with and controls the panels according to a selected exercise regimen that is designed to develop particular skills for an athletic or sporting endeavor by commanding the panel or panels to illuminate (i.e. turn on its light source). While illuminated, the panel actively monitors its pressure sensor for an indication of an impact, and upon detecting an impact, reports the detection of the impact to the control device, and turns off its illumination. The process of turning panels on and off and detecting impact can be used to construct various regimens for training and developing skills.
US09987538B1
A tossing game includes an apparatus that includes a vertical support body and a support base attached to a bottom end of the vertical support body for supporting the vertical support body in an vertical orientation. The vertical support body includes a plurality of target platforms that include a target surface that is sized and shaped for supporting the bottle once it has been successfully tossed onto one of the target platforms. The invention further includes a method of playing a game utilizing the tossing game apparatus.
US09987528B2
A golf club head including a cavity including an open end and a terminal end, the terminal end opposite the open end, an elongate weighted insert configured to reside in the cavity, the weighted insert having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the weighted insert through the open end in both a first orientation where the first end is adjacent the terminal end of the cavity and a second orientation where the second end is adjacent the terminal end of the cavity, a removable weight member configured to be removably affixed to each of the first end and the second end of the weighted insert, wherein the removable weight member is magnetically attracted to each of the first end and the second end of the weighted insert.
US09987525B2
Some embodiments include a golf club head with a tapered sole weight. Other embodiments for related club heads and methods are also disclosed.
US09987523B2
A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.
US09987522B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition excellent in resilience. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in rebound resilience and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition comprising: (A) at least one resin component selected from the group consisting of (a-1) a binary copolymer, (a-2) a binary ionomer resin, (a-3) a ternary copolymer, and (a-4) a ternary ionomer resin, (B) a saturated fatty acid, and (C) an unsaturated fatty acid, wherein a total content of (B) the saturated fatty acid and (C) the unsaturated fatty acid ranges from 100 parts by mass to 200 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of (A) the resin component.
US09987519B2
An improved exercise device includes pedals configured to move in counter-rotating circles in a plane inclined toward the horizontal from the vertical at an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. The device includes a supporting frame, a pedal mounting assembly attached to the supporting frame at an angle from the vertical, two pedal supports attached to the pedal mounting assembly, each via a pedal crank assembly, at an angle to the vertical, and two pedals, one pedal supported by each pedal support.
US09987510B2
A sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler frame having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an internal surface defining an internal fluid passageway having an inlet and an outlet extending axially to define a central sprinkler axis of the frame. The distal portion includes a plurality of surfaces to define a pair of chambers disposed about the passageway. The sprinkler assembly includes a seal assembly and a lever assembly having a first configuration to support the seal assembly and a second configuration to release the seal assembly. The lever assembly includes a pair of lever members in which each has lever member h a first end. In the first configuration, the first end forms a frictional engagement within a chamber to support the seal assembly in an unactuated state of the sprinkler frame.
US09987506B2
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.
US09987503B2
The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting dose of radiation received at the sensor device, the sensor device comprising a flexible body having a cross-section being comparatively small relative to the length of the device, a cladding at the flexible body, the cladding converting incoming radiation into visible light, and an optical shape sensing device disposed within the flexible body and configured to determine a shape of the flexible instrument relative to a reference, the shape sensing device configured to collect information based on its configuration to map an intraluminal structure during a procedure. The present invention further relates to a radiation therapy system including such a sensor device and a method of operating a radiation therapy system including such a sensor device.
US09987502B1
A method and system are provided. The method includes splitting, by a processor based on radiation beamlet contributions to neighboring voxels, at least one row in a voxel-beamlet matrix and corresponding elements of a target dose vector prior to, and in preparation for, a regression operation. The voxel-beamlet matrix has a row for each of a plurality of voxels in a three-dimensional patient volume and a column for each of a plurality of radiation beamlets. The target dose vector represents a desired energy amount for each of the plurality of voxels in the three-dimensional patient volume. The target dose vector corresponds voxel-by-voxel to rows in the voxel-beamlet matrix. The method further includes performing, by the processor, the regression operation on the voxel-beamlet matrix and target dose vector to obtain beamlet weights. The method also includes determining an actual radiation dosing scheme for a given patient based on the beamlet weights.
US09987501B1
A method and system are provided. The method includes condensing, by a processor, an original voxel-beamlet matrix stored in a memory device into a reduced dataset for proton beam simulation and therapy. The original voxel-beamlet matrix has a row for each of a plurality of voxels in a three-dimensional patient volume and a column for each of a plurality of radiation beamlets. The condensing step includes determining protobeams to be extracted from the original voxel-beamlet matrix. The protobeams are columns (i) selected from the original voxel-beamlet matrix based on comparisons performed between the columns in the original voxel-beamlet matrix or (ii) created by combining at least some of the columns in the original voxel-beamlet matrix, in a matrix condensing process. The condensing step further includes extracting the protobeams from the original voxel-beamlet matrix. The condensing step also includes storing the protobeams as the reduced dataset in the memory device.
US09987497B2
An ambulatory medical device capable of delivering therapy to a patient includes at least one response mechanism having a state capable of being activated by one response button; a controller operatively connected with the at least one response mechanism, the controller including at least one processor coupled with a memory; and a therapy manager component executable by the controller and configured to detect a physiological parameter having a value indicative of a health disorder of the patient, notify the patient of impending therapy delivery in response to the detection of the physiological parameter, monitor the state of each at least one response mechanism within at least one predetermined time period, and delay therapy delivery to the patient in response to detection of a change in the state in a single response mechanism of the at least one response mechanism within the at least one predetermined time period.
US09987490B2
A method of determining insertion status of a cochlear implant electrode array into a cochlea of a patient is provided. The method includes measuring conductivity associated with an electrode in the electrode array. Insertion status of the electrode is determined based, at least in part, on the measured conductivity.
US09987488B1
Detection and treatment of disordered breathing, with treatment being primarily delivered using electrical stimulation of the diaphragm, either directly or by stimulating appropriate nerves. In some embodiments, the stimulus is applied to still at least one lung upon detection of an apnea-hypopnea of some length or upon the detection of hyperpnea. The stimulation may be initiated during the apnea-hypopnea period or upon detection of a breath of a predetermined intensity near the end of apnea-hypopnea. The stimulation may be initiated in phase with respiration or irrespective of the phase of respiration.
US09987487B2
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract; a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions.
US09987486B2
The present invention provides a method for the treatment of consciousness disorder comprising the steps of positioning at least two electrodes on a patient's head such that the first electrode is positioned on the right supraorbicular cortex and the second electrode is positioned on the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex; connecting said electrodes to at least one source of electrical current; delivering direct current to the electrodes, and removing the electrodes from the patient's head after a time T; wherein steps a) to d) represent a treatment session and wherein at least one treatment session is is applied on the patient's head at least 2 days per week.
US09987480B2
A urine control device to be placed intermediate a catheter and a collection bag is provided. The urine control device includes first and second bell shaped housings with a magnetic valve disposed between the first and the second housings. When the pressure from the urine which flows through the present catheter enters the first chamber and exceeds the magnetic attraction in the valve, the valve pivotally opens, permitting the urine to flow through the open valve and into the second chamber. Due to the shape of the chambers, secondary forces create a low pressure zone in the second chamber which helps empty the bladder fully. Once the flow ceases, the magnetic valve pivotally shuts, allowing the urine pressure to build once again. Various sample ports and air entry ports may be provided on the device.
US09987473B2
A new minimally invasive surgical approach is proposed that contemplates a method and apparatus for tightening lax skin without visible scarring via a device in various surgical procedures such as plastic surgery procedures. In some embodiments, the device is a single use disposable instrument. This approach circumvents surgically related scarring and the clinical variability of electromagnetic heating of the skin and performs small multiple pixilated resections of skin as a minimally invasive alternative to large Plastic surgical resections of skin. This approach can also be employed in areas of the body that are currently off limits to plastic surgery due to the visibility of the surgical scar. In addition, the approach can perform a skin grafting operation by harvesting the transected incisions of skin from a tissue site of a donor onto a skin defect site of a recipient with reduced scarring of the patient's donor site.
US09987472B2
Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug.
US09987465B2
A dressing includes a cover layer and a plurality of force concentration elements disposed about a perimeter of the cover layer. Each force concentration element is configured to collect and distribute shearing forces applied to the dressing so as to retain the dressing to a patient. When configured as a window dressing, the window dressing can include a top layer defining a window and a backing layer coupled to the top layer and spanning the window. A plurality of adhesive islands can be disposed about a perimeter of the top layer, with each of the adhesive islands having a first adhesion coefficient associated therewith. An adhesive layer can be disposed about the adhesive islands. The adhesive layer can have a second adhesion coefficient associated therewith that is less than the first adhesion coefficient. Window dressings are well suited for catheterization procedures.
US09987462B2
An elongated device includes an optical fiber arranged to allow transmission of light to phase change material arranged long the elongated device, for optically heating the phase change material to change its stiffness from one stiffness value to a different stiffness value. Using distributed tilted or blazed Bragg gratings with light wavelength dependent unique grating periods along the optical fiber, a guide wire or catheter is provided which can be stiffness controlled at selected longitudinal portions. Behavior of the tip of a guide wire or catheter is controlled for optimal navigation. Portions of phase change material arranged inside a tube material can be activated at selected longitudinal parts of the elongated device.
US09987453B2
A humidifying apparatus utilizing a semi-permeable membrane portion within a gas conduit where the direction of gas flow within a central lumen is given by an arrow. The humidification apparatus has a helical configuration for the semi-permeable membrane portion, a structural reinforcing member or members, a water channel and a heating element. The helical configuration of an outer wall may be similar to conventional conduits that are in common use in respiratory apparatus. Thus the humidification apparatus may be readily substituted into existing respiratory device by exchanging the gas conduit.
US09987441B2
A counter containing a first ring member having first indicia and a second ring member having second indicia, each of the first and second ring members being rotatable in increments about a common axis, one or both of the first and second indicia indicating a count; and a drive mechanism for rotating the first ring member and for rotating the second ring member after one or more predetermined degrees of rotation of the first ring member, wherein the drive mechanism contains a pawl-and-teeth mechanism which contains a first and second pawl engageable with a plurality of teeth, and wherein each of the first and second pawls contains a driving engagement face for engaging in a driving engagement with one of the plurality of teeth, and a sliding engagement face for sliding over one of the plurality of teeth.
US09987432B2
A method and system are disclosed for driving a plunger in a drug reservoir. In some embodiments, a variable friction element interconnects between a pushing shaft and a wall of the reservoir. For example, rotation of a driving element in a first direction relative to the pushing shaft may advance the pushing shaft in the reservoir. The friction element may have increased friction resistance to rotation of the pushing shaft in the first direction in comparison to frictional resistance to advancing the pushing shaft. For example, the increased friction may result from wedging a radial element between the pushing shaft and the wall of the reservoir.
US09987418B2
A mechanical driver comprising a wedge shaped member operatively coupled to a shape memory alloy such that the shape memory alloy is able to displace the wedge shaped member in an essentially linear direction. The wedge shaped member is in constant contact with a lever arranged so that it can rotate about a fixed pivot point. A piston is arranged such that it is constant contact with the lever at a point between the pivot point of the lever and the contact point between the lever and the wedge shaped member. Return springs are provided to return the piston, lever and wedge shaped member to their respective start positions. Activation of the shape memory alloy displaces the wedge shaped member along its linear direction and this causes the lever to be deflected about its pivot point and the piston to be deflected in an essentially linear direction that is perpendicular to the linear direction of travel of the wedge shaped member.
US09987408B2
Objects of the invention are to provide a blood purifier package which shows a less increase in the amounts of extracts from the materials of its blood purifier, particularly of its selective permeable separation membranes, attributed to the deterioration of the same materials with time after exposure to a radioactive ray or an electron ray, and which is therefore highly reliable in safety in use for hemocatharsis, and to provide a process for manufacturing the same. The present invention relates to a blood purifier package obtained by packing a blood purifier which comprises selectively permeable separation membranes as a main component, and this blood purifier package is characterized in that the blood purifier is packed and sealed together with an oxygen scavenger in a packaging material capable of shutting out an external air and a water vapor, under a condition of a relative humidity of above 40% RH at 25° C.
US09987398B2
This invention is directed to a pattern transfer device and assembly for mass-transfer/fabrication of micro-sized features/structures onto the inner diameter (ID) surface of a stent. This new approach is provided by technique of through mask electrical micro-machining. One embodiment discloses an application of electrical micro-machining to the ID of a stent using a customized electrode configured specifically for machining micro-sized features/structures.
US09987397B2
A metal matrix has a biocompatible solid lubricant in at least a portion of its surface and the solid lubricant functions to protect the interior of the metal matrix and minimize the friction coefficient and related wear induced damage at the articulating surface of the metal device. The lubricated biocompatible metal device is made of materials compatible for in vivo and ex vivo applications in order to minimize wear induced degradation as well as metal ion release. The lubricated biocompatible metal device is suited for use as medical implants.
US09987395B2
Articles comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having serpentine fibrils and having a discontinuous coating of a fluoropolymer thereon are provided. The fluoropolymer may be located at least partially in the pores of the expanded fluoropolymer membrane. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is fluorinated ethylene propylene. The application of a tensile force at least partially straightens the serpentine fibrils, thereby elongating the article. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane may include a microstructure of substantially only fibrils. The articles can be elongated to a predetermined point at which further elongation is inhibited by a dramatic increase in stiffness. In one embodiment, the articles are used to form a covered stent device that requires little force to distend in the radial direction to a first diameter but is highly resistant to further distension to a second diameter (stop point). A large increase in diameter can advantageously be achieved prior to reaching the stop point.
US09987387B2
Aerosol odor eliminating compositions are described which are aqueous based and include at least one alkylene glycol, at least one surfactant wherein one or more of the at least one surfactant has an HLB of about 7 to about 20, compressed gas propellant, at least one fragrance, a buffering system and water. The composition excludes inclusion of a low molecular weight monohydric. The compositions have a volatile organic content (VOC) of less than 5.0% of the total composition based on 100 wt. %, or alternatively, a VOC of less than 0.1% as to the total composition based on 100 wt. % in absence of the wt. % of the active fragrant material of the fragrance. The compositions additionally have a consistent spray rate at multiple pressure ranges.
US09987386B2
An inside plug (10) includes: an inside plug body (12) held at an opening; a liquid absorbent wick holding section (17); and a ring (18) which (i) is held by the liquid absorbent wick holding section (17), (ii) is located in an inner space of a container body (2) in a state where the inside plug body (12) is held at the opening, and (iii) is brought closer to a flat surface (15) by gravity in a case where a suction-type liquid container (1) has fallen sideways.
US09987382B2
The present invention relates to improved radiotracer imaging agent compositions, which comprises 18F-labelled biological targeting moieties, wherein impurities which affect imaging in vivo are identified and suppressed. Also provided are radiopharmaceuticals comprising said improved compositions, together with radiofluorinated aldehyde compositions useful in preparing said radiotracer compositions. The invention also includes methods of imaging and/or diagnosis using the radiopharmaceutical compositions described.
US09987380B2
A composition useful as a PET and/or fluorescence imaging probe a compound a compound of Formula I, including salts, hydrates and solvates thereof: wherein R1-R7 may be independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, nitro, substituted and unsubstituted amino, cycloalkyl, carboxy, carboxylic acids and esters thereof, cyano, haloalkyl, aryl, X is selected from the group consisting of C and N; and A is selected of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, nitro, substituted and unsubstituted amino, alkyl, cycloalkyl, carboxy, carboxylic acids and esters thereof, cyano, haloalkyl, aryl, including phenyl and aminophenyl, and heteroaryl.
US09987376B2
A delivery system for use in the oral cavity, the system comprising a carrier for a bioactive substance. The carrier has a surface comprising oxygen-binding sites (X), and at least one link comprising a pentose group and one or more additional sugar groups, the pentose group being bonded to one of said oxygen binding sites (X) and wherein one or more bioactive molecules (R) are bonded directly to one of the sugar groups of the at least one link or to one or more substituents on one or more sugar groups in the at least one link.
US09987362B2
The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and devices for treatments related to mammary tissue in subjects, including reducing the incidence of mastitis. In particular, the disclosure can relate to creating a physical barrier on a teat surface, in a teat canal, or in a teat cistern for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders.
US09987359B2
The present invention provides a subcutaneous injection product for cattle for inducing superovulation characterized by comprising aluminum hydroxide gel and an efficient amount of a gonadotropin, wherein the concentration of the aluminum hydroxide is, in terms of the amount of aluminum, higher than or equal to 0.2 mg/mL and lower than 1.0 mg/mL, which is a subcutaneous injection product that is useful for producing good calves and that can induce superovulation in a cow by a single administration. The present invention also provides a method for producing good calves undergoing steps of subcutaneously injecting the aforementioned injection product into a cow to thereby induce superovulation, inducing estrus in the cow, conducting artificial insemination, and then collecting fertilized eggs.
US09987355B2
Compositions and methods, including vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing or enhancing an immune response are disclosed based on the discovery of useful immunological adjuvant properties in a synthetic, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) that is provided in substantially homogeneous form. Chemically defined, synthetic GLA offers a consistent vaccine component from lot to lot without the fluctuations in contaminants or activity that compromise natural-product adjuvants. Also provided are vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions that include GLA and one or more of an antigen, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, a co-adjuvant and a carrier such as a pharmaceutical carrier.
US09987349B2
The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition that comprises a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for treatment of several clinical manifestations (diseases). Preferably, the clinical manifestations are associated with a PCV2 infection. Preferably, they include lymphadenopathy, lymphoid depletion and/or multinucleated/giant histiocytes. Moreover, the clinical symptoms include lymphadenopathy in combination with one or a multiple of the following symptoms in pigs: (1) interstitial pneumonia with interlobular edema, (2) cutaneous pallor or icterus, (3) mottled atrophic livers, (4) gastric ulcers, (5) nephritis and (6) reproductive disorders, e.g. abortion, stillbirths, mummies, etc. Furthermore the clinical symptoms include Pia like lesions, normally known to be associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infections.
US09987346B2
Purified Chlamydia major outer membrane protein (MOMP) has been observed to induce protection against genital and respiratory challenge in mice. MOMP contains variable domains that are highly immunogenic and elicit cross-serovar neutralizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and T cell responses in animal and human models. Examples herein provide a method for vaccinating a subject against Chlamydia using a composition that is a recombinant Neisseria porin that contains at least one antigenic variable domain of Chlamydia. The variable domains are inserted into the amino acid sequence of the Neisseria porin at a position encoding a surface-exposed loop of the Neisseria porin. The vaccine further contains an adjuvant that induces a Th1 response greater than a Th2 response.
US09987345B2
The invention is in the field of outer membrane vesicles (OMV) and their uses. More particularly the present invention provides OMV obtained from a bacterium being an ompA mutant and/or a mutant in one or more components of the TolPal complex and presenting a heterologous antigen on its surface. The heterologous antigen is selected from the group consisting of Chlamydia trachomatis CT823, CT681, CT372, CT443, CT043, CT733, CT279, CT601 and CT153 for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.
US09987343B2
The invention described herein relates to a Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) regulon encoding type IV pili. In particular, the invention relates to type IV pili from nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) and from H. influenzae strains a, b, c, e and f. The invention provides isolated H. influenzae pilus polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides as well as polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides involved in the assembly/disassembly of the structure. The invention also relates to uses of these polynucleotides and/or polypeptides including methods for eliciting an immune response to H. influenzae and methods of treating and preventing H. influenzae related pathological conditions.
US09987341B2
The present invention relates to the provision of novel immunogens comprising an antigenic PCSK9 peptide linked to an immunogenic carrier for the prevention, treatment or alleviation of PCSK9-mediated disorders. The invention further relates to methods for production of these medicaments, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositing thereof and their use in medicine.
US09987336B2
Methods for attenuating or treating, or reducing the mortality of sepsis or septic shock using an ectonucleotidase such as CD39 or CD73 are provided.
US09987335B2
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.
US09987329B2
VEGF-B, as well as a combination of VEGF-B and VEGF-A, mediates peripheral nerve repair. Methods to treat damage to the peripheral nervous system are described.
US09987324B2
The present invention relates to the technical field of Chinese medicine, in particular to a traditional Chinese medicine composition and the use thereof. The traditional Chinese medicine composition comprises the following ingredients: pear juice, greenish lily bulb juice, fig juice, water chestnut juice, grosvenor momordica fruit, southern almond and northern almond. The traditional Chinese medicine composition has significant promotions on the phlegm-reducing and cough-relieving capabilities of the rats, and on the immune indices of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the rats, exhibiting that the traditional Chinese medicine composition provided in the present invention has good effects of clearing heat and moistening the lungs.
US09987320B2
A traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating cardiovascular disease, and a preparation thereof, particularly a micro drop pill preparation thereof, and a method for preparing the preparation; the method for preparing the micro drop pill preparation can be used to prepare drop pills, coated drop pills, and drop pill capsules with a high drug loading capacity.
US09987319B2
The invention extends the utility of apparatus used to extract medicinal cannabis compounds into an eluate by separating a portion of medicinal cannabis compounds contained within a portion of eluate at a first extraction target level providing enough clean solvent to continue extraction operations. A high efficiency concentrator such as a rotary evaporator or a wiped film evaporator processes eluate from one or more tanks or extraction vessels creating clean solvent when extraction targets are met or when clean solvent is exhausted. This manages eluate concentration levels and limits the quantity of concentrated medicinal cannabis compounds on site at any moment in time. The invention enables a business model for keeping medicinal cannabis compounds within a legal system, and reduces pollution because law enforcement would no longer have to burn large quantities of cannabis plant matter.
US09987318B2
An anti-inflammatory composition for inhibiting the secretion of cytokines, with the composition being based on a decoction of papaya leaves, a method of obtaining such a composition and a method of manufacturing an anti-inflammatory remedy for inhibiting cytokine secretion, having the composition the anti-inflammatory composition as its active principle. The method of obtaining the composition includes the steps of producing a decoction from papaya leaves, filtering the decoction in order to obtain a filtrate and atomizing the filtrate.
US09987312B2
To provide a mixture, a dissolving solution and a pharmaceutical agent, which contain a thermophilic microorganism to make it possible to regulate a mucous membrane immune system gene cluster and metabolism-related gene clusters of the intestines and the liver. Each of them is prepared by fermentation of an organic material containing a thermophilic microorganism at a temperature of 50° C. or more and 90° C. or less. By being administered to the animal, it regulates at least one of a mucous membrane immune system gene cluster, a metabolism-related gene cluster in the intestines, and a metabolism-related gene cluster in the liver of the animal. The microorganism includes at least one species of the genus Bacillus, Oceanobacillus, Paenibacillus, Anoxybacillus, Lysinibacillus, Methanopyrus, Geogemma, Pyrolobus, Pyrodictium, Hyperthermus, Pyrococcus, Pyrobaculum, Thermococcus, Aeropyrum, Aquifex, Thermotoga, Thermodesulfobacterium, Thermus, Geobacillus, and Thermomyces.
US09987310B2
Provided are pharmaceutical compositions that include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and isolated post-natal cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and/or progeny cells thereof that are SSEA3-positive and c-kit-negative. Also provided are methods for preparing cells capable of repairing damaged myocardium, methods for isolating populations of SSEA3-positive/c-kit-negative CPCs from cardiac tissue samples, methods for preparing an isolated cell population enriched in post-natal SSEA3-positive/c-kit-negative CPCs, therapeutic methods for using the presently disclosed cells and populations of cells to treat subjects in need thereof, and cell cultures that contain the presently disclosed cells and populations of cells.
US09987309B2
A method for promoting conversion of cells into cardiomyocytic tissue is carried out by contacting fibrotic tissue (e.g., scar tissue) with a microRNA oligonucleotide or combination of microRNA oligonucleotides. The methods lead to direct reprogramming of fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes or cardiomyoblasts.
US09987300B2
The present invention concerns a composition comprising micro particles of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)) and a carrier polymer selected from starch, alginate, blanose or DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) for use in preventing and/or treating viral infections of the upper respiratory tract or the common cold and a device, preferably a nasal delivery system, comprising said composition for use by a patient in need to prevent and/or treat infections or the common cold.
US09987296B2
Methods of treating an arthritic joint of a subject, including administering a pharmaceutical composition by injection into the arthritic joint, wherein the composition includes an anthocyanin or anthocyanidin, glucose, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US09987293B2
The present disclosure provides methods for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with medicaments useful for same. The medicaments can be pharmaceutical compositions or kits comprising compounds of formula (I) or a salt, solvate or prodrug thereof. Specific compounds of the invention include 2-methyl-7-hydroxy-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-6-methoxybenzofuran which is also known as BNC105 and disodium 6-methoxy-2-methyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)benzofuran-7-yl phosphate which is also known as BNC 105P.
US09987290B2
Assay methods for determining purity of a sample of a sterol are provided. These methods include providing an HPLC eluent including a sterol, other compounds related to the sterol and a mobile volatile phase; generating an aerosol of liquid droplets from the HPLC eluent; drying the liquid droplets to obtain residue particles of the sterol; contacting the residue particles of the sterol with an ion stream which applies a size-dependent electrical charge to each of the residue particles to generate an electrical signal and measuring the electrical signal to determine the purity of the sterol in the sample. The sterol can be OXY133 or OXY133 monohydrate.
US09987287B2
The present invention provides an orally disintegrating solid pharmaceutical dosage unit having a weight of 50-1,000 mg and containing at least 0.1 mg of an estetrol component selected from estetrol, estetrol esters and combinations thereof. This solid dosage unit consists of: 4-95 wt. % of granules consisting of: 3-80 wt. % of an estetrol component selected from estetrol, estetrol esters and combinations thereof; 20-97 wt. % C4-C12 sugar alcohol; 0-45 wt. % of one or more other pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients; and 5-96 wt. % of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The solid dosage units of the present invention are particularly suited for sublingual, buccal or sublabial administration of the estetrol component.
US09987282B2
Antiviral compositions and methods are contemplated that are especially effective in the treatment and prevention of influenza A viruses. Also presented are cellular assays to identify small molecule compounds having antiviral properties, particularly as it relates to detection of influenza A RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity in a mammalian cell independent of other influenza A components. Preferred assays allow for identification of viral replication inhibitors that do not disrupt normal cellular activity.
US09987278B2
Provided are a pharmaceutical composition for treating an FLT3 mutation-positive cancer; a mutant FLT3 inhibitor; and uses thereof. Disclosed are a pharmaceutical composition for treating an FLT3 mutation-positive cancer, containing a compound represented by General Formula [1] or a salt thereof as an active ingredient; a mutant FLT3 inhibitor; an anticancer agent; a method for predicting a therapeutic effect by administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound represented by General Formula [1] or a salt thereof in a subject, including a step of detecting the presence or absence of an FLT3 mutation; a method for selecting a subject to whom a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound represented by General Formula [1] or a salt thereof is applied, including a step of detecting the presence or absence of an FLT3 mutation; and a method for determining whether or not a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound represented by General Formula [1] or a salt thereof is administered to a subject, including a step of detecting the presence or absence of an FLT3 mutation.
US09987274B2
A method for treating and/or preventing hot flashes, by administering, to a patient in need thereof, of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof.
US09987261B2
Described herein, inter alia, are compounds useful for the prevention or treatment of hyperproliferative diseases or disorders.
US09987258B2
Disclosed herein is a method for modulating Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) in a cancer cell, comprising contacting the cell with a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Also disclosed is a method for treating a tumor in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) inhibitor, a Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD1) inhibitor, or a combination thereof.
US09987256B2
The present invention relates to the use of CFTR correctors in the treatment of genetic disorders affecting striated muscle selected from sarcoglycanopathies, Brody's disease (BD) and the recessive forms of Cathecolaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT).
US09987249B2
The present invention provides calcium sensing receptor modulators (CaSR). In particular, the compounds described herein are useful for treating, managing, and/or lessening the severity of diseases, disorders, syndromes and/or conditions associated with the modulation of calcium sensing receptors (CaSR). The invention also provides herein the pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treating, managing, and/or lessening the severity of diseases, disorders, syndromes and/or conditions associated with the modulation of CaSR. The invention also relates to process for the preparation of the compounds of the invention.
US09987247B2
The present invention relates to a benzbromarone or different pharmaceutically acceptable crystals thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, salts, esters, ethers or clathrates thereof, or use of a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the above in preparation of drugs, application thereof being for preparation of drugs for treating and preventing vertebrae cervicales diseases or lumbar disk herniation (LDH) in human.
US09987236B2
A transdermal absorption sheet and a manufacturing method for the transdermal absorption sheet includes a laminating step of forming a multilayer film with a viscosity difference by forming, on a support, a lower layer containing a first transdermal absorption material and an upper layer containing a drug and a second transdermal absorption material and having a lower viscosity than the lower layer, a filling step of filling needle-like recessed portions corresponding to inverted needle-like protruding portions with a solution of the transdermal absorption material by pressing a mold in which the needle-like recessed portions are arranged in a two-dimensional array, against a surface of the multilayer film supported by the support to allow the multilayer film to flow, a solidifying step of solidifying the multilayer film with the mold pressed against the surface of the multilayer film, and a peeling-off step of peeling the solidified multilayer film from the mold.
US09987221B2
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, injectable compositions are provided, which contain temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles. The hydrogel particles may be provided in dry form, or they may be provided in hydrated form in an aqueous fluid. The temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles may have an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) below normal body temperature, they may have a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) above normal body temperature, or they may have a LCST that changes from below normal body temperature to above normal body temperature after injection into a subject.
US09987220B2
A method for manufacturing a pad for herbal medicine in which the release of medicinal ingredients can be controlled, which comprises: separating two or more medicinal herbal ingredients prescribed or prepared according to pharmacological effects on the basis of the weight ratio of each medicinal ingredient to total weight of the medicinal ingredients; grinding the medicinal ingredients separated on the basis of weight ratio, wherein fine particles are ground to different sizes according to the setting of release duration; preparing herbal medicine by mixing the ground medicinal ingredients together, and then mixing the ingredients with a binding agent; and adhering the herbal medicine to a base sheet. The pad for herbal medicine manufactured according to the method allows for persistent permeation of medical ingredients through the skin with different release rate for each medicinal ingredient, thus maximizing the efficacy of the medicinal ingredient layer and the effect of treating disease.
US09987211B2
The invention provides sunless tanning compositions comprising a compounds of formula (I): or a salt thereof as described herein as well as methods for tanning mammalian skin by contacting the skin with the compounds of formula (I) or compositions comprising compounds of formula (I).
US09987191B2
A device and method for desynchronizing a patient's neuronal brain activity in which the neuron population is firing in a pathologically synchronized manner. The device includes a stimulation unit that generates an acoustic stimulation signal that includes both a first tone and a second tone. The first tone is provided to shift the phase of the neuronal brain activity of a first subpopulation of the neuron population relative to the phase of the neuronal brain activity of a second subpopulation of the neuron population when the first tone is acoustically received by the patient. Further, the second tone is provided to shift the phase of the neuronal brain activity of the second subpopulation relative to the phase of the neuronal brain activity of the first subpopulation when the second tone is acoustically received by the patient. As a result, the acoustic stimulation signal desynchronizes the stimulated neuron population.
US09987190B2
A vibrator sex toy is provided with touch-based sensors for an ergonomic in-situ method of controlling the operation and intensity of the vibrator. The vibrator sex toy has an internal end, an external end and a middle staging section. The staging section includes a control circuit and batteries. The internal end includes electric vibrator motors connected to the control circuit by wires.The external end includes ergonomically placed touch sensors that behave like variable resistors. The touch sensors respond to natural human gestures such as grasping, stretching, compressing and bending the external end of the sex toy with changes in resistance. The touch sensors are connected to the control circuit by wires and act as potentiometers in the control path of the vibrator motors. The user is able to vary the sensations from the motors intuitively and in-situ by manipulating the external end or applying it to a partner.
US09987189B2
A mobility assistance device is provided. The device has an elongate post having an upper end and a lower end with the lower end adapted for contact with the ground and the upper end being secured to a forearm support. The forearm support is generally horizontal and is comprised of a platform and a cuff, wherein the platform and the cuff are engagable with a user's forearm, with the cuff being linearly disposed about a longitudinal axis of the platform to hold the user's forearm so that the arm remains in contact with the platform. An upper arm support extends upwardly from the upper end of the vertical elongate post to engage the upper arm of the user.
US09987188B1
A body weight support (BWS) system is disclosed. The BWS system includes a harness coupled to a plurality of cables, wherein the harness is worn by a subject, an actuator for each of the plurality of cables, each actuator configured to place a tension on a corresponding cable in response to an electrical signal, at least one force sensor configured to provide an electrical signal corresponding to forces applied to the harness, at least one motion sensor configured to provide an electrical signal corresponding to changes in acceleration of the subject, and a controller configured to control the plurality of actuators.
US09987185B1
Transducers, tools, devices, apparatus, systems and methods for rejuvenation and aging treatments. The invention can convert an input alternating current into a positive higher frequency output to energize a crystal pack or a plurality of crystals. The rejuvenation transducer includes an input power source to supply a lower frequency input current, a pulse generator to produce a positive higher frequency electrical output pulse from the lower frequency input current, a crystal pack coupled to receive the positive higher frequency electrical output pulse from the pulse generator and produce a gigahertz output and the crystal pack modulates the signal, and a light emitting diode in the current path to indicate an energized state of the rejuvenation transducer. Treatments with the transducers show telomere lengths being lengthened causing a rejuvenation effect.
US09987175B2
A product line of absorbent articles includes a first absorbent article for a male wearer within a first size range. The first absorbent article has an outer cover, a body facing material in opposed relationship with the outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the body facing material and the outer cover for absorbing liquid that passes through the body facing material. The body facing material defines a male urine handling feature with a plurality of projections adapted to handle urine released by the male wearer. A second absorbent article for a female wearer is sized within the first size range. The second absorbent article includes an outer cover, a body facing material in opposed relationship with the outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the body facing material and the outer cover for absorbing liquid that passes through the body facing material. The body facing material defines a female urine handling feature with a plurality of projections adapted to handle urine released by the female wearer. At least a portion of the projections of the female urine handling feature has a different configuration than the projections of the male handling feature.
US09987174B2
An absorbent article including at least two stacked absorbent pads which are releasably attached to each other, one being a first, user facing, absorbent pad and another being a second, garment facing, absorbent pad. The absorbent pads each have a liquid permeable topsheet; a backsheet; a first and second end region and a central region in the longitudinal direction; first and second lateral margins; and first and second transverse margins. The first and second absorbent pads are releasably attached to each other by joints along at least part of the respective first and second lateral margins in at least one of said end regions. The first and second absorbent pads are furthermore unattached from each other in an unattached region along at least a part of the transverse margins in the end region including the joints along the lateral margins. The first absorbent pad has a greater width, at least between the joints along the lateral margins in the end region, than the second absorbent pad.
US09987173B1
A male diaper permits a user to urinate without removing the diaper from a lower body region of the user and includes a main body member disposed around the lower body region of the user and having a front portion with a crotch region having a front flap and a rear flap separated to create an opening to permit the user's reproductive organ to pass therethrough, and an exterior flap detachably coupled to the front portion of the main body member by a fastener. The exterior flap is designed to attach to the main body member to a closed position to seal the opening. The exterior flap is designed to detach from the main body member to an open position to permit the reproductive organ of the user to extend through the opening and into a surrounding environment, thereby enabling the user to urinate.
US09987170B2
A wound dressing including at least one layer made of microbially produced cellulose formed into a biocellulose layer, wherein the wound dressing is configured to adsorb bacteria and wherein the thickness of the bio-cellulose layer is between 0.08 and 1.5 mm, as well as a method for producing such a wound dressing.
US09987169B2
An ornamental attachment apparatus is provided for attaching to and ornamenting hearing protection devices. The ornamental attachment apparatus includes an ornamental portion having ornamental feature, and a receiving portion for receiving and attaching to a post portion of a hearing protection device. The receiving portion may include a cavity including an attachment element for retaining the post portion therein. In some embodiments, the ornamental attachment apparatus includes an attachment element with a tapered shape for insertion into a recess on a custom hearing protection device. The ornamental portion may include a sensor, a peripheral device and an electronic component for controlling the peripheral device. The electronic component may be configured to control the peripheral device responsive to an electronic signal received from the sensor.
US09987164B2
A method, device, or system for treating eye disorders or conditions, comprising restoring or increasing blood flow or blood flow rate in an artery that supplies blood to or in the eye, thereby increasing the amount of nutrient(s) that reaches the eye or a portion thereof. The invention also includes methods, devices, or systems for treating eye disorders or conditions which use reverse flow or retrograde flow structures and systems during the treatment of the eye disease.
US09987156B2
An endoprosthesis delivery system includes a wire holder on a distal section of an elongated shaft with a plurality of wires extending distally from the wire holder and, in a secured position, terminating in a distal receiver attached to the elongated shaft distal to the wire holder. A single wire attached to the wire holder and extending proximally along the delivery system to a point easily accessible by the operator may be pulled proximally to move the wires out of the distal receiver and release the endoprosthesis.
US09987155B1
The present disclosure describes medical devices comprising implantable expandable implants, such as stent-grafts. Such devices can comprise a constraining line. The constraining line can surround the proximal end of the expandable implant, and assist in positioning and deployment of the expandable implant within the body of the patient.
US09987147B2
A method for selecting modular neck components for hip implants based on independent variables associated with physical characteristics of the implant, including leg length, offset, and anteversion. During surgery, the surgeon may be confronted with a need to change a preoperatively-chosen modular neck. For example, the surgeon may desire a change in at least one of the variables, e.g., leg length, offset, and/or anteversion. The present method allows the surgeon to quickly and easily select a different modular neck based on an evaluation of one of the variables without requiring reevaluation of the other variables. The method may include preoperative planning in which a template including a grid coordinate system is used.
US09987141B2
The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.
US09987129B2
A heart valve prosthesis of any type, with internal microelectronic circuit for monitoring the movement of the valve leaflets or of the movable opening and closing elements of said heart valve prosthesis, and external electronic system for telemetric monitoring of such a sensorized heart valve prosthesis, characterized in that said heart valve prosthesis comprises two or more electrodes set in the annular base body of the prosthesis itself, and comprises an internal microelectronic circuit, which is connected to electric power supply means, is equipped with means for generating, between said electrodes, an electrical field, the field lines of which are oriented so as to interfere with the opening and closing movement of the movable elements of said heart valve prosthesis or of the natural leaflets of the heart valve on which said prosthesis will be mounted, and is equipped with or connected to means for detecting the variations of said electrical field produced by the cyclic movement of opening or closing of said leaflets or of said movable elements, which will be expressed as variations of intravalvular electrical impedance and characterized in that it comprises, implanted, a transceiver unit with corresponding antenna for telemetric transmission of the data correlated to said variations of intravalvular electrical impedance, to an external unit that processes the collected data and uses them at least for purposes of diagnosis and prevention.
US09987127B2
A method, system and apparatus for vision correction are disclosed. The method, system and apparatus include a toric intraocular element for correcting astigmatism and having a cylinder power, and a depth of focus extender coupled to the toric intraocular element, the depth of focus extender extending a depth of focus. The extended depth of focus may reduce sensitivity of the toric intraocular element to at least one of rotation and selected cylinder power.
US09987124B2
Corneal implant applicator devices and methods of using. In some embodiments they include an implant applicator and an implant support, wherein the implant applicator and implant support are disposed relative to one another to form an implant nest that is adapted to house a corneal implant; wherein the applicator has a greater affinity for the corneal implant than the support.
US09987122B2
An iliac branch device includes an iliac septum limb configured to be deployed in the common iliac artery. The iliac septum limb includes a graft material, a proximal end, and a septum. The graft material defines a common iliac lumen extending between the proximal end and the septum, the graft material and the septum defining an internal iliac lumen and an external iliac lumen. The iliac branch device including the iliac septum limb has several modes of adjustability. In addition, the iliac branch device has a relatively small cross-sectional area allowing the iliac branch device to treat relatively small iliac aneurysms in short common iliac arteries. This allows the iliac aneurysms to be treated at very early stages of the disease.
US09987114B2
The present disclosure provides a compound three-dimensional surgical implant and methods of forming and using the same. The compound three-dimensional surgical implant includes a grip-type knit mesh defining pores and including a plurality of spiked naps extending from a surface the grip-type knit mesh, a prosthetic knit mesh defining principal cells and peripheral cells being layered on the grip-type knit mesh such that at least a portion of the spiked naps grip at least a portion of the cells of the prosthetic knit mesh. The grip-type knit mesh and the prosthetic knit mesh are folded together into a predetermined three-dimensional structure such that at least a portion of the spiked naps grip at least a portion of the pores of the grip-type knit mesh to hold the three-dimensional structure of the surgical implant.
US09987111B1
The occlusal canting identifying tool includes a frame having an elongated horizontal portion and a pair of parallel side arms movably attached to the horizontal portion at opposite ends thereof. The tool further includes a vertical arm centrally positioned on the front of the horizontal portion and a measuring assembly positioned on the rear of the horizontal portion. The measuring assembly includes a protractor rotatably attached to the rear of the horizontal portion, the protractor being configured to rotate on a horizontal axis in relation to the horizontal portion, and a bite plate connected to the protractor, the bite plate being adjustable forward and backward in relation to the protractor. The patient is instructed to bite on the bite plate, and if occlusal canting is present, the degree of canting is quantified by rotation of the protractor.
US09987106B2
Provided is an orthodontic self-ligating bracket in which the second wing formed on the bracket body is formed to be lower than the height of the first wing, and when pushing the wire to the slot to mount the wire to the slot by installing the wire coupling device on the top surface of the second wing, while the plate tip is pushed rearward by the force for pushing the wire, the slop inlet is open, and when the wire is mounted on the slot and the pushing force disappears, the plate tip closes the slot inlet, thereby remarkably shortening the wire mounting time and allowing very convenient wire mounting.
US09987105B2
The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of the bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.
US09987103B1
An orthodontic protection device including: a protective layer shaped sized to fit over the facial surface of at least one tooth of a human and any orthodontic appliances affixed to the facial surfaces of the at least one tooth, wherein the protective layer includes a moldable material; and an adhesive layer including at least one hygroscopic polymeric material on a facial surface of the protective layer.
US09987100B2
An electrically safe treatment system for use in treating a patient includes two or more sections coupled with a joint that permits any one section to rotate relative to another coupled section. At least one of the sections includes an electrical component. An electrical contact associated with the joint is designed to maintain an electrical connection between a pair of sections throughout an angular range of motion of one of the sections relative to the other, coupled section. The electrical contact can also maintain a total resistance of a series connection including the two sections and the contact below a specified threshold. Alternatively, one or more insulator joints may be employed to meet safety requirements.
US09987093B2
A medical data processing method for determining the spatial relationship of a first medical device relative to a second medical device, the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: d) acquiring first medical device position data comprising first medical device position information describing the position of the first medical device, wherein the first medical device position data is acquired based on reading, from a marker device having for example a fixed spatial relationship relative to the first medical device, the first medical device position information or information which allows access to the first medical device position information; e) acquiring second medical device position data comprising second medical position information describing the position of the second medical device; f) determining, based on the first medical device position data and the second medical device position data, relative position data comprising relative position information describing the spatial relationship of the second medical device relative to the first medical device.
US09987081B1
Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the system including a pulse waveform signal generator for medical ablation therapy that may be coupled to an ablation device including at least one electrode for ablation pulse delivery to tissue. The signal generator may generate and deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulse waveform in a predetermined sequence where the signal generator may independently configure a set of electrodes of an ablation device. The signal generator may further perform active monitoring of a set of electrode channels and discharge excess energy using the set of electrode channels.
US09987079B2
A surgical instrument includes an end effector including first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue. In the second position, the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a first signal, and a second optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a second signal. A controller is coupled to the first and second fibers and is configured to determine the temperature and the strain of the first jaw member as a function of the first and second signals, respectively.
US09987066B2
Methods and devices are provided for using a bone anchor driver for driving inner and outer set closure mechanisms or set screws into a bone anchor assembly. In one embodiment, a bone anchor driver is provided that includes an outer shaft configured to engage an outer set screw coupled to a bone anchor assembly, an inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft and configured to engage an inner set screw coupled to the bone anchor assembly, and a torque limiting mechanism configured to automatically switch between a first position in which it is disengaged from the inner shaft and is engaged with the outer shaft, and a second position in which it is disengaged from the outer shaft and is engaged with the inner shaft.
US09987060B2
A bone anchor locking device for receiving a bone anchor having a shank and an enlarged head, the device has a bone anchor, a dome and a conical split washer. The receiving portion has a base extending radially outward and inwardly to a wall. The dome has a center aperture sized to pass a bone anchor. The split washer has an inner conical surface sloped to slide and expand against at least a portion of the base on insertion of a bone anchor to allow a maximum diameter of a head of a bone anchor to pass and thereafter the split washer retracts overlying the maximum diameter of the head to prevent a bone anchor from backing out.
US09987059B2
A cervical plate having improved mounting screws that employ a retention clip for automatically engaging the head portion of the screw during insertion into countersunk apertures. The arrangement prevents the mounting screws from migrating out of the bone material during use.
US09987057B2
An orthopedic assembly may include an orthopedic device, an anchor, and a locking mechanism. The orthopedic device can be a plate member having an aperture that is configured to receive the anchor. The anchor can include a head, neck and shank portion. The head portion can include a plurality of arms separated by grooves that are capable of splaying. The assembly is configured such that when the locking mechanism is inserted into the head portion, this causes expansion of the arms of the head. This expansion locks and secures the anchor to the orthopedic device. Various instruments are provided that can deliver the locking mechanism to the anchor, and can provide impact to lock functionality.
US09987055B2
An expandable implant system is configured to increase the height of a target bone, for instance that has been subjected to a compression fracture. The expandable implant system includes an implant assembly that can be inserted into the target bone, and subsequently expanded so as to increase the height of the target bone. The expandable implant system further includes an and insertion assembly that is configured to create an insertion channel into the target bone, such that the implant assembly can be inserted in a collapsed configuration into the target bone along the insertion channel, and subsequently expanded.
US09987054B2
A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations. For bone screw implantation, the end guide tools and intermediate guide tools are assembled with a driver. The driver is coaxial with the respective guide tool and rotatingly mateable thereto. The driver includes a stem and a nut-type fastener, the stem receivable in the guide tool. The fastener allows for rotation of the bone screw without rotating the attached guide tool. For reducing a rod into the bone screw, a rod pusher is deployed that is coaxial with a respective guide tool and includes an outer sleeve that abuts the rod as the sleeve is translated along the guide tool and toward the bone screw. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the bone screws and the rod in the patient.
US09987037B2
A debridement device having a controllable Lorentz-force actuator is disclosed. The debridement device includes a nozzle delivering a jet of debridement substance to a tissue and the jet is driven by the Lorentz-force actuator. The device may have a suction port for removing the debridement substance. A second Lorentz-force actuator can be used for each of the jet and suction. The first and second Lorentz-force actuators for the jet and suction can also be configured to provide for continuous jet injection and continuous suction. The device may include a second nozzle delivering a second jet of debridement substance to the region of tissue and the first and second jets may intersect and dissipate into a mist upon intersection to dissipate the kinetic energy of the jets. The Lorentz-force actuator may drive a reciprocating piston pump providing continuous pressure to the nozzles.
US09987026B2
A medical instrument is disclosed for crushing a thrombus present in a pulmonary artery of a living body by an ultrasonic vibration. The medical instrument includes an elongated main body section capable of being inserted into an airway of the living body, and an ultrasonic oscillation section which can be inserted into the living body by the main body section and which oscillates the ultrasonic vibration inside the living body. By the medical instrument, a thrombus present in a pulmonary artery can be rapidly crushed, whereby a therapeutic effect on pulmonary embolism can be obtained.
US09987025B2
A sheathed tubular semi-rigid balloon catheter for performing probing, irrigation, dilation, suction and potential intubation of the nasolacrimal system or paranasal sinus system to treat for stenosis or obstruction. The catheter includes a sheathed tubular probe portion through which a tracer fluid can be injected and through which suctioning of blood or other material can be conducted. The sheath portion of the device can have a distal segment that is inflated in order to dilate parts the nasolacrimal or paranasal sinus system. The high axial load accommodating catheter tool includes a more secure and inexpensively manufactured bond between the metallic semi-rigid tube of the probe portion and the plastic hand-manipulable, multi-connector hub using an enlarged bonding collar.
US09987023B2
An orthopedic surgical instrument comprising an orthopedic cutting tool includes a metallic cutting insert configured to remove portions of a patient's bone and a body molded to the cutting insert. The cutting insert includes a plurality of chemically etched holes, and the body is molded to the cutting insert such that each of the plurality of chemically etched holes is at least partially filled by a portion of the body. The cutting insert may include a plurality of cutting teeth configured to remove portions of the patient's bone. A method of manufacturing an orthopedic surgical instrument is also disclosed.
US09987022B2
A patient-matched cutting block including a surface or point contact features adapted to at least partially conform to or reference a patient specific anatomy. The cutting block having guide slots configured for guiding the movement of cutting tools relative to the patient specific anatomy or features configured to mate to and guide standard cutting guides relative to patient specific anatomy in order to form plateau and eminence resections of the patient specific anatomy.
US09987021B2
A method for determining a mechanical axis of a tibia using a tibial digitizer is disclosed. The method includes: determining an upper reference point on a tibial plateau corresponding to an entry point of the mechanical axis; fastening an upper mounting end of the tibial digitizer to the tibial plateau at the upper reference point; and fastening a lower mounting end of the tibial digitizer to medial and lateral malleoli of the ankle, by inwardly displacing opposed caliper arms of a self-centering malleoli engaging mechanism toward each other in a common plane until the caliper arms abut the malleoli. A lower reference point located at a midpoint between the medial and lateral malleoli is then determined by identifying a corresponding midpoint between the caliper arms when they are clamped onto the medial and lateral malleoli.
US09987006B2
A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The housing comprises a first shroud portion, a second shroud portion, a working assembly nested in the first shroud portion, wherein the working assembly is detachable from the first shroud portion, wherein the second shroud portion is removably couplable to the first shroud portion to permit the working assembly to be detached from the first shroud portion, and at least one securing member movable to secure the working assembly to the first shroud portion.
US09986996B2
A device for supporting an endoscopic tool is disclosed comprising attachment means for attaching the device to an endoscope, a first guide tube having a distal open end and configured for accepting the endoscopic tool through it, first and second projecting members extending distally of the attachment means and being spaced apart when the device is attached to the endoscope to define a working space between them. The attachment means comprise first and second clamping members and at least one cable linking the clamping members. The cable is remotely actuatable for moving the clamping members relative to each other to adjust a spacing between them, accepting an endoscope. The cable allows for securing the clamping members to the endoscope. The first projecting member is attached to the first clamping member such that it has a fixed or at least one fixable position relative to the first clamping member, and the second projecting member is attached to the second clamping member. The first guide tube is slidable relative to the first clamping member, and the distal end of the first guide tube is pivotally attached to a distal end of the first projecting member so as to enable the distal end of the first guide tube to be pivoted to an orientation transverse to the first projecting member.
US09986993B2
Apparatus and methods are described herein for repositioning a tether attached to a prosthetic heart valve. In some embodiments, a method includes inserting a distal end portion of a snare device through an incision at a first location in a ventricular wall of a heart and within the left ventricle of the heart. A tether extending from a prosthetic mitral valve, through the left ventricle and out an incision at a second location on the ventricular wall of the heart is snared with the snare device. The tether is pulled with the snare device such that a proximal end of the tether is moved back through the incision at the second location on the ventricular wall and into the left ventricle. The snare device is pulled proximally such that the tether is pulled proximally through the incision at the first location in the ventricular wall of the heart.
US09986988B2
A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration it which the retraction elements are hidden.
US09986981B2
A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features.
US09986978B2
A stool collection, containment, and specimen disbursement system for facilitating easier stool collection while protecting the samples from bio-contamination and providing easier functionality for patients, diagnostic centers, and labs.
US09986977B2
Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of operating the same. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first ultrasonic transceiver that transmits an ultrasonic signal and receives a first echo signal that is reflected, through a deactivated probe from among a plurality of probes; a gel detector that determines whether gel is applied on the deactivated probe based on the received first echo signal; and a controller that activates the deactivated probe when it is determined that the gel is applied on the deactivated probe.
US09986971B2
A surgical imaging apparatus is disclosed, and includes an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including at least one ultrasonic transducer. The surgical imaging apparatus also includes at least one light source being operatively coupled with the elongate body and configured to move relative to the elongate body. The at least one light source is configured to project light onto a tissue surface. The light is dimensioned to illuminate a section of tissue corresponding to a tissue margin.
US09986969B2
A multiple aperture ultrasound imaging system may be configured to store raw, un-beamformed echo data. Stored echo data may be retrieved and re-beamformed using modified parameters in order to enhance the image or to reveal information that was not visible or not discernible in an original image. Raw echo data may also be transmitted over a network and beamformed by a remote device that is not physically proximate to the probe performing imaging. Such systems may allow physicians or other practitioners to manipulate echo data as though they were imaging the patient directly, even without the patient being present. Many unique diagnostic opportunities are made possible by such systems and methods.
US09986960B2
A robotic arm, movable in three rotational degrees of freedom has a base end and a distal end supporting SPECT imaging detectors. A patient support assembly is movable in a linear degree of freedom. A controller causes the robotic arm to move the SPECT imaging detectors, in three dimensions, around the patient's body to obtain SPECT images. The control causes the patient support assembly to move along the linear degree of freedom, maintaining alignment of the patient's body with the SPECT imaging detectors.
US09986958B2
A medical examination and/or treatment apparatus includes a robot with a multiaxially movable arm, a C-arm mounted on the multiaxially movable arm, a cable strand for supplying the C-arm, and a device for guiding the cable strand in a movement of the C-arm. The device for guiding the cable strand is arranged at or on the robot or a component of the robot.
US09986957B2
The radiation detector includes image pixels that each includes a counting pixel, to restore an image. The counting pixel includes a radiation absorption layer, which converts incident photons into an electrical signal, and a photon processor that counts a number of the photons, based on the electrical signal.
US09986953B2
According to a method for producing a radiation detection unit, in a first step, a side portion of a first radiation detection module and a first protrusion are abutted. In a second step, a second radiation detection module is arranged within a region from which the first protrusion has been removed, and a side portion of the second radiation detection module and a second protrusion are abutted, after the first step. In a third step, each of the mounting portion of the first radiation detection module and the mounting portion of the second radiation detection module is arranged opposing a frame while spaced apart from the frame, and each of the first radiation detection module and the second radiation detection module is mounted on the frame.
US09986943B2
Blood collection assemblies with safety features are disclosed. The assemblies have a housing for receiving a vacutainer, which has a septum that penetrates a sharp needle tip. The disclosed assemblies further have a shield for covering the other end of the needle following use to prevent accidental contact with the distal needle tip. The shield is spring loaded so that the spring force moves the shield over the needle. The shield can be secured or held in an initial position and allowed to move to cover the needle upon actuation or activation of an activator unit.
US09986937B2
A modular growth chart assembly includes a growth chart module, one or more picture frame modules removably attached to a first side of the growth chart module, and at least one decorative frame module removably attached to the a second side of the growth chart module opposite of the first side. The growth chart module extends along a vertical height from a bottom end to a top end. The growth chart module includes hash marks disposed along its vertical height for measuring height, for example, of a child. Photos of the child can be implemented with the picture frame modules for adapting the growth chart assembly to a particular user or child. With the modular growth chart assembly, a user may substitute the decorative frame module to adapt the growth chart assembly along with a child's changing preference or interest.
US09986933B2
Methods and apparatus for verifying operability of a neurophysiological-based control system include generating a test stimulus that will result in a predetermined neurophysiological response in a user. Neurophysiological brain activity signals obtained from the user in response to the test stimulus are processed to generate a test neurophysiological response. The test neurophysiological response and a predetermined neurophysiological response are compared to determine if the neurophysiological-based control system is operating properly.
US09986928B2
Systems, methods, and interfaces are described herein for assisting a user in noninvasive evaluation of patients for cardiac therapy and noninvasive evaluation of cardiac therapy being delivered. The systems, methods, and interfaces may provide graphical representations of cardiac electrical activation times about one or more portions of human anatomy and one or more cardiac health metrics.
US09986924B2
Provided herein are implantable biomedical devices and methods of administering implantable biomedical devices, making implantable biomedical devices, and using implantable biomedical devices to actuate a target tissue or sense a parameter associated with the target tissue in a biological environment.
US09986920B2
In a blood pressure information measurement device cuff, a first flexion point and a second flexion point at which a curvature radius changes are provided in a curler, and a straight line-shaped connection portion is provided between the first flexion point and the second flexion point so as to be located inside a curve formed by extending a first curved portion and a second curved portion that are located at the ends of the curler at the first flexion point and the second flexion point, according to the respective curvatures. Through this, it is possible to provide a blood pressure information measurement device cuff, and a blood pressure information measurement device provided with such a cuff, that can reduce error in a blood pressure measurement by reducing errors in changes in the volume of a fluid bladder.
US09986912B2
Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.
US09986910B2
Apparatus and techniques can include using one or more of a portable or fixed optical system to obtain images of a desired anatomical target, such as the fundus region of a human eye. The optical system can include one or more of a laser-based focusing target, a laser-based fixation target, or a removable or adjustable alignment assembly. Such an alignment assembly can provide or allow user alignment based on using anatomical landmarks other than the fundus being imaged. One or more of the apparatus or techniques can be implemented in an optical assembly included as a portion hand-held fundus camera, such as including or using a consumer or commercial digital camera to capture an image.
US09986909B2
An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify a retinal blood vessel based on a retinal image, a measurement unit configured to measure blood flow information for the blood vessel based on the retinal image, and a display control unit configured to display the measured blood flow information by at least one selected from a depth of the identified blood vessel, a size of the identified blood vessel, and a combination of both.
US09986906B2
Embodiments of this invention relate to the generation of wavefronts for measurements, diagnostics, and treatment planning for ophthalmic applications. In some embodiments, a wavefront generator generates light having a uniform wavefront, which is focusable on the retina of an emmetropic eye by the normal function of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can generate light having a custom wavefront which is not focusable on the retina of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can receive information relating to an optical aberration of the eye, generate a custom wavefront, and project light having this custom wavefront, which in combination with the optical aberration of the eye is focusable on the retina.
US09986905B2
In some example implementations, there is provided a method for predicting retinal degeneration in multiple eye diseases. The method may include receiving three-dimensional data representative of a plurality of layers of a retina of a subject under test; determining, from the received data, oxygen concentration at one or more of the plurality of layers; detecting, based on the determined oxygen concentration, a region of at least one a high oxygen concentration in the retina or a low oxygen concentration in the retina; and comparing the detected region to reference data to determine whether the retina including the detected region suffers from or will suffer from at least one of a retinal disease or a degeneration of the retina. Related apparatus are also disclosed.
US09986902B2
A laryngoscope and system are provided, the laryngoscope comprising a handle, an arm, a camera harness comprising a deployable camera, and a light. The arm comprises a first canal adapted to receive the camera upon deployment and a second canal adapted to transmit light from the handle into an oral cavity. The handle comprises a remote ejection element. The laryngoscope system comprises a handle capable of direct wireless communication with a display unit.
US09986898B2
A system for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in a human GI track is disclosed. The system comprises a magnetic dipole for placement in human GI track, an external magnet in a sphere shape generating dipole magnetic field and applying external translational and or rotational magnetic field force to the capsule endoscope, and a control system for moving the external magnet to manipulate the object along the variable axis in a desired direction of movement.
US09986893B2
Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; a proximal balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the proximal balloon; a push tube slidably mounted to the sleeve; and a distal balloon secured to the distal end of the push tube, the interior of the distal balloon being in fluid communication with the push tube, wherein the distal balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein when the distal balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and when the distal balloon is in its inflated condition, the axial opening is closed down.
US09986890B2
The present technology relates to an endoscope system in which resolution and an S/N ratio are adjusted to be well-balanced depending on an imaging condition, and further capable of changing a processing load depending on the imaging condition, a method for operating the endoscope system, and a program.From an image signal in a body cavity imaged by an endoscope apparatus, a low frequency image including a low frequency component and a high frequency image including a high frequency component are extracted. The low frequency image is reduced by a predetermined reduction ratio, and, after image quality improvement processing is performed, is enlarged by an enlargement ratio corresponding to the reduction ratio. At that time, based on condition information indicating an imaging state, when brightness at the time of imaging is sufficient and the high frequency component does not include noise components a lot, the low frequency image and the high frequency image are added to be output as an output image. In addition, based on the condition information, when the brightness at the time of imaging is not sufficient and the high frequency component includes the noise components a lot, only the low frequency image is output as the output image. The present technology can be applied to the endoscope system.
US09986883B2
A method of washing dishes in an automated dishwasher utilizing a high velocity sprayer and high velocity spray phase for forcibly spraying water from concavities on washed dishes or utensils in which liquid can puddle in the cavities of the dishes or utensils during previous washing or rinsing cycles.
US09986877B2
A hand dryer for drying a user's hands by means of an airflow discharged through an air outlet on the hand dryer. The airflow is generated by a motor-driven fan unit. The fan unit is supported by resilient support member in contact with the fan unit, the support member having a vertex, which vertex makes said contact with the fan unit.
US09986870B2
The invention relates to a device (100) for providing liquid for a beverage machine (110), comprising a water tank (10) having at least one water inlet (11) which can be connected in a controllable manner to a water connection in order to fill the water tank (10), a control device (30) for controlling the water inlet (11) that can be connected in a controllable manner, and at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) for generating a signal which indicates at least whether or not a first filling level of liquid inside the water tank (10) has been reached or exceeded. In order to achieve easier cleaning, in particular descaling of the device (100), the at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) can be or is connected to the control device (30) to transmit the signal and the control device (30) is designed to control the water inlet (11) according to the signal of the at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) and according to at least one operating mode, wherein the operating mode is either a filling mode or an emptying mode. Furthermore, a controllable drainage device (44) for draining liquid from the water tank (10) is present.
US09986838B1
A head support apparatus for supporting a head of a person. The head support apparatus includes a tube and a rod configured to slidably and lockably couple to the tube. A cup and pad are coupled to an upper end of the rod. In use, a lower end of the tube bears on a support. A person's chin is rested on the pad whereby the weight of the person's head is supported by the head support apparatus.
US09986837B2
A seating unit (10) combines lounge seating with work space. A chair portion (20) has a sitting surface with an extended wing (25) and an optional sliding desk (40, 140) as a work surface. The extended wing (25) provides a place to rest personal belongings within easy reach while the user sits or works in the seating unit (10). An optional ottoman (50) may be used as a conventional ottoman or as a seating location on its own. The ottoman (50) has a slidable tray that can provide additional work surface or space to rest additional personal items while the user sits or rests in the unit. Several chair portions (20) may be supported together in a row with extended wings (25) and/or slidable desks on the ends.
US09986833B1
A modular cinema lounge chair including a seat member, a back and headrest support member that is adapted to be rockably and/or controllably and lockably displaceable between an upright/retracted position and a reclined/extended position, a left arm, a right arm, a floor-engaging frame sub-assembly, a left side, a right side, a front side or optional leg rest that is controllably and lockably displaceable between a lowered/retracted position and a raised/extended position via a hydraulic cylinder or electric motor, and a back side, wherein the frame sub-assembly includes a clean, simplified, and extremely sturdy structure which is adapted to accommodate the wear and tear associated with high volume use in today's cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums.
US09986830B2
A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a releasing member and a limiting member. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail. The releasing member is mounted on the second rail. The limiting member is arranged to be corresponding to the releasing member. The limiting member is configured to be in a free status and a limiting status. When the limiting member is in the free status, the releasing member is configured to be operatively moved from a first position to a second position. When the limiting member is in the limiting status, the releasing member is not able to be operatively moved from the first position to the second position.
US09986824B2
A mobile storage system includes a cabinet convertible between an open configuration for storing items and a folded configuration for transportation of the cabinet. The cabinet includes rear, left, right, top, and bottom walls that cooperate to form an Interior storage space having a front opening. The cabinet further includes a pair of wheels and a handle so that the cabinet can be moved as a cart. One or more drawers can be removably connected to and supported by drawer slides within the cabinet so that the drawers are movable into and out of the Interior storage space through the front opening. The drawers can be configured to be used as drawers for long term storage when located within the cabinet and as suitcases for travelling storage when removed from the cabinet.
US09986822B2
A system for cooling a thermally insulated galley cart in an aircraft incorporates a skin heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to an aircraft skin. A cooling system is in communication with the skin heat exchanger and is configured to be removably coupled with a thermally insulated galley cart.
US09986821B2
A keyboard and keyboard and peripheral position system, which may be used with adjustable-height desks.
US09986818B2
A system comprising an implement and dispenser containing a fluid detachably coupled to the implement. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a reservoir containing a fluid and an actuator for dispensing the fluid from the dispenser; and the dispenser is alterable between: (i) a storage state in which the dispenser is detachably coupled to the implement and a mechanical interference between a portion of the actuator and a portion of the implement prohibits actuation of the actuator; and (ii) an application state in which a user can actuate the actuator to dispense the fluid from the dispenser.
US09986817B1
A precision paint brush formed from an arcuate ferrule attached to a handle and carrying a number of filaments oriented into a complementary arch shape for accurate and efficient administration of liquids such as paint is provided. By creating an apex within the application surface as formed by the arched filaments, the brush produces a more focused application surface area, particularly useful in situations such as painting a wall in close proximity to the ceiling, as pressure by the user into the substrate compels the filaments to spread out without exceeding the defined apex area.
US09986792B2
A snap button includes a male retaining member and a female retaining member. The male retaining member includes a base, a hollow cylinder, and at least one protrusion portion. The hollow cylinder is disposed on the base, the at least one protrusion portion is disposed on the base and at a periphery of the hollow cylinder. The female retaining member includes a main body which has a hollow tube body. The hollow cylinder is housed through the hollow tube body.
US09986786B2
A new design of shoe sole that includes both a base portion and a base support portion, wherein the base support portion is a base support portion attached underneath to the center area of the base portion. The current design further includes an expansion portion that extends downwardly from the outside rim of the base portion, wherein the expansion portion is elastic, and the bottom surface of the base support portion is higher than the bottom surface of the expansion portion. Footwear made of this type of sole first touch a support surface (ground) with the expansion portion, which forms a first contact region. Further because the expansion portion is located at the outward rim of the base portion, it is easier for the expansion portion to extend to all directions when pressed.
US09986782B2
A method for substantially matching a color or pattern of article of clothing or other object so that substantially the same color or pattern can be displayed on a flexible footwear display. The other object may include a user eye, hair or other human body part. The method includes the use of a detector used to determine color or pattern values that match the color or pattern of the clothing or other object. The color or pattern values used to be displayed on the footwear can be determined automatically or by the user. The flexible footwear display may occupy 25% to 100% of the outer surface of the footwear, have a pixel count of 50 to 2,000,000 pixels or a color depth in the range of 8-bits to 48-bits.
US09986779B2
A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell.
US09986772B2
Disclosed herein are devices for preventing or treating an injury to an individual. Also provided are devices and methods for alleviating pain or discomfort caused by equipment or other padding or articles of clothing or uniform. The device can include a disposable padded tape having a plurality of force absorbing zones. It can also include an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a body contacting surface.
