| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09068848B2 |
Providing cost information associated with intersections
A method and device for providing cost information associated with intersections of a road network are provided. Driving data indicative of at least one condition of a vehicle upon passage of the vehicle through a plurality of intersections are retrieved. For each intersection of the plurality of intersections, a set of feature values associated with the respective intersections is determined based on map data. Parameters of an intersection cost module are adjusted. The intersection cost module is configured to provide a cost value in response to a set of feature values associated with an intersection. The parameters of the intersection cost module are adjusted based on the received driving data and the sets of feature values determined for the plurality of intersections. The intersection cost module may also be used for route searches. |
| US09068844B2 |
Method and apparatus for an integrated personal navigation system
A method and apparatus to provide a global positioning system receiver is described. The Personal navigation system includes at least one motion sensor, the motion sensor capable of identifying a user activity, and distinguishing between walking and driving, or other manual v. mechanical locomotion. The system automatically switches modes to the appropriate format. |
| US09068843B1 |
Inertial sensor fusion orientation correction
A system for determining and correcting a calculated orientation of a computing device based on data from an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The system compares a predicted direction of gravity in a predicted frame of the device with a measured direction of gravity in a sensor frame of the device, and determines an angle of the difference between the directions. A correction is calculated to rotate the predicted frame around an axis by the angle relative to a sensor frame, the axis being perpendicular to both the predicted and measured directions of gravity. A predicted orientation of a reference “Earth” frame relative to the predicted frame is calculated based on the gyroscope data. A corrected orientation is determined by applying the correction to the predicted orientation, providing an orientation of the Earth reference frame relative to the sensor frame. |
| US09068842B2 |
Device and method for determining a characteristic of a path formed by consecutive positions of a triaxial accelerometer rigidly connected to a mobile element
Device for determining a characteristic of a trajectory formed of successive positions of a triaxial accelerometer (3A) rigidly tied to a mobile element (EM), between a first instant of immobility (t0) and a second instant of immobility (tn) of the triaxial accelerometer (3A), subsequent to said first instant of immobility (t0), said device comprising, furthermore, a triaxial additional sensor for measuring a vector of a substantially constant vector field between said first and second instants of immobility (t0,tn), in a fixed global reference frame (GE) tied to the terrestrial reference frame, said additional sensor being rigidly tied to said mobile element (EM) and fixed in the reference frame of the accelerometer (3A), and control means (CMD). |
| US09068841B2 |
Enhanced database information for urban navigation
Techniques are provided which may be implemented in an electronic device to establish certain enhanced database information for point locations which may correspond to an estimated location of a mobile device. For example, some enhanced database information may be based, at least in part, on a satellite signal visibility mask. All or part of such enhanced database information may be provided to one or more mobile devices, which may use the enhanced database, at least in part, for location estimation. |
| US09068840B2 |
Pitot tube velocimeter system
An apparatus and method for sensing position according to flow velocity includes at least two pitot tubes each defining a central axis is along mutually orthogonal axes. Each of at least two pressure sensors is positioned in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the at least two pitot tubes. A controller receives outputs from the at least two pressure sensors and analyzes to determine at least one of an angular and translational velocity according to the outputs. A distance traveled is then determined according to the at least one of an angular and translational velocity. Corresponding methods of use and calibration are also disclosed. |
| US09068839B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing shadow-based location positioning
An approach for providing shadow-based location positioning is described. A visual location platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of sensor information associated with at least one device traveling on at least one route to determine at least one pattern of shadows on the at least one route. The visual location platform also causes, at least in part, a comparison of the at least one pattern of shadows against one or more reference patterns of shadows associated with one or more known locations. The service platform further causes, at least in part, an estimation of a location, a direction of travel, or a combination thereof of the at least one device based, at least in part, on the comparison. |
| US09068837B2 |
Method of operating a navigation system
A method of operating a navigation system is disclosed. A request for a route to a large scale point of interest having multiple entrances is obtained. Data indicating a meeting point for the large scale point of interest is obtained from a geographic database associated with the navigation system. The meeting point defines a location within the large scale point of interest or proximate to the large scale point of interest. A route to the meeting point location is calculated and the meeting point location is sent to another user. |
| US09068836B2 |
Real-time location information system using multiple positioning technologies
Systems, methods and computer program products for tracking objects in an area of interest are described. According to an embodiment, an object is tracked as follows. First position information relating to the object is received from a first sensor and translated to a coordinate system of a map. The object is displayed on the map in accordance with the translated first position information. Second position information relating to the object is received from a second sensor, where the second sensor is based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology. The second position information is translated to the coordinate system of the map, and the object is displayed on the map in accordance with the translated second position information. In an embodiment, other information relating to the object is also received from sensors. |
| US09068834B2 |
Double-axial, shock-resistant rotation rate sensor with nested, linearly oscillating seismic elements
A micromechanical rotation rate sensor, including a substrate whose base surface is aligned parallel to the x-y plane of a Cartesian coordinate system, with the rotation rate sensor having at least one first seismic mass and a second seismic mass which are coupled to at least one first drive device and are suspended such that the first and the second seismic masses are driven such that they are deflected in antiphase in one drive mode, with the rotation rate sensor being designed such that it can detect rotation rates about at least two mutually essentially orthogonal sensitive axes, wherein at least the second seismic mass is in the form of a frame which at least partially surrounds the first seismic mass with respect to the position on the x-y plane. |
| US09068828B2 |
Cutting distance calculating device for multi-axis working machine
A cutting distance calculating device for a multi-axis working machine acquires axis positions at calculation times for at least three linear axes and two rotation axes of a multi-axis working machine and calculates the position of a tool tip point on the basis of the acquired axis positions. This device accumulates moving distances (cutting distances) of the tool tip points from the calculated position of the tool tip point to thereby calculate a cutting distance and predicts tool wear and tool life on the basis of the calculated cutting distance. |
| US09068825B2 |
Optical measurement device and optical measurement method
In a first optical measurement device, light which is output from a light source is subject to linear polarizing in a polarizing unit, and is input to a test object A. Transmitted light which has passed through the test object A is orthogonally separated in an orthogonal separation unit, and the light which is orthogonally separated in the orthogonal separation. unit is received in two light receiving units. In addition, amount of light of the transmitted light is determined by a control unit, and a difference between received light levels which are received in the light receiving unit is normalized using the amount of light which is determined in a transmitted amount of light determination unit, and then the angle of optical rotation is calculated by the angle of optical rotation calculation unit. |
| US09068824B2 |
Stereoscopic endoscope for measuring a three dimensional surface
An endoscope having two entry lenses, which are arranged spaced from each other and the fields of view of which overlap, and having guiding devices. The entry lenses are spaced so far apart from each other that the outer edges thereof protrude beyond the cross-sectional area of the guiding devices, and a lens displacing the axis beam is inserted between one entry lens and the guiding devices. A method for the use of the endoscope. |
| US09068823B2 |
Height measurement by correlating intensity with position of scanning object along optical axis of a structured illumination microscope
A method for imaging an object using a microscope includes obtaining axial response data, the axial response data representative of a relationship between a separation between a top surface of the object and an objective lens of the microscope and an intensity of light reflected by the top surface of the object; positioning the object at a distance from the objective lens that is within a linear region of the axial response data; sequentially illuminating the object with a plurality of periodic patterns; obtaining a plurality of images of the object, each image resulting from the illumination of the object with a corresponding one of the plurality of periodic patterns; determining a reconstructed image of the object based on the plurality of images of the object; and, based on variations in the intensity of the reconstructed image, determining a topographic profile of the top surface of the object. |
| US09068819B2 |
Layered object and measuring apparatus and method
A measuring apparatus to identify a material and thickness of each of a plurality of layers included in a layered body, based on a measurement result obtained by measuring a time domain waveform of an electromagnetic wave pulse from the layered body, includes a database configured to store data of a plurality of material candidates and a plurality of thickness candidates, an input unit configured to input a search range of the data stored in the database, and a processing unit configured to reproduce a time domain waveform of an electromagnetic wave pulse from the layered body by employing data of a plurality of material candidates and a plurality of thickness candidates within the search range, and to compare this reproduced time domain waveform and the time domain waveform of the measurement result, thereby identifying the material and thickness of each of the plurality of layers. |
| US09068812B2 |
Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and storage medium
An imaging apparatus includes a tomographic image acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image indicating a polarization state of a subject based on beams of different polarizations obtained by splitting a beam into which a return beam from the subject irradiated with a measuring beam and a reference beam corresponding to the measuring beam have been combined, and a control unit configured to control an optical path length difference between the return beam and the reference beam according to positional information of a predetermined region in the tomographic image indicating the polarization state of the subject. |
| US09068805B2 |
Arrow modification and fletching system
An Arrow modification and fletching system wherein an adapter is used to modify modern hollow carbon arrows creating a fletched end module for the purpose of facilitating arrow modification and fletch repair and replacement. |
| US09068802B2 |
Multi-layer structure for ballistic protection
A ballistic protection is described. The ballistic protection includes a rigid structure and a flexible structure, co-operating to dissipate energy associated to an incident bullet impact, the rigid structure and the flexible structure being separated by at least a first discontinuity layer. The rigid structure includes at least a first rigid layer, at least a second rigid layer, and at least a third layer interposed between the first and the second rigid layer. The material of the first discontinuity layer and of the third layer of the rigid structure are selected so that a speed of propagation of a sound wave through the first discontinuity layer and the third layer of the rigid structure is less than 50% of the speed of propagation of a sound wave through fibers of the first rigid layer. The third layer can have a frame shape extending along the edges of the ballistic rigid protections, so that protection is increased along the borders. |
| US09068797B2 |
Dynamic real-time boresighting system and method
Disclosed is a dynamic real-time boresighting system and method. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a mapping function by associating deflection and rotation data of strategically located at least two sensors with sensor deflection data, real-time or static sensor readings from at least two sensors which are strategically located on the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle, while the aircraft or the land vehicle is moving or static respectively and determining an alignment of the component by comparing the real-time or static sensor readings obtained from the strategically located at least two sensors with the obtained mapping function. |
| US09068792B2 |
Projectile launcher able to launch an object using a hammer
A projectile launching device such as a paintball gun capable of firing a paintball using a hammer is disclosed. The paintball gun, in one embodiment, includes a bolt, a valve, and a hammer wherein the bolt has an air channel and is able to move within a bolt chamber. The valve, which is situated in a firing control chamber arranged in parallel to the bolt chamber, controls pressurized gas. The hammer, in one aspect, includes a pivot hole capable of hosting a pivot pin which facilitates a swing motion for the hammer. When the hammer swings around the pivot hole, the hammer contacts the valve whereby a portion of the pressurized gas is release. The bolt further includes a hammer reset element which is able to reset the hammer to a ready for firing position during a launch process. |
| US09068790B2 |
Ambidextrous slide stop
The present invention is an ambidextrous slide stop for use with a handgun consisting of an assembly of a right side slide stop bracket and a left side slide stop bracket, so that a right handed shooter can still activate on the left side with the right thumb. Alternatively, right side slide stop allows a left handed shooter to use the left thumb to pivot the assembly downward to release the slide. A pivot pin of the right bracket engages with a pivot shaft of the left side bracket. |
| US09068788B2 |
Weapon stabilizer / hanger
A weapon stabilizer that is easily installed at a hunting location for stabilization of a weapon. The Prusik knot forms a loop that depends from the support arm of the weapon stabilizer and suspends the weapon for stable firing. The weapon stabilizer has a multitude of embodiments for ways to affix to trees or poles for use. The mounting bracket can be used and affixed to a tree in a variety of ways and then the weapon stabilizer is attached to the mounting bracket. |
| US09068781B2 |
Tube bundle equipment with liquid flow regulator elements
Tube-bundle equipment of the falling liquid film type, comprising a vertical cylindrical body closed at the ends and divided into at least an upper section, an intermediate section and a lower section by means of two perforated tube sheets arranged transversally to support the tubes forming the bundle, wherein each of said tubes is surmounted, on the upper end, by a ferrule, for the inlet and distribution of the liquid in the form of a film, which comprises in the upper part, one or more openings for the outlet of vapors, at an intermediate height one or more openings, preferably tangential, for the inlet of the liquid and below, a circular base for resting on said tube from which an internal cylindrical section, inserted in the tube for a length varying from 10 to 200 mm, protrudes downwards together with an outer metallic strip for a length of at least 2 mm, so that, in the circular area defined between said outer metallic strip and said protruding cylindrical section, there is a gasket, inserted between said circular base of the ferrule and said upper edge of the tube. |
| US09068778B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for monitoring a drying procedure
An apparatus, system, and method provide drying procedure information through a user interface. A monitoring device transmits drying procedure data measured by sensors within a structure undergoing the drying procedure to a server. In response to requests received through a communication network from a user interface, the server transmits the drying procedure information that is presented through the user interface. A variety of information and services related to the drying procedure may be provided through the user interface. |
| US09068777B2 |
Drying apparatus and methods
Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone. |
| US09068775B2 |
Ultrasonic drying system and method
A drying apparatus and method including heated airflow and ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transducers are arranged and operated for effectively breaking down the boundary layer to increase the heat transfer rate. The ultrasonic transducers are spaced from the material to be dried a distance of about (λ)(n/4), where λ is the wavelength of the ultrasonic oscillations and n is an odd integer (i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, etc.). In this way, the amplitude of the ultrasonic oscillations is maximized to more-effectively agitate the boundary layer. In addition, the ultrasonic transducers are operated to produce about 120-190 dB (preferably, about 160-185 dB) at the interface surface of the material to be dried. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers are of a pneumatic type. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers are of an electric type. And in other embodiments, infrared and/or UV light devices are included for further boundary layer disruption. |
| US09068772B2 |
Door for refrigerator and refrigerator having the same
A door for a refrigerator and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The door includes an upper door member disposed in an upper portion and a lower door member disposed under the upper door member and spaced apart from the upper door member. The door also includes a dispenser housing positioned between the upper door member and the lower door member and inwardly depressed to allow a dispenser having a discharge duct for discharging water and/or ice to be installed therein. The door further includes a coupling member that couples the dispenser housing to the upper door member or the lower door member. |
| US09068765B2 |
Refrigeration storage in a refrigerant vapor compression system
A refrigerant vapor compression system (10) includes a plurality of components, including a flash tank (70), connected in a refrigerant flow circuit by a plurality of refrigerant lines (2, 4, 6, 8). The system internal volume equals to the sum of the internal volumes of the plurality of components and the internal volume of the plurality of refrigerant lines. The internal volume of the flash tank ranges from at least 10% to about 30% of the total system internal volume. |
| US09068762B2 |
Roof tile
The present invention relates to a tile for a roof or the like comprising a tile body with at least one vacuumed closed space to provide the tile with a thermal insulation barrier for the maintenance of a more stable temperature within an internal roof area. The tile body is manufactured from recycled glass and preferably is formed as foam glass containing a plurality of vacuum containing bubbles. The tile also comprises at least one energy recovery means such as heat absorbing aluminum wafers to provide for heat transfer through conductivity into a hot water supply or voltaic cells to provide for electricity generation. Light is focused onto the energy recovery device by a profiled translucent cover. These and other variations provide for a roof tile which is environmentally friendly, easy to install with improved thermal, energy efficient and sound-proofing qualities. |
| US09068759B2 |
Motor current based air circuit obstruction detection
A program product for determining an obstruction in an air circuit for an environmental control unit having a motor is provided. The program product comprises a program and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium. The program is configured to at least facilitate obtaining a load current of the motor, determining a state of the motor, generating a comparison, and determining the obstruction using the load current and the comparison. The comparison is generated by comparing the load current to a first plurality of values if the motor is in a steady state, and by comparing the load current to a second plurality of values if the motor is in a transient state. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium stores the program. |
| US09068758B2 |
Refrigerant distribution unit for air conditioner
A refrigerant distribution unit for an air conditioner, includes: a pipe unit which distributes a refrigerant from a refrigerant pipe on an outdoor unit side to multiple branch refrigerant pipes, which includes an electromagnetic valve and a temperature sensor, on an indoor unit side; a main unit which stores the pipe unit covered by an insulator case, upper and lower cases; and an electric component box which controls the electromagnetic valves and the temperature sensors by connecting the valves with the sensors by cables. A cable draw-out recessed portion is formed in one of side faces of the insulator case where the connecting slots for the pipes are formed, and a bottom face recessed portion for storing the cables is formed in a bottom face of the insulator case. The upper case includes a cable draw-out slot for guiding the cables to a cable guide hole formed in the electric component box. |
| US09068756B1 |
Hot water solar heating system and method
A solar hot water system includes a mirror which reflects solar energy on an absorber including a water pipe and two plates to heat water in the pipe. When water in the pipe freezes and expands, the pipe and the plates are elastically deformed without injury. |
| US09068754B2 |
Cooking device
A cooking device has an exhaust duct (19) configured and arranged to mix together exhaust air discharged from an opening (61a) at a tip of a nozzle part (61) and part of cooling air discharged from a cooling fan and guide the mixed exhaust air to discharge it outside of a casing, and an exhaust duct temperature sensor (70) placed within the exhaust duct (19) to detect a temperature of an atmosphere inside the exhaust duct at a portion upper than the opening (61a) of the nozzle (61). A fan abnormal-stop detection part detects an abnormal stop of the fan when an increment per unit time of an atmosphere temperature inside the exhaust duct (19) detected by the temperature sensor (70) during cooking becomes equal to or higher than a first threshold value. |
| US09068753B2 |
Door for domestic appliance and domestic appliance
Door for a domestic appliance, in particular an oven door, having a front glass (10; 40) and a handle (12; 42) for opening and closing the door, wherein the handle (12; 42) is attached to the front glass (10; 40) by means of an adhesive without any additional fixing means. |
| US09068750B2 |
Combustor with a pre-nozzle mixing cap assembly
The present application and the resulting patent provide a pre-nozzle mixing cap assembly positioned about a cap member of a combustor for mixing a flow of air and a flow of fuel. The pre-nozzle mixing cap assembly may include a fuel plenum in communication with the flow of fuel and a number of tubes in communication with the flow of air and extending through the fuel plenum. Each of the tubes may include a number of fuel holes therein such that the flow of fuel in the fuel plenum passes through the fuel holes and mixes with the flow of air. |
| US09068747B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products providing flame detection
A system includes a flame detector with a photon detecting portion and a processing portion, the processing portion including a processor-based device programmed to provide the following functions: receiving input regarding a type of burner and a type of fuel, applying a flame detection configuration to the burner scanner according to the received input, and performing a flame detection process according to the flame detection configuration. |
| US09068745B2 |
Methods for removal of mercury from flue gas
Methods and systems for reducing mercury emissions are provided herein. The methods, generally, include the steps of burning a heavy metal containing fuel source and introducing sorbent materials and introducing one or more halogen compounds into the combustion chamber and/or exhaust stream to remove the heavy metal. |
| US09068743B2 |
Apparatus for combusting a fuel at high pressure and high temperature, and associated system
A combustor apparatus is provided, comprising a mixing arrangement for mixing a carbonaceous fuel with enriched oxygen and a working fluid to form a fuel mixture. A combustion chamber is at least partially defined by a porous perimetric transpiration member, at least partially surrounded by a pressure containment member. The combustion chamber has longitudinally spaced apart inlet and outlet portions. The fuel mixture is received by the inlet portion for combustion within the combustion chamber at a combustion temperature to form a combustion product. The combustion chamber further directs the combustion product longitudinally toward the outlet portion. The porous transpiration member is configured to substantially uniformly direct a transpiration substance laterally therethrough, about the perimeter thereof defining the combustion chamber and longitudinally between the inlet and outlet portions, toward the combustion chamber for buffering interaction between the combustion product and the porous transpiration member. Associated systems are also provided. |
| US09068737B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device (100), comprising: a ring-shaped first carrier (1) having at least one first light source (11) on the first carrier (1) and a ring-shaped first light emission area (12) disposed downstream of the first light source; (11), and a second carrier (2) having at least one second light source (21), having at least one third light source (31), having a second light emission area (22) disposed downstream of the second light source (21) and having a third light emission area (32) disposed downstream of the third light source (31), wherein, via the second and third light emission areas (22, 32), light is emitted in respectively opposite emission directions (20, 30), and wherein the second carrier (2) is arranged within the ring-shaped first carrier (1) and the first and second carriers (1, 2) are mounted rotatably relative to one another about a rotation axis (3) wherein the rotation axis (3) extends along a diameter of the ring-shaped first carrier (1). |
| US09068735B2 |
Magnetic retainer with illumination device
A magnetic retainer includes a body, a magnetic member, a plate and a light unit. The body has a space for receiving objects and the magnetic member is connected to the bottom of the body to attract the objects. The plate has a concaved portion for receiving the objects and is rotatably connected to the body. When the light unit is rotated to a first position relative to the plate, the light emitting member faces outside of the plate. When the light unit is rotated to a second position relative to the plate, the light emitting member faces the concaved portion of the plate. |
| US09068733B2 |
LED lamp with actively cooled heat sink
A LED lamp (1) with an actively cooled heat sink having at least one LED (7) mounted in a non-conductive substrate (8) that is attached to a heat sink (2) having a plurality of cooling vanes (9) extending therefrom. Heat generated by the at least one LED travels through the heat sink and then through the cooling vanes. Cooling channels (10) located between the cooling vanes allow for air flow between the cooling vanes. A plurality of air inlets (11) located in a housing (3) allow for air flow into the cooling channels. A fan (12) located in the housing pulls air through the air inlets through the cooling channels and across the cooling vanes through an exhaust outlet (14) where the fan then blows the air through exhaust vents (15) located on a rear of the housing. |
| US09068732B2 |
Air-cooled LED lamp bulb
An air-cooled lamp bulb includes a central tube, a circuit board disposed inside the central tube, a circular light wall surrounding the central tube, a transparent dome surrounding a top end of the circular light wall and having a top central opening, and a first air passage formed between the central tube and the circular light wall. The circular light wall is formed by a plurality of light units arranged side by side. Each of the light units has a light source mounted adjacent a top end of the central tube. The transparent dome is arranged for modifying light emitted by the light sources. The first air passage allows air flow through the air-cooled lamp bulb. |
| US09068731B2 |
Automobile lighting or signaling device
An automobile vehicle lighting and/or signaling device comprising an assembly of parts comprising a first part having a closed contour or an open contour, and a joining member with a first adhesive side that receives the first part so that after sticking the first part to the joining member the adhesive side has a free region adjacent the contour of the part. |
| US09068728B1 |
Lighting device with converting mechanism
A lighting device with converting mechanism includes a main body and a lens assembly. The main body has an illuminant portion at one side thereof. The illuminant portion has a light emitting diode. The lens assembly is mounted to the illuminant portion. The lens assembly has a fog lens, an inner ring and an outer ring. The fog lens is pivotally connected to the illuminant portion. The inner ring is attached to the illuminant portion and configured to drive the fog lens to rotate. The outer ring is mounted around the inner ring and configured to drive the inner ring to rotate. Under this arrangement, the fog lens is pivotable between a first position in which the fog lens covers the light emitting diode to form a fog light and a second position in which the fog lens uncovers the light emitting diode. |
| US09068726B2 |
Spotlight
A spotlight has a light base, a supporting base, a power supply, a motor, a lighting module, a multi-surface refractive lens and a beam-splitter lens light shade. The supporting base is connected with the light base. The power supply, the motor, the lighting module, and the multi-surface refractive lens are mounted in the light base. The lighting module has multiple light emitting diode units facing the multi-surface refractive lens. The multi-surface refractive lens is mounted around a motor shaft of the motor. The beam-splitter lens light shade is mounted on the light base and has multiple multi-angle refractive convex-lens bodies facing the multi-surface refractive lens. |
| US09068720B2 |
Lighted work mat
A modular work mat for a vehicle including a base, a plurality of light sources embedded in the base, wiring connecting the light sources; wherein the wiring is operatively connectable to a power source. The light sources preferably are LEDs. The base includes a first layer of a first material and a second layer of a second material and the LEDs are embedded between the first and second layers. The mat is connected via a power cord to a power supply and when the power supply is activated, the LEDs emit light through the first layer of the base. The work mat is placed on a surface so that the emitted light is able to illuminate a portion of the undercarriage or the entire undercarriage. The mat may be positioned beneath a portion of the vehicle's undercarriage or the vehicle may be driven onto the mat. |
| US09068719B2 |
Light engines for lighting devices
A light engine housing comprising a mixing chamber element, a driver chamber element and/or a connection element, one or more of which is removable. A light engine comprising (1) a light engine housing and (2) a mixing chamber module and/or a driver module removably attached to and/or positioned in the light engine housing. Also, a light engine comprising (1) a light engine housing and a mixing chamber module and/or a driver module. Also, a solid state light engine comprising a light engine housing comprising at least a first connection element. |
| US09068716B2 |
Illumination apparatus
An illumination apparatus includes a frame, an optical base plate, a light source and an optical film. The optical base plate is disposed in the frame and has a protrusion area at the center of the optical base plate. The protrusion area has at least a protrusion portion, which has at least a reflective surface. The reflective surface includes a plurality of inclined surfaces with different inclination angles. The light source is disposed in the frame and located adjacent to the periphery of the optical base plate. The light source is disposed corresponding to the reflective surface and has a plurality of light-emitting elements. Each light-emitting element has an optical axis direction, and the optical axis directions extend toward the protrusion area. The optical film is disposed at the frame, and the protrusion portion of the optical base plate protrudes toward the optical film. |
| US09068714B2 |
Light-emitting device and vehicle headlight
A light-emitting device includes a plurality of laser elements, a light-emitting section for emitting light in response to a laser beam, and an emission control section for controlling whether each of the plurality of laser elements emits light or not. At least a part of the plurality of laser elements is positioned in such a manner that irradiation regions of the light-emitting section are positioned at least partially differently. |
| US09068712B2 |
Vehicular LED lamp
A vehicular light-emitting diode lamp includes a housing having a compartment receiving a reflective member including first and reflective surfaces and a partitioning section between the first and second reflective surface. The partitioning section includes two lateral portions respectively engaged with two mounting portions of the housing. A lamp seat is mounted in front of the partitioning section of the reflective member. First and second LED modules are mounted to the lamp seat and are electrically connected to a circuit board unit. The first LED module emits light beams towards a rear and a side of the first reflective surface. The second LED module emits light beams towards a rear and a side of the second reflective surface. Light beams emitted by the first and second LED modules transmit are reflected by the first and second reflective surfaces and then transmit cover in front of the reflective member. |
| US09068710B2 |
Light emitting diode automobile lamp
An LED automobile lamp includes an LED light source, a shading portion and a lens. The shading portion is located between the LED light source and the lens. The LED light source includes a light outputting surface. The shading portion contains phosphor therein. Blue light emitted by the LED light source transmits to the shading portion and excites the phosphor to form yellow light which mixes with the blue light to generate white light. |
| US09068708B2 |
Illuminable vehicle beverage holder assembly
An illuminable beverage holder assembly is provided and includes at least one side wall coupled an illuminable base member to form a receptacle for receiving a beverage container. The illuminable base member includes a distal engagement member with an optical surface. A light source is operably coupled to the engagement member and configured to emit light through the optical surface to illuminate the illuminable portion. |
| US09068707B1 |
Compact LED light source and lighting system
A method, system and apparatus including a compact LED light source module comprising a base adapted to mount to a surface or in a fixture; one or more LEDs mounted to an LED mounting interface on the base, the LED mounting interface having a pre-designed geometry related to a pre-designed primary orientation of each LED relative the base; a light transmissive cover over the one or more LEDs, the light transmissive cover having the ability, if needed, to further alter or control the light output distribution of the one or more LEDs; to provide a compact LED light source that can be both substantially standardized but can produce a variety of light output distributions. |
| US09068703B2 |
Light emitting diode illumination system
The present invention provides a light engine having four light sources. A combination of collimators, bandpass filters, dichroic mirrors, and other elements is operative to direct light from the light sources onto a main optical axis from where it may be focused into a light guide for transport to an instrument or device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide for computer control, intensity control, color control, and light source modulation. Additional embodiments include particular light sources including light pipes and lasers. The light engine provides white light having a high color rendering index and suitable for applications in microscopy, endoscopy, and/or bioanalytical instrumentation. |
| US09068701B2 |
Lamp structure with remote LED light source
LED based lamps and bulbs are disclosed that comprise an elevating element to arrange LEDs above the lamp or bulb base. The elevating element can at least partially comprise a thermally conductive material. A heat sink structure is included, with the elevating element thermally coupled to the heat sink structure. A diffuser can be arranged in relation to the LEDs so that at least some light from the LEDs passes through the diffuser and is dispersed into the desired emission pattern. In some lamps and bulbs utilize a heat pipe for the elevating elements, with heat from the LEDs conducting through the heat pipe to the heat sink structure where it can dissipate in the ambient. |
| US09068697B2 |
Subaqueous mining tailings placement
A process for reducing segregation of mining tailings while being deposited below the surface of a column of fluid is provided which comprises introducing the mining tailings into a downpipe having an inlet at or near the surface of the column of fluid and an outlet submerged in the column of fluid; providing at least one pressure drop element in the downpipe to prevent acceleration of the mining tailings and maintain the tailings flow therethrough; and providing a diffusing device at the outlet of the downpipe to reduce the velocity of the mining tailings as the tailings are discharged therefrom. |
| US09068696B2 |
Overflow valve prevention system
A method of controlling overflow in a below-ground transfer pump sump used in the dispensing of liquid fuels. The method comprises providing a sump having a sump bottom below a level of ground immediately adjacent the sump, providing a storage tank having an internal cavity for the storage of liquid fuel, the storage tank having a conduit in communication with the sump and providing an overflow assembly having an inlet disposed within the sump and an outlet communicating with the conduit. The method includes permitting water from the ground adjacent the sump to enter the sump and mix with any liquid fuel in the sump and if the liquid fuel and water mixture in the sump reaches a predetermined level, allowing the liquid mixture to pass through the overflow assembly, into the conduit and into the storage tank containing the liquid fuel. |
| US09068695B2 |
Active guidance of fluid agents using magnetorheological antibubbles
Magnetorheological (MR) antibubbles are used for fluid delivery. A method of transporting a substance in a fluid in accordance with the invention comprising the steps of forming an antibubble in the fluid, the antibubble containing the substance to be transported and magnetic or magnetizable particles, and guiding the antibubble through the fluid with a magnet. The particles are ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or diamagnetic, and the magnet is a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The substance to be transported may include a reactant associated with a catalytic mechanism; a pigment; or a lubricant. The delivery system may include a substance or magnetic particles which are fluorescent. |
| US09068694B2 |
Method of controlling by-products of vitamin C degradation and improving package integrity shelf life
The invention is a method of venting the degradation products of an ascorbic acid containing composition. This prevents a build-up of carbon dioxide and may prolong the life of the packaging. The packaging includes an impermeable container and a semi-permeable top, which allows carbon dioxide to vent over time. When the composition includes water, the surface area of semi-permeable material contacting the composition is reduced to lessen water vapor loss. |
| US09068692B2 |
Stand device
A stand device capable of providing different folding angles includes a base member, a sliding member disposed to the base member so that a linear reciprocal motion is possible, a stand member having a specific length and fastened to one end of the sliding member in a rotatable manner, and a link member, of which one end is hinge-connected to a proper place in the stand member and the other end is hinge-connected to the base member, for holding the stand member, wherein an opening angle of the stand member varies depending on a linear reciprocation level of the sliding member. |
| US09068690B2 |
Two axis variable clamp assembly
A clamp assembly includes a single adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustment of an object supported on the clamp assembly along two axes. The adjustment mechanism connects to a bracket and a support rod on which the object is mounted to lock a desired position of the object in place when desired and to allow for adjustment of that position, when desired. |
| US09068689B2 |
Apparatus and system to mount objects in proximity to ceiling structure
A mounting apparatus for automatic fire sprinkler systems and other objects to be securely attached to the structure of a ceiling of a building, and additionally relates to a mounting clamp for securely gripping the tee of a suspended ceiling in order to mount an object to be held in proximity to the ceiling and a mounting clamp for mounting the sprinkler head of a fire protection system or other type of water system. The system provides means for more rigidly mounting various components of the system to the existing piping and ceiling structure found at an installation location. |
| US09068682B2 |
Open ended industrial pipe cap for smaller diameter pipes
An open ended cap for an industrial pipe is provided, comprising a flexible tubular body having first and second open ends, the first end having an inwardly-extending radial rim serving as an abutment surface for a pipe when inserted into the end cap, the rim extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body of the end cap, and a detachable finger grip member, with the finger grip member being connected to a tear strip extending downwardly along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, the rim having a gap within at least a portion thereof across which the finger grip member extends, and the finger grip member including a gripping portion extending into the interior of the open first end and adjacent to a portion of the rim. |
| US09068679B2 |
Fluid coupling and retainer for fluid coupling
Providing a fluid coupling, in which a coupling member is readily retained by a retainer and the retainer can be readily attached to or detached from the coupling member, and a retainer for such a fluid coupling. A retainer includes an annular gasket retaining portion for retaining a gasket therein and an annular coupling member retaining portion which has an inner diameter greater than that of the gasket retaining portion and retains one coupling member. At an inner circumference of the gasket retaining portion and an inner circumference of the coupling member retaining portion are formed annular grooves respectively, for holding therein elastic rings respectively. |
| US09068678B2 |
Replacement closet flange
The present invention provides a replacement closet flange for installing into an end of a drain pipe having an inner surface and a method of assembling a replacement closet flange. In general, the replacement closet flange includes a main body comprising a substantially cylindrical section and a flange section extending radially outward from and approximately perpendicular to an upper end of the cylindrical section, a flexible seal attached to at least a portion of the cylindrical section proximate a lower end thereof and configured, when the replacement closet flange is installed, to sealingly engage with the inner surface of the drain pipe, and at least one retaining clip attached to a location about an outer periphery of the cylindrical section. The retaining clip includes a retaining tab proximate an end thereof configured, when the replacement closet flange is installed, to fixedly engage with an inner surface of the drain pipe. |
| US09068677B2 |
Joint device for corrugated pipe
A joint device for a corrugated pipe. A socket pipe in which a packing is forcedly inserted is joined to a non-corrugated part of the corrugated pipe and the non-corrugated part is expanded at the position of the packing. The joint device has a guide groove formed on the outer circumference of the socket pipe, a connector fit to the socket pipe, and a movable bolt screw-coupled to the outer face of the socket pipe and forcedly joined to the guide groove, so as to freely rotate the connector independently from the corrugated pipe. |
| US09068676B2 |
Vertical connector
A vertical connector composed of three main components; one stationary connector part on a submerged connecting point, one mobile connector part intended for submerging and connecting to the stationary connector part and a connector which subsequent to the mating of the connector parts locks the connector parts together into permanent sealing connection. The stationary connector part has an upwards projecting pipe boss, and the mobile connector part has integrated, internally shielding and guiding means to assist the entering of the mobile connector part onto the stationary connector part. |
| US09068675B2 |
Pipelaying
An accessory is disclosed for a subsea pipeline such as an in-line tee having a rigid pipe support frame defining a pipe course and at least one carriage arranged to support a pipe or a fitting attached to a pipe. The carriage is movable with respect to the frame in a direction generally parallel to the pipe course. The carriage is attached to the frame via at least one angularly movable connection that allows a pipe or fitting supported by the carriage to tilt locally with respect to the frame as the pipe bends during laying. Pipe stiffness is therefore independent from the stiffness of the accessory. The stiffened section of the pipe is limited to a short length of the carriage. This is compatible with the small bending radius of the pipe on a stinger. |
| US09068672B2 |
T-style grommet attachment system and method
A grommet is provided for protecting and securing a conveyance system component routed through an aperture in a structure. The grommet includes a strap having a first and second side and two or more pairs of ribs formed along at least a portion of the first side of the strap. The ribs cooperatively define a channel for receiving the edge of the aperture. The grommet further includes a plurality of spaced apart perforations formed along at least portion of the length of the strap. |
| US09068668B2 |
Mechanically latching solenoid valve
A linear actuated valve controls the flow of fluid between a first passageway and a second passageway. The valve can be solenoid actuated so as to selectively permit and prohibit fluid flow communication between the first passageway and the second passageway. The valve can include a mechanical latch that provides a de-energized yet valve open position. |
| US09068667B2 |
Electromagnetic valve
An electromagnetic valve includes a flow passage, a valve member, an actuator having a coil and a movable core, an intermediate member, a connecting member, a housing, and a dividing unit. The housing includes a hollow part between the housing and the actuator. The hollow part communicates with the flow passage. The dividing unit includes a through hole which passes through the dividing unit in its axial direction. The dividing unit divides the hollow part between a communicating chamber that is capable of communicating with the flow passage, and a cancel chamber that is cut off from an outside thereof. The intermediate member includes a communicating passage between the intermediate member and the movable core. The communicating passage communicates between the flow passage and the cancel chamber via the through hole and the communicating chamber. |
| US09068666B2 |
Electronic coolant valve with integral actuator mechanism
An electronic coolant valve mechanism with an integral actuator mechanism. The coolant valve mechanism utilizes an electric motor and a planetary roller mechanism integrated into a valve body to translate and operate a valve member in a linear direction. A manifold can include a plurality of coolant valve mechanism operating independently by a control system. |
| US09068665B2 |
Process valve including a force measuring device
The invention relates to a process valve (10) comprising a valve seat (14), a flow restrictor (12), a valve rod (16) and a drive unit (18) acting thereon, with a force measuring device (20, 44) being connected between said drive unit (18) and said flow restrictor (12). The invention is characterized in that said force measuring device (49) includes a spring (30, 46), and said force measuring device (29, 44) comprises a travel measuring device (38, 42, 50, 52) so as to allow the force acting on it to be determined based on the change in the deflection of the spring (30, 46) caused by the force acting on it. |
| US09068662B2 |
Valve block assembly
A device to enhance sealing is provided. The device includes a body and a pressure cup. The pressure cup includes a channel, a first pressure channel, and a second pressure channel. The channel is formed in a surface of the body to surround a first portion of the surface. The channel is configured to hold an o-ring. The first pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the first portion of the surface. The second pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the channel. Pneumatic pressure within the second pressure channel is controlled to hold the o-ring in the channel when a second pressure within the first pressure channel changes. |
| US09068661B2 |
Curved flapper seal with stepped intermediate surface
A recess is provided at the periphery of the flapper so that a corner that defines this recess engages an o-ring seal in a seat for the flapper. A reduced contact area of the flapper on the o-ring seal results in increased pressure over the actual contact area. The pressure applied over the contact area also forces a distortion in the o-ring that has a part of the o-ring not restrained due to the presence of the recess moving out of the surrounding o-ring groove so that the corner on the flapper pinches the o-ring that now is partly in and partly extending from its surrounding groove. Sealing is obtained at lower differential pressures and the o-ring is better fixated as a result of the pinch effect of the corner on the flapper. |
| US09068656B2 |
Seal and seal arrangement
A seal for sealing a sealing surface 2 between a first machine part 1 having a seal accommodating structure, preferably a groove, and a second machine part 3, which defines the sealing surface 2 and can be moved relative to the first machine part 1. The seal seals a high-pressure area between the machine parts 1, 3 from a low-pressure area and has a retaining element 5 for positionally fixing the seal in the seal accommodating structure, and a sealing lip 6 which is formed on the retaining element 5 and is made from an elastomeric material having a sealing edge 7 formed at a free end of the sealing lip 6 for abutment on the sealing surface 2. The sealing lip 6 has a high-pressure surface area 10 bordering the high-pressure area, and a low-pressure surface area 11 bordering the low-pressure area. The seal has a supporting element 15, wherein the supporting element 15 forms a support of the sealing lip 6 on the low-pressure surface side, the support extending substantially parallel to the sealing edge 7, with the support being arranged between the sealing edge 7 and the retaining element 5. |
| US09068650B2 |
Shift control and method
A machine has a power train including a prime mover connected to a transmission having two or more selectable gear settings, and a user interface providing an operator selection of at least two gear identifiers of a whole number. Each whole number gear identifiers corresponds to high idle speeds for respective gear settings. The user interface provides a signal indicative of selected gear identifier to an electronic controller, which also receives and transmits signals indicative of machine parameters. The electronic controller contains computer executable instructions which determine an optimal gear setting and whether a gear shift should be made. |
| US09068642B2 |
Shifter assembly with decoupling mechanism
A shifter assembly that includes a base and a shift lever pivotal relative to the base along a straight shift path. A cable mount is linked to the shift lever and a cable is attached to the cable mount. A clutch is linked with the shift lever and cable mount. The clutch selectively transmits motion of the shift lever to the cable mount for a first travel position and decouples the cable mount from the shift lever at a second travel position. |
| US09068640B2 |
Fastening structure for ring-gear and differential case, and differential device using same
A fastening structure for a ring-gear and a differential case comprises a differential case which is provided with: a ring gear having a gear section formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a plurality of notch portions formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof; a press-fitting surface whereon the ring gear is press-fitted; and a flange section which is forced against and caulked to the notch portions, at the end of the press-fitting surface. After the ring gear has been press-fitted to the press-fitting surface, the flange section is forced toward the notch portions, and thus the differential case is caulked and fastened to the ring gear. The notch portions have stepped surfaces , and thus rattling generated during torque transmission can be suppressed. |
| US09068635B2 |
Desmodronic shaft and yoke assembly for translating linear to rotary motion
The present invention relates to an assembly for translating linear movement to rotary motion, and in particular to an improved relationship between a linearly reciprocal member such as a yoke structure and associated piston, and a rotatable shaft such as a crank shaft. The invention could be used in any application where motion is to be translated from rotary to linear or vice versa, such as in compressors for example. |
| US09068632B2 |
Power transmission device
Disclosed is a power transmission device. A power transmission device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an input gear connected to a motor so that the input gear may rotate by the motor in a forward and backward direction; a planetary gear train circumscribing the input gear with respect to the input gear and rotating in association with the rotation of the input gear; a ring gear inscribing the planetary gear train and rotating relative to the planetary gear train; a main frame having a plurality of rollers coupled along the circumferential direction and interacting with a rack, and coupled with the ring gear on the outside of the ring gear; an irrotational rear side fixture disposed on an area where the input gear is positioned; and an irrotational front side fixture disposed at the opposite side of the irrotational rear side fixture via the ring gear and the main frame therebetween and coupled with the irrotational rear side fixture. |
| US09068631B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes: a Ravigneaux planetary gear set; first to fifth friction engagement elements; the first friction engagement element, the second friction engagement element, and the fifth friction engagement element being disposed on a front side which is nearer to the driving source than the output member, the third friction engagement element and the fourth friction engagement element being disposed on a rear side which is farther from the driving source than the output member, and a first drum member that includes an inner circumference on which the second friction engagement element is disposed, and an outer circumference on which the fifth friction engagement element is disposed, and that is connected with a front carrier plate located at a front end portion of the common carrier. |
| US09068629B2 |
Fan drive planetary gear system integrated carrier and torque frame
A fan gear drive system includes a fan shaft, a turbine shaft, a fixed structure, and a gear train which includes a torque frame that comprises a base with integrated gear shafts that are circumferentially spaced relative to one another. Each shaft provides a shaft axis. Intermediate gears are supported on each bearing assembly for rotation about the bearing axis. A central gear is located radially inward from and intermeshes with the intermediate gears. A ring gear is arranged about and intermeshes with the intermediate gears. One of the torque frame, central gear and ring gear is connected to the fan shaft. Another of the torque frame, central gear and ring gear is connected to the turbine shaft. The remaining of the torque frame, central gear and ring gear is connected to the fixed structure. A bearing assembly is mounted on each of the gear shafts and provides a bearing axis. Each bearing assembly supports the respective intermediate gear. |
| US09068627B2 |
Transmission for a motor-vehicle
A dual clutch transmission for a motor vehicle which comprises at least two transmission parts and each transmission part comprise at least one input shaft. Drive is outputted from the transmission parts via a common output shaft. The at least one input shaft is arranged on a main axis and the output shaft is arranged on the main axis or a parallel secondary axis. An intermediate transmission has at least one countershaft that is arranged on the secondary axis. At least one of the input shafts can be connected to the output shaft via at least two gear planes and/or at least one shifting element. At least three shifting mechanisms are provided and at least one shifting mechanism is arranged on each of the main and the secondary axes such that one of the at least two gear planes is arranged between two of the at least three shifting mechanisms. |
| US09068626B2 |
Balancer device of internal combustion engine
A balancer device of an internal combustion engine, has a drive gear engaged with an input gear to which a rotation force is transmitted from a crankshaft; a balancer drive shaft to which the rotation force is transmitted from the drive gear and which has a balancer weight; a balancer drive gear rotating integrally with the balancer drive shaft; a balancer driven gear engaged with the balancer drive gear; and a balancer driven shaft rotating integrally with the balancer driven gear and having a balancer weight. At least one of the drive gear, the balancer drive gear and the balancer driven gear is provided, on both axial direction side surfaces thereof, with ring-shaped grooves whose diameters are different from each other. The ring-shaped grooves are formed up to a depth from the surface of the gear at which both the ring-shaped grooves overlap each other in the axial direction. |
| US09068621B1 |
Rotary wing aircraft bearing for rotary wing aircraft motions
A rotary wing aircraft bearing that provides a constrained relative motion between a first rotary wing aircraft member and a second rotary wing aircraft member. The bearing includes an elastomeric mold bonded laminated bearing stack, the elastomeric mold bonded laminated bearing stack including a plurality of mold bonded alternating layers of nonelastomeric shim member layers and elastomeric shim members layers, the alternating layers having an exterior surface and an interior center distal from the exterior surface. At least one of the elastomeric shim members layers has an interior elastomer region distal from the exterior surface, the interior elastomer region formed an interior cured elastomer composition having at least a first interior optical characteristic ingredient, and an exterior elastomer region encompassing the interior elastomer region, the exterior elastomer region proximate the exterior surface, the exterior elastomer region formed from an exterior cured elastomer composition having at least a second exterior optical characteristic ingredient, the at least second exterior optical characteristic ingredient different than the interior cured elastomer composition first interior optical characteristic ingredient, wherein with an elastomer void crack propagating from the exterior surface inward towards the interior elastomer region and a repeated rotary wing aircraft relative motion between the first rotary wing aircraft member and the second rotary wing aircraft member generates a plurality of interior cured elastomer composition crumbs to be expelled from the elastomer void, the interior cured elastomer composition crumbs optically distinguishable from the exterior cured elastomer composition. |
| US09068606B2 |
Clutch switching device and twin-clutch type transmission comprising clutch switching device
A clutch device is configured to switch between a first clutch and a second clutch. The clutch device includes a fixed sleeve having a first male thread. The fixed sleeve is coaxially arranged around an exterior of a second input shaft. A first slider has a first internal female thread and a second external male thread. The first slider is arranged externally around the fixed sleeve. The second slider has a second internal female thread. The second slider is arranged around the exterior of the first slider to rotate and move in an axial direction. A first release bearing member is interposed between a member on the first clutch side and the second slider. A second release bearing member is interposed between a member on the side of the second clutch and the first slider. A first motor rotates the first slider. A second motor rotates the second slider. |
| US09068601B2 |
Linear guide apparatus
A trunk portion (13) of each end face of a slider body of a linear guide apparatus is covered with trunk parts (212A, 212B) of retainers (2A, 2B) in the whole width direction. End faces of both of the trunk parts (212A, 212B) are provided with a projection portion (212c) and a recess portion (212d), respectively. The end faces of both of the trunk parts (212A, 212B) are brought into contact with each other in a width direction of the projection portion (212c) and the recess portion (212d), that is a thickness direction of the trunk portion (13) of the slider body, and has a gap in a length direction (i.e., width direction of the slider). End faces of adjacent trunk parts (212A, 212B) oppose each other at a position not overlapping an oil supply opening (70). Oil grooves (23) conforming to oil grooves (76) formed on the end cap (7) are provided on end cap side faces of plate-shaped portions (21A, 21B) integrally formed with the retainers (2A, 2B). |
| US09068597B2 |
Sliding member and fluid dynamic pressure bearing apparatus
There is provided a sliding member including: a substrate; and a protective film provided on the substrate, wherein the protective film is composed only of a metal base layer provided on the substrate, a low-hardness diamond-like carbon layer provided as a single layer on the metal base layer, and a high-hardness diamond-like carbon layer provided as a single layer directly on the low-hardness diamond-like carbon layer. The sliding member has the protective film which has excellent frictional wear resistance property and satisfactory adhesion property to the substrate, regardless of having a simple structure. |
| US09068595B2 |
Core winder with magnetic support for the winding spindle
The machine includes a forming spindle around which one or more strips of web material are wound; a winding unit to wind the strips of web material around the forming spindle and form therewith a tubular article; and a cutting unit to cut the tubular article into single tubes. The machine also includes at least one magnetic device to support the forming spindle to reduce the flexural deformations thereof. |
| US09068592B2 |
Bearing for a wind turbine
A rotary mechanism for incrementally advancing a rotary element (13) with respect to a ground member (12) comprises a unidirectional clutch (41) and a rotary actuator (21, 33, 39). Actuation of the actuator is against a resilient bias (34), and overcomes friction between the rotary element and the ground member to advance the rotary element with the unidirectional clutch locked. Release of the actuator allows re-setting thereof by the resilient bias, the friction between the rotary element and the ground member resisting further relative movement. |
| US09068585B2 |
Retaining means with an axial passage for receiving a format part
A retainer with an axial passage for receiving a format part is disclosed. The retainer includes several clamping tongues facing in the direction of the format part, the clamping tongues being angularly aligned against an outer lateral surface of the format part and being elastically deformable. The format part is held stationary in a first movement direction by the clamping tongues when its outer lateral surface is contacting the clamping tongues and whereby the format part is movable and/or guidable in a second movement direction, the second movement direction being opposite to the first movement direction. Furthermore the retainer includes at least one adjuster, wherein the surface contact between the respective clamping tongues and the format part is released upon actuation and/or upon a defined alignment of the at least one adjuster. |
| US09068584B2 |
Apparatus and methods for connecting mats
An adjustable locking pin for connecting at least first and second overlapping mats includes an elongated main body, an elastomeric seal extending around the periphery of an enlarged head of the main body and an elongated rotor threadably engaged in a bore of the main body. The rotor is rotatable through at least two 360 degree revolutions of rotation relative to the main body and includes a foot at its bottom end. The rotational adjustability of the rotor allows the first and second mats to be tightly held together. |
| US09068580B2 |
Breather of a hydraulic or electrohydraulic control device
A venting device for a hydraulic control unit, designed as a diaphragm in a bore in the control unit, so that collected air can escape, via the diaphragm, to outside the housing. A membrane, which is permeable to air and oil when under pressure, closes the diaphragm bore with respect to the outside. The housing bore and the diaphragm form an inside space that can be vented, via the membrane. The inside space being delimited, during operation, by the diaphragm and an oil column which passes from the control unit into the housing bore and is continually maintained at a defined pressure at which oil, in the housing bore, either does not pass through the membrane or only a minute amount passes therethrough. The oil column remains in the housing bore so that only air, contained in the oil, is vented to the outside without any air being drawn into the control unit from outside. |
| US09068579B2 |
Brake system of straddle type vehicle
A rear brake system has a rod extending from a master cylinder that inputs the operational force of a brake pedal to the master cylinder, a coil spring coaxially arranged with the rod and providing reaction force to return the brake pedal to the state before operating the brake pedal, a reaction adjustment mechanism provided on the rod and configured so as to be movable in the axial direction of the rod. According to the position of the reaction adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the rod, shrinkage of the coil spring in the axial direction of the rod can be adjusted. |
| US09068575B2 |
Hydraulic control system having swing motor energy recovery
A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a work tool movable to perform an excavation cycle having a plurality of segments, a motor configured to swing the work tool during the excavation cycle, and a pump configured to pressurize fluid directed to drive the motor. The hydraulic control system may also have at least one accumulator configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the motor and to discharge fluid to the motor during the plurality of segments, and a controller configured to implement a plurality of modes of operation. Each of the plurality of modes of operation includes a different combination of segments during which the at least one accumulator receives and discharges fluid. |
| US09068574B2 |
Assembly having a control device with racks for controlling the angular position of pivotally-mounted blades in a turbine engine
An assembly in a turbine engine for controlling plural toothed pivotally-mounted blades arranged in azimuth around the axis of the turbine engine and including an actuator ring controlling a position of the blades. Racks mounted on the ring present corresponding sets of teeth meshing with the set of teeth of a respective one of the blades to place it in a selected angular position, and they are held in the radial direction by radial positioning mechanism fastened to the blade. Each rack is mounted on the ring by plural guides spaced apart circumferentially around the ring, that connect together movements of the rack and of the ring in the circumferential direction, and that are configured to slide relative to the ring, for each guide in its own radial direction, and relative to the rack in a direction of movement that is substantially radial and specific to the rack. |
| US09068573B2 |
Centrifugal fan
A centrifugal fan is disclosed. The centrifugal fan includes a fan device and a case. The fan device includes an impeller and a plurality of blades, wherein the plurality of blades are mounted separately around the impeller. The case is provided to allow the fan device to be disposed and to rotate inside it. The case includes a top cover, a bottom cover, and a side wall. The side wall is mounted between the top cover and the bottom cover. The side wall includes a fixed part and a deformable part. The fixed part is connected with the top cover and the bottom cover, and the deformable part is connected with the fixed part. |
| US09068572B2 |
Centrifugal pump apparatus
This centrifugal blood pump apparatus includes an impeller provided in a blood chamber, a first permanent magnet provided in one surface of the impeller, and a second permanent magnet provided in an inner wall of the blood chamber, for attracting the first permanent magnet. The attractive force between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet on the opening side of a sidewall of the blood chamber is set to be smaller than the attractive force between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet on the opposite side of the opening. As a result, inclination of the impeller with respect to a dividing wall during pump operation can be prevented. |
| US09068569B2 |
Internal gear pump having an internally toothed ring gear supported in a rotatable bearing
An internal gear pump includes a separator arranged in a pump chamber of the internal gear pump. The separator divides the pump chamber into a delivery chamber and a suction chamber and is arranged so as to be radially moveable and capable of pivoting. The internal gear pump further includes a bearing ring in which a ring gear of the internal gear pump is rotatably supported such that it can pivot about a pin. A pressure prevailing in the pump chamber when the internal gear pump is in operation acts on the ring gear and the bearing ring with a torque, which acts inwardly from the pin in a circumferential direction to the suction chamber and presses tooth tips of teeth of the ring gear inwards against the separator and presses the separator inwards against tooth tips of teeth of the pinion. |
| US09068567B2 |
Reciprocating piston pump serviceable without tools
The “no tools” pump removal system comprises a bearing housing attached to the drive housing. The bearing housing has a hinged door that when opened allows removal of the pump pin and then the pump. The bearing housing is provided with a latch assembly and a handle. A safety latch retains the handle in place during operation and until it is desired to remove the pump. |
| US09068559B2 |
Rotor blade for a wind turbine and a method for making the same
The invention relates to a rotor blade for a wind turbine. The rotor blade comprises a shell and a spar forming a longitudinally extending hollow structure within the shell and comprising: a leading web, a trailing web, and one or more additional webs. Each additional web defines an intermediate portion between a hub end and a tip end. The intermediate portion of each additional web is spaced apart from the leading and trailing webs and at least one of the tip and the hub ends is connected to or integral with the leading or the trailing web. The invention further relates to a wind turbine comprising the rotor blade, and a method for manufacturing the rotor blade. |
| US09068558B2 |
Bolted connection for connecting two wind turbine components by bolts
A bolted connection for connecting two wind turbine components by bolts is proposed. Each of the bolts has a shaft and a plurality of threads. A transition region between the bolt shaft and the bolt threads is tapered. The bolted connection can be used to connect a rotor blade to a blade bearing of a wind turbine. |
| US09068556B2 |
Pilot circuitry for controlling the emergency feathering of a wind turbine
A pilot circuitry is disclosed for controlling the activation of an emergency feathering system of a wind turbine by means of a pilot pressure, wherein the pilot circuitry comprises at least two parallel control circuits for providing a pilot pressure. Additionally, a selector may be provided for selectively preventing a control circuit from providing the pilot pressure to the emergency feathering system in case of malfunction of the control circuit. |
| US09068550B2 |
Floating assembly for generating energy from sea currents
An assembly for generating energy from sea currents comprises a main floating body to be oriented across the direction of the sea current, a rotor assembly depending from the main floating body, at least one stabilising member extending substantially sideways from the main floating body and mooring lines for anchoring the assembly. Each stabilizing member is attached to the main floating body at a position substantially corresponding with the position of attachment of a mooring line. Further an assembly for generating energy from sea currents comprises a main floating body to be oriented in parallel to the direction of the sea current, at least two outriggers extending substantially sideways in opposite directions from the main floating body, a rotor assembly depending from the outrigger means and mooring lines for anchoring the assembly. The mooring lines are attached to the main floating body at or near the opposite frontal ends thereof. |
| US09068543B2 |
Fuel injection system with integrated high-pressure accumulator
The invention relates to a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a high-pressure pump. A high-pressure outlet (4) of the high-pressure pump is connected to a high-pressure accumulator (23) that has at least one accumulator outlet (13a, 13b) for connecting to a fuel injector. According to the invention, a fuel injection system which is compact and operates in a highly reliable manner is provided. This is achieved in that the high-pressure accumulator (23) is directly adapted to the high-pressure pump and in that the accumulator outlet (13a, 13b) is aligned in a precisely defined position with respect to the high-pressure pump. |
| US09068541B2 |
Fuel injection device
A fuel injection device for smooth discharge of a gas accumulated therein comprising a fuel pump, a solenoid valve for injecting pressurized fuel into the intake passage of an engine, a high-pressure fuel passage extending from the fuel pump to the solenoid valve and has a medially positioned constant-pressure chamber, and a fuel return passage connected to a fuel return pipe, with the fuel return passage extending from the constant-pressure chamber and having a medially positioned priming pump. The constant-pressure chamber is configured with the top wall in the upper space thereof disposed above the opening of the high-pressure fuel passage opposite the solenoid valve, the fuel return passage opens into the upper space at a position above the opening of the high-pressure fuel passage, and the gas accumulating in the constant-pressure chamber is discharged from the upper space toward the fuel tank via the fuel return passage. |
| US09068540B2 |
Fuel injector
The invention relates to a fuel injector for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising a nozzle needle (1) which is able to perform stroke motions and by the stroke motion of which at least one injection opening can be exposed or closed, and further comprising a control valve (2) for controlling the stroke motion of the nozzle needle (1) in that, depending on the respective switch position of the control valve (2), hydraulic pressure applied in closing direction to the nozzle needle (1) in a control chamber (3) is altered, and further comprising a sensor array (4) for detecting the needle closing time. According to the invention, the sensor array (4) is arranged in the low-pressure area of the fuel injector in a space (5) which is sealed with respect to the fuel-conducting area (6). Sealing of the space (5) is effected by a membrane (7) made of a fuel-resistant, electrically conductive material, allowing the membrane (7) to also be utilized for implementing a ground connection. |
| US09068538B2 |
Intake system for internal combustion engine
An intake system for an internal combustion engine includes: a cylinder block in which a combustion chamber is formed; a cylinder head in which a plurality of intake ports to introduce the combustion air into the combustion chamber are formed; a cylinder head cover disposed on an upper side of the cylinder head; a cam position sensor that detects positions in an axial direction of a motor of a cam slide mechanism and an intake side cam, the motor being disposed on an upper side of the cylinder head cover and driving the intake side cam; and an air cleaner disposed on an upper side of the cylinder head cover, the motor, and the cam position sensor, and a concave portion deeper than the other portions is formed in a bottom wall portion of the air cleaner, and is disposed between the motor and the cam position sensor. |
| US09068532B2 |
Translating sleeve thrust reverser with movable cascade
A nacelle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a forward nacelle portion having an aft edge and defining a bypass duct that transports bypass airflow of the turbofan engine, a translatable sleeve that is translatable aft of the forward nacelle portion and a reverse thrust apparatus that is movable between a stowed position, and a deployed position. When the reverse thrust apparatus is deployed, the translatable sleeve is moved aft to a position away from the aft edge of the forward nacelle portion to expose a cascade assembly comprising an opening in the bypass duct, and one or more blocker doors are deployed so as to extend into the bypass duct, such that at least a portion of the airflow in the bypass duct is directed out the bypass duct through the cascade assembly. Also, during deployment of the reverse thrust apparatus, at least a portion of the cascade assembly translates toward the engine centerline. The cascade assembly may have a cross-section that is non-uniform. |
| US09068531B2 |
One-piece piston with improved combustion bowl rim region and method of manufacture
A piston for an internal combustion engine and method of construction thereof is provided. The piston includes a piston body having an upper combustion surface with a combustion bowl depending from the upper combustion surface. The piston body has a ring belt region configured for receipt of at least one piston ring adjacent the upper combustion surface. A cooling gallery is configured in radial alignment with the ring belt region. An annular combustion bowl rim region extends between the upper combustion surface and the combustion bowl, and a bonded seam extends from the combustion bowl rim region radially outwardly to the cooling gallery. The bonded seam has material properties exhibiting an enhanced ability to withstand the extreme temperature, pressure, stress and highly corrosive and erosive effects of the combustion gases relative to the surrounding material of the piston body. |
| US09068530B2 |
Connecting rod with lubrication passage
Exemplary connecting rods and piston assemblies are disclosed. An exemplary connecting rod includes a shaft extending between a piston pin end and a crankshaft pin end, where the piston pin end defines a pin bore opening. The shaft defines a lubrication passage. The connecting rod further includes a piston pin bore surface extending about an inner circumference of the pin bore opening, and the lubrication passage extends through the shaft from the crankshaft pin end to the pin bore opening. The connecting rod may further include a valve received within the opening, e.g., a one-way valve, that is configured to permit a fluid to flow through the valve toward the piston pin end while restricting flow of the fluid through the valve toward the crankshaft pin end. |
| US09068529B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a piston (10, 110) for an internal combustion engine. Said piston comprises a piston head (11), a piston skirt (12) and a peripheral recess (24) between the piston head (11) and the piston skirt (12), an annular peripheral cooling channel (17), which is open towards the bottom and which is closed by a closing element (18), being provided in the piston head (11), and the piston skirt (12) having fillets (21) which are connected to the bottom of the piston skirt (11) and interconnected via bearing surfaces (23, 123). According to the invention, at least one projection (26, 126) is formed in the region of a free end face (25, 125) of the bearing surfaces (23, 123) and extends radially into a region of the cooling channel (17), said projection matching an opening (19) in the closing element (18) of the cooling channel (17). |
| US09068526B2 |
Method and control unit for operating a valve
A method for operating a valve, in particular a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which an auxiliary variable is obtained as a function of at least one electrical operating variable of an electromagnetic actuator driving a component of the valve, in particular a valve needle, and in which the auxiliary variable is checked for the presence of a predefinable characteristic. A reference variable is ascertained as a function of the auxiliary variable, the auxiliary variable is modified as a function of the reference variable to obtain a modified auxiliary variable, and the modified auxiliary variable is checked for the presence of the predefinable characteristic. |
| US09068524B2 |
Fault analysis method and fault analysis device for an internal combustion engine
In a fault analysis method for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, an angular speed of the internal combustion engine is determined, and one parameter of the combustion process of one of the plurality of cylinders (6) is adapted in order to equalize the times taken by the internal combustion engine to cover in each case one angle interval. To provide a fault analysis method which makes it possible to detect a defective cylinder (6), it is determined that one of the plurality of cylinders (6) is defective on the basis of the value of the parameter. |
| US09068518B2 |
Monitoring of transmission-to-engine speed requests
A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft which rotates at an engine speed, a transmission having a rotatable input member, a transmission control module (TC), and an engine control module (ECM) in communication with the TCM. The TCM is programmed to execute a transmission-to-engine speed monitoring and control method which includes transmitting an engine speed request to the ECM which requests a positive increase in the engine speed, and terminating the request when the request is active for more than a first calibrated timeout duration. The TCM also terminates the request when the request is active for more than a second calibrated duration that is less than the first calibrated duration, the transmission is not in neutral, and both a shift of the transmission and an acceleration of the input member are not active. |
| US09068517B2 |
Cooridnated torque control operation with de-energized throttle
An engine control system comprises an air control module and a spark control module. The air control module controls a throttle valve based on a first desired torque when the throttle valve is in an operable state. The spark control module controls spark advance based on the first desired torque and a second desired torque when the throttle valve is in a fault state. The throttle valve is maintained in a predetermined fault position when in the fault state. |
| US09068513B2 |
Seal assembly including grooves in an inner shroud in a gas turbine engine
A seal assembly between a disc cavity and a hot gas path in a gas turbine engine includes a rotating blade assembly having a plurality of blades that rotate with a turbine rotor during operation of the engine, and a stationary vane assembly having a plurality of vanes and an inner shroud. The inner shroud includes a radially outwardly facing first surface, a radially inwardly facing second surface, and a plurality of grooves extending into the second surface. The grooves are arranged such that a space having a component in a circumferential direction is defined between adjacent grooves. During operation of the engine, the grooves guide purge air out of the disc cavity toward the hot gas path such that the purge air flows in a desired direction with reference to a direction of hot gas flow through the hot gas path. |
| US09068512B2 |
Method for protecting a gas turbine engine against high dynamical process values and gas turbine engine for conducting the method
A method can protect a gas turbine engine (10), which includes a compressor (11), a combustor (13), and a turbine (12), against high dynamical process values, especially in combustor/flame pulsations. Effective protection against high dynamical process values, especially in combustor/flame pulsations, can be achieved by: a) measuring the pulsations of the combustor (13) with a suitable sensor (18), b) dividing the frequency spectrum of the measured pulsation signal up into pre-defined band pass sections, c) computing the rms (root mean square) of the signal for each band, d) weighting the computed frequency/frequency band rms with predetermined weighting factors, e) cumulating the weighted frequency/frequency band rms values to get a Pulsation Limit Criterion (PLC) value, f) comparing the PLC value with at least one reference value (23), and g) operating the gas turbine engine (10) according to the result of the comparison. |
| US09068510B2 |
Machined springs for injector applications
A machined spring for injector applications includes opposed first and second spring bases separated apart along a longitudinal axis. A spring body connects the first and second spring bases. The spring body includes a generally annular wall with a plurality of spring channels defined therethrough, such as machined channels. Exemplary applications for such machined springs include liquid strainers, valve components, and structural components for accommodating thermal expansion in injectors. |
| US09068509B2 |
Gas turbine engine fuel control thrust control override system
A gas turbine engine fuel control system is provided that includes a fuel metering valve and a thrust control valve. The fuel metering valve includes a metering valve inlet and a metering valve outlet. The metering valve inlet is adapted to receive a flow of fuel, and is configured to control the flow of fuel through the metering valve outlet. The thrust control valve is adapted to receive thrust control valve override signals and is configured, in response thereto, to move from a first position, in which flow from the metering valve is not impacted, and a second position, in which flow from the metering valve is blocked while flow through a fixed-area orifice is allowed. |
| US09068508B2 |
Gas turbine internal manifold mounting arrangement
A mounting method and system for supporting and positioning an internal fuel manifold relative to a combustor in a fuel injection system for a gas turbine engine. The method includes positioning the fuel manifold within a gas generator casing, applying a heat shield around a radially extending fuel inlet connected to the fuel manifold, and using the heat shield to at least partially support the fuel manifold within the gas generator casing. |
| US09068507B2 |
Compressor having purge circuit and method of purging
A compressor having a purge circuit. In one embodiment, the compressor includes: a rotor having a plurality of stages, each of the plurality of stages including a set of radially extending rotor wheels; a working fluid supply path for providing working fluid to each of the plurality of stages for compression by each set of radially extending rotor wheels; a purge circuit for diverting a first portion of the working fluid from an upstream portion of the working fluid supply path to at least one downstream stage of the plurality of stages; and a substantially axial bypass path bypassing the at least one downstream stage, the substantially axial bypass path for diverting a second portion of the working fluid around the at least one downstream stage. |
| US09068504B2 |
Engine operated machine
An engine-operated device includes a dust separating device. An air inlet provided on a first end side of the dust separating device. A first discharge opening is provided in the lateral surface on a second end side of the longitudinal direction, and a second discharge opening is provided to be separated from the first discharge opening. A first connecting passage is connected between the first discharge opening and the rotor cover of a magneto-rotor, and a second connecting passage is connected between an upstream side of an air cleaner case and the second discharge opening. |
| US09068502B2 |
EGR flow measurement
A system and method for measuring an EGR flow rate for an engine having an EGR valve with a selectable EGR valve position and a venturi sensor situated to take a differential pressure measurement relative to recirculated exhaust gas includes determining an EGR valve effective area based on the EGR valve position, determining a weighting factor based on the effective area, calculating a first EGR flow estimate based on the effective area, and calculating a second EGR flow estimate based on the differential pressure measurement of the venturi sensor. A final EGR flow rate is determined based on the weighting factor, the first EGR flow estimate, and the second EGR flow estimate. |
| US09068498B2 |
Reduction of ring clipping in two-stroke cycle engines
A port for a cylinder of a two-stroke cycle engine includes at least one generally circumferential array of port openings. Port openings have a shape that reduces ring clipping during engine operation. The port opening shape is defined at a bore surface by opposing top and bottom edges joined by side edges. Each of the top and bottom edges is characterized by rounded corner transitions to the side edges, a rounded peak, and inclined ramp portions extending from the rounded corner transitions to the rounded peak. |
| US09068495B2 |
Oxidation catalyst/hydrocarbon injector testing system
An oxidation catalyst (OC)/hydrocarbon injector (HCI) testing system includes a controller having a first oxygen sensor input configured and disposed to receive a first oxygen sensor value upstream of an oxidation catalyst (OC) device and a second oxygen sensor input configured to receive a second oxygen sensor value downstream of the OC device. The controller is configured and disposed to perform a first test to detect one of a faulty OC device and a faulty HCI based on a difference between the first and second oxygen sensor values. |
| US09068494B2 |
Method and system for exhaust cleaning
A method pertaining to regeneration of a particle filter (202) pertaining to a combustion process, which filter is arranged to treat exhaust gases arising from combustion in a combustion engine (101). When at least one measure for raising the temperature of the particle filter (202) is activated, determining a temperature for the particle filter (202), comparing the temperature determined with a first temperature and discontinuing the measure for raising the temperature of the particle filter (202) when the temperature determined is below the first temperature. |
| US09068492B2 |
Motor vehicle on-board diagnostics to distinguish degradation from tampering
A method for responding to conditions detected in an on-board diagnostic unit of a motor vehicle and signaling degradation of a component of the motor vehicle. The method includes providing a first response if the conditions signal degradation of the component due to tampering, and providing a second response if the conditions signal degradation of the component not due to tampering. |
| US09068487B2 |
Selective catalytic reduction system
A selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) that reduces a burden on a battery resulting from energization of a heater and a decrease in time during which an NOx concentration cannot be detected. The SCR system includes: an SCR device; a dosing valve; NOx sensors; an urea solution injection control unit; electric heaters for raising respective temperatures of the NOx sensors to a sensor operating temperature; and an energization permission unit that prohibits energization of the heaters at the time of a start of an engine and permits energization of the heaters when engine revolutions become equal to or exceed a preset energization permission threshold value and such state lasts for a period of time equal to or exceeding a preset stabilization wait time. |
| US09068485B2 |
Engine lubrication control system
The present invention provides an engine lubrication control system including an engine, an oil pump which is driven by the engine, an oil circuit which extends downstream from the oil pump, and a plurality of oil branch supply paths which branch from the oil circuit and supply oil to each part of the engine. An electronically-controlled first hydraulic control valve which controls, in a stepwise manner, a discharge pressure of the oil pump relative to a speed of the engine is disposed on the oil circuit, a hydraulically-driven second hydraulic control valve is disposed on at least one of the plurality of oil branch supply paths, and a downstream hydraulic pressure of the second hydraulic control valve is controlled to be lower than a downstream hydraulic pressure of the first hydraulic control valve of the oil circuit at least across a predetermined engine speed range. |
| US09068483B2 |
Variable valve actuating apparatus for internal combustion engine, and controller for variable valve actuating apparatus
A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is provided with a variable valve actuating system. At a startup of the engine, a controller performs: causing an initial exhaust valve opening timing of a first combustion cylinder to approach bottom dead center; and setting a second valve overlap period greater than a first valve overlap period, wherein the first valve overlap period is a period from an initial intake valve opening timing of the first combustion cylinder to an initial exhaust valve closing timing of the first combustion cylinder, and wherein the second valve overlap period is a period from an initial intake valve opening timing of a second combustion cylinder to an initial exhaust valve closing timing of the second combustion cylinder immediately after an initial combustion event of the second combustion cylinder after an initial combustion event of the first combustion cylinder. |
| US09068481B2 |
Electronic component accommodation member and valve timing control device equipped with the same
An accommodation space formation member forms an accommodation space and a communication hole. The accommodation space accommodates an electronic component. The communication hole communicates the accommodation space with an outside of the accommodation space formation member. A ventilation member is equipped to the communication hole or an opening of the communication hole on a side of the accommodation space. The ventilation member is configured to permit flow of vapor between the accommodation space and the outside and to restrict flow of liquid between the accommodation space and the outside. The accommodation space formation member has an outer wall having a first groove portion, which forms a first groove. The first groove communicates with an opening of the communication hole on the outside. |
| US09068480B2 |
Rotary electromagnetic actuator
A rotary electromagnetic actuator is provided which is suitable for opening and closing a valve for example. The actuator comprises a rotor (10), a stator (16), and a biasing arrangement (20, 100, 102, 104, 106) for applying a torque to the rotor during at least part of its rotation. A plurality of stable rest positions (200; 316, 318; 400) for the rotor are defined by forces acting on the rotor and the actuator is controllable to move the rotor from one stable rest position to another. The torque applied by the biasing arrangement varies with the rotational position of the rotor such that at a primary rest position and at least a second rest position, it is sufficiently low to enable selection of those positions, and then it increases beyond the second rest position. |
| US09068479B2 |
Veb excenter reset
A valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine is operable to selectively open and close a gas exchange valve to accomplish an engine brake during an engine brake mode of an engine. The valve mechanism includes a cam follower in biased abutment against a gas exchange cam element for actuation of a rocker arm connected to the gas exchange valve. |
| US09068471B2 |
Clearance control system, turbomachine and method for adjusting a running clearance between a rotor and a casing of a turbomachine
The invention relates to a clearance control system and a method for adjusting a running clearance between a rotor having rotor blades of a turbomachine, and a casing that surrounds at least sections thereof. At least one adjusting gear unit, which can be coupled to at least one casing segment allows for movement of at least one segment radially in relation to the rotational axis of the rotor. An adjusting element can be arranged around the rotor and coupled to at least one adjusting gear unit and can be moved in relation to it for actuating the adjusting gear unit, whereby axial movement and/or pivoting of the adjusting element in relation to the rotor actuates adjustment of the running clearance, with each adjusting gear unit converting an at least predominantly axial movement of the adjusting element into at least predominantly radial movement of the assigned segment of the casing. |
| US09068470B2 |
Independently-controlled gas turbine inlet guide vanes and variable stator vanes
A system adjusts positions of gas turbine inlet guide vanes (IGVs) and variable stator vanes (VSVs). The system includes a hydraulic power unit providing a supply of hydraulic fluid, an IGV servo in fluid communication with the hydraulic power unit, and a VSV servo in fluid communication with the hydraulic power unit. An IGV cylinder set is provided in fluid communication with the hydraulic power unit via the IGV servo and is connected to the IGVs. The IGV cylinder set effects displacement of the IGVs between a closed position and a fully open position. A VSV cylinder set is provided in fluid communication with the hydraulic power unit via the VSV servo. The VSVs include multiple stages linked together with a torque shaft. The VSV cylinder set is connected to the torque shaft, and the VSV cylinder set effects simultaneous displacement of the stages of the VSVs between a closed position and a fully open position. The IGV servo and the VSV servo respectively control delivery of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic power unit to the IGV cylinder set and the VSV cylinder set, and the IGV servo and the VSV servo are independently controllable. |
| US09068468B2 |
High efficiency power generation system and system upgrades
A thermal/electrical power converter includes a gas turbine with an input couplable to an output of an inert gas thermal power source, a compressor including an output couplable to an input of the inert gas thermal power source, and a generator coupled to the gas turbine. The thermal/electrical power converter also includes a heat exchanger with an input coupled to an output of the gas turbine and an output coupled to an input of the compressor. The heat exchanger includes a series-coupled super-heater heat exchanger, a boiler heat exchanger and a water preheater heat exchanger. The thermal/electrical power converter also includes a reservoir tank and reservoir tank control valves configured to regulate a power output of the thermal/electrical power converter. |
| US09068462B2 |
Process of welding a turbine blade, a process of welding a non-uniform article, and a welded turbine blade
A process of welding an article and a welded turbine blade are disclosed. The process includes fusion welding over a primary symmetry line determined from a center of gravity on a first side of the article or blade and fusion welding over the primary symmetry line determined from the center of gravity on a second side of the article or blade. The fusion treating includes multiple fusion treatments. |
| US09068458B2 |
Shock protector for a compressor's drive circuit
A motor-driven compressor that prevents electric leakage from a drive circuit while suppressing the generation of noise. The motor-driven compressor includes a compressor mechanism that compresses a refrigerant, a motor mechanism that actuates the compressor mechanism, a drive circuit that drives the motor mechanism. The drive circuit is connected to a power supply. An inner housing accommodates the compressor mechanism and the motor mechanism in a sealed state and holds the drive circuit. An outer housing accommodates the inner housing and includes a mounting portion that can be mounted to another member. An intermediate member arranged between the inner housing and the outer housing and between the drive circuit and the outer housing. The intermediate members include anti-vibration and thermal insulation properties. A protector protects the drive circuit from an external impact, wherein the protector is arranged on the outer housing. |
| US09068457B2 |
Double-flow screw spindle machine
The invention relates to a double-flow screw spindle machine for drive generation by multiphase mixtures or for the delivery of multiphase mixtures, comprising at least two separate inlet chambers (11, 12) and an outlet chamber (20), and a separator (30), situated upstream of the inlet chambers (11, 12), for separating liquid phase and gas phase. The object of the present invention is to provide a dual-flow screw spindle machine which is easily adaptable to changed process conditions. This object is achieved by virtue of the fact that both inlet chambers (11, 12) are connected to the separator (30) by separate lines (31, 32; 33) for the gas phase and the liquid phase. |
| US09068456B2 |
Fluid energy transfer device with improved bearing assemblies
A trochoidal gear pump or engine uses a coaxial hub with an outer and/or inner rotor and an associated rolling element bearing assembly that uses pre-loaded bearings to precisely set the rotational axis and/or the axial position of the rotor with which it is associated. This allows the fixed-gap clearance between the rotor surfaces and the housing or other rotor surfaces to be set at a distance that minimizes operating fluid shear forces and/or by-pass leakage and eliminates gear tooth wear thus preserving effective chamber to chamber sealing. The device is useful in handling gaseous and two-phase fluids in expansion/contracting fluid engines/compressors and can incorporate an output shaft for an integrated condensate pump for use with Rankine cycles. A vent from the housing cavity to a lower pressure input or output port regulates built-up fluid pressure in the housing, thereby optimizing the efficiency of the device by controlling bypass leakage. |
| US09068452B2 |
Coal caving cycle
A coal caving system (1) including a plurality of shields (3) with canopies (6) which are selectively operated to allow coal to cave onto a rear conveyor (37). In one aspect, the invention provides a shield control method including controlling the shield (3) to automatically open a door (6) associated with a rear canopy of the shield (3) responsive to a position of a shearer of the system. |
| US09068449B2 |
Transverse well perforating
In stimulating a subterranean zone surrounding a well bore, a perforation trajectory is identified that is transverse to a predicted direction of primary fracture propagation in the subterranean zone. A perforating gun in the well bore is aimed to perforate in the perforation trajectory, and then operated to perforate the well bore in the perforation trajectory. Thereafter, a fracture treatment is performed on the subterranean zone through the perforations. |
| US09068445B2 |
Sensing indicator having RFID tag, downhole tool, and method thereof
A sensing indicator for a downhole tool, the sensing indicator includes a sensing mechanism including a sensing device and an RFID tag. Wherein the RFID tag is only readable when a set limit is exceeded. The set limit related to a sensed condition of a downhole component of the downhole tool; and, a housing supporting the sensing mechanism. The housing protecting the sensing mechanism from downhole conditions. Further is method of indicating whether a sensed condition of a downhole component in a downhole tool has exceeded a set limit |
| US09068439B2 |
Systems and methods of positive indication of actuation of a downhole tool
Disclosed are systems and methods of positive indication of the proper actuation of a downhole tool. One system includes a work string providing a flow path therein, a downhole tool coupled to the work string and having a body fluidly coupled to the flow path, an indicator chamber defined in the body and configured to retain a substance therein until the downhole tool is actuated, whereupon the indicator chamber becomes exposed and the substance is released into the flow path, and an optical computing device in optical communication with the flow path and configured to detect a characteristic of the substance in the flow path and communicate a signal when the characteristic is detected, the signal being indicative that the downhole tool has been actuated. |
| US09068438B2 |
Optimization of sample cleanup during formation testing
Disclosed is a formation testing tool for extracting formation fluid from an earth formation penetrated by a borehole having a drilling fluid. The tool includes: a sample flow element configured to extract formation fluid from the formation in a sample zone; a sample zone seal forming a perimeter defining the sample zone; a contamination removal flow element configured to extract formation fluid contaminated with the drilling fluid from a contamination removal zone in the formation; a contamination removal zone seal forming a perimeter defining the contamination removal zone, which surrounds and excludes the sample zone; and a controller configured to control a sample flow rate in the sample flow element and a contamination removal flow rate in the contamination flow removal element in order to decrease an amount of time required to acquire a sample of the formation fluid having an acceptable amount of contamination. |
| US09068437B2 |
Variable Tg shape memory materials for wellbore devices
Wellbore devices for use in filtration, wellbore isolation, production control, lifecycle management and wellbore construction may include at least a first and a second shape-memory material each having an altered geometric position and each an original geometric position. Each shape-memory material may be held in the altered geometric run-in position at a temperature below glass transition temperature (Tg), where the Tgs and/or the respective slope changes of the first and second shape-memory materials are different. Optionally the shape-memory materials may be crosslinked polymers where the crosslinked polymers have different crosslinking ratios from one another. Once the wellbore device is in place downhole and the first and second shape-memory materials are subjected to temperatures above their Tgs, the materials will deploy to recovered geometric positions at or near their original geometric positions to perform their filtration, isolation, control or other function. These deployments may occur at different times or rates. |
| US09068436B2 |
Method and system for sampling multi-phase fluid at a production wellsite
A system and method for sampling fluid from a production wellsite are provided. The system includes an interface operatively connectable to the port and a separation circuit operatively connectable to the interface for establishing fluid communication therebetween. The separation circuit includes a pumping unit and at least one sample chamber. The pumping unit includes pumping chambers having a cylinder with a piston therein defining a fluid cavity and a buffer cavity. The fluid cavities define a separation chamber for receiving the fluid and allowing separation of the fluid therein into phases. The buffer cavities have a buffer fluid selectively movable therebetween whereby the fluid flows through the separation circuit at a controlled rate. The sample chamber is for collecting at least one sample of the phases of the fluid. |
| US09068435B2 |
Gravel pack inner string adjustment device
A downhole assembly, such as a toe-to-heel gravel pack assembly, has a body with a body passage, outlet ports for slurry, and screens for fluid returns. An inner string deploys in the body to perform the toe-to-heel gravel packing. A telescoping adjustment device allows the inner string to space out properly when deployed to the toe of the assembly. Sealing surfaces or seats of a locating device in the body separate a sealable space and seal against seals on the inner string movably disposed therein. Fluid pumped in the string produces a pressure buildup when the string's port communicates with the sealable space. The pressure buildup indicates that the tool is positioned at a first location in the assembly, and other positions for placement of the tool can then be calculated therefrom. |
| US09068428B2 |
Selectively corrodible downhole article and method of use
A selectively corrodible downhole article includes a movable cylindrical member comprising a first section and an axially separated second section, the first section comprising a first material having a first galvanic activity, the second section comprising a second material having a second galvanic activity, the first galvanic activity greater than the second, the first section electrically isolated from the second section. The article also includes a fixed member disposed on the cylindrical member and configured for electrical contact with the first or second section, the fixed member comprising an intermediate material having an intermediate galvanic activity, the intermediate galvanic activity intermediate the first and second galvanic activity, the movable cylindrical member configured for movement from a first position where the first section is disposed and in electrical contact with the fixed member and a second position where the second section is disposed and in electrical contact with the fixed member. |
| US09068427B2 |
Asymmetrical button for ram-type blowout preventers
An asymmetrical ram button is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a blowout preventer including such a button. Particularly, the blowout preventer may include an actuation assembly having the asymmetric ram button attached to a connecting rod coupled to a piston. The asymmetric body of the button can engage an internal shoulder of the ram such that a retraction force on the actuation assembly causes the asymmetrical ram button to load against the internal shoulder. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US09068425B2 |
Safety valve with electrical actuator and tubing pressure balancing
A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool. |
| US09068421B2 |
Molded well head cover
A well head cover includes a polymeric body integrally including a tubular shaped main body portion. A tubular shaped mounting portion extends from the main body portion. A tubular shaped discharge portion is connected to the main body portion and is oppositely directed with respect to the mounting portion. A first discharge tube bore is created through a first end wall provided in the discharge portion. A second end wall is provided in the mounting portion. The second end wall has an end wall portion through which a second discharge tube bore is created. An axial centerline of the second discharge tube bore is coaxially aligned with an axial centerline of the first discharge tube bore. A pipe extending through the well head cover has a diameter adapted to provide a sliding fit with the first and second end walls at the first and second discharge tube bores. |
| US09068419B2 |
Diverting flow in a drilling fluid circulation system to regulate drilling fluid pressure
Diverting flow in a drilling fluid circulation system to regulate drilling fluid pressure. A pump of a drilling fluid pressure regulation system for a well bore can discharge drilling fluid through discharge piping at flow rate. A pressure control device has an inlet connected to the discharge piping and an outlet connected to bypass piping. A processor connected to the pump and the pressure control device can adjust the pressure control device to modify a pressure of the drilling fluid by at least partially opening the pressure control device and releasing drilling fluid into the bypass piping at a selected flow rate. The processor can modify the drilling fluid flow rate in the discharge piping based on the pressure represented by the pressure measurement signals and the selected flow rate in the bypass piping such that the target pressure parameter of the drilling fluid in the discharge piping is satisfied. |
| US09068416B2 |
Wellbore knock-out chamber and related methods of use
Disclosed is a downhole knock-out tool (900) for use in a tubing string (702) with a power head (704) for creating reverse flow. The tool has a cylindrical housing (910) with an inner tube (920) in the housing directing well fluids against a knock-out (940) or deflector cone to accumulate debris in the annulus (926) formed between the housing and tube. |
| US09068415B2 |
Wireless drill string disconnect
A disconnector drill string has an uphole section and a downhole section coupled together by a disconnection sub, an operative length and an internal fluid conduit that extends along its operative length. The disconnection sub is operable to receive wirelessly a pre-designated command signal, to selectively couple the uphole section and the downhole section together, and to selectively uncouple the uphole section and the downhole section from one another. A method for using the disconnector drill string in a well bore includes the steps of introducing the disconnector drill string into the well bore, transmitting wirelessly the pre-designated command signal to the disconnection sub such that the disconnection sub selectively operates to uncouple the uphole section of the disconnector drill string from the downhole section of the disconnector drill string, and removing the uphole section of the disconnector drill string from the well bore. |
| US09068412B2 |
Connecting head for connecting a cable and a downhole tool and associated intervention device
The head (80) comprises an upper portion for attaching and connecting to a cable (32) and a lower attaching portion for electrically connecting to a control and transmission module (82) of a tool to be lowered in the well. The head (80) comprises a hollow outer enclosure (94) and a mechanical connection assembly. The mechanical connection assembly comprises an attaching member (114) and a liner (116) defining an inner lumen (121) to receive the attaching member (114) and the lower end of the cable (32) The connecting head (80) defines a first downhole electrical path (70) able to extend from a lower segment (126) of the cable to a first connector of the control and transmission module (82), the first downhole electrical path (70) being completely electrically insulated from the outer enclosure (94). |
| US09068411B2 |
Thermal release mechanism for downhole tools
A release mechanism for use in setting a downhole tool comprises two connectors releasably connected to one other. One of the connectors includes a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from a material included in the second connector. The difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion causes one of the connectors to expand greater than the other connector when heat is applied to one or both of the connectors. As a result of the greater expansion of one of the connectors, the connectors release from each other. Upon release, an actuator within the downhole tool is permitted to move and cause actuation or setting of the downhole tool. |
| US09068409B2 |
Multifunctional screw drill and reaming device
A multifunctional screw drill and reaming device, for the testing of the structure and composition of various soil types, as well as for sampling and boring, extracting and injecting of gases and various types of chemicals as well as liquids, slurry, granules and solids. Screws can be hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, electrically or manually driven. Dependent upon the operation, the secondary screws (2) can rotate and change position or rotational direction within the primary screw's bore (1), or both primary (1) and secondary screws (2) can be coupled and rotate as one unit. |
| US09068406B2 |
Tong positioning arm
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for positioning a tool at a well site. The apparatus includes a first arm rotationally connected to a guide on a column. The apparatus further includes a second arm rotationally connected to the first arm. The second arm is also connected to a tool attachment member at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is offset from the centerline of the tool. Additionally, the apparatus includes a flexible tension member having one end operatively connected to the guide and another end connected to the tool attachment member at a location closer to the centerline of the tool than the pivot point, wherein the flexible tension member is configured to maintain the tool in a specific orientation around the pivot point during the positioning operation. In a further aspect, a method of positioning a tool at a wellsite is provided. |
| US09068405B2 |
Systems and methods of a sample bottle assembly
A sample bottle assembly. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are apparatuses including a first drill collar that includes: a first outer surface; a pocket accessible through an aperture in the first outer surface; a bottle assembly disposed within the pocket; a first end-clamp coupled within a first recess disposed at an upper end of the pocket to at least partially retain the bottle assembly in the pocket; and a second end-clamp coupled within a second recess disposed at the lower end of the pocket to at least partially retain the bottle assembly in the pocket. The bottle assembly further includes: a sample bottle having an axial length; and a sleeve comprising a bore, the sample bottle received within the bore, and the sleeve has an axial length substantially the same as the sample bottle. |
| US09068404B2 |
Floating spider
Apparatus and methods for engaging and gripping a tubular, with the apparatus including a sleeve having a body defining an internal chamber therein, with the sleeve configured to receive the tubular through the internal chamber. The apparatus may also include a laterally translatable spider disposed at least partially in the sleeve and including a bore to receive the tubular. |
| US09068402B2 |
Drilling mud recovery system
A fluid recovery system is provided. In one embodiment, the fluid recovery system includes a telescoping joint of a marine riser having an inner barrel and an outer barrel configured to extend and retract with respect to one another when installed as part of the marine riser. A drip pan is coupled to the outer barrel to enable the drip pan to catch fluid, such as drilling mud, leaking from the telescoping joint between the inner barrel and the outer barrel. In this embodiment, the fluid recovery system also includes a pump and a return conduit that are coupled to enable the pump to pump caught fluid from the drip pan back into the telescoping joint via the return conduit. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US09068398B2 |
Deepwater completion installation and intervention system
Methods and apparatus for installing deepwater completions and performing well intervention from a vessel that can perform other duties while not running completions or performing interventions. The system for installing deepwater completions and performing well intervention may comprise a surface pipe handling and deployment package including a horizontally operated rig that may also be operated in a slanted mode. Deepwater completions may be deployed from the vessel via a buoyant horizontal riser (BHR), which may be supported by a submerged buoyant tensioning system (BTS). In this manner, the cost of performing completion or intervention operations may be significantly reduced compared to such operations run from a drilling rig. |
| US09068396B2 |
Anti-stall mechanism
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a locking clutch that includes a collection of movable locking blocks slidably coupled to the rotatable output shaft. The movable locking blocks slide radially inwardly and outwardly with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the rotatable output shaft, and are spaced apart circumferentially about the rotatable output shaft, with each movable locking block having a first contacting face and a second contacting face. A collection of fixed locking blocks are coupled to the rotatable housing, and are positioned radially around the output shaft and spaced apart circumferentially about the interior of the rotatable housing a distance sufficient to receive one of the movable locking blocks when it moves inwardly toward the central axis of the rotatable output shaft, each said fixed locking block having a first contacting face and a second contacting face. |
| US09068395B1 |
Apparatus providing single support to an extension ladder enabling ladder use on level and non-level surfaces
An apparatus attachable to an extension ladder is provided having a single leg extendable in a direction perpendicular and adjacent to the two lowest rungs of an extension ladder, a channel bar sized to receive a substantial length of a lowest rung of the ladder, and a hook for latching onto a next to lowest rung of the ladder. A foot pivotally mounted to the leg at one end thereof supports the leg onto or at least partially into a level or non-level surface. A step member extends from the leg at an angle. When the ladder is extended upwards by a user, a removable arm member is received through a holder of the leg to lie against a user's leg to provide stability and prevent spinning. The apparatus when attached to the lowest two rungs elevates the ladder to be non-contact with the level or non-level surface. |
| US09068394B1 |
Space saving ladder
A space saving ladder, wherein the ladder can be folded up into a compact unit for storage. In the open load bearing orientation, the space saving ladder is load bearing and conforms to requirements for free standing ladders. In the closed orientation, the space saving ladder can have steps or rungs, which can hinge upward as the ladder legs are moved closer to one another. In the closed orientation, the legs of the space saving ladder are adjacent to one another and the steps or rungs are enclosed in the ladder legs. |
| US09068392B2 |
Movable partitions and protective clips for movable partitions
Protective clips for movable partitions include a guard portion that protrudes from a top major surface of a base portion. The guard portion extends along the top major surface proximate to a front side of the base portion. The guard portion also may extend along the top major surface proximate to at least one end side surface at a longitudinal end of the base portion. Movable partitions include one or more such protective clips. The protective clips optionally may be used to attach a sweep strip to panels of a movable partition. Methods of forming such protective clips include molding the clips within a mold cavity. |
| US09068390B2 |
Vehicle hatch control system
A hatch control system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle and having a rearward field of view that encompasses a region at the rear of the vehicle that is swept by a hatch or liftgate or deck lid or door of the vehicle as the hatch is opened and closed, such as via a powered hatch opening/closing system. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to determine if an object is present in the region that is swept by the hatch to determine if the hatch may collide with the detected object when the hatch is being opened/closed. Responsive to determination of a potential collision of the hatch with a detected object, the vehicle hatch control system may stop movement of the hatch and/or may move the hatch to a holding position. |
| US09068389B2 |
Damping hinge device and support structure having the same
The present invention relates to a damping hinge device, including a first core shaft, a first ring, a core shaft sleeve and a second ring; one end section of the first core shaft is formed as a connection part and installed a damping contact part; the first ring is sleeved on the first core shaft and positioned between the connection part and the damping contact part; one end section of the core shaft sleeve is concavely formed with an accommodation slot for accommodating the damping contact part, the viscous damping layer and the first ring; the second ring is sleeved on the first core shaft and combined with the core shaft sleeve, the second ring is served to cover the first ring for sealing the viscous damping layer thereby allowing the viscous damping layer to generate a viscous resistance to the damping contact part being in a rotating status. |
| US09068387B2 |
Hood overslam bumper assembly
A hood overslam bumper assembly includes an overslam bumper having a cylindrical shape and having a screw thread groove formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof, a ring-carrier having a hole formed at the center thereof to have the overslam bumper inserted into an inner side surface thereof and having a screw thread formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof, the screw thread being coupled to the screw thread groove, and a housing having one side fixed to an insertion hole of a hood inner panel, having a hole formed at the center thereof to have the ring-carrier inserted into an inner side surface thereof, and having an elastic part provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof to fix the ring-carrier inserted into the inner side surface thereof. |
| US09068385B2 |
Cavity door rollers
The specification discloses a wheel carriage assembly (10) for supporting sliding doors or other similar panels with the wheel carriage assembly (10) rolling along a fixed guide track (11), the wheel carriage assembly (10) having at least one and often multiple pairs (17, 18) of laterally spaced wheels (19, 20) adapted to roll along the fixed guide track (11), the wheels (19, 20) of the or each said pair of wheels (17, 18) being mounted to a shaft (21) and at least one of the wheels (19, 20) being capable of limited axial movement relative to the shaft (21). |
| US09068380B2 |
Frameless access panel
A frameless access panel comprises a panel member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a mounting member mounted to the inner surface and comprising at least one fixed tab extending outwardly therefrom, the fixed tab being spaced from a first edge of the panel member, at least one moveable member configured to slide along a respective track adjacent the inner surface between a first position and a second position, the first position being spaced from a second edge of the panel member, the second edge being opposite the first edge, and the second position being spaced further from the second edge than the first position, the moveable member comprising a tab extending outwardly therefrom, and a respective biasing member providing a force for biasing the at least one moveable member towards the first position. The frameless access panel is generally non-combustible. |
| US09068379B2 |
Vehicle door closer device
A vehicle door closer device comprises a latch that is capable of engaging with a striker of a vehicle body; a ratchet that is capable of engaging with the latch; and a release-canceling mechanism that comprises a first release-output lever, a second release-output lever and a canceling lever. A locking knob is operated, and the canceling lever disconnects a motion transmitting path between the first release-output lever and the second release-output lever thereby enabling the ratchet to engage with the latch, so that a vehicle door can be closed. |
| US09068378B2 |
Closure system for a drawer cabinet
A closure system for drawer cabinets, comprising locking means (2) with stacked cams (4) and that can be configured in at least a releasing position, in which it enables the opening of a drawer (102), and a locking position, in which it prevents the opening of the drawers (102); activation means (9) that can be activated by means of the command of an operator and that is active on said locking means (2) for moving the locking means (2) between said locking (closed) and releasing (open) positions; and enabling means (15) designed for enabling and disabling movement of the locking means (2) between the locking and releasing positions. The activation means (9) is configured in such a manner as to bring itself automatically from the open position to the closed position within a pre-established interval of time, following release of a command for opening the activation means (9) by the operator. |
| US09068377B2 |
Ribbon sealed lock assemblies and methods
The lock assemblies as described herein engage with keepers on movable sashes and include features designed to provide additional sealing functions to the lock assembly by incorporating a ribbon seal within a catch housing of the lock assembly. |
| US09068374B2 |
Vehicle management system
A method and system for managing vehicles within a boundary is provided. Boundary units positioned at predetermined locations in a managing area define a boundary, within which multiple docking stations that secure the vehicles are positioned. Each docking station comprises a client component and a locking unit. The client component, in communication with a central server, allocates a vehicle to a user based on allocation criteria. The locking unit unlocks the allocated vehicle from a docking station. Each vehicle comprises a vehicle control unit, in communication with the boundary units, for determining proximity of the allocated vehicle to the defined boundary, and for restricting movement of the allocated vehicle when the allocated vehicle is in close proximity to the defined boundary. The central server, in communication with the boundary units, determines location of the allocated vehicle, when the allocated vehicle is in close proximity to and breaches the defined boundary. |
| US09068368B2 |
Alignment device
The invention resides in an alignment device able to align substantially vertical starter bars for a masonry block wall, the alignment device comprising a plurality of spacer arms spaced a predetermined distance from each other and a plurality of attachment members attached to respective spacer arms, the attachment members able to be operatively attached to the vertical starter bars. |
| US09068367B2 |
Boards comprising an array of marks to facilitate attachment
A board includes a pattern to facilitate attachment of the board to a frame structure using fasteners. The pattern comprises a first array of first marks disposed in rows spaced apart a first predetermined distance, and a second array of second marks disposed in rows spaced apart a second predetermined distance apart, with the first and second marks being different, and with the first and second distances being different. The board may be used in a variety of construction applications, with the pattern facilitating the quick attachment of the board to the underlying frame by placing the fasteners using the first markings of the first array or the second markings of the second array. |
| US09068366B2 |
Mobile work machine having support booms
The invention relates to a mobile work machine having a chassis (10) and with two front and two rear support brackets (20, 22). The support brackets can be displaced from a driving position close to the chassis into a support position by changing the base angles (α) thereof and/or can be telescoped by changing the lengths thereof between the end on the mounting side and that on the free end. In order to be able to automatically determine the support leg positions (Xc/Yc) in relation to the chassis (10), three transceiver units (S1/E1, S2/E2, S3/E3) related to the support legs are provided for transmitting and receiving run time or distance signals. Furthermore, a microprocessor-supported evaluation unit responding to the transmitted and received signals of the transceiver units arranged in pairs is provided, comprising a software routine for determining the support leg positions in a coordinate system (x/y) fixed to the chassis. |
| US09068365B2 |
Anchoring the ends of tension members on reinforced concrete beams
The disclosure relates to a device for anchoring the ends of tension members made of fiber-reinforced plastic flat strip lamellas on reinforced concrete beams that have a connecting piece and a flange with a horizontal flange lower face, two flange lateral faces, and two upper faces that run from the flange lateral faces to the connecting piece. A base plate can be positioned on the flange lower face in a horizontal manner, and at least one lateral part can be positioned along at least one flange lateral face in a vertical manner. |
| US09068363B2 |
Adjustable metal formwork system for concrete structures
This invention relates to a set of pieces or parts making up a system of metallic adjustable formwork for concrete structures in civil Works which functions is to allow the assembly, junction and adjustment of the formwork system in the most efficient way with the use of a system of adjustable formwork which looks for to use the shorter quantity of metallic panels as accessory during the project execution. The way as the each element has characteristics of specially defined shape, size and function to get a rigid structure, which allow to build a mold over which the concrete is poured maintaining their characteristics and perform such functions rapidly, efficiently and securely. |
| US09068359B2 |
Releasable fastener assembly affixable through a panel
A releasable fastener assembly is affixable through a panel having a front side and a back side and a mounting hole therethrough. The releasable fastener assembly includes a mounting button attachable to the panel back side, the mounting button having a button shaft sized to fit into the mounting hole and a button head with a diameter larger than the mounting hole. A seal may be fit between the mounting button and the panel back side. One part of a releasable fastener is attachable to the panel front side and has an aperture therein in alignment with the mounting hole. A fixing member secures the one part and the mounting button to each other through the panel. |
| US09068358B2 |
Wall panel systems for rigid wall panels
Wall panel systems are provided. The systems use interlocking brackets to attach photovoltaic (PV), ceramic, or other rigid wall panels to an exterior wall of a building. The interlocking components include a plurality of wall mounting brackets configured to carry the dead loads of the respective wall panels, and a plurality of panel brackets that may be quickly hung from the wall mounting brackets. The wall mounting brackets are configured to be operatively fastened to an exterior wall surface, while each of the panel brackets is adhesively attached to the rear surface of a respective panel. Each of the wall mounting brackets and the nested panel brackets is substantially similar in dimension and configuration. Further, the system is configured to allow wall panels to be attached to the bracket assemblies in any sequence. A method for attaching architectural wall panels is also provided herein. |
| US09068354B2 |
Corner patches and methods for TPO roofing
An outside corner patch for TPO roofing is formed from a circular piece of TPO membrane material being vacuum formed to define an array of flutes that extend from the center of the piece toward its edges. The flutes form ridges and valleys that generally are shaped as conical sections with the apex of the conical sections located at the center of the patch. The number and size of the flutes is optimized in such a way that, when the flutes are stretched flat, the patch conforms to and fits flat against the surfaces of an outside corner formed by the intersection of a roof deck with an upward protrusion from the roof. The TPO outside corner patch is applied over the corner and thermally welded to surrounding TPO membranes on the roof deck and the protrusion to form a watertight seal at the outside corner. |
| US09068352B2 |
Framework serving as structural support and utility space
A framework for a building structure. The framework is constructed of two open-walled structures, an inner core structure and an outer core structure. Each core structure is a six-sided cuboid structure formed by hollow horizontal and vertical conduits. The inner core structure is smaller than the outer core structure and interconnecting hollow conduit webs link the two cores. The inner core may be placed on a different horizontal plane than the outer structure, in which case, the interconnecting webs slope from one core to the other one. The conduits of the cores are dimensioned to house utility systems, such as plumbing, wiring, staircases, etc. Walls, windows, doors may be attached to the core structures, to achieve a residential or commercial space suitable for the intended purpose. |
| US09068350B2 |
Building module, a method for making same, and a method for using same to construct a building
A building module. The building module has a rigid inner construction panel defining a planar surface thereon; one or more rigid brackets each affixed by one or more mechanical fasteners to the planar surface of the inner construction panel; a rigid, closed-cell, spray foam or adhesive matrix contiguous to and substantially covering the planar surface of the construction panel and filling and surrounding and/or embedding at least a major portion of the one or more brackets. Each of the one or more brackets bears a planar surface facing substantially away from the planar surface of the inner construction panel. The surface area of the planar surface of each of the one or more brackets is substantially smaller than the surface area of the planar surface of the construction panel to which it is affixed. There is also a method for making a building module, a method for constructing a building using the building module, and brackets useful in the building module. |
| US09068346B1 |
Acoustic attenuators based on porous nanostructured materials
The invention is directed to a porous, acoustic attenuating composition, wherein the composition comprises a nanostructured material and wherein the composition exhibits acoustic transmission loss ranging from 20 to 60 dB/cm thickness of the composition. |
| US09068345B2 |
Multi-sectional acoustic septum
A multi-sectional acoustic septum that includes sections which have different acoustic resistance properties. The multi-sectional acoustic septums extend vertically with the acoustic cell and are capable of increasing the effective acoustical length of the acoustic cell. The multiple acoustic properties provided by the multiple acoustic sections also make it possible to target specific frequency ranges within the overall frequency range of the acoustic cell. |
| US09068342B2 |
Masonry unit systems and methods
Some embodiments of masonry blocks can be used to form a wall system that provides an improved resistance to moisture penetration that might otherwise advance to an interior surface of the wall. In particular embodiments, some or all of the masonry blocks in the wall system may be equipped with one or more moisture drainage elements formed in a surface of the respective masonry block. |
| US09068340B2 |
Non-bearing modular construction system
Methods and apparatus facilitate the construction of a building using prefabricated building units, each having a horizontal upper exterior surface and a plurality of vertical wall surfaces, wherein at least some of the prefabricated building units have at least one hollow column formwork structure. The prefabricated building units are lowered onto a pre-existing base at a construction site. A first story of the building is created by arranging a plurality of the prefabricated building units adjacent to each other on the base. Structural bearing material is applied to fill the hollow column formwork structures to create structural columns connected to the structural deck. Structural bearing material is applied to the horizontal upper exterior surfaces of the adjacent prefabricated building units to create a single structural deck over the prefabricated building units. |
| US09068333B2 |
Connection and support structure for wall mounted sanitary devices such as toilets etc
A connection and support structure for sanitary devices (1), such as toilet bowls (toilets 2), bidets, urinals and sinks of the kind mounted to a support or a wall in a restroom or the like. The external surface of the sanitary device (2) is smooth and has a basically continuous convex curvature without any flanges, holes or outer protrusions or connecting means. A gasket or sealing ring (14) is provided around the edge of the sanitary device (2) facing towards the support or wall onto which the device is mounted, whereby the connecting means (4, 7) including the bolts etc. (21,22) are provided within the inner space of the device (1) such that said connecting means (4,7) and bolts etc. (21,22) are sealed off from the surroundings and no moisture can enter into the inner space of the sanitary device when the sanitary device is mounted to the wall. |
| US09068332B2 |
Retractable bidet device actuated by single mechanism with delayed flow
This invention comprises a bidet device, including a bidet kit, that can be mounted on a conventional toilet seat. A bidet valve is positioned between a bidet hoop conduit and a water supply conduit. Rotation of the bidet hoop conduit results in rotation of a valve seat relative to a valve stem to permit water to flow through the bidet hoop conduit. Water does not initially flow and only flows as the bidet hoop conduit reaches an extended operative position. Rotation of a handle or lever arm is the only movement necessary to move the bidet hoop conduit and initiate actuation of the valve. The bidet valve includes an actuator with a notch, the sides of which engage a stationary arm attached to the toilet seat to open and close the valve. |
| US09068330B2 |
Dissolvable bathroom device
A bathroom device with a single use dissolvable functional head with a plunger head or a cleaning head is described. The bathroom device may include an elongated handle coupled at a first end to the to the single use dissolvable functional head. The device may also include a single use dissolvable sleeve covering a portion of the elongated handle and a release mechanism for releasing the single use dissolvable functional head from the first end of the elongated handle. The single use dissolvable sleeve may be configured to slide off the elongated handle when the single use dissolvable functional head has been released. A method of using the bathroom device is also described. |
| US09068329B2 |
Jet regulator
A jet regulator for the outlet of a sanitary fitting or for a shower is provided that has at least two flow chambers or flow ducts, each of which has an inlet opening and one or more water outlet openings, the control of the flow to each flow chamber or flow duct is carried out via a valve having a resilient valve body which is arranged upstream of the flow chambers or flow ducts and optionally closes or opens the inlet openings thereof using the resilient valve body, wherein a deformation of the resilient valve body and thus a change in the valve position is carried out by a change in the applied water pressure or by mechanical actuation via an actuating element. |
| US09068327B2 |
Flow meter for the measuring of fluid volumes originating from a faucet
A low-cost fluid flow meter to conveniently measure the volume of a fluid, for example water, when expelled from a faucet includes a scale with markings for predetermined volumes of a fluid. A flow divider positioned in the main path of flow is used to redirect a small portion of the fluid flow into a separate measurement compartment. The fluid level is then registered optically as a representation of the accumulated fluid flow and presented through light-guiding optics to the user. The measurement compartment is automatically emptied through a pressure activated reset mechanism, so that when fluid flow is turned off the meter is nulled. The device is installed to the outlet of a faucet and operates as a substitute to many of the common measurement sets and containers used in a household for water dosage, as well as serves as an indicator of the water consumed each time the faucet is opened. |
| US09068323B2 |
Machine having hydraulically actuated implement system with combined ride control and downforce control system
A machine is disclosed. The machine can include a frame and ground engaging propulsion elements coupled with the frame. A hydraulically actuated implement system can be coupled with the frame, and can include a linkage configured to couple with an implement, a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage and the frame, and a ride control and downforce control circuit configured to implement a ride control mode and a downforce control mode. The ride control mode can be configured to maintain a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator at a ride control pressure, and the downforce control mode can be configured to maintain the pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator at a downforce control pressure to oppose the weight of the linkage and the implement such that the implement engages a substrate with a predetermined down force pressure which is proportionate to the downforce control pressure. |
| US09068319B2 |
System and method for waterproofing below-grade wall structures
System and methods for waterproofing a below-grade wall of a structure. The system comprises a waterproof membrane mounted directly or indirectly to an excavation wall within which the wall of the structure is to be constructed. A plurality of elongate waterstops are affixed to the waterproof membrane and arranged to form a plurality of compartments. A plurality of distribution tubes having apertures are affixed to the waterproof membrane to allow an injectable sealing grout to be injected through the distribution tubes and out of the apertures into a corresponding compartment. A plurality of supply tubes are installed in fluid communication with the plurality of distribution tubes with each of the supply tubes extending to a location on the interior of the wall to be constructed. |
| US09068317B2 |
Pile with low noise generation during driving
A pile (300) with a effective low Poisson's ratio is disclosed, which greatly reduces the sound coupling to the water and sediment or other ground when driving piles. The pile includes a plurality of geometric features that reduce the radial amplitude of the compression wave generated by hammering the pile by providing a space for circumferential expansion along the length of the pile. In various embodiments, the geometric features comprise slots (303) and/or grooves (313, 323). In an embodiment, a driving shoe (316, 316) has a perimeter that extends beyond the pile tube such that the sediment produces less of a binding force on the pile. The pile may be formed as a double-shelled pile (310) with either or both shells having effective low Poisson's ratio properties. A bubble generating plenum (328) may be attached to the shoe to further reduce friction during installation. |
| US09068312B1 |
Rotatable wheel box service panel door and equalizer and method
Systems, devices, apparatus, and methods of locking and unlocking a door that is slidable by articulating wheels in tracks, over an entry port to a storm water structure. Locking the door can be accomplished by rotating bolts that are attached to cams. Rotating the bolts causes the cams to press the door against the tracks. Sealing strips can be compressed between door edges and the track to prevent water from passing around the door. A vacuum truck can remove water and debris from the vault/structure. Other versions allow doors to move downward to allow water to overflow the door. The door can slide upward so water can flow underneath. A door in door version has a secondary door slide up and down in tracks in a main door. |
| US09068311B2 |
System and methods for bypassing an aquatic obstruction
The system and methods of the present invention selectively permit aquatic organisms to bypass an obstruction, such as a lock or a dam. Certain embodiments of the system include a container through which aquatic organisms and water may flow, a container pressurizer for pressurizing the container, and a pressure control mechanism. |
| US09068309B2 |
Apparatus and method for simulating submarine landslide resulting from gas hydrate dissociation or earthquake
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for simulating a submarine landslide. The apparatus includes an inclined flume; a plurality of sedimentary layers which are stacked on top of one another in the flume and tapped; water which is charged into the flume on the sedimentary layers in such a way that the surface of the water is formed in the flume; and a plurality of injectors which are provided in a bottom of the flume so as to be movable upwards or downwards with respect to the flume and inject gas or water into the sedimentary layer. The sedimentary layers are changed in pressure and temperature by the gas or water injected from the injectors into the sedimentary layers so that an artificial slope collapse is caused, whereby a water wave is generated in the flume. |
| US09068306B2 |
Impact attenuator for vehicles
An impact attenuator for vehicles, including an energy absorbing device for decelerating forces, including a housing, at least two pins arranged in the housing which are arranged in parallel to each other in the housing, as well as a metallic, elongated draw element, which can be positioned within the housing such that it extends between and in contact with the pins, wherein the pins and the draw element are positioned such that a change of direction appears on the draw element when passing by each pin such that at mutual moving of the draw element and the housing in relation to each other, the movement is decelerated due to deformation of the draw element at passage of each pin. The pins and the draw element are positioned such that the draw element obtains a change of direction of at least 90° when passing at least two of the pins. |
| US09068305B2 |
Sections of traffic infrastructures including multipurpose structures
The present invention discloses sections of highway traffic infrastructures, including multipurpose structures, for best combining renewable energy and traffic assistance systems along the highway. According to a first innovative aspect, the distribution of structures accounts for aspects such as driving comfort, (urban) landscape integration and adjustment to energy demand and traffic circulation conditions. According to a complimentary innovative aspect, ample elevated constructions, as required by solar and wind energy systems, combine with certain dimensional dispositions, as required by different traffic assistance means, in view of enhanced energy distribution and traffic safety. |
| US09068303B2 |
Road milling machine for the treatment of road pavements, as well as method for pivoting a travelling drive unit of a road milling machine
A road milling machine includes a rear wheel or track mounted on a pivot arm such that the wheel or track is movable between a first outer end position projecting laterally relative to the machine frame, and a second inner end position which permits milling close to an edge. A travel drive of the rear wheel or track provides a driving force to move the wheel or track between the end positions. |
| US09068301B2 |
Single to dual stick trowel and steering conversion
A dual rotor, manually steered riding trowel comprises powered, downwardly projecting rotors driven by reduction gear boxes that are tilted by parallel levers beneath the machine. A pair of vertical hand steering levers actuate the parallel levers to tilt the rotors. Each rotor may be swiveled in an arc parallel with the biaxial plane to produce pivoted fore and aft trowel movement. At least one rotor responds to lateral movements of one or both steering levers by tilting in an arc perpendicular to the biaxial plane, moving the trowel left or right. To emulate prior Allen trowels, lateral movements of one of the hand levers is mechanically disabled with a transformation link anchored to the frame. The transformation link may be disconnected from the frame and instead connected to the foot of the companion hand steering lever, allowing both steering levers to pivot laterally, resulting in a different steering “feel.” |
| US09068298B2 |
Variable width material distribution apparatus
A variable width distribution apparatus (1) for distributing asphalt hot-mix, or similar material, across the full width of a surface to be paved comprises at least two auger support members (9), each auger support member positioned coaxially with each other and configured to engage with an adjacent auger support member (9) to form a combined support of variable length; and at least two auger slide sections (3) comprising an outboard auger slide section (3B) coupled to an outboard auger support section at an outboard end via a hanger, each auger slide section positioned coaxially with each other and configured to engage with an adjacent auger slide section to form a combined auger of variable length; such that extension or retraction of the auger support members (9) along a path of least resistance as the apparatus (1) moves over a surface to be paved causes a corresponding extension or retraction of the auger slide sections (3) with respect to an adjacent auger slide section (3) and such that each auger slide section (3) is configured to maintain a continuous worm with respect to an adjacent auger slide section (3) when in an extended position in relation to one another. |
| US09068296B1 |
Thermostatically controlled asphalt heater for a mobile pavement patching vehicle
A system for maintaining the temperature of the contents of an asphalt storage hopper mounted to a mobile pavement repair vehicle. The thermostatic control system directs a flow controller to direct exhaust gases from the engine of the vehicle either to the atmosphere or to a heat exchanger within the asphalt hopper in order to maintain the desired temperature. The thermostatic controller may allow an operator to select a desired temperature for the asphalt. |
| US09068292B2 |
Uncoated recording media
An uncoated recording medium includes a blend of hardwood and softwood chemical pulp fibers, and thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers, with total fiber content at least 80 wt % of the medium's total wt %. Hardwood fibers range from about 20 wt % to about 70 wt %, softwood fibers range from about 30 wt % to about 50 wt %, and TMP fibers range from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %, all relative to the total fiber content. A TiO2 amount ranges from about 1.5 wt % to about 6 wt % of the total wt %, and a bivalent or multivalent salt amount ranges from about 6,000 to about 16,000 μg/gram of the medium. The basis weight ranges from about 45 g/m2 to about 63 g/m2. |
| US09068291B2 |
System and method for conditioning a hardwood pulp liquid hydrolysate
A system and method for hardwood pulp liquid hydrolysate conditioning includes a first evaporator receives a hardwood mix extract and outputting a quantity of vapor and extract. A hydrolysis unit receives the extract, hydrolyzes and outputs to a lignin separation device, which separates and recovers a quantity of lignin. A neutralization device receives extract from the lignin separation device and a neutralizing agent, producing a mixture of solid precipitate and a fifth extract. The solid precipitate is removed from the fifth extract. A second evaporator removes a quantity of acid from the fifth extract in a vapor form. This vapor may be recycled to improve total acid recovery or discarded. A desalination device receives the diluted extract, separates out some of the acid and salt and outputs a desalinated solution. |
| US09068286B2 |
Polymeric fiber webs with binder comprising salt of inorganic acid
Provided are nonwoven polymeric fiber webs using an improved curable composition. Such curable composition comprises an aldehyde or ketone and an amine salt of an inorganic acid. The composition when applied to polymeric fibers is cured to form a water-insoluble polymer binder which exhibits good adhesion and thermodimensional stability. |
| US09068278B2 |
Multiple stack deposition for epitaxial lift off
Embodiments of the invention are provided for a thin film stack containing a plurality of epitaxial stacks disposed on a substrate and a method for forming such a thin film stack. In one embodiment, the epitaxial stack contains a first sacrificial layer disposed over the substrate, a first epitaxial film disposed over the first sacrificial layer, a second sacrificial layer disposed over the first epitaxial film, and a second epitaxial film disposed over the second sacrificial layer. The thin film stack may further contain additional epitaxial films disposed over sacrificial layers. Generally, the epitaxial films contain gallium arsenide alloys and the sacrificial layers contain aluminum arsenide alloys. Methods provide the removal of the epitaxial films from the substrate by etching away the sacrificial layers during an epitaxial lift off (ELO) process. The epitaxial films are useful as photovoltaic cells, laser diodes, or other devices or materials. |
| US09068277B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing single-crystal silicon carbide
The invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing good quality single-crystal silicon carbide stably without formation of cracks and the like, which apparatus comprises: at least a crucible for accommodating silicon carbide feedstock powder and seed crystal; heat insulation material installed around the crucible; and a heating device for heating the crucible, wherein the outer profile of the crucible includes at least one region of narrower diameter than a vertically adjacent region, insulation material is also installed in the space left by the diameter difference, and thickness of the insulation material at the narrower diameter region is greater than that of the insulation material at the vertically adjacent region. The apparatus for manufacturing single-crystal silicon carbide enables precise control of the temperature gradient inside the crucible, thereby enabling manufacture of good quality single-crystal silicon carbide. |
| US09068276B2 |
Method for the bottom-seeded growth of potassium lead chloride crystals from polycrystalline seeds
A method of growing a single crystal material using a device that includes a conical plug. The conical plug includes a first portion defining a first conical hole about an axis, the first conical hole having a first angle, and includes a second portion contiguous with the first portion and defining a second conical hole about the axis, the second conical hole having a second angle having the same sign as the first angle and being greater than the first angle. The device includes an upper tube comprising the conical plug fused therein and a seeding well plug. The device includes a lower tube including the seeding well plug fused therein. A single crystal KPb2Cl5 material is grown from the oriented single crystal KPb2Cl5 seed through the first conical hole and then the second conical hole and then with continuing growth in the upper tube. |
| US09068272B2 |
Electroplating processor with thin membrane support
An electroplating processor includes a thin lower membrane support for supporting a membrane. The lower membrane support may be provided as a flexible plastic sheet having a pattern of through-openings. The through-openings may be aligned with openings in a rigid upper membrane support. The perimeter of the lower membrane may be clamped in the same perimeter seal as used to clamp and seal the perimeter of the membrane. The lower membrane support supports the membrane without adding significantly to the overall height of the processor. The processor can be stacked in a two level processing system without requiring additional clean room space. |
| US09068270B2 |
Aluminum electroplating solution and method for forming aluminum plating film
An object of the present invention is to provide an extended-life plating solution that allows an aluminum electroplating process to be performed stably for a long period of time, and also a method for forming an aluminum plating film using the same. An aluminum electroplating solution according to the present invention is characterized by comprising 1.5 to 4.0 mol of an aluminum halide per 10.0 mol of dimethyl sulfone and, relative to the aluminum halide, ammonium chloride in a molar ratio of 1/15 to 1/4 or a tetraalkylammonium chloride in a molar ratio of 1/15 to 1/2. The plating solution has improved electrical conductivity and thus has a further advantage in that it allows the formation of a uniform aluminum plating film on a substrate to be plated even when the plating process is performed by a barrel method. |
| US09068265B2 |
Gas distribution plate with discrete protective elements
Embodiments of the present invention provide a gas distribution plate assembly having protective elements for plasma processing. The gas distribution plate assembly includes a base plate having a front side and a backside, and a plurality of protective elements in direct contact with the base plate. The protective elements cover the front side of the base plate to protect the base plate from a plasma processing environment during use. |
| US09068264B2 |
Epitaxial growth systems
Disclosed is about an epitaxial growth system, including an epitaxial growth reactor chamber, a susceptor including a supporting surface and disposed in the epitaxial growth reactor chamber, and a plurality of wafer fixing elements disposed on the supporting surface. The supporting surface of the susceptor includes a rim, and each of the wafer fixing elements includes a boundary. At least three first heating elements are disposed under the susceptor and arranged in parallel to the supporting surface. |
| US09068262B2 |
Tightly fitted ceramic insulator on large area electrode
Embodiments of the invention generally include shield frame assembly for use with a showerhead assembly, and a showerhead assembly having a shield frame assembly that includes an insulator that tightly fits around the perimeter of a showerhead in a vacuum processing chamber. In one embodiment, a showerhead assembly includes a gas distribution plate and a multi-piece frame assembly that circumscribes a perimeter edge of the gas distribution plate. The multi-piece frame assembly allows for expansion of the gas distribution plate without creating gaps which may lead to arcing. In other embodiments, the insulator is positioned to be have the electric fields concentrated at the perimeter of the gas distribution plate located therein, thereby reducing arcing potential. |
| US09068259B2 |
AC power supply for sputtering apparatus
There is provided an AC power supply for a sputtering apparatus in which the AC power supply can prevent the induction of an arc discharge by suppressing an overvoltage to be generated when the polarity of each electrode is reversed. A bridge circuit made up of a plurality of switching transistors SW1-SW4 is disposed between positive and negative DC current output lines from a DC electric power supply source. An inductor DCL which makes a DC output to have a constant-current characteristic is disposed in at least one of the positive and the negative DC output lines from the DC electric power supply source to the bridge circuit, and a snubber circuit is disposed in parallel with inputs of the bridge circuit. |
| US09068251B2 |
Alloy for directional solidification and component made of stem-shaped crystals
A nickel-based superalloy is provided. Known nickel-based superalloys for producing components made of stem shaped single crystals do not provide sufficiently for grain boundary strength. The superalloy includes a low molybdenum content and very accurately adjusted values for elements having grain boundary strength and elements that precipitate in grain boundaries. |
| US09068247B2 |
Nickel and cobalt recovery using continuous ion exchange
A method for recovering nickel and cobalt from a PLS: (a) passing the PLS through an ion exchange bed to load nickel onto the ion exchange resin and produce a cobalt-containing raffinate solution, (b) passing sulfuric acid through the loaded bed to strip nickel from the resin and produce a nickel-containing eluate, (c) rinsing the stripped ion exchange bed, (d) adjusting the pH of the cobalt-containing raffinate solution to a pH of at least 2.3, (e) passing the cobalt-containing raffinate solution through an ion exchange bed to pre-load cobalt on the ion exchange resin, (f) repeating step (a) though (e) until the cobalt concentration of the cobalt-containing raffinate solution increases to >2× of the PLS, (g) removing a portion of the cobalt-containing raffinate solution of step (d) from the nickel recovery circuit, and (h) passing a portion of the cobalt-containing raffinate solution from step (d) to step (e). |
| US09068243B2 |
Method, arrangement, and pelletising plant
A method includes the introduction of a first medium into the compartment through an inlet and the heating of the first medium when it is present in the inlet. The heating takes place through the use of a combustion arrangement that is arranged in the inlet and that comprises fuel. The heating, the use of the combustion arrangement, includes in turn the ignition of the fuel, combustion of the fuel, and the transfer of the combustion heat to the first medium that is present at the combustion arrangement in the inlet. The combustion arrangement, is arranged in a region in the inlet, which in turn is arranged outside of the direct passage of the first medium in and through the inlet, such that the ignition of the fuel, the combustion of the fuel and the transfer of combustion heat to the first medium take place in this region. |
| US09068241B2 |
Method of producing ore slurry
A method of producing an ore slurry includes pulverizing and classifying steps as well as an ore slurry condensing step, wherein the slurry condensing step uses as a flocculant solution a diluted solution of the flocculant that satisfies the conditions of: (A) a flocculant molecular weight of 8×106 to 20×106 and (B) a flocculant dilution ratio of 0.1 to 0.5 g/L, and with respect to the added amount of the flocculant, a flocculant solution having an amount corresponding to 50 to 150 g of the flocculant amount per ton of dried solid components of the ore slurry is added to the ore slurry so as to be made in contact therewith for a sufficient period of time, with the temperature of the slurry being set in a range from 35 to 45° C. upon transporting the slurry from the condensing step to the next process. |
| US09068233B2 |
Genetic loci associated with Fusarium solani tolerance in soybean
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to Fusarium solani infection (the causative agent of sudden death syndrome or SDS). The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct disease-tolerant plants or identify and counter-select disease-susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Fusarium solani infection that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention. |
| US09068231B2 |
Method for screening cancer therapeutic agent using galectin-3, GSK-3β, and fascin-1
Disclosed is a method for screening a novel cancer therapeutic agent. The cancer therapeutic agent exhibits down-regulation of galectin-3 and fascin-1 or interferes with the interaction between galectin-3 and GSK-3β. |
| US09068221B2 |
Method of analysis of genetic markers
A method of analyzing genetic markers includes binding a set of probes to a segment of single stranded nucleic acids. The segment of single stranded nucleic acids includes a repeat region formed of at least two of a repeat unit. The repeat unit can include at least two nucleic acids. The set of probes includes a first probe complementary to the repeat unit. The method can further include directing the segment through a nanopore device and measuring a signal through the nanopore device. The signal can be indicative of the number of repeat units. |
| US09068219B2 |
Methods and compositions involving miRNA and miRNA inhibitor molecules
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for introducing miRNA activity or function into cells using synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying miRNAs with specific cellular functions that are relevant to therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications wherein synthetic miRNAs and/or miRNA inhibitors are used in library screening assays. |
| US09068216B2 |
Methods and devices for rapid detection and identification of live microorganisms by aptamers and/or antibodies immobilized on permeable membranes
The invention provides methods, devices and kits for rapid detection and identification of one or more live target microorganisms in a liquid sample or grown on plates containing nutrient media. The invention includes mixing one or more target microorganisms with one or more aptamers and/or one or more antibodies, each conjugated to a reporter compound and specific for a first site on or more target microorganisms to form a mixture. The mixture is placed on a permeable membrane having immobilized thereon one or more aptamers linked to an amine compound, and/or one or more antibodies, each specific for a second site on one or more target microorganisms or a site on the aptamer conjugate and/or antibody conjugate. A detection solution is added to the membrane and detection and identification of one or more target microorganisms is achieved in about one hour or less. |
| US09068215B2 |
Interconnected bioreactors
A method of homogenously mixing the contents of a plurality of bioreactors by providing a receiving container capable of holding an appropriate quantity of the liquid and repeatedly raising and lowering the receiving container to a position above or below the position of the bioreactors resulting in mixing the contents of the bioreactors. |
| US09068213B2 |
Microorganisms expressing ketoacyl-CoA synthase and uses thereof
Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type. |
| US09068212B2 |
Method for producing a polypeptide using a cell that overexpresses a bicarbonate transporter
The present invention provides a method capable of producing a protein efficiently. A method of producing a polypeptide, comprising culturing a cell which strongly expresses a bicarbonate transporter and has a transferred DNA encoding a desired polypeptide and thereby allowing the cell to produce said polypeptide. |
| US09068209B2 |
Gene synthesis by convergent assembly of oligonucleotide subsets
The invention provides a system and method for synthesizing polynucleotides by solid phase assembly oligonucleotide precursors, in accordance with the method, a polynucleotide is partitioned into an ordered set of subunits, wherein each subunit is assembled in a single reaction from a subset of oligonucleotide precursors that uniquely anneal together to produce the subunit. The subunits are then assembled to form the desired polynucleotide. An important feature of the invention is the selection of subunits that are free of undesired sequence elements, such as palindromes, repetitive sequences, and the like, which would result in more than one subunit product alter ligating a pool of oligonucleotide precursors. |
| US09068206B1 |
System for treatment of biomass to facilitate the production of ethanol
Systems for treating biomass for the production of ethanol are disclosed. The systems are configured to treat a liquid component separated from biomass to yield sugars available to be fermented into a fermentation product. The systems comprise a filter configured to remove particulate matter to provide a filtered component and an apparatus configured to remove inhibitors from the filtered liquid component provide a treated liquid component comprising sugars available for fermentation. Methods for treating for treating biomass useful in the production of a fermentation product are also disclosed. The methods include the steps of filtering a liquid component to remove particulate matter thereby yielding a filtered liquid component, and treating the filtered liquid component to remove inhibitors thereby yielding a treated liquid component comprising sugars available to be fermented into a fermentation product. |
| US09068202B2 |
Fermentation process
Methods and systems for the production of one or more lipid products from a gaseous substrate using a two stage fermentation process are provided. The method comprises providing a gaseous substrate comprising CO2 and H2 to a primary bioreactor containing a culture or one or more microorganisms, and fermenting the substrate to produce an acid such as acetate. The acid, e.g. acetate from the primary bioreactor is then provided to a secondary bioreactor, where it is used as a substrate for fermentation to lipids by one or more yeasts. |
| US09068198B2 |
Chinese hamster ovary cell line
The present invention is related to a Chinese hamster ovary cell line as deposited with the European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECACC) under accession number 10090201; use of the cell line for the production of a recombinant polypeptide; a kit comprising the cell line; and methods for the production of recombinant polypeptide. |
| US09068196B2 |
Glyphosate tolerant alfalfa events and methods for detection thereof
The present invention provides for alfalfa events J-101 and J-163 and DNA molecules unique to these events. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of these DNA molecules in a plant sample. |
| US09068191B2 |
Methods and compositions for a soybean in-planta transient expression system
This invention provides methods of transiently expressing a nucleotide sequence in one or more cells of a soybean plant, comprising: a) abrading the surface of a soybean plant and/or intact part thereof; and either (b1) immersing the abraded plant and/or abraded intact part thereof in a solution comprising Agrobacterium cells and a surfactant, wherein the Agrobacterium cells comprise the nucleotide sequence to be transiently expressed; (b2) applying a vacuum to the immersed soybean plant and/or intact part thereof of step (b1); and (b3) releasing the vacuum, thereby introducing the solution into the plant and/or intact part thereof; or (c) contacting the abraded plant and/or abraded intact part thereof with a solution comprising Agrobacterium cells and a surfactant, wherein the Agrobacterium cells comprise the nucleotide sequence to be transiently expressed, whereby the nucleotide sequence is transiently expressed in one or more cells of the plant. |
| US09068189B2 |
Recombinant strain of Trichoderma useful for enhancing nutritional value and growth of plants
The present invention relates to a novel recombinant fungal strain of Trichoderma sp. MTCC 5659 useful for enhancing the nutritional value and growth of plants. The invention further relates to a formulation useful as bioinoculant, wherein the said formulation comprises MTCC 5659 optionally along with a carrier. The claimed strain has been developed via the protoplast fusion technique of two parent Trichoderma strains and is useful for stimulating the content of amino acids, trace elements, chlorophyll and plant growth and yield attributing characters. |
| US09068186B2 |
Viable gram negative bacteria lacking outer membrane agonists of TLR4/MD-2
Viable Gram-negative bacteria or components thereof comprising outer membranes that substantially lack a ligand, such as Lipid A or 6-acyl lipidpolysaccharide, that acts as an agonist of TLR4/MD2. The bacteria may comprise reduced activity of arabinose-5-phosphate isomerases and one or more suppressor mutations, for example in a transporter thereby increasing the transporters capacity to transport Lipid IVA or in membrane protein YhjD. One or more genes (e.g., IpxL, IpxM, pagP, IpxP, and/or eptA) may be substantially deleted and/or one or more enzymes (e.g., LpxL, LpxM, PagP, LpxP, and/or EptA) may be substantially inactive. The bacteria may be competent to take up extracellular DNA, may be donor bacteria, or may be members of a library. The present invention also features methods of creating and utilizing such bacteria. |
| US09068185B2 |
Antisense modulation of nuclear hormone receptors
Provided are antisense oligonucleotides and other agents that target and modulate nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), compositions that comprise the same, and methods of use thereof. |
| US09068184B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibition of expression of protein C (PROC) genes
The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a PROC gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of PROC. At least one nucleotide of the dsRNA can be a modified nucleotide, e.g., a 2-0-methyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphorothioate group, and a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative or dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group. Other examples of modified nucleotides include a 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxymodified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, 2′-alkyl-modified nucleotide, morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, and a non-natural base comprising nucleotide. A dsRNA of the invention can include one or more of any of these modified nucleotides. |
| US09068180B2 |
Oil absorption and bioremediation apparatus employing oil digesting microorganisms
An absorbent material may include banana tree stalk fibers separated and processed for moisture content reduction to generate processed fibers, and oil eating microorganisms (OEMs) infused into the processed fibers to form OEM infused fibers. The processed fibers may be configured to concentrate oil therein responsive to exposure to the oil. The OEMs may remain in a dormant state in the OEM infused fibers until activated by water and exposed to the oil. |
| US09068178B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules encoding non-naturally occurring T cell receptors and cells thereof
A T cell receptor (TCR) having the property of binding to the gp100 YLEPGPVTA peptide-HLA-A2 complex and comprising a TCR alpha variable domain and/or a TCR beta variable domain, characterized in that the domains are mutated relative to a TCR having the extracellular alpha and beta chain sequences SEQ ID NOs: 2 and that the TCR has a binding affinity for, and/or a binding half-life for, the YLEPGPVTA-HLA-A2 complex at least double that of a reference TCR. Embodiments of the invention such as the use of such TCRs in adoptive therapy, and fusions of such TCRs with therapeutic agents are also described. |
| US09068170B2 |
Generation of pluripotent stem cells using recombinant proteins
The present invention provides for methods, compositions, and kits of producing an induced pluripotent stem cell from a mammalian non-pluripotent cell using exogenous transcription factors. |
| US09068167B2 |
Cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells under defined conditions using matrix overlay methods
Methods for culturing the pluripotent stem cells to undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and for generating high-yield, high-purity cardiomyocyte cultures from pluripotent stem cells are described. Pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a support with an overlaid matrix and, optionally, exposed to one or more factors to induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cardiogenesis. |
| US09068165B2 |
Therapeutic applications of P53 isoforms in regenerative medicine, aging and cancer
The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating cell senescence and cell proliferation using isoforms of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. The methods and compositions of the invention find use in inhibiting cancer cell growth or in generating populations of cells for tissue regeneration through the modulation of cell senescence and proliferation. |
| US09068164B1 |
Method of preparing an undifferentiated cell
Disclosed is a method of preparing an undifferentiated cell. The method includes contacting a more committed cell with an agent that causes the more committed cell to retrodifferentiate into an undifferentiated cell. |
| US09068162B2 |
Keratin biomaterials for cell culture and methods of use
Provided are keratin compositions useful in cell culture. In some embodiments the keratins are biocompatible, promote cell growth, promote cell adhesion and provide an excellent substrate for cell culture. Keratin compositions described herein may be used as coatings, gels, three-dimensional scaffolds, additives to cell culture media, microcarriers, etc. The keratin substrates may also be used to deliver cells, e.g., for cell therapy applications. |
| US09068158B2 |
MRD-based reactors
The present invention depicts an MRD-based reactor. The MRD-based reactor comprises of a means for containing a flowing media and reacting the same (reactor). The reactor is characterized by a continuous wall portion, and is in connection with at least one MRD, adapted for applying localized spectroscopy towards the media. MRD-based reactors, in which the MRD is at least partially inside the reactor or reaction media, and those in which the MRD accommodates the reactor, are also introduced. Lastly, the invention teaches an in situ method for controlling and analyzing of a reaction. The method comprises of providing an MRD-based reactor; applying a magnetic field within the reactor, especially for performing a plurality of localized spectroscopic measurements and either real time or offline analyzing and/or controlling of reactions in the flowing media. |
| US09068157B2 |
Sampling device
A device for sampling cultures such as microorganisms or cells via a connection (10) from autoclavable culture vessels, including a sterile syringe for receiving the sample and having a so-called Luer Lock taper and an automatic valve (8) that automatically opens when the syringe is attached and automatically closes when the syringe is detached, and further including a first check valve (41) closing towards the automatic valve (8) and provided between the automatic valve (8) and the connection (10). |
| US09068156B2 |
Horizontal plate microbial support media
A horizontal plate microbial support media. The horizontal plate microbial support media having a plurality of frustum shaped protuberances extending there-from, the frustum shapes having a hole in their upper base for allowing fluid to flow there-through. These media plates able to be stacked for use in a bioreactor. |
| US09068153B2 |
Cleaning composition, cleaning process, and process for producing semiconductor device
A cleaning composition for removing plasma etching residue and/or ashing residue formed above a semiconductor substrate is provided that includes (component a) water, (component b) a hydroxylamine and/or a salt thereof, (component c) a basic organic compound, and (component d) an organic acid and has a pH of 7 to 9. There are also provided a cleaning process and a process for producing semiconductor device employing the cleaning composition. |
| US09068149B2 |
Ozone cleaning system
An industrial cleaning system that produces and distributes an aqueous ozone solution is described. The system provides a centralized system for producing the aqueous ozone solution and distributing the aqueous ozone solution to different application points at different flow rates and concentrations. The system includes an ozone generator for generating ozone gas, which is injected into a supply of water to form the aqueous ozone solution. A reaction vessel receives the aqueous ozone solution from the injector. The reaction vessel reduces the bubbles of ozone gas in the aqueous ozone solution to increase the oxidation reduction potential of the aqueous ozone solution. |
| US09068146B2 |
Solid form of acetic acid and products thereof
The present invention discloses a method of preparing a solid form of acetic acid. The method at least includes the steps of combining a solid acid and a metal acetate with a solvent to form a slurry. After a predetermined period of time, a solid form of acetic acid is recovered. The present invention also includes a solid product of acetic acid produced by the above-mentioned method. There is also disclosed a formulation including the solid product of acetic acid according to the present invention. Further, there is disclosed a cleaning system including the formulation according to the present invention. |
| US09068145B1 |
Cleaning composition having high self-adhesion and providing residual benefits
A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) a blend of linear primary alcohols, wherein each alcohol of said blend includes a carbon chain containing 9 to 17 carbons or an ethoxylated blend thereof; (e) water; (f) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface. |
| US09068143B2 |
Quinazoline compounds and their use in perfume compositions
The present invention relates to novel quinazoline compounds and their use in perfume compositions. The novel quinazoline compounds of the present invention are represented by the following formula: an isomer or a mixture of isomers thereof, wherein the broken line represents a single or double bond. |
| US09068140B2 |
Perfuming acetal
The present invention concerns the use as perfuming ingredient of 4-dimethoxymethyl-1,3-dimethyl-1-cyclohexene in the form of any one of its stereoisomers or a mixture thereof, for instance to impart odor notes of the grapefruit and floral type. |
| US09068138B2 |
Synergistic antioxidant composition
The present invention relates to an antioxidant composition comprising a galactolipid, ascorbic acid and/or a derivative thereof, and at least one further lipid. Further aspects of the invention are the method of manufacturing such an antioxidant composition as well as the use of galactolipids in combination with ascorbic acid and/or a derivative thereof for protecting a composition against oxidation. Particularly, the invention relates to a composition to be used in food products. |
| US09068136B2 |
Lubricating oil composition for high-temperature applications
A lubricating oil composition for high-temperature applications contains (A) a pyromellitate ester, (B) a sulfur-containing triazine antioxidant, and (C) a thiophosphoric acid ester antioxidant. When the lubricating oil composition for high-temperature applications according to the invention is applied to a chain, a gear, a bearing and the like, an amount of evaporation of the lubricating oil composition is restrained for a long time and fluidity thereof is also kept for a long time. |
| US09068135B1 |
Lubricating oil composition and additive therefor having improved piston deposit control and emulsion stability
A lubricant additive composition, a method for reducing engine deposit formation and a method for improving emulsion stability of a lubricant composition. The lubricant additive composition includes (a) an organomolybdenum compound contributing from about 20 to no greater than 300 ppm by weight molybdenum to the lubricant composition based on a total weight of the lubricant composition containing the additive composition; (b) a boronated hydrocarbyl substituted succinimide dispersant; and (c) a reaction product of (i) a hydrocarbyl-dicarboxylic acid or anhydride, (ii) a polyamine, (iii) a dicarboxyl-containing fused aromatic compound, and (iv) a non-aromatic dicarboxylic acid or anhydride. The hydocarbyl group of the hydrocarbyl-dicarboxylic acid or anhydride has a number average molecular weight of greater than 1800 Daltons as determined by gel permeation chromatography. A weight ratio of (b) to (c) ranges from about 1:1 to about 4:1. |
| US09068134B2 |
Method for improving engine wear and corrosion resistance
Provided are lubricating engine oils including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component and an alkylated aromatic base stock as a minor component. One or more of engine wear and corrosion resistance are improved as compared to engine wear and corrosion resistance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a minor component other than the alkylated aromatic base stock, e.g., an ester having a D5293 viscosity of less than 10,000 cP at −35° C. In an engine lubricated with the lubricating oil, one or more of engine wear and corrosion resistance are improved as compared to engine wear and corrosion resistance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a minor component other than the alkylated aromatic base stock, e.g., an ester having a D5293 viscosity of less than 10,000 cP at −35° C. This improvement in engine wear and corrosion control means that engine oils can be formulated with very high saturate content base stocks such as PAOs or GTL stock while providing improved engine durability. |
| US09068131B2 |
Catalyst composition and a process that uses the catalyst composition for the hydroconversion of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock
A catalyst composition that provides for a high percentage conversion of the pitch component of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and a process of using the catalyst composition. The catalyst composition comprises a nickel component, a molybdenum component in an amount less than 12 wt % of the catalyst composition, and it may also include an alumina support material having special properties. The weight ratio of the nickel component-to-molybdenum component exceeds 0.25, and the support material preferably has a median pore diameter of from 100-140 Å. The catalyst composition has a characteristically unique Raman spectrum that distinguishes it over other compositions. |
| US09068128B2 |
Method for reducing hydrogen sulfide evolution from asphalt and heavy fuel oils
Hydrogen sulfide evolution from asphalt or heavy fuel oil may be reduced or eliminated using an additive to act as a scavenger. Zinc, in conjunction with an additional metal selected from Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Zr, when present in the form of nano-particles of an oxide, borate or carboxylate is an effective component is preventing or mitigating the evolution of hydrogen sulfide. The nano-particles may be used neat or as a dispersion. These metals may also be complexed and used in the form of a solution. Molybdenum, when used with one or both of Fe and Zn is also a useful in any of these forms for the same purpose. |
| US09068126B2 |
Methods for deoxygenating biomass-derived pyrolysis oil
Methods for deoxygenating a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil are provided. A method for deoxygenating a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil comprising the steps of combining a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil stream with a heated low-oxygen-pyoil diluent recycle stream to form a heated diluted pyoil feed stream is provided. The heated diluted pyoil feed stream has a feed temperature of about 150° C. or greater. The heated diluted pyoil feed stream is contacted with a first deoxygenating catalyst in the presence of hydrogen at first hydroprocessing conditions effective to form a low-oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil effluent. |
| US09068120B2 |
Flame retardant nylon
Technologies are generally described for a system and method effective to prepare a flame retardant. In one example, a method may include copolymerizing a mixture of monomers. The mixture of monomers may include at least one dicarboxylic acid monomer, at least one diamine monomer, and at least one monomer having the formula wherein R1 is hydroxyl, halogen, alkoxy, or aryloxy; wherein R2 is hydroxyl, halogen, alkoxy, or aryloxy; wherein R3 is H or -L-R5; wherein R4 is H or L-R5; wherein if R3 is H, then R4 is L-R5; wherein L is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or —(R6-O—R7)n-; wherein R6 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, wherein R7 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12; wherein R5 is a flame retarding moiety comprising P, N, halogen, or B; and wherein q is an integer from 1 to 12. |
| US09068113B2 |
Low phosphorous oxygen scavenging compositions requiring no induction period
The present invention provides a composition comprising: a polyester base polymer; at least one non-polymeric oxidizable organic compound; at least one transition metal in a positive oxidation state, said metal being present in the composition in an amount of from about 10 to about 400 ppm, wherein the polyester base polymer comprises less than about 40 ppm phosphorous. The compositions of the present invention do not exhibit an induction period prior to the onset of oxygen scavenging upon formation into a container. |
| US09068112B2 |
Compositions to facilitate room temperature growth of an oxide layer on a substrate
Disclosed is a method, process, solar cell design, and fabrication technology for high-efficiency, low-cost, crystalline silicon (Si) solar cells including but not restricted to solar grade single crystal Si (c-Si), multi-crystalline Si (mc-Si), poly-Si, and micro-Si solar cells and solar modules. The RTWCG solar cell fabrication technology creates a RTWCG SiOx thin film antireflection coating (ARC) with a graded index of refraction and a selective emitter (SE). The resulting top surface of the SiOx oxide can be textured (TO) concomitant with the growth process or through an additional mild wet chemical step. |
| US09068108B2 |
Methods and compositions for stimulating the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations
Methods and compositions for stimulating of the production of hydrocarbons (e.g., formation crude oil and/or formation gas) from subterranean formations are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions are emulsions or microemulsions, which may include water, a terpene, and a surfactant. In some embodiments, methods of selecting a composition for treating an oil or gas well are provided. |
| US09068106B1 |
Dust suppression composition and method of controlling dust
Dust suppressant compositions and methods of suppressing dust and other suspendable particulates are described herein that are able to treat a wide array of surfaces. In particular, the dust suppressant compositions can comprise at least one synthetic fluid that was previously derived from a Gas-to-Liquids process. Furthermore, the dust suppressant compositions can also comprise binders and other additives to customize the compositions for their intended application. |
| US09068104B2 |
Dual curing composition and use thereof
The invention relates to combined radiation- and moisture-curing compounds, which are characterized in particular by rapid curing by means of moisture. The compounds can be used as adhesives, coatings or potting materials. The use of the compounds according to the invention is particularly preferred for filling electro-optical components. |
| US09068100B2 |
Thermosetting resin composition, cured product thereof, and printed wiring board using the same
Provided are: a thermosetting resin composition in which a cured product is excellent in low warp properties, thermal cycle characteristics, and the like, and occurrence of cracking of a coating film in a B-stage state is suppressed; a cured product thereof; and a printed wiring board in which the cured product is used. The thermosetting resin composition comprises: (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a curing agent for an epoxy resin; (C) spherical silicon dioxide and/or spherical aluminum oxide; and (D) a block copolymer. |
| US09068097B2 |
Biaxially oriented polypropylene film substrate free from primer coating and film free from primer coating
Disclosed is a biaxially oriented polypropylene film substrate free from primer coating, which comprises successively connected affinity layer, core layer and surface layer, said affinity layer comprises 10% to 80% by weight of polypropylene homopolymer, 10% to 80% by weight of polyolefin plastomer and 1% to 10% by weight of anti-adhesion agent; said core layer is polypropylene homopolymer; said surface layer is the same as the affinity layer or a non-coated surface layer that comprises 90% to 99% by weight of polypropylene homopolymer and 1% to 10% by weight of anti-adhesion agent. A film free from primer coating and its preparing method are also provided. The coated film of this invention does not need the process of primer pre-coating, which reduces the relevant equipment costs on one hand and avoids the safety risks when using and restoring solvent type primer on the other. |
| US09068095B2 |
Ink composition, image forming method and printed material
An ink composition with excellent solvent resistance of the recorded image and fixability to a recording medium which may be applicable to an ink jet recording method, and an image forming method using the ink composition are provided. An ink composition which includes a dispersion medium including (a) water, and particles of (b) a polymer compound and (b) the polymer compound includes a repeating unit having a partial structure represented by the following General Formula (1) is provided. In the following General Formula (1), Ra and Rb, each independently, represent an alkyl group having the number of carbon atoms 1 to 4, and Ra and Rb may be bonded to each other to form an alicyclic structure with 4- to 6-membered ring and * represents a bonding site to a main chain or a side chain in the polymer compound. |
| US09068092B2 |
Process for preparing polymers, polymers, dispersions, inks and uses
A process for preparing a polymer comprising reacting at least the components i) to iii) in any order: i) a compound of the Formula (1): Formula (1) wherein: T1 and T2 independently are HO—, HS— or R1HN—; Q1 and Q2 independently are —NR2—; A1 and A2 independently are an optionally substituted divalent organic linking group; R1 when present is H or an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl or heterocyclyl group; R2 is H or an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl or heterocyclyl group; Z is an HO— group or a group of the Formula (2) or (3); Formula (2) wherein: L is —HN—, —O— or —S—; X is an optionally substituted organic group; Formula (3) wherein: each X independently is an optionally substituted organic group; in both Formulae (2) and (3) the asterisk (*) signifies the point of attachment to the triazine ring: ii) a diisocyanate; iii) an isocyanate reactive compound having at least one ionic group. |
| US09068089B2 |
Phenolic admix for electrodepositable coating composition containing a cyclic guanidine
The present invention is directed to an electrodepositable coating composition comprising a reaction product of an epoxy functional polymer and a cyclic guanidine, and a source of unreacted phenol, wherein the electrodepositable coating composition has a columbic usage of less than 100 coulombs/gram when deposited on a conductive substrate at a current density of ≦1.5 mAmps/cm2. Methods of making the electrodepositable coating composition are also disclosed. |
| US09068085B2 |
Radiation curable resin composition, and fingerprint-resistant resin composition containing same
A radiation-curable base resin composition and a fingerprint-resistant resin composition including the same are provided. The radiation-curable base resin composition includes a multifunctional urethane(meth)acrylate having three or more functional groups at 3 to 35 parts by weight, a bifunctional urethane(meth)acrylate at 3 to 35 parts by weight, at least one (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer selected from a monofunctional (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer and a multifunctional (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer at 20 to 60 parts by weight and a radiation polymerization initiator at 0.1 to 15 parts by weight. |
| US09068084B2 |
Silica nanoparticles doped with dye having negative charge and preparing method thereof
Provided are silica nanoparticles doped with dyes having a negative charge by using cationic polyelectrolyte as templet and preparing method thereof. The nanoparticles have a core-shell structure, inner core comprises cationic polyelectrolyte aggregates, in which fluorescent dye having a negative charge and SiO2 are doped, and optional additive having a negative charge, the shell is consisted of SiO2, wherein the sum of negative charge carried by the additives and the fluorescent dye is less than that of positive charge carried by the polyelectrolyte aggregates. The preparing method comprises the following steps: preparing complex solution of polyelectrolyte and fluorescent dye; prehydrolysis of organosilicon source; coating with organosilicon source. The method can be applied to dope silica with various fluorescent dyes having a negative charge. Various dyes can be doped at the same time, the doping amount, and particle diameter and shape of the product can be controlled by the method. The nanoparticles are spherical, the particle diameter thereof is uniform, and colloid formed therefrom is stable. |
| US09068083B2 |
Method of producing gallium phthalocyanine crystal and method of producing electrophotographic photosensitive member using the method of producing gallium phthalocyanine crystal
Provided is a method of producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member having improved sensitivity and capable of outputting an image having less image defects due to a ghost phenomenon not only under a normal-temperature, normal-humidity environment but also under a low-temperature, low-humidity environment as a particularly severe condition. The method of producing a gallium phthalocyanine crystal includes subjecting a gallium phthalocyanine and a specific amine compound, which are added to a solvent, to a milling treatment to perform crystal transformation of the gallium phthalocyanine. In addition, the gallium phthalocyanine crystal is used in the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. |
| US09068081B2 |
Thiophene azo dyes and laundry care compositions containing the same
This application relates to thiophene azo dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such thiophene azo dyes, processes for making such thiophene azo dyes, and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The thiophene azo dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. These thiophene azo dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. The thiophene azo dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions. |
| US09068079B2 |
Bar type clay for craft
Bar type clay for craft including 50 wt % to 80 wt % of wax, 10 wt % to 40 wt % of body pigment, and 1 wt % to 10 wt % of a colorant, and formed to have a bar-like shape is provided. |
| US09068078B2 |
Polyphenylene sulfide resin composition, production method thereof and molded product thereof
There is provided a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin composition, comprising: 5 to 50 parts by weight of a polyamide resin (b) and 50 to 250 parts by weight of a metal hydroxide (c) relative to 100 parts by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin (a), wherein the metal hydroxide is dispersed in the composition at an average secondary particle diameter equal to or less than 5 μm. The PPS resin composition may provide excellent tracking resistance without significantly damaging various intrinsic properties of a PPS resin, such as excellent mechanical strength and low gas generation. |
| US09068076B2 |
Fiber reinforced TPU composites
A catalyst masterbatch is disclosed, which when used with a rigid TPU polymer, will cause the rigid TPU to depolymerize during melt processing and repolymerize as the melt is being cooled. This feature is of particular interest in a pultrusion process to create TPU/fiber composites. The catalyst masterbatch contains a relative soft TPU polymer where the catalyst has been swelled or absorbed into the soft TPU polymer. A carrier, such as a plasticizer, can be used to aid the transport of the catalyst into the soft TPU polymer. The catalyst masterbatch is used as an additive to the rigid TPU in a pultrusion process to make the composites. The catalyst masterbatch can also be used in non-fiber reinforced rigid TPU compositions to increase the Mw of melt processed rigid TPU. |
| US09068075B2 |
Thermosetting resin composition for steel inserts and method for production thereof
Disclosed is a thermosetting resin composition for steel inserts, the composition including a thermosetting resin composite and a glass fiber. The thermosetting resin composite preferably includes 100 PHR of an unsaturated polyester resin, about 30 to 40 PHR of a low shrinkage agent, about 5 to 8 PHR of a release agent, about 130 to 140 PHR of a filler, about 2 to 8 PHR of a thickening agent, and about 1 to 2 PHR of a curing agent, based on 100 PHR of the unsaturated polyester resin. The thermosetting resin composition provides reduced costs and weight as compared to a steel material composed of only steel, and also exhibits physical properties comparable to the steel material. |
| US09068070B2 |
Aqueous binders granulated and/or fibrous substrates
Aqueous binders for granular and/or fibrous substrates comprising as active constituents: a) at least one polymer which is obtainable by free-radical addition polymerization and comprises in copolymerized form ≧5.5% and ≧20% by weight of an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid [polymer A], b) at least one polymer which is obtainable by free-radical addition polymerization and comprises in copolymerized form ≧40% by weight of an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid [polymer B], and c) at least one polyol compound having at least two hydroxyl groups [polyol C]. |
| US09068069B2 |
Perfluoroelastomer compositions and methods of preparing same
The present invention includes crosslinked perfluoroelastomeric compositions and molded articles formed from a cross-linkable perfluoroelastomeric composition having a first curable perfluoropolymer having a cure site monomer and a second perfluoropolymer having a cure site monomer. The molar ratio of the tetrafluoroethylene monomer to perfluoroalkylvinyl ether in one perfluoropolymer is about 0 to 100 to about 65 to 35 in the perfluoropolymer. The molar ratio of the tetrafluoroethylene monomer to the perfluoroalkylvinyl ether monomer in the second polymer is about 65:35 to about 95:5 in the second perfluoropolymer. The composition further includes a curative. One fluorine-containing elastomer composition herein, having a short crosslinking time, has perfluoroelastomers (A) having a tetrafluoroethylene unit, a perfluoralkylvinyl ether unit (a) and a monomer unit (b) having at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a nitrile group, a carboxyl group and an alkoxycarbonyl group, wherein the composition has two or more kinds of perfluoroelastomers (A) having differing contents of perfluoroalkylvinyl ether unit (a). |
| US09068062B2 |
Process for preparing stable starch dispersions
A process for the preparation of a dispersion of starch in an hydroxylic liquid, the process comprising introducing a feed starch and an hydroxylic liquid to an extruder, and applying shear forces in the extruder to the starch and the liquid under conditions sufficient to prepare a stable dispersion of starch particles in the hydroxylic liquid. |
| US09068061B2 |
Flameproof agent stabiliser combination for thermoplastic and duroplastic polymers
The invention relates to a novel flameproof agent stabiliser combination for thermoplastic and duroplastic polymers, containing, as component A 25-97.7 wt % of a dialkylphosphinic acid salt of formula (I) and/or a diphosphinic acid salt of formula (II) and/or polymers thereof, wherein R1, R2 are the same or different and represent C1-C6-alkyl, linear or branched and/or aryl; R3 represents C1-C10-alkylene, linear or branched, C6-C10-arylene, C7-C20-alkylarylene or C7-C20-arylalkylene; M represents Mg, Ca, Al, Sb, Sn, Ge, Ti, Zn, Fe, Zr, Ce, Bi, Sr, Mn, Li, Na, K and/or a protonated nitrogen base; m represents 1-4; n represents 1-4; x represents 1-4, as component B 2-45 wt. % of a monoalkylphosphinic acid salt of general formula (Ill), wherein R4 represents C1-C6-alkyl, linear or branched; M represents Mg, Ca, Al, Sb, Sn, Ge, Ti, Zn, Fe, Zr, Ce, Bi, Sr, Mn, Li, Na, K and/or a protonated nitrogen base; representing, as component C 0.3-30 wt. % of a synergist containing nitrogen or a phosphorous/nitrogen flameproof agent and as component D 0-10 wt. % of a zinc salt or a basic or amphoteric oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, borate, stannate, mixed oxide-hydroxides, oxide-hydroxide-carbonate, hydroxide-silicates or hydroxide-borates or mixtures of said substances, as components E 0-3 wt. % phosphonite or a phosphonite/phosphite mixture and as component F 0-3 wt.% of an ester or salt of long-chained carboxylic acids, the total of the components always amounting to 100 wt. %. |
| US09068055B2 |
Rubber composition
A rubber composition obtained by kneading at least one selected from the group consisting of (A1), (B1), (C1) and (D1), a rubber component and a filler, and a method of improving the viscoelastic property of vulcanized rubber, comprising a first step of kneading at least one selected from the group consisting of (A1), (B1), (C1) and (D1), a rubber component, a filler and a sulfur component and a second step of thermally treating the kneaded material obtained in the previous step. (A1): a compound represented by formula (I) (B1): a salt of a compound represented by formula (I) (C1): a solvate of a compound represented by formula (I) (D1): a solvate of a salt of a compound represented by formula (I). |
| US09068054B2 |
Sizing agent for reinforcement fibers, synthetic fiber strand, and fiber-reinforced composite
A sizing agent for reinforcement fibers which imparts good bonding performance to a reinforcement fiber is used to reinforce thermoplastic matrix resin, and provide a synthetic fiber strand applied with the sizing agent and a fiber-reinforced composite reinforced with the synthetic fiber strand. The sizing agent essentially contains a neutralization product of a modified polypropylene resin and an amine compound having at least two hydroxyl groups or amino groups in the molecule, and the nonvolatile component of the sizing agent exhibits an endothermic heat of fusion not higher than 50 J/g in determination with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). |
| US09068053B2 |
Fluoro-rubber composition and bladder for tire fabrication
A fluoro rubber composition which is able to make both a high tensile strength and a high elongation at break after vulcanization compatible with each other and from which favorable mechanical characteristics are obtained even in a high-temperature environment; and a bladder for tire fabrication, which is manufactured using the same are provided. The fluoro rubber composition includes a rubber component containing a fluoro rubber and carbon black, wherein in a dynamic viscoelasticity test of an unvulcanized rubber by a rubber process analyzer (RPA) (measurement temperature: 100° C., measurement frequency: 1 Hz), a difference δGA′ (G′(1%)−G′(100%)) between a shear modulus G′ (1%) at the time of a dynamic strain of 1% and a shear modulus G′ (100%) at the time of a dynamic strain of 100% is 120 kPa or more and not more than 3,000 kPa. |
| US09068051B2 |
Method for producing refined polyrotaxane
The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a refined polyrotaxane which includes an industrially advantageous method of producing a polyrotaxane that has excellent storage stability. The method for producing a refined polyrotaxane includes the step of heat-cleaning a polyrotaxane with a cleaning medium, the polyrotaxane containing cyclodextrin molecules, a polyethylene glycol which is included in the cavities of the cyclodextrin molecules in a skewered manner, and a capping group that is placed at each end of the polyethylene glycol and prevents dissociation of the cyclodextrin molecules from the polyethylene glycol. |
| US09068050B2 |
Bridged bis(alkoxysilane) or silsesquioxane compound having benzoxazine-containing group
A benzoxazine-bridged compound is provided. The compound has a low dielectric constant, a high mechanic strength and a high glass transition temperature. The compound has a highly cross-linked structure with a yellow-light photoluminescent emission. Characterization of the present disclosure has been conducted with Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, molecular mass and elemental analysis. |
| US09068047B2 |
Process for producing poly(arylene sulfide), and poly(arylene sulfide) comprising contacting a wash liquid with an alkaline compound
Disclosed is a process for producing poly(arylene sulfide) which includes: a polymerization step of polymerizing a dihalogenated aromatic compound and at least one sulfur source selected from the group consisting of alkali metal sulfides and alkali metal hydrogen sulfides in an organic amide solvent, preferably in the presence of a phase separating agent; a separation step of separating a polymer from a reaction liquid containing a produced polymer after the polymerization step; a washing step of washing the polymer with a washing liquid that consists of water and/or an organic solvent; and a separated liquid treatment step of bringing both a separated liquid that has been recovered after the separation of the polymer in the separation step and a separated liquid containing a wash waste liquid that has been recovered after the separation of the polymer in the washing step into contact with an alkaline compound. Also disclosed is poly(arylene sulfide). |
| US09068041B2 |
Polyester EA toner comprising furan
Methods of making a bio-based polyester resin by polycondensing a polyol with a polyacidic furan are described. The polyol can be a rosin diol obtained by reacting a rosin acid and a glycerol carbonate. The polyacidic furan is obtained from a bio-based product. The resin may be used in manufacturing toner for imaging devices. |
| US09068039B2 |
Thermosettable compositions and thermosets therefrom
A thermosettable (curable) epoxy resin composition including (A) a residual oligomeric product; wherein the residual oligomeric product comprises a polyfunctional aliphatic or cycloaliphatic epoxy resin which has been isolated from an epoxy resin product formed as a result of an epoxidation process comprising the reaction of (i) an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl-containing material with (ii) an epihalohydrin, (iii) a basic-acting substance, (iv) a non-Lewis acid catalyst, and (V) optionally one or more solvents; (B) an epoxy curing material comprising (i) an epoxy resin curing agent, (ii) an epoxy resin catalyst, or both an epoxy resin curing agent (i) and an epoxy resin catalyst (ii); and (C) optionally, an epoxy resin compound other than the aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyfunctional epoxy resin (A). A thermoset may also be made from the above thermosettable composition. |
| US09068036B2 |
Process for core-shell impact modifiers and impact modified thermoplastic composition with enhanced hydrolytic resistance
The present invention relates to a process for producing impact modifiers, impact modified thermoplastic molding compositions and in particular impact modified polycarbonate or polycarbonate/polyester blends having improved resistance to degradation. More particularly the present invention relates to a process for producing polymeric impact modifiers with a core-shell structure made by a multistage process comprising a control and adjustment if necessary of the pH value before and during the recovery step. |
| US09068034B2 |
In-reactor polymer blends
This invention relates to in-reactor polymer blends comprising at least 60 mole % of propylene and from 0.01 to 10 mole % of at least one diene selected from the group of C6 to C12 α,ω-diene, norbornadiene, vinyl norbornene and mixtures thereof with the balance being ethylene. The blend comprises first and second polymers having different crystallinities and or different Tg's. |
| US09068029B2 |
Process for the preparation of impact resistant propylene polymer compositions
A process for the preparation of propylene polymer compositions comprising from 50 to 90% by weight of a propylene polymer fraction insoluble in xylene at 25° C., and from 10 to 50% by weight of an ethylene copolymer fraction soluble in xylene at 25° C., said process being carried out in the presence of a specific catalyst system, is also characterized by the following step: (i) contacting the catalyst components (a), (b) and optionally (c) for a period of time ranging from 0.1 to 120 minutes, at a temperature ranging from 0 to 90° C.; (ii) polymerizing propylene in the optional presence of ethylene and/or C4-C10 alpha olefins producing a propylene (co)polymer being for at least 85% by weight of insoluble in xylene at 25° C. and (iii) in a successive step, carried out in gas-phase, in the presence of the product coming from (ii), polymerizing mixtures of ethylene with α-olefins CH2═CHR in which R is a hydrocarbon radical having 1-10 carbon atoms, to produce an ethylene copolymer. An increased reactivity in the last step is observed. |
| US09068024B2 |
2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-DI[4-(meth)acryloyloxy]phenylethane-1-one, method for producing the same, radical polymerization initiator and photocurable composition
The invention provides 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-di-[4-(meth)acryloyloxy]phenylethane-1-one represented by the following formula (A): (wherein R1 and R2, which may be identical to or different from each other, each represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group). |
| US09068022B1 |
Process for making a modified starch product
A process for modifying starch is described. The process can be used as an alternative to conventional starch modification processes, such as substitution and crosslinking. The process and resulting product can reduce, substantially reduce, substantially eliminate or eliminate the sodium level typically associated with conventionally modified starch products. |
| US09068014B2 |
Colon and pancreas cancer peptidomimetics
The invention relates to a peptidomimetic of an NPC-1 epitope on the MUC5AC protein which is differentially expressed in pancreatic and colorectal cancer, and diagnostic and therapeutic usages. Further, antibodies that selectively bind the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics and may be used in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. |
| US09068012B1 |
Targeting rare human PCSK9 variants for cholesterol treatment
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method. |
| US09068010B2 |
Cloning and base sequence determination of novel iturin biosynthesis gene from antagonistic microorganism Bacillus subtilis and characteristics of the gene
The present invention relates to novel iturin biosynthesis genes, and uses thereof. More specifically, the present invention provides novel iturin biosynthesis genes, wherein the iturin biosynthesis genes were cloned from Bacillus subtilis subsp. krictiensis ATCC 55079, the base sequence was determined after checking whether the cloned genes are iturin biosynthesis genes or not, and it was ascertained that the identified genes are novel genes different from the reported gene by comparing the base sequences with that of the reported gene, and uses thereof. |
| US09068006B2 |
Glycated CD59 peptides, their preparation, and uses thereof
The present invention provides glycated Amadori products of the CD59 peptide and fragments thereof to be used as tools and among methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of pre-diabetes and diabetes. Certain aspects of the invention include glycated Amadori products of CD59 and fragments thereof to be used for the generation of antibodies and antibody fragments. Still other aspects of the invention include methodologies for the preparation of glycated Amadori products of CD59, fragments thereof, the inventive antibodies, and antibody fragments. |
| US09068003B2 |
Antibodies that bind to TL1A and methods of treating inflammatory or autoimmune disease comprising administering such antibodies
Provided are methods and compositions for treating inflammatory or autoimmune diseases in a subject comprising blocking the interaction between DR3 and TL1A. The interaction between DR3 and TL1A can be blocked by reducing expression of TL1A. The interaction between DR3 and TL1A can be blocked by administration of anti-DR3 antibodies. The interaction between DR3 and TL1A can be blocked by administration of anti-TL1A antibodies. In the methods of treating inflammatory or autoimmune disease, the inflammatory or autoimmune disease can be an autoimmune disease with a T cell component. In the methods of treating inflammatory or autoimmune disease, the inflammatory or autoimmune disease can be asthma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, graft versus host disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). |
| US09067999B1 |
Immunopotentiative composition
Compositions for cancer or infection treatment via immunopotentiation caused by inhibition of immunosuppressive signal induced by PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 and therapies using them, immunopotentiative substrates included as the active ingredient, screening methods of the substrates for cancer or infection treatment, cell lines used for the screening methods, evaluation methods that selects the substrates for cancer treatment, and carcinoma cell transplanted mammals used for the evaluation methods.The compositions of the present invention that inhibits the function of PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 are useful for cancer or infection treatment. |
| US09067998B1 |
Targeting PD-1 variants for treatment of cancer
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method. |
| US09067996B2 |
Antibodies to receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and uses thereof
The present application relates to antibodies, such as monoclonal antibodies, and in particular CDR grafted, humanized versions thereof, for the treatment and diagnosis of pain and other neuroinflammatory conditions associated with the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE). |
| US09067995B2 |
Method to generate antibodies to ion channels
The present invention provides a method for generating a functionally modifying antibody to an ion channel comprising immunizing a host with a cyclic peptide comprising at least part of an extracellular sequence of said ion channel. |
| US09067994B2 |
Anti-IL13 antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention relates to anti-IL13 antibodies that bind specifically and with high affinity to both glycosylated and non-glycosylated human IL13, does not bind mouse IL13, and neutralize human IL13 activity at an approximate molar ratio of 1:2 (MAb:IL13). The invention also relates to the use of these antibodies in the treatment of IL13-mediated diseases, such as allergic disease, including asthma, allergic asthma, non-allergic (intrinsic) asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, urticaria, food allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ulcerative colitis, RSV infection, uveitis, scleroderma, and osteoporosis. |
| US09067992B2 |
Use of TNFα inhibitor for treatment of psoriatic arthritis
The invention describes methods of treating erosive polyarthritis comprising administering a TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof. The invention also describes a method for testing the efficacy of a TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, for the treatment of erosive polyarthritis. |
| US09067987B2 |
Neisserial antigenic peptides
This invention provides, among other things, proteins, polypeptides, and fragments thereof, derived from the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis B. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding for such proteins, polypeptides, and/or fragments, as well as nucleic acids complementary thereto e.g., antisense nucleic acids). Additionally, this invention provides antibodies which bind to the proteins, polypeptides, and/or fragments. This invention further provides expression vectors useful for making the proteins, polypeptides, and/or fragments, as well as host cells transformed with such vectors. This invention also provides compositions of the proteins, polypeptides, fragments, and/or nucleic acids, for use as vaccines, diagnostic reagents, immunogenic compositions, and the like. Methods of making the compositions and methods of treatment with the compositions are also provided. This invention also provides methods of detecting the proteins, polypeptides, fragments, and/or nucleic acids. |
| US09067985B2 |
Bacteriorhodopsin fusion membrane protein expression system
An expression vector is disclosed, which comprises: a) a polynucleotide sequence encoding a bacteriorhodopsin or a mutant bacteriorhodopsin; b) a multiple cloning site; c) a T7 promoter, d) a polyhistidine tag; e) a first protease cleavage site; f) optionally a second protease cleavage site; and g) optionally a linker; wherein the mutant bacteriorhodopsin comprises the residue corresponding to Asn94 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Also disclosed is a fusion membrane protein expression system, which comprises: a) a polynucleotide sequence encoding a mutant Haloarcula marismortui bacteriorhodopsin/D94N (HmBRI/D94N) or a Haloquadratum walsbyi bacteriorhodopsin (HwBR); b) a target membrane protein; and c) a T7 promoter, operably linked to the mutant HmBRI/D94N or HwBR and the target membrane protein. Host cells comprising the expression vector or the fusion membrane protein expression system and methods of using the same are also disclosed. |
| US09067983B2 |
Anti-inflammatory antibodies and uses therefor
The invention provides antibodies that inhibit activation of complement, which may be used to treat various inflammatory diseases or disorders. |
| US09067976B2 |
Asymmetric porous adsorptive bead
The present invention relates to an asymmetric chromatography media suitable for separations applications, particularly as packed bed, fluidized bed or magnetized bed chromatography media. In certain embodiments, the asymmetric chromatography media comprises asymmetric particles, preferably beads, having at least two distinct, controlled pore size distributions. Preferably one of the distinct pore size distributions is in an internal region of the particle, and the other is in an external region or coating on the particle. These distinct pore size distributions can be modified with uniform or alternatively unique functional groups or mixtures of functional groups. The present invention allows for the control over pore size distribution within an asymmetric porous particle by providing a distinct internal region, preferably in the form of a bead, and a distinct external region, preferably in the form of a coating on the bead. |
| US09067973B2 |
Peptide vaccines for cancers expressing tumor-associated antigens
The present invention provides peptides having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, 22, 30, 34, 344, 358, 41, 44, 46, 48, 78, 376, 379, 80, 100, 101, 110, 111, 387, 112, 394, 114, 116, 117, 121, 395, 133, 135, 137, 426, 143, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154, 156, 160, 161, 162, 163, 166, 174, 178, 186, 194, 196, 202, 210, 213, 214, 217, 223, 227, 228, 233, 254, 271, 272 or 288, as well as peptides having the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several (e.g., up to 5) amino acids are substituted, deleted, or added, provided the peptides possess cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing a disease associated with over-expression of the CDH3, EPHA4, ECT2, HIG2, INHBB, KIF20A, KNTC2, TTK and/or URLC10, e.g. cancers containing as an active ingredient one or more of these peptides. The peptides of the present invention find further utility as vaccines. |
| US09067972B2 |
Skin aging-inhibiting peptide
The present invention provides a peptide and a composition which are suitable for oral ingestion, and which have a skin aging-inhibiting activity, a collagen-production promoting activity, an epidermal turnover promoting activity, and a cutaneous cell-proliferating effect. The present invention also provides a medicament and a functional food which have a skin aging-inhibiting activity, a collagen-production promoting activity, and a cutaneous cell-proliferation promoting activity. The present invention provides a composition including at least one peptide of Asn-lle-Pro-Pro-Leu, lle-Pro-Pro-Leu, lle-Pro-Pro, Pro-Val-Val-Val-Pro-Pro, Val-Pro-Pro-Phe, Val-Pro-Pro, Phe-Pro-Pro-Gln, and Leu-Pro-Pro-Thr. |
| US09067971B2 |
Synthetic apelin mimetics for the treatment of heart failure
The invention provides a synthetic polypeptide of Formula I′: or an amide, an ester or a salt thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, X12 and X13 are defined herein. The polypeptides are agonist of the APJ receptor. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the polypeptides of the invention, and its therapeutic uses such as treatment or prevention of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), chronic heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, Brugada syndrome, ventricular tachycardia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, restenosis, ischemic cardiovascular diseases, cardiomyopathy, cardiac fibrosis, arrhythmia, water retention, diabetes (including gestational diabetes), obesity, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular accidents, transient ischemic attacks, traumatic brain injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, burn injuries (including sunburn) and preeclampsia. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09067966B2 |
Lupeol-type triterpene derivatives as antivirals
The invention relates to novel lupeol-type triterpene derivatives and related compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions useful for therapeutic treatment of viral diseases and particularly HIV mediated diseases. |
| US09067962B2 |
Methods of treating diabetes
Solid forms of anhydrous (2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-2-(4-chloro-3-(4-ethoxybenzyl)phenyl)-6-(methylthio)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol are disclosed, in addition to methods of their use in the treatment of various diseases and disorders. |
| US09067960B2 |
Hybrid SCFA-hydroxyl-derivatized monosaccharides, methods of synthesis, and methods of treating disorders
Described herein are fatty acid carbohydrate-hydroxyl-hybrid compounds and derivatives thereof, and methods of treating or preventing disease and disease symptoms using the compounds and compositions thereof. |
| US09067958B2 |
Scalable and high yield synthesis of transition metal bis-diazabutadienes
The present disclosure is directed at the synthesis of transition metal bis-diazabutadienes as precursors to enable atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of transition metals on metallic surfaces. The transition metal bis-diazabutadienes may be prepared in a two-step synthetic procedure at relatively high yields and are particularly suitable for industrial scale-up. |
| US09067952B2 |
Thiadiazole, light-emitting element, light-emitting apparatus, authentication apparatus, and electronic device
The thiadiazole represented by formula (2) or (4), when used as a light-emitting material in a light-emitting element, allows the light-emitting element to emit near-infrared light: in formulae (2) and (4), each R independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group. There may be a ring formed by a carbon linkage between two adjacent R's. |
| US09067948B2 |
IRAK inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention provides thienopyridine compounds, compositions thereof, and methods of using the same. |
| US09067940B2 |
Alicyclic derivatives of N,N'-substituted 3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes and medicaments based thereon
The invention relates to novel alicyclic N,N′-substituted diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives of general formula (I) which act as allosteric AMPA receptor modulators, and to drugs based thereon which can be used for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. |
| US09067935B2 |
Imidazo[1,2-α]pyridine sulfonamides as TRPM8 modulators
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula I as follows: wherein Y, R1, R2, and are defined herein. |
| US09067932B2 |
Pyrazolopyridine kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of pyrazolopyridine derivatives useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. In one embodiment the compounds of the present invention are represented by the following structural formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09067930B2 |
2-oxo-piperidinyl derivatives
The present invention relates to 2-oxo-piperidinyl derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals. |
| US09067929B2 |
Heterocyclic compounds and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same. |
| US09067927B2 |
(R)-Nifuratel, its use for the treatment of infections and synthesis of (R) and (S)-Nifuratel
(R)-Nifuratel is disclosed together with its use as bactericide and bacteriostatic agent as well as the pharmaceutical compositions containing the same; (R)-nifuratel has been surprisingly found to possess a better antimicrobial profile than either nifuratel racemate or (S)-nifuratel. A new procedure for the synthesis of both (R)-Nifuratel and (S)-Nifuratel is also disclosed. |
| US09067924B2 |
1,4 thiazepines/sulfones as BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitors
The present invention relates to 1,4 Thiazepines/Sulfones of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. |
| US09067922B2 |
Chemical compounds
The present invention relates to new sulfonamide URAT-1 inhibitor compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: to compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation and to intermediates used in such processes, and to methods of treatment, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined in the description. |
| US09067921B2 |
Piperazinylpiperidine derivatives as chemokine receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I: wherein variable substituents are defined herein, that modulate the activity of or bind to chemokine receptors such as CCR5. In some embodiments, the compounds of the invention are selective for CCR5. The compounds can be used, for example, to treat diseases associated with chemokine receptor expression or activity such as inflammatory diseases, immune diseases and viral infections. |
| US09067917B2 |
1,2,5-substituted benzimidazoles as FLAP modulators
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), and solvates, hydrates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein ring A, R1, R5 and R6 are as defined herein, useful as FLAP modulators. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I). Methods of making and using the compounds of Formula (I) are also within the scope of the invention. |
| US09067915B2 |
Sunitinib and salts thereof and their polymorphs
Process for the preparation of sunitinib malate form I via sunitinib acetate and polymorphs of said intermediate. |
| US09067913B2 |
Fumigillol type compounds and methods of making and using same
The disclosure provides a fumagillol type compound and their use in treating medical disorders, such as obesity. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using, e.g. in the treatment of obesity are provided. |
| US09067908B2 |
Polyphenolic bioprecursors
Cosmetic and therapeutic, in particular dermatological bioprecursors have the formula [A]n-PP-[B]m wherein PP is a polyphenol radical in which each hydroxyl function is protected by a group A or a group B, A is a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which is bonded to the polyphenol, n is an integer not less than 1, and B is a precursor of a biologically active molecule, which is also bonded to the polyphenol, and m is an integer also not less than 1. |
| US09067906B2 |
Thermosetting resin composition, epoxy resin molding material, and polyvalent carboxylic acid condensate
The epoxy resin molding material of the invention comprises (A) an epoxy resin and (B) a curing agent, wherein the (B) curing agent contains a polyvalent carboxylic acid condensate. The thermosetting resin composition of the invention comprises (A) an epoxy resin and (B) a curing agent, wherein the viscosity of the (B) curing agent is 1.0-1000 mPa·s at 150° C., as measured with an ICI cone-plate Brookfield viscometer. |
| US09067901B2 |
Process for the production of ethylene oxide
The invention relates to a process for the production of ethylene oxide, comprising the steps of: producing ethylene by converting a stream comprising an oxygenate into a stream comprising ethylene and ethane; producing ethylene oxide by subjecting ethylene and ethane from the stream comprising ethylene and ethane to oxidation conditions resulting in a stream comprising ethylene oxide, unconverted ethylene and ethane; and recovering ethylene oxide from the stream comprising ethylene oxide, unconverted ethylene and ethane. |
| US09067898B1 |
Isothiazole derivatives as GPR120 agonists for the treatment of type II diabetes
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating of disorders that are affected by the modulation of the GPR120 receptor. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein R1, G, and Q are defined herein. |
| US09067897B2 |
2,4-Diaminoquinazolines for spinal muscular atrophy
2,4-Diaminoquinazolines of formulae I-IV and VI are useful for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). |
| US09067896B2 |
Crystalline forms of 3-(2,6-dichloro-3,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-1-{6-[4-(4-ethyl-piperazin-1-yl) -phenylamino]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-1-methyl-urea and salts thereof
The present technology provides novel anhydrous and hydrated crystalline forms of 3-(2,6-dichloro-3,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-1-{6-[4-(4-ethyl-piperazin-1-yl)-phenylamino]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-1-methyl-urea, amorphous and anhydrous crystalline polymorphs of its monophosphoric acid salt, and the hydrochloride salt, including its dihydrate. The present technology further provides methods for preparing the various forms, compositions containing them, and methods of treatment employing them. |
| US09067893B2 |
Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one compounds as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase inhibitors
The present invention is directed to novel dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one compounds useful as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of making and using the same. |
| US09067892B2 |
Spiroheterocyclic N-oxypiperidines as pesticides
A compound of the formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are useful as a pesticides. |
| US09067891B2 |
1,4-disubstituted 3-cyano-pyridone derivatives and their use as positive allosteric modulators of mGluR2-receptors
The present invention relates to novel compounds, in particular novel pyridinone derivatives according to Formula (I) including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein all radicals are defined in the application and claims. The compounds according to the invention are positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors subtype 2 (“mGluR2”) which are useful for the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction and diseases in which the mGluR2 subtype of metabotropic receptors is involved. In particular, such diseases are central nervous system disorders selected from the group of anxiety, schizophrenia, migraine, depression, and epilepsy. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions and processes to prepare such compounds and such compositions, as well as to the use of such compounds for the prevention and treatment of such diseases in which mGluR2 is involved. |
| US09067890B2 |
Process for the preparation of 4-amino-3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(substituted) picolinates
4-Amino-3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(substituted)picolinates are conveniently prepared from 3,4,5,6-tetrachloropicolinonitrile by a series of steps involving fluorine exchange, amination, halogen exchange and hydrolysis, esterification and transition metal assisted coupling. |
| US09067888B2 |
Inhibitors of protein kinases
Compounds of general Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, Ra, A, B and x are as defined herein are inhibitors of protein kinases in particular members of the cyclin-dependent kinase family and/or the glycogen synthase kinase 3 family and are useful in preventing and/or treating any type of pain, inflammatory disorders, cancer, immunological diseases, proliferative diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, renal diseases, neurologic and neuropsychiatric diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. |
| US09067881B2 |
4-tolyl-ethynyl-octahydro-indole-1-ester derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) in which the substituents are as defined in the specification; in free form or in salt form; to their preparation, to their use as medicament and to medicaments comprising them. |
| US09067879B2 |
Process for making renewable source-based citrate esters and acylated citrate esters
Improved processes are described for making trialkyl esters and acylated trialkyl esters of carboxylic acids, as well as epoxidized trialkyl esters and acylated trialkyl carboxylate esters, such as are used in developing plasticized PVC compositions. In particular, processes are described for conducting the esterification and acylation steps involved in making the acylated trialkyl esters in a single vessel without an intermediate purification step, by means of a Lewis acid metal triflate catalyst. |
| US09067873B2 |
Sulfonyl semicarbazides, semicarbazides and ureas, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treating hemorrhagic fever viruses, including infections associated with arenaviruses
Compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating viral infections, by administering certain novel semicarbazides, sulfonyl carbazides, ureas and related compounds in therapeutically effective amounts are disclosed. Methods for preparing the compounds and methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are also disclosed. In particular, the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections such as caused by hemorrhagic fever viruses is disclosed, i.e., including but not limited to Arenaviridae (Junin, Machupo, Guanavito, Sabia and Lassa), Filoviridae (ebola and Marburg viruses), Flaviviridae (yellow fever, omsk hemorrhagic fever and Kyasanur Forest disease viruses), and Bunyaviridae (Rift Valley fever). |
| US09067872B2 |
Method for compressing gases containing hydrogen sulfide
A process for compressing a hydrogen-sulfide-comprising gas stream, which comprises (i) compressing the hydrogen-sulfide-comprising gas stream in a compressor, (ii) flushing the compressor with a mixture comprising dialkyl polysulfides, dialkyl disulfides and at least one amine; a process for producing sulfur compounds, selected from the group consisting of alkylmercaptans, dialkyl disulfides and alkanesulfonic acids, which comprises the conversion of hydrogen-sulfide-comprising gas streams, wherein the hydrogen-sulfide-comprising gas streams are compressed according to the process comprising steps i) and ii); and also the use of a mixture comprising dialkyl polysulfides, dialkyl disulfides and at least one amine for removing sulfur deposits which occur in the compression of hydrogen-sulfide-comprising gas streams. |
| US09067870B2 |
Process for producing phenol
In a process for producing phenol, a feed comprising cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide is contacted with a cleavage catalyst comprising a fluorinated acidic resin under cleavage conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide into phenol and cyclohexanone. |
| US09067869B2 |
Method for preparing difluoroacetonitrile and the derivatives thereof
The present invention relates to a method for preparing difluoracetonitrile and the derivatives thereof. The method for preparing difluoroacetonitrile according to the invention is characterized in that it includes reacting halogenodifluoromethane and a source of cyanide anions in an alkaline medium. The invention also relates to the use of difluoroacetonitrile as an intermediate in the manufacture of difluoroacetic acid and the salts, esters, or amide thereof. |
| US09067868B2 |
Chemical process for opening ring compounds
It is described a process for the opening of lactone or lactam rings useful in the synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds and the intermediates thereof, particularly Aliskiren. It has found that by selecting a type of solvent it is possible to obtain excellent yields and high optical and chemical purity of the isolated products. |
| US09067865B2 |
Etheramines and their use as intermediates for polymer synthesis
The present invention relates to an etheramine mixture containing a monoether diamine and its method of production by alkoxylating an initiator with an alkylene oxide to produce a precursor polyol and reductively aminating the precursor polyol to form the etheramine mixture. The etheramine mixture may be used in variety of applications including as a curing agent for an epoxy resin or as a reactant in the production of polyurea. |
| US09067855B2 |
Process for the production of chlorinated alkanes
Processes for the production of chlorinated alkanes are provided. The present processes comprise reacting one or more mono- and/or dichloroalkanes to form tri-, tetra- and/or pentachloroalkanes, with high regioselectivity. In those embodiments wherein a dichloroalkane is desirably utilized, it may advantageously be a vicinal dichloroalkane. Further, only one catalyst is utilized. The present processes make use of sulfuryl chloride as a chlorinating agent, rather than a gaseous chlorinating agent such as chlorine gas. Finally, the process uses lower intensity process conditions than at least some conventional processes, and thus, operating costs are saved. |
| US09067854B2 |
Dealkylation process
In a process for dealkylating a poly-alkylated aromatic compound, a feed comprising at least one poly-alkylated aromatic compound selected from polypropylbenzene, polybutylbenzene, and polycyclohexylbenzene is introduced into a reaction zone. The feed is then contacted in the reaction zone with an acid catalyst under conditions effective to dealkylate at least a portion of the poly-alkylated aromatic compound and produce a first reaction product comprising at least one mono-alkylated aromatic compound. |
| US09067850B2 |
Synthesis gas and Fischer Tropsch integrated process
Process for synthesizing hydrocarbons includes: reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock containing inert gases in reforming stages to generate a synthesis gas including the inert gases, steam, hydrogen and carbon monoxide; cooling the synthesis gas below the dew point to obtain a dewatered synthesis gas; synthesizing hydrocarbons from the dewatered synthesis gas by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction and separating at least part of the synthesized hydrocarbons, to give a tail gas; subjecting a mixture of at least part of the tail gas and steam to the water-gas shift reaction, to form shifted tail gas having increased hydrogen and carbon dioxide contents; subjecting the shifted tail gas to one or more membrane separation stages thereby generating an inert gas-containing gas mixture and one or more of a hydrogen-, carbon dioxide- and a hydrocarbon-containing gas mixture; and using one or more of the hydrogen-, carbon dioxide- and hydrocarbon-containing gas mixture in a reformer feed stream. |
| US09067849B2 |
Systems and methods for producing fuel from parallel processed syngas
Systems and methods for fabricating syngas mixtures or fuels are disclosed. A system may include parallel processing chambers, each processing chamber configured to produce one component of a syngas mixture. Each chamber may include at least one plasma torch having a source of a working gas. In one embodiment, a first processing chamber may be optimized to produce hydrogen gas, and a second processing chamber may be optimized to produce carbon monoxide gas. The system may include a mixing component configured to mix the hydrogen gas and the carbon monoxide gas. The system may also include a reaction system to receive the hydrogen gas and the carbon monoxide gas and produce a fuel therefrom. The parallel processing chamber system may be used in methods for producing a syngas mixture or a fuel. |
| US09067848B2 |
Nanostructured carbon materials for adsorption of methane and other gases
Provided are methods for storing gases on porous adsorbents, methods for optimizing the storage of gases on porous adsorbents, methods of making porous adsorbents, and methods of gas storage of optimized compositions, as in systems containing porous adsorbents and gas adsorbed on the surface of the porous adsorbent. The disclosed methods and systems feature a constant or increasing isosteric enthalpy of adsorption as a function of uptake of the gas onto the exposed surface of a porous adsorbent. Adsorbents with a porous geometry and surface dimensions suited to a particular adsorbate are exposed to the gas at elevated pressures in the specific regime where n/V (density) is larger than predicted by the ideal gas law by more than several percent. |
| US09067845B2 |
Process for hydrochlorination of multihydroxylated aliphatic hydrocarbons
A process for producing a chlorohydrin, an ester of a chlorohydrin, or a mixture thereof including the steps of contacting, in a hydrochlorination reactor, a multihydroxylated aliphatic hydrocarbon, an ester of a multihydroxylated aliphatic hydrocarbon, or a mixture thereof with a source of a hydrogen chloride, in the presence of a hydrophobic or extractable carboxylic acid catalyst is provided. |
| US09067836B2 |
Medicinal plant fertilizing soil
A method of preparing a pre-mix composition for delivering a pro-growth medium to promote an enhanced growth pattern for particular plants, and in particular, medicinal plants and herbs. |
| US09067824B1 |
Modification of pozzolanic chemistry through blending
The present disclosure relates to methods for controlling the chemical composition of a first pozzolan by blending it with a different pozzolan having a different chemical composition. The method includes intimately mixing the two pozzolans and using a chemical analyzer to determine a chemical characteristic of the pozzolan fraction being produced. The output from the chemical analyzer is then used to control the blending of the first and second outputs to maintain the chemical characteristic within a desired range. |
| US09067823B2 |
Synthetic silica glass, especially for the cladding of an optical fiber and a manufacturing method for the synthetic silica glass
It is an object of the invention to provide a synthetic silica glass for a cladding of a core from a fiber laser. The refractive index should be low and there should be no foaming foreign substances. This object is achieved by a synthetic silica glass for an optical element, which contains paramagnetic E′ defect centers in an amount that is sufficient to set the absorption coefficient at 215 nm is in the range between 0.001 cm−1 and 2 cm−1; it contains paramagnetic oxygen defect centers in an amount that is sufficient to set the absorption coefficient at 250 nm is in the range between 0.001 cm−1 and 2 cm−1; the OH group concentration is 5 wtppm or less; the viscosity at 1100° C. is in the range between 1×1013.5 poise and 1×1015.5; the total content of metallic elements of Group 3 and Group 13 of the periodic table is 50.000 wtppm or less; and the relative refractive index difference of said synthetic silica glass is in the range between +0.03 % to +3 %, in relation to a synthetic fused silica glass with the absorption coefficient at 215 nm being less than 0.001 cm−1, the absorption coefficient at 250 nm being less than 0.001 cm−1, and the total concentration of the metallic elements contained being 1 wtppm or less, in the wavelength range of 600 nm or more and 1700 nm or less. |
| US09067822B2 |
Low emissivity coating with low solar heat gain coefficient, enhanced chemical and mechanical properties and method of making the same
The invention provides low-emissivity stacks being characterized by a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), enhanced aesthetics, mechanical and chemical durability, and a tolerance for tempering or heat strengthening. The invention moreover provides low-emissivity coatings comprising, in order outward from the substrate a first dielectric layer; a first nucleation layer; a first Ag layer; a first barrier layer; a second dielectric layer; a second nucleation layer; a second Ag layer; a second barrier layer; a third dielectric layer; and optionally, a topcoat layer, and methods for depositing such coatings on substrates. |
| US09067820B2 |
Transparent, colorless, tin-fined LAS glass-ceramics with improved microstructure and optical properties
Transparent, essentially colorless and non-diffusing β-quartz glass-ceramics and glass compositions for forming the same have a composition, free of arsenic oxide, antimony oxide and rare earth oxides except for inevitable trace amounts, which contains, expressed as percentages by weight of oxides 62-72% of SiO2, 20-23% of Al2O3, 2.8-5% of Li2O, 0.1-0.6% of SnO2, 1.9-4% of TiO2, 1.6-3% of ZrO2, less than 0.4% of MgO, 2.5-6% of ZnO and/or BaO and/or SrO, less than 250 ppm of Fe2O3; and their crystallites present in the β-quartz solid solution have an average size of less than 35 nm. The glass-ceramics exhibit low thermal expansion and are easily obtained at an industrial scale. |
| US09067819B2 |
Spinel-germanate glass composite as an IR window
This disclosure involves a new spinel and glass micro-composite material and process for making such. The composite has excellent transmission in the 0.5-5.0 μm wavelength region suitable for various visible and mid IR applications utilizing windows, domes and other geometric shapes. The composite can be made at a temperature about 40% lower than the glass melting temperature and about 50% lower than the spinel sintering temperature. The composite material has high modulus and fracture toughness which are important for impact resistance in armor and other practical applications. |
| US09067817B2 |
System and method to coat glass gobs with a lubricating dispersion during the drop to blank molds
A system and method for coating glass gobs with a liquid-based lubricating dispersion during their drop to blank glass container molds which provides sufficient lubrication to the glass container molds without requiring swabbing of the glass container molds. The lubricating dispersion is sprayed onto hot glass gobs as they fall from the gob supply system prior to their distribution by the gob distribution system into blank molds. The lubricating dispersion coats the falling glass gobs to lubricate the glass gobs as well as the molds. |
| US09067816B2 |
PCVD method and apparatus
The disclosed Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (PCVD) process uses the injection of plasma-reactive gas to control deposition oscillation and refractive-index oscillation (e.g., alpha oscillation). This PCVD process, which may employ a modified PCVD apparatus, achieves more uniform glass deposition. This, in turn, results in optical preforms and optical fibers having more uniform optical properties. |
| US09067815B2 |
Porous glass base material sintering method
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method for sintering a porous glass base material that can experience an earthquake or large vibration without the base material falling or decreasing in quality when performing sintering, dehydration, and transparent vitrification on the porous glass base material. Provided is a method of sintering a porous glass base material including sintering by lowering the porous glass base material vertically through a furnace from above while rotating the porous glass base material, the method comprising changing rotational speed of the porous glass base material during the sintering. |
| US09067814B2 |
Method of producing synthetic quartz glass for excimer laser
Disclosed is a method of producing a synthetic quartz glass for excimer laser by depositing on a target silica particulates obtained by subjecting a silica raw material to vapor-phase hydrolysis or oxidative decomposition in an oxyhydrogen flame in a vacuum sintering furnace to form a porous silica base material, vitrifying the porous silica base material, and subjecting the vitrified material to hot forming, an annealing treatment and a hydrogen doping treatment, wherein the vitrification of the porous silica base material includes: (a) a step of holding a vacuum pressure at or below 20.0 Pa in a temperature range from 400° C., inclusive, to 900° C., exclusive; (b) a step of holding a vacuum pressure at or below 10.0 Pa in a temperature range from 900° C., inclusive, to 1100° C., exclusive; and (c) a step of holding a vacuum pressure at or below 3.0 Pa in a temperature range from 1100° C. to a transparent-vitrification temperature. |
| US09067808B2 |
Treatment of perchlorate and other emerging contaminants in water and brines
Cost-effective tailored earth materials and methods of making and using these tailored earth materials are disclosed. These tailored earth materials can be used to treat (filter) emergent contaminants, such as perchlorate, from water or brine. The sorbed contaminants on the spent tailored earth materials can be degraded after use by bioremediation. |
| US09067806B2 |
Process for the purification of an aqueous stream coming from the fischer-tropsch reaction
Process for the purification of an aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction comprising a treatment with at least one inorganic base, an evaporation treatment, a distillation and/or stripping treatment and a treatment with at least one organic base. The process allows at least a part of the aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction to be used as process water in the production plant of synthesis gas subsequently sent to a Fischer-Tropsch plant for the production of hydrocarbons. |
| US09067803B2 |
Stand-alone integrated water treatment system for distributed water supply to small communities
Provided is a standalone integrated water treatment system for a distributed water supply including a filter input, a coagulation system in operative connection with the filter input, wherein the water is subjected to a coagulation process to create pin floc from suspensions in the water. A maturation buffer tank in operative connection with the coagulation system aggregates floc in size within the water. A spiral separator separates the water into two water streams, a first stream of water having most of the floc removed, and a second stream of water which includes a concentrated amount of the floc. An optional filtration system is configured to receive the first stream of water and perform a filtration operation thereon. A sterilization system is configured to perform a sterilization operation on the first stream of water. The water is then output from the sterilization system as potable water. |
| US09067799B2 |
Acicular strontium carbonate fine powder treated with a combination of compounds containing a polyoxyalkylene group
An acicular strontium carbonate fine powder having a mean length of 150 nm or less and a mean aspect ratio of 1.5 or more and containing acicular strontium carbonate particles having a length of 200 nm or more in an amount of 5% or less in terms of number of acicular particles is improved in its dispersibility in hydrophobic organic solvent by treating the acicular strontium carbonate fine powder with a combination of polycarboxylic acid having a side chain of a polyoxyalkylene group or its anhydride and amine having a polyoxyalkylene group and a hydrocarbyl group. |
| US09067795B2 |
Method for making graphene composite structure
A method for making a graphene composite structure includes providing a metal substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, growing a graphene film on the first surface of the metal substrate by a CVD method, providing a polymer layer on the graphene film and combining the polymer layer with the graphene film, and forming a plurality of stripped electrodes by etching the metal substrate from the second surface. |
| US09067792B1 |
Laser conversion of high purity silicon powder to densified granular forms
The present invention relates to a direct method to convert fine and ultra fine silicon powder from polysilicon manufacturing sources such as fluid bed and free space reactors into densified granular forms. This conversion process is effected by the use of lasers of selective wavelengths from solid state diode or optically-pumped YAG sources to locally heat, melt and densify a controlled quantity of silicon powder, and comprises the steps of distributing dry silicon powder on an inert substrate, subjecting the silicon charge to a focused laser beam to realize melted and densified granular forms, and discharging the product. When adapted to high purity silicon powder, the end use for the densified silicon granular forms is primarily as feedstock for silicon-based semiconductor and photovoltaic manufacturing industries. The process, suitably modified, is adaptable to form other silicon body shapes and components. |
| US09067786B2 |
Primary reformer with secondary inlet channels supplying the burner
The invention relates to a reactor for catalytic reformation of hydrocarbons with steam at elevated pressure, said reactor comprising a reaction space and a fire space, said reaction space comprised of a multitude of vertical tubes arranged in rows and suitable for being filled with a catalyst, and having facilities for feeding hydrocarbons and steam to be reformed to the reaction space, and furthermore comprising facilities for discharge of reformed synthesis gas from the reaction space, and furthermore comprising a multitude of firing facilities in the upper area of the firing space, said firing facilities being able to generate mainly downwardly directed flames that are suitable to heat the aforementioned reaction tubes, with the tube feeding air to the burner being equipped with a facility for adjusting and setting the air flow, and there being a secondary air feeder mounted additionally to this tube and branching-off from it and configured in various layouts and having an independently controllable facility for adjusting and setting the air flow and also feeding air to the firing device so that a more favorable ratio of fuel gas versus air results at the burners so as to be able to achieve a waste gas poor in nitric oxides. |
| US09067782B2 |
Inorganic pigment compositions comprising surface-modified nanoparticles, and methods of making
Inorganic pigment compositions comprising surface-modified nanoparticles are described, along with methods of making such compositions. Such compositions may allow the inorganic pigment to be diluted to a significant extent with non-pigmented extenders, while preserving or enhancing the coloring power of the pigment. |
| US09067776B2 |
Liquid delivery system for climate controlled fluid chamber
An apparatus for storing fluids in an exterior climate-controlled chamber. The chamber provides a climate controlled environment for one or more useful fluids without requiring interior living space for storage of such fluids. In certain embodiments, the chamber provides a mechanism for automatic delivery of fluids directly into the living space. |
| US09067771B2 |
Swing frame roll clamp
A modular face plate for mounting swing frame roll clamp to a rotator reduces the cost of the face plate and simplifies hydraulic connections to the clamping rams. |
| US09067769B2 |
Soundless winch
A soundless includes a body, which is a hollow cylinder that has an end forming a flange, is provided, at each of ends thereof, with a stepped section, and receives a bearing, a one-way bearing, and a friction ring therein; a reel, which has two ends each forming a stop flange, a threaded rod projecting from a center of one of the ends of the reel and having an end forming a fitting hole, the reel being received, with the threaded rod thereof, in the hollow cylinder of the body in such a way that the threaded rod of the reel is exposed outside the body to allow the bearing, the one-way bearing, and the friction ring to couple to the reel; and a handle, which is fit to the threaded rod of the reel that is exposed outside the body by a pin fit in the fitting hole. |
| US09067763B2 |
Bearing cartridge and elevator machine assembly
An exemplary bearing cartridge assembly includes an inner sleeve. An outer housing is supported for rotation relative to the inner sleeve. A bearing member within the outer housing and received about the inner sleeve facilitates rotation of the outer housing relative to the inner sleeve. The bearing member has an axial dimension (e.g., a width) that is smaller than an axial inner dimension of the outer housing. The bearing member is positioned relative to the inner sleeve and the outer housing to provide a first lubricant space between one side wall of the outer housing and the bearing member and a second lubricant space between an opposite side wall of the outer housing and the bearing member. There is at least one through passage between the first and second lubricant spaces to allow lubricant to move between them. |
| US09067762B2 |
Energy savings with optimized motion profiles
An elevator system includes a car, a hoist motor for elevating and lowering the car, a brake for limiting car movement, an input device for selecting a destination for a run, and a controller. The controller receives a command from the input device and controls operation of the hoist motor and the brake. The controller has a loss reduction mode wherein the controller selects a velocity profile for the run that varies according to car load, run direction, and run distance to reduce a combined set of energy losses for the run. |
| US09067761B2 |
Arrangement for damping lateral sways of a rope-like means fixed to an elevator car
The object of the invention is an arrangement for damping lateral sways of a rope-like means fixed to an elevator car in an elevator hoistway, the bottom end of which rope-like means comprises an upward opening bottom loop. A detachable damping means producing a mass effect is disposed to be supported by the top surface of the bottom loop. |
| US09067751B2 |
Winding section in a slitter winder for a fibrous web and apparatus for bringing a fastening means onto the surface of a partial web
The present invention relates to a winding section (10) and to an apparatus (20) in a slitter winder for bringing a fastening means onto the surface of each partial web (w′). The apparatus (20) has an applicator head (22, 22′), which is arranged to apply the fastening means onto the web surface. The apparatus (20) has support members (24) by means of which the apparatus can be mounted into the slitter winder and by means of which the apparatus (20) can be arranged movably substantially in a cross-direction with respect to the slitter winder. |
| US09067749B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of reducing time and effort for user in setting size of irregular-size sheet, control method therefor, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing time and effort for a user in setting a size of an irregular-size sheet. Width information indicative of a width of a sheet set by the user is stored in a storage unit. A width of the sheet held by a sheet holding unit that holds the sheet is detected. From the width information stored in the storage unit, candidates for a size of the sheet are extracted based on the detected width of the sheet. The extracted candidates for a size of the sheet are displayed on a display. A size of the sheet selected by the user from among the displayed candidates for a size of the sheet is set as a size of the sheet held by the sheet holding unit. |
| US09067748B2 |
Document feeder
A document feeder includes a reverse transporting mechanism that forms a substantially U-shaped document transporting pathway for carrying a document from a feeding tray located at a lower side to a discharging tray located at an upper side through a reading position, a pulling device, a separating-transporting device and a openable pathway cover. The pulling device and the separating-transporting device are arranged at substantially the same horizontal level within the height that is occupied by the reverse transporting mechanism. The pathway cover is capable of opening and closing to cover on the pulling device, the separating-transporting device and the reverse transporting mechanism. |
| US09067747B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet tray, a sheet feeding roller and a pair of link members. The sheet tray constitutes a loading surface. The sheet tray includes a tray main body and a lifting plate. The tray main body is openable and closable with respect to the wall portion. The lifting plate has a pair of first fulcrum portions disposed upstream of the sheet feeding roller. The downstream side of the lifting plate is rotationally movable up and down around the first fulcrum portions. The tray main body has a pair of second fulcrum portions. The second fulcrum portions are configured to be a pivot point for the opening and closing operation of the tray main body. Each of the pair of link members is coupled to the first fulcrum portion and to the wall portion. |
| US09067743B1 |
High efficiency sorting conveyor
A sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. The sorting conveyor includes a conveyor track, a train of conveyor carts connected end-to-end, and an opposed roller motor assembly. The opposed roller motor assembly may include a motor; a support frame attached to the conveyor track for supporting the motor; and a pair of cantilevered, drive rollers connected to the motor and to one pivot block assembly and another pivot block assembly adapted for positioning the drive roller adjacent to one surface of an extended fin driven member. The pivot block assemblies may be coupled together with a self-tensioning adjustment assembly. In some examples, the self-tensioning adjustment assembly may be adapted so that movement of each pivot block assembly mirrors movement of the other pivot block assembly. |
| US09067738B1 |
Safety return idler glove
A guard bracket including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is for attaching to an existing attachment point hardware of an exposed return roller of a conveyor belt system to facilitate installation of the guard bracket on the conveyor belt system. The second portion extends from the first portion, and is for preventing accumulation of debris between the guard bracket and the exposed return roller of the conveyor belt system. The third portion extends from the second portion, and in combination with the second portion, are for capturing an end of the exposed return roller of the conveyor belt system when the end of the exposed return roller of the conveyor belt system becomes disengaged and free-falling, even when the exposed return roller of the conveyor belt system is still spinning. |
| US09067737B2 |
Belt-deviation suppression structure, transfer device, and image forming apparatus
A belt-deviation suppression structure includes a contact member, receivers, and multiple link members. The contact member is in contact with a rotatable belt and extends longitudinally in an intersecting direction that intersects a moving direction of the belt. The receivers are provided at opposite sides of the contact member in the intersecting direction and receive a pressing force from the belt as the belt moves in the intersecting direction. The link members are arranged in the intersecting direction. Each link member has a first end that is connected to a base in a rotatable manner about an axis extending in the moving direction and has a second end that is connected to the contact member in a rotatable manner about an axis extending in the moving direction. |
| US09067736B2 |
Variable pitch system, apparatus and method
A system for spacing conveyed articles is generally provided. The system advantageously includes an apparatus for conveying articles characterized by a driven loop element and a plurality of article selectors, each article selector adapted for select reversible engagement with the driven loop element. A queuing station, characterized by an ingress and egress portions wherein article selectors are retained for select dispensing, is likewise provided and includes a first actuator to facilitate disengagement of article selectors from the driven loop element, and a second actuator to facilitate engagement of article selectors with the driven loop element. An assembly for selectively dispensing article selectors from the queuing station is further provided. |
| US09067735B2 |
Paper feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same
A paper feeding apparatus includes a transfer roller that provides a transfer force of a first direction onto the upper surface of a recording medium; a retard roller that faces the transfer roller to form a transfer nip and provides a transfer force of a second direction opposite to the first direction onto the lower surface of the recording medium; a driving unit that drives the retard roller; and a power delivery unit that connects the driving unit to the retard roller by using a magnetic force and provides a magnetic driving force that is smaller than the transfer force provided by the transfer roller when one recording medium exists in the transfer nip and is larger than a frictional force between two or more recording media when the two or more recording media exist in the transfer nip. |
| US09067734B1 |
Mattress moving aid
A carrier detachably engaging opposing ends of an unfolded and upright mattress and utilizing a pair of movers to move the unfolded and upright mattress. The carrier includes a pair of frames. The pair of frames detachably engage the opposing ends of the unfolded and upright mattress, respectively, and utilize the pair of movers to move the unfolded and upright mattress. |
| US09067733B2 |
Pitch change device and pitch change method
A pitch conversion device and pitch conversion method is directed to convert the pitch of a plurality of partition members arranged parallel to each other along an X-direction and include a plurality of entry members arranged parallel to each other in the X-direction and configured to enter between neighboring partition members, and a pushing member to push the plurality of entry members in turn and allow them to enter neighboring partition members while moving in the X direction. The entry members are biased in an exiting direction from between the neighboring partition members. |
| US09067732B2 |
Foot operation container
A foot operation container includes a garbage bin having a bin lid, a foot-operable pedal mounted to the garbage bin, a pedal guide arrangement mounted to the garbage bin for enabling downward and upward movement of the foot-operable pedal, and a driving arrangement connected to the bin lid and the bin lid, wherein when the foot-operable pedal is pressed by a foot of a user, the foot-operable pedal moves downward under a guidance of the pedal guide arrangement to drive the pulling thread to lift up the bin lid. A pedal cushion arrangement is also provided to provide a cushion effect to avoid the production noise when the foot-operable pedal is released from the foot of the user. |
| US09067731B1 |
Lid lifting device
An apparatus and method for easily and simply lifting and holding upon a heavy cumbersome lids, such as those found on large trash containers thereby allowing the user the use of both hands for hoisting and dumping the trash without having to hold open the lid with one hand or other body part. Furthermore, the use of an external device to lift and hold open the lid makes it easier to keep the task hygienic. |
| US09067723B2 |
Container for storing foods
A container for storing food is provided with a receptacle including a bellows, a top opening, and external threads around the opening; and a lid including a skirt including internal threads secured to the external threads, a top bossed hole communicating with the bellows, and a top frame having an n-shaped section, the frame including an inner slot; an inlet valve in the bossed hole; a trigger assembly including a spring loaded piston in the frame, and a trigger formed with the piston; a sealing ring secured to an end of the piston distal the trigger; a cylinder for receipt of the sealing ring and a portion of the piston, an inlet port fitted on the bossed hole, and an outlet valve at an end distal the sealing ring; and a cover including a peripheral opening for receipt of the trigger. |
| US09067720B2 |
Contact lens dispensing apparatus
In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a container for storing a contact lens where the container comprises a sealed removable lid configured to retain liquid within the container previous to unsealing and opening the sealed removable lid. The apparatus can also include a contact lens cradle configured to cradle a contact lens placed thereon and a lifting mechanism connected to the contact lens cradle and the sealed removable lid that lifts the contact lens cradle from a storage position within the container to a dispensing position above the container in response to opening the sealed removable lid of the container. |
| US09067713B2 |
Food container
A food container includes a glass container, a lid and a protective sleeve. The sleeve covers at least a portion of the side walls and bottom surface of the glass container. The lid has a perimeter that is absent of securing features for the container. The lid has a receiving feature which is engaged by a latch on the protective sleeve when the latch is moved from an open position to a locked position. |
| US09067711B2 |
Storage and dispensing device
An assembly is provided for storing and dispensing flowable material. The assembly includes a reusable tube dimensionally formed to fit within the body of a dispensing gun. A separate pouch member is provided for storing a quantity of flowable material and is formed to be removably positioned within the tube. A nozzle is provided on the pouch for directing discharge of the material from the pouch. The pouch is provided with a fitment at one end. Cooperative elements are formed between the end wall of the tube and the fitment, which engage upon insertion of the pouch into the tube. A disk is provided for removable attachment to the plunger portion of the gun. A hook or gripping device projects from the disk for engagement of the end of the pouch. |
| US09067708B2 |
Child-resistant and senior-friendly eco-friendly pill dispenser blister package
A blister and package system made of a blister card and an outer package with unique interacting locking mechanisms. The blister card or strip is inserted into the outer package or sleeve and locks immediately without having to further process the outer package or the blister card or strip. The user is able to expose the blisters from the outer package by disengaging the lock. The blister card or strip includes a formable, pliable sheet material, into which one or more individual cavities or blisters are formed. The separated cavities are loaded with product and sealed with one or more layers of puncturable or tearable sheet material, such as aluminum foil. The blister card or strip contains a plastic rivet assembly that forms an interference mechanism. The rivet is trapped by an internally formed panel and stopped by a catch flap included in the outer package. |
| US09067707B2 |
Extensible pallet rotation apparatus
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a pallet assembly configured to provide access to goods stacked thereon. The pallet assembly includes a base frame and an extensible frame coupled with the base frame. The extensible frame is configured to translate between a retracted orientation with respect to the base frame and an extended orientation with respect to the base frame. |
| US09067706B2 |
Medical container protected against cracking
Medical containers made of plastic can be protected against cracking by adding a layer of a poly-paraxylylene structure to said container. |
| US09067704B2 |
Container for products, particularly for fluid products
The present invention concerns a container (1; 71; 121; 201) for a fluid product, comprising: a main body (2; 72; 122) suited to define an inner area (3) suited to contain the product, the main body (2; 72; 122) ending with an edge (6; 126) in a terminal area (5; 125) of the container (1; 71; 121; 201); an opening (7) for dispensing the product associated with the terminal area (5; 125) of the container (1; 71; 121; 201); connection means (8) suited to allow the coupling of a closing element (50; 80; 90; 100; 110) for the opening (7), the connection means (8) comprising a projecting portion (9) that extends longitudinally along a main axis (X) from a base area (10) associated with the terminal area (5; 125) of the container (1; 71; 121; 201); a transition area (2; 212) suited to connect the edge (6; 126) of the main body (2; 72; 122) to the base area (10) of the connection means (8). At least one portion of the edge (6; 126) of the main body (2; 72; 122) and at least one portion of the base area (10) of the connection means (8) are crossed by an inclined axis (Z) that together with the main axis (X) of the projecting portion (9) defines an angle (A) included between 70° and 90°. |
| US09067698B2 |
Method for the filling of beverage cans in a beverage can filling plant, a method for the filling of cans in a can filling plant, and an apparatus therefor
A method for the filling of beverage cans in a beverage can filling plant, a method for the filling of cans in a can filling plant, and an apparatus therefor. |
| US09067692B2 |
Pivotable canopy roof of an air passenger stair or an air passenger bridge
A pivotable canopy roof (1) of an air passenger stair or an air passenger bridge, the canopy roof comprising a flexible frame (3) at its free front end, which is connected to a portal frame (2) on the air passenger stair or air passenger bridge (11) by way of two articulated arms (30, 30a) disposed next to each other in a spaced-apart relationship, wherein a bellows (5) is disposed between the flexible frame (3) and the portal frame (2), the first and second articulated arm (30, 30a) including an upper arm (31, 31a) articulately disposed on the portal frame (2) and a lower arm (35, 35a) articulately connected to the upper arm (31, 31a), wherein the lower arm (35, 35a) comprises an end member (36, 36a), the end member (36) of the at least one articulated arm (30) being adapted to be pivoted laterally by way of a pivot joint (37). |
| US09067691B2 |
Tow for aircraft
A tow vehicle for aircraft comprises a nose gear support assembly that can be raised and lowered relative to the vehicle. The support assembly can comprise a base portion and nose gear support portion pivotal about an upright axis relative to the base portion. Bearings can be positioned inwardly of the periphery of the support portion to support the support portion on the base portion. The bearings can be positioned partially in pockets provided in the base portion and in recesses in the support portion. A torque sensor can be coupled to the base portion and support portion to provide an output signal indicative of the torque between these components. An indicator, such as an alarm, can indicate when the torque exceeds first and second thresholds and can remain on if a second higher threshold is exceeded until, for example, an authorized individual turns off the indicator. |
| US09067690B2 |
Cataloging system for recording manufacture anomaly data related to type, severity, and position with a wireless probe
An anomaly detection and cataloging system is described that includes a handheld probe having a probe tip, a user interface, and a communications interface. The system further includes a system controller and a probe locating device. The probe is operable, via the user interface, for transmitting, via the communications interface, a user selected anomaly type to the system controller, the anomaly type being associated with a manufactured part or airplane on the ground (AOG). The probe locating device is operable to provide to the system controller a location associated with the probe tip, and the system is programmed to associate the user selected anomaly type with the location associated with the probe tip. |
| US09067687B2 |
Propulsion system with movably mounted engines
A method for operating an aircraft that is driven forward in the air with a propulsion system in the form of two engines of the jet or propeller type one on each side of the fuselage is disclosed. During forward movement of the plane, the two engines move in a mutual synchronous relationship relative to the longitudinal axis of the plane. The propulsion system is used for aircraft as well as for ships. |
| US09067686B2 |
Nacelle comprising an air entrance in a cap
An aircraft nacelle includes an outside wall (22), at least one air system with at least one air intake (30), whereby the nacelle is connected by connecting element to a mast that is itself connected to the aircraft, with the connecting element allowing a relative movement between the nacelle and the mast in the longitudinal direction of the nacelle, whereby at the front of the junction zone with the nacelle, the mast includes an aerodynamic surface that is called a fairing (24) that covers and exposes a zone of the outside wall called an overlapping zone (28) based on the position of the nacelle (10) relative to the mast, characterized in that an air intake (30) for an air system is arranged at the overlapping zone (28). |
| US09067682B2 |
Electronic device support for vehicles
A support for portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort. The support may comprise an elongated cavity or slot configured to accept one or more portable electronic devices. The slot is collapsible to help secure a portable electronic device therein or for storage purposes. The portable electronic devices may be held at various viewing angles relative to the passenger. A passenger may be permitted to adjust the angle at which his or her portable electronic device is positioned. Likewise, an operator or the like may rotate the support for cleaning or other maintenance. |
| US09067677B2 |
Dismountable helicopter
An unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter including a dismountable tail section including a torque compensating rotor. Power transmission from the motor to the torque compensating rotor is accomplished by pulley-and-belt drive arrangements. |
| US09067675B2 |
Airplane emergency supplemental braking system and method
A system, an apparatus, and a method for an aerospace vehicle braking system for decelerating an aerospace vehicle on a landing surface. An arm is provided having a first portion connected to the aerospace vehicle and a second portion generally distal to the first portion. The second portion of the arm includes an engagement portion configured to engage the landing surface. The arm is movable between a first position, wherein the engagement portion is substantially disengaged from the landing surface, and a second position, wherein the engagement portion engages the landing surface with a force sufficient to significantly decelerate the aerospace vehicle. The engagement portion is configured to pivot with respect to the arm in response to the direction of travel of the aerospace vehicle upon the landing surface. An actuator is connected to the arm to selectively move the arm between the first position and the second position. |
| US09067673B2 |
Measurement of the inertial properties of an aircraft movable control surface
A method for obtaining the inertial properties of a movable rotating around a hinge line in an aircraft control surface. The method includes the steps of removing the mechanical connections of the actuators from the movable, leaving the movable free to rotate around its hinge line, further balancing the movable and calculating in a first approach its coarse static moment. The method includes refining the coarse static moment and obtaining simultaneously a frictional moment of the movable; incorporating an elastic element on the control surface and configuring a second order mechanical system; inducing forced oscillations on the movable at a certain frequency, this frequency being increased until it is sensibly close to the resonance frequency of the movable to produce a wave response; calculating, from the wave response, the moment of inertia of the movable. |
| US09067672B2 |
Pilot control system with pendent grip
According to one embodiment, a control assembly includes a post, a grip, and a shaft. The post has a top, a bottom, and a body joining the top to the bottom. The shaft has a first end coupled proximate to the body below the top and a second end opposite the first end coupled to the grip. The shaft positions at least part of the grip directly over the top of the post. |
| US09067667B2 |
Self-righting frame and aeronautical vehicle
An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has an apex preferably at a top of a central vertical axis. The apex provides initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the vehicle is inverted on a surface. A lift and stabilization panel extends across an upper portion of said frame to provide lift, drag and/or stability. A propulsion system can be located within a central void of the frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. An electronics assembly is also carried by the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a supporting surface. The frame provides self-righting functionality and protection of elements carried therein. |
| US09067666B1 |
Superpressure balloon envelope cage structure and rigging technique
A balloon apparatus is provided having (1) a cage structure that includes (a) a plurality of vertical tendons, where each of the vertical tendons includes a first end and second end, where the first ends of the vertical tendons are all connected to one another and where the second ends of the vertical tendons are all connected to one another and (b) one or more horizontal tendons, where each horizontal tendon is attached to each of the vertical tendons at a corresponding level of the cage structure and (2) a balloon envelope, where the balloon envelop is arranged inside the cage structure and inflatable within the cage structure. |
| US09067663B2 |
Floating structure having an upper deck fuel tank
A floating structure with an on-deck fuel tank that is surrounded by a cover is provided. In the floating structure, since the fuel tank is covered by the cover, the fuel tank is sealed without being exposed to air, thereby enhancing safety. The fuel tank is configured to store liquefied fuel gas to be used as fuel. The fuel tank is installed on a deck of the floating structure, and the exterior of the fuel tank is surrounded by a cover. |
| US09067662B2 |
Atmospheric pressure estimation device of outboard motor
By obtaining an atmospheric pressure learning value by applying filtering to an estimated atmospheric pressure found from an estimated atmospheric pressure map in an atmospheric pressure learning region matched in advance, and by constantly updating this atmospheric pressure learning value, stable and highly reliable atmospheric pressure estimation can be achieved. Also, a pre-set parameter value or the last atmospheric pressure learning value is used as the initial atmospheric pressure value and an unstable intake pressure value at the engine start in a battery-less state is not used. Hence, it becomes possible to provide an estimated atmospheric pressure with which high drivability is achievable by fully exploiting the engine performance as soon as the engine is started. |
| US09067661B2 |
Ship capable of running selectively with liquefied fuel gas main drive engine and liquefied fuel gas generator engine
A ship includes: a high-pressure injection engine using fuel gas as fuel to obtain a propulsion power of the ship; a generator engine using fuel gas as fuel to generate electricity; a motor generating a power by using the electricity generated from the generator engine; a propulsion propelling the ship; a main clutch connecting the high-pressure injection engine to the propulsion; an auxiliary clutch connecting the gear box to the propulsion; and a gear box disposed in a front side of the propulsion and power-connected to the main clutch and the auxiliary clutch. The high-pressure injection engine and the motor are selectively power-connected to the propulsion to obtain the propulsion power of the ship. |
| US09067660B2 |
Shackle assembly
A shackle assembly including a shackle and a driving device coupled with the shackle for driving a bolt system, which driving device is arranged to reciprocate the bolt system along the longitudinal axis of the bolt system between a shackle installing position and a shackle releasing position, wherein the bolt system includes a locking unit for locking the bolt system in its shackle installing position, and wherein the shackle assembly includes elements for transforming reciprocating movement of the bolt system into rotation of the locking unit around the longitudinal axis of the bolt system between a bolt locking position and a bolt release position of the locking unit. |
| US09067658B2 |
Inflatable swim vest
An inflatable swim vest is constructed with a first layer and a second layer having respective outer edges variously secured together by a temporary closure to define a compartment therebetween. An inflatable bladder arrangement includes an inflatable bladder stored and housed in a deflated condition in separate areas of the compartment. The inflatable bladder arrangement further includes an inflator mechanism operatively connected to a charged gas canister and to the inflatable bladder. The fixtures securing the outer edges of the first and second layers include a temporary closure configured for temporarily affixing the outer edges together and to be easily separable such that upon actuation of the inflator mechanism, gas is delivered to the inflatable bladder. This results in an inflated condition of the bladder, and produces a force that will open the temporary closure and enable expansion of the bladder out of the compartment of the vest. |
| US09067656B2 |
Inflatable unit for a life-saving equipment
The present invention relates to an inflatable floatable unit (1) for life-saving equipment comprising at least a first inflatable flotation tube layer (2) having an upper (3) and a lower (4) side with a distance between the upper side and the lower side (3, 4), a second inflatable flotation tube layer (5) having an upper (6) and a lower side (7) with a distance between the upper and lower sides (6, 7), the first and second flotation tube layers (2, 5) being adapted to be arranged substantially above each other so that the upper side of the first tube layer is opposite the lower side of the second tube layer, the inflatable tube layers extending circumferentially for providing a substantially ring-shaped area, and a bottom element (8) adapted to provide a bottom to the substantially ring-shaped area. |
| US09067655B1 |
Surf wax grooming tool with radially extending combs
A wax grooming tool for a water sports board. The grooming tool includes a plurality of combs extending radially outward from a central portion of the tool toward a peripheral portion of the tool. The plurality of combs allows a user to save time when combining or grooming the wax on the water sports board by reducing the amount of repetitions required to complete the combining or grooming. The unique configuration of the grooming tool further results in creating a swirl pattern in the wax and saved wax by thoroughly grooming the existing wax to a freshly-waxed state. |
| US09067654B2 |
Water craft leash
A leash for a recreational water craft has a body attachment section and a rope. The rope has a more elastic rope section and a less elastic rope section connected end to end. The more elastic and less elastic rope sections are tethered through outer ends to the body attachment section. The less elastic rope section is longer than the more elastic rope section in a non-stretched state and is tethered to the craft in use through a craft rope sliding element. The less elastic rope section has a blocking element preventing passage through the craft rope sliding element. When the body attachment section is pulled away from the craft, the more elastic rope section expands, allowing the less elastic rope section to slip through the craft rope sliding element. |
| US09067652B2 |
Surfboard with safety mechanism
A surfboard for supporting a surfer to swim on or below surface of water includes a supporting body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge including a protrusion contoured for supporting the surfer's face and the upper surface to support the surfer. The surfboard also includes a cover plate mounted on the lower surface underneath the leading edge, a propeller mounted on the lower surface underneath the leading edge, a steering system mounted on the lower surface underneath the leading edge, and a safety enclosure for protecting face of the surfer. The surfboard may be provided with wings extensible from the sides of the body to provide support and stability to surfers of larger size. |
| US09067650B2 |
Multifunctional power floating apparatus for water activity
A multifunctional floating apparatus, which is able to float on water, includes a floating device, a handrail, a driving device, a controlling device, and a battery set. The floating device has an exterior edge and an interior edge, wherein the exterior edge is longer than the interior edge, and the floating device has an inner side at the interior edge. The handrail is connected to the inner side of the floating device, wherein the handrail has at least a holding portion for a user to hold the handrail. The driving device is provided on the floating device to drive the floating device to sail on water. The controlling device is electrically connected to the driving device to control the controlling device. The battery set is disposed to the floating device to supply the driving device with electric power. |
| US09067648B2 |
Unmanned underwater vehicle launcher
An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) shipboard launcher system, which comprises a deployment device and an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) launcher. The UUV launcher includes a frame, a canister coupler to facilitate coupling of a communication line canister of a UUV to the launcher, and a UUV coupling device supported about the frame to releasably secure the UUV to the launcher. The UUV launcher also includes an arming pin engagement feature supported about the frame, and operable to engage an arming pin of the UUV upon being secured to the launcher, as well as a separation device supported about the frame and adapted to force the UUV away from the UUV launcher upon release of the UUV by the UUV coupling device, which separation may function to remove the arming pin and arm the UUV. |
| US09067645B2 |
Support of tanks in vessels
A system for support of a vertical cargo tank resting on an insulation layer against the hull of a vessel is arranged such that vertical forces are supported through the base of the tank. Horizontal forces are supported by support point pairs. These pairs are designed to direct applied forces generally through the middle of the shell of the tank in order not to apply bending moment to the shell of the tank. The base of the tank is flexible to generally distribute transferring forces from the tank directly to the bottom of the vessel in order not to apply bending moment to the shell of the tank or to the bottom of the vessel. |
| US09067642B2 |
Drive transmission group to a steer wheel of a vehicle
A drive transmission group to a steer wheel of a vehicle at least a drive chain ring associable to actuating means in rotation able to impart a rotary motion to the chain ring, at least a driven chain ring solidly associated in rotation coaxially to the steer wheel, at least a first intermediate chain ring and a second intermediate chain ring connected respectively to the drive chain ring and to the driven chain ring by means of respective flexible organs, a universal joint comprising a joint spider on a first arm of which the first intermediate chain ring is associated, rotatably with respect to an axis of the first arm, and on a second arm of which the second intermediate chain ring is associated, rotatably with respect to an axis of the second arm, wherein the first intermediate chain ring is concentric to the spider. |
| US09067638B2 |
Handgrip for bicycle handlebars
A handgrip for handlebars of a bicycle or similar vehicles includes a tubular group, which extends according to an axial direction (X) corresponding to the axis of the handlebars, the group being fitted onto an end of handlebars, the handgrip including padding means associated with the tubular group, means for attaching the handgrip to the handlebars, the tubular group including an inner body suitable for being fitted onto an end of the handlebars and a second outer body slidably fitted according to the direction (X) onto the inner body so as to adjust the axial length of the handgrip. |
| US09067632B2 |
Vehicle with rhomboid wheel arrangement and rear wheel and side wheel steering
Wheeled vehicle, comprising of one front wheel, two side wheels and one rear wheel, configured on a chassis frame in a symmetrical rhombus (diamond) layout. The non-steered front wheel is turned by pedals using human power, similar or exactly in bicycle use design, or with electric motor power. The two parallel side wheels in one axis are perpendicular to the chassis frame, allowing them to swivel in unison for steering the vehicle without elaborate axle pivoting apparatus. The rear wheel is powered by an electric motor, hybrid motor or liquid fuel motor. The rear wheel is attached longitudinally with the center of the chassis frame so that it swivels also in unison for steering with the side wheels. |
| US09067629B2 |
Mounting arrangement for a trailer coupling
A mounting arrangement (1; 101; 201) for mounting a trailer coupling to a tractor vehicle with a chassis that has a pair of rearwardly extending opposite left and right frame side members (9, 11; 109, 111; 209, 211) that includes opposite left and right bearing blocks (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207). The opposite left and right bearing blocks (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207) each have a support surface and a pivot bearing for being fixed directly or indirectly to the chassis of the tractor vehicle. A coupling saddle plate (3; 103; 203) is pivotally mounted from the opposite pivot bearings of the left and right bearing blocks (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207), while a diagonal cross brace (35; 135; 235) is provided between at least one of the left and right bearing blocks and a respective one of the transversely opposite right or left frame side members (9, 11; 109, 111; 209, 211). The diagonal cross brace (35; 135; 235) comprises at least one diagonally extending leg (39, 41; 139, 141) that is adapted to extend laterally inwardly and diagonally downward from at least one of the left and right bearing blocks (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207). |
| US09067625B2 |
Elastic retaining arrangement for jointed components and method of reducing a gap between jointed components
A retaining arrangement includes a first component having a first main body portion and a first interface edge. Also included is a second component operatively coupled to the first component, the second component comprising a second main body portion, a second interface edge in contact with the first interface edge, and an end portion in an overlapped configuration with the first main body portion of the first component. Further included is an aperture defined by an aperture wall and extending through the end portion of the second component. Yet further included is an elastically deformable protrusion extending away from the first main body portion of the first component, the elastically deformable protrusion configured to fittingly engage the aperture proximate an end region of the aperture wall, wherein the elastically deformable protrusion is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the aperture wall. |
| US09067623B2 |
Crashworthy structures formed of multilayered metallic materials
An automobile component including an aluminum alloy product having a base aluminum alloy layer and a first additional aluminum alloy layer disposed directly on the base layer. The base aluminum alloy layer includes 2.0 to 22 wt. % zinc and the zinc is a predominate alloying element of the base layer other than aluminum and the first additional aluminum alloy layer includes 0.20 to 8.0 wt. % magnesium and the magnesium is a predominate alloying element of the first additional aluminum alloy layer other than aluminum. The automobile component may include outer panel sections, high form inner sections, reinforcement sections, crash sections, large flat panel sections, and high strength sections and, when tested in a static axial crush test, a peak load of the automobile component increases at least 20% when compared to alloy 6014 in the T6 temper. |
| US09067621B2 |
Subframe structure
The present invention comprises: a front subframe consisting of steel and divided in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; and a rear subframe consisting of light metal such as an aluminum alloy. The front subframe comprises a press-formed body formed by pressing. The rear subframe comprises a die-cast body formed by die-casting. The front subframe and the rear subframe are joined together by friction stir welding while the left and right rear side sections of the rear subframe are superposed on the upper surfaces of the thin plate sections of the front subframe. |
| US09067618B2 |
Touch-based system for controlling an automotive steering wheel
Provided is a system for generating a vehicle steering signal. A non-rotatable steering control is mounted about a steering axis. The steering control includes a pressure sensor configured to generate an output signal in response to hand movements along the steering control. The system includes a hub and at least one spoke connecting the steering control to the hub. The hub is offset from the steering axis. A control unit is configured to generate the vehicle steering signal based on the output signal from the pressure sensor. |
| US09067613B2 |
Brake mechanism for an infant stroller apparatus
A brake mechanism suitable for use with an infant stroller apparatus includes two wheel supports adapted to affix with two transversally spaced-apart legs of the infant stroller apparatus, two wheels respectively assembled with the two wheel supports about a rotation axis, wherein each of the two wheels includes a hub portion, two latches respectively assembled with the two wheel supports and operable to rotationally lock the two wheels, and a brake actuating assembly including two cam surfaces in sliding contact with the two latches, wherein the two cam surfaces are operable to rotate about the rotation axis to cause displacements of the two latches parallel to the rotation axis to respectively engage and disengage the hub portions of the two wheels. |
| US09067611B2 |
Seat bench transport device
A seat bench transport device for transporting a bench of seats for a vehicle, comprising a chassis, a retaining rail pair that is arranged on the chassis and including two retaining rails extending parallel to one another for accommodating seat bench feet. The lengthwise sides of these rails that face one another are open at least in sections and the lengthwise sides thereof that face away from one another each have at least one locking section. A displacement mechanism moves the retaining rails transversely relative to one another. |
| US09067607B2 |
Communication system for multiple locomotives
The disclosure is directed to a control system for a train consist. The control system may have a first controller associated with a first locomotive and a second controller associated with a second locomotive. The control system may also include an input device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a desired consist performance, and at least one sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of an actual performance of the first and second locomotives. The second controller may be configured to determine a first performance setting of the first locomotive and a different second performance setting of the second locomotive based on the first signal, and automatically adjust the first and second performance settings based on a difference between the first and second signals. |
| US09067606B2 |
Railcar
There is provided a railcar including a under frame, paired side bodyshell parts, and a roof bodyshell part. Strap bar receiving parts hanging downward from the roof bodyshell part are fixed to the roof bodyshell part. An upper horizontal member and a lower horizontal member are provided like bridges between the paired side bodyshell parts. The upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member are disposed at an interval in a vertical direction and connected by connection pipes. The upper horizontal member is formed by a plurality of reinforcement pipes and the lower horizontal member is formed by a plurality of reinforcement pipes. At least one ends of the plurality of reinforcement pipes are fixed to the strap bar receiving parts. |
| US09067604B2 |
Control device for vehicle
In a control device for a vehicle that controls a revolution speed of a drive power source or a gear ratio of a transmission coupled to an output side of the drive power source in the vehicle equipped with the drive power source and the transmission, the control device is configured to determine an index that is based on a running state of the vehicle, and to control a required revolution speed of the drive power source or a required gear ratio for the transmission on the basis of the index. |
| US09067593B2 |
Hybrid vehicle launch control
A launch control system which maximizes hybrid vehicle acceleration from a standing start. A hybrid vehicle includes wheels, an engine, a motor-generator, a processor, and an actuation device. The processor controls an engine speed and an engine torque independently from a wheel speed and a wheel torque. While the hybrid vehicle is at a standstill, the actuation device is switched to an on state, and the engine speed and engine torque is raised to optimal values. When the actuation device is subsequently switched to an off state, the engine speed and the engine torque is applied to the plurality of wheels to launch the hybrid vehicle. The processor blends or further adjusts the torque applied to the plurality of wheels to maximize the acceleration while optimizing an amount of wheel slip. The processor then learns the launch to improve performance on subsequent launches. |
| US09067584B2 |
Vehicle and control method for vehicle
A vehicle is provided with a differential gear including a sun gear, a carrier, and a ring gear, motor generators coupled to the sun gear, an engine coupled to the carrier, and a wheel coupled to the ring gear. The vehicle includes an ECU that stops the engine upon operation of a start switch by a driver, and a brake that brakes the sun gear upon operation of the start switch while the vehicle is traveling. |
| US09067583B2 |
Vehicle travel control system
An ECU that integrally controls a vehicle travel control system includes an initial travel plan producing section which produces an initial travel plan including a decelerating interval in which an engine of a vehicle is stopped to decelerate the vehicle, a travel plan reconfiguring section which reconfigures the initial travel plan produced by the initial travel plan reconfiguring section, and a travel control section which controls travel of the vehicle based on a travel plan. When a non-stop state of the engine occurs while the vehicle is traveling, the travel plan reconfiguring section reconfigures the initial travel plan so that target deceleration in the decelerating interval in the initial travel plan is reset to new target deceleration that is larger deceleration. |
| US09067581B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission capable of causing first and second clutches and a connection/disconnection device to properly operate during stoppage of a vehicle, thereby enabling preventing vibration and improving marketability as well as obtaining excellent vehicle startability. When a shift position is switched to a forward travel position, first and second connection operations are executed for connecting transmission of a motive power of a prime mover, from first and second gear mechanisms to drive wheels, respectively, while changing the speed thereof. If the shift position is switched to the forward travel position and no request for a standing start of the vehicle is determined to be made by a driver, engagement of first and second gear clutches for connecting/disconnecting between the prime mover and the gear mechanisms is permitted when both the first and second connection operations have been completed. |
| US09067565B2 |
System and method for evaluating driver behavior
System and method for evaluating driver performance, comprising detecting operations of a vehicle using an on-board vehicle monitoring system, comparing the operations to predetermined criteria, identifying violations of the predetermined criteria, tracking violations that occur during an evaluation period, and, at the end of the evaluation period, calculating a grade associated with operation of the vehicle. |
| US09067560B2 |
Trim part with an airbag cover and a method for manufacturing a trim part
The method relates to a trim part with an airbag cover, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier and a haptics layer which are weakened along a tear line delimiting the airbag cover, and a decor layer of leather which covers the carrier and the haptics layer, wherein additionally a reinforcement layer is arranged between the haptics layer and the decor layer. According to the invention, the decor layer and the reinforcement layer have a constant thickness. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a trim part. |
| US09067558B2 |
Vehicle side airbag device
A deployment guiding cloth is wound from an outside in the vehicle width direction, on an outer peripheral portion of a folded side airbag. This deployment guiding cloth extends toward a vehicle front side and is interposed between the side airbag that is partially deployed and a vehicle cabin side portion (a center pillar garnish and a door trim) before the side airbag is fully deployed. |
| US09067557B1 |
Active bolster with heat-staked reinforcement
An active bolster for an interior trim surface of a vehicle has a trim panel with a closed-loop bonding section on an inside surface. A first stud extending from an inside trim panel surface at the closed-loop bonding section, and a second stud extends from the panel inside surface radially outward of the bonding section. A thermoplastic expandable bladder member has a welding flange along an peripheral edge which is hot-welded with the bonding section. The welding flange has a stud aperture receiving the first stud. A stepped bracket comprises a first plate overlying the welding flange and a second plate overlying the trim panel. The first plate has a first aperture receiving the first stud. The second plate has a second aperture receiving the second stud. The studs have respective re-melted heads clamping the bracket in place. |
| US09067555B1 |
Side impact vehicle restraint deployment
A vehicle system includes at least one sensor configured to detect an impact and a restraint device configured to deploy in response to the impact. A processing device is configured to deploy the restraint device in accordance with a first timing if the impact includes a front impact and a second timing if the impact includes a side impact. The second timing includes the first timing delayed by a predetermined value. |
| US09067551B2 |
Apparatus for opening and closing side skirt of truck
An apparatus for opening and closing a side skirt of a truck may include a bracket, a striker, an upper bracket, through which a first push button hole is formed, a main plate having a first plate through which a second push hole is formed and a pair of second plates integrally formed with the first plate; a push button inserted and mounted to the first push button hole of the upper bracket and the second push button hole of the main plate; a latch pivotally connected to a rear end of the push button and rotatably mounted between the second plates of the main plate, a locking spring connected to a lower end of the first plate of the main plate, and a hinge unit that serves as a center of rotation about which an upper end portion of the side skirt is rotated outward. |
| US09067550B2 |
Polymer, energy absorber rail extension, methods of making and vehicles using the same
In one embodiment, a rail extension comprises: an energy absorber comprising a polymer body, and vehicle attachment tabs extending from one end of the energy absorber and configured to attach to a vehicle rail, and an attachment tab extending from another end of the energy absorber and configured to attach to a bumper beam. The energy absorber can comprise cells formed by cell walls extending a length of the energy absorber and forming cavities therethrough; and open channels formed on each side of the energy absorber, wherein the channels are defined by walls of adjacent cells. A vehicle can comprise: a bumper beam; a vehicle rail; and the rail extensions. |
| US09067548B1 |
License plate tag method and apparatus
A method of attaching a vehicular identification member to a vehicle performed by obtaining a vehicle identification member having selectively identifying information regarding the vehicle. Form a first fastener slot along an edge of the vehicular identification member. Next, positioning the vehicular identification member within a protective member. The protective member has a second fastener slot corresponding to and aligned with the first fastener slot. Translate the vehicular identification member and protective member around a threaded shaft of the fastener while the fastener is in threaded engagement with the vehicle. Rotate the fastener to apply a compressive force to the protective member, thereby securing the vehicular identification member to the vehicle. |
| US09067541B2 |
Exterior mirror assembly with actuator
An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting portion mountable at a side of a vehicle, a mirror head portion adjustably mounted at the mounting portion, and a reflective element at the mirror head portion. An actuator is operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion and about a generally vertical pivot axis to pivotally adjust the mirror head portion relative to the side of the vehicle at which the mounting portion is mounted. The actuator comprises at least two motors and the motors are operable in tandem to cooperatively rotatably drive a common gear of a gear system to pivot the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion. |
| US09067535B2 |
Vehicle safety device
A vehicle lighting apparatus that can be used to increase the visibility profile of a vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a base adapted to connect to a vehicle frame; a power supply; and an elongated light source supported by the base and coupled to the power supply. The elongated light source is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame with respect to a surface the vehicle frame is to traverse thereon. |
| US09067533B2 |
Vehicle lamp control device and vehicle lamp system
A control device of a vehicle lamp includes: a receiving section which receives an acceleration value usable to derive a tilt angle of a vehicle to a horizontal plane, wherein the tilt angle of the vehicle to the horizontal plane is represented as a total angle; and a control section which controls an optical axis adjustment of the vehicle lamp. The control section derives from the total angle a first and a second provisional vehicle posture angles based on a first and a second calculation method, respectively, corrects the first or second provisional vehicle posture angle so that a difference between the first and the second provisional vehicle posture angles becomes small, sets the corrected provisional vehicle posture angle to the vehicle posture angle, and outputs a control signal for instructing the optical axis adjustment of the vehicle lamp according to the vehicle posture angle. |
| US09067529B2 |
Electronic key system for vehicle
An object of the invention is to provide an electronic key system for a vehicle capable of accurately detecting that an electronic key has been taken out of a host vehicle. An electronic key system for a vehicle according to the invention which allows the start of a host vehicle when an electronic key of the host vehicle is authenticated includes electronic key information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the position of the electronic key, taking-out detection means for detecting that the electronic key has been taken out of the host vehicle on the basis of the information relating to the position of the electronic key acquired by the electronic key information acquisition means, and alarm means for providing a warning to notify that the electronic key has been taken out of the host vehicle. |
| US09067528B2 |
Traction control display device for vehicle
A traction control display device for a vehicle having traction control for suppressing slipping of a wheel in response to operation of an accelerator by a driver. The traction control display device includes a meter and a traction control system (TCS) indicator. The meter has a needle movable over a dial that indicates an engine rotational speed. The TCS indicator indicates that the traction control is in an activated state. The TCS indicator is disposed in a region of parts of high engine rotational speeds within a movable range of the needle within the meter. |
| US09067522B2 |
Kayak transport device for a vehicle
A kayak holder configurable between an open, load-receiving configuration and a closed, stored configuration can include an elongate support arm and a base. The base can be releasably mountable upon a load bar of a carrying vehicle. The elongate support arm can be anchored to a hub having an axle rotatably coupled to the base. The base can comprise a keyway assembly that releasably receives a mating key assembly on the axle. The elongate support arm can have a locked position where the key assembly is interference-engaged in the keyway assembly and an unlocked position where the key assembly axially displaced from the locked position out of interference-engagement with the keyway assembly. The key assembly can include a key adapted to be located in a keyway of the keyway assembly in the locked position, thereby blocking rotation of the arm relative to the base. |
| US09067520B2 |
Seat backrest for a motor vehicle
A seat backrest for a motor vehicle is provided with a framework, supporting a padding covered with upholstery and has an upper crossbar, to which are attached two coupling members supporting respective rods of a headrest; the coupling members have respective guides, which are made of plastic material, have respective guide holes to be slidingly engaged by the rods, and are fixed to the upper crossbar directly by way of adhesive material; in particular the coupling members have respective holding portions snap coupled to the upper crossbar. |
| US09067518B2 |
Heating system
A seat heater has heater electrodes in a film shape and a sensor electrode in a film shape. When detecting an occupant through the sensor electrode, the heater electrodes are disconnected from a heater unit to cause those electrodes to be substantially insulated from a vehicle. This makes it possible to detect the occupant seated on a seat without being affected by the heater electrodes. According to such a structure, it becomes possible to warm the occupant and to precisely detect the occupant. |
| US09067512B2 |
Adjustable seat
Described are adjustable seats including an upper frame with a pair of support arms, a lower frame with a pair of support legs, and a coupling system with an upper rod and a lower rod. As examples, the upper rod and the lower rod are pivotally coupled to each of the pair of support arms and the pair of support legs. A linear actuator is coupled to the upper frame, and a track is coupled to the lower frame, wherein the linear actuator is configured to travel along the track. The linear actuator may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to a coupling location on the lower frame and the second end is coupled to a coupling location on the coupling system. |
| US09067502B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle has a motor serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor, and a temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting the temperature of each of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery. The temperature adjusting mechanism supplies a heat exchange medium for use in the temperature adjustment of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery to each of the assembled batteries. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with a current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery. The high-capacity assembled battery has an energy capacity relatively larger than that of the high-power assembled battery, has a higher dependence of battery characteristic on temperature than that of the high-power assembled battery, and is placed on a flow path of the heat exchange medium upstream of the high-power assembled battery. |
| US09067500B2 |
Self rechargeable synergy drive for a motor vehicle
Wheels may be equipped with a stator and rotor to induce current to generate electricity as the wheels rotate or to slow down the wheels in response to the application of a brake of the vehicle. Air may be sucked through the wheels through mesh screens to create air flow that passes through ductwork to reach a turbine generator, which generates electricity in response to blade rotation from air flow. A roof mounted solar energy conversion system may generate electricity. A vehicle power supply boosts its energy from all the electricity generated. |
| US09067497B2 |
Power transmitting device and power transfer system
A power transmitting device that contactlessly transmits electric power to a power receiving device having a secondary coil provided at a vehicle, and a power transfer system, are provided. The power transmitting device includes primary coils, a selecting unit and a control unit. The primary coils are arranged at an interval in an arrangement direction. The selecting unit selects one primary coil to which electric power is supplied from a power supply. The control unit controls the selecting unit by supplying the selected primary coil with a second electric power smaller than a first electric power, selecting a power transmitting coil from among the primary coils on the basis of at least one of a power transmitting situation of the selected primary coil and a power receiving situation of the secondary coil, and supplying the power transmitting coil with the first electric power. |
| US09067493B2 |
Tractor with hybrid power system
A tractor (100) comprises an internal combustion engine (107) for delivering torque, wheels (101-104) or tracks for imparting a propulsive force to the ground, and a power takeoff shaft (110) for delivering torque to implements attached thereto. The power takeoff shaft is driven by a mechanical drive connection to the engine. An electrical motor/generator (115) is drivingly connected to the engine, and at least one electrical motor (121-124) is arranged to deliver a propulsion force to the wheels or tracks. The motor is electrically connected to, and powered by, the electrical motor/generator. A battery (120) is connected to the electrical motor/generator and to the electrical motor so that electrical energy can be passed therebetween. The motor/generator can also operate as a motor so that the power takeoff shaft is at least partially powered by electrical energy from the battery. |
| US09067490B2 |
Work machine including battery
Provided is a work machine capable of protecting a battery from splashing fuel during fuel filling. The work machine includes a fuel tank having a fuel-filler portion, a battery arranged near the fuel-filler portion, and a cover member. The cover member has a cover portion which covers an upper surface of the battery and an extension portion which continuously extends from the cover portion toward the fuel-filler portion to cover a region from the battery to the fuel-filler portion. |
| US09067489B2 |
System and method of preventing inadvertent check engine telltale
A system for preventing the illumination of a vehicle check engine light by notifying the driver that the fuel door is not closed. The system includes an interference member, a sensor for detecting the position of a fuel door, and a processor to communicate a detectable signal to the driver. The interference member prevents the fuel door from closing if the fuel cap is not properly seated in the fuel injection port, and the sensor detects the position of the door. The sensor can communicate the position of the door to the processor which in turn can send a detectable signal to the driver that the fuel door is ajar and the fuel cap is loose. Furthermore, in vehicles equipped with power slide doors, the processor can also disable the operation of the power slide door to prevent the power slide door from colliding with the fuel door. |
| US09067488B2 |
Filler neck apparatus for preventing fuel from mixing
A filler neck apparatus may include a housing into which a fuel filling gun is selectively inserted, a rotation protrusion pivotally mounted on a side of the housing and elastically biased in a direction, wherein the rotation protrusion contacts with the fuel filling gun while the fuel filling gun is inserted into the housing, a slider slidably installed in the housing and elastically biased in a direction wherein the slider is selectively coupled to the rotation protrusion, and wherein a locked state of the slider is released by the rotation protrusion and is movable in a direction when the slider is released from the rotation protrusion, a flapper pivotally mounted on the housing and opening or closing the bottom end of the housing by the fuel filling gun, a stopper pivotally mounted on the housing and selectively locking the flapper, and a link pivotally connecting the slider and the stopper. |
| US09067485B2 |
Drive device and vehicle with same
A drive device 1A includes: electric motors 2A and 2B that outputs drive powers; and planetary gear reducers 12A and 12B disposed between axles 10A and 10B connected to cylindrical shafts 16A and 16B serving as the output shafts of the electric motors 2A and 2B and to rear wheels LWr and RWr. The drive device 1A further includes: a one-way power transmission device that transmits the one-way rotation power of the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B; and a two-way power transmission device that transmits the two-way rotation power of the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B. The one-way power transmission device and the two-way power transmission device are disposed on transmission passages from the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B. |
| US09067483B2 |
Electric vechicle drive mechanism for driving multiple alternators
An electric vehicle drive mechanism comprises a plurality of alternators, an energy storage system, a gear system, and a telescoping shaft. The telescoping shaft comprises shaft portions that extend along an axle of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in motion, the telescoping shaft drives the alternators through the gear system. Electrical energy generated by the alternators is supplied to the energy storage system. |
| US09067482B1 |
Exterior truck bed and tailgate armor systems
An exterior truck bed and tailgate armor system is an armored cover for the exterior surface of a pickup bed that is able to be quickly installed to protect the exterior surface of the pickup bed from scratches and minor dents. The truck-bed armor assembly has three sections to cover the left side, the right side and the tailgate of the truck bed. The left side and right side covers have a curled lip at the bottom edge that hook underneath the bottom edges of the bed, and fasten to the top edge of the lip of the bed using clamps that may be attached and tightened without the use of tools. The tailgate section hinges along the width of the upper periphery and uses flush mounting threaded fasteners on the upper periphery. |
| US09067480B2 |
Winding mechanism for a sunscreen, said sunscreen and roof assembly
A winding mechanism for a sunscreen for use in an open roof construction for a vehicle includes a winding tube which is rotatable around a central axis of rotation for winding and unwinding the sunscreen. At least one spring member biases the winding tube in a direction for winding the sunscreen thereon. A sleeve protects the spring member from causing noises and is manufactured of a flexible layered material, having at least a first and a second layer connected to each other and having different properties so that the layer in contact with the spring is wear resistant and the other layer has an elastic ability. |
| US09067479B2 |
Roller shade
A roller shade includes a light shielding sheet which can be rolled up in a roll shape, a roller and an electric motor for openably moving the light shielding sheet, guide belts connected to respective lower surfaces of side end parts of the light shielding sheet in a sheet width direction, and a pair of guide parts each having a guide space which receives a corresponding one of the side end parts of the light shielding sheet in the sheet width direction and a corresponding one of the guide belts, for guiding the side end part and the guide belt. In the roller shade, the light shielding sheet is prevented from being creased when the light shielding sheet moves in the width direction while being rolled or unrolled, due to lack of a tension of the light shielding sheet in the width direction. |
| US09067477B2 |
Power supply device for vehicle
A power supply device includes a refrigeration cycle having a compressor, a motor, an inverter-integrated charger, a heat exchanger unit, and a controller having a determining unit. The inverter-integrated charger selectively controls operation of the motor using electrical power of a battery and charge of the battery with external power. The heat exchanger unit cools a cooling-necessary part of the inverter-integrated charger using refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. When the vehicle is stopped and the battery is charged with the external power, the controller makes the inverter-integrated charger serve as: a charger to perform the charge of the battery; or an inverter to control the operation of the motor, thereby driving the compressor, upon determination that the cooling-necessary part needs to be cooled by the determining unit. |
| US09067467B2 |
Tyre removal tool for a tyre removing machine and a tyre removing machine
A removal tool (10) for a tire removing machine (1), for taking off a tire (7) from a respective wheel rim (6), comprises an elongate body (12) having a first end (12a) which is connectable to a supporting arm (3) and a second, hook-shaped end (12b) for grasping a bead (14) of the tire (7); the second end (12b) of the tool (10) has a fingernail shaped member (13) which is movable from a first operating configuration, where it projects in cantilever fashion from the body (12) to define the hooked shape, to a second operating configuration, where it is tucked in a lateral zone of the body (12), to give the tool (10) a hookless shape, and vice versa. |
| US09067464B2 |
Agricultural tire
It is an object to ensure the strength of a carcass line, enhance durability with respect to high applied loads, and be able to suppress the input of compressive force with respect to a carcass ply without increasing mass and cost. When W denotes a distance from a tire equatorial plane (CL) to a tire axial direction outermost point (P) of a carcass body portion (22C) and D denotes a tire radial direction height from bead base portions (30) to a carcass body portion (22A) at the tire equatorial plane (CL), a radius of curvature (R1) of a carcass ply (12) in a range from the tire equatorial plane (CL) to a position (P1) located 0.6 W away from the tire equatorial plane (CL) in the tire axial direction, a radius of curvature (R2) of a carcass body portion (22B) in a range from the position (P1) to a position (P2) located 0.7 D on the tire radial direction outer side from bead base portions (30), and a radius of curvature (R3) of the carcass body portion (22C) in a range from the position (P2) to a position (P3) located 0.3 D on the tire radial direction outer side from the bead base portions are such that 0.07≦R2/R1≦0.11 and 0.5≦R2/R3≦0.7. |
| US09067463B2 |
Tire traction device
A tire traction device having a tire arm about the width of a tire, roughly conforming the radial curvature of the tire and removably secured thereto, a spring-loaded shock pivotably attached to one end of the tire arm, and a traction track pivotably connected to opposite end of shock. The track includes a series of successively interconnected frames that pivot about each other, the first frame adjacent to the arm and pivotably connected thereto includes a tapered end. In use, the arm is placed about the tire and the tapered end of the first frame is wedged between the tire and the tractionless surface, the remaining frames can be laid flat or staggered. Upon rotation of the tire, the arm is rotated thereabout until releasing after contact with the first frame, whereby instantaneously the first frame and successive frames form a flat traction surface for the tire to rotate about. |
| US09067460B2 |
Dry etching method
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dry etching method which carries out patterning of a resin film provided on a substrate, by reactive ion etching using a resist mask, wherein a gas mixture containing CF4 gas with a percentage flow rate of 1.0 to 5.0% is used as an etching gas; and pressure in an etching reaction chamber in an apparatus used for the reactive ion etching is 1.0 Pa or more. |
| US09067458B1 |
Writing instrument
A writing instrument comprising a tubular body having an upper end, a lower end having left and right sides, and a point end; left and right wings, each wing among the left and right wings having proximal and distal ends; hinges interconnecting the left and right wings and the tubular body, the hinges respectively positioning the left and right wings' proximal ends at the left and right sides of the tubular body's lower end, and the hinges being adapted for respectively leftwardly and rightwardly extending the left and right wings' distal ends; and a ballpoint pen assembly operatively associated with the tubular body's point end. |
| US09067450B2 |
Colour laser marking methods of security document precursors
A method of color laser marking a security document precursor including at least: a transparent biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate foil; at least one colorless color forming layer for generating a color different from black containing at least an infrared absorber a color forming compound and a polymeric binder; and a laser markable polymeric support or a laser markable layer for generating a black color; comprising the steps of: laser marking the colorless color forming layer through the transparent polymeric foil with a infrared laser used in continuous wave mode to generate a color different from black; and laser marking the laser markable polymeric support or the laser markable layer through the transparent polymeric foil with the same infrared laser but used in a pulsed mode to generate a black color. |
| US09067447B2 |
Ink ribbon cassette and printer apparatus
An ink ribbon cassette includes an elastic engaging portion configured to engage with a rotation regulating portion of a supply bobbin or a rotation regulating portion of a winding bobbin to regulate rotation of the supply bobbin or the winding bobbin. The elastic engaging portion is elastically deformable in a direction of rotation axes of the supply bobbin and the winding bobbin. |
| US09067437B2 |
Liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a first head, a second head on a downstream side in the transport direction from the first head, a first irradiation section between the first head and the second head, a second irradiation section arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction, a first mist recovery section that is arranged between the first head and the first irradiation section, a second mist recovery section that is arranged between the second head and the second irradiation section, and an air flow adjustment member that is arranged between the second mist recovery section and the second irradiation section, adjusts an amount of air which is absorbed into the second mist recovery section, and decreases the air which is absorbed from the downstream side in the transport direction than the second mist recovery section in the air which is absorbed into the second mist recovery section. |
| US09067430B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus and recording method
A recording apparatus includes a processing unit configured to convert acquired image information into dot data, and an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium based on the image information converted into dot data by the processing unit, wherein the processing unit enlarges an image of the acquired image information to a size protruding into margins formed at both side ends of the recording medium, then converts the image information into dot data, and then, based on side end position information of the recording medium detected by the detection unit, processes the image information converted into dot data so that image formation is not performed on portions of the enlarged image protruding into the margins. |
| US09067424B1 |
Ink cartridge and mount/demount mechanism for the same
An ink cartridge includes: an ink storage container configured to store ink; a socket portion provided at one end of the ink storage container and configured to be fitted to and detached from a joint portion of a printing machine; an ink supply port provided in the socket portion; an inside plug configured to seal an ink passage to the ink supply port by using a biasing force coming from a direction of the ink storage container; and an inside plug lock portion configured to lock the inside plug at a position where the inside plug is pressed by an insertion shaft, and maintain a locked state of the inside plug independently of a retreating of the insertion shaft to a retreat position after a locking of the inside plug. |
| US09067420B2 |
Fluid circulation
Among other things, an apparatus for use in fluid jetting is described. The apparatus includes a printhead including a flow path and a nozzle in communication with the flow path that has a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a first container fluidically coupled to the first end of the flow path, a second container fluidically coupled to the second end of the flow path, and a controller. The first container has a first controllable internal pressure and the second container has a second controllable internal pressure. The controller controls the first internal pressure and the second internal pressure to have a fluid flow between the first container and the second container through the flow path in the printhead according to a first mode and a second mode. |
| US09067417B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus and maintenance liquid for ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus includes an ejection head which ejects an aqueous ink composition containing a resin component, a water-soluble organic solvent having a boiling point of 250° C. or less, a surfactant, and water; a first cap device which covers and moisturizes the ejection head; and a first maintenance liquid supply device which supplies a maintenance liquid to the first cap device. The maintenance liquid contains water and at least one water-soluble organic solvent of alkanediols having a boiling point of 250° C. or less and alkylene glycol monoether derivatives having a boiling point of 250° C. or less. |
| US09067416B2 |
Mist collection device and liquid ejection device
A liquid ejection device includes first and second ejection heads, first and second suction containers, and a suction fan. The first and second ejection heads are configured and arranged to eject liquid from a plurality of nozzles onto a recording medium. The first suction container is disposed on a downstream side of the first ejection head with respect to a direction of feeding the recording medium. The second ejection head is disposed on a downstream side of the first suction container. The second suction container is disposed on a downstream side of the second ejection head. The suction fan is configured and arranged to generate an air flow. The first suction container and the second suction container are connected to the suction fan. |
| US09067415B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a recording head having a plurality of nozzles through which an ink composition containing an inorganic pigment is ejected, a nozzle surface having nozzle orifices, and a liquid-repellent film disposed on the nozzle surface; an absorbing member that absorbs the ink composition from the nozzle orifices and the nozzle surface; and an actuating mechanism including a pressing member that presses the absorbing member and the nozzle surface relative to each other with a force of 50 to 500 gf. The actuating mechanism moves at least one of the absorbing member and the recording head relative to the other to perform a cleaning operation in which the ink composition is removed from the nozzle surface with the absorbing member. The absorbing member contains an impregnation liquid during the cleaning operation. |
| US09067412B2 |
Printing apparatus and method of correcting step shift thereof
A printing apparatus performing printing to a print medium includes a printer having at least two line heads with a plurality of recording modules; a scanner configured to scan an image printed with the printer to obtain a scanned image; a correcting-chart printing unit configured to print first and second correcting charts in first and second line head printing areas, respectively; a scanned image collecting unit configured to collect first and second scanned images; a correction-data calculating device configured to calculate correction data by determining a reference head difference from the first scanned image, determining an individual head difference from the second scanned image, summing up the reference head difference and the individual head difference to obtain a total, the reference head difference and the total being regarded as the correction data for the first and second line heads, respectively; and an adjusting device configured to adjust a timing. |
| US09067411B2 |
Liquid discharge head
A liquid discharge head includes a first unit configured to supply power, and a second unit including an input unit to which the power is input, a plurality of heaters connected to the input unit via a common power source line and configured to discharge liquid, an energization unit configured to energize the plurality of heaters, and a selection unit configured to select a target heater from the heaters for discharging liquid to be energized in turn by the energization unit for a period corresponding to a time interval at which liquid is discharged, wherein the selection unit further selects non-target heaters from the heaters to be energized different from the heater targeted for use for discharging liquid before and after the target heater is energized. |
| US09067409B1 |
Digital inkjet printing method capable of imparting transparent color to UV-curable transparent ink
A digital inkjet printing method capable of imparting a transparent color to a UV-curable transparent ink includes: on multiple color ink inkjet heads and a transparent ink inkjet head, setting a first output area and a second output area, respectively; controlling at least one color ink inkjet head to output from the first output area a color ink corresponding to the first output area in a first printing stroke, and at the same time of the output, so as to form a pattern area; and at a partial position, where a transparent effect is to be formed, on the pattern area, simultaneously controlling at least one color ink inkjet head and the transparent ink inkjet head to simultaneously output from the second output area a color ink and a transparent ink corresponding to the second output area in a second printing stroke. |
| US09067404B2 |
Insertion method for introducing stamping foils into a system that feeds them, and device for implementing such a method
An insertion method for introducing at least one stamping foil 410 into a foil drive system 440 of a stamping machine 1, wherein the drive system advances each foil 410 in a determined feed path. The method includes the steps of unwinding an end portion of each foil 410 over a given length, turning each end portion back on itself to constitute the free strand 413 of an open loop 414, unwinding each free strand 413 along the feed path by pulling the corresponding foil 410 from the inside of its loop 414, while partially restraining each free strand 413 as it deploys along the feed path. |
| US09067396B2 |
Method of producing composite sheet, method of producing absorbing article using composite sheet and apparatus that produces composite sheet
A method of producing a composite sheet includes joining a first sheet in which stretchability in a longitudinal direction of the first sheet is developed by being subjected to a drawing process in the longitudinal direction and a second sheet having stretchability in a longitudinal direction of the second sheet that is lower than the stretchability of the first sheet. The longitudinal directions are aligned with each other. The first sheet is extended in the longitudinal direction, while transporting the first sheet in the longitudinal direction with the first sheet being in contact with an upstream roll and a downstream roll that rotate adjacent to each other. The second sheet is joined to a portion of the first sheet in an overlapped manner, the portion being in contact with the downstream roll in the extended state. |
| US09067395B2 |
Low temperature curable epoxy tape and method of making same
A low temperature curable epoxy tape is provided that can be useful as a semi-structural adhesive tape in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries to form metal-to-metal and metal-to-plastic bonds. The provided epoxy tape includes a curative layer. The curative layer includes a scrim, a binder layer at least partially enclosing the scrim, and a latent curative dispersed in the binder layer. The curative layer is coated and then dried of solvent. Then an epoxy layer is laminated to a top and a bottom of the curative layer. The epoxy tape is placed between two parts being bonded together and then heated to temperatures of bottom up to about 110° C. to activate and disperse the active curative. A semi-structural bond is formed. Also, a method of making the epoxy tape is provided. |