最新美国发明专利第2015-12-29期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US09221813B2	Intermediates and processes for preparing compounds The invention provides intermediates and processes of preparation thereof useful in the preparation of compounds that can be used as CHK1 inhibitors.
US09221810B2	Substituted bicyclic aromatic compounds as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase inhibitors The present invention is directed to novel substituted bicyclic aromatic compounds useful as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of making and using the same.
US09221808B2	Pyridylthiazole-based ureas as inhibitors of Rho associated protein kinase (ROCK) and methods of use Compounds and compositions having activity as inhibitors of Rho-associated proteinkinases (ROCKs), and methods of making and using the subject compounds are disclosed.
US09221805B2	Preparation and methods of use for ortho-aryl 5-membered heteroaryl-carboxamide containing multi-targeted kinase inhibitors The present disclosure relates to compounds of the Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as kinase modulators, compatible with the Type-II inhibition of kinases.
US09221803B2	Asphaltene-dispersing/inhibiting additive based on oxazolidines derived from polyalkyl or polyalkenyl N-hydroxyalkyl succinimides The present invention relates to formulations of asphaltenes' inhibitor-dispersant additives based on oxazolidine derived from polyalkyl or polyalkenyl N-hydroxyalkyl succinimides. Said formulations can contain inert organic solvents, preferably including: toluene, mixtures of xylene, o-xylene, p-xylene, kerosene, turbo-fuel; or inert hydrocarbon solvents having boiling points within the range of gasoline and diesel; or inert hydrocarbon or organic solvents having a boiling point within a range from 75 to 300° C. The ratio in weight of inert organic solvents to additive that prevents and controls the precipitation and deposition of asphaltenes ranges from 1:9 to 9:1, preferably from 1:3 to 3:1.
US09221798B2	4-substituted-(3-substituted-1H-pyrazole-5-amino)-pyrimidine derivatives having activity of inhibiting protein kinase and use thereof Provided are derivatives substituted by urea associated with 4-substituted-(3-substituted-1H-pyrazole-5-amino)-pyrimidine-2-amino of formula (I), wherein these compounds may selectively regulate or inhibit an information transmission process controlled by natural or variant tyrosine kinase. Also provided are preparation methods and uses of the compounds.
US09221796B2	Selective NR2B antagonists The disclosure generally relates to compounds of formula I, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds are ligands of the NR2B receptor and may be useful for the treatment of various disorders of the central nervous system.
US09221789B2	Multicomponent crystals comprising imatinib mesilate and selected co-crystal formers Novel solid forms of imatinib mesilate comprising as active ingredient 4-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]-N-[4-methyl-3-[[4-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]-phenyl]-benzamide methanesulfonic acid salt and as co-crystal former benzoic acid, fumaric acid or succinic acid are described. The said multi-component crystalline forms possess improved physical and biological properties with respect to the crystalline forms of the active pharmaceutical ingredient previously known.
US09221785B2	Salt and photoresist composition containing the same A salt having a group represented by the formula (I): -T (I) wherein T represents a C3-C36 alicyclic hydrocarbon group in which at least two methylene groups are replaced by —O— or —S— and which can have one or more substituents.
US09221784B2	Benzo[1,3]dioxine derivatives and their use as LPAR5 antagonists The present invention relates to compounds of the formula (I), wherein the residues A, R1 to R5, Z1 and Z2 have the meanings indicated in the claims. The compounds of the formula (I) are valuable pharmacologically active compounds for use in the treatment of diverse disorders, for example cardiovascular disorders like thromboembolic diseases or restenoses. The compounds of the invention are effective antagonists of the platelet LPA receptor LPAR5 (GPR92) and can in general be applied in conditions in which an undesired activation of the platelet LPA receptor LPAR5, the mast cell LPA receptor LPAR5 or the microglia cell LPA receptor LPAR5 is present or for the cure or prevention of which an inhibition of the platelet, mast cell or microglia cell LPA receptor LPAR5 is intended. The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula (I), their use, in particular as active ingredients in medicaments, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US09221781B2	Synthesis of polyhydroxy chromenone compounds and their anti-tumor effects The present invention is directed to chromenone compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs thereof, and the composition comprising the compounds or the like. They can be used to modulating the function of estrogen receptor ER-α36 preventing and/or treating the estrogen related diseases, such as breast cancer, leukemia, liver cancer and etc.
US09221778B2	Process for preparation of dronedarone by removal of hydroxyl group The invention relates to a process for preparation of dronedarone of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof characterized in that from the compound of formula (II). The hydroxyl group is removed, and the obtained product is isolated and, if desired, converted into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09221776B2	Epoxidation process A method for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising reacting a feed gas composition containing an olefin, oxygen, and a halocarbon moderator having a first moderator concentration M1 in the presence of an epoxidation catalyst at a first temperature T1; increasing the first temperature to a second temperature T2; and increasing the first moderator concentration to a second moderator concentration M2, wherein the second moderator concentration is defined by: M2=M1(1+r)T2−T1 wherein the temperature has the units of degrees Celsius, and r is a constant factor which is in the range of from 0.001% to 100%.
US09221774B2	Epoxidation on process with added moderator A method for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising the steps of reacting a feed gas composition containing an olefin, oxygen, and a moderator having an optimal moderator concentration in the presence of an epoxidation catalyst at a first temperature and having a first selectivity; and increasing the optimal moderator concentration to a second moderator concentration and whereby the first selectivity is lowed to a second selectivity and the first temperature to a second temperature.
US09221769B2	Process for the preparation of bis-(1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine monohydrate A process for the preparation of Bis-(1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine monohydrate. This preparation process is carried out by the reaction between sodium dicynamide and sodium azide in presence of a dilute solution of an inorganic acid solution in aqueous medium.
US09221768B2	Affinity adsorbents for fibrinogen For the separation, removal, isolation, purification, characterisation, identification or quantification of fibrinogen or a protein that is a fibrinogen analogue, an affinity adsorbent is used that is a compound of formula II wherein one X is N and the other is N, C—CI or C—CN; Y is O, S or NR2; Z is O, S or NR3; R2 and R3 are each H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, benzyl or β-phenylethyl; n is 0 to 6; A is a support matrix, optionally linked to the triazine ring by a spacer; R7 is a group bearing a positive charge at neutral pH; W is an optional linker; V is an aromatic group; and R8 and R9 are each H, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, amino, NH2, acyloxy, acylamino, CO2H, sulphonic acid, carbamoyl, sulphamoyl, alkylsulphonyl or halogen or a cyclic structure such as a morpholino group, or R8 and R9 are linked to form such a cyclic structure.
US09221766B2	Compounds as diacylglycerol acyltransferase inhibitors This invention relates to novel compounds which are inhibitors of acyl coenzyme A: diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT-1), to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation, and to their use in therapy, alone or in combination with weight management therapies or other triglyceride lowering therapy for the prevention or treatment of diseases related to DGAT-1 dysfunction or where modulation of DGAT-1 activity may have therapeutic benefit including but not limited to obesity, obesity related disorders, genetic (Type 1, Type 5 hyperlipidemia) and acquired forms of hypertriglyceridemia or hyperlipoproteinemia-related disorders, caused by but not limited to lipodystrophy, hypothyroidism, medications (beta blockers, thiazides, estrogen, glucocorticoids, transplant) and other factors (pregnancy, alcohol intake), hyperlipoproteinemia, chylomicronemia, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular outcomes, angina, excess hair growth (including syndromes associated with hirsutism), nephrotic syndrome, fibrosis such as mycocardial, renal and liver fibrosis, hepatitis C virus infection and acne or other skin disorders.
US09221760B2	Autophagy inhibitors The present invention relates to compounds of formulas III and V that are useful as pharmaceutical agents, particularly as autophagy inhibitors.
US09221758B2	Methods of synthesizing pharmaceutical salts of a factor Xa inhibitor Novel methods of preparing a compound of Formula I which is an inhibitor of Factor Xa and its maleate salt, are described herein.
US09221757B2	Process for fluorinating compounds Methods of preparing a fluorinated substrate by combining potassium fluoride, imidazolium salt, and a substrate substituted with at least one chloro, bromo, sulfonyl, or nitro group to thereby provide the fluorinated substrate are disclosed.
US09221754B2	Crystalline forms of zofenopril calcium The present invention relates to two novel crystalline forms of zofenopril calcium, to processes for their preparation and their use in pharmaceutical compositions.
US09221750B2	Process for preparing an internal olefin sulfonate The invention relates to a process for preparing an internal olefin sulfonate, comprising sulfonating an internal olefin, having an average carbon number that is equal to or greater than 20, in a sulfonation reactor into sulfonated internal olefin followed by contacting sulfonated internal olefin with a base containing solution, wherein the sulfonation reactor is cooled with a cooling means having a temperature which is greater than 35° C. Further, the invention relates to an internal olefin sulfonate obtainable by said process, and to use of internal olefin sulfonates obtainable or obtained by said process as a surfactant, suitably as a surfactant in chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery.
US09221749B2	Process for producing amide compounds An efficient and eco-friendly process for producing amide compounds comprising contacting a primary amine with molecular oxygen-containing gas, solvent and ammonia solution in the presence of a non-precious metal-containing ordered, mesoporous solid catalyst is disclosed.
US09221748B2	Process for preparing 2,2-dibromomalonamide The present invention generally relates to a process for preparing 2,2-dibromomalonamide from 2,2-dibromo-3-cyanoacetamide.
US09221743B2	Triphenyl monomers suitable for microstructured optical films Optical films are described having a polymerized microstructured surface that is the reaction product of a polymerizable resin composition comprising at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated triphenyl monomer. Also described are certain triphenyl (meth)acrylate monomers and polymerizable resin compositions.
US09221742B2	Sulfonium salt, chemically amplified resist composition, and pattern forming process A caboxylic acid sulfonium salt having formula (1) is provided wherein R0 is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, R01 and R02 are hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, at least one of R0, R01 and R02 has a cyclic structure, L is a single bond or forms an ester, sulfonate, carbonate or carbamate bond with the vicinal oxygen atom, R2, R3 and R4 are monovalent hydrocarbon groups. The sulfonium salt functions as a quencher in a resist composition, enabling to form a pattern of good profile with minimal LWR, rectangularity, and high resolution.
US09221741B2	Ketocarboxylic acids, ketocarboxylic esters, methods of manufacture and uses thereof Ketocarboxylic acids such as levulinic acid can be efficiently purified in high yield by esterification with a hydrocarbon polyol to the corresponding polyketocarboxylic ester, which can be readily purified, for example recrystallized. After purification, the ketocarboxylic ester can be hydrolyzed to provide pure ketocarboxylic acid, or a salt thereof, after removal of the esterifying hydrocarbon polyol, or used for other synthetic transformations. Advantageously, the polyketocarboxylic esters, ketocarboxylic acids, and salts thereof produced by this method are obtained in high purity.
US09221738B2	Method and system for purifying monomers The present invention relates to a process for purifying monomers, by evaporating at least a portion of the monomers present in a starting composition and then condensing it, which is characterized in that at least a portion of the starting composition is evaporated in a short-path evaporator, the mass flow density of the vapors {dot over (m)} being selected according to the relation (I) m . ≤ 1800 ⁢ kg · K mbar · m 2 · h · kg kmol · p i · ( M ~ T ) 0.5 ( I ) in which {tilde over (M)} is the average molar mass of the vapors in the short-path evaporator in kg/kmol T is the temperature of the vapors in K pi is the pressure in the short-path evaporator in mbar {dot over (m)} is the mass flow density of the vapors in kg/(m2·h). A further aspect of the present invention is a plant for performing the process.
US09221736B2	Process for producing phenol In a process for producing phenol, benzene is contacted with a C3 alkylating agent comprising isopropanol under alkylation conditions such that at least part of the isopropanol reacts with the benzene to produce cumene. At least part of the resultant cumene is then oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing gas to produce an oxidation effluent comprising cumene hydroperoxide, unreacted cumene and a spent oxidizing gas. The unreacted cumene is separated from the oxidation effluent and is treated to remove nitrogenous impurities therefrom and produce a purified cumene stream, which is recycled to the oxidization step. At least part of the cumene hydroperoxide from the oxidation effluent is cleaved to produce a cleavage effluent comprising phenol and acetone. The phenol is recovered phenol from the cleavage effluent, whereas at least part of the acetone from the cleavage effluent is hydrogenated to produce isopropanol for recycle to the alkylation step.
US09221730B2	Fuel gas conditioning process using glassy polymer membranes Disclosed herein is a process for conditioning natural gas containing C3+ hydrocarbons, so that it can be used as combustion fuel to run gas-powered equipment, including gas engines and turbine-driven compressors, in the gas field or the gas processing plant. The claimed process use glassy polymeric membranes that are preferentially permeable to methane over C2+ hydrocarbons to produce a partially purified methane stream. The process operates at a stage cut of at least about 5%.
US09221725B2	Production of lubricant base oils from biomass Methods are provided for processing glycerides to form lubricant boiling range molecules in a single reactor and/or a single reaction zone. The glycerides are exposed to catalysts that are stable under the conditions present in the reaction zones during conversion of glycerides to fatty ketones via a coupling reaction in the presence of a first catalyst, and the subsequent deoxygenation and isomerization of the ketones in the presence of a second dewaxing catalyst. The glyceride-containing feedstock can further include free fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives that can also be used for formation of ketones and subsequent deoxygenation and isomerization. In some configuration, the processing can occur in a single reaction zone containing mixed beds of the first and second catalyst. Such configurations can be used to control the ratio of diesel boiling range molecules versus lubricant boiling range molecules generated by the methods.
US09221724B2	Processes for producing light olefins A process for producing at least one light olefin, comprising converting three raw materials in the presence of at least one catalyst comprising at least one molecular sieve and regenerating said at least one catalyst into three separate product streams.
US09221723B2	Catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons, process of making and process of using thereof—incorporation-1 This invention is for a catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons. The catalyst contains a zeolite having germanium and at least one selected from the group consisting of tin and boron incorporated into the zeolite framework and at least one metal selected from Group 10 deposited on the zeolite. The catalyst is prepared by synthesizing a zeolite having germanium and at least one selected from the group consisting of tin and boron incorporated into the zeolite framework; depositing the metal; and calcining after preparation of the zeolite and before or after depositing the metal. The catalyst may be used in a process for the conversion of hydrocarbons, such as propane to aromatics, by contacting the catalyst with alkanes having 2 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule and recovering the product.
US09221716B2	Hardening accelerator for mineral binders A hardening accelerator for mineral binders including an amino alcohol A and/or of a salt of said amino alcohol A, for example, cementitious binders, is provided. The amino alcohol A has a structure according to formula (I) where a) R1 and R2, independently of one another, each represent an alkanol group including 3-4 carbon atoms, b) R3 is an organic group including 1-8 carbon atoms, and c) R3 is different from R1 and/or R2.
US09221712B2	Process for producing a cylindrical component made of glass by elongation A method for using a temperature control loop in order to further develop process control during elongation of a cylindrical preform such that a component strand with high dimensional accuracy can be drawn even in the presence of temperature-effective defects during the elongation process: (a) the continuous measurement of a first temperature value, Ttop, at an upper measuring point on the surface of the cylindrical preform; (b) the continuous measurement of a second temperature value, Tbottom, at a lower measuring point; (c) calculation of a temperature distribution in the region between the measuring points Ttop and Tbottom, and determination of a modelled deformation temperature, Tmodel, using an algorithmic model taking with first and the second temperature values as model input parameters, and the modelled deformation temperature, Tmodel, as a regulating variable and the heating-zone temperature Toven as a manipulated variable for the temperature-control loop.
US09221711B2	Process for producing optical fiber and processing apparatus for optical fiber work used for the same Provided is a process for producing an optical fiber including a processing process where an optical fiber work made of a glass is held by a processing apparatus for an optical fiber work to be heated and processed, wherein in the processing process, vibration caused by an abnormality of the optical fiber work in the heated state or vibration caused by an abnormality of a glass body which is a portion of the processing apparatus for an optical fiber work and is in the state where the glass body portion is heated due to the heating of the optical fiber work is detected by using an acoustic emission sensor.
US09221710B2	Glass fine particle synthesis burner, glass fine particle deposition body manufacturing method, and glass fine particle deposition apparatus A glass fine particle synthesis burner comprising a glass raw material gas emission path for emitting glass raw material; a ring-shaped combustible gas emission path for emitting combustible gas arranged outside the glass raw material emission path; a ring-shaped combustion aiding gas emission path for emitting combustion aiding gas arranged outside the combustible gas emission path; and small diameter nozzles for emitting the combustion aiding gas within the combustible gas emission path. In a cross section of the glass fine particle synthesis burner formed by cleaving orthogonal to a central axis thereof, when the glass fine particle synthesis burner is divided into two regions by a predetermined straight line passing through a center of the glass fine particle synthesis burner, a total area of the small diameter nozzles in one of the regions is greater than a total area of the small diameter nozzles in the other region.
US09221709B2	Apparatus for producing a vitreous inner layer on a fused silica body, and method of operating same An apparatus for producing a layer of vitreous silica adjacent at least a portion of an inner surface of a fused silica body is described, comprising a heat source disposed to apply sufficient heat to at least a portion of the inner surface to cause a layer of said at least a portion of the inner surface to vitrify. In certain embodiments the heat source is configured to heat at one time a relatively small area of the inner surface, and the apparatus comprises a positioning mechanism for moving the heat source with respect to the inner surface. In certain embodiments the heat source is a hydrogen-oxygen surface-mix fueled torch that is moved helically with respect to the inner surface of the body under the control of a programmed CNC motion control system.
US09221707B2	Localized heating via an infrared heat source array of edge seals for a vacuum insulating glass unit, and/or unitized oven with infrared heat source array for accomplishing the same Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating via at least one substantially two-dimensional array of heat sources is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt frits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers. Accordingly, in certain example embodiments, a temperature gradient proximate to the edges of the unit is created, thereby reducing the chances of breakage and/or at least some de-tempering of the substrates.
US09221706B2	Apparatus for forming a glass An apparatus for forming a glass, the apparatus including a lower mold and an upper mold is disclosed. The lower mold may be configured to support a central portion of a lower surface of the glass. The upper mold may be configured to make point contact with an edge portion of an upper surface of the glass. The upper mold may press the edge portion of the upper surface of the glass to form a rounded portion of the edge portion of the glass. An apparatus for forming a glass, the apparatus including: a lower mold configured to make point contact with an edge portion of a lower surface of the glass; and an upper mold configured to press an interior portion of the upper surface of the glass to form a rounded portion at the edge portion of the glass, is also disclosed.
US09221704B2	Through-port oxy-fuel burner A fluid-cooled through-port oxy-fuel burner for converting an air-fuel regenerator port from air-fuel combustion to oxy-fuel combustion and an associated furnace and method. The oxy-fuel burner is suitable for installing through a regenerator port neck. The burner has an elbow-like bend to accommodate the geometry of the regenerator port neck. The burner has a cooling fluid jacket, a fuel conduit, a first oxidant conduit, and optionally an oxidant staging conduit.
US09221703B2	Glass melting furnace The present invention relates to a glass melting furnace comprising a channel-shaped melting tank, the batch materials being introduced at an upstream end, the molten glass being recovered at the downstream end, said furnace being heated by means of burners, in which the combustion energy is produced by oxy-fuel combustion in respect of at least 65% thereof, the burners being distributed on the walls along the length of the furnace, in which flue gas discharge is mostly localized close to the upstream end near the openings through which the batch materials are introduced, the rest of the flue gas being removed close to the downstream part so as to maintain dynamic sealing with respect to the surrounding atmosphere.
US09221700B2	Method for inhibiting the formation and deposition of silica scale in aqueous systems This invention relates to an improved method for inhibiting the formation and deposition of silica and silicate compounds in a water system. In particular, the method includes adding to the water system a relatively low molecular weight organic, anionic polymer. The polymer preferrably has an acrylic acid or methacrylic acid functionality and is preferrably selected from one or more of homopolymers of acrylic acid, a methacrylic acid/polyethylene glycol allyl ether copolymer, a homopolymer of methacrylic acid, an acrylic acid/polyethylene glycol allyl ether copolymer, and an acrylic acid/1-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropane sulfonic acid copolymer, homopolymers of maleic anhydride, copolymers of maleic anhydride and polyethylene glycol allyl ether, and combinations thereof.
US09221699B2	Inhibition of methane production during anaerobic reductive dechlorination This method of restricting methane production in methanogenic bacteria, by the use of the enzyme and coenzyme inhibitors, works during anaerobic reductive dechlorination. Various compounds such as, but not limited to, red yeast rice, vitamin B10 derivatives, and ethanesulfonates are utilized to disrupt these different enzyme and coenzyme systems responsible for the production of methane. This method affects the competition of the methanogen and halo bacteria for the organic hydrogen donors that are injected in the soil and groundwater system during the remediation process.
US09221694B1	Selective scaling in desalination water treatment systems and associated methods Selective scaling in water treatment systems in which desalination is performed is generally described. According to certain embodiments, the location of the formation of solid scale within a water treatment system is controlled by adjusting one or more system parameters, such as the temperature and/or flow velocity of a saline stream within the water treatment system.
US09221692B2	Process for preparing a heteroatom-comprising silicate The present invention relates to a process for preparing at least one sheet silicate comprising Ga and/or Zn, and based thereon, a framework silicate, preferably of the RRO structure type, to the sheet silicate and framework silicate themselves and to the uses of the silicates, especially of the framework silicate, preferably as catalysts.
US09221691B1	Inorganic film and multilayer structure Disclosed is an inorganic film made of an inorganic laminar compound, the film satisfying Formulae 1 and 2, Ha/Hb<2 (Formula 1) wherein Ha is the peak intensity in an X-ray diffraction measurement of the inorganic film; Hb is the peak intensity in an X-ray diffraction measurement of a film resulting from the below-defined treatment (A) applied to the inorganic film, Da−Db≧2 (Formula 2) wherein Da is the spacing (Å) of the inorganic laminar compound constituting the inorganic film; Db is the spacing (Å) of the inorganic laminar compound constituting the film resulting from the treatment (A) applied to the inorganic film, wherein in treatment (A), the inorganic film is heated at 350° C. for 60 minutes at a water vapor concentration of 50 g/cm3 or less and subsequently is left at rest for 24 hours at a temperature of 23° C. and a humidity of 50% RH.
US09221690B2	Process for producing a silica sol material The present invention relates to an improved process for producing a biodegradable and/or absorbable silica sol material which is advantageous especially with regard to the reproducibility of the material, the rapidity of the synthesis and the possibility of being able to produce the silica sol material on an industrial scale. A further subject matter of the invention relates to a biodegradable and/or absorbable silica sol material which can be produced by the synthesis process according to the invention.
US09221687B2	Process for forming expanded hexagonal layered minerals and derivatives using electrochemical charging Processes for forming expanded hexagonal layered minerals (HLMs) and derivatives thereof using electrochemical charging are disclosed. The process includes employing HLM rocks (20) as electrodes (100) immersed in an electrolytic slurry (50) that includes an organic solvent, metal ions and expanded HLM (24). The electrolysis introduces organic solvent and ions from the metal salt from the slurry into the interlayer spacings that separate the atomic interlayers of the HLM rock, thereby forming 1st-stage charged HLM that exfoliates from the HLM rock. The process includes expanding the electrochemically 1st-stage charged HLM by applying an expanding force.
US09221686B2	Carbon material and method for producing same There are provided a cluster of thin sheet graphite crystals or the like which is useful as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries, hybrid capacitors and the like, and a method for efficiently producing the same at high productivity. The method is one for producing a cluster of thin sheet graphite crystals composed of aggregates in such a state that thin sheet graphite crystals extend from the inside toward the outside, comprising charging a powdery and/or particulate material of an organic compound pre-baked to an extent of containing remaining hydrogen in a graphite vessel, and subjecting the powdery and/or particulate material together with the vessel to hot isostatic pressing treatment (HIP treatment) using a compressed gas atmosphere under the predetermined conditions.
US09221684B2	Hierarchical carbon nano and micro structures Disclosed are methods for fabricating pyrolysed carbon nanostructures. An example method includes providing a substrate, depositing a polymeric material, subjecting the polymeric material to a plasma etching process to form polymeric nanostructures, and pyrolysing the polymeric nanostructures to form carbon nanostructures. The polymeric material comprises either compounds with different plasma etch rates or compounds that can mask a plasma etching process. The plasma etching process may be an oxygen plasma etching process.
US09221682B2	Energy efficient process for producing nitrogen oxide A process for producing NO gas from a feed flow of air or oxygen enriched air, by means of moving an electric arc through the air flow by using a magnetic field and AC or DC currents, in a reactor, wherein a pressure lower than 1 bar is applied, wherein the temperature in the exited arc is adjusted to be within the range of 3000 to 5000 Kelvin, and wherein the air flow is quenched by applying a spray of fine water droplets upstream or just downstream the arc, excess air feed or bypassed air to obtain a stable NO-containing plasma having a temperature below 2000 Kelvin.
US09221680B2	Metal hydrazide materials The present invention provides the following new polymers which are useful for hydrogen storage: (i) a polymer comprising -[MN2]— as a repeating unit, wherein M is selected from the group consisting Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zr, Nb, Mo, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) a polymer comprising -[M2N3]— as a repeating unit, wherein M is selected from the group consisting Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zr, Nb, Mo, and mixtures thereof.
US09221678B2	Active fixturing for micro/mesoscale, machine tool systems Embodiments generally relate to fixturing devices for supporting a workpiece, the devices including modularized cantilevered and fixed beam fixing elements. Each module includes a compliant beam and an interface element in contact with the workpiece and a portion of the compliant beam for transmitting a contact force between the workpiece and the beam. Dynamic adaptability of the beam is configured by selectively varying beam stiffness by varying either beam length or beam width. Varying a width can include varying a beam width, and/or breadth. In a further embodiment, the compliant beam fixed at both ends is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the beam such that a portion of the interface element slides along the beam, thus dynamically adapting the beam stiffness according to a force applied to a workpiece.
US09221676B2	Internal electrical contact for enclosed MEMS devices A method of fabricating electrical connections in an integrated MEMS device is disclosed. The method comprises forming a MEMS wafer. Forming a MEMS wafer includes forming one cavity in a first semiconductor layer, bonding the first semiconductor layer to a second semiconductor layer with a dielectric layer disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, and etching at least one via through the second semiconductor layer and the dielectric layer and depositing a conductive material on the second semiconductor layer and filling the at least one via. Forming a MEMS wafer also includes patterning and etching the conductive material to form one standoff and depositing a germanium layer on the conductive material, patterning and etching the germanium layer, and patterning and etching the second semiconductor layer to define one MEMS structure. The method also includes bonding the MEMS wafer to a base substrate.
US09221669B2	Waste heat recovery system for pumping system A pumping system comprises an internal combustion engine, a generator, a pumping unit and a heat recovery system. The generator is driven by the internal combustion engine. The pumping unit is powered by the generator. The heat recovery system thermally couples the internal combustion engine with the pumping unit.
US09221667B2	Draft beer supply chain systems and methods Supply chain systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring fluid levels in liquid containers, such as kegs. Embodiments include sensors that fit within a keg's false bottom, measure the weight of the keg, and transmit the weight information to a computer database via a wireless network. Other embodiments include an RFID device with information about a characteristic of the liquid within a keg (such as brand and/or type of beer) that may be attached to the keg and paired with the sensor so the sensor can transmit information about the characteristic of the liquid in the keg. In alternate embodiments, the sensor's transmitter is short range and an uplink/gateway is used to receive information from the sensor and relay that sensor's information to a broader wireless network. Multiple containers in close proximity may each be fitted with an RFID device and sensor and communicate their individual information to the database.
US09221663B2	Capping head for screwing on screw caps A capping head for screwing screw caps onto containers includes a center axis and a capping cone having a cavity that holds a screw cap. The capping head has a toothed profile, whose teeth essentially point in the direction of center axis. The cavity has an opening. A root diameter of the toothed profile lies on a first imaginary annular surface. A tip diameter of the toothed profile lies on a secondary imaginary annular surface. The first and second annular surfaces are arranged concentric to the center axis. The second annular surface and the center axis enclose a first angle, while the diameter of capping cone increases in the direction of opening. The first annular surface and the second annular surface enclose a second angle that is greater than 0°.
US09221662B2	Fastening device for a changeable attachment at a container handling station A fastening device for fastening a changeable attachment with a container handling station includes a first member and a second member formed as a fitting counterpart to said first member. The attachment can be transferred into the fastened position by uniting and rotating said members relative to each other. A fixed stop disposed on the fastening device in the fastened position prevents rotating the two members relative to each other in one rotational direction, and an elastic, radially snapable section acts as a stop without application of any external force and prevents the members from rotating relative to each other in the other rotational direction. The snapable section fastens the two members relative to each other and can be pressed in radially such that it no longer acts as a stop and the attachment can be rotated from the fastened position and removed from the container handling station.
US09221661B2	Pressure adjuster, fixing device, and image forming apparatus A pressure adjuster for changing pressure between a plurality of opposed bodies pressed against each other includes a cam rotatable in a given direction of rotation and having a top dead center on an outer circumferential surface thereof that is distanced farthest from a rotation axis of the cam. A driver is connected to the cam to drive and rotate the cam. A cam rest contacts the cam and is connected to one of the plurality of opposed bodies. A cam regulation assembly is connected to the cam to regulate rotation of the cam at least when the top dead center of the cam passes a contact position where the cam contacts the cam rest.
US09221658B2	Device for picking up loads Embodiments of the subject innovation relate to a device for picking up loads, having a frame, two load pick-up elements that are configured so as to move lengthwise on the frame, two drive units that are installed on the frame and arranged one above the other, whereby each drive unit has a drive element and is configured to move this drive element relative to the frame in two opposite directions parallel to the direction of motion of the load pick-up elements, whereby force-transmissions and deflectors are provided on the drive elements. By activating the drive units, a movement of the drive elements can be converted into a corresponding movement of the appertaining load pick-up elements.
US09221657B2	Forklift and control method of forklift Provided is a forklift equipped with a variable displacement traveling hydraulic pump driven by an engine, a hydraulic motor that forms a closed circuit with the traveling hydraulic pump therebetween and is driven by hydraulic oil discharged from the traveling hydraulic pump, and driving wheels driven by the hydraulic motor. An accelerator opening is calculated by correcting an accelerator opening detected by an accelerator opening sensor, using a greater one of a first cut-off frequency calculated from the accelerator opening detected by the accelerator opening sensor, and a second cut-off frequency calculated from a corrected accelerator opening calculated at a timing before the first cut-off frequency is calculated.
US09221651B2	Swinging sheave bracket with force control A sheave bracket directs a trailing cable of a mining vehicle. The bracket is hingedly secured to the vehicle and includes a plate and a plurality of sheaves coupled to and extending from the plate. The sheaves are arranged to guide the cable. The sheave bracket also includes a force control mechanism movable between two positions to adjust tension in the cable. The force control mechanism dampens strain in the cable when the direction of the bracket is changed.
US09221649B2	Adhesive tape cartridge The disclosure discloses an adhesive tape cartridge. The adhesive tape cartridge includes an adhesive tape roll around which an adhesive tape is wound about an axis line, a separation material roll configured to wind the separation material layer around an axis line, a connecting arm that freely rotatably supports the adhesive tape roll and freely rotatably supports the separation material roll, and a guide device configured to cause the adhesive tape to pass in a tape posture with a tape cross-section set to a substantially horizontal direction, substantially contact both tape width direction ends during the passing, and to guide the adhesive tape in the tape width direction, provided in a middle part of the connecting arm, between the adhesive tape roll and the separation material roll.
US09221648B2	Sheet processing device, image forming system, and method of additionally folding sheet bundle The present invention is concerning a sheet processing device comprising: a pressing unit that includes a first pressing roller arranged on one side of a thickness direction of a folded sheet bundle, and a second pressing roller and a third pressing roller arranged on the other side across a fold line part of the folded sheet bundle, and a moving unit that moves the pressing unit in a state in which each of a first line and a second line is not parallel to the thickness direction of the folded sheet bundle, the first line connecting the rotational center of the first pressing roller and the rotational center of the second pressing roller, and the second line connecting the rotational center of the first pressing roller and the rotational center of the third pressing roller.
US09221647B2	Sheet folding apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image forming system A sheet folding apparatus includes: a folded part forming unit that forms a folded part on the sheet by nipping a curved portion formed on a part of the sheet between an upstream first sheet conveying unit and a downstream second sheet conveying unit by holding a part of the sheet by the first sheet conveying unit and applying conveying force to the sheet to reverse the sheet upstream by the second sheet conveying unit; and a sheet leading end detection unit disposed downstream of or at almost same position as the second sheet conveying unit. The sheet is conveyed based on a detection timing of the sheet leading end detection unit such that the leading end of the sheet protrudes by a predetermined protrusion amount from the second sheet conveying unit immediately before applying conveying force to the sheet to reverse the sheet.
US09221644B2	Medium conveying device and image forming apparatus A medium conveying device including a first stacker to which a medium is ejected, a first conveying path guiding the medium to the first stacker, a second conveying path branched from the first conveying path at a first branching position, and a second stacker to which the medium guided by the second conveying path is ejected. The second stacker is provided on an apparatus main body so as to be openable and closable. A first switching unit is movable between a first position and a second position. The first switching unit guides the medium to the first conveying path at the first branching position when the first switching unit is in the first position, and guides the medium to the second conveying path at the first branching position when the first switching unit is in the second position. A moving mechanism moves the first switching unit from the first position to the second position in conjunction with an opening operation of the second stacker.
US09221638B1	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus comprises a paper detection mechanism configured to detect papers passing through a conveyance path. The paper detection mechanism includes a rotation shaft which extends in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the paper; a lever integrally arranged on the rotation shaft; a torsion coil spring which is arranged around the outer periphery of the rotation shaft to energize the front end of the lever so that the lever protrudes to the conveyance path; and a sensor which detects the conveyance of paper when the lever pressed by the paper pivots. The torsion coil spring integrally includes a main coil part which is composed of a plurality of turns of coil and has a preset diameter, and a large diameter coil part which is larger in diameter than the main coil part and less in the number of turns than the main body coil part.
US09221637B2	Sheet conveyance mechanism, document conveyance apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same A sheet conveyance mechanism in the present disclosure has a feeding portion, a pair of registration rollers, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a conveyance control portion. The feeding portion has a drive roller. The registration rollers are disposed in a downstream side of the feeding portion. The first and second sensors detect presence of a sheet. If after a sheet is detected by the first sensor, the sheet is not detected by the second sensor by a time when a first period elapses, the conveyance control portion starts a slowdown of a rotation speed of the drive roller. If the sheet is detected by the second sensor by a time when a second period elapses after the slowdown of the rotation speed of the drive roller starts, the conveyance control portion returns the rotation speed of the drive roller to a rotation speed before the slowdown.
US09221633B2	Printing medium supply device and image forming apparatus having the same A printing medium supply device and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The printing medium supply device may include a pickup unit and an adjustment unit. The pickup unit may include a shaft, a pickup roller spaced apart from the shaft to come into contact with printing media, a pickup holder to support the pickup roller, the pickup holder being rotated about the shaft to lift or lower the pickup roller, and a link member connected to the pickup holder so as to be rotated about the shaft. The adjustment unit may include a pressure member coming into contact with a pressure applied portion of the link member to rotate the link member by applying pressure thereto, and an elastic member elastically supported by the pressure member to transmit elastic force to the link member. This configuration ensures constant pickup pressure despite variation in the quantity of printing media.
US09221632B2	Media cassette loader A media cassette loader is described. The media cassette loader comprises a base; a media loading surface inclined at an angle to the base; and an end wall upstanding from a lower end of the media loading surface. The end wall supports media items stacked on the media loading surface. The media loading surface and the end wall are dimensioned to be accommodated within a media cassette body. This allows the media cassette body to be placed over the media loading surface when stacked with media items so that the cassette body surrounds the stacked media items.
US09221631B2	Loading ramp A loading ramp is supported between a first surface and a second surface. The loading ramp includes a first ramp portion. The first ramp portion includes a first rail portion extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The first ramp portion includes at least one first tread portion removably attached to the first rail portion. The at least one first tread portion supports a weight. The loading ramp includes a second ramp portion attached to the first ramp portion. The second ramp portion includes a second rail portion extending between a third end, which is attached to the second end of the first rail portion, and an opposing fourth end. The second ramp portion includes at least one second tread portion removably attached to the second rail portion. The at least one second tread portion supports the weight.
US09221630B2	Trailer stabilizer A trailer stabilizing device for stabilizing a parked freight trailer, the trailer stabilizing device comprising a frame separate from the support frame of the parked freight trailer, the stabilizing device frame having mounted thereto wheels and a hitch, the stabilizing device including a repositionable jack.
US09221629B1	Friction feeder An exemplary friction feeder includes a hopper configured to accommodate a stack of items, a drive assembly configured to engage and move an item from the stack in a feed direction, and a gate assembly. The gate assembly includes a curved elongate separating member extending in the feed direction and configured to separate the item from other items in the stack as the item passes in the feed direction. The separating member has an item engaging surface biased to a reference point.
US09221620B2	Method of arranging containers, such as bottles or cans, for forming groups of containers to be packaged as a group in a container filling plant, and apparatus therefor An article-grouping device which has at least three independently-driven drive arrangements and a plurality of divider elements located on crossbeams. Each of the drive arrangements moves the crossbeams, and thus moves the divider elements thereon to a position between adjacent articles in a stream of articles on a conveyor arrangement to divide the stream of articles into separated groups of articles. Each of the drive arrangements comprises a drive shaft and a pair of elongated driven elements, such as endless chains or toothed belts. At least two of the drive shafts both drive a pair of driven elements and support pairs of driven elements driven by other drive shafts.
US09221619B2	Monitoring and control of a transport device for containers Method for monitoring and controlling a loading rate of a transport section with one or several individually speed-controlled consecutive partial sections (T1, T2, T3) in a filling line, including detecting a container loading over a certain region at an incoming region (E1) of the transport section; simulating a container flow in real time using the detected container loading in the incoming region of the transport section and a transport speed, the simulation including: entering the detected value for the container loading into a shift register (SR1); and synchronizing a shift register clock with the transport speed, so that the shift register content (DW0, DW1, . . . ) represents the container loading on the transport section.
US09221614B2	Device for transferring filter segments in the process of manufacturing multi-segment filter rods Device for transferring cylindrical segments from a hopper onto a grouping belt is provided with a guiding drum, having flutes on its periphery and a circumferentially closed conveyor which delivers segments to a rotary element with pushers. Conveyor with seats with a catching element for catching segments, and transferring the segments from the conveyor to the element is effected by means of a spiral drum. The device has a push-down element constituted by a cam with a groove of a height corresponding to the diameter of the segment. The catching element has the form of a depression in the body of the seat shaped as a half of a cylinder, corresponding to the diameter of the segment, with locks on edges, whereas the axis of the depression is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the conveyor.
US09221613B2	Oval container treatment device An apparatus for treating containers includes an annularly closed guiding-and-carrying element, a chain of container carriers, and a central drive. Each container carrier receives a container and has a holding-and-centering unit, an individual drive, and guide unit. The drive is configured to turn the container about its axis. The guide unit circulates the container carriers on the guiding-and-carrying element. A vertical axis of the holding-and-centering unit and that of the drive are congruent with the container axis. The guiding-and-carrying element has straight sections and curved sections. Each holding-and-centering units is connected by connecting elements that are mounted or secured on it in a manner flush with its vertical axis or concentrically to the rotational axis of the holding-and-centering unit. As a result, all endlessly circulating axes of rotation of the holding-and-centering units and containers located therein move at a common speed in every section of the guiding-and-carrying element.
US09221611B2	Variable spaced conveyor belt with shortened edge link cut-off A flat wire conveyor belt includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods, a plurality of rows of flat wire pickets transversely disposed and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, each picket defining a nominal picket height; each of the rows of pickets defines a plurality of first links and a plurality of second links, and each of the links having a transverse spacing. The conveyor belt includes opposing first and second outer edges and the plurality of first links are disposed on at least one of the first and second outer edges of the flat wire conveyor belt. The first links on at least one of the first and second outer edges having a terminal end with a reduced length less than the nominal picket height.
US09221610B2	Conveyor belt and conveyor belt apparatus A conveyor belt (13) includes a main body rubber (14) extending in a belt longitudinal direction, tension members (15) embedded in the main body rubber throughout a circumference of the main body rubber (14) in the belt longitudinal direction, and loop coils (16) embedded in the main body rubber (14) and having an annular shape in plan view taken in a belt thickness direction (T). The loop coils (16) are embedded at one side of the main body rubber (14) in the belt thickness direction (T), and the tension members (15) are embedded at the other side of the main body rubber (14) in the belt thickness direction (T) relative to the loop coils (16). The loop coils (16) are disposed above a cloth-shaped reinforcement (17) embedded in the main body rubber (14), and a Young's modulus of the cloth-shaped reinforcement (17) in a belt width direction (H) is higher than that of the main body rubber (14) in the belt width direction (H), and is higher than that of the cloth-shaped reinforcement (17) in the belt longitudinal direction. According to the conveyor belt (13), vertical cracks can be detected with high accuracy.
US09221607B2	Store for tire casings Storing vehicle tire casings (4) by providing at least two channels (12) for storing casings, each one having an end stop (22), and a casing conveyor, capable of coming into alignment with any of the channels and containing a platform (32) that can receive a casing. A casing located in the channel is lifted until it is higher than the end stop. The lifting is done by a roller (46), which is mounted in such a way that it can move in the vertical direction in relation to the platform.
US09221601B2	Receptacle with free-floating and automated lid An exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a waste receptacle including a base having an opening, a lid detachably coupled to the base, the lid being disposed over the opening, a sensor disposed in the base, and a motor electrically connected to the sensor, wherein the motor is configured to receive a signal from the sensor and raise the lid.
US09221583B2	Can with bisphenol A capture system The present technology provides a bisphenol A capture system for food and beverage containers which include BPA-containing coatings. The capture system is made of one or more materials which bind any BPA eluting from the BPA-containing coating. The present capture system therefore reduces or prevents BPA from migrating from the can coating into the food or beverages stored in the can. The present technology further provides methods of manufacturing and using such coatings.
US09221579B2	Inner seal with a sub tab layer A pull-tab sealing member for a container containing an upper laminate forming a pull-tab bonded to a lower laminate capable of being heat sealed to a container's mouth or opening. The upper laminate defines the pull tab wholly within a perimeter or circumference of the seal. The sealing member further includes a sub tab layer or member under the gripping tab for concentric structural support.
US09221577B2	Packaging system for toilet components A packaging system for toilet components, including a toilet bowl, a toilet tank and a tank lid. The packaging system includes an outer carton, a location fitment, a tank protection member, a toilet lid pack, a toilet end fitment, a toilet lid fitment, and a top bowl fitment.
US09221574B2	Label printer A label printer is provided with a printer body that includes a paper roll holder; a label printing unit that includes a print head; a platen roller that sends the paper strip in a first direction after the paper strip passes through the print head; a cover that opens or closes the paper roll holder; and a removal unit that peels off the label from the paper strip. One end of the cover is pivotally supported on the printer body via a first rotation shaft that is parallel to a central axis of the paper roll. One end of a longitudinal side of the removal unit is pivotally supported on the cover via a second rotation shaft that is perpendicular to the first rotation shaft. A locking mechanism that engages with the cover is provided at the other end of the longitudinal side of the removal unit.
US09221573B2	Label applicator belt system A label applicator system is described comprising one or more, and preferably two, assemblies of rollers and belts. The assemblies are arranged relative to one another such that at least a portion of the belts of each assembly are aligned with one another to define an article receiving lane. The assemblies are arranged and configured such that the lane extends in a zig-zag path, a relatively straight path, and/or an arcuate path. Selection of the lane geometry along with appropriate control of belt velocities enable high rates of applying labels to articles and particularly containers having compound curves.
US09221570B2	Production device and production method of linked packaged products A production device of linked packaged products comprised of a first set number of packages linked in a line forms and transports a strip of linked packages, judges if the packages in the strip of linked packages are good packages or defective packages, cuts the strip of linked packages each time the first set number of the good packages are successively transported and cuts the strip of linked packages between the good package and the defective package, whereby good products which are comprised of the first set number of the good packages, fractional products which are comprised of a number of the good packages less than the first set number, and defective products which are comprised of at least one of the defective packages are formed, and transports the good products, the fractional products, and the defective products along respectively different transport routes.
US09221566B2	Brake system of wire reel in reinforcing bar binding machine A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a feed device for feeding a wire from a wire reel rotatably mounted on a binding machine body, a braking device for braking a rotation of the wire reel, and a control device that starts a braking to the rotation of the wire reel by the braking device after the wire is fed to a predetermined amount by the feed device.
US09221563B2	Anodizing container A device is for treating and packaging implants. The device includes a container including a chamber therein. The chamber is closed by a removable seal. The device also includes a carrier sized and shaped to be inserted into the chamber. The carrier includes a carrying structure configured to connect an implant thereto. A portion of the carrier may be formed of an electrically conductive material.
US09221562B2	Apparatus for inspecting filler in container, apparatus for filling filler, and method for inspecting filler in container A container filler-inspecting apparatus includes a weight-measuring unit (14) that measures the weight of the container (1) filled with a filler (S1), a sample-extracting unit (12) that extracts a fixed amount of filler (S1) from a tip opening (2) of the container (1), and a sampling unit (13) that performs a sampling operation by wiping off the filler extracted by the sample-extracting unit (12) with a sampling paper sheet.
US09221561B2	Powder dispenser modules and powder dispenser assemblies A powder dispenser module (54) includes a housing (150) that defines a conduit connecting a powder inlet and a powder outlet, a feed wand (160) to move powder through the conduit from the powder inlet to the powder outlet, the feed wand (200) including a lower feed element (230) coupled to a first drive shaft and an upper feed element (220) coupled to a second drive shaft, a first actuator coupled to the first drive shaft to rotate the lower feed element (230), and a second actuator coupled to the second drive shaft to rotate the upper feed element (220). In other embodiments, the feed wand (200) includes a shaft having a fluidizing element and an actuator produces oscillatory movement of the feed wand during dispensing of powder. Dispenser module arrays include one or a few rows of dispenser modules.
US09221558B2	Apparatus and method for calculating satellite navigation visibility Provided is a satellite navigation visibility calculation apparatus. The satellite navigation visibility calculation apparatus includes a processing unit configured to binarize an input sky view image to create an binary image, an extraction unit configured to extract a plurality of feature points from the binary image, and a calculation unit configured to calculate satellite navigation dilution of precision (DOP) corresponding to the sky view image using the plurality of feature points.
US09221557B1	UAV retrieval system and method An apparatus for capture of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprises a wind tunnel including at least one fan for generating airflow in the wind tunnel; sensors for sensing characteristics of the UAV; and a control system coupled to said sensors and said at least one fan. The control system is configured to cause the at least one fan to generate airflow based on the sensed characteristics of the UAV to bring the UAV that is in the wind tunnel to a low or zero airspeed above a floor of the wind tunnel, thereby allowing the UAV to be dropped onto the floor of the wind tunnel when the airflow and a motive force of the UAV are stopped.
US09221551B2	Method and system of transmitting and receiving data originating from an aircraft black box The invention relates to a method for transmitting data, characterized in that it includes a step of transmitting in-flight data between a first aircraft and at least a second aircraft, the data transmitted being data stored in at least one black box on board the first aircraft.
US09221547B2	Static dissipative fuel tank coatings and methods There is provided a method for mitigating static discharge in a fuel container. The method provides a static dissipative coating having a volume resistivity of 1.0×109 Ω-m (ohm-meter) or less when measured at 40 V (volts) or less, having a surface resistivity of 1.0×1011 Ω/sq (ohm per square) or less when measured at 100 V (volts) or less, having a breakdown voltage of 4000 V (volts) or less, and having a charge decay of 60 seconds or less. The method further provides applying the static dissipative coating to a surface of the fuel container to form a coated surface.
US09221543B2	Compressor/turbine arrangement, air conditioning unit and method for operating a compressor/turbine arrangement The invention relates to a compressor/turbine arrangement for use in an air conditioning unit of an aircraft air conditioning system comprising a process air supply line which is designed to supply process air generated by a process air source to a compressor. A detection device is designed to detect a characteristic signal for the temperature of the process air flowing through the process air supply line. A turbine is designed to drive the compressor. A cooling device is disposed in a process air line connecting the compressor to the turbine and is designed to cool the process air coming out of the compressor and flowing through the process air line in the direction of the turbine. Downstream of the cooling device a connecting line branches off from the process air line and opens into the process air supply line. A control device is designed to control a process air flow through the connecting line in dependence on the signal detected by the detection device.
US09221542B2	Device for feeding electricity to equipment, the device being incorporated in the floor of an aircraft cabin A device (50) for feeding electricity to equipment (3) of a vehicle (1), the device including a harness (5), a socket (6) electrically connected to said harness (5), and a plug (9) electrically connected to said equipment (3) and co-operating with said socket (6) to provide the electrical connection between said harness (5) and said equipment (3). The device (50) provides for said harness (5) to run in the thickness of a floor (2) of the vehicle (1), said socket (6) being embedded in the thickness of said floor (2) so that the top surface of said floor (2) does not present any projecting portion. The device (50) includes a movable protection cap (7) for opening and closing said socket (6), together with opening means (40) driven by mounting said equipment (3) on said floor (2), thereby causing said movable protection cap (7) to open.
US09221541B2	Piece of furniture for an aircraft including means for distributing a carriage between two sections A piece of furniture for an aircraft, including a plurality of carriages a first section forming an interface of use for a user with which at least one carriage may be taken and/or deposited in the piece of furniture and a second section allowing the said carriages to be circulated along at least first and second main directions substantially perpendicular to each other, at least in a plane of the aircraft for storing and/or delivering to the user at least one carriage, the first section and/or the second section including an arrangement for distributing at least one carriage from the second section towards the first section and vice versa.
US09221540B2	Removable step for an aircraft, and an aircraft A step (10) comprising a portable support assembly (30) having a vertical body (40) carrying a tread (31). The step includes at least two pegs (20) fastened to a fuselage (2). The body (40) includes one fastener orifice (50) per peg (20), said body (40) being carried by said pegs (20). The step includes at least one locking system (60) carried by said body (40) for automatically locking the position of at least one peg (20) in a fastener orifice (50), and manual unlocking means (86) connected to the locking system (60) for enabling the body (40) to be manually separated from the pegs (20).
US09221539B2	Rotorcraft with integrated light pipe support members A radio controlled model rotorcraft implemented with features improving ease of flight and flight performance by increasing structural stability, increasing rotorcraft visibility and orientation awareness through the use of multifunctioning, configurable, and aesthetically pleasing components, while also increasing resistance to damage from crashes through use of impact and vibration absorbing components.
US09221538B2	Flight control system for unmanned aerial vehicle A flight control system controls flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle by control signals of the unmanned aerial vehicle itself and from a ground facility. The unmanned aerial vehicle and the ground facility are each provided with at least one flight control unit (FCU) capable of controlling driving of an airframe actuator based on a sensor output signal from an airframe sensor. The at least one FCU on the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one FCU of the ground facility constitute a redundant system for flight control function. In the redundant system one of the at least one FCU on the unmanned aerial vehicle serves as a main unit. In the case where a malfunction has occurred in an FCU that performs flight control on the unmanned aerial vehicle, the ground facility is capable of causing another FCU to take over flight control function from the FCU.
US09221537B2	Unmanned aerial vehicle and operations thereof The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
US09221533B1	Removable window system for space vehicles A window system for a platform comprising a window pane, a retention frame, and a biasing system. The window pane may be configured to contact a sealing system. The retention frame may be configured to contact the sealing system and hold the window pane against the support frame. The biasing system may be configured to bias the retention frame toward the support frame while the support frame and the retention frame are in a configuration that holds the window pane. Removal of the biasing system may cause the retention frame and the window pane to be removable.
US09221531B1	Uni-penetration tendon retention and fill port system for a balloon envelope Methods and apparatus are disclosed for an apex fitting for securing to a high altitude balloon. An example apparatus involves: (a) a base plate defining an opening, where the base plate is configured to be securable to an exterior of a balloon envelope, (b) at least one stud coupled to the base plate and configured to be securable to a tendon, (c) a retention ring defining at least one opening configured to receive the at least one stud, (d) a fill-port body defining a cavity, wherein a flange is coupled to the fill-port body, wherein the fill-port body is arranged coaxially with and extends through the opening of the base plate such that the flange lies adjacent to the bottom surface of the base plate, and (e) a locking body coupled to the fill-port body, wherein the locking body defines an opening arranged coaxially with the fill-port body.
US09221530B2	Ship propulsion system and ship equipped therewith Marine propulsion system and ship outfitted therewith, wherein the marine propulsion system has a propulsion element for propelling a ship, a driving engine which is to be flexibly mounted at a hull of the ship for driving the propulsion element, a thrust bearing which is to be rigidly mounted at the hull and which has a thrust bearing shaft having a first end and a second end, a driving engine drivetrain for connecting the driving engine to the first end of the thrust bearing shaft, and a propulsion element drivetrain for connecting the second end of the thrust bearing shaft to the propulsion element, wherein the driving engine drivetrain rigidly connects the driving engine to the first end of the thrust bearing shaft.
US09221526B2	Collapsible flotation device A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve.
US09221525B2	Multi-directional signal assembly A multi-directional signal assembly includes a signal display assembly having one or more display surfaces, and at least one signal indicia affixed to each display surface. The multi-directional display assembly comprises a buoyant construction such that the signal indicia affixed to the display surface(s) are readily visible above the surface of a body of water in which the assembly is deployed. A counterweight assembly is mounted to the signal display assembly to maintain the signal display assembly in a substantially upright, operative orientation when deployed. An illumination assembly comprising one or more illumination members is mounted to the signal display assembly, and is actuated to increase visibility of the signal display assembly while it is deployed on the surface of a body of water.
US09221524B2	Deflector for marine data acquisition system Deflectors configured to be attached to cables towed behind a vessel for performing a marine survey are provided. A deflector has a wing body including a first part joined to a second part to form a swept-back-wing shape, the first part and the second part being substantially coplanar. A first straight line stretching along at least a portion of a front edge of the first part makes a first angle with a second straight line stretching along at least a portion of a front edge of the second part. A third straight line stretching along at least a portion of a trailing edge of the first part makes a second angle with a fourth straight line stretching along at least a portion of a trailing edge of the second part, the first angle and the second angle being non-zero angles.
US09221521B2	Apparatus and anchor handling vessels for installing or removing and replacing a segment of a mooring line Disclosed are platforms adapted to be mounted onto anchor handling vessels (AHVs) and AHVs useful for replacing a used wire rope segment or for installing a new wire rope segment in a mooring line which can be used for mooring a floating vessel such as a floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel.
US09221520B2	Module for making ambidromic crossover equipment (FAM) A module for making a modular ferry and/or a floating bridge including a floatation tank, where the floatation tank is made in the form of two floatation half-tanks hinged together around a hinged line between an opening position in which the two half-tanks are substantially aligned and form the floatation tank, and a closing position in which a half-tank is folded back upon the other half-tank such as a lid thus forming a container box able to enclose all or part of the elements for making the ferry or floating bridge.
US09221516B1	Hub motor structure Disclosed is hub motor structure installed on a bicycle, the hub motor structure including a hollow shaft installed on a frame of the bicycle, a housing rotatably installed on the hollow shaft, and connected to a wheel at an outer circumferential surface thereof through spokes, a cover rotatably installed on the hollow shaft while installed on the housing, and on which a driven sprocket connected to a chain is provided to receive a pedaling force, a motor disposed in the housing and generating a rotary force to drive the wheel, a continuous variable transmission (CVT) disposed in the housing to selectively shift power supplied from the motor, a power transmission unit configured to transmit a rotary force of the motor to the CVT, and a gear unit configured to transmit a rotary force output from the CVT to the housing.
US09221515B2	Bicycle pedal Bicycle pedal with safety fixing comprising a pedal body (1) rotatably mounted on an axle (2) and, on one face of the pedal body, a mechanism (A) for attachment of a cleat adapted to be fixed to the bottom of a shoe, this mechanism comprising first attachment means (3) and second attachment means (4) situated on either side of the axle of the pedal, one of the attachment means consisting of a hoop (5) that is virtually fixed relative to the pedal body while the other attachment means (3) are mobile and can be moved against a return spring in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axle of the pedal to clamp the cleat or release it the hoop (5) has a lug (6a, 6b) at each of its two ends, each lug having passed through it and being supported by at least one spring axle (7a, 7b) mounted in the pedal body, which spring axle also supports is the mobile attachment means (3).
US09221514B2	Scooter having a gearing system The invention is directed towards a scooter comprising a frame, a front wheel carried by the frame, a rear wheel carried by the frame, a pair of reciprocating pedals attached to the frame, a drive assembly for transferring force from the reciprocating pedals to the rear wheel comprising: a pedal cam having a plurality of openings at various distances from the rotational center of the pedal cam; a drive pin extending from one of the reciprocating pedals and is received on one of the openings; and, a gear shifting cable attached to the drive pin causing the drive pin to engage with one of the openings so that the pedal cam is rotated by the movement of the pedal so that based upon the opening engaged, the rotational power output that the pedal cam ultimately exerts on the rear wheel is varied.
US09221513B2	Rear suspension system for a bicycle A bicycle may include a rear suspension system to absorb forces impacting on the bicycle by allowing a rear wheel of the bicycle to be displaced relative to the bicycle frame. The rear suspension system may be adjusted in some versions to affect the travel path of the rear wheel as well as the leverage ratio curve to suit the rider's preference.
US09221512B2	Routing structure for saddle type vehicle A routing structure for a saddle type vehicle for suppressing an increase in the number of parts while the appearance of play is suppressed. The routing structure for a saddle type vehicle includes a cable guide portion formed integrally with a storage box and configured to guide an operational cable of a wire cable structure. The cable guide portion is formed in a shape of a gutter along an outer side of a peripheral edge of an opening of the storage box.
US09221510B2	Lamp A lamp has a body 100 with a printed circuit board 102 and a battery 104 mounted in the body. An LED 105, mounted on an emitter plate 101, and a reflector 106 are housed on the body at an opposite end to a charging port 103. Adjacent to the port 103 an array of three illumination status blue LEDS 108 and an array of five battery-status red LEDs 109 are provided. Components 103 to 109 are connected to a power management circuit 110, including an Integrated Circuit 111, mounted on the PCB 102. The PCB 102 further includes a capacitive Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer 123.
US09221509B2	Display apparatus and vehicle having a projector device A display Apparatus, an illumination apparatus and a vehicle having a projector device are disclosed. The projection device is disposed at the front of the vehicle through a mounting device, which is movably joined onto the vehicle, and can convert an image signal, which is outputted from an image data source, into a projection image to project the projection image on the ground in front of the vehicle in a determined distance. A user may adjust an angle of the mounting device relative to the vehicle for changing the determined distance.
US09221508B1	Three-wheeled vehicles The present disclosure relates to three-wheeled vehicles. The three-wheeled vehicles disclosed herein are characterized by two front wheels and a single rear wheel, an engine located rearward of the cockpit and a drivetrain configured to power the front wheels. Three-wheeled vehicle configurations in accordance with the present disclosure may enhance various handling characteristics of the vehicle.
US09221507B2	Robot and method of controlling walking thereof A method of controlling walking a biped robot to generate a walking pattern maximally similar to that of a human includes generating a walking pattern, calculating a walking pattern similarity corresponding to the walking pattern, and comparing the walking pattern similarity with a predetermined reference pattern similarity, and changing the walking pattern based on a result of the comparison. When the robot walks, a knee is maximally stretched and a horizontal movement of a waist is minimized such that the walking pattern of the robot is maximally similar to that of a human, thus enhancing an affinity for a human being and increasing energy efficiency.
US09221505B1	Endless track adapter An endless track adapter system for a wheeled vehicle includes a plurality of adjustable track links selectively interconnectable by a plurality of pins into an endless track for driving by wheels of the vehicle. Track links include track link base portions including medial wheel guides and track link sled portions including lateral wheel guides. A mechanism is provided for adjusting distance between the medial and lateral wheel guides.
US09221502B2	Aerodynamic gooseneck trailer An aerodynamic gooseneck trailer includes a leading end configuration that provides an aerodynamically efficient shape, and a main body portion including substantially vertically oriented sidewalls that are curved, and a roof section that is narrower than the floor section.
US09221501B2	Platform system for a cargo compartment of a truck, lorry or trailer A platform system (5) for use in a cargo compartment of a truck, lorry or trailer. The platform system (5) is provided with a plurality of elevation platforms (20) with a substantially rectangular outline, onto which, in use, goods can be loaded. The elevation platforms (20) can be elevated when loaded. Each elevation platform (20) is guided by horizontally spaced and vertically extending guides. Each elevation platform is suspended from a set of cables, each of these cables being associated with each of the vertically extending guides and a first end of each of the cables in the set being associated with one corner of the rectangular elevation platform. The platform system is also provided with a plurality of actuators (25) with one actuator associated with each elevation platform (20). The second end of the cables in the set being operably connected one of the actuators (25).
US09221500B1	Crush tube and support structure for a pickup truck bed A vehicle includes a pair of longitudinal frame rails and a bed above the frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed aluminum cross-members contact the bed and are disposed between the bed and the frame rails for additional support of the bed. Extruded aluminum spacers are disposed between and in contact with the one of the cross members and one of the frame rails. A crush tube is spin-welded to the spacer and contacts the underside of the bed for additional support to inhibit downward relative movement of the bed. The crush tube is formed with a longitudinal hole extending therethough to receive a fastener that extends from above the truck bed, through the crush tube hole, through the cross-member and spacer, and into the frame rail.
US09221499B1	Tailgate striker support bracket A tailgate striker support bracket assembly for a pickup truck box. The assembly having a bracket with a striker support section sandwiched between a striker and a floating striker nut. The bracket having a web extending from the striker support section to a flange. The flange being affixed to a D-pillar of the truck box. The D-pillar being disposed between a side panel of the truck box and an outer panel of the pickup. The D-pillar also being disposed longitudinally forward from the striker. The pickup truck box being made from mostly aluminum alloy components.
US09221495B2	Steering control device and electrically powered vehicle Motor-generators are incorporated in front wheels and drive the front wheels, respectively. An ECU determines whether or not a steering apparatus including a steering actuator, a tie rod and a steering angle sensor has failed, based on an operation angle of a steering wheel from a steering wheel angle sensor and a steering angle of the front wheels from the steering angle sensor. When the ECU determines that the steering apparatus has failed, the ECU provides torque difference for a torque instruction for the motor-generators in accordance with the operation angle of the steering wheel.
US09221494B2	Method for controlling the directional stability of a vehicle, associated steering system and vehicle A steering system to control a directional stability of a vehicle may include an active power steering assistance system, a sensor to detect vehicle dynamics data of the vehicle, a sensor to detect a torque of a steering system of the vehicle, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a torque value based on the vehicle dynamics data, calculate a torque component based on a difference between the torque value and the torque of the steering system, calculate a preliminary compensation torque on a basis of the torque component, calculate a final compensation torque by adding the preliminary compensation torque and the torque value, and actuate the active power steering assistance system based upon the final compensation torque. Systems and methods for controlling directional stability of a vehicle may compensate for short-term pull/drift and long-term pull/drift.
US09221493B2	Vehicle and steering apparatus A vehicle has a rear wheel drive device for driving rear wheels independently of a front wheel drive device. A drive mode control unit performs at least one of a first switching operation for switching between a front-wheel-only-drive mode and a rear-wheel-only-drive mode, a second switching operation for switching between a composite drive mode and the rear-wheel-only-drive mode, and a third switching operation for switching between the composite drive mode and the front-wheel-only-drive mode. When the drive mode control unit performs any one of the first switching operation, the second switching operation, and the third switching operation, an assistive force controller of the steering apparatus changes a control process for controlling a steering assistive force.
US09221492B2	Method for operating an electrical power steering mechanism A computer and function architecture for operating an electrical power-assisted steering system, comprises a control path and a monitoring path that has a diverse design in relation thereto and which are processed basically parallel to each other in each case on two associated cores of a redundant microcomputer, and arithmetic differences that occur within the control path or the monitoring path are detected at the functional level by way of a comparator, and the results of individual computing steps are detected at the granular level by way of a core comparator, and as a result of a detected difference of the comparator at the functional level, a transition is made into an emergency operating mode in the event that the core comparator has not diagnosed an arithmetic error, so as to ensure further availability of at least some of the steering assistance function or of the steering functions over at least a certain time period.
US09221491B2	Electric power steering system There is provided an electric power steering system that makes it possible to reduce an uncomfortable feeling given to a driver even when a detected steering torque value is held. The controller computes a detected steering torque value based on the detection signal, and provides compensation based on a compensation value to a basic current command value to compute a current command value. The controller executes feedback control for causing a current value of the motor to follow the current command value. The controller executes normal control in which the detected steering torque value is periodically updated and backup control in which periodic updating of the detected steering torque value and holding of the detected steering torque value are alternately executed. The controller switches compensation value between a compensation value used during execution of the normal control and a compensation value used during execution of the backup control.
US09221490B2	Vehicle steering control apparatus and steering control method A vehicle steering control apparatus and vehicle steering control method make it possible to suppress a steering state of a steering operation element from being different from the driver's intention, in starting the driving source. A backup clutch, which is switchable between a release state where a torque transmission path is mechanically decoupled and an engagement state where the torque transmission path is mechanically coupled, is set to the engagement state in starting the engine. When the steering torque detected after the engine starts becomes equal to or lower than a clutch release start torque, the backup clutch in the engagement state is switched to the release state.
US09221489B2	Steering system with overload protection A method for operating an electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle with variable chassis height, with a steering rack, which is driven by a servo motor through a recirculating ball screw drive, with a control unit, which receives input signals and generates output signals for driving the servo motor, the output signals being representative of an assist torque to be provided by the steering system, may be characterized in that, in operation, the control unit may receive or generate a chassis height signal that may indicate a current chassis height of the vehicle, and may limit the assist torque, on the basis of the chassis height signal, to an upper limit, wherein the upper limit may be decreased with an increase of the difference between the current chassis height and a mean chassis height.
US09221487B2	Convertible stroller seat A child seat has a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally joined to the seat bottom at a seat bight. The seat back and seat bottom are movable between a toddler seat position with the seat back raised to a non-parallel orientation relative to the seat bottom and a lie flat position with the seat back lowered to a generally parallel orientation relative to the seat bottom. A bassinet rail assembly has a foot rail portion and a head rail portion and is able to move to a bassinet wall configuration around a perimeter of and elevated above the child seat when the seat back is in the lie flat position.
US09221483B1	Transport dolly A transport dolly is configured to move cargo. The transport dolly includes a first L-shaped support and a second L-shaped support attached to a hinge. A first wheel assembly is attached to the first L-shaped support. A second wheel assembly is attached to the second L-shaped support. In a first mode of operation the hinge is collapsed such that a first upper surface on the first L-shaped support is immediately adjacent to a second first L-shaped support. In a second mode of operation, the hinge is opened such that the first upper surface is distant from the second upper surface. In a third mode of operation, the cargo is placed on first L-shaped support and the second L-shaped support such that the first L-shaped support and the second L-shaped support contact three sides of the cargo.
US09221482B2	Transporting system, transporting carriage and method for transporting metal coils A transporting system for transporting metal coils, for example hot coils, may include a multi-track rail system; a number of driverless transporting carriages, which can be moved on the rail system by means of a drive device and are equipped with an on-board communication device; a locating device, with which up-to-the-moment locational information can be determined for each transporting carriage located on the rail system; and a central control device, to which the locational information of each transporting carriage can be fed, wherein a communication link, which at least in certain sections is formed without any lines, can be established between the control device and the communication device.
US09221480B2	Systems and methods for identifying different types of traction motors in a vehicle system A control system including a measurement module configured to receive motor measurements that represent operating parameters of plural traction motors of a common vehicle system as the vehicle system propels along a route. The control system also includes an analysis module configured to compare the motor measurements to an expected measurement. The expected measurement corresponds to a designated motor type. The analysis module is configured to determine that at least one of the traction motors is different from the designated motor type based on comparing the motor measurements to the expected measurement.
US09221479B2	Train and method for safely determining the configuration of such a train A method for determining the configuration of a train is provided. The train includes one safety management' device per unit, each device having two designated identifiers, one coupling communication for each pair of adjacent unit and a general network for connecting all the devices to each other. The method includes transmitting, over the general network and over each coupling communication link, with at least one device, a secured message to one of the adjacent devices to the device, the message including one of the identifiers of the device transmitting, over the general network, with each device having received an identifier of another connected through a coupling communication link, at least one restoration message including both identifiers of the device as well as the received identifier, receiving, with each device, the transmitted restoration messages, and determining, with at least one device, the configuration of the train.
US09221477B2	Communications system and method for a rail vehicle A rail vehicle includes of one or more locomotives and may further include one or more rail cars, and the rail vehicle further includes a locator element, a communications device and a control module located on the rail vehicle. The locator elements provide a location information of the rail vehicle to a control module. The control module is coupled to the communications device and the locator element. The control module determines control settings for controlling the operations of the communications device based on the location of the rail vehicle. The communications device sends and/or receives data, including communications data, off-board the rail vehicle.
US09221474B2	Retractable step arrangement for a rail vehicle The invention relates to a retractable step arrangement for a rail vehicle with a first housing that can be mounted on a body of the rail vehicle and features a first housing opening, with a step that is movably supported in the first housing in an initial position and can be displaced between the initial position and a final position, in which the step at least sectionally protrudes from the first housing, through the first housing opening, and with a drive unit for the step that features a motor and at least one movable connecting means that transmits a motion generated by the motor to the step. The retractable step arrangement provides a separate second housing, in which the drive unit is arranged, wherein the interior of the first housing is spatially separated from the interior of the second housing.
US09221473B2	Travel velocity compensation apparatus and method for railway vehicles Disclosed is a travel velocity compensation apparatus for railway vehicles and a method thereof for compensating a travel velocity when there is generated a slide between a wheel and a railway, the apparatus including a velocity measurement unit measuring a travel velocity of a railway vehicle, a velocity estimation unit estimating the travel velocity using travel information of railway vehicle and rail information received from at least one sensor, a detection unit generating wheel slide information by determining whether wheels of the railway vehicle slide, using the travel velocity of the railway vehicle measured by the velocity measurement unit and the travel velocity estimated by the velocity estimation unit, and a selection unit selecting, as a travel velocity, any one of the travel velocity measured by the velocity measurement unit using the wheel slide information generated by the detection unit and the travel velocity estimated by the velocity estimation unit.
US09221471B2	Monorail vehicle apparatus with gravity-augmented contact load Apparatus and method for gravity-augmented preload of drive wheels in a monorail vehicle travelling along a guide rail with bearing and contact surfaces that are non-parallel with the gravity vector. The vehicle defines a pivot location against the bearing surface and a constraint point on the contact surface for engaging the rail on the bearing and contact surfaces, respectively. The vehicle is mounted so its center of gravity is at a rear longitudinal offset rrl from the pivot location and a vertical offset rvert from the guide rail. A force and moment balance thus created result in a normal load on a drive wheel engaged with the bearing surface at the pivot location, where the load value exceeds a standard normal load generated by the mass of the monorail vehicle alone.
US09221469B2	Vehicle height estimation device and vehicle height estimation method The height of a vehicle can be estimated inexpensively by: detecting a wheel speed, which is a speed of each wheel; performing frequency analysis of the detected wheel speed of a pair of left and right wheels and calculating respective wheel speed characteristics of the left and right wheels at a gain-specific frequency; calculating a left-right wheel speed gain difference on the basis of the calculated wheel speed characteristics of the left and right wheels; and estimating the vehicle height on the basis of a corresponding relationship between a wheel height of the wheel with respect to a vehicle body and a value (wheel speed/road surface input gain) that is based on wheel speed and a road surface input that is inputted from the road surface to the wheels, and on the basis of the left-right wheel speed gain difference.
US09221466B2	Method for automatically correcting a state variable of a vehicle In a method for automatically correcting a state variable of a vehicle, in the event of the vehicle having departed from the predefined lane a vehicle control system is re-parameterized in such a way that an intervention predefined by the driver is converted in a reduced manner into a change in a vehicle state variable.
US09221461B2	Construction zone detection using a plurality of information sources Methods and systems for detection of a construction zone using information from a plurality of sources are described. In an example, a computing device, configured to control the vehicle, may be configured to receive information, from a plurality of sources, relating to detection of a construction zone on the road on which the vehicle is travelling. Also, the computing device may be configured to determine a likelihood of existence of the construction zone on the road, based on the information. Further the computing device may be configured to modify a control strategy associated with a driving behavior of the vehicle, based on the likelihood; and control the vehicle based on the modified control strategy.
US09221457B2	Hybrid vehicle control apparatus and control method In a hybrid vehicle control apparatus, the hybrid vehicle including an engine is driven by a supply with fuel from a fuel tank; and a motor drives drive wheels of the vehicle by a supply of electric power at least from a battery, an interval of time required until a time at which the supply with fuel is to be carried out or at which a fuel quantity becomes zero, with the present time as a starting point, is estimated, an interval of time required until the time at which fuel is deteriorated, with the present time as the starting point, is estimated, and a switching to a fuel consumption promotion mode is carried out in a case where a timing at which the supply with fuel is to be carried out or at which the fuel quantity becomes zero is after the timing at which fuel is deteriorated.
US09221455B2	Drive control apparatus and method for providing a drive control to a hybrid electric vehicle, and hybrid electric vehicle An apparatus that both prevents excessive engine speed and satisfies a driver's requested drive torque. A control apparatus provides torque control to a hybrid electric vehicle and uses a calculated engine speed final target, and engine speed temporary target, which may not exceed an upper limit. In addition the control recalculates an engine operating point target based on the calculated engine speed final target and calculates an engine power final target based on the recalculated engine operating point target. An electrical power target is calculated based on the calculated engine power final target. Engine torque is controlled based on the calculated engine operating point target (especially the engine torque final target). In addition, motor generators are controlled to operate in power running mode or regenerating mode, based on the calculated engine operating point target and electrical power target.
US09221451B2	Systems and methods for increasing fuel efficiency The vehicle described herein employs an electronic control unit (“ECU”) and/or accessory control module configured to improve actual fuel, economy. The ECU and/or the accessory control module monitors vehicle operating conditions and reduces load from an accessory when the vehicle achieves predetermined operating conditions. The ECU and/or the accessory control module is also configured to engage a fuel cut and a torque converter lock up condition. The lock up condition causes the wheels to drive the motor to avoid engine stall. At a predetermined low level, the ECU and/or the accessory control module can re-engage the accessory and fuel supply and disengage the lock up condition.
US09221450B2	Method for operating a vehicle with an electric drive machine A method for operating a vehicle having an electric machine for driving the vehicle and a brake system. Electric energy can be recovered from a movement of the vehicle by the electric machine. In the method, a state of the brake system of the vehicle is determined, and an actuation of a brake pedal of the vehicle is detected. A brake pressure of the brake system and an energy recovery by the electric machine are adjusted dependent on the state of the brake system and the actuation of the brake pedal.
US09221444B2	Brake system having drag reduction function and method of controlling the same A brake system may have a drag reduction function of effectively attenuating drag by controlling the position of a pressurizing piston in a pressurizing cylinder through a motor to supply a fluid in a hydraulic line to the reserve tank such that negative pressure is created to forcibly withdraw the piston in a caliper, and a method of controlling the same. The brake system may include a pressurizing cylinder connected to a reserve tank to store a fluid, a motor to move a pressurizing piston forward, and a braking control unit to receive state information about the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle is braking or traveling, execute, when the vehicle is traveling, a negative pressure creation mode of driving the motor to move the pressurizing piston forward to create a negative pressure, and execute, when creation of the negative pressure is completed, a negative pressure maintaining mode.
US09221442B2	Brake control apparatus for vehicle Electric motor control is based on a target energization amount calculated using a braking operation member operation amount. A state quantity is acquired as an actual value, indicating an actual actuation state of a movable member located in a power transmission path from the electric motor to a friction member. Using the operation amount, it is determined whether or not inertia compensation control is necessary, which compensates for the inertia influence of a brake actuator during electric motor deceleration. “A target value corresponding to the actual value” is determined as a reference value, which is calculated based on the operation amount at a time when inertia compensation control is necessary. Based on the actual and reference values, “an inertia compensation energization amount for decreasing the target energization amount to compensate for the influence of inertia” is calculated, and the target energization amount is adjusted using the inertia compensation energization amount.
US09221441B2	Control device for a brake system of a vehicle, brake system for a vehicle and method for operating a brake system of a vehicle In a control device for a brake system of a vehicle, given an actuation of a brake actuating element, a buildup of brake pressure is prevented at least in a first wheel brake caliper of a first brake circuit, a first wheel inlet valve of the first wheel brake caliper being controlled to a partly open state, and a first wheel outlet valve of the first wheel brake caliper being kept in a partly open state, a second wheel inlet valve of a second wheel brake caliper of the first brake circuit being controlled to a partly open state, and a second wheel outlet valve of the second wheel brake caliper being controlled to a closed state, in such a way that a brake pressure can be built up in the second wheel brake caliper.
US09221436B2	Vehicle brake pressure controller A brake controlling unit detects a brake actuation object based on images captured by a running environment recognizing unit and sets a target brake pre-pressure actuation distance based on a relative speed between the brake actuation object and a subject vehicle. When an actual distance between the subject vehicle and the brake actuation object reaches the target brake pre-pressure actuation distance, the brake controlling unit outputs to a brake driving unit a driving signal that generates a brake pre-pressure to make the brake clearance of a brake minimal.
US09221435B2	Parking brake device and method of manufacturing the same There is provided a parking brake device including a link plate which is disposed on a bracket and relays movement of a parking brake lever to a brake cable, and a connection rod with one end being connected to the link plate and the other end being connected to the brake cable, an approximately center portion of the connection rod being provided with a columnar portion. The columnar portion is provided with mutually facing flat faces on which a tensile load detector is mounted such that a tensile load applied to the brake cable is detected by the tensile load detector.
US09221434B2	Method for operating a self-propelled agricultural machine A method for operating a self-propelled agricultural machine that has a traction drive, a service brake, a control and a man machine interface including an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, where a user actuation of the brake pedal causes the service brake to be operated. The method includes monitoring the user actuation of the accelerator pedal by the control to detect a brake indication, which is a predetermined indication for an approaching user actuation of the brake pedal. Upon detecting a brake indication, the control implements at least one preparatory measure by the control for the preparation of a user actuation of the brake pedal. The implemented preparatory measure alone does not have a braking effect on the agricultural machine.
US09221430B2	Washer apparatus for vehicle A branch conduit is branched from a main conduit. A switching device is provided at a location between an upstream side portion of the main conduit and the branch conduit and is adapted to connect the upstream side portion of the main conduit to one of a rear window wash nozzle and a camera wash nozzle. When the switching device receives an electric signal, which indicates placement of a vehicle in a reverse drive mode, the switching device connects the upstream side portion of the main conduit to the camera wash nozzle through the branch conduit upon disconnecting the upstream side portion of the main conduit from the at least one window wash nozzle.
US09221428B2	Driver identification system and methods A system for developing a digital signature identifying a specific person operating a vehicle uses a computerized appliance and software or firmware executing from a non-transitory medium on the computerized appliance and providing a first function collecting raw data regarding vehicle operation from sensors implemented in the vehicle during operation by the specific person, a second function analyzing the raw data and identifying at least one pattern of behavior associated with the specific person; and a third function developing a digital signature from the analyzed data for that specific person.
US09221426B2	Automobile power supply control device An automobile power supply control device for performing a control of switching a plurality of power supply circuits of a vehicle based on an operation of a push button type operation switch has a plurality of switching units for connecting the power supply circuits and a vehicle battery, and a control unit for performing a control of driving the switching units in a predetermined order according to number of operations of the operation switch. The control unit has a first detecting portion for detecting the operation of the operation switch, an output portion for outputting a drive command for driving the switching unit of next order when the first detecting portion detects the operation of the operation switch, and a second detecting portion for detecting the number of operations of the operation switch from a time point the drive command is output until a contact of the driven switching unit is switched. The switching units are driven in order by the number of operations detected by the second detecting portion, which driving is terminated when a last switching unit of the predetermined order is driven, or terminated when a first switching unit of the predetermined order is driven.
US09221415B2	Method of assembling and packing an automotive airbag A method of assembling an airbag for a seatbelt restraint such that the deflated airbag lays flat when it is stacked and secured to a webbing of the seatbelt. The airbag is assembled from a plurality of material strips. The strips are edge joint welded together so that the joints lay flat between the individual strips comprising the airbag.
US09221414B2	Impact tubing for pedestrian protection sensor for automotive vehicle A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment, the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.
US09221412B2	Front vehicle body structure A front vehicle body structure includes: a front side member that is arranged on a side portion of a front vehicle body longitudinally in a vehicle front-rear direction; a bumper reinforcement that is arranged longitudinally in a vehicle width direction, that is connected directly or indirectly to a front end of the front side member, and that includes a protruding portion that protrudes more outward in the vehicle width direction than the front side member; and a high-strength member that is formed with a higher strength than the protruding portion, that is mounted to a rear-surface side of the protruding portion, and that is formed such that a dimension in the vehicle front-rear direction is increased as the high-strength member extends more outward in the vehicle width direction.
US09221409B1	Vehicle power distribution system A power distribution module for use in a vehicle's power control system is provided, the use of which helps to minimize parasitic battery losses while providing additional control over the vehicle's electrical components and subsystems. The power distribution module includes a plurality of control circuits, each of which is under the control of its own circuit switch, and each of which is coupled to one or more electronic control modules. The power distribution module also includes a processor that is configured to close each of the circuit switches, thereby providing power to the corresponding control circuits, in response to current vehicle conditions and in accordance with a preset set of conditions.
US09221408B2	Power supply control apparatus for vehicle A vehicle power supply control apparatus is provided including a power supply control unit, a control signal connection circuit unit, a remote operation signal obtaining unit for receiving a remote operation signal, a power supply control unit that is operated during remote operation, relays serving as electrical path opening/closing units, and fuses. An air conditioner and a heater are connected to an electrical path that is opened and closed by the relay. A wiper, a washer and a turn signal relay are connected to an electrical path that is opened and closed by the relay. If the remote operation signal obtaining unit obtains a remote operation signal, the control signal connection circuit unit turns the relay off, and does not switch an electrical current on to the electrical path to which the wiper, the washer, and the turn signal relay are connected.
US09221403B2	Interior part for vehicle and method for treating edge thereof An interior part for a vehicle includes a body member including protrusions and depressions, a first member having a flat sheet shape and attached to one side of the body member, and a second member having a flat sheet shape and attached to another side of the body member. An edge of the side end of the first member is fixed with an edge of the side end of the second member in a convex manner via an edge of a side end of the body member. The edges of the first member, the body member and the second member are processed by a chamfer treatment to form an inclined portion outwardly inclined from the second member toward the first member. According to the interior part, unpleasant feeling to be brought to a user when touching the inclined portion is drastically restricted.
US09221398B1	Fender mount assembly having backing plate A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror to a vehicle, includes a mounting bracket including a mirror pivot mechanism for pivotally mounting a mirror mounting arm carrying the mirror to the mirror mounting bracket, and a top support bracket configured to connect to a top side of a first structural portion. The assembly also includes a back support bracket configured to connect to at least one of the top support bracket and the top side of the structural portion of the vehicle, and configured to connect to the mounting bracket while being supported by at least one of the first structural portion and at least a second structural portion of the vehicle.
US09221397B1	Variable magnetic break-away mounting mechanism Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus providing a first component having a circular opening with an interior chaffered edge and a second component positioned within the circular opening. The apparatus also provides a magnetic feature at a circular bottom surface of the first component, where the magnetic feature provides a magnetic pull force in a first direction to secure the second component within the circular opening. The second component is configured to break away from the circular opening when a contact force to the breakaway component causes a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction and greater than the magnetic pull force.
US09221396B1	Cross-validating sensors of an autonomous vehicle Methods and systems are disclosed for cross-validating a second sensor with a first sensor. Cross-validating the second sensor may include obtaining sensor readings from the first sensor and comparing the sensor readings from the first sensor with sensor readings obtained from the second sensor. In particular, the comparison of the sensor readings may include comparing state information about a vehicle detected by the first sensor and the second sensor. In addition, comparing the sensor readings may include obtaining a first image from the first sensor, obtaining a second image from the second sensor, and then comparing various characteristics of the images. One characteristic that may be compared are object labels applied to the vehicle detected by the first and second sensor. The first and second sensors may be different types of sensors.
US09221394B2	Lighting device for vehicle A lighting device for a vehicle is provided to a vehicular door trim to illuminate a handle housing portion in which an inside handle is housed. The lighting device includes a light exit member, a light exit member mount member provided on an upper side of the inside handle and on which the light exit member is arranged, and a light transmission portion provided to the light exit member mount member and through which light from the light exit member is directed to the handle housing portion. The light exit member is arranged on a vehicular compartment inner side than the light transmission portion.
US09221389B2	Vehicle lamp A vehicle lamp includes a light source (LED) 2, a solenoid-type actuator 6, and a lamp control device LC. The light source 2 lights up when a current flows therethrough. The actuator 6 controls a light distribution of light that is illuminated from the light source 2. The lamp control device LC controls lighting-up of the light source 2 and driving of the actuator 6. The lamp control device LC includes a current control device 10 and an actuator control device 20. The current control device 10 outputs a constant current. The actuator control device 20 connects the actuator 6 to the light source 2 in series based on a predetermined signal so that the constant current, which is output from the current control device 10, flows through the light source 2 and the actuator 6.
US09221386B2	Warning device for judging whether occupant is visually distracted A warning device that is highly effective in encouraging a driver to stop visually distracted driving. The warning device includes a visually-distracted-driving determination unit and a warning unit. The visually-distracted driving determination unit determines that a driver is visually distracted if the direction in which the driver is looking is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle with respect to the front of the driver. The warning unit issues a visual warning at a position visible to the driver when the visually-distracted-driving determination unit determines that the driver is visually distracted. The warning unit is arranged on a virtual boundary line forming the predetermined angle with the front of the driver on the right and/or left side thereof.
US09221385B2	Emergency digital sign network with video camera, methods of operation, and storage medium The disclosed subject matter provides a digital sign with a video camera. The digital sign and video camera are connected via a communications medium to a central computer. The central computer provides a way of changing the images displayed on the digital sign and of disseminating the video from the video camera either through real time forwarding/viewing or recording the real time video stream and playing back the recorded video to a user. The central computer also provides a user interface where an authorized user, which would normally include an authorized governmental entity, can view the video stream and unilaterally interrupt the normally displayed image (or series of images) with an emergency notification message that would display on the digital sign.
US09221383B2	Modular central instrument In the case of a central instrument in the center console of a motor vehicle having a circular display, on which a plurality of vehicle-relevant information is shown, the display has an at least approximately circular edge which contains several illuminants which are freely programmable in their brightness, are variably controlled during an operating phase of the motor vehicle and generate a luminous shape that varies with respect to time. The luminous shape supplies information on the condition and/or the function of the motor vehicle and/or of a motor vehicle component.
US09221382B1	Strap edge guard An edge guard to provide a barrier between a strap and a load comprising an angled plate, where the angled plate includes a first portion and a second portion that meet at a corner; tabs attached to the first portion of the angled plate, where the tabs receive the strap, and where the strap is positioned between tabs and the angled plate; and bolts to secure tabs to the angled plate.
US09221378B2	Slide-out room mechanism for a vehicle A slide-out system having a first and second slide-out assembly which are fixed to a first and second side of a slide-out room respectfully. Each assembly preferably includes an upper and lower gear rack fixed to the respective side of the slide-out room. An electric motor is connected to a drive gear that engages the top gear rack, driving movement of the slide-out room. This movement is distributed or synchronized with a lower portion of the room by an axle having a top gear engaged with the top gear rack and a bottom gear engaged with the bottom gear rack. Since the axle is not directly connected to the motor, it acts solely as a secondary synchronization mechanism between the top and bottom of the room.
US09221377B2	Boat transporting apparatus A frame rack is detachably positioned on a bed of a pickup truck. A winch is secured to one end of the frame rack. A pair of spaced parallel bottom rollers is secured to the opposite end of the frame rack. The bottom rollers are supported by a brace assembly, which engages a hitch receiver carried by the truck. A boat bow is tied to a rope and gradually pulled onto the bed of the truck by the winch pulling the rope. Once the boat is loaded on the truck it is supported by the frame rack during the transport.
US09221376B2	Vehicle tray A tray for use in a vehicle may include a base sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle cup holder and a tray attachable to the base and repositionable on the base to different positions.
US09221373B1	Biomechanical protective system A system for biomechanically protecting a person carrying a structure on their back includes a body portion carried about the person's back and shoulders. A shoulder area pad is connected to the body portion and covers a portion of the person's shoulder area. A scapula area pad spaces the structure from the person's spine of the scapula area and covers a portion of the person's back adjacent the spine of the scapula. A para-spinal pad spaces the structure from the person's spinous processes and extends substantially the length of the person's spine, covering a portion of the person's para-spinal musculature. Protection from the structure is also provided by a lateral pad that covers a lateral portion of the person's back, a kidney pad that covers a portion of the person's back to protect the kidneys, and a sacrum pad that covers a portion of the person's sacrum area.
US09221370B2	Vehicle seat The invention, relates to Vehicle seat, comprising an upper lid mechanism configured to move between a closed position, where the upper lid mechanism covers the messages system so as to provide foot rest surface, and an open position where the upper lid mechanism transforms and opens up so as to form a foot accommodation space for foot massage. The upper lid mechanism comprises an array of flat sections, and an actuator.
US09221366B2	Energy-dissipation system A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and an energy-absorption apparatus coupled to the juvenile vehicle seat. The energy-absorption apparatus is configured to absorb external energy associated with an external impact force applied to the energy-absorption apparatus.
US09221365B2	Convertible child safety seat assembly and method of operating the same A convertible child safety seat assembly includes a seat portion and a removable seatback. The seat portion has a seat portion having an upper surface, and an elongated slot opened on the upper surface. The seatback is affixed with at least one beam that has an elongated shape. The beam has a distal end, and is assembled with a latch movable transversally relative to the beam. The seatback is attached to the seat portion with the beam received in the elongated slot, the distal end engaged under the upper surface, and the latch engaging through a sidewall of the elongated slot.
US09221358B2	Control device for controlling an operating device A control device (10) for controlling an operating device (100), comprising an evaluation unit (20), a first position sensor unit (30a) for determining the position of a first component (130a) of the operating device (100) and a second position sensor unit (30b) for determining the position of a second component (130b) of the operating device (100). The evaluation unit (20) is connected to the position sensor units (30a, 30b) to permit signal communications and is constructed as a common evaluation unit (20) for evaluating the signals of the position sensor units (30a, 30b).
US09221351B2	Regulation control and energy management scheme for wireless power transfer Power transfer rate at a charging facility can be maximized by employing a feedback scheme. The state of charge (SOC) and temperature of the regenerative energy storage system (RESS) pack of a vehicle is monitored to determine the load due to the RESS pack. An optimal frequency that cancels the imaginary component of the input impedance for the output signal from a grid converter is calculated from the load of the RESS pack, and a frequency offset f* is made to the nominal frequency f0 of the grid converter output based on the resonance frequency of a magnetically coupled circuit. The optimal frequency can maximize the efficiency of the power transfer. Further, an optimal grid converter duty ratio d* can be derived from the charge rate of the RESS pack. The grid converter duty ratio d* regulates wireless power transfer (WPT) power level.
US09221349B2	Charging system for vehicle and vehicle comprising the same A power source for vehicles according to the present disclosure includes a secondary battery pack to support power required to start up a vehicle and power required for an electronic device equipped in the vehicle together, and having an operating voltage range of 9V to 19V in which a maximum operating voltage ranges from 16V to 19V and an average voltage is higher than or equal to 12V, and an alternator to produce a charging power for the secondary battery pack in response to operation of an engine of the vehicle.
US09221345B2	Battery charging device for motor vehicle A battery charging device for a motor vehicle capable of enabling the charging of a low voltage battery by a high voltage battery, without using a transformer such as a DC/DC converter, is disclosed. A battery pack 30 has a plurality of battery modules 31 having an output equivalent to a lead battery 5, a parallel circuit 39 for connecting the plurality of battery modules 31 in parallel, and a series circuit 34 for connecting the plurality of battery modules 31 in series, and the lead battery 5 is connected to the parallel circuit 39 in parallel with the plurality of battery modules 31.
US09221342B2	Method and device for displaying information in a vehicle A method for displaying graphical objects. The graphical objects can be displayed by a control device of a display device in a first or second display mode. The speed of the vehicle is measured, and in a first speed range the graphical objects are displayed in the first display mode and in a second speed range the graphical objects are displayed in the second display mode. Also disclosed is a device for displaying information of graphical objects.
US09221341B2	Vehicle operation input apparatus and control method for vehicle operation input apparatus A vehicle operation input apparatus includes: a display having a screen; and a control unit configured to determine whether or not a hand of a driver has been removed from a steering wheel, and after determining that the hand of the driver has been removed from the steering wheel in a situation where an operation menu is not displayed on the screen, control the display such that the operation menu is displayed on the screen.
US09221338B2	Configurable accelerator pedal An accelerator pedal feedback system is provided that utilizes a virtual spring assembly to provide controllable pedal resistance, thereby supplying the driver with a tactile indicator of changes in a monitored vehicle characteristic, such as a low battery pack level.
US09221333B2	Fuel tank opening-closing device A fuel tank opening-closing device has a tank opening forming member, a flap valve mechanism that has an opening-closing member, and an opening-closing activation mechanism that switches between the locked position and the unlocked position that does the opening operation of the opening-closing member. The opening-closing activation mechanism has a nozzle detection mechanism which has introductory push parts mounted on the opening-closing member and adapted to receive force of motion in the insertion direction of the fueling nozzle, and a lock member that is mounted on the tank opening forming member and that selectively shifts between the locked position and the unlocked position by engaging and disengaging with the opening-closing member, and a locking mechanism that moves the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position by being pushed by the introductory push parts.
US09221332B2	Plastic fuel tank The invention relates to a plastic fuel tank (1) for motor vehicles having at least one tank wall (2) surrounding at least one fuel volume, wherein the tank wall (2) is provided at least in a certain area or certain areas with means for increasing flexural rigidity in the form of two-dimensionally extended reinforcing layers (3) connected materially and/or positively thereto (FIG. 1).
US09221331B2	Headlamp and air-induction system A vehicle may include an engine, a housing, a lighting assembly and a conduit. The engine propels the vehicle. The housing is mounted to a body of the vehicle and includes an airflow passageway extending through the housing. The lighting assembly is mounted to the housing, defines an air inlet of the airflow passageway and is configured to emit a light pattern in response to receipt of electrical current. The conduit may be connected to the airflow passageway for fluid communication therebetween. The conduit may receive air from the air inlet and may provide the air to the engine for combustion within the engine.
US09221322B2	Device for restricting wind turbulence Disclosed is a device for restricting wind turbulence in a moving open top automobile. The device comprises an elongate wind panel adapted to be secured to the double seat or the pair of non-contiguous juxtaposed seats thereof such that, the wind panel vertically, upwardly and contiguously extends from the seat.
US09221311B2	Linkage arrangement A linkage arrangement for an articulated vehicle. The linkage arrangement (1) comprises a front frame (50) of the articulated vehicle, a rear frame (60) of the articulated vehicle, and a first pivot joint (10) interconnecting the front frame (50) and the rear frame (60) such that the front frame (50) and the rear frame (60) are pivotable relative each other about the first pivot joint (10). The linkage arrangement also comprises a link (40) having a fixed length. The link has a front end (41) pivotably connected to the front frame (50) by means of a second pivot joint (20), and a rear end (42) pivotably connected to the rear frame (60) by means of a third pivot joint (30). A projection of the first pivot joint (10) on the link (40) is positioned between the second (20) and third (30) pivot joints, at a first distance (D12) from the second (20) pivot joint and at a second distance (D13) from the third pivot joint (30).
US09221309B2	Wheel localizer, wheel localization device, system, method and computer program for locating a position of a wheel Embodiments can provide a system, a wheel localizer, a wheel localization device, a method or a computer program for locating a position of wheel. The system for locating the position of the wheel on the vehicle includes a detector for obtaining information related to a state of movement of the vehicle and a locator for determining the position of the wheel based on the information related to the state of movement of the vehicle.
US09221304B2	Tire An intra-groove groove 310,330 is formed in circumferential groove 31,33 which is formed in a pneumatic tire 1, the intra-groove groove 310,330 is recessed farther inward in a tire radial direction TR than the circumferential groove 31,33. The intra-groove groove 310,330 includes a high-angle groove section 311,331 in which an angle θ1 formed between a straight line L1 and the intra-groove groove 310,330 is equal to or more than a predetermined angle, and a low-angle groove section 312,332 in which an angle θ2 formed between the straight line L1 and the intra-groove groove 310,330 is smaller than the predetermined angle. The high-angle groove section 311,331 is positioned closer to an intra-groove center line DCL than the low-angle groove section 312,332. A width W1 of the high-angle groove section 311, 331 is wider than a width W2 of the low-angle groove section 312, 332.
US09221300B1	System and method for a removable wheel device for a field game goal A removable wheel device which slides onto the base of a sports field goal. The wheel device allows one person to move a goal across a field without using excessive force by sliding one wheel device onto the base of each goalpost and using leverage to tilt the goal and push or pull it for a distance. When inserted onto the base of the goal, the wheel device does not require any type of fastening to remain in place, but rather uses its own unique shape to hold onto the goal. Because field goals vary in structure, so too do each of the embodiments of the removable wheel device. Some of these variances include the angle of the axle, the location and structure of the notch, and the use of a protrusion.
US09221298B2	Hub clamp assembly A hub clamp assembly includes a hub that has a flange portion and an annular sleeve portion. The sleeve portion has a plurality of substantially longitudinal slits therein extending from a distal end toward the flange portion to form a plurality of sleeve segments. The sleeve portion further has an outer surface that includes a concentric, unthreaded grooves. The assembly also includes an annular collar that has a plurality of sleeve engagement pieces each having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface of the sleeve engagement piece contains concentric, unthreaded grooves slidably engaged with concentric, unthreaded grooves of the outer surface of the sleeve portion. A support ring surrounds the sleeve portion of the hub and overlies the second surfaces of the sleeve engagement pieces.
US09221296B2	Painting support board A pochade box has a painting support system that includes a painting support board for holding artist's panels or canvases that is colored to mimic the frame for the finished painting. A reference line grid is scribed on the painting support board more accurately draw and observe straight lines. A continuous loop strip of a hook and loop system placed on all four sides of the support board. A mahl stick with a hook patch of the hook and loop system placed on a tip of the mahl stick allows the artist to attach the mahl stick anywhere on the support board to the loop strip to steady and support the hand while painting. Panel securing clips are placed in receiving fasteners inserted in fastener holes at fixed locations on the painting support board to allow attaching several different sizes of the paint canvases and panels.
US09221295B2	Apparatus and method to control material converting and envelope stuffing An apparatus and method for stuffing envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of prime movers, a plurality of sensors disposed throughout the apparatus, and a central controller. The prime movers, the sensors and the central controller are operably interconnected such that the central controller directly receives signals from the sensors and from the plurality of prime movers for real-time control of at least one prime mover from the plurality of prime movers based upon determined movement of at least one of a discrete sheet of material, a stack of sheets of material or a stuffed envelope through at least a portion of the apparatus.
US09221292B2	Label, adhesive label, and printed product A label includes an optical function layer configured to pass light of a certain wavelength, a light absorption pattern facing one major surface of the optical function layer and configured to absorb the light of the wavelength, and a light reflecting layer facing the other major surface of the optical function layer and configured to reflect the light of the wavelength. The light reflecting layer is configured to raise an absorbance at the wavelength when heated.
US09221288B2	Printing process and system for ascertaining register defects Printing material printing processes generate a raster bit map manipulated by matrix manipulation to compensate for geometrical distortions of the printed image on the printing material. First of all, the same correction functions are used for following raster bit maps, if the intention is to dispense with the imaging of test printing forms. Measuring marks are also printed, while printing is underway, at fixed positions on a sheet to establish any present register defects. Different repeat configurations for follow-up printing means that it is no longer possible for the measuring marks to be provided at the same positions. The ascertained deviations are used to interpolate adjusted deviations at the first positions for the first measuring marks to make it possible to use the second measuring marks at the shifted positions. Further technical measures are then implemented on this basis. A printing system for printing a printing material is also provided.
US09221287B2	Self-inking stamp The invention relates to a self-inking stamp (1) comprising a housing (2), in which a stamp unit (5) coupled to an actuation part (3) which can be moved with respect to the housing (2) is mounted by means of axle parts (6), at least one of the axle parts (6) being maintained in a receiving element (7) of the actuation part (3). The receiving element (7) is formed in a bearing projection (8) of the actuation part (3), the bearing projection (8) being covered by a safety frame (15) surrounding the housing (2), arranged on the underside of the actuation part (3) and moving together with the actuation part (3).
US09221286B2	Polyester film with smooth surface properties for winding and printing A substrate composite film for thermal transfer printing includes a biaxially oriented base layer including polyester, a first type of lubricant particles, and a second type of lubricant particles. The substrate composite film satisfies the following: (1) a ratio of maximum height SRma and peak count SPc is 1≦SRma/SPc≦4.5, (2) a center plane average roughness Sra is 15 to 30 nm, (3) coefficient of dynamic friction is <0.60, and (4) 20 and 60 degree gloss is greater than 160 SGU. The 20 degree gloss may be equal in all directions, and the 60 degree gloss may be equal in all directions.
US09221285B2	Image recording apparatus This image recording apparatus comprises: a sheet accommodation portion configured to accommodate a sheet therein; a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the sheet along a conveyance direction from the sheet accommodation portion; a recording unit configured to record an image onto the sheet conveyed by the conveyance mechanism; a housing accommodating the conveyance mechanism and the recording unit and having therein open space that opens toward an outside of the image recording apparatus while holding the sheet accommodation portion; and a speaker disposed inside the housing and configured to output sound to the open space.
US09221284B2	Image forming apparatus, method for forming test pattern, and computer program product An image forming apparatus includes a recording head in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging liquid droplets; and a pattern forming unit configured to form a test pattern used for positional deviation adjustment including a first pattern serving as a reference pattern and a second pattern serving as an adjustment pattern. The first pattern and the second pattern each are a linear pattern that is parallel to a nozzle arrangement direction and has a disconnected portion. The disconnected portion of the first pattern and the disconnected portion of the second pattern are shifted from each other in the nozzle arrangement direction.
US09221283B1	Determination apparatus and determination method for determining reusability of sheet A determination apparatus comprises a memory and a controller. The memory stores the area data of a plurality of areas divided in a specific form. The controller acquires a scanned image after an erasing processing is carried out for a sheet on which the specific form is printed, determines the state of the sheet subjected to the erasing processing by differing a threshold value for each image area associated with the area data and determines whether or not the sheet is reusable based on the result of the determination.
US09221276B2	Substrate mounting structure and tape printer A substrate mounting structure includes a substrate, a substrate support portion, a protruding portion, and a screw. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface that is a surface on an opposite side to the first surface. The substrate support portion includes a screw hole and is a section of an outer peripheral portion of the screw hole. The section comes into contact with the first surface of the substrate. The protruding portion is provided on at least a part of a section of the outer peripheral portion apart from the substrate support portion, and protrudes further in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface than the substrate support portion. The screw is screwed into the screw hole and clamps the substrate together with the substrate support portion.
US09221272B2	Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus An optical scanning device includes a light-source unit that emits a plurality of light beams, a deflector that deflects the light beams, and an image-forming optical system that receives the light beam deflected by the deflector and forms a spot image on photoconductors. The image-forming optical system includes a first scanning lens that allows only a corresponding light beam to pass and is arranged to form, upon receiving a virtual light beam, the spot image on the photoconductor with a not-curved line. The virtual line lies between a pair of light beams that travels in one of areas separated by a reference plane that is parallel to a sub-scanning direction and on which a normal line to a deflection plane of the deflector falls.
US09221268B1	Printing apparatus To correct a color shift caused by printing data, a printing apparatus includes an image formation section that prints on a transfer film using color inks according to printing data, and a control section which stores or generates pattern data of a pattern having respective colors of the inks, and combines the printing data and the pattern data so that a printing image of the pattern data overlaps a part of a printing image of the printing data. The control section corrects a printing start position on the transfer film with the image formation section of at least one color ink among printing images to print respectively with the color inks, according to input first information concerning a shift in respective colors of the inks constituting the pattern occurring in forming an image on the transfer film in the image formation section according to combined printing data subjected to combining.
US09221259B2	Liquid ejection head and manufacturing method thereof A liquid ejection head includes a recording element substrate that ejects liquid; an electric wiring substrate electrically connected with the recording element substrate; a support member having a recess that houses the recording element substrate; and a sealant that seals an electric connection part between both the substrates. The support member has a projection-shaped adhesive application surface at a bottom surface of the recess, on which an adhesive for bonding the recording element substrate is applied; and a projection projecting from an inner side surface of the recess near the electric connection part toward the adhesive application surface, which has a first region that is covered with the recording element substrate, and a second region extending from the first region to the projection having a wall formed of the adhesive and closing a gap between the projection and a side surface of the recording element substrate facing the projection.
US09221257B2	Liquid ejection head and recording apparatus Provided is a liquid ejection head including a support member; a liquid chamber member being fixed onto the support member through an adhesive and including a liquid chamber configured to store liquid therein; and a recording element substrate being fixed onto the liquid chamber member through the adhesive and including an ejection orifice from which the liquid is ejected and a recording element configured to generate ejection energy. The support member and the liquid chamber member have different coefficients of linear expansion. The surface of the liquid chamber member on the recording element substrate side includes a first region on which the adhesive for fixing the recording element substrate is applied; and a second region being a region other than the first region. The first region has a parallelogram shape, and the second region has a rectangular shape.
US09221255B2	Ink jet head and ink jet printing apparatus having the same An ink jet head includes a pressure chamber formed to hold ink, and a nozzle plate including a vibrating plate forming a bottom wall of the pressure chamber, a driving element that is provided on a surface of the vibrating plate and configured to cause a volume of the pressure chamber to be changed by deforming the vibrating plate upon application of voltage to the driving element, an opening through which the ink held in the pressure chamber is discharged in response to the change of the volume of the pressure chamber, and an insulating layer disposed between the driving element and the opening.
US09221251B2	Adaptive level shifter for print nozzle amplifier An apparatus includes an amplifier to provide a waveform to drive a print nozzle. The amplifier also provides a current proportional to a slew rate of the waveform. A pass gate to applies the waveform to the print nozzle in response to a drive signal. A level shifter adjusts the drive signal based on the current.
US09221250B2	Acoustically ejecting a droplet of fluid from a reservoir by an acoustic fluid ejection apparatus The invention provides apparatuses and methods for acoustically ejecting the fluid from a reservoir contained in or disposed on a substrate. The reservoir has a portion adapted to contain a fluid, and an acoustic radiation generator is positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to the reservoir. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through at least the portion of the reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of determining the energy level of the transmitted acoustic radiation and raising the energy level of subsequent pulses to a level sufficient to eject fluid droplets from the reservoir. The invention is particularly suited for delivering fluid from a plurality of reservoirs in an accurate and efficient manner.
US09221246B2	Method for printing an image onto a thermoplastic substrate, pre-forming plate used therefor and security instrument made therefrom A method is provided by the invention for printing surface applied images to a thermoplastic substrate to provide improved durability to the printed image. A thermoplastic substrate comprises in a predetermined area a pattern, preferably a cell pattern, of recessed image receiving surfaces below a nominal surface of the thermoplastic substrate and a pattern of bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, the depths of the recessed image receiving surfaces and the areas of the bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, relative to the areas of the recessed image receiving surfaces, chosen to provide durability to the image after the image has been printed onto the predetermined area. The image may be printed by ink jet printing. To additionally provide security features to the security instrument, latent and hidden images may be formed by latent image recesses and hidden image recesses, respectively, below the nominal surface.
US09221241B2	Apparatus and method for removing a CMP pad from a platen A method and apparatus for removing a pad adhesively secured to a platen. The apparatus includes a barrel assembly having a clamp assembly fixedly attached to a perimeter of the barrel assembly; a rotatable handle assembly nested within the barrel assembly; and a ratchet assembly nested between the handle assemble and the barrel assembly the ratchet assembly configured to engage the rotatable handle assembly.
US09221231B2	Acrylate based adhesive composition for optical use, acrylate based adhesive sheet for optical use, and method for separating optical component using the same Disclosed is an acrylate based adhesive composition for optical use that includes: a copolymer prepared by polymerizing an alkyl (meth)acrylate (wherein the alkyl is a C16 to C22 linear alkyl group) in an amount of about 1 to about 10 parts by weight, an alkyl (meth)acrylate (wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C12 alkyl group) in an amount of about 70 to about 98 parts by weight, and a polar monomer in an amount of about 1 to about 20 parts by weight; and a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent is included in an amount of about 0.5 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the copolymer.
US09221229B2	Apparatus and method for producing tubular sections for manufacturing bags A device for generating hose sections, which include paper, to produce bags, has an unwinding device with which a web can be unwound from a roll, a perforation device with which perforations can be inserted into the web extending perpendicular relative to the travel direction of the web, a hose forming device which is arranged. downstream in the production process relative to the perforation device and with which the edges of the web can be made to overlap to form a hose, and a separating device for hose sections. The perforation device includes a laser beam device with which a laser beam can be guided to the web in order to insert the perforations.
US09221228B2	Container formed from a container blank and having improved opening properties as a result of stretching heat treatment of polymer layers Disclosed herein is a container featuring at least one hole, and process for making the same. The container is prepared from a sheet-like composite having (i) a polymer outer layer facing the surroundings; (ii) a carrier layer following the polymer outer layer in the direction of the container interior; (iii) a barrier layer following the carrier layer in the direction of the container interior; (iv) an adhesive layer following the barrier layer in the direction of the container interior; and (v) a polymer inner layer following the adhesive layer in the direction of the container interior. The sheet-like composite is prepared by laminating the individual layers, wherein at least the polymer inner layer or the adhesive layer are stretched during application.
US09221225B2	Sealing bellows, method for the production thereof and sealing bellows arrangement A sealing bellows includes a sealing region disposed at a first end on a first end face and an attachment region disposed at a second end on a second end face. The sealing region includes an integrated first clamping element with a first internal diameter. The attachment region includes an integrated second clamping element with a second internal diameter. A casing is disposed in an axial direction of the sealing bellows between the sealing region and the attachment region with a third greatest internal diameter. The casing, the sealing region and the attachment region merge integrally into one another and are composed of a flexible rubber material, and, as a condition of production: the casing is substantially spherical; and the third greatest internal diameter of the casing is larger than the first internal diameter of the first clamping element and the second internal diameter of the second clamping element.
US09221223B2	Apparatus and method for controlling temperature gradient through wall thickness of container A method of forming a container includes providing a preform of the container. The preform has a wall with an interior region and an exterior region. The method also includes disposing the preform in a mold cavity wherein the mold cavity has a mold surface. Furthermore, the method includes introducing a substance into the preform to expand the preform toward the mold surface. The interior region of the wall has a first interior temperature prior to the introduction of the substance and a second interior temperature after the introduction of the substance. The exterior region of the wall has a first exterior temperature prior to the introduction of the substance and a second exterior temperature after the introduction of the substance. The method further includes controlling the first interior temperature to be greater than the first exterior temperature prior to the introduction of the substance.
US09221216B2	Computer numerical control (CNC) additive manufacturing An additive manufacturing system and process are described. In one example of the invention, a fiber optic cable connected with an ultraviolet (UV) LED and related lens forms an accumulation tool. The cable is then merged inside a tank filled with liquid resin that is UV-curable. By controlling the on/off state of the UV-LED and the multi-axis motion of the cable, a physical model, having a desired shape, can be built by selectively curing liquid resin into solid.
US09221208B2	Device for controlling blowing mediums in a stretch blow moulding machine The present invention relates to a device for controlling blowing mediums in a stretch blow moulding machine for producing hollow bodies of heated preforms, wherein the device comprises a housing block with a first through-bore for accommodating at least one blow nozzle. In addition, a first and a second valve are provided, wherein these valves are in fluid communication with the first through-bore and configured for selectively connecting a blow nozzle accommodated in the through-bore to a fluid connection. In order to simplify the construction of the device and to prevent leakages, the housing block furthermore comprises first and second valve channels for accommodating the first and the second valve within the housing block, wherein the first and second valve channels are in fluid communication with the first through-bore.
US09221202B2	Making twist-on wire connectors A method of making a twist-on wire connector including a method of making a sealant containing twist-on wire connector by in situ formation of a shell around the coil wherein a sealant may be injected into a cavity in the coil prior to removing the shell from the mold to form a ready-to-use sealant containing twist on wire connector without further steps outside the mold.
US09221198B2	Apparatus for pre-treatment and subsequent conveying, plastification or agglomeration of plastic material Disclosed is an apparatus for processing plastics, having a mixing implement rotatable around an axis of rotation, wherein, in a side wall, an aperture is formed, through which the plastics material is removed, a conveyor being provided, with a screw rotating in a housing wherein the imaginary continuation of the longitudinal axis of the conveyor in a direction opposite to the direction of conveying passes the axis of rotation, and on the outflow side, an offset distance between the longitudinal axis and the radial that is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the diameter D of the container has the following relationship to the diameter d of the screw: D = 10 · K · d 2 3 , where D is the internal diameter in mm of the container d is the diameter in mm of the screw and K is a constant which is in the range from 60 to 180.
US09221196B2	Method of manufacturing optical component and apparatus for manufacturing optical component A method of manufacturing an optical component includes, bringing a mold including at least one portion made of an infrared transmitting material into tight contact with a substrate, heating the substrate by irradiating the substrate with an infrared ray in a state that a gap is present between the substrate and the mold, and placing the mold and the substrate into tight contact with each other.
US09221191B2	Vacuum vibration press for forming engineered composite stone slabs A method of manufacturing engineered stone slabs provides slabs that are equal or superior in appearance and physical properties to slabs manufactured using a conventional Breton press, while weighing less, costing less to manufacture, providing shorter press cycle times, requiring less resin, and consuming less energy. In addition to providing a vibration device above the slab, the press also includes a second vibration device below the slab, which replaces the massive inertial base of a Breton press. The press can be completely enclosed within a vacuum chamber, and vibrationally isolated from surrounding structures. In embodiments, volume reduction blocks reduce the volume to be evacuated. Embodiments use screw jacks and springs or air bags to provide controlled pressing force and precisely uniform slab thickness. Slabs can be inserted and removed on a conveyor belt, or in rigid, self-supporting trays or molds on rollers.
US09221190B2	Production plant for forming engineered composite stone slabs An engineered stone production plant includes a vacuum vibration press (“VVP”) suspended above the ground, so that a conveyor belt and/or returning empty trays or molds from a curing oven to a mixing station can pass beneath the VVP. Rigid, self-supporting trays or molds can convey slabs through the plant on rollers, which allow independent horizontal movement of the slabs during spreading and coloring/veining of the slab mixture. Embodiments include air levitation for transporting slabs into and out of the VVP. The curing oven can be air-heated. The pressing plate can be sealed with the tray or mold by walls that extend downwardly from the press plate over a flexible covering sheet, by a gasket surrounding the pressing plate, or by an angle strip surrounding the slab mixture. In embodiments, the slab size can be changed by exchanging elastomeric mold walls, or by exchanging molds and pressing platens.
US09221187B2	Moving shear rail A sawmill including a band saw, mounted on a carriage. A moving shear rail is connected to the carriage such that the shear rail moves in synchronization with the band saw. The moving shear rail has a notch formed in the upper edge, and is positioned so that the notch is aligned with the band saw blade, and the upper edge of the moving shear rail extends at least to even with the band saw blade, and possibly even beyond the saw blade. The moving shear rail includes a shear rail plate carrying the notch, and a flexible element connected at each end of the shear rail plate. The flexible element is formed of conveyor links reeved about a pair of reels, including a last link that is removably connected to the shear rail plate. Each of the reels is mounted to a standard, one having a pivot, allowing that reel to be pivoted away.
US09221181B2	Support arm with brake mechanism A Support arm with brake mechanism, characterized in that: a resilient component generates a resilient force acting in opposition to gravity, such that a supporting rod can move an object steadily; and, in the course of moving the object, a brake is started as needed to brake the supporting rod and fasten the supporting rod to a predetermined position.
US09221180B2	Extended wrist assembly for robotic arm A robot is provided which includes (a) a first arm (313) terminating in a first radius (317); (b) a second arm (315) terminating in a second radius (319), wherein said second radius is spaced apart from said first radius; (c) a first band (331) that extends around a portion of said first radius; (d) a second band that extends around a portion of said second radius; and (e) a first rigid, longitudinally extending element (709) having a first end which is attached to said first band, and having a second end which is attached to said second band.
US09221179B2	Articulating mechanism An articulating mechanism is provided with at least one pair of spherical joints interconnected by a set of tension members. Each joint includes a ball member, a socket member configured to pivotably receive at least a portion of the ball member, and at least one tension member extending through both the ball and socket members parallel to and offset from a central longitudinal axis of the joint.
US09221173B2	Position control method and robot A position control method for controlling a position of a movable portion, includes: performing control of allowing the movable portion to approach a predetermined position by moving the movable portion; and performing control of moving the movable portion to the predetermined position by moving the movable portion and detecting a relative position of the movable portion with respect to the predetermined position by using an imaging unit.
US09221172B2	Constraining robotic manipulators with redundant degrees of freedom Redundant robotic manipulators may be constrained in their motions during operation in a gravity-compensated mode by applying, in addition to gravity-compensating torques, constraining torques to one or more of the joints. The constraining torques may urge the manipulator to a specified canonical posture, and may be modeled by virtual springs attached to the constrained joints.
US09221170B2	Method and apparatus for controlling a robotic device via wearable sensors A method of training a robotic device to perform predetermined movements utilizing wearable sensors worn by a user. A position and movement of the user is sensed in response to signals from the wearable sensors. The wearable sensors include at least one six-degree of freedom accelerometer. Gestures are recognized by a gesture recognizer device in response to the signals. A position, orientation, and velocity of the user are estimated by a position and orientation processing unit. The sensed gesture inputs and the estimated position, orientation, and velocity inputs of the wearable sensors are received within a service requester device. The gestures, orientations, positions, and velocities are converted into predefined actions. Controls signals are output from the service requester device to a robot controller for executing the predefined actions.
US09221168B2	Workbench The workbench includes one or more trestle units (102) having pairs of legs (104) joined to each end of a cross-piece (106) by a hinge unit (108) which allows the legs to fold flat against each other and against the cross-piece of the trestle for storage. The hinge has a stop which allows the legs to be positioned away from each other and away from the crosspiece of the trestle to form a stable trestle unit. The workbench further includes a plurality of beams (500), wherein said beams are adapted to be connected to at least one trestle so as to form a supporting framework for a work piece. A folding brace (110) between pairs of legs further stabilizes the trestle. The beams and trestles have holes (126) in their ends, and the beams and the trestles have regularly spaced holes (128) in them. Pegs can be inserted into and through the holes, and they have locking parts on them, allowing them to lock onto the trestle or beam. Pegs can have two latches for attachment to different beams or trestles. Trestles and beams may be thus interconnected to form a supporting framework.
US09221166B1	Protective shield for hand-held tools A protective device for a hand-held tool includes a protective shield having a first end and an opposing second end, a first clamp portion attached to the first end of the protective shield, and a second clamp portion removably attached to the first clamp portion. The first and second clamp portions are configured to securely fix a portion of the handle of the hand-held tool therebetween when the second clamp portion is attached to the first clamp portion.
US09221165B2	Tool receptacle A tool receptacle is disclosed. The tool receptacle has a spindle which has a receiving area for receiving a tool and an elongated hole which is open into the receiving area in a radial direction. A barrier element disposed in the elongated hole projects into the receiving area and is movable in the elongated hole. A slider is used for sliding the barrier element to an output-side end of the elongated hole, where the slider is subject to the application of force by a first spring against an insertion direction. A radial limit stop forces the barrier element in the radial direction to engage in the receiving area. The radial limit stop is displaceable to enable a radial movement of the barrier element out of engagement with the receiving area. A second spring applies a spring force to the radial limit stop against the insertion direction.
US09221164B2	Chisel A chisel according to the present technology has a reduced tendency to jam in a substrate. The chisel is on an axis in the striking direction with successively a striking surface, a shank, a spreading element and a tip. The spreading element has multiple ribs around the axis extending along the axis 2. The ribs each have a wave shape formed through a tangential deflection with respect to the axis.
US09221161B2	Fastening tool A fastening tool includes an actuation device configured to actuate a drive engine of the tool to initiate a drive stroke. The actuation device includes a contact trip assembly operatively connected to the movable portion of the nose assembly. The contact trip assembly a lower contact arm connected to the movable portion of the nose assembly biased in the retracted position and movable to the extended position with the moveable portion of the nose assembly, and an upper contact arm operatively connected to the lower contact arm. The actuation device includes a trigger assembly that includes a trigger, a trigger arm pivotally supported by the trigger and configured to interact with the upper contact arm, and a check pawl configured to engage an opening in the upper contact arm when the upper contact arm moves downward to prevent the tool from being operated in a contact trip mode.
US09221156B2	Motorized hand tool apparatus and assembly method A motorized hand tool such as a cordless ratchet wrench is configured for reducing assembly and disassembly processes. The motorized hand tool includes a motor end plate that may be fastened to a drive member such as a ratchet head assembly without the use of fasteners or assembly tooling such as presses, fixtures or hammers. A flange on the motor end plate can pass through a keyway in a periphery of the ratchet head assembly and may be then be rotated out of the keyway and into a peripheral slot of the ratchet head assembly. A rib protruding inwardly from a clamshell housing portion of the tool closes the keyway to prevent the flange on the motor end plate from rotating back into the keyway.
US09221155B1	Lag driver A lag driver includes a drive shank and a drive body assembly extending from the drive shank. The drive body assembly includes a fastener-receiving portion, wherein a fastener is receivable within the fastener-receiving portion in a first, loading position such that the fastener is positionable in substantial coaxial alignment with the lag driver, and wherein the fastener is rotatable into a second, locked position within the fastener-receiving portion such that the fastener-receiving portion is engageable with a portion of the fastener for applying torque to the fastener.
US09221154B2	Diamond tools and methods for making the same Superabrasive tools and methods for the making thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, superabrasive particles are chemically bonded to a matrix support material according to a predetermined pattern by a braze alloy. The brazing alloy may be provided as a powder, thin sheet, or sheet of amorphous alloy. A template having a plurality of apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern may be used to place the superabrasive particles on a given substrate or matrix support material.
US09221145B2	Device for blocking an ophthalmic lens A blocking device (1) includes: a structure (10); a manipulation arm (30) mounted on the structure to be movable between two extreme positions and including gripper element (33) for gripping a blocking accessory for placing on an ophthalmic lens; guide element (50) for guiding the manipulation arm between its two extreme positions along a path that presents a curved portion and an adjacent rectilinear portion; and drive element (70) for changing the position of the manipulation arm and including a gearwheel that meshes with a rack (40). The rack forms part of the manipulation arm and presents a circularly arcuate portion (41) enabling the manipulation arm to be driven along the curved portion of its path, and a rectilinear portion (42) enabling the manipulation arm to be driven along the rectilinear portion of its path.
US09221144B2	Universal sharpening jig for a cutting blade A universal sharpening jig for a cutting blade includes a base plate, a protractor plate coupled to the base plate, an incline plate hingedly coupled to the base plate and slideably connected to the protractor plate, the incline plate configured to secure the cutting blade and configured to set and fix the angle of the incline plate with respect to the base plate to define a sharpening angle of all or a portion of a bevel with respect to a flat back of the cutting blade. A push plate is slideably attached proximate a front of the base plate and co-planar with a bottom surface of the base plate, the push plate configured to position a user-applied force vector thereon and directly apply the force vector closely proximate the intersection of the bevel and an abrasive surface to reduce de-stabilizing moments and user energy need to create a sharpened edge between the bevel and the flat back of the cutting blade. At least one glide located proximate back of the base plate is configured to longitudinally and/or laterally level the base plate with respect to a level abrasive surface to allow movement of the jig in all horizontal directions by a user to create the sharpened edge on the cutting blade.
US09221142B2	Guard assembly A guard assembly for a tool is provided. The guard assembly has a body with a first open end, a second open end and a mid-portion between the first open end and the second open end. The body forms an inner passage between the first open end and the second open end. The passage is configured to receive a portion of a tool. The body has a plurality of spaced slots. Each slot extends from the first open end a select distance toward the mid-portion of the body. The body has a port and a plurality of openings proximate the second open end to allow air or fluid passage.
US09221140B2	Method of machining workpiece with machine tool A workpiece is machined by setting a frequency response band of a control system for a rotation drive motor or a feed drive motor so that tool abrasion is within a predetermined allowable range. The frequency response band may be adjusted by adjusting a proportional gain and an integral gain. With the workpiece machined by such a process, where the frequency response band maintains tool abrasion within the allowable range, machining quality and efficiency are improved.
US09221130B2	Material for thermal bonding, coating material for thermal bonding, coating, and electronic component bonding method A material is for thermal bonding by metal fine particle sintering mediated by a metal sintered film, such that shorts do not occur readily between bonded sections, and bonding strength is higher than that achieved by plating or sputtering. The material is obtained by dispersing metal fine particles in an organic compound dispersion medium that melts or softens through heating at a temperature higher than 30° C., and is interposed between metal members, semiconductor members or ceramic members. The material includes 60 wt % or more of the organic compound dispersion medium containing one or more types of a polyol having a melting point or softening point of 30° C. or higher and having two or more hydroxyl groups in the molecule, and 80 wt % or more of the metal fine particles that have an average particle size of primary particles ranging from 5 to 200 nm.
US09221129B2	Solder alloy, solder paste, and electronic circuit board A solder alloy of a tin-silver-copper solder alloy, containing tin, silver, antimony, bismuth, copper, and nickel, and substantially does not contain germanium, relative to the total amount of the solder alloy, the silver content is more than 1.0 mass % and less than 1.2 mass %, the antimony content is 0.01 mass % or more and 10 mass % or less, and the bismuth content is 0.01 mass % or more and 3.0 mass % or less.
US09221128B2	Method of inspecting a solder joint A method of inspecting a solder joint through which a lead of a semiconductor device is mounted on a printed circuit board is disclosed. The method includes setting an estimated solder joint region at an outside of an end of the lead of the semiconductor device, capturing an image of the estimated solder joint region, calculating a height of solder joint in the estimated solder joint region by using the captured image of the estimated solder joint region, and determining whether the solder joint is defective by comparing the height of the solder joint in the estimated solder joint region with a reference height of a solder joint, which is previously set. According to the method, reliability of inspection is enhanced regardless of environmental noises.
US09221125B2	Laser processing of display components for electronic devices Electronic devices may be provided with display structures such as glass and polymer layers in a liquid crystal display. The glass layers may serve as substrates for components such as a color filter layer and thin-film transistor layer. The polymer layers may include films such as a polarizer film and other optical films. During fabrication of a display, the polymer layers and glass layers may be laminated to one another. Portions of the polymer layers may extend past the edges of the glass layers. Laser cutting techniques may be used to trim away excess portions of the polymer layer that do not overlap underlying portions of the glass layers. Laser cutting may involve application of an adjustable infrared laser beam.
US09221121B2	Welding process for welding three elements using two angled energy beams A welding process, welding system and welded article are disclosed. The welding process includes directing energy from one or more fusion beams to join a first element to a second element and to join the first element to a third element. The directing of the energy is at a first lateral angle and a second lateral angle with respect to the first element. The welding system includes an energy emitting device, a first fusion beam and a second fusion beam. The first fusion beam and the second fusion beam are oriented to extend diagonally through an article. The laser welded article includes the first element joined to the second element, and the first element joined to the third element. A fillet weld is formed in a first inaccessible portion between the first element and the second element and a second inaccessible portion between the first element and the third element.
US09221120B2	Aluminum fan blade construction with welded cover An airfoil includes, among other possible things, a main body extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. Channels are formed into the main body, with a plurality of ribs extending intermediate the channels. A cover skin is attached to the main body. The cover skin is welded to the main body at outer edges. An adhesive is placed between inner surfaces of the cover skin and the main body. The adhesive is deposited inwardly of the outer edges of the cover skin.
US09221110B2	Power saw apparatus with integrated dust collector A power saw having a circular saw blade or, grinding wheel incorporated to a dust collection system that is easily portable is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, negative pressure and resulting air flow is provided at a lower blade guard to capture particulate matter as a byproduct of cutting a work piece. A unique dust collection housing is additionally provided having a filter to remove dust from air and exhaust the filtered air at a lateral side of the saw. A spin handle is additionally disclosed to increase the usable surface of the filter and to work in conjunction with a filter cleaning flap. A drive belt according to a preferred embodiment, drives the circular saw and a vacuum fan. Among the beneficial aspects of the power saw is its portability by obviating a need for a dust collection bag and/or a separate vacuum unit.
US09221104B2	Carpet waste composite product and method for making same A composite building product formed through formed molding. The composite product having an exterior skin surrounding a foamed core. The exterior skin being formed from particulate material that includes carpet waste material and mixed polymer waste materials.
US09221103B2	Apparatus for machining the ends of pipes The invention relates to a machine for machining the ends of pipes which, for control purposes, is assigned at least one computer unit and in the case of which the tools (13) are arranged displaceably such that they can engage radially in relation to the pipe in a tool head (11) which is driven by a motor (4) via a main spindle (10) guided through a headstock (6), the tool head rotating coaxially about the fixedly clamped pipe end, wherein the tools are arranged in tool holders in the form of slides (14A, 14B; 15A, 15B; 16A, 16B) and adjacent slides together mesh with a toothed wheel which is formed with weight compensation. According to the invention, the tool head (11) is formed with integrated advance motors (17) assigned to the slides (14A, 14B; 15A, 15B; 16A, 16B), and each slide is assigned a measuring device (24).
US09221101B2	Process for local repair of a damaged thermomechanical part and part thus produced, in particular a turbine part A process and device in production of precise three-dimensional sinters of a shape substantially close to that of an original part, using flash sintering produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology. A mold is produced in a die of an enclosure for SPS flash sintering, the mold being shaped as an impression of the original part. The following are deposited in successive layers in the mold: a layer based on a superalloy powder, a metallic protection layer, and a thermal barrier layer. In a sintering, pressurization is initiated and a pulsed current passes through, producing a rapid rise in temperature in accordance with a flash sintering cycle whose temperature, pressure, and duration are regulated, with at least one temperature plateau and one pressure plateau. The layer of superalloy forms, by diffusion, during the sintering, a bonding continuum of material with the part to be repaired.
US09221098B2	Inner nozzle for transferring molten metal contained in a vessel, system for clamping said nozzle and casting device A refractory nozzle comprises a substantially tubular portion with an axial through bore and a plate comprising a first, contact surface normal to the axial through bore and comprising the outlet opening, and a second surface opposite to the first contact surface joining the wall of the tubular portion to the side edges defining the perimeter and thickness of the plate. All but the first contact surface of the inner nozzle plate are at least partially clad with a metal casing having side edges. The inner nozzle plate metal casing comprises three separate bearing elements jutting out of the side edges. Each bearing element comprises a bearing ledge facing in the direction of the contact surface and distributed around the perimeter of the plate. The centroids of the orthogonal projections onto a plane parallel to the contact surface of the bearing ledges form the vertices of a triangle.
US09221094B2	Device for providing and controlling motion of connection elements A connection elements control for motion control of connection elements such as rivet elements or the like has at least one control unit with connection elements channel through which the connection elements are pushed, possibly by a fluid flow, the connection elements channel having an inlet section and an outlet section, and a control shaft extending through at least a portion of the connection elements channel in a control region between the sections, and the system is designed such that the passage of the connection elements and/or fluid through control region is controlled by swiveling control shaft.
US09221093B2	Heat exchanger, methods therefor and a nuclear fission reactor system The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger body defining an exit plenum chamber shaped for uniform flow of a hot primary heat transfer fluid through the chamber. A plurality of adjacent heat transfer members are connected to the heat exchanger body define a plurality of flow passages between the heat transfer members and open into the exit plenum chamber. Spacing of the heat transfer members by a predetermined distance evenly distributes flow of the primary heat transfer fluid through the flow passages, across the surfaces of the heat transfer members and into the exit plenum chamber. Heat transfer occurs from the hot primary heat transfer fluid to the cooler secondary heat transfer fluid as the primary heat transfer fluid flows through the chamber and as the secondary heat transfer fluid simultaneously flows through the flow channel of each heat transfer member.
US09221088B2	Stretch roll forming A method of forming includes applying a stretching force along a linear axis of a work piece and forming the work piece while the stretching force is applied.
US09221087B2	Method of producing seamless metal pipe A method of producing a seamless metal pipe, which can suppress the occurrence of inner surface flaws, is provided. A method of producing a seamless metal pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: heating a high alloy billet BL containing, by mass %, Cr: 20 to 30% and Ni: more than 22% and not more than 60% in a heating furnace F1 (S2); piercing-rolling the high alloy billet BL heated in the heating furnace F1 with a piercing machine P1 to produce a hollow shell (S3); cooling the hollow shell and then reheating the hollow shell in the heating furnace F1 (S4); and elongation-rolling the heated hollow shell with the piercing machine P1 (S5).
US09221085B2	Limited space separation and cleaning system and method A cleaning and separating system is provided for cleaning tanks (such as crude oil storage tanks), and other containers or enclosures. The cleaning and separating system invention fits within a limited space having a relatively small foot-print; preferably an 8 foot tall by 8 foot wide by 10 foot deep shipping container. Generally, wash fluid is sprayed into a vessel to be cleaned in order to form a slurry comprising liquid and solids. The slurry is then transferred to a cleaning and separating apparatus, where it is separated into liquid and solid components. The solids can be disposed of, while the liquids can be reclaimed.
US09221083B2	Air filter reconditioning apparatus and method An air filter reconditioning apparatus is provided for cleaning air filters. There is a vessel body with a lid and an arbor axle tube provides a source of incoming air. A two stage live arbor is provided having a first roller bearing fitted on the arbor axle tube, a spacer ring fitted on the first roller bearing, a second roller bearing fitted on the arbor axle tube, an impeller ring fitted on the second roller bearing and a housing fitted on the spacer ring and the impeller ring, with an air redirection plate disposed in the housing and fitted to the arbor axle tube. A V-grooved arbor nozzle adapter is threadably connected to the housing such that the housing and the V-grooved nozzle adapter rotate around the arbor axle tube. Nozzles defined in the V-grooved arbor nozzle adapter direct air into the air filter during rotation.
US09221080B2	Method for inspection and sorting of pistachios Method for the inspection and sorting of pistachios through artificial vision means and by the rotation of the pistachios around their axis; thereby obtaining multiple images of different views of said pistachios. At the inspection stage, an analysis of every image is carried out for detecting the opening edges of the pistachio; the opening edges length and width are measured and the pistachio is sorted according to pre-established values for the length and width of the opening edges. Finally, the pistachios are conveyed through endless means from the inspection unit for collection, and the pistachios sorted by the inspection unit according to pre-established values for the length and width of the opening edges are ejected endlessly.
US09221075B2	Surgical needle coatings and methods The present invention provides improved medical devices for use in surgical procedures and methods for manufacturing improved medical devices. In some embodiments, the improved medical devices can include improved surgical needles that are capable of being repeatedly passed through tissue using minimal force. More particularly, the improved surgical needles can be manufactured with two or more different coatings that provide the surgical needles with both durability and lubricity for ease of repeated and successive passes through tissue. Improved methods for manufacturing the surgical needles and for providing and applying coatings to the surgical needles are also provided.
US09221073B2	High molecular weight polycarbodiimide and method of producing same A method of producing the high molecular weight polycarbodiimide comprises the steps of providing an isocyanate component comprising toluene diisocyanate (TDI), a carbodiimidization catalyst, and a first solvent. The method further comprises the step of polymerizing the isocyanate component in the first solvent and in the presence of the carbodiimidization catalyst to produce a reaction mixture including at least one carbodiimide compound and the first solvent. In addition, the method comprises the step of combining a second solvent and the reaction mixture. Finally, the method comprises the step of polymerizing the at least one carbodiimide compound for a second period of time in the first and second solvents and in the presence of the carbodiimidization catalyst to produce the high molecular weight polycarbodiimide.
US09221072B2	Mask for deposition and deposition apparatus including the same A mask for deposition includes a deposition material passing portion including at least one opening column having a plurality of openings arranged in a first direction, and a frame portion adjacent the deposition material passing portion, wherein each of the openings is defined by a first slope and a second slope facing each other along the first direction and inclining toward one side of the frame portion respectively, and a third slope and a fourth slope facing each other along a second direction crossing the first direction, and wherein an inclined angle of the first slope of one of the openings at a central area of one of the opening columns is different from an inclined angle of the first slope of an other one of the openings at an outer area of the opening column.
US09221071B2	Method and apparatus of growing a thin film A method and apparatus of growing a thin film are provided. The method comprises at least (a) providing a number of substrates; (b) cleaning the substrates; and (c) placing the substrates into a reaction liquid; (d) vibrating the reaction liquid by ultrasonic waves such that a thin film is grown on the substrates evenly.
US09221070B2	Fire and water fountain Disclosed is two-tier fountain with a continuous scupper. A continuous scupper is a 360-degree, unrestricted border (i.e., continuous), scupper in an upper basin that creates an inward flowing laminar sheet of fluid. A continuous scupper maintains a laminar flow for great distances so that the fluid falls in a circular cascade sheet. On reaching the lower basin, the fluid creates a limited amount of turbulence during entry and therefore a reduced splash. The continuous scupper may be circular, or may have simple to complex variations that create different forms of circular cascade sheets. The upper basin may be open to the atmosphere, or may be closed to create even more spectacular circular cascade sheets.
US09221066B2	Multi-head electrostatic painting apparatus An electrostatic painting apparatus is provided. The electrostatic painting apparatus includes a body, a plurality of rotary atomizers included at least partially within the body, wherein each rotary atomizer is configured to electrostatically apply a coating material to a conductive substrate, and wherein each rotary atomizer is independently controllable, and a single high voltage cascade coupled to the plurality of rotary atomizers and configured to provide a high voltage to each rotary atomizer such that the same voltage is applied to each rotary atomizer.
US09221065B1	Helical water distribution restrictor One embodiment provides a helical restrictor insert for a sprinkler nozzle. The helical thread of the insert imparts a helical swirl into the water stream which changes the flow and distribution pattern of the water leaving the nozzle. The position of the end of the helical thread can be adjusted to direct a portion of the water stream downward, close to the sprinkler head without adversely affecting the nearby turf.
US09221064B2	Sorting two-dimensional nanomaterials by thickness The present teachings provide, in part, methods of separating two-dimensional nanomaterials by atomic layer thickness. In certain embodiments, the present teachings provide methods of generating graphene nanomaterials having a controlled number of atomic layer(s).
US09221059B2	Mobile crushing system A mobile crushing system with a sub-construction features at least one chassis and a superstructure featuring at least one receiving hopper, a crusher and a transport device. The superstructure features rigid bearings, and a hoisting device for raising and lowering the superstructure relative to the sub-construction and is provided between the superstructure and sub-construction. The superstructure is supported against the sub-construction by the hoisting device during traveling operation. The superstructure can be placed on the ground by the bearings by lowering the superstructure with the hoisting device during crushing operation in such a way that the bearings at least partially transmit the weight of the superstructure along with dynamic and static forces acting on the superstructure directly onto the ground.
US09221058B2	Determining the fineness of a ground material, in particular an ore, in a mill Methods and arrangements for determining the fineness of a ground material in a mill are provided, wherein the acoustic spectrum of the mill during the grinding process is used for concluding the fineness. The mill comprises a drum in which the ground material is present during the grinding process, said drum being driven by a magnetic drive having at least one magnetic segment during the grinding process, so that a rotating magnetic field generated with the aid of the magnetic drive causes the drum to rotate. In order to determine the acoustic spectrum, a voltage induced in a coil of the magnetic segment is determined at least intermittently. On the basis of a model, using the detected time-dependent induced voltage, conclusions can be drawn about the acoustic spectrum and therefrom about the fineness.
US09221057B2	Planetary mill and method of milling A planetary mill is disclosed. The planetary mill comprises a self-balancing milling assembly comprising a pair of elongate floating milling chambers arranged in parallel to and on opposite sides of a main axis wherein the milling chambers are free to move outwards in a direction radial to the main axis, a drive assembly for rotating the milling assembly in a first direction of rotation about the main axis, and at least one of belt surrounding the pair of floating milling chambers such that when the milling assembly rotates about the main axis, the at least one belt limits a radial travel outwards of each of the milling chambers.
US09221052B2	Dispensing device A dispensing device includes: a syringe; a first pump; a second pump; a first flowmeter; and a first control unit configured to correct a plurality of initial driving voltages for the first pump by calculating a first ratio of, with respect to a driving voltage for the first pump associated in advance with a target flow rate in a case where the syringe draws in a first fluid as the fluid, a driving voltage for the first pump when the first flowmeter measures a flow rate corresponding to the target flow rate in a case where the syringe draws in the first fluid, and multiplying, by the first ratio, the plurality of initial driving voltages for the first pump respectively associated in advance with a plurality of target flow rates in a case where the syringe draws in a second fluid as the fluid.
US09221049B2	Device and method for removing a supernatant of a liquid sample, and use of a valve device having a soluble membrane A device and a method for separating a supernatant of a liquid sample are proposed, in which an outlet is closed off by a water-soluble membrane that dissolves after a certain length of time so that the supernatant of the sample is automatically drained away after centrifugation. The water-soluble membrane may in principle may also be used for other purposes for temporarily retaining a liquid in a holding chamber.
US09221044B2	Flow system method for preparing substantially pure nanoparticles, nanoparticles obtained by this method and use thereof The invention relates to a method of synthesis of substantially pure nanoparticles in a continuous-flow system, in which a precursor substance solution undergoes reduction reaction using a reducing agent solution and nanoparticles are produced, wherein the reduction reaction is terminated by adding an agent neutralizing the reducing agent and a stable nanoparticle colloid is produced. In the method of the invention a need for using surfactants or other organic molecules for nanoparticle stabilization has been eliminated.
US09221039B2	Catalyst and the preparation process thereof and a process for epoxidising olefin Disclosed herein are a catalyst, a preparation process thereof, and a process of epoxidizing olefin using the catalyst. The catalyst contains a binder and a titanium silicate as specified. The catalyst disclosed herein has high strength, and shows high catalytic activity in the epoxidation of olefins.
US09221033B2	Catalyst for reforming tar used in the steam gasification of biomass A catalyst includes an olivine substrate on which an iron compound layer is deposited, produced by impregnating the olivine substrate with a solution including an iron salt, and then heat-treating. The catalyst is useful for steam-reforming tar, in particular in gaseous media from the steam gasification of biomass. Further, the catalyst can be used alone for catalyzing the steam gasification of organic compounds from biomass while limiting the amount of tar produced in the synthesized gases.
US09221028B2	Delivery particles The present application relates to encapsulated benefit agents, compositions comprising such encapsulated benefit agents and processes for making and using compositions comprising such encapsulated benefit agents. Such encapsulated benefit agents eliminate or minimize one or more of the drawbacks of current encapsulated benefit agents and thus provide formulators with additional perfume delivery opportunities.
US09221022B2	Static mixer A static mixing device for use within an open channel includes a mixing section with at least one set of stationary mixing vane members. The vane members are supported within a mixing section and include a plate member having a base edge supported by the base member, the plate member including an upstanding oblong tab with a leading edge extending upwardly and rearward from a forward corner of the base edge to a plate peak, the leading edge connecting with a curved trailing edge, the trailing edge extending downwardly and rearward to a rear corner of the base edge and a mixing cap supported on the trailing edge to promote mixing of the fluids within the fluid channel. The mixing device also includes an injection nozzle positioned upstream of the at least one vane member, at approximately the plate peak and operatively constructed to transport additives into the stream of fluid flow.
US09221014B2	Fluid injection control system An exhaust aftertreatment system may include a tank, an injector, a supply conduit, a pump, a pressure sensor, and a control module. The tank may contain a volume of a fluid. The injector may be configured to inject the fluid into a stream of exhaust gas discharged from the combustion engine. The supply conduit may fluidly connect the tank and the injector. The pump may pump the fluid from the tank to the injector. The control module may be in communication with the pressure sensor and the pump and may control the pump based on first and second measurements from the pressure sensor. The first measurement may be indicative of a first pressure within the supply conduit when the pump is operating. The second measurement from the pressure sensor may be indicative of a second pressure within the supply conduit when the pump is not operating.
US09221013B2	Method and system for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired thermal processes The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine and bromine to control total mercury emissions.
US09221011B2	Method and system for reducing industrial emissions The invention relates to a method adapted for integration with a carbonate absorption/stripping process for removal of carbon dioxide, the method and system including the steps of: converting a source of alkali from a first industry to a non-carbonate alkali; feeding the non-carbonate alkali as makeup to a carbonate absorption system for stripping carbon dioxide from emissions from a second industry; recovering an output from the system for stripping carbon dioxide, and in the process of conversion of the alkali from the first industry, utilising energy from the second industry.
US09221009B2	System and method for softening water for use in a scrubber The present invention relates generally to the field of emission control equipment for boilers, heaters, kilns, or other flue gas-, or combustion gas-, generating devices (e.g., those located at power plants, processing plants) and, in particular to a new and useful method and apparatus designed to improve the water supplied to non-calcium-based, aqueous wet SOx scrubbers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a system and method for softening water for use in non-calcium-based, aqueous wet SOx scrubbers.
US09221008B2	Gas prepurification process A method for removing impurities from a feed air gas stream prior to the stream being fed to a cryogenic distillation unit. The feed air gas stream contacts an ionic liquid which adsorbs the impurities from the air. The method can use one or more beds such as in pressure swing adsorption processes.
US09221006B2	Oxygen concentrator having structural sieve beds Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel filled with a separation medium are disclosed. The sieve bed vessel at least partially supports one chassis component of the oxygen concentrator with respect to another chassis component. of the oxygen concentrator.
US09221004B2	Air cleaner arrangements; components; and, methods An air cleaner assembly and components therefor are described. The components include features of an air cleaner housing; advantageous main filter cartridges; and, advantageous safety filter cartridge features. Features of the main filter cartridge are provided to engage an access cover of the assembly, and a cartridge support within the housing, in a preferred manner. Methods of assembly and use are also described.
US09221000B2	Filtration barrier A filtration barrier includes a filter mesh that has a plurality of groups of flexible filter elements, with each group having at least a first and second flexible filter elements disposed in spaced relation. The first flexible filter element is more flexible than the second. Each flexible filter element is secured to the first and second anchoring members of the mesh and free therebetween. During forward fluid flow, the first and second flexible filter elements are supported against downstream deflection and lie in a common plane. For reverse fluid flow, the first flexible element of a group displaces farther from the common plane than the second flexible filter element of that group, such that a first backwash opening associated with the first flexible element is larger than a second backwash opening associated with the second flexible element. Each group may have more elements, and associated methods are also disclosed.
US09220998B2	Filter media for a liquid filter using an electrospun nanofiber web, method for manufacturing same, and liquid filter using same Provided is a filter medium for a liquid filter, having a three-dimensional micropore structure of a multi-layered structure using a multilayer nanofiber web that is obtained by performing air-electrospinning, to thus be thin but have high efficiency and long life, a method of manufacturing the filter medium using the multilayer nanofiber web, and a liquid filter using the filter medium. The filter medium for a liquid filter, includes: a nanofiber web that is made by stacking nanofibers that are obtained by air-electrospinning a fibrous polymer material and that have micropores; and a supporter that is inserted and combined onto one surface or in an inner portion of the nanofiber web.
US09220995B2	System and method for constructing a set or a stage A wall module assembly usable to make interchangeable scenery, the module comprising a first support member having a first end, a second end, a first main surface, and a second main surface, a second support member having a first end, a second end, a first main surface, and a second main surface, a plurality of panel members interchangeably and removably supported by at least one of the first support member and the second support member, adjacent at least one of the first main surface and the second main surface of the first and/or second support member, and a plurality of connection members supported by the first end of the first support member and configured to be removably received within openings formed in the second end of the second support member positioned adjacent to the first support member.
US09220994B2	Construction toy A card-holding component. The card-holding component comprises a main body that includes a base and a card-holding portion. The card-holding portion having a geometry of a segment of a circle with an arcuate edge. The card-holding component also comprises a multiplicity of peripheral slots arranged to open on the arcuate edge of the card-holding portion. Additionally, the card-holding component comprises a coupling notch having a width that substantially matches a thickness of the main body.
US09220990B2	Multi-lane track system A toy vehicle track kit which imparts a self-guiding capability to a toy vehicles via guide rails interposed between wheels of toy vehicles. The self-guiding capability also permits passing or side-by-side racing of one toy vehicle with respect to another.
US09220988B2	Inclusive rotating play device Rotating inclusive play devices are provided. In certain embodiments, a rotating play device includes a stationary base, a rotatable portion, and a speed limiting device that connects the stationary base to the rotatable portion. The speed limiting device illustratively limits a rotational speed of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary base. The rotatable portion may have an elevated outer perimeter that includes recessed and raised portions. The speed limiting device may include a cranking mechanism and/or a piston mechanism.
US09220983B1	System and method for peer competitive gaming A computerized method of peer competitive gaming comprising receiving by a processor a league duration timeframe from a computerized commissioner device and selections of first and second pluralities of non-uniform data sets from first and second computerized user devices in addition to data corresponding to the pluralities of user-selected non-uniform data sets from one or more data sources. The method further comprises calculating, one or more statistical values for each user-selected non-uniform data set received from the one or more data sources and a manipulated scoring component value using the one or more statistical values and the data received from the one or more data sources for each user-selected non-uniform data set. The calculated manipulated scoring component values for each user are summed to form a total manipulated scoring value for each user and ranked among the users.
US09220982B2	Cross-realm zones for interactive gameplay Methods, computer-readable media, and specially configured machines are described for hosting an instance of a cross-realm zone that manages interaction among characters from different instances of a virtual world in a massively multiplayer online game. Different zones of the virtual world may support different numbers of realms or different combinations of realms, and some zones of the virtual world may remain as single-realm zones. When a character enters a zone, the character may be added to an instance of a cross-realm zone based on the virtual world for which the character is a member. A single cross-realm zone may handle all characters that enter the zone from a subset of realms, but not characters that enter the zone from other realms that are not in the subset of realms. Characters in a cross-realm zone might not have any affiliation or prior social connection or interaction with each other.
US09220980B2	Pause and resume schemes for gesture-based game Technologies are generally described for pausing and resuming a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system includes receiving a pause command that indicates pausing play of a gesture-based game and in response to the receipt of the pause command, capturing a first image of a player currently playing the gesture-based game, the first image being associated with a first posture of the player substantially at the time of the pause command and generating an outline of the player corresponding to the first image of the player.
US09220979B2	Electronic device, recording medium management method and program A non-transitory computer-readable medium having embodied thereon a program for implementing functions of managing a recording medium in an electronic device, includes a recording medium management module that includes: an acquisition module configured to acquire an upper limit to the number of recording media registered in the electronic device; and a registering module configured to register the recording medium in which the program is installed in the electronic device such that the acquired upper limit is not exceeded. The recording medium management module may link date and time information to a recording medium identifier identifying the recording medium in which the program is installed, and register the information and the identifier as linked in a management database used to manage the recording medium.
US09220974B2	Instant game ticket A method of playing an instant scratch game lottery ticket. Each ticket provides a printed grid comprised of adjoining edge features that provide at least two enclosed symbol areas. Each edge feature is labeled by a unique indicium and covered in a transparent film. Each enclosed symbol area contains a prize symbol that is covered in an opaque film. Also provided are player indicia covered with an opaque film that is removed to reveal the player indicia. The transparent film covering each labeled edge feature that matches a player indicium is then removed. If the edge features that have been removed are adjoined and provide a fully enclosed area, the prize symbol(s) in the fully enclosed area is/are revealed by removing the opaque film covering the prize symbol(s). Any revealed prizes are provided as an award to the player.
US09220968B2	Heel lock for splitboard binding interface A heel lock and release combination for a splitboard boot binding. For use in ski touring mode, the binding includes a baseplate for receiving a rider's boot and a spring clamp affixed to a ski member of a splitboard binding interface. The baseplate is pivotably affixed to the ski at the toe. The spring clamp is mounted on a heel rest and may be repositioned between a heel locking and a free heel position. When locked, the spring clamp engages the heel end of the baseplate and prevents heel release. The engagement of the spring clamp is configured so that release of the heel occurs under stress: reducing injury.
US09220967B2	Method of providing a tennis practice target and display A method for enhancing tennis practice by disposing a freely movable tennis court practice target mat so as to lie horizontally within marked playing areas of a tennis court playing surface, the target mat having a plurality of areas each of which generates a signal when impacted by a descending tennis ball. An upright counter-display is also provide responsive to signals from each target area to numerically display the number of hits to each area. Lights and/or speakers may be included to provide an indication when each target area is impacted.
US09220966B2	Watersport resistance training device A watersport resistance training device includes an elongated inelastic strap having an anchor an anchor unit disposed along a first end, and a ski handle assembly disposed along a second end. A plurality of rings is disposed along the middle section of the inelastic strap, and one or more watersport resistance elements are removably connected to at least two of the rings.
US09220964B2	Method of using throwing training device Disclosed herein is a throwing trainer comprising first and second bands configured to be removably attached to right and left forearms of a user, and an elongated, flexible, adjustable-length connector mounted to the first and second bands, the length of the connector being configured to limit the separation distance between the forearms of the user during wind-up for an overhand throw. A device assembly including a measuring tool and a method of practicing throwing also are disclosed.
US09220963B2	Lacrosse stick head A head includes front surfaces and rear surfaces. The front surfaces are uncurved. A proximal portion of the front surfaces slopes gradually downwardly and a distal end of the front surfaces slope more dramatically toward the axis of elongation of the socket. The rear surfaces of the head slope downwardly until at approximately 60% of the distance in the proximal to distal direction, a deep pocket is provided, the rear surfaces curving back upwardly to converge toward the front surfaces and then curve back downwardly to meet at the arcuate distal scooping end of the head. A series of spaced holes are provided to facilitate stringing of a webbing about the rear surfaces of the head to provide a mid/high pocket.
US09220954B2	Golf club head A golf club head includes a portion with different thickness in a face portion. A region having a maximum thickness and a region having a minimum thickness are formed on a back of the face portion. An inclined portion with varying thickness is provided between those regions.
US09220953B2	Fairway wood center of gravity projection A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low-center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution.
US09220952B2	Golf club A club includes a head, a shaft, and a grip. A club length L1 is 43 inches or greater and 48 inches or less. A ratio (Wh/Wc) between a head weight Wh and a club weight Wc is equal to or greater than 0.70. An inertia moment Ix about swing axis is 6.90×103 (kg·cm2) or greater and 7.50×103 (kg·cm2) or less. A static moment Mt (kg·cm) of the club is equal to or greater than 16.3 (kg·cm). The frequency of vibration of club is 240 (cpm) or greater and 280 (cpm) or less. The inertia moment Ix (kg·cm2) is calculated by Equation (1): Ix=Wc×(Lc+60)2+Ic (1).
US09220948B2	Golf ball cores having foam center and polymeric outer layers with hardness gradients Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
US09220946B2	Golf balls having non-uniform core structures with metal-containing centers Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core and cover are provided. The ball contains a small, heavy inner core and surrounding outer core layer. The inner core preferably contains metal materials such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, nickel, iron, tin, and bronze particles. The outer surface of the inner core preferably has a non-uniform structure and includes projecting members. For example, the outer surface may contain multiple projecting ribs with gaps located between the ribs. The ball includes a cover surrounding the core structure. The cover may be multi-layered.
US09220944B2	Apparatus for exercise and balance training The present application is directed to a balance board upon which a user may exercise, conduct balance training and do tricks. The balance board comprises a body member with at least two separate balancing surfaces extending from the lower surface with a discontinuity between each separate balancing surface. A first balancing surface is provided by a hub member and a second balancing surface is provided by one or more nub members. These balancing surfaces facilitate the capability of a variety of new balance and strengthening exercises.
US09220943B2	Alternatively slidable and stationary platform A portable platform is disclosed that may be switched from a sliding mode to a stationary mode and back again by retracting or extending pads from the underside of the device. The embodiments may be used for a variety of purposes, including moving heavy objects, and performing fitness routines.
US09220937B2	Inerting method and device for extinguishing a fire The present invention relates to an inerting method for extinguishing a fire in a closed room in which the oxygen content in the closed room is reduced to a specific inerting level within a given time (x), as well as a device for carrying out the method. In order to achieve the most exacting design possible to the inert gas fire-extinguishing system used during the inerting method, and in particular the most precise dimensioning possible to the inert gas to be provided, while simultaneously adhering to the required fire-fighting stage and re-ignition prevention stage necessary when extinguishing fires, the invention provides for the inerting level to be kept to the re-ignition prevention level within a given regulation range.
US09220935B2	Fire-fighting control system A nozzle system is provided for use in a fire-fighting environment. The nozzle system includes a nozzle, and a remote component that is communicatively coupleable to a base component and that is associated with the nozzle. The remote component includes an indicator configured to provide a status signal associated with the nozzle system.
US09220932B2	Fire stop system A fire stop system with a pass through device is installed in a structural opening. The fire stop system includes a split pipe, a foam wall gasket and an annulus plate. The split pipe includes a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end have an intumescent material installed thereon to seal the split pipe when the split pipe is exposed to elevated temperatures. The foam wall gasket is installed around the split pipe adjacent the structural opening. The foam wall gasket forms a contour to the structural opening blocking air flow between the split pipe and the opening. The annulus plate covers the foam wall gasket and is installed around the split pipe at the structural opening.
US09220926B2	Methods for generating new hair follicles, treating baldness, and hair removal The present invention provides methods of treating baldness in a subject and generating new hair follicles, comprising epidermal disruption and administration of a compound that promotes a differentiation of an uncommitted epidermal cell into a hair follicle cell. The present invention also provides methods for hair removal and inducing hair pigmentation.
US09220924B2	System and method for energy delivery to tissue while monitoring position, lesion depth, and wall motion Systems and methods for ablating tissue include an ablation device having an energy source and a sensor. The energy source provides a beam of energy directable to target tissue, and the sensor senses energy reflected back from the target tissue. The sensor collects various information from the target tissue in order to facilitate adjustment of ablation operating parameters, such as changing power or position of the energy beam. Gap distance between the energy source and target tissue, energy beam incident angle, tissue motion, tissue type, lesion depth, etc. are examples of some of the information that may be collected during the ablation process and used to help control ablation of the tissue.
US09220923B2	Accelerated particle irradiation equipment Accelerated particle irradiation equipment is installed in a building having a multi-story structure. The accelerated particle irradiation equipment includes a particle accelerator and an irradiation device. The particle accelerator generates accelerated particles. The irradiation device performs irradiation of the accelerated particles generated by the particle accelerator, and is installed on at least one of the floor above and the floor below the floor on which the particle accelerator is installed.
US09220922B2	Clearance check devices, systems, and methods Clearance check devices, systems, and methods that can be used to indicate whether a proposed treatment plan will cause a collision between a patient/couch and a medical device, such as a linac, are described herein. Some devices and/or systems include an adjustable clearance member to account for the rotation of the medical device and a rotatable frame segment to account for the rotation of the patient or couch. Others include a frame segment that has an inner surface defining an arc that has a radius that is substantially equal to or less than an orbital radius of a centermost portion of a medical equipment component. Still others are disclosed.
US09220916B2	Methods for delivery of optical signals to tissue for the treatment of a disease or condition Embodiments described herein provide methods for treating various conditions and diseases using an optical signal. In one or more embodiments an apparatus is providing having an optical window, which is used to deliver an optical signal to provide stimulation to one or more tissue sites in the body such as the brain, optic nerve, eye, ganglia, spine, or other like site. The optical signals can be used to treat a variety of neurological diseases and conditions including epilepsy, migraine headaches and chronic pain. In particular applications the optical signals can be used to treat, inhibit or prevent epileptic or other neurological seizures by providing an optical input to a foci or surrounding tissue in the brain causing the seizure. The optical signal may also be combined with an electrical signal to produce an aggregate effect in tissue for treating the disease or condition such as a neurological disease or condition.
US09220915B2	Devices and methods for radiation-based dermatological treatments A self-contained, hand-held device for providing a dermatological treatment includes a handheld device body, a radiation source supported in the device body, an automated scanning system, an application end, and a displacement control system. The automated scanning system is configured to receive an input beam generated by the radiation source and scan the received input beam to provide a series of output beams for delivery to the skin via the application end of the device to form a pattern of treatment spots on the skin. The application end is configured to be manually moved across the surface of the skin during a treatment session. The displacement control system includes a displacement sensor configured to determine a displacement of the device relative to the skin, and electronics configured to control at least one operational parameter of the device based on the determined displacement of the device relative to the skin.
US09220914B2	Maintenance system for maintaining an energy accumulator arrangement An energy accumulator arrangement for an electromedical implant includes a battery, a capacitor, and a charging device which is designed to supply an electric charge from the battery to the capacitor according to a charging program. A maintenance system for maintaining the energy accumulator arrangement includes a monitoring device contained in the implant which captures a physical parameter value of the energy accumulator arrangement; an evaluation unit for evaluating the captured physical parameter value and generating a resulting evaluation result signal; a transceiver contained in the implant which sends the captured physical parameter value to the evaluation unit, and receive the evaluation result signal generated by the evaluation unit; and additionally a control unit contained in the implant which controls the charging device and the monitoring device, and adapts the charging program as a function of the evaluation result signal.
US09220911B2	Implantable medical devices with power supply noise isolation The present invention provides an implantable medical device having at least two electrodes coupled to the device housing. The electrodes may be configured for sensing physiological signals such as cardiac signals and alternatively for providing an electrical stimulation therapy such as a pacing or defibrillation therapy. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the device housing provides a hermetic enclosure that includes a battery case hermetically coupled to a circuit assembly case. At least one of the at least two electrodes is coupled to an exterior surface of the battery case. The battery case is electrically insulated from the cathode and anode of the battery.
US09220910B2	Seizure detection using coordinate data A seizure detection device includes a coordinate data interface configured to receive coordinate data for a human, a memory to store coordinate data for a defined location of the human, and a seizure detector configured to identify a seizure event responsive to the coordinate data.
US09220909B2	External device for an implantable medical system having accessible contraindication information Disclosed is a remote controller for an implantable medical device having stored contraindication information, which includes information which a patient or clinician might wish to review when assessing the compatibility of a given therapeutic or diagnostic technique or activity with the patient's implant. The stored contraindication information is available through a display of the remote controller or via a wired, wireless, or portable drive connection with an external device. By storing contraindication information with the implant's remote controller, patient and clinician can more easily determine the safety of a particular therapeutic or diagnostic technique or physical activity with the patient's implant, perhaps without the need to contact the manufacturer's service representative.
US09220908B2	Implant sleep apnea treatment device including an antenna A sleep apnea treatment device may include a flexible carrier configured to be implanted in a body of a subject. The device may also include at least one electrode disposed on the flexible carrier, the at least one electrode being configured to modulate nerve fibers of the subject. A flexible antenna may be disposed on the flexible carrier, the flexible antenna electrically connected to the at least one electrode in a manner permitting at least some energy received by the flexible antenna to be transferred to the at least one electrode. The flexible antenna may include: at least a first conductive trace arranged on a first side of the flexible carrier, the at least a first conductive trace defining at least a first elongated space between portions thereof; and at least a second conductive trace arranged on a second side of the flexible carrier, the at least a second conductive trace defining at least a second elongated space between portions thereof, wherein the at least a first conductive trace is at least partially offset from the at least a second conductive trace such that portions of the first conductive trace overly the at least a second elongated space and wherein portions of the second conductive trace underlay the at least a first elongated space.
US09220903B2	Optimization of pacemaker settings with R-wave detection The system provides information to facilitate efficient optimization of programmer settings for cardiac pacemakers. It simultaneously measures a patient's electrocardiogram and peripheral blood pressure (or volumetric displacement) waveform in order to calculate, in real-time and non-invasively, a value correlated to the pre-ejection time (PET) and, optionally, ejection duration (ED) for the patient's left ventricle. The peripheral pulse waveform can be monitored with a wrist mounted tonometer, or a suitable brachial cuff device. The time difference between the occurrence of the R-wave on the ECG trace and the foot of the pulse on the radial blood pressure waveform is defined as a surrogate pre-ejection time interval (SPET). Data including the electrocardiogram and peripheral pulse trace, as well as the calculated, surrogate pre-ejection time interval (SPET) for each heart beat and trending is displayed on a computer monitor, thereby allowing a physician or nurse to quickly optimize PET for the patient and adjust programmer settings for an implanted pacemaker.
US09220899B2	Electrode for medical applications, system having an electrode, and method for producing an electrode An electrode for medical applications for neuromodulation and/or nerve stimulation and/or neurological signal detection, which electrode can be compressed and expanded in order to insert same into a hollow organ of a body and is or can be coupled to a current supply. The electrode has a compressible and expandable lattice structure including lattice webs, which form cells, wherein the lattice structure is or can be coupled to the current supply and forms at least one electrically conductive region and at least one electrically insulated region.
US09220898B2	Transvascular nerve stimulation apparatus and methods Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
US09220897B2	Implantable lead An implantable wireless lead includes an enclosure, the enclosure housing: one or more electrodes configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to a neural tissue; a first antenna configured to: receive, from a second antenna and through electrical radiative coupling, an input signal containing electrical energy, the second antenna being physically separate from the implantable neural stimulator lead; one or more circuits electrically connected to the first antenna, the circuits configured to: create the one or more electrical pulses suitable for stimulation of the neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; and supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes, wherein the enclosure is shaped and arranged for delivery into a subject's body through an introducer or a needle.
US09220894B1	Overshoot waveform in micro current therapy Systems and methods are provided to generate an waveform for micro current therapy. The waveform includes overshoot signals overlaid on constant currents and is capable of stimulating cells or nerves to achieve healing. The system can include an oscillator configured to generate a reference signal, a pulse wave generator to generate a pulse waveform signal based on the reference signal, an overshoot generator to generate an overshoot signal based on the reference signal, and an output module to generate a composite output waveform signal based on the overshoot signal and the pulse waveform signal, wherein the composite output waveform includes one or more pulses having one or more overshoots that extend a width of each of the pulses. The system can be adjusted by a user depending on the disease, condition, or preference of the user.
US09220893B2	Shielded implantable medical lead with reduced torsional stiffness Shields within implantable leads increase the torsional stiffness of the leads. The torsional stiffness may be reduced by cutting the shield axially to break the circumferential mechanical continuity of the shield. The circumferential shielding continuity of the shield may be re-established to preserve the shielding effect in various manners. The shield may overlap onto itself to close the slot created by the cut. A shield patch may be placed across the slot created by the cut. The shield may be located between two insulation layers of the lead. The shield may be cut and then the slot closed prior to application of the outer insulation layer. The outer insulation layer may then be added over the shield. The outer insulation layer may be compliant so that once covered, the circumferential mechanical continuity of the shield remains broken.
US09220891B2	Cardiac electrode anchoring system A cardiac electrode arrangement has one or several heart electrodes arranged on the exterior surface of a heart or attached to the heart from the outside and/or arranged with a pole in the cardiac tissue. The electrodes, which can be fixed in the operating position by an anchor, run to an implanted heart pacemaker. For positioning and affixing the anchor, a tool is used that is designed as a rod or stylet and acts on an attachment site of the anchor, whereby the anchor can be pushed into or through the myocardium. The anchor is, at the same time, attached to a tension element or thread, over which the electrode, which has an inner guide channel that accommodates the tension element or thread, can be moved in a fitted and controlled manner. In the operating position, the electrode can be connected to the tension element or thread located in the guide channel.
US09220887B2	Electrode lead including a deployable tissue anchor An electrode lead comprises a tubular lead body, an electrode supported by the lead body, a rotatable member, a deployable member and a deployment mechanism. The rotatable member is contained within a distal end of the tubular lead body. The deployable member is attached to the rotatable member and comprises a tissue anchor. The deployment mechanism is configured to drive the deployable member along a central axis and out the distal end of the tubular lead body responsive to rotation of the rotatable member about the central axis. In one embodiment, the deployable member does not rotate about the central axis with the rotation of the rotatable member.
US09220885B2	Placement devices that enable patients to accurately position medical patches at target locations and methods therefor A placement device for a medical patch includes an alignment guide having a shaft with a first end having a first anatomical alignment marker and a second end having a second anatomical alignment marker, a swinging gate both pivotally and rotationally coupled with the first end of the shaft for selectively pivoting the gate toward and away from the shaft and rotating the gate between opposite sides of the shaft, whereby the gate has first and second major faces and a first opening extending through the gate between the first and second major faces. The placement device includes a spacer for selectively adjusting spacing between the gate and the first end of the shaft, and a flexible diaphragm having a flexible dome disposed within the first gate opening. At least one magnet is located in the center of the flexible dome for holding the medical patch within the flexible dome.
US09220882B2	IV catheter with in-line valve and methods related thereto Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.
US09220876B2	Tools and methods for programming an implantable valve Integrated tools for noninvasively reading and adjusting an implantable, magnetically adjustable valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The tools include magnetic or electronic reading of the valve, and magnetic or electromagnetic adjustment of the valve. In use, the tools are positioned above or in contact with the patient's skin, in proximity to the valve.
US09220873B2	Double ended intravascular medical device An intravascular medical device including an elongated member configured to be advanced along a vascular path of a patient, the elongated member having opposite first and second ends, the first end and second ends both being adapted for intravascular insertion, and the first end having a different structure than the second end. The elongated member has sufficient flexibility to be advanced through a human vasculature. Preferably, the first and second ends are adapted to have different operating characteristics. Depending on the operating characteristics needed for a particular procedure, a physician can insert either the first end portion or the second end portion of the elongated member into the patient's vasculature.
US09220869B2	Dressing having integral antimicrobial A dressing having integral antimicrobial includes a transparent film layer having a top side, an opposite bottom side, and an insertion site viewing portion. The dressing also includes an antimicrobial member having a top side and an opposite bottom side. The antimicrobial member top side is adhered to the film layer bottom side in the insertion site viewing portion. The antimicrobial member includes at least one pair of elongated, spacedly disposed portions defining a slot therebetween. A zone of inhibition defined by the antimicrobial member covers an entire area of the slot between the member portions.
US09220865B2	Method and apparatus for increasing therapy compliance A breathing assistance unit for providing pressurized heated humidified air at to a user is configured to increase user compliance. The breathing assistance unit has means for generating positive emotional and cognitive states of a user about the therapy.
US09220860B2	Compact oronasal patient interface A breathing arrangement includes a patient interface, at least one inlet conduit, and a headgear assembly. The patient interface includes a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around exterior of a patient's mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient's nose in use, and an element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly. The at least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. The headgear assembly is removably connected to at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient's face.
US09220859B2	Endotracheal tube with dedicated evacuation port Various embodiments of a tracheal tube capable of suctioning accumulated mucus secretions from the airway of intubated patients are provided. Disclosed embodiments include a variety of endotracheal tubes with integral suction lumens terminating in ports optimally located at the distal end of the endotracheal tubes between a Murphy's Eye and a cuff. During intubation, the foregoing features, among others, of the tracheal tube may have the effect of preventing bacterial colonization of the respiratory airway and the subsequent development of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in the lungs.
US09220857B2	Ventilator operable in a bioelectric signal-dependent mode, with automatic switching to another mode upon dropout of the bioelectric signal A ventilator intended to be connected to a patient for breathing therapy has a control unit having an input for receiving EMG signals from an EMG detector and an output for an EMG based control signal and a pneumatic unit for generating breathing gas flows dependent on the EMG based control signal is described. The ventilator has a detector for determining a parameter related to breathing dynamics for the patient, this detector being connected to the control unit and control unit controlling the pneumatic unit dependent on the parameter related to breathing dynamics in the case of loss of EMG signals at the input.
US09220854B1	Breath bellows The present disclosure involves a breathing apparatus that is particularly well suited for use by water sports enthusiasts. The device provides a breath of air to a swimmer or surfer at depth without the use of compressed air tanks. Physically innocuous to the wearer, the device can be repeatedly recharged with minimal interruption to the sports activity.
US09220851B2	Open and closed valve medication delivery system for high pressure injections A dual-chambered drug delivery device (301) includes a first chamber (342) in which medicament is stored and a second chamber (331) in fluid communication with the first chamber (342). A medicament dose is transferred to the second chamber (331) from the first chamber (342) prior to injecting the medicament dose. A needle (363) communicates with the second chamber (331) for injecting the medicament dose into an injection site.
US09220849B2	Device and method for connecting a blood pump without trapping air bubbles An apparatus and a method for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The apparatus and the method prevent air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.
US09220847B2	Medicament delivery device The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a generally elongated housing (10; 100, 102), a drive assembly disposed in said hosing and an actuation assembly operably connected to said drive assembly, wherein said drive assembly comprises a guard member (12; 104) and an actuator member (44; 180), characterized in that the actuation assembly further comprises a locking member (28; 32) disposed between the guard member and the actuator member, wherein said locking member is configured to be moved by the guard member when the guard member is pressed against a delivery site between a first locking position in which the locking member is blocking the actuator member and a released position in which the locking member allows the actuator member to be operated.
US09220842B2	Automatic injection device A device is provided for automatic injection of a product comprising a container, a needle and a piston. The device includes a housing receiving the container, the container being movable with respect to the housing between an initial position and an insertion position, distally spaced relative to the initial position; a safety shield coupled to the housing and movable with respect thereto between a rest position, an activation position, proximally spaced relative to the rest position, and a safety position; biasing feature for causing the movement of the safety shield to the safety position; triggering feature for causing the container to move from its initial position to its insertion position, the triggering feature being releasable by movement of the safety shield to the activation position; and, isolating feature for isolating the safety shield from the biasing feature when the safety shield is moved to its activation position.
US09220840B2	Modular external infusion device A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.
US09220839B2	Assembly for use in a drug delivery device The present invention relates to an assembly for a drug delivery device comprising a dispensing container and a reservoir container for holding a fluid medicinal product, wherein the dispensing container and the reservoir container are connected to one another and are in fluid communication, and wherein the dispensing container is squeezable for dispensing a dose of the fluid medicinal product from the dispensing container, the dispensing container being refillable with the fluid medicinal product from the reservoir container.
US09220837B2	Method and device for drug delivery A method and a device for a delivery of a chemical substance to the body of the patient are provided. The device includes an infusion catheter configured to be inserted into a tissue, a catheter securing element configured to be adhered to the skin of the patient and further configured to secure the infusion catheter to the skin, a drug delivery pump configured to infuse a drug into the infusion catheter for delivery to a drug infused region on the body of the patient, and a treatment element configured to apply a treatment to the drug infused region to improve pharmacodynamics of the drug during a period of delivery of the drug to the patient.
US09220836B2	Portable pump for intravenous fluids A device includes at least one housing, a first input line operatively connected to a fluid source that is external to the at least one housing, and a second input line operatively connected to the fluid source. The device further includes a first fluid reservoir operatively connected to the first input line and a second fluid reservoir operatively connected to the second input line. An output line is operatively connected to the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. An actuator is configured to facilitate a flow of fluid from the fluid source, through the first input line and second input line, and through the first fluid reservoir and second fluid reservoir. Each of the first and second input lines remains operatively connected to the fluid source during operation of the actuator.
US09220834B2	Pressure sensing in medical injection systems A pressure sensor for a medical injection system includes a cuff, a transducer embedded in the cuff, and a force transmitting member coupled to the transducer and exposed at an inner surface of the cuff, such that an outer surface of a tubing line of a fluid circuit of the system, when fitted within the cuff, contacts the force transmitting member. A limited length of the tubing line may have a greater compliance than a remainder of the line, in which case, the pressure sensor cuff fits around and encloses the limited length to provide support against plastic deformation, when pressures within the line are significantly greater than atmospheric. The pressure sensor may detect whether or not the cuff is properly fitted around the tubing line, and/or determine a characteristic of the tubing line.
US09220833B2	Medicament infusion systems A drug delivery system has a fluid store that has a first tubing having an outlet fitted with a connector of a given configuration that prevents the connector from being coupled to a conventional counterpart connector. The system further has a tube retaining device that has a catheter extending out of one of its ends and an inlet connector at its other end that has a configuration complementary to the configuration of the outlet connector of the first tubing, so that the first tubing may be matingly connected to the tube retaining device to establish a through fluid path from the first tubing to the catheter. A one-way valve may be provided to the tubing to prevent fluid from flowing backwards into the tubing. The tubing can be selectively occluded and opened to regulate the flow of fluid from the tubing to the catheter.
US09220831B2	Device and method for combined microfluidic-micromagnetic separation of material in continuous flow A miniaturized, integrated, microfluidic device pulls materials bound to magnetic particles from one laminar flow path to another by applying a local magnetic field gradient. The device removes microbial and mammalian cells from flowing biological fluids without any wash steps. A microfabricated high-gradient magnetic field concentrator (HGMC) is integrated at one side of a microfluidic channel. When magnetic particles are introduced into one flow path, they remain limited to that flow path. When the HGMC is magnetized, the magnetic beads are pulled from the initial flow path into the collection stream, thereby cleansing the fluid. The microdevice allows large numbers of beads and materials to be sorted simultaneously, has no capacity limit, does not lose separation efficiency as particles are removed, and is useful for cell separations from blood and other biological fluids. This on-chip separator allows cell separations to be performed in the field outside of hospitals and laboratories.
US09220830B2	Apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment An apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment including a treatment unit; an extracorporeal blood circuit; an infusion line of a replacement fluid; a dialysis line connected in inlet to the second chamber; a fluid evacuation line; sensors for determining a first parameter relating to a patient's blood volume (BV %), a second parameter relating to an ultrafiltration flow rate (UFR) or to a patient's weight loss rate (WLR), a third parameter (Cd, Na) relating to a conductivity or concentration of a liquid crossing the dialysis line and/or the infusion line, and a fourth parameter relating to an infusion flow rate (QINF), and a control unit performing a control procedure to determine a variation in blood volume (BV %) and perform a setting sequence, wherein the control unit regulates a transmembrane pressure (TMP) to values which enable maximizing the convective exchanges.
US09220822B2	Wound dressing A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises a sealing layer comprising at least one orifice, an absorbent layer over the sealing layer, absorbing wound exude and a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer.
US09220813B2	Cell therapy for limiting overzealous inflammatory reactions in tissue healing Cells of the B cell lineage including pre-pro-B cells, pro-B cells, pre-B cells, immature B cells, and some mature B cells, and/or cells of the T cell lineage, especially those with helper or regulatory function, most preferably autologous to the recipient, can be transplanted into damaged tissue to enhance recovery following injury. In a preferred embodiment, the cells are selected based on those cells which appear at the site of injury a few days after injury, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, which accelerate clean up and repair of the injured site and to mitigate the overzealous inflammatory response, presumably by inhibiting the inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and signals released thereby immediately following injury.
US09220809B2	Use of a fluorinated polymer as a contrast agent in solid state 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scaffold comprising said polymer and use thereof A method of using a fluorinated polymer having a glass transition temperature below 40 C as a contrast agent in 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a solid object, said solid object comprising said contrast agent. The invention relates to a solid object comprising a structural component and an imaging component, wherein the imaging component is at least one fluorinated polymer. The invention relates to a method for 19F MRI in solid state using a contrast agent comprising a fluorinated polymer as well as a method for in vivo visualizing a scaffold. It further relates to a method for in vivo monitoring the degradation of a solid object in time, wherein the degradation is monitored in time by using 19F MRI to visualize the solid object, and wherein the amount of degradation of the solid object is determined based on the decrease in the visibility of the amount of 19F.
US09220806B2	Biocompatible material and uses thereof The present invention relates to a biocompatible material and in particular to a two-phase or composite biocompatible ceramic material, wherein the first phase is a doped calcium zinc silicate and the second phase is a metal oxide. In an embodiment, the invention has been developed for use in tissue regeneration including bone tissue. In other embodiments, the invention has been developed as a coating to improve the long-term stability of prior art implantable medical devices.
US09220805B2	Control of female body odours The invention concerns the control of female body odors, particularly odors associated with body fluids, namely products of the genito-urinary tract, such as menstrual or catamenial fluids, vaginal fluids, urine, by use of low odor compositions of fragrance materials. The composition of fragrance material includes at least 5% of one or more musks and at least 5% of one or more salicylates.
US09220804B2	Female sanitary and incontinence towels, gauze/bandages and surgical dressings for treating wounds based on tourmaline A surgical use, healing, and personal hygiene devices, in which, among other components, includes: a first layer of bamboo fibers or organic cotton, adapted to stay in contact with the skin of a user; a layer of non-woven fabric having in a central place an element made of polypropylene and thermostable elastomers fibers, in which is absorbed a nanometric tourmaline powder; and a layer opposite to the first layer including materials that allow “ventilation” to the device and, at the same time, form a moisture barrier. Also describes the use of nano tourmaline powder in these applications.
US09220799B2	Bactericidal agent composition [Problem] To provide: a bactericidal agent composition which can exhibit an excellent bactericidal effect in the presence of an organic substance and against biofilms; a method for producing the bactericidal agent composition; and a sterilization method using the bactericidal agent composition. [Solution] A bactericidal agent composition which comprises water containing ultrafine bubbles having a most frequent particle diameter of 500 nm or less and a bactericidal component. Preferably, the density of most frequent particles of the ultrafine bubbles are 10,000 particles or more and the density of ultrafine bubbles each having a particle diameter of 1000 nm or less is 1,000,000 particles or more.
US09220798B2	Pressurized screw system using air locks for waste disposal Hazardous waste is treated by shredding and then passing the material through an enclosure by means of a conveyor through direct steam impingement. The enclosure is maintained at a pressure greater than or equal to atmospheric pressure in order to maintain steam temperature at or above 212° F. Pressure locks are positioned at an inlet and discharge of the enclosure. The pressure locks allow transport of waste material into and out of the enclosure while maintaining a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the enclosure.
US09220791B2	Bispecific intracellular delivery vehicles A composition for delivering an agent to a cell, comprising a bispecific affinity reagent and a pH-responsive, membrane destabilizing polymer. The bispecific affinity reagent may include a first affinity reagent covalently linked to a second affinity reagent, wherein the first affinity reagent binds to a molecule on the surface of a cell, and the second affinity reagent binds to an intracellular target.
US09220785B2	Lipopeptides for delivery of nucleic acids Lipopeptide compounds with a central peptide and having lipophilic groups attached at each terminus, and salts and uses thereof. The lipophilic groups can be derived from a naturally-occurring lipid, or can be a C(1-22)alkyl, C(6-12)cycloalkyl, C(6-12)cycloalkyl-alkyl, C(3-18)alkenyl, C(3-18)alkynyl, C(1-5)alkoxy-C(1-5)alkyl, or a sphinganine, or (2R,3R)-2-amino-1,3-octadecanediol, icosasphinganine, sphingosine, phytosphingosine, cis-4-sphingenine. The compounds can be used in compositions to deliver active agents to cells, including interfering-RNA agents and antisense RNAs.
US09220778B2	Method of treating neurological conditions with oleandrin-containing extract A method of treating neurological condition in a subject by administration of a cardiac glycoside is provided. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease or stroke are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of cardiac glycoside to a subject. The cardiac glycoside can be present in a dosage form.
US09220776B2	Stable formulations of antibodies to human programmed death receptor PD-1 and related treatments The present invention relates to stable formulations of antibodies against human programmed death receptor PD-1, or antigen binding fragments thereof. The present invention further provides methods for treating various cancers and chronic infections with stable formulations of antibodies against human programmed death receptor PD-1, or antigen binding fragments thereof.
US09220774B2	Methods of treating cancer by administering anti-GPR49 antibodies Described herein are antibodies against GPR49 and uses of such antibodies. Various aspects relate to monoclonal, humanized, or fully human antibodies against GPR49, hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such antibodies, nucleic acids and vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding for such antibodies.
US09220773B2	Pharmaceutical composition A pharmaceutical composition for intraperitoneal delivery of an anti-neoplastic agent is provided for treating cancers associated with aberrant mucin expression, preferably ovarian cancer and pancreatic, prostate, metastatic breast, bladder and lung cancers. The composition comprises nanomicelles loaded with the anti-neoplastic agent, and antibodies such as anti-MUC16, anti-MUC1 or anti-MUC4 are conjugated to these nanomicelles. The antibody-bound nanomicelles are optionally embedded in a biodegradable pH- and thermo-responsive hydrogel capable of sol-gel transition at body temperature. The pharmaceutical composition is implantable in the peritoneum, where it transforms into a semi-solid gel at the body's core temperature. In response to pH, the hydrogel swells and releases the antibody-bound nanomicelles. The nanomicelles specifically target mucin antigens on cancer cells. The anti-mucin antibodies can be internalized by the tumor cells, enabling the drug-loaded nanomicelles to gain entry and deliver the chemotherapeutic drugs inside the tumor cell.
US09220772B2	Anti-tumor antigen antibodies and methods of use Antibodies that bind to tumor associated antigen CD44 or to tumor associated antigen EphA2, are disclosed herein, as well as related compositions and methods of use. Methods of use encompass cancer therapies, diagnostics, and screening methods.
US09220768B2	Decreasing potential iatrogenic risks associated with influenza vaccines Influenza viruses for use in preparing human vaccines have traditionally been grown on embryonated hen eggs, although more modern techniques grow the virus in mammalian cell culture e.g. on Vero, MDCK or PER.C6 cell lines. The inventor has realised that the conditions used for influenza virus culture can increase the risk that pathogens other than influenza virus may grow in the cell lines and have identified specific contamination risks. Suitable tests can thus be performed during manufacture in order to ensure safety and avoid iatrogenic infections.
US09220767B2	Vaccine composition for use against influenza The present invention relates to a vaccine composition comprising: —at least one prophylactically active agent against influenza, and —at least one adjuvant, said adjuvant being a derivative of a galactosylceramide, for use in the treatment of influenza.
US09220763B2	Nano-vehicle derived from tumor tissue, and cancer vaccine using same The present invention relates to a cancer vaccine, and specifically, to a pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer containing a nano-vehicle derived from tumor tissue, and a method for treating cancer using the nano-vehicle derived from tumor tissue, and the like. According to the present invention, a nano-vehicle antigen derived from tumor tissue indicates a high yield while having properties similar to those of an exocellular vehicle, and can be variously modified, and is thus expected to be very useful for developing the cancer vaccine.
US09220761B2	Alginate and alginate lyase compositions and methods of use The invention features alginate and alginate lyase compositions and methods that are useful for the treatment of various conditions and diseases. The invention also provides kits and instructions for use.
US09220758B2	Calcitonin products and therapies for treating inflammatory or degenerative diseases Calcitonin products and therapies for treating inflammatory or degenerative diseases are disclosed herein. The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein include a first therapeutic agent that is calcitonin, in free or salt form; a second therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of a protease inhibitor, an antibiotic, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor and a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent other than glucocorticoid; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent. The methods disclosed herein for treating inflammatory or degenerative diseases in a subject include administering a therapeutically effective amount of calcitonin, in free or salt form, to the subject; and co-administering, as part of a combination therapy, a therapeutically effective amount of a second therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of a protease inhibitor, an antibiotic, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, a COX-2 inhibitor and a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent other than glucocorticoid to the subject.
US09220757B2	Method for inducing in vivo migration of stem cell The present invention relates to an implantable composition for treating a damaged tissue and a method for inducing an in vivo migration of a cell for treatment to a damaged tissue region. The present invention treats the damaged tissue by inducing/promoting homing of a cell for tissue generation by implanting a biodegradable scaffold reacted with chemotactic factors (for example, IL-8 or MIP-3α) to a damaged location (for example, joint cartilage or skin). Thus, the composition of the present invention can not only be applied to the treatment of a damaged bone tissue, a joint cartilage, or a skin tissue more conveniently and efficiently compared to the conventional technology, but can also be used as a useful treatment supplement agent in cell treatment using allogeneic cell by enabling efficient utilization of cell resources for treatment, the cell resources which are high in scarcity.
US09220756B2	Inhibition of the tumorigenic potential of tumor stem cells by LIF and BMPS The present disclosure includes methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of diseases and disorders characterized by excessive or misregulated cellular proliferations, including methods for the treatment of tumors. The methods involve the use of pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a LIF preparation, a BMP preparation, a BMPR signalling activator, and a LIFR signalling activator. The disclosure also includes LIF preparations, BMP preparations, BMPR signalling activator, and LIFR signalling activators, and methods for the identification of LIF preparations, BMP preparations, BMPR signalling activator, and LIFR signalling activators. The disclosure also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a LIF preparation, a BMP preparation, a BMPR signalling activator, and a LIFR signalling activator.
US09220754B2	Keratin compositions for treatment of bone deficiency or injury A bone graft composition is described, with one or more of: (a) keratose; (b) kerateine; (c) optionally, particulate filler; (d) optionally, an antibiotic; and (e) water or saline. The composition may be provided in sterile form in a container, and optionally lyophilized. Methods of treating a bone deficiency or fracture making use of such compositions are also described.
US09220752B2	Dietary product intended to reduce visceral fat during the pre-operative phase prior to bariatric surgery An orally administered dietary product intended to reduce an obese person's visceral fat during the pre-operative phase prior to bariatric surgery, the product includes in particular a mixture of: a whey hydrolysate having a molecular weight of between 200 and 10,000 daltons, an isolate and/or a concentrate of whey, and calcium caseinate.
US09220740B2	Estrogenic extracts of Astragalus membranaceus fisch. bge. var. mongolicus bge. of the Leguminosae family and uses thereof Estrogenic extracts of Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. Bge. Var. mongolicus Bge. of the Leguminosae Family are provided. Also provided are methods of using said extracts to achieve an estrogenic effect, especially in a human, e.g. a female human. In some embodiments, the methods include treatment of climacteric symptoms. In some embodiments, the methods include treatment of estrogen receptor positive cancer, such as estrogen responsive breast cancer. In some embodiments, the methods include treatment or prevention of osteoporosis.
US09220728B2	Constitutive expression of costimulatory ligands on adoptively transferred T lymphocytes The present invention provides immunoresponsive cells, including T cells, cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, and Natural Killer (NK) cells, expressing at least one of an antigen-recognizing receptor and a co-stimulatory ligand and methods of use therefore for the treatment of neoplasia and other pathologies where an increase in an antigen-specific immune response is desired.
US09220727B2	Method of dietary management of depression The present invention relates to a method of the dietary management of depression, which method comprises a step of administering to a subject in need thereof a water containing from 0.0002 to 0.0278 molecular % of isotopologue HOD.
US09220726B2	Combination for the treatment of radiation- or chemotherapy-induced mucositis The present invention relates to the use of a combination of glycine, proline, and optionally a natural or synthetic film-forming polymer, and/or lysine and/or leucine, to prepare a composition for the treatment of mucositis induced by radiation or chemotherapy.
US09220719B2	Single dose oral formulations and methods for treatment of cats with ectoparasiticidal spinosad This invention provides a single-dose oral formulation of spinosad for the extended control of a C. felis infestation on a cat at a predictable dose of spinosad that is suitable for administration once every 30 days (i.e., one month). The invention also provides methods of using the formulation of spinosad.
US09220717B2	Medicinal cosmetic lipoatrophy Methods relating to local injections of corticosteroids are provided. More specifically intralesional injections of corticosteroids and preferably Triamcinolone and its derivatives are suitable to produce medicaments to be injected in the subcutaneous fat at deep levels to provoke cosmetic lipoatrophy of small fat deposits on the face and body.
US09220716B2	Methods and compositions for the treatment of proliferative vascular disorders The technology described herein is directed to methods and compositions for the treatment of proliferative vascular disorders, e.g. hemangioma. In some aspects, the methods and compositions described herein related to a mTOR inhibitor or nifedipine.
US09220715B2	Treatment of addiction and impulse-control disorders using PDE7 inhibitors This disclosure is directed to treatment of addictions and primary impulse-control disorders using phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) inhibitors, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents.
US09220714B2	Nitrofuran compounds for the treatment of cancer and angiogenesis The invention is directed to the synthesis and use of nitrofuran compounds, especially Nifurtimox, as medicaments to treat cancer, especially neuroblastoma, and to inhibit angiogenesis. The invention also provides compositions, unit dosage forms, and kits comprising the compounds.
US09220712B2	Pharmaceutical intervention and method for treating an apraxia of speech in children A pharmaceutical intervention and therapeutic method for treating an apraxia of speech in children. The child can also be diagnosed with gait abnormalities or impairment autism, mental retardation and dyslexia. If the child demonstrates at least an 18 to 24 month development stage of either verbal development or non-verbal development, a therapeutic dose of a dopamine agonistic, particularly a nonlinear lower alkyl phenidate or dextro-threo-methylphenidate is administered to the child.
US09220710B2	Therapeutic compounds Compounds of formula I: or salts thereof are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I, processes for preparing compounds of formula I, intermediates useful for preparing compounds of formula I and therapeutic methods for treating a Retroviridae viral infection including an infection caused by the HIV virus.
US09220703B2	Composition and method for the protection of articular cartilage The novel therapeutic potential of Calebin A and compositions thereof to prevent pathological damage to mammalian articular cartilage is disclosed.
US09220700B2	Cysteine for physiological injection This application describes methods of making and using physiological cysteine solutions useful for reversing a neuromuscular blockade caused by a cysteine-reversible neuromuscular blockade agent, that overcomes problems of cysteine precipitation and dimerization.
US09220699B2	Complex containing carboxyl substituted starch and lipid for delayed delivery of active ingredients The present document describes a composition for sustained, targeted or sustained and targeted delivery of an active ingredient which includes a complex formed between a carboxyl substituted polymer and a lipid. The present document also describes dosage forms containing the composition, and an active ingredient, and methods of using the same for the treatment of diseases.
US09220697B2	Compositions and methods for diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy Compositions and methods for diagnosis or treatment of epilepsy disease with EFHC1, EFHC1 agonists, or EFHC1 analogs are provided. Compositions and methods for diagnosis or treatment of epilepsy disease with EFHC1a, EFHC1a agonists, or EFHC1a analogs are provided.
US09220695B2	Polyenolic zinc-binding agents (pezbins) actively promote inactivation of cancer stem cells and potentiate cytotoxic anti-tumor drug substances The present invention provides a method of inhibiting the growth of or promoting differentiation and destruction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprising contacting the cancer stem cells with a compound having the structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09220690B2	Patch containing diclofenac and thiocolchicoside The present invention relates to a patch for the transdermal release of diclofenac or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in particular diethylamine salt, and thiocolchicoside.
US09220686B2	Multiparticulate L-menthol formulations and related methods A multiparticulate dosage form includes a plurality of individual spheroidal enteric coated particulates having (a) a diameter of 0.1 to 2.5 mm; (b) a solid core containing an effective amount of a combination of an L-menthol source and a terpene-based essential oil; (c) a continuous proteinaceous subcoating over the core; and (d) an enteric coating over the subcoating. The multiparticulate dosage form can be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders.
US09220684B2	High-fluidity and non-caking pulverulent crystalline maltitol composition A pulverulent crystalline maltitol composition, is characterized in that it has a laser volume mean diameter between 10 and 150 μm; in that it has a maltitol content between 80 and 99.9% by weight; in that at least 50% by weight of its particles flow through a sieve having a cut-off threshold of 2000 μm according to a test A1; in that at least 35% by weight of its particles flow through a sieve having a cut-off threshold of 2000 μm according to a test A2; and in that it includes from 0.1 to 20% by weight of at least one water-insoluble anti-caking agent, the anti-caking agent having a hygroscopicity, determined according to the test B, between 2.5 and 25%. This composition is not subject to caking, and finds applications in the food and pharmaceutical fields.
US09220682B2	Nanocarrier therapy for treating invasive tumors Liposomes of a size of less than 200 nanometers target tumors and preferentially deliver imipramine blue to tumors, including brain tumors such as gliomas. The imipramine blue decreases the invasiveness of the tumors, and inhibits tumor metastasis. The liposomes include cholesterol and chemically pure phospholipids that are essentially neutral and contain saturated fatty acids of between 16 and 18 carbon atoms, such as distearoylphosphatidyl choline, and can also include one or more pegylated phospholipids, such as DSPE-PEG.
US09220680B2	Compositions and methods for localized drug delivery through mammary papillae The invention provides compositions and methods for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of conditions affecting breast tissue. The compositions can include one or more therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents, and an effective carrier. The composition can be specifically adapted for transdermal permeation through the mammary papilla, areola, or a combination thereof, and into underlying breast tissue.
US09220679B2	Transvaginal phosphodiesterase inhibitors for infertility treatment The present invention relates to a new application of phosphodiesterase inhibitors for couple infertility treatment which forms an effective alternative to the invasive assisted reproductive techniques such as conjugal artificial insemination and which consists of the transvaginal administration of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor immediately before and/or after coitus. It also relates to dosage forms suitable for the intravaginal administration of phosphodiesterase inhibitors.
US09220678B2	Coating method A method of coating a material onto projections provided on a patch. The method includes applying a coating solution containing the material to at least the projections and drying the coating solution to at least the projections using a gas flow.
US09220674B2	Cationic conditioner replacements Described are personal care compositions for hair, comprising a surfactant, a silicone, and a methylcellulose that gels at 45 C or less, wherein personal care composition is substantially free of cationic polymers selected from cationic cellulose derivatives, cationic guar derivatives, cationic methacrylamido polymers, polyquaternium-6, or polyquaternium-7.
US09220673B2	Surface-treated calcium phosphate particles suitable for oral care and dental compositions Calcium phosphate particles are described comprising a surface treatment wherein the surface treatment comprises at least one sugar alcohol. Also described are various oral care compositions comprising surface treated calcium phosphate particles and methods of surface treating calcium phosphate particles.
US09220671B2	Dye composition comprising at least four dye precursors including at least one oxidation base and at least one coupler The present invention relates to a dye composition comprising at least four oxidation dye precursors, including at least one oxidation base chosen from suitably selected pyrazolopyridines and diamino-N,N-dihydropyrazolone derivatives and at least one coupler chosen from suitably selected cationic 3,5-diaminopyridines and 4-aminoindoles, 5-amino-6-chloro-2-methylphenol, 6-hydroxybenzomorpholine, 2-methyl-5-hydroxyethylaminophenol and 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine, and also to the dyeing process using this composition. The present invention makes it possible in particular to obtain a composition for dyeing keratin fibers that is suitable for use in oxidation dyeing and that can produce colorations in varied shades, which are strong or chromatic, powerful, aesthetic, sparingly selective, and resistant to the various attacking factors to which the hair may be subjected, such as shampoo, sweat, permanent reshaping and light. The composition in accordance with the invention moreover shows good harmlessness and good stability.
US09220670B2	Ethers with monocationic polyhydroxyl functionality Described are novel monocationic polyhydroxyl compounds and their uses in personal care compositions.
US09220669B2	Resveratrol ferulate compounds, compositions containing the compounds, and methods of using the same The present invention relates to methods of using topical or cosmetic compositions containing resveratrol ferulates for skin lightening and anti-aging applications and method of synthesizing resveratrol ferulates.
US09220667B2	Stannous chloride compositions The invention relates to a particulate composition comprising: c) a particulate source of stannous chloride; d) and silicon dioxide (also referred to as hydrated silica or silica). The invention further relates to a method for improving the flowability of particulate stannous chloride by admixing silica with it. The composition of the invention has been found to give improved flow properties to stannous chloride when compared to the absence of an anti-caking agent, as assessed via methods of powder characterization detailed in the European Pharmacopoeia.
US09220662B2	Mouth-holdable bottle holder A mouth-holdable bottle holder comprising: an intermediate portion having, at a side adjacent a leading end thereof, a mouth engagement portion; wherein the intermediate portion having, at a second side adjacent a second leading end thereof, a bottle engagement portion; and wherein the bottle engagement portion being adapted in size and shape to engage a bottle.
US09220656B2	Method and aparatus for artificial insemination The object of the invention is to provide a device and means for artificial insemination. The present invention provides two methods of sperm delivery that aim to increase the success of intracervical artificial insemination. The shape and design of the present invention also allows artificial insemination to be a pleasurable experience.
US09220653B2	Method and device for improving temporomandibular joint range of motion and strengthening/massaging jaw muscles A therapeutic exercising device that can simultaneously increase temporomandibular joint range of motion and strengthen jaw muscles comprises two bite members with bite portions for insertion between a user's teeth and a bellows between the bite members that moves them relative to each other toward an open position that separates the user's upper and lower jaws. A spring exerts a predetermined opening force on the bite members open, and one or more elastic members attached between the bite members exert an opposing closing force. A user-operated pneumatic pump introduces air under pressure into the bellows to open the bite members when the closing force is sufficient to overcome the opening force. The device can be used with air bladders that massage the jaw muscles, with the optional application of heat or cold. The device is usable with a mandible translation adapter to exercise a user's mandible in the posterior-anterior direction.
US09220651B2	Automated systems, devices, and methods for transporting and supporting patients Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an imager operably coupled to one or more of a power source, a steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., and having one or more modules operable to control the power source, steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., so as to maintain an authorized operator in the image zone.
US09220647B1	Rigid collapsible litter The present invention is a rigid collapsible litter having a base and a plurality of collapsible rib members. The rib members are capable of being folded or collapsed in a first direction while remaining rigid in a second direction to support weight placed on the litter.
US09220638B2	Deformed web materials Deformed web materials are disclosed. The web materials have discrete deformations formed therein. The deformations may be features in the form of portions of a web with apertures therein, protrusions, depressed areas, and combinations thereof. These features may extend out from the surface on one side of the web, or from both of the surfaces of the web. Different features may be intermixed with one another.
US09220633B2	Sports goggle An interchangeable lens assembly including a first lens, a lens bracket coupled to the first lens, and at least one connection portion disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the lens bracket. A goggle including a goggle frame and at least one coupling point disposed on the goggle frame and adapted to couple to the at least one connection portion on the lens bracket. The at least one coupling point and the at least one connection portion may be corresponding magnetic portions adapted to couple to each other by a magnetic interaction, and/or the at least one connection portion may be a protrusion, and the at least one coupling point may be an aperture adapted to receive and couple to the protrusion. This allows the lens assembly to be attached to and detached from the goggle frame quickly and easily with reduced manual dexterity.
US09220631B2	Syringe The present invention relates to a syringe, particularly to a small volume syringe such as a syringe suitable for ophthalmic injections.
US09220625B2	Thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis A thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis includes an upper body support for use with a torso orthosis. The upper body support has an anterior assembly including an anterior plate secured to the torso orthosis, a sternal assembly connected to the anterior plate, and a pectoral assembly connected to the sternal assembly. A posterior assembly is connected to the torso orthosis and is connected to the pectoral assembly by at least one strap. The sternal assembly has at least one pivot point arranged to pivot the sternal assembly relative to the anterior plate.
US09220624B2	Posterior cruciate ligament support brace This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a knee brace providing a dynamic resistance or anterior force to a shank of a leg in order to replicate PCL forces of a healthy PCL. A dynamic force dependent upon knee flexion angle provides faster and safer PCL injury healing since the dynamic force better replicates the forces that a healthy PCL would exert on the tibia and femur.
US09220619B2	Stent delivery system A stent delivery system including a stent disposed between an inner member and a deployment sheath is disclosed. Additionally, the stent delivery system includes a handle that may be coupled to the inner member and to the deployment sheath. The handle may include an actuation member coupled to the gear rack assembly so that actuation of the actuation member shifts the longitudinal position of the gear rack assembly and the deployment sheath. The gear rack assembly may include an engagement mechanism that may be configured to engage the inner member so that proximal retraction of the gear rack assembly results in proximal retraction of the inner shaft.
US09220618B2	Medical catheter device Medical catheter apparatus used for implanting a vascular stent into a vessel of a living body comprising a catheter including a distal portion where a balloon attaching a vascular stent is provided, and a sheath into which the catheter is inserted and to be moved relative to the catheter between the section where it covers the balloon on which a vascular stent is mounted and the section where it exposes the vascular stent mounted on the balloon. The sheath comprises a first tubular member covering the distal portion at which the balloon is provided, and a second tubular member covering the proximal portion of the catheter and connected with the first tubular member. The first tubular member is formed of a tubular member capable of flexible deformation and the second tubular member is formed of a tubular member less extensible in the axial direction than the first tubular member.
US09220615B2	Stent having at least one connecting member configured to controllably sever in vivo A stent may include a connector having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first and second portions. The connector may be configured to interconnect axially adjacent stent segments. The connector may be further configured such that the third portion severs in response to a threshold amount of axial force, axial foreshortening, and/or cyclic loading or fatigue, in order to predispose the severance of one or more pre-configured connectors in a controlled manner to minimize any potential harm to the surrounding vasculature of a patient.
US09220612B2	Prosthesis positioning systems and methods A system and method for improving positioning of a prosthesis, particularly prostheses having a preferred orientation with respect to a frame of reference of a patient.
US09220606B2	Device for securing an implant to tissue An implant device is provided for implantation within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae comprising an implant body, a rotatable portion and a piercing portion configured to pierce the adjacent vertebra.
US09220605B2	Distraction/compression posterior rod system A spinal fixation device that includes a first engagement member. The first engagement member includes a first body and at least one extension. The first body includes a first aperture for receipt of a fastener. The at least one extension extends outwardly from the first body. Also included in the device, a second engagement member including a second body and a threaded extension that extends from the second body. The second body includes a second aperture for receipt of a fastener. Further, an expansion ring including a first end and a second end is included. The first end includes a threaded surface in threaded communication with the threaded extension. The second end is in rotatable communication with the at least one extension of the first engagement member. Where a torque is applied to the expansion ring, the second engagement member moves with respect to the first engagement member.
US09220603B2	Limited motion prosthetic intervertebral disc A prosthetic intervertebral disc includes an upper plate and a lower plate and employs congruent stepped features to provide limited articulating motion between the plates. The stepped features can be used to provide articulating motion of a rocking type rather than a rubbing or translating type of motion provided in many artificial discs. Each of two parts of the intervertebral disc includes two or more stepped bearing surfaces, having curved or flat shapes, which mate with one another to provide the articulation to the disc. The stepped features can be designed to restrict motion in flexion-extension or lateral bending to less than a predetermined angle. The stepped design can be modified to either allow or prevent rotational motion between the plates. The limited motion disc substantially prevents translation, however some limited translation can be provided by modification of the relative sizes of the stepped features.
US09220601B2	Orthopaedic femoral component having controlled condylar curvature An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing.
US09220596B2	Bone graft materials and methods Compositions, materials, methods and kits for bone grafting are described. In some embodiments, a bone graft composition includes about 15% to about 20% by weight collagen, about 55% to about 70% by weight bioactive glass, and about 15% to about 30% by weight a calcium phosphate. The bioactive glass and the calcium phosphate together are about 80% to about 85% by weight of the bone graft composition. In some embodiments, a bone graft composition includes a collagen matrix and a plurality of bioactive glass particulates dispersed throughout the collagen matrix. The collagen matrix is about 20% to about 60% by weight of the bone graft composition, and the bioactive glass is about 40% to about 80% of the bone graft composition. In some embodiments, a majority of the bioactive glass particulates are about 53 μm to about 425 μm in size.
US09220595B2	Shapeable bone graft substitute and instruments for delivery thereof Injectable bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.
US09220591B2	Accommodating intraocular lens providing progressive power change An accommodating intraocular lens for providing a range of accommodative vision includes a deformable optic. The deformable optic includes a plurality of layers that have a progressively increasing hardness and/or refractive index characteristic from the outermost layer to the innermost layer to provide a range of accommodative power.
US09220589B2	Minimally invasive breast lift method with a superior tissue support and an inferior anchor Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast or another tissue is supported. One method involves introducing a superior soft tissue anchor into a patient, the anchor having an inferiorly facing total surface area; and introducing at least one inferior soft tissue anchor into the patient, such that the at least one inferior soft tissue anchor is suspended from the superior soft tissue anchor, the sum of all of the at least one inferior soft tissue anchors having a superiorly facing total surface area. The inferiorly facing total surface area of the superior anchor can be greater, such as at least two times greater than the superiorly facing total surface area of the at least one inferior anchor.
US09220584B2	Treatment of diabetic patients with a stent and locally administered adjunctive therapy Embodiments of the present invention include methods of treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating a vascular disease and/or disorder in a diabetic or pre-diabetic patient. The methods include implanting a stent in a vascular region in a diabetic or pre-diabetic patient, and prior to and/or during the implantation procedure, delivering a lubricant formulation to the vascular region. The stent may be a bare metal stent, or a drug eluting stent, such as a metal stent with a coating including a drug, such as everolimus or sirolimus.
US09220580B2	Determining a dental treatment difficulty Embodiments for determining a dental treatment difficulty are described herein. One method embodiment includes receiving an initial and subsequent position of each of a first tooth and a second tooth and calculating a change in position of each of the first tooth and the second tooth. The method embodiment can also include projecting the changes in position of each of the first tooth and the second tooth onto a reference line and calculating a change in position on the reference line for the first tooth and the second tooth. The method embodiment can further include determining the dental treatment difficulty based on the changes in position on the reference line.
US09220575B2	Active marker device for use in electromagnetic tracking system A device for use in an image-guided procedure on a patient is disclosed. The device includes an EM sensor assembly, a frame assembly (e.g., a base portion from which a plurality of legs project upward to a common point) and a plurality of attachment members. Each attachment member is arranged to be releasably (e.g., adhesively) secured to the skin of a patient and to be coupled to the frame assembly to secure the frame assembly on the skin of the patient. The EM sensor assembly is arranged to be releasably secured to the frame assembly (e.g., pivotably snap-fit into a socket in the frame assembly). The device additionally includes plural visualizable elements (e.g., metal balls) that are adapted to be readily imaged to establish imaging reference points and a plurality of asymmetrically disposed apertures to enable tattooing indicia on the skin of the patient through the apertures.
US09220572B2	Method for implanting a hip prosthesis and related system A method of implanting a hip joint prosthesis into a patient can include obtaining image data of hip joint anatomy of the patient. Physical activities that the patient desires to participate in subsequent to implanting the hip prosthesis can be determined. A size and an initial placement of the hip joint prosthesis based on the image data can be determined. A desired range of motion of the hip joint prosthesis based on the determined physical activities can be determined. A plan can be created comprising a desired implanted location of the hip joint prosthesis and based on the desired range of motion. The plan can be incorporated onto a guide. The plan can be executed with the guide thereby implanting the hip joint prosthesis into the patient at the desired implanted position.
US09220565B2	No-contact cover for stethoscopes and other devices Disposable covers for articles including stethoscopes are configured in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of the transmission of microbes among the patient; the stethoscope, medical device or other article; and the user/care-provider.
US09220564B2	Electromagnetic radiation delivery apparatus An electromagnetic radiation delivery apparatus for tissue treatment, including a source of electromagnetic radiation, an emission window which is optically coupled to the source of electromagnetic radiation and is able to emit electromagnetic radiation, at least one recess provided in a skin contact area, and a pressure gauge for measuring a pressure inside the recess or a pressure correlated therewith. The electromagnetic radiation delivery apparatus for tissue treatment includes a pump for creating an overpressure inside the recess.
US09220559B2	Articulation joint features for articulating surgical device An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft extending between the body and the end effector. The end effector includes a pair of jaws and at least one electrode operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation section may include beads, segments, asymmetric features, preformedly bent features, an integral hinge, a helical cutout or spring, clevis features, an angled joint, a beaded actuation linkage, and/or an offset pivot, among other things. The device may also include a crimped cutting member, a retroacting cutting member, dual pivoting jaws, and/or a wire tensioning assembly.
US09220555B2	Cryo-ablation device with deployable injection tube A medical system is provided, including a catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft slidably disposed within a portion of the catheter body, the shaft defining a distal tip; a fluid injection tube coupled to the distal portion of the catheter body and the distal tip of the shaft, the fluid injection tube being transitionable from a first geometric configuration to a second geometric configuration; a membrane coupled to the shaft and enclosing at least a portion of the fluid injection tube therein; and a coolant source in fluid communication with the fluid injection tube. The first geometric configuration may be substantially linear, the second geometric configuration may be substantially helical, and the membrane may be tensioned across at least a portion of the fluid injection tube in the second geometric configuration.
US09220550B2	Cross pin fixator for bone fragments and use thereof The present application relates to a cross pin fixator device comprising a plate member with spherical cavities that are open to the front and to the back of the plate, collapsible pin holder members having a central channel for insertion of a bone pin, the collapsible pin holder member being press-fit into the spherical cavities, and bone pins individually inserted into the central channel of a pin holder. The application also relates to a method for treating a fracture of the proximal humerus using the proximal humerus cross pin fixator and to a kit for treating a fracture of a bone.
US09220549B2	Distal radius volar locking plate with extension for ulnar volar fragment A distal radius fixation plate for volar plating may comprise a distal radius fixation plate body configured to be placed adjacent a fractured volar distal radius and proximal to a watershed line of the volar distal radius and a distal radius fixation plate extension approximately 60 to 80% thinner on average than the distal radius fixation plate and projecting from the distal radius fixation plate body and configured to be placed so that it extends distal to the watershed line, the plate extension configured to curve around an ulnar/volar corner of the distal radius bone so as to engage the volar lip preferably without curving around other parts of the volar lip of the distal radius. The plate extension may have a hook at its upper end. The plate body may have an obliquely angled screw hole to buttress a radial styloid fragment.
US09220548B2	Bone plate with captive clips A fixation system includes a plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a central longitudinal axis, at least one fixation hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces and comprising an undercut therein, and at least one passage intersecting one of the undercuts. At least one resilient clip is disposed in at least a portion of the undercut, with the at least one clip having a pair of generally parallel sides and an end tab. At least one fastener is provided and comprises a head and a threaded shaft, with the head comprising a perimetral groove extending around at least a portion thereof and an instrument receiving portion. The at least one clip is configured and dimensioned to seat in the undercut with the end tab extending within the passage, and the at least one fastener is configured and dimensioned to be received in the at least one fixation hole and securable therein when the at least one clip abuts the perimetral groove of the head.
US09220546B2	Expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation An expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation. The instrument includes a first handle member, a second handle member, a bearing assembly, and a replaceable tip insert. The bearing assembly axially receives a driver, such as a hexagonal head screwdriver. The replaceable tip insert is adapted to engage an aperture of a fracture fixation plate. The driver is adapted to engage the head of a bone screw, partially threaded into bone proximate the fracture and disposed through a longitudinal slot of the plate. Manual manipulation of the handle members together or apart causes the driver head and replaceable tip insert to become farther apart or closer together, respectively. This in turn, causes the bone screw to be displaced along the longitudinal slot, expanding or compressing the fracture, respectively. Once the fracture has been expanded or compressed to the desired degree, rotation of the screwdriver, facilitated by the bearing assembly, tightens the bone screw, locking the plate into place.
US09220544B2	Implantable device with locking adjustment mechanism and method for using same An intramedullary rod for use in a mammalian body comprising an elongate nail having a stem and a head and a threaded element carried by the head and accessible at the proximal end for rotation relative to the head. A locking mechanism coupled to the threaded element and configured to preclude rotation of the threaded element relative to the head when the locking mechanism is in a first position and permit rotation of the threaded element relative to the head when the locking mechanism is in a second position.
US09220541B1	Transverse connector A transverse connector for coupling between first and second elongate members of a spinal stabilization system. The transverse connector includes a connector arm, a first coupling assembly proximate a first end of the arm, and a second coupling assembly proximate a second end of the arm. The first and second coupling assemblies are secured to the connector arm through a plurality of mating engagement features, such as dovetail grooves.
US09220539B2	Spinal implant system and method An extender includes a first arm defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first extension and a second extension. The first extension includes an outer surface and a projection extending from the outer surface, the projection including a ramp and a first locking element. The first extension includes an inner surface defining a longitudinal cavity. The projection is transversely moveable between a first configuration such that the projection extends beyond the outer surface and a second configuration whereby the second extension axially translates within the longitudinal cavity and engages the ramp such that the projection is disposed in alignment with the outer surface and the first locking element engages an implant. Methods of use are disclosed.
US09220533B2	External fixator system An external fixation frame for correcting a bone deformity includes a first fixation ring and a second fixation ring. A posterior adjustable length strut couples a posterior portion of the first fixation ring to a posterior portion of the second fixation ring and has universal joint. Medial and lateral adjustable length struts couples medial and lateral portions of the first fixation ring to medial and lateral portions of the second fixation ring respectively, each of the medial and lateral adjustable length struts including a constrained hinge joint. The fixation frame also includes a half ring hingedly coupled to the second fixation ring, and an anterior adjustable length strut coupling an anterior portion of the first fixation ring to the half ring.
US09220530B2	Easily cleaned atherectomy catheters and methods of use An atherectomy catheter is provided having a tissue collection chamber capable of being cleaned out in a simple, fast and effective way, and also provides methods of using said catheter to remove material from a blood vessel lumen. In one embodiment the tissue collection chamber has an expandable tip having a first closed position capable of retaining material in the chamber and having a second open position that may allow expulsion of material from the chamber. In a second embodiment the tissue collection chamber has a displaceable tip having a first closed position to retain material in the chamber and having a second open position to allow expulsion of material from the chamber.
US09220529B2	Rotational atherectomy device with electric motor An atherectomy device is disclosed, which is rotationally driven by an electric motor. In some designs, the device includes features unavailable on gas turbine-driven systems, such as the storing in memory of low/medium/high preset rotation speeds for particular models of handle, calculations of the amount of saline left in the IV and associated warnings when it gets sufficiently low, and automatic adjustment of the IV pump rate to a predetermined or calculated level when the rotational speed of the motor is changed. The electric motor has far more rotational inertia than a comparable gas turbine, so the system includes a control mechanism that helps prevent damage from excessive torque being applied to the distal end of the drive shaft. When an obstruction at the distal end is detected, by a drop in the motor rotational speed, the motor is released and is allowed to spin freely as a flywheel. The freely-spinning motor allows the large angular momentum of the system to dissipate rapidly and safely, without excessive torque to the drive shaft.
US09220522B2	Embolus removal systems with baskets Systems for treatment of ischemic stroke can include tethered baskets. A basket can be tethered to a pusher or elongate member. A temporary reperfusion device or temporary capture device also can be tethered to the pusher or elongate member.
US09220515B2	Bone plate with pre-assembled drill guide tips Removable drill guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a bone plate. The tips may be used with an extension to together function as a conventional drill guide. After drilling, the extension or another tool is used to remove the tips from the plate. According to another use, the tip is used as a guide for a drill bit without any additional extension and then removed with a tool.
US09220514B2	System and method for identifying a landmark A system (1010, 1110) for identifying a landmark is disclosed. The system includes a field generator (1016, 1116) for generating a magnetic field, an orthopaedic implant (1030, 1130) located within the magnetic field, the implant having at least one landmark (1028, 1128), a removable probe (1029, 1129) with a first magnetic sensor (1026, 1126), a landmark identifier (1016, 1116) with a second magnetic sensor (1020, 1120) and a processor (1012, 1112) for comparing sensor data from the first and second sensor and using the set distance to calculate the position of the landmark identifier relative to the at least one landmark. The system allows for blind targeting of one or more landmarks.
US09220513B2	Arthroscopic bone transplanting procedure, and medical instruments useful therein Described is an arthroscopic bone transplanting procedure for transplanting a section of a first bone to a second bone. The described procedure is particularly useful for the treatment an anterior shoulder instability, where the first bone is the coracoid and the second bone is the glenoid. Also described is a kit of medical instruments particularly useful in such a procedure.
US09220502B2	Staple formation recognition for a surgical device There is provided a surgical stapler having a staple formation recognition system incorporated into an anvil member of the surgical stapler. In one series of embodiments, a trace system and controller form an open electrical circuit and a surgical staple acts as an electrical connector to complete an electrical circuit and confirm the proper formation of the surgical staple. In another series of embodiments, a trace system and a controller form a complete electrical circuit which is broken by engagement of a surgical staple with a trace pad of the trace system to signal proper formation of the surgical staple. There is also provided a knife blade position indication system for tracking the progress of a knife blade through the anvil member and relative to staple crimping pockets formed in the anvil member.
US09220500B2	Tissue thickness compensator comprising structure to produce a resilient load A fastener cartridge assembly for an end effector of a surgical instrument can comprise a cartridge body, a deformable tube, and a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. The deformable tube can be longitudinally positioned along a length of the cartridge body. When the fastener is moved to the fired position, the fastener can compress a portion of the deformable tube. The deformable tube can comprise a resilient material such that deformation of the deformable tube generates a restoring force. The deformable tube can comprise a lattice of strands woven together to form a tube wall. Further, the deformable tube can be bioabsorbable and can hold a therapeutic agent. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise multiple, substantially parallel deformable tubes positioned side-by-side and/or within each other.
US09220499B2	Wound closure device including barbed pins A wound closure device includes an elongated body, a depth stop, and one or more barbs. The elongated body has first and second ends. The ends are configured and dimensioned for insertion within tissue on opposed sides of a wound. The depth stop is positioned on the elongated body to limit the insertion depth of at least a portion of the elongated body within tissue. The one or more barbs extend radially from the elongated body and define an inner surface. The inner surface includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The second portion is disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis.
US09220497B1	Suture passer A suture passer device for creating a suture loop in tissue has a handle having a fixed handle portion and a movable handle portion, a tubular shaft with a proximal and a distal end for capturing a suture, and a needle attached to the movable handle and positioned internal of the fixed handle and the tubular shaft. When the movable handle closes the needle is passed through a distal opening transverse to the tubular shaft. The needle has an end to hold a suture and form a loop in the tissue.
US09220496B2	Packaging for surgical needle cartridge and suture Packaging for a surgical needle comprises a cartridge having a surgical needle and a needle driver operative to engage and move the needle relative the cartridge. The packaging has a bobbin, and a length of suture connected to the needle and wound around the bobbin. The packaging may further comprise an outer shell enclosing the cartridge, bobbin, and suture. The outer shell may comprise a sheet of material folded over the cartridge and bobbin. The packaging may further comprise a platform resiliently holding the cartridge. The bobbin may be a rotating spool. The cartridge may comprise a pair of arms defining a generally U-shaped distal end, and the packaging may have a block interposed between the arms. The packaging may further comprise a housing and a top sheet enclosing the enclosing the cartridge, bobbin, and suture.
US09220495B2	Suture system and assembly including a suture clip One aspect provides a suture system including a tool and a suture assembly. The tool includes a head having a proximal portion housing a needle and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat, the needle is movable through a needle exit port formed in the proximal portion of the head to a cavity formed in the distal end of the head. The suture assembly includes suture connected to a suture clip that includes a cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end and a slot formed in the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end that allows the cylindrical body to flex in a radial direction, a tab extending from the distal end and configured to be crimped onto an end of the length of suture, and a rib formed on an interior surface of the cylindrical body.
US09220493B2	Suture anchor kit A suture anchor kit including first and second suture anchors, each having two eyelets, and first and second sutures, each having a free end and a fixed end, where the first suture is received in a first of the two eyelets of the first suture anchor and a first of the two eyelets of the second suture anchor and where the second suture is received in a second of said two eyelets of the first suture anchor and a second of the two eyelets of the second suture anchor, the fixed end of the first suture being connected to the free end of the second suture via a first knot and the fixed end of the second suture being connected to the free end of the first suture via a second knot is provided. The kit may also include a delivery device including a housing, a first driver mechanism and a second driver mechanism, each movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the housing, the first suture anchor being in communication with said the driver mechanism and the second suture anchor being in communication with the second driver mechanism.
US09220492B2	Wound closure device A wound closure device includes an elongated body with proximal and distal ends having a plurality of through-holes along the length and defining a longitudinal axis with a plurality of surface features extending away from the axis. The proximal end is configured and dimensioned to pass through body tissue and thereafter be selectively passed through at least one of the plurality of through-holes such that at least one of the surface features also passes through the through-hole thereby forming a locked closed loop to secure body tissue held therein.
US09220491B2	Lateral access system and method of use A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.
US09220490B2	Methods and tools for accessing an anatomic space A tubular access sleeve and suction tool for accessing an anatomic surface or anatomic space and particularly the pericardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart in a minimally invasive manner are disclosed. A suction tool trunk extending through a suction tool lumen of the sleeve is coupled to suction pads at the ends elongated support arms. The suction pads can be retracted into a sleeve working lumen during advancement of the access sleeve through a passage and deployed from the tubular access sleeve lumen and disposed against the an outer tissue layer. Suction can be applied through suction tool lumens to suction ports of the suction pads that fix to the outer tissue layer so as to tension the outer tissue layer and/or pull the outer tissue layer away from an inner tissue layer so that the anatomic space can be accessed by instruments introduced through the working lumen to penetrate the outer tissue layer.
US09220489B2	Clutch release mechanism for vascular closure device A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in a tissue. The apparatus including an anchor, a sealing plug, a filament secured to the sealing plug and the anchor, a compaction member assembly, a spool, a driving plate, and a follower. The compaction member assembly is disposed adjacent the sealing plug and structured and arranged to apply an axially directed compressive force to automatically compact the sealing plug toward the anchor. The spool has a portion of the filament wound thereon. The driving plate is connected to the spool and arranged to contact and apply a force to a proximal end of the compaction member assembly upon rotation of the driving plate to advance the compaction member assembly. The follower is operable between the spool and driving plate to releasably connect the spool and driving plate to provide a clutch action.
US09220488B2	System and method for treating a therapeutic site A targeting catheter is used to locate an arteriotomy, such as is formed during a femoral artery catheterization procedure. The targeting catheter includes one or more targeting aids, such as an inflatable balloon or sensor (e.g., Doppler or temperature sensor), to locate the arteriotomy. The targeting aid may be positioned at the arteriotomy. An ultrasonic beacon on the catheter may then be located relative to a therapeutic ultrasonic applicator (e.g., by using acoustic time-of-flight) so that the focus of ultrasonic energy from the applicator can be aligned with the arteriotomy.
US09220485B2	Tissue collection and separation device An improved tissue specimen trapping device for collecting and separating solid particles and materials from body fluids has a porous separator that rests on a shelf-like annular ledge between upper and lower portions of the tissue collection container. At least one tissue collection basket removably disposed in the tissue collection container above the separator shelf has a porous bottom surface to filter tissue specimens from body fluids and has downward projections to the tissue collection basket above the separator shelf to create a space therebetween.
US09220484B2	Reduced profile biopsy device A biopsy device is disclosed that includes a housing maintaining a stylet and a cannula, a control device operable to actuate the stylet and the cannula with respect to the housing and a removable handle coupleable to the control device to load the stylet and the cannula, wherein the handle is configured to modify the device from to a loading configuration a delivery configuration such that the device has a reduced profile for obtaining a tissue sample.
US09220477B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic device, and region-to-be-detected image display method and measurement method using same An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a controller, to which a probe and a monitor are connected, the probe having an array of transducers, in which a number of transducers are arranged in a first direction. The controller controls transmission of an ultrasonic beam using the array of transducers and reception of an echo signal reflected from a region of interest, generates image data based on the echo signal, and gets echo signals received from multiple points of the region of interest by either moving or swinging the array of transducers in a second direction that intersects with the first direction at right angles. If the sum of image data ranges of measured value retrievable portions of the region of interest at the multiple points synthesized based on the echo signals, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the controller calculates a detected value of the region of interest.
US09220476B2	Ultrasound systems An ultrasound system comprises a transducer, a controller arranged to generate control signals arranged to control the transducer to generate pressure waves directed at a target volume, and sensing means arranged to sense cavitation in the target volume. The controller is arranged to receive sensing signals from the sensing means and to vary the control signals in response to the sensing signals thereby to control the cavitation.
US09220474B2	Radiographic imaging device, method of controlling radiation detection sensitivity and program storage medium A radiographic imaging device including: a sensor portion that generates an output signal according to an irradiated amount of irradiated radiation; a detector that based on the output signal detects a radiation irradiation start of radiation irradiated from a radiation source during capture of a radiographic image; a noise data generation means that, based on an output signal from the sensor portion in a non-irradiation state of radiation from the radiation source, generates noise data relating to noise incorporated in the output signal; a controller that controls detection sensitivity to radiation irradiation start in the detector according to a degree of variation in noise level expressed by the noise data; and an imaging unit that captures the radiographic image after radiation irradiation start has been detected by the detector.
US09220471B2	X-ray diagnostic apparatus In order to achieve reductions in the size and weight of an arm while ensuring the strength, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit, an X-ray detection unit, an arm having an arch shape which supports the X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit, and at least one reinforcing member which has a higher elastic modulus than the arm and a sheet-like shape and is fixed to the arm.
US09220468B2	Endoscope observation assistance system, method, apparatus and program A virtual endoscope image generation unit receives, as an input, a three-dimensional medical image formed by a three-dimensional medical image formation unit, and generates a virtual endoscope image representing the body cavity viewed from a position in the three-dimensional medical image corresponding to the position of a treatment tool detected in real time by a treatment tool position detection unit. The generated virtual endoscope image is displayed on a WS display.
US09220464B2	Medical information management device According to one embodiment, a display unit displays a screen of a medical application. An acquisition unit acquires a plurality of values used in the medical application and belonging respectively to a plurality of monitoring items set in advance. A determination unit determines whether the acquired values satisfy a matching determination rule for relevance of presence or absence of a change in a value of a reference item among a plurality of monitoring items in the medical application and presence or absence of a change in a value of the other item. An alerting unit controls the display unit to display an alert when it is determined by the determination unit that the acquired values do not satisfy the matching determination rule.
US09220463B2	System and method of workflow management Wireless systems and methods include a plurality of peripheral electronic devices each having a wireless communication system. A processor is configured to establish an association confidence level indicative of a likelihood that a peripheral electronic device is associated to a monitored subject for each peripheral electronic device based on association criteria. Indicators are configured to communicate the association the association confidence level.
US09220462B2	Imaging sensor and method for biometric mapping of facial skin A diagnostic system for biometric mapping of facial skin includes a light filter a light sensor, a non-transient memory, a correlation processor, and an output unit. The light filter filters light reflected from an object to a filtered light signal. The light sensor receives the filtered light signal and generates a first electronic image signal representative of an image of the object in accordance with the filtered light signal. The memory stores a first electronic diagnostic signal representative of a predetermined mal-condition of the object. The processor determines a correlation between the first electronic image signal and the first electronic diagnostic signal, generates a correlation signal representative of a strength of the correlation, determines a diagnosis of the associated object based on the correlation signal, and generates a diagnosis signal in accordance with the diagnosis. The output unit generates a diagnosis result signal in accordance with the diagnosis signal.
US09220454B2	Device and method for detecting drowsiness using eyelid movement A drowsiness detection device and method for a person (4), having a digital camera device (2) and a control unit (5). The digital camera device (2) includes a video processor (6). The digital camera device (2) is arranged to detect the eyes (3) of the person (4) in a series of images. The video processor (6) is arranged to detect eyelid movements in the images and convert images of the eyelid movements to an electric signal (s(t)) which is transferred to the control unit (5) The control unit (5) is arranged to fit a modeled signal (y(t)) against the electric signal (s(t)) and to determine whether the modeled signal (y(t)) constitutes an eyelid blink. The control unit (5) uses a number of modeled signals (y(t)) determined to constitute an eyelid blink to determine whether the level of alertness has fallen below a certain threshold.
US09220447B2	Apparatus for eliciting a blood sample The present application relates to an apparatus for eliciting a blood sample. The apparatus has a housing having an aperture. A shaft extends in the housing and a testing member is mounted on the shaft which rotates with the shaft. A lancing member is pivotably mounted to the testing member and a lancet protrudes from the lancing member. The lancing member is arranged to pivot relative to the testing member from a retracted position to a skin penetrating position in which the lancet extends into or through the aperture when the testing member is rotated so that the lancing member is coincident with the aperture.
US09220444B2	System method and device for determining the risk of dehydration A system, device and method of determining the probability of dehydration of a person is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving data of a heart rate of the person; receiving data of a posture of the person; determining that a first posture of the person satisfies first posture criteria for a first predetermined time period; determining a first heart rate for the person during the first predetermined time period; subsequent to determining that the first posture of the person satisfies first posture criteria for a first predetermined time period, determining that a second posture of the person satisfies second posture criteria for at least a second predetermined period; determining a second heart rate for the person during the second predetermined time period; determining a change in heart rate as the second heart rate minus the first average heart rate; determining a first probability of dehydration based, at least in part, on the change in heart rate; and outputting the first probability of dehydration.
US09220443B2	CPR chest compression monitor for infants Methods and devices for chest compression depth measurement for CPR performed on infants.
US09220437B2	Diagnostic classifications of pulse signal waveform data Diagnostic classifications of pulse signal waveform data is provided. In one example, diagnosis or prediction of a disease may be performed by analyzing pulse signal waveform data, and comparing aspects of the pulse signal waveform data with a morphology pattern that has been found to indicate a subject is suffering from a specific disease. A pulse signal can be captured via wrist electrodes using bio-electric sensors based on an impedance plethysmographic principle, for example, and processed using feature extraction for diagnosis and assessment of the subject's proneness to a disease. Analysis of the pulse signal and pulse morphology patterns provides an in-vitro, non-invasive, and low-cost method for diagnosing diseases.
US09220433B2	Catheter with variable arcuate distal section A catheter includes an elongated body, a distal assembly with a shape-memory member defining a generally circular form, and a control handle adapted to actuate a deflection puller wire for deflecting a portion of the elongated body, and a contraction wire for contracting the generally circular form. The generally circular form which carries at least one ring electrode has an off-edge configuration relative to the elongated body such that a longitudinal axis of the elongated body does not intersect the circumference of the circular form and the generally circular form spirals about the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Moreover, the circular form can have an on-axis configuration such that the longitudinal axis of the elongated body is axially aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the circular form, or an off-axis configuration such that these axes are axially offset from each other. In a more detailed embodiment, the catheter has a distal assembly with a helical form or a crescent form carrying a plurality of irrigated ablation ring electrodes and a plurality of smaller ring electrodes adapted for impedance recording or PV potential recording. A support member with shape memory extends through the distal assembly to provide the helical or crescent form. The support member has a varying stiffness along its length, for example, a decreasing stiffness toward a distal end of the support member. The support member can also be hollow so that it can receive a mandrel whose stiffness is greater than that of the support member.
US09220432B2	Method and system of utilizing ECG signal for central venous catheter tip positioning Disclosed herein are a method and a medical system for utilizing of a intravascular ECG signal for central venous catheter placement. The medical system is capable of detecting the position of a catheter tip and assessing its location relative to the cavoatrial junction. The detection and assessment are performed by a multiscale analysis of the complexity of the intravascular signal data points.
US09220431B2	Electrode system for transdermal conduction of electrical signals, and a method of use thereof There is disclosed a system of electrodes used for transdermal conduction of electrical signals and a method of use thereof, the system comprising a plurality of electrode parts connected by means of electrical conductors to electric impedance tomography apparatuses, as well as other devices, the parts being secured to an outer side of a flexible and porous blade coated on both sides thereof by layers of electrically conductive and adhesive materials, such electrically conductive and adhesive materials being in mutual contact through the pores of the blade, the inner face of the latter being removably secured, by means of adhesion, to the patient. The invention comprises means for positioning the electrode parts, as well as means for external protection thereof and of their respective conductors.
US09220430B2	Methods and systems for electrode placement Described herein are systems, devices and methods for guiding placement of electrodes, and particularly ECG electrodes on a patient. A picture of the patient's body the patient can be analyzed to determine where on the patient's body to place electrodes according to a predetermined, conventional or standard placement pattern. The methods, devices and systems may then guide a user in positioning or correcting the position of electrodes on the patient. For example, an image of the patient may be provided showing the correct position of the electrodes, which may act as a patient-specific map or guide. The electrode placement positions can correspond to conventional or standard 12-lead ECG electrode positions.
US09220429B2	Systems and methods to determine HR, RR and classify cardiac rhythms based on atrial IEGM and atrial pressure signals Systems, devices and methods described herein can be used to monitor and treat cardiovascular disease, and more specifically, can be used to determine heart rate (HR), determine respiration rate (RR) and classify cardiac rhythms based on atrial intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) and atrial pressure (AP) signals. The atrial IEGM and AP signals are subject to spectrum transforms to obtain an atrial IEGM frequency spectrum and an AP frequency spectrum. Based on peaks in the atrial IEGM and AP frequency spectrums measures of HR and RR are determined, and arrhythmias are detected and/or arrhythmia discrimination is performed.
US09220427B2	System and method for reconstructing cardiac activation information In a system and method for reconstructing cardiac activation information, an analysis cardiac signal and a reference cardiac signal are processed to determine a first point of change in a derivative of the analysis cardiac signal with respect to a derivative of the reference cardiac signal. The analysis cardiac signal and the reference cardiac signal are processed to determine a second point of change in a different derivative of the analysis cardiac signal with respect to a different derivative of the reference cardiac signal. An activation onset time is assigned in the analysis cardiac signal at a point based on a mathematical association of the first point of change and the second point of change to define cardiac activation indicating a beat in the analysis cardiac signal.
US09220425B2	Method and apparatus for measuring biopotential and mapping ephaptic coupling employing a catheter with MOSFET sensor array This invention relates generally to electro-anatomical mapping method and an apparatus using a catheter and more particularly to a mapping catheter having an embedded MOSFET sensor array for detecting local electrophysiological parameters such as biopotential signals within an excitable cellular matrix geometry, for determining physiological as well as electrical characteristics of conduction path and its underlying substrate within the endocardial and epicardial spaces, the arterial structure and in ganglionic plexus. The apparatus with its MOSFET sensor is geometrically configured as a decapolar linear array and optionally with an 8×8 sensor matrix placed on a balloon-like structure.
US09220420B2	Implantable dielectrometer Diagnostic apparatus (24) includes a sealed case (80), comprising a biocompatible material and configured for implantation within a body of a human subject (22). A dielectrometric probe (26, 50, 63, 66, 70, 102, 160) is connected to the case and includes first and second conductors (40, 42, 54, 56, 64, 67, 68, 72, 74, 162, 164), which are configured to be placed in proximity to a target tissue (34) in the body. A driving circuit (82), which is contained in the case, is coupled to apply a radio-frequency (RF) signal to the probe and to sense the signal returned from the probe. Processing circuitry (84) is configured to evaluate, responsively to the returned signal, a dielectric property of the target tissue.
US09220418B2	Systems and methods for predicting coronary plaque vulnerability from patient-specific anatomic image data Systems and methods are disclosed for predicting coronary plaque vulnerability, using a computer system. One method includes acquiring anatomical image data of at least part of the patient's vascular system; performing, using a processor, one or more image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis on the anatomical image data; predicting, using the processor, a coronary plaque vulnerability present in the patient's vascular system, wherein predicting the coronary plaque vulnerability includes calculating an adverse plaque characteristic based on results of the one or more of image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis of the anatomical image data; and reporting, using the processor, the calculated adverse plaque characteristic.
US09220416B2	Heat flux balanced thermometer for measuring human core temperature Different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising one or more heating elements, a plurality of sensors, insulation, and a processor. The plurality of sensors includes at least a skin temperature sensor and an oven temperature sensor. The insulation is configured to thermally isolate the skin temperature sensor form the oven temperature sensor. The processor is configured to receive temperature data from the plurality of sensors and to control the one or more heating elements using the temperature data received.
US09220415B2	Systems and methods for frequency-domain photoacoustic phased array imaging Systems and methods of frequency-domain photoacoustic imaging are provided utilizing an ultrasonic phased array probe and intensity modulated optical excitation with coding to improve signal-to-noise ratio. Embodiments employ frequency-domain photoacoustic imaging methodologies such as the photoacoustic radar, coupled with a multi-element ultrasonic sensor array to deliver spatially-resolved correlation images of photoacoustic sources, which may be employed to image optical heterogeneities within tissue-like scattering media.
US09220407B2	Double function tilting head ophthalmic instrument Systems for performing sequential multiple function ophthalmic measurements using separate measurement instruments, by mechanical switching between the instruments. In prior art systems, the separate measurement instruments are stacked, and transfer between them is performed by means of a linear mechanical motion stage. The separate measurement instruments of the present application are mounted on a base which is rotatably pivoted around a joint at a location remote from the optical entry apertures of the instruments. The entrance apertures of the measurement instruments then traverse the eye being measured sequentially. A rotational motion around the pivoted joint is thus transformed into a linear motion at the eye of the subject, without the need for a linear motion stage. A Scheimpflug camera corneal thickness measurement is also described, in which the measurement head is tilted during the corneal scan such that the illuminating slit beam always impinges on the cornea normally.
US09220404B2	Ocular modeling methods and apparatus A method and apparatus for modeling a lens of an eye, comprising: measuring the anterior shape of the eye's cornea; determining direct optical measurements of at least one parameter of the cornea and at least one parameter of the lens; determining the refractive index of the cornea; correcting the optical measurements to account for the effect of the refractive index of the cornea on the direct optical measurements; measuring the aberration of the eye; calculating the refractive index of the lens by combining the corrected measurements and the measured aberration; and further correcting the optical measurements of the lens to account the effect of the refractive index of the lens on the direct optical measurements.
US09220403B2	System and method for detecting amyloid proteins In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device and method for detecting an amyloid protein in an eye of a mammal. A method comprises illuminating the eye with a light source having at least one of a wavelength property, a polarization property or a combination thereof, each appropriate to produce fluorescence in at least an amyloid-binding compound when the amyloid-binding compound is bound to the amyloid protein, the amyloid-binding compound having been introduced to the eye and specifically binding to the amyloid protein indicative of the amyloidogenic disorder; and determining a time decay rate of fluorescence for at least the fluorescence produced by the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein, the determining permitting distinguishing of the presence of the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein in the eye based on at least the time decay rate.
US09220396B2	Balloon access device for endoscope Provided is a balloon access device having a cap coupleable to an endoscope and a balloon for sealing with the cap when expanded. The balloon access device allows a physician to both separate collapsed tissue and visualize the path of the endoscope without administering insufflation gas to the collapsed area of a patient.
US09220392B2	Filter and appliances including the filter A filter for use in a washing appliance is disclosed. The filter includes an inlet, an outlet, a filter chamber and a mesh strainer placed between the inlet and outlet. The mesh strainer strains water or liquid flowing into the filter as the water flows into the inlet and out of the outlet. The mesh strainer filters out particulate matter from the flow through the filter. The liquid flowing into the filter flows across the mesh to clean the filter and dislodge at least some of the particulate matter trapped in the mesh. The filter chamber includes at least one baffle within it. The baffle divides the filter chamber into an upper portion and lower portion. The particulate matter washed off collects in the lower portion of the filter chamber due to rotational flows created in the filter due to the filter chamber boundaries and the baffles.
US09220389B2	Cleaning pad A pad particularly adapted for surface cleaning. The pad includes an absorbent core having the ability to absorb and retain liquid material, and a liner layer in contact with and covering at least one side of the absorbent core. The liner layer has the ability to retain and wick liquid material through the liner layer. Cleaning apparatus containing such pads and methods of using such pads are also described.
US09220388B2	Method for operating a cleaning appliance and cleaning appliance for implementing the method A method is proposed for operating a cleaning appliance which comprises a control device as well as at least one cleaning element for cleaning a surface which has a memory element. The control device comprises a control memory member and the control device is connected to a reader for reading the memory element. In order to reduce the risk of the user unintentionally using an unsuitable cleaning element, it is suggested that characterizing data distinguishing the type of cleaning element be stored in the memory element, these data being read and evaluated in the period of time from the starting up of the cleaning appliance up to the beginning of the cleaning action of the cleaning element. In addition, a cleaning appliance for implementing the method is suggested.
US09220383B2	Collapsible toilet A collapsible toilet in which waste of materials used is minimized and which is simple in structure, has a predetermined strength, and can be used repeatedly is provided. A collapsible toilet made from a rectangular board demarcated into five rows×three columns of rectangular segments by foldable division lines or perforation lines, the rectangular board being shaped into a rectangular parallelepiped when assembled, includes a first row section that forms a first side face, a second row section that forms a top face, a third row section that forms a third side face, a fourth row section that forms at least a second side face, a fourth side face, and a bottom face, and a fifth row section that forms a first reinforcing portion for the top face, a second reinforcing portion for the top face, and the first side face.
US09220382B2	Auto-sensing hand dryer An auto-sensing hand dryer includes an airflow generating device, a guiding duct connected to the airflow generating device, and a sensing unit disposed in the guiding duct. The airflow generating device generates a hand drying airflow. The guiding duct includes a connecting portion communicating with the airflow generating device, an air outlet portion communicating with the connecting portion. The air outlet portion comprises an air discharge opening and a housing encircling the air discharge opening and forming an internal space. The sensing unit is disposed in the internal space and electrically connected to the airflow generating device to determine whether to generate the hand drying airflow. The sensing unit includes a sensing region at least covering the air discharge opening. When a user hand is placed at the air discharge opening, the sensing unit senses the user hand and drives the airflow generating device to generate the hand drying airflow.
US09220377B2	Foam dispensing pump with decompression feature A dispenser comprises a liquid piston and a gas piston coupled for movement. The pistons are mounted for movement relative to one another to define a mixing chamber therebetween. An actuator simultaneously moves the pistons in a first direction such that the air piston delivers air from an air chamber to the mixing chamber and the liquid piston delivers a liquid from a liquid chamber to the mixing chamber where the air and liquid are mixed in the mixing chamber to create a foam. Movement of one of the air piston and the liquid piston is stopped such that the pistons move relative to one another such that only air is delivered to the mixing chamber. The movement of the pistons in a second direction draws residual foam from a delivery tube and delivers the residual foam to the air chamber.

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