| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09255846B1 |
Digital temperature determination using a radiometrically calibrated and a non-calibrated digital thermal imager
A method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing a plurality of computer executable instructions for calibrating an uncalibrated thermal imager is provided. The system includes a calibrated pyrometer for determining a first temperature of a Region of Interest under a first condition, and an uncalibrated thermal imager for determining a first average count value over the region of interest under the first condition and for determining a second average count value over the region of interest under a second condition. A temperature sensor for determining a second temperature of the region of interest under a second condition is also provided. Control electronics determine a Planck function that intersects the points (first temperature, first average count value) and (second temperature, second average count value). The uncalibrated thermal imager is calibrated using the Planck function. |
| US09255842B2 |
Heroin detection by raman spectroscopy from impure compositions comprising an interfering fluorescent contaminant
A method of identifying the presence of heroin in an impure heroin composition which contains heroin and at least one fluorescent contaminant which interferes with a Raman signal from the heroin. The method may include contacting the mixture with a solvent such as an alcohol, then contacting the resulting alcohol composition with a SERS surface. The surface may then be exposed to laser light from a hand-held Raman spectrometer to detect a Raman signal from the heroin. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided. |
| US09255835B2 |
System for remote vibration detection on combustor basket and transition in gas turbines
A gas turbine combustor vibration sensing system includes a non-contact reflective optical vibration sensor adapted for reflecting photons off of a component within the combustor with a photon source and receiving reflected photons with a photon detector. Exemplary combustor internal components include the combustor basket or transition. A vibration analyzer is coupled to the vibration sensor, for correlating photons received by the detector with vibration characteristics of the component. Vibration characteristics in turn can be correlated with combustion characteristics, including by way of example flame front position and flameout conditions. Vibration characteristic information may be used as an operational parameter by a turbine monitoring system to modify operation of a gas turbine. |
| US09255831B2 |
Apparatus and method for improving the accuracy of measurements taken with a capacitance-type sensor
An apparatus and method improve the accuracy of measurements taken with a capacitance-type sensor. In addition to the sensor the apparatus comprises a measurement circuit and a microprocessor. One of the sensor or a calibration capacitor with a known and fixed capacitance is connectable to the measurement circuit by a switch that has its position controlled by the microprocessor. The microprocessor sends measurement signals to the measurement circuit and receives data therefrom. According to the disclosed method, the measurement circuit is programmed to determine an error between measured calibration data and the known capacitance and to use this error to calculate a correction value, which it applies to the measured sensor data to calculate corrected sensor measurements. |
| US09255830B2 |
Dose measurement system and method
Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, systems and methods for measuring the dose remaining in a drug delivery device that is used for delivering a dose to a patient. In some embodiments, a dose measurement system for measuring the liquid volume in a container includes a plurality of light sources which are disposed and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the container. A plurality of sensors are located in the apparatus that are optically coupleable to the plurality of light sources and are disposed and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least a portion of the light sources. The apparatus also includes a processing unit configured to receive data representing the portion of the detected electromagnetic radiation from each of the plurality of sensors. The processing unit is further operable to convert the received data into a signature representative of the electromagnetic radiation detected by the plurality of sensors. |
| US09255829B2 |
Systems and methods for determining amount of liquid and gaseous fuel
A method may comprise, on board a vehicle and executed by a vehicle controller, determining a liquid volume based on a fuel level sensor, determining a gas volume based on the liquid volume, the liquid volume comprising first and second fuels, the gas volume comprising the second fuel, determining a second fuel solubility in the first fuel based on a fuel temperature sensor, determining first and second fuel quantities based on the second fuel solubility, and adjusting engine operation based on the first and second fuel quantities. |
| US09255826B2 |
Temperature compensation module for a fluid flow transducer
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a temperature-compensated drive for a heating element used in a micro-bridge flow sensor. In some embodiments, the heating element may be located substantially between two temperature sensors. The two temperature sensors may be convectively coupled to the heater by a fluid ambient. When the fluid ambient is flowing, one of the temperature sensors may be upstream of the heating element, and one of the temperature sensors may be downstream. The fluid may be heated by the heating unit, and this heated fluid may then flow past the downstream temperature sensor. The two temperature sensors may be used in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. In some embodiments, an output signal of the Wheatstone bridge may be indicative of a measure of fluid flow. The temperature-compensated drive for the heating element may enhance, for example, the flow meter's disturbance rejection of ambient temperature. |
| US09255824B2 |
Apparatus for metering pulverulent filling material
The invention provides an apparatus for metering pulverulent filling material, comprising at least one metering wheel with a plurality of metering chambers for accommodating filling material, wherein a plurality of metering chambers are formed by means of a common component, and the common component can be displaced in the radial direction of the metering wheel using an adjusting means in order to change the volume of the metering chambers. |
| US09255821B1 |
Optical fiber vibration sensor
A fiber optic sensor comprising a first light source, a second light source, a first optical coupler operatively connected with the first light source, and a second optical coupler operatively connected with the second light source. The first optical coupler directs first and second optical waves along a first optical path into first and second ends of an optical fiber such that the first and second optical waves interfere to form a first combined optical wave. The second optical coupler directs the third and fourth optical waves along a second optical path into the first and second ends of the optical fiber such that the third and fourth optical waves interfere to form a second combined optical wave. The second optical path is longer than the first optical path by a predetermined distance. Detectors receive the first and second combined optical waves and output information with respect thereto. |
| US09255820B2 |
Sensor for measuring the angle of rotation having at least dual rotatable code disc with at least dual optics
The invention relates to an angle of rotation sensor comprising a rotatable first code disc, at least one first image sensor and at least one optics which images an optical code of the code disc onto the first image sensor. |
| US09255819B2 |
Device for sensing a capsule in a beverage production apparatus
The invention aims to provide a device sensing a capsule inserted in a receptacle in machine and physical parameters of liquid supplied by a beverage production apparatus flowing through the capsule in function of the type of capsule. The capsule containing beverage ingredient is inserted in a cylindrical or conical wide mouthed receptacle having an upper opening for inserting the capsule and a lower bottom closing the receptacle. The receptacle rotates around an axis of a hollow shaft attached at the center and perpendicularly to the external face of the bottom of the receptacle, said shaft forming a hole at the center of the inner face of the bottom of the receptacle. The device comprises a rod sliding in the shaft and passing through the hole of the inner face of the bottom of the receptacle, said rod being provided with a spring maintaining an end of the rod lifted inside the receptacle in contact with the capsule, the other end being inside the shaft. The device further comprising means for measuring the position of the end of the rod in the shaft, in order to control, in function of the size of the capsule inserted in the receptacle, rotation speed of the receptacle, discharge and physical parameters of liquid supplied by the beverage production apparatus flowing through the capsule. |
| US09255815B2 |
Fingertip slides for guitar playing
A guitar slide adapted to be worn on a musician's finger has an annular end including a hole adapted for receiving the musician's finger, and a semiannular end adapted to extend over a tip of the musician's finger. The semiannular end forms a recess adapted for the musician's finger to rest within and is configured such that the recess becomes wider as the distance from the annular end increases. |
| US09255813B2 |
User controlled real object disappearance in a mixed reality display
The technology causes disappearance of a real object in a field of view of a see-through, mixed reality display device system based on user disappearance criteria. Image data is tracked to the real object in the field of view of the see-through display for implementing an alteration technique on the real object causing its disappearance from the display. A real object may satisfy user disappearance criteria by being associated with subject matter that the user does not wish to see or by not satisfying relevance criteria for a current subject matter of interest to the user. In some embodiments, based on a 3D model of a location of the display device system, an alteration technique may be selected for a real object based on a visibility level associated with the position within the location. Image data for alteration may be prefetched based on a location of the display device system. |
| US09255809B2 |
System and method for integrated trip planning based on fixed and flexible itinerary components
The techniques introduced here include a method for estimating a travel time between an origin and a destination. The method comprises determining a plurality of travel options from the origin to the destination. Further, each travel option is divided into a plurality of serial travel segments such that the travel segments serially connect the origin to the destination. For each of the travel options, the method further comprises estimating a time of travel in each of the travel segments. The estimated time of travel in a given travel segment is a function of both the nature of travel service associated with the segment and the one or more second user preferences associated with a travel service used in the segment. The method further comprises calculating, for each of the travel options, the total estimated travel time as a function of estimated travel times associated with each of the travel segments. |
| US09255805B1 |
Pose estimation using long range features
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to using an object detected at long range to increase the accuracy of a location and heading estimate based on near range information. For example, an autonomous vehicle may use data points collected from a sensor such as a laser to generate an environmental map of environmental features. The environmental map is then compared to pre-stored map data to determine the vehicle's geographic location and heading. A second sensor, such as a laser or camera, having a longer range than the first sensor may detect an object outside of the range and field of view of the first sensor. For example, the object may have retroreflective properties which make it identifiable in a camera image or from laser data points. The location of the object is then compared to the pre-stored map data and used to refine the vehicle's estimated location and heading. |
| US09255804B2 |
Determination of state vector, timing, and navigation quality metrics from reception of ADS-B transmissions
A technique for determining the position of a mobile device includes receiving messages from respective mobile reference devices. Each of the messages is broadcast beginning at one of several predetermined message start opportunity (MSO) times that have known timings relative to a reference time. Each of the messages contains a MSO value identifying the MSO time at which transmission of the message started. The MSO value is used to determine the time of transmission of each of the messages received at the mobile device, and the position of the mobile device is determined via multi-lateration. According to another approach, the mobile device receives a set of ADS-B messages from a respective set of mobile reference devices. The time of transmission of each of the ADS-B messages is supplied in the ADS-B message itself or in a subsequent message and used to determine the position of the mobile device. |
| US09255800B2 |
Space vehicle and guidance and control system for same
A space vehicle has a frame with a configuration of fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) and control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) at the outer perimeter of the frame. The FOGs and CMGs provide guidance and control for the space vehicle. This arrangement results in the largest possible FOG and CMG diameters, and therefore yielding the highest signal sensitivities and precision inertial control of vehicle orientation and pointing. Because the configuration places these guidance and control system components at the perimeter of the vehicle, it also provides a platform for multi-aperture signal channels in the interior of the vehicle by freeing up volume within the vehicle. |
| US09255798B2 |
Survey device
A survey device may include a shaft portion having a longitudinal axis, a prism having a center point and being arranged near the top of the shaft portion and offset laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion, and a laser having a laser emission point in general alignment along the shaft portion with the center point of the prism. |
| US09255795B2 |
Distance measuring device with increased signal-to-noise ratio and method thereof
A method of increasing signal-to-noise ratio of a distance-measuring device includes a light-emitting component emitting a detecting light to a measured object during an emitting period for generating a reflected light, a delay period after the light-emitting component emitting the detecting light, a light-sensing component sensing the energy of the reflected light to generate a light-sensing signal, and obtaining a measured distance between the distance-measuring device and the measured object according to the energy of the detecting light and the light-sensing signal. Since the measured distance is longer than a predetermined shortest measured distance, the method can accordingly calculate a proper delay period for ensuring that the reflected light reaches the light-sensing component after the delay period. In this way, the light-sensing component does not sense the background light during the delay period, so that the signal-to-noise ratio of the light-sensing signal is improved. |
| US09255794B2 |
Microwave probe for furnace refractory material
Disclosed is a system and method to aid in these inspections that avoid the disadvantages of the prior art. The system and method are operative to take thickness measurements of, and thus evaluate the condition of, materials including but not limited to refractory materials, operating in frequency bands that result in less loss than previously known technologies, and utilizing a system configuration and signal processing techniques that isolate the reflected signal of interest from other spurious antenna reflections, particularly by creating (through the configuration of the antenna assembly) a time delay between such spurious reflections and the actual reflected signal of interest, thus enabling better isolation of the signal of interest. Still further, the antenna assembly is intrinsically matched to the material to be probed, such as by impedance matching the antenna to the particular material (through knowledge of the dielectric and magnetic properties of the material to be evaluated) to even further suppress spurious reflections. |
| US09255793B2 |
Defect inspection method and device thereof
A defect inspection device includes an irradiation unit for simultaneously irradiating different regions on a sample with illumination light under different optical conditions, the sample being predesigned to include patterns repeatedly formed thereupon, wherein the patterns are to be formed in the same shape; a detection unit for detecting, for each of the different regions, a beam of light reflected from each region irradiated with the illumination light; a defect candidate extraction unit for extracting defect candidates under the different optical conditions for each of the different regions, by processing detection signals corresponding to the reflected light which is detected; a defect extraction unit for extracting defects by integrating the defect candidates extracted under the different optical conditions; and a defect classifying unit for calculating feature quantities of the extracted defects and classifies the defects according to the calculated feature quantities. |
| US09255791B2 |
Optically monitoring and controlling nanoscale topography
Methods and apparatus for method for characterizing a height profile of a scattering surface relative to a fiducial plane. The scattering surface, which may be an interface between distinct solid, liquid, gaseous or plasma phases, is illuminated with substantially spatially coherent light, and light scattered by the scattering surface is collected and dispersed, such as by a grating, into zeroth- and first-order beams. A spatial Fourier transform of the zeroth- and first-order beams is created, and one of the beams is low-pass filtered. The beams are interfered at a focal plane detector to generate an interferogram, which is transformed to retrieve a spatially resolved quantitative phase image and/or an amplitude image of the scattering surface. Imaging may be performed during an etching process, and may be used to adaptively control a photoetching process in a feedback loop. |
| US09255788B1 |
Measuring method for linear stage
A measuring method for linear stage used for measuring a displacement volume of a linear stage includes a light source, a two-dimensional grating, a quadrant photodiode and a processor. The light source provides an incident light, and the two-dimensional grating is disposed in light path of the incident light and reflects the incident to form a reflection light. The quadrant photodiode is disposed in light path of the reflection light and receives the reflection light for generating a plurality of sensing signals. The processor receives the sensing signals and utilizes the sensing signals to calculate a slope signal by a slope signal equation of the two-dimensional grating and an initial position signal and an end position signal by a position signal equation of the two-dimensional grating. The processor obtains the displacement volume of the linear stage by the slope signal, the initial position signal and the end position signal. |
| US09255787B1 |
Measurement of critical dimension and scanner aberration utilizing metrology targets
Metrology targets and method of using the metrology targets for measurement of critical dimension, overlay or scanner aberration are disclosed. A target may include an unresolved grid having a plurality of lines spaced equally apart from each other according to a pre-determined pitch distance and at least one resolved feature tilted at an angle with respect to the unresolved grid. The method may indentify multiple regions of interest (ROIs) and determine a series of center points between the ROIs as the ROIs are being shifted. Critical dimension, overlay or scanner aberration may be calculated by analyzing the series of center points between the ROIs. |
| US09255786B2 |
Motion detection
A motion sensor has at least two tiers of monitored volumes that are offset from each other. Electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared light, is directed from the monitored volumes onto at least two sets of detector elements having separate outputs on a pyroelectric substrate of an infrared detector. As a warm object, such as a human or an animal, moves through the monitored volumes, the warmth from the object causes the voltage on the outputs of the infrared detector to change. The resultant waveforms are compared and if the two waveforms have a phase relationship corresponding to a critical phase angle that is based on the pitch of the monitored volumes and the offset between the tiers of monitored volumes, an animal-immune motion indication is generated. |
| US09255784B2 |
Contactless angular position detection device
The contactless angular position detection device includes a main casing (1) having a through opening (2) formed about a geometric axis (E) and a rotary element (3) to which a permanent magnet (4) is fixed. The rotary element (3) is mounted inside the main casing (1) to rotate with respect thereto about the geometric axis (E) Further, an electronic circuit 5 is mounted inside the main casing (1) and which includes a sensor (7) capable of detecting variations in the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet (4) when rotating with respect to the main casing (1), a secondary casing (9) coupled to the main casing (1), and plug connection housed in or supported by the secondary casing (9) for connecting said electronic circuit 5 to the outside. The main casing (1) and secondary casing (9) are permanently and tightly attached. |
| US09255782B2 |
MEMS device including a mobile element and a resistive sensor, and method for generating a signal indicating the position of the mobile element
A MEMS device includes a supporting body, a first deformable element and a second deformable element, and a mobile element set between the first and second deformable elements and rotatable with respect to the fixed supporting body. A generator causes a current to flow through at least one of the first and second deformable elements, which function as resistors, so as to generate an electrical position signal proportional to deformation of the first and second deformable elements and indicative of angular position of the mobile element. The electrical signal is processed to determine mobile element angular position. A drive signal is generated in response to the electrical signal for the purpose of driving oscillation of the mobile element. |
| US09255780B2 |
Method for measuring thickness of film on wafer edge
A method for measuring a film thickness of a film on an edge of a wafer, comprising: off-line detecting a film at a detection point on the wafer by a four-point probe method to obtain a real film thickness of the film at the detection point, and detecting a distance from the detection point to a center of the wafer using a length measurement, in which the detection point is located between the center of the wafer and a edge point of the wafer; detecting the film at the detection point using an eddy current transducer to obtain a detected film thickness of the film at the detection point; determining a film thickness measuring correction factor according to the real film thickness, the detected film thickness at the detection point and the distance from the detection point to the center of the wafer; and measuring the film on an edge of the wafer using the eddy current transducer to obtain a measured film thickness of the film on the edge of the wafer and correcting the measured film thickness of the film on an edge of the wafer according to the film thickness measuring correction factor to obtain a real film thickness of the film on the edge of the wafer. |
| US09255774B2 |
Controlled fragmentation of a warhead shell
A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along pre-determined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected towards the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation. |
| US09255770B1 |
Illumination for telescopic sight
An illuminating device includes a clamp tube including an open front end and an opposed open rear end and defining an inner cavity extending from the front end to the rear end. A light assembly is receivably connected to the clamp tube at the rear end. The clamp tube is configured to receivably connect to an eyepiece of a scope of a firearm at the front end. The light assembly projects illumination through the inner cavity and through the scope. |
| US09255762B2 |
Archery release comprising finger extension
A triggerless back tension archery release is provided. Disclosed archery releases include a bearing ring that rotates relative to a release body. During use, the bearing ring rotates to the same position when force is applied during a draw cycle. This reduces inconsistent placement of the finger and provides consistent release alignment. Disclosed archery releases also include a variety of removable finger extension that provide high mass triggers. An archer can feel subtle movement of the high mass triggers with increased accuracy which provides better control over the archery release. |
| US09255748B2 |
Heat exchanger for vehicle
A heat exchanger for a vehicle includes a heat radiating portion provided with first and second connecting lines formed by alternately stacking a plurality of plates and first and second operating fluids heat-exchanging with each other while passing through the first and second connecting lines; a bifurcating portion connecting an inflow hole for flowing one of the operating fluids with an exhaust hole for exhausting the one operating fluid, and adapted for the one operating fluid to bypass the heat radiating portion according to a temperature of the one operating fluid; and a valve unit mounted at the inflow hole forming the bifurcating portion and adapted to flow the operating fluid selectively to the heat radiating portion or the bifurcating portion according to a temperature of the one operating fluid flowing into the inflow hole. |
| US09255747B2 |
Cooling plate, method for manufacturing the same, and member for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
A member for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes an alumina electrostatic chuck, a cooling plate, and a cooling plate-chuck bonding layer. The cooling plate includes first to third substrates, a first metal bonding layer between the first and second substrates, a second metal bonding layer between the second and third substrates, and a refrigerant path. The first to third substrates are formed of a dense composite material containing Si, SiC, and Ti. The metal bonding layers are formed by thermal compression bonding of the substrates with an Al—Si—Mg or Al—Mg metal bonding material interposed between the first and second substrates and between the second and third substrates. |
| US09255746B2 |
Reactor core for use in a chemical reactor, and method of making the same
A reactor core for use in a chemical reactor includes first and second reactor core sections. Each core section includes heat transfer fluid conduits extending through the core section in a first direction, the lengths of the conduits defining a core section width. Each core section further includes spaced apart parallel plates arranged into a plate stack, with the conduits extending through the stack. Surfaces of the plates have a catalyst coating applied to them. The plates are rectangular and define a core section depth and a core section length, the core section depth being substantially smaller than both the core section width and length. Channels are defined by the spaces between adjacent plates, and are open to flow through the reactor core section in both the core section depth and length directions. The first core section is adjacent to the second core section in the depth direction. |
| US09255745B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger has a fluid passage sharing a wall with a cooling fluid passage adjacent to the passage. The thermally conductive wall allows heat to be transferred from the fluid into the cooling fluid passage. The passage additionally has a set of at least one airfoil pin extending into the passage. |
| US09255742B2 |
Sample cooling device and sampling apparatus
A sample cooling device for cooling a sample container held in a heat conductive rack comprises a cooler; a heat conductive member, on which the rack is placed, to be cooled in contact with the cooler; and a heat conductive water absorbing member disposed at least partly in an opposite region defined between the heat conductive member and the rack in contact with both of the heat conductive member and the rack. The water absorbing member has a structure for absorbing water by a capillary force. |
| US09255741B2 |
Cooled electric assembly
A cooled electric assembly includes a box that defines an interior space. An electrical conductor is located within the interior space. A cooling tube is attached to the box. A thermal conductor is located at least partially within the interior space and is in thermal contact with the electrical conductor and in thermal contact with the cooling tube. |
| US09255737B2 |
External insulation system for tanks and the like
An apparatus comprises a vessel, a first vertical support, a second vertical support, and a series of insulating panels. The first vertical support and the second vertical support are fixated to the vessel such that the first vertical support is spaced apart from the second vertical support. Each of the insulating panels in the series of insulating panels is supported between the first vertical support and the second vertical support. Moreover, each insulating panel in the series of insulating panels slidably overlaps one or more adjacent insulating panels in the series of insulating panels. |
| US09255735B2 |
Process and apparatus for manufacturing confectionery products
In order to provide a process and an apparatus for manufacturing confectionery products made from cereals, in particular thin ones having uniform shapes, which solve disadvantages in transporting such products, it is characterized in that a first and a second drying steps are arranged prior to cut-out baking raw material dough pieces in manufacturing thin confectionery products made from cereals and having uniform shapes, in which in the first drying step, drying is conducted by a step of transporting the raw material dough pieces aligned on transporting conveyor belts under a hot blast atmosphere inside a first drying compartment, a maturing step in a cooling state is arranged following a completion of the first drying step, and in the second drying step, drying is conducted by a step of transporting the raw material dough pieces in their mixed state under a hot air atmosphere inside rotary drums in an axial direction in a second drying compartment. |
| US09255732B2 |
Vacuum heat pump clothes drying method and dryer
A dryer includes a sealed drum, a heat pump system, a vacuum device and a steam generating device. The steam generating device connects with the interior of the drum to introduce hot steam into the interior of the drum. The vacuum device connects with the interior of the drum. The heat pump system is arranged external to the drum. Heat generated by the heat pump device is exchanged with the outer surface of the drum through a liquid medium so as to heat the wet clothes in the drum. Simultaneously, damp-hot air mixed with the water vapor in pumped from heating clothes in the drum by the vacuum device and the hot steam pumped into the drum and contacted with clothes are cooled and condensed into water. The water produced by damp-hot air is connected with water provided by the steam generating device. |
| US09255731B2 |
Sour NGL stream recovery
A method for recovering a sour natural gas liquids stream is provided. In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide, natural gas liquids, and acid gas is received. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids and the acid gas. In another embodiment, a system comprises piping and a separator. The piping is configured to receive a recycle stream that comprises an injection gas, natural gas liquids, and acid gas. The separator is configured to separate the recycle stream into a purified recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified recycle stream comprises the injection gas, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids and the acid gas. |
| US09255730B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a main body having a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment, a first door rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the first storage compartment, a second door slidably coupled to the main body to open and close the second storage compartment, a receptacle received in the second storage compartment and coupled to the second door to move together with the second door, and a camera installed at the main body to take a picture of an interior of the receptacle. A controller may combine a plurality of pictures taken by the camera as the second door is moved, and may correct the images into an image showing the interior of the receptacle. |
| US09255727B2 |
Systems and methods for temperature control and heat extraction from waste landfills
The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for exchanging heat from the degradation, decomposition, and chemical/biochemical transformation of municipal, industrial, and other types of waste. In one embodiment, a heat extraction system may include a closed-loop fluid circulation piping channeled throughout at least one heat extraction well oriented throughout a waste mass. The piping is fluidly coupled to a heat exchanger. A first circulation fluid is circulated through the closed-loop circulation piping into various depths of the waste mass to transfer thermal energy between said mass and said heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the transfer of thermal energy between the waste mass and the heat exchanger is used as alternative energy method and to control at least one of shear strength, compressibility, and hydraulic conductivity of the waste mass. |
| US09255722B2 |
Air conditioner having a movable panel that opens and closes discharge ports
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a case, a first discharging port provided at a first side of the case and a second discharging port provided at a second side of the case, each selectively discharging air therefrom based on an operation mode of the air conditioner. A movable panel connected to the case may be movable between the first discharging port and the second discharging port. A transfer direction of the movable panel may also be determined based on the operation mode of the air conditioner. |
| US09255719B2 |
Ventilation member
A ventilation member (10) includes an air-permeable membrane (2), a support body (4), a cover body (6), and a column portion (8). The support body (4) has a through hole (14) serving as an air passage. The through hole (14) includes (a) a first portion (14a) having a relatively large inner diameter and (b) a second portion (14b) having a relatively small inner diameter. An annular ridge portion (12) is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the support body (4) along a circumferential direction of the support body (4). When the housing (20) has a nozzle opening portion (22), the ventilation member (10) is attached to the housing (20) by inserting the nozzle opening portion 22 into the support body 4. When the housing (20) has a recess opening portion (24), the ventilation member (10) is attached to the housing (20) by fitting the support body (4) into the recess opening portion (24). |
| US09255717B2 |
Ceiling mounted air conditioner
A ceiling mounted air conditioner is provided. The ceiling mounted air conditioner includes a main body configured to be fixed onto a ceiling and have an open bottom; an outlet panel configured to be coupled to a lower part of the main body and have a plurality of air outlets; an intake panel configured to be coupled to the outlet panel and have an air intake; a door panel configured to be lifted up or down from the bottom of the intake panel and thus to open or shut the air intake; and a human body sensor module configured to be installed in the door panel, to begin to operate when the door panel is lifted down and to sense a movement of a user. Since the ceiling mounted air conditioner can blow air-conditioned air toward the user in a localized manner, it is possible to improve the performance of the ceiling mounted air conditioner. |
| US09255716B2 |
In-ceiling mount type air conditioner and indoor unit thereof
An indoor unit of an in-ceiling mount type air conditioner including a box-shaped housing having a top plate portion, a side plate portion and an opening portion at the lower portion thereof, a face panel detachably mounted on the opening portion of the housing, an indoor heat exchanger through which the inside of the housing is compartmented into a primary side and a secondary side, and an air blower secured to the top plate portion of the housing that faces the primary side, has a primary side heat insulating material is provided to the top plate portion so as to face the primary side of the housing and a secondary side heat insulating material provided to the side plate portion so as to face the secondary side of the housing, wherein the primary side heat insulating material is provided with an opening portion through which the air blower is fixed to the top plate portion. |
| US09255715B2 |
Natural fuel heating system
The natural fuel heating system includes an elongate firebox covered by a cowling. The firebox includes means for accessing the interior thereof for fuel placement and vents at opposite ends. The cowling surrounds a majority of the firebox and forms an air circulating barrier between the firebox and the cowling. Outside air is introduced into the barrier through an intake shroud extending from the back of the firebox. The natural fuel heating system includes a heat exchange system for efficiently heating the cooler outside air circulating within the barrier. The heated air is drawn through an exhaust shroud extending from the air barrier into a building ventilation system to heat the building via natural thermal convection and negative air pressure caused by oxygen consumption from combustion within the firebox. A waste gas exhaust vent protrudes from the firebox to deliver harmful exhaust gas back outside. |
| US09255713B2 |
Cooking hob with illumination equipment
The present invention relates to a cooking hob with illumination equipment. The cooking hob includes at least one transparent or semitransparent panel (10) arranged at the top side of said cooking hob. Further, the cooking hob includes at least one frame (12) enclosing at least partially the panel (10). A plurality of lighting elements (14) is arranged within the frame (12) and beside a narrow side of the panel (10). The frame (12) comprises at least one opening (16) on at least one inner side of said frame (12), so that the cooking hob and/or the environment above said cooking hob are illuminated out of the frame (12). |
| US09255712B2 |
Oven appliance with doors having a tongue and groove interface
An oven appliance with a cabinet that defines a chamber is provided. A pair of doors is mounted proximate the cabinet and provides selective access to the cabinet. One of the pair of doors includes a tongue. Another of the pair of doors defines a groove configured for receipt of the tongue when the pair of doors is in a closed position. The tongue and groove can limit heat loss through a gap between the pair of doors or assist with sealing the pair of doors against the cabinet. |
| US09255711B2 |
System for reducing combustion dynamics by varying fuel flow axial distances
First and second combustors are provided, and each combustor includes a fuel nozzle and a combustion chamber downstream from the fuel nozzle. Each fuel nozzle includes an axially extending center body, a shroud that circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the center body, and vanes that extend radially between the center body and the shroud. A first fuel port through at least one of the vanes is located at a first axial distance from the combustion chamber, a second fuel port through the center body is located at a second axial distance from the combustion chamber, and the vanes are located at a third axial distance from the combustion chamber. The system varies one or more of the first, second, and third axial distances from combustor-to-combustor to produce a combustion instability frequency in the first combustor that is different from the combustion instability frequency in the second combustor. |
| US09255710B2 |
Multi-ring gas burner
A multi-ring gas burner for a cooktop appliance is provided. The multi-ring gas burner includes an inner burner ring, an outer burner ring, and a carryover slot that extends between about the inner burner ring and about the outer burner ring. A pair of restrictors defines a Venturi throttle therebetween. The Venturi throttle can assist with regulating a flow of gaseous fuel out of the carryover slot. |
| US09255709B2 |
Automatic water supply-type steam generator using vapor pressure
The present invention relates to an automatic water supply-type steam generator using vapor pressure for creating the optimum vacuum pressure inside a pressurized water supply tank, and for smoothly providing water to the pressurized water supply tank by using the strong aspiration force that is created by means of the vacuum pressure while continuously generating steam. The present invention is characterized by allowing control of the vacuum pressure to the optimum state when creating the vacuum pressure inside the pressurized water supply tank by introducing an adequate amount of outside air from the atmosphere through an air vent. In addition, the present invention is characterized by providing a means for cooling the pressurized water supply tank so as to control the vacuum pressure inside the tank to the optimum state. |
| US09255696B2 |
Lighting devices
Improved lighting devices, such as non-rechargeable and rechargeable flashlights, having simplified designs with fewer component parts are described. A focusing feature is described where the light source is held stationary and the reflector is moved through the engagement of threads and/or teeth arrangement. An improved reflector that avoids regions of increased thickness to reduce or avoid distortion caused by sink is also described. |
| US09255694B2 |
Reflector structure of illumination optic system
An illumination optic system includes a convex mirror to reflect light from a light source to towards a lens. The light source is at a first focus position and the lens is at a second focus position of the mirror. The system also includes a reflector to reflect light not incident on the lens toward the convex mirror. The reflector has a light guide hole to guide light to the incidence surface of the lens. |
| US09255691B2 |
Light source device and projection type display apparatus employing same light source device
A light source device and a projection type display apparatus include: an excitation light source; and a fluorescence light-emitting plate including a fluorescence light-emitting section arranged opposite to the excitation light source and a reflection section containing titanium oxide located on the opposite side of the excitation light source as viewed from the side of the fluorescence light-emitting section and arranged such as to be joined to the fluorescence light-emitting section. Then, excitation light from the excitation light source is projected onto the fluorescence light-emitting section so that fluorescence emission light is emitted from the fluorescence light-emitting section and reflected fluorescence light is emitted from the reflection section. |
| US09255689B2 |
Optical lens and light source module having the same
A light source module includes a light source and an optical lens facing the light source. The optical lens includes a light incident face facing the light source, a light emitting face opposite to the light incident face, and a connecting face connecting the light incident face and the light emitting face. The connecting face is planar. The light emitting face includes a lateral face extending upwardly from an outer periphery of the connecting face and a top face located above the light incident face. The optical lens further includes a plurality of protrusions protruding outwardly from the light emitting face, and a plurality of grooves defining in the connecting face. The protrusions are formed on the lateral face and located adjacent to the connecting face, and the grooves are located adjacent to the lateral face. |
| US09255687B2 |
LED system and housing for use with halogen light fixtures
An LED optical light engine spotlight which can accommodate a variable number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is disclosed. An optical projection lens mounted in front of the LEDs merges the separate LED beams into a single beam, similar to the single beam provided by a halogen light and reflector. A heat sink provides convection cooling up to approximately 100 F. An optional fan provides additional heat dissipation for more extreme conditions. The depicted device can include a vertical tilt of over 200. Optimally, the depicted device is designed to have a full vertical tilt range between zenith (0 degrees) to horizontal (90 degrees) to full depression (135 degrees). An optional accessory lens provides additional capabilities, including flood lenses, colored lenses and rock guards, for example. The depicted device can be hard wired or wireless. The depicted device can be adapted to many base units and/or pan and tilt platforms. |
| US09255686B2 |
Multi-lens LED-array optic system
Lighting apparatus having a first lens over the LED emitter and a second lens over the first lens, and including: a first optical surface which is a first-lens outer surface configured to refract light from the emitter; a second optical surface which is a second-lens inner surface spaced from the first optical surface; and a third optical surface which is a second-lens outer surface configured to refract light from the second optical surface toward a preferential side. One embodiment includes asymmetric primary and secondary lenses. |
| US09255680B2 |
Transportation device lamp fixture
A transportation device lamp fixture includes a semiconductor light-emitting device, a circuit board to which the semiconductor light-emitting device is mounted, a lamp body, and a front cover that covers an opening of the lamp body. The semiconductor light-emitting device and the circuit board are housed inside of a lamp chamber formed by the lamp body and the front cover, and the circuit board is attached to an inside surface of an upper portion of the front cover or the lamp body. |
| US09255678B2 |
Lighting appliance for vehicles
A lighting appliance for vehicles with a light unit includes a light source and a light guide assigned to the light source for the creation of a given light function, wherein the light guide is embodied as a rod-shaped light guide with a punctiform surface for the coupling-out of light or as a flat light guide with a line-shaped or a sheet-like surface for the coupling-out of light, wherein for the creation of the light function, a light surface magnifying unit is provided, which comprises a light source and a mask template unit for the generation of an illumination pattern from a light beam sent from a light source onto a projection screen. |
| US09255676B2 |
Tubular luminaire
A luminaire having a tubular body that fits into a ceiling mounted sleeve that allows azimuthal rotation of a light beam. The luminaire features an upright tubular heat sink connected to a fixed base having a downward portion inclined at an angle where an LED chip is affixed. The chip is sandwiched in place by a reflector holder having a rim that centers a rotating reflector that admits light from the LED and forms a beam. The angular inclination of the reflector is additive with the angle of the inclined portion of the base allowing vertical angle adjustment of the beam independently of the azimuthal adjustment. |
| US09255673B2 |
LED bulb having an adjustable light-distribution profile
A light-emitting diode (LED) bulb includes a reflector, a plurality of LEDs disposed within a recess of the reflector, a thermally conductive liquid disposed within the recess, and an adjustment mechanism to move the LEDs from a first position to a second position, with respect to the reflector. The thermally conductive liquid may transfer heat generated by the LEDs to the reflector, and the reflector may dissipate heat transferred by the thermally conductive liquid to the surrounding environment. The reflector may also reflect light from the LEDs to produce a first light-distribution profile, having a respective first beam angle, when the LEDs are in the first position, and to produce a second light-distribution profile, having a respective second beam angle, when the LEDs are in the second position. |
| US09255667B2 |
LED lighting assembly and an LED retrofit lamp having the LED lighting assembly
An LED lighting assembly may include a printed circuit board with an LED chip, and a heat sink thermally conducted with the printed circuit board, wherein the LED lighting assembly further comprises a light guide body configured as a bulb, the light guide body having an end surface as a light incidence surface of light from the LED chip, an outer surface as a light emergent surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is structured so as to form a reflecting surface, reflecting at least part of light from the end surface to the outer surface. |
| US09255666B2 |
Illumination apparatus
This disclosure discloses an illumination apparatus. The illumination apparatus comprises an inner cover comprising a top surface having a first length; a pedestal on which the inner cover is disposed comprising a top surface having a second length; and a holder supporting the pedestal; wherein the first length is greater than the second length. |
| US09255663B2 |
Pressure tank
A pressure tank includes a metallic vessel, a plastic liner received in the metallic vessel, a flexible diaphragm, two connectors and a nozzle coupled to the nipples respectively. The metallic vessel includes upper and lower shells. The upper shell defines a first planar area on a side thereof and a second planar area on a top thereof. The lower shell defines a third planar area therebottom. The flexible diaphragm divides the metallic vessel into a storage space and a pneumatic room. Each of the connectors includes a nipple and an anti-leak assembly. The nipples of the connectors are mounted on the side and top of the upper shell respectively and are in communication with the storage space. The two anti-leak assemblies provide leakproof connection between the nipples and the plastic liner. Additionally, the nozzle is mounted on the third planar area to be in communication with the pneumatic room. |
| US09255654B2 |
Hard lead egress adapter for an instrumentation component
An instrumentation component includes an instrumentation portion, a casing at least partially surrounding the instrumentation portion, a lead protruding from the instrumentation portion through a lead egress hole in the casing, a lead egress adapter, and a lead egress cap. The lead egress adapter is situated in the lead egress hole. The lead egress adapter includes a cup portion and a lip portion at least partially circumscribing the cup portion. The lead egress adapter includes a hole in the cup portion. The lead protrudes through the cup hole and the cup hole is tight fit to the lead. A potting material fills a remainder of the cup portion. The lip portion of the lead egress adapter contacts the casing. A lead egress cap seals the lead egress adapter to the casing. The lead egress cap further includes a cap hole through which the lead protrudes, and the cap hole is tight fit to the lead egress. |
| US09255651B2 |
Marine pipeline installation system and method
The present invention relates to a marine pipeline installation system for laying an offshore pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser. The system comprises: a pipeline launch tower (10), a pipeline guide (16) provided at an elevated position for guiding said pipeline to the pipeline launch trajectory along said tower, one or more tensioners (18), an abandonment and recovery (A&R) system (30) comprising at least one A&R cable and associated A&R winch and a sheave arrangement with one or more sheaves supported by the pipeline launch tower at an upper position thereof. Furthermore, an auxiliary trolley (38, 50) is provided which is adapted to support the weight of the launched pipeline and which is movable along a rail in the pipeline launch trajectory when the one or more tensioner frames are in the retracted non-operable position, from a position above the uppermost tensioner to a position below the lowermost tensioner, the rail being supported by the pipeline launch tower. |
| US09255650B2 |
Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces
Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces are described. An example valve includes a valve packing having a graphite packing ring disposed within a bonnet of the fluid valve and a stem or shaft has a conditioned surface to hold a lubricating material. The conditioned surface of the stem or shaft is disposed within the bonnet and moves the lubricating material relative to and in contact with the graphite packing ring during operation of the fluid valve. |
| US09255649B2 |
Apparatus for fluid control device leak detection
Apparatus for fluid control device leak detection are disclosed. An example apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure includes a plurality of ports. One of the ports is to receive a supply pressure to drive an actuator and another of the ports to be fluidly coupled to a purge port of a fluid control device. The apparatus includes a sensor to measure a value at the purge port and a processor to compare the value to a predetermined value or a previously measured value to identify if the value is outside of a predetermined threshold. |
| US09255648B2 |
Self-regulated compact-geometry valve assembly
A self-regulated valve assembly contains a valve body which, in the lower part, has an input section for a connection to a tank intended to contain a fluid under pressure and, in the upper part, an output for connection to a pipe system. A piston is movable in the valve body along a first axis between an open position, enabling the fluid to communicate between the input section and the output, and a closed position. A spring type module is coupled to the piston and to the valve body and interacts dynamically with the piston at least after an actuation of the valve and during the entire cycle of self-regulation of the valve, imposing a positioning of the piston between its open and closed position. The spring type module is positioned beneath the lower sealing section of the piston and the dimensions of the valve assembly can be considerably reduced. |
| US09255647B2 |
Dynamic fluid gas bleeder manifold
Disclosed are high pressure test systems and methods. One dynamic fluid gas bleeder manifold includes gas outlet having opposing first and second ends and defining first opening at first end of gas outlet, wherein gas outlet extends between first and second ends along longitudinal axis of gas bleeder manifold, a first fluid inlet having opposing first and second ends defines second opening at first end of first fluid inlet, wherein first fluid inlet extends between first and second ends along first direction forming first acute angle with longitudinal axis, a second fluid inlet having opposing first and second ends defines third opening at first end of second fluid inlet, wherein second fluid inlet extends between first and second ends of second fluid inlet along second direction forming second acute angle with longitudinal axis, an internal fluid passage fluidly couples gas outlet to first and second fluid inlets. |
| US09255644B1 |
Prompt hot water and water conservation system and method
The prompt hot water and water conservation system includes a hot water supply pipe connected to a hot water heater outlet. A discharge faucet is connected to the supply pipe. A return pipe is connected to the supply pipe and to a hot water tank drain. The return pipe carries cooled water to the drain for reheating. Reheated water circulates into the supply pipe. A flow control device, in the return pipe, includes a chamber that houses a sphere. Return water flow moves the sphere toward a stop and permits unimpeded movement of water into the tank drain for reheating. When the faucet is opened, water flows from the tank drain into the flow control device. The sphere is moved to contact a small end of the chamber and substantially stop flow through the return pipe. Water is circulated through the system by increased density of cooled water. |
| US09255643B2 |
Integrated pneumatic valve lock
A pneumatic lock assembly for securing a valve comprises a lock pin engaging a contact surface on a poppet assembly. The head of a poppet creates a sealing relationship with an end of the valve. A guide with a bore extends between the exterior and interior of the valve terminating at a sleeve. The sleeve slidably receives a stem extending from the poppet head. A spring biases a pin, slidably received within the pylon bore, into engagement with a contact surface on the valve stem for securing the valve head in a closed position. The pin may be pneumatically disengaged from the groove by forcing air from a pneumatic power source into a bore in the pin. A cap assembly at the exterior of the valve provides protection for the lock assembly and allows for manual disengagement of the pin from the groove. |
| US09255642B2 |
Aerodynamic seals for rotary machine
An aerodynamic seal assembly for a rotary machine includes multiple sealing device segments disposed circumferentially intermediate to a stationary housing and a rotor. Each of the segments includes a shoe plate with a forward-shoe section and an aft-shoe section having multiple labyrinth teeth therebetween facing the rotor. The sealing device segment also includes multiple flexures connected to the shoe plate and to a top interface element, wherein the multiple flexures are configured to allow the high pressure fluid to occupy a forward cavity and the low pressure fluid to occupy an aft cavity. Further, the sealing device segments include a secondary seal attached to the top interface element at one first end and positioned about the flexures and the shoe plate at one second end. |
| US09255641B2 |
Saddle for a branch connection
A saddle, in particular a clamping saddle for plastic pipes, containing a branch projection, a saddle piece, center axes (X), (Y) and (Z), and a groove for the arrangement of a seal, wherein the inner cheek of the groove is arranged, throughout the course of the groove, perpendicular to the inner surface of the saddle piece. |
| US09255636B2 |
Shift device
In a shift lever device (10), due to a tilt shaft (58) being nipped between peripheral surfaces of lower supporting holes (20) of a shift lever plate (12) and peripheral surfaces of upper supporting holes (38A) of a shift lever guide (26), a shift lever (52) is supported so as to be able to tilt around the tilt shaft (58). A shift position of the shift lever (52) is changed due to the shift lever (52) being tiltingly operated while being guided by a guide hole (30) of the shift lever guide (26) and passed within a passage hole (64) of a cover (62). Here, the strength of the shift lever guide (26) is made to be large as compared with that of the cover (62). Moreover, when load is inputted from the shift lever (52) to the shift lever guide (26), rotation of the shift lever guide (26) is stopped by the shift lever plate (12). Therefore, the shift lever (52) can be tiltably supported properly. |
| US09255633B2 |
Drive arrangement
In a drive arrangement for wheels of a motor vehicle which are driven by an electric machine via a differential, an electric machine which has a ring shaped rotor drives a drive element of the differential, whose output shafts output to the wheels of the motor vehicle. The ring shaped rotor of the electric machine outputs to the input element of the differential via a gear mechanism and the differential is integrated in the rotor thereby allowing for a structurally compact construction and enabling favorable transmission ratios. |
| US09255632B2 |
Integrated torque limiter/no-back device
An integrated torque limiter/no-back device for use in an actuator with an input shaft, an output and gear reduction. The device includes an input ramp to receive torque from the input shaft; a combined ramp to transfer torque; an output ramp to transfer torque to the gear reduction; one or more balls between the input ramp and the combined ramp and between the combined ramp and the output ramp to transfer torque; and a brake for causing torque to be grounded and for preventing backdriving of the input shaft by preventing movement of one or more of the input ramp, the combined ramp and the output ramp when a torque threshold has been met. The input ramp and the output ramp are a no-back ramp and a torque limiter ramp, respectively, and the device also includes a pin between the combined ramp and one or more of the no-back ramp and the gear reduction for transferring torque. |
| US09255630B2 |
Advancing/retracting actuation device with meshing chain
An interlocking chain type forward and backward actuating device is provided that does not increase workload involved in assembling the device, adjusting the rotation phase, and servicing and maintaining the device. The device is capable of smoothly actuating a driven body by advancing and retracting the body, and of preventing any pulsation or the like of the meshing chain. The interlocking chain type forward and backward actuating device includes chain-guide grooves formed so as to equalize an interlocked-state pin-to-pin distance (D1) between a pair of connecting pins that face each other in a chain interlocking imaginary plane (S) and a rigid-state pin-to-pin distance (D2) between a pair of connecting pins. |
| US09255628B2 |
Chain tensioner for internal combustion engine
A chain tensioner includes a base frame secured to each of front and rear banks, a slider plate shiftable in the extending direction of the base frame, and a tensioner provided to straddle between the base frame and the slider plate. The slider plate is biased to elastically deform and arcuately bend the tensioner, which applies a tensile force to each of cam chains transmitting the rotation of a crankshaft. In the chain tensioner, upper securing portions are provided in an upper portion of the base frame so as to be secured to each of the front and rear banks in the bending direction of the tensioner. A lower end of the base frame extends to a position facing the inside of the crankcase to provide a lower securing portion which is secured to each of the front and rear banks perpendicularly to the bending direction of the tensioner. |
| US09255626B2 |
Rotorcraft and planetary gear systems
Planetary gear systems, transmissions, and apparatuses include at least one non-fixed annular gear, at least one non-fixed sun gear, at least one compound planet gear meshed between the at least one non-fixed annular gear and the at least one non-fixed sun gear, and at least one fixed gear meshed with the at least one compound planet gear. Rotational input to one of the at least one non-fixed annular gear and the at least one non-fixed sun gear results in an opposite rotational output of the other of the at least one non-fixed annular gear and the at least one non-fixed sun gear. |
| US09255622B2 |
Buffering device
A buffering device includes a cylindrical casing and a piston module movably mounted in the cylindrical casing. The cylindrical casing includes a base plate and a shielding piece pivotally attached to the base plate. An air inlet and an air outlet are defined in the base plate. A diameter of the air inlet is greater than that of the air outlet. When the piston module is moving towards the base plate, the shielding piece is rotated to a closed position to shield the air inlet by air pressure above the shielding piece. When the piston module is moving away from the base plate, the shielding piece is rotated to an open position to expose the air inlet by environmental air pressure. |
| US09255620B2 |
Apparatus and methods for a vehicle shock absorber
A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device. |
| US09255617B2 |
Disc for a disc brake of the ventilated type
A disc for a disc brake of the ventilated type comprising a braking band (2) defined by two plates (3, 4), which are co-axial to an axis, which are mutually facing and spaced to provide an interspace. The plates have facing surfaces (6, 7) from which elements (8, 9, 10) for the connection of the same plates transversally extend. Such facing surfaces define, together with the connecting elements, inside the interspace, ventilation ducts in order to cool the disc. The disc (1) comprises a plurality of projections (11, 12) protruding from both facing surfaces of the two plates (3, 4). The projections are circumferentially arranged only in proximity of the outer edges of the plates in correspondence of the outlet of the ventilation ducts. Each projection (11) of a plate (3) is opposed to and aligned with a projection (12) of the other plate (4) along a direction parallel to the axis. |
| US09255616B2 |
Fan clutch for vehicle
A fan clutch for a vehicle may include a shaft rotated by a drive force and having a first oil line formed in the shaft in a radial direction thereof, a rotor rotated in combination with the shaft, wherein the rotor includes an oil storage chamber formed in the rotor and the oil storage chamber communicates with the first oil line, a valve formed in an end of the oil storage chamber and being selectively opened, wherein the valve may be configured to allow oil stored in the oil storage chamber to flow to an outside of the rotor through the first oil line, and a housing formed to surround the rotor, and provided with a second oil line through which the oil that has flowed through the valve flows to the first oil line through an actuation chamber surrounding the rotor. |
| US09255615B2 |
Clutch pedal apparatus for vehicle for reducing effort
A clutch pedal apparatus for a vehicle for reducing effort may include a rear fixed magnet and a front fixed magnet respectively fixed at an initial position and a last position of a movement section of a pushrod with a predetermined distance in a cylinder housing included in a clutch master cylinder, and a moveable magnet coupled to the pushrod disposed between the rear fixed magnet and the front fixed magnet, wherein the moveable magnet guides complete restoration of a pedal arm via magnetic force with the rear fixed magnet during an initial manipulation and reverse restoration of the pedal arm and generates a turnover force via a magnetic force with the front fixed magnet during a full stroke manipulation of the pedal arm. |
| US09255614B2 |
Electronic vehicular transmission and coupling and control assembly for use therein
An electronic vehicular transmission and a coupling and control assembly for use herein are provided. A case of the transmission has an environment hostile to electrical components during use of the transmission. A coupling member supported for rotation within the case has a coupling face oriented to face radially with respect to a rotational axis. The transmission also includes an electromechanical component capable of operating in the environment. The component includes a mechanical locking element, at least one excitation coil and electrical wiring to supply electrical power to the at least one excitation coil from a power source outside the environment. The component is mounted to and extends into the environment of the case so that the locking element is in close-spaced opposition to the coupling face and the wiring is segregated from the environment to resist long-term, hot temperature embrittlement and fragmentation of insulation on the wiring. |
| US09255613B2 |
Normally closed automotive clutch with hydraulic drive
A normally closed automotive clutch with hydraulic drive and having: a stack of driven and driving plates, which are mounted so as to rotate around a rotation axis; a pressure ring, which is mechanically coupled to the stack of plates and can axially slide so as to axially compress the stack of plates; at least one elastic closing element, which presses the pressure ring; a hydraulic actuator comprising an inner actuation chamber, which is suited to be filled with a fluid under pressure so as to generate an opening thrust, and a sliding piston, which is coupled to the inner actuation chamber and is mechanically connected to the pressure ring; and a box, which is provided with a lateral lid and houses the stack of plates, the pressure ring, the elastic closing element, and the hydraulic actuator. |
| US09255609B2 |
Tolerance ring, hard disk device, and method for manufacturing hard disk device
A tolerance ring has a ring shape formed of a plate-shaped member substantially into a circle along a predetermined direction and includes a plurality of convex portions protruding in a radial direction, and a notch portion notched in a direction orthogonal to a circumferential direction on at least one of outer edge side end portions in the direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction. |
| US09255605B2 |
Bearing assemblies and apparatuses including tilting superhard bearing elements, and motor assemblies using the same
Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring. |
| US09255603B2 |
Test equipment with housing damping system
A machine has an outer housing that receives a drive shaft. A bearing housing supports a bearing. The drive shaft is mounted within the bearing and the outer housing. Attachment members extend between the outer housing and the bearing housing. A selected damping includes an elastomeric ring attached to a surface of a bearing housing and an outer housing. A selectively moveable plate is connected to the outer housing and the bearing housing. The plate is selectively moveable from a position at which it engages the elastomeric ring to a point at which it is spaced from the elastomeric ring. |
| US09255602B2 |
Systems and methods for a locking double carabineer
An apparatus for attaching items includes a body and a first and second hook oriented on a first and second side of the body. The apparatus further includes a first and second gate, the first gate attached to the body and oriented to close the first hook, and the second gate attached to the body and oriented to close the second hook. The apparatus further includes a first and second sliding lock, the first and second sliding locks oriented on the first and second gates, respectively, the first and second sliding locks having a first position, the first position being a locked position where the sliding lock is positioned in a first and second notch in the body, and a second position, the second position being an unlocked position where the first and second sliding locks are distal from the first and second notches. |
| US09255601B2 |
Nut and combination of a bolt part with a nut
The invention relates in first instance to a nut having a first part (11) which has a first through opening (O1), and having a second part (12) which has a opening (O2) having an opening contour, the parts (11, 12) being connected so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (A) which passes through the openings (O1, O2), and the openings (O1, O2) being aligned with one another, in addition, the first opening (O1) on its inner face having a profile which extends in the peripheral direction and which is interrupted in the peripheral direction. In order to provide a nut which is quickly mountable on a threaded bolt, and which has a simple design that allows greater security against the nut coming off the threaded bolt, it is proposed that the opening contour of the second opening is non-circular. The invention further relates to a combination of a bolt (4) having a cross-sectional area with a nut (10). |
| US09255599B1 |
Nut tightening system
A system for applying rotational torque to a fastener on a fastening member (such as a threaded rod) to maintain the tight fastening. One specific embodiment of the system uses a recoil spring to apply such torque directly to the fastener; the system enables continued tightening of the fastener long after the initial fastening occurs. |
| US09255598B2 |
Tamper-resistant locking fastener cover
A tamper-resistant fastening provision includes a fastener cover having a first flange and second flange joined at one end. The first flange has an elongate opening slidably receiving a shaft of a fastener, and the second flange has an opening disposed closer to a second end of the cover than the first end. The cover is moveable to a first position such that the fastener head is operably accessible through the second opening and the fastener shaft is disposed at an end of the elongate opening proximate to the second end of the cover. The cover is also moveable to a second position such that the cover is in an interference position relative to the fastener head and the shaft is disposed at an end of the elongate opening proximate to the first end of the cover. |
| US09255597B2 |
Self-piercing rivet with a pre-perforated flat element, production method and joining method therefor
The present invention discloses a self-piercing rivet (10), particularly a semi-hollow self-piercing rivet, with a head (12) and a shank (14) as well as a pre-perforated flat element (30) that is arranged on the shank (14) and at least part of which extends radially relative to the head (12) beyond a head radius. A production method and a joining method for said self-piercing rivet with pre-perforated flat element are also described. |
| US09255594B2 |
Removable anchoring device usable as a suspension bolt
A removable anchoring device designed to be inserted in a hole drilled in a wall, and designed to support a mechanical load, including a female body provided with a radially expandable front area designed to be inserted in the hole and with a rear stop designed to be outside the hole, a male body slidingly engaged in the female body including an expansion head at its front end, the male body including a rear stop designed to be outside the hole, a flexible compression part fitted in compression between the stop of the female body and the stop of the male body in order to bias the male body and the female body in the direction of engagement of the expansion head in the radially expandable area, the male body presenting a stop part determining a penetration length into the drilled hole. |
| US09255593B2 |
Staging assembly
An assembly comprises a corner block piece and a locating plate. The corner block piece has a node receiving cavity which includes an aperture configured to receive a locking pin. The locating plate includes at least one locking node. The locking node includes a spring-loaded locking pin configured to engage the aperture when the locking node is inserted in the node receiving cavity. The assembly facilitates construction of a portable staging system involving a platform, at least two support legs, and bracing. |
| US09255591B2 |
Apparatus adapter
An apparatus adapter, including a first adapter member having an internal cavity with an opening thereinto, and a slot spaced away from the opening and oriented transverse of the internal cavity and communicating therewith. A second adapted member has an adaptation extension that is sized to be received into the internal cavity of the first adapter member, the adaptation extension having an interlock relief formed in an outer surface thereof and juxtapositionable with the transverse slot. A plunger has an elongated open band that is positionable about the first adapter member and movable transversely of the internal cavity, an interlock member that is projected into an interior of the band and sized to slidably extend through the slot of the receiver post and enter into the internal cavity, and a biasing member for biasing the interlock member into the internal cavity for occluding a portion thereof. |
| US09255588B2 |
Flow regulating valve subassembly
A flow regulating valve subassembly includes a main valve configured as a seat valve and a valve piston. The valve piston is acted upon via a first end face by the pressure of a first working connection and via an annular surface of the valve piston by the pressure of a second working connection in the opening direction. The valve piston is also acted upon in the closing direction via a second end face by the pressure of the higher-pressure working connection. An adjustable throttle is formed between a housing of the main valve and the valve piston. The throttle has a cross section that changes continuously during displacement of the valve piston and connects the higher-pressure working connection to the second end face. A pilot control valve arrangement is configured to control a control line which connects the second end face to the lower-pressure working connection. |
| US09255587B2 |
Hydraulic two-way valve for the lifting mechanism of an agricultural vehicle
A hydraulic two-way valve includes a pump connection, a tank connection, and first and second working connections. The working connections are connectable to a hydraulic cylinder of an agricultural vehicle lifting mechanism. The pump connection is connectable to a hydraulic pump. In a first position, the pump connection, tank connection, and working connections are shut off. In a second position, the pump connection is connected to the first working connection and the tank connection to the second working connection. In a third position, the pump connection is connected to the second working connection and the tank connection to the first working connection. In a fourth position, the working connections are connected to the tank connection and the pump connection is shut off. In a fifth position, the tank connection is connected to the second working connection and the pump connection and first working connection are shut off. |
| US09255586B2 |
Diffuser block and diffuser comprising said diffuser blocks combined with one another
Provided is a diffuser block used to form a diffuser with a plurality of the diffuser blocks, the diffuser block including: a body having a tube shape including an inner space provided inside the body, an inlet through which a fluid flows into the inner space and an outlet through which the fluid flows out of the inner space; and a first vane portion which protrudes toward the inner space from one side of the body. |
| US09255579B2 |
Vacuum pump having rotary compressing elements
It is intended to provide a vacuum pump so that without upsizing the vacuum pump, noise and vibration are reduced, heat dissipation property is secured, and the casing is downsized. Therefore, at least one turning part is provided in an exhausting path formed in a casing body. The casing body is formed of a material whose thermal conductivity is higher than that of a rotor and vanes, and a cylinder part where the vanes slide is press fitted in the casing body. |
| US09255572B2 |
Portable pumping unit base
A portable pumping unit base for receiving and anchoring a pumping unit thereto is disclosed herein. The disclosed base generally comprises a body made of a rigid polyurethane foam system, said rigid polyurethane foam system comprising an isocyanate component and a polyol resin component. Additionally, the disclosed base made of said rigid polyurethane foam system may be encapsulated in a polyurea coating. |
| US09255562B2 |
Starter having a switchable number of pole pairs
The invention relates to a starter (10) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a starter motor (12), which can be connected to a direct voltage network (30, 31) by means of a switching device (27). In order to improve the process of meshing a starter pinion (22) into a ring gear (26) of an internal combustion engine, it is proposed that the excitation winding (37) of the starter motor (12) be divided into several partial windings (a-f), which can optionally be connected to the direct voltage network (30, 31) by the switching device (27) in a staggered manner. |
| US09255559B2 |
Metallic hollow valve
A metallic hollow valve may include a tubular shaft having a cavity. The shaft may be coupled to a valve head. The shaft may have an external diameter of 5.0 mm |
| US09255558B2 |
Dynamic valve seal arrangement
A valve assembly for a fuel injector that includes a sleeve member having an interior chamber, a piston member supported for movement within the interior chamber of the sleeve member and separating an upstream pressure side of the valve assembly from a downstream pressure side of the valve assembly, and a dynamic sealing device mounted to one of the sleeve member and the piston member for sealingly isolating the upstream pressure side of the valve assembly from the downstream pressure side of the valve assembly. The dynamic sealing assembly includes a PTFE seal member having a generally C-shaped cross-section defining an internal cavity having an opening about the outer periphery thereof the seal member, and a helical spring disposed within the internal cavity of the seal member for providing a constant sealing force to the seal member. The dynamic sealing device is positioned in the valve assembly so that the opening of the internal cavity of the seal member faces away from the upstream pressure side of the valve assembly and towards the downstream pressure side of the valve assembly. |
| US09255555B2 |
Air cleaner for vehicle
Disclosed is an air cleaner for a vehicle. The air cleaner for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment includes: a body portion which has an air inlet formed at one side of the body portion so as to suck air; a cover portion which is coupled to an upper portion of the body portion and has an air outlet formed at one side of the cover portion; an element which is inserted into or withdrawn from the interior of the body portion and the cover portion through a receiving opening that is formed at one side of the body portion and the cover portion; a height adjustment handle which is rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the element and allows the element to be raised upward and lowered downward by a rotation of the height adjustment handle; and an element cover which is coupled to one side of the cover portion so as to prevent the element from being moved away from the receiving opening, and has a locking member which is provided at one surface of the element cover and has elastic force. |
| US09255554B2 |
Air cleaner structure of motorcycle
An opening of an upper surface of an air cleaner main body has an air cleaner upper cover mounted thereon, and is closed by the air cleaner upper cover fastened by bolts via a seal member, and air cleaner bottom plates are fastened to the air cleaner main body via seal members in openings of a bottom surface of the air cleaner main body. Passage holes connecting an engine combustion chamber and the air cleaner main body are provided on the air cleaner bottom plates; and an opening of a front surface of the air cleaner main body is inserted into intake ducts of vehicle body frames via seal members, and configured as an air introduction port. |
| US09255553B2 |
Leak detection for canister purge valve
Methods and systems for detecting a leak in a canister purge valve are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating a leak in response to a temperature change in a fuel vapor canister coupled to a fuel tank in an emission control system while the engine is in operation and a purge valve is closed. |
| US09255551B2 |
Diesel-gasoline dual fuel powered engine with fouling free clean EGR system
A fouling free clean EGR system for a diesel-gasoline dual fuel powered engine allows re-circulation of an exhaust gas of a certain cylinder among a plurality of cylinders. The fouling free clean exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for a diesel-gasoline dual fuel powered engine in which gasoline and air are pre-mixed and supplied to cylinders and then a diesel fuel is injected and combusted together comprises a directly-exhaust cylinder of which an exhaust valve of the cylinder is connected to an exhaust manifold directly connected to a after treatment device; and an EGR cylinder of which an exhaust valve of the cylinder is connected to an EGR line and which supplies the EGR gas to the diesel-gasoline dual fuel powered engine. |
| US09255549B1 |
Laser ignition for liquid propellant rocket engine injectors
A laser ignition device is used for igniting propellants in a rocket engine. The laser ignition device has an injector housing with passages for flowing gaseous hydrogen and liquid oxygen to injector elements which mix the hydrogen and oxygen in a combustion chamber. A laser ignition system assembly is inserted through the housing. The propellants in the housing keep the housing and the laser ignition system assembly cool. A laser beam entering the laser ignition system assembly via a fiber optic cable passes though a lens for diverging the laser beam and a second lens for converging the beam. A portion of the laser ignition system assembly extends beyond the injector housing face plate into the combustion chamber of the rocket engine. A multi-faceted pyramid reflector at the tip of the laser ignition system assembly in the combustion chamber splits the converging laser beam into beamlets which emerge from the laser ignition system assembly parallel to the ignition face plate and ignite the propellant a plurality of points in the combustion chamber adjacent to the injector elements. A purging gas may be introduced inside of the laser ignition system assembly to help cool the laser optic therein and helps keep the laser optics clean. The purging gas exits the laser ignition system assembly into the combustion chamber. |
| US09255548B2 |
Sliding U-joint hanger for gas turbine engine nozzle
A disclosed hanger assembly for supporting a liner within a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle includes a first mount for attachment to a case and a second mount for attachment to the liner. A u-joint assembly is attached between the first and second mounts and includes a first yoke and a second yoke aligned transverse to the first yoke. A pivot block is includes a first set of pins received by the first yoke and a second set of pins received by the second yoke. The u-joint assembly accommodates relative movement between the liner and case. |
| US09255547B2 |
Turbine engine with access door to engine core
A turbine engine includes an engine core bounded by a bypass duct, a first portion of the bypass duct defined by a fan casing having a radially inner wall and a radially outer wall, a second portion of the bypass duct defined by a radially inner wall and a radially outer wall, a third portion of the bypass duct provided as at least one access door comprising a flow guide structure; and a thrust reverser mechanism coupled to the fan casing. |
| US09255546B2 |
Cascade-style variable area fan duct nozzle
An aircraft nacelle comprising an outer cowl having an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall. The inner wall may have an inner opening formed therethrough and the outer wall may have an outer opening formed therethrough at an aft end of the nacelle. The nacelle may further comprise a translating panel configured to cover the inner and outer openings in a stowed position and to translate aft to a deployed position. The translating panel may be fixed to cascade guide vane panels which rest between the inner and outer wall in the stowed position and are exposed to airflow via the inner and outer openings when translated aft to the deployed position, thereby increasing a nozzle area of the nacelle. Guide vanes of the cascade guide vane panels are angled slightly aftward to direct the nacelle's airflow outward and aftward. |
| US09255543B2 |
Fuel injection amount compensating method
Disclosed is a fuel injection amount compensating method that may include measuring a real pressure of a combustion chamber, calculating a real pressure level of the combustion chamber based on the real pressure, calculating a real combustion noise index based on the real pressure level of the combustion chamber, calculating a target combustion noise index based on a driving condition, calculating a difference between the real combustion noise index and the target combustion noise index, and increasing or reducing a pilot injection amount of a fuel injector in accordance with the difference. Also disclosed is a fuel injection amount compensating system. |
| US09255534B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine with turbo-supercharger
A control device for an internal combustion engine with a turbo-supercharger including a variable valve mechanism at least at either one of an intake side and an exhaust side includes a scavenging amount setting means for determining an upper limit value of a scavenging amount moving from an intake passage to an exhaust passage across the interior of a cylinder during a valve overlap period to satisfy a performance requirement for the internal combustion engine, and a variable valve control means for controlling the duration of the valve overlap period according to the scavenging amount. |
| US09255529B2 |
Longitudinal G adjusted throttle response
A system and method for adjusting an engine throttle opening amount includes a slope-determining unit that determines an angle of inclination of a vehicle, a throttle request determining unit that determines a throttle request, and an engine control unit. The slope-determining unit may include a longitudinal g acceleration sensor. The engine control unit calculates a slope gain factor from the angle of inclination and compares the slope gain factor to a predetermined threshold. If the slope gain factor is greater than the predetermined threshold, the engine control unit generates a throttle command to increase the current throttle opening amount based on the throttle request and the slope gain factor. Alternatively, if the slope gain factor is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the engine control unit controls the throttle opening amount based on the throttle request and independently of the slope gain factor. |
| US09255527B2 |
Use of an emissions sensor to control fuel flow staging
A fuel system comprises a fuel actuation arrangement 28 operable to split a metered flow of fuel into at least a first stream and a second stream, a control unit 25 controlling the operation of the fuel actuation arrangement 28, and wherein the control unit 25 controls the operation of the fuel actuation arrangement 28 in response to the output of a temperature sensor 34 sensitive to a gas temperature downstream of the high pressure compressor 14 of an associated engine and the output of a gas sensor 24 sensitive to at least one parameter of the composition of a gas downstream of a combustor 15 of the engine. |
| US09255524B2 |
Variable outer air seal fluid control
An example turbomachine system includes a first variable outer air seal including at least one channel. The first variable outer air seal configured to selectively communicate a fluid in response to movement of a second variable outer air seal relative to the first variable outer air seal. An example fluid control method includes selectively covering a channel inlet using a variable outer air seal to control flow through the channel. |
| US09255519B2 |
Fuel management system for variable ethanol octane enhancement of gasoline engines
Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency or the engine. |
| US09255517B2 |
Engine device
An engine device in which an exhaust gas purification device can be assembled adjacent to an engine with high rigidity, and the exhaust gas purification device can be compactly installed. The engine device includes an exhaust gas recirculation device and a common rail disposed on the side on which an intake manifold of the engine is disposed, the exhaust gas purification device disposed on the side on which an exhaust manifold of the engine is disposed, an oil pan disposed on the bottom of the engine, and a support body for linking the exhaust gas purification device to the oil pan, so that the exhaust gas purification device is supported by the oil pan via the support body. |
| US09255516B2 |
System for injecting fuel into exhaust pipe
In a system for injecting fuel into an exhaust pipe, an exhaust pipe is connected to an engine via an exhaust adaptor and the fuel is injected directly into the exhaust pipe through a fuel injection valve provided in the exhaust adaptor. A front end of the fuel injection valve is provided in an inner wall of an exhaust path located inside the exhaust adaptor. The inner wall provided with the front end of the fuel injection valve protrudes from the exhaust path of the exhaust adaptor in a direction in which the diameter of the inner wall expands. A coolant passage for cooling the periphery of the front end of the fuel injection valve is provided within the exhaust adaptor. |
| US09255514B2 |
Honeycomb structure
A honeycomb structure includes a tubular bonded honeycomb segment assembly having a plurality of honeycomb segments and a bonding layer which bonds side surfaces of the plurality of honeycomb segments to each other; and a pair of electrode members disposed on a side surface of the bonded honeycomb segment assembly, a volume resistivity of each of the honeycomb segments is from 1 to 200 Ωcm, at least a part of the bonding layer is made of a bonding material having a conductivity, a volume resistivity of the bonding layer is from 2 to 2000 Ωcm, and each of the pair of electrode members is formed into a band-like shape extending in an extending direction of the cells of the bonded honeycomb segment assembly, and one electrode member is disposed on a side opposite to the other electrode member via a center of the bonded honeycomb segment assembly. |
| US09255513B2 |
Exhaust air injection
Embodiments for controlling exhaust air-fuel ratio are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises adjusting upstream exhaust air-fuel ratio to maintain a first emission control device at or below a threshold temperature, and when the upstream exhaust air-fuel ratio is below a threshold, injecting air into an exhaust passage between the first emission control device and a second emission control device to maintain downstream exhaust at a different, higher air-fuel ratio. In this way, excess emissions may be converted while maintaining the emission control devices below a maximum temperature. |
| US09255507B2 |
Reagent injection system for exhaust of turbine system
A reagent injection system for a catalytic emissions reduction assembly of a combustion turbine that includes an exhaust duct and at least one injector. The exhaust duct includes a first section including an entrance end and an exit end, wherein the entrance end is configured to be fluidly coupled to the combustion turbine to receive exhaust gases therefrom. The exhaust duct also includes and a second section having an entrance end that is fluidly coupled to the exit end of the first section. The at least one injector is operatively coupled to one of the first and second sections, and each injector is configured to inject a reagent into the exhaust gases flowing through the exhaust duct. |
| US09255505B2 |
Exhaust purification device for internal combustion engine
A particulate filter arranged in an engine exhaust passage is provided with alternately arranged exhaust gas inflow and outflow passages and porous partition walls which separate these passages from each other. In each partition wall, a coated zone where a coated layer with an average pore size smaller than that of a partition wall substrate is used to cover the substrate surface and a non-coated zone downstream of the coated zone where the substrate surface is not covered by said coated layer, are defined, and the ash in the exhaust gas can pass through the partition wall in the non-coated zone. Judgment processing which judges if a particulate matter trapping rate of the particulate filter has fallen below an allowable lower limit value is performed. PM removal processing is performed when it is judged that the particulate matter trapping rate has fallen below the allowable lower limit value. |
| US09255503B2 |
Exhaust device for multicylinder engine
An exhaust device includes a plurality of independent exhaust passages connected to an exhaust port of one cylinder or a plurality of cylinders that are non-sequential in exhaust order, and a mixing pipe into which exhaust that has passed through the respective independent exhaust passages flows. The downstream ends of the respective independent exhaust passages are connected in a bundled form to the upstream end of the mixing pipe. A cavity expansion chamber is disposed in an exhaust passage downstream from the mixing pipe. The cavity expansion chamber is disposed in a position (at a distance L2) such that, in the intermediate speed range, a negative pressure wave generated due to an exhaust pressure wave generated by opening an exhaust valve being reflected by the cavity expansion chamber reaches the exhaust port during an overlap period of the exhaust valve and an intake valve of the cylinder. |
| US09255501B2 |
Threadless magnetic oil drain plug
A threadless oil plug is provided for threadlessly sealing a drain hole of an oil pan. The plug has a disc-shaped magnet and a cylindrical stem that projects outwardly from the magnet. A gasket is fastened around the stem in juxtaposition with a planar surface of the magnet. The stem is adapted for insertion into the drain hole of an oil pan, thereby centering the magnet and magnetically sealing the gasket around the drain hole. A removal tool has a hand grip with a splash guard. The hand grip and the splash guard are attached to a magnet. To remove the plug, the magnet of the removal tool is magnetically fastened to the magnet of the plug so that the plug may be safely removed from the drain hole in one motion. The plug is reinstalled in the drain hole in one motion, without the use of any tools. |
| US09255497B2 |
Camshaft to control valve timing
A camshaft for a multiple cylinder four-stroke internal combustion engine is described wherein peak lift of a first exhaust lobe is angularly displaced relative to peak lift of a second exhaust lobe by an angle of cam rotation greater than an angle defined by a full revolution of the camshaft divided by the number of cylinders of the engine. By increasing the angle between peak lift of exhaust lobes associated with physically adjacent and successive firing cylinders, the exhaust port of an earlier firing cylinder begins to close earlier than a conventional symmetric arrangement and opening of the exhaust port of the subsequently firing cylinder may be delayed. As such the crossover or overlap period when two exhaust ports are open may be reduced, which thereby reduces the transfer of exhaust gas from one cylinder to another. |
| US09255496B2 |
Valve train of an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine, and a method for producing a corresponding valve train
A valve train of an internal combustion engine includes at least one basic camshaft with a cam carrier provided thereupon in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner. The cam carrier has at least one valve-actuating cam as well as a tubular basic element that receives the basic camshaft in at least some sections. At least one cam element of the cam carrier, in particular the valve-actuating cam, is arranged on the basic element. At least one torque-transmitting connecting element is located between the basic element and the cam element. An internal combustion engine having at least one valve train and a method for producing a valve train are also disclosed. |
| US09255495B2 |
Magnetically-coupled damper for turbomachinery
A system, method, and apparatus for damping vibration in a rotor supported by primary bearings are provided. The system includes a magnetic coupling configured to magnetically engage a rotor supported by one or more primary bearings, and a piston coupled to the magnetic coupling. The system also includes a damper engaging the piston and configured to damp the rotor, wherein the damper is substantially non-load bearing. |
| US09255493B2 |
Clean energy generation system
A clean energy generation system, comprising at least one energy generation unit, each of which comprises a wind tunnel, an air/gas turbine, a generator, at least one heating device and an air/gas compressor. The wind tunnel includes a contraction section, a test section and a diffuser section. The air/gas turbine is located in the test section or the diffuser section and is coupled to the generator. The at least one heating device is located in the contraction section for preheating the air/gas flowing through the at least one heating device. The air/gas compressor is for compressing the air/gas flowing through the air/gas compressor and is located in the diffuser section or in the contraction section between the at least one heating device and the air/gas turbine. The air/gas turbine is driven by the preheated and compressed air/gas such that the generator is driven to generate electricity. |
| US09255492B2 |
Gas turbine engine having a multi-variable closed loop controller for regulating tip clearance
A gas turbine engine has, in flow series, a compressor section, a combustor, and a turbine section. The gas turbine engine further has a system (i) for cooling the turbine section and (ii) for providing tip clearance control between turbine blades of the turbine section and a plurality of circumferentially distributed segments which form an annular shroud surrounding the outer tips of the turbine blades. The system includes a turbine section cooling sub-system which diverts a first cooling air flow received from the compressor section to a heat exchanger and then to the turbine section to cool components thereof. The first cooling air flow by-passes the combustor and is cooled in the heat exchanger. The turbine section cooling subsystem has a first valve arrangement which regulates the first cooling air flow. The system further includes a tip clearance control sub-system which supplies a second cooling air flow to an engine case to which the segments are mounted. The second cooling air flow regulates thermal expansion of the case and thereby controls the clearance between the segments and the outer tips. The tip clearance control sub-system has a second valve arrangement which regulates the second cooling air flow. The system further includes a closed-loop controller which issues first and second demand signals to respectively the first and the second valve arrangements. Each of the first and second demand signals are determined on the basis of: (i) a value of the first demand signal at a previous time step, and a measurement or estimate of turbine section component temperature, and (ii) a value of the second demand signal at a previous time step, and a measurement or estimate of tip clearance. |
| US09255485B2 |
Turbine housing made of sheet metal
In the neighborhood area X of the tongue part 27 forming the winding end part of the scroll part 3, the wall part members 31 are provided on both the sides of the welding part (the facing part) ‘a’ of the first scroll part 5 and the second scroll part 7, wherein: the wall part members 31 encloses the welding part (the facing part) ‘a’ and forms the gas-tight space 33; and, the outer circumference wall which enclose the facing part and forms a gas-tight space configure a double-wall structure. |
| US09255484B2 |
Aft frame and method for cooling aft frame
An aft frame and a method for cooling an aft frame are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aft frame for a transition piece in a combustor is disclosed. The combustor includes the transition piece and an impingement sleeve at least partially defining a flow path therebetween. The aft frame includes a body and a generally radially extending cooling passage defined in the body, the cooling passage comprising a first end configured to accept a coolant. The aft frame further includes an exhaust passage defined in the body, the exhaust passage including a first end in communication with the cooling passage and a second end configured for communication with the flow path for flowing the coolant therethrough. |
| US09255483B2 |
Locking blade for a rotor
A locking blade for a rotor can include an airfoil portion with a root from which a tongue extends. Opposed bucket segments can engage the tongue and can be retained in a longitudinal direction of the blade by a fastener, such as a pin, that can extend through holes in the segments and tongue. Tines parallel to and on opposite sides of the tongue can extend from the root and include holes through which the fastener can extend, the bucket segments extending between respective tines and the tongue. The structure can eliminate an assembly gate in a rotor. |
| US09255481B2 |
Turbine impeller comprising blade with squealer tip
A turbine impeller including a rotor; a blade extending from the rotor from a first end of the blade; and a squealer tip provided at a second end opposite to the first end of the blade, wherein at least one perforated portion penetrates through the squealer tip. |
| US09255480B2 |
Turbine of a turbomachine
A turbine of a turbomachine is provided and includes opposing endwalls defining a pathway for a fluid flow and a plurality of interleaved blade stages and nozzle stages arranged axially along the pathway. The plurality of the blade stages includes a last blade stage at a downstream end of the pathway and a next-to-last blade stage upstream from the last blade stage. The plurality of the nozzle stages includes a last nozzle stage between the last blade stage and the next-to-last blade stage and a next-to-last nozzle stage upstream from the next-to-last blade stage. At least one of the next-to-last blade stage and the next-to-last nozzle stage includes aerodynamic elements configured to interact with the fluid flow and to define a throat distribution producing a tip strong pressure profile in the fluid flow. |
| US09255478B2 |
Reaction turbine and hybrid impulse reaction turbine
A reaction turbine has channels formed in the top surface of a disc to create nozzles. The channels can be covered by a membrane sealed to the disc or by the housing extended from a combustor. Each channel may have a first section extending radially outwardly from an inlet of the reaction turbine and a second curved section extending from the first section to a periphery of the disc. A reaction turbine may also receive input from an impulse turbine. Fluid flows through the impulse turbine and fluid from the impulse turbine enters an inlet of the reaction turbine. The reaction turbine may have cooling channels and cooling fins to lower the temperature of the disc during operation. In addition, magnets may provide bearing support and electricity generation. In addition, the reaction turbine may have a dual shaft construction, with each shaft connected to a reaction turbine. One reaction turbine powers a compressor, while the second reaction turbine powers a load through the second shaft. |
| US09255474B2 |
Flexibility of downhole fluid analyzer pump module
An apparatus for pumping a downhole fluid includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the earth and a pump disposed at the carrier and configured to pump the downhole fluid. A multi-phase electric motor is coupled to the pump and configured to receive multi-phase electrical energy from a power source in order to operate the pump. The multi-phase electrical motor includes multiple windings and a switch configured to connect the multiple windings in a configuration selected from a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations includes (i) a first configuration where one terminal of each winding of the multiple windings is uniquely connected to one terminal of another winding and (ii) a second configuration where one terminal of each winding of the multiple windings is commonly connected to one terminal of each of the other windings. |
| US09255472B2 |
Method for optimizing in-situ bioconversion of carbon-bearing formations
A process for bioconverting a subterranean carbon-bearing subterranean formation deposit include the steps of injecting a fluid into the carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid such that the pressure causes a net effective stress decrease for the portion of the deposit and an increase in permeability of the deposit, bioconverting at least a portion of carbonaceous materials in the carbon bearing deposit to methane by a microbial consortium, and withdrawing the injected fluid and methane from the carbon bearing deposit. Cetane or butane may also be produced by the microbial consortium. |
| US09255470B2 |
Method of increasing productivity of oil, gas and water wells
For increasing productivity of oil, gas and water wells, a horizontal or inclined well is excavated, a plurality of cavities are formed transversely to the direction of elongation of the well so as to provide partitions between them, and hydrocracking is carried out to act on the partitions between the cavities. |
| US09255469B2 |
Integral fracturing manifold
A fracturing system can include an integral fracturing manifold. More particularly, a fracturing system can include a plurality of fracturing trees and an integral fracturing manifold may be directly coupled to each of the plurality of fracturing trees. The integral fracturing manifold may also include adjustment and pivot joints that accommodate spacing and elevation differences between the fracturing trees. |
| US09255468B2 |
Chelating agent-based self-diverting acidizing fluids and methods relating thereto
Complexing-acidizing treatment fluids can be used in various subterranean treatment operations. Some methods include: providing or preparing a complexing-acidizing treatment fluid having an acid concentration of about 0.6 Molar, the complexing-acidizing treatment fluid including: an aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent, an aqueous base fluid, and an acid, placing the complexing-acidizing treatment fluid in a subterranean formation matrix penetrated by a well bore; allowing the acid to generate metal cations by dissolution of the subterranean formation matrix; reacting the aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent with the metal cations so as to form at least a plurality of aggregate blocking agents; and allowing the aggregate blocking agents to divert the complexing-acidizing treatment fluid to a main channel in the subterranean formation matrix that is distinct from a wormhole in the subterranean formation matrix. |
| US09255467B2 |
Expandable liner hanger and method of use
The present invention generally relates to an expandable liner hanger capable of being expanded into a surrounding casing. In one aspect, an expandable tubular system is provided. The system includes an expandable tubular. The system further includes an expansion swage for expanding the expandable tubular, wherein the expansion swage is deformable from a compliant configuration to a smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. Additionally, the system includes a restriction member disposed on an exterior surface of the expandable tubular, wherein expansion of the expandable tubular in the location of the restriction member deforms the expansion swage from the compliant configuration to the smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a liner hanger using a cone is provided. |
| US09255465B2 |
Method for autonomous control of a chemical injection system for oil and gas wells
A control program for a positive displacement metering system measures the time required for the travel of a free piston in a cylinder of known volume to determine an average flow rate during a full stroke of the piston. The system may also measure and record the inlet and outlet pressures or the differential pressure between the fluid inlet and outlet. The control program positions a four-way valve which may function as an adjustable metering orifice in response to the measured average flow rate and/or changes in the inlet and outlet pressures to achieve the desired flow rate. At the end of each stroke, the four-way valve is repositioned to reverse fluid flow through the metering cylinder. The system may revise the valve position settings for both forward and reverse strokes based on the measured time required for a full stroke at a certain valve position. In this way, the system automatically and iteratively compensates for changes in fluid properties and fluid pressure. A cleaning cycle which progressively opens the valve stepwise and may culminate in full open valve travel in both fluid flow directions is provided in the event of an obstruction of the valve orifice. |
| US09255463B2 |
Flapper equalizer with integral spring
A flapper equalizer plunger embodies a unitary coiled spring that is compressed by the flow tube to shift the plunger to equalize pressure across the flapper before the flow tube tries to move the flapper. The hydraulic control system then need only to overcome the force of a flapper pivot spring to swing the flapper 90 degrees to an open position behind the flow tube. The integral spring is produced with a wire EDM technique and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical around its periphery as a way of offsetting off-center impact from the bottom of the flow tube. The plunger can be rotationally locked if it is asymmetrical. The pitch can be constant or variable and the output force greatly exceeds the force provided by an independent coiled spring. |
| US09255458B2 |
Method and system for sealing and handling pipe
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a friction-pin unit. The friction-pin unit includes a sleeve and a guide cone formed at a first end of the sleeve. A shaft is disposed coaxially within the sleeve and a plurality of friction pins extend radially outward from the shaft. The plurality of friction pins are adapted for interference-fit engagement with an inner surface of the pipe. A ring seal is circumferentially disposed around an inner surface of the sleeve. The ring seal adapted to circumferentially seal an outer surface of the pipe. |
| US09255457B2 |
Deep deployment system for electric submersible pumps
A system for deep deployment of electric submersible pumps is described. In an implementation, an electric submersible pump (ESP) power cable has a strength member that enables the ESP power cable to support itself when lowered deep into a well inside a coiled tubing. The self-supporting ESP power cable frees the coiled tubing from having to carry the weight of the ESP power cable, thereby permitting longer runs of coiled tubing to be suspended into the well. The ESP power cable and the coiled tubing can be anchored independently to a wellhead, and a computing device can monitor the weight loads on the ESP power cable and on the coiled tubing. |
| US09255455B2 |
Drill cuttings treatment system
Aspects of the present disclosure also involved a method of processing waste, such as drill cuttings, involving the operations of receiving a waste material comprising a liquid material and a solid material, the waste material received directly from a source wherein the waste material is warm. The source may be a drilling operation and the waste material may be drill cuttings from the drilling operation. The method further involving pumping the warm waste material to a separation mechanism, such as a dryer, that separates a portion of the solid material (e.g., cuttings) from a portion of the liquid material (e.g., drilling fluid). The method may further involve mixing the separated solid material with a bioremediation agent. |
| US09255453B1 |
Heavy duty riser connector assembly
A heavy duty riser connector assembly for joining together and sealing sections of pipe, having an upper connector housing, a lower connector housing and grooves and ribs formed circumferentially on an outer diameter each housing. The assembly having a locking sliding sleeve to slide over and lock together the connector housing and a locking detent ring adapted to pop out and lock the locking sliding sleeve in place so the permanent locking sliding sleeve is not effected by vibration when the locking sliding sleeve has been slid over at least one flexible collet. The assembly can simultaneously seal a riser bore against internal and external pressure while additionally carrying heavy tensile and bending loads without deforming while engaging a riser for both drilling and production or any other application requiring rapid makeup of pipe. |
| US09255451B2 |
Tube locking mechanism for downhole components
An apparatus for securing a transmission line in a downhole component includes: an element coupled to an exterior surface of the transmission line, the transmission line configured to be disposed in a communication conduit that extends through the downhole component, the element configured to restrict axial movement of the transmission line within the communication conduit. |
| US09255449B2 |
Drill bit with electrohydraulically adjustable pads for controlling depth of cut
A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a pad configured to extend and retract from a surface of the drill bit, a motor, a linearly movable member coupled to the motor, a hydraulic unit configured to apply force on the pad, and wherein motion of the motor in a first direction causes the linearly movable member in a first direction to cause the hydraulic unit to exert a force on the pad to extend the pad. |
| US09255448B2 |
Reaming shoe for increased borehole clearance and method of use
An articulated reaming tool is provided in casing or liner drilling on or through the tubular wall with the articulation occurring from within the tubular. Outer limit travel stops are contemplated to optionally be used to retain the elements or blades to the tubular. In the case of liner drilling the drill string has an exterior protrusion to engage the movable components that ream and extend them to increase the clearance for the tubular as the tubular advances when more hole is made. |
| US09255441B2 |
Canopy system
There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory. |
| US09255440B2 |
Screen assembly
A screen assembly includes a core having an edge and first and second opposite side surfaces. A retainer, or edge treatment, is coupled to the edge of the core and extends outwardly from the core. The retainer includes first and second resilient limbs having respective edge portions defining a mouth. First and second cover portions overly the core and exterior surfaces of the retainer. The first and second cover portions wrap around the first and second limbs and are disposed through the mouth such that the edges of the first and second cover portions are retained by the limbs. Various screen supports and accessory interface members also are provided. |
| US09255434B2 |
Vehicle power window apparatus
A vehicle power window apparatus includes: a driver seat unit and a first non-driver seat switch which is a manual switch provided on a non-driver seat to open and close a non-driver seat window. The driver seat unit includes a switching circuit operated based on a predetermined operation of the first non-driver seat switch. When an extended operation of the first non-driver seat switch set by operating the first non-driver seat switch for a certain time period or more is detected, the control unit drives the switching circuit. After the extended operation of the first non-driver seat switch is released, the control unit fully opens or closes the non-driver seat window in an automatic operation mode by energizing the non-driver seat motor via the switching circuit and the first non-driver seat switch by the power supply. |
| US09255432B2 |
Seal structure for fixing window regulator to inner panel of vehicle
An object of the present invention is to provide a seal structure being capable of preventing rain water and the like from entering the inside of a vehicle through a clearance between an engagement portion and an engagement hole portion. The seal structure S is for fixing a window regulator WR to an inner panel 1. The inner panel 1 is provided with an engagement hole portion 1H, and the window regulator WR comprises an engagement portion 7 being slidable with respect to the inner panel 1 and engaging with the engagement hole portion 1H, a sealing member 8 provided around the engagement portion 7, and a seal supporting portion 9 holding the sealing member 7 between the seal supporting member 9 and the portion of the inner panel 1 surrounding the engagement hole portion 1H. |
| US09255428B1 |
Method for inspecting lock set
A method for inspecting a lock set is to utilize a reception unit for receiving the signals from a lock set mounted at a door to inspect whether the door is closed and whether the lock set is locked or being broken. |
| US09255424B1 |
Door jamb mounted door lock
A lock mechanism for use with a swinging door on hinges with no outside key involved. A fixture is affixed to the door frame opposite the hinges. A through bore allows a rod with a handle at one end and threads at the opposite end to pass through the door and be threaded into a threaded aperture in the fixture to prevent hinged movement of the door. The parts may be cadmium plated for corrosion protection. |
| US09255421B2 |
Secure shelter with trapezoidal walls
An above-ground secure shelter comprise multiple modular walls of trapezoidal shape allowing dimensional variation of structure size, supported on base beams placed and anchored into the ground in the pattern defined by the shape of polygon chosen for the floor, a door with locking mechanism remaining securely closed from inside during a storm event and preventing lock-out when shelter is not in use, a multitude of structural inserts and plates connectively placed between adjacent walls, and a roof affixed thereto, resulting in a cost-effective portable shelter in the shape of polygonal pyramid frustum for use during inclement weather and/or during armed assault alike. |
| US09255416B1 |
Construction hoist system
This invention relates generally to a method for using a deck in construction. In one embodiment, a technique includes, but is not limited to, positioning a deck on a floor of a building, the deck including at least a stationary support structure and a slidable platform; and extending the slidable platform relative to the stationary support structure beyond an edge of the floor of the building at least partly using one or more wheels of the slidable platform that rest directly or indirectly on the floor of the building. |
| US09255415B2 |
Binding apparatus
A binding apparatus for binding a wire around one or more objects is provided. The binding apparatus is adapted to bind the wire such that a predetermined tension in the wire is achieved. A method of binding a wire around one or more objects so as to achieve a desired tension of the wire in the binding is also provided. |
| US09255407B2 |
Truss system
A truss system for roofing a building; a truss of said truss system including at least one truss segment; each said truss segment comprising a first elongate element and a second elongate element; said first and second elongate elements interconnected at intervals by a series of fish-plate assemblies; said fish-plate assemblies arranged in sliding engagement with respective extruded fish-plate channels of said first and second elongate elements. |
| US09255406B1 |
Insulating and venting assembly
The present invention comprises an effective insulation and ventilating assembly that can insulate a structure, usually in roofing or exterior wall applications, from conductive, convective and radiant heat. The insulating and venting assembly is comprised of a rigid foam sheet and a rigid panel such as oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood attached one or both sides of the rigid foam sheet. The rigid foam sheet has air spacer columns and air spaces on one or both faces. Radiant barrier layers can be applied to either faces of the rigid panels and/or can be applied to the air spacer and air space surfaces allowing for radiant heat to be radiating back or radiant heat to not be reradiated by the radiant barrier low emissivity surface. The air spaces in the rigid foam face allows air and moisture to be vented though the insulating and venting assembly. |
| US09255392B2 |
Flush toilet device
When a bowl 20d discharges waste with flush water after temporarily receiving the waste, before the waste is transported from at least the discharge trap conduit 40 by the flush water supplied from a flush water supply hole 30d as flush water supply means, the flush toilet device CSd drives a siphon pump 505d and then drives a return pump 506d before the supply of the flush water has been completed. |
| US09255391B2 |
Sink assembly having an enclosure formed from a tire
A sink assembly includes a wash basin having a rim. The sink assembly further includes a tire having an opening therethrough to receive the wash basin. The rim of the wash basin engages the tire. A foam insert is disposed within the tire. A support assembly engages the tire and is configured for coupling the sink assembly to a supporting surface. |
| US09255390B2 |
Toilet purging device
The present invention provides a toilet purging device that ejects gas, when a switch is operated. The toilet purging device includes a pipe body that has a gas channel through the pipe body, a firing unit that includes a firing pin disposed to be longitudinally movable and a switch for moving the firing pin to the pipe body when pushed. The firing pin is coupled to the upper end of the pipe body. The toilet purging device includes a tightening cap that is thread-fastened to the top of the firing unit with a gas container therebetween and moves the gas container to be in close contact with the firing pin when turned, and a connector that is coupled to the lower end of the pipe body and inserted into a drain pipe of a toilet. |
| US09255389B2 |
Food preparation sink
Food preparation sinks are disclosed which have an integral raised work area that is rinsed by an automatic system. Food waste or the like present in that area can be washed into a sump above a drain, and the weight of the waste and water in the sump is enough to automatically drive them through a baffle to a food waste disposer, without requiring the baffle to be manually opened. An automatic controller system coordinates water flow and food waste disposer operation, and the water supply can be linked to the sink below the sink rim to save counter top space. In some forms multiple rinsing nozzles are provided which pulse in altering fashion. |
| US09255388B2 |
Switch structure of water outlet of wall-mounted faucet
A water output switch structure of a faucet includes a water output switch structure of a faucet comprising a faucet main body, a water guiding duct, a switch valve, and a positioning unit including an adapter, a locking unit, a water-stopping pad and a water-stopping ring. The switch valve has a valve stick that moves horizontally, so a pulling head of the valve stick would not fall down unexpectedly due to gravity to change the status of water output. |
| US09255384B2 |
Construction machine with pilot hoses
Provided is a construction machine where a pilot hose is easily routed. The construction machine includes a seat stand, an operator's seat provided on the seat stand, a remote control valve provided just above a front end of the seat stand at least one of right and left sides of the operator's seat; a hydraulic valve; and a pilot hose interconnecting the remote control valve and the hydraulic valve. The seat stand has an upper surface including a specific surface located beneath the remote control valve and a reference surface on which the operator's seat is installed. A step is provided between the specific surface and the reference surface to make the specific surface be lower than the reference surface, thus enlarging a space for routing the pilot hose beneath the remote control valve. |
| US09255383B2 |
Device for fixing the hydraulic piping of construction equipment
Provided is a device for fixing hydraulic piping to prevent the hydraulic piping from sliding down even when the bolt for coupling a clamp which fixes the hydraulic piping is loosened by the vibration generated during operation. The device for fixing the hydraulic piping of construction equipment includes: a piping sheet fixed to a boom structure; upper and lower clamps constituted by a fixed part fixed to the piping sheet and a concave groove for supporting the hydraulic piping; a coupling member for fixing the fixed part to the piping sheet; a hydraulic pipe fixing plate mounted on the piping sheet; a connecting hole for connecting a main pipe, which is connected to a main control valve mounted on an upper rotating body, to the hydraulic pipe disposed on the boom structure; and a bolt and nut for fixing the connecting hole to the hydraulic pipe fixing plate. |
| US09255382B2 |
Construction machine
Provided is a construction machine having a sufficient space for tool accommodation and allowing reducing agent to be supplied into a reducing-agent tank easily. The construction machine includes an engine, a reducing-agent tank having a tank body and a supply portion, and a tool box. The tool box includes a box body defining an accommodation space having an opening which opens the accommodation space outwards and allows a tool to be put into and taken from the accommodation space through the opening, and an opening/closing cover which opens and closes the opening. The tank body is outside the box body. The supply portion includes a basal end connected to the tank body and a distal end located in the accommodation space at a position making the distal end visible from the outside of the box body through the opening which is opened. |
| US09255379B2 |
Motor grader
A motor grader includes a frame and a work implement. The frame is box-shaped. The work implement is configured to be supported by the frame. The frame includes a bracket, a first frame part and a second frame part. The bracket has left and right side surfaces with which a lifter guide is formed in an integrated manner. The first frame part is configured to extend forward from a front end part of the bracket and support the work implement. The second frame part is configured to extend rearward from a rear end part of the bracket. |
| US09255373B1 |
Systems and methods for removal of trunnion pin sleeve and for supporting tainter gate during said removal
Methods and systems for use in the removal of trunnion pin sleeves and the supporting of lock and/or dam gate structures (e.g., tainter or roller gates) are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a method of trunnion pin sleeve removal includes causing either a constriction of at least one part of the sleeve or an application of a torque with respect to the at least one part of the sleeve, and subsequently applying a force to the at least one part of the sleeve so as to pull out the sleeve. Also, in another example embodiment, a system for supporting a lock and/or dam gate assembly includes a support assembly having a at least one pedestal assembly. The support assembly further includes a trunnion arm support structure, configured to be supported at least in part by the at least one pedestal assembly and to at least partially support a trunnion arm. |
| US09255370B2 |
Snow plow for adjusting to surface contours and obstacles
A snow plow includes a plurality of surface-engaging sections movably carried by the moldboard and depending from the moldboard in side-by-side relationship with one another. The surface-engaging sections are each independently linearly movable relative to the moldboard between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust to the contour of the surface being plowed. Each surface-engaging section comprises a main body portion carried by the moldboard, and a surface-engaging trip blade portion carried by the main body portion and which can pivot between a surface-scraping position and a deflected position and is urged toward the surface-scraping position. The trip blade portion can deflect to accommodate obstacles, and can cooperate with the linear movement of the surface-engaging sections to accommodate larger obstacles than can be accommodated by deflection alone. The snow plow also includes adjustable wear shoes and an adjustable vehicle mounting assembly. |
| US09255366B2 |
Concrete screed with recycled rubber from discarded tyres
It is disclosed a concrete screed with recycled rubber from discarded tyres (PFU), comprising cement, pre-treated recycled rubber from discarded tyres, with particle size comprised between 0.1 and 20 mm, preferably between 1 and 10 mm, still more preferably between 2 and 5 mm, pre-treated, inert materials, polymeric additives and water. |
| US09255365B1 |
Compaction system
A compaction system for providing one or more compaction passes for each pass of the compaction system is provided. The compaction system includes a belt and a sun element having a first axis and positioned within the belt. The compaction system also includes a planet element engaged with the sun element and the belt. The planet element is configured to revolve around the sun element and the first axis. The belt also revolves around the sun element. Further, for every revolution of the belt around the sun element, the planet element completes one or more revolutions around the sun element. |
| US09255359B2 |
Rotatable-drum laundry drier and method of controlling a rotatable-drum laundry drier
A method for controlling a rotatable-drum laundry drier to dry laundry in a drum is provided. The control method includes the steps of memorizing, in a memory device of the laundry drier, a comparison threshold variable in time according to a predetermined profile, and, at predetermined drying times in the laundry drying cycle, measuring an electric quantity indicating the moisture in the laundry at the drying time; comparing, at each drying time, the measured electric quantity with the memorized comparison threshold corresponding to the drying time; and determining the end of drying cycle time on the basis of this comparison. |
| US09255356B2 |
Supporting device and washing machine having the same
A supporting device having improved assembly efficiency used to commonly support a washing machine and a drying machine with legs having different sizes, and a washing machine having the same. The supporting device includes a supporting device main body to support a washing machine main body, and supporters installed on the supporting device main body to receive and fix legs connected to the bottom of the washing machine main body, and each supporter includes a guide member to receive each leg, and at least one fixing member to fix each leg. |
| US09255351B2 |
Knitting with yarns of differing stretch properties
A method of forming a circular knit fabric includes feeding a multi-filament non-elastomeric yarn from a first spool into an aperture defined in a yarn carrier plate that guides the non-elastomeric yarn sequentially to a series of knitting needles spaced about a circular needle array; while feeding an elastomeric yarn from a second spool to the yarn carrier plate, such that a fabric is knit to have a ground comprising both the non-elastomeric yarn and the elastomeric yarn. The non-elastomeric yarn and the elastomeric yarn are fed together into the carrier plate aperture in an untwisted, unwrapped relation, such that the fabric ground is knit to have a technical face in which portions of the non-elastomeric yarn are exposed in some areas and portions of the elastomeric yarn are exposed in some areas. |
| US09255346B2 |
Silicon wafers by epitaxial deposition
A system for depositing thin single crystal silicon wafers by epitaxial deposition in a silicon precursor depletion mode with cross-flow deposition may include: a substrate carrier with low total heat capacity, high emissivity and small volume; a lamp module with rapid heat-up, efficient heat production, and spatial control over heating; and a manifold designed for cross-flow processing. Furthermore, the substrate carrier may include heat reflectors to control heat loss from the edges of the carrier and/or heat chokes to thermally isolate the carrier from the manifolds, allowing independent temperature control of the manifolds. The carrier and substrates may be configured for deposition on both sides of the substrates—the substrates having release layers on both sides and the carriers being configured to have equal process gas flow over both surfaces of the substrate. High volume may be addressed by a deposition system comprising multiple mini-batch reactors. |
| US09255344B2 |
Silicon carbide substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A silicon carbide substrate capable of stably forming a device of excellent performance, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A silicon carbide substrate is made of a single crystal of silicon carbide, and has a width of not less than 100 mm, a micropipe density of not more than 7 cm−2, a threading screw dislocation density of not more than 1×104 cm−2, a threading edge dislocation density of not more than 1×104 cm−2, a basal plane dislocation density of not more than 1×104 cm−2, a stacking fault density of not more than 0.1 cm−1, a conductive impurity concentration of not less than 1×1018 cm−3, a residual impurity concentration of not more than 1×1016 cm−3, and a secondary phase inclusion density of not more than 1 cm−3. |
| US09255342B2 |
Bismuth-doped semi-insulating group III nitride wafer and its production method
The present invention discloses a semi-insulating wafer of GaxAlyIn1-x-yN (0≦x≦1, 0≦x+y≦1) which is doped with bismuth (Bi). The semi-insulating wafer has the resistivity of 104 ohm-cm or more. Although it is very difficult to obtain a single crystal ingot of group III nitride, the ammonothermal method can grow highly-oriented poly or single crystal ingot of group III nitride having the density of dislocations/grain boundaries less than 105 cm−2. The invention also disclose the method of fabricating the semi-insulating group III nitride bulk crystals and wafers. |
| US09255339B2 |
Localized, in-vacuum modification of small structures
A charge transfer mechanism is used to locally deposit or remove material for a small structure. A local electrochemical cell is created without having to immerse the entire work piece in a bath. The charge transfer mechanism can be used together with a charged particle beam or laser system to modify small structures, such as integrated circuits or microelectromechanical system. The charge transfer process can be performed in air or, in some embodiments, in a vacuum chamber. |
| US09255338B2 |
Permanent system for continuous detection of current distribution in interconnected electrolytic cells
The invention relates to a current collecting bus-bar comprising electrode housings for accommodating a multiplicity of electrodes in electrical contact therewith. Probes for measuring the electric potential locally established in correspondence of the electrical contacts during the passage of electric current are also connected to the bus-bar. The invention further relates to a permanent monitoring system allowing the continuous evaluation of current distribution on each electrode of electrolysis cells of metal electrowinning or electrorefining plants, connected to an alerting system and to means for disconnecting individual electrodes in case on non-compliance with preset values. |
| US09255336B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing a stabilized antimicrobial non-toxic electrolyzed saline solution exhibiting potential as a therapeutic
An improved method and apparatus for producing a stable, non-toxic, antimicrobial electrolyzed saline solution with a broad range of anti-infective and therapeutic applications. The resulting electrolyzed saline solution exhibits a marked lack of toxicity upon intravenous, aspired, oral or topical application in mammals for therapeutic applications providing a broad platform, including topical disinfection, antimicrobial application, wound treatment, oxidative stress reduction and enhancement of immune function to better detect malfunctioning cells. |
| US09255335B2 |
Catalysts for low temperature electrolytic CO2 reduction
A method for electrochemically reducing CO2 is provided. A cathode is provided, wherein the cathode comprises a conductive substrate with a catalyst of a metal and a metal oxide based coating on a side of the cathode. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode. An ionic transport is provided between the anode and cathode. The cathode is exposed to CO2 and H2O. The anode is exposed to H2O. A voltage is provided between the cathode and anode. |
| US09255334B2 |
Hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst
Systems and methods for a hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst are provided. Electrode material includes a plurality of clusters. The electrode exhibits bifunctionality with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction. The electrode with clusters exhibits improved performance with respect to the intrinsic material of the electrode absent the clusters. |
| US09255331B2 |
Apparatus for plating process
An apparatus for a plating process includes: an outer chamber; an inner chamber covered by the outer chamber; a rotatable holding mechanism configured to hold a substrate horizontally and installed in the inner chamber; a fluid supply unit configured to supply a plating solution to a preset position on the substrate; a gas supply device configured to generate a nonreactive gas and control a temperature of the nonreactive gas; a gas supply hole configured to supply the nonreactive gas into the outer chamber and provided in a top surface of the outer chamber; a plurality of gas inlet openings provided at a sidewall of the inner chamber and spaced apart at equal distances; and a rectifying plate disposed above the substrate and below the plurality of gas inlet openings inside the inner chamber, the rectifying plate having a plurality of rectifying holes uniformly disposed in the rectifying plate. |
| US09255330B2 |
Method and device for atmospheric pressure plasma treatment
A continuous plasma treatment process is disclosed. The process may include providing at least one plasma treatment zone having a pair of electrodes with endless dielectric belts, each belt having a first and a second side that covers one of the electrodes. The process may include producing a non-thermal plasma in a space between the belts, and transporting a web material via the belts such that there is a width of exposed belt on either side of the web material. The process may include transporting the web material such that a side of the web material not in contact with the belts is treated in two passes through the at least one plasma treatment zone, while exposed parts of the belts transporting the web material are also treated. The process may include cleaning treated parts of the belts prior to the belts re-entering the at least one plasma treatment zone. |
| US09255329B2 |
Modulated ion-induced atomic layer deposition (MII-ALD)
The present invention relates to a cyclic deposition process suitable for depositing an elemental film. The process employs an enhanced atomic layer deposition technique. |
| US09255327B2 |
Thermally stable volatile precursors
A method of forming a thin film on a substrate which includes a step of contacting a surface with a precursor compound having a transition metal and one or more alkyl-1,3-diazabutadiene ligands is provided. The resulting modified surface is then contacted with an activating compound. |
| US09255324B2 |
Aluminum precursor composition
The present disclosure is related to an aluminum-containing precursor composition, especially a precursor composition which is vaporized to be used for vapor phase deposition processes such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD). |
| US09255314B2 |
Hot-forging micro-alloyed steel and hot-rolled steel excellent in fracture-splitability and machinability, and component made of hot-forged microalloyed steel
The invention provides a hot-forging micro-alloyed steel which achieves excellent fracture-splitability and machinability, without impairing productivity or mechanical properties and without the addition of Pb or the like. It also provides a component made of hot-forged micro-alloyed steel. The hot-forging micro-alloyed steel contains, in mass %, C: from 0.35 to 0.60%, Si: 0.50 to 2.50%, Mn: 0.20 to 2.00%, P: 0.010 to 0.150%, S: 0.040 to 0.150%, V: 0.10 to 0.50%, Zr: over 0.0023 to 0.0050%, Ca: 0.0005 to 0.0050% and N: 0.0069 to 0.0200%, Al being limited to less than 0.010%, and a balance substantially of Fe and unavoidable impurities. |
| US09255312B2 |
Cutting tool insert
A polycrystalline diamond (PCD) compact and method for making the compact are provided. The method includes bringing a first PCD wafer and a second PCD wafer together at an interface in the presence of a bonding agent to form an unbonded assembly and bonding the wafers together at the interface at a pressure and temperature at which diamond is thermodynamically stable. The first PCD wafer is more thermally stable than the second PCD wafer. |
| US09255310B2 |
Cu—Mg—P based copper alloy material and method of producing the same
A copper alloy material includes, by mass %, Mg of 0.3 to 2%, P of 0.001 to 0.1%, and the balance including Cu and inevitable impurities. An area fraction of such crystal grains that an average misorientation between all the pixels in each crystal grain is less than 4° is 45 to 55% of a measured area, when orientations of all the pixels in the measured area of the surface of the copper alloy material are measured by an EBSD method with a scanning electron microscope of an electron backscattered diffraction image system and a boundary in which a misorientation between adjacent pixels is 5° or more is considered as a crystal grain boundary, and a tensile strength is 641 to 708 N/mm2, and a bending elastic limit value is 472 to 503 N/mm2. |
| US09255309B2 |
Fine grain niobium sheet via ingot metallurgy
In various embodiments, metallic products are formed by alloying niobium with at least one of yttrium, aluminum, hafnium, titanium, zirconium, thorium, lanthanum, or cerium and processing the alloy. |
| US09255307B2 |
Tantalum-material multilevel distillation crucible and distillation process
A tantalum-material multilevel distillation crucible; the distillation crucible comprises a crucible body (1), an insulation plate (2), and a receiving hood (3); the insulation plate (2) is sheathed in the upper part of the crucible body (1), and the receiving cover is disposed on top of the crucible body (1) and above the insulation plate (2); the crucible body (1) is made of tantalum in a horn-shaped circular truncated cone increasing in size from top to bottom; and the insulation plate (2) is made of a high-temperature resistant refractory material with good insulation performance, characterized by: the insulation plate (2) comprises of a plurality of insulation plates that can be stacked and used (2); and a heating unit (6) provided with a plurality of pads (5) that can be stacked and used at the bottom of the crucible. According to the present invention, the height of a crucible buried in a heat source can be adjusted, enabling one crucible to be used for distillation of various kinds of rare earth metals. |
| US09255306B2 |
Steel wire rod and method of producing same
A steel wire rod which is a material of steel wires includes, as a metallographic structure, by area %, 95% to 100% of a pearlite, wherein an average pearlite block size at a central portion of the steel wire rod is 1 μm to 25 μm, an average pearlite block size at a surface layer portion of the steel wire rod is 1 μm to 20 μm, and, when a minimum lamellar spacing of the pearlite at the central portion of the steel wire rod is S in unit of nm and when a distance from a peripheral surface of the steel wire rod to a center is r in unit of mm, S<12r+65 is satisfied. |
| US09255302B2 |
Method and device for reducing iron-oxide-containing feedstocks in a high-pressure reducing unit
A method for reducing iron-oxide-containing feedstocks by introducing a reducing gas into a high-pressure reducing unit (1) where the reducing gas is consumed by reducing iron-oxide-containing feedstocks and then the reducing gas is withdrawn as top gas from the high-pressure reducing unit (1). At least one subportion of the top gas is admixed to a feed gas as recycle gas (15). The reducing gas is generated by CO2 being separated off from the gas mixture obtained from the addition of the recycle gas (15) to the feed gas after one or more compression steps. The recycle gas (15) is added to the feed gas in at least two recycle gas substreams that are separated from one another with recycle gas substream pressures at various distances from the high-pressure reducing unit (1). |
| US09255294B2 |
Hair shape susceptibility gene
A genetic polymorphism and a hair shape susceptibility gene that are related to hair shape, and a method for determining the genetic susceptibility to hair shape in individual test subjects are provided. Disclosed is a hair shape susceptibility gene, which overlaps with a haplotype block in 1q21.3 region (D1S2696 to D1S2346) of human chromosome 1 and comprises a portion or the entirety of the base sequence of the haplotype block, wherein the haplotype block is determined by a linkage disequilibrium analysis conducted on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker whose allele frequency differs statistically significantly between a group having a curly hair trait and a group having a non-curly hair trait, and consists of a base sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NO: 1 to NO: 5. |
| US09255292B2 |
Synthesis of four-color 3′-O-allyl modified photocleavable fluorescent nucleotides and related methods
This invention provides a process for making 3′-O-allyl-dGTP-PC-Biodopy-FL-510, 3′-O-allyl-dATP-PC-ROX, 3′-O-allyl-dCTP-PC-Bodipy-650 and 3′-O-allyl-dUTP-PC-R6G, and related methods. |
| US09255283B2 |
Compositions and methods for bacterial lysis and neutral lipid production
The present invention is directed to a cyanobacterium that produces neutral lipids or alkanes. Such neutral lipids or alkanes may be used for biofuel production. |
| US09255281B2 |
Bioconversion processes using water-insoluble liquids
Processes are disclosed for bioconversion processes in which a ME biocatalyst is surrounded by water-insoluble liquid during the bioconversion to facilitate one or more of mass transfer of substrate to and bioproduct from the biocatalyst and the separation and recovery of bioproduct from the water-insoluble liquid. The ME biocatalyst irreversibly retains microorganizms for the bioconversion and has, in its interior, an aqueous environment. |
| US09255276B2 |
Method of transferring gene into algal cell involving utilizing multiple square-wave pulses in three steps
A method of transferring an exogenous gene into a eukaryotic algal cell, the method including performing electroporation using multiple square-wave pulses to the solution containing a cell of a green alga with cell-wall, and a nucleic acid molecule by the following three steps: applying a square-wave electric pulse (first electric pulse) with a high voltage for a short period of time under the condition that its total electric energy falls within a predetermined range; then applying a square-wave electric pulse (second electric pulse) with a low voltage for a long period of time two or more times; and then applying a square-wave electric pulse (third electric pulse) that is opposite in polarity to the second electric pulse, with a low voltage for a long period of time, two or more times. |
| US09255271B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating tumors, fibrosis, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods useful for modulating angiogenesis and for inhibiting metastasis, tumors, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and fibrosis in a mammalian tissue. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods include inhibitors of LOXL2 expression and activity, such as shRNA targeting LOXL2. |
| US09255270B2 |
Methods used in sensitizing invasive glioblastoma to therapeutic treatment
The invention encompasses methods and kits used in the identification of invasive glioblastoma based upon the expression of Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3. The methods and kits also allow prediction of disease outcome and staging of patients with regard to therapy. |
| US09255267B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating angiogenesis
The invention generally features compositions and methods that are useful for modulating angiogenesis. |
| US09255266B2 |
RNA targeting in alpha-synucleinopathies
Therapies and assays to screen for small molecules that can have therapeutic use in the control of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and other alpha-synucleinopathies. |
| US09255265B2 |
Methods for producing stranded cDNA libraries
The present system provides novel methods and compositions for selecting a particular strand of RNA and/or producing a cDNA library that results in an unbiased representation of RNA in a sample. |
| US09255264B2 |
Hair shape susceptibility gene
A genetic polymorphism and a hair shape susceptibility gene that are related to hair shape, and a method for determining the genetic susceptibility to hair shape in individual test subjects are provided. Disclosed is a hair shape susceptibility gene, which overlaps with a haplotype block in in the 11q12.2 to 11q13.2 region (D11S4191 and D11S987) of human chromosome 11 and comprises a portion or the entirety of the base sequence of the haplotype block, wherein the haplotype block is determined by a linkage disequilibrium analysis conducted on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker whose allele frequency differs statistically significantly between a group having a curly hair trait and a group having a non-curly hair trait, and consists of a base sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NO: 1 to NO: 5. |
| US09255262B2 |
Albumin-binding arginine deminase and the use thereof
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition containing albumin-binding arginine deiminase fusion protein (AAD) for treating cancer or other arginine-dependent diseases. The AAD fusion protein can be purified from both soluble and insoluble fractions of crude proteins, it binds to human serum albumin (HSA) and has its high activity with longer half life for efficient depletion of arginine in cancer cells. The specific activities of wild-type ADI and AAD in the present invention are 8.4 and 9.2 U/mg (at physiological pH 7.4), respectively. The AAD used in the present invention can be used in the treatment of various cancers (e.g. pancreatic cancer, leukemia, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer & brain cancer) and curing arginine-dependent diseases. The composition can be used alone or in combination with at least one chemotherapeutic agent to give a synergistic effect on cancer treatment and/or inhibiting metastasis. |
| US09255259B2 |
Targeted genomic modification with partially single-stranded donor molecules
Disclosed herein are donor molecules comprising single-stranded complementary regions flanking one or more sequences of interest. The donor molecules and/or compositions comprising these molecules can be used in methods for targeted integration of an exogenous sequence into a specified region of interest in the genome of a cell. |
| US09255253B2 |
Multi plasmid system for the production of influenza virus
Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. In addition, the present invention includes an improved method of rescue, wherein animal cells (e.g., SF Vero cells) are electroporated with plasmids and vectors of the invention. |
| US09255251B2 |
Purified bacteriophage, its preparation and application
A method of preparation of purified bacteriophage with increased antibacterial activity, in which from bacterial lysate of phages is obtained, advantageously in the presence of lysozyme, chelating factor and detergent, in a continuous manner with ultrafiltration on membranes, the phage containing high molecular mass preparation, devoid of bacterial cell wall and other contaminants, free of toxins and endotoxins, active in tests of bacterial lysis, which is characterized by chromatography HPLC, In SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, immunoblotting, biological tests of bacterial lysis, and is dedicated for phage therapy of bacterial infections and tumors and for production of phage deriving pharmaceutical preparations. |
| US09255249B2 |
Isolation and purification of hematopoietic stem cells from post-liposuction lipoaspirates
The present invention relates to a method of isolating hematopoietic stem cells from adipose tissue. The method yields a notably high number of CD34+, ALDHbr and/or ABCG2-expressing cells, comprising hematopoietic stem cells, permitting the use of the cells with no or minimal expansion. |
| US09255246B2 |
Use of lactobacilli inhibiting gas producing coliform bacterial isolated from infants affected by colic
The present invention relates to a composition comprising two probiotic strains of bacteria capable of performing an antioxidant and/or antibacterial and competitive action against species of coliform bacteria that produce gas by fermentation of sugar, in particular lactose, isolated from infants affected by colic. |
| US09255245B2 |
Sample probes and methods for sampling intracellular material
A sample probe includes a tip including a distal end for penetrating a cellular membrane, an opening located at or proximal to the distal end, and tip microchannels extending through the tip and communicating with the opening; and a body adjoining the tip and including body microchannels, wherein at least one of the body microchannels communicates with at least one of the tip microchannels. A method for sampling intracellular material includes inserting a probe tip through a cellular membrane; aspirating intracellular material from the cell, through an opening of the tip, and into a first microchannel of the tip; flowing isolator fluid from a second microchannel of the tip into the first microchannel to form a plug of intracellular material; and aspirating the plug and the isolator fluid through the first microchannel. |
| US09255244B2 |
Bioreactor
A bioreactor (1) having a container (2), a shaft housing (3) for guiding a shaft (5) through a wall (7), a stirrer (6) connected to the shaft (5) in the interior (9) of the container (2), and a drive (4) arranged outside the container (2) and connectable to the shaft (5). The shaft (5) is mounted in the shaft housing (3) via at least one ball bearing (23) and is sealed in relation to the shaft housing (3) by at least one seal (11, 20). The seal (11, 20) is configured as a radial shaft seal (28) having two sealing lips (30, 31) that are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the shaft (5) and are able to run on the shaft (5) without lubricant. |
| US09255240B2 |
Process of converting low and high free fatty acid containing oils into no free fatty acid containing oils
A system and method for the conversion of high free fatty acid (HFFA) containing oils defined as oils containing 20-100% free fatty acids (FFA) and low free fatty acid (LFFA) containing oils defined as oils containing 1-20% free fatty acids (FFA) into oil with less than 0.5% FFA (defined as NFFA oil) includes a combination of partial glycerolysis of HFFA oils to produce LFFA oils and subsequent stripping of LFFA oils to produce NFFA oils via steam distillation. |
| US09255239B1 |
Formulation for corn oil recovery and method of use thereof
Provided is a method for recovering oil from corn to ethanol production, the method comprising applying a formulation comprising (i) a compound of formula (I), in which R1-R3 are defined herein, (ii) an oil, and (iii) a metal oxide to a corn-based product from an ethanol production process. Also provided is a formulation effective for corn oil recovery comprising (i) a mixture of ethoxylated C14-18 mono- and diglycerides, (ii) an oil, and (iii) a metal oxide. |
| US09255238B2 |
Method to produce catalytically active nanocomposite coatings
A nanocomposite coating and method of making and using the coating. The nanocomposite coating is disposed on a base material, such as a metal or ceramic; and the nanocomposite consists essentially of a matrix of an alloy selected from the group of Cu, Ni, Pd, Pt and Re which are catalytically active for cracking of carbon bonds in oils and greases and a grain structure selected from the group of borides, carbides and nitrides. |
| US09255237B2 |
Lubricating oil additive composition and method for improving storage stability of lubricating oil additive composition
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a thiodicarboxylic acid ester which has high long-term storage stability without inhibiting antioxidant properties and wear-resistant properties of the thiodicarboxylic acid ester.In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a lubricating oil additive composition which is characterized by containing a compound (A) represented by general formula (1) and a compound (B) represented by general formula (2) and by having an acid value of 0.01-0.4 mgKOH/g. (in the formula, R1 and R4 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 each independently represent an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms) (in the formula, R5 represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and R6 and R7 each independently represent an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms). |
| US09255227B2 |
Process for the synthesis of hydrocarbon constituents of gasoline
Process for the synthesis of hydrocarbon constituents of gasoline comprising catalytic conversion in a gasoline synthesis step of an oxygenate-containing feed comprising methanol and/or dimethyl ether and a mixture of at least on a total oxygenate basis 0.05 wt % C3+ higher alcohols and/or their oxygenate equivalents to hydrocarbon constituents of gasoline. |
| US09255221B2 |
Composition containing borane compound and conjugated polymer compound, and element
Provided is an organic material which can be employed for manufacturing an organic electroluminescent device having a long luminance half-lifetime. The organic material is a composition containing: a borane compound represented by Formula (B1): wherein three ArB1 represent an arylene group or a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group; and three XB1 represent an aromatic amino group, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group, an alkyl group, or a hydrogen atom; and a conjugated polymer compound represented by Formula (P1): wherein Arp1 represents an arylene group, with the proviso that Arp1 is different from Flup1; Flup1 represents a fluorenediyl group; Hetp1 represents a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group; Amp1 represents a divalent aromatic amine residue; nAr, nFlu, nHet and nAm are numbers representing molar ratios of Arp1, Flup1, Hetp1 and Amp1, respectively, and numbers satisfying 0.4≦nFlu≦1, 0≦nAr≦0.6, 0≦nHet≦0.6 and 0≦nAm≦0.6 when defining nAr+nFlu+nHet+nAm=1. |
| US09255216B2 |
Adhesive agent composition, adhesive agent layer, polarizing plate provided with adhesive agent layer, and image formation device
A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, comprising: (A) a (meth)acryl-based polymer; and (B) an ionic compound comprising an anion component and a cation component, wherein the anion component is at least one of an anion component represented by the general formula (1): (CnF2n+1SO2)2N−, (1) wherein n is an integer of 3 to 10, and an anion component represented by the general formula (2): CF2(CmF2mSO2)2N−, (2) wherein m is an integer of 2 to 10. |
| US09255215B2 |
Sizing composition for fibers, in particular mineral fibers, comprising a non-reducing sugar and an inorganic acid ammonium salt, and resulting products
A formaldehyde-free sizing composition for products based on fibers, in particular mineral fibers, such as fibers of glass or of rock, includes at least one non-reducing sugar, and at least one inorganic acid ammonium salt, preferably chosen from ammonium sulfates, phosphates, nitrates and carbonates. Another subject matter of the present invention is the products thus obtained, in particular thermal and/or acoustic insulators based on mineral wool and veils of nonwoven mineral fibers, and their process of manufacture. |
| US09255214B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) composition comprising inorganic particles and polymer particles
A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) composition, comprising (A) at least one type of inorganic particles which are dispersed in the liquid medium (C), (B) at least one type of polymer particles which are dispersed in the liquid medium (C), (C) a liquid medium, wherein the zeta-potential of the inorganic particles (A) in the liquid medium (C) and the zeta-potential of the polymer particles in the liquid medium (C) are of same signs. |
| US09255210B2 |
Olefin based polymer-combined organic-inorganic composite and composition for forming same
It is an object of the present invention to provide an anchor coating agent that can be used in one layer as an anchor coating for a base material and an inorganic material. An organic-inorganic hybrid coating composition that can be used as the anchor coating agent of the present invention contains the following components. a) an organic silicon compound which is at least one represented by formula (I) RnSiX4-n . . . (I) (wherein R represents an organic group having a carbon atom directly bonded to Si, and X represents a hydroxyl group or a hydrolyzable group; and n represents 1 or 2, wherein when n is 2, each R is the same or different, and when (4-n) is 2, each X is the same or different), wherein a solubility parameter of Rn (SP1) obtained by Fedors' estimation method is smaller than a solubility parameter of an olefin-based polymer (SP2) obtained by Fedors' estimation method and a difference between the SP1 and the SP2 is 1.6 or more (Si1), and/or a condensate thereof; b) a photopolymerization initiator or a thermal polymerization initiator; and c) the olefin-based polymer. |
| US09255202B2 |
Method for treating surface of pigment microparticles
The surface of fine pigment particles is efficiently treated using low energy without causing a cost increase. Provided is a method of treating the surface of fine pigment particles, characterized by maintaining a small gap of 1 mm or narrower between two treating surfaces which are able to get close to and apart from each other and relatively rotate and using the gap between the two treating surfaces which is kept so narrow, as a passage for a fluid to be treated, thereby forming a thin film of the fluid to be treated (forced thin film). Fine pigment particles are formed in this thin-film fluid (forced thin film). The method is further characterized by modifying the surface of the formed fine pigment particles within the thin-film fluid (forced thin film). |
| US09255199B2 |
Hydrophilic silicone monomers, process for their preparation and thin films containing the same
There is provided new mono-(meth)acrylate functionalized hydrophilic silicone monomers containing a polyether with branched linking group, useful in making water absorbing silicone-hydrogel films for contact lens applications. This invention also provides homo-polymers and copolymers made from the mono-(meth)acrylate functionalized hydrophilic silicone monomers described herein. Also provided is a process for producing the monomers and polymers described herein and contact lenses produced from the same. |
| US09255196B2 |
Accelerator for curing resins
Accelerator solution suitable for forming a redox system with peroxides, comprising a Cu(I) compound, a transition metal selected from cobalt and titanium, a phosphorous-containing compound, a nitrogen-containing base, and a hydroxy-functional solvent. |
| US09255189B2 |
Ethanol production with two stage continuous steam pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass
Disclosed is a method of producing ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass, including a two stage steam pretreatment process. The first stage of the steam pretreatment is carried out by heating the biomass with high pressure steam to a first stage temperature of 140° C. to 180° C. for a first stage time of 30 minutes to 2 hours at a first stage pressure of 105 to 150 psig; and the second steam pretreatment stage is carried out by heating the biomass with high pressure steam to raise the biomass temperature to a second stage temperature of 190° C. to 210° C. for a second stage time of 2 to 10 minutes at a second stage pressure of 167 to 262 psig. Hemicellulose and inhibitors (inhibitory compounds) to downstream hydrolysis and fermentation are preferably removed between the first and second pretreating stages, more preferably after each pretreatment stage. |
| US09255181B2 |
Solventless process for the preparation of amine functional polyetherimide resins with improved melt flow
The disclosure relates to a process that includes blending a polyimide resin and a primary alky amine organic compound to produce an aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality. The polyimide resin can have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 5,000 to 100,000 daltons. The organic compound can include at least one primary aliphatic amine without a direct linkage of a nitrogen to an aryl group and without a functionality selected from a halogen functionality, a hydroxyl functionality, a sulfonic acid functionality, a sulfonic acid salt functionality, and combinations thereof. The disclosure also relates to alkyl imide functionalized polyimides also with aryl amine functionalized polyimides, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality and articles produced therefrom. |
| US09255180B2 |
Ultraviolet radiation absorbing polyethers
A polymer composition comprising a linear ultraviolet radiation absorbing polyether that comprises a chemically bound UV-chromophore. |
| US09255176B2 |
Surface modification of polymers via surface active and reactive end groups
Polymer surface modification method comprising the steps of first forming a surface of primary reactive end groups tethered to the polymer chain ends during fabrication of an article, and then modifying the reactive surface with bio-active molecules, hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, oligomers, or polymers to attain specific surface properties. Alternatively, a multifunctional coupling agent can be used to couple the primary reactive group to a second reactive group capable of reacting with a functional group associated with bio-active molecules, hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, oligomers, and polymers to attain specific surface properties. The invention involves bringing reactive endgroups to the surface with surface active spacer attached to the polymer chain end. The surface active spacer allows the migration and enrichment of reactive end groups to the surface during fabrication. The invention provides medical devices having a bio-interface with anti-thrombogenic properties, lubricity, selective adsorption, and antimicrobial properties. |
| US09255171B2 |
Polymer, process and composition
There are described q oligomer-polymer composition [optionally substantially free of styrene (<1.5 wt-% of copolymer)] comprising oligomer composition O having a weight average molecular weight of from 1000 to 150,000 g/mol (measured by GPC) and polymer composition P having a weight average molecular weight of at least 80,000 g/mol (measured by GPC) the oligomer composition O and the polymer composition P each independently comprising a copolymer composition comprising: (a) at least 8.5 wt-% preferably >=20 wt-% of a higher itaconate diester (preferably dibutyl itaconate—DBI); (b) less than 23 wt-% acid monomer but also sufficient to have an acid value less than 150 mg KOH/g of polymer, (c) optionally with less than 50 wt-% of other itaconate monomers, and (d) optionally less than 77 wt-% of other monomers not (a) to (c). The DBI may be biorenewable. One embodiment is an aqueous dispersion of vinyl sequential polymer of two phases: A) 40 to 90 wt-% of a vinyl polymer A with Tg from −50 to 30° C.; and B) 10 to 60 wt-% of a vinyl polymer B with Tg from 50 to 130° C.; where DBI is used to prepare A and/or B and polymer A has from 0.1 to 10 wt-% of at least one acid-functional olefinically unsaturated monomer. Another embodiment is an aqueous polymer coating composition of a vinyl oligomer C of Mw from 1,000 to 150,000 g/mol and an acid value>5 mgKOH/g; and a vinyl polymer D of Mw>=80,000 g/mol and an acid value<10 mgKOH/g where D is obtained from DBI and the amount of monomers used to form C and D fall into the respective weight ratios 5 to 70 for polymer C and 95 to 30 for polymer D. A further embodiment is an aqueous suspension polymerization process for preparing vinyl polymer beads from olefinically unsaturated monomers and a free-radical initiator, where at least 10 wt-% of the monomer is DBI. |
| US09255169B2 |
Method for preparing biomass-based polymer emulsion
A method for preparing biomass-based polymer emulsion. The method includes: 1) preparing cardanol-based polymerizable emulsifier; 2) preparing castor oil-based polyurethane prepolymer; and 3) preparing biomass-based polymer emulsion. |
| US09255168B2 |
Highly branched compositions and processes for the production thereof
A highly branched polyolefin having olefin derived units; wherein the highly branched polyolefin has: (i) a branching index, g′(vis), of less than about 0.9; (ii) a phase angle, δ, of less than about 55 degrees at a complex modulus of 10 kPa, measured at 190° C.; (iii) a gel content of less than or equal to about 10%; and (iv) a melting point of less than about 135° C.; wherein the highly branched polyolefin is obtained by contacting one or more polyolefins with a free radical generator. The highly branched polyolefin may also comprise a modifying polymer, wherein the modifying polymer may be the similar or dissimilar to the polyolefin. Methods of producing these highly branched polyolefins and blends of these highly branched polyolefins are also disclosed. |
| US09255165B2 |
Poly (pentabromobenzyl acrylate) and its properties
Poly (pentabromobenzyl acrylate) having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range from 200,000 to 600,000 and a polydispersity index less than 15 based on high temperature gel permeation chromatography. |
| US09255164B2 |
Aqueous polymerization of perfluoromonomer using hydrocarbon surfactant
A process is provided for the polymerization of fluoromonomer to an dispersion of fluoropolymer particles in an aqueous medium in a polymerization reactor, by (a) providing the aqueous medium in the reactor, (b) adding the fluoromonomer to the reactor, (c) adding initiator to the aqueous medium, the combination of steps (b) and (c) being carried out essentially free of hydrocarbon-containing surfactant and resulting in the kickoff of the polymerization of the fluoromonomer, and (d) metering hydrocarbon-containing surfactant into the aqueous medium after the kickoff of polymerization, e.g. after the concentration of the fluoropolymer in the aqueous medium is at least 0.6 wt %, the metering being at a rate reducing the telogenic activity of said surfactant while maintaining surface activity. |
| US09255158B2 |
Aminosilane initiators, functionalized polymers prepared therefrom and related processes
Disclosed herein are metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer. A telechelic polymer may result from use of the metallated aminosilane compound and a functional terminator. |
| US09255156B2 |
Immunogenic synthetic glycoconjugate for the immunotherapy of melanoma
A specific antibody against a compound of formula (I) wherein X is O, NH, S, CH2; L is a linker that is a divalent spacer; A is an adjuvant or carrier that is an immunogenic molecule or an immunogenic particle; and wherein bonds between linker and saccharide moiety and between linker and carrier are of covalent type; wherein the linker L presents a chemical structure suitable to space the saccharide moiety and the carrier by 7-30 atoms when the adjuvant/carrier A is a biomacromolecule or by 19-30 atoms when the adjuvant/carrier A is a metallic nanoparticle; wherein the carrier/adjuvant A can be selected among a macromolecule, a macrocycle, a dendrimer, a liposome, a nanoparticle, an oligosaccharide featuring from two to five monosaccharidic units or cells like dendritic cells. |
| US09255151B2 |
Antibody specifically recognizing an epitope for switching to TH1 cell
The present invention relates to a novel epitope that converts T cell to type 1 helper T (TH1) cell. Specifically, the present invention relates to an epitope constituting the 56th to 65th amino acids (SEQ ID No. 2) of extracellular domain (ECD) of activation-inducible tumor necrosis factor receptor (AITR), an antibody recognizing the epitope, a polynucleotide encoding the epitope, a polynucleotide encoding the antibody, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide encoding the epitope or antibody, a transformant introduced with the vector, a composition comprising the antibody for converting T cell to TH1 cell and a method for converting T cell to TH1 cell, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody for preventing or treating cancer, a method for treating cancer using the antibody, a composition comprising the antibody for enhancing immunity, and a method for enhancing immunity using the antibody. |
| US09255150B2 |
Remedies for pemphigus containing anti-Fas ligand antibodies
The present invention refers to the use of FasL antagonists, e.g. of humanized antibodies directed against human Fas ligands (also named CD95L or Apo1L and hereinafter abbreviated as FasL) for the prevention and/or treatment of skin diseases associated with keratinocytes acantholysis, particularly for the prevention and/or treatment of pemphigus. |
| US09255146B2 |
Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against the Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) and uses thereof
The subject invention relates to isolated proteins, particularly monoclonal antibodies, which bind to the Nogo-66 receptor. Specifically, these antibodies have the ability to inhibit the binding of the natural ligand of the Nogo-66 receptor and neutralize the Nogo-66 receptor. These antibodies or portions thereof of the invention are useful for detecting NgR and for inhibiting NgR activity, for example in a human suffering from a disorder in which NgR or Nogo-66 activity is detrimental. |
| US09255145B2 |
Therapeutic agent for chronic arthritides diseases of childhood-related diseases
A therapeutic agent for chronic arthritides diseases of childhood-related diseases, for example chronic arthritides diseases of childhood, Still's disease and the like, comprising an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist as an active ingredient. |
| US09255142B2 |
Blood markers for diagnosing epithelium derived cancers and monoclonal antibodies thereof
The present invention provides uses of cytokeratins as markers for diagnosing epithelium derived cancers. The present invention provides cancer-related epitopes of cytokeratins and monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize the epitopes. The present invention also provides methods for the early screen, diagnosis or prognosis of epithelium derived cancers in subjects, methods for the evaluation of therapeutic effect of related medicaments or therapies, and kits for accomplishing the methods. |
| US09255141B2 |
Multimeric IL-15 soluble fusion molecules and methods of treating neoplasia and HIV using same
The present invention features compositions and methods featuring ALT-803, a complex of an interleukin-15 (IL-15) superagonist mutant and a dimeric IL-15 receptor α/Fc fusion protein useful for enhancing an immune response against a neoplasia (e.g., multiple myeloma, melanoma, lymphoma) or a viral infection (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus). |
| US09255139B2 |
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) linked to glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchors for treatment of cancer and skin lesions
The present invention relates to fusion constructs of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and their use for the treatment of cancer and in regenerative medicine. By this approach, the GPI-anchored TIMP proteins are incorporated into the surface membrane of tumor cells and render tumor cells sensitive to FAS-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the fusion constructs of the present invention are effective agents useful in wound healing applications. In one embodiment, the TIMP is linked to mucin followed by GPI in order to enhance surface presentation. The use of GPI to link TIMP renders the resulting fusion protein particularly useful as an anti-cancer agent for the treatment of cancer, and, in particular, any residual cancer following an incomplete surgical resection of primary tumors in an individual. |
| US09255137B2 |
Methods of promoting fat loss comprising administering an ALK7 inhibitor
The invention relates to ALK7 soluble receptors and their uses as antagonists of the function of certain ligands such as GDF-8 (Myostatin) and GDF-11. The ALK7 soluble receptor of the invention is useful as antagonists of GDF-8 and GDF-11 in the treatment of neuronal diseases or conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and all peripheral nerve diseases. The ALK7 soluble receptor of the invention is also useful as GH (growth hormone) equivalent, and for increasing muscle mass. |
| US09255134B2 |
Lytic domain fusion constructs and methods of making and using same
The invention relates to fusion constructs, methods of using fusion constructs and methods of treating undesirable or aberrant cell proliferation or hyperproliferative disorders, such as tumors, cancers, neoplasia and malignancies. |
| US09255128B2 |
Nucleic acid for determining actin structures in living cells
The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding peptides capable of binding to actin. The nucleic acids encoding the peptides are useful in methods for detecting actin in vitro or in living cells. |
| US09255126B2 |
Chimeric alphavirus replicon particles
Chimeric alphavirus particles and alphavirus replicon RNAs are provided including methods of making and using same. The alphavirus replicon RNAs comprise deletions in one or more nonstructural proteins. Methods of making, using, and therapeutic preparations containing the chimeric alphavirus particle are disclosed. |
| US09255107B2 |
Heteroaryl alkyne compound and use thereof
In the field of pharmaceutical chemistry compounds of general formula I having heteroaryl alkynyl moiety or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, isomers, solvates, crystals or prodrugs thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds, as well as uses of these compounds and compositions thereof in the manufacture of a medicament. The compounds have a strong inhibitory effect on BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase and are useful for treating diseases, such as tumors. |
| US09255104B2 |
Cyclopropyl modulators of P2Y12 receptor
The present invention relates to new cyclopropyl modulators of P2Y12 receptor activity, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof. |
| US09255085B2 |
Carboxamide compounds and methods for using the same
Disclosed are carboxamide compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. One embodiment is a compound having the structure in which R1, R2, R3, R4, D, J, Z, T, p, q, w and x are as described herein. In certain embodiments, a compound disclosed herein activates the AMPK pathway, and can be used to treat metabolism-related disorders and conditions. |
| US09255081B1 |
Process for the preparation of 3-(3-chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine
3-(3-Chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine is prepared by cyclizing 3-hydrazinopyridine.dihydrochloride with commercially available 3-ethoxyacrylonitrile to provide 3-(3-amino-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine, and by converting the amino group to a chloro group by a Sandmeyer reaction. |
| US09255079B2 |
Photoacid generators and photoresists comprising same
New methods are provided for synthesis of photoacid generator compounds (“PAGs”), new photoacid generator compounds and photoresist compositions that comprise such PAG compounds. In a particular aspect, sulfonium-containing (S+) photoacid generators and methods of synthesis of sulfonium photoacid generators are provided. |
| US09255077B2 |
Fluorine atom-containing mercapto compound
A mercapto compound is represented by formula (1) (in formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent; n represents 1 or 2; m represents an integer of 1 to 6; l represents an integer of 1 to 6; q represents 0 or 1; p represents 2 or 3; p+q represents 3; X represents a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms; when n is 2, structures of units represented by CR1R2 may be identical to or different from each other; and when m is 2 or more, structures of units represented by CR3R4 may be identical to or different from each other). The mercapto compound is novel and has excellent affinity for a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing solvent. |
| US09255069B2 |
Process for purifying N-alkylpyrrolidones
Process for purifying N-alkylpyrrolidones which due to a previous use comprise at least one of the impurities of the formula I or II where R is hydrogen or a C1-C20-alkyl group, wherein a basic compound is added to the N-alkylpyrrolidone to be purified and the temperature of the mixture is at least 80° C. not more than 20 minutes after addition of the basic compound and N-alkylpyrrolidone is distilled off from the mixture obtained. |
| US09255068B2 |
Crystalline salts of (4S,4AS,5AR,12AS)-4-dimethylamino-3,10,12,12A-tetrahydroxy-7-[methoxy(methyl)amino)-methyl] acid amide and methods of using the same
A crystalline mono hydrochloride salt of (4S,4aS,5aR,12aS)-4-dimethylamino-3,10,12,12a-tetrahydroxy-7-[(methoxy(methyl)amino)-methyl]-1,11-dioxo-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-naphthacene-2-carboxylic acid amide is disclosed having improved stability. In addition, a crystalline mono mesylate salt and crystalline mono sulfate salt of (4S,4aS,5aR,12aS)-4-dimethylamino-3,10,12,12a-tetrahydroxy-7-[(methoxy(methyl)amino)-methyl]-1,11-dioxo-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-naphthacene-2-carboxylic acid amide are also disclosed having improved stability. A pharmaceutical composition containing the crystalline salts and methods of treating inflammatory skin disorders and bacterial infections comprising administering the crystalline salts are also disclosed. |
| US09255066B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulation for histone deacetylase inhibitors
A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) compound represented by the following structural formula at least one acidifying agent; and a vehicle base comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable non-aqueous solvent. Values and preferred values of the variables in structural formula (I) are defined herein. |
| US09255059B2 |
Method for producing an alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate
A method for making an alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate is provided. The method can include reacting an alkyl alcohol with diketene to form an alkyl acetoacetate and then hydrogenating the alkyl acetoacetate to form the alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate. The method of the present invention may also include separating one or more impurities an alkyl acetoacetate stream and subjecting the purified acetoacetate mixture to hydrogenation to form the alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate. Methods of the present invention can be carried out on a lab, pilot, or commercial scale. |
| US09255057B2 |
Apparatus and method for production of formate from carbon dioxide
An apparatus for producing formate from carbon dioxide includes a reactor (115) that is configured to receive carbon dioxide from a separation device (109) and a first reagent to form a formate and a bicarbonate material. The bicarbonate material is sent to a regeneration device (123) that also receives a second reagent from a source of the second reagent to form the first reagent and a carbonate material. The first reagent is recycled back to the reactor (115). The carbonate material can be stored in a storage device (131) for subsequent sale or other use and/or sent to a process device (109) of a plant for processing flue gas to remove one or more acid gas elements from the flue gas by using the carbonate material received from the regeneration device (123). A method for producing formate from carbon dioxide can include use of the apparatus. |
| US09255054B2 |
High-yield synthesis of p-(benzyloxy)calix[6, 7,8]arenes
The high-yield synthesis of p-(benzyloxy)calix[6,7,8]arenes by bringing caesium hydroxide into contact with p-(benzyloxy)phenol and paraformaldehyde, and composite materials including these p-(benzyloxy)calix[6,7,8]arenes. |
| US09255051B2 |
Efficiency, flexibility, and product value of a direct alkanes to oxygenates process
A method for preparing oxygenated hydrocarbons includes steps of: reacting a first heated hydrocarbon-containing gas stream with an oxygen-containing gas stream in a reactor for form a first product blend, recovering the energy generated in the reactor in order to preheat incoming hydrocarbon feed to the reactor and/or to drive endothermic reactions that generate synthesis gas, separating and condensing one or more liquid oxygenated hydrocarbons from the product stream, separating a reject stream from a recycle stream, mixing remaining gaseous hydrocarbon product from the recycle stream with the first hydrocarbon-containing gas stream after one reaction cycle, converting the first reject stream to a synthesis gas mixture, and converting the synthesis gas mixture to light alkanes to be blended with one or with oxygenates in an output stream to optionally form higher molecular weight oxygenates. |
| US09255045B2 |
E-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene production process from 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene
A production process for the production of E-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, the process including at least one stage during which 1,1,3,3 -tetrachloropropene reacts with anhydrous hydrofluoric acid in the liquid phase, in the absence of a catalyst, with an HF/1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene molar ratio between 3 and 20 inclusive, at a temperature between 50° C. and 150° C. inclusive and an absolute pressure of between 1 and 20 bar inclusive. |
| US09255043B2 |
Liquid crude hydrocarbon composition
Disclosed is a liquid crude hydrocarbon composition containing (a) a liquid crude hydrocarbon having an API gravity of less than or equal to about 20; and (b) a minor amount of a blend comprising (i) one or more hydrocarbon-containing solvents having an aromatic content of at least about 10 wt. %; and (ii) one or more asphaltene modifiers selected from the group consisting of an aromatic sulfonic acid or salt thereof, an aliphatic sulfonic acid or salt thereof and an alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic carboxylic acid or salt thereof. Also disclosed is a method for transporting a liquid crude hydrocarbon having an API gravity of less than or equal to about 20. |
| US09255042B2 |
Producing method of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon production plant
A producing method of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the oil feedstock having a 10 volume % distillation temperature of more than or equal to 140° C. and a 90 volume % distillation temperature of less than or equal to 380° C. by bringing into contact with an aromatic production catalyst includes the steps of: introducing the oil feedstock into a cracking and reforming reaction apparatus housing the aromatic production catalyst; bringing the oil feedstock and the aromatic production catalyst into contact with each other at the inside of the cracking and reforming reaction apparatus; heating the oil feedstock in advance before introducing the oil feedstock into the cracking and reforming reaction apparatus and forming a two-phase gas-liquid stream; separating the two-phase gas-liquid stream into a gas fraction and a liquid fraction; and introducing the gas fraction and the liquid fraction at different positions of the cracking and reforming reaction apparatus. |
| US09255041B2 |
Method for producing conjugated diolefin and apparatus for production
A method for producing a conjugated diolefin that can suppress reaction byproducts with high boiling point from remaining in steps following a quenching step by a quenching tower, and producing a conjugated diolefin (e.g., 1,3-butadiene) that can be used as a raw material for synthetic rubber, resin and the like, even when using an industrial grade mixed hydrocarbon that may not necessarily have a high purity as a raw material to produce the conjugated diolefin (e.g., butadiene). The method includes a step of producing a product gas by reaction containing a conjugated diolefin by feeding a hydrocarbon containing a monoolefin having 4 or more carbon atoms and oxygen to a reactor accommodated with a catalyst containing a metal oxide and a carrier, and a step of sending the product gas by reaction to a quenching tower and washing with a quenching agent (e.g., an organic amine aqueous solution). |
| US09255040B1 |
Boron carbide pyrotechnic time delay
A precise, slow burning, pyrotechnic delay composition composed of a ternary system of from about 8 to about 55 weight percent B4C fuel, 35 to about 82 weight percent NalO4 oxidizer, and PTFE which acts as a pyrotechnic oxidizer and lubricant—such that the resulting composition has surprisingly good mechanical properties, i.e. it can be pressed to a desirably high consolidated density with ordinary loading force, and with minimal wear on the tooling used for pressing. |
| US09255020B2 |
Device and method for sewage treatment using variable magnetic field
A device for sewage treatment including a reactor and a magnetic field generator. The reactor includes a water inlet at the upper end, a water outlet on the side wall, and a sludge outlet at the lower end. A stirrer and an aeration device are disposed in the reactor. The reactor is filled with magnetic powder and activated sludge. The magnetic field generator includes a magnetic field tester, an iron cover, a power supply, a transformer, and a spiral coil. The spiral coil loops around the outer surface of the reactor. The transformer, the spiral coil, and the power supply are connected in sequence. The iron cover surrounds the periphery and the bottom of the reactor, and the magnetic field tester is disposed within the reactor. A method for sewage treatment using the device is also provided. |
| US09255016B2 |
Multiple separation filter and antioxidizing water produced using the same
Disclosed is a multiple separation filter including a microfiltration membrane, an active carbon-based filter and a ceramic filter stacked in order, wherein the active carbon-based filter is obtained by mixing active carbon with at least one selected from zeolite, gold, silver and a mixture thereof, treating the mixture with plasma gas of 60,000° C. to 70,000° C., and then quenching the mixture to −200° C. to −273° C. under vacuum, and the ceramic filter is obtained by quenching plasma gas generated by heating magnesium at 60,000° C. to 70,000° C. to −200° C. to −273° C. under vacuum. Disclosed also is antioxidant water obtained by using the multiple separation filter. The antioxidant water has a negative oxidation reduction potential. |
| US09255014B2 |
Method for producing thermoelectric conversion material, thermoelectric conversion material, and production apparatus used in the method
A method for producing a thermoelectric conversion material composed of a metal A having an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, a transition metal M, and oxygen O, and represented by AxMyOz, where x, y, and z are valences of the respective elements, includes the steps of: using a massive metal oxide as the thermoelectric conversion material and a salt in a solid, liquid or gaseous state; causing a diffusion reaction between the oxide and the salt; and forming the thermoelectric conversion material having aligned crystal orientation. A production apparatus includes a reactor into which the oxide and the salt are introduced, and a heating means for heating the oxide and the salt within the reactor to promote the diffusion reaction. Thereby, the thermoelectric conversion material having efficiency is produced more simply and at lower cost than a production of the single crystal. |
| US09255013B2 |
Method for producing hematite for ironmaking
Provided is a method for producing hematite for ironmaking, wherein high purity hematite, which can be used as an iron-making raw material, is cheaply and efficiently recovered from a leach residue containing iron oxide produced by a high pressure acid leach (HPAL) process. This method for producing (high purity) hematite for ironmaking in a process of adding a mineral acid and an oxidant to ore containing iron and valuable metals and then leaching the valuable metals under high pressure and high temperature includes (1) a neutralization step of adding a neutralizer to a leachate obtained under high pressure and high temperature to form a leach slurry, (2) a solid-liquid separation step of separating the leach slurry obtained in the neutralization step (1) into a leach residue and the leachate, and (3) a classification step of classifying the leach residue into the hematite and gangue components. |
| US09255012B2 |
Method for recovering lithium carbonate
A method and arrangement for recovering lithium carbonate from a raw material containing lithium, which method comprises pulping (1) the raw material containing lithium in the presence of water and sodium carbonate for producing a slurry containing lithium from the raw material containing lithium. After pulping the lithium-containing slurry is leached (2) for dissolving the lithium in the solution thus producing a solution containing lithium carbonate. After pulping and leaching the method comprises carbonating (3) the solution containing lithium carbonate by using carbon dioxide under atmospheric conditions for producing a solution containing lithium bicarbonate and separating (4) the solids form the solution. The solution containing lithium bicarbonate is purified (5) to produce a purified solution containing lithium bicarbonate, and recovering by crystallizing (6) lithium carbonate from the purified lithium bicarbonate-containing solution. |
| US09255010B2 |
Boride having chemical composition Na—Si—B, and polycrystalline reaction sintered product of boride and process for production thereof
Provided are: a novel bonds useful as a highly-functional material; and a novel production method for a polycrystalline sintered product of a bonds, of which the energy cost is low, which does not require a sintering promoter, which enables the product to be worked into complicated forms and which enables a development to a polynary boride.Provided are a boride having a composition Na—Si—B, and a polycrystalline reaction-sintered product thereof. A mixed compact of boron and an element, M (M means Si and/or C) is heated along with metal sodium to give a polycrystalline reaction-sintered product. |
| US09255006B2 |
Method for producing phosphoric acid
The invention relates to a method for producing phosphoric acid, including: attacking phosphate rock by means of sulfuric acid between 70° and 90° C. with formation of a first calcium sulfate dihydrate crystal slurry, the aqueous acid phase of said slurry having free P2O5 content between 38 and 50 wt % and free SO3 content that is less than 0.5 wt % and greater than 0.05 wt %; converting said first slurry by means of heating at a temperature greater than 90° C., thus giving rise to a second slurry formed of calcium sulfate hemihydrate crystals; and, within the second slurry, separating a produced phosphoric acid, having a free SO3 content that is less than 2%, and a calcium sulfate hemihydrate filter cake. |
| US09255001B2 |
Micro device transfer head array with metal electrodes
A monopolar and bipolar micro device transfer head array and method of forming a monopolar and bipolar micro device transfer array are described. In an embodiment, a micro device transfer head array includes a base substrate, a first insulating layer formed over the base substrate, and an array of mesa structures. A second insulating layer may be formed over the mesa structure, a patterned metal layer over the second insulating layer, and a dielectric layer covering the metal layer. |
| US09254997B2 |
CMOS-MEMS integrated flow for making a pressure sensitive transducer
A sensor is made up of two substrates which are adhered together. A first substrate includes a pressure-sensitive micro-electrical-mechanical (MEMS) structure and a conductive contact structure that protrudes outwardly beyond a first face of the first substrate. A second substrate includes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device and a receiving structure made up of sidewalls that meet a conductive surface which is recessed from a first face of the second substrate. A conductive bonding material physically adheres the conductive contact structure to the conductive surface and electrically couples the MEMS structure to the CMOS device. |
| US09254996B2 |
Vertical pressure sensitive structure
Embodiments related to pressure sensitive structures are described and depicted. |
| US09254992B2 |
Method of making a MEMS gyroscope having a magnetic source and a magnetic sensing mechanism
A MEMS gyro is provided, having a movable portion, a non-movable portion, and a magnetic sensing structure that comprises a magnetic source disposed at the movable portion, a magnetic sensing element positioned at the non-movable portion. The movable portion is capable of moving in response to external angular velocity or an external accelerator such that the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic sensing element is in relation to the movement of the movable portion, therefore, the angular velocity or the accelerator. A method of making the MEMS gyro device is disclosed herein. |
| US09254988B1 |
Hitch pull and lift assembly and method
A lift and pull assembly and method of removal of a dock or boat lift including a hitch receiver component configured to insert within a standard hitch receiver of a vehicle, a drawbar component configured to connect to the dock and having a lift foot mechanism that hinges upon the drawbar, a lift component having a lift arm extending from a mast where a cable from a winch extends from the lift arm to the lift foot mechanism such that operation of the winch moves the cable in order to apply a lifting force upon the dock or in order to simultaneously apply a lifting force and a pulling force upon the dock. |
| US09254986B2 |
Passenger conveyor
In a passenger conveyor, a supporting angle that is supported on a building beam is fixed to an end portion of a truss main body. A plurality of movement limiting members that come into contact with the supporting angle to limit horizontal movement of the supporting angle are disposed on the building beam. The supporting angle includes: a first supporting portion; and a pair of second supporting portions that are disposed on two sides of the first supporting portion in a width direction of the truss. A horizontal protruding dimension of the first supporting portion from the truss main body is different than horizontal protruding dimensions of the second supporting portions from the truss main body. |
| US09254984B2 |
Welding wire feeder with improved wire guide
A wire guide for use in a welding wire feeder is provided. The wire guide includes two guide surfaces spaced from one another to define an opening through which welding wire is directed from a spool to a wire drive assembly of the wire feeder. The wire guide may also include a side flange extending from an outboard position of the wire guide to maintain the wire within a desired region of the wire drive assembly, such as a space formed by grooves along rollers of the wire drive assembly. The side flange may be formed integrally with an outboard guide surface of the wire guide. The guide surfaces and the side flange may be formed integrally into a one-piece wire guide structure. |
| US09254983B1 |
Easily attachable cable guide
A tool which is positionable adjacent a relatively sharp edge around which or past which a sheathed cable is desired to be routed includes a pair of clamping members which are manipulable with the hand of a user and adapted to be clamped to an item disposed adjacent the relatively sharp edge. In addition, the tool includes a pair of guide members which are attached to the clamping members of the tool and which provide, when the tool is clamped about the item, a substantially enclosed, smooth-surfaced passageway through which the sheathed cable can be routed to eliminate any contact between the relatively sharp edge and the sheathed cable routed around or past the relatively sharp edge. The defined passageway reduces the likelihood that the relative sharp edge will damage the sheathing of the cable as the cable is routed around or past the relatively sharp edge. |
| US09254978B2 |
Seasoning apparatus and method
A seasoning apparatus includes: a table on which a stack of paper sheets is loaded, each of the paper sheets having at least one face on which active light curable aqueous ink has been deposited; an air blowing device which blows air in an air blowing direction to a side of the stack loaded on the table; an active light emission device which emits the active light in an active light emitting direction to a side of the stack loaded on the table; and a control device which causes the air blowing device to blow the air to the stack to create gaps between faces of the paper sheets, and causes the active light emission device to emit the active light to the stack to cause the active light to enter the gaps. |
| US09254977B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes a recording section which is provided over a transport passage for transporting a sheet in a transport direction and which has nozzles for discharging an ink onto the sheet; a platen which is provided under the recording section with the transport passage intervening therebetween and which has a plurality of ribs provided to support the sheet while being separated from each other in a widthwise direction of the transport passage perpendicular to the transport direction, the respective ribs protruding upwardly and extending in the transport direction; and a plurality of holding members which are provided to be positioned between the plurality of ribs in the widthwise direction of the transport passage over the platen on an upstream side in the transport direction from the nozzles and which abut against an upper surface of the sheet and press the sheet toward the platen. |
| US09254976B2 |
Detection apparatus and image forming apparatus
A detection apparatus includes a rotating member which rotates in a rotation direction from a standby posture by being pushed by a conveyed sheet, a sensor of which an output is changed as the rotating member rotates from the standby posture, an elastic member which elastically applies a force to the rotating member in a direction opposite to the rotation direction, a first abutting portion which abuts onto the rotating member applied by a force by the elastic member to maintain the rotating member in the standby posture, and a regulation unit which allows the rotating member to rotate in the rotation direction by being pushed by the conveyed sheet and regulates the rotating member not to rotate in the rotation direction by a repulsion force when the rotating member rotated in the opposite direction by an elastic force of the elastic member abuts onto the first abutting portion. |
| US09254975B2 |
Recording apparatus and medium feeding device
A printer includes a lower tray and an upper tray disposed above the lower tray. An optical sensor which detects the presence or absence of a sheet is disposed above the upper tray. The optical sensor is disposed in a roller support member which supports a feeding roller and serves as a swingable swing member. A distance between the optical sensor and the sheet is adjusted by swing of the roller support member according to the number of sheets. |
| US09254971B1 |
Mobile loading dock with wheel assembly
A mobile loading dock including a planar ramp member having an underside with a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a tension spring, hydraulic member, a leg hingedly attached to the ramp underside and a wheel attached to the leg. The tension spring exerts a pulling force on the leg and wheel and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the wheel assembly when the lower end of the mobile loading dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position. |
| US09254970B2 |
Cover for slider of linear conveyer, linear conveyer, slider assembly, and method of detaching cover from slider of linear conveyer
A cover for a linear conveyer. The linear conveyer including a stationary module having a rail extending linearly and a stator including armature coils that is fixed to the rail, and a slider including a mover component having magnetic poles arranged linearly and a rail guide that is fitted on the rail. The slider sliding from an end surface of the rail along an elongated direction of the rail to be arranged on the rail and moving on the rail by a linear motor. The cover is attached to the slider to cover a magnetic pole face of the mover component of the slider. The cover has a thickness so as to come in contact with an end portion of the stationary module when the slider is mounted on the rail. The cover is detached from the slider by the contact with the end portion of the stationary module. |
| US09254968B2 |
Inverting vacuum conveyor system
A conveyor system includes an elongated vacuum plenum having an interior defined between upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces between opposing ends. A slot defining a portion of a conveyor path is formed in the plenum and extends from one end of the plenum at the upwardly facing surface toward the other end and the downwardly facing surface. A plurality of conveyor modules forming part of an endless loop are received in the slot and move along the conveyor path. At least some of the modules have at least one opening in fluid communication with the interior of the plenum. An object disposed on at least one of the modules is held against the at least one module by a vacuum in the interior of the plenum as the at least one module moves along the conveyor path from the upwardly facing surface toward the downwardly facing surface. |
| US09254966B2 |
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. |
| US09254961B2 |
Apparatus for collecting dispensed drugs
An apparatus for collecting drugs dispensed from drug dispensing boxes includes a main conveyor on which the dispensed drugs are placed and discharged to a first end thereof, and an auxiliary conveyor configured to be hidden at a lower portion of the first end of the main conveyor or to be expanded outside of the first end so as to increase a discharging path of the dispensed drugs. Due to the auxiliary conveyor, when the drugs are discharged or are redelivered to another apparatus, it is possible to control the drugs to fall down to a desired position. |
| US09254959B2 |
Storage rack
A storage rack has a plurality of supporting brackets arranged one above the other for supporting storage product carriers conveyable by means of an automatic filling and withdrawal apparatus, and at least one filling and withdrawal opening for inserting and removing the storage product carriers. At a top side of the filling and withdrawal opening, an indicating means is arranged for indicating storage locations of a storage product in the storage product carrier, wherein the indicating means has a plurality of discrete lighting elements. The lighting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional grid in such a way that a light beam of the lighting elements is essentially vertically directed onto a storage surface of the storage product carrier. |
| US09254944B1 |
Assembly and method for pouring liquid from a container
An assembly and method for pouring liquid from a container for ensuring that upon emptying the contents nothing will be left in the container. The assembly and method for pouring liquid from a container includes a pourer adapter including a tube portion having an open top, a bottom and a bore disposed therein through the open top and the bottom, and also configured to fasten to a container to facilitate emptying of liquid from the container; and a pourer member removably engaged to the pourer adapter for pouring the liquid from the container. |
| US09254943B2 |
Closure for a bottle
A closure (10) for a bottle containing a carbonated beverage. The closure (10) including an inner part (40) and an outer part (5). The inner part (40) adapted to receive a portion of a finish of the bottle. The inner part (40) includes one or more outwardly extending raised portions (52). The outer part (5) is adapted to fit substantially over the inner part (40) and is movable relative to the inner part (40) between a closed position, in which at least a portion of the outer part (5) urges at least a portion of the inner part (40) against the neck of the bottle to resist disengagement of the inner part (40) from the finish and to resist rotational movement of the inner part (40) relative to the finish, and an open position, in which the inner part (40) allows disengagement from the finish. The outer part (5) includes one or more inwardly extending raised portions (17). The outwardly extending raised portions (52) and the inwardly extending raised portions (17) are configured to engage and prevent relative rotation between the inner part (40) and the outer part (5) in the closed position and the open position. |
| US09254942B2 |
Linerless closure
A linerless closure for use on an associated container includes a unitary, one-piece closure body having a top wall portion, and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. The closure includes an annular, outer seal element which depends from the top wall portion for sealing engagement with a generally outwardly facing surface of the associated container. The closure includes an inner, plug seal element depending from the top wall portion for sealing engagement with a generally inwardly facing surface of the container. Notably, the closure includes a discontinuous pressure block in the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced, seal reinforcement elements on the inside surface of the skirt portion, adjacent the top wall portion. The reinforcement elements are engageable by the outer seal element to limit outward deflection of the outer seal element, to enhance sealing cooperation with the associated container. |
| US09254940B2 |
Multi-compartment resealable storage bag and container
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a storage apparatus having multiple compartments. In one aspect, a multi-compartment bag can be formed of a flexible material, and each compartment of the multi-compartment bag can have two or more seams and one resealable opening edge. The seams in each compartment can include at least one tearable seam that can include at least a perforated seam configured to physically separate one of the compartments from the multi-compartment bag. In another aspect, a multi-compartment container can be formed of a rigid material having one or more removable lids, an upper portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portion can each have a plurality of compartments. The upper portion can be separated from the lower portion by an intermediate layer. |
| US09254939B2 |
Apparatus for rotating articles on a pallet
An apparatus and method for rotating articles stored on a pallet without rotating the entire pallet. The turntable of the present invention is located on the pallet or integrated into the top surface of the pallet. By rotating the pallet within the rack, the articles thereon may be loaded and unloaded from a position directly in front of the picker. |
| US09254938B2 |
Packaging container with opening and closing lid
A packaging container with an opening and closing lid, an opening is cut in an edge of the lid-raising member of a rear-side plate on a side of a lid-raising member of the inner case. A stopper is formed on part of the incision opening. An upper end edge of the stopper is an incision edge of the opening arranged at the lowest position of descent of an outer-case locking member and lower than a height position of inner-case locking member. The stopper approaches the outer-case locking member as the inner case moves upward. The outer-case locking member has at least a part of a stopper-corresponding portion in contact against the incision edge being the stopper, so that the outer-case locking member, which moves downward relative to the upward movement of the inner case, is in contact against the part that is the lowest position of descent thereof. |
| US09254937B2 |
Deep grip mechanism for blow mold and related methods and bottles
Disclosed is a mold for forming a deep grip container, the mold having drive mechanisms opposably to drive moveable inserts into the mold. The drive mechanisms may be located entirely within the mold and may include a slotted cam. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip comprising: providing a mold hanger having an outer envelope and providing within the outer envelope a drive mechanism to drive moveable inserts into the mold after blowing molten plastic into contact with the mold. Further disclosed is a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip manufactured according to the disclosed methods. |
| US09254933B2 |
Method of inerting aseptic tanks
The invention relates to a method for treating storage or product preparation tanks, tanks of the type which regularly undergo a hot aseptic washing step, followed by a cold water rinsing step, the method being characterized in that an inert gas is injected into the tank during all or part of the rinsing step. |
| US09254932B2 |
Strapping device with an electrical drive
A mobile strapping device for strapping packaged goods with wrap-around strap, comprising a tensioner for applying a strap tension to a loop of a wrapping strap, and a connector for producing a connection in two areas of the loop of the wrapping strap disposed one on top of the other, and a chargeable energy storage means for storing energy that can be released as drive energy for motorized drive motions at least for the connector and/or for the tensioner, is intended to have high functional reliability and ease of handling despite the possibility of automated production of wrapped straps, at least to a large extent. In order to accomplish this, it is proposed that the strapping device be provided with a brushless DC motor as a drive for the tensioner and/or the connector. |
| US09254931B2 |
Pallet roping and wrapping apparatus
Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on one or more spools and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A primary roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a primary spool core, and a plurality of secondary rolls of stretch film may be positionally coupled to one or more secondary spool cores. The wrapping machines may include a plurality of guides positioned to narrow the stretch film from the plurality of secondary rolls to form a plurality of ropes fully overlapping a web of the primary roll of stretch film when wrapped around a palletized load. |
| US09254929B2 |
Reusable food container with re-sealable cap
Provided is a reusable food storage container, comprising a vessel that can store a food and/or beverage and a removable cap that closes the vessel. The cap can have a tube or other through-passage formed therein to enable a user to squeeze or draw out the contents of the vessel. The cap can include a mouthpiece and a plug to close the mouthpiece. The cap can be configured to make at least one of a seal, e.g., an airtight and/or water tight-seal, with the vessel, by being press fit into the top of the vessel. And the plug can be configured to close and seal the mouthpiece. |
| US09254917B2 |
Display of passenger information for an airplane flight
In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for generating a display of information regarding passengers of an airplane flight. The method includes displaying a graphical depiction of passenger seats for a particular airplane flight. The method includes identifying that multiple passengers booked to the particular airplane flight have a particular status. The method includes identifying that the multiple passengers that have been identified as having the particular status have been assigned to respective multiple passenger seats. The method includes displaying a graphical indication in association with each of the multiple passenger seats, concurrently with the display of the graphical depiction of the passenger seats. |
| US09254916B2 |
Vertical take-off and landing aircraft with tiltrotor power for use on land and in air
A vertical take-off and landing aircraft with tiltable power for use on land and in the air includes: a body (3) provided with a drive device; wheels (8) being controlled to make the body move on the ground; and a front thruster (1) and a rear thruster (2) controlling the body to fly or take off/land, wherein transmission brace rods (5) are arranged on both sides of the body, and a first pivot (9) passes transversely through the body and is connected to the transmission brace rods on both sides of the body; wherein the front thruster is fixed on front ends of the transmission brace rods, and the rear thruster is fixed on rear ends of the transmission brace rods; wherein the central axes of the front and rear thrusters are perpendicular to the plane formed by the two transmission brace rods. By controlling a tilting angle of the front/rear thrusters, this aircraft has two basic functions of vertical take-off/landing and horizontal flight, so as to facilitate conversion between land travel and air flight. During flight in the air, the aircraft body always remains in horizontal state, thereby making the occupants feel comfortable and providing them with broad vision so as to operate the aircraft safely. |
| US09254911B2 |
Fault tolerant lateral waypoint sequencing system and method
Fault-tolerant lateral waypoint sequencing is provided for a system that includes at least a first flight management computer and a second flight management computer. A processing operation associated with lateral leg sequencing of an aircraft flight plan is implemented in the flight management computers. A determination is made in the first flight management computer as to whether the first flight management computer has received, within a predetermined period of time from when the first flight management computer implemented the processing operation, a notification from the second flight management computer that the second flight has also implemented the processing operation. An action is initiated in the first flight management computer when the first flight management computer has not received the notification from the second flight management computer within the predetermined period of time. |
| US09254910B2 |
Method and device for assisting the mission tracking of an aircraft
The device (1) comprises means (15) for computing deviations of a flight parameter with respect to a reference flight plan, by taking account of predictions, respectively for a plurality of flight data representing different origins, and display means (5) for simultaneously presenting the set of said deviations on a screen (6) of the flight deck of the aircraft, each time indicating the corresponding origin. |
| US09254907B2 |
Hoop load bearing aircraft transparency
An aircraft transparency includes a first ply having a first major surface and a second major surface. A second ply is spaced from the first ply and has a third major surface and a fourth major surface. A polymeric interlayer is located between the first and second plies. At least one bore extends through the first and second plies and the interlayer. A high strength bushing is located in the bore, with an outer sidewall of the bushing in direct contact with the material of the first and second plies. In one embodiment, the bore is a tapered bore and the bushing has a tapered outer sidewall. In another embodiment, the bore is a cylindrical bore and the bushing has a cylindrical outer sidewall. |
| US09254904B2 |
Vessel
A vessel includes an outboard motor including an upstream exhaust port that emits exhaust, a hull including a rear portion on which the outboard motor is mounted, a cabin disposed above the hull, a downstream exhaust port disposed farther to a lateral side than the outboard motor, and an exhaust passage extending from the upstream exhaust port to the downstream exhaust port and guiding the exhaust from the upstream exhaust port to the downstream exhaust port. The cabin includes a windshield disposed in front of the outboard motor in a plan view. The height of the cabin from a rearmost end of the outboard motor is not less than ½ or about ½ of a horizontal distance in a front/rear direction from a rear end edge of the windshield to the rearmost end of the outboard motor. |
| US09254902B2 |
Controlling buoyancy of an underwater vehicle using a dual-internal-reservoir configuration to enhance efficiency of inflating and deflating an external chamber
An underwater vehicle may include a buoyancy control system configured to use a dual-internal-reservoir configuration to enhance efficiency of changing buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. The buoyancy control system may utilize an incompressible fluid (e.g., oil or water) that is transferred between a first internal reservoir and an external chamber to affect buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. In exemplary implementations, a compressible fluid (e.g., air) may be used to inflate or deflate a second internal reservoir. The second internal reservoir may be disposed within the buoyancy control system so that it can act on the first internal reservoir by applying a compressive force or a tensive force on the first internal reservoir, depending on the pressure differences between the two reservoirs. |
| US09254892B2 |
Fixation releasing device
A fixation releasing device by which a buoyant body and a weight may be securely fixed and the fixed state between the buoyant body and the weight may be readily released, using a simple structure. The fixation releasing device is made from a buoyant body, a weight, and a connection designed to connect the buoyant body and weight. The connection device has a connection structure made from a closed loop member, rotation arms, and connection members. A connection member is engaged with each rotation arm, and rotation of each rotation arm is restrained by the closed loop member, thereby fixing the buoyant body. To release the buoyant body, a trigger mechanism provided at the closed loop member is operated to fusion cut the closed loop member. Then, each rotation arm is rotated, and then the connection member comes out of each rotation arm, thereby releasing the buoyant body. |
| US09254886B2 |
Foldable bicycle handlebar
A foldable bicycle handlebar includes a fixing base having two holes on a hinge surface, two handlebar grips each having a joint with a hinge hole, an upper fastener fixed to the joints, two shafts passing through holes of the upper fastener, and a slider fixed to the hinge surface. At least one tenon is on a recess that is on a side of each handlebar grip. The hinge holes, and the two holes of the fixing base, and a gap is between the two joints. The slider has an inner surface, a protrusion is extended outwardly from the inner surface to the gap, and a mortise is formed on the inner surface, so that the tenon is inserted into or removed from the mortise. Whether the handlebar grips are unfolded for use or folded for storage, safety and reliability of the foldable bicycle handlebar are ensured. |
| US09254883B2 |
Scooter
A scooter is described with a chassis which has a guide bearing for a steering column holding the front wheel and a supporting arm, which has a seat, for a pivotable footboard which is provided with a rear wheel. In order to achieve simple readjustment to a training bike, it is proposed that the supporting arm which is connected to the footboard is coupled to the guide bearing so as to be pivotable about an axis running through the center point of the rear wheel. |
| US09254882B2 |
Tandem bicycle
A tandem bicycle is provided that have a shortened wheel base between the front and rear wheels that allows a rider to ride comfortably alone from either the front or rear seats, or with a passenger in the front seat. The frame length of the inventive tandem bicycle is comparable to a standard single seat bicycle. The reduced proximity between riders, and the ability to steer for both the front or rear seats on the inventive tandem bicycle improves the level of participation and interaction between the riders. The wheelbase is reduced by bringing the front wheel closer to the front seat position. A reduced diameter front wheel is provided to accommodate rotational clearance of the front pedals thereby allowing two riders to ride on bicycle frame with a length common to single rider bicycle. |
| US09254881B2 |
Beverage holder
A beverage holder is provided. The beverage holder may include a strap assembly connected to a beverage assembly. The beverage assembly is adapted to retain beverage containers therein. The strap assembly may include a first strap member and a second strap member. The first strap member may terminate in an arm loop and an opposing clasp end. The clasp end may form a clasp loop for securing a strap clasp. The second strap member may terminate in an arm loop and an opposing return end. The return end may provide both of one half of a mating hook-and-loop combination. The hook portion and the loop portion may be securely engaged to form a return loop, whereby the overall desired length of the entire resulting strap assembly may be varied by adjusting the portion of the hook portion that overlaps the loop portion. A user may place each arm loop over each of a pair of armrests, whereby both strap members are routed around the backrest so as to slide the return end through the strap clasp. Then the user may fold the return end to form the return loop by mating the hook and the loop portion so as to define the desired length of the entire resulting strap assembly and tightness about the backrest. |
| US09254877B2 |
Modular vehicle
The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means. |
| US09254876B2 |
Apparatus for reducing vehicle aerodynamic drag
In an apparatus for reducing vehicle aerodynamic drag equipped with an air jet device installed at upper and lower positions of a rear of a vehicle and each having a vibrator connected to a diaphragm disposed in an enclosed region and adapted to be driven based on a drive signal to vibrate the diaphragm to jet/suck air through an orifice formed in the region, a vehicle traveling condition is detected, the drive signals for the respective air jet devices are determined independently of each other based on the detected traveling condition, and the vibrators of the respective air jet devices are driven based on the determined drive signals to reduce aerodynamic drag acting on the vehicle. |
| US09254874B2 |
Rear floor module of a motor vehicle
A rear floor module of a motor vehicle is provided that is arranged between two rear longitudinal beams of the vehicle body that essentially extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The floor module features a floor pan that essentially extends in a planar fashion between the longitudinal beams and at least one integrated cross member for separate connection to the longitudinal beams with its end sections that lie in the lateral direction of the vehicle in order to transmit mechanical forces. |
| US09254873B2 |
Impact element and supporting frame for a motor vehicle
An impact element (10) for a motor vehicle (70) has a flat basic body (12) formed from a rigid material and has connecting sections (16) on one side (50) to fix the basic body (12) to a supporting frame (72) of the motor vehicle (70). The basic body (12) has a gas-tight chamber (24) in which at least one opening (26) is formed to fill the chamber (24) with compressed air. |
| US09254872B2 |
Front vehicle-body structure of vehicle
A longitudinal member is configured to transmit a part of a collision load occurring in a vehicle head-on collision to a suspension cross member by way of a front portion, a bending portion, and a rear portion. A lower arm, a portion of which is co-fastened to a vehicle body together with a fastening portion, is configured to transmit another part of the collision load occurring in the vehicle head-on collision to the fastening portion from the front portion. Accordingly, the rear end of the sub frame can be properly detached from the vehicle body in the vehicle head-on collision even in a case in which any weak portion extending in a vehicle width direction may not be provided. |
| US09254871B2 |
Vehicular instrument-mounting structure
The present invention comprises side members (15), which are vehicular skeleton members of a hybrid vehicle (10); a front cross member (18) for connecting the two side members (15); spring supports (16) connected to the side members (15); an auxiliary battery arranged further towards the vehicle front relative to a PCU (13) and attached to the front cross member (18) via a support platform (23) and a securing piece (22); a radiator (17) attached to the front cross member (18); a motor case (12) and an engine (11) connected to the vehicular skeleton member via an engine mount; an axle (25) extending from the motor case (12); and a PCU (13) connected to the motor case (12) via a guide plate (19) and a linkage bolt. Thus, there is provided a vehicular instrument-mounting structure capable of inhibiting collision of a power control device or other vehicle-mounted instrument with another member, and inhibiting damage caused to the power control device or other vehicle-mounted instrument during a vehicle collision. |
| US09254870B2 |
Method of generating optimum parking path of unmanned driving vehicle, and unmanned driving vehicle adopting the method
A method of generating an optimum parking path of an unmanned driving vehicle which is performed by a controller in the unmanned driving vehicle, wherein the controller changes a moving distance for a plurality of operations in a reference parking path, finds a parking path in which an average obstacle distance, which is an average distance between at least one near-to-path obstacle and the unmanned driving vehicle, is longest among a plurality of candidate parking paths, and sets the parking path having the longest average obstacle distance, as an optimum parking path in response to the longest average obstacle distance being longer than a predetermined limited distance. |
| US09254869B2 |
Hand wheel position detection system
A steering system for detecting a hand wheel position is provided and includes an input shaft connected to a hand wheel, a main gear disposed around the input shaft, a puck gear meshingly engaged with the main gear, and a control module. The control module receives an angular main position of the main gear and an angular puck position of the puck gear. The control module includes a rotational calculation module for calculating the hand wheel position based on at least the angular main position and the angular puck position. |
| US09254867B2 |
Dust cover for ball joint
In a dust cover for a ball joint, a reinforcing ring is buries in a shaft side attaching portion closely fitted and fixed to an outer peripheral surface of a shaft portion of a ball stud in the ball joint, and an inner peripheral collar portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion of the reinforcing ring, the inner peripheral collar portion having a slightly larger inner diameter than an inner peripheral surface of the shaft side attaching portion. One sealing projection and the other sealing projection are alternately formed in the inner peripheral surface of the shaft side attaching portion, the one sealing projection being arranged at a position in an inner periphery of the inner peripheral collar portion of the reinforcing ring, and the other sealing projection being arranged at a position deviated from the inner periphery of the inner peripheral collar portion. |
| US09254866B2 |
Method of controlling steering of a ground vehicle
A method of controlling steering of a vehicle through setting wheel angles of a plurality of modular electronic corner assemblies (eModules) is provided. The method includes receiving a driving mode selected from a mode selection menu. A position of a steering input device is determined in a master controller. A velocity of the vehicle is determined, in the master controller, when the determined position of the steering input device is near center. A drive mode request corresponding to the selected driving mode to the plurality of steering controllers is transmitted to the master controller. A required steering angle of each of the plurality of eModules is determined, in the master controller, as a function of the determined position of the steering input device, the determined velocity of the vehicle, and the selected first driving mode. The eModules are set to the respective determined steering angles. |
| US09254863B2 |
Torque detecting device and electric power steering device
There is provided a torque detecting device for providing a highly accurate torque signal, and an electric power steering device using the torque detecting device. A torque sensor is provided with a first coil pair and a second coil pair, which detect a relative displacement between an input shaft and an output shaft by corresponding the relative displacement to a change in impedance. Magnetization signal generating units supply exciting currents with different magnetization frequencies to the first coil pair and a second coil pair, respectively. The magnetization frequency difference is set to 3.5 kHz or higher. Moreover, low-pass filters for intercepting passage of a frequency equivalent to the magnetization frequency difference are deployed in signal processing circuits respectively. |
| US09254857B2 |
Child seat carriage
Systems and methods for transporting an object on a carriage in tandem with a wheeled case are presented. A carriage in one embodiment includes a generally planar platform supported by one or more rolling members, a fence strap for holding the seat against a fence that extends upwardly from the platform, and an anchor strap connecting the seat to the wheeled case. The carriage may be used to transport any object or seat, such as a child safety seat. In another embodiment, the platform includes a leading section connected to a trailing section. The trailing section may include an opening that is sized shaped to receive at least a portion of the rolling members therethrough when the two sections are folded together. |
| US09254856B2 |
Quick service cart
A quick service cart is provided with multiple functionality including a conventional cabinet structure that allow the technician to store tools and instruments for use in servicing or repairing a vehicle. The drawers of the cabinet are configured to prevent the drawers from tipping the cart over when fully extended. The cart also includes features for connecting to electrical and pneumatic tools and instruments, as well as structure for supporting separate tools, instruments and accessories. The cart includes a pair of handles that are ergonomically configured and positioned to facilitate moving the cart with minimal effort and minimal risk of tipping the cart over. |
| US09254848B2 |
Drinking vessels and related systems and methods
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker. |
| US09254847B2 |
Speed ratio control device and speed ratio control method
A speed ratio control device for an automatic transmission of a vehicle calculate a minimum engine rotation speed based on a travel load, and sets a target speed ratio such that the engine rotation speed does not fall below the minimum engine rotation speed. If the travel load of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a higher value is used for the minimum engine rotation speed compared to a case when the travel load of the vehicle is smaller than the predetermined value. Re-acceleration performance of the vehicle under a high travel load as in a case when the vehicle travels uphill while towing another vehicle is thereby improved. |
| US09254846B2 |
Predictive reasoning for controlling speed of a vehicle
Methods and systems for predictive reasoning for controlling speed of a vehicle are described. A computing device may be configured to identify a first and second vehicle travelling ahead of an autonomous vehicle and in a same lane as the autonomous vehicle. The computing device may also be configured to determine a first buffer distance behind the first vehicle at which the autonomous vehicle will substantially reach a speed of the first vehicle and a second buffer distance behind the second vehicle at which the first vehicle will substantially reach a speed of the second vehicle. The computing device may further be configured to determine a distance at which to adjust a speed of the autonomous vehicle based on the first and second buffer distances and the speed of the autonomous vehicle, and then provide instructions to adjust the speed of the autonomous vehicle based on the distance. |
| US09254844B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving control of vehicle
An apparatus and a method for driving control of a vehicle include a sensor including a laser sensor disposed in front of the vehicle A controller is configured to calculate a defile width in front of the vehicle based on an angle between a reference segment and an inference segment by recognizing sensing data passing through a reference point at which a virtual standard segment is in contact with the inference segment and a reference segment after confirming a position of an obstacle positioning in front of the vehicle using the sensing data received from the sensor. The controller generates the virtual standard segment for the obstacle based on the confirmed position and generates the inference segment which is perpendicular to the virtual standard segment. An output outputs a driving guide to the calculated defile under control of the controller. |
| US09254842B2 |
Driving support device
The driving support device includes: a recognition section configured to recognize each positions of a specific object and a road marking with reference to peripheral information of a own vehicle acquired by a sensor section configured to acquire the peripheral information; and a control section configured to perform different controls on the own vehicle, with reference to recognition results of the recognition section, depending on whether the specific object is present in a first state or a second state, the first state being a state where the specific object is present in a region more outside than a traveling lane with respect to an imaginary line that extends along a traveling direction of the own vehicle, the second state being a state where the specific object is present in a region on a more central side of the traveling lane with respect to the imaginary line. |
| US09254841B2 |
Method and control unit for activating actuators of a vehicle during emergency operation
A method includes determining failure of a drive energy store of a vehicle and activating generator operation of a electric main engine as a result of the failure. The method includes determining a current driving condition of the vehicle, what actuators are necessary in order to put the vehicle into a safe operating condition, and what each of the necessary actuator dynamics are based on the current driving condition of the vehicle. The method includes determining a demand for electrical energy that is necessary for a particular necessary actuator to attain the safe operating condition, and regulating a proportionate generator operation of the electric main engine, taking into consideration electrical energy of the necessary actuators required for carrying out each of the necessary actuator dynamics. The method includes activating the actuators necessary for achieving the safe operating condition with the determined actuator dynamics until the safe operating condition is achieved. |
| US09254839B2 |
Control device
A control device for a vehicle. While subject control is performed, a second engagement control unit controls the engagement pressure of the second engagement device to a mid-control set pressure that has been set to be equal to or more than a first engagement pressure and equal to or less than a second engagement pressure. The first engagement pressure is a lower limit engagement pressure capable of maintaining the second engagement device in the directly coupled engaged state, in a state in which requested torque that is torque required to be transmitted to the wheels is transmitted to the wheels. The second engagement pressure is a lower limit engagement pressure capable of maintaining the second engagement device in the directly coupled engaged state, in a state in which maximum output torque of the rotary electric machine is transmitted to the wheels. |
| US09254826B2 |
Purge control method of air tank
A purge control method of an air tank may include compressing air in an air compressor, removing moisture from the air through a cartridge, storing the air in the air tank, measuring and determining an internal pressure of the air tank after storing the air in the air tank, operating a first solenoid valve if the internal pressure exceeds a first predetermined pressure, determining whether a second solenoid valve is operable and operating the second solenoid valve if operable, operating a purge valve to improve performance of the cartridge, thereby removing the moisture in the air tank, measuring and determining the internal pressure again, and turning off the first and second solenoid valves if the internal pressure is less than a second predetermined pressure. |
| US09254824B2 |
Adaptive anti-collision method for vehicle
An adaptive anti-collision method for vehicles has steps of creating multiple driving patterns with each driving pattern corresponding to a vehicle speed, a safe distance and a braking distance parameter, such as longer safe distance configured for faster vehicle speed, and higher vehicle speed or shorter safe distance for different road condition, acquiring dynamic information, such as vehicle speed or acceleration, of the vehicle using sensors on the vehicle, combining the dynamic information and drivers' driving behavior to determine a driving pattern through a statistical analysis and a neural network, adjusting control parameters of the vehicle according to the driving pattern for an electronic control unit of the vehicle to issue an alert or activate a braking action according to the driving pattern. Accordingly, the anti-collision method can be adapted to different vehicle speed, road condition and drivers' driving habits for adjusting the safe distance and the braking system. |
| US09254815B1 |
System for securing a rider to a recreational vehicle
A system for removably securing a person to a recreational vehicle may comprise a vehicle seat having an upper support surface, and a garment configured to be worn by the rider with a torso portion configured to cover at least the lower torso portion and a pair of leg portions configured to cover at least the upper leg portions. The garment may include a crotch section located to be positioned adjacent to the crotch and a portion of the buttocks of the rider. The system may also include a rider attachment structure configured to attach the garment to the vehicle seat in a manner that permits release of the attachment therebetween, and may include a first component and a second component releasably attachable together with the first component being secured to the upper support surface and the second component being secured to the crotch section of the garment. |
| US09254814B2 |
Elastic structure for use in an energy absorption system of a motor vehicle as well as energy absorption system as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection
An elastic structure for use in an energy absorption system of a motor vehicle is provided. The elastic structure includes a structure configured as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection expandable by a medium. An elastic function structure at least partially covers the structure and acts as a gas barrier. An energy absorption system for a motor vehicle as occupant protection and/or pedestrian protection and a motor vehicle having at least one such energy absorption system are also provided. |
| US09254812B2 |
Front structure of vehicle
A vehicle comprises a bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction and a shock absorbing member fixed to a front face of the bumper reinforcement and extending in the vehicle width direction along the bumper reinforcement. The shock absorbing member comprises a base portion extending vertically along the front face of the bumper reinforcement and a projection portion extending forward from a lower end portion of the base portion and being resiliently-downward deformable relative to the base portion. Thus, the vehicle comprising the shock absorbing member provided in front of the bumper reinforcement with the leg-flicking function for the pedestrian protection can be provided. |
| US09254811B2 |
Vehicle side-airbag device
In an inflated and deployed state of a side-airbag, a shoulder bag section is disposed to extend from the side of a shoulder of a seated occupant toward the vehicle front side, above a main bag section. The vehicle width direction dimension of the shoulder bag section is set smaller than that of the main bag section, and a vehicle width direction inner side face at an upper end side of the main bag section slopes or curves so as to rise on progression toward the vehicle width direction outer side. An upper arm is pushed upward by making sliding contact with this face. Moreover, the shoulder can be restrained by the shoulder bag section, even when the seated occupant moves under inertia obliquely toward the vehicle front. |
| US09254807B1 |
Active bolster with pitted weld track
An active bolster for an automotive vehicle has a outer trim panel with a welding track. An expandable bladder member has a central section configured to attach to a support structure of a vehicle, a welding flange along a peripheral edge, and a pleated region between the central section and the welding flange. The welding track and the welding flange are joined by a hot weld to form a sealed chamber. The welding track includes a plurality of radially-spaced stepped pits. Each pit has an upper section defining a first opening with a respective first cross-sectional area and a lower section defining a second opening with a respective second cross-sectional area smaller than the respective first area. A perimeter of each upper section is melted by the hot weld and a perimeter of each lower section is not melted by the hot weld. |
| US09254806B2 |
Device for controlling all airbags for a vehicle, a control unit for forming a control signal for all airbags for a vehicle, and a system of the device and the control unit
A device for controlling all airbags for a vehicle is provided, and also a control unit for forming a control signal for all airbags for a vehicle, as well as a system of this device and this control unit. The device has a trigger circuit control and also an energy reserve, in order to control power switches in a trigger circuit as a function of the control signal that comes from the control unit, and to use the energy from the energy reserve to trigger the trigger elements for the airbags. The control unit receives at least parts of the energy supply from the device. |
| US09254803B2 |
Apparatus for protecting passenger of autombile and control methodlamp
Provided is an apparatus for protecting a passenger of an automobile, including: an automobile body; a biaxial FIS sensor mounted at a front center of the automobile body to sense decelerations on an X axis which is in a length direction of the automobile body and a Y axis which is in a width direction of the automobile body during an automobile impact; a deceleration meter sensing a first deceleration during the automobile impact; and a controller determining an airbag splaying time based on a displacement value and a predicted displacement value moving forward from an initial position of the passenger calculated based on the first deceleration, and an X-axial velocity variation and a Y-axial velocity variation measured from the biaxial FIS sensor. |
| US09254796B2 |
Part marking of coated plastic substrates
A plastic assembly having a permanent mark therein at a subsurface location and formed after substantial manufacture of the panel assembly. The plastic panel includes a substrate and a coating over the substrate, the coating including a surface that defines an exterior surface of the panel assembly. A mark is located beneath the exterior surface of the panel assembly. In making the panel assembly, a plastic substrate is provided and a protective coating is applied to the substrate. After the step of applying the protective coating, a subsurface portion of panel assembly is exposed to a laser light. The laser light opacifies a subsurface portion of the panel assembly, thereby rendering the mark within the panel assembly. |
| US09254795B2 |
Water drain plug
In a water drain plug (10) for a cavity (16) of a vehicle, in particular a side sill (14), comprising a base body (18) which can be fixed in an aperture (12) of the cavity (14) and has an opening (20) in which a sealing element (22) is arranged that is adapted to be moved between a closing position in which the opening (20) is tightly closed, and an opening position in which the opening (20) is open, the sealing element (22) is mounted in the base body (18) for pivoting movement about a retaining axis (36). |
| US09254793B2 |
Cell phone holder
A cell phone holder that has a case with a back portion having an angled surface on an inside end surface of said back side so that a cell phone housed in said case is slanted with its face tilted at an angle for better viewing through said opening in said front surface and to provide room in said case to store a retractable ear phone device behind said cell phone. The back surface has a top portion curving backward with respect to the front surface of the case to provide an overhanging portion forming a clip to mount said case and is mountable in a recess between the driver side inner window surface and the driver side inner door so that the holder hangs on the driver side below the window and near the driver so as to be within range of a driver. |
| US09254790B2 |
Bike rack
Apparatus for a bike rack for securing at least one bicycle are described herein. The bike rack is attachable to a vehicle receiver hitch. The bike rack includes a hub assembly, hitch insert assembly, and support wing assembly. The tub assembly includes a pair of hubs each having an arm. The hitch insert assembly includes a first end and a second end. The first end is located within the hub assembly and the second end is engageable with the receiver hitch. The hubs are rotatably adjustable about the first end of the hitch insert assembly. The support wing assembly includes a first wing engageable with the arm of the first hub and a second wing engageable with the arm of the second hub. The bike rack also includes an integral locking member and a pair of independently moveable cradles on each wing. Each cradle includes a bike support member. |
| US09254788B2 |
Folding rear view mirrors
A vehicle folding rear view mirror support mechanism having first (15) and second (16) pivotally interconnected support arm means. A first end (15b1) of the first support arm means is pivoted on a mounting bracket (18) for attachment to the vehicle, a second end (15c1) of the first support arm means is pivotally connected with a first end (16b1) of the second support arm means, and a mirror mount (22) is pivotally connected to a second end (16c1) of the second support arm means. The first and second arm means (15, 16) are movable between a retracted reduced width position in which the two arm means are in a side by side substantially parallel relationship and an extended increased width position in which the two arm means are substantially end to end and the mirror mount (22) is supported at its maximum distance from the mounting bracket (18). |
| US09254787B2 |
Method and system for utilizing spread spectrum techniques for in car applications
A method of operating an audio system in an automobile includes identifying a user of the audio system. An audio recording playing on the audio system is identified. An audio setting entered into the audio system by the identified user while the audio recording is being played by the audio system is sensed. The sensed audio setting is stored in memory in association with the identified user and the identified audio recording. The audio recording is retrieved from memory with the sensed audio setting being embedded in the retrieved audio recording as a watermark signal. The retrieved audio recording is played on the audio system with the embedded sensed audio setting being automatically implemented by the audio system during the playing. |
| US09254772B2 |
System and method of loading and unloading containers
A system and method of loading and unloading a shipping container onto and off a tilt-tray vehicle is described. The system includes a drawbar assembly adapted to be releasably attached to opposite corner connectors provided on the container. A winch is provided for applying fraction to the drawbar assembly to draw the container onto the vehicle tray and to facilitate loading of the container onto the tray. An ejector assembly is also provided to releasably engage the drawbar assembly connected to the container. When it is desired to unload the container, the ejector assembly is moved towards the rear of the tray to move the container partially off the vehicle. |
| US09254771B2 |
Vehicular floor mat system
A floor mat for a vehicle includes an adapter plate for engaging the vehicle's mat retaining system, a mat portion, and a fastener for securing the mat portion to the adapter plate. The configuration of the adapter plate allows the mat portion to be transversely, longitudinally, and rotationally aligned and secured to the vehicle's floor despite variations in the arrangements of different vehicles' mat retaining systems. The mat portion may include a plurality of peripheral guidelines to assist the end-user to trim the mat to fit any intended one of a plurality of automobile models. |
| US09254765B2 |
Vehicle armrest with structural fabric substrate
A vehicle armrest includes an inner armrest substrate having at least one buckling member extending to an outer armrest substrate. A gap is defined by the inner and outer armrest substrates and the at least one buckling member. A fabric member extends across the gap and is attached to the inner and outer armrest substrates. A cover member extends over and is vertically supported by the fabric member. |
| US09254764B2 |
Seat with integrated trim assembly and head restraint
A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body portion and includes a multitude of openings defining a support matrix configured to support the weight of a passenger. A head restraint includes a headrest and a single downwardly extending support post that is homogenously formed with the headrest. The support post includes side portions that define slots. The support post is rotatably coupled to the seat back. The headrest is rotatable between a use position, wherein the downwardly extending support post extends into the seat back, and a storage position, wherein the downwardly extending support post is withdrawn from the seat back and rotated forward such that the head restraint extends substantially orthogonal to the seat back. |
| US09254763B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat (car seat (S)) includes a seat cushion (S1), a seat back (S2), and a headrest (S3), the seat back (S2) including a seat back frame constituting a frame of the seat back (S2), and a seat back pad covering the seat back frame, and the vehicle seat being configured to allow an upper body of an occupant to sink into the seat back (S2) when a backward movement load acts on the seat back from the occupant's upper body. The seat back pad includes a center portion (51) configured to face a back region of the occupant's upper body, and right and left side portions (52) provided at right and left sides of the center portion (51) and each configured to protrude frontward farther than the center portion (51), and each of the right and left side portions has an upper side portion (52A) corresponding to a height of a chest region of the occupant and a lower side portion (52B) corresponding to a height of a lumbar region of the occupant, which are configured such that when they receive the backward movement load, the upper side portion (52A) is more easily deformable than the lower side portion (52B). |
| US09254762B2 |
Seat structure for vehicle
A seat structure for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a seat cushion frame, slide mechanisms including a pair of guide rails provided at a vehicle floor and a pair of sliders, a pair of connecting members connecting the pair of sliders and the seat cushion frame, a connection position of the connecting members and the seat cushion frame being located inward in a seat width direction relative to a connection position of the connecting members and the sliders, and a coupling member coupling the pair of connecting members in a vehicle width direction so as to restrain the pair of connecting members from moving inward in the seat width direction in a rear-end collision of the vehicle. |
| US09254757B2 |
Hybrid vehicle and parameter display method for hybrid vehicle
On a display, a running power determined in accordance with an accelerator position or the like is displayed. When the hybrid vehicle is controlled in a CS mode, the running power is displayed together with eco-acceleration power greater than a first engine starting power. When the hybrid vehicle is controlled in a CD mode, the running power is displayed together with a second engine starting power in place of the eco-acceleration power. The engine is stopped when the running power is smaller than the first engine starting threshold value in the CS mode. The engine is driven when the running power is equal to or greater than the first engine starting threshold value in the CS mode. The engine is stopped when the running power is smaller than a second engine starting threshold value in the CD mode. The engine is driven when the running power is equal to or greater than the second engine starting threshold value in the CD mode. The second engine starting threshold value is greater than the first engine starting threshold value. |
| US09254756B2 |
Power supply device and power supply method
A power supply device which performs power supply from an outside to a vehicle includes: a power source section for performing the power supply to the vehicle; and a control device that performs control of the power source section. The control device obtains information about power reception efficiency of the vehicle as an object of the power supply and determines a power reception efficiency range and a fee that correspond to the obtained information from a plurality of power reception efficiency ranges and plurality of fees that are set corresponding to the plurality of power reception efficiency ranges. The power supply device preferably further includes a power transmission section for receiving the power from the power source section and contactlessly performing power transmission to the vehicle. |
| US09254755B2 |
Method and apparatus for inductively charging the energy storage device of a vehicle by aligning the coils using heat sensors
A charging installation for inductively charging an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle, has a vehicle-side coil and a ground-side coil. At least one temperature sensor is disposed in the region of the ground-side coil and at least one heat source is disposed in the region of the vehicle-side coil. |
| US09254753B2 |
Train-information management device and device control method
The present invention includes a position detection unit; a regenerating-condition detection unit; a train-line information holding unit that holds therein information on a section in which a train is more likely to use a brake; an air-conditioning set-value holding unit that holds therein a temperature set value of an air conditioner; and a target-temperature control unit that decides a target temperature. In a regeneration-preparation condition in which a train is running through a position at which the distance between the position and a section in which a train is more likely to use a brake is equal to or less than a given value and in which the train does not use a regenerative brake, the target-temperature control unit decides a value, generated by adding a predetermined value to the temperature set value, as the target temperature. |
| US09254750B2 |
Graphical display with scrollable graphical elements
Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that efficiently conveys information to a vehicle operator. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that presents scrollable graphical elements on a shared screen area. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to scrollable graphical elements that convey vehicle readings on the graphical display. Then, the one or more scrollable graphical elements are rendered on the graphical display at locations that change locations periodically. When an abnormal vehicle reading is identified, the method dynamically assigns an enhanced priority level to the scrollable graphical element that is configured to convey the abnormal vehicle reading. If the scrollable graphical element is currently assigned an off-screen location, the method causes the scrollable graphical element to be rendered. |
| US09254748B2 |
Vehicle traction control
A method for controlling wheel slip comprising determining an actual wheel slip of a set of driven wheels on a vehicle, adjusting the actual wheel slip for cornering distortion, setting a target slip condition using a traction control unit with a multi-position switch depending upon road conditions, calculating overslip of the wheels, and retarding an engine output to minimize overslip, and an apparatus for accomplishing same. |
| US09254740B2 |
Drivetrain for a hybrid electric vehicle
A drivetrain for a hybrid-electric vehicle (200), including an engine (210), a first electrical machine (220), a second electrical machine (230), and at least one driveshaft (260). The first (220) and second (230) electrical machines are axial-flux electrical machines. The first electrical machine (220) is arranged to be driven by the engine (210) so as to operate as a generator and to supply electrical power for the second electrical machine (230). The second electrical machine (230) is arranged to receive electrical power so as to operate as a motor and to drive the at least one driveshaft (260). The drivetrain includes a clutch (225) selectively operable to provide inter-engagement between the rotor of the first electrical machine (220) and the rotor of the second electrical machine (230) to transmit rotary power therebetween. |
| US09254736B2 |
Glass run channel
A glass run channel includes a run channel main body including a bottom wall portion, an interior lateral wall portion, and an exterior lateral wall portion, and an interior seal lip and an exterior seal lips. At least one lateral wall portion and the bottom wall portion are formed from a sponge material. At least one lateral wall connecting portion among an interior lateral wall connecting portion and an exterior lateral wall connecting portion is formed from the sponge material thinner than the interior lateral wall portion, the exterior lateral wall portion, and the bottom wall portion so as to be capable of being bent when being mounted on the window frame. An outer peripheral side of the lateral wall connecting portion formed from the sponge material is covered with a covering portion made of a solid material. |
| US09254735B2 |
Tonneau cover latch system
A tonneau system for a pickup bed having a bracket system connectable with a side wall of the pickup bed having a ratchet receiving member, a tonneau cover assembly having a pivotal first cover section and a second section, and a latching system operably coupled between the tonneau cover assembly and the bracket system. The latching system includes a ratchet striker member operably coupled to the tonneau cover assembly selectively engageable with the ratchet receiving member of the bracket system to define a latched condition of the first cover section of the tonneau cover assembly relative to the bracket system. An actuation system is operably coupled to the latching system to permit actuation of the latching system. The actuation system includes an actuation lever operably coupled to a drive member and the drive member being coupled to the latching system for actuation of the ratchet striker member. |
| US09254733B2 |
Automotive glass channel and method
A door assembly includes an inner panel and an outer panel that cooperate to define a door cavity therebetween and a window frame that defines a window opening. The door assembly further includes a division post defining a glass run channel extending from the window opening into the door cavity. A bracket member is rotatably connected to the division post. |
| US09254728B2 |
Suspension system with a floating axle lock
A suspension system for a vehicle includes a right front wheel, a left front wheel, a right rear wheel and a left rear wheel. A suspension system for the vehicle includes a first cylinder supporting the vehicle at the right front wheel in fluid communication with a second cylinder supporting the vehicle at the left front wheel, wherein the first and second cylinders form a virtual articulated front axle. The suspension system also includes a third cylinder supporting the vehicle at the right rear wheel and a fourth cylinder supporting the vehicle at the left rear wheel. The suspension system includes two spool valves in fluid communication with the first and second cylinders and intermediate the first and second cylinders. When one of the rear wheels is unweighted, an associate one of the spool valves closes and fluid flow between the first and second cylinders is blocked to create a virtual locked axle. |
| US09254727B2 |
Gas spring and gas damper assembly
A gas spring and gas damper assembly (110; 200; 400) can include a gas spring assembly (128; 202; 402) and a gas damper assembly (130; 204; 404). The gas spring assembly can include opposing end members (206, 208; 406, 408) and a flexible spring member (210; 410) secured there between that at least partially forms a spring chamber (212; 412). One of the end members (208; 408) can include an end member chamber (268; 468) that is separated into a plurality of damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494). Damper pistons (300, 302; 500, 502) are disposed within the damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494) and are connected to the other end member (206; 406) by way of a damping rod (276; 476). |
| US09254721B2 |
Base tire and tire built on base tire
Provided is a base tire securing cut resistance while retaining rolling resistance performance of the tire and a tire built on such a base tire. A base tire includes a base rubber which forms the outer periphery of the base tire to which a tread rubber is applied, a pair of mini side rubbers, each protecting the axial edge of the base rubber, and a pair of outer rubber layers, each overlapping the axially outer side of the mini side rubber. |
| US09254720B2 |
Pneumatic tire for construction vehicle
An object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tire for a construction vehicle capable of suppressing deterioration in heat release property while maintaining high wear resistance especially when used as driving wheels. A central area 20 is provided with a central narrow groove 21 continuously extending along a tire circumferential direction in a zigzag form. Each side area 30 is provided with a side narrow groove 32. A width direction narrow groove 22 is provided The central narrow groove 21, the side narrow grooves 32 and the width direction narrow grooves 22 define plural polygonal block land portions 23 having five or more straight sides in the tread portion 10. The block land portions are lined in the tire circumferential direction to form two block arrays arranged next to each other. |
| US09254719B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A motor car tire having a tread includes a central portion situated on either side of an equatorial plane and two shoulder portions. The central portion is separated from the shoulder portions of the tread by two circumferential grooves and has at least one circumferential rib situated between a first and a second circumferential groove. The tread has a solid/void ratio of less than 0.28. The circumferential rib includes transverse grooves which extend over at least 50% of its width. The transverse grooves include at least one curvilinear section, have a width less than that of the circumferential grooves and at least one of the circumferential grooves including the circumferential rib has at least one side wall defining an undulating profile. |
| US09254714B2 |
Treaded wheel
A wheel comprising: an inner hub including a first side, a second side being generally parallel to and opposite of the first side, an axle shaft emanating up from the second side, a plurality of inner spokes emanating up from the second side and outward from the axle shaft and engaging an inner circumferential member; an outer hub engaged to the inner circumferential member, a plurality of outer spokes emanating from the inner circumferential member, the outer spokes being engaged to the inner circumferential member at a proximal end of the spokes and engaged to an inner surface of an over mold substrate at a distal end of the spokes, the over mold substrate also having an outer surface being generally parallel to and opposite of the inner surface; and a over mold tread chemically bonded to the outer surface of the over mold substrate. |
| US09254709B2 |
Adhesive decorative pattern with pliable polymer film and method of making therof
An adhesive decorative pattern with a pliable polymer film includes first and second pliable polymer films, a first decorative element made out of fabric and consisting of a plurality of fabrics each extending in irregular directions, and a releasing paper defining a front releasably coated with a glue layer. The first pliable polymer film, the first decorative element, the second pliable polymer film, and the releasing paper are stacked together into a pile. The first decorative element is sandwiched between the first and second pliable polymer films. The glue layer is sandwiched between the second pliable polymer and the front of the releasing paper. The adhesive decorative pattern with the pliable film includes the first pliable polymer film, the first decorative element, and the second pliable polymer film bonded securely together, and includes the releasing paper being able to be released from the glue layer. |
| US09254706B2 |
Multicolor writing tools and methods
Various multicolor writing tools and methods for applying multiple volatile marking substances one at a time. The tool includes a case member, a cartridge member, a cap member, and an optional actuator member. The case member forms an interior in which is disposed the cartridge member with multiple cartridges each containing one of the marking substances and a tip through which the marking substance is applied. The cap member changes and restores its configuration, while the actuator member changes the configuration and exposes one of the tips selected by an user out of the interior when the tool is in use, and then restores the configuration and encloses all of the tips inside the interior when not in use. Thus, the tool opens the cap member in response to input force without requiring the user to engage in a separate maneuver to remove the cap member. |
| US09254705B2 |
Ring binder having attachable and detachable covers
A ring binder is provided that has attachable and detachable covers. The opposite edges of the binder's spine are hingedly attached to the proximal edges of respective front and back extensions which are relatively short in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axes. The extensions are sized to be substantially coextensive with the maximum projection of the binder's rings along an axis that is perpendicular to the inside surface of the spine, and the rings and associated structures are either mounted on the inside of the spine or inside of the back extension depending on the ring type. The front and back extensions function to extend the front and back covers to the hinges when the covers are attached to the extensions' distal edges. When so attached, an assembled ring binder having hinged covers is created that appears and functions as a conventional binder when used. |
| US09254704B2 |
Handwriting input apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and control method
Provided are a handwriting input apparatus, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and a control method. The handwriting input apparatus includes a touch panel configured to detect pressure acting thereon through a sheet of paper; a holding section for pressing the sheet to hold the sheet onto the touch panel; and a page feed determining section configured to determine whether a page feed action has been performed or not by detecting a state change of the holding section. The handwriting input apparatus further includes a control section configured to, in response to the page feed determining section determining that the page feed action has been performed, conduct at least one of storing information of handwriting input which has been received through the touch panel until the page feed action as handwriting data and transferring the information of the handwriting input as handwriting data to an external device. |
| US09254702B1 |
Clamping assembly
A clamping assembly for selectively retaining a stack of pages includes a bottom disk that may be positioned proximate the stack of pages. A tube is operationally coupled to the bottom disk. A top disk is operationally coupled to the tube. The top disk selectively compresses the stack of pages between the top and bottom disks. A retainer is operationally coupled to the top disk. The retainer retains the top disk on the stack of pages. A release is operationally coupled to the top disk. The release may selectively release the top disk from the stack of pages. |
| US09254701B2 |
Underblanket of the blanket of a blanket cylinder of a printing press, particularly of the offset type
An underblanket of the blanket of a blanket cylinder of a printing press, particularly of the offset type, consists of a multilayer structure comprising a first layer comprising at least one polyurethane-based material, and at least a second layer comprising at least one polyurethane-based material, which is different from the one forming said first layer, and directly joined with said first layer by exploiting the intrinsic chemical/physical compatibility. |
| US09254698B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus comprises supports for holding a roll of print media during printing, said supports being accessible from one side of the printer to insert a roll of print media, and an auxiliary media tray suitable for holding in a stable position a roll of print media placed with its outer surface resting on the tray, said auxiliary tray being attached to the printer on the same side of the printer from where the supports for the roll of print media are accessible. |
| US09254697B2 |
Recording apparatus, maintenance method and recording method of recording apparatus
A recording apparatus including: a medium support tray capable of supporting a recording medium; a moving mechanism moving the medium support tray; a recording head capable of recording on the recording medium which is transported by moving the medium support tray; a protective member of the recording head; an instruction receiving section which receives an instruction of a maintenance start of the protective member; and a controller which controls the moving mechanism so as to retract the medium support tray from a set position in which the recording medium is set on the medium support tray when the instruction receiving section receives the instruction of the maintenance start. |
| US09254695B2 |
Printing apparatus for printing an image on a printing medium and conveyance control method therefor
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: an acquiring unit configured to acquire data generated at a predetermined period in accordance with driving of a conveyance unit configured to convey a printing medium; a first specify unit configured to specify an average value of the data based on a plurality of data acquired by the acquiring unit; a second specify unit configured to specify a conveyance velocity of the printing medium based on the average value of the data specified by the specify unit; a deciding unit configured to decide a number of data, used by the second specify unit, for specifying the average value of the data in accordance with the conveyance velocity specified by the second specify unit; and a control unit configured to control the conveyance unit using the average value of the data specified by the second specify unit as position data of the printing medium. |
| US09254684B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a recording head that ejects fluid onto a recording medium, a transport device that transports the recording medium along a support surface, and a heating device that heats the recording medium. The heating device is provided with plural first heating units in a direction crossing the transport direction in a state where a side of the first heating unit is parallel with the transport direction, and a second heating unit which extends in the transport direction at a boundary region which is present between the neighboring first heating units. |
| US09254681B2 |
Textile-printing apparatus
A textile-printing apparatus includes a pre-treatment agent-applying section that applies a pre-treatment agent to a textile-printing medium, a press section that compresses, while heating the textile-printing medium, the textile-printing medium to which the pre-treatment agent has been applied, a printing liquid discharge section that discharges a printing liquid to the textile-printing medium that has been compressed while being heated by the press section, and a heater that heats the textile-printing medium to which the printing liquid has been discharged. |
| US09254676B2 |
Treatment liquid for plastic film, primer liquid for printing, ink composition, and method for ink jet recording using them
This invention provides a treatment liquid for an ink jet recording medium having a recording face of a plastic film, wherein the treatment liquid including at least a specific cyclic ester compound or a specific cyclic amide compound, a primer liquid for printing, and an ink composition. According to the present invention, a plastic recorded matter possessing excellent adhesion and waterfastness can be formed on a recording medium having a recording face of a plastic film. |
| US09254675B2 |
Filter unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a liquid ejecting apparatus that includes a liquid ejecting head having nozzles through which liquid can be ejected, a liquid supply path through which the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejecting head, and a filter chamber which is disposed in the middle of the liquid supply path and of which an inner portion is divided into a first chamber on a downstream side and a second chamber on an upstream side by a filter which filters the liquid, in which a liquid outlet through which the liquid is introduced from the first chamber of the filter chamber to a downstream side of the liquid supply path is formed in an upper position of the first chamber in a vertical direction. |
| US09254671B2 |
Liquid supplying device and liquid cartridge mountable therein
A liquid supplying device includes a liquid cartridge and a cartridge mounting unit having a liquid extraction tube. The liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber, a valve chamber extending in a first direction away from the liquid chamber, first and second air channels, a seal member having a through-hole, a valve element having a closing part, first and second sealing parts and a liquid channel. A third sealing part is provided on the closing part or the liquid extraction tube. The liquid extraction tube entering into the valve chamber through the through-hole contacts the closing part, moving the valve element in a second direction opposite to the first direction from a first state where the closing part closes the through-hole, to a second state where the third sealing part closes the through-hole, and to a third state where the valve chamber is communicated with inside of the liquid extraction tube. |
| US09254667B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a case, disposed outside a housing, holding a liquid holding member that holds a liquid to be supplied to a recording unit and having a discharge opening that discharges the liquid in the liquid holding member to the exterior, and a connection portion to which the discharge opening is connected. The case has a cover member capable of opening and closing the case by pivoting central to an axis line extending in a direction that intersects with a vertical direction, and a guide portion, provided on an inner surface of the cover member, that guides the liquid holding member when the liquid holding member is set in the case with the cover member in an open state so that the discharge opening of the liquid holding member is connected to the connection portion. |
| US09254663B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head that includes a nozzle formation surface on which a plurality of nozzles which eject a liquid are formed to be lined up in one direction to form nozzle columns, a belt-shaped member that is brought into contact with the nozzle formation surface, and a belt-shaped member contact portion that brings the belt-shaped member into contact with the nozzle formation surface in both a first contact state where the belt-shaped member is brought into contact with a partial area of the nozzle formation surface and a second contact state where the belt-shaped member is in contact with an area corresponding to the nozzle column in a direction along the nozzle column on the nozzle formation surface. |
| US09254657B1 |
Flow path component, liquid discharge head, and liquid discharge apparatus
An inclined plane which inclines toward a lower plane of a ceiling portion, that is, the lower plane of a communication substrate from a ceiling plane of a second liquid chamber is formed in the second liquid chamber of the communication substrate. Therefore, an individual communication opening is formed, in a state of penetrating the communication substrate from the inclined plane. One end (lower end) of the individual communication opening communicates with the second liquid chamber by being open onto the inclined plane, and the other end (upper end) of the individual communication opening individually communicates with a pressure chamber of a pressure chamber forming substrate by being open onto an upper plane of the communication substrate. When a thickness of the communication substrate is referred to as T, a length of the individual communication opening is referred to as L, and a substantial depth of the second liquid chamber is referred to as D, the dimensions are configured so as to be L+D>T. |
| US09254656B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and manufacturing method of liquid ejecting head
A liquid ejecting head includes a basic wiring board which includes a first connection region and a second connection region, a plurality of head units, and a plurality of individual wiring boards each of which includes a first connection portion, a relay portion, and a second connection portion, and electrically connects the basic wiring board and each head unit, in which the second connection portion of an individual wiring board is fixed to the first connection region by being bent to the second connection region side, the second connection portion of an individual wiring board is fixed to the second connection region by being bent to the first connection region side, and an interval between the relay portions of the two individual wiring boards is large on the basic wiring board side compared to the head unit side. |
| US09254653B2 |
Wiring structure, method of manufacturing wiring structure, liquid droplet ejecting head, and liquid droplet ejecting apparatus
A liquid droplet ejecting head includes a vibrating plate on which terminals are formed, a reservoir forming substrate which is bonded to the vibrating plate and has a through portion having an inclined surface at an acute angle with respect to the vibrating plate as an inner wall, a substrate which is located on an opposite side to the vibrating plate through the reservoir forming substrate, is bonded to the reservoir forming substrate, and has terminals formed thereof, an IC package which is mounted on the substrate and is electrically connected to the terminals of the substrate, and wirings which are formed on the inclined surface and electrically connect the terminals on the vibrating plate and the terminals on the substrate. |
| US09254635B2 |
Tape adhering device and tape adhering method
The pressing tool and the ACF tape cutting device are linked and connected with each other by a link device, and the forcing member is caused to move relatively towards and away from the knife member by lifting up and down the pressing tool so as to form a cut. By allowing the tool lifting device to double as a drive device for causing the forcing member to move relatively towards and away from the knife member, the necessity of the actuator of the ACF tape cutting device which is needed in the related art tape adhering device can be obviated. |
| US09254629B2 |
Methods and systems for installing screen protectors for electronic devices
In some embodiments, the instant invention is a kit having at least: a tray, having: a first cutout, a second cutout, and a third cutout; and a protective film for an electronic device, where a first alignment tab and a second alignment tab are attached to the protective film, where the at least one first alignment tab includes a first alignment portion that extends from an edge of the protective film, where the at least one second alignment tab includes a second alignment portion that extends from the edge of the protective film, where the first alignment portion of the first alignment tab matches a shape of the second cutout and where the second alignment portion of the second alignment tab matches a shape of the third cutout so that the first alignment tab and the second alignment tab are capable of aligning the protective film within the first cutout. |
| US09254628B2 |
Peelable film for container lid
A peelable multilayer film includes a seal layer (peel layer) and at least one core layer. The peelable multilayer film can bond to a container. |
| US09254624B2 |
Non-slip supportive carpet underlay
A multilayered carpet cushion underlay structure is provided having a primary sheet of resilient viscoelastic polyurethane foam adhered to a non-woven fabric carrier. The composite material additionally features a subjacent surface having an arrangement of polymeric fictionalizing projections that provide optimal resistance to slippage. |
| US09254620B2 |
High burst zipper assembly for large reclosable packages
The present disclosure relates to a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces. |
| US09254619B2 |
Method and apparatus for fabricating variable gauge, contoured composite stiffeners
Method and tooling apparatus for forming a composite charge into a contoured composite blade stringer including an elongate punch and an elongate die flexible along their lengths. The charge is press formed by using the punch to drive the charge into the die. The punch and the die are mounted between a pair of flexible plates. A press coupled with the plates contours the charge by bending the plates into a desired contour. The stringer is allowed to cool down to room temperature while being constrained, before withdrawing the stringer from the tooling apparatus in order to reduce wrinkling. |
| US09254618B2 |
Method for manufacturing a tyre and apparatus for laying a reinforcing element on a forming support
An apparatus for the deposition of at least one reinforcing element on a forming including at least one feeding unit of at least one reinforcing element at a forming support, at least one deposition unit of the at least one reinforcing element on the forming support, the at least one deposition unit including at least one presser member, a control unit of the at least one deposition unit, at least one detection device of the deviations between an actual deposition profile and a theoretical deposition profile along a first deposition path defined based upon the theoretical profile, and a processing unit to define, based upon said deviations, an actual deposition path of the at least one reinforcing element on the forming support. |
| US09254615B2 |
Method and an apparatus for manufacturing an optical lens
A method of manufacturing an optical lens, the method comprising the steps of blocking a lens member at a first position on a blocker; determining the first position of the lens member with respect to the blocker; comparing the first position of the lens member with a predetermined position in order to determine a positioning error between the first position and the predetermined position; determining a surface position of the surface to be manufactured with respect to the blocker according to the positioning error; and configuring operational parameters of a lens manufacturing tool in order to manufacture a surface according to the determined surface position such that the desired optical properties of the optical lens are respected. The invention further relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an optical lens. |
| US09254614B2 |
Tire puncture sealant
A tire puncture sealant including a rubber latex and/or a resin emulsion, and an acetylene alcohol and/or a derivative thereof. |
| US09254613B2 |
Regenerating surface properties for composites
This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composite member, where a number of different material layers including at least one layer of gelcoat are applied in a mold, and where resin is applied for joining of the layers. The method is new in that particles are added to the gelcoat, whereby the gelcoat comprising such particles forms an outermost layer on at least a part of the manufactured composite member. Hereby is obtained a composite with a hydrophobic and lotus-like surface yielding good self-cleaning properties and which is on the same time self-regenerating. The invention furthermore relates to composite members comprising such a gelcoat layer with particles and to the use of gelcoat comprising particles for giving regenerating self-cleaning properties. |
| US09254612B2 |
Translatable heat shrink oven for applying heat shrink film to a silicone rubber bladder
A heat shrink apparatus for heat shrinking a shrink film to a bladder. The heat shrink apparatus may include a support structure, a bladder support system, and a heat chamber. The bladder support system for supporting the bladder thereon may have two spaced apart parallel rows of a plurality of resilient members pivotally and/or resiliently attached to the support structure. The heat chamber may be hollow with opposing end openings and may have one or more heating elements therein. The heat chamber may translate over the shrink film and the bladder along the support structure between the two spaced apart parallel rows, shrinking the shrink film to the bladder. As the heat chamber translates, it may contact ends of the resilient members, thereby pivoting or deflecting the resilient members from a first position to a second position such that the heat chamber can pass between the two parallel rows. |
| US09254610B2 |
Connector fixing structure and method of manufacturing the same
A connector fixing structure comprises a housing integrally formed with a tubular resin housing-side insertion opening member protruding inward and a receptacle connector provided in the housing and joined to the housing-side insertion opening member. The receptacle connector has a connector-side insertion opening member having a shape corresponding to that of the housing-side insertion opening member and a welding portion provided to the connector-side insertion opening member and combined with the housing-side insertion opening member. The housing-side insertion opening member and the connector-side insertion opening member are welded together by melting the welding portion over its entire circumference. |
| US09254609B2 |
Battery pack case assembly for electric and hybrid vehicles using a plastic composite and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a battery pack case assembly for an electric or hybrid vehicle and a method for manufacturing the same. The battery pack case assembly includes a case body and a cover. The case body receives a battery pack, and the cover is coupled to the case body. The case body is formed of a plastic composite in which a long fiber or a blend of a long fiber and a continuous fiber is used as a reinforcing fiber in a plastic matrix. A separate reinforced member is bonded to both side bracket parts for coupling to a vehicle body, and is formed of a plastic composite in which a long fiber, a continuous, or a blend of a long fiber and a continuous fiber is used as the reinforcing fiber in the plastic matrix. |
| US09254608B2 |
Imprint apparatus, imprint method, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which performs an imprint process in which a resin on a substrate is cured, in a contact state in which a mold is kept in contact with the resin, to transfer a pattern onto the substrate, the apparatus including a stage configured to move upon holding the substrate, a detection unit configured to detect a first mark formed on the mold, and a second mark formed on the substrate, and a processing unit configured to perform alignment of the mold and the substrate in the contact state. |
| US09254607B2 |
Moisture-permeable and waterproof film, and method for producing it
It is an object of the invention to provide a moisture-permeable and waterproof film that is biodegradable, has high biomass and exhibits high flexibility. The moisture-permeable and waterproof film comprises polylactic acid and an inorganic filler, wherein the film has high-stretch regions (H1) and low-stretch regions (L1) each parallel to a first direction and alternating in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the film has bending resistance in the range of 15-30 mm, and the film has moisture permeability in the range of 2,000-4,000 g/m2/24 hours. |
| US09254603B2 |
Apparatus for processing plastic material
Disclosed is an apparatus for the processing of plastics, with a container with a mixing implement rotatable around an axis of rotation, wherein, in a side wall, an aperture is formed, through which the plastics material can be removed, and a conveyor, 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 wherein the L/D ratio of the screw is ≧7, and wherein the setting angle (γ) of the radially outermost mixing implement, closest to the base, complies with the following relationship: γ=k*d+K, where d is the diameter of the screw in mm, K is a factor in the range from 15 to 35, k is a factor in the range from 0.08 to 0.2. |
| US09254595B2 |
Decorative sheet and in-mold forming method
Provided are a decorative sheet having stretchability and heat resistance and an in-mold forming method capable of forming in-mold injection formed products having excellent decorative image. A decorative sheet includes an image layer and an image running prevention region in order on a resin sheet, in which the image layer is a cured image of an ink composition containing (a) a polymerizable compound, (b) a polymerization initiator, and (c) a coloring agent; the image running prevention region is a cured layer of a composition for running prevention containing (a) a polymerizable compound, and (b) a polymerization initiator; and the image running prevention region has superior heat resistance to the image layer, and an injection forming method using the decorative sheet. |
| US09254589B2 |
Reaction container and vacuum heat treatment apparatus having the same
Disclose are a reaction container and a vacuum heat treatment apparatus. A method of preparing a reaction container comprises preparing a graphite mixture by mixing first and second graphite powders having particle sizes different from each other, preparing a graphite molded body by pressing the graphite mixture, and processing the graphite molded body. The density of the graphite molded body is in a range of 1.8 g/cm3 to 2.1 g/cm3. A method of preparing a reaction container comprises preparing a graphite molded body by pressing graphite powders, and processing the graphite molded body to prepare the reaction container. A carbon source is impregnated into the graphite molded body or the reaction container, and density of the reaction container is in a range of 1.8 g/cm3 to 2.1 g/cm3. |
| US09254587B1 |
Modular endplate for prestressed precast concrete products
A modular endplate for prestressed precast concrete products comprising multiple clamps vertically disposed in an abutting relationship with the adjacent clamp, a T-shaped top disposed above the clamps and multiple steel strands extending through the endplate. |
| US09254582B2 |
Process for the manufacture of phosphorus removal aggregate from fractionating sand mine waste products
The present invention provides a process for producing granular material useful as a phosphorus removal aggregate and involves the mixing of a pulverized calcium or magnesium oxide material with a dewatered clay waste material in a paddle or ribbon type mixer until reaching a state of a uniform consistency paste like material and then allowing such material to cure for several days while periodically mixing to expose new surface area thereof to the air to facilitate evaporation until the water content of the cured material is less than six percent. |
| US09254578B2 |
Tear-assist apparatus
A system for processing a line of material along a path and a tear-assist apparatus. The tear-assist comprising a driving portion that drives the line of material along the path, a sensing unit that detects pulling of the line of material in a first direction along the path away from the driving portion, and a cutting member for cutting the line of material. The sensing unit can be associated with the driving portion such that upon detecting movement of the line in the first direction, the sensing unit causes the driving portion to drive the line of material in a second direction along the path for drawing the line of material against the cutting member to cut the line of material. In another configuration, when the sensing unit detects the movement in the first direction, the sensing unit can cause the driving portion to, drive the line of material in the second direction sufficiently for severing the portion of the line of material. The driving portion can also be configured to drive the line of material in the first direction along the path to dispense the material. |
| US09254571B2 |
Robot and method for creating path of the robot
A robot and a method for creating a robot path. The method for planning the robot path includes generating a depth map including a plurality of cells by measuring a distance to an object, dividing a boundary among the plurality of cells into a plurality of partitions according to individual depth values of the cells, and extracting a single closed loop formed by the divided boundary, obtaining a position and shape of the object located at a first time through the extracted single closed loop, calculating a probability that the object is located at a second time after t seconds on the basis of the obtained position and shape of the object located at the first time, and creating a moving path simultaneously while avoiding the object according to the calculated probability, thereby creating an optimum path without colliding with the object. |
| US09254569B2 |
Trajectory control device and control method for articulated robot
In a trajectory control device (10) for an articulated robot, a first dynamic characteristic calculation unit (300) is provided with a high-frequency cutoff characteristic having a cutoff frequency which is lower than the natural oscillation frequency of the robot, performs filtering processing with respect to a joint-angle command value (θc), and outputs a processed joint-angle target value (θd). A second dynamic characteristic calculation unit (400) is provided with a high-frequency cutoff characteristic having a cutoff frequency which is lower than that of the first dynamic characteristic calculation unit (300), performs filtering processing with respect to the output from a coupling-torque compensation command value calculation unit (200), and outputs a processed coupling-torque compensation value (cd). |
| US09254562B2 |
Power tool
An improved power tool is provided which can alert a user of any halfway selection of a driving mode of a tool bit. A representative power tool is provided which is capable of switching among driving modes different in driving state of a tool bit. The power tool has a mode switching member that switches among the driving modes, a detecting part that detects a drive prohibited state in which any of the driving modes of the tool bit is not selected, and indicating parts that indicate a result detected by the detecting part. |
| US09254556B2 |
Socket
A socket is adapted for being disposed in a sleeve hole of a wrench wherein the sleeve hole has a positioning element disposed on an inner wall of the sleeve hole. The socket includes a main body having a driving portion and a connecting portion at two ends. The connecting portion has a polygonal external surface including plural driven faces arranged around an axial direction. A shared edge is formed between every two adjacent driven faces, and at least one shared edge is formed with a notch for receiving the positioning element. The notch has a triangle cross-section and has a steeper first bottom face and a second bottom face which is more remote from the driving portion than the first bottom face. Thus, the socket can be prevented from moving forward and is easier to remove. |
| US09254554B1 |
Polycrystalline diamond compact including substantially single-phase polycrystalline diamond body, methods of making same, and applications therefor
Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDC”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PDC includes a sintered substantially single-phase polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) body consisting essentially of bonded-together diamond grains exhibiting a morphology different than that of a PCD body formed by sintering diamond crystals. A substrate is bonded to the sintered substantially single-phase PCD body. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming such PDCs, and various applications for such PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies. |
| US09254553B2 |
Bonded abrasive article and method of forming
An abrasive article includes a body having abrasive grains contained within a bond material comprising a metal or metal alloy, wherein the body comprises a ratio of VAG/VBM of at least about 1.3, wherein VAG is the volume percent of abrasive grains within the total volume of the body and VBM is the volume percent of bond material within the total volume of the body. |
| US09254547B2 |
Side pad design for edge pedestal
A method and apparatus for facilitating equalized conditioning of a polishing surface of a polishing pad is described. The apparatus includes an extension device coupled to a base adjacent a peripheral edge of a polishing pad that is adapted to support a conditioning device, the extension device includes a body that is movable relative to the polishing pad, and a sacrificial pad comprising a polishing material coupled to a mounting surface of the body. |
| US09254546B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing machine and polishing head assembly
A chemical mechanical polishing machine includes a polishing head assembly including a polishing head body and a membrane disposed at a bottom of the polishing head body. The bottom surface of the membrane includes a hydrophobic area and a hydrophilic area. |
| US09254544B2 |
Colloidal silica finishing of metal fluoride optical components
The invention is directed to a method for finishing alkaline earth metal fluoride optical components and to the alkaline earth optical elements produced using the method. In particular, in the last polishing step, the method of the invention uses a colloidal silica polishing slurry having containing silica particles having a particle size of <500 nm. Additionally, after colloidal silica polishing, the method using a megasonic cleaning step with a high pH detergent cleaning solution to remove any silica residue on the polished optical component. The optic resulting from use of the method has a polished and unetched surface roughness of less than 0.5 nm; a surface roughness of less then 0.6 nm after polishing and etching; and a step height of less than 6 nm. |
| US09254535B2 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods for three-dimensional printing
The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein. |
| US09254534B2 |
Energy conversion method and apparatus, and welding device
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for converting the energy of an energy storage (2) for operating an arc (6), wherein in order to convert energy, at least one switch (9) of a step-down converter is switched on and off in a controlled manner, wherein said at least one switch (9) is connected to the energy storage (2) at the input end. In order to be able to supply as much of the limited energy available from the energy store (2) to the arc (6), it is provided that a synchronous converter is used as the step-down converter for operating the arc (6), and that the at least one switch (9) of the synchronous converter that is designed as a power unit (3) is connected to a snubber circuit (10) at the output end such that at least the switch (9) is switched on and off in an snubbed state. |
| US09254528B2 |
Adjustable die
A slip on nut and reverse cut die is provided for dressing the threads of a wellhead or other item. A nut is provided that may be slipped onto a threaded section, past any damaged threads, without engaging the threads of the threaded section. Once positioned on a threaded section the nut may be tightened as desired. When removing the nut the reverse edges of the nut may repair or even cut new threads into the threaded section. |
| US09254527B2 |
Method to produce a sawing bead
A method is described for producing a sawing bead for use in a sawing cord. Sawing cords are used for cutting hard and brittle materials. In the method, laser cladding is used to form an abrasive layer on a small metallic tube (204) or sleeve. The abrasive layer (220) comprises a metal matrix material in which abrasive particles such as diamond, cubic boron nitride or other hard cutting materials are embedded. The metal matrix material preferably comprises an active metal that improves wetting and adhesion of the abrasive particles. Although the abrasive particles are relative large—with a particle size in excess of 100 μm—they are evenly distributed throughout the abrasive layer. This is achieved by letting the tube (204) rotate relative to the laser cladding system possibly in combination with a relative axial movement so that the cladding track loops on itself thereby forming an abrasive layer (220). Additionally the method allows to shape the sawing bead for improved geometrical tolerances and centricity. Production times are less than ten seconds per bead and the method is easily automated. |
| US09254525B2 |
Shrink fit tool holder
A tool holder has a chuck portion with a retaining bore in which a cutting tool can be inserted. The tool has flat surfaces extending from its end, and a circumferential groove at rear ends of the flat surfaces. When the tool is inserted into the retaining bore, first protrusions of the tool holder pass through spaces between the flat surfaces and the inner wall of the retaining bore and fitted in the groove. When the tool is turned, the protrusions move in and engage the side edges of the groove, thus preventing the tool from pulling out of the chuck portion. When the first protrusions are fitted in the groove, second protrusions of the tool holder are located on the flat surfaces. When the tool is turned, the second protrusions are received in ends of the respective spaces, thereby preventing rotation of the tool relative to the chuck portion. |
| US09254523B2 |
Lathe with two cross beams
A lathe includes a machine support, a work table, two cross beams and a feeding device. The work table is positioned on the machine support. The two cross beams are mounted on the machine support above the work table. The feeding device includes a cutter. The feeding device is slidably assembled between the two cross beams to obtain support from opposite sides of the two cross beams. |
| US09254522B2 |
Mold clamping device
The mold clamping device is provided with a first platen to which a stationary mold is attached. A movable mold unit is capable of approaching and moving away from the stationary mold. A second platen is linked to the first platen via a tie bar. When the movable mold unit and the stationary mold are closed, a wedge member is driven onto the movable mold unit to generate mold clamping force. The second platen has a pressure receiving surface. The pressure receiving surface receives, through the wedge member, mold opening force that is generated by filling, with a molding material, the stationary mold and the movable mold unit that are in the closed state. |
| US09254514B2 |
Methods and processes of manufacturing two piece cans
A method of drawing and ironing metal into a can comprising the steps of: feeding a metal roll into a stamper; cutting the metal into circles; forming the circles into cups; feeding the cups into a body maker having a die pack with at least three dies and a punch hard coated to a micro finish between 4 and 12, not cross hatched and is the smallest allowed diameter; spraying a coolant lubricant liquid into the die pack and through the punch; ironing the cup into a thin walled cylinder; trimming the thin walled cylinder; washing, rinsing, drying and decorating the trimmed thin walled cylinder; spray coating the inside of the can with a protective coating; necking the trimmed thin walled cylinder; forming a lip on the top of the tapered thin walled cylinder; testing the trimmed thin walled cylinder for defects; and palletizing the thin walled cylinder. |
| US09254510B2 |
Drying apparatus with exhaust control cap for semiconductor wafers and associated methods
A drying apparatus for drying a semiconductor wafer includes a processing chamber including a rinsing section and a drying section adjacent thereto. The rinsing section has a chamber loading slot associated therewith for receiving the semiconductor wafer. The drying section has a chamber unloading slot associated therewith for outputting the semiconductor wafer. An exhaust control cap is carried by the processing chamber and includes a bottom wall, a top wall, at least one intermediate wall between the bottom and top walls, and a side wall coupled to the top, bottom and the at least one intermediate wall to define stacked exhaust sections. The exhaust control cap has a cap loading slot aligned with the chamber loading slot, a cap unloading slot aligned with the chamber unloading slot, and at least one exhaust port configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. |
| US09254508B2 |
Powder and granular material separation processing device, powder and granular material separation processing method, and powder and granular material separation and collection processing system
To introduce a mixture to be processed, in which powder and granular material with relatively large specific gravity and hardness and accompanying lightweight foreign substances are mixed together, inside a system and separate the same by a dry method.Disclosed is a powder and granular material separation processing device X that is connected to an external suction machine such as a dust collection device and an electric vacuum cleaner, introduces by suction a mixture to be processed into a separation processing container 1, and discharges lightweight foreign substances to the outside of a system while collecting powder and granular material inside the system. The separation processing container 1 has a suction introduction tube 2 that is attached and sealed as the upper part structure of a hopper tank 4 that collects and stores the powder and granular material and receives the mixture to be processed on the circumferential surface thereof, and a suction discharge tube 3 that is connected to an external suction machine on the upper surface thereof. In addition, the separation processing container 1 has a separation cone 11 with a funnel-shaped bottom surface and a cylindrical opening 13 that hangs in a protruding shape downward from the tip part of the separation cone 11 and of which the opening diameter thereof is reduced stepwise to have multiple steps. The suction discharge tube 3 has a multiple tube configuration at the tip part thereof in which each tube is given a small diameter corresponding to each opening diameter of the cylindrical opening 13 to be loosely inserted and face the tip part of an opening. |
| US09254507B2 |
Process for producing a repair coating on a coated metallic surface
A process for producing a repair coating on at least one metallic surface that is coated with at least one corrosion protecting coating A applied with at least one composition selected from the group of pretreatment compositions, of organic compositions and of silicon compound(s) containing compositions, whereby the at least one corrosion protecting coating A has been at least partially removed in the area Z, whereby a thin corrosion protecting coating B containing at least one silicon compound is applied with a solution or dispersion containing a silane, a silanol, a siloxane, or a polysiloxane on at least a part of the area Z. A further corrosion protecting coating C may be applied. |
| US09254502B2 |
Broken sprinkler flow restriction or flow shut off suppressor for sprinkler
A restriction valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a valve body adapted to be positioned at an inlet of the sprinkler, wherein the valve body includes a central opening through which water flows into the sprinkler, a rib extending downwardly from the valve body at a location beyond the margin of the central opening, a valve member configured to cooperate with the central opening to open and close the valve, wherein the valve member includes a valve stem extending downwardly from the valve member, and positioned and configured to be movably supported in a guide ring formed at a lower end of the rib, wherein the valve stem is movable vertically to move the valve member to its open and closed positions and a resilient member biasing the valve stem such that the valve member remains in an open position until water pressure pushing against the valve member reaches a predetermined level to move the valve member into the closed position to restrict the flow of water into the sprinkler |
| US09254497B2 |
Ionization probe
In the ionization probe, an assist gas nozzle, coaxial with a nozzle, is provided around a nozzle that discharges a liquid sample. A housing inside which is formed an annular assist gas channel is provided around the assist gas nozzle. A gas inlet for introducing gas into the assist gas heating channel and gas outlet for feeding gas from channel to assist gas nozzle are provided at opposite locations across the center of the channel. Gas introduced into the assist gas heating channel is heated by a substantially annular heater, and high temperature gas is discharged through gas discharge hole of the assist gas nozzle. The heater and the channel through which high temperature gas flows are arranged solely at the tip part of the ionization probe, so thermal insulation of the probe base part can be easily accomplished. |
| US09254493B2 |
Oxygen-enriched air producing device and oxygen-enriched air producing method
The invention is characterized in: forming a magnetic field inside a flow channel tube, the tube wall of which is formed from a material that is nonmagnetic and which, when the pressure outside the flow channel tube is lower than the pressure inside the flow channel tube, passes a portion of the air flowing inside the tube through the tube wall and discharges same to the outside thereof; supplying air to the flow channel tube so that at least a region of laminar flow is formed inside the flow channel tube; and reducing the pressure outside the flow channel tube to a prescribed pressure. |
| US09254488B2 |
Automated system for selectively processing a sample
A method and system for selectively processing a sample according to one of a plurality of different assays, for example, for detecting a certain target component in the sample, include a plurality of cartridges in which the processing of a sample can take place and which each contain a different set of reagents required for one of the assays. Moreover, the system further includes a manipulator for introducing a sample into a selected one of the cartridges. Depending on the assay to be performed with a sample at hand, the appropriate cartridge is chosen, and the sample is introduced into and processed in the cartridge. |
| US09254486B2 |
Micro-fluidic device
Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber. |
| US09254483B2 |
Catalysts having metal nano-particle catalyst supported on surface-treated natural cellulose fibers and preparation method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a catalyst having metal catalyst nanoparticles supported on natural cellulose fibers and a method of preparing the same, whereby natural cellulose fibers are subjected to specific pretreatment to increase a surface area and form defects on the surface thereof and metal catalyst nanoparticles are then supported on the cellulose catalyst support in a highly dispersed state, thereby providing improved catalysis while allowing production of the catalyst at low cost. The catalyst may be utilized for various catalytic reactions. |
| US09254482B2 |
Catalyst material for the oxidation of hydrocarbons
A catalyst material for the oxidation and/or oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, in particular for the selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid, is specified, comprising a) molybdenum (Mo), b) vanadium (V), c) niobium (Nb), d) tellurium (Te), e) nickel (Ni), f) tungsten (W) and g) manganese (Mn), in which the molar ratio of at least one element, which is selected from nickel, tungsten and manganese, to molybdenum lies in the range 0.01 to 0.2, more preferably 0.05 to 0.15 and particularly preferably from 0.0025:1 to 0.3:1. Furthermore, a catalyst for the oxidation and/or oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, a use of the catalyst material or of the catalyst, a method for producing a catalyst material for the oxidation and/or oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons and a method for the selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid is specified. |
| US09254480B2 |
Oxidation catalyst for exhaust gas purification, method for producing the same, and exhaust gas purification method using the same
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an oxidation catalyst for exhaust gas purification having high durability and a method for producing the catalyst. The purpose is achieved by an oxidation catalyst for exhaust gas purification containing a refractory inorganic oxide, and a catalyst component and a metal component, which are supported on the refractory inorganic oxide, wherein the catalyst component is platinum, or platinum and palladium, and the metal component is one or more selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium. |
| US09254479B2 |
Process and catalyst for cracking of ethers and alcohols
A process for the production of olefins from at least one of an alcohol and ether, the process including: contacting at least one alcohol or ether with a hydrofluoric acid-treated amorphous synthetic alumina-silica catalyst under decomposition conditions to produce an olefin. Also disclosed is a process for the production of isobutylene from methyl tertiary butyl ether, the process including: feeding methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) to a reactor having at least one reaction zone containing a hydrofluoric acid-treated amorphous synthetic alumina-silica catalyst; contacting the MTBE with the hydrofluoric acid-treated amorphous synthetic alumina-silica catalyst under decomposition conditions to produce a reactor effluent comprising isobutylene, unreacted MTBE, heavies, and methanol; feeding the reactor effluent to a first distillation column; separating the isobutylene from the unreacted MTBE, heavies, and the methanol in the first distillation column to recover a first bottoms fraction comprising heavies, unreacted MTBE, and methanol and an isobutylene-rich overheads fraction. |
| US09254475B2 |
Exhaust gas purification catalyst
An exhaust gas purification catalyst includes a composite oxide support, and a precious metal catalyst supported on the composite oxide support. The composite oxide support includes alumina, zirconia, ceria, a first additive element oxide and a second additive element oxide. The first additive element oxide contains an additive element selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements excluding cerium and alkali earth elements. The second additive element oxide contains an additive element selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements excluding cerium and alkali earth elements. In the composite oxide support, alumina is contained in a range of 30 to 40% by mass and zirconia is contained in a range of 36 to 46% by mass. |
| US09254472B2 |
Process and apparatus for supersonic collision shockwave reaction mechanism for making chemical compounds
A novel process and apparatus is disclosed for performing chemical reactions. Highly compressed gaseous streams such as H2, CO, CO2, H2O, O2, or CH4 are raised to Mach speeds to form supersonic jets incorporating shockwaves. Two or more such jets are physically collided together to form a localized reaction zone where the energy from the shockwaves causes endothermic reactions wherein the chemical bonds of the reactant gases are broken. Between and among reactants molecular surface interaction and molecular surface chemistry take place. In the ensuing exothermic reactions a desired new chemical product is formed and this product is locked into a lower state of enthalpy (state of energy of formation) through adiabatic cooling by means of a free jet expansion. |
| US09254467B2 |
Oil repellency-imparted air-permeable filter with adhesive layer
Disclosed is an air-permeable filter with an adhesive layer. This air-permeable filter is imparted with oil repellency and includes: a porous membrane having a surface coated with an oil-repellent agent; and an adhesive layer disposed on the surface. The oil-repellent agent contains a linear fluorine-containing hydrocarbon group represented by (1) —R1C5F10CH2C4F9 or (2) —R2C6F13, where R1 and R2 are each independently an alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a phenylene group. This air-permeable filter is imparted with oil repellency without significantly reducing its adhesive strength to the adhesive layer. |
| US09254464B2 |
Filter module
A filter module includes a first filter stage and a second filter stage which are substantially concentrically arranged. The first filter stage and the second filter stage each include a plurality of hollow fiber membranes having a first fiber end and a second fiber end, which are embedded in a respective casting compound. The first filter stage is a filter stage for the filtration of a first medical fluid, and the second filter stage is a filter stage for the filtration of a second medical fluid. The first filter stage has unilaterally closed fiber ends, and is surrounded by a boundary element which separates the first filter stage and the second filter stage from one another. The boundary element has at least one opening which provides fluid communication between the first filter stage and the second filter stage. |
| US09254460B2 |
Filter element and process for producing a filter element
The invention relates to a hotmelt adhesive comprising a hotmelt adhesive mixture, the mixture including a) 15-85% by weight of a first, polyester-based hotmelt adhesive and b) 15-85% by weight of a second, polyamide-based hotmelt adhesive. |
| US09254459B2 |
Room air purifier with pressurization relief
Systems and methods are provided for an air purifier with over pressurization relief, including the following components. A room air inlet is configured to fluidly receive air from a room. A supply duct inlet is configured to fluidly receive air from a forced air system. An air filter and or air purification means is configured to filter/purify air. An outlet is configured to expel filtered/treated air into the room. A bypass damper system has at least one air filtering mode position and a bypass mode position. A pressure control mechanism is configured to automatically allow the bypass damper system to move from at least one air filtering mode position to a bypass mode position when the air received from the supply duct inlet exceeds a bypass threshold. The bypass mode position guides air from the supply duct inlet into the room without requiring passage through the filter and the outlet. |
| US09254452B2 |
Crystallization device
To provide a crystallization device with a simple structure and high classification performance in crystallization at a center part of an upper part in a vertical container having a classification leg on a bottom portion, rotor blade unit for generating a swirling flow of a raw material liquid of a suspension slurry in the container along an inner circumferential surface of the container is provided, and at a center part on a bottom surface of the container, liquid-flow direction changing unit for causing the raw material liquid to flow upward at the center part of the container is provided, and the liquid-flow direction changing unit is formed of baffles, each being made of a band-shaped plate, provided radially on the bottom surface. |
| US09254451B2 |
Method and apparatus for evaporating hydrogen halide and water from biomass hydrolyzates containing halogen acid
The invention relates to a method and a device with the aid of which hydrogen halide and water are removed from biomass hydrolyzates containing halogen acid. The core of the invention is an evacuated container (B1), which is continuously supplied with a heat-transfer medium and which is completely filled with the heat-transfer medium in a part. In said evaporation chamber, the biomass hydrolyzate is likewise continuously introduced. In the container (B1), heat is transferred from the heat-transfer medium to the hydrolyzate, wherein hydrogen halide and water are continuously evaporated. The remaining hydrolyzate particles are continuously discharged with the cooled heat-transfer medium and continuously removed by means of the heat-transfer medium and continuously separated from said heat-transfer medium. The invention described can also be used to treat other mixtures or solutions for the purpose of evaporation. The following is fundamental in regard to the heat-transfer medium used: the heat-transfer medium is chemically inert with respect to the introduced substances. |
| US09254449B2 |
Solid and liquid separation process
A process for separation of solid and liquid components in a distillation whole stillage utilizing airless spray drying is disclosed, which is more efficient and economical than conventional processes. In the process, distillation whole stillage resulting from distillation of fermented biomass is first subjected to an evaporation step for separating the whole stillage into a condensate and a concentrate including water, dissolved solids and suspended solids. The concentrate is then subjected to airless steam spray drying for converting the concentrate into dried solids, steam and vapors. All steam and vapors resulting from the airless steam spray drying step are then redirected as energy source to a processing step upstream of the airless spray drying step. At least some of the steam generated in the airless spray drying step is airless steam. |
| US09254448B2 |
Sublimation systems and associated methods
A system for vaporizing and sublimating a slurry comprising a fluid including solid particles therein. The system includes a first heat exchanger configured to receive the fluid including solid particles and vaporize the fluid and a second heat exchanger configured to receive the vaporized fluid and solid particles and sublimate the solid particles. A method for vaporizing and sublimating a fluid including solid particles therein is also disclosed. The method includes feeding the fluid including solid particles to a first heat exchanger, vaporizing the fluid, feeding the vaporized fluid and solid particles to a second heat exchanger and sublimating the solid particles. In some embodiments the fluid including solid particles is liquid natural gas or methane including solid carbon dioxide particles. |
| US09254447B2 |
Mirror maze with dynamic animation for projection onto an arch
The invention relates to a labyrinth of mirrors with elemental cells in the form of an equilateral triangle, each cell having at least one passage portal covered with opaque vinyl and at least one arch with a mirror forming a reflective obstacle. Each cell has a short-throw projector for projecting moving images with different designs or themes. The images are projected over the variable surface or contour of the passage portal which is covered with light opaque vinyl, the other two arches being covered with reflective vinyl or a mirror, as are the inner surfaces of the holding pillars or posts. The projection is defined by means of masks wherein the pixels outside the contour are covered in black or are rendered transparent, a technology called “projection mapping”. In each cell, there is at least one opaque arch and two reflectors. |
| US09254442B2 |
Video game apparatus, video game processing program, program recording medium, and video game processing method
In a video game that progresses a game using a limited number of items, the game can be made more interesting. In an area data table 126-1 of a first area, a brand ‘CAT’ having a previous brand point ‘14%’ is ‘BEST 1’, and a brand ‘BOAR’ having a previous brand point ‘13%’ is ‘BEST 2’. In addition, a brand ‘TIGER’ having a previous brand point ‘3%’ is ‘WORST 2’, and a brand ‘RAT’ having a previous brand point ‘2%’ is ‘WORST 1’. Accordingly, if a player character executes a battle against an enemy character in the first area, when an item of the brand ‘CAT’, which is ‘BEST 1’, is used, its power becomes three times higher than a reference power, and when an item of the brand ‘BOAR’, which is ‘BEST 2’, is used, its power becomes one and half times higher than the reference power. In addition, when an item of the brand ‘TIGER’, which is ‘WORST 2’, is used, its power becomes 0.5 times lower than the reference power, and an item of the brand ‘RAT’, which is ‘WORST 1’, becomes unavailable. |
| US09254433B2 |
Impact distributing mechanism
An article is provided that includes a core including a plurality of triangular core members. Two or more edges of each triangular core member are each attached to respective edges of other triangular core members in the plurality of triangular core members by respective hinges in a plurality of hinges. Each hinge in the plurality of hinges joins respective edges of a respective pair of substantially adjacent triangular core members in the plurality of triangular core members, is of a length to provide an offset between the pair of triangular core members, has a thickness less than thicknesses of the pair of triangular core members, and is integrally connected to the pair of triangular core members. |
| US09254432B2 |
Basketball shot-tracking system
A basketball shot-tracking system comprising a wrist tracker, a net tracker, and a shot-tracking mobile application. The wrist tracker is worn on the wrist or arm of a basketball player and the net tracker is attached to the net of the basketball hoop. The wrist tracker and net tracker automatically detect shot-attempt and made-shot events, respectively, and asynchronously transmit messages to the shot-tracking mobile application reporting these events. The shot-tracking mobile application, which runs on a mobile device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer, includes program instructions that, when executed by the CPU of the wireless mobile device, causes the wireless mobile device to automatically receive and process the asynchronous event data sent by the wrist tracker and net tracker, and to automatically tabulate, store and/or display the basketball player's shooting statistics (such as total shots taken, total shots made, shooting percentage, shot locations, and the like). |
| US09254426B2 |
Anti-theft device for a golf club
An anti-theft device for a golf club having a cover comprising an internal surface adapted to conform to a golf club hosel and a portion of a golf club shaft. One or more sensors are disposed within the internal surface of the cover and adapted to actuate between a passive state and an alarm alert state. An alarm is coupled to the one or more sensors, the alarm emitting a signal when the one or more sensors are actuated from the passive state to the alarm alert state. The one or more sensors are retracted in the passive state when the golf club hosel is housed within the cover. The one or more sensors are advanced in the alarm alert state when the golf club hosel is removed from the cover. |
| US09254424B2 |
Sport ball with indented casing
A sport ball may incorporate a casing that includes a plurality of joined panels. At least one of the panels may have a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The casing defines at least one indentation in the exterior surface, and the first layer is bonded to the third layer adjacent to the indentation. In some configurations, the casing may also define at least one indentations in a surface of the third layer, which may correspond in location with the indentation in the exterior surface. Additionally, the sport ball may include an intermediate structure and a bladder located within the casing. |
| US09254420B2 |
Golf ball composition and golf ball
A golf ball having a good rebound and excellent flight performance can be obtained using a golf ball composition which includes a diene polymer containing not more than 1.5% of components having a molecular weight of 30,000 or less. |
| US09254419B2 |
Underwater man-powered mechanical propeller
An underwater man-powered mechanical propeller includes a screw propeller arranged on a screw propeller shaft and encircled by a concentric protective ring. One side of the protective ring is provided with a supporting plate on which a first gear and a second gear mesh with each other, and a transitional gear and the second ear form a meshing pair. The drive shaft of the transitional gear passes through the supporting plate and has a second bevel gear, which meshes with a first bevel gear provided on the screw propeller shaft. The first gear is connected to a first connecting rod and the second gear is connected to a second connecting rod. |
| US09254418B2 |
Hanger
A storage and retrieval apparatus for objects with looped openings, the apparatus being flexible and made of metal, the apparatus characterized in having first and second arms, the first and second arms each having an upper end and each having a lower end, the apparatus having a body with first and second ends, the first end of the body connecting with the lower end of the first arm, the second end of the body connecting with the lower end of the second arm, the body having a shape, the shape of the body urging the first and second arms toward each other with a first spacing therebetween, the upper end of the first arm defining a first tip, the upper end of the second arm defining a second tip, the first tip and the second tip forming a space wider than the first spacing. |
| US09254417B2 |
Sprint trainer aid
Disclosed is a sprinter training aid which pulls the sprinter forward in an over speed condition, for the purpose of exercise the muscles which pull the leg forward when running, such the hip flexor muscles. Two devices can be used, one pulling the sprinter forward and one pulling the sprinter backward at the start of a run. The backward pulling at the start of the run exercises the sprinter's muscles which are used when going from a stationary position, to a full speed sprint. The device which pulls the sprinter forward would take over when the rearward pulling device shut off, and pull the sprinter to an over speed condition. Include in the device is a cable and cable winder, and a motor, computer, and a wireless connection to a data compilation computer. |
| US09254416B2 |
Touchscreen exercise device controller
A touchscreen exercise device controller is connected to an exercise device and is used to adjust one or more operational parameters relative to the exercise device. The touchscreen exercise device controller includes a touchscreen that displays one or more exercise device controls for controlling exercise device operations, and receives touch inputs from an exercise device user that indicate which exercise device operations are to be changed. The touchscreen exercise device controller further includes a processing module that generates operational commands for the exercise device based on the received user inputs, and upon determining that one or more of the touch inputs comprises a predefined touch input, modifies at least a portion of the exercise device controls displayed on the touchscreen. |
| US09254414B2 |
Exercise device
An elliptical trainer comprises a reciprocal-movement mechanism and an angle-adjusting chassis. The angle-adjusting chassis comprises a frame, a guider, an angle-adjusting assembly, and an intermediary part. Both the front end of the frame and the rear end of the guider may contact a supporting surface, and the rear portion of the frame may be pivotally coupled with a front portion of the guider. The angle-adjusting assembly is arranged near the rear portion of the frame, and the intermediary part is arranged at or near or attached to the front portion of the guider. The angle-adjusting assembly pushes the intermediary part, such that the guider rotates around its rear end, and the frame rotates around its front end, resulting in varying a first angle between the guider and the supporting surface and varying a second angle between the frame and the supporting surface. |
| US09254413B2 |
Elliptical exerciser
An elliptical exerciser includes a body having two foot support links and two rotation members. The rotation members are rotated about their respective rotation pivots to drive the foot support links to move along a supporting travel and a crossing travel to complete a closed pedal trajectory. The timing adjustment wheel is pivotally connected to the body. A distance is defined between the pivot of the timing adjustment wheel and either of the rotation pivots of the rotation members. Two connecting links are pivotally connected to the timing adjustment wheel. The lengths of the two connecting links are longer than the distance. When one of the foot support links moves within the supporting travel and rotates one of the rotation members, the timing adjustment wheel drives the other foot support link to move within the crossing travel and produces speed and phase differences to be more ergonomic. |
| US09254412B2 |
Elliptical exerciser
An exerciser includes a body and an adjustment wheel. The body has two flywheels and two foot support links. The two flywheels each have a sliding portion which radially connected thereto so as to guide the two foot support links to alternatively move along a supporting travel and a crossing travel to complete a closed pedal trajectory when the flywheels rotate. The timing adjustment wheel is pivotally connected to the body. The timing adjustment wheel has a first slider and a second slider, the first and second sliders are configured to move along the sliding portions of the flywheels. The foot support links drives the flywheel to rotate so that the first and second sliders move along the sliding portions to change the speeds and phase differences of the foot support links so as to meet the principles of ergonomics. |
| US09254410B1 |
Multi-grip exercise bar
The multi-grip exercise bar includes an elongate cylindrical shaft having end sleeves at opposite ends for selective mounting of weights. The cylindrical shaft has a pair of intermediate, symmetrically disposed, offset, coplanar grip portions formed by trapezoidal bends in the shaft, defining a main longitudinal axis and an offset longitudinal axis. Eight knurled grips are formed on the shaft. A pair of handles extend from a central section of the shaft parallel to each other, providing another pair of grips. Two outer sections of the shaft along the main axis provide a wide pair of grips for straight lifts, and two sections along the offset axis provide a narrow pair of grips for straight lifts. The four oblique legs of the offset portions provide wide and narrow pairs of grips for curl lifts, with either internal or external rotation of the wrists. The two handles provide grips for triceps lifts. |
| US09254406B2 |
Exercise device and associated methods
A method of fatiguing a target muscle group of a user using an exercise device includes grasping in each hand one of a pair of outer handles of an exercise device, positioning the user's feet to be substantially aligned with the user's shoulders while maintaining the user's torso in a substantially upright orientation, positioning each hand in an initial position relative to the user's torso, cyclically pulling the outer handles away from one another in a cyclic motion to apply a cyclic pulling force to the tethers to cause the central disk to alternately rotate in opposing directions of rotation, and moving one or both hands to a secondary position relative to the user's torso and repeating the application of the cyclic force to fatigue the initial target muscle group or to fatigue a secondary target muscle group. |
| US09254405B1 |
Variable resistant exercise band, device containing same and exercise method
An exercise device is provided using a variable resistant exercise band having spaced apart eyelets along the length of the band. Each eyelet located at respective ends of the band is secured onto a hook member attached to a rigid bar, or a grip handle which permits the band to be pulled up to different levels, or in different directions.A method is also provided for using the exercise device. |
| US09254404B2 |
Exercise apparatus having a targeted fluid support system
An exerciser, preferably in the form of a stepper with a fluid resistance system guides stepper treadles angularly downward and outward from the center of the stepper. According to an embodiment bellows that support treadles angle downward and outward. |
| US09254403B2 |
Joint rehabilitation strap and method of using the same
The present invention is directed to a rehabilitation strap including a pair of handles and a strap of adjustable length and a method of using the same. The method includes rehabilitation exercises that an individual may practice after a joint replacement procedure. |
| US09254401B2 |
Jump rope assembly
Disclosed is a jump rope comprising: an oil impregnated bushing; having a pair of handles with an external surface treatment. Additionally, the rope may include a fastener attached to each end and secured within the head of the jump rope yet still free to rotate about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope body. In some configurations a universal joint is attached to each end and secured to the jump rope handle, with one end of the input yoke acting as a column for rotation and one end of the output yoke used to secure the rope, and both free ends of each yoke attaching to the cross-trunnion to complete the assembly. |
| US09254400B2 |
Method for processing peroxygen solutions
The present disclosure relates to a multi-step method for processing peroxygen solutions for reuse or disposal. The method uses an enzyme and a reducing agent. |
| US09254398B2 |
Self-dispersible coated metal oxide powder, and process for production and use
Disclosed is a composition having a substrate comprising metal oxide particles. The substrate has a coating thereon that includes an organic dispersant present in a amount that renders the substrate self-dispersible. Also disclosed is a composition, such as a cosmetic composition, that includes that self-dispersible coated substrate, and a process that includes coating a particulate metal oxide with an organic dispersant to render the metal oxide self-dispersible. |
| US09254396B2 |
Advanced radiotherapy treatment planning optimization
A method of radiotherapy treatment planning is described. A planned target volume is identified for radiotherapy treatment and at least one volume of interest is identified. The mass, density, and total deposited energy contained in the planned target volume and the volumes of interest are identified and dose objectives are determined. At least one of the objectives is a function of the identified mass, density, or deposited energy. A composite objective function is determined using the dose objectives for the planned target volume and the volumes of interest. A near optimal solution to the composite objective function is determined to produce a radiotherapy treatment plan. |
| US09254395B1 |
Multi-mode microcurrent stimulus system with safety circuitry and related methods
A microcurrent stimulation device with a power supply, two or more electrodes electronically coupled to the power supply, a microcontroller configured to generate an electromagnetic waveform, an impedance measurement module configured to measure electrical impedance of one or more biological tissues between the two or more electrodes. A first safety circuit monitors electric current flow through one or more components of the microcurrent stimulation device and interrupts electric current flow if the electric current flow through the one or more components is above a predetermined level. A second safety circuit interrupts electric current flow through the one or more components if a firmware failure occurs. |
| US09254389B2 |
Electrical inhibition of the phrenic nerve during cardiac pacing
According to various method embodiments for pacing a heart and avoiding unwanted stimulation of a phrenic nerve during cardiac pacing, a desired pacing time for delivering a cardiac pace is determined, and a desired nerve traffic inhibition time to inhibit nerve traffic in the phrenic nerve is determined using the desired pace time. The cardiac pace is delivered at the desired pacing time and nerve traffic in the phrenic nerve is inhibited at the desired nerve traffic inhibition time. |
| US09254385B2 |
Visual prosthesis for phosphene shape control
The present invention is an improved method of stimulating visual neurons to create artificial vision. It has been found that varying current of visual stimulation can create varying percept brightness, varying percept size, and varying percept shape. By determining the attributes of predetermined current levels, and using those attributes to program a video processor, more accurate video preproduction can be obtained.The present invention also includes an electrode array having alternating large and small electrodes in rows at a 45 degree angle to horizontal in the visual field. |
| US09254384B2 |
Inner hair cell stimulation model for use by a cochlear implant system
The stimulation provided in the electrically stimulated cochlea is modulated in accordance with the amplitude of a received acoustic signal and the onset of a sound in a received acoustic signal to provide increased sound perception. An onset time that corresponds to the onset of a sound is detected in an acoustic signal associated with a frequency band. A forcing voltage and a transmitting factor are determined, wherein the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor are associated with the frequency band at the detected onset time. The acoustic signal is modulated as a function of the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor to generate an output signal. The generated output signal can be used to stimulate the cochlea. The modulation strategy can be used in conjunction with sound processing strategies that employ frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or a combination of frequency and amplitude modulation. |
| US09254383B2 |
Devices and methods for monitoring non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation
Devices and methods are disclosed that treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrically stimulating a nerve noninvasively, which may be a vagus nerve situated within a patient's neck. Preferred embodiments allow a patient to self-treat his or her condition. Disclosed methods assure that the device is being positioned correctly on the neck and that the amplitude and other parameters of the stimulation actually stimulate the vagus nerve with a therapeutic waveform. Those methods comprise measuring properties of the patient's larynx, pupil diameters, blood flow within an eye, electrodermal activity and/or heart rate variability. |
| US09254374B2 |
Catheter and method of manufacture
The instant invention relates generally to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter introducer catheters (introducer catheters with lumens greater than about 6 French) having increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. Introducer catheters according to the teachings herein may also include curved distal ends and flared (that is, funnel-like) transition sections within their lumens. |
| US09254371B2 |
Retrieval systems and methods for use thereof
The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by recanalizing or removing the obstruction within the body lumen. |
| US09254369B2 |
Leak determination in a breathing assistance system
Systems and methods for estimating a leak flow in a breathing assistance system including a ventilation device connected to a patient are provided. Data of a flow waveform indicating the flow of gas between the ventilation device and the patient is accessed. A specific portion of the flow waveform is identified, and a linear regression of the identified portion of the flow waveform is performed to determine an estimated leak flow in the breathing assistance system. |
| US09254367B2 |
Inhaler 624
In an exemplary embodiment, a breath actuated inhaler (BAI) actuator may include a loading element capable of being loaded with an actuation force and a breath actuated trigger mechanism arranged to counteract the actuation force of the loading element and to fire the actuator by releasing the actuation force of the loading element in response to an inhalation breath. An actuation locking device may be moveable between a locked position wherein it relieves the actuation force from the trigger mechanism setting the trigger mechanism in a neutral position, and an armed position wherein the trigger mechanism is set in an armed position. |
| US09254357B2 |
Container, system and method for providing a solution
A container (10) comprising a plurality of compartments (A, B, C) separated by compartment dividers (6), and an inlet connector (3) for receiving a liquid via a connection tube (2). The compartment dividers rupture when a sufficient pressure is applied by a liquid or gas introduced into the container (10) through the inlet connector (3). Some of the compartments comprise powder, which dissolves at the introduction of liquid into the container. A system, process and use in the field of dialysis are also disclosed. |
| US09254353B2 |
Adjustable reduced-pressure wound coverings
Adjustable covers, systems, and methods are presented that include an adjustable cover that may be adjusted to an appropriate size by hand without requiring cutting tools and without substantial leaks. In one instance, the adjustable covering includes a drape member with a plurality of non-leaking tear paths. Each non-leaking tear path includes a weakened path of the drape member that may be torn. The adjustable covering may further include a first plurality of tear starters formed on a first initiation edge of the drape member. Each tear starter of the first plurality of tear starters is aligned with one of the plurality of tear paths. Each of the first plurality of tear starters is adapted to facilitate the initiation of a tear along a tear path. The grains of the drape member, a backing layer, and support layer may also be in the same direction. Other adjustable covers, systems, and methods are presented. |
| US09254352B2 |
Fluid filtering device and method
An apparatus including a hollow body, an inlet fluidly coupled to the hollow body, a piston slidably engaged within the hollow body, and a filter arranged within the hollow body between the inlet and piston. The piston and hollow body cooperatively generate a negative pressure, relative to ambient, within the hollow body during piston translation from a first position, proximal the inlet, to a second position, distal the inlet, to draw a fluid, such as blood, through the filter into the hollow body. The piston and hollow body cooperatively generate a positive pressure, relative to ambient, within the hollow body during piston translation from the second position to the first position to egress the filtered fluid from the hollow body. |
| US09254351B2 |
Method for the surface treatment of titanium bone implants using, in order, a sodium hydroxide bath and anodization
The invention relates to a method for the surface treatment of a biologically inert titanium implant to be placed in contact with a bone of the human body, which involves allowing body fluids, such as the inorganic portion of human blood plasma, to naturally deposit, onto the titanium implant, a calcium phosphate film having the formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH), in the form of hydroxyapatite, with a view to rendering the biologically inert titanium biologically active so as to enable the bone to chemically bond to the implant, thus promoting osseointegration, the method including an operation that involves submerging the titanium in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, wherein said submersion causes the formation of a film of hydrated titanium oxides (HTiO3—) on the titanium, which in turn causes hydroxyl groups (TiOH) to appear, thus enabling the deposition of said calcium phosphate film. The method according to the invention is characterized in that it includes, after the operation of submerging the implant in sodium hydroxide, an operation of anodizing the implant at a given voltage, thereby enabling the stabilization of the oxide film formed by means the operation of submerging the implant in the sodium hydroxide. |
| US09254348B2 |
In situ crosslinking hydrogel comprising γ-polyglutamic acid and method for producing the same
Disclosed are a biodegradable, biocompatible hydrogel that can be used for sealants of suppressing the leakage of blood or air during surgical operation, tissue adhesives, anti-adhesive agents and drug delivery carriers, and a method for producing the same. |
| US09254340B2 |
Nanodiamond and glycine conjugate and method for the preparation thereof
The invention relates to the field of pharmaceutics and medicine and concerns a nano-diamond conjugate with glycine for delivering glycine into an organism, the conjugate comprising nano-diamond particles modified by glycine, with a particle size of 2-10 nm, and containing up to 21% by mass of glycine which is included in the composition of the superficial shell of said particles with a thickness of up to 1 nm, and to a method for producing said conjugate. |
| US09254338B2 |
Use of a VEGF antagonist to treat angiogenic eye disorders
The present invention provides methods for treating angiogenic eye disorders by sequentially administering multiple doses of a VEGF antagonist to a patient. The methods of the present invention include the administration of multiple doses of a VEGF antagonist to a patient at a frequency of once every 8 or more weeks. The methods of the present invention are useful for the treatment of angiogenic eye disorders such as age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, central retinal vein occlusion, branch retinal vein occlusion, and corneal neovascularization. |
| US09254336B2 |
Method for activation and conjugation of biomolecules
The present invention is directed to a method for producing a biomolecule conjugate where the method is integrated into a single unit operation. |
| US09254329B2 |
Stable protective coatings for pharmaceutical dosage forms
A coating material, containing a mixture of i) a polymer obtained by radical polymerization from a) N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and b) at least one radically polymerizable compound, selected from esters of α,β-ethylenically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids with C1-C18 alkanols, as component A, ii) one or more antioxidants as component B, iii) one or more plasticizers as component C, and iv) other excipients as components D, wherein the total amount of the mixture of components A-D is 100 wt. %. |