| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09372132B2 |
Blood component sampling system and blood processing systems and methods employing same
A blood component sampling system and method are disclosed. The system is pre-connected and includes a collected blood component container and a reservoir having substantially fixed volume and at least one volumetric indicator indicating a selected volume and a sample container docking station configured to cooperate with a sample collection container. The system and method provide ease of sampling with reduced risk of contamination. |
| US09372124B2 |
Apparatus including strain gauges for estimating downhole string parameters
An apparatus for measuring strain on a downhole carrier includes a strain sensitive chassis configured to be fixedly mounted on a surface of the carrier. The chassis configured to be subject to a strain corresponding to a strain on the carrier; and at least one strain gauge including at least one thin film conductor deposited on a surface of the chassis. Also included is a method of manufacturing a sensor for measuring strain on a downhole carrier. |
| US09372121B2 |
Sensing device with a glare shield
A sensing device with a glare shield has an infrared sensor and a glare shield. The infrared sensor has a body and a lens hood. The lens hood is mounted around an outer periphery of the body. The glare shield is conical, is detachably mounted around the lens hood of the infrared sensor, and extends in a direction away from the body of the infrared sensor. The glare shield prevents the infrared sensor from being affected by glare emitted from adjacent lighting devices. Accordingly, the sensing device avoids incorrect judgment of environmental luminance caused by lighting devices nearby and therefore generates less misoperation, so that the goal of being more power-saving can be achieved. |
| US09372117B2 |
Optical ground tracking apparatus, systems, and methods
Optical ground tracking apparatus for use with buried object locators or other instruments or devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for tracking movement of a buried utility locator over a surface includes generating an output light, providing the output light to the surface, receiving a portion of the output light that is reflected from the surface, and generating information associated with a user-applied movement of the locator over the surface based at least in part on the received reflected portion of the output light. |
| US09372115B2 |
Airborne hyperspectral scanning system with reflective telecentric relay
An airborne hyperspectral scanning system with a reflective telecentric relay including a system housing fore-optics, mounted in the housing, an imaging spectrometer mounted in the housing, the imaging spectrometer comprising a spectrometer slit, the spectrometer slit having an exit side and an entrance side, a focal plane array, a fold mirror, and at least three spectrometer mirrors, ordered sequentially, and in optical alignment with each other, and a reflective telecentric relay, mounted in the housing between the fore-optics and the imaging spectrometer, the reflective telecentric relay comprising a collimator module, a scanning mirror module, and an objective module, the objective module being situated to receive intermediate image from the fore-optics and reflect a collimated beam to the scanning mirror image between the collimator module and the objective module, wherein the objective module is situated to form a telecentric image at the entrance of the spectrometer slit. |
| US09372113B2 |
Remote sensing based on optical fiber delivery and collection
Active components in an optical spectroscopy based sensor are moved to a remote site and the light is guided between the remote site and the sensing site through optical fibers. |
| US09372112B2 |
Traveling environment detection device
A driving environment detection device acquires a captured image of the direction the host vehicle is travelling in, and from the captured image, extracts parameters relating to brightness of a road surface for a road driven by the host vehicle. Then, on the basis of the parameters, the driving environment of the vehicle is estimated. By way of such a light control system, it is possible to more accurately detect ambient brightness by estimating the driving environment in accordance with the parameters related to the brightness of the road surface. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the driving environment. |
| US09372111B2 |
Acoustic sensor
A method of designing and manufacturing an acoustic sensor having a high degree of directivity is disclosed. The sensor includes a rotatable plate that is attached to a substrate with mounts. In one aspect the mounts are freely rotatable and the torque on the plate is measured using detectors disposed on springs that provide a resistance to rotation of the plate. In another aspect the plate is mounted to the substrate with mounts that torsionally deform during rotation of the plate. These detectors measure the torque on the plate according to the torsional deformation of the mounts. Methods of improving the signal to noise ratio of acoustic sensors having multiple detectors are also disclosed. |
| US09372106B2 |
Non-circular flowmeter
Flowmeters are disclosed herein that include one or more flow path features for improving the measurement accuracy or other aspects of the flowmeter. In some embodiments, the flowmeter includes a measurement section having a non-circular transverse cross-section in which one or more sensors for measuring flow are disposed. The non-circular measurement section can reduce distortion of ultrasonic waves, facilitate chordal measurements with flush-mounted transducers, and reduce the propagation distance between paired transducers. In some embodiments, the flowmeter includes a conditioning section with diametrically opposed longitudinal rib protrusions. The protrusions can reduce swirling flow, direct liquid components of a multi-phase flow towards the sidewalls of the flow path, and guide ballistic particles through the center of the flow path away from sensitive measurement devices. |
| US09372102B2 |
Gas sensor and motor vehicle with a gas sensor
In a gas sensor comprising a housing, a membrane and a sensor element, wherein the housing comprises a measuring chamber and an air supply opening, the sensor element is disposed in the measuring chamber and the membrane separates the measuring chamber from the air supply opening, a particularly good air exchange should be achieved. This is accomplished by providing a flow guiding device in the air supply opening of the housing. The flow guiding device here projects into the housing. |
| US09372101B2 |
Transmissive optical encoder having optical waveguide
A transmissive optical encoder includes a light emitting element, a light receiving element, a rotatable disk provided with slits and rotatable together with an object of detection, and an optical waveguide having an inlet facing the light emitting element and an outlet facing the light receiving element. The light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged on the same side in relation to the rotatable disk. The optical waveguide is fixed independently of rotational movement of the rotatable disk. |
| US09372099B2 |
Angle measuring method and angle measuring system
An angle measuring system including: a rotary encoder including an encoder main body and a rotating shaft which is freely rotatable with respect to the encoder main body, the rotary encoder which detects a relative rotation angle of the rotating shaft with respect to the encoder main body; a regulation member which regulates an absolute rotation angle of the encoder main body about the rotating shaft within a fixed range; an absolute angle detecting device which detects the absolute rotation angle of the encoder main body about the rotating shaft concurrently with detection of the relative rotation angle by the rotary encoder; and a correction device which corrects the rotation angle detected by the rotary encoder based on the rotation angle detected by the absolute angle detecting device. |
| US09372098B2 |
Telecommunications network and method of transferring user data in signaling messages from a communication unit to a data processing centre
The invention relates to a system and method of transferring user data from a communication module to a data processing center over a telecommunications network. A signalling message is wirelessly received from the communication module in the telecommunications network. The signalling message contains the user data that is subsequently transferred to the data processing center. By inserting the user data in the signalling message(s), it is possible to rapidly transmit data to the telecommunications network, while resources can be saved since it not required to establish a complete circuit-switched or packet-switched connection between the communication module and the telecommunications network. The user data may comprise application data of a program run by the communication module, e.g. alarming data, measurement data or derivatives thereof. |
| US09372093B2 |
Reverse natural guidance
The disclosed embodiments relate to recognition of navigation and/or guidance related information within an expressed conversational narrative between a provider of the narrative and a receiver thereof. The recognized navigation and/or guidance related information is then converted into navigation data which may be used to present a navigation route and/or guidance information related thereto to the receiver. |
| US09372092B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a contextual menu in a map display
An approach is provided for presenting a contextual menu in a map display. A contextual menu platform determines an input for a delineation of at least one route, at least one geographical area, or a combination thereof in at least one map user interface of at least one device. The contextual menu platform determines contextual information associated with the at least one route, the at least one geographical area, the at least one map user interface, the at least one device, at least one user associated with the at least one device, or a combination thereof. The contextual menu platform also determines one or more contextual menu options based, at least in part, on the contextual information. The contextual menu platform further causes, at least in part, a presentation of at least one contextual menu to present the one or more contextual menu options in the at least one map user interface. |
| US09372088B2 |
Canine handler operations positioning system
The Canine Handler Operations Positioning System (the Inventors) taught by the present invention consists of one or more dog-worn sensor, one or more handler's shoe-worn sensor, and algorithms for maintaining localization of units of canines and handlers traveling in GPS and GPS-denied areas. The present invention adapts the localization algorithms from the human-based system to dogs, increase performance, reduce SWAP, and further refine the system based on user feedback. The human worn system is modified for the human handler for maximum operational practicality in regard to batteries, size, and interoperability to a radio. The Canine Handler Operations Positioning System (the Inventors) focuses on developing the dog-worn positioning system, modifying the handler's positioning sensor if needed, and integrating the system with an OCU. The complete the Inventors system would provide a positioning solution for both the dog(s) and handler(s). |
| US09372085B2 |
Microelectromechanical sensor with differentiated performances and method of controlling a microelectromechanical sensor
A microelectromechanical sensor includes a supporting structure and a sensing mass, which is elastically coupled to the supporting structure, is movable with respect thereto with one degree of freedom in response to movements according to an axis and is coupled to the supporting structure through a capacitive coupling. A sensing device senses, on terminals of the capacitive coupling, transduction signals indicative of displacements of the first sensing mass according to the degree of freedom. The sensing device includes at least one first reading chain, having first operative parameters, one second reading chain, having second operative parameters different from the first operative parameters, and one selective electrical connection structure that couples the first reading chain and the second reading chain to the first terminals. |
| US09372084B2 |
Gyro sensor, electronic apparatus, and mobile unit
A gyro sensor includes a vibrator, a spring part extending from a first fixing part to the vibrator in a direction along a first axis, a drive part that excites the vibrator, and a detection part provided on the vibrator, wherein the vibrator has, in a plan view, first and second vibrating parts arranged side by side in the direction along the first axis and drive-vibrate in anti-phase with each other, a connecting spring part that connects the first and second vibrating parts in the direction along the first axis, and a first elastic member extending from the connecting spring part in a direction along a second axis intersecting with the first axis and fixed to a second fixing part. |
| US09372079B1 |
Optical plate for calibration of coordinate measuring machines
A coordinate measuring machine is calibrated by taking optical measurements of an optical flat that includes a grating placed on its surface. The arm of the CMM capable of multi-directional translation in relation to an object is fitted with a white-light interferometric objective and optical measurements are taken of the flat while translating the objective (or the flat) in the coordinate direction subject to calibration. The objective may serve also as the probe of the CMM. |
| US09372077B2 |
High-resolution imaging and processing method and system for determining a geometric dimension of a part
A high-resolution imaging and processing method and system for determining a geometric dimension of a part is provided. The method includes directing at least one plane of collimated radiation at a surface of a supported part. Each of the planes is occluded by the part to create unobstructed first and second planar portions of the plane of radiation passing by and not blocked by the supported part and to cast a radiation shadow of the supported part. Each of the first and second planar portions has a width and contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part to be determined. The method includes increasing the width and decreasing the intensity of the first and second planar portions imaged on first and second predetermined measuring areas, respectively. |
| US09372076B2 |
System and method for automated pipe measurement and alignment
A method of aligning a portable machining system to a pipe end portion includes automatically moving a measurement sensor mounted to the portable machining system about the pipe end portion in a first measurement plane to generate a first set of measurement data. The method includes translating the measurement sensor from the first measurement plane to a second measurement plane. The method includes automatically moving the measurement sensor about the pipe end portion in the second measurement plane to generate a second set of measurement data and processing the first and second sets of measurement data with a processing module to determine a center and an axis of the pipe end portion. |
| US09372075B2 |
System and method for fatigue forecasting and strain measurement using integral strain gauge (ISG)
The present invention relates to means, system and method for measurement of stress strain and fatigue forecasting by the means of Integral Strain Gauges (ISGs) capable of recording information from a surface of a tested object, mathematical processor for analysis of the information recorded on the surface of such gauges. Integral Strain Gauges produced from a custom made reaction sensitive materials. |
| US09372073B2 |
Inner diameter measuring device
The invention relates to an inner diameter measuring device, having a non-contact measuring unit (3) and a contact measuring unit (4) arranged along the same center line, wherein the non-contact measuring unit comprises an image pickup unit (6) arranged on the center line, a laser beam emitting unit (7), and a laser beam diffusing unit (9) having a cone mirror, wherein a laser beam projected from the laser beam emitting unit to the cone mirror is reflected over a total circumference by the cone mirror, the image pickup unit takes an optical ring which is formed by projecting the reflected laser beam to an inner surface of a hollow portion, at least one of an inner diameter or a shape of the inner surface is measured based on an image picked up, and wherein the contact measuring unit comprises a contact measuring head (42) and a circulation unit (41) for circulating the contact measuring head around the center line, wherein the contact measuring head has a contact measuring unit having a contact at a forward end and for detecting a displacement of the contact, an advancing/retreating unit for advancing and retreating the contact measuring unit in radial direction, and a scale unit for measuring an advancing/retreating distance of the contact measuring unit. |
| US09372068B2 |
Measuring apparatus including multi-wavelength interferometer
A measuring apparatus for measuring a position or a shape of a surface to be inspected includes a multi-wavelength interferometer and a control unit. The multi-wavelength interferometer includes an optical system that causes light to be inspected, which enters the surface to be inspected and is reflected by the surface to be inspected, and reference light to interfere with each other, a spectroscopic unit that divides interference light between the light to be inspected and the reference light into each wavelength, and a detector that detects the interference light and is provided for each divided interference light and an optical member that can adjust a position of a light guide portion that guides light from the spectroscopic unit to the detector. The control unit controls the optical member by using information related to inclination of the surface to be inspected to adjust the position of the light guide portion. |
| US09372067B2 |
Spectral domain optical coherence tomography system
An optical coherence tomography device is disclosed for improved imaging. Reduced levels of speckle in the images generated by the device are obtained by forming a B-scan from a plurality of A-scans, wherein each resolution cell of the B-scan is generated through compounding of a subset of the A-scans and wherein at least some of the subset of A-scans are separated by at least half the diameter of a speckle cell both tangent to and orthogonal to the B-scan at that cell. |
| US09372066B2 |
Interferometer
An interferometer comprises: a light source; a first polarization beam splitter configured to reflect, as reference light, a first polarization component of light emitted from the light source, and to transmit, as measurement light, a second polarization component of the light emitted from the light source; a birefringent-material element located between the light source and the first polarization beam splitter; and a light-receiving device configured to receive an interfering light generated by interference of the measurement light transmitted through the first polarization beam splitter, reflected by a reflecting surface to be measured, and transmitted through the first polarization beam splitter, with the reference light reflected by the first polarization beam splitter. The interferometer is configured such that the reference light and the measurement light pass through the birefringent-material element between the first polarization beam splitter and the light-receiving device. |
| US09372064B2 |
Method and apparatus for sensing positions of a plurality of magnets
In an embodiment, a method may be used to measure a plurality of positions associated with a plurality of magnets based on, for example, a magnetic angle of the magnets. The method may include various acts that may involve, for example, measuring magnetic field components associated with the plurality of magnets. In addition, the acts may include identifying a first angle and a second angle based on the measured magnetic field components. The identified first and second angles may be used to identify a position of a first magnet of the plurality of magnets and a second magnet of the plurality of magnets. |
| US09372063B2 |
Position sensing device having magnetix flux transmission units
A position sensing device has a first magnetic flux transmission unit that includes first thin boards made of long shape magnetic material stacked along a board thickness direction and a second magnetic flux transmission unit that includes second thin boards made of long shape magnetic material stacked along the board thickness direction, for defining a gap space between the first and second magnetic flux transmission units when disposing the first and second magnetic flux transmission units on a rotating body. Further, the position sensing device includes first and second magnets disposed between both ends of the first and second magnetic flux transmission units. A Hall IC disposed on a mold part moves within the gap space along a gap space longitudinal direction relative to the rotating body for outputting a signal according to a density of a magnetic flux passing therethrough. |
| US09372061B2 |
Inner diameter measuring device
An inner diameter measuring device (50) for measuring an inner diameter of a hollow object to be measured, wherein the inner diameter measuring device comprises a circulation unit (1) and a measuring head (2) and is insertable into inside of an object to be measured, wherein the measuring head has a contact measuring unit (27) for measuring the inner diameter by contacting an inner surface of the object to be measured and an advancing/retreating unit (23) for making the contact measuring unit to advance and to retreat in a radial direction, and wherein the circulation unit can rotate the measuring head around a center line (51) of the inner diameter measuring device. |
| US09372060B1 |
Socket and wrench gauge
A socket and wrench gauge provides for the portable and precise measurement of the dimension of a bolt or nut across the flats thereof, in order to determine the precise size of the socket or wrench required for use therewith. The socket and wrench gauge consists of two parallel jaws with gripping points, with the first jaw and gripping point extending laterally from an elongated slide scale and the opposite jaw and gripping point extending laterally from an elongated body receiver and raceway through which the slide scale operates. The scale consists of two linear rows of dimensional numbers thereon, with each of the numbers corresponding to a distance between the two jaws and gripping points. The numbers are placed longitudinally along the face of the scale for simplicity and greater legibility. The body receiver and raceway channel includes two coinciding reference marks placed laterally thereacross, which in combination with the longitudinal array of dimensional numbers, results in a singular dimensional number being exactly aligned with a corresponding reference mark for any measurement. The scale numbers correspond with the standardized size of sockets and wrenches used in industry, and the socket and wrench gauge may include inch, fractional inch and metric measurements longitudinally on the face side. The socket and wrench gauge may be formed of various rigid plastics or machined using soft or hard metals as desired. The socket and wrench gauge may be made sufficiently small so as to fit within a modern shirt or pant pocket, in order to be readily available to the user at all times. |
| US09372059B2 |
Micrometer
A micrometer with good usability is provided. A micrometer has a frame with an anvil at one end and a spindle at another end, the spindle moving closer to or further away from the anvil. The frame is covered with a heat shield cover. The heat shield cover has a first anti-slip part. The first anti-slip part preferably has a plurality of protrusions. |
| US09372058B2 |
Hollow bullet with internal structure
A bullet has a cylindrical body portion and a conical tip monolithically formed with the body portion. The bullet is hollowed out to form an internal cavity. A sidewall defines the structure of the body portion and the conical tip. Bullet structure provides for a bore size, low weight, high velocity, and low recoil projectile having a full-bore size that does not have to expand to a larger diameter during firing in order to transfer its energy to a larger wound channel. In one embodiment, a plurality of recesses is provided on the body portion and extends through the sidewall. The recesses are disposed circumferentially in the radial direction and are offset longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the bullet. The internal cavity includes a plurality of trusses extending in a radial direction. Instead of or in addition to, the trusses, the wall of the internal cavity may include one or more ridges. |
| US09372057B2 |
Shotgun shell tracer and tracer manufacturing device
A shotgun shell tracer includes a base wall, an obturator, and an edge wall extending from the base wall opposite to the obturator. A chamber support may be engaged to the base wall extending from the base wall within the internal space of the tracer. The shotgun shell tracer may additionally include a tracer insert which may encircle the chamber support. Discharge of a shotgun shell in some embodiments will exert pressure on projectiles which fuse the tracer insert to the base wall and the chamber support, and embed the projectiles into the tracer insert, establishing ballast for the shotgun shell tracer. The chamber support in one embodiment may be a modified spike. The ballast in one embodiment may be a washer replacing embedded projectiles. A conveyor may be used to transport tracer carriers during manufacture of a tracer. |
| US09372050B2 |
Magnetic gun barrel attachment
A magnetic gun barrel attachment is provided. The magnetic gun barrel attachment includes a body. The body includes an outer surface, a front end, and a rear end. A plurality of concave channels may be formed on the outer surface from the front end to the rear end. The concave channels each include a different radius of curvature. Therefore, each concave channel may be a different size, and may thereby fit on different sized barrels of a various amount of guns. A flashlight s attached to the body. The flashlight includes a flashlight head disposed at the front end of the body. At least one magnet is disposed within the body in between the plurality of channels to attract and attach to the barrel of the gun. The magnetic gun barrel attachment may further include a tactical rail. |
| US09372044B2 |
Handleless slingshot with folding storage compartment
A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot. |
| US09372043B2 |
Firearm with magazine release lever
An AR-style firearm includes a specially designed lower receiver, a specially designed upper receiver mounted to the lower receiver, a pistol hand grip mounted to the lower receiver, a handguard mounted around a barrel, a specially designed magazine well formed in the lower receiver that is configured to receive an AK-47 magazine or similar magazine, and a specially designed, ambidextrous magazine release that holds and selectively releases the magazine from the magazine well. |
| US09372039B1 |
Firearm impingement block with adjustable gas flow control member
A firearm impingement apparatus that includes a gas flow control member that is operable to provide controlled incremental adjustment of gas flow within the gas block of the firearm impingement apparatus. The firearm impingement apparatus includes a gas block having a port line with an intersecting channel. Rotatably secured within the intersecting channel is a gas flow control member. The gas flow control member includes a first end, a second end and a shaft intermediate thereto. The shaft includes at least three planar sides. A keeper is secured within a mounting member and is positioned such that a portion thereof is biased against the shaft. The keeper is planar in manner and is operable to provide controlled rotation of the gas flow control member within the channel. Further the keeper functions to maintain the position of the gas flow control member. |
| US09372035B2 |
Heat recovery storage device
The present invention is to provide a heat recovery storage device, which includes a major container, a heat transfer machine mounted in the major container, and a thermostatic valve mounted on the heat transfer machine. And the heat transfer machine is used for conducting heat transfer directly to the water in the major container, thus the efficiency of recovery increases, and loss of heat decreases. Also, the water is not easily boiled during the heat recovery, and the maximum of water temperature can increases. In extended use of more than one device of the present invention, each of the major containers can be installed with or without a heat transfer machine as required. The bypass outgassing control is not needed during the heat recovery, and is performed when the water temperature in the containers reaches to the highest. |
| US09372032B2 |
Cooling apparatus used in recycling scrap tires
The apparatus or “chiller” uses an upward stream of ambient air drawn through the upright housing to cool crumb rubber particles that are deposited into and fall through the housing. The chiller includes an upright chiller housing and an array of internal baffles disposed within the lower section of the housing. Crumb rubber deposited into the chiller housing falls through the upward air flow within the chiller housing and cascades around and through the baffle array before exiting the chiller. The baffle array inside the lower section of the chiller housing slows the fall of the crumb rubber, thereby increasing the dwell time through the chiller to provide enhanced cooling. The baffle array also creates a more turbulent air flow through which the crumb rubber falls. The rising turbulent air mass enhances the transfer of thermal energy from the falling crumb rubber. |
| US09372026B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator having an improved structure of screw fastening portions to which screws disposed in a storage compartment are fastened so that an insulating material with which a space between an inner case and an outer case is filled can be prevented from leaking into the storage compartment includes an inner case; an outer case; an insulating material with which a space between the inner case and the outer case is filled; screws that fix components disposed in the storage compartment to the inner case; screw fixing members that are coupled to an outer surface of the inner case; and screw fastening portions disposed in the inner case, the screw fastening portions having a blocking layer that blocks the storage compartment from the outside of the inner case and is penetrated by the screws when the screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions. |
| US09372025B2 |
Covers for refrigeration systems
Covers for use with refrigeration units may include rails that extend across a top opening of the refrigeration unit. One or more lids may be supported by support surfaces on the rails. The lids may be movable (e.g., slidable) between closed and open positions. The lids may include lid plates and feet configured to raise lid plates off of the support surfaces, thereby forming gaps between the lid plates and the support surfaces. The lids may include filling elements to fill at least a portion of the gaps between the lid plates and the support surfaces. In some embodiments, the feet may have a generally Z-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the cover may include multiple frame elements having transparent spacers at the ends of the frame elements, and the cover may include end pieces at the ends of the cover. |
| US09372024B2 |
System and method for dispensing
An ice machine includes an insulated compartment to store ice, a dispenser having access to the insulated compartment to dispense ice from the insulated compartment, a card reader, and a controller in communication with the card reader and the dispenser. The controller stores permission settings including a public setting and a private setting. The controller is to receive a card number from the card reader. The controller is to determine whether to initiate ice dispensing using the dispenser based on the card number, the public setting and the private setting. |
| US09372018B2 |
Evaporator heat exchanger
An evaporator heat exchanger is disclosed. The evaporator heat exchanger includes a bottom plate, a top plate, and at least one main plate between the bottom plate and the top plate. The at least one main plate includes a first face having one or more channels for flow of a first fluid along the first face and a second face opposite the first face having one or more channels for flow of a second fluid along the second face, wherein heat is exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid through the main plate. Main plates adjacent to each other define an enclosed channel for fluid flow. |
| US09372016B2 |
Temperature-stabilized storage systems with regulated cooling
Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region. |
| US09372015B2 |
Heat pump system capable of adjusting amount of refrigerant stored in liquid receiver
A heat pump system includes a liquid receiver valve that adjusts the amount of a refrigerant stored in a liquid receiver so that a circulation amount of the refrigerant that circulates the heat pump system can be adjusted according to a driving speed of a compressor and performance of the compressor and the heat pump system can be further improved. Also, since a plurality of liquid receiver refrigerant outlets can be selectively opened using a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet of the compressor, active control can be performed. |
| US09372014B2 |
Ejector-type refrigeration cycle device
An ejector-type refrigeration cycle device is provided with a first ejector (15) which draws refrigerant from a refrigerant suction port (15b, 24b) by using a high-speed refrigerant flow jetted from a nozzle part (15a, 24a), and a first suction-side evaporator (19) connected to the refrigerant suction port (15b) of the first ejector (15), and a second suction-side evaporator (27) connected to a refrigerant suction port (24b) of a second ejector (24). A flow amount of the refrigerant in the second ejector (24) is smaller than a flow amount of the refrigerant in the first ejector (15). The refrigerant branched at a branch part (Z2) that is positioned on a downstream refrigerant side of a radiator (13) and on an upstream refrigerant side of the first ejector (15) flows into the second ejector (24), and the refrigerant branched on a downstream refrigerant side of the second ejector (24) flows into the second suction-side evaporator (27). |
| US09372013B2 |
Method and system for storing solar heat
The invention provides a solar thermal storage method capable of supplying heat of about 1000-1300 K to an external facility for 24 hours. Disclosed is a solar thermal storage method for storing heat using solar light energy, comprising a concentrated beam irradiation step S1 of irradiating a reactive ceramics layer with a concentrated beam obtained by concentrating solar light to heat the same while moving the reactive ceramics layer formed using reactive ceramics that transforms from an oxidized form to a reduced form with a release of oxygen when heated and returns to the oxidized form when brought into contact with the oxygen; and a thermal storage step S2 of storing the heat emitted from the reactive ceramics layer in thermal storage means while bringing the reactive ceramics layer heated in the concentrated beam irradiation step S1 into contact with gas containing the oxygen. |
| US09372011B2 |
Heat exchanger and gas-fired furnace comprising the same
A heat exchanger and a gas-fired furnace including the same are provided. The heat exchanger includes at least two heat exchange shell enclosures; and at least three rows of heat exchange tubes arranged along a furnace air flow path. Each of the heat exchange tubes defines a leaving-tube-end and an entering-tube-end, two adjacent rows are spaced from each other, the at least three rows of heat exchange tubes are connected in a leaving-tube-end to entering-tube-end fashion sequentially via the at least two heat exchange shell enclosures to define a substantially serpentine flue gas passage. |
| US09372006B2 |
Compact oven
A compact oven is disclosed. The compact oven includes a housing having a cavity for receiving food items, and one or more blowers for directing heated air into the cavity. The compact oven also includes an air deflection plate coupled to a nozzle plate having multiple nozzles for capturing and directing a portion of heated air from the blower to the cavity via nozzles located between the air deflection plate and the nozzle plate, while allowing the remaining heated air exiting the blower to move into the cavity via nozzles not located between the air deflection plate and the nozzle plate such that the velocities of heated air exiting all nozzles into the cavity are as close to each other as possible. |
| US09372000B2 |
Oven with recirculation of combustion exhaust gases
An oven includes a cooking chamber, a gas-fired heat exchanger external of the cooking chamber and a flow path for circulating air from the cooking chamber past the heat exchanger to pick-up heat and then back to the cooking chamber under operation of a blower. A first combustion path gas flow path runs from the heat exchanger to an exhaust system for delivering combustion path gases away from the oven, and a second combustion path gas flow path runs from the heat exchanger to the cooking chamber for delivering combustion path gases into the cooking chamber. A control arrangement is configured to selectively control the flow of combustion path gases along at least one of the first combustion gas flow path or the second combustion gas flow path. |
| US09371999B2 |
Fireplace draft blocker
A fireplace draft blocker which is easily assembled and disassembled is provided with a seal around its periphery of faux fur, bristles, or soft fabric and is supported by crossed rods which hold the four corners of the fireplace draft blocker in position and away from the fireplace itself. |
| US09371998B2 |
Shrouded pilot liquid tube
A pilot liquid tube having a pilot liquid fuel inlet, a pilot liquid fuel conduit, a pilot liquid fuel nozzle, and a shroud configured to shield the pilot liquid fuel nozzle. The pilot liquid tube may be installed and/or removed from an injector of a gas turbine engine while the shroud remains fixed to pilot liquid fuel conduit. |
| US09371997B2 |
System for supporting a bundled tube fuel injector within a combustor
A combustor includes an end cover having an outer side and an inner side, an outer barrel having a forward end that is adjacent to the inner side of the end cover and an aft end that is axially spaced from the forward end. An inner barrel is at least partially disposed concentrically within the outer barrel and is fixedly connected to the outer barrel. A fluid conduit extends downstream from the end cover. A first bundled tube fuel injector segment is disposed concentrically within the inner barrel. The bundled tube fuel injector segment includes a fuel plenum that is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and a plurality of parallel tubes that extend axially through the fuel plenum. The bundled tube fuel injector segment is fixedly connected to the inner barrel. |
| US09371996B2 |
Grate bar for a furnace comprising air ducts
Grate bar for a furnace. The grate bar comprises a first air duct (46) at a first lateral side of the grate bar. The first air duct is provided at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the grate bar. |
| US09371991B2 |
Apparatus and method for vaporizing a liquid fuel
An apparatus and process for vaporizing and, optionally, igniting a liquid fuel, preferably, a distillate fuel. The apparatus includes the following components: a heat-conductive reticulated screen positioned within a chamber; a first inlet path into the chamber for delivering a liquid fuel onto the screen; a second inlet path into the chamber for contacting an oxidant with the screen and fuel; a means for heating the screen to a temperature sufficient to vaporize and, optionally, ignite the liquid fuel; and a recuperator in fluid communication with the chamber for transferring heat from the chamber to the second inlet path. The apparatus is suitably employed in compact and portable oxidation reactors, for example, in external combustion engines, catalytic partial oxidation reformers, and hybrid combustors operating in flame and/or catalytic modes. |
| US09371990B2 |
Elliptical air opening at an upstream end of a fuel injector shroud and a gas turbine engine combustion chamber
A gas turbine engine lean burn fuel injector includes a fuel injector head which has a first air swirler, a second air swirler arranged around the first air swirler, a pilot fuel injector arranged radially between the first air swirler and the second air swirler. A third air swirler arranged around the second air swirler, a fourth air swirler arranged around the third air swirler and a main fuel injector arranged radially between the third air swirler and the fourth air swirler. A shroud is arranged around the fourth air swirler. A downstream end of the shroud is generally circular in cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis (Y) of the fuel injector head and an upstream end of the shroud is generally elliptical in cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis (Y) of the fuel injector head. |
| US09371988B2 |
Candle assembly with retracting non-combustible wick
An improved candle is provided. The candle includes a traditional body made of wax. A coil spring is positioned longitudinally within the candle's body. The coil spring is in tension with the coil spring's top adjacent to the candle body's top. In addition, the candle includes a non-combustible wick which is not consumed as the candle burns. The wick is affixed to the coil spring's top end. As the candle wick burns and the candle body is consumed, the coil spring causes the wick to retract downwardly. |
| US09371985B2 |
Implement for the situation and maintenance of solid objects overtop of a lighting device's outer surface
A device is described that can be situated with one or more solid objects within overtop of a lighting device's outer surface. A container component contains one or more cavities that can be accessed via one or more openings. The one or more solid objects can be inserted into said cavity through the one or more openings. A closure component covers one or more of said openings and thereby restricts access to said cavity. A banding device that comprises one or more banding implements provides a means to maintain the container component, the closure component, the banding device itself and said one or more solid objects with in the cavity in said situated location. The container component, closure component and banding device are fabricated from a material that is appropriate for a maintenance in said situated location. |
| US09371984B2 |
Light irradiation apparatus and printing apparatus
A light irradiation apparatus includes a housing configured to house a light irradiation device including a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged, a drive substrate having a circuit to which a constant current generation device is electrically connected, a heat dissipation member having a plate-shape, and a cooling pipe. The light irradiation device is disposed on one main surface of the heat dissipation member, and the constant current generation device is disposed on the other main surface of the heat dissipation member or on the drive substrate, the drive substrate being disposed on the other main surface of the heat dissipation member. |
| US09371979B2 |
Method and hardware to enhance light out-coupling
The present invention provides an enhanced light out-coupling device for extraction of light radiation from a light source. The enhanced light out-coupling device comprises a grid having a plurality of channels, a reflective material layer coated on the grid, and a high refractive index fluid layer. In addition, the grid can be filled with phosphor particles for light converting. The device of the presently claimed invention is able to effectively avoid the scattering problem generated from the sapphire substrate and phosphor particles, as well as reduce light adsorption by the array of grid during the light extraction, leading to better image quality. |
| US09371978B2 |
Solar panel assembly with a lighting pattern and including conductors sandwiching a dielectric substance
A solar panel assembly with a lighting pattern includes a solar panel and an energy storage device. An electroluminescence layer is disposed on a light receiving face of the solar panel. The electroluminescence layer includes a plurality through-holes. The number and the overall area of the plurality of through-holes are configured to permit incident light rays entering the electroluminescence layer to activate the solar panel to proceed with optical-electrical conversion, providing a light receiving effect and a light emitting effect on the same area of the solar panel. A patterned light-transmittable layer is coated on a face of the electroluminescence layer. |
| US09371977B2 |
Glass-ceramic article having a colored luminous display
The present invention relates to an article having at least one colored luminous zone, in particular a display zone, said article comprising at least one glass-ceramic substrate having a luminous transmission ranging from 0.8% to 40% and an optical transmission of at least 0.1% for at least one wavelength in the range extending from 420 to 780 nm, at least one light source and at least one filter so as to form at least one colored luminous zone, in particular a display zone, in at least one zone of the plate. |
| US09371976B2 |
Illumination apparatus
An illumination apparatus includes a frame, an optical base plate, a light source and an optical film. The optical base plate is disposed in the frame and has a first protrusion portion at the center of the optical base plate. The first protrusion portion has at least a reflective surface and a top surface, which are connected with each other. The light source is disposed in the frame and located adjacent to the periphery of the optical base plate. The light source is disposed corresponding to the reflective surface and has a plurality of light-emitting elements. Each light-emitting element has an optical axis direction, and the optical axis directions extend toward the first protrusion portion. The optical film is disposed at the frame, and the first protrusion portion of the optical base plate protrudes toward the optical film. |
| US09371967B2 |
Lighting apparatus with heat transfer and light guiding structure
A lighting apparatus, comprising: a light source that emits light; a hollow heat-transfer member including an outer surface on which the light source is disposed; and a light guiding member that covers the light source and at least part of the outer surface along the outer surface. |
| US09371963B2 |
Lubricant distributor
The invention relates to a lubricant distributor (1), in particular for use in central lubricating systems for machines, vehicles, construction machines, or agricultural machines, for conveying and distributing lubricant from a lubricant source to predetermined lubricant discharge points by means of one or more lines,comprising a main distributor (2). The lubricant distributor is characterized in that the lubricant distributor comprises at least one line-break monitor (3) for detecting a pressure drop in at least one line, and in that the at least one line-break monitor (3) is structurally arranged in or on the main distributor (2) in order to create a rigid unit comprising the main distributor (2) and the line-break monitor (3). |
| US09371961B2 |
Installation part and module
Embodiments of the present invention provide an installation part and a module, relating to the field of mechanical designs and capable of reducing the quantity of installation parts and increasing the efficiency of assembling and disassembling an article that needs to be installed. The installation part includes: a slot configured to be clamped with a hoop, where the hoop is configured to fix a pole part onto a pole together with the pole part; and a first screw hole configured to be connected to a conversion bracket, where the conversion bracket is configured to connect the pole part and an article that needs to be installed. The embodiments of the present invention are applied to the installation of modules. |
| US09371959B2 |
Storage and charging station for electronic appliances
A support for an electronic appliance comprises a hollow profile 1 for disposing one or more electronic appliances 10 thereon. Within a first channel 4 which has a cylindrical basic shape, a similarly cylindrical connection plug may be positioned for connection to the electronic appliances 10, so that the connection plug is freely slidable in the longitudinal direction and at the same time pivotable within a predetermined angular range transversal to the support about the cylinder axis of the first channel 4. Thereby, one or more electronic appliances 10 may be stored on the support and may be conveniently and securely connected to the connection plug for charging their accumulators or for synchronizing the data stored thereon. |
| US09371957B2 |
Articulated arm for delivering a laser beam
A laser assembly includes a laser and an articulated arm having a plurality of couplers arranged to receive a laser-beam from the laser. The assembly is mounted on a support structure, and is rotatable on the support structure in two axes perpendicular to each other. Six degrees of freedom of motion of the end of the articulated arm can be accomplished with one less coupler in the arm than would be necessary without rotation of the assembly on the support structure. |
| US09371956B2 |
Display stand
In one aspect, an apparatus includes a base supportable on a surface, a support rod having a long segment extending upwardly from the base and a short segment extending laterally away from the long segment and terminating at a free end. The long segment is longer than the short segment. The apparatus also includes a coupling located at the free end of the short segment which is configured to couple the short segment to a computer chassis to establish a clearance space between the short segment, long segment, and chassis to facilitate access to at least one electrical terminal on the chassis below the coupling. |
| US09371955B2 |
Bi-directional tilt mechanisms and methods
A tilt mechanism for an electronic display including a torsion spring, the torsion spring providing a spring torque to balance a monitor torque due to weight of the monitor. The tilt mechanism allowing an electronic display to be positioned at a variety of tilt angles within a range of tilt angles. Such a tilt mechanism allowing an electronic display to be positioned at positive and negative tilt angles within the range of tilt angles. Methods of using a tilt mechanism. |
| US09371954B2 |
Work bench frame
A work bench including a frame foldable between an in-use position and a closed position. A table surface is connected to the frame. The frame includes two sides, the two sides connected to each other with a latchable bar and one or more fixed crossbars. The work bench also includes movable catch which is movable from a position in which it retains the latchable bar at the latched position to maintain the work bench in an in-use position, and a released position in which the latchable bar is release from the catch to allow the work bench to be folded into a closed position. |
| US09371940B2 |
Adjustable hose holding device and method therefor
A spray nozzle holder has a pole member. A head device is removably attached to a top end of the pole member. The head member has a holding unit. A support rod extends from the holding unit. A mounting rod is removably attached to the top end of the pole member. The support rod is positioned through the mounting rod. A securing device is used for securing the holding unit at different angles. |
| US09371939B2 |
Marine pipeline installation system and methods
A method for installing an accessory onto a pipeline to be laid on the seabed, includes launching the pipeline from a first position of a tower in which the tower is at an angle α with respect to the vertical; stopping the launch of the pipeline, and hanging off the launched pipeline in a hang off module; positioning an accessory in a tower firing line; attaching the accessory to the launched pipeline in the hang off module and to at least one A&R cable; suspending the accessory and the launched pipeline from an A&R system; disengaging the hang off module from the launched pipeline; pivoting the pipeline launch tower to an accessory launch position in which the tower is at an angle γ that differs substantially from angle α, such that a pipeline launch trajectory is created which is large enough to launch the accessory and the launched pipeline with the A&R system. |
| US09371937B2 |
Micro-valve and micro-fluidic device using such
A micro-valve (10) adapted for integration with a micro-fluidic device such as a micro-injector of a chromatograph, the micro-valve having a first substrate (12), a second substrate (14) having microconduits (36,38) and a seating surface (30), and an actuation membrane (16) positioned between the first substrate (12) and the second substrate (14) for opening or closing a fluid path (48) of the micro-valve (10) under a force applied by a mechanism such as a pneumatic or piezoelectric device, wherein said actuation membrane (16) is constructed from a poly(aryl ether ketone). |
| US09371936B2 |
Balanced globe valve assembly
A balanced globe valve assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a cage disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The cage includes a valve seat and at least one port formed therein. The balanced globe valve assembly further includes a valve member disposed within the cage and coupled to the housing. The valve member is movable within the cage between an open position in which the valve member is spaced from the valve seat and a closed position in which the valve member is seated within the valve seat so that the valve member blocks the at least one port. The valve member has a small opening formed therein to balance the valve member. |
| US09371934B2 |
Force multiplying solenoid valve
A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body comprising a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve member disposed within the valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and a fluid chamber above the valve member, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet. The solenoid actuated valve assembly further includes a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body comprising a solenoid plunger proximate the fluid chamber, wherein a force multiplying ratio of a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber is at least 1.5:1. |
| US09371930B2 |
Fluid control valve
An object of this invention is both to prevent contamination of a fluid passing a fluid control valve and to prevent a tilt of a valve body in a moving direction and vibration of the valve body. The fluid control valve comprises a valve body that is arranged on an inner surface of a valve chest through a predetermined space in the valve chest and that is arranged on a valve seat arranged in the valve chest in a detachable manner, an actuator that biases the valve body in a direction of opening the valve, a valve body return spring that biases the valve body in a direction of closing the valve, and a tilt restraining spring that biases the valve body in a direction of resolving a tilt of the valve body to an open/close direction. |
| US09371927B1 |
Pressure relief valve
An inlet port provides a fluid entrance to a body. A chamber has an inner surface. An outlet port is in fluid communication with the chamber and provides a fluid exit from the body. The piston is moveable within the chamber between a first set position, in which the inlet port is not in fluid communication with the outlet port, and a second open position, in which the inlet port is in fluid communication with the outlet port through the chamber. A seal guard is slidably disposed within the chamber. The seal guard is moveable between a first seal-guard position and a second seal-guard position in which the seal guard shields the seal. The seal guard is in the first seal-guard position when the piston is in its first set position and in the second seal-guard position when the piston is in its second open position. |
| US09371923B2 |
Magnetic valve assembly
A valve assembly comprises a sealed container connected to a hot water supply line and a cold water supply line. The sealed container has an outlet for supplying at least one of hot water or cold water to a faucet. A valve mechanism is located inside the sealed container comprising a stationary mixing part and a moveable mixing part. A magnetic coupling adapter has a first magnetic structure located outside of a wall of the sealed container. A first magnetic structure is made of a first magnetizable material having a first plurality of first printed maxels having a first polarity pattern. A second magnetic structure located inside the wall of the sealed container is made of a second magnetizable material having a second plurality of second printed maxels having a second polarity pattern that is complementary to the first polarity pattern. The first magnetic structure and second magnetic structure are magnetically coupled across the wall of the sealed container. A first adapter interface component located outside of the wall of the sealed container is associated with the first magnetic structure. A second adapter interface component located inside the wall of the sealed container is associated with the second magnetic structure and the moveable mixing part. A movement control mechanism includes a moveable handle associated with the first adapter interface, which is configured to control a movement of the magnetic coupling adapter and thereby a movement of the moveable mixing part to control flow and mixing of the hot and cold water. |
| US09371919B2 |
High pressure fluid system
A high pressure fluid system including enhanced safety, maintenance and servicing features. The system can include a CAM assembly module, having a valve seat assembly, seal cartridge assembly and inlet manifold, that is easily installed in and removed from a frame and/discharge manifold as a single unit. A discharge manifold can isolate different pressure rated passageways of the system, and multiple rupture discs associated with the same. A discharge manifold end plate can be included to provide ease of repair of discharge outlets and to establish a plumbing system for the rupture discs. A quick coupler can facilitate connection between a plunger of the seal cartridge assembly and a cross head stub connected to a power frame. A lubrication valve assembly can provide and meter lubrication from a high pressure inlet source to a plunger and packing of the seal cartridge assembly. |
| US09371916B2 |
Segmented valve packing gland
A packing gland for a valve wherein the packing gland includes a top portion for receiving a gate. The packing gland includes first and second longitudinal sections of packing material for sealing the gate. In addition, the packing gland includes first and second stuffer elements located adjacent the first and second longitudinal portions. The packing gland also includes a plurality of clamp elements located adjacent the first and second stuffer elements, wherein the clamp elements provide pressure on selected portions of the first and second stuffer elements to compress corresponding selected portions of the first and second longitudinal sections of packing material. |
| US09371914B2 |
Pressurized fluid cylinders
A gas cylinder (100) in the neck (20) of which is installed a balanced valve (26). The valve is fitted in the outlet of the cylinder and its output emerges into a recess (22) which opens to the top surface (23) of the cylinder. Thus the valve is protected from physical damage. A thread (27) in the bore enables the attachment of fittings such as a regulator or a filling device (not shown) which cooperate with the valve (26) to control passage of gas from or into the cylinder. |
| US09371911B2 |
Reciprocating sealing device
In a reciprocating sealing device sealing two members by mounting a packing to a mounting groove in one of two relatively reciprocating members, and bringing the packing into contact with the other member, the packing is provided with an annular base part, a stationary side lip, and a sliding side lip. A back ring having a lower hardness than the packing is interposed between the annular base part and a groove side surface of the mounting groove. The back ring forms a space region in relation to the other member. The annular base part is provided with a shape that the annular base part does not protrude out of an extension of a peripheral surface of the sliding side lip in a free state by forming a cross sectional shape of a heel part into a circular arc shape or a taper shape. |
| US09371908B2 |
Method for controlling the dashboard display of the transmission ratios of an automatic gearbox and related system
A system for controlling a dashboard display of transmission ratios of a motor vehicle, the vehicle including an automatic gearbox and a system for controlling transmission ratios, which receives information relating to unavailable transmission ratios. The system includes a mechanism controlling the display of the transmission ratio on the dashboard, and a mechanism controlling the display of unavailability of the transmission ratio displayed on the dashboard. |
| US09371907B2 |
Shift rail inhibitor mechansim for a transmission
An inhibitor mechanism may include at least one first primary interlocking element and at least one second primary interlocking element each configured to selectively engage with a shift rail in at least one cavity of the shift rail to inhibit the axial movement of the respective shift rail. The inhibitor mechanism may also include at least one secondary interlocking element in contact with the at least one first primary interlocking element, and may be configured to selectively engage with another shift rail in the at least one cavity to inhibit the axial movement of that shift rail. Only one of the primary interlocking elements and the at least one secondary interlocking element may be movable to outside of the at least one cavity of the respective shift rail at one time such that only that respective shift rail is movable in the axial direction. |
| US09371905B2 |
Gear shift control apparatus for vehicle
A torque sharing rate is set as a constraint of a motion equation of an automatic transmission by using a gear shift model in which gear shift target values are set by two values of a torque on a rotating member on an output shaft side and a rotation speed variation of a rotating member on an input shaft side. In addition, a first gear shift according to the gear shift control and a second gear shift that uses a gear shift model in which the gear shift target value is set using only the velocity variation of the rotating member on the input shaft side to enable a speedier gear shift than the first gear shift are selectively executed. |
| US09371904B2 |
Shift control method for DCT vehicle
A shift control method for a dual clutch transmission (DCT) vehicle may include determining whether power-on downshift is initiated, determining a progress degree of a shift process if the power-on downshift is initiated, determining a difference in the number of shift stages between a target shift stage and a current shift stage according to the determined progress degree of the shift process, and selecting and performing one of downshifts (e.g., other shaft full-skip power-on downshift, same shaft power-on downshift, and other shaft power-on downshift) according to the progress degree of the shift process and the shift stage number difference. |
| US09371900B2 |
Hollow strain wave gearing
A first shaft end of a hollow shaft of a hollow strain wave gearing is supported by a first support bearing with a collar interposed therebetween which is mounted to the outer-circumferential surface of the first shaft end. A second shaft end on the other end of the hollow shaft is supported by a second support bearing. A wave plug of a wave generator is integrally formed with the hollow shaft, and a wave bearing is mounted on the elliptical outer-circumferential surface thereof from the first-shaft-end side. It is possible to use a first support bearing having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first shaft end as the first support bearing for supporting the first shaft end. |
| US09371899B2 |
Harmonic drive assembly with selective disconnect and reconnect
A selectively disconnectable and reconnectable harmonic drive assembly of a rotary actuator is provided. The drive assembly includes a harmonic wave generator configured to rotate and disconnect and reconnect a harmonic drive of the actuator by moving radially inward to allow the disconnect of a flex spline from a ring gear and radially outward to allow the reconnect of the flex spline to the ring gear. With respect to the disconnect, roller bearings and a disconnect spring are configured to push the wave generator axially when a solenoid is activated, allowing the roller bearings to move radially inward. This movement releases an outward force on the flex spline, disconnecting the flex spline from the ring gear. The solenoid is deactivated so that a ball-lock sleeve is forced axially by a ball-lock-sleeve-return spring, and ball bearings are forced radially into a groove in a locked “disconnect” position. |
| US09371897B2 |
Drive apparatus or system
The drive system comprises a drive unit. The drive unit comprises a motor unit and a gear train coupled to the motor unit. The gear train comprises a differential planetary gear system having a single input shaft connected to the motor unit. The differential planetary gear system further has at least two output shafts of which each output shaft is arranged for driving a drive shaft. The differential planetary gear system comprises at least two single planetary gear sets. |
| US09371895B2 |
Linear electro-mechanical actuator with built-in anti-rotation
A linear electro-mechanical actuator, includes a containment structure (2), one or two pushers facing each other (7), a nut (5) rotatable about an axis (X) driven by a driving force, a screw shaft (6) inserted in the nut (5), connected to the pushers and interconnected with the nut (5) via a helical recirculating ball coupling (5a, 6a), and an anti-rotation mechanism (8) acting on the screw shaft (6) to prevent the screw shaft (6) from rotating about the axis (X). The anti-rotation mechanism (8) includes a pair of fixed guide bars (9), coupled in a sliding fashion with the screw shaft (6) and extending along a direction parallel to the axis (X) and spaced from the axis (X). |
| US09371894B2 |
Continuously variable transmissions and methods therefor
Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting, traction planets and traction rings are described. In one embodiment, a variator is coupled to a rangebox to provide multiple operating modes. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the variator and the rangebox. Shift-cam-and-sun subassemblies can be used to facilitate shifting of the transmission ratio of a CVT. A transmission housing and bell housing can be adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Related devices include, for example, a pivot arm, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, a pivot pin hub, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. |
| US09371890B2 |
Transmission group for vehicles and vehicle provided with such transmission group
Transmission group for vehicles comprising an engine provided with at least one engaging device, arranged between transmission gears and mobile between a first rest position, wherein the transmission gears are mutually integral and both in mesh with a transmission shaft, and a second working position wherein the first gear is in mesh with the transmission shaft and the second gear is unconstrained both with respect to the transmission shaft and with respect to the gear, provided for being means for actuating of the engage device, wherein the engine, the output gear and an output shaft are integrated in a first module fixed to the vehicle and that the transmission shaft, the transmission gears, the engage device and the actuating means thereof are integrated in a second module independent and demountable with respect to the first module. |
| US09371889B2 |
Mechanism for generating an orbital motion or a rotation motion by inversing a drive direction of a drive unit
A mechanism for switching a sample holder (14, 40) accommodating a fluidic sample (38) between an orbital motion mode for sample mixing, particularly for shaking, and a rotary motion mode for sample separation, particularly for centrifuging, wherein the mechanism comprises a gear element (11) being drivable by a drive unit (42) to move selectively in a first direction (A) or in a second direction (B) being inverse to the first direction (A), an orbital motion generator (2 to 5) configured for generating an orbital motion of the sample holder (14, 40) when being operated in the orbital motion mode, a rotary motion generator (2, 4, 5) configured for generating a rotary motion of the sample holder (14, 40) when being operated in the rotary motion mode, and a one-way clutch arrangement (12, 13) configured for selectively coupling the gear element (11) with the orbital motion generator (2 to 5) to transfer a driving force from the gear element (11) to the orbital motion generator (2 to 5) for generating the orbital motion when the gear element (11) is driven in the first direction (A) and to freewheel when the gear element (11) is driven in the second direction (B) or coupling the gear element (11) with the rotary motion generator (2, 4, 5) to transfer a driving force from the gear element (11) to the rotary motion generator (2, 4, 5) for generating the rotary motion when the gear element (11) is driven in the second direction (B) and to freewheel when the gear element (11) is driven in the first direction (A). |
| US09371886B2 |
Dual mass flywheel
A dual mass flywheel includes a first arcspring and a second arcspring being symmetrically mounted along an inner circumference of a primary cover connected to a crankshaft, a flange being inserted into the primary cover and including a first compressor and a second compressor formed therein, which contact the first arcspring and the second arcspring, respectively, a first stopper and a second stopper configured to support the first arcspring or the second arcspring and being formed on the inner circumference of the primary cover, and a first guide shell and a second guide shell disposed on the inner circumference of the primary cover, guide deformation of the first arcspring or the second arcspring in a radial direction, and including a friction inductor that contacts the first compressor or the second compressor. |
| US09371884B2 |
Electromagnetic vibration suppression device and electromagnetic vibration suppression program
The electromagnetic vibration suppression device includes a plurality of electromagnet pairs arranged in the width direction of a steel plate and which suppresses vibration of the steel plate running between electromagnets in each electromagnet pair using a control unit. The pseudo displacement calculation means calculates a pseudo displacement amount for the steel plate on the basis of the switching between ON and OFF of a sensor attached to the electromagnet pairs. The pseudo edge position calculation means calculates a pseudo edge position for the steel plate on the basis of the pseudo displacement amount. The current amount control means individually controls the amount of current that flows to the electromagnets on the basis of the pseudo edge position. |
| US09371883B2 |
Inertial terrain transit event manager apparatus
The present invention is a networkable, peripherally valved hydraulic shock absorber and damper apparatus which is a substantial improvement and major advance over the shock absorber and damping systems conventionally known to date. The apparatus employs an elevated viscosity hydraulic fluid as a damping medium; and presents a unique structural arrangement that utilizes peripheral valving to shunt a high viscosity hydraulic fluid between the peripheral edges of the piston mechanism and the cylinder wall. |
| US09371882B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is provided having a housing, an inner tube, a piston rod, a piston which divides the interior of the inner tube into a lower chamber and an upper chamber, a first valve arrangement on the piston, a second valve arrangement at the upper end of the inner tube, and a third valve arrangement at the lower end of the inner tube. The shock absorber includes a first connection element on the lower chamber of the inner tube and a second connection element on the upper chamber of the inner tube, to connect a means for controlling the flow resistance of the working medium in the first valve arrangement and an ascending pipe which projects into the working medium received in the housing and by which working medium can be transferred from the housing acting as a tank into the upper chamber of the inner tube. |
| US09371878B2 |
Apparatus for variable shock absorption
An apparatus for variable shock absorption is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of elastic members that cross each other and a first support that has both ends coupled to predetermined first ends of the elastic members. A second support faces the first support and has oblong grooves in which second ends of the elastic members are inserted to slide in opposite directions. When an external force is applied to the first support or the second support, the distance between the first support and the second support changes and the angle formed by the pair of elastic members changes based on the change of the distance between the supports. |
| US09371877B2 |
Spring and system
A spring includes at least one spring portion that extends over an arc of at least 90° when projected onto a cross-sectional area perpendicular to a force direction of the spring in an unloaded condition thereof. The spring portion has an elliptical shape in the projection. A system including one or more springs is also described. |
| US09371876B2 |
Systems and methods for brake systems with engagement sensing
Present embodiments relate generally to brake systems, and more specifically, to caliper-based brake systems. In an embodiment, a method includes electrifying at least a portion of a first inner surface of a first brake block with a first potential. The method also includes electrifying at least a portion of a second inner surface of a second brake block with a second potential that is different from the first potential. The method includes performing an electrical measurement between the first brake block and the second brake block, wherein the electrical measurement include a voltage measurement, a current measurement, a resistance measurement, a frequency measurement, or a combination thereof. The method further includes determining a position of the first and brake blocks relative to a brake member based on the electrical measurement. |
| US09371874B2 |
Assembly of a caliper body of a disc brake and hub bracket
An Assembly (1) of a fixed caliper and hub bracket (101), comprises a fixed caliper (2) having a first vehicle-side elongated portion (7) that comprises a first disc entry-side tangential end (8) and a second disc exit-side tangential end (9); said portion (7) being suitable for facing an axial inner surface (10) thereof towards a first braking surface (4) of the disc (3); said first portion (7) housing at least one cylinder (11) suitable for receiving a piston; said caliper body (6) also comprises a second wheel-side elongated portion (12) that comprises a first disc entry-side tangential end (14) and a second disc exit-side end (15); said second portion (12) houses at least one cylinder (16); said first and second elongated portions (7, 12) being connected together by at least one bridge (17); said caliper body (6) also comprises at least one first seat (18) arranged in said first vehicle-side elongated portion (7) to receive a first connection element (19) to connect said fixed caliper to a hub bracket (101); said hub bracket (101) making a support for the fixed caliper (2) and comprises a hub bracket body (102) suitable for housing a bearing to support a hub able to be connected to said disc (3) and to a wheel of the vehicle; said hub bracket body (102) comprises at least one fourth seat (103) to receive said first connection element (19) to firmly connect said first vehicle-side elongated portion (7) to said hub bracket body (102); wherein said caliper body (6) comprises at least one second seat (20) to receive a second connection element (21) and that is arranged in said second wheel-side elongated portion (12), and in which said hub bracket body (102) has an arm (104) that from said hub bracket body (102) extends astride of the disc (3) taking a portion of the arm (105) in said wheel-side volume (V2), and in which said portion of the arm arranged on the wheel side (105) has a fifth seat (106) to receive a second connection element (107) for the connection of the caliper body (6) to the hub bracket body (102). |
| US09371872B2 |
Apparatus and method for learning filling parameters for a clutch
A method and a device for calibrating a wet clutch is provided. The clutch comprises a pump, a piston, a proportional valve, a controller, and a pressure sensor. The method comprises the steps of closing the clutch by sending a pressure profile with fill parameters from the controller to the proportional valve, recording a pressure signal of the hydraulic fluid, comparing the pressure profile with the pressure signal, determining whether at least one defined feature is in the pressure signal that is indicative of errors in the fill parameters, and if said feature is determined in the pressure signal, modification of the pressure profile by changing at least one of the fill parameters. |
| US09371868B2 |
Coupling member subassembly for use in controllable coupling assembly and electromechanical apparatus having a pair of simultaneously actuated elements for use in the subassembly
A coupling member subassembly for use in a controllable coupling assembly and an electromechanical apparatus having a pair of simultaneously actuated elements for use in such a subassembly are provided. The apparatus includes a housing, an electromagnetic source having at least one excitation coil surrounded by the housing and a pair of spaced first and second elements. A reciprocating armature is arranged concentrically relative to the at least one excitation coil and is axially movable when the at least one excitation coil is supplied with current. An actuator bridge is mounted for axial reciprocating movement with the armature and is connected to the elements at opposite ends of the bridge to move the elements in unison between first and second positions during axial movement of the armature to control the operating mode of the assembly. |
| US09371867B2 |
Power transmitting apparatus
A power transmitting apparatus which can suppress the rotational vibrations by suppressing rotation of the pressure member relative to the clutch member is provided. The power transmitting apparatus can comprise a clutch housing rotatable together with an input member and a plurality of driving-side clutch discs mounted thereon; a clutch member with a plurality of driven-side clutch discs mounted thereon and interleaved with the driving-side clutch discs; and a pressure member axially movably relative to the clutch member to increase or release the press-contacting force acting on the driving-side clutch discs and the driven-side clutch discs. The power transmitting apparatus can further comprise one or more slide-suppressing members for applying sliding resistance to the pressure member when the pressure member is rotated relative to the clutch member. |
| US09371862B2 |
Bearing assembly and rotary electric machine comprising such a bearing
A bearing assembly for rotatively holding a shaft with respect to a support member and comprises: a bearing, with a rotatable ring and a fixed outer ring to be immobilized within a housing of said support member. An encoder washer is fast in rotation with the rotating ring. At least one sensor is adapted to detect at least one rotation parameter of the encoder washer and a sensor body holds this sensor. An annular flange is used for mounting said sensor body with respect to the fixed outer ring. The annular flange has a first skirt and a second skirt which define, between them and a bottom wall of the flange, an annular recess for accommodating at least a part of the sensor body. In mounted configuration of the bearing assembly, the first and second skirts extend respectively towards the rotatable and fixed rings. |
| US09371852B2 |
Electronic screw and screw torque sensing device
An electronic screw with an electronic torque display is disclosed. The screw includes a body and a torque sensing element. The body has a threading head, a shank connected to the threading head and a recess located on the side wall of the shank. The torque sensing element is disposed in the recess and detected the torque value of the electronic screw. The torque sensing element is electrically connected to the electronic torque display, wherein the electronic torque display displays the torque value that detected from the torque sensing element. |
| US09371851B2 |
Method of forming joint for interconnecting adjacent elements and joint formed thereby
A method of forming a joint for interconnecting adjacent elements comprises providing a first element defining at least one aperture extending from a first edge to a second edge through a thickness of the first element. The method further comprises mating a second element to the first element with the second element overlaying the at least one aperture of the first element at the second edge thereof such that the second element extends through the at least one aperture perpendicular to the first element with an excess portion of the second element extending beyond the first edge of the first element. Finally, the method comprises compressing the excess portion of the second element such that the second element is continuous across the at least one aperture and adjacent the first and second edges of the first element, thereby interlocking the first and second elements and forming the joint. |
| US09371836B2 |
Mixed flow fan assembly
A mixed flow fan assembly uses induced reverse ambient air flow through the in-line motor enclosure for motor cooling, motor segregation from primary exhaust contamination, and augmentation of volumetric flow rate. Induced ambient airflow through openings in and/or around the base of the fan housing balances low pressure around the fan wheel and the inlet cone to inhibit primary exhaust recirculation and increase volumetric flow rate. Straightening vanes downstream of the fan wheel are used to axially reorient radial and tangential velocity components of primary effluent flow. Airfoil impeller blades have a scalloped and/or perforated single-thickness trailing edge to attenuate fan noise. |
| US09371835B2 |
Coupling for directly driven compressor
A coupling to attach an impeller of a compressor to a shaft of an electric motor. The coupling has a coupling body that is attached at a first of the ends thereof to the impeller and at the opposite second end, to the motor shaft. The coupling body has a deformable section between the first and second ends of the coupling body. The deformable section is configured such that under an unbalanced loading exerted against the coupling body upon a failure of the impeller, the deformable section will permanently deform without the ultimate strength of a material forming the coupling body being exceeded and prior to a permanent deformation of the shaft. In such manner, the electric motor is protected from damage upon a failure of the impeller. |
| US09371829B2 |
Pump controller system and method
A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval. |
| US09371828B2 |
External automatic control smart air pump
The present invention provides an external automatic control smart air pump, including a housing, an air blast device and an automatic control mechanism. By setting up the intake nozzle in such way that the second cavity is independently in communication therewith, the actual air pressure inside the inflatable object can be precisely measured. The fine motion switch is controlled with the coordination of the push button, rotating position limiting member, pressing member, air pressure sensing film, first restoring spring and second restoring spring, thereby realizing the auto stop control of the air pump. The structure of the present invention is simple, and the assembling process thereof is convenient. In addition, the present invention can be precisely controlled according to the actual air pressure inside the inflatable object, thereby bringing convenience for the user. |
| US09371826B2 |
Impeller position compensation using field oriented control
A centrifugal pump system having an impeller rotating with first and second magnetic structures on opposite surfaces. A levitation magnetic structure is disposed at a first end of a pump housing having a levitating magnetic field for axially attracting the first magnetic structure. A multiphase magnetic stator at a second end of the pump housing generates a rotating magnetic field for axially and rotationally attracting the second magnetic structure. A commutator circuit provides a plurality of phase voltages to the stator. A sensing circuit determines respective phase currents. A controller calculates successive commanded values for the phase voltages in response to the determined phase currents and a variable commutation angle. The angle is selected to correspond to an axial attractive force of the stator that maintains a levitation of the impeller at a centered position within the pumping chamber. |
| US09371823B2 |
Polymeric actuator, actuator device, method of manufacturing polymeric actuator, and method of manufacturing actuator device
There is provided a polymeric actuator including: a pair of facing portions located so as to face each other; and a folded portion through which one end portions of the pair of facing portions are coupled to each other, wherein the pair of facing portions and the folded portion are composed of an inner electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an outer electrode layer which are laminated in order from an inside. Therefore, the displacements are generated in the pair of facing portions, respectively, to be added to each other, and the displacement is generated in the folded portion as well due to the bending. As a result, the large displacement is generated as a whole. Thus, it is possible to increase the displacement amount after the simplification of the structure is realized. |
| US09371821B2 |
Voltage control for wind turbine generators
A voltage control system for a wind turbine generator may include a reactive power regulator configured to control reactive power production by the wind turbine generator by adjusting a voltage setpoint for the generator. The reactive power regulator may have a first time constant and the voltage setpoint may be defined between an upper limit and a lower limit. The system may also include a voltage limit regulator configured to adjust at least one of the upper limit or the lower limit for the voltage setpoint based on a voltage-related parameter. In addition, the system may include a voltage regulator coupled to the reactive power regulator. The voltage regulator may be configured to control real power production by the wind turbine generator based on the voltage setpoint. The voltage regulator may have a second time constant, wherein the first time constant is numerically greater than the second time constant. |
| US09371820B2 |
Direct drive wind turbine with slip ring
A direct-drive wind turbine includes a tower with a nacelle having a direct-drive generator and a rotatable hub carrying turbine blades, wherein the direct-drive generator comprises an outer stator and an inner rotor and has a first side facing the turbine blades and a second side facing away from the turbine blades. A slip ring at the second side transfers power and/or signals from the nacelle to the rotatable hub being mounted coaxially with the centerline of the direct-drive generator. The slip ring mounts on a first arm. An end of a second arm distal to the slip ring can engages the rotor or a shaft. The assembly of the first arm, slip ring and second arm may be at a first position where the slip ring is aligned with the centerline of the direct drive generator and at a second position to provide access to the hub. |
| US09371816B2 |
Hybrid wave-current power system
A hybrid power system including one or more base members configured to be installed at the seabed, one or more connecting members each coupled to a corresponding base member so as to be slidable in a vertical direction which is perpendicular to a top surface of the corresponding base member, a buoy configured to move in the vertical direction by receiving at least one of the wave force and current force, the buoy coupled to the top of the connecting member to move in conjunction with the one or more connecting members, and a power generation unit configured to generate electricity using vertical movement of the connecting members, the power generation unit installed in at least one of the one or more base members. |
| US09371815B2 |
Turbine with radial inlet and outlet rotor for use in bidirectional flows
The present invention relates to a turbine which can absorb energy from bi-directional reversing flows, as is the case of ocean wave energy converters. In the periphery of the bladed rotor (2) of the turbine there are two openings (5, 6) through which the fluid alternately enters, or exits from, the rotor, the outward flow being radially centrifugal and the inward flow being radially centripetal. The turbine stator comprises two sets of guide vanes (7, 8) for alternately directing the bi-directional reversing flow to, and from, the rotor, and two ducts (9, 12) disposed between the rotor and the guide vanes and extending radially beyond the guide vanes. Two stator arrangements are considered. In both arrangements, the inlet guide vanes deflect the inward flow and impart a circumferential swirl component in the same direction as the normal rotational direction of the rotor. In one of the arrangements, the twin guide vane set (18, 19) is close to the rotor periphery (5, 6) and can be moved axially so that it guides the inward flow into the rotor and does not intersect the outward flow. In the other arrangement, both sets of guide vanes (7, 8) are axially fixed and are radially offset from the rotor. |
| US09371814B2 |
Ignition device for an internal combustion engine and method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine
An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil designed as a transformer, the secondary winding thereof being designed to connect to a spark plug, an actuatable switch element connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a controller connected to the primary winding of the ignition coil and the control input of the switching element. The controller has a voltage converter which provides a supply voltage for the ignition coil at the output thereof and which can be connected to a motor vehicle electrical system voltage, a controllable changeover switch for applying the supply voltage at either positive or negative polarity to the series circuit of the primary winding of the ignition coil and the switching element, depending on a control signal, and a control circuit which generates the control signal based on a phase of the ignition process. |
| US09371810B2 |
Alternator-starter assembly having gear reduction system
An alternator-starter assembly for an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and a drive member operatively connected to the crankshaft. The alternator-starter assembly includes an electric machine, a transmission assembly, and a controller. The electric machine includes a stator and a rotor that is configured for rotation relative to the stator. The transmission assembly includes a first drive shaft operatively connected to the rotor, a second drive shaft operatively connected to the drive member, and a gear assembly operatively connected to the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft. The controller is connected to the electric machine and is configured to operate the electric machine as a generator when the gear assembly is in a first gear configuration and to operate the electric machine as a motor when the gear assembly is in a second gear configuration. |
| US09371797B2 |
Piston ring
To provide a high-thermal-conductivity piston ring having excellent scuffing resistance and wear resistance, which can be used in a high-heat-load environment in engines, a TiN coating as thick as 10-60 μm, in which the texture coefficient of a (220) plane is 1.1-1.8 in X-ray diffraction on the coating surface, larger than those of (111) and (200) planes, is formed under the optimized ion plating conditions on a peripheral surface of the piston ring. Also, to obtain excellent sliding characteristics with low friction without losing excellent thermal conductivity of TiN, a hard amorphous carbon coating is formed on the TiN coating. |
| US09371796B2 |
Combustion control device and method for diesel engine
A diesel engine 100 is provided with a common rail type fuel injection device. A controller 14 controls a common rail pressure and an engine control parameter other than the common rail pressure, respectively, to target values that are determined on the basis of the engine load. The controller 14 corrects the engine control parameter other than the common rail pressure when the common rail pressure does not coincide with the target common rail pressure in a transient state of the diesel engine, thereby preventing an air-fuel ratio in the combustion region from becoming lean. |
| US09371792B2 |
Active tuning system for engine control unit
A method for an engine control unit to update internal tables based on feedback from the engine without external computing, comprising the steps of establishing flash memory and RAM memory in the ECU, assigning a portion of the RAM memory to storage of a table of engine conditions from the flash memory, updating all program code pointers to the table to read the table from the assigned portion of RAM, and revise the table in RAM based on input received from the engine sensors. |
| US09371790B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling fuel injection
Various systems and methods are provided for controlling fuel injection to an engine. In one example, fuel injection timing of a cylinder of the engine is adjusted during a hot engine restart such that a fuel injector is open only when the cylinder pressure is greater than a threshold cylinder pressure. The threshold cylinder pressure may be adjusted responsive to a fuel rail pressure. |
| US09371789B2 |
System and method for a self-adjusting dual fuel gas control
This disclosure provides a system and method that eliminates the need for manually calibrating or adjusting a dual fuel internal combustion engine to compensate for variations in composition of a gaseous fuel or other variations, such as ambient or site conditions. The system and method functions by determining an engine load, determining an advantageous gaseous fuel substitution rate from the engine load and speed in addition to an actual gaseous fuel substitution rate, modifying the advantageous gaseous fuel substitution rate by a minimum liquid fuel flow rate, engine protection parameters, and oxidation catalyst protection parameters, and then determining an error term in response to the modified advantageous gaseous fuel substitution rate and the actual gaseous fuel substitution rate. The error term is used to adjust a gaseous fuel control valve. |
| US09371788B2 |
Vehicle, and method and device for controlling internal combustion engine
A vehicle includes an engine in which an intake valve is provided in each of a plurality of cylinders and an ECU for controlling the engine. An intake valve provided for at least any one of the plurality of cylinders opens when an output shaft of the engine stops. The ECU changes an intake valve which opens when the output shaft of the engine stops, while the vehicle is running. |
| US09371786B2 |
Fuel injected engine system
An engine system may include a fuel and air supply circuit and an exhaust circuit, a temperature sensor mounted on an exterior of the engine and an oxygen sensor located in the exhaust circuit. The fuel and air supply circuit may include a throttle body mounted on the engine and having a throttle valve to control the flow rate of air delivered to the engine, a fuel injector carried by the throttle body to deliver fuel to the engine and a fuel rail carried by at least one of the throttle body and the fuel injector and having an input to receive a supply of fuel and an outlet through which fuel is routed to the fuel injector. An engine control unit may be communicated with these components to control the fuel and air mixture provided to the engine as a function of the temperature and oxygen sensor outputs. |
| US09371781B2 |
NOX adjustment control with internal and external exhaust gas recirculation
A method for reducing a nitrogen oxide emission in a diesel engine. The method can include taking at least one exhaust gas of an in engine combustion in a combustion chamber and: segmenting a first portion of exhaust gas enters as an internal exhaust gas recirculation from the combustion chamber of the diesel engine via an outlet valve associated with the combustion chamber, and is recirculated, via the outlet valve, from the subsequent exhaust gas tract, into the combustion chamber of the diesel engine; segmenting a second portion of exhaust gas remains in the combustion chamber and is not expelled; and segmenting a third portion of exhaust gas is recirculated as external exhaust gas recirculation via an exhaust gas recirculation valve into the combustion chamber. |
| US09371778B2 |
Engine casing of an aircraft gas turbine having sound-absorbing elements in the fan inflow region
The present invention relates to an engine casing of an aircraft gas turbine having a radially inner honeycomb-structured layer arranged on the engine casing in the flow direction upstream of a fan in the area of an inflow-side air inlet, characterized in that sound-absorbing elements are arranged radially outside at least one axial section of the honeycomb-structured layer, said elements extending in the axial direction and being arranged annularly next to one another in the circumferential direction. |
| US09371771B2 |
Precombustion chamber for gas engine
Disclosed herein is a precombustion chamber structure for a gas engine. The precombustion chamber structure is configured to facilitate disassembly of a precombustion chamber tip, thus making maintenance, repair or inspection of the precombustion chamber easy. For this, the precombustion chamber structure includes: a body (110) having a main body (111), a water jacket (112) and a precombustion chamber tip (113); and a spark plug (120) for igniting fuel gas injected into the precombustion chamber (114) formed in the body (110). The precombustion chamber structure ignites fuel gas and supplies the ignited fuel gas into a main combustion chamber. A tool insert groove (1131) is formed in the junction between the precombustion chamber tip and the water jacket. The tool insert groove (1131) allows a tool for disassembly to be inserted into a space between the precombustion chamber tip and the water jacket. |
| US09371769B2 |
Engine equipped with secondary air supply device
An engine equipped with a secondary air supply device where a cylinder extends obliquely to define a space therebeneath, which includes: a cooling fan disposed laterally of the cylinder; a carburetor disposed closer to the space than the cooling fan; an exhaust muffler disposed opposite from the carburetor with the cylinder interposed therebetween and in communication with a cylinder head via an exhaust pipe; a secondary air introduction pipe connected to the exhaust pipe and extending from the exhaust pipe to the space so that its inlet end portion is located in the space; an intake nozzle provided in communication with the inlet end portion of the introduction pipe and having an opening portion that opens in an opposite direction from the cooling fan; and a partition wall disposed between the opening portion of the intake nozzle and the carburetor. |
| US09371764B2 |
After-treatment component
An after-treatment component for receiving an exhaust stream from an internal combustion engine comprises a vessel having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section. The vessel defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with an inlet diffuser disposed within the vessel. The inlet diffuser is in fluid communication with the inlet port and with a diesel oxidation catalyst disposed within the vessel. The diesel oxidation catalyst is in fluid communication with the inlet diffuser and with a transfer duct. The transfer duct is in fluid communication with the diesel oxidation catalyst and with an intermediate diffuser disposed within the vessel. The intermediate diffuser is in fluid communication with the transfer duct and with a catalyzed filter disposed within the vessel. The catalyzed filter is in fluid communication with the intermediate diffuser and with the outlet port. |
| US09371763B2 |
Method of operating an exhaust gas treatment system to prevent quenching during regeneration
A method of controlling an exhaust gas treatment system of a vehicle includes detecting a request to regenerate a particulate filter, and injecting hydrocarbons at an injection rate into a flow of exhaust gas upstream of an oxidation catalyst to heat the oxidation catalyst. The injection rate is increased at a current acceleration rate, and the current acceleration rate is reduced to define a reduced acceleration rate when the oxidation catalyst is quenched. |
| US09371761B2 |
Electric heating catalyst
The present invention is intended to achieve improvement in an exhaust gas purification rate as well as suppression of breakage or damage of a heater element in an electric heating catalyst (EHC), by causing the heater element to generate heat in a more suitable manner. In an EHC according to the present invention, a pair of surface electrodes (7a) are formed in such a manner that they extend spirally from one end toward the other end of a heater element (3), which is formed into a cylindrical shape, along an outer circumferential surface of the heater element (3), and mutually cross each other while sandwiching the heater element (3) therebetween. Moreover, the width in each of the surface electrodes (7a) in the vicinity of their ends which are in contact with circumferences of end faces of the heater element (3) is enlarged. |
| US09371760B2 |
Method for operating an exhaust-gas treatment device having a heater and motor vehicle having the device
A method for operating an exhaust gas treatment device including an electric heater for heating an exhaust gas flow in the exhaust gas treatment device and/or a surface in the exhaust gas treatment device and a feed point for feeding an additive into the exhaust gas treatment device to impinge upon the electric heater, includes supplying additives to the feed point, determining an operational state of the exhaust gas treatment device, in which deposits can impinge upon the electric heater, using at least one state variable, determining a cycle frequency in dependence on the operating state when the operating state lies in a predetermined operating state range, and cyclically activating and deactivating the electric heater using the determined cycle frequency when the determined operating state lies in the predetermined operating state range. A motor vehicle having the exhaust-gas treatment device is also provided. |
| US09371759B2 |
Method and device for determining the concentration of aerosols in hot gases, particularly in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines
For a method for determining the concentration of aerosols in hot gases, particularly in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, the removal of volatile and semi-volatile particles by heating the exhaust gas is provided, as well as the measurement of the concentration of the aerosols, optionally in a partial flow of an optionally diluted exhaust gas flow.In order to enable precise measurements of the aerosol concentration in the exhaust gas with lower energy consumption, the exhaust gas is divided in a first stage into two partial flows, both of which are heated, with one of the partial flows being filtered at least once, preferably before heating, and the two partial flows are subsequently recombined. In a second stage, the exhaust gas is again divided into two partial flows, with one of the partial flows being heated even further than in the first stage, and with the other partial flow being filtered at least once. The two partial flows are subsequently recombined, and the concentration measurement is performed on the combined total flow. |
| US09371742B2 |
Set of rotor disks for a turbine engine
A set of rotor disks for a turbine engine, or an airplane turboprop or turbojet, the set including disks rigidly connected together by bolts and shaped at their outer peripheries with slots for mounting blade roots. Each disk includes a rim extending radially and not having any axial flanges, two consecutive disks being connected together with help of an axially-extending ferrule that is fastened to the rims of the disks and that is fitted with a holder plate for holding the blade roots of the downstream disk. |
| US09371732B2 |
Internal combustion engines
An internal combustion engine includes a chamber and inlet valving operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into the chamber for combustion therein to provide a pressure increase in the chamber. First input valving admits a liquid into the chamber and a control system controls the first input valving such that the liquid is admitted to the chamber to compress at least one constituent of the combustible mixture. Outlet valving releases an outflow of the liquid from the chamber under an influence of the pressure increase as an energy output of the chamber. Second input valving selectively admits a heated aqueous fluid into a region of the chamber in which combustion of the combustible mixture occurs to promote a hydrogen separation process in the chamber to provide hydrogen that is combusted in the chamber. A supply system supplies the heated aqueous fluid to the second input valving. |
| US09371725B2 |
Boring tool tracking fundamentally based on drill string length, pitch and roll
A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool. |
| US09371723B2 |
Rapid deployment frac water transfer system
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for rapid deployment and retrieval of a frac water transfer system. |
| US09371721B2 |
Subsurface well systems with multiple drain wells extending from production well and methods for use thereof
Drain wells can be used to direct a fluid to a central production well in a subsurface well system. Subsurface well systems can include a production well extending from the earth's surface, a collection region having a fluid connection to the production well and either being contiguous with the production well or comprising a collection well that intersects or is in fluid communication with the production well, and at least one branched drain well extending laterally from the production well and including one or more branches that extend from the at least one branched drain well, wherein at least one of the one or more branches intersects or is in fluid communication with the collection region. |
| US09371718B2 |
Milling well casing using electromagnetic pulse
An electromagnetic perforation device for well casings includes a coil disposed around a core carried by a mandrel. The device further includes a power supply coupled to a current supply device, which is coupled to said coil. A stabilizing member extends from the mandrel and spaced apart on the mandrel from the coil core. The electromagnetic perforation device may be positioned in a well casing, and the current supply device may rapidly supply a current to the coil to created an electromagnetic field in the coil and simultaneously induces a magnetic field in the well casing. The coil, current, and well casing may be selected such that electromagnetic field and the magnetic field produce repulsive magnetic forces that are sufficient to overcome a yield strength of the well casing and perforate the well casing. |
| US09371716B2 |
Self-extendable hydraulic wellbore cleaning tool
The present disclosure provides techniques for a self-extendable hydraulic wellbore cleaning tool. The cleaning tool includes one or more extending nozzles which eject cleaning fluid onto the walls of a wellbore with increased impact momentum due to the shorter range. The extending nozzles can extend from the cleaning tool to a distance away from the cleaning tool, bringing the point of ejection closed to the walls of the wellbore. In certain example embodiments, the cleaning tool also includes one or more flow guides which direct the flow of cleaning fluid ejected from the nozzles. The flow guides cause the cleaning fluid to rotate when ejected from the nozzles, and causes the cleaning fluid to impact the walls of the wellbore at an angle. |
| US09371715B2 |
Downhole extending ports
A method and apparatus for centering and engaging a casing against a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a valve body locatable in-line with the casing the valve body having an outer casing extending between first and second ends and a central passage therethrough, and at least one radially movable body extending therethrough. Each radially movable body has an aperture therethrough so as to permit an exterior of the valve body and the central passage to be in fluidic communication with each other. The apparatus further comprises a cylinder and a piston therein operable connected to the radially movable body in selective fluidic communication with the central passage. The method comprises locating the valve body in line with a wellbore casing, pressurizing the casing with a pressurizing fluid and transmitting the pressurizing fluid the cylinder so as to displace a piston located therein and extend the radially movable body. |
| US09371714B2 |
Downhole smart control system
A wellbore insert comprises a housing that further comprises an inner annulus and one or more ports dimensioned and configured to provide a fluid pathway between the inner annulus of the housing and the outer surface of the housing. A selectively movable port seal, operable via a port seal mover, is dimensioned and configured to selectively occlude or open these ports. A movable plug, controlled by a plug mover, operates within the housing to selectively permit or occlude fluid flow within the housing. A power supply and a detector are typically present within the housing. An individually addressable electronic control module is operable to effect a change in the position of the selectively movable port seal and/or the movable plug. The wellbore insert can be used for downhole operations such as frac operations. |
| US09371713B2 |
Plug sensor
The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring physical parameters in an oil and/or gas well, the apparatus being connectable to a wellhead of the oil and/or gas well. The apparatus comprises a flange assembly configured with a through bore and an end termination, in which through bore a sensor and associated electronics are arranged. The sensor, including a first electronic circuitry, is connected to a second electronic circuitry via transmission devices that are passed through a pressure-tight element arranged in the through bore. The invention also relates to a wellhead for use with an oil and/or gas well with a plurality of casings defining a plurality of annili. The wellhead is configured with a plurality of through-holes, each leading into a respective annulus of the well, and each through-hole is connected to an apparatus as mentioned above. |
| US09371712B2 |
Cement set activators for set-delayed cement compositions and associated methods
Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. In one embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation is described. The method may comprise providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, and a set retarder; activating the set-delayed cement composition with a liquid additive to produce an activated cement composition, wherein the liquid additive comprises a monovalent salt, a polyphosphate, a dispersant, and water; and allowing the activated cement composition to set. |
| US09371711B2 |
Test packer and method for use
A downhole tool having a throughbore is disclosed for use in a tubular located in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a sealing element configured to seal an annulus between the downhole tool and an inner wall of the tubular; at least one flow path formed in the downhole tool, wherein the flow path is configured to allow fluids in the annulus to flow past the sealing element when the sealing element is in a sealed position; and at least one valve in fluid communication with the flow path and configured to allow the fluids to flow through the flow path in a first direction while preventing the fluids from flowing through the flow path in a second direction. A guard may be installed proximate anchor elements. The guard extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the anchor elements when the anchor elements are in a retracted position. |
| US09371710B2 |
Fluid minotiring and flow characterization
A wireline logging tool and method for fluid monitoring and flow characterization in individual zones of controlled salinity is disclosed. The tool and method advantageously facilitate zone-specific testing. Sets of packers are used to create hydraulically distinct zones proximate to the tool. Coiled tubing and isolation valves are used to selectively introduce and remove an electrically conductive fluid such as brine to and from a selected zone. Individual sensors are disposed near each zone to make zone-specific measurements while fluid properties are changed, e.g., while salinity is changed to cause salinity fronts in the formation. |
| US09371707B1 |
Transportable separator for separating particulate matter from a mixture containing oil, water, and particulate matter
A transportable separator for separating particulate matter from wellbore fluid having a portable separation system and a hydrodynamic jetted gas separator. The portable separation system having a particulate fluid separation chamber fluidly engaging a variable speed screw conveyor for conveying particulate matter forming particle free fluid, a skim chamber removing oil from particle free fluid, a water leg compartment with an adjustable water leg adjusting a level of fluid in the skim chamber, and an oil settling compartment receiving the oil from the skim chamber, and recycling basic sediment and water. |
| US09371706B2 |
Gripping dies for continuous coiled rod injectors and fabrication and use methods relating to same
Gripper dies for a continuous coiled rod injector are machined from a single, unitary, integral steel body forming both the base portion for connection to the injector drive chain and the gripping portion for engagement of the continuous coiled rod. Curved transitions are provided between ends of a gripping portion of the die and a profiled gripping face thereof, which features an arcuate surface and diverging planar surfaces extending therefrom to accommodate varying sizes of round and elliptical rod. |
| US09371702B2 |
Well tubings with polymer liners
The invention relates to well tubings, in particular oil well tubings, having an improved resistance to abrasion and corrosion. A well tubing comprises a plurality of tubing sections each having a bore and an inside diameter, wherein at least part of the tubing sections has polymer liners disposed within said bore of said tubing section, characterized in that said polymer liners are comprised of crosslinked polyethylene. |
| US09371701B2 |
Rotational drill bits and drilling apparatuses including the same
A roof-bolt drill bit includes a bit body rotatable about a central axis and at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The bit body has a forward end, a rearward end axially opposite the forward end, and an internal passage defined within the bit body, with the internal passage extending from a rearward opening defined in the rearward end of the bit body through at least a portion of the bit body. The at least one cutting element includes a cutting face, a cutting edge adjacent the cutting face, and a back surface spaced away from the cutting face, the back surface being mounted to the bit body. An opening defined in the bit body is positioned adjacent to the back surface of the at least one cutting element. |
| US09371698B2 |
Subsurface formation cutter
The present invention is a subsurface formation cutter for directional cutting into a subterranean formation. The subsurface formation cutter includes a transmission unit, a cutter bit, a bit brace, and a ram unit. The transmission unit has a driver shaft operatively connected to a bottom hole assembly. The cutter bit has a connector member, a cutter body rotatably coupled to the connector member, and a bit shaft connected to the cutter body. The bit shaft is operatively coupled to the driver shaft of the transmission unit. The ram unit has a moveable ram shaft connected to a traveling member. The bit brace is pivotably connected to the connector member and the traveling member. A connection member is attaches the ram unit to the transmission unit, and is configured to receive and guide the traveling member to travel in a direction parallel with a longitudinal axis of the subsurface formation cutter. |
| US09371697B2 |
Apparatus and method for data transmission from a rotating control device
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device. In one aspect, a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. The method includes the step of generating data relating to a parameter associated with the rotating control device. The method further includes the step of transmitting the data from a transmitting assembly coupled to the rotating control device to a receiving assembly positioned proximate the transmitting assembly. Additionally, the method includes the step of transmitting the data from the receiving assembly to the offshore drilling unit. In another aspect, a data gathering and transmitting system for use with a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. In a further aspect, a method for transmitting data generated in a rotating control device coupled to a riser is provided. |
| US09371696B2 |
Apparatus and method for drilling deviated wellbores that utilizes an internally tilted drive shaft in a drilling assembly
In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a tool having a rotating member adapted to be coupled to a drill bit and a steering device that includes a force application device that tilts the drive member and a rotational drive that maintains the force application device geostationary. |
| US09371689B2 |
Blind system
A blind system, including a screen with one end secured to a bar; and a guide track on opposite edges of said screen, each said guide track having a single rigid longitudinal body defining a guide channel with discrete parallel first and second channel portions; wherein, said screen has a edge portion extending through the second channel portion, a slit formed along said body, and into said first channel portion, for guiding the movement of said screen along said slit and for resisting separation of said edge portion from said first channel portion, and wherein said bar has an end portion adapted for movement only within said second channel portion for guiding said bar to move along said body. |
| US09371686B2 |
Actuator for driving a blind with adjustable slats and blind comprising such an actuator
An actuator (2) for driving a blind with adjustable slats, the actuator including a housing (20) inside which a motor (22) is installed, the motor driving a first output shaft (21) that projects on either side of the housing (20), characterised in that the actuator further includes a second output shaft (23) of which the axis of rotation (X23) is parallel to and not coinciding with that of the first output shaft (21) and controlled coupling elements (26) making it possible to selectively transmit a rotational movement from the first output shaft (21) to the second output shaft (23), and in that the second output shaft (23) projects on either side of the housing (20). |
| US09371679B2 |
Structure for fixing foreign object detection sensor and foreign object detection apparatus having the structure
In a structure for fixing a foreign object detection sensor, a foreign object detection sensor, which detects a foreign object by being elastically deformed by external force applied by the foreign object detection, is fixed to a plastic bracket. A support portion projects from the outer peripheral surface of the foreign object detection sensor. The bracket has a penetration portion through which the support portion is passed. The foreign object detection sensor and the support portion inserted through the penetration portion clamp the bracket from opposite sides of the extending direction of the penetration portion. |
| US09371675B2 |
Rotary damper and hinge device with damper
A rotary damper has a damper body having a receiving portion, and a rotor rotatably disposed in the receiving portion of the damper body. A space between an inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion and an outer circumferential surface of the rotor is divided into a plurality of pressure chambers. A rotation speed of the rotor is controlled to be at a low speed by a flow resistance of fluid filled in each of the pressure chambers when the fluid flows through gaps between an inner surface of the receiving portion and an outer surface of the rotor opposed to each other in a direction of a rotation axis of the rotor. The damper body and the rotor are relatively movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotor. |
| US09371673B2 |
Deadbolt lock
A lock consists of an elongated track which is attached to the panel of a door. A slider runs in the track from a retracted position in which the slider is spaced apart from the knob which operates the deadbolt to an engaged position in which the slider is in contact with the knob and prevents it from turning. The slider can be locked in that position by means of a locking pin. The pin may also be used to immobilizes the slider in the retracted position. |
| US09371670B2 |
Locking system
The invention relates to a locking system, in particular motor vehicle door lock, with at least one lever (1), and with a position-securing unit (5, 6, 7, 8) for the lever (1), wherein the position-securing unit (5, 6, 7, 8) has at least one spring element (5) and is designed for defining at least one stable position (E) of the lever (1), wherein the spring element (5) reaches through the lever (1) in the region of an opening (8), and wherein the opening (8) permits pivoting movements of the lever (1) in relation to the spring element (5) within a predetermined pivoting angle range (9). |
| US09371667B2 |
Combination lock with rotary latch
A combination lock is provided, the combination lock having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane; and a bolt configured for movement between a first position and a second position along a second plane the second plane being oriented at a different location than the first plane, the bolt engaging the rotary latch in the first position such that rotation of the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented. |
| US09371662B1 |
Variable height telescoping lattice tower
A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section. |
| US09371658B2 |
Load indicating washer
A load indicating washer, or tension washer, for visually indicating pre-determined magnitudes of tension force in a tension tie member. The tension washer comprises a body portion with a deformable, curved annular flange member depending from the body portion. When the tension washer is compressed against a flat bearing surface, the flange member deforms to produce a visual or color indication of the magnitude of load in the tie member. |
| US09371657B2 |
Working device with stationary boom and rotary head
A working device has a base designed as a stationary support column, a motor-driven rotary head and a stack of arms made up of several mast arms which can be moved with respect to each other in pairs, using articulated or sliding joints, supporting a concrete transport line. The stack of arms is articulated on the rotary head about a horizontal rotational axis by a first mast arm. The working device also includes a control mechanism which can be actuated by a control element or a radio path and which is arranged in a control box, and a hydraulic assembly including an oil tank and a motor-driven hydraulic pump for controlling working groups for moving the rotary head and mast arm. A working platform fixed with respect to the base is arranged in the region of the bearing block for emergency operations. In order to ensure that the components required for actuating the stack of arms are not in the way of the engine in the event of an emergency operation, the control box with the control mechanism and the hydraulic assembly with the oil tank and hydraulic pump are arranged on the rotary head above the bearing block. |
| US09371652B2 |
Shifting roll awning with drive mechanism
Various embodiments of a shifting awning roll with drive mechanism are taught wherein the drive mechanism may be utilized in manual or automated modes to extend or retract the awning. Additionally, the awning uses a lighter weight design than prior art awnings and further operates with the drive to tolerate axial misalignment during extension, retraction or height adjustment. |
| US09371651B2 |
Systems and methods for robotic gutter cleaning along an axis of rotation
A gutter-cleaning device includes a body defining a forward drive direction and configured to fit into a residential gutter. The device also includes a drive system supporting the body and configured to maneuver across the gutter. A driven impeller disposed on the body defines an axis of rotation. The impeller has at least one agitator oriented about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is arranged at an angle to the forward drive direction to aim toward an inside corner of the gutter to eject agitated debris from the gutter and away from the impeller. |
| US09371643B2 |
Building facade with lock element and lock element
A building facade consisting of a building wall, an insulating layer comprising insulating elements, having a surface and disposed on the building wall, a facade cladding which is disposed at a distance from the building wall and from the insulating layer to form a rearventilation gap between insulating layer and facade cladding and a lock element provided for fire protection, which is disposed between neighboring insulating elements of the insulating layer. In order to further develop a building facade in such a manner that it can be manufactured simply and therefore cost-effectively without additional structural elements being provided, the invention proposes a generic building facade where the lock element is formed in one piece from fiber material, extends over the surface of the insulating layer in the direction of the facade cladding and exhibits a compressibility and/or flexibility aligned at least predominantly between building wall and facade cladding. |
| US09371642B2 |
Attachment of wall elements
In a device for attachment of a surface shaped wall element between two upright poles which have two positions for the wall element, an unstable readiness position and a locked position, at least one encircling mounting is provided on each pole for support of the wall element. |
| US09371641B2 |
Construction-unit for immediate or permanent shelter
A construction-unit (23) that is adapted for being combined with one more similar units (23) to constitute a self-carrying structure (40) to use for shelter or dwelling wherein each construction-unit (23) make up for both one sidewall and half a roof in one segment. A plurality of construction-units (23) are adapted for constructing a static functional self-carrying structure (40) where the shape has a curved design related to the mathematical expression The Hyperbolic Cosine or part of an Ellipse in the traverse direction and a linear design in the longitudinal direction when placed as a part of an assembled shelter (40). |
| US09371639B1 |
Toilet flush valve with bowl overflow prevention
Disclosed are various embodiments for prematurely terminating a flush cycle. A valve stem may be coupled to a cable to move the valve stem in an upward direction to initiate a flush cycle. A buoyant float may be configured to engage the valve stem to prevent the valve stem from moving in a downward direction during the flush cycle, until a water level drops below a predefined level. Finally, a second cable coupled to a valve release assembly may be utilized to release the valve stem from the buoyant float to prematurely terminate the flush cycle. |
| US09371635B2 |
Strainer and insert assembly
In combination a tubular strainer having a wall defining interior and exterior surfaces, and a first flange on the upper end of the wall, a tubular insert having a cylindrical wall sized for reception by the tubular strainer, and a second flange carried by the insert wall, an elastomeric seal having a tubular body fittingly sealingly carried by the insert cylindrical wall, the seal body configured for progressive compressive radial sealing engagement with the strainer wall interior surface when endwise inserted by the insert within said tubular strainer. |
| US09371630B1 |
Determination of undercarriage idler and roller wear based on final drive speed
System and methods for determining wear of a rotational component of an undercarriage for a machine are disclosed. One method includes determining a rotational speed of a drive sprocket of the undercarriage, determining a rotational speed of the rotational component, determining a size parameter of the rotational component based on at least the determined rotational speed of the drive sprocket and the determined rotational speed of the rotational component, and determining the wear of the rotational component based on the determined size parameter of the rotational component. |
| US09371629B2 |
Good-efficiency RPM zone display device for construction machinery
An apparatus for displaying an RPM section having a good efficiency for a construction machine is disclosed, which includes a control unit outputting different control signals depending on whether a current engine RPM belongs to a predetermined RPM section having the good efficiency, and a good-efficiency display unit selectively turning on or off an LED lamp according to the control signal output from the control unit. Since the RPM section having the good efficiency of the construction machine equipment is defined and the LED lamp for indicating the good-efficiency state is turned on if the current engine RPM belongs to the RPM section, a client can finally achieve good fuel efficiency in using the construction machine equipment. |
| US09371626B2 |
Work vehicle
A work vehicle includes a speed limit calculation portion, a speed determination portion, an adjustment portion, and a boom speed determination portion. The speed limit calculation portion calculates a speed limit for limiting a speed of a cutting edge of a bucket. The speed determination portion determines whether or not a speed of raising the boom has been lowered when an amount of operation of an arm is smaller than a prescribed amount. The adjustment portion delays speed change to the speed limit. The boom speed determination portion determines a target speed of the boom based on the speed limit after delay by the adjustment portion when it is determined that the speed of raising the boom has been lowered, and determines a target speed of the boom based on the speed limit calculated when it is not determined that the speed of raising the boom has been lowered. |
| US09371624B2 |
Accessory connection systems and methods for use with helical piledriving systems
An accessory mounting system a swivel assembly has a swivel member defining first and second swivel member connector portions, a swivel housing, and first and second bearings operatively arranged between the swivel member and the swivel housing. The accessory mounting system operatively connects a helical pile driving system having a rotational drive system and at least one clamp system to an accessory. The first swivel member connector portion is adapted to operatively connect the swivel member to the drive system. The second swivel member connector portion is adapted to operatively connect the swivel member to the accessory. The swivel housing is adapted to engage the at least one clamp system such that the clamp system may be operated to fix a position of the swivel housing relative to the drive system. The first and second bearings are configured to allow rotation of the swivel member relative to the swivel housing. |
| US09371623B2 |
Diaphragm wall apparatus and methods
The invention relates to apparatus and methods and kits for constructing walls such as diaphragm walls comprising one or more panels and walls so constructed. In particular the invention relates to apparatus, methods and diaphragm walls having a guideway along a height of a first wall of a pane). More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for constructing a diaphragm wall comprising: a guideway tube along a height of a first wall of a first concrete panel; a sacrificial wall element in the guideway tube that extends along the tube and about a portion of a periphery of the tube; a cutting mechanism for cutting along the height of a first wall of the first concrete panel, the cutting mechanism being arranged to cut along the height of the wall of the first concrete panel and along the sacrificial wall element of the guideway tube so as to cut away at least part of the sacrificial wall element of the guideway tube along at least part of the height of the first wall. The invention further relates to a comprising: casting a guideway tube into a first concrete panel along a height of a first wall of the panel; cutting along the height of the first wall of the panel; cutting along at least part of the length of the sacrificial wall element of the guideway tube; pouring a second concrete panel, including pouring concrete into the cutaway guideway tube. The invention further provides a diaphragm wall comprising at least two or a series of concrete panels adjoining one another. |
| US09371618B2 |
Cold planer spray system and method
A system and method for operating a cold planer includes a method for operating a cold planer. In a method, a signal indicative of an operating state is used to determine an operating condition, which is a basis for deciding which spray banks from a plurality of spray banks should be activated. Thereafter, a water flow required to operate the spray banks is estimated and a pump command signal is determined. The pump is operated and a water pressure in a main manifold is monitored such that the pump is controlled using a closed-loop control scheme that receives the water pressure as feedback to maintain a desired water pressure within the main manifold. |
| US09371617B2 |
Synthetic field grooming processes and conditioning grooming apparatus
Disclosed is a synthetic athletic field grooming apparatus configured to be pulled by a vehicle to maintain the synthetic athletic field. The apparatus comprises a frame having a coupling mechanism for mounting the apparatus to the vehicle. At least one broom channel is coupled to the frame rearward of the coupling mechanism, and forward and aft rows of brushes are attached to the broom channel. The aft row of brushes is spaced apart from and rearward of the forward row of brushes to allow infill of the synthetic athletic field to flick upward from the forward row while containing the infill for re-agitation from the aft row. The coupling mechanism and the frame allow an attached vehicle to control a downward pressure forcing the rows of brushes into contact with the synthetic athletic field with a desired force. Also disclosed is a method of grooming a synthetic athletic field. |
| US09371615B2 |
Method of making a fabric-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet
A method of making a fabric-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet. A papermaking furnish is compactively dewatered to form a nascent web having an apparently random distribution of papermaking fiber. The dewatered web is applied to a translating transfer surface that is moving at a transfer surface speed. The web is fabric creped from the transfer surface utilizing a patterned creping fabric. The fabric creping step occurs under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric. The creping fabric contacts the transfer surface and applies pressure to the web against the transfer surface such that the fibers of the web are redistributed on the creping fabric to form a web with a drawable reticulum having a plurality of interconnected regions of different local basis weights. |
| US09371614B2 |
Embossing roll assembly with mixed inclination embosses
An emboss pattern, tissue product and method of manufacturing tissue product having improved bulk and softness with minimal roll ridging. The pattern combines a plurality of aligned signature bosses with a grouping of signature bosses offset from the machine direction in a clockwise manner and another grouping of signature bosses being offset in a counter-clockwise manner. |
| US09371613B1 |
On-site emulsification of defoamer for brownstock washing of pulp
The present method is directed to an on-site process for conveying an emulsion of one or more substantially water-free fluids or compositions to a brownstock washing process. This enables real-time adjustment of wash aids and other process aids thus improving the overall operation of brownstock washing. |
| US09371612B2 |
Method and apparatus to produce pulp using pre-hydrolysis and Kraft cooking
A pulp cooking system including: a cellulosic material feed system, a pre-hydrolysis reactor vessel and a Kraft cooking reactor vessel. The feed material system includes a steaming chip bin and a high pressure transfer device. The pre-hydrolysis reactor vessel maintains the feed material in a mildly acidic condition and allows hydrolysate to be extracted through screens below a hydrolysis zone in the vessel. A wash zone is below the screens and allows wash liquid to flow through the feed material in a cross-current direction. The wash liquid and hydrolysate removed from the feed material is extracted through the screens. The feed material is maintained in a mildly acidic condition through the pre-hydrolysis reactor vessel until the material enters the Kraft cooking vessel where the feed material is treated with alkaline cooking liquors. |
| US09371608B2 |
Laundry treatment apparatus
A laundry treatment apparatus including a cabinet comprising a front panel having a laundry introduction hole formed therein, a laundry accommodating unit provided in the cabinet including a predetermined space in which laundry introduced through the laundry introduction hole is held, a door which is coupled to the front panel and rotatable about a horizontal axis parallel to a bottom surface of the cabinet to open and close the laundry introduction hole, and a damper provided in the front panel and upwardly inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the cabinet, to elastically support the door. |
| US09371605B2 |
Method for manufacturing conductive fabric
A method for manufacturing a conductive fabric is undertaken via a fixing device which has a plurality of working sections. According to an arrangement of the conductive yarn disposed between a first flexible base and a second flexible base, the working sections of the fixing device are extended to form a plurality of fixing points and the other working sections are retracted without forming the fixing points, thereby fixing the conductive yarn between the first and second flexible bases with a dot-like spaced pattern to obtain conductive fabric products having different conductive yarn arrangements without replacing the fixing device. |
| US09371603B2 |
Feeder for knitting machine with friction reducing features
A feeder for a knitting machine includes a feeder arm with a dispensing area configured to feed a strand toward a knitting bed of the knitting machine. Moreover, the feeder includes an actuation arm that is operably coupled to the feeder arm. The actuation arm includes an abutment surface that is configured to abut against a drive bolt of the knitting machine to selectively move the feeder arm relative to the knitting bed. The abutment surface is rounded and convex. |
| US09371601B2 |
Crimping apparatus
A crimping apparatus for crimping a filament bundle in a melt spinning process includes a conveyor nozzle and a stuffer box which is associated with the conveyor nozzle. For thermal processing, a processing unit, which includes a rotatable processing drum which, for guiding and temperature control of a thread plug, has a rotating drum wall, is disposed downstream of the stuffer box. In order to be able to carry out as gentle a processing of the thread plug as possible, the stuffer box is disposed axially parallel to the processing drum in such a manner that the thread plug can be infed in a straight run from a plug outlet of the stuffer box to the circumference of the drum wall. This allows the naturally acting weight force of the thread plug to be advantageously used for guiding the thread plug. |
| US09371600B2 |
Device and method for producing knitted fabric
A device for producing knitted fabric comprising a knitting machine and a roving drawing and strengthening unit. The roving drawing and strengthening unit has a roving supply unit, through which a roving can be provided in the form of a fiber bundle that has not been strengthened, a stretching unit, to which the roving can be fed in a conveying direction in the form of at least one sliver, and a spinning nozzle device, through which compressed air can be applied to a drawn roving exiting the stretching unit in a fiber strengthening segment. |
| US09371599B2 |
Formation of conjugated protein by electrospinning
A method of preparing a polysaccharide-protein fiber by preparing an aqueous solution comprising a polysaccharide and a protein, applying a high voltage to the solution, collecting the fiber on a collecting plate. |
| US09371598B2 |
Spatially encoded biological assays
The present invention provides assays and assay systems for use in spatially encoded biological assays. The invention provides an assay system comprising an assay capable of high levels of multiplexing where reagents are provided to a biological sample in defined spatial patterns; instrumentation capable of controlled delivery of reagents according to the spatial patterns; and a decoding scheme providing a readout that is digital in nature. |
| US09371596B2 |
Method for structuring a surface using colloidal particles in an electric field, resultant surfaces and uses thereof
A method of preparing inorganic and/or organic surfaces includes organized micro- or nanostructures using colloidal particles in an electric field, to the micro- or nanostructured surfaces obtained by application of this method, as well as to the various applications of these structured surfaces, notably in the field of photonics, catalysis, magnetic storage or biosensors. |
| US09371595B2 |
Frost free surfaces and method for manufacturing the same
Frost-free surfaces and methods for manufacturing such surfaces are described. The frost-free surfaces reduce ice build-up, prevent vapor condensation and reduce adhesion force between ice and a solid substrate. The surfaces can be on parts used in devices where superhydrophobic properties may be obtained post or during device manufacturing. The superhydrophobic properties are the result of aluminum oxide clusters made on such surfaces. |
| US09371594B2 |
Device for extracting short-circuiting wedges designed for switching in an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminum
Extraction device designed to extract a short-circuiting wedge inserted between two conductors to take an electrolysis cell offline. The extraction device includes a means of gripping said wedge and, in conjunction with the upper horizontal face of each conductor, at least one jack directed vertically and including a body and a stem, a) stem (or said body) being interdependent with at least one horizontal support face directed downwards and laid out so that, when said extraction device is placed above said wedge to extract it, the upper horizontal face of each conductor is in line with one horizontal support face, b) said body (or said stem) being connected to said means of gripping said wedge, so that, when said jack is actuated to extract the wedge, said jack exerts opposing forces on said conductors and said wedge, tending to separate them. |
| US09371593B2 |
Current collector bar apparatus, system, and method of using the same
The instant disclosure provides an electrolysis cell, which includes: an anode; a cathode block; and a current collector bar configured to be at least partially disposed adjacent to and in electrical communication with the cathode block, wherein the bar comprises: at least one sidewall; an inner void enclosed by the sidewall; and an expandable material retained in the inner void via the at least one sidewall, wherein the expandable material is configured to exert pressure on the wall of the inner void while the bar is at operating temperature, such that the bar is conformed to the cathode block. |
| US09371592B2 |
Method for electrochemical modification of liquid stream characteristics
A method for extraction of target components from raw liquid streams includes steps of providing at least one electrochemical cell arranged to support redox reactions resulting in electrochemical change of oxidation states and concentration of at least one ionized target component, and to control at least one pH value of at least one electrolyte in the at least one electrochemical cell; introducing a raw liquid stream comprising a combination of constituent ionic species into the at least one electrochemical cell; operating the at least one electrochemical cell to change concentrations of at least two oxidation states of at least one targeted ionic species from the constituent ionic species; operating the at least one electrochemical cell to maintain a predetermined range of pH of the at least one electrolyte and to eliminate at least one target component pertinent to the at least one oxidation state of the targeted ionic species. |
| US09371589B2 |
Surface modified nano-scaled titanium dioxide, preparation process thereof, coating containing the same, and photoelectrochemical method for metal preservation using the coating
A photoelectrochemical method on metal preservation is disclosed that includes applying a coating on metal surface and curing the coating. The coating includes: A) the film-forming component; and B) the surface modified nanometer titanium dioxide, which consists of nanometer titanium dioxide particle as substrate and the nonionic surfactant covered on the substrate surface. The diameter of the nanometer titanium dioxide substrate is 1-100 nm. The hydrophile-lipophile balance value of the nonionic surfactant is 1-10 and is contained of 1-20 wt % based on the weight of nanometer titanium dioxide substrate. The content of the surface modified nanometer titanium dioxide is 0.1-10 wt % based on the total weight of the coating. The photoelectrochemical method on metal preservation through this disclosure is low cost and high efficient and obviously reduce the corrosion speed. |
| US09371582B2 |
Method for manufacturing silicon carbide thin film
A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide thin film comprises steps of: (a) utilizing a mechanical pump to remove gases in a chamber such that the pressure in the chamber is reduced to a base pressure; (b) utilizing a microwave generator to generate microwaves at 1200 W to 1400 W so as to form microwave plasma inside the chamber; and (c) introducing into the chamber a silicon-based compound containing chlorine atoms that serve as a precursor, during the time that the temperature of a substrate disposed in the chamber is stable at 400° C. to 500° C., in which the temperature of the substrate is risen by the microwave plasma without heating the substrate additionally, so as to form a film of cubic silicon carbide on the substrate. In the present invention, the SiC thin film has good crystallinity and is manufactured by using MPECVD in a low temperature process. |
| US09371579B2 |
Ground state hydrogen radical sources for chemical vapor deposition of silicon-carbon-containing films
A thin layer of a silicon-carbon-containing film is deposited on a substrate by generating hydrogen radicals from hydrogen gas supplied to a radicals generation chamber, supplying the hydrogen radicals to a substrate processing chamber separate from the substrate processing chamber via a multiport gas distributor, and reacting the hydrogen radicals therein with an organosilicon reactant introduced into the substrate processing chamber concurrently. The hydrogen radicals are allowed to relax into a ground state in a radicals relaxation zone within the substrate processing chamber before reacting with the organosilicon reactant. |
| US09371576B2 |
Coated tool and methods of making and using the coated tool
An example of the coated tool disclosed herein includes a substrate, a metal layer established on the substrate, a continuous metal carbide layer established on the metal layer, and a smooth, continuous, terminated diamond like carbon (DLC) layer established on the metal carbide layer. The DLC layer is to prevent metal, from a workpiece upon which the tool is to act, from adhering to the tool. |
| US09371574B2 |
Ni3(Si, Ti)-based intermetallic compound to which W is added, and method for producing same
The present invention provides a structural material having enhanced ductility characteristics at high temperatures and enhanced strength characteristics. The present invention provides an Ni3(Si, Ti)-based intermetallic compound characterized by containing from 25 to 500 ppm by weight of B with respect to a weight of an intermetallic compound having a composition of 100% by atom in total consisting of Ni as a main component, from 7.5 to 12.5% by atom of Si, from 4.5 to 11.5% by atom of Ti and from 0.5 to 5.0% by atom of W. |
| US09371571B2 |
Granulation of metallurgical slag
A process for granulation of hot liquid slag wherein the hot liquid slag is mixed with solid metallic particles so as to form a solidified, vitrified slag cake mixed with said metallic particles and said slag cake is discharged in a water bath. |
| US09371567B2 |
Methods and kits to predict therapeutic outcome of BTK inhibitors
Methods of tests that assess the expression of DPC4 (SMAD4) to identify subjects with pancreatic cancer that are likely or unlikely to respond to treatment with BTK inhibitors; methods of treating subjects based on identification of the subjects as likely to respond to treatment with BTK inhibitors; therapeutic targets for cancers, particularly cancers with inactivated DPC4 gene or protein; methods of screening of new therapeutic agents using the target; pharmaceutical composition comprising BTK inhibitors, such as PCI-32765 or derivatives thereof, for cancer treatment; and kits that facilitate the performance of the methods are disclosed. |
| US09371556B2 |
Solutions, methods and kits for deactivating nucleic acids
The present invention relates to reagents for use in deactivating nucleic acids and methods of making and using the same. |
| US09371555B2 |
Lighting systems and methods of using lighting systems for in vitro potency assay for photofrin
Presently disclosed is a lighting system and methods of using the lighting system for in vitro potency assay for photofrin. The lighting system includes a lamp housing, a first lens, an infrared absorbing filter, an optical filter, and a second lens. The lamp housing includes a lamp and a light-port. In operation, broad spectrum light from the lamp exits the lamp housing by passing through the light-port. The first lens then collimates the broad spectrum light that exits the lamp housing through the light-port. The infrared absorbing filter then passes a first portion of the collimated broad spectrum light to the optical filter and absorbs infrared light of the broad spectrum light. The optical filter then passes a second portion of the collimated broad spectrum light to the second lens. The second lens then disperses the second portion of the collimated light to provide uniform irradiation of a cell culture plate. A method of using the lighting system for studying a photosensitizer is also disclosed. |
| US09371549B2 |
Biorefinery system, methods and compositions thereof
The present disclosure relates to bioengineering approaches for producing biofuel and, in particular, to the use of a C1 metabolizing microorganism reactor system for converting C1 substrates, such as methane or methanol, into biomass and subsequently into biofuels, bioplastics, or the like. |
| US09371546B2 |
Enhancing D-xylose and L-arabinose utilization in Zymomonas cells
Disrupting expression of a protein encoded by the region of the Zymomonas genome called ZMO0353 in the genomic sequence of the ZM4 strain was found to improve the use of xylose in a recombinant xylose utilizing Zymomonas cell. In addition, utilization of both xylose and arabinose was improved in a xylose and arabinose utilizing Zymomonas cell with this disruption, and increased ethanol production was achieved. |
| US09371545B2 |
Consortium and preparation of microorganisms for catalyzing cellulose hydrolysis, preparation for methane fermentation supplementation, combination preparation, use thereof and method using the same
The invention relates to a consortium of microorganisms capable of hydrolyzing cellulose, preferably lignocellulosic biomass, which may comprise the following mixtures of bacterial strains: Bacillus sp. KP7, KP20 and Ochrobactrum sp. KP8 (the mixture deposited in PCM under the no. B/00064), Providencia sp. KP14; Bacillus sp. KP6 and KP16 (the mixture deposited in PCM under the no. B/00065), Bacillus sp. KP4, KP5, KP17 and KP22 (the mixture deposited in PCM under the no. B/00066), Providencia sp. KP10; Bacillus sp. KP1 and KP19 (the mixture deposited in PCM under the no. B/00067), Ochrobactrum sp. KP13; Bacillus sp. KP9 and KP12 (the mixture deposited in PCM under the no. B/00068), as well as a preparation for hydrolyzing cellulose which may comprise this consortium, a supplement preparation, a combination preparation, and use and method of using the same. |
| US09371543B2 |
DNA element having the activity of enhancing foreign gene expression
A method for stably achieving high expression of a foreign gene in mammalian cells using a novel DNA element is disclosed. More specifically, the present application discloses a DNA element which enhances the activation of transcription by changing the chromatin structure around a gene locus into which a foreign gene expression unit has been introduced. |
| US09371536B2 |
PpeTAC1 gene and method to manipulate tree architecture
Disclosed is a novel gene that controls the branching angle of a tree wherein either silencing or overexpressing PpeTAC1 controls the architecture of transformed to the tree. |
| US09371534B2 |
Method for producing expression product of exogenous gene in yeast, regulator of expression in yeast, and use thereof
Provided is a method for producing an expression product of an exogenous gene in a yeast with superior output regulation of gene expression. This is a method for producing an expression product of an exogenous gene in a yeast, including using one or two or more kinds of yeast gene terminator regions selected based on expression intensity data related to the expression intensity of yeast gene terminator regions to cause expression of a gene in a yeast. |
| US09371529B2 |
RNAi-mediated inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase-related inflammatory conditions
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having a Syk-related inflammatory condition or at risk of developing a Syk-related inflammatory condition such as allergic conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation, dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, allergy, or mast-cell disease. |
| US09371518B2 |
Polypeptides having transgalactosylating activity
The present invention relates to polypeptides, specifically polypeptides having transgalactosylating activity and nucleic acids encoding these, and their uses in e.g. dairy product. |
| US09371516B2 |
Compositions and methods for differentiating stem cells into cell populations comprising beta-like cells
Methods, kits, compositions, and systems are provided for culturing pluripotent stem cells to produce populations of cells comprising beta-like cells (e.g., pancreatic lineage, glucose-responsive, and/or insulin-producing). In particular, culture conditions are provided that result in the generation of beta-like cells from a starting culture of human pluripotent stem cells. |
| US09371514B2 |
Human B1 cells and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to isolated populations of human natural immunoglobulin-producing B1 lymphocytes, wherein the B1 lymphocytes display surface biomarkers CD20, CD43 and CD27 and are either CD11b+ or GD11b−. The present invention is also directed to a method of isolating human natural immunoglobulin-producing B1 lymphocytes from a blood sample comprising isolating B lymphocytes from the sample that express surface biomarkers CD20, CD43 and CD27, and, optionally, CD11b. In addition, the present invention is directed to a methods for diagnosing a B1 cell disorder in a patient, determining the prognosis of a patient having a B1 cell disorder, and treating a patient having a B1 cell disorder. |
| US09371513B2 |
Myelination of congenitally dysmyelinated forebrains using oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
One form of the present invention is directed to a method of remyelinating demyelinated axons by treating the demyelinated axons with oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions which permit remyelination of the axons. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a condition mediated by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes by administering to the subject oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions effective to treat the condition mediated by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes. A further aspect of the present invention relates to an in vitro method of identifying and separating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from a mixed population containing other mammalian brain or spinal cord cell types. |
| US09371512B2 |
Method for the production of permanent human cell lines
The present invention relates to a permanent human cell line comprising a nucleic acid sequence for the adenoviral gene functions E1A and E1B and the nucleic acid sequence for the SV40 large T-antigen or the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1). Further, the present invention relates to a method for transient expression of recombinant polypeptides and proteins in said permanent human cell line. |
| US09371509B2 |
Reagents for lysis of bacterial cells
The invention provides a composition containing an aqueous liquid phase, bacterial cells, and an ionic compound dissolved in the liquid phase. The ionic compound is selected from the group consisting of 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium-thiocyanate, 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium-2(2-methoxy-ethoxy)ethylsulfate, 1-methyl-1-[4-(3-methyl-3H-imidazol-1-ium)-but-1-yl]-3H-imidazolium-di(toluylsulfate), and 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium-octylsulfate. The compositions of the invention are advantageously used for preparing lysates of biological cells, particularly bacterial cells. |
| US09371502B2 |
Vegetable oil extraction
A method of extracting recovering oil from vegetable material in which oil bearing material is heated and subjected to sonication at least one frequency above 400 kHz, removing a first yield of oil by decanting and subjecting the retained material to centrifugal separation to separate out a second yield of oil. Preferably the raw vegetable material is passed through a screw press and the obtained material is heated and subjected to the ultrasonic treatment and then allowed to settle for a predetermined period before decanting the oil layer. Preferably two frequencies above 400 kHz are used, one below 1 MHz and the second from 1 MHz. There are many potential transducers arrangements possible for producing standing waves. |
| US09371494B2 |
Mixed additives low coke reforming
Optimizing low coke naphtha reforming continues to pose significant challenges for oil refining companies in the operation of continuous catalytic regenerative reforming units for economic production of hydrogen, LPG and reformate. A novel processing scheme is hereby disclosed wherein multiple additives are used to increase spent catalyst coke to ensure operating the regenerators in steady state white burn operations. In previous disclosures novel additives sulfur and kerosene were identified as separately imparting enhanced rates of coke formation on the catalysts even at very mild severity catalytic reforming operations. To further accelerate spent catalyst coke formation and derive benefits from synergistic use of sulfur and kerosene, it is suggested that both sulfur and kerosene be used as additives in combination or in series with sulfur added first followed by kerosene and vice versa. |
| US09371491B2 |
Bitumen recovery from oil sands tailings
There is provided a method including: combining storage pond tailings with a heated tailings stream to form a tailings mixture, the storage pond tailings having a temperature and a solids content and the tailings mixture having a resulting solids content less than the solids content of the storage pond tailings; and treating the tailings mixture to recover bitumen therefrom. |
| US09371487B2 |
Process and plant for producing char and fuel gas
A method for producing char and fuel gas includes degasifying a carbonaceous material with oxygen-containing gases in a fluidized bed reactor at a temperature of more than about 1000° C. and at a pressure of from about 1 bar to about 40 bar. A supply of oxygen within the fluidized bed reactor is adjusted so as to recover more than 60% of fixed carbon in the carbonaceous material in a char product, and an oxygen availability in a lower or bottom region of the fluidized bed reactor is less than 80% of an oxygen availability in an upper region of the fluidized bed reactor. |
| US09371480B2 |
Slurry concentrate and associated methods of use
The invention relates to a slurry concentrate which contains a viscosity enhancing polymer and organohectorite clay, which exhibits an unexpected improvement in viscosity and syneresis while exhibiting improved safety characteristics. |
| US09371476B1 |
Structural adhesive compositions
An adhesive composition may include, but is not limited to: at least one of an alkyl acrylate monomer and a methacrylate monomer; and at least one of a polyester alkyd polymer and a vinyl ester alkyd polymer. |
| US09371475B2 |
Gel time controllable two part epoxy adhesive
The present invention provides a gel time controllable epoxy adhesive, which includes a first part comprising an epoxy resin containing two or more epoxy groups in one molecule, and a second part comprising a thiol curing agent, wherein a peroxide is comprised in part A, part B and/or a third separate part C. |
| US09371474B2 |
(Meth)acrylate-functional polyacrylate resins with narrow but bimodal molecular weight distributions
The present invention is directed to compositions useful for maintaining sealing force over time while under compression in compressive gaskets. Additionally, methods of preparing and using the sealing compositions and improving sealing performance using such compositions are provided. |
| US09371461B2 |
Ink, ink cartridge and ink jet recording method
The present invention preferably provides an ink including an organic pigment, a water-soluble resin and a surfactant that allows images having high color developability to be obtained independently of the type of recording medium, even when a small amount of ink is applied. Preferably, the organic pigment is a phosphonic acid-type self-dispersible pigment, the acid value of the water-soluble resin is 100 mg KOH/g to 160 mg KOH/g, the surfactant is an ethylene oxide adduct of a higher alcohol selected from the group consisting of a linear primary alcohol, a linear secondary alcohol and an isoalkyl alcohol, the HLB value of the surfactant as determined by the Griffin method is 13.0 or more, and the mass ratio of the content (% by mass) of the surfactant in the ink to the content (% by mass) of the water-soluble resin in the ink is 0.07 to 0.70. |
| US09371460B2 |
Photopolymerization method, ink set, ink composition, and water-soluble biimidazole
A photopolymerization method in which an ink composition including (A) a polymerizing compound having an ethylenic unsaturated group, (B) a photopolymerization initiator represented by Formula (1) described below, and (C) a hydrogen donor having a structure in which a nitrogen atom is directly bonded to an aromatic ring, in which the aromatic ring has an electron-withdrawing group or the nitrogen atom constitutes a hetero ring, is photopolymerized under acidic conditions, in Formula (1), each of R1 to R30 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, or an alkoxy group. |
| US09371459B2 |
Inkjet inks and ink sets
The present disclosure pertains to an aqueous inkjet ink containing a pigment as colorant, a polymeric binder, an anionic surfactant and a 1-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone co-solvent. The present disclosure further pertains to an ink set containing this aqueous inkjet ink, as well as to methods of printing with this ink and ink set on a variety of substrates, and particularly hydrophobic substrates and nonporous media. |
| US09371458B2 |
Ink composition for ink jet recording and ink jet recording method
An ink composition for ink jet recording includes a coating film forming material, a polyether-modified silicone oil, and water, wherein the polyether-modified silicone oil is soluble in a solvent in which a lower limit of an SP value is 8.5 or less and an upper limit of the SP value is 18.0 or more. |
| US09371457B2 |
Stable color-changing ink
The present invention discloses a stable color-changing ink, which includes the following components in parts by weight: 10 to 60 parts of water, 0.1 to 2 parts of a pH regulator, 0.1 to 1 part of a corrosion inhibitor, 0.1 to 3 parts of a dispersant, 0.1 to 3 parts of an emulsion type lubricant, 0.5 to 10 parts of a water soluble resin, 10 to 50 parts of a microcapsule color-changing pigment, and 0.1 to 3 parts of a thickener. The present invention achieves the stability of an ink system and the stability of the writing effect, and can be used in different application fields, involving color-changing gel inks, color-changing watercolor inks, color-changing water-based inks, color-changing medium oil inks, color-changing fountain pen inks, color-changing writing brush inks, color-changing writing brush inks, color-changing inkjet inks, anti-counterfeiting inks, high-temperature disappearing inks, and other application systems. |
| US09371454B2 |
Coating compositions with anticorrosion properties
Anticorrosive coating compositions comprise a binding polymer and an amorphous aluminum phosphate corrosion inhibiting pigment dispersed therein. The coating composition comprises 1 to 25 percent by weight aluminum phosphate. The binding polymer can include solvent-borne polymers, water-borne polymers, solventless polymers, and combinations thereof. The aluminum phosphate is made by combining an aluminum source with a phosphorous source to form an amorphous aluminum phosphate solid condensate. The coating composition is specially engineered to provide a controlled delivery of phosphate anions of 50 to 500 ppm, and has a total solubles content of less than 1500 ppm. The amorphous aluminum phosphate is preferably free of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. The amorphous aluminum phosphate has an oil absorption of less than 50, and a surface area of less than about 20 m2/g, The coating composition has a water adsorption potential of up to 25% by weight water. |
| US09371451B2 |
Deposition of nanocrystalline calcite on surfaces by a tissue and cellular biomineralization
Disclosed are articles comprising layered nanocrystalline calcite and methods for forming nanocrystalline calcite layers and compositions comprising nanocrystalline calcite layers. |
| US09371446B2 |
Monovinylaromatic polymer composition comprising a polymer made from renewable resources as a dispersed phase
A monovinylaromatic polymer composition can include a bio-sourced polymer dispersed phase and optionally a rubber dispersed phase. The bio-sourced polymer dispersed phase can be predominantly made of particles having a size of less than 10 μm. The monovinylaromatic polymer composition can be made by admixing a monovinylaromatic monomer, bio-sourced polymer, and optionally rubber at conditions effective to polymerize at least a part of the monovinylaromatic monomer and generate a compatibilizer. The monovinylaromatic polymer composition can be made by admixing a monovinylaromatic monomer, functionalized bio-sourced polymer(s) or mixtures of bio-sourced polymer(s) and functionalized bio-sourced polymer(s), and optionally rubber at conditions effective to polymerize at least a part of the monovinylaromatic monomer. The monovinylaromatic polymer composition can be made by blending, in the molten state, functionalized bio-sourced polymer(s) or mixtures of bio-sourced polymer(s) and functionalized bio-sourced polymer(s) with monovinylaromatic polymer, and optionally rubber. |
| US09371445B2 |
Biodegradable polyester resin composition
This invention aims at improving the tear strength of a film and a sheet molded from a resin composition containing microorganism-produced aliphatic polyester. This invention relates to a biodegradable polyester resin composition containing polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) in the proportion of 60 to 400 parts by weight and modified-glycerin in the proportion of 10 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of aliphatic polyester (P3HA) having a repeating unit represented by Formula (1): [—CHR—CH2—CO—O—] (wherein R is an alkyl group represented by CnH2n+1 and n is an integer of 1 or more and 15 or lower) and a film or a sheet obtained by molding the biodegradable polyester resin composition in which the maximum major axis of phases containing the aliphatic polyester (P3HA) measured by a transmission electron microscopy analysis-image analysis method (TEM method) is 18 μm or lower and the average value is 8 μm or lower. |
| US09371444B2 |
Hardmask composition and method of forming patterns using the hardmask composition
A hardmask composition and a method of forming patterns, the composition including a solvent; and a polymer including a moiety represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, |
| US09371441B2 |
Polyethylene blend-composition suitable for blown films, and films made therefrom
The instant invention provides a polyethylene blend-composition suitable for blown films, and films made therefrom. The polyethylene blend-composition suitable for blown films according to the present invention comprises the melt blending product of: (a) from 0.5 to 6 percent by weight of a bimodal linear low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.935 to 0.970 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.3 to 5 g/10 minutes; (b) 90 percent or greater by weight of a monomodal linear low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.910 to 0.950 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.1 to less than or equal to 5 g/10 minutes; (c) optionally from 0.5 to 4 percent by weight of a low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.915 to 0.935 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of from greater than 0.8 to less than or equal to 5 g/10 minutes, and a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 6 to 10; (d) optionally a hydrotalcite based neutralizing agent; (e) optionally one or more nucleating agents; and (f) optionally one or more antioxidants. |
| US09371437B2 |
Polycarbonate plates with improved flame resistance
A sheet containing a base layer containing polycarbonate and a flame retardant, wherein the flame retardant contains a compound of formula 1 wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4, represents an optionally halogen-substituted C1-C8 alkyl, C5-C6 cycloalkyl, C6-C10 aryl or C7-C12 aralkyl, R5 and R6, represents a C1-C4 alkyl, and Y represents a C1-C7 alkylidene, C1-C7 alkylene, C5-C12 cycloalkylidene, —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, —CO— or a residue of formula (2) or (3) wherein Z represents carbon and R21 and R22 can be selected for each Z individually and, represent hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, with the proviso that, on at least one Z atom, R21 and R22 are simultaneously alkyl and wherein the polycarbonate comprises a mixture of linear and branched polycarbonate and wherein the linear polycarbonate content is at least 40 wt. %, based on the total polycarbonate weight. |
| US09371435B2 |
Additives to resin compositions for improved impact strength and flexibility
The invention provides a composition comprising: (a) about 0% to 99% by weight of at least one resin wherein the resin is selected from the group consisting of epoxy, latex, polyurethane, polyurea, polyspartic, or alkyd resins; (b) about 1%-99% by weight of tristyrenated phenol or distyrenated phenol; and (c) optionally about 2% to 98% by weight of an additional solvent. |
| US09371434B2 |
Elastomeric compounds having increased cold flow resistance and methods producing the same
Elastomeric compounds having increased cold flow resistance may be obtained by utilizing from 10-100 phr of a functionalized rubbery polymer containing specified types of functionalizing units, at least 0.01 phr of a multivalent metal organic salt and 0-90 phr of at least one additional rubbery polymer. |
| US09371430B2 |
Porous film with high hardness and a low dielectric constant and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a plasma polymerized thin film having high hardness and a low dielectric constant and a manufacturing method thereof, and in particular, relates to a plasma polymerized thin film having high hardness and a low dielectric constant for use in semiconductor devices, which has improved mechanical strength properties such as hardness and elastic modulus while having a low dielectric constant, and a manufacturing method thereof. |
| US09371428B2 |
Silicone-self-adhesives, method of production, complexes using them and their uses
Method for preparing a substrate comprising an anti-adhesive silicone coating obtained from an anti-adhesive silicone composition based on crosslinked silicone oil(s) with adhesion properties that are modified compared with the initial properties thereof, in which provision is made for a substrate at least partly coated with an anti-adhesive silicone coating and the anti-adhesive silicone coating is cold-plasma-treated, approximately at atmospheric pressure, in an optionally doped nitrogen atmosphere or in an optionally doped carbon dioxide atmosphere, substrate at least partially coated with an anti-adhesive silicone composition, silicone-self-adhesive complex and uses. |
| US09371424B2 |
Copolymers having gem-acetophone groups
The invention relates to a copolymer comprising a main hydrocarbon chain and side groups including carboxylic groups, polyoxyalkylate groups, and gem acetophosphonate groups, an adjuvant for suspensions of mineral particles comprising said copolymer and a method for preparing said copolymer. Finally it also relates to the use of said copolymer for fluidifying and maintaining fluidity of suspensions of mineral particles and for reducing the sensitivity of hydraulic binders to clays and alkali metal sulfates. Finally it relates to a composition of mineral particles comprising this copolymer. |
| US09371414B2 |
Epoxy resin adducts and thermosets thereof
An epoxy resin adduct including the reaction product of (A) at least one polyfunctional aliphatic or cycloaliphatic epoxy resin; and (B) at least one reactive compound; wherein the polyfunctional aliphatic or cycloaliphatic epoxy resin is isolated from the epoxy resin formed by the epoxidation of (i) an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl-containing material using (ii) an epi-halohydrin, (iii) a basic-acting substance, (iv) a non-Lewis acid catalyst, and (v) optionally one or more solvents; and wherein the re-active compound (B) comprises one or more compounds having two or more reactive hydrogen atoms per molecule and the reactive hydrogen atoms are reactive with epoxide groups. A curable epoxy resin composition includes the adduct described above. A cured epoxy resin is prepared by a process of curing the curable epoxy resin composition containing the adduct described above. |
| US09371413B2 |
Pentamethylenediisocyanate, method for producing pentamethylenediisocyanate, polyisocyanate composition, polyurethane resin, and polyurea resin
A Pentamethylene diisocyanate is obtained by phosgenating pentamethylenediamine or its salt obtained by a biochemical method, and contains 5 to 400 ppm of a compound represented by the general formula (1) below and a compound represented by the general formula (2) below in total: |
| US09371412B2 |
Process for imparting grease, oil and water repellence to substrates
A process for imparting grease, oil and water repellence to a substrate comprises applying by means of a printing process on at least a portion of the surface of such substrate a composition comprising at least one (per)fluoropolyether derivative. By means of such process it is possible to confer suitable grease, oil and water repellence properties to substrates via selective treatment/coating, by significantly reducing total amount of fluoro-containing additive required for the target properties. |
| US09371409B2 |
Curing compositions having low-free amounts of methylenedianiline
A process for preparing a curing composition of a coordination complex comprising methylenedianiline (MDA) and a salt, and less than 1000 of free MDA. The curing composition may be used in curing polyurethanes and epoxy resins. |
| US09371398B2 |
Methods for preparing alkali cellulose and cellulose ether
Provided is a method for efficiently preparing alkali cellulose having a uniform alkali distribution. More specifically, provided are a methods for preparing alkali cellulose comprising a contact filtration step of bringing a pulp into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution on a moving filtration plane for vacuum filtration to collect a contact product remaining on the filtration plane, and a draining step of draining the contact product; and a method of preparing cellulose ether by using the alkali cellulose. Also provided is an apparatus for preparing alkali cellulose comprising a continuous horizontal vacuum filter type contactor. |
| US09371396B2 |
Anti-CD22 anti-idiotypic antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention describes the generation of an anti-idiotype single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody specific for the murine (RFB4), chimeric (SM03) and humanized (SM06) versions of an anti-CD22 antibody (the anti-CD22 antibodies). The present invention further describes the construction of a murine IgG2a/kappa immunoglobulin carrying the variable region sequences of the anti-idiotype scFv sequences. Additionally, the present invention provides a cell line capable of producing an anti-idiotype murine antibody specific for the anti-CD22 antibodies. The present invention is directed against a method for identifying and evaluating the activities and concentration of the anti-CD22 antibodies. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for evaluating serum concentration of the anti-CD22 antibodies that are being used clinically. The present invention is also directed against a method to detect HAMA, HACA and HAHA responses in patients treated with the anti-CD22 antibodies. Specifically, the present invention is directed against the establishment of a cell line expressing surface concentration of the antibody of the invention; the said cell line expressing surface anti-idiotype antibodies or antibody fragments will be used as the target cell line for evaluating the functional activities of the anti-CD22 antibodies via complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and/or antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) activities. |
| US09371394B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies and detection methods for phosphinothricin-N-acetyl-transferase enzyme
Described herein are monoclonal antibodies and methods useful for determining and quantitating the presence of a phosphinothricin-N-acetyl-transferase enzyme. The claimed antibodies and methods are particularly useful for identifying and quantitating the presence of phosphinothricin-N-acetyl-transferase expressed in trangenic plants. |
| US09371393B2 |
Class I anti-CEA antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of humanized, chimeric or human Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments thereof, preferably comprising the light chain variable region CDR sequences SASSRVSYIH (SEQ ID NO:1); GTSTLAS (SEQ ID NO:2); and QQWSYNPPT (SEQ ID NO:3); and the heavy chain variable region CDR sequences DYYMS (SEQ ID NO:4); FIANKANGHTTDYSPSVKG (SEQ ID NO:5); and DMGIRWNFDV (SEQ ID NO:6). The Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments are useful for treating diseases, such as cancer, wherein the diseased cells express CEACAM5 and/or CEACAM6 antigens. The Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments are also of use for interfering with specific processes, such as metastasis, invasiveness and/or adhesion of cancer cells, or for enhancing sensitivity of cancer cells to cytotoxic agents and have favorable effects on the survival of subjects with cancer. |
| US09371390B2 |
Cytokine receptors associated with myelogenous haematological proliferative disorders and uses thereof
The disclosure relates to methods and compositions effective in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human hematopoietic cancers. In particular, the disclosure provides tumor-associated genes that encode for cytokine receptors that are differentially expressed in hematopoietic tumor cells of myeloid origin compared with other cells, e.g., normal stem cells. |
| US09371387B2 |
Composition for prevention or treatment of ischemic cardiac disease, comprising inhibitor against age-albumin synthesis or release of mononuclear phagocyte system cells as active ingredient
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of ischemic heart diseases, comprising as an active ingredient an inhibitor which acts to restrain mononuclear phagocyte system cells from synthesizing or releasing AGE-albumin, which induces the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes upon the onset of the ischemic heart disease. Also, a method is provided for screening an inhibitor against the AGE-albumin synthesis or release of mononuclear phagocyte system cells. Inhibitory or suppressive of AGE-albumin-induced cell death, the pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient an inhibitor against the AGE-albumin synthesis or release of mononuclear phagocyte system cells can be applied to the prevention or treatment of a wide spectrum of ischemic heart diseases including myocardial infarction. |
| US09371376B2 |
Anti-PHF-tau antibodies and their uses
Anti-PHF-tau antibodies and methods of making and using them are disclosed. |
| US09371375B2 |
Recombinant monoclonal antibodies and corresponding antigens for colon and pancreatic cancers
The present invention provides for recombinant monoclonal antibodies that bind to human colorectal and pancreatic carcinoma-associated antigens, along with nucleic acid sequences encoding the antibody chains, and the amino acid sequences corresponding to the nucleic acids, and uses for these antibodies, nucleic acids and amino acids. |
| US09371374B2 |
HCV core lipid binding domain monoclonal antibodies
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies for the detection of HCV antigen. More specifically, the invention describes antibodies against HCV core antigen lipid binding domain and immunoassay methods, kits and compositions for use in detecting HCV infection. |
| US09371373B2 |
Monomeric VHH domain derived from anti-VP6 camelid antibodies, dimeric domain, immunisation method, composition, and treatment methods for rotavirus infections
Monomeric VHH domain derived from anti-VP6 camelid antibodies, dimeric domain, immunization method, and treatment method for rotavirus infections, wherein said domain may be any of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3, and wherein said domains bind to protein VP6 of Group A rotavirus. |
| US09371362B2 |
Prostate specific antigen agents and methods of using same for prostate cancer imaging
The invention provides a family of agents that target the prostate specific antigen, which can be used as imaging agents or therapeutic agents. The agents can be used to image prostate cancer as well as other physiological processes in a subject. |
| US09371359B2 |
Lissencephaly therapeutic agent
An object of the present invention is to provide a medicament and method for treating lissencephaly patients. The present invention provides a lissencephaly therapeutic or preventive agent comprising a compound represented by the general formula (I): wherein R1 is lower alkyl substituted with lower alkoxy, lower alkyl substituted with a heterocyclic group, a heterocyclic group, or a group represented by the formula (IIa): wherein R4 is lower alkyl, R5 is lower alkylene, and m is an integer of 1 to 6; R2 is lower alkyl optionally substituted with phenyl; and R3 is lower alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, lower alkoxy, or phenyl; condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon; or hydrogen. |
| US09371358B2 |
Tubulysin analogues
The present invention relates to novel tubulysin compounds (tubulysin analogs) as well as pharmaceutical formulations thereof. The present invention further relates to the use of such compounds for medicinal, agricultural, biotool or cosmetic applications. In particular, the novel tubulysin analogs show a cytostatic effect and can therefore be used for the treatment of proliferative disorders. The tertiary amide moiety of the tubulysin analogs (so-called tubugis) according to the present invention is generated by an Ugi-type reaction. |
| US09371357B2 |
Inhibitors of viral integrase and methods of use
Described herein are compositions and methods for inhibiting HIV integrase activity. Also described are methods of identifying agents that inhibit HIV integrase for use in treating or preventing HIV. Also disclosed are methods of identifying agents that inhibit HIV viral mutants that are resistant to integrase inhibitors. |
| US09371353B2 |
Oligonucleotide with protected base
The present invention provides a protected nucleotide for elongation, which can be purified efficiently and in a high yield by a liquid-liquid extraction operation, and can achieve an oligonucleotide production method by a phosphoramidite method.It has been found that the above-mentioned problem can be solved by a particular oligonucleotide comprising a protected base and/or particular oligonucleotide protected by a branched chain-containing aromatic group at 3′-position. |
| US09371343B2 |
Nickel metal compositions and nickel complexes derived from basic nickel carbonates
Nickel-metal-containing solids for use in manufacturing nickel metal complexes are disclosed. The nickel-metal-containing solids are made by reducing basic nickel carbonates. By varying the molar ratios of carbonates and bicarbonates to nickel salts, the methods provide basic nickel carbonates that produce superior nickel metal-containing solids that react more effectively with phosphorous-containing ligands. The phosphorous containing ligands can be both monodentate and bidentate phosphorous-containing ligands. |
| US09371340B2 |
Dehydrogenative silylation, hydrosilylation and crosslinking using cobalt catalysts
Disclosed herein are cobalt complexes containing terdentate pyridine di-imine ligands and their use as efficient and selective dehydrogenative silylation, hydrosilylation, and crosslinking catalysts. |
| US09371337B2 |
β-lactamase inhibitors
Disclosed herein inter alia are Boron containing compounds and methods for treating infections related to antibiotic resistant microorganisms. |
| US09371331B2 |
Modulators of methyl modifying enzymes, compositions and uses thereof
Agents for modulating methyl modifying enzymes, compositions and uses thereof are provided herein. |
| US09371329B2 |
Fused heterocyclic compounds as ion channel modulators
The present invention relates to compounds that are sodium channel inhibitors and to their use in the treatment of various disease states, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In particular embodiments, the structure of the compounds is given by Formula I: wherein W1, W2, W3, R1, Q, X1, X2 and X3 are as described herein, to methods for the preparation and use of the compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. |
| US09371328B2 |
Imidazopyridazinecarbonitriles useful as kinase inhibitors
The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The Formula (I) imidazopyridazines inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents. |
| US09371326B2 |
Method for synthesizing sapropterin dihydrochloride
Disclosed is a method for synthesizing sapropterin dihydrochloride. The present disclosure reduces a synthesis route of the sapropterin dihydrochloride, and resolves a racemate intermediate or an intermediate having a low antimer isomerism value by using a chiral resolving reagent, thereby obtaining an intermediate having a high antimer isomerism value. Raw materials are cheap and readily available, and the cost is significantly reduced, hence providing an effective scheme for mass industrial production of the sapropterin dihydrochloride. |
| US09371325B2 |
Purinone derivative hydrochloride
The purinone derivative 6-amino-9-[(3R)-1-(2-butynoyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]-7-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-7,9-dihydro-8H-purin-8-one hydrochloride has Btk-selective inhibitory activity and, in addition to having excellent metabolic stability, it is a compound that exhibits a high level of solubility and absorption with respect to the free base and can be crystallized, hence it can serve as a therapeutic agent for diseases involving B cells and mast cells. |
| US09371324B2 |
Substituted pyrido[3′,4′:4,5]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]quinoxalines for the treatment of nervous system disorders
The invention relates to particular substituted heterocycle fused gamma-carbolines, of Formula I as described herein, their prodrugs, in free, solid, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or substantially pure form as described herein, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use in the treatment of diseases involving 5-HT2A receptor, serotonin transporter (SERT) and/or pathways involving dopamine D2 receptor signaling systems, such as diseases of the central nervous system. |
| US09371323B2 |
Spirocycles as inhibitors of 11-beta hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1
The present invention relates to certain spirocyclic compounds that are inhibitors of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1), compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and other diseases. |
| US09371317B2 |
Sweet flavor modifier
The present invention includes compounds having structural formula (I), or salts or solvates thereof. These compounds are useful as sweet flavor modifiers. The present invention also includes compositions comprising the present compounds and methods of enhancing the sweet taste of compositions. |
| US09371314B2 |
Pyridyl benzothiophenes as kinase inhibitors
This invention is directed to compounds, which are useful as protein kinase (PK) inhibitors and can be used to treat such diseases as cancer, blood vessel proliferative disorders, fibrotic disorders, mesangial cell proliferative disorders, metabolic diseases inflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative disorders. |
| US09371310B2 |
Process for the preparation of 3-(3-chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine
3-(3-Chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine is prepared by coupling 3-bromopyridine with commercially available 3-aminopyrazole, purifying the 3-(3-amino-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine by crystallization, and converting the amino group to a chloro group by a Sandmeyer reaction. |
| US09371308B2 |
Polymeric photoinitiators
A polymeric photoinitiator, most suitably a polyurethane photoinitiator, is obtained by step-growth co-polymerization of at least one monomer (A) with at least one monomer (B). Monomer (A) includes a photoinitiator moiety, while monomer (B) is a monomer reactive with monomer (A) to form a polymer. A method produces the polymeric photoinitiator, a method cross-links the polymeric photoinitiator, and the polymeric photoinitiator is used as a photoinitiator of radical polymerization. |
| US09371307B2 |
Serine protease inhibitors
Potent low molecular weight, highly selective, competitive non-peptidic serine protease inhibitors and their use in treating serine protease-associated diseases are disclosed. |
| US09371303B2 |
Diphenylmethane derivatives as SGLT2 inhibitors
A compound with a diphenylmethane moiety having an inhibitory activity against sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) being present in the intestine and kidney is disclosed. A pharmaceutical composition including the compound as an active ingredient, which is useful for preventing or treating metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes is disclosed. A method for preparing the compound, and a method for preventing or treating metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes, by using the compound is provided. |
| US09371302B2 |
Lipidic furan, pyrrole, and thiophene compounds for treatment of cancer
Compounds, methods, and compositions are provided for the treatment of cancer, neurological disorders, and fibrotic disorders. Specifically, the invention includes administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, II, or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable composition, salt, isotopic analog, prodrug, or combination thereof, to a subject suffering from a cancer, neurological disorder, or fibrotic disorder. |
| US09371301B2 |
Prenylarene compound and use thereof
A compound represented by the general formula (C): (wherein R101 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group, R102, R103, R104 and R105 may be the same or different, and each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a haloalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R106 represents a hydrogen atom, or a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group which is a straight or branched chain having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, but excluded is the case where R101 is a 3-furyl group, R102, R103, R104 and R105 are all methyl groups, and R106 is a methyl group, a 4-methyl-3-pentenyl group or a 4,8-dimethyl-3,7-nonadienyl group); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has selective inhibitory activity on hypoxic cell growth in a broad range of the concentration and therefore is useful as an active ingredient of a medicament for cancer prevention or treatment. |
| US09371299B2 |
Thiadiazolidinediones as GSK-3 inhibitors
The present invention relates to new thiadiazolidinediones of formula (I), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, and its use in the treatment of a disease in which glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is involved, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, there is provided a process for preparing such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. |
| US09371296B2 |
Bicyclic 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors' modulators
The present invention relates to bicyclic 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. |
| US09371288B2 |
Crystalline forms of a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor
The present disclosure relates to crystalline solid forms of [(4-hydroxy-1-methyl-7-phenoxy-isoquinoline-3-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid, the process of preparing the forms, and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof. |
| US09371287B2 |
Process for making modulators of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
The invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula 1, comprising coupling a carboxylic acid of Formula 2 with an aniline of Formula 3 in the presence of a coupling agent. |
| US09371284B2 |
Pro-drugs of NSAIAS with very high skin and membranes penetration rates and their new medicinal uses
The novel positively charged pro-drugs of NSAIAs in the general formulas (1, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d) “Structure 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d” were designed and synthesized. The compounds of the general formulas (1, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d) “Structure 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d” indicated above can be prepared from metal salts, organic base salts, or immobilized base salts of NSAIAs with suitable halide compounds. The positively charged amino groups in the pro-drugs in this invention largely increase the solubility of the drugs in water and will bond to the negative charge on the phosphate head group of membrane. Thus, the local concentration of the outside of the membrane or skin will be very high and will facilitate the passage of these pro-drugs from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. This bonding will disturb the membrane a little bit and may make some room for the lipophilic portion of the pro-drug. When the molecules of membrane move, the membrane may “crack” a little bit due to the bonding of the pro-drug. This will let the pro-drug insert into the membrane. At pH 7.4, only about 99% of the amino group is protonated. When the amino group is not protonated, the bonding between the amino group of the pro-drug and the phosphate head group of the membrane will disassociate, and the pro-drug will enter the membrane completely. When the amino group of the pro-drug flips to the other side of the membrane and thus becomes protonated, then the pro-drug is pulled into the cytosol, a semi-liquid concentrated aqueous solution or suspension. These pro-drugs can be used for treating and preventing diabetes (type I or/and type II), abnormal blood glucose and lipid levels, stroke, heart attack, and other heart and vascular diseases Alzheimer's diseases, Parkinson's diseases and other neurodegenerative diseases, psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune hepatitis, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other autoimmune diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), and other muscle disorders, inflamed hemorrhoids, cryptitis, other inflammatory conditions of the anorectum, and pruritus ani, prostatitis, prostatocystitis, varicose veins, autoimmune liver inflammation, autoimmune kidney inflammation, vein inflammation and other inflammations, skin cancers, breast cancer, colon-rectum cancer, oral cancer, and other cancers, scars, abnormal vascular skin lesions, birthmarks, moles (nevi), skin tags, aging spots (liver spots), and other skin disorders. These pro-drugs can be administered transdermally without the help of skin penetration enhancers. |
| US09371280B2 |
Substituted pyrrolidine-2-carboxamides
There are provided compounds of the formula wherein X, Y, Z, R1, R2 and R3 are as described herein and enantiomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The compounds are useful as anticancer agents. |
| US09371276B1 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome
The invention relates to the compounds and compositions of Formula I, Formula II, Formula III, Formula IV, Formula V, Formula VI or its pharmaceutical acceptable polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprises a salt of metformin and the methods for treating or preventing metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and diabetes may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity, lipid disorders, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. |
| US09371269B2 |
Method for preparing dialkyl carbonate
The present invention provides a method for preparing dialkyl carbonate from urea or alkyl carbamate and alkyl alcohol using an ionic liquid comprising a cation, which produces a hydrogen ion, and a hydrophobic anion containing fluorine with high temperature stability in the presence of catalyst containing a metal oxide or hydrotalcite. Since the present invention can prepare dialkyl carbonate at a pressure lower than those of existing methods, it does not require an expensive pressure control device and peripheral devices for maintaining high pressure including the installation cost. It is also the method for preparing a dialkyl carbonate with high yield, thus improving economical efficiency. Moreover, the method of the present invention hardly produces any waste during the process and is thus an eco-friendly method. |
| US09371268B2 |
Method for producing asymmetric chain carbonate
An asymmetric chain carbonate can be produced in a single-step reaction comprising a step of reacting methyl nitrite, carbon monoxide, and 0.05-1.5 moles of an aliphatic alcohol having 2-6 carbon atoms or an alicyclic alcohol having 5-6 carbon atoms per one mole of methyl nitrile in a gaseous phase in the presence of a solid catalyst comprising a platinum group metal or a compound thereof placed on a support. |
| US09371266B2 |
Copper-zirconia catalyst and method of use and manufacture
Catalysts and methods for their manufacture and use for the dehydrogenation of alcohols are disclosed. The catalysts and methods utilize a highly dispersible alumina, for example, boehmite or pseudoboehmite, to form catalysts that exhibit high dehydrogenation activities. Specifically, the catalysts include Cu that is highly dispersed by reaction of an alumina formed by peptizing of boehmite or pseudoboehmite and precursors of ZrO2, ZnO and CuO. |
| US09371259B2 |
Method for preparing vinyl chloride from acetylene and dichlorethane
Provided is a method for preparing vinyl chloride with acetylene and dichlorethane for large-scale industrial production. Acetylene, dichlorethane vapor and hydrogen chloride gas at a molar ratio of 1:(0.3-1.0):(0-0.20) are mixed; the raw mixed gas is preheated; the preheated raw mixed gas passes through a reactor containing a catalyst and reacts; the resultant mixed gas is cooled to 30-50° C. and pressurized to 0.4-1.0 MPa, and then cooled to ambient temperature, and further frozen to −25-15° C. for liquefaction isolation, and unliquefied gas is recycled and reused; liquefied liquid is sent to a rectifying tower for rectification, and vinyl chloride monomers meeting polymerization requirements are obtained. The present invention has the advantages of eliminating mercury contamination completely, simplifying the reactor structure, recycling hydrogen chloride and acetylene, reducing waterwash process, avoiding mass production of waste acid and improving utilization of chlorine. |
| US09371248B2 |
Glass element with high scratch tolerance
A glass element is provided that is made of a glass having SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, and Na2O. The glass has a scratch tolerance that when scratches of 1 mm length are introduced using a Knoop diamond indenter which presses upon a surface of the glass with a force of 4 Newton and is displaced along the surface with a traverse speed of 0.4 mm/s, not more than 20% of the scratches have a noticeable width including visible chipping of more than 25 μm. In some embodiments, the glass, after chemical tempering, has sodium ions that are at least partially exchanged for potassium ions so that a compressive stress zone is provided at the surface of the glass. The compressive stress is at least 700 MPa and an exchange depth of alkali ions is at least 25 μm. |
| US09371243B1 |
Microchlorine generation for anti-biofouling
A method and an apparatus for retrofit hydrolization of seawater for production of halogen biocides in situ. A method for effecting an in situ generation of biocide as an aid in anti-biofouling of a device disposed in a volume of salt water includes a) associating a cathode electrode to the device; b) associating an anode electrode to the device with the anode electrode spaced apart from the cathode electrode; and c) hydrolyzing one or more components in the volume of salt water to generate a halogen biocide at the anode electrode with the biocide flowing from the anode electrode away from the cathode electrode as a biocide film, the film responsive to a physical arrangement of the associations of the electrodes with the device. |
| US09371240B2 |
Ammonia gas generator for producing ammonia in order to reduce nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases
The present invention relates to an ammonia gas generator for generating ammonia from an ammonia precursor substance and to the use thereof for reducing nitrogen oxides in exhaust, in particular from industrial facilities, from combustion engines, from gas engines, from diesel engines or from petrol engines. |
| US09371238B2 |
Titanium-silicalite molecular sieve, method for preparing the same and method for preparing cyclohexanone oxime using the molecular sieve
The present invention provides a titanium-silicalite molecular sieve and a method for preparing the same. The method includes the steps of preparing a mixture of a titanium source, a silicon source, a transition metal source, a template agent and water; heating the mixture to form a gel mixture; heating the gel mixture in a water bath; and calcining the gel mixture after the gel mixture in the water bath to form the titanium-silicalite molecular sieve. The present invention further provides a method for preparing cyclohexanone oxime by using the titanium-silicalite molecular sieve as the catalyst which results in high conversion rate, high selectivity and high usage efficiency of hydrogen peroxide. |
| US09371237B2 |
Methods and systems for controlled conversion of minerals to pigmenting elements
The present invention may provide talc calciner systems and methods to produce better and more efficient products by engineering a* and b* values for calcinated products perhaps by processing low iron talc in an indirectly heated, multiple zoned calciner which may progressively heat the feed supply at perhaps specifics residence times to produce a desired product. |
| US09371235B2 |
Method for preparing graphene
A method of preparing graphene includes supplying a gas on a metal catalyst, the gas including CO2, CH4, and H2O, and reacting and cooling the resultant. |
| US09371232B2 |
Trekking atom nanotube growth
Disclosed is a trekking atom nanotube growth technology capable of continuously growing long, high quality nanotubes. This patent application is a Continuation In Part of the Proximate Atom Nanotube Growth patent application Ser. No. 13/694,088 filed on Oct. 29, 2012. The current invention represents a departure from chemical vapor deposition technology as the atomic feedstock does not originate in the gaseous environment surrounding the nanotubes. The technology mitigates the problems that cease carbon nanotube growth in chemical vapor deposition growth techniques: 1) The accumulation of material on the surface of the catalyst particles, suspected to be primarily amorphous carbon, 2) The effect of Ostwald ripening that reduces the size of smaller catalyst particles and enlarges larger catalyst particles, 3) The effect of some catalyst materials diffusing into the substrate used to grow carbon nanotubes and ceasing growth when the catalyst particle becomes too small. |
| US09371227B2 |
Integration of reforming/water splitting and electrochemical systems for power generation with integrated carbon capture
High efficiency electricity generation processes and systems with substantially zero CO2 emissions are provided. A closed looping between the unit that generates gaseous fuel (H2, CO, etc) and the fuel cell anode side is formed. In certain embodiments, the heat and exhaust oxygen containing gas from the fuel cell cathode side are also utilized for the gaseous fuel generation. The resulting power generation efficiencies are improved due to the minimized steam consumption for the gaseous fuel production in the fuel cell anode loop as well as the strategic mass and energy integration schemes. |
| US09371224B2 |
Silicon etching method
A silicon etching method of etching a silicon substrate to form silicon trenches having different width dimensions includes: S1, providing a silicon substrate; S2, depositing a mask layer on the silicon substrate; S3, corroding the mask layer to form windows having different width dimensions, wherein a mask layer having a certain thickness is reserved at least at a bottom portion of a window having a non-minimum width dimension, such that all the silicon trenches have the same depth after step S4; and S4, corroding the mask layer at the bottom portion of the window and the silicon substrate to form the silicon trenches. The mask layer having a certain thickness is reserved at the bottom portion of the window having the non-minimum width dimension, a relatively large window is protected, and a relatively small window is etched first, so that the finally obtained silicon trenches have the same depth. |
| US09371221B2 |
Low-profile stacked-die MEMS resonator system
A low-profile packaging structure for a microelectromechanical-system (MEMS) resonator system includes an electrical lead having internal and external electrical contact surfaces at respective first and second heights within a cross-sectional profile of the packaging structure and a die-mounting surface at an intermediate height between the first and second heights. A resonator-control chip is mounted to the die-mounting surface of the electrical lead such that at least a portion of the resonator-control chip is disposed between the first and second heights and wire-bonded to the internal electrical contact surface of the electrical lead. A MEMS resonator chip is mounted to the resonator-control chip in a stacked die configuration and the MEMS resonator chip, resonator-control chip and internal electrical contact and die-mounting surfaces of the electrical lead are enclosed within a package enclosure that exposes the external electrical contact surface of the electrical lead at an external surface of the packaging structure. |
| US09371220B2 |
Micromechanical component, manufacturing method for a micromechanical component and method for mounting a micromechanical component
A micromechanical component having a sensor chip is described, on and/or in which at least one sensor element is disposed, and a cladding, formed of an injection-molding material, encloses the sensor chip in such a way that at least one partial area of a surface of the sensor chip is covered in airtight fashion by the injection-molding material. At least one channel is formed in the injection-molding material, which takes a course, straight or not straight, from an outer surrounding area of the cladding toward the at least one sensor element of such a length that a change in shape and/or a change in chemical consistency of at least one part of the at least one sensor element is able to be brought about as a function of at least one physical property and/or at least one chemical partial composition of a medium present in the at least one channel. |
| US09371214B2 |
Locking device
A locking device for supporting members for a mobile machine, which supporting members are arranged on a chassis or load-bearing frame and can be extended, pivoted or telescoped from a retracted transport position into a deployed working position, has a locking bolt which can be displaced between a locked position and an unlocked position in a guide sleeve which is fixed to the frame and is arranged transversely with respect to the pulling-out direction of the supporting member, which locking bolt is prestressed in the direction of the locked position under the action of a spring, has an actuating member which displaces the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position, and has a latching and guiding member for the locking bolt, which latching and guiding member is arranged rigidly on the supporting member, wherein the latching and guiding member has a guiding curve which pushes the locking bolt into a release slope, and wherein the locking bolt can be moved in the release slope automatically into the locked position thereof. In order for it to be possible to perform arresting of the supporting members in defined positions in the case of limited spatial conditions and only partially extended supporting members, the latching and guiding member extends between a first latching position for the locking bolt in the region of the retracted transport position of the supporting member and a second latching position for the locking bolt in the region of the completely extended, pivoted-out or telescoped working position of the supporting member, and the latching and guiding member has at least one further latching position between the first and second latching position. |
| US09371212B2 |
Elevator system including a 4:1 roping arrangement
An exemplary elevator system includes an elevator car. A plurality of belts are situated relative to the elevator car such that movement of the belts for causing movement of the elevator car is approximately four times a corresponding movement of the elevator car. First, second, third and fourth sheaves are supported for vertical movement with the elevator car and rotational movement relative to the elevator car. Each belt has a portion extending across the elevator car between the first and second sheaves that is vertically aligned with another portion of the same belt extending across the elevator car between the third and fourth sheaves. |
| US09371207B2 |
Image forming apparatus having first conveying path, re-conveying path, and second conveying path
In an image forming apparatus, a discharge roller discharges a sheet conveyed by a first conveying path. The discharge roller switches between: a mode of conveying a sheet in a sheet discharging direction to discharge a sheet; and a mode of reversing a direction of conveying a sheet from the sheet discharging direction and feeding a sheet to a re-conveying path. A pivot plate at an open position constitutes a second conveying path. The pivot plate at a closed position closes the second conveying path. The pivot plate is provided with a penetrating portion penetrating the pivot plate over an entire thickness of the pivot plate. The penetrating portion constitutes part of the re-conveying path when the pivot plate is disposed at the closed position. Part of the pivot plate is exposed outside the housing. |
| US09371202B2 |
Dock ramp assembly
A dock ramp assembly for a docking opening on a facility; the assembly comprising a seal for sealing the docking opening with at least one access door opening on a transport vehicle when the vehicle is docked with the facility; the seal comprising an upper seal which extends over a top peripheral edge of the docking opening and adjacent side peripheral edges of the docking opening, and a lower seal which extends beneath the lower peripheral edge of the docking opening, such that the seal extends around the entire periphery of the docking opening to form a complete seal between the docking opening and the access door opening when the vehicle is docked with the facility; the assembly further comprising a retractable bumper which is transitioned from an extended, in-use position in front of the docking opening, to a retracted, stored position remote from the docking opening. |
| US09371195B2 |
Adjustment system for a rotary device
An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the configuration of the pockets of a star wheel conveyor is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism may be in the form of a support and an adjustment element movably connected to the support. The adjustment element is movable to contact one or more of the rotatable elements of a star wheel conveyor in order to adjust the rotational position of the individual rotatable element(s) to set the dimensions of pockets for the articles to be conveyed. The adjustment mechanism can form part of a star wheel conveyor system comprising a star wheel and such mechanism(s). |
| US09371192B2 |
Container-treatment installation having holder devices configured to co-operate mutually
An installation comprising a first platform having a first holder device comprising a first pair of jaws, and a second platform having a second holder device comprising a second pair of jaws. Each pair of jaws comprising a stationary jaw and a movable jaw mounted on the stationary jaw to be movable between a closed position and an open position. A resilient element connecting the two jaws together urges the movable jaw towards the closed position. The two pairs of jaws are provided with co-operation devices enabling them to transfer a container from one platform to another by co-operation between the pairs of jaws. |
| US09371189B1 |
Telescoping belt tightener with integrated bearing housing
A belt tightening assembly for conveyor systems includes an elongated outer tube and an inner tube sized to be complementarily received in the outer tube. The inner tube retractably extends out of the outer tube to varying lengths. A bearing housing extends from a long end of the inner tube and is integrated with the inner tube such that the inner tube and bearing housing do not separate from each other during normal operation. A spherical bearing is inserted into the bearing housing, the belt tightener is secured to a roller of a conveyor system, and the assembly is secured to a side of a conveyor. A separate pillow block is not used, eliminating a number of collection points for contamination and lowering costs. Also, not requiring a pillow block to be fastened to the inner tube reduces shear forces that result from imprecise fastening. |
| US09371167B2 |
Anti-collapse flexible fluid container
A valve assembly for use with a flexible container, in which the valve assembly is anchored to the flexible container. The valve assembly provides for the egress of fluid from the flexible container such that the interior surfaces flexible container do not block or otherwise prevent fluid flow or fluidic communication between the interior of the flexible container and the valve assembly. The portion of the valve assembly within the interior of the flexible container includes a support structure that prevents the walls of the flexible container from collapsing down on, and blocking either completely or in part, fluid flow through the opening of the valve inside of the flexible container. |
| US09371162B2 |
One-piece dispensing closure
A one-piece dispensing closure is disclosed. The one-piece dispensing closure includes a base, a lid having a first flap and means to irreversibly attach to the base, a first living hinge connecting the base to the lid, and a second living hinge connecting the first flap to the lid. The simplistic design of the dispensing closure allows for easy production of dispensing closures of different shapes and sizes. |
| US09371158B2 |
Liquid laundry product having a window for viewing
A laundry product that is a container and a liquid laundry composition contained in the container. The primary label face has text that is substantially upright when the container is resting on the closed end of the container. The secondary label face has text that is substantially up-side-down when the container is resting on the closed end of the container. The secondary label face has a window through which the liquid laundry composition within the container can be observed from outside the container. |
| US09371155B2 |
Active electronic media device packaging
Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging. |
| US09371153B1 |
Shaped elastomeric container with integrated leak resistant seal
A container made of an elastomer such as silicone with an integrated leak resistant seal. The seal incorporates press-fit elements with sizes and shapes sufficient to provide a strong seal that resists leakage of liquids from inside the container. The seal is integrated into the container and requires no external clips or clasps. Additional features are provided to facilitate opening such as extended flaps for pulling the sides open, and asymmetric cavities for press-fit elements to reduce the initial opening force. The container itself may be of asymmetrical shape, such as trapezoidal, to provide a wide opening along with a strong seal. |
| US09371152B2 |
Can shell and double-seamed can end
A drawn aluminum can shell has a peripheral crown which is double-seamed with an end portion of an aluminum can body to provide a can end having a generally flat center panel connected by an inclined curved or straight panel wall to an inclined inner wall of an annular U-shaped countersink. The countersink has an outer wall which connects with an inclined lower wall portion of a chuck wall at a junction below the center panel, and the chuck wall has a curved or inclined upper wall portion which connects with an inner wall of the crown. The chuck wall also has an intermediate wall portion forming a break, and the inner bottom width of the countersink is less than the radial width of the panel wall. The inclined upper wall portion of the chuck wall extends at an angle greater than the angle of the inclined lower wall portion of the chuck wall. |
| US09371148B1 |
Methods and articles for image transfer
Image transfer articles, sheets and methods are disclosed. The image transfer articles and sheets can include or be configured to receive an image. The image can be capture on one or more ink or other marking receptive layers of the image transfer articles or sheets. In various examples, the image transfer articles provide decorative features in addition to the image. Such decorative features can include article portions bearing elements such as, but not limited to, metallic flakes, metallic-like flakes, glitter materials, sparkle materials, luminescent materials (e.g., having a glow-in-the-dark effect), pearlescent materials, reflective materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the image transfer articles include a vanishing layer configured to hold or sustain the image on a receptor element until the receptor element is washed a predetermined number of times. |
| US09371143B2 |
Rectangular multi-substrate vertical form, fill, and seal bag and method and apparatus for forming and filling same
A VFFS bag is provided that is dimensionally stable, aesthetically pleasing, and renders items stored in it highly visible. The bag includes first and second gusseted side walls that span a depth of the bag and front and rear walls that span a width of the bag. The bag has a substantially rectangular closed bottom end. In order to maximize the viewabilty of stored items and reduce the amount of film material in the bag, the bag has a depth to width ratio of at least 1.5:1 at the bottom of the bag. Stability is enhanced by sizing the gussets such that they closely approach but do not overlap a line longitudinally bisecting the bag. A VFFS machine and its method of operation also are disclosed. |
| US09371140B1 |
System and method for providing a real time audible message to a pilot
A system and method for providing information to a crew of the aircraft while in-flight. The system includes a module having: a receiver for receiving a message while in-flight; a filter having a set of screening parameters and operative to filter the message based on the set of screening parameters; and a converter for converting the message into an audible message. The message includes a pilot report having at least one of weather information, separation information, congestion information, flight deviation information and destination information. The message is sent to the aircraft by another aircraft or an air traffic controller. |
| US09371136B2 |
Toilets with improved removability for passenger transport vehicles
Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance. |
| US09371135B2 |
Toilet concepts
Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further embodiments relate to improved shroud components for toilets that help reduce splash. Further embodiments also relate to flushing systems for use with vacuum toilets. |
| US09371134B2 |
Context-based flight mode selection
Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system comprises one or more sensors carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to provide sensor data and one or more processors. The one or more processors can be individually or collectively configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, an environment type for the environment; select a flight mode from a plurality of different flight modes based on the environment type, wherein each of the plurality of different flight mode is associated with a different set of operating rules for the unmanned aerial vehicle; and cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to operate within the environment while conforming to the set of operating rules of the selected flight mode. |
| US09371133B2 |
Drone systems for pre-trip inspection and assisted backing
Embodiments relate to using a UAV for assisting drivers of large wheeled vehicles when backing up in reverse and for conducting pre-trip inspections of the wheeled vehicle prior to driving. The UAV can be a multirotor copter using simultaneous localization and mapping technology to maneuver autonomously. Alternatively, the driver of the wheeled vehicle may use remote control to maneuver the UAV. |
| US09371131B2 |
Flow body having a leading edge, a surface and an active flow control system and vehicle comprising at least one such flow body and an air source
A flow body having a surface, a leading edge has an active flow control system. The active flow control system includes a plurality of openings, at least one control pressure varying device and at least one fluidic actuator with an interaction chamber having an inlet connectable to an air source, at least two outlets and at least two control pressure ports. The openings are distributed along or parallel to the leading edge in a side-by-side relationship and extend through the surface. The control pressure varying device is connected to the at least two control pressure ports in a fluidic manner, wherein the control pressure varying device is adapted to bring about the flow of the fluid at least majoritarily into a respective one of the outlets. Each of the outlets is connected to one individual opening of the plurality of openings. |
| US09371130B1 |
Collapsible wing and unmanned aircraft systems including collapsible wing
A collapsible wing, methods of producing the collapsible wing, and an unmanned aircraft system that includes the collapsible wing are provided. |
| US09371129B1 |
Lightweight aircraft seal material
Disclosed herein is a novel approach to producing an aircraft window seal. The aircraft seal is produced of a much lighter material than has been used before, produced by a process of mixing a compound containing uncured silicone and a volume of microspheres, and then dispensing this material into a mold. Such a mold will normally be a female mold having the negative three dimensional shape of the aircraft seal to be produced. The seal may then be pressurized and/or heated during the curing process either prior to removing the seal from the mold or after removing the seal from the mold. |
| US09371127B2 |
Composite structure comprising a stringer with a pad embedded in the recess of a panel and method of transmitting forces
A composite structure including a panel and a stringer bonded to the surface of the panel, the stringer having an end surface and a pair of sides extending lengthwise along the stringer away from the end surface. The surface of the panel is formed with a first wall which engages the end surface of the stringer and a second wall which engages another part of the stringer. Compressive forces are transmitted from the panel to the stringer by a normal reaction between the first wall formed in the surface of the panel and the end surface of the stringer. Tensile forces are transmitted from the panel to the stringer by a normal reaction between the second wall formed in the surface of the panel and the other surface of the stringer. |
| US09371125B2 |
Fuselage element comprising a fuselage segment and joining means
A fuselage element including a fuselage segment including a skin and a junction means for connecting the skin to an adjacent fuselage segment. The fuselage segment extends along a longitudinal axis of the fuselage, and the skin includes a first section at at least one end of the fuselage segment. The fuselage segment includes at least one longitudinal stiffening element for the fuselage. A junction member is arranged so as to contact an outer surface of the first section of the skin, and the stiffening element partially extends to the junction member along the longitudinal axis. |
| US09371124B2 |
Filling apparatus for high-altitude balloons
High-altitude balloons and apparatuses for filling such high-altitude balloons are provided. As an example, an apparatus for filling a high-altitude balloon includes a tube extending through envelope material of the balloon is provided. The apparatus also includes a flange connected to a first end of the tube. The flange is connected to an interior surface of the balloon. A fitting is connected to a second end of the tube. The fitting is configured for attachment with an apparatus for filling the balloon with lift gas. In addition, methods of filling high-altitude balloons with lift gas and methods of manufacturing balloons are also provided. |
| US09371120B2 |
Flotation assistance belt
A flotation assistance belt is configured to fit beneath arms of a human user in order to provide buoyancy to the human user in water. The flotation assistance belt includes a belt mechanically coupled to a female fastener and a male fastener. A flotation tube is partially surrounding the belt and configured to bend forming a circle without plastic deformation while having the tensile strength to resist this bending causing the flotation tube to expand outward slightly when the female fastener and the male fastener are connected. Connecting the female fastener to the male fastener forms a circle configured to fit beneath the arms of the human user in order to provide the buoyancy to the human user in the water. |
| US09371111B2 |
Semi submarine
Described are submersible assemblies including a support structure comprising a pair of flotation devices and a cabin pivotally coupled to the support structure between the pair of flotation devices having an outer enclosure encapsulating an inner cabin, wherein the cabin is configured to rotate between a raised position above a surface of a body of water and a submerged position, wherein at least a portion of the cabin is below the surface of the body of water, and wherein the inner cabin is configured to maintain substantially the same attitude as the support structure when the cabin rotates between the raised position and the submerged position. |
| US09371110B2 |
Hydraulic brake master cylinder
A hydraulic brake master cylinder is provided. The end of the movable barrel away from the outer convex ring is spaced apart or against the first inner convex flange and to adjust the location of one of two flow-through holes to make the use of brake not be influenced by the oil and air inside the first cylinder while rotating the movable barrel through the disposed outer convex ring. Two elastic plates are plugged in the inner conical portion, the outer convex ring between two ends of the inner connecting member is against the third inner convex flange adjacent to the fifth inner threaded portion, and two elastic plates are pressed by the inner conical portion to be fastened and passed through the second end cap, the second piston, the first piston, and the end of the two elastic plates with a brake cable in series. |
| US09371106B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a body frame that leans and two front wheels that prevent enlargement of a peripheral construction around a steering shaft above the two front wheels while maintaining a function of a link mechanism. An upper cross portion and a lower cross portion of the link mechanism each include a portion supported at a right end portion and a left end portion thereof and supported on a body frame at a middle portion thereof. The upper cross portion and the lower cross portion preferably have different volumes. Upper displacements that result when a rearward test force is exerted on an upper right bearing and an upper left bearing that support the upper cross portion with the lower cross portion removed, and lower displacements that result when a rearward test force is exerted on a lower right bearing and a lower left bearing that support the lower cross portion with the upper cross portion removed are equal or substantially equal. |
| US09371105B2 |
Frame structure for bicycle
A frame structure for a bicycle includes a head tube, a support tube assembly and a seat tube. The support tube assembly connects the head tube and the seat tube and includes two top tubes, one down tube and two reinforced tubes. |
| US09371103B2 |
Bicycle shift notification apparatus
A bicycle shift notification apparatus is provided with a transmission state determining component, a bicycle derailleur and a controller. The transmission state determining component determines a current operating state of a bicycle transmission having a plurality of speed stages. The bicycle derailleur produces a notification based on a determination of the current operating state by the transmission state determining component. The controller is operatively coupled to the bicycle derailleur. The controller activates the bicycle derailleur to produce the notification in accordance with a preselected notification pattern based on determining that a predetermined condition exists. A sound is produced by actuation of the bicycle derailleur. |
| US09371098B2 |
Spoiler device for vehicle
A spoiler device for a vehicle includes a rear spoiler including an airflow controlling surface that is configured to continue to a roof surface and configured to be provided at a roof end, and an air duct including an air inlet opening to the airflow controlling surface and being formed penetrating through the rear spoiler, the air duct including an air outlet positioned in vicinity to an edge portion of the rear spoiler in a vehicle width direction, the air duct configured to guide an airflow at a vehicle top surface to a border portion between a vehicle rear side and a vehicle lateral side. |
| US09371095B2 |
Motor vehicle body having a rear floor and a cross-member
A motor vehicle body includes a body center section. The body center section has a rear floor and a cross member connected thereto, which are made of fiber-reinforced plastic material. The cross member preferably extends between a left lateral longitudinal beam and a right lateral longitudinal beam. The motor vehicle body can be self-supporting. |
| US09371094B1 |
Plastic panel attachment joint for fascia to fender execution
An attachment joint for attaching a first panel to a second panel includes a threaded bolt, a cooperating speed nut, and a support plate interposed between the speed nut and a surface of the first panel opposite a mating surface of the first panel. The support plate is configured to engage and support a contour formed in an edge of the first panel. A motor vehicle panel subassembly including a first panel having a mating surface and an opposed surface and including at least one contour formed in an edge thereof and a second panel having a cooperating mating surface and a cooperating edge contour is assembled using the described attachment joint. The first panel may be a plastic motor vehicle fascia and the second panel may be a metal motor vehicle body panel such as a fender. |
| US09371092B2 |
Reinforcing structure of package tray side member for vehicle
A reinforcing structure for a package tray side member provides a rigid connection between the package tray side member and a vehicle body while enabling the package tray side member to be re-positioned towards a rear end of a vehicle. The package tray side member is re-positioned so as to be located between a rear end of the vehicle and a seat belt retractor and a shock absorber. Upper and lower end portions of the package tray side member are reinforced, and are respectively coupled to a package tray side panel of a vehicle and to a floor upper side member of a floor panel of the vehicle. |
| US09371085B2 |
Cart control systems and methods for controlling cart caster direction
Cart control systems and methods of controlling cart caster direction allow for operation of carts near walls without caster jamming. Cart control systems comprise a cart with one or more swivel casters, a wall, and a guide surface proximate the wall that is configured to swivel outwardly at least one of the swivel casters to be directed toward the wall when the swivel caster traverses the guide surface in a direction substantially parallel to the wall. When the caster is directed toward the wall, the floor contact of the caster is further away from the wall than the swivel axis of the caster and generally under the cart. When reversing direction, the caster swivels outwardly, with the floor contact remaining further away from the wall and generally under the cart. Thus, the caster does not swivel into the wall and jam the cart. |
| US09371082B1 |
Rotating positioning member of front wheel of golf trolley
A rotating positioning member of a front wheel of a golf trolley is revealed. A front wheel set is disposed at a front end of a lower frame and including a front wheel base fixed on the lower frame, a front wheel frame, and a front wheel pivotally connected to the front wheel frame. The front wheel base is mounted with an inclined guide slot. A connecting rod is formed on the front wheel frame and pivotally connected to the inclined guide slot. Thus the connecting rod drives the front wheel frame to rotate 90 degrees and the front wheel frame further drives the front wheel to horizontally lean against the lower frame when the front wheel frame is rotated toward the lower frame in the inclined guide slot due to the connecting rod. Thus the golf trolley is easy to fold up for storage. |
| US09371079B1 |
Train brake tool
A train brake tool for engaging and disengaging a train brake, such as a brake wheel or lever, is described. The train brake tool is configured for manual or hand operation and has both a puller portion and pusher portion configured at the end of an elongated member. The puller portion is configured with a hook for insertion into an opening in a brake wheel to allow the user to pull and rotate the wheel. The pusher portion has a hook configured oppositely to the puller, to allow the user to push the wheel. A length extension is described and is configured to be detachably attachable to the train brake tool. |
| US09371075B2 |
Guide rail part for a conveyor and a conveyor including a guide rail part
Guide rail part for a conveyor adapted to convey product carriers in a hanging manner, where the guide rail part is adapted to be positioned centrally in a main rail of the conveyor, where the guide rail part comprises a body, wherein the guide rail part comprises an actuator pivotably suspended to the body, where the actuator is movable from a first upper position to a second lower position, and a stop member pivotably connected to the actuator such that the stop member is in a raised stop position when the actuator is in the second lower position and that the stop member is in a lowered bypass position when the actuator is in the first upper position. The advantage of the guide rail part is that a queue with product carriers can be realized, where the spacing between the product carriers is obtained with the guide rail parts in an easy and cost-effective way. |
| US09371071B2 |
Method for refueling motor vehicles
A computer-implemented method includes determining, via a vehicle computer, that a current fuel-tank fill-level matches a stored fill-level, stored prior to a refueling process. The method also includes calculating an average fuel-consumption when the current fill-level matches the stored fill-level, based on distance traveled since the refueling process and a total amount of fuel received by the vehicle, as indicated by stored fuel-dispensed data received from one or more fuel pumps, since the stored fill-level was stored. |
| US09371068B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
A control device of a vehicle including an engine, an electric motor, and a clutch configured to achieve a mechanically directly-coupled state of a power transmission path between the engine/the electric motor and drive wheels, the control device causing the clutch to be slip-engaged or released when the engine is started during motor running in which only the electric motor is used as a drive force source for running with the clutch engaged, the control device being configured such that when the clutch is engaged during the motor running, an engagement pressure is made lower than an engagement pressure when the clutch is engaged during engine running in which at least the engine is used as a drive force source for running, and in the case of running with the clutch engaged, the engagement pressure of the clutch is constantly adjusted based on output torque of the electric motor during the motor running, while the engagement pressure of the clutch is not adjusted during the engine running. |
| US09371062B2 |
Brake device
A brake device includes: a mechanical pressure regulating part having a high-pressure port, a low-pressure port, a pilot pressure input port, and an output port which outputs fluid pressure corresponding to the pressure supplied to the pilot pressure input port by fluid pressures supplied to both of the high- and low-pressure ports, to a chamber for a master piston; a high-pressure source connected to the high-pressure port and the pilot pressure input port; a low-pressure source connected to the low-pressure port and the pilot pressure input port; and an electrically-operated pilot pressure generating part which includes control valves for controlling flows of the brake fluid between the high-pressure source and the pilot pressure input port, and between the low-pressure source and the pilot pressure input port, respectively, and which outputs desired fluid pressure to the pilot pressure input port by controlling flow of the brake fluid with control valves. |
| US09371058B2 |
Wiper assembly
A system for maintaining a wiper blade generally perpendicular to a curved windshield as the wiper moves throughout its stroke. A four bar linkage system is coupled to a first bevel gear causing it to drive a second bevel gear coupled to the wiper, thereby maintaining the wiper in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the curved windshield. The windshield wiper system may be used as a single blade or may be used in tandem with blades running either independently or in a synchronized manner. |
| US09371054B2 |
Webbing take-up device
In a webbing take-up device, a structure for interlocking a second lock pawl with a first lock pawl is only a shaft. It also suffices for switching between restricting of rotation of a lock ring and cancelling of the restricting to be carried out merely by moving a piston by gas pressure generated at a gas generator. In this way, by a simple structure, it is possible to switch between a mode, in which torsional deformation is brought about at a sub torsion main body of a sub torsion shaft, and a mode, in which torsional deformation is not brought about at the sub torsion main body of the sub torsion shaft. |
| US09371053B2 |
Package confirmation quality check tool for an airbag system and method of operation thereof
An airbag system includes an inflatable airbag including an aperture and an indicator, the indicator viewable through the aperture when the inflatable airbag is in a packaged condition. A method of packaging an inflatable airbag includes rolling an inflatable airbag into a packaged configuration and confirming the indicator is visible through the aperture when the inflatable airbag is in the packaged condition. |
| US09371052B2 |
Airbag module with external deflector
An airbag module (400) has a housing (402), an airbag (404), an inflator (406) and a deflector mechanism (420) which provides a barrier or guide and a reaction hood 401 or surface to modify the trajectory of the airbag on inflation to inflate at a lower trajectory. The deflector mechanism (420) has a tensioning member (430). |
| US09371049B2 |
Front load distribution mechanism for a vehicle
A vehicle includes a body that extends along a longitudinal axis. The body includes a front fascia and a forward load bearing beam that are disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis. A load distribution mechanism is rotatably attached to the forward load bearing beam for rotation about a rotation axis. The load distribution mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is for engaging an upper portion of the front fascia, above the forward load bearing beam. The second portion is for engaging a lower portion of the front fascia, below the forward load bearing beam. The front fascia engages the first portion and the second portion of the load distribution mechanism, and the load distribution mechanism rotates about the rotation axis, to control displacement of the front fascia in response to an applied force in which an object contacts the front fascia. |
| US09371048B2 |
Energy absorbing member for a bumper assembly of a vehicle
An energy absorbing member for a bumper assembly of a vehicle includes an open-celled foam. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed in the open-celled foam. A magnetic field source selectively controls a magnetic field in the open-celled foam. The open-celled foam includes cell walls and the magnetorheological fluid coats the cell walls and defines open cells unfilled by magnetorheological fluid. |
| US09371047B2 |
Bumper structure and method for manufacturing bumper beam
There is provided a bumper beam that is formed of a 7000 series aluminum alloy hollow extrusion, has a crushed longitudinal portion, and locally has a low-hardness region in a bumper stay joint section. A portion (portion to be heated) of end portions of the bumper beam formed of a tempered member of a heat-treatable aluminum alloy extrusion is subjected to reversion treatment, thereby forming a heat-affected zone in a bumper stay joint section. An end region (portion to be crushed) of the heated portion is subjected to cold crushing, and then the whole bumper beam is subjected to age hardening. The heated portion and a non-heat-affected zone are hardened through the age hardening, thereby forming a low-hardness region that overlaps the joint section in a portion of the heat-affected zone. |
| US09371045B2 |
Active control system for low DC/DC converter in an electric vehicle
An active control system for a LDC (Low-voltage DC/DC Converter) in a vehicle is disclosed. The LDC is disposed between a high voltage battery and a low voltage battery, rectifies the voltage in two directions and a VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) configured to control the LDC. The VCU is configured to control when a DC active control mode is initiated to obtain the minimum charging time of the low voltage battery. |
| US09371044B1 |
Vehicle panel and emblem
An emblem assembly for a vehicle having a number of attachment features such as two locating-pins, two opposing force clips, an orthogonal force clip, and an adhesive. A body panel having an embossed emblem-mating surface defining a number of attachment features such as a 2-way locating-slot, a 4-way locating-hole, a central void with opposing substantially parallel edges, a clip retention slot with an orthogonal edge, and a panel surface area for adhesive contact. The emblem assembly and the emblem-mating surface features combine to provide an effective support for an emblem on a body panel of a vehicle. The emblem may be located on a tailgate of a pickup with an aluminum body panel. |
| US09371042B1 |
Apparatus for connecting a bicycle to a motor vehicle and method of use
Apparatus and method for connecting a bicycle to a motor vehicle includes a crank axle support which supports the crank axle of the bicycle, a crank arm connector which connects to the crank arm of the bicycle, and a down tube connector which connects to the down tube of the bicycle. The crank arm connector and the down tube connector are adjustable to accommodate different style and size bicycles. The apparatus can be placed in in-use, lowered, and storage positions. |
| US09371041B2 |
Load carrier foot and a roof rack
A load carrier foot for attaching a load carrier bar to a vehicle and a roof rack having the load carrier foot. The load carrier foot includes a body having a support surface, where the support surface is adapted to rest against a first portion of the vehicle, and a bracket having an aperture adapted to grip about a second portion of the vehicle. An attachment arrangement provides a clamping force between the support surface of the body and the bracket. The bracket includes an aperture adapted to permit the attachment arrangement to be positioned between two positions to enable an easy mounting and dismounting of the load carrier foot. |
| US09371033B2 |
Vehicle sunshade assembly
A sunshade assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The sunshade assembly includes a housing and a light-producing assembly coupled to the housing. The housing includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to be excited by light emitted from the plurality of light sources such that at least a portion of the housing exhibits a luminescent appearance. |
| US09371031B2 |
Method for controlling a headlamp system for a vehicle, and headlamp system
In a method for controlling a headlamp system for a vehicle, the headlamp system having two headlamps, set apart from each other, road users are detected in front of the vehicle in the driving direction, and a first total light pattern is able to be produced, in which the illumination range on a first side of a center axis is greater than on the other, second side of this center axis, and a second total light pattern is able to be produced, in which the total light pattern is controllable such that it has an illumination range in the direction of at least one detected road user that is less than the distance to the detected road user, and which has an illumination range in another direction that is greater than the distance to the detected road user. During the switch from the first total light pattern to the second total light pattern, the illumination range of at least one headlamp on the first side of the center axis is first reduced to at least such an extent that it is less than the distance to the detected road user, the second total light pattern being produced subsequently. |
| US09371030B2 |
Power supply, head light device using the power supply, and vehicle using the headlight device
A control circuit is configured to compare an input voltage measured through an input voltage detection circuit with a first threshold which is lower than a rated voltage of an external DC power supply and with a second threshold which is lower than the first threshold. The control circuit is configured, when detecting that a duration time in which the input voltage is kept lower than the first threshold reaches a predetermined holding period, to stop operating a switching device. The control circuit is configured, after detecting that the input voltage is lower than the second threshold, to more shorten a maximum ON time than that during a normal operation or lengthen an OFF time of the switching device than a maximum OFF time during the normal operation. |
| US09371027B2 |
Vehicle body with a curved metal plate floor
A load carrying body for a vehicle includes a curved metal plate floor (10) and a floor attachment system that attaches the floor to opposite sides of the body so that the floor is suspended between the sides. The floor attachment system includes a plurality of tensile members (38) which are the principal means for transferring forces from the floor to the remainder of the body. Each tensile member is coupled at one end to one of the sides of the body of the vehicle and at the other end to a side edge of the floor. |
| US09371026B2 |
Table apparatus for rear seat passengers
A table apparatus for rear seat passengers may include a table housing rotatable upwards and downwards around a support shaft coupled to a sidewall of a rear console, a movable body movable along a guide provided in the table housing, a rotating body coupled to the movable body by a body shaft and rotatable upwards and downwards with respect to the movable body, a table coupled to the rotating body by a table shaft and rotatable leftwards and rightwards with respect to the rotating body, and a table tilting unit provided in the movable body and the rotating body, the table tilting unit controlling a rotation angle of the rotating body to determine a tilting angle of the table. |
| US09371022B2 |
Vehicle seat
In a vehicle seat (10), a deformable portion (32) extends continuously from an edge portion of a placement hole (28) towards an outside of the placement hole (28). When the deformable portion (32) is plastically deformed by a fastening bolt (40), the deformable portion (32) does not readily deform so as to be pushed outwards, but deforms so as to be squashed. When a low press-contact force acts on a side face (32D), the deformable portion (32) does not readily perform plastic deformation, and an impact load imparted to a seatback frame (44) can be stably absorbed by the deformable portion (32). Impact load imparted to the seatback frame (44) can be continuously absorbed by the deformable portion (32) since the deformable portion (32) deforms continuously. Accordingly, impact load imparted to the seatback frame (44) can be efficiently absorbed by the deformable portion (32). |
| US09371017B2 |
Pivotal handle lock/release mechanism for child car seat
A plurality of lock tracks on a carrier of a car seat, a slider that co-pivots with a handle of the carrier, and an actuator on the handle and moveable between lock and release positions. Each of the lock tracks defines a respective handle position. The slider is slideable between lock and release positions, and is spring-biased toward the lock position. In the slider lock position, the slider engages one of the lock tracks to secure the co-pivoting handle in the respective handle position. And in the slider release position, the slider does not engage any of the lock tracks to permit the co-pivoting handle to pivot between the handle positions. The actuator is biased toward the lock position by the spring-biased slider, and actuating the actuator from its lock position to its release position moves the slider from its lock position to its release position. |
| US09371016B2 |
Fitting for a vehicle seat, and vehicle seat
A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat has a first fitting part (11) and a second fitting part (12) that are rotatable relative to one another and are in geared connection, and a third fitting part (74) mounted on the first fitting part (11) such that it can be pivoted relative to the first fitting part (11). The third fitting part (74) can be locked to the first fitting part (11) by a pawl (80) which is mounted at a first articulation point (D1) on the third fitting part (74). The third fitting part (74), which has a locking cam (90), which is mounted at a second articulation point (D2), a coupler (98), which is connected at a third articulation point (D3) to the locking cam (90) and at a fourth articulation point (D4) to the pawl (80), and the pawl (80) define a four-bar linkage (74, 80, 98, 90). |
| US09371010B2 |
Inverter control method and vehicle having same
A method of controlling a power inverter coupled to an electric motor in a vehicle powertrain having an engine is provided. The method includes generating a voltage waveform signal and a switching frequency signal for the inverter via a controller. At least one of the voltage waveform signal and the switching frequency signal is at least partially based on at least one commanded engine operating parameter. For example, the engine on/off state, engine torque, and engine speed can be considered. A vehicle having a controller configured to implement the method is also provided. |
| US09371009B2 |
Mount structure for fuel cell stack
A mount structure includes side mounts for holding a fuel cell stack to thereby fix the fuel cell stack to first vehicle frames, and rear mounts for fixing the fuel cell stack to a second vehicle frame. The strength of the side mounts is lower than the strength of the rear mounts. In the structure, when an external load is applied to a fuel cell electric vehicle, the side mounts are broken prior to breakage of the rear mounts. |
| US09371004B2 |
Internal vehicle telematics data access
A nomadic device may connect to a vehicle computing system (VCS) and be configured to identify data element parameter information associated with a gauge to be displayed, capture, using a data bridge adapter connected to a vehicle network, an element of vehicle data according to the data element parameter information, and display, via the VCS, the gauge including the element of vehicle data formatted according to the data element parameter information. A VCS may be configured to receive filtered vehicle data from a telematics gateway configured to provide a subset of vehicle data provided over a vehicle network, receive vehicle data from a nomadic device in communication with a data bridge adapter configured to capture vehicle data provided over the vehicle network, and utilize the vehicle data to provide information via the VCS unavailable via the filtered vehicle data. |
| US09371003B2 |
Systems and methods for haptic feedback control in a vehicle
A control system for a vehicle includes first and second modules. The first module receives input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system. The second module selectively adjusts a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. A method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system, and selectively adjusting a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. |
| US09371002B2 |
Absolute acceleration sensor for use within moving vehicles
A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic. |
| US09370998B2 |
Fuel filler systems and methods of assembling same
Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. The fuel filler system includes a closure device assembly and a fuel filler tube. A circumferential rim extends radially outwardly from a first end of the fuel filler tube. The rim has a non-planar cross-sectional shape. The fuel filler system also includes at least one catch member that extends from an inner surface of the closure device assembly. A seal member encircles a portion of the closure device assembly, and is axially spaced apart from the at least one catch member. After the closure device assembly is coupled to the fuel filler tube, the circumferential rim is axially captured between the at least one catch member and the seal member. |
| US09370997B2 |
Method of manufacturing tail trim using clad metal plate
Provided is a method of manufacturing a tail trim using a clad metal plate, and a tail trim made of a clad metal plate, which thus enables decrease in weight and improved corrosion resistance, and which further enables increased heat resistance. The method includes rolling two washed metal materials to obtain an initial clad metal plate, and then heat treating and further rolling the initial clad metal plate to obtain a final clad metal plate; pressing the final clad metal plate, thus forming a main tail trim and a housing, the housing including a tail trim upper cover and a tail trim lower cover; and subjecting the main tail trim and the housing to tungsten inert gas welding, thus manufacturing the tail trim. |
| US09370993B2 |
Hybrid power driving device for vehicle and control method thereof
This invention proposes a hybrid power driving device including an electric motor, an Internal Combustion engine, an automated mechanical transmission, a clutch, a main reducer and a differential, where the automated mechanical transmission includes first to sixth gear wheels forming meshing pairs, 2 synchronizers, an input transmission shaft connected with the engine, an input transmission shaft connected with the motor, and an output transmission shaft. This device provides for the motor with two gears, and provides for the engine with four gears, which can meet the practical demands of the engine and the motor. Compared with the existing parallel hybrid power coupling mechanism, the inventive device has a simple structure, a low cost, good shifting comfortability, and a high operation efficiency. |
| US09370992B2 |
Powertrain for a vehicle
A powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. Electrical communication between the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system is independent of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states. |
| US09370988B2 |
Sliding roof system
A sliding roof system is shown having a pair of guide rails, a slide in each guide rail, the slide being displaceably mounted therein, a functional component which is displaceably received in the guide rail and can be fixed in a raised position by means of a latching hook, the latching hook being shiftable between a release position and a latching position, the latching hook when in the latching position engaging in an opening of the guide rail, and a cover which can be opened from a closed position by displacement of the slide, a retaining lever being provided which can mechanically hold the latching hook in the latching position, wherein the retaining lever is adapted to be pivoted about a pivot pin between the release position and the retaining position. |
| US09370984B2 |
Gas spring and gas damper assemblies and methods of assembly
A gas spring and gas damper assembly (200) can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially forms a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first and second damper elements (278, 280) as well as a damper element assembly that are telescopically interconnected with one another. The damper element assembly can include an outer side wall portion that at least partially defines a cavity and a biasing element extending into the cavity. A suspension system and a method of assembly are also included. |
| US09370982B2 |
Method and apparatus for suspension damping including negative stiffness
A suspension assembly between a sprung element and an unsprung element includes load-carrying spring arranged in parallel with a negative stiffness element between the sprung element and the unsprung element. The spring is configured with a positive spring rate to support a static load of the sprung element. The negative stiffness element is configured with a negative spring rate and to exert a force opposing the spring rate of the spring. The negative spring rate has a magnitude that cancels the positive spring rate at a zero deflection point of the suspension assembly. |
| US09370980B2 |
Leaf spring arrangement
A leaf spring arrangement for a motor vehicle axle includes a leaf spring which is made of a fiber composite and has ends, each end having a flat underside to provide a joining surface. Bonded flatly by an adhesive against the underside of each end of the leaf spring in an area of the joining surface is a mount for attachment onto a further axle component. The mount has an opening for receiving a metallic bearing or screw bolt. |
| US09370979B2 |
Amphibious vehicle
There is provided an amphibious vehicle including a plate aluminum planing boat hull (10) having a transverse collision bulkhead (12) and a pair of recesses (13) disposed each side of the stem (14). Transom portions (17) are located at either side of a central pod (21). The collision bulkhead (12) and the transom portions (17) support respective pairs of extendable strut and wheel assemblies (24) each comprising a mounting bracket (25) and a coil spring over shock absorber assembly (27). Spaced suspension rods 31 extend through the bottom of the bracket to provide for suspension travel to stop (35). The upper ends of the suspension rods are secured to a header assembly (36) which forms the upper mount for a wheel strut assembly (37) consisting of double acting hydraulic ram (40) secured to a strut casing (44) of square section passing through a bearing pack assembly (46) mounted to the suspension rods (31). |
| US09370978B1 |
Hitch adapter system with damping effect
A hitch adapter system with damping effect for controlling back and forth movement or bumping on the hitch receiver and the prime mover. The hitch adapter system with damping effect includes a lower support member having a planar bottom wall and adapted to be in communication with a prime mover; an upper support member having a planar main wall and disposed above and movable relative to the lower support member and adapted to be in communication with a trailer; a linkage assembly pivotably interconnecting the lower and upper support members; and a buffer assembly retarding and cushioning the movement of the upper support member relative to the lower support member. |
| US09370975B2 |
Apparatus and method for mounting and demounting a tire to or from a rim of a vehicle wheel
An apparatus for mounting and demounting a tire on and from a rim of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus comprises at least one fitting or removal tool for mounting and demounting the tire, and a control unit for controlling movement of the fitting or removal tool. A load measuring device measures the load applied on the tool while mounting or demounting the tire. A counterpart method comprises moving the fitting or removal tool towards or away from the vehicle wheel for mounting or demounting the tire to and from the rim, capturing the load applied to the tire by the fitting or removal tool, calculating the load applied to the tire by the fitting or removal tool while mounting or demounting the tire, and controlling movement of the fitting or removal tool on the basis of the load applied to the tire by the tool. |
| US09370974B2 |
Assembly for a tire inflation system
An assembly includes a rotary joint spindle and a rotary joint body rotatably disposed on and in fluid communication with the rotary joint spindle. The rotary joint body is housed by a hub cap and provided adjacent an end of a spindle. A pressure relief valve is disposed between the hub cap and the rotary joint body. The pressure relief valve selectively provides a seal between the hub cap and the rotary joint body. |
| US09370973B2 |
System and method for optical measuring of tire adhesion and tire suitable for such measurement
A system for measuring the grip between a vehicle wheel tire and a road surface comprising a fiber optic (19) provided with FBG sensors (21) affixed to the internal surface of the tire, which record data regarding the state of state of residual grip Grs of the tire to the road. The fiber optic (19) has an end part (20) which, through an optical joint (5, 6) transmits the data to an instrumentation of the vehicle, making it pass through a spectrum analyzer (12), a data processing system (14), which implements the residual grip identification algorithm Grs. The residual grip information is sent to a display that is visible by the driver and/or to active control systems for driving the vehicle. |
| US09370967B2 |
Wheel reaction force detecting apparatus
A wheel reaction force detecting apparatus includes a mount fixed to a suspension device, a hub to which a wheel is fixed, a sensing unit including a cylinder disposed inside the hub and substantially coaxial with an axle of the wheel, and a component force detector to detect a component force on the wheel. The hub is rotatably supported around the axle with respect to the mount. The cylinder has a first end fixed to the mount and a second end connected to the hub with a hub bearing disposed therebetween. The component force detector is disposed on the cylinder in the sensing unit. The hub bearing includes an inner race fit on a sensitive unit and an outer race fit on the hub. A position of the outer race is adjustable in an axial direction of the axle with respect to the inner race. |
| US09370966B2 |
Wheel-rim protector
A wheel-rim protector comprises a flexible elongate body having first and second ends, wherein a lateral extent of the elongate body defines a rim-protection portion seatable on a rim edge of a wheel and a tail portion which extends away from the rim-protection portion seatable on a circumferential outer surface of the wheel rim. A connector which positively engages the first and second ends of the elongate body is also provided, and includes a toothed tongue element and a toothed-engagement element on a radially outer surface of the tail portion at or adjacent to at least one of the first and second ends. Teeth of the tongue element and the toothed-engagement element are interengagable to prevent or limit unintentional longitudinal separation of the first and second ends. The connector further includes an anti-lift element on or adjacent to the toothed-engagement element. |
| US09370963B2 |
Wall panel for a caravan and a method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacturing a wall panel for a caravan, the wall panel having a first face and a second face, comprises printing a first design onto the first face of the wall panel for example using a first direct-to-substrate printer. A second design may be printed onto the second face of the wall panel, for example using a second direct-to-substrate printer (which may be the same printer as, or a different printer to, the first printer). Alternatively, the first design may be printed onto a first skin for the wall panel. The second design may be printed onto a second skin for the wall panel. The first and second skins, with the designs printed thereon, may then be assembled into a wall panel. |
| US09370961B2 |
Assisted opening compact novelty utensil
A compact utensil which has two utility components connected by an assisted opening hinge. |
| US09370959B2 |
Refill plug release assembly and writing instrument comprising same
A writing instrument includes a barrel, a refill assembly, and a refill plug assembly that is quick to release from the barrel and quick to re-attach to the barrel when changing a refill assembly. The refill plug assembly is quickly secured to the barrel of the writing instrument and quickly released from the barrel of the writing instrument through a twisting and/or pushing action that may require less than one full turn to disengage from the barrel and to re-attach to the barrel, thus expediting replacement of the refill assembly. |
| US09370957B2 |
Coated paper for printing by industrial ink jet printing machine
A coated paper having a base paper and at least two coating layers, a first coating layer and a second coating layer, provided on at least one surface of the base paper. The first coating layer is provided on the base paper and contains an organic pigment, a cationic compound, a binder, and a dogtooth-shaped precipitated calcium carbonate having a minor axis of 0.1-0.5 μm and a major axis of 0.5-2.5 μm. The second coating layer is provided on the first coating layer and contains at least an inorganic ultrafine particle that is selected from hydrated alumina, gas phase process silica, pulverized wet-process silica, and colloidal silica, and that has a mean particle size of 330 nm or less. The paper has a surface pH of from 5.0 to 7.5, and the coated surface coated with the second coating layer has a 75-degree gloss value of 45% or more. |
| US09370955B2 |
Image processing method, and image processor
The present invention provides an image processing method which includes any one of recording an image on a thermally reversible recording medium that can reversibly change any one of its transparency and color tone depending on temperature by irradiating and heating the thermally reversible recording medium with a laser beam, and erasing the image recorded on the thermally reversible recording medium by heating the thermally reversible recording medium, wherein in any one of the image recording and the image erasing, the thermally reversible recording medium is located at a position farther than a focal position of the laser beam, and at least any one of the image recording and the image erasing is performed. |
| US09370953B1 |
Printer apparatus
In accordance with an embodiment, a printer apparatus comprises an insert and eject slot; a medium conveyance section configured to convey a print medium on which code information is arranged and which is inserted from the insert and eject slot towards a predetermined printing position, and convey the print medium from the printing position to the insert and eject slot from which the print medium is ejected; a printing section configured to carry out printing on the print medium sent to the printing position; a code information reading section configured to read the code information arranged on the print medium; and an acquisition section configured to acquire the code information based on reading data of the code information read by the code information reading section multiple times at a predetermined distance. |
| US09370952B1 |
Bit plane imaging method and system
The present invention relates to the production of continuous tone imagery. It enables the printing of images sharper and more finely modulated than what can be currently produced with an ink jet, photo-mechanical, xerographic or any other non-continuous tone form of printing. In an embodiment, through the use of successive transfers of ink of intermediate value, a much finer gradation at a higher resolution can be achieved. The pattern of transfers is based on the binary system to achieve the highest quality with the fewest transfers and can be used with any non-continuous tone form of printing. In a further embodiment, ink transfers between media of substantially equal ink affinity can be sequenced in a binary manner through simultaneous transfer and withdrawal of inks. Additional embodiments include a means of regulating ink transfer to achieve a binary layer construction of an image. |
| US09370950B2 |
Printer
A printer includes a printing head, a take-up driving device, a take-up amount detecting portion, a constant torque control device, and a switching control portion. The take-up driving device drives a take-up portion for taking up at least a part of layers of the recording medium fed by a feeder on an outer circumference part and forming a roll. The take-up amount detecting portion detects a take-up amount by the take-up portion. The constant torque control device performs constant torque control that sets a driving torque of the take-up driving device to a constant value corresponding to an input command value. The switching control portion switches the command value in stages in accordance with an increase in the take-up amount detected by the take-up amount detecting portion associated with an advancement of the take-up by the take-up portion. |
| US09370940B1 |
Single decurler configuration for reduced contamination of decurler
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for reducing contamination on a decurler in a printer are disclosed. For example, the method includes printing, by a marking engine, an image on a paper on a first side, inverting, by a first inverter, the paper so that the image on the first side is facing in an opposite direction than when passing through the marking engine and decurling, by the de-curler, the paper such that the image on the first side contacts a soft roller of the upstream de-curler. |
| US09370939B2 |
Method and apparatus for printer control
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are described herein for controlling a printing device. In an example embodiment, a print line is divided into frames and frame dot states are determined based on neighboring frame dot states. Maximum motor speeds of the printing device may be adjusted so that actual motor speeds change gradually during printing. The print engine may detect a printhead type by sending a signal to the printhead and receiving a response. Motor torque is dynamically controlled based on type of media and/or labels present on the media. |
| US09370937B2 |
Inspecting chart and printing apparatus
Disclosed is an inspecting chart including a reference pattern containing a first line segment group and a second line segment group, a first-side deviation pattern, and a second-side deviation pattern. The first line segment group is formed by a plurality of first line segments printed by a reference printing head at a first given interval. The second line segment is formed by second line segments printed by a printing head on a center between two adjacent first line segments or a center of each of the first line segments, the printing head being spaced away from the reference printing head in a the transportation direction of a print medium. The first-side deviation pattern and the second-side deviation pattern are printed with various deviations. |
| US09370934B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing material cartridge, adaptor for printing material container, and circuit board
A printing material cartridge comprises: a memory device; a plurality of first terminals through which a power source voltage and signals for operating the memory device are supplied from a printing apparatus; and a plurality of second terminals to be used for detecting attachment conditions of the printing material cartridge in a cartridge attachment unit. The plurality of first terminals have a plurality of first contact portions that get in contact with corresponding apparatus-side terminals when the printing material container is properly attached to the cartridge attachment unit. The plurality of second terminals have a plurality of second contact portions that get in contact with corresponding apparatus-side terminals when the printing material container is properly attached to the cartridge attachment unit. The plurality of first and second contact portions are arranged so as to form a first row and a second row. Four contact portions among the plurality of second contact portions are placed at both ends of the first and second rows, respectively. |
| US09370930B2 |
Nozzle testing device and image forming apparatus
A nozzle testing device includes: a two-dimensional image sensor to capture an image of a pattern formed on a recording object by discharging ink from a nozzle row while moving the nozzle row and the recording object relative to each other in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle row; a light source unit provided such that regularly reflected light by the pattern forms a regular reflection area in the image of the pattern captured by the two-dimensional image sensor; and a detection unit to analyze the image to detect discharge failure of the nozzles. The regular reflection area is formed in the image such that a dimension in a direction corresponding to the direction of relative movement between the nozzle row and the recording object is greater than a dimension in a direction orthogonal to the direction corresponding to the direction of relative movement in the image. |
| US09370928B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and fabricating method for liquid ejecting head
There are provided a liquid ejecting head having a high fabrication efficiency and a high reliability of an electric connector, and a fabricating method for the liquid ejecting head. A direction in which a channel forming member is incorporated to a casing crosses a direction in which a flat spring is resiliently deformed. In incorporating the channel forming member, an abutment portion formed at the flat spring is allowed to abut on the casing, thus deforming the flat spring. The flat spring is brought into contact with an inside contact pad by a resilient restoring force of the flat spring. |
| US09370927B2 |
Inkjet printing device and printing method
The invention has an object to provide an advantageous technology that minimizes banding that may appear on an image printed using a print head having a nozzle row (22) to obtain printed images with a better image quality. A print operation includes discharging ink on a printing medium through an active nozzle row (23) and at least one nozzle (21) not continuous from at least one end of the active nozzle row (23). The active nozzle row (23) is re-selected so that an amount of shift of the active nozzle row (23) from one end of the nozzle row (22) is changed every time when the active nozzle row (23) discharges ink a predetermined number of times. |
| US09370924B1 |
Dual action stencil wiper assembly for stencil printer
A stencil printer includes a stencil shuttle assembly coupled to a frame. The stencil shuttle assembly is configured to move the stencil in an x-axis direction between a first position in which the stencil is positioned toward a front of the stencil printer and a second position in which the stencil is positioned toward a back of the stencil printer. The stencil shuttle assembly further is configured to move the stencil in a y-axis direction to align the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a wiper to remove material from the stencil as the stencil is translated away from the substrate by the stencil shuttle assembly. The stencil shuttle assembly, when the stencil is translated away from the substrate, is configured to move the stencil in the y-axis direction in an oscillating manner. Methods of cleaning a stencil are further disclosed. |
| US09370920B2 |
Electrostatic chuck, mount plate support, and manufacturing method of electrostatic chuck
According to one embodiment, an electrostatic chuck comprises a mount plate, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer includes a heater. The second layer is provided between the mount plate and the first layer. The second layer transmits heat from the heater to the mount plate. The second layer includes a compressive attachment portion. The compressive attachment portion is formed at the outer edge. The face on the mount plate side of the compressive attachment portion is compressed and attached to the mount plate. The face on the first layer side of the compressive attachment portion is compressed and attached to the first layer. |
| US09370912B2 |
Pulp molded biodegradable removably connectable lid
By creating a slurry of biodegradable material, forming it in a mold under a vacuum, a channel may be created in the lid which can be release-ably connected to a traditional rolled lip coffee cup, among other common liquid holding vessels but be made out of biodegradable material. The resulting lid may be elastic enough such that the lid will give to allow a complementary cup to fit into the channel to create a seal between the cup and the lids. It also will be firm enough to withstand the weight and pressure of the liquid inside the container and from pressure from consumers while using the container. The lid also may be sufficiently heat resistant to withstand desired temperatures and liquid exposure for a time long enough for a consumer to enjoy the contents of the container but also be biodegradable. |
| US09370909B2 |
Pneumatic tire and production method therefor
A pneumatic tire capable of discharging static electricity from a vehicle to a road surface wherein the pneumatic tire includes a base portion, a cap portion and a conductive portion, wherein the base portion is formed by spirally winding a ribbon-like rubber strip continuously from one tread edge side to the other tread edge side, without interrupting, with a gap portion formed by separating the side edges of adjacent ribbon-like rubber strips, and wherein the gap portion is formed such that the ribbon-like rubber strip is locally bent. |
| US09370902B2 |
Fiber-reinforced epoxy composites and methods of making same without the use of oven or autoclave
Method embodiments for producing a fiber-reinforced epoxy composite comprise providing a mold defining a shape for a composite, applying a fiber reinforcement over the mold, covering the mold and fiber reinforcement thereon in a vacuum enclosure, performing a vacuum on the vacuum enclosure to produce a pressure gradient, insulating at least a portion of the vacuum enclosure with thermal insulation, infusing the fiber reinforcement with a reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent under vacuum conditions, wherein the reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent generates exothermic heat, and producing the fiber-reinforced epoxy composite having a glass transition temperature of at least about 100° C. by curing the fiber reinforcement infused with the reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent by utilizing the exothermically generated heat, wherein the curing is conducted inside the thermally insulated vacuum enclosure without utilization of an external heat source or an external radiation source. |
| US09370900B2 |
Printing method and printing device
A printing device and method for performing high image quality printing on a three-dimensional object at low cost is provided. The method includes a discharging step that discharges ink onto a recording medium 2 from a print head 1, wherein a blocking wall 3 is provided so as to sandwich a printing region that is a target towards which the ink is discharged along a moving direction of the print head 1 by two surfaces extending along a flight path of ink directed toward the recording medium 2 from the print head 1. |
| US09370899B2 |
Plastic bag making apparatus
In an apparatus for successively making plastic bags, a receiver plate 5 is fixed to a support plate 7. The support plate 7 extends widthwise of the webs of film material 2H and 2L to protrude on one of opposite sides of the webs of film material 2H and 2L. An elastic support device is disposed on the one side of the webs of film material 2H and 2L to elastically support the receiver plate 5 and the support plate 7. An attitude hold device is disposed on the one side of the webs of film material 2H and 2L to act on the support plate 7 so that the receiver plate 5 and the support plate 7 are held in attitude not to be inclined when being lowered and raised. |
| US09370895B1 |
Magnetic field induction bonding technique
Methods and systems for reflowing an adhesive are described. The adhesive may be reflowed by applying an alternating magnetic field at a particular frequency selected to be natural resonant frequency resonant of magnetizable material embedded in the adhesive. The alternating magnetic field at the particular frequency resonates the magnetizable material, inductively producing heat. The heat reflows the adhesive. |
| US09370892B2 |
Bottle neck with internal embossments and method of manufacture
A bottle of one-piece integrally formed construction has a body with a closed base and a shoulder at an end of the body remote from the base, and a neck extending from the shoulder along an axis and terminating in a neck finish for attachment of a closure. The bottle neck includes at least one internal embossment for affecting flow of liquid from the body through the neck. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one internal embossment includes at least one internal annular rib or at least one internal rib coplanar with the neck axis or at least one internal spiral rib or at least one internal elliptical rib. |
| US09370885B2 |
In-mold decorating method and in-mold system
A case molded article is molded by injecting resin into a molding space formed in an in-mold decoration die; meanwhile, foil is joined to the surface of the case molded article. After that, the foil is peeled off from the surface of the case molded article while leaving a pattern layer at least on the upper ends of the corners of the rising wall on the case molded article. Subsequently, the foil is peeled off from the surface of the case molded article while leaving the pattern layer at other points where the foil is joined to the surface of the case molded article. |
| US09370880B2 |
Automated forming of cast polyurethane
Cast polyurethane parts for shoes or other items may be formed in an automated fashion. A dispensing mechanism may dispense a predetermined amount of a liquid phase polyurethane mixture onto a flat surface face of a mold. A dispersal mechanism may distribute the liquid phase polyurethane mixture over the flat surface face of the mold to fill at least one cavity in the form. A vacuum may be applied to remove air bubbles from the liquid phase polyurethane mixture. Excess liquid phase polyurethane mixture may be removed from the flat surface face of the mold using a flexible blade that contacts and moves across the flat surface face. One or more conveyance mechanism may transport molds through the desired stages of a system and/or method in accordance with the present invention. |
| US09370871B2 |
Fluid jet cutting systems
Fluid jet systems, components and related methods are provided which are well adapted for processing workpieces under particularly work-friendly conditions. Embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods that reduce, minimize or eliminate a gap between a workpiece being processed and jet receiving devices that receive and dissipate the energy of a fluid jet passing through the workpiece. Other embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving fluid jet processing of workpieces in a submerged condition. Still further embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving position and orientation adjustment of a fluid jet receptacle to coordinate the path of an incoming fluid jet with a central axis or other feature of the fluid jet receptacle. |
| US09370870B2 |
Raising apparatus
The invention concerns a raising apparatus for lifting sheets of material in tools, in particular punching and stripping tools, with a first spring element which possesses a first spring rate, and a second spring element which possesses a second spring rate. |
| US09370867B2 |
Parallel robot
An industrial robot with parallel kinematics comprises a robot base; a carrier element used to receive a gripper or a tool; an elongated hollow body, having a continuous cavity, which is moveably connected directly or indirectly to the robot base, with a hollow joint, having a continuous cavity, with several degrees of freedom, via which the elongated hollow body is moveably connected to the carrier element; and the cavity of the joint adjoins the cavity of the elongated hollow body, wherein the elongated hollow body cavity and the hollow joint cavity form a channel from the robot base to the carrier element, with at least one supply line for a gripper or a tool arranged on the carrier element, which at least one supply line is guided from the robot base to the carrier element through the cavity of the elongated hollow body and penetrates the hollow joint. |
| US09370866B2 |
Wrist unit of industrial robot
A wrist unit of an industrial robot including an eccentric rocking-type reduction gear. The eccentric rocking-type reduction gear includes a hollow forming part forming a hollow part along the rotation center axial line; a through shaft supported rotatably at the hollow forming part and passing through the hollow part to transmit a rotation from the third wrist drive motor from a first wrist element side to a second wrist element side; a plurality of crankshafts arranged around the through shaft and having input gears at ends of the side of the first wrist element; and a gear member provided rotatably centered about the rotation center axial line, the gear member having a first gear to which a rotational force from the second wrist drive motor is input and a second gear with which the input gears of the plurality of crankshafts engage. |
| US09370865B1 |
Flexure based compliance device for use with an assembly device
Disclosed is a flexure based compliance device for use with an assembly device in an assembly process to assemble a device. The flexure based compliance device comprises: a coupling section configured for coupling to the assembly device; and a pair of double compound rectilinear flexures configured for coupling to the coupling section. The pair of double compound rectilinear flexures provide both axial and translational compliance to the assembly device in the assembly process. |
| US09370860B2 |
Handle device, in particular for hand tools
A handle device, in particular for a hand tool, includes a grip unit and a fastening unit. A resiliently elastic damping unit is arranged between the grip unit and the fastening unit. The damping unit is configured to transmit a vibration that occurs on the fastening unit in the operating state of the handle device to the grip unit in an at least partially damped manner so that a user is decoupled at least partially from the vibration. An overload protection unit is configured to protect the damping unit from damage in the event of an overload state occurring on the grip unit or on the fastening unit by diverting at least part of a force flux between the fastening unit and the grip unit to an additional force flux path as a bypass during the overload state. |
| US09370858B2 |
Bucket truck intensifier having a hydraulic manifold
A high pressure tool assembly includes a tool and a hand control valve connected to the tool. A hydraulic manifold is fluidly connected to the hand control valve. An intensifier is fluidly connected to the hydraulic manifold and to the tool. The intensifier increases the pressure of a first operating fluid supplied to the tool. A first fluid circuit is formed between the hand control valve, the hydraulic manifold and the intensifier. The first fluid circuit operates at a first pressure. A second fluid circuit is formed between the intensifier and the tool and operates at a second pressure. The second pressure is larger than the first pressure. The second fluid circuit is isolated from the first fluid circuit. |
| US09370856B2 |
Brazed diamond tools and methods for making the same
Superabrasive tools and methods for the making thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, superabrasive particles are chemically bonded to a matrix support material according to a predetermined pattern by a braze alloy. The brazing alloy may be provided as a powder, thin sheet, or sheet of amorphous alloy. A template having a plurality of apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern may be used to place the superabrasive particles on a given substrate or matrix support material. |
| US09370854B2 |
Method of fabricating a semiconductor device, and chemical mechanical polish tool
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device with metal interconnections and a design of a tool for performing such a method. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, depositing a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate, forming at least one trench in the dielectric layer, and forming a metallization layer in the trench and over the dielectric layer. The method further includes performing a chemical mechanical polishing process to planarize the metallization layer and the dielectric layer, performing a surface treatment on the planarized dielectric layer to form a protection layer, cleaning the planarized metallization layer and the treated dielectric layer to remove residue from the chemical mechanical polishing process, and drying the cleaned metallization layer and dielectric layer in an inert gas environment. |
| US09370846B2 |
Process for producing combustor structural member, and combustor structural member, combustor for gas turbine and gas turbine
A process including brazing a first plate-like member formed from a heat-resistant alloy, and a second plate-like member formed from a heat-resistant alloy and having fins on the surface, with the fins facing the first plate-like member, by interposing a brazing filler metal comprising a melting point lowering element between the two plate-like members, molding the plate-like assembly to form a combustor structural member, identifying, in accordance with the shape of the combustor structural member, strain locations where the strain generated during the press molding step exceeds a predetermined value, performing localized heating of the locations within the plate-like assembly corresponding with the strain locations identified, and as the above press molding step subjecting the plate-like assembly to cold press molding with the temperature of the heated locations corresponding with the strain locations maintained at a desired temperature. |
| US09370841B2 |
Electrode extension guide for use with welding systems
An electrode extension guide for use with welding systems is provided. This electrode extension guide includes a barrel adapted to be connected to a contact tip, wherein the barrel has a predetermined length, a predetermined outer diameter, a predetermined inner diameter, and a plurality of apertures formed therein, wherein each aperture extends from the outer diameter through to the inner diameter of the barrel, and wherein the inner diameter further defines a channel passing lengthwise through the barrel; a plurality of bearings, wherein each bearing is inserted into one of the apertures formed in the barrel such that the bearing extends a predetermined distance into the channel, and wherein each bearing is electrically non-conductive; and a sleeve disposed around the outer diameter of the barrel along the length thereof, wherein the sleeve is operative to retain the bearings within the apertures at the outer diameter of the barrel. |
| US09370840B1 |
Scrap metal cutting mobile unit
A mobile cutting system includes a vehicle including a vehicle body and a drive system, a cutter attached to the vehicle body, and a controller in communication with the drive system, the cutter and the base station. The base station includes a post extending perpendicular to a surface, one or more fluid sources each storing a corresponding fluid used by the cutter to cut, and a reel attached proximate to a distal end of the post. The system further includes one or more feed lines each providing fluid communication between the cutter and corresponding ones of the fluid sources. Each feed line is received by the reel and suspended above the surface between the reel and the vehicle. The reel is configured to enable the feed lines to release as the vehicle maneuvers away from the base station or retract as the vehicle maneuvers toward the base station. |
| US09370839B2 |
Apparatus and method for brazing
A brazing system has a first gas source, a second gas source, an enclosure, a brazing torch, and a control system configured to control a ratio of the first gas source and the second gas source. |
| US09370835B2 |
Portable compact threading machine
A powered threading machine is described. The threading machine is compact and portable. The threading machine includes a tube frame having a rearward wheel assembly and an extendable handle at the front of the machine. A particular sump configuration is used to prevent loss of cutting oil during operation and transport of the machine. |
| US09370834B2 |
Saw blade with feed limiter
A saw blade including cutting teeth, having at least one of chip-limiters protruding from the teeth or secondary teeth in the gullets of the cutting teeth configured to mitigate the blade from over-feeding. The chip limiters and/or secondary teeth provide that only a limited portion of an object that the saw blade encounters during cutting falls below the cutting tips of the cutting teeth. The chip limiters and/or secondary teeth also assist the cutting teeth in cutting. |
| US09370832B2 |
Cutting insert and cutting tool with replaceable cutting edge
A cutting insert has cutting edge portions at intersection ridge portions between each of two end surfaces at the opposite side to each other and the peripheral side surface. Both the end surfaces are formed to be plane-symmetrical. In each end surface, long side portions and short side portions are alternately connected through raised corners or lowered corners. Each cutting edge portion is formed in regard to the raised corner, and has a corner cutting edge formed in the raised corner, a major cutting edge connected to the corner cutting edge and extending in the long side portion, and a minor cutting edge connected to the corner cutting edge at the opposite side and extending in the short side portion. |
| US09370830B2 |
Milling tool and method of using same
A milling tool for use with a rotary drive mechanism. The tool includes a cylindrical torque transmission shaft, a cylindrical sleeve which receives the torque transmission shaft therein, and a hood for attaching to the sleeve member, where the torque transmission shaft is rotatably supported in the sleeve. The tool also includes a hood having a cylindrical body portion, a transverse flange and a C-shaped collar attached to and extending outwardly from an outer edge of the flange. The tool also includes a fence which is adjustably attached to the hood, and a cutting wheel including a rotatable disc and a plurality of cutting bits respectively mounted on the disc. The cutting wheel is disposed inside the collar and proximate the fence, and is affixed to an end of the torque transmission shaft for concurrent rotation therewith. Methods of using the milling tool for machining weld seams are also described. |
| US09370824B2 |
Lathe head for nano/micro machining of materials
Apparatus, methods and systems for nano/micro machining. A lathe head has a microscopic pivot aperture for seating a conical tip. The conical tip is carried on a turnable part at one end thereof and is polished down to a microscopic apex. The microscopic pivot aperture is dimensioned for seating the concentric tip in the pivot aperture such that an apex of the conical tip protrudes through and beyond the aperture to a position in close proximity with the aperture. A driver system can comprise a rotator for axially rotating the turnable part, including the conical tip seated in the pivot aperture, and a forward pressure applicator for concurrently applying forward pressure to the conical tip in the direction of the pivot aperture. A light/particle beam system can be utilized to machine the rotating conical tip and the rotating turnable part, including the tip, can be easily removed after machining. |
| US09370822B2 |
Vacuum die-casting machine
In a vacuum-die casting machine comprising a casting mold having stationary and movable mold halves defining therebetween a mold cavity, a casting chamber which is in communication with the mold cavity and includes a piston and an evacuation arrangement connectable to the casting chamber for drawing melt from a melt storage into the casting chamber, a control arrangement is provided for controlling the mold cavity pressure depending on the pressure difference between the mold cavity and a cavity pressure and a counter pressure of the metal melt. |
| US09370820B2 |
Fastener installation tool
The present invention provides a hydro-pneumatically operated fastener installation tool (2), including a head (4) having hydraulically driven gripping and pulling means for gripping and pulling the stem of a fastener, thereby to install the fastener, and a hydraulic inlet port (6) provided in the head (4) for supplying hydraulic fluid to a cylinder (8) to drive the gripping and pulling means, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the hydraulic inlet port (6) is non-circular, such that a cross section of the inlet port (6) has a longitudinal axis and lateral axis, wherein the longitudinal axis runs widthways across the tool head (4). |
| US09370819B2 |
Collar installation end effector
An assembly tool includes a head and an actuator system. The head includes a collar swaging tool that is moveable along a first axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the assembly tool. A sensor system detects a first position of the head within the confined space, and a second position of the collar swaging tool relative to the target object. The actuator system positions the head within the confined space, and the collar swaging tool relative to the target object. |
| US09370807B2 |
Substrate case cleaning apparatus
Movement from a carrying table to a support table can be prevented from becoming complicated and made simpler and positioning on the support table can be easily performed. Provision is made of cleaning tanks 40, 50 which hold and clean parts of a substrate case C inside a booth 10 in a separated state, provision is made of a support table 20 which supports the substrate case C in the booth 10, provision is made of a conveyance mechanism which conveys the parts of the substrate case C between the support table 20 and the cleaning tanks 40, 50, provision is made of a carrying table 13 on which the substrate case C is carried at the outside of an opening 11 of the booth 10, provision is made of a movement mechanism 30 which moves the substrate case C between the carrying table 13 and the support table 20, and the movement mechanism 30 carries the support table 20 and can be moved to the two positions of an advance position R1 where it advances to the carrying table 13 side and receives and delivers a substrate case C with the carrying table 13 and a retraction position R2 where it retracts inside the booth 10 and delivers and receives a substrate case C with the conveyance mechanism. |
| US09370805B2 |
Method of megasonic cleaning of an object
A megasonic cleaning method and a megasonic cleaning apparatus are provided. Microcavitation bubbles may be formed by applying an electromotive force to a cleaning solution using a megasonic energy in a separate room from an object to be cleaned. The microcavitation bubbles having a stable oscillation among the formed microcavitation bubbles may be moved to the object to be cleaned. A surface of the object to be cleaned may be cleaned using the microcavitation bubbles having the stable oscillation. Particles attached onto the surface of the object to be cleaned may be effectively removed while preventing pattern damage. |
| US09370802B2 |
Cleaning and sterilizing method for ultrapure water manufacturing system
In a method of cleaning and sterilizing an ultrapure water manufacturing system including an ultrapure water manufacturing apparatus, a point of use of ultrapure water, and an ultrapure water channel connecting the ultrapure water manufacturing apparatus and the point of use, a cleaning and sterilizing process including an alkali cleaning step for cleaning at least part of the inside of the system with alkaline solution and a sterilizing step for sterilizing the system with sterile water after the alkali cleaning is treated twice or more. By treating the cleaning and sterilizing process twice or more, metals, organic substances, particles, and bacteria inside the ultrapure water manufacturing system can be highly efficiently removed, and thereby ultrapure water satisfying required water quality can be produced within a short period of time after the cleaning and sterilizing. |
| US09370801B1 |
High pressure wash system for a concrete mixer
The present invention is a pressure wash system for applying pressurized water to the interior of a mix drum, for example a concrete mix drum. The invention includes a support frame for supporting a boom, a boom centering tube that is horizontally adjustable for centering the boom, a boom mount tube and a controller having a plurality of inputs and outputs for controlling the vertical adjustment of the boom, the horizontal adjustment of said centering tube, and the extension and retraction of the boom into the interior of said mix drum. |
| US09370799B2 |
Method and system for optically inspecting a manufactured part at a single inspection station having a measurement axis
A method and system for optically inspecting a manufactured part at a single inspection station having a measurement axis are provided. The system comprises a fixture assembly which includes a rotatable first fixturing component to support a part in a generally vertical orientation and a rotatable second fixturing component mating with and removably connected to the first fixturing component to transmit torque from the first fixturing component to the second fixturing component. The second fixturing component includes a device for holding the part in a generally horizontal orientation and to permit rotation of the horizontally held part about the measurement axis between first and second predetermined angular positions about the axis. The system also comprises an actuator assembly, a backside illumination assembly, a frontside illumination device, a lens and detector assembly and at least one processor to process electrical signals generated by the lens and detector assembly. |
| US09370796B2 |
Particle separator
A particle separator is provided that separates small particulate from large particulate from an intermixed material feed. The separator finds particular utility in the field of separation of thermoplastic regrind particulate from intermixed debris which constitutes a smaller particulate relative to the thermoplastic regrind. Embodiments of the separator use a rotary shaft for mounting an spiral blade fed by a material feeder bin that meters material into the separator. The spiral blade is configured so that the material moves along a peripheral mesh screen to separate any smaller particulate that passes through the mesh screen leaving the large particulate to traverse though the separator, while small particulate is sieved therefrom the surrounding mesh and into a separate collection stream. The spiral blade is mounted to a central magnetic axis to achieve removal of unwanted foreign spurious metal shavings or particulate that may be introduced to molding materials due to mechanical wear of the processing machinery. |
| US09370794B2 |
Single dose applicator and method
An applicator, related applicator system, and a method for delivering a self-adhesive material are provided. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicator defines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material. At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. The applicator is used by placing the applicator in contact with a substrate, pressing the applicator against the substrate such that the self-adhesive material adheres to the substrate, and releasing the applicator from the substrate. |
| US09370793B2 |
Component mounting device
A component mounting device is provided with a head unit having a first nozzle array including a plurality of nozzle members aligned in a first direction, a second nozzle array that includes a plurality of nozzle members aligned in the first direction and that is aligned in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A first linear motor vertically drives the nozzle members of the first nozzle array. A second linear motor drives the nozzle members of the second nozzle array. Each linear motor includes a linear motor main body that includes a stationary element and a mobile element that faces the stationary element in the second direction. The mobile element of the first linear motor and the mobile element of the second linear motor are in close proximity with each other in the second direction and each stationary element is located outside the mobile element. |
| US09370786B2 |
Spray head for a fluid product and dispenser comprising such a spray head
A fluid spray head including a spray orifice, a swirl chamber including an end wall and a side wall, and swirl channels defining channel outlets that open out transversally to the dispensing axis X into the swirl chamber. Each channel defines a projection axis Y that extends into the swirl chamber from the channel outlet. The projection axes Y of the swirl channels extend away both from the end wall and from the peripheral side walls, which are both adjacent to the channel outlets so as to pass through the swirl chamber without passing along either the end wall or the peripheral side wall. |
| US09370785B2 |
Shower apparatus
Provided is a shower apparatus which can stably supply bubbly water through all nozzle holes and can cause water droplets of large, uniform size to land continuously on the user so as to allow the user to enjoy a shower with a voluminous feel as if the user were being showered by large drops of rain. The shower apparatus includes a water supply unit, a throttle unit adapted to eject passing water downstream, an aeration unit adapted to produce bubbly water by aerating the water ejected through the throttle unit, and a nozzle unit provided with a plurality of nozzle holes used to discharge the bubbly water, wherein the throttle unit has a flat-shaped throttle channel and water ejected through the throttle channel plunges into an air-liquid interface as a sheet-like stream, thereby producing bubbly water, which is then discharged through the nozzle hole. |
| US09370783B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for gas-solid separations using cyclones
Cyclones for gas-solid separators are provided, which are especially applicable for use in a downflowing third stage separator (TSS) for the removal of dust particles, such as solid catalyst fines, from the flue gas streams exiting the catalyst regenerator in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes. A cyclone has a barrel having an interior, and a central hub disposed within the interior of the barrel. A plurality of concentric annular sections are disposed radially between the barrel and the central hub. Swirl vanes extend radially into at least one of the annular sections to define a swirl chamber within said at least one of the plurality of annular sections. At least one solid particle outlet is disposed at a lower end of the barrel. A gas outlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the barrel. |
| US09370781B2 |
Magnetic separator with dynamic baffle system
A dynamic baffle system for a magnetic separator includes a containment barrier secured to a frame and positioned between a rotary screen drum and a magnetic drum. The dynamic baffle system further includes a baffle configured to block an opening of the containment barrier. The baffle is movable between an open position in which media mixture is capable of flowing from the containment barrier to the magnetic drum and a closed position in which the media mixture is prohibited from flowing from the containment barrier to the magnetic drum and configured to evenly build up on the containment barrier. The dynamic baffle system further includes a sensor and a controller coupled to the sensor and the baffle to control the amount of media mixture flowing from the rotary screen drum to the magnetic drum. |
| US09370780B2 |
Scrap separation system and device
Methods, systems, and devices to remove slag, sands, and other contaminants from a scrap metal feed. The scrap separation device uses indirect heat provided by one or more heaters which are directed at an external surface of an outer cylinder and a unique arrangement of paddles on an inner surface of an inner cylinder to provide thermal and kinetic energy to dislodge the slag, sands, and other contaminants, and apertures through the inner cylinder to allow the dislodged contaminates to pass to the outer cylinder. The system includes at least one magnetic separation unit, a screening unit, and a scrap separation device. The system removes slag, sands, and other contaminants from a scrap metal feed, and partitions the cleaned scrap metal into various size grades, and the recovered contaminating slag and sands into various size grades. |
| US09370778B2 |
Eggshell membrane separation process
A method is provided to separate an eggshell membrane from the outer shell of an egg. The method includes first adjusting the moisture content of an eggshell which includes a shell and a membrane. The eggshell is then subjected to airflow, such that the shell is broken and detaches from the membrane resulting in shell particles and membrane fragments. The shell particles and membrane fragments may be further dried and separated. The membrane fragments may then be processed. In some embodiments, the moisture content is adjusted to less than 24% such as by drying the eggshell. The eggshell may be pulverized resulting in shell powder or dust. The membrane fragments may be further processed for storage, transport, or the final application of same, such as by drying, grinding, and/or freezing. |
| US09370774B2 |
Hand held micro PCR device including microcontroller for exchanging information with a communications interface
Instant invention is about a hand held micro PCR device comprising a LTCC micro PCR chip comprising a heater, a reaction chamber to load a sample. It also comprises a heater control to regulate the heater on basis of input received from a temperature sensor. It further has an optical system having an optical fiber to detect a fluorescence signal from the sample, and at least one communication interface to interact with other device(s). |
| US09370768B2 |
Stable support for Fischer-Tropsch catalyst
A process has been developed for preparing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst precursor and a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst made from the precursor. The process includes contacting a gamma alumina catalyst support material with a first solution containing a vanadium compound and a phosphorus compound, to obtain a modified catalyst support material. The modified catalyst support material is calcined at a temperature of at least 500° C. The modified catalyst support is less soluble in acid solutions than an equivalent unmodified catalyst support. The modified catalyst support loses no more than 6% of its pore volume when exposed to water vapor. The modified catalyst support is contacted with a second solution which includes a precursor compound of an active cobalt catalyst component to obtain a catalyst precursor. The Fischer-Tropsch catalyst has enhanced hydrothermal stability as measured by losing no more than 10% of its pore volume when exposed to water vapor. |
| US09370764B2 |
Compositions and particles containing cellulosic fibers and stabilized-and/or activated-urease inhibitors, as well as methods of making and using the same
The present invention relates to compositions containing stabilized and/or activated urease inhibitors, as well methods of making and using the same. |
| US09370760B2 |
Microreactor for photoreactions
A microreactor for photoreactions includes a housing upper part, a lid plate made of a material that allows transmission of light, a flow path plate made of a material that suppresses light reflection and has a high thermal conductivity, and a housing lower part. Light is applied through a window of the housing upper part and the lid plate to a flow path of the flow path plate. The lid plate made of the material that allows transmission of light and the flow path plate made of the material that suppresses light reflection and has a high thermal conductivity are welded each other to form an integrated body. |
| US09370759B2 |
Reactor and feed distribution assembly
Embodiments include a reactor and feed distribution assembly. The reactor and feed distribution assembly can include a reactor vessel, a gaseous feed conduit, a catalyst feed conduit, a catalyst feed conduit housing, and a catalyst backflow diverter. |
| US09370758B2 |
Process for transferring catalyst and an apparatus relating thereto
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for transferring catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking apparatus. The process can include passing the catalyst through a conveyor wherein the conveyor contains a screw for transporting the catalyst. |
| US09370756B2 |
Agglomeration apparatus and method for producing agglomerated particles
A method for producing agglomerated particles, including maintaining in a fluid bed a fluidised particle layer above a plate having perforations through which fluidisation gas flows, the fluid bed being divided into an inner and an outer zone, supplying the fluidised particle layer with descending particles directly from a spray dryer to be agglomerated in the fluid bed, atomizing an agglomeration liquid in the fluidised layer of particles, and guiding the fluidised particles in a plug-flow toward an outlet. The outer zone receives the majority of the descending particles and the inner zone is connected to an outlet. |
| US09370753B2 |
Apparatus for separation and processing of materials
This invention relates to a tubular cyclonic separation device the style of which was presented in PCT/ZA2003/000160 and which enables all of the inlet and outlet connections to be completely contained within a tubular profile, the diameter of which is that of the body of the cyclonic section. This disclosure adds further novel and inventive developments to the cyclonic device which enable it to be used as a separating device for systems involving all three phases (gas, liquid and solid) and where two, three or more different product streams may be separated, all within the same cylindrical profile. These further inventive developments also relate to the use of externally supplied gas and/or additional liquid phases which are injected through the walls of the cyclonic body using specifically located slots and/or holes in combination with specifically located stepped edges. These further novel and inventive developments enable the concepts of froth floatation (FF) and Dispersed Air Floatation (DAF) to be exploited within an enhanced gravitational field together with the options for washing the separated froth and/or the separated heavier fractions, all within the same cyclonic unit. As part of the novel and inventive introduction of the stepped edges, means are provided whereby gas bubbles smaller than 30 microns can be created on a large scale and with a reduced energy input relative to typical conventional equipment. Also, the size of the gas bubbles may be controlled together with the intensity of any particle on particle interactions that may be created. This latter has many potential applications within FF and/or DAF processes, including applications within oil and tar separation from solid surfaces and within many ore preparation and ore leaching processes. The tubular profile enables processing and separation to be achieved “within the pipe line” or for very closely packed arrangements to be assembled within carrier vessels. |
| US09370752B2 |
Aeration element for the gasification of liquids
An aeration element for gasification or aeration of liquids includes an essentially flattened, rigid support element having a substantially oval cross-section and corrugated outer surfaces, the corrugated outer surfaces including ridges defining grooves therebetween; a threaded opening for receiving a cooperating fitting for connection to an air supply; and a flexible membrane of elastomeric material disposed around the support element, The membrane has a plurality of slits, and wherein compressed gas is introduced between the support element and the membrane, the gas can escape via these slits into the surrounding liquid. A retaining clamp holds the membrane around at least one end of the support element. A check valve assembly prevents backflow of liquid, particles, sludge or debris into the interior of the support element. |
| US09370751B2 |
Water-treatment separating membrane of high flux having good chlorine resistance
A water-treatment separating membrane includes a polyamide active layer formed on999 a porous support. The ratio of a maximum value with respect to a minimum value of a ratio of a peak height of a C═O double bond of a carboxyl group (—COOH) with respect to a peak height of a C═O double bond combined with an amide group (—CONH—) is from 1.2 to 4, when measured after acid treating the polyamide active layer and by using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). |
| US09370745B2 |
Flue gas-treating method and apparatus for treating acidic tail gas by using ammonia process
A flue gas-treating method for treating acid tail gas by using an ammonia process, comprising the following steps of: 1) controlling the concentration of sulfur dioxide in an acid tail gas entering an absorber to be ≦30,000 mg/Nm3; 2) spraying and cooling with a process water or/and an ammonium sulfate solution in the inlet duct of the absorber or inside the absorber; 3) providing an oxidation section in the absorber, wherein the oxidation section is provided with oxidation distributors for oxidizing the desulfurization absorption solution; 4) providing an absorption section in the absorber wherein the absorption section achieves desulfurization spray absorption by using absorption solution distributors via an absorption solution containing ammonia; the absorption solution containing ammonia is supplied by an ammonia storage tank; 5) providing a water washing layer above the absorption section in the absorber, wherein the water washing layer washes the absorption solution in the tail gas to reduce the slip of the absorption solution; 6) providing a demister above the water washing layer inside the absorber to control the concentration of mist droplets contained in the cleaned tail gas. In the coal chemical industry, the integration of the Claus sulfur recovery process and the ammonia desulfurization technology can reduce the investment of the post-treatment and simplify the operation process, and provide intensive advantages to the environmental control of plants. |
| US09370743B2 |
Carbon dioxide adsorbent including barium titanate, carbon dioxide capture module including the same, and methods for separating carbon dioxide using the same
A carbon dioxide adsorbent may include a complex oxide including barium and titanium, wherein the complex oxide has a perovskite crystalline structure and is represented by the general formula BaxTiyOz, and an atomic ratio of Ba/Ti ranges from about 0.95 to about 1.7. The carbon dioxide adsorbent may be included in a carbon dioxide capture module. The carbon dioxide adsorbent may also be used in a method of separating carbon dioxide. |
| US09370741B2 |
Filter recongnition system
A filter recognition system for use with an air purifier is provided. The air filter assembly or filter clip includes identification pins/taps which are read by the air purifier to determine the filter type. The filter recognition system adjusts the motor parameter based on the filter type. Additionally, the filter recognition system adjusts the filter timer to automatically communicate to a user the recommended time to change the filter based on the identified filter type. |
| US09370730B2 |
SMB process
The present invention provides a chromatographic separation process for recovering a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) product, from a feed mixture, which process comprises introducing the feed mixture to a simulated or actual moving bed chromatography apparatus having a plurality of linked chromatography columns containing, as eluent, an aqueous organic solvent, wherein the apparatus has a plurality of zones comprising at least a first zone and second zone, each zone having an extract stream and a raffinate stream from which liquid can be collected from said plurality of linked chromatography columns, and wherein (a) a raffinate stream containing the PUFA product together with more polar components is collected from a column in the first zone and introduced to a nonadjacent column in the second zone, and/or (b) an extract stream containing the PUFA product together with less polar components is collected from a column in the second zone and introduced to a nonadjacent column in the first zone, said PUFA product being separated from different components of the feed mixture in each zone, and wherein the aqueous organic solvent is other than aqueous alcohol. |
| US09370729B2 |
Flow control in high performance liquid chromatography
A method for controlling the flow of liquid in a high performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The method includes operating a pump, measuring the liquid pressure downstream of the pump, measuring the liquid flow rate downstream of the pump, and controlling the operation of the pump. In the method, it is automatically determined whether the pump is controlled to achieve a desired pressure or controlled to achieve a desired flow rate. Fuzzy logic can be applied in the method to determine the switch between the control modes. |
| US09370728B2 |
Heavy hydrocarbon removal systems and methods
Apparatuses and systems for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are disclosed herein. The apparatuses extract heavy hydrocarbons into light hydrocarbons and provide a solvent stream having the heavy hydrocarbons removed. Two water washing steps are used to remove residual solvent from the heavy hydrocarbon solution in light hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the second water wash is used for processing subsequent batches of the solvent stream. The heavy hydrocarbons and solvent can be recovered and processed further. Methods for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are also disclosed herein. |
| US09370727B2 |
Interactive synthesizer hoop instrument
A hoop containing lights (LEDs or EL wires) that vary output, based on, for example, movement of the user, through the use of electromechanical and electronic sensors and switches is disclosed. Different movements, circuits or programs cause the lights to respond differently to the same signals. The signals generated by the onboard sensors also are sent by radio signal to a receiver and through a computer and modulate volume, pitch, pan and tempo and also create distinct sounds and combinations of sounds. The coherent pattern of sounds and lights coming from the movements of the body creates a synergy of perception. The interactive synthesizer hoop is an instrument that allows one to paint pictures of feelings, and hear sounds associated with the whole range of human movement and can function as an audio-visual-kinesthetic mirror and communication tool. |
| US09370726B2 |
Air cone flyer
Air cone flyers are aerial toys that consist of a cone for the upper surface and an annular ring or disc for their base. They have a unique three dimensional shape for their upper surface and this convexity gives the units a large amount of airfoil lift. The outer part of the thin flat rim extends radially outward past the cone's base and gives the air cone low drag and this leads to longer fights. The air cones when thrown with spin are designed to achieve straight flights by balancing out the rolls of the two component parts. The flyers can experience buoyant flights due to their light weight, their three-dimensionality, and their associated airfoil lift. The light weight, soft and compressible foam rim which has rotational inertia is easy to throw and catch and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor areas. |
| US09370724B2 |
Vibration powered toy
An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load. |
| US09370715B2 |
Game system, game apparatus, storage medium storing game program and game data exchange method
A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged. |
| US09370705B2 |
Proprioceptive shoe attachment and method of use
A proprioceptive device for improving proprioceptive balance in a person is provided. The proprioceptive device includes an elastic band which is expandable for releasably engaging and fitting snugly around a shoe. The proprioceptive device also includes a pair of instability inducing proprioception features which are carried by the band. The proprioceptive features are spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction for inducing lateral and longitudinal instability while allowing the person to walk with a heel to toe gait. |
| US09370699B1 |
Iron set groove progression
A set of iron type golf club heads comprising a plurality of iron type golf club heads, the plurality of iron type golf club heads comprising a long iron, a mid iron, and a short iron; wherein each of the plurality of iron type golf club heads comprise a striking face, and wherein each of the plurality of iron type golf club heads comprise a plurality of grooves formed in the striking face extending generally from a heel side of the striking face towards a toe side of the striking face; wherein the plurality of grooves of each of the plurality of iron type golf club heads comprise a groove pitch measurement, wherein the groove pitch of the plurality of grooves of the long iron is greater than the groove pitch of the plurality of grooves of the short iron. |
| US09370695B2 |
Sport ball casing with thermoplastic reinforcing material
A sport ball may have a plurality of panels that are joined at seams to form a casing. The panels may include a thermoplastic polymer material applied to an interior side of the panels, and the thermoplastic polymer material may be heat-activated to extend across the seams. The ball may further include a bladder within the casing and an intermediate layer located between the casing and the bladder. The thermoplastic polymer material may also be heat-activated to bond with the intermediate layer or casing. |
| US09370694B2 |
Golf ball with RFID inlay in a molded impression
A compressible core with an RFID tag is described. The compressible core includes an RFID integrated circuit, a carrier material, a molded compressible core, and a fill material. The RFID integrated circuit includes a memory that stores at least one unique identifier. The carrier material includes an RFID antenna electrically coupled to the RFID integrated circuit. The molded compressible core has a center and a spherical surface. Additionally, the molded compressible core includes a molded impression that receives the carrier material with the antenna and RFID integrated circuit. The fill material fills the molded impression occupied by the inlay. |
| US09370693B2 |
Sport ball with indented casing
A sport ball may incorporate a casing that includes a plurality of panels joined at a plurality of seams, at least a first panel of the plurality of panels having (a) a first layer including a polymer material and positioned to form a portion of an exterior surface of the ball, (b) a second layer including a polymer foam material and positioned inward and adjacent to the first layer, and (c) a third layer positioned inward and adjacent to the second layer, the first panel of the casing defining one or more indentations in the exterior surface, the first layer being bonded directly to the third layer at the one or more indentations, wherein the one or more indentations include a first indentation. The first indentation may extend through substantially all of a thickness of the first panel, and the first indentation may have a substantially squared cross-sectional configuration. |
| US09370691B2 |
Apparatus for metabolic training load, mechanical stimulus, and recovery time calculation
A method of determining a user's training load, includes determining protein combustion information and determining the user's training load based on the protein combustion information. The protein combustion information may be determined using heart rate information, activity information, carbohydrate reserve information determined using a carbohydrate combustion model and carbohydrate reserve information representing the user's carbohydrate reserves at a beginning of at least one exercise session, fitness information, intensity information, nutritional intake information representing nutritional intake during at least one exercise session, and/or a fat combustion model. The user's training load may be determined based on a mechanical stimulus and/or a modality. Recovery time information may be determined based on the training load. A corresponding apparatus and computer-readable medium correspond to the above method. |
| US09370687B2 |
Flattened treadmill
An embodiment of this invention discloses a flattened treadmill comprising a conveyer belt and two decorating bars respectively arranged at a side of the conveyer belt. The conveyer belt and the decorating bars have the same elevation resulting in the flattened treadmill. In another embodiment, the flattened treadmill further comprising a motor housing, in which the elevation of the motor housing has also the same elevation as the conveyor belt. |
| US09370685B2 |
Load distributing grip handle
Grip handles for coupling to a resistance force provided by exercise equipment, resistance bands, or the user's own bodyweight. Each grip handle is defined by an increasing outer surface circumference along the length of the handle to form a generally conical shaped handhold attached to a rigid or flexible member. Where, the member is coupled at the apex of the grip handle. The generally cone shaped handle provides a comfortable and ergonomic surface to securely distribute the user's grip force during the exercise movements, thus significantly reducing the pressure points and grip requirements of current exercise handles. Where in one embodiment, the flexible member may be a resistance band or in another embodiment, it may be a rope or other type of flexible cable attached to a cable pull machine, suspension trainer anchor, or other type of exercise machine. Additionally, it is conceived that the invention could be a single flexible member with a cone handle at each end, or an individual handle with a cone grip on one end and a means of attaching the flexible member of the grip to an exercise machine. |
| US09370680B1 |
Body weight support system for therapeutic and physical training, and method of use thereof
A body weight support system for use with an exercise machine, the body weight support system comprising a frame assembly, a biasing cord connectable that is suspendable from the frame assembly, and a harness mechanism connectable to the biasing cord and wearable by a user to generate a lifting force that extends through a femoral head axis of motion of the user. |
| US09370677B2 |
Hydrothermal oxidation device for treating a material in a supercritical medium and implementation method
A hydrothermal oxidation device for treatment of a material in a supercritical medium includes a main body, an internal tube installed inside the main body to form an annular zone along the main body, a stirring mechanism installed in an internal zone of the internal tube and actuated by a rotating shaft, a cooling mechanism to cool the treated material located in the internal zone of the internal tube, an inlet for water and oxidant mix, an effluents outlet, an inlet for material to be treated, located at one end of the main body, this inlet opening up into the internal tube. The oxidation device includes an inlet for a diluted effluent, located in the flange and connected to a preheating coil arranged along an internal wall of the main body and extending from its first end to its second end, the preheating coil opening up into the internal tube. |
| US09370673B2 |
Chimney access device and method
A chimney access device has a rigid tube and a resilient connection tubing. The resilient connection tubing is connected with the proximal end of the rigid tube. The nozzle of the fire extinguisher may be inserted into the resilient connection tubing for spraying the extinguishant from the fire extinguisher through the rigid tube and into a chimney. |
| US09370668B2 |
Apparatus and method to visually view high-dose-radiation apparatus used to verify quality assurance
An apparatus for testing a high-dose-rate afterloader machine comprising an image capturing device that used to capture a plurality of still images or a real-time video, wherein said image capturing device further comprises, a zoom lens, a microphone and a light, a measurement ruler that is located on a base plate; a plurality of calibration points located on the said base plate, a source insert that connects to said high-dose-rate afterloader machine to one end, wherein said source insert allows entry of a radioactive pellet and a source wire into one end, and an adjustable shaft that is connected to said base plate and connected to said image capturing device. |
| US09370667B2 |
Double helix conductor for medical applications using stem cell technology
An electrical system controlled, driven by and/or based on one or both of naturally occurring electrophysiological signals in a patient's body and/or digital audio files is used to produce electromagnetic fields to assist stem cell technology. |
| US09370666B2 |
Medical device configured to test for user responsiveness
A medical device is disclosed that includes one or more treatment electrodes, one or more sensors, and one or more controllers connected to the one or more treatment electrodes and one or more sensors. The medical device also includes one or more response mechanisms connected to the one or more controllers. The one or more controllers are configured to receive input from the one or more response mechanism and are also configured to determine whether a patient wearing the medical device actuated the one or more response mechanisms based, at least in part, on the input received from the one or more response mechanisms. In some disclosed embodiments, the medical device is a wearable defibrillator. |
| US09370663B2 |
Implantable medical device, medical system and method for data communication
An implantable medical device including a data communication device that includes a device that alters an oscillatory electric field imposed on body tissue surrounding the implantable device. The device that alters an oscillatory electric field modulates an impedance of a conductive medium surrounding the implantable device when the implantable device is within an oscillatory electric field. The device that alters an oscillatory electric field includes a device that generates an oscillatory electric field that is phase-synchronized with an oscillatory electric field imposed on a conductive medium surrounding the implantable device. |
| US09370655B1 |
Lead and conduit placement device and method
The present invention includes devices and methods for lead or conduit placement in tissues or organs. The devices include a lead or conduit placement device that is configured to permit the placement foot, such as a suction foot, to swivel to a desired position with respect to the target tissue, while the lead is releasably attached to the placement foot to permit it to be released from the placement foot after fixing the lead or conduit in the tissue. |
| US09370651B2 |
Needleless connector with reduced trapped volume
A female connector has a body with an internal cavity having a port and an internal surface. A collapsible valve is disposed within the internal cavity. The valve has a head with an external surface, wherein the head is in sealing contact with the internal surface of the internal cavity at a first location separated from the port so as to create a primary seal and at a second location proximate to the port so as to form a secondary seal when the female connector is not mated with a compatible male connector. The valve also has a neck coupled to the head proximal to the primary seal. The neck has a smiley cut. The valve also has a base portion coupled to the neck proximal to the smiley cut. |
| US09370649B2 |
Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitis
Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat. Specific devices (e.g., tubular guides, guidewires, balloon catheters, tubular sheaths) are provided as are methods for manufacturing and using such devices to treat disorders of the ear, nose or throat. |
| US09370639B2 |
Variable stiffness catheter
A variable stiffness catheter having two concentric coils. A first coil is fixed with relation to the body of the catheter and a second coil is able to rotate in the space between adjacent turns of the first coil. The second coil translates axially in response to being rotated. When the second coil is advanced to its distal position, the stiffness is maximized. When the second coil is refracted proximally, the stiffness of the coil is reduced. |
| US09370636B2 |
Anesthetic vaporizer for a breathing apparatus and method for operation thereof to vaporize a liquid anesthetic agent
In an anesthesia vaporizer for vaporizing an anesthetic agent liquid and a method of vaporizing an anesthetic agent liquid in an vaporizer, an evaporation unit evaporates the anesthetic agent, a delivery unit intermittently adds a volume of said liquid to the evaporation unit in order to evaporate at least a portion of the volume of the liquid from the evaporation unit. A heat energy storage unit includes a phase change material (PCM) and is thermally coupled to at least a portion of the evaporation unit. The PCM has a phase shift temperature that is higher than the evaporation temperature of the anesthetic agent. The PCM in the heat energy storage unit is preferably at least partly liquid at an operative temperature of the vaporizer. |
| US09370634B2 |
Monitoring positive end expiratory pressure with photoplethysmography
Provided according to embodiments of the invention are methods for monitoring the application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to an individual. Such methods include isolating a pulsatile arterial component (PAC) signal and a venous impedance component (VIC) signal of a PPG signal obtained from a central source site of the individual; monitoring the PAC signal, the VIC signal, or both, over time; and adjusting the level of PEEP based on the PAC signal, the VIC signal, or both. |
| US09370632B2 |
Nasal treatment delivery device for mixed carbon dioxide and saline
A method of treatment and a nasal treatment delivery device for mixed carbon dioxide and saline for treating head ailments includes: a) a main housing having a hollow central area containing a dosage that includes a saline fluid and a gas containing carbon dioxide; b) a dosage dispenser head located at the distal end of the main housing, and having at least one flow channel for movement of the dosage from the main housing through the dosage dispenser head and to external of the dosage dispenser head; c) a dosage release control component located between the main housing and the dosage dispenser head to permit flow of the dosage through the dosage dispenser head in response to increased pressure against the dosage; and d) a pressure-changing moveable component located on the main housing. |
| US09370631B2 |
Fluid product dispenser
A fluid dispenser comprising a body (1), a fluid reservoir (2), a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (2), and a dose indicator device for indicating the number of doses of fluid that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from said reservoir, the dispenser being characterized in that said dose indicator device includes a first safety system for actuating the dose indicator device once the dispenser has performed a predetermined incomplete actuation stroke, even if the dispenser does not perform the complete actuation stroke. |
| US09370629B2 |
Self-contained heating unit and drug-supply unit employing same
Heating units, drug supply units and drug delivery articles capable of rapid heating are disclosed. Heating units comprising a substrate and a solid fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic metal oxidation reaction disposed within the substrate are disclosed. These heating units can be actuated by electrical resistance, by optical ignition or by percussion. Drug supply units and drug delivery articles wherein a solid fuel is configured to heat a substrate to a temperature sufficient to rapidly thermally vaporize a drug disposed thereon are also disclosed. |
| US09370625B2 |
Drug delivery device with an improved piston rod
An improved drug delivery device is provided having a piston rod that incorporates on its proximal end at least one guidepost that is configured for transmitting axial and rotational forces from a drive mechanism. The device comprises a drug delivery device housing and a medicament contained in the drug delivery device housing. |
| US09370622B2 |
Devices and methods for delivering particles
Systems, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic particles are disclosed. In one variation, a device for delivering particles includes a gas supply configured for supplying gas under pressure, a particle cassette comprising the particles, a cassette housing, and a cassette membrane. The cassette housing can comprise an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer of 18% to 28% by weight of Vinyl Acetate (VA). The device can also include a safety interlock to prevent or minimize the risk that the device will be unintentionally activated. The device can also have a silencer. |
| US09370619B2 |
Partially implantable medical devices and delivery/manifold tube for use with same
Apparatus, for use with a fluid cartridge, that include a percutaneous port having an interior configured to receive the fluid cartridge, an implantable operative portion that has a fluid transfer device with an inlet and an outlet, and delivery/manifold tube with a manifold portion and a delivery portion, are disclosed. |
| US09370618B2 |
Partially implantable medical devices and methods
Apparatus having a percutaneous cartridge port with an exterior having a porous region configured to promote soft tissue ingrowth and an implantable operative portion, including a fluid transfer device, operably connected to the percutaneous cartridge port, and methods that may be associated with an apparatus having a percutaneous cartridge port. |
| US09370616B2 |
Continuous and controlled irrigation system
An irrigation system for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid. The system includes (a) a reservoir system having a main longitudinal axis and a plurality of containers of fluid; (b) a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system and includes at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality of containers to an external tubing system; and (c) at least one connector between said container and said fluid transfer head. Each fluid transfer head has a mechanism adapted to linearly move each of said fluid transfer heads along said main longitudinal axis. Each container comprises a neck and a nipple. Each connector is reversibly coupled to said irrigation system and comprises: a lower section comprising two arcs, the distance between the centers of said arcs substantially equal to the distance between the centers of said neck and said nipple. |
| US09370611B2 |
Tissue removal devices, systems and methods
A tissue removal device includes a cannula that can aspirate tissue, and a thermal element located at a tip of the cannula that can apply localized heat to the tissue to be aspirated. The tissue removal device may also include a device for applying a vacuum in the cannula, which may be configured for applying vacuum pulses according to a controlled pulse rate and vacuum level. The tissue removal device may also include a device for applying the heat at the tip according to a controllable pulse rate and power level. |
| US09370608B2 |
Continuous matrix with osteoconductive particles dispersed therein, method of forming thereof, and method of regenerating bone therewith
The present disclosure provides compositions useful in regeneration of connective tissue, particularly bone. The compositions comprise a continuous matrix formed of a polypeptide crosslinked with a second polymer and further comprise particles of a porous, osteoconductive material dispersed in the continuous matrix. The composition can be provided in a dehydrated form. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing the composition in a clinically useful form, methods of using the composition in regenerating bone, and kits including the composition. |
| US09370607B2 |
Nerve graft
A nerve graft includes a carbon nanotube structure, a hydrophilic layer, and a nerve network. The hydrophilic layer having a polar surface is located on a surface of the carbon nanotube structure. The nerve network positioned on the polar surface of the hydrophilic layer includes a number of neurons connecting with each other. The nerve network has a polarity. The polar surface of the hydrophilic layer has a polarity attracted to the polarity of the nerve network. |
| US09370602B2 |
Crosslinked polymers including one or more antioxidants, methods for making same and methods for selecting antioxidants
The present disclosure is directed to polymer compositions having one or more antioxidants providing high crosslink density and improved oxidation resistance to the polymer composition and methods for making same. Such polymer compositions can be advantageously used to make orthopedic implants. The disclosure also provides methods for selecting antioxidants providing desirable properties to the polymer composition. In one embodiment, a measure of OIT can be used to select the antioxidant and antioxidant blend. In another embodiment, measurements of OIT and OI-rate can be used to select the one or more antioxidants. In an other embodiment, the product of OIT and crosslink density can be calculated to predict wear resistance and oxidation resistance of a polymer composition including one or more antioxidants. |
| US09370598B2 |
Air freshener canisters
An air freshener canister includes a container, a nipple thereon and a cap threadably matable therewith. The cap can be positioned along the length of the nipple from a closed position with the cap rim against the exterior surface of the container and an open position wherein there is spacing between the rim and exterior surface. A volatile liquid in the container emits air freshener vapors. A wick runs from the liquid to the nipple. When the cap is in the open position, vapors escape from the wick through the spacing. When the cap is in the closed position the vapors are prevented from escaping. When the cap is removed from the nipple the container may be refilled with the volatile liquid. The escape of vapors may be increased or decreased by positioning the cap on the nipple to increase or decrease the spacing. |
| US09370592B2 |
Purified hydrogen peroxide gas microbial control methods and devices
The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation of an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of, e.g., hydration, ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to provide microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation in the environment, preferably both on surfaces and in the air. |