| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09382036B2 |
Ecological pallet
Disclosed is an ecological pallet with two semi-circular support structures, each an elongated arch-shaped structure, with openings located at equidistant distances on one of the sides of each of the semi-circular support structures. The semi-circular support structures are similar and connected to each other by a fabric web. The fabric web is fixed through parallel opening lines to each of the support structures by: one or more first and second double male anchor type member with pins, extending on both sides of the double male anchoring members keeping between the pins the same equidistant distances to each other that keep the openings of the semi-circular support structures; and one or more first and second female anchoring members with equidistant openings keeping between the openings the same equidistant distances to each other that keep the openings of the semi-circular support structures. |
| US09382034B2 |
Strengthened food container and method
A metal food can including a metal sidewall is provided. The diameter of the sidewall varies at different axial positions along the sidewall. The can includes a can end coupled to an end of the metal sidewall, and a plurality of circumferential beads formed in the metal sidewall. The shape of each circumferential bead varies based upon the diameter of the section of the sidewall in which the beads are formed. |
| US09382032B2 |
Storage device and storage system
Collapsible storage device and system having a container with a planar section and side wall pivotably joined to the base so that the container is movable between a collapsed configuration in which the container is substantially flat and an expanded configuration defining a top opening and a side opening to an interior of the container. The storage device further includes a cover frame. Locking members are provided for securing the frame to the sidewall to close the top opening of the container and to form a rigid structure. The locking members include a complimentary shaped locking tooth and slot. The storage device is further provided with a closable flap or door which provides access to the interior of the container through the side opening when the container is in the expanded configuration. |
| US09382027B2 |
Device for the transfer of fitting parts for container labelling
A device for transferring fitting parts for container labelling includes a hub coupled centrally and directly to a direct drive so as to be rotationally driven by the direct drive around a rotational axis in a stationary hub bearing arrangement disposed in an outer circumferential region of the hub. A plurality of drive shafts are rotatably mounted near an outside circumference of the hub. Each drive shaft is parallel to the rotational axis and coupled to a respective transfer shaft carrying a transfer element. A lantern wheel is disposed underneath the hub. The lantern wheel includes drive pinions and toothed wheel segments disposed on the drive shafts and a stationary control cam plate for pivotally rotating the drive shafts with rotation of the hub. The direct drive is disposed underneath the control cam plate. |
| US09382026B2 |
Apparatus for cutting a packaging material for a package
The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a packaging material (4) for a package, comprising an ultrasonic welding device (2) that includes a sonotrode (3) and an anvil (5) for sealing the packaging material (4), the sonotrode (3) being rotatable about a first axis of rotation (X) and the anvil (5) being rotatable about a second axis of rotation (Y). The apparatus further comprises a cutting device (6) which includes at least one knife (7) for cutting the packaging material (4) and which is arranged within the anvil (5). The invention is characterized in that the knife (7) has a blade (8) with a cutting edge (28) that includes at least two tips (33, 35) and at least two curved sections (22) interconnecting the two tips (33, 35). |
| US09382023B2 |
Methods for packaging and sterilizing elastomeric articles, and packaged elastomeric articles produced thereby
The present invention relates generally to methods of sterilizing elastomeric articles in a manner that prevents and/or reduces degradation to the articles, particularly degradation that may be caused and/or accelerated by sterilization techniques such as gamma irradiation, x-ray irradiation, and electron-beam processing. The methods include packaging the elastomeric articles in order to improve their resistance to degradation. In certain aspects of the invention, packaged elastomeric articles, optionally containing one or more antidegradants, such as antioxidant and/or antiozonant compounds, are also provided. The methods of providing degradation-resistant elastomeric articles in accordance with the present invention may also be used to reduce the occurrence of cracking and discoloration in elastomeric articles, regardless of whether they are subjected to sterilization. |
| US09382019B2 |
Despin device
A despin device includes a central base installed in an outer rotational ring. The outer rotational ring includes a plurality of through-holes extending from an inner wall face thereof through an outer wall face thereof. Masses are symmetrically installed in ball grooves of the central base and the through-holes of the outer rotational ring. The masses are connected by a connecting line extending through a line cutter and tensioned by a tensioning device. Cables are wrapped around an outer periphery of the central base. Each cable includes an end attached to one of the masses. A plurality of release-hitch devices is provided. Each release-hitch device includes a hitch member fixed to the central base and a disengagement member releasably engaged with the hitch member and fixed to the other end of one of the cables. |
| US09382018B2 |
Method for repairing an aircraft fuselage
A method for repairing damage to the coating of an aircraft fuselage, the coating being made of fiber-reinforced composite material. This method comprising making a cut-out in the fuselage with a substantially parallelepipedal outline around the damage and drilling a circular hole substantially centered on the intersection of the sides of the outline of the parallelepiped of the cut-out at each of the corners of the outline before the cutting out operation. |
| US09382016B2 |
Aircraft landing monitor
According to an aspect, a method of monitoring landing of an aircraft includes determining whether the aircraft is in a landing phase to maneuver the aircraft to a landing zone. Either or both of a landing profile monitor and a pattern matcher can set a landing instability indicator. The landing profile monitor compares aircraft sensor data indicative of a current state of the aircraft to a landing profile of the aircraft and sets the landing instability indicator based on the landing profile. The pattern matcher identifies a pattern associated with the landing zone in perception sensor data indicative of current conditions at the landing zone, monitors the pattern for a change indicative of landing zone instability, and sets the landing instability indicator based on detecting the change indicative of landing zone instability. Landing abort logic is triggered to abort landing based on determining that the landing instability indicator is set. |
| US09382012B2 |
Unmanned helicopter
A helicopter includes a mast, a main rotor, an engine, a radiator, and a body cover. The engine and the radiator are housed in the body cover. The body cover includes a first opening penetrated by the mast, a second opening that is located at a more forward position than the first opening and configured to introduce air to the radiator, and a third opening located at a position that is more forward than the first opening and more rearward than the radiator. The third opening is located at a higher position than the second opening and the radiator. |
| US09382007B2 |
Aircraft seat arrangement including table
An aircraft seat arrangement includes first and second seats and first and second consoles, the first console being in front of the first seat and adjacent to the second seat, such that the first and second consoles and the first and second seats are in a staggered arrangement. A table is housed by the first console. The table is arranged for movement to a stowed position, in which the table is inserted within said first console. The table is arranged for, optionally horizontal, movement to a deployed position, in which the table is positioned aft of the first console so as to be suitable for use by a passenger seated in the first seat. The table may be arranged to present different areas of useable table surface. |
| US09382006B2 |
Aircraft lavatory unit and structure for arranging same
An aircraft lavatory unit includes a second side wall having a long-space-section side wall and a wide-space-section side wall. The long-space-section side wall forms, between it and a first side wall, a long space section that extends with a uniform width. The wide-space-section side wall forms, between it and the first side wall, a wide space section that has a greater width than the long space section. A toilet bowl is arranged at an end in the extending direction of the long space section. A wash basin is arranged at one end in the width direction of the wide space section. A doorway is arranged in a front wall so as to be located closer to the other end in the width direction of the wide space section. |
| US09382005B2 |
Cabin segment, cabin and vehicle with a cabin
A cabin segment for a vehicle includes two or more parking spaces, arranged side by side and separated from each other by at least one intermediate wall, for accommodating serving trolleys, and furthermore a vehicle attendant seat which on one side is held on one of the at least one intermediate walls so as to be pivotable on an axis. The vehicle attendant seat is pivotable to an in-use position and to an out-of-the-way position. The in-use position and the out-of-the-way position are situated apart by 90° or more relative to the pivoting of the vehicle attendant seat. This makes possible particularly efficient use of space without having to forego parking spaces or a vehicle attendant seat. |
| US09382004B2 |
Cargo loading system for loading and unloading a cargo item, method for creating and/or updating a loading plan
A cargo loading system comprising at least one cargo reading device mounted in the entrance area of an aircraft, in particular an RFID reading device, for detecting at least one identifier of a cargo item, a plurality of freight conveying devices each having at least one roller for conveying the cargo item along a conveying route into an end position, and a control system which receives signals from sensors in order to detect a movement of the cargo item along the conveying route and which is communicatively connected to the cargo reading device. The control system is designed to detect the end position of the cargo item on the cargo deck based on the signals and to store data which indicate the end position in conjunction with the detected identifier of the cargo deck. |
| US09382000B1 |
Aircraft design
The present invention is an aircraft wing design that creates a bell shaped span load, which results in a negative induced drag (induced thrust) on the outer portion of the wing; such a design obviates the need for rudder control of an aircraft. |
| US09381998B2 |
Tactile cueing apparatus
A tactile cueing apparatus for incorporation in an aircraft flight control system comprising a flight control surface, and a pilots inceptor (12) for moving the surface via a servo-assisted mechanical linkage (28) connecting the inceptor to the control surface, the apparatus comprising a force sensor for sensing a force applied to the inceptor by the pilot to move the control surface, an electromechanical actuator (34) configured to be installed with the mechanical linkage between the inceptor and means in the system providing said servo-assistance, and control means programmed to cause the actuator (i) to move so that the linkage moves to a position determined by said force according to a predetermined relationship, (ii) to apply to the inceptor a resisting force according to a predetermined relationship and which when the linkage has moved to its commanded position is equal and opposite to the force sensed by the force sensor. |
| US09381994B2 |
Aerofoil portion of an aircraft comprising an attachment support of a connecting device mounted in translation
In the context of the wings of aircraft, the ability to compensate for variations in movement and to absorb assembly tolerances, and flexibility for mounting, are all desired. An object of the disclosure thus relates to a wing portion of an aircraft, having a connecting device between a rigid structure and a flexible structure, the connecting device being attached to a structural element of the wing portion via the intermediary of an attachment support, wherein the attachment support is mounted in translation on the structural element by at least one translation spindle. The disclosure is applicable in the field of aeronautics, in particular for the hydraulic equipment of an aircraft. |
| US09381992B2 |
Leading edge for an aircraft lifting surface
An optimized leading edge for an aircraft lifting or supporting surfaces, such as wings and stabilizers, wherein the leading edge includes inboard and outboard leading edge sections that are span-wise arranged so as to form together an aerodynamic surface of the leading edge. Each of the leading edge sections includes a skin panel and a support structure formed by spars that are internally arranged in the skin panel. These two support structures are designed taking into account the different load requirements of those two different sections, so that the number of spars in each leading edge section is progressively reduced from root to tip of the leading edge, in such a way that the support structure of the outboard leading edge section, has less spars than the inboard leading edge section. Hence the weight of the leading edge is reduced while still maintaining the required structural behavior. |
| US09381991B2 |
Highly integrated structure including leading and trailing edge ribs for an aircraft lifting surface
An aircraft lifting surface with a monolithic main supporting structure of a composite material including an upper skin having at least a part of the upper aerodynamic profile of the leading edge and/or of the trailing edge, a lower skin, a front spar, a rear spar, and leading edge ribs and/or a trailing edge ribs. The main supporting structure allows a weight and cost reduction of aircraft lifting surfaces. |
| US09381977B2 |
In-line mooring connector and tensioner
A mooring system for offshore vessels uses a chain stopper within a preset mooring line. The chain stopper has means for attaching a removable hydraulic chain jack actuator which may be used to stroke the chain through the stopper assembly while both the stopper and the mooring line remain under load. |
| US09381975B2 |
Bicycle shift operating device
A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a base member, a shift unit, a first operating lever, a second operating lever, a first biasing element and a second biasing element. The first operating lever operates the shift unit by pivoting about a first pivot axis between a rest position and a shifting position. The second operating lever operates the shift unit by pivoting about a second pivot axis on the first operating lever between a rest position and a shifting position. The first biasing element biases the first operating lever towards the first rest position to keep the first operating member at the first rest position. The second biasing element biases the first operating lever towards its rest position in response to independent movement of the second operating lever from its rest position to its shifting position while the first operating lever remains at its rest position. |
| US09381970B2 |
Electric propulsion unit and torque transmission group for an electric scooter and corresponding scooter
The invention relates to an electric propulsion unit (10) and torque transmission group (11) for operating the rear wheel (13) of an electric scooter (1) with body (2) of the step-through type and with upright sitting portion (6). The electric propulsion unit (10) comprises at least one synchronous electric motor (30) of the type comprising internal stator (32) and external rotor (29) with a cup-shaped form rotating on a fixed shaft (33) rigid with the stator (32); the motor is installed in a barycentric position substantially at the base of the upright sitting portion (6) with the fixed shaft (33) transverse to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the scooter (2), and the transmission group (11) comprises at least one first and one second reduction stage (24, 26). |
| US09381968B2 |
Scooter
The scooter of the present invention includes a footboard having a front portion, and a rear portion attached to a rear wheel; a front wheel axle having an upward axis perpendicular with the front wheel axle and a steering axis, wherein the front wheel axle is rotatable with respect to the steering axis; and a plurality of front wheels attached to the front wheel axle. The steering axis forms a predetermined adjacent angle between 0 degree and 90 degree with respect to the upward axis. |
| US09381967B2 |
Inverted vehicle and its control method
An inverted vehicle comprises a first sensor that detects an angular speed around an axis inclined from a pitch axis by a first predetermined angle, a second sensor that detects an angular speed around an axis inclined from the pitch axis by a second predetermined angle, a third sensor that detects an angular speed around the pitch axis, an acceleration detection unit that detects accelerations along the axes, and a control unit that performs the inversion control based on the detected angular speeds. A control unit puts a specific safety function in motion based on a mutual relation among a first angular speed around the pitch axis calculated based on the angular speeds detected by the first and second sensors, a second angular speed around the pitch axis detected by the third sensor, and a third angular speed around the pitch axis calculated based on the detected accelerations. |
| US09381966B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle having a rear fender disposed above a rear wheel and formed of a plate member having an upward projecting shape, includes a cover member which covers a portion of a lower open part of the rear fender on a lateral side of the rear wheel. The rear fender and the cover member are provided as separate bodies to keep the moldability of the rear fender favorable. The mud-guard performance can be enhanced by covering part of the lower open part of the rear fender by the cover member. Such configuration provides a vehicle in which the mud-guard performance can be enhanced while keeping the moldability of a rear fender favorable. |
| US09381960B1 |
Track recoil system
A recoil system for a track assembly having a track roller frame and an idler movable is provided. The recoil system includes a spring, a track adjust cylinder, an end plate and a track adjust piston received in the track adjust cylinder. The track adjust cylinder and the track adjust piston are movable in first and second directions in response to movement of the idler with movement of the track adjust cylinder in a second direction compressing the spring against the end plate. The track adjust cylinder is adapted to rotate with the first end of the spring relative to the track adjust piston as the spring compresses and extends in response to movement of the track adjust cylinder in the first and second directions and wherein the second end of the spring is fixed against rotation relative to the end plate. |
| US09381959B2 |
Rubber crawler having metal core for improvement of wheel separation and durability
A rubber crawler having a metal core which comprises metal core extensions formed at predetermined intervals along the lengthwise direction of the metal core of the rubber crawler, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of wheel separation which occurs during crawler operation Wherein the metal core extensions are assembled on the mutually opposite surfaces of which are inclined at a predetermined angle, and the overlapped portion (center portion) surfaces of the metal core extensions are formed to have an angle of inclination to each other, thereby supporting the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis displacements. |
| US09381953B2 |
Structural member
A structural hydroformed joint member has projecting portions (30a, 30b) formed integrally on an outer peripheral face of a hollow main tube part (20) by hydroforming an element tube with an outside diameter D. In this case, both intersecting planes (35a, 35b), which are projecting planes of end faces (33a, 33b) of the projecting portions (30a, 30b) toward the main tube part (20), share a plane perpendicular to the main axis (40) of the main tube part (20) only in portions (36a, 36b) of the intersecting planes (35a, 35b). At that time, by setting areas of the portions (36a, 36b) to 30% or more and 90% or less relative to an area of each of the intersecting planes (35a, 35b), a projecting height of each of the projecting portions (30a, 30b) is 0.3D or higher for functioning as a joint. |
| US09381950B2 |
Shock absorber housing and mounting structure thereof for vehicle
A shock absorber housing of a vehicle may include a shock absorber housing body formed in a shape of a box and in which an upper portion of a shock absorber is mounted by being inserted therein, and flanges formed along at least one of edges of the box-shaped shock absorber housing body and thus being coupled to a vehicle body, in which the shock absorber housing body includes a low strength portion and a high strength portion respectively having different strengths due to a thickness difference. |
| US09381949B2 |
Vehicles having a cross-vehicle stabilizing structure
Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a first side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a second side support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first side support in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a cross-vehicle stabilizing structure extending between the first side support and the second side support, the cross-vehicle stabilizing structure including a first joint portion coupled to the first side support, the first joint portion including a stiffness-reducing portion positioned within a perimeter of the first joint portion, a second joint portion coupled to the second side support, and a cross-vehicle stabilizer portion coupled to the first joint portion and the second joint portion. |
| US09381945B2 |
Structure and method for coupling side structures and roof rails
A structure for coupling roof rails using a side two-buck structure includes a floor formed of a bottom of a vehicle body, side inner panels coupled to both side surfaces of the floor, and roof rails coupled to upper portions of the side inner panels. A method for coupling roof rails includes coupling side inner arms to side surfaces of a vehicle floor, coupling a cross shaped joint part to an upper portion of the side inner arm, coupling a side inner reinforcement part to outer surfaces of the side inner arm and the joint part, coupling the roof rail to an upper portion of the side inner reinforcement part and an upper surface of the joint part, coupling a side outer reinforcement panel to an outer portion of the side inner reinforcement part, and coupling a side outer panel to an outer portion of the side outer reinforcement panel. |
| US09381936B2 |
Steering-column device
A steering column device is provided with a pair of suspension shafts which connects a first plate of a fixed bracket and a second plate of a movable bracket, thereby suspending a movable jacket through the movable bracket. A pair of first holes, each of which is an elongated hole, into which the pair of suspension shafts is inserted, is formed in the first plate. A connection and separation mechanism which separates, at the time of a secondary collision, the second plate from a predetermined position of the first plate in a column movement direction includes a resin pin disposed only between the pair of first holes in relation to a direction orthogonal to the column movement direction. |
| US09381930B2 |
Slab transportation cart
A slab cart comprising: a castor frame including: four castors rotatably mounted to an underside of the castor frame; a primary upright member emanating upward from each end of the castor frame; two or more secondary upright members emanating upward from each end of the castor frame; a pivoting member engaged to the primary upright member and the secondary upright members; a platform frame engaged to the pivoting member and the primary and secondary upright members wherein the platform frame may pivot from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation; a support member secured to the platform frame which is used to aid in the retention of slabs; and a lift mechanism operationally associated with the castor frame, the upright members and the platform frame wherein the lift mechanism may raise or lower the platform frame relative to the castor frame. |
| US09381927B2 |
Train detection system and method of detecting train movement and location
A train detection system for detecting a train unit that includes a first transponder interrogator configured to generate one or more request signals for transmission, by a first antenna above a first track location, toward a first fixed transponder at the first track location; a second transponder interrogator configured to generate one or more request signals for transmission, by a second antenna above a second track location, toward a second fixed transponder at the second track location; and a controller communicably connected with the first and second transponder interrogators and configured to verify operation of the train detection system based on receipt of one or more message signals responsive to transmission of the one or more request signals from the first and second transponder interrogators. |
| US09381922B2 |
Detection of parking maneuver in a motor vehicle
A motor vehicle detects the occurrence of a parking maneuver using a speed sensor, a transmission gear identifier, and a steering angle sensor. A driver assist system is coupled to the speed sensor, steering angle sensor, and gear identifier which detects the parking maneuver and enters a parking mode in response to 1) the speed sensor indicating braking to a standstill, 2) followed by the gear identifier indicating a selection of a reverse gear, and 3) followed by the steering angle sensor indicating rotation of a steering component according to a predetermined threshold angle. |
| US09381919B2 |
Method and arrangement for entering a preceding vehicle autonomous following mode
A method for entering a preceding vehicle autonomous following mode includes the steps of registering and identifying at least one preceding vehicle in front of a host vehicle by at least a first and a second sensor device, comparing the preceding vehicle with vehicle data in a remote database system, and upon a match establishing a communication channel between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle, identifying to an operator of the host vehicle preceding vehicles with which the communication channel has been established, and obtaining from the operator a selection of a target vehicles to engage following of Finally, autonomous following mode of the target vehicle is engaged, wherein a vehicle control system automatically controls at least the following three main functions of the host vehicle: forward propulsion, steering, and braking. |
| US09381912B2 |
System and method for detecting vehicle clutch touch point
A hybrid system and method is configured to achieve and maintain a touch point for a clutch so as to allow an engine to rapidly restart. The hybrid system includes an eMachine configured to start the engine. The clutch is configured to operatively connect and disconnect the eMachine and the engine. A motor torque PID controller is configured to operate the eMachine at a desired speed by regulating torque of the eMachine. A clutch pressure PID controller is configured to actuate the clutch to a touch point by regulating clutch pressure. The motor torque PID controller and the clutch pressure PID controller include a compensation function to account for a change in torque caused by actuation of the clutch by the clutch pressure PID controller. |
| US09381908B2 |
Hybrid vehicle control device
A hybrid vehicle control apparatus includes a first clutch disposed between an engine and a motor, and a second clutch disposed between the motor and a driving wheel. A lockup controller performs a lockup operation to shift the second clutch from slip state into completely engaged state when a predetermined lockup condition is satisfied under a condition that the second clutch is in the slip state. A second clutch transmitted torque capacity controller performs a lockup-condition second clutch control to control transmitted torque capacity of the second clutch to a value higher by a set quantity than an input torque to the second clutch while the lockup operation is being performed. The input torque corresponds to a state of depression of an accelerator pedal during the shifting of the second clutch from the slip state into the completely engaged state. |
| US09381897B2 |
Method for operating a vehicle and driver assistance device
The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle (1), in which energy is recovered in overrun and/or braking phases (T2) of the vehicle (1) and stored in an energy store (4, 5) within the vehicle, wherein the environment (E) of the vehicle (1) is detected by means of a detector (6, 13) and, depending on detection of an object (2, 11) in the vehicle environment (E), at least one object characteristic (v2, Δv, L) is evaluated and, depending on the evaluation of the object characteristic (v2, Δv, L), the overrun and/or braking phase (T2) is performed automatically in a manner adapted to at least one parameter characterizing the energy store (4, 5). The invention also relates to a driver assistance device (7) for a vehicle (1). |
| US09381896B2 |
Driving force control device of vehicle
A driving force control device of a vehicle is provided which is configured to calculate a required braking force on the basis of an amount of pressure applied to a brake operating mechanism, which is operated for deceleration by a driver, and to control a braking force of a power plant, which includes a drive source generating an accelerating force and a braking force, and a braking force of a braking mechanism, which generates a braking force with the operation of the braking operating mechanism, in cooperation so that the total braking force of the vehicle as a whole becomes the required braking force. The driving force control device is configured to detect acceleration information including a lateral acceleration of the vehicle and to control the braking force of the power plant on the basis of the detected acceleration information when the brake operating mechanism is operated. |
| US09381893B2 |
Windshield wiper connector
A connector for a windshield wiper, and a wiper blade assembly including same, that accommodates multiple pin-type windshield wiper arms having varying pin lengths and locking mechanisms. The connector for connecting a windshield wiper assembly to a wiper arm may have a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other. The opposing peripheral side walls may each have a retaining pin aperture aligned with one another and sized to be capable of slidably accepting a retaining pin of at least one pin-type windshield wiper arm. |
| US09381891B1 |
Windshield wiper arm stand
The present invention provides a stand that sits on or about the windshield, underneath a windshield wiper arm, that is capable of supporting it so that the windshield wiper blade is raised off of the windshield. By doing so, the wiper blade is protected from freezing to the windshield, simplifying the act of snow and ice removal and protecting the wiper blade from damage that might otherwise ensue. |
| US09381883B2 |
Front vehicle-body structure of vehicle
A steering member comprises a beam member extending in a vehicle width direction, a steering bracket supporting a steering device, and side brackets fixed to hinge pillars. The beam member includes a weak portion provided between the steering bracket and the side brackets on a driver-seat side and configured to be weak against a load inputted in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and an extension portion provided to extend toward a vehicle outward side beyond the side bracket provided on a passenger-seat side and configured to prevent the steering member receiving the input load from sliding toward the passenger-seat side by contacting the hinge pillar. Accordingly, the steering device can be prevented from moving inward in a vehicle frontal collision, thereby restraining a passenger with an airbag properly. |
| US09381882B2 |
External airbag deployment method and system
Disclosed herein is an external airbag deployment method. The method includes setting, by a controller, a detection area located in front. In addition, the method includes setting, by the controller, a target object from objects detected in the detection area, when an object has a relative velocity greater than a first reference, an overlap greater than a second reference, and a TTE less than a third reference, wherein TTE is a remaining time until the object collides with an airbag cushion when the external airbag is predicted to be deployed. Furthermore, the method includes determining, by the controller, whether a relative velocity and an overlap, predicted at a time when the target object is predicted to collide with the vehicle, are greater than predetermined levels and deploying the external airbag when the predicted relative velocity and overlap are greater than the predetermined levels. |
| US09381877B2 |
Method for operating a motor vehicle in a presentation mode
A method for operating a motor vehicle having one or more electrical systems/devices, wherein the systems/devices are operable in at least two different modes. In a normal mode, a vehicle key is required for activation of at least one of the electrical devices. After enabling of a presentation mode, activation of the at least one device is possible without use of the vehicle key. The presentation mode is optimized for use in a dealership, where certain electrical/electronic functions of the vehicle should be available for use by a potential buyer without the requirements of a dealership employee being present with the vehicle key. |
| US09381874B2 |
License plate holder system
A durable, self-locking license plate holder system that allows for the quick and convenient installation and removal of license plates and other identification tags without the use of tools includes a frame having a back plate and an edge extending around the perimeter of the back plate, and an advertising band having at least one tab, the edge having grooves to align the license plate or other identification tag and friction bumps to couple with the tabs to removably secure a license plate between the frame and the advertising band. |
| US09381873B2 |
Speaker assembly for motorcycle
A speaker assembly for a motorcycle is configured to provide sound to a passenger in the motorcycle. The speaker assembly includes a first support attachment and a second support attachment, mechanically coupled to the motorcycle. A central support assembly is mechanically coupled to the first support attachment and the second support attachment. A first speaker and a second speaker are mechanically coupled to the central support assembly and electrically coupled to the motorcycle. Padding covers the central support assembly and fitting around the first speaker and the second speaker. The first speaker and the second speaker are configured to render the sound to the passenger sitting proximate the padding. |
| US09381871B2 |
Vehicle cargo organiser
A cargo organiser for a vehicle includes a frame at least partially forming a floor of a cargo area of the vehicle. The cargo organizer includes one or more elongate elements extendable across an opening defined by the frame. The elongate elements are slidable with respect to the frame. |
| US09381870B2 |
Accessory mounting assembly
An assembly for mounting an accessory. The assembly can be configured to permit the accessory to pan, rotate or tilt. The assembly includes a mounting member attachable to the support structure and having a mounting member electrical connector. The assembly also includes a docking member releasably attached to the mounting member and having a docking member electrical connector communicably coupled to the mounting member electrical connector. The accessory is attached to the docking member. |
| US09381859B2 |
Reverse parking assistance with rear visual indicator
Arrangements relate to providing assistance during reverse parking of a vehicle. A rear environment of the vehicle can be detected for one or more objects located in the rear environment. If an object is detected in the rear environment, a visual alert of the detected object can be provided. The visual alert can be provided in a rear interior portion of the vehicle. The visual alert can be substantially aligned with the location of the detected object in the rear environment. Thus, a rearward-looking driver can be visually alerted of the presence of the detected object in the rear environment. |
| US09381854B2 |
Vehicle for supporting lighting control function
A vehicle for supporting a lighting control function includes: interior lighting apparatuses configured to include a lighting apparatus of a driver's seat supporting a lighting of the driver's seat and lighting apparatuses for each seat supporting each lighting for each seat; a control apparatus of a driver's seat configured to perform a lighting control of at least one of the lighting apparatus of the driver's seat and the lighting apparatuses for each seat; and control apparatuses for each seat configured to control the lighting apparatuses for each seat. |
| US09381851B2 |
Device and method for automatically setting the luminance of a light beam emitted from a lighting device of a vehicle as a function of the range of vision
A device and a method for automatically setting the luminance of a light beam emitted from a lighting device of a vehicle as a function of the range of vision. The device includes a device for ascertaining a current range of vision based on at least one first parameter, which represents a dimension of the current range of vision, an evaluation device for evaluating the ascertained current range of vision (SI) based on at least one second parameter as the evaluation criterion and outputting a corresponding evaluation variable, and a setting device for assigning a required luminance as a function of the ascertained current range of vision (SI) and the corresponding evaluation variable and setting the required luminance. |
| US09381849B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp includes a lamp body including a lamp housing having an opening and a cover covering the opening in the lamp housing, and a lamp unit disposed in the lamp body and including, a light source unit having a light source configured to emit light, a structural unit having a projection lens configured to project the light emitted from the light source and a lens holder configured to hold the projection lens, an irradiating direction changing mechanism configured to change an irradiating direction of the light emitted from the light source and projected by the projection lens, and a bracket configured to being operated by a driving force of the irradiating direction changing mechanism and to change an orientation of an optical axis of the projection lens. The structural unit and the light source unit are mounted on the bracket. |
| US09381845B2 |
Loading and unloading apparatus for truck beds
Disclosed is an apparatus for moving cargo toward or away from the end of a truck bed. The device includes a cross bar that spans the width of the truck bed. The cross bar comprises a pair of caster wheels that allow the cross bar to travel in the furrows of the truck bed. Each caster wheel is rotatably attached to a plate that is slideably attached to the cross bar by means of a locking mechanism. In this way, the caster wheel can be moved along the width of the cross bar. The cross bar is attached to a telescopic handle that is adapted to lie flat in the furrows of the truck bed. The present invention may further comprise a divider wall that can be removably attached to the handle. The divider wall allows a user to organize the truck bed when carrying cargo. |
| US09381842B2 |
Assist grip attachment structure
An assist grip attachment structure in which an assist grip is attached to a vehicle body-side attachment portion, the assist grip is supported with prescribed rigidity by the vehicle body-side attachment portion when a tensile load in a direction in which the assist grip is pulled toward an inside of a vehicle cabin is applied to the assist grip, and an impact of a pressing load is absorbed through deformation of the vehicle body-side attachment portion when the pressing load is applied to the assist grip from the inside of the vehicle cabin. |
| US09381841B2 |
Seat frame for conveyance seat
A seat frame for a conveyance seat includes a cushion frame, a back frame, and a recliner. The side frame on a back side is structured by a panel extending in a front-back direction. Flange parts directed towards a center side in a seat width direction are provided in both front and back edge parts of the panel, respectively. A bead that crosses a deformation line is formed on the panel so as to prevent deformation of the panel of the side frame on the back side due to displacement of the front side flange part towards the center side in the seat width direction with respect to a connecting part with the recliner when backward load is applied to the back frame, the deformation line being a line set on the panel on an assumption that deformation occurs. |
| US09381837B2 |
Seat apparatus for vehicle
A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes: an unlocking lever that is operated so as to unfix a seat from a vehicle floor; and a control switch that is operated in order for the seat to switch between a deployed state in which the seat is supported on the vehicle floor and a folded state in which the seat is retracted in a concave retraction portion of the vehicle floor, when a support member of the seat is driven via the driving of an actuator, wherein the unlocking lever is provided in a back surface of a seatback which is disposed at an opening end of the concave retraction portion when the seatback is folded forward and the seat is retracted, and the control switch is provided integrally with the unlocking lever. |
| US09381835B2 |
Child restraint system with automated installation
Provided is a child restraint system (CRS) with automated installation that provides automated feedback and control of seat installation angle, belt latching and tightening, and confirmation of correct install. The CRS utilizes sensors to monitor CRS base angle relative to level, confirm correct latching of the CRS to its base and then to the vehicle seat, and confirm tightening of the belts to the required tension to be crashworthy. The stepwise operation and confirmation of the installation procedure may be operated via button(s) or other tactical input, and relayed to the user via electronic visual display and/or audible means. All operations will be overseen and processed by an integrated control system, affording minimal user decision or interface. An intelligent latching device which can be adapted for use with an existing CRS is also provided. |
| US09381829B2 |
Seat elevation control apparatus for vehicle
A seat elevation control apparatus for a vehicle includes a switch configured to control a relief valve that includes a body, one surface of which has a hook latch at one end thereof, and the other surface of which has a spring connection port, an exhaust port, and a pump connection port protruding therefrom. The switch further includes a button hinged to the other end of one surface of the body and having a hook corresponding to a shape of the hook latch. When the button is pressed down, the hook and the hook latch are coupled to press down on the plunger, and the compressed air in the air spring is exhausted. When the button is pressed down again, the hook and the hook latch are decoupled to return the plunger to its original position, and the compressed air in the air spring is not exhausted. |
| US09381828B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat comprising a seat cushion having a seat cushion main body portion and seat cushion side portions that are disposed on both sides in a seat width direction of the seat cushion main body portion; a seat back having a seat back main body portion and seat back side portions that are disposed on both sides in the seat width direction of the seat back main body portion; and a varying mechanism supporting at least one of the seat cushion main body portion and the seat back main body portion, and varying the position of the seat cushion main body portion in a seat upward and downward direction relative to the seat cushion side portions, and/or varying the position of the seat back main body portion in a seat frontward and rearward direction relative to the seat back side portions. |
| US09381825B2 |
State of charge quality based cell balancing control
Hybrid-electric and pure electric vehicles include a traction battery comprised of many cells. During repeated charge and discharge cycles, the state of charge of the cells may vary from cell to cell. To optimize traction battery usage, it is desirable that the state of charge of the cells be equalized. Cell balancing can equalize the states of charge and improve battery performance. To achieve proper cell balancing, an accurate state of charge value should be known for each cell. An accurate state of charge value may be achieved when a persistent excitation condition and an estimation convergence condition are met. If the conditions are not met, active excitation of the battery may be performed to improve the chances of meeting the conditions. Cell balancing may be initiated and terminated according to state of charge values estimated when the conditions are satisfied. |
| US09381821B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus related to electric vehicle wired and wireless charging
One aspect provides an apparatus configured to receive wireless charging power and wired charging power. The apparatus includes a first rectifier configured to receive wired charging power and to provide a first rectified output. The apparatus further includes a second rectifier configured to receive wireless charging power and to provide a second rectified output. The apparatus further includes a power-factor correction (PFC) module configured to receive the first and second rectified outputs, and further configured to provide a power-factor corrected output. The apparatus further includes an isolated DC-DC converter configured to receive the power-factor corrected output and to provide an isolated DC output. The apparatus further includes and a battery configured to receive the isolated DC output. |
| US09381818B2 |
Non-track-bound vehicle
A non-track-bound vehicle operates on a route electrified by an overhead contact system. The vehicle has a current collector for energy transfer between the vehicle and an overhead cable. It has a lowering mechanism for the transfer of the current collector from an upright operational position in which the current collector is in sliding contact with the contact wires into a lowered neutral position in which the current collector is arranged within a vehicle clearance profile. An actuating element is provided for the simultaneous activation of the lowering mechanism and an additional vehicle device. The activation of the actuating element is intended in a driving situation requiring the lowering of the current collector. The operation of non-track-bound vehicles is safer even in critical driving situations, such as for example, maneuvers to avoid or overtake other vehicles at high speed. |
| US09381817B2 |
Resistance connecting device
A resistance connecting device includes a case inside of which a chamber is formed. The chamber includes inside an activating unit, a gas generating unit, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion extend from the inside to the outside of the case in a mutually separated state and are exposed in the chamber. The activating unit is held at a first position that does not cause contact with either of the connecting portions when the gas generating unit has not been activated and moves up to a second position to cause contact with both of the connecting portions as a result of activation of the gas generating unit. The activating unit, at the second position, functions as a resistor having a predetermined electrical resistance, and connects the connecting portions to one another. |
| US09381813B2 |
Selective message presentation by in-vehicle computing system
Embodiments are disclosed for selectively presenting received messages in a vehicle via an in-vehicle computing system. In some embodiments, a method of selectively presenting the received messages includes extracting information of a received message and determining an operating condition of the vehicle. The method further includes selectively presenting the received message based on the operating condition of the vehicle. |
| US09381812B2 |
Method to graphically display a vehicle condition
A method for graphically displaying a vehicle condition within an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving information from a sensor on a vehicle regarding a vehicle condition. The vehicle condition is measured against a predetermined level for that specified vehicle condition. The method then determines if the vehicle condition is above the predetermined level. If the vehicle condition is above the predetermined level, the method then transmits information regarding the vehicle condition to a processor connected to a display screen. The method then proceeds to graphically display the vehicle condition on a vehicle within the vehicle by means of a graphical replication of an image replication of the actual vehicle condition in the actual vehicle being used. |
| US09381802B2 |
Propulsion wheel motor for an electric vehicle
A wheel assembly for an electric vehicle includes a wheel rim that is concentrically disposed about a central axis. A propulsion-braking module is disposed within an interior region of the wheel rim. The propulsion-braking module rotatably supports the wheel rim for rotation about the central axis. The propulsion-braking module includes a liquid cooled electric motor having a rotor rotatable about the central axis, and a stator disposed radially inside the rotor relative to the central axis. A motor-wheel interface hub is fixedly attached to the wheel rim, and is directly attached to the rotor for rotation with the rotor. The motor-wheel interface hub directly transmits torque from the electric motor to the wheel rim at a 1:1 ratio. The propulsion-braking module includes a drum brake system having an electric motor that rotates a cam device, which actuates the brake shoes. |
| US09381801B2 |
Control device for hybrid vehicle
Control device of hybrid vehicle including an engine connected via a clutch to power transmission path and a rotator acting at least as an electric motor, hybrid vehicle being configured to execute an engine running mode in which clutch is engaged to use at least engine as a drive force source for running and a motor running mode in which clutch is released to use rotator as drive force source for running, control device putting clutch into slip engagement to crank and start engine before clutch is completely engaged at time of switching to engine running mode during stop of engine with clutch released, control device of hybrid vehicle, when clutch temperature reaches predefined value at time of switching to the engine running mode, releasing clutch and causing rotator to generate drive force for running while controlling rotation speed of engine to synchronize rotation speeds before and after clutch. |
| US09381799B2 |
Hybrid vehicle internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine block, a flywheel, and a grounding clutch coupled to the block. The block defines a bore along a first longitudinal axis. The flywheel is rotatable about the axis and includes a spline. The spline has a first tooth and a second tooth spaced apart from the first tooth to define a gap therebetween. The clutch is configured for preventing rotation of the flywheel about the first axis and includes a locking pin. The pin is transitionable between a locked position in which the pin is disposed within the gap and abuts the first and second teeth such that the flywheel does not rotate, and an unlocked position in which the pin does not abut the first and second teeth such that the flywheel rotates. A hybrid vehicle is also disclosed. |
| US09381794B2 |
Tonneau cover system
A tonneau cover system includes at least one tonneau panel configured to be coupled to a pickup bed. The tonneau panel includes a panel body. The panel body includes a first panel wall and a second panel wall opposite the first panel wall. The tonneau panel defines at least one open slot extending through the first panel wall. The open slot includes a channel and an opening in communication with the channel. The channel has a width that is greater than the width of the opening. The open slot is configured to securely receive a cargo attachment. |
| US09381792B2 |
Device for blocking noise at division channel of rear door for vehicle
A device for blocking noise at a division channel of a rear door for a vehicle may include a door inner panel having an upper end portion formed with a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape, an inside weather strip fastened over an entire length of the upper end portion of the door inner panel, a reinforcing plate mounted on an outer surface of the door inner panel, and a bracket fixedly coupled to the reinforcing plate for mounting the division channel. |
| US09381789B2 |
Heater apparatus
A heater apparatus includes a main body, a detecting unit, and a control part. The main body has a power supply part to which electric power is supplied and a heating portion connected to the power supply part to generate heat by electric power supplied from the power supply part. The detecting unit detects an object around the main body. The control part controls supply amount of the electric power to the power supply part. The control part controls the supply amount of electric power to the power supply part to be reduced compared with a normal state when the detecting unit detects that the object is within a predetermined range of the main body. |
| US09381787B2 |
Generally wye shaped elbow for cabin air flow system
An elbow for use in a cabin air supply system for an aircraft has an inlet duct. The inlet duct diverges into two outlet ducts with an interface area between the outlet ducts. Each of the outlet ducts has a nominal wall thickness, with a central portion of the interface having a first thickness at a point of maximum thickness, and the nominal wall thickness being of a second thickness. The central portion of the interface curves to the central portion of the interface area. A ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is between 3 and 8. A cabin air supply system is also disclosed. |
| US09381783B2 |
Air spring for a commercial vehicle including a rolling-lobe flexible member of elastomeric material having ends provided with respective fastening beads
An air spring for commercial vehicles includes a rolling-lobe flexible member which is made of an elastomeric material and which at one end thereof is fastened to a first attachment part and at the other end thereof is fastened to a second attachment part in the form of a roll-off piston. The ends of the rolling-lobe flexible member each have a fastening bead which is reinforced in each case by a bead core. At least one of the two bead cores consists of plastic material. In order to achieve greater strength of the fastening bead, the bead core or the bead cores include a multiply-wound, flat profile strip made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material. |
| US09381782B2 |
Tilt adjustment of ball mount head
A ball mount head has a pivotable connection to a shank portion of a weight distribution hitch. A tilt selector receives a bolt through a hole and is connected to one of the shank portion and the ball mount head with two pegs extending into two of at least three connection points on the ball mount head. An operator selects which two out of the connection points to use, which determines and sets the location of the tilt selector bolt hole relative to the ball mount head, which in turn determines and sets the angular position of the ball mount head relative to the shank portion when the bolt is tightened. |
| US09381773B2 |
Tire for center pivot irrigation
An exemplary embodiment relates to a non-pneumatic tire for a center pivot irrigation system comprising two arcuate half-tire segments, the segments having two sidewalls connected by an outer circumferential wall and an inner circumferential wall; a plurality of transverse traction cleats circumferentially spaced on the outer circumferential wall extending between the side walls, the cleats having a rounded tip; a pair of connecting cleats at the ends of the half-tire segments having a plurality of apertures adapted for use in connecting the two arcuate half-tire segments; and a plurality of connectors adapted for insertion into the apertures wherein the cleats are tapered in width having a ratio of the center width of the cleat to the edge width of the cleat of at least about 1.25:1. |
| US09381770B2 |
Guide rail of an elevator, and an elevator
Guide rail of an elevator, for guiding an elevator car and/or the counterweight of an elevator, which guide rail comprises an elongated metal profile piece that continues essentially the same in its cross-sectional shape, which metal profile piece comprises a continuous inside space for at least essentially the whole length of the guide rail. |
| US09381769B2 |
Paint storage and dispensing kit
A paint storage kit is provided for storing and dispensing paint in a manner that minimizes mess and loss of paint. The paint storage kit includes a larger storage container, a funnel, and a smaller touch-up container. The storage container includes a removable, flexible pour spout that reversibly connects with the opening of the storage container and facilitates clean transfer of paint into the touch-up container(s) or alternate location. The touch-up container includes a plastic tube, storage cap, and applicator pad. Paint is transferred to the storage container where it stored. The paint can then be transferred to one or more touch-up containers. The touch-up containers can apply small amounts of paint directly via an applicator pad affixed to the top of the touch-up container. |
| US09381764B2 |
Ink ribbon cassette, ink ribbon cartridge, printing device and control method for printing device
An ink ribbon cartridge may include a supply roll; a winding roll; and a power transmission mechanism to transmit power from a drive source to the supply roll and the winding roll. A direction in which an ink ribbon is wound by the winding roll is a ribbon winding direction and a direction in which the ink ribbon is wound by the supply roll is a ribbon rewinding direction. The power transmission mechanism may include a winding side one-way clutch to transmit a driving force in the ribbon winding direction to the winding roll and cut off transmission of the driving force in the ribbon rewinding direction to the winding roll; and a supply side one-way clutch to transmit the driving force in the ribbon rewinding direction to the supply roll and cuts off transmission of the driving force in the ribbon winding direction to the supply roll. |
| US09381762B2 |
Control device
A control device may create and supply print data. The print data may include first edge print data and first central print data. The first edge print data may include data for causing a print performing unit to perform printing which satisfies: a print medium is transported along a first direction by a first transportation amount; a first type of main-scanning action is performed; a number of nozzles of a usage nozzle group is maintained to n; and the usage nozzle group is shifted toward an upstream side along the first direction. The first central print data may include data for causing the print performing unit to perform printing which satisfies: the print medium is transported along the first direction by a second transportation amount; a second type of main-scanning action is performed; and the number of nozzles of the usage nozzle group is maintained to n. |
| US09381760B2 |
Sheet process device
A sheet process device includes a processing part unit and a leg part unit. The processing part unit performs post process for a sheet ejected from an image forming apparatus. The leg part unit supports the processing part unit height-adjustably. The leg part unit includes a leg member, a fixed supporting member, and a movable supporting member. The leg member is extendable/contractable in upward and downward directions. The fixed supporting member is extended from a lower end of the leg member in a horizontal direction. The movable supporting member is stored in the fixed supporting member at the lower end of the leg member and extended in another horizontal direction being different from the extending direction of the fixed supporting member. |
| US09381754B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes: a recording section which records an image on a sheet conveyed in a conveyance direction in a conveyance route; a first abutment member having a plurality of first abutment portions arranged apart from each other in a width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and configured to abut against the sheet conveyed in the conveyance route; a first supporting member which supports the first abutment member; and a plurality of second abutment members which are supported by the first supporting member at both sides in the width direction, respectively, of the first abutment member, at a distance from the first abutment member, and each of which has a second abutment portion capable of contacting with the sheet conveyed in the conveyance route. |
| US09381752B2 |
Information processing apparatus and laser irradiation apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a display unit, a storage unit, a display controller, an instruction receiver, and an instruction output unit. The storage unit stores coloring states of a laser irradiation target with respect to combinations of a plurality of conditions for laser irradiation, the coloring states being obtained when laser irradiation is executed under the conditions. The display controller causes the display unit to display the coloring states with respect to the combinations of the plurality of conditions. The instruction receiver receives, from an operator, a designation instruction for designating any of display portions of each of the coloring states displayed as for the display unit. The instruction output unit outputs, to the laser irradiation apparatus, a laser irradiation execution instruction for executing laser irradiation on the display portion, the designation instruction of which is received by the instruction receiver, in line with the plurality of conditions. |
| US09381751B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus
An inkjet printing apparatus includes: a printing unit including an inkjet head that ejects a red ink and an inkjet head that ejects a black ink having resolution twice that of the above-described inkjet head in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction, respectively, this printing unit performing printing on a sheet by ejecting inks from the inkjet heads while transferring the sheet; and a controller that controls the printing unit. In a pixel at an edge of a line drawing formed by two color inks, the edge being in a landing deviation direction of a dot with the red ink relative to dots with the black ink, the controller increases the number of drops to the dots with black on the side of the landing deviation direction. |
| US09381749B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A first part of liquid holders includes at least one liquid holder provided at the first casing. A second part of liquid holders includes at least one liquid holder provided at the second casing. Each of a plurality of flexible tubes has one end and another end. The one end is connected to the first part of the liquid holders. The other end is connected to the second part of the liquid holders. A first supporting section is provided at the first casing and supports the tubes. A second supporting section is provided at the second casing and supports the tubes. A third supporting section supports the tubes at a position between the first supporting section and the second supporting section in such a manner that the tubes are arranged in a direction parallel to a pivotal axis. |
| US09381744B2 |
Image forming apparatus including recovery device to recover droplet discharge head
An image forming apparatus includes a recovery device to recover a droplet discharge head. The recovery device includes a slider and a suction unit. The slider contacts a nozzle formation face of the droplet discharge head and moves along a nozzle row of the droplet discharge head. The slider includes two portions spaced away from each other in a direction traversing a movement direction of the slider. The suction unit opposes nozzles of the droplet discharge head and moves without contacting the nozzle formation face. The suction unit is disposed at a position between the two portions of the slider and downstream from the two portions of the slider in the movement direction of the slider. The slider collects droplets adhered to an area outside the nozzle row of the nozzle formation face. |
| US09381729B2 |
Device for detaching a product substrate off a carrier substrate
Device for stripping a product substrate off a carrier substrate connected to the product substrate by an bonding layer by means of a film frame, a flexible film which is connected to the film frame and which has an adhesive layer for holding the product substrate in a contacting surface section of the film, the film being connected to the film frame in an attachment section of the film which surrounds the contacting surface section, as well as a solvent reservoir formed by the film frame and the film, especially of variable volume, for holding the solvent for detaching the bonding layer, and the product substrate and the bonding layer can be accommodated in the solvent reservoir, and by delivery means for delivering the solvent into the solvent reservoir and by stripping means for stripping the product substrate off the carrier substrate. |
| US09381724B2 |
Energy conversion film
An energy conversion film, which can hold a larger amount of charges by pores in the inside of the film and has high energy conversion performances, is provided, by obtaining a porous resin film with a high expansion ratio without adopting an expansion treatment with a high-pressure gas by forming a thermoplastic resin stretched film having a specified structure. The energy conversion film includes a core layer (A) having specified pores and composed of a thermoplastic resin stretched film including a thermoplastic resin and at least one of an inorganic powder and an organic filler. |
| US09381723B2 |
Microcellular thermoplastic thin films formed by a solid-state foaming process
Cellular thin films include a first side separated from a second side, the separation of which defines the thickness of the thin film; at least one layer of a polymeric material arranged along the thickness of the thin film, wherein the polymeric material includes cells and the first and second sides of the thin film have exterior surfaces that have substantially the same thickness as the interior walls forming the cells. The surfaces of the thin films have bumps caused by the cells. The thin exterior surfaces of the thin films is advantageous to allow the films to be flexible. |
| US09381721B2 |
Gasket material
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a gasket material that is capable of preventing corrosion caused by sulfur element, can be used as a seal part for a product that is easily damaged by corrosion, such as an electronic part, and is capable of forming a tight seal under low surface pressure with a material having low rigidity and inadequate reliability such as to have a blowhole, and that can prevent reduction in bolt axial load without producing plastic flow (setting) under pressure. The purpose is achieved by a gasket material in which a foamed rubber layer having a closed cell structure is formed, via an adhesive layer, on at least one side of a metal plate, wherein the foamed rubber layer comprises a carboxyl group-modified nitrile rubber, the expansion ratio of the foamed rubber layer is 2.0 to 3.0, and the foamed rubber layer is crosslinked with an epoxy compound. |
| US09381720B2 |
Tailor welded blank, manufacturing method thereof, and hot stamped component using tailor welded blank
Disclosed are a tailor welded blank and a manufacturing method thereof. The tailor welded blank is manufactured by connecting blank elements of different materials or thicknesses, thereby eliminating quality problems in a welded zone. A hot stamped component is manufactured by hot stamping the tailor welded blank formed by laser-welding blank elements made of coated steel plates having different strengths or thicknesses using a filler wire, wherein a laser-welded zone has a martensite structure. |
| US09381715B2 |
Method and apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions with rotary sealing mechanism
An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions has a drive mechanism for feeding a preconfigured film material to a sealing mechanism in a flattened state without wrinkles in the sealing region in which a longitudinal seal is formed. A feed mechanism includes a drive mechanism for advancing the film along a path, a first guide member which contacts a first surface of the film material in a first longitudinal region, and a second guide member which contacts the first surface of the film material in a second longitudinal region laterally offset from and parallel to the first longitudinal region. In some embodiments, the first and second guide members are adjacent belts. In other embodiments, the first and second guide members are stationary guide members or “skis.” The sealing mechanism may include a rotary sealing element and opposed backing element, such as a belt or a wheel. |
| US09381712B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming high strength products
A system and method are presented in which a flow of plastic is extruded to obtain nano-sized features by forming multiple laminated flow streams, flowing in parallel through the non-rotating extrusion system. Each of the parallel laminated flow streams are subjected to repeated steps in which the flows are compressed, divided, and overlapped to amplify the number of laminations. The parallel amplified laminated flows are rejoined to form a combined laminated output with nano-sized features. The die exit is formed to provide a tubular shape. |
| US09381710B2 |
Tank and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a tank having a reinforcement fiber layer, the method comprising: a winding step of winding a fiber impregnated with resin by a predetermined number of windings; and a curing step of thermally curing the impregnating resin in the wound fiber to thereby form the reinforcement fiber layer. In the winding step, an end portion, being a winding end, of the fiber is tucked into an inner fiber layer which has already been wound to thereby insert at least a portion of a fixing region that is a part of the end portion into between fibers forming the outermost layer so that the end portion is fixed to the inner fiber layer. |
| US09381707B2 |
Repair of composite materials
A prepreg comprising a fibrous reinforcement layer at least partially impregnated with a matrix resin having a first viscosity, a coating of a wet resin having a second viscosity on a first side of the fibrous reinforcement layer, the first viscosity being higher than the second viscosity, both the matrix resin and the wet resin being curable by ultraviolet radiation, a first removable flexible film which acts as a barrier to ultraviolet radiation on a second side of the fibrous reinforcement layer, and optionally a second removable protective flexible film covering the coating of wet resin. |
| US09381706B2 |
Button matrix and method of molding thereof
A button matrix is disclosed. The button matrix includes a base portion. A button body extends from the base and is formed from a translucent material. A button top formed from an opaque material is connected to the button body. |
| US09381703B2 |
Apparatus for reducing porosities in composite resin parts
An electrical charge is placed on a tool used to cure a composite resin part layup. The charged tool produces an electrostatic force that attracts entrapped gases in the resin to the surface of the tool, thereby reducing porosities in the cured part. |
| US09381701B1 |
Printer and method for releasing three-dimensionally printed parts from a platen using actuators
A three-dimensional object printer includes an actuator that contacts a surface of a platen in the printer. A controller selectively operates the actuator to apply force to a bottom layer of a three-dimensional object formed on the platen to break an adhesion between the bottom layer and the platen. |
| US09381700B2 |
Tape dispenser with improved wetting system
Tape dispensers with an improved wetting system are disclosed. The tape dispensers include a holder for a roll of liquid-activatable tape, a wetting system that has a reservoir of liquid and a roller having an absorbable outer surface to absorb and dispense liquid, and a feeding mechanism that operatively feeds the liquid-activatable tape through the wetting system to wet the adhesive on the liquid-activatable tape. The roller is at least partially immersed in the reservoir of liquid and the wetting system includes a roller adjustment mechanism to simultaneously adjust an upward force applied by the roller to the liquid activated tape and an immersion depth of the roller into the reservoir of liquid. The wetting system may also include a pressure mechanism to adjust a downward force applied to the liquid activated tape as it passes over the roller. |
| US09381697B2 |
Thermoplastic films with visually-distinct stretched regions and methods for making the same
Thermoplastic films include intermittent stretched regions that are visually distinct from un-stretched regions. The stretched regions can be white, opaque, and non porous. The thermoplastic films with visually-distinct stretched regions can be formed into bags for use as trash can liners or food storage. Additionally, methods of stretching thermoplastic films to create non-porous, white, and opaque stretched regions include incrementally stretching a film of a thermoplastic material and a voiding agent. |
| US09381694B2 |
Multi-laminated body manufacturing method and its manufacturing apparatus, and multi-laminated body
A manufacturing method of a multi-laminated body according to the present invention includes a step 1 (L-flow path) for vertically dividing a laminated flow obtained by arranging at least two molten resins adjacent to each other in a lengthwise direction into two sections, guiding the divided laminated flows to opposite directions relative to the flow direction, and then guiding both laminated flows toward the center of the flow direction, and rearranging the laminated flows adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction and thereby joining the laminated flows together, and a step 2 (R-flow path) for vertically dividing a laminated flow obtained by arranging at least two molten resins adjacent to each other in a lengthwise direction into two sections, guiding the divided laminated flows to directions opposite to the above-mentioned directions relative to the flow direction, and then guiding both laminated flows toward the center of the flow direction, and rearranging the laminated flows adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction and thereby joining the laminated flows together, in which the step 1 (L-flow path) and the step 1 (R-flow path) are alternately repeated in this listed order, and a number of the steps to be performed is at least three. According to this method, it is possible to prevent the layer disappearance at both ends, prevent the layer thickness variations or the disruption in the lengthwise arrangement, and thereby manufacture a multi-laminated body having a more excellent uniformity. |
| US09381689B2 |
Hot runner nozzle and mold for forming multi-layer molded article using the same
At a filling termination stage when performing multi-layer molding by means of a hot runner nozzle, an intermediate layer in a multi-layer molded article is prevented from being formed in a shape causing the intermediate layer to enter into a sprue in a portion of a mold cavity in a mold corresponding to the sprue. The multi-layer molded article with no intermediate layer being exposed in a sprue cut portion can be therefore obtained. In this manner, a diameter of a discharge port opening and closing mechanism part for opening and closing the resin discharge ports in the shut pin is made different from a diameter of a nozzle gate opening and closing mechanism part configured of the projection for pushing out the molten resin in the nozzle gate. |
| US09381684B2 |
Mobile phone protection case film with transparent part and method for manufacturing same
The present invention relates to a mobile phone protection case film with a transparent part and a method for manufacturing the same, and specifically a method for manufacturing a protection case film inserted in a protection case cover hinged to one side of a protection case for receiving the back and the sides of a mobile phone so as to open or close the front of the mobile phone, includes the steps of: assembling a first die and a second die so as to form a cavity conforming with the shape of the protection case film; filling the cavity with a molten resin through a gate provided in one side of the cavity; compressing the molten resin filling the cavity by closely contacting the first die and the second die with each other; cooling or hardening the molten resin; removing the molded product by separating the first die and the second die; and cutting off the gate from the molded product. Thus, the method can considerably reduce the processing time and cost compared to the conventional processing method using a numerically controlled processing machine, and minimize the flaw rate by eliminating the errors according to the skill of a worker so as to improve the reliability of the product. |
| US09381683B2 |
Films and methods of manufacture
A flexible body comprises a polymer film having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The polymer film has a plurality of apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface and a plurality of raised lips protruding from the first surface such that each of the plurality of apertures is surrounded by one of the plurality of raised lips. A method of producing a polymer film comprises placing a polymer solution into a one sided mold having a plurality of protrusions extending from a bottom of the mold wherein the polymer solution is characterized by a viscosity that inhibits the unaided flow of the polymer throughout the mold; urging the polymer solution around each of the plurality of protrusions; and solidifying the polymer solution. |
| US09381676B2 |
Method for placing an oven for heat-treating preforms on standby
A method for placing an oven (12) for heat-treating preforms (13) into standby, including: a device (16) for conveying the preforms (13); at least one heating lamp (22); at least one heat-accumulation element (24, 26); and an electronic unit for controlling the heating lamps (22), characterized in that the method includes, in series: a first switching-off step (E1) which is triggered when a stop in production is determined, and in which the heating lamps (22) are completely switched off; and then a second temperature-maintaining step (E2) which is triggered after the first step (E1), and in which the heating lamps (22) are activated at a predetermined intensity in order to reheat the accumulation elements (24, 26). |
| US09381675B2 |
Stabilized dry preform and method
A method of forming a preform may include providing a layer of tackified fibrous material containing structural fibers and resin. The layer may be passed through a forming die set having a die cross-sectional shape. The thermoplastic resin may be heated. The layer may be formed into the die cross-sectional shape. The thermoplastic resin may be allowed to solidify in a manner such that a preform is formed having the die cross-sectional shape. |
| US09381674B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing plastics material pre-forms from a thermoplastic plastics material
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing plastics material pre-forms from a thermoplastic plastics material (12) with a device (1) for providing flowable thermoplastic plastics material (12), a hot runner tool (2) arranged downstream of the device (1) and a conveying device (4) having a plurality of cavities (3), wherein the hot runner tool (2) has at least one hot runner (5), which is formed in a face (6) of the hot runner tool (2), and the conveying device (4) has a face (7) in which openings (8) for filling the cavities (3) are formed, wherein the faces (6, 7) of the hot runner tool (2) and of the conveying device (4) are capable of being orientated with respect to each other in such a way that they slide one over the other, wherein at least one opening (8) of a cavity (3) is always positioned above the hot runner (5). |
| US09381673B2 |
Cutting apparatus having blade cover
A blade cover covers a cutting blade mounted on a spindle. The blade cover has a bottom portion formed with an opening from which the lower end of the cutting blade projects. A cutting fluid is supplied to the upper surface of a workpiece in the periphery of the opening of the blade cover. A discharge opening is formed in the blade cover. Air is sucked from the discharge opening by a vacuum source. The cutting fluid supplied to the upper surface of the workpiece is taken from the opening into the blade cover in association with the rotation of the cutting blade and thereafter discharged from the discharge opening to the outside of the blade cover. Accordingly, scattering of the cutting fluid can be suppressed. |
| US09381670B2 |
Ceramic composition and ceramic injection-molding process
A ceramic composition for an injection-molding process for producing a combustion chamber pressure sensor, in particular for producing an insulation punch of a combustion chamber pressure sensor, includes a ceramic component in a proportion of greater than or equal to 50% by weight and a glass component in a proportion of less than or equal to 50% by weight. The ceramic component includes aluminum oxide. The glass component includes silicon dioxide or a silicon dioxide precursor. The ceramic composition further includes an alkaline earth metal oxide or an alkaline earth metal oxide precursor. The ceramic composition allows production of an insulation punch having a particularly good insulation capability. A ceramic injection-molding process includes the ceramic composition. |
| US09381668B2 |
Log splitting apparatus having log splitter frame with stripper plates
A log splitting apparatus having stripper plates for stripping logs from a blade member as a piston is retracted into a cylinder. In one arrangement, the stripper plates are removably securable to opposing sides of a log splitter frame of the apparatus to allow for replacement of the stripper plates with other stripper plates or other components (e.g., stroke reducing devices), use of multi-way (e.g., 4-way) wedge systems, and/or the like. |
| US09381665B2 |
Chainsaw
A chainsaw in which a remaining amount of chain oil to be supplied to a saw chain can be easily checked is provided. In a chainsaw 1 including: a saw chain 6 driven by a motor embedded in a main body; and an oil tank 11 in which the chain oil to be supplied to the saw chain 6 in wood cutting process is stored, an illumination unit (LED 15) is provided in vicinity of the oil tank 11. In this manner, the chain oil of the oil tank 11 positioned on a left side of the LED 15 can be illuminated. This illumination unit is configured to be used also as an illuminating device for illuminating the vicinity of the saw chain 6, that is, an area indicated by dotted lines from 21c to 21d. According to the present invention, in a dark location, the remaining amount of the chain oil can be checked, and besides, a positional relationship among the chainsaw 1 main body, the saw chain 6, and the periphery thereof can be easily visually checked, so that the working efficiency can be improved. |
| US09381663B2 |
Method for drilling at least one hole into a workpiece
The method is used to drill at least one hole into a front wall section of a workpiece (12) by way of a machining jet formed from liquid, to which abrasive material is admixed as needed. As seen looking in the drilling direction, the front wall section is located in front of a rear wall section of the workpiece, which is disposed with an intermediate space at a distance from the front wall section. The hole is drilled at least partially by the machining jet impinging on the front wall section in a pulsed manner. This pulsed jet is generated by the recurrent interruption of the impingement of the liquid and/or of the abrasive material on the front wall section. |
| US09381651B2 |
Transfer device sucking and transferring object
A transfer device includes a suction unit capable of sucking an object and a transfer unit moving the suction unit. The suction unit includes a base member; a plurality of nozzles provided for a plurality of types of objects; a housing room formation unit attached to the base member, forming a housing room for housing the other end portion side of the plurality of nozzles, and including a sealing unit facing air outlets; a negative pressure generation unit generating negative pressure inside the housing room; and a drive unit driving the plurality of nozzles such that the air outlet of a nozzle selected from the plurality of nozzles in accordance with a type of the object is separated from the sealing unit, and the air outlet of a non-selected nozzle is bumped against the sealing unit to be sealed. |
| US09381650B2 |
Handling apparatus for moving part
A handling apparatus for a moving part may include a frame connected with a separate carrying unit, an electromagnet unit disposed ahead of the frame and coming in contact with the moving part, and a damping unit disposed between the frame and the electromagnet unit and absorbing shock due to contact with the moving part. The handling apparatus may further include a sliding unit disposed between the frame and the electromagnet unit. The damping unit may be disposed on the sliding unit. |
| US09381649B2 |
Robotic finger
A robotic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement. |
| US09381647B2 |
Force detection device, robot, and moving object
A force detection device includes a charge output element that outputs charge in accordance with a received external force, a conversion and output circuit, having a first switching element and a first capacitor, which converts the charge into a voltage and outputs the voltage, a compensation signal output circuit, having a second switching element and a second capacitor, which outputs a compensation signal, and an external force detection circuit that detects an external force on the basis of the voltage which is output from the conversion and output circuit and the compensation signal which is output from the compensation signal output circuit. The capacitance of the second capacitor is smaller than the capacitance of the first capacitor. |
| US09381642B2 |
Wearable robot assisting manual tasks
A wearable robotic system assists a wearer in performing manual tasks. One or more robotic arms are mounted to a wearer, and an sensor monitors the orientation(s) (e.g., position and movement) of the wearer's upper body and one or both arms. A controller detects a task being performed by the wearer based on the orientation(s) as indicated by the orientation sensors. In response, the controller causes the robotic arm to perform an action independent of the orientation(s) of the wearer's arms and complementary to the task, thereby aiding the wearer to accomplish the detected task. |
| US09381640B2 |
Power tool storage and package system
A storage system for a power component comprising a receptacle including a base and a closure connected to the base, the base and the closure defining an internal space for receiving one or more components, the closure being operable for selectively enclosing the internal space, and a connection means for releasably connecting the base with at least one component that is positioned within the internal space of the receptacle, the connection means including a first connection portion associated with the base for connecting with a second connection portion of the component. A package for containing a product interfacing device with a surface defining a recess that is shaped to conform with an exterior surface of the product and thereby restrict movement of the product relative to the product interfacing device, a removable cover and a connection means for releasably connecting the product interfacing device within the internal space of a receptacle. |
| US09381639B2 |
Handheld tool carrying case
A handheld tool carrying case having a carrying case base and a carrying case cover and at least one electronic system. The carrying case base or the carrying case cover has at least one battery interface and one lighting device, which are at least partly fixedly connected to the carrying case base or fixedly connected to the carrying case cover. |
| US09381636B2 |
Fuel cartridge and gas-combustion type driving tool
A fuel cartridge, which is capable of being mounted on a tool main body of a gas-combustion type driving tool so as to supply fuel gas to a striking mechanism of the tool main body, is provided with an ejection nozzle provided at a port portion formed at an end portion of a cartridge main body and slidable with respect to the cartridge main body; a compression spring for biasing the ejection nozzle so that a tip end of the ejection nozzle protrudes from the cartridge main body; and an ejection hole formed at a side wall of a tip end portion of the ejection nozzle. |
| US09381634B2 |
Fastener driving tool
The invention relates to a fastener driving tool comprising a tank (2) for storing a fluid, in particular liquefied petroleum gas, a combustion chamber (1) connected to the tank (2), wherein the combustion chamber (1) has a movable piston (6) for powering a driving plunger (7), and a metering device (4) arranged between the tank (2) and the combustion chamber (1), wherein the metering device (4) has a movable displacement member (19) for ejecting the fuel out of a metering space (15), wherein the displacement member (19) can be moved by an actuation force from a first power source in a displacement direction against a pressure of the fuel, wherein an additional supporting force from a second power source acts on the displacement member (19). |
| US09381631B2 |
Crimping tool and crimping die
A hand operated crimping tool with at least three crimping dies, the crimping surfaces of which together enclose a crimp opening arranged to receive a workpiece to be crimped. The crimping dies have movable pivot points that move when the handles of the tool are moved relative to each other. Each of the crimping dies is arranged between two guide elements on the body of the crimping tool and further has a respective cam surface and a respective stop surface, the respective cam surface being arranged to cooperate with a guide surface on one of the guide elements and the respective stop surface being arranged to cooperate with a guide surface on the other one of the guide elements, thus guiding the movement of the respective crimping die when the pivot points for the crimping dies are moved relative to the body of the crimping tool. |
| US09381626B2 |
Hand-held power tool
A hand-held power tool, in particular in the form of a hammer drill or an impact screwdriver, is disclosed. The tool has a tool receptacle attached to an output shaft for receiving a tool, where the output shaft may be set into a rotating and partially percussive motion by a drive shaft and a tangential striking mechanism. The tangential striking mechanism has an anvil allocated to the output shaft and a hammer allocated to the drive shaft. The hammer can be moved axially under the application of the force of a spring and a sliding block guide, and can be struck against the anvil with the rotation of the same. The sliding block guide has a helical control contour which has a first slope in a first section and a second slope in a second section, where the first and second slopes are different. |
| US09381625B2 |
Electrical wrench
An electrical wrench includes a housing, a power member, a reversing mechanism, a support transmission assembly, an opening gear, a main control assembly and a restoring assembly. The housing includes having two projections, for example shaped as claws, arranged oppositely to cooperatively define an entrance. The power member, the reversing mechanism, the support transmission assembly and the opening gear are cooperatively coupled to one another and accommodated in the housing. The opening gear includes an outer teeth portion, an opening and a driving portion in communication with the opening, a tubular member for engaging with a fastener positioned in cooperation with the opening gear through the entrance. The restoring assembly includes an identifying portion, a sensor for sensing the position of the identifying portion, a control circuit board, a restoring switch and a restoring switch operator. |
| US09381623B1 |
Open wrench
An open wrench includes two heads overlapped to each other, two covers connected to top and bottom of the heads, and a pawl. Each head has a first recess, a recessed section, a contact face, and a second recess. The pawl is movably located within the second recess. The pawl has a first engaging portion, a second engaging portion, a reception slot and a curved slot. A resilient member is located in the reception slot. A pin extends through the covers and the curved slot. The pin contacts one end of the resilient member and contacts one inner end of the curved slot. When an object is located in the first recess, the contact face contacts one side of the object, and the first and second engaging portions contact two adjacent sides of the object. The object can be rotated continuously. |
| US09381621B2 |
Tooling fixture and system
A fixture and cutter tool is described. The fixtures includes features that enable a work piece to be easily mounted and removed by a rotation motion of the work piece onto the top of the fixture. The system includes the fixture and a cutter tool to prepare the work piece for use with the fixture. |
| US09381616B2 |
Shot processing machine
The present invention has the object of providing a shot processing machine capable of constraining the spilling over and dropping of projection material to outside the projection chamber. The shot processing machine of the invention is a shot processing machine for performing surface treatment by projecting projection material onto a workpiece inside a projection chamber, comprising: a cabinet inside of which a projection chamber is formed, an opening disposed on the cabinet for loading and discharging workpieces; and a door movably attached to the cabinet, for opening and closing the opening, whereby a projection material adhesion prevention mechanism for preventing the adhesion of projection material is provided on the inside of the door. |
| US09381615B2 |
Method of machining surfaces of rotor disc and grinding machine therefor
A method of manufacturing turned surfaces of a rotor disc of a gas turbine engine, including rotating the rotor disc about its central axis, rotating an abrasive grinding wheel having an outer grinding surface with a hardness greater than that of a material of the rotor disc, contacting the rotating wheel with at least one annular surface of the rotating disc, and sliding the rotating wheel along a curved cross-sectional profile of the at least one annular surface of the rotating disc. |
| US09381614B2 |
Pressure regulator, polishing apparatus having the pressure regulator, and polishing method
A pressure regulator includes: a pressure-regulating valve configured to regulate pressure of a fluid supplied from a fluid supply source; a first pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure regulated by the pressure-regulating valve; a second pressure sensor located downstream of the first pressure sensor; a PID controller configured to produce a correction pressure command value for eliminating a difference between a pressure command value and a pressure value of the fluid measured by the second pressure sensor; and a regulator controller configured to control operation of the pressure-regulating valve so as to eliminate a difference between the correction pressure command value and a pressure value of the fluid measured by the first pressure sensor. |
| US09381610B2 |
Lathe cutter height gauge and method of use
A gauge sets a height of a lathe cutter to a spindle axis. The gauge comprises an adjustable housing and a level vial, a longitudinal positioning of the level vial to be perpendicular to the spindle axis. A bubble in the level vial is longitudinally centered therein and the adjustable housing is fixed in place relative to the gauge. A chamfered notch in the gauge is slidable along a length of a shaft positioned in the spindle thereof. Flexible prongs secure the level vial relative to the adjustable housing. One of a set screw, a clamp and rubber bands secure the level vial relative to the adjustable housing. A receptacle in the gauge receives a shaft positioned in the spindle and enables laterally adjusting the gauge on a length of the shaft until the contact face of the gauge is laterally aligned with the tip of the lathe cutter. |
| US09381609B2 |
Chip discharging device of machine tool and machine tool equipped with the same
A chip discharging device of a machine tool is equipped with a chip discharging member for discharging chips generated by machine processing to a workpiece to an outside of the machine tool, and a chip shooter for introducing the chips to the chip discharging member. The chip shooter connects an introducing opening for introducing the generated chips and a discharging opening for discharging the chips toward the chip discharging member by a guide wall surface. The guide wall surface includes a vertical wall surface and a plurality of inclined wall surfaces inclined with respect to the vertical wall surface. At least a boundary parts between the inclined wall surfaces and a boundary part between the inclined wall surface and the vertical wall surface are formed by a flat surface or a curved surface. |
| US09381605B2 |
Collapsible workstation
A collapsible workstation includes stationary top, pivotable leg and collapsible top subassemblies. A collapsible work surface is attached to the stationary top subassembly by a hinge allowing the collapsible work surface to pivot vertically downwardly, but only slightly upwardly from the horizontal. The moveable leg subassembly, comprising two movable front legs each with support cups for receiving an anterior support crossbar of the collapsible work surface, is attached to the two stationary back legs by moveable leg hinges, which allow the two moveable front legs to fold inwardly. Once the legs clear the stationary work surface, the collapsible work surface may fold downward, resulting in the workstation being in a closed position. A stop bracket may be provided attached to the stationary base to inhibit the movable legs from pivoting beyond the position where the crossbar remains engaged in the support cups. |
| US09381599B2 |
Manufacturing method of heat dissipation assembly
A manufacturing method of a heat dissipation assembly includes the following steps: an accommodating concave portion and hollow areas are formed on a board body, and the hollow areas are through the board body located in the accommodating concave portion. The board body located in the accommodating concave portion is extended, such that the hollow areas are closed by the board body adjacent to the hollow areas. A heat pipe is placed in the accommodating concave portion, and the width of the heat pipe and the width of the accommodating concave portion are substantially the same. A stamping treatment is performed on the board body surrounding the accommodating concave portion to form positioning protruding portions, and the positioning protruding portions protrude toward the accommodating concave portion, such that the heat pipe is fixed between the positioning protruding portions and the accommodating concave portion. |
| US09381596B2 |
Welding fixture
A welding fixture comprises a suction assembly, a drive assembly, and a positioning assembly. The suction assembly comprises a fixing member and a suction member slidably coupled to the fixing member. The drive assembly couples the fixing member to the suction member. The suction assembly comprises a positioning member slidably coupled to the fixing member, a flange protruding from the positioning member, and an elastic member sleeved on the positioning member. The elastic member is configured to bias the flange away from a side of the fixing member. The drive assembly can move the suction member and thereby moving the workpiece towards the positioning member, so that the weldment makes contact with the workpiece via the positioning member. |
| US09381593B2 |
Engine driven welder-generator with chopper circuit
An engine driven welder-generator including a chopper circuit and being adapted to produce an AC weld output, a DC weld output, and an auxiliary output is provided. The engine driven welder-generator is capable of selectively running at a low engine speed or a high engine speed based on operator inputs and may produce both AC and DC power outputs while utilizing the chopper circuit. The engine driven welder-generator is also adapted to provide an auxiliary output during an AC welding process and a DC welding process. |
| US09381590B2 |
Implantable medical device feedthroughs and housings
Embodiments are generally directed to a feedthrough for an implantable medical device. The feedthrough comprises an insulator having one or more conductors extending therethrough that is hermetically connected (joined) to a housing of the implantable medical device. More specifically, the housing includes an aperture and the insulator is configured be positioned in the aperture. Braze material is configured to be positioned in one or more indentations in at least one of the housing or the insulator such that the braze material is disposed in the indentations between the insulator and the housing. |
| US09381589B2 |
Wire electric discharge machining method and wire electric discharge machine for machining tool that uses ultra-hard material and is mounted to rotating shaft
An ultra-hard material fixed to a cutting tool is formed into a cutting blade by electric discharge machining. The wire electric discharge machine has a rotating shaft to which the cutting tool is mounted, and has a touch sensor mounted to an upper wire guide. A measurement program is generated on the basis of a machining path instructed by the machining program. A machining program is regenerated from rotating shaft coordinate information and path coordinate position information obtained at measurement points, on the basis of the measurement program. As a result, a rake face position of the cutting tool can be accurately measured and a wire electrode can be positioned accurately with respect to that position during machining. |
| US09381586B2 |
Device and method for hob peeling internally geared wheels and related peeling wheel
The invention relates to a device for generating teeth of workpieces (3) by hob peeling, having a workpiece spindle (1) that can be rotatably driven for accommodating the work wheel (3) to be geared, particularly internally, and having a tool spindle (2) that can be rotatably driven, said tool spindle (2) carrying a peeling wheel (4), which has a regular tooth pitch determined by the tooth spacing of the gearing of the workpiece (3). In order to improve the performance of the generic device and/or generic method, and to provide the peeling wheel suited therefor, it is proposed that the distance between at least some of the teeth of the peeling wheel (4) that are of identical shape corresponds to a multiple of the regular tooth pitch. |
| US09381576B2 |
Chuck for apparatus for machining a tubular rotating workpiece
The invention relates to a chuck (1) for a machine tool for machining a tubular workpiece (26) which rotates about a rotational axis that coincides with the center of the chuck, comprising at least two chucking slides (7a, b, c) that are designed to be positionable radially with respect to the rotational axis in order to release and chuck the workpiece, are arranged on the end side of and in a manner distributed uniformly around the circumference of a chuck head plate, and bear chucking jaws (8a, b, c). Such a chuck is intended to be created with improved operating characteristics and extension to all chucking functions. To this end, for the external central chucking of a tube (26), there are provided centring slides (27a, b, c) which can be disengaged from the chuck head plate with a forward inclination towards the end of the tube to be machined and center the tube by means of chucking claws (29) which are arranged at the front, free end of centring slide rods (28), said centring slides (27a, b, c) engaging via a toothed rod section (34) into a toothing (35) of a drive means assigned to each centring slide, and meshing for their part, on a toothing side (37) parallel to the side with the toothing, with a central toothed wheel (33) arranged concentrically with the rotational axis, wherein the central toothed wheel (33) synchronizes the movements of all the centring slides (27a, b, c). |
| US09381570B2 |
Preform for manufacturing a metal foam
A preform intended for the manufacture of a metal foam having a porosity of between 62% and 85%, the preform including a set of precursors in the form of balls formed of a mixture of 12% to 25% of organic binder, 72% to 87% of sodium chloride and 1 to 3% of kalinite. The precursors have a diameter of around 1 mm to 10 mm, and preferably 4 mm, the precursors being obtained by granulating the mixture using a fluidized bed process. |
| US09381566B2 |
Ceramic core compositions, methods for making cores, methods for casting hollow titanium-containing articles, and hollow titanium-containing articles
The disclosure relates generally to core compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to core compositions and methods for casting hollow titanium-containing articles, and the hollow titanium-containing articles so molded. |
| US09381565B2 |
Monocrystalline casting mold
The invention relates to the field of monocrystalline casting, and in particular to a mold (1) for monocristalline casting comprising at least a molding cavity (7), a starter cavity (10) having at least a first volume (10a) in the form of an upside-down funnel, and a distinct second volume (10b) forming a plinth at the bottom of the first volume and projecting perceptibly relative to said first volume in at least one horizontal direction, a selector channel (9) connecting said starter cavity (10) to said molding cavity (7), and a support rod (20) that is laterally offset relative to said selector channel, and that connects the second volume (10b) of the starter cavity (10) to the molding cavity (7). The invention also provides a casting method using such a mold (1). |
| US09381560B2 |
Low profile pilot assembly and method for metal forming dies
A pilot assembly and method for metal forming dies has a generally cylindrical pilot with a stripper that strips stock from the pilot when metal forming dies diverge. The pilot assembly is secured to one die member by a fastener by itself or in combination with a window mount. A spring within the pilot assembly contacts the stripper to force the stripper to reciprocate when the dies are pulled apart. Thus, the pilot assembly helps locate the stock within the metal forming die while also having a stripper to help strip the stock from the pilot. |
| US09381559B2 |
Punch of punching press, nibbler assembly, and method of forming elongated hole in sheet material
A punch includes first and second blade sections juxtaposed relative to each other in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a feed direction of a sheet material. The first blade section protrudes downwardly from the second blade section with a step intervening therebetween and includes lower end edges on downstream and upstream sides of the feed direction, which define respective punching edges. The first blade section includes a lower end edge following the feed direction, which defines a first notching and punching edge. The notching and punching edge includes a portion intermediate of the feed direction representing a projecting shape. The second blade section includes a lower end edge on the upstream side, which defines a punching edge and also includes a lower end edge following the feed direction, which defines a notching and punching edge. The notching and punching edge is inclined gradually upwardly towards the upstream side. |
| US09381558B2 |
Press table or press beam having adjustable beam element
Press table (3) or press beam (4) for a press brake (1), comprising a beam element (17) having an elongate support surface (18) for attaching a bending tool (19) or tool adapter, a support beam element (24) having approximately the same length (39) as the beam element (17), connecting elements (26) with which connecting points (25) on the beam element (17) are connected, with respect to the length (39) thereof, in particular symmetrically to the support beam element (24), at least one actuator (30) which acts between mutually facing pressure surfaces (28, 29) on the beam element (17) and on the support beam element (24) and which can exert an adjusting force (32) that runs approximately in the pressing direction (31) of the press brake (1) and as a result the support surface (18) of the beam element (17) is actively adjustable between a planar profile and a convex profile. In this case, the actuator (30) comprises a hose arrangement (33) which is arranged between the mutually facing pressure surfaces (28, 29), rests against the latter and is fillable with hydraulic fluid (34), and which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the beam element (17). |
| US09381557B2 |
Method of forming integrated drive shaft and yoke
A method of forming a shaft for transferring force from a driving element to a driven element makes use of a tube. The tube is deformed to define distal ends of said shaft. At least one of the distal ends of the tube is trimmed to define a yoke for engaging one of the driving element or the driven element, with the yoke being integrally formed with the shaft. |
| US09381551B2 |
Methods and systems for use in washing bulk containers
A method of washing a bulk container is provided. The method includes receiving the bulk container on a support surface and rotating the support surface and at least one washer arm relative to one another. The method further includes spraying a fluid from at least one nozzle disposed on the at least one washer arm. Rotating the support surface and the at least one washer arm relative to one another exposes a plurality of portions of an outer surface of the bulk container to the spray. |
| US09381549B1 |
Portable descaling machine for heat transfer systems
A system for descaling heat exchanger surfaces using an acidic solution, the system comprising a portable machine of container and cover with operating components including motor driven circulating pump, hose fittings, directional valve, fluid openings, housing and hatch mounted on reinforced cover. |
| US09381544B2 |
Apparatus and methods for identifying and processing mail using an identification code
Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level. |
| US09381540B2 |
Pattern forming method
A pattern forming method includes determining an amount of curable resin to be formed on a substrate, the curable resin having volatility, the amount of the curable resin being determined by a calculation considering volatile loss of the curable resin, the calculation being performed for each of a plurality of regions of the substrate, forming the curable resin having the determined amount on the substrate, the forming the curable resin being performed for each of the plurality of regions of the substrate, contacting the curable resin formed on the substrate with a template, the template including a pattern to be filled with the curable resin by the contacting, and curing the curable resin under a condition where the curable resin is in contact with the template. |
| US09381537B2 |
Multifunction tooling fixture assembly for use in a coating related operations
A modular, rotisserie type multifunctional tooling fixture assembly is disclosed. The disclosed tooling fixture assembly comprises a positioning ring having a plurality of anchor members configured or adapted to retain a plurality of workpieces to be processed, and a retaining base defining a plurality of retaining members configured to be in locking engagement with the anchor members of the positioning ring and retain a plurality of workpieces in a fixed orientation. The tooling fixture assembly has utility in various coating related processes, including coating and grit blasting operations. |
| US09381536B2 |
Multi-bead applicator
An apparatus for concurrently applying to a substrate a plurality of substantially parallel strips of an adhesive is provided. The apparatus includes a housing or carrier with motive supports for transporting the carrier along a path of travel over the substrate. A plurality of cradles are mounted on the carrier and are arranged in a line transversely of the path of travel of the carrier over the substrate. Each cradle is adapted to hold a canister of the adhesive. A discharging mechanism is mounted on the carrier and is adapted, when a driving force is applied, to concurrently discharge the adhesive from the plurality of canisters in the cradles. Also mounted on the carrier is an actuating mechanism for selectively providing a driving force to the discharging mechanism. The discharging mechanism may include at least one plunger located at each cradle. |
| US09381533B2 |
Quick attaching fluid head
The fluid section or head (10) for a plural component applicator can be easily assembled or removed from the air section (12) by turning the fluid head ⅛ of a turn. The fluid head (10) has four tabs (14) that protrude and engage with four undercut features (16) within the handle (12). Tabs (14) are inserted through corresponding openings (16) in the front (12a) of air section (12) and rotated such that tabs (14) are retained behind lips (18). A locking tab feature (20) in the hose manifold (24) mates to a recess feature (22) in the handle (12) to prevent the fluid section (10) from rotating. |
| US09381530B2 |
Dispensing device for fluid substances
A dispensing device for fluid substances, including a pushbutton in which a chamber is provided housing a piston, the piston being loaded by an elastic mechanism to urge a front projecting appendix thereof into a dispensing hole for the substance, to hence sealedly close the hole, the pushbutton presenting a seat enabling a hollow stem to be coupled therethrough through which the pressurized substance is fed to the device. In the chamber there is housed an at least partially cylindrical member in an interior of which the piston slides, in the member there being provided at least one passageway opening to the front of the piston and communicating with a bore of the stem when the device is positioned on the pump. |
| US09381529B2 |
Systems, devices and methods related to paint recirculation during manufacture of radio-frequency modules
In applications such as manufacture of shielded radio-frequency modules where costly metallic paint is sprayed to form a conductive layer, it is desirable to reduce the amount of paint being utilized, and to maintain an acceptable level of suspension of paint particles in solution. A closed recirculation system can be configured to provide such desirable features, and can include a reservoir for holding a volume of metallic paint, a spray apparatus for spraying metallic paint received from the reservoir, and a recirculator for recirculating the metallic paint that is not sprayed back to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the recirculator can include a compact peristaltic pump that allows use of shorter fluid paths in the closed recirculation system, as well as a desired level of agitation to quickly achieve the acceptable level of suspension and maintain the suspension for an extended period of time. |
| US09381527B2 |
Liquid delivery apparatus
A liquid delivery apparatus includes a base assembly; a vessel into which liquid may be introduced to at least partially fill the vessel and to pressurize the liquid in the vessel; a nozzle including a discharge tube and a nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle is rotatable with respect to the base assembly, and the nozzle outlet is provided at a distal end of the nozzle via which the liquid may be discharged from the vessel under the pressure of the liquid in the vessel; and a valve between the vessel and the nozzle to control passage of liquid from the vessel to the nozzle outlet; wherein the valve and nozzle discharge tube are substantially in line. A drive system is also disclosed that drives rotation of the nozzle with respect to the base assembly. The drive system may be configured to propel the liquid delivery apparatus along the ground. |
| US09381526B2 |
Nozzle head for applying an insulating material
A nozzle head for emitting a spray jet of an application agent is configured such that a volumetric flow of the application agent can be applied by the spray jet, and such that the spray jet will be substantially flat and have a jet width that is a dependency of the volumetric flow of the application agent. The nozzle head comprises two outer plates and a middle plate that is disposed between the two outer plates and that includes a front edge on a spraying side of the nozzle head. The front edge of the middle plate includes a predetermined contour. The middle plate includes first and second outer tips on respective first and second sides of the middle plate, the outer tips protruding in a spraying direction. Further, the middle plate includes a recess in a middle portion of the middle plate. |
| US09381522B2 |
Solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge having a connecting flange
A solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge for clarifying substance uses a centrifuge drum that can hold the substance, and has a pond radius. A centrifuge screw is situated in the centrifuge drum. The centrifuge screw is supported on one of its axial end regions by a connecting flange that protrudes axially inward on a drum cover of the centrifuge drum and has a flange outside radius at a transition to the drum cover. The flange outside radius of the connecting flange is larger than the pond radius. |
| US09381521B2 |
Hot magnetic separator including heat shield
An apparatus for separating hot particles including a plurality of materials having different magnetic properties includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in a magnet assembly and configured to create a magnetic flux capable of providing a coercive force on at least a portion of the particles, a moving surface proximate the magnet assembly for carrying the particles in a downward path through the magnetic flux while the coercive force attracts the portion of the hot particles toward the moving surface, a feed system for supplying the particles onto the moving surface, and a cooling system for maintaining the temperature of the magnets substantially below their Curie point, the cooling system comprising a pair of plates which are disposed between the magnet assembly and the moving surface, the cooling system configured to operate by passing a contained cooling fluid through a gap between the pair of plates. |
| US09381519B2 |
Apparatus for separating magnetic particles from liquids containing said particles, and an array of vessels suitable for use with such an apparatus
An apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a liquid which contains said particles, said liquid being contained in an elongated vessel (11) having a length axis (12), said vessel being arranged in a vessel holder (13) with its length axis (12) in a substantially vertical position, said vessel (11) having a bottom and a tapered cross-section that diminishes towards the bottom of the vessel and a side wall (14) which has an outer surface which forms an angle with the length axis (12) of said vessel (11). This apparatus comprises a magnet (15) having a plane outer surface (16) and being adapted for being moved by transport means (17) along a motion path (25), said magnet (15) and said transport means (17) being so arranged with respect to said vessel (11) that over a portion of said motion path (25) said plane outer surface (16) of said magnet is in contact with a portion of said outer surface of said side wall (14) of said vessel (11), and transport means (17) for moving said magnet (15) between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position along said motion path (25). |
| US09381517B2 |
Apparatus for loading molecules onto substrates
Disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for loading molecules of interest onto a substrate by contacting beads having molecules of interest attached to them with the substrate, for example by providing a field that brings the beads into proximity or contact with the substrate and moves the beads with respect to the substrate. Such molecules of interest can be deposited onto substrates for single-molecule analysis. |
| US09381508B2 |
Phosphine ligands for catalytic reactions
The disclosure is directed to: (a) phosphacycle ligands; (b) catalyst compositions comprising phosphacycle ligands; and (c) methods of using such phosphacycle ligands and catalyst compositions in bond forming reactions. |
| US09381505B2 |
Cobalt catalysts and their use for hydrosilylation and dehydrogenative silylation
Disclosed herein are cobalt complexes containing terpyridine ligands and chelating alkene-modified silyl ligands, and their use as hydrosilylation and/or dehydrogenative silylation and crosslinking catalysts. The cobalt complexes also exhibit adequate air stability for handling and manipulation. |
| US09381502B2 |
FCC catalyst, its preparation and use
Process for the preparation of a catalyst comprising the steps of (a) preparing a slurry comprising clay, zeolite, a sodium-free silica source, quasi-crystalline boehmite, and micro-crystalline boehmite, provided that the slurry does not comprise peptized quasi-crystalline boehmite, (b) adding a monovalent acid to the slurry, (c) adjusting the pH of the slurry to a value above 3, and (d) shaping the slurry to form particles. This process results in attrition resistant catalysts with a good accessibility. |
| US09381501B2 |
Catalysts
The invention relates to improvements in the design of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts comprising a support and cobalt on the support. A first aspect is the modification of the silica support with at least 11 wt % titania to prevent the formation of cobalt silicates, thereby limiting the deactivation resulting from the silicate formation. A second aspect is the provision of C03O4 particles highly dispersed on the catalyst support with an average particle diameter of the cobalt oxide particle of less than 12 nm in order to improve catalytic activity and selectivity. A third aspect is the deposition of the catalyst precursor on the support by contact with a solution or suspension comprising the catalyst metal precursors and a carboxylic acid, preferably an alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid in order to minimize the fracturing and fragmentation of the catalyst precursor during the following steps of drying and calcining, thereby preventing the formation of smaller catalyst particles, which should be removed by screening in order to limit pressure drop in the reactor. |
| US09381499B2 |
Carbon supported cobalt and molybdenum catalyst
The present invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising cobalt molybdenum and optionally one or more elements selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals on a carbon support wherein said cobalt and molybdenum are in their metallic form. It was surprisingly found that the selectivity for alcohols can be increased by using the carbon supported cobalt molybdenum catalyst as described herein in a process for producing alcohols from a feed stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Furthermore, it was found that the catalyst of the present invention has a decreased selectivity for CO2 and can be operated at relatively low temperature when compared to conventional catalysts. Moreover, a method for preparing the carbon supported cobalt molybdenum catalyst composition and a process for producing alcohols using said carbon supported cobalt molybdenum catalyst composition is provided. |
| US09381497B2 |
Catalyzed particulate filter
A filter is configured for efficient combustion of particulates accumulated on a catalyst layer 7 in both a rapid combustion range and a slow combustion range. The catalyst layer 7 on an exhaust gas passage wall of a filter 1 includes a mixture of a Rh-doped Ce-containing composite oxide particle material loaded with Pt and a composite particle material loaded with Pt. In mixed particles of this mixture, Zr-containing composite oxide particles containing no Ce and activated alumina particles are mixed together and agglomerated. |
| US09381495B2 |
Renewable isobutene and isoprene from a mixture of acetic acid and propionic acid
A process is described for making renewable isobutene and renewable isoprene, comprising converting a mixed acid feed including acetic acid and propionic acid to a product mixture including isobutene and at least one or both of 2-methyl-1-butene and 2-methyl-2-butene in the presence of a catalyst, separating isobutene from the product mixture and dehydrogenating either or both of the 2-methyl-1-butene and 2-methyl-2-butene in the remainder to provide isoprene. |
| US09381491B2 |
Ceramic material, method for adsorbing carbon dioxide and method for converting carbon dioxide
A ceramic material, methods for adsorbing and converting carbon dioxide are provided. The ceramic material is represented by a chemical formula M1xM2yOz, wherein M1 is selected from a group consisting of Nd, Sm, Gd, Yb, Sc, Y, La, Ac, Al, Ga, In, Tl, V, Nb, Ta, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ca, Sr, Na, Li and K; M2 is selected from a group consisting of Ce, Zn, Ti, Zr and Si; O represents oxygen atom; x<0.5, y>0.5, x+y=1.0, z<2.0; and the ceramic material has an adsorption capacity of not less than 20 μmol/g for CO2 at 50° C. |
| US09381489B2 |
Device useful for hydrogenation reactions (I)
The present invention relates to a device for treatment of material transported through the device comprising at least one porous element consisting of specific solid metallic structure which allows cross-flow of the material through the porous element and wherein the porous element is coated by a non-acidic metal oxide which is impregnated by palladium (Pd). |
| US09381488B2 |
Microchannel reactor for hydrocarbon reforming
Disclosed is a microreactor for hydrocarbon reforming, including an end plate, a combustion catalyst plate, a combustion channel plate, a reforming catalyst plate and a reforming channel plate, wherein a plurality of combustion catalyst-filled parts are present in a portion of an entire combustion catalyst plate and a plurality of combustion catalyst-unfilled parts are present in a remaining portion. |
| US09381486B2 |
Fischer tropsch reactor
There is herein described a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. More particularly, there is described a Fischer-Tropsch reactor that incorporates forced flow through a small pore, thick layer, monolith supported catalyst and high levels of heat transfer that is able to operate with high levels of catalyst effectiveness. The catalyst bed (103) is supported on a distinct porous structure (101) through which the syn-gas flow is forced and the catalyst layer has a thickness of more than 200 microns. |
| US09381485B2 |
Encapsulation method for compounds
A method of encapsulating a volatile, water-soluble substance in capsules having a hydrogel shell and an oily interior includes (i) providing blank capsules having a hydrogel shell and an oily interior and (ii) immersing the capsules in an aqueous solution of the volatile, water-soluble substance for a time sufficient for them to load to a desired extent with the volatile, water-soluble substance. The aqueous solution additionally has dissolved therein to saturation point at least one water-soluble, non-volatile material. The method permits the easy and durable encapsulation of volatile materials that hitherto have been difficult to encapsulate. |
| US09381484B2 |
Gradual oxidation with adiabatic temperature above flameout temperature
Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber. |
| US09381483B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond compacts having improved wear characteristics, and method of making the same
A method of making a polycrystalline diamond compact includes mixing a diamond particle feed with a binder to form a mixture, forming the mixture into a precompact, heating the pre-compact in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to substantially drive off the binder, oxidizing the pre-compact in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature and for a time sufficient to burn off non-diamond carbon without overoxidizing diamond, and sintering the pre-compact at high pressure and high temperature to form a polycrystalline diamond compact. The method may also include oxidizing the diamond particle feed prior to mixing with the binder. |
| US09381482B2 |
Lining structure
Damage of a lining-member is prevented through mitigation of stress concentration due to difference in thermal expansion. A lining-structure of a lining-member is provided on a base material of an insertion tube for adding a chemical to a reaction vessel for leaching under high temperature and high pressure. The base material has tube and flange sections. The lining-member is provided on the base material and formed of different material from the base material, and has a tube-lining section provided on the tube and flange lining sections provided on the flange-section. A chamfer-section is formed on the flange-section. The tube-lining section is protruded to the same height as a flat surface of the flange lining section. The flange lining-section has a curved surface-section protruded toward the base material side on the chamfer-section and is welded to a protruding-section of the tube-lining section that protrudes from a slant surface of the chamfer-section. |
| US09381481B2 |
Polyethylene imine based dendritic dispersant
The present disclosure relates to a liquid dispersant of the formula I wherein T is selected from a polyethylene imine (PEI) or modified PEI moiety, polyvinylamine (PVA) or modified PVA, or polyallylamine (PAA) or modified PAA; B is a branched monomer; R1 and R2 independently of one another are hydrophobic groups; X is B with —OH terminal group, or R1 or R2, q is a number between 5-2000, with the proviso that q is less than the sum of all amine groups of PEI, PVA, PAA; and n is a number of 1-6. |
| US09381480B2 |
Container for mixing two different types of solutions
Disclosed is a container including a temporary coupling member for pouring two different types of solutions into separated chambers and for separating the chambers from each other and for driving a supporting rotator to release the temporary coupling member so as to mix the two different types of solution. The container includes rotating pushing unit rotating; cylindrical lower support inserted into rotating pushing unit; liquid accommodating upper support inserted into lower support; vertical pushing unit installed in lower support and rotating pushing unit; opening device including opening disc, supporting unit, supporting unit, and bottom holes and lateral holes; elastic spring installed between lower support and vertical pushing unit and rotating the rotating pushing unit; pumping unit installed on lower support and accommodating liquid; and press button installed on pumping unit to operate pumping unit to discharge mixed liquid in pumping unit out. |
| US09381475B2 |
Refrigerator equipped with apparatus for producing carbonated water
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a body, a storage chamber defined in the body while having an opened front side, a door to open or close the opened front side of the storage chamber, a water tank to store clean water, a carbonated water production module mounted to a back surface of the door, the carbonated water production module including a carbon dioxide gas cylinder stored with carbon dioxide gas, a carbonated water tank to produce carbonated water through mixing of the clean water with the carbon dioxide gas, and a module support to support a bottom of the carbonated water tank, and a water leakage sensor disposed on the module support, to sense water leakage occurring at the carbonated water production module. Through this configuration, it is possible to sense water leakage, and thus to minimize damage caused by water leakage. |
| US09381472B2 |
Carbon-dioxide-separating membrane
A carbon dioxide separation membrane includes a skin layer having a function of separating carbon dioxide from a mixed gas, wherein the skin layer contains 30 to 90% by mass of a polymer resin in which a difference between an affinity to carbon dioxide and an affinity to at least one of hydrogen and helium, the affinities are expressed as free energy ΔG (kcal mol−1), is 4.5 kcal mol−1 or more and less than 10 kcal mol−1, and from 10 to 70% by mass of an organic liquid having an affinity to carbon dioxide. |
| US09381471B2 |
Aerogels of carbon nanotubes
The invention relates to a method for preparing aerogels of individualized carbon nanotubes and to the applications thereof, in particular in the production of composite aerogels and electrochemical compounds. The method of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps carried out in an inert atmosphere: (a) reducing the carbon nanotubes using an alkaline metal in order to obtain a polyelectrolyte salt of carbon nanotubes; (b) exposing said polyelectrolyte salt of carbon nanotubes to an aprotic polar solvent in order to obtain a solution of individualized, reduced carbon nanotubes; (c) freezing said solution of individualized nanotubes; and (d) sublimating the solvent. The invention particularly relates to aerogels of individualized carbon nanotubes obtained by said method, and to the uses of said aerogels. |
| US09381468B2 |
Enhanced real-time ammonia slip detection
Systems and methods for detecting ammonia slip in an exhaust system based upon transient NOx sensor responses are described. In one example method, an exhaust system allocates tailpipe NOx sensor output to NOx and NH3 levels responsive to the transient sensors using a segment length method that processes the transient signals based on the total segment lengths calculated within a window. A ratio of segment lengths relative to a threshold is determined for a measured and expected NOx rate of change downstream of an SCR that is further used to determine a probability of NOx and NH3 based on the measured sensor activities, and a controller is included to adjust one or more parameters based on the allocation and changes of sensor output. |
| US09381467B2 |
Metal carrier catalyst for cleaning exhaust gas
A metal honeycomb carrier comprising a metal outer casing having inserted thereinto a metal honeycomb structure consisting of a metallic flat foil and a metallic corrugated foil, wherein perforations in an opening ratio of 30 to 60% are provided in either one or both of the flat foil and the corrugated foil. |
| US09381465B2 |
Method for the thermal conditioning of an auxiliary material and conditioning facility
In order to provide a method for the thermal conditioning of an auxiliary material, which, to clean a crude gas stream loaded with an organic pollutant, is configured to be introduced into the crude gas stream and together with the organic pollutant forms a stable system of pollutant and auxiliary material, which can be carried out easily and in a resource-saving manner, it is proposed that the method includes the following steps: feeding the system of pollutant and auxiliary material and a carrier gas stream that has been heated in relation to normal conditions into a thermal conditioning device; chemical conversion of at least a part of the organic pollutant to produce a conditioned auxiliary material; separating the conditioned auxiliary material from the auxiliary material loaded with an organic pollutant by transportation by means of a gas flow; and removing the conditioned auxiliary material from the thermal conditioning device. |
| US09381460B2 |
Pressure swing adsorption process
A pressure swing adsorption process for an adsorption system having 12 adsorption beds, the process having a cycle with 5 pressure equalization steps. Background is provided for the various pressure swing adsorption cycle steps. |
| US09381455B2 |
Fluid filtration device
A fluid filtration device contains a processing tank, a driving unit disposed outside the processing tank, a water pipe and a filtering unit. The processing tank is formed by plural substrate units arranged around the processing tank, each substrate unit has plural plate members connected together and formed on equal proportion, each plate member has an external surface and at least one circularly recessed portion, and on two connecting edges of any two adjacent plate members is defined a connector. The water pipe is connected with the driving unit and includes a peripheral wall, a plurality of apertures, and plural retaining protrusions. The filtering unit includes a plurality of filtration bags and plural guiding disks, each filtration bag has a first central pore, and each guiding disk has a body, a second central pore, and a plurality of coupling recesses. |
| US09381454B2 |
Materials handling and treatment
A belt filter apparatus for treating material to separate solid and liquid components comprises an endless belt structure adapted to circulate around a path incorporating guide roller structures around which the belt structure passes. The endless belt structure comprises an elongate belt portion of water permeable material, and has two opposed longitudinal edges. A zipper releasably connects the two longitudinal edges together to form a tubular structure with a flexible sidewall. The circulating path includes an assembly zone where the longitudinal edges are brought together and connected by the zipper to form the tubular structure, and a disassembly zone at which the zipper is released to separate the longitudinal edges and open the tubular structure. Means are provided for compressing a portion of the tubular structure to express liquid from the material contained in the tubular structure. The liquid discharges from the tubular structure through the water permeable belt portion. |
| US09381452B2 |
Coke tolerant fuel filter
A filter for use with a fuel system having contaminants has a plurality of apices and a plurality of ridges, where each ridge attaches an apex to an adjacent apex. A plurality of ridges and adjoining apices define a first opening that is in register with a second opening wherein the second opening has less surface area than the first opening. A side attaches the first opening and the second opening and tapers inwardly from the first opening to the second opening to minimize stagnant areas along the ridges and apices. |
| US09381449B2 |
Carbon nanotube composite membrane
A composite membrane for separations includes a fabric with a non-woven array of intermingled carbon nanotubes, and a dopant incorporated with the fabric to form a non-porous, permeable composite. The composite membrane may be used to separate a target gas from a liquid by mounting the composite membrane in a housing chamber, and conditioning a permeate side of the chamber to establish a driving force for the target gas across the non-porous, permeable composite membrane. |
| US09381445B2 |
Distance detector
A distance detecting device is mounted on a user's vehicle to detect a distance between the user's vehicle and a leading vehicle moving in front of the user's vehicle. The distance detecting device communicates with a processing device, which applies race based distance rules to determine whether the user's vehicle is close to or incurring a penalty based at least on the distance between the user's vehicle and the leading vehicle. An indication can be given to the user regarding an impending penalty and/or when a penalty is incurred. Similarly, the device can be read to apply a penalty. Various modifications can be made to allow for recording, display, and transmission of racing and penalty statistics, enabling and disabling recordation of penalty occurrences, tailoring the penalty determinations to a given race, and mounting the distance detecting device to a vehicle. |
| US09381444B2 |
Helical spring toy and method of use thereof
A toy apparatus including a guide having one or more tracks; a helical spring coil having first and second ends and a plurality of turns (T) situated about and defining a center axis between first and second ends of the helical coil spring; and/or a coupler which couples the and second ends of the helical spring coil to each other so as to form center opening configured to receive the one or more tracks, wherein an outer surface of one or more of the plurality of turns is in contact with the one or more tracks so that the helical coil spring rotates in a substantially poloidal direction about the central axis when traveling axially along the guide. |
| US09381442B2 |
Variable-track rolling toy
The present invention relates to a toy comprising at least two parallel wheels each comprising a hub (14), a rim (16) provided with a tread (18), and a plurality of spokes (20) made of an elastically deformable material. The unit formed by the hub and the spokes is mounted into the rim under compressive stress on the spokes, so as to produce, by buckling effect, a bending of the spokes curving these latter and offsetting axially the plane of the hub with respect to that of the rim. The unit can hence take two stable positions in the direction of bending of the spokes, i.e. an extended position with an enlarged track and a retracted position with a reduced track. It is just needed to apply an external mechanical effort on the rim, in one direction or the other, to reverse the direction of bending of the spokes, and thus to switch from the extended position to the retracted position, or vice versa. |
| US09381438B2 |
Dynamically displaying personalized content in an immersive environment
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of managing content filters within a three dimensional (3D) immersive environment without compromising the visual and interactive integrity of the environment itself. In one embodiment, content may be selectively filtered by dynamically categorizing content within the immersive environment by tracking baseline avatar patterns. Once a pattern is identified between a given content element (i.e., some element of the environment which an avatar may interact with) and avatar interactions (or lack of interactions) with that content element, a filter may be defined and applied to that content element. |
| US09381435B2 |
Gaming controller
A controller for providing input to an application is provided, including: a main body; a first handle extending from the main body, the first handle defined for holding by a first hand of a user; a second handle extending from the main body, the second handle defined for holding by a second hand of a user; a touch panel disposed along a top surface of the main body; a translucent panel defined along a front side of the main body; and a light defined in the main body for illuminating the translucent panel. |
| US09381429B2 |
Compositing multiple scene shots into a video game clip
Embodiments are directed to compositing multi-dimensional video game world data obtained from execution of a video game world sequence. An animation editor records the video game world data within a plurality of data logs after execution of an animation component of the video game world and prior to providing the data to a material system and/or graphics device for rendering. The user may edit the recorded data to make modifications in the recorded game sequence, by compositing sequences with content such as other sequences, multiple composited recordings, and/or a modified camera perspective during the editing process. The composited modifications may then be fed back for re-recording the animation component. |
| US09381428B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method
An information processing apparatus is set to always obtain information, even while an application is not being executed, and effectively using the obtained information. A state of the environment in a place where the information processing apparatus is present is detected. Detection data indicating the state of the environment detected by the detection section is stored. An operation mode is switched at least between a normal mode in which power is being supplied to the application execution section and the predetermined application can be executed, and a power saving mode in which at least supply of power to the application execution section is restricted and the predetermined application cannot be executed. At least in the power saving mode, a state of the environment is detected, and detection data indicating the state of the environment detected is stored in the first storage section at predetermined time intervals. |
| US09381427B2 |
Generic companion-messaging between media platforms
Various embodiments, methods, and systems for communicating via a generic companion-messaging session are provided. The generic companion-messaging session includes a base platform running a base platform application and a companion platform running a companion platform application. An initialization message that automatically pairs the companion platform application and the base platform application is sent from the companion platform to the base platform for a generic companion-messaging session. The companion platform is connected to an encrypted communication channel for the generic companion-messaging session with the base platform. The encrypted communication channel supports bidirectional communication over a plurality of connections. A connection from the plurality of connections is determined for routing a message. The message is routed via a direct connection when the direct connection with the base platform is determined and the message is routed via an indirect connection when the indirect connection with the base platform is determined. |
| US09381423B2 |
Method and apparatus for game play involving puzzles with autocorrect-related obfuscation
New and unusual games are described herein that are engaging and fun and can leverage well-known text autocorrection concepts to present puzzles for solution to users that effectively employ autocorrection in reverse. Such a puzzle can comprise a puzzle character string, the puzzle character string comprising one or more obfuscated words, wherein the one or more obfuscated words are configured to be de-obfuscated by an autocorrection algorithm. The de-obfuscated form of the puzzle is its solution. Any of a number of games can then be played where one or more users attempt to solve such puzzles. |
| US09381422B2 |
Gliding board with a damping device
Gliding board with a damping device for the vertical movements of the front or rear zone of the board said system including an arm whose first end is integral with an attaching point located in the front or rear zone of the board and whose second end is integral with the piston of a hydraulic device connected to the board near the attachment, said hydraulic device applying a retaining force during the movement of the second end of the arm in order to dissipate part of the kinetic energy from the front or rear zone of the board transmitted by said arm, wherein when the movement of the arm is consecutive to the movement of the attaching point downwards, the hydraulic device applies a retaining force which is less than the force applied when the movement of the arm is consecutive to a movement of the attaching point upwards. |
| US09381416B2 |
Batting aid
A batting aid has an upstanding tee with an upper end and a lower end. A connector adapted to attach to the upper end of the tee has a first connection means and a second connection means. The second connection means is positioned at an angle from the first connection means. A first guide is attached to the first connection means and positioned at an angle with the tee. A second guide is attached to the second connection means and positioned at an angle with the tee. A batter moves a bat towards a ball on the tee in a direction along the first guide, strikes the ball with the bat, and moves the bat along the second guide after striking the ball. |
| US09381413B2 |
Golf tee with rigid stake and flexible crown
A golf tee has a stake made of a rigid material such as a rigid polymer, combined with a flexible crown with flexible projections and possibly also a flexible pivot point. This reduces resistance at impact, producing less friction and low ball spin. As a result, distance and accuracy are improved. The fusion of the rigid and flexible materials provides a tee that can tolerate repeated hits and be used over and over. |
| US09381412B2 |
Divot repair tool
A divot repair tool includes a main body having an internally located rotational cylinder, a fixed tubular slide liner, and a prong assembly having one or more prongs which transition between an extended and retracted position. At least one of the elongated prongs include a top end having a generally teardrop shape. |
| US09381396B2 |
Portable progressive resistance exercise device
A collapsible folding training device is provided having a rear frame portion that contains a resistance device. The resistance device uses eddy currents and has a pivoting magnet internally that creates progressively increasing resistance as speed increases. An arm is attached to the rear frame portion that can pivot from a stored position to an in-use position. At the opposite end of the arm, a front frame is attached where it can affix a portion of a driving mechanism, such as a bicycle. The front frame supports and stabilizes the driving mechanism. The arm sets the distance between the front frame and the resistance device. |
| US09381395B2 |
Stationary articulated bicycle
The present invention relates to a stationary articulated bicycle for physical exercise, especially for interiors (indoor), such as sports centers and fitness centers. In essence, it is aimed with the invention, the characterization of a new conception of stationary bike which has a hinge between two elements of a structure, to allow their relative angular displacement, which is intended to provide both a combination of balance and freedom, sensitive to forces applied to remove all and any impact that occurs in bone and nerve structure of the human body, providing comfort to the practitioner. |
| US09381387B2 |
Fire-protection mechanism
A fire-protection mechanism is described. The fire-protection mechanism includes multiple, overlapping cavities that can be filled with water (and, more generally, a fluid). When the fire-protection mechanism is deployed over an object, such as a building, and the cavities are filled with water, the fire-protection mechanism reduces the likelihood that the object is damaged by the heat associated with a fire proximate to the object, such as a wild fire. In particular, the heat capacity and latent heat of the water significantly increase the thermal time constant of the object, thereby reducing the likelihood of combustion. The fire-protection mechanism may include a reflective coating to redirect infrared radiation away from the object to provide further protection. In addition, the water in the cavities may be refilled, as needed, by directing a stream of water onto the fire-protection mechanism and/or through an internal channel in the fire-protection mechanism. |
| US09381380B2 |
Low intensity shockwave treatment
A low intensity shockwaves (LISW) system includes a support surface for a patient to sit upon, a shockwave generating device including focusing apparatus operative to focus shockwaves generated by the shockwave generating device to a target, and an organ interface member on the support surface operative to direct the shockwaves to a peritoneum or penile shaft of the patient when the patient sits upon the support surface. |
| US09381378B2 |
Particle beam irradiation system and method for operating the same
Operation control data of each of the constituent sub-units of a synchrotron is constructed by a combination of module data items (initial acceleration data item, plural energy change data items, and a deceleration control data item), corresponding to plural control intervals, respectively. A control start value, a control completion value, and a computing function for connecting the control start value with the control completion value are expressed in each of module data items. Further, the plural module data items are corrected on the basis of a correction data item of a residual field, and a power-supply control command value is sequentially outputted. By preparing correction table data of the residual field, expressed by irradiation energy and irradiation stage numbers of the irradiation energy beforehand, the correction table data items of the plural module data items are selected from the correction table data to be prepared. |
| US09381377B2 |
Real time radiation treatment planning system
The invention relates to a real time radiation treatment planning system for use in effecting radiation therapy of a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body using hollow needles. According to embodiments of the invention, the system may include a processing means processing means-configured to perform a three-dimensional imaging algorithm and a three-dimensional image segmentation algorithm, with respect to one or more specific organs within the pre-selected anatomical portion and with respect to the needles, for converting the image data obtained with an imaging means into a three-dimensional image of the anatomical portion, using at least one single or multi-objective anatomy-based genetic optimization algorithm. For pre-planning or virtual simulation purposes, the processing means is arranged to determine in real time the optimal number and position of at least one of the needles, positions of energy emitting sources within the needles, and the dwell times of the energy emitting sources at the positions. For post-planning purposes, the processing means is arranged to determine, based on three-dimensional image information, in real time the real needle positions and the dwell times of the energy emitting sources for the positions. |
| US09381376B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for quality assurance of radiation therapy
Systems, devices, and methods for quality assurance for verification of radiation dose delivery in arc-based radiation therapy devices using a 3D gamma evaluation method. |
| US09381374B2 |
Shaped coils for transcranial magnetic stimulation
Described herein are shaped coil TMS electromagnets formed by two bent magnetic coil loops joined at a vertex having an angle between the outer coil regions of the coils that is typically less than 120 degrees (e.g., between about 45 and about 70 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.). The vertex region shaped to optimize the magnetic field projected from the TMS electromagnet. For example, the vertex region may be horizontal or vertical. In some variations the vertex region is formed by re-arranging the conductive windings forming the two coils so that they are no longer arranged in the same columnar structure that they are in the other portions of the bent magnetic coil loops. These TMS electromagnets may be well suited for use in deep-brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. |
| US09381368B2 |
Lead connector assembly for an implantable medical device and method of construction
A lead connector assembly for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed. The lead connector assembly includes a rigid elongated connector core having a core opening along its long axis. An alternating series of elastomer seals and header contacts are inserted into the core opening along the long axis and meet with an end stop to hermetically self-align the header contacts with contact openings along the sides of the core. A connector block can be inserted into an opening in the connector core, and sealed with an adhesive. Once the connector core, header contacts, seals, and connector block are subassembled, the connector core subassembly may be hermitically tested, and thereafter affixed to other subassemblies by affixing means on the connector cores. Feedthrough pins can then be connected to the header contacts through the contact openings, and overmolded with a header to the IPG's case. |
| US09381366B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improved IPG rate response using subcutaneous electrodes directly coupled to an implantable medical device (IMD)
Per the disclosure subcutaneously implantable medical devices (IMDs) with rate responsive implantable pulse generator (IPG) capability that also include dual patient activity sensors are adaptively controlled. One of the activity sensors uses multiple electrodes adapted to acquire electrocardiographic signals and signals from non-cardiac muscle tissue (myopotentially-based signals). The signals from the electrode-based activity sensor are used to confirm and/or override the patient-activity sensor signals from the other non-myopotentially-based patient activity sensor. The electrodes are directly mechanically coupled to the housing of the IMD and electrically coupled to circuitry that filters, processes, and interprets both the patient activity sensor signals. |
| US09381363B2 |
Optimal pacing configuration via ventricular conduction delays
An exemplary method for optimizing pacing configuration includes providing distances between electrodes of a series of three or more ventricular electrodes associated with a ventricle; selecting a ventricular electrode from the series; delivering energy to the ventricle via the selected ventricular electrode, the energy sufficient to cause an evoked response; acquiring signals of cardiac electrical activity associated with the evoked response via non-selected ventricular electrodes of the series; based on signals of cardiac electrical activity acquired via the non-selected ventricular electrodes and the distances, determining conduction velocities; based on the conduction velocities, deciding if the selected ventricular electrode is an optimal electrode for delivery of a cardiac pacing therapy; and, if the selected ventricular electrode comprises an optimal electrode for delivery of the cardiac pacing therapy, calling for delivery of the cardiac pacing therapy using the selected ventricular electrode. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US09381361B2 |
Control of cardiac excitability using high frequency signals
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward devices, methods and systems for controlling depolarization in cardiac cells. One such device includes one or more circuits that are configured and arranged to generate an electrical stimulus at a high frequency. The circuit is configured to provide electrical stimulus over a period of time sufficient to depolarize the cardiac cells. An electrode arrangement is configured and arranged to deliver the high frequency electrical stimulus to cardiac cells and depolarize the cardiac cells. |
| US09381359B2 |
System and method for delivering modulated sub-threshold therapy to a patient
A neuromodulation system configured for providing sub-threshold neuromodulation therapy to a patient. The neuromodulation system comprises a neuromodulation lead having at least one electrode configured for being implanted along a spinal cord of a patient, a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to the at least one electrode, modulation output circuitry configured for delivering sub-threshold modulation energy to active ones of the at least one electrode, and control/processing circuitry configured for selecting a percentage from a plurality of percentages based on a known longitudinal location of the neuromodulation lead relative to the spinal cord, computing an amplitude value as a function of the selected percentage, and controlling the modulation output circuitry to deliver sub-threshold modulation energy to the patient at the computed amplitude value. |
| US09381354B2 |
Visual prosthesis with integrated visor and video processing unit
The present invention is a new configuration for the external portion of a visual prosthesis in the form of a visor or glasses, including a frame supported by a user's nose and ears. The video processing unit is adapted to be connected by temple portions of the visor and rest on the user's upper back behind the user's neck, or behind the user's head. Controls for the video processor are on one or both temple portions of the visor. |
| US09381351B2 |
Devices and methods for stimulating nerves
A device for stimulating nerves adjacent the vagina includes a nerve stimulating element coupled to a main body. The nerve stimulating element is positioned and designed to stimulate the vesical, Frankenhauser's and/or inferior hypogastric plexuses. The device may reside in the vaginal fornices. An implant is also provided which has a nerve stimulating element in contact with a uterosacral ligament. |
| US09381348B2 |
Leads with segmented electrodes and methods of making and using the leads
A stimulation lead includes a lead body. Terminals and electrodes are disposed along opposing end portions of the lead body and are electrically-coupled to one another via conductors. The electrodes include segmented electrodes. Each of the segmented electrodes includes a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface, an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, a first side-wall extending radially between the interior surface and the exterior surface from the distal end to the proximal end, and a second side-wall opposite to the first side-wall and extending radially between the interior surface and the exterior surface from the distal end to the proximal end. At least one of the segmented electrodes defines an open cavity that is formed along the first side-wall of the segmented electrode and that facilitates adhesion of the segmented electrode to the lead body. |
| US09381347B2 |
Segmented electrode leads formed from pre-electrodes with alignment features and methods of making and using the leads
A pre-electrode for a stimulation lead includes a generally cylindrical body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The body includes multiple segmented electrodes disposed along the body; connecting material disposed along the outer surface of the body and coupling each of the segmented electrodes to one another; and multiple cutouts defined between adjacent segmented electrodes. The body also includes one or more of the following 1) a end wall step section formed in the exterior surface of the body on either the distal end or the proximal end of the body; 2) an alignment feature selected from a slot or a notch extending inwardly from the exterior surface of the body, or 3) a longitudinal step section formed in the exterior surface of the body. |
| US09381339B2 |
Safety drug delivery connectors
Drug delivery connectors are provided for permitting and blocking fluid flow between a container and a catheter connector or other drug delivery site. Embodiments of the drug delivery connectors include a ball valve for forming a releasable seal within the drug delivery connectors. In one or more embodiments, the ball valve prevents fluid flow between an open proximal end and an open distal end of the drug delivery connector and is movable in a proximal direction to release the releasable seal to permit fluid flow from the open proximal direction to the open distal direction. Methods of delivering medication to a catheter connector that includes an actuator are also provided. |
| US09381332B2 |
Nasal dilator
A nasal dilator is provided that can be used primarily for exercise and secondarily rest and sleep. It may be designed as a resilient bridge between two arms that enter the nostril and then expand the nostril outward and upward. In one embodiment the dilator is flexible and the feet are brought together when inserted into the nose and when released they try to return outward and press against the nasal wall thus opening the nostrils. The feet may have an offset from the arm to deeper engage the nostril which helps to prevent the dilator from slipping off. Also the inside face of the feet and arm that run parallel to the septum wall may be generally flat to prevent irritation to the septum wall if pressed up against the septum wall. The easy to use and reusable nasal dilator can be used by athletes to better their performance through the improved utilization and flow of air through the nose. |
| US09381331B2 |
Device for regulating gravitational pressure in a shunt system
A gravitational pressure regulating valve to regulate fluid flow of a patient, including a fluid chamber having an inlet port to receive a bodily fluid and an outlet port to discharge the received bodily fluid, and an opposing force member in the fluid chamber to oppose a first force of the fluid flow at the inlet port with a second force that varies according to changes in gravitational alignment. |
| US09381330B2 |
Drain catheter
A drain catheter comprises a proximal drain tube having a proximal end adapted to outlet drained liquids and a distal end. A tube interface is at a distal end of the proximal drain tube, the tube interface having at least two canals open to a distal end of the proximal drain tube, the at least two canals being in fluid communication with the proximal drain tube. Two or more distal drain tubes each having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each said distal drain tube being connected to a corresponding one of the canals such that the distal drain tubes are each in fluid communication with the corresponding one of the canals, the distal end of each said distal drain tube being open to collect liquids, a lumen of the distal drain tubes being smaller than a lumen of the proximal drain tube. |
| US09381328B2 |
Balloon system for treating sinusitis or allergic rhinitis
A balloon system for treating sinusitis or allergic rhinitis includes a central inner tube, a balloon to be filled and a balloon catheter outer tube, all of which axially extend. The central inner tube includes a distal end part and a proximal end part detachably connected with each other by a connector in an axial direction. A first end of the balloon is connected to the distal end part, and a second end of the balloon and the balloon catheter outer tube are detachably connected with each other by the connector. The balloon catheter outer tube is radially outwardly spaced from the proximal end part, and the connector includes a first grommet and a second grommet rotating coaxially and relatively fixed with each other in axial direction. Each of the first grommet and second grommet has at least one gas port. |
| US09381324B2 |
IV-catheter insertion device
The present disclosure is directed to a catheter insertion device, which has a catheter hub at the proximal end of a catheter, a tubular needle hub, at which a hollow needle is fixed and extends through the catheter hub and the catheter in a ready position such that the needle tip projects over the distal end of the catheter, a protective barrel which is received in the tubular needle hub in the ready position and is releasably connected to the catheter hub, and a pressure spring arranged between the needle hub and the protective barrel and which displaces the needle hub and the protective barrel apart from each other in an axial direction, wherein a manually operable holding member is provided between the needle hub and the protective barrel, and holds the needle hub in the ready position at the protective barrel against the bias of the pressure spring, so that after the holding member is released, the pressure spring moves the needle hub into a protective position in relation to the protective barrel, in which position the needle is positioned in the protective barrel. |
| US09381322B2 |
Systems and methods for anchoring medical devices
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors. In some implementations, the anchor device can be installed using a technique in which the subcutaneous anchors undergo relatively little or no flexing when being inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous region between the skin and underlying muscle tissue which may be occupied by fatty tissue. |
| US09381318B2 |
Respiratory apparatus
A flow generator for generating a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes a cylindrical housing and a motor supported in the housing. The motor has a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The shaft is generally coincident with an axis of the motor. A first impeller is attached to the first end of the shaft and a second impeller is attached to the second end of the shaft. A stator directs an air flow from the first impeller back towards the motor axis. The housing includes an inlet adjacent the first end of the shaft having an inlet axis generally coincident with the motor axis and at least one outlet between the first and second impellers. The at least one outlet has an outlet axis generally tangential to the motor axis. |
| US09381315B2 |
Apparatus and method for oral and maxillofacial surgery and preoperative modeling
A head frame apparatus is secured to a human head during maxillofacial surgery and includes devices to easily position and secure an endotracheal (breathing) tube and an anesthesia delivery circuit for the patient that reduces the likelihood that the flow of oxygen through the tube is restricted thereby reducing the risk of severe injury or death. The head frame apparatus also includes a removable reference indicator, which may be easily attached and removed while identifying a reference point of the patient's face. Also the reference indicator includes a universal joint and pointer with an attached ruler. A transport apparatus positions multiple preset reference indicators and allows for preoperative transportation and removal, while protecting the preset reference indicators from inadvertent adjustment. A bendable reference indicator used in an articulator for preoperative modeling allows for easily identifying reference points in a cast model. An orbiting segment apparatus positions a portion of a cast of a jaw in relation to a condyle ball of the articulator. |
| US09381313B2 |
Counter for a drug dispenser
The invention is for a waterproof Inhaler Usage Indicator with or without a replaceable battery (6), to provide a count of the amount of drug remaining inside the canister (4) with the counter (1) still attached to the canister (4). It is not limited to inhalers alone, but any type of canister (4) that dispenses through a nozzle (24) when placed inside an housing (2) in order to count the number of displacements between the canister (4) and housing (2). The status of the drug can be checked at any time by a quick movement of the inhaler in any axis to allow the motion sensor (40, 41) to initiate the display of the amount of remaining drug uses. The counter assembly (1) is attached to the top of the canister (4) and uses the displacement between the canister (4) and housing (2) to count the number of uses. |
| US09381305B2 |
Medical device
The medical device comprises a wave spring or wave washer in a mechanism to engage or disengage a first element and a second element. The invention also discloses the use of a multiple wave spring or wave washer comprising at least two waved spring layers in a medical device. |
| US09381303B2 |
Sterility barrier for pen needle and storage container therefor
A pen needle includes a hub having a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. A needle is connected to the hub and extends through the first opening at the first end. Access to the needle through the second opening is prevented by a sterility barrier, which has a movable portion that is moved along a longitudinal axis of the needle to provide access to the needle. A storage container includes a housing having a plurality of cavities to receive a plurality of pen needles. A cover is rotatably connected to the housing and is rotated such that an access portion thereof is aligned with one of the cavities, thereby providing access to the pen needle in the cavity. |
| US09381302B2 |
User profile backup system for an infusion pump device
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can include a controller device that communicates with a pump device, the pump device having a memory device. The controller device can be configured to record controller-related data, such as user profile data on the memory device of the pump device. This user profile data that is stored in the memory of the pump device can serves as a data backup system that permits the user to program a new controller device in a situation where the original controller device is lost or damaged. In addition or in the alternative, the controller device can be configured to receive controller-related data, such as software update programs or backup controller data, from the memory device of the pump device. |
| US09381300B2 |
Infusion pumps
Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, insertion tools, and related components as well as combinations thereof and related methods. |
| US09381297B2 |
Sealed infusion device with electrical connector port
A portable medical device includes an interface for accepting a power supply and enabling data transfer while still connected to a human body. The interface may include a universal serial bus interface and may be coupled to a data isolation chip and a power isolation chip. A power controlling processor may determine how the supplied power, e.g., voltage, is supplied to other components within the infusion device. Additional circuitry within the system may provide a secure power transfer within the device to ensure user safety and ensure that a high frequency noise is properly attenuated. |
| US09381296B2 |
Infusion pump with configurable screen settings
A method and apparatus provides for configuring the backlight brightness level. The backlight brightness level can be configured at the drug library and/or at the medical device, thereby improving the flexibility a user has in changing backlight parameters. A method and apparatus for managing a power saving mode allows the user to configure the power saving program at the drug library and/or at the medical device. |
| US09381295B2 |
Intravenous set with an automatic stopping mechanism in the drip chamber
An intravenous set with an automatic stopping mechanism in the drip chamber is provided. A top portion of the drip chamber may have a cap with a sharp tooth for puncturing a container or bottle. A lower portion of the drip chamber may be connected to a joint or stem that is connected to a flexible tube ending in a valve to be connected to a catheter. The drip chamber may contain a stopper for automatic control of fluid flow from the drip chamber. The stopper may include a lower part or diaphragm, a middle part or stem and an upper part. The stem and diaphragm may be connected by a stud, which is a part of the diaphragm. The stopper falls as the fluid flows through an exit of the drip chamber and closes the exit of the drip chamber when the fluid in the drip chamber is finished. |
| US09381291B2 |
Membrane separation devices, systems and methods employing same and data management systems and methods
A membrane separation device for use in blood processing procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib or ridge associated with the spinning membrane that decreases the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed. |
| US09381290B2 |
System and method for pairing a dialysis machine with peripheral devices
A dialysis system includes: a dialysis machine; and at least one of a blood pressure sensor and a weight sensor in wireless communication with the dialysis machine, wherein the dialysis machine is so positioned and arranged relative to the at least one blood pressure sensor or weight sensor that the dialysis machine is discoverable by the at least one blood pressure sensor or weight sensor when the at least one blood pressure sensor or weight sensor, respectively, is powered, and such that the at least one blood pressure sensor or weight sensor becomes paired automatically with the dialysis machine for secure wireless communication. |
| US09381289B2 |
Apparatus for peritoneal dialysis
This invention relates to a device for peritoneal dialysis with a means for the regular discharge and reuptake of dialysate, wherein the means includes an agent by which the color and turbidity of the dialysate can be determined. |
| US09381284B2 |
System and method for sealing an incisional wound
An apparatus, system, and method for treating an incisional wound having incisional walls is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conduit having a first end for receiving reduced pressure and a second end. The apparatus further includes a scaffold. The scaffold has opposing surfaces for positioning adjacent the incisional walls and is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit for receiving the reduced pressure. The scaffold is generally elongated in shape and has a thickness between the opposing surfaces that is sufficiently thin for positioning within the incisional wound. The apparatus further includes an internal manifold that has a primary flow channel extending generally longitudinally within the scaffold and between the opposing surfaces of the scaffold. The internal manifold is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit. The application of the reduced pressure through the scaffold and the internal manifold induces tissue apposition between the incisional walls. |
| US09381281B2 |
Drug eluting mesh to prevent infection of indwelling transdermal devices
In some embodiments, a device (102) may include a mesh having at least one bioresorbable polymer coating. The coating may comprise at least one active agent which is eluted over time. The device (102) may at least partially cover at least a portion of an implanted transdermal medical device (100). |
| US09381278B2 |
Embolic devices
Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and methods for occluding vascular structures and vascular malformations with radiopaque hydrogel filaments. The filaments can contain no support members and can be CT and MR compatible. Methods of forming such filaments are also disclosed. |
| US09381277B2 |
Resorbable and biocompatible fibre glass compositions and their uses
Biocompatible and resorbable melt derived glass compositions which include: SiO2 60-70 weight-%, Na2O 5-20 weight-%, CaO 5-25 weight-%, MgO 0-10 weight-%, P2O5 0.5-3.0 weight-%, B2O3 0-15 weight-%, Al2O3 0-5 weight-%, and which contain less than 0.05 weight-% potassium. Biocompatible and resorbable glass fibers manufactured from these glass compositions, medical devices containing fibers of the invention, the use of these compositions for the manufacture of glass fiber and the use of the fibers for the manufacture of medical devices are also disclosed. |
| US09381271B2 |
Carboxymethylcellulose polyethylene glycol compositions for medical uses
Uses of compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS in the presence of NH4OH. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles, and lubricants of tissues and medical instruments. |
| US09381270B2 |
Mucosal tissue dressing and method of use
A method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating pain after surgical procedures related to mucosal tissue, including tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or other pharyngeal operations. Certain embodiments provide a biodegradable film or covering that serves as a mechanical barrier to reduce pain caused, for example, by friction between solid food and healing tissue in the first few days after surgery. Some embodiments may include one or more therapeutic substances for locally reducing pain, facilitating healing and/or otherwise treating mucosal tissue at or near a tonsil bed. |
| US09381269B2 |
Biosorbable wound treatment device, process for making, and method of using the same
A biosorbable oxygen-delivery wound treatment device that includes a biosorbable matrix for delivering oxygen. The biosorbable matrix includes a water swellable, cross-linked biosorbable polymer network. A plurality of gas-permeable, elastic, closed cells is defined by the cross-linked biosorbable polymer network. According to the invention, these closed cells may be produced from a reaction between a catalyst and a second reactant. Deliverable oxygen is contained within the elastic closed cells such that when the device is used to treat a wound, oxygen is delivered from the closed cells. A process for making a biosorbable oxygen-delivery wound treatment device that includes a biosorbable matrix for delivering oxygen as well as a method of using an oxygen-delivery wound treatment device is disclosed. |
| US09381267B2 |
Apparatus for air purification and disinfection
An apparatus for air purification and disinfection is provided. The apparatus includes at least one elongated reactor having an elongated inner electrode and an elongated outer electrode. The outer electrode encompasses at least a portion of the inner electrode along a longitudinal axis of the reactor. The outer and inner electrodes are positioned in a substantially concentric relationship and define a reaction chamber therebetween. The apparatus also includes an inner electrode mounting member holding the inner electrode at an end of the inner electrode and an outer electrode mounting member holding the outer electrode at an end of the outer electrode. The apparatus further includes a power supply adapted to supplying electrical power to the inner and outer electrodes to generate plasma within the reaction chamber to purify and disinfect air flowing therethrough. |
| US09381260B2 |
Hypoxia inducible factor-1 pathway inhibitors and uses as anticancer and imaging agents
This disclosure relates to Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 pathway inhibitors and uses as anticancer and imaging agents. In certain embodiments, the disclosure contemplates compounds and pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein. |
| US09381258B2 |
Targeting vector-phospholipid conjugates
Peptide vectors having high KDR binding affinity and processes for making such vectors are provided. The peptide vectors may be conjugated to phospholipids and included in ultrasound contrast agent compositions. Such ultrasound contrast agents are particularly useful in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, such as in imaging KDR-containing tissue and in the evaluation and treatment of angiogenic processes associated with neoplastic conditions. The present invention also provides processes for the large scale production of highly pure dimeric and monomeric peptide phospholipid conjugates as well as precursor materials used to form the conjugates. The present invention further provides processes for the large scale production of highly pure peptide phospholipid conjugates which contain very low levels of TFA. |
| US09381255B2 |
Formulations comprising T3 nanoparticles
Nanoparticles comprising T3 and their use in treating, e.g., cardiac conditions, for example cardiac arrest, are provided. Such nanoparticles provide improved delivery of T3 and allow for acute treatment and optionally for sustained release of T3 in a patient. |
| US09381251B2 |
Thermoplastic paste for repairing living tissues
This invention relates to a thermoplastic paste with a highly thixotropic rheology, the components of which are a block biopolymer and a bioceramic. The material described herein can be used in bone implants and in the regeneration of both animal and plant live tissues. |
| US09381243B2 |
Methods of identifying critically ill patients at increased risk of development of organ failure and compounds for the treatment hereof
The present invention relates to compounds for treatment that protects the endothelium, prevents pathologic thrombus formation in the microcirculation and preserves platelet number and function and thus may be related to minimizing or preventing development of organ failure, including multiple organ failure (MOF), and, hence, death in critically ill patients by administration of agent(s) limiting the platelets ability to aggregate and form clots and/or by agents modulating/preserving endothelial integrity and/or by agent(s) increasing the rate of thrombus lysis, and Another aspect of the invention related to by a cell-based whole blood viscoelastical haemostatic assay identifying critically ill patients at increased risk of development of organ failure, including multiple organ failure (MOF) and death. |
| US09381242B2 |
Adjuvant composition containing citrulline
A novel adjuvant composition is provided that is excellent in safety and convenience as compared to the conventional adjuvant such as Alum. An adjuvant composition comprising citrullines, which are water soluble substance present in the living body, and/or a salt thereof; a vaccine composition comprising said adjuvant composition and an antigen; a process for preparing said adjuvant composition and said vaccine composition; and a method for administering said adjuvant composition and said vaccine composition are provided. |
| US09381239B2 |
VLPS derived from cells that do not express a viral matrix or core protein
The present invention discloses novel influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) that contain chimeric proteins or influenza membrane proteins. The chimeric proteins are derived from fragments of influenza membrane proteins fused to heterologous proteins. The invention includes antigenic formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the invention as well as methods of making and administering VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing immunity to infections, such as influenza. |
| US09381238B2 |
Method for improving the production of influenza viruses and vaccine seeds
The present invention relates to a method for improving the production of an influenza virus, and in particular influenza vaccine seeds, or a vaccine directed against an influenza virus, characterized in that the production is carried out in the presence of an inhibitor of the interaction between the Mdm2 protein and the p53 protein. |
| US09381237B2 |
Neutralizing immunogen (NimIV) of rhinovirus and its uses for vaccine applications
The invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing or treating human rhinovirus infection. |
| US09381227B2 |
Treatment of ischemia
A system, including methods and compositions, for treatment of ischemia. |
| US09381226B2 |
Methods and compositions related to inhibition of viral entry
Disclosed are compositions and methods for inhibiting viral entry. |
| US09381223B2 |
Methods for inhibiting advanced glycation end product production, inhibiting fibroblast apoptosis, and/or promoting human fibroblast-collagen grating formulation using cherry blossom and cherry leaf extract
Disclosed is an AGE production inhibitor or the like, which effectively inhibits the production of an advanced glycation end product (AGE), while having improved biological safety. Specifically disclosed is an AGE production inhibitor or the like, which contains en extract of cherry tree (preferably blossoms or leaves thereof) and/or a processed product of the extract as an active substance. The AGE production inhibitor or the like contains, as an active substance, at least one compound that is selected from among 1-O-(E)-Caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-(E)-Coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-(E)-Cinnamoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, Quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, Kaempferol 3-O-(6″-malony)-β-D-glucopyranoside, and Quercetin 3-O-(6″-malony)-β-D-glucopyranoside. |
| US09381221B2 |
Phytocomposition for the treatment of pain related to joint diseases
It is disclosed a phytocomposition which includes: (a) 0.01 wt % to 26 wt % of Arnica montana extract; (b) 0.01 wt % to 26 wt % of Rosmarinus officinalis extract; (c) 0.01 wt % to 26 wt % of Zingiber officinale extract; and (d) 0.01 wt % to 26 wt % of Boswellia serrate extract. Said phytocomposition can be used in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in order to obtain a pharmaceutical composition that can be used for treating muscle, arthritic and rheumatic pain in a patient, caused by joint diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and juvenile arthritis. |
| US09381218B2 |
Artificial skeletal material and constructs formed therefrom
A bioresorbable skeletal construct member formed from an osteoinductive composition comprising autogenic bone and an extracellular matrix (ECM) material, the construct member being configured to induce osteoanagenesis and angiogenesis when implanted proximate endogenous bone and tissue. |
| US09381216B2 |
Methods of generating, repairing and/or maintaining connective tissue in vivo
This invention relates to a method for generating, repairing and/or maintaining connective tissue in a subject. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for generating, repairing and/or maintaining cartilage tissue in a subject. The present invention also relates to a method of treating and/or preventing a disease in a subject arising from degradation and inflammation of connective tissue. |
| US09381213B2 |
Antiviral and immune stimulant pharmaceutical composition
The invention relates to a novel antiviral and immune-simulating pharmaceutical composition, containing as active ingredient 20-85 mass % of a ω-3-polyunsaturated fatty acid ester, in fish oil concentrate containing 20-70 mass % of a 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenic acid ester and a 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenic acid ester, further 1-lysine of a salt thereof, optionally a zinc salt, selenium or a selenium compound, as well as additives and carrier ingredients. |
| US09381212B2 |
Methods of using inhaled nitric oxide gas for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome in children
The present invention provides a treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in children using dosing of nitric oxide at low concentrations, such as less than 10 ppm. |
| US09381208B2 |
Structure and use of 5′ phosphate oligonucleotides
Oligonucleotides bearing free, uncapped 5′ phosphate group(s) are recognized by RIG-I, leading to the induction of type I IFN, IL-18 and IL-1β production. Bacterial RNA also induces type I IFN production. 5′ phosphate oligonucleotides and bacterial RNA can be used for inducing an anti-viral response or an anti-bacterial response, in particular, type I IFN and/or IL-18 and/or IL-1β production, in vitro and in vivo and for treating various disorders and diseases such as viral infections, bacterial infections, parasitic infections, tumors, allergies, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies and immunosuppression. Single-stranded 5′ triphosphate RNA can be used for inducing an anti-viral response, an anti-bacterial response, or an anti-tumor response, in particular, type I IFN and/or IL-18 and/or IL-1β production, in a target cell-specific manner. |
| US09381206B2 |
Salts of HIV inhibitor compounds
The invention is related to salts of anti-viral compounds, compositions containing such salts, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such salts, as well as to process and intermediates useful for preparing such salts. |
| US09381203B2 |
Combination therapies for treatment of laminopathies, cellular aging, and atherosclerosis
Provided herein are combination therapies for the treatment of progeroid diseases and conditions, cellular aging, bone diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. The provided combination therapies target the aberrant farnesylation of the mutant lamin A protein progerin, and inhibit farnesyl biosynthesis, lamin A prenylation, and increase progerin clearance. |
| US09381200B2 |
Nitrogen containing compounds
Compounds of Formula (I), their preparation and use in preventing or treating bacterial infection is disclosed. |
| US09381191B2 |
Imidazopyridine derivatives useful in treating diabetes
The present invention relates to imidazopyridine derivatives of the following general formula I: and to their use as a drug, in particular in treating and/or preventing diabetes, its complications and/or associated pathologies. |
| US09381189B2 |
Ingredients for inhalation and methods for making the same
A method of processing an active ingredient, the method comprising submitting a pharmaceutically active ingredient in the absence of excipients and/or additives to compression and shearing forces. The invention also relates to compositions comprising an active prepared by the method. |
| US09381187B2 |
Radiation countermeasure agents
Methods and compositions for reducing radiation damage in a subject with analog or derivative of benzo[c]chromen-6-one. |
| US09381182B2 |
Anthranilic acid derivatives: novel inhibitors of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation
Anthranilic acid derivatives are used to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products to reduce complications in diabetes. |
| US09381181B2 |
Treatment of NAFLD and NASH
Treatment of NAFLD and NASH by therapy with MBX-8025 or an MBX-8025 salt. |
| US09381173B2 |
Isolated stereoisomeric forms of (S)2-N(3-O-(propan 2-Ol)-1-propyl-4-hydroxybenzene)-3-phenylpropylamide
Isolated stereoisomeric forms of the compound (S)2-N(3-O-(propan 2-ol) -1-propyl-4-hydroxybenzene)-3-phenylpropylamide and uses in the treatment of pain. |
| US09381172B2 |
Small molecule choline kinase inhibitors, screening assays, and methods for treatment of neoplastic disorders
Small molecule choline kinase inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and screening methods for identifying and evaluating choline kinase inhibitors are provided. Safe and effective methods for treating subjects suffering from a disorder or disease characterized by neoplastic cell proliferation employing the choline kinase inhibitors are also provided. |
| US09381171B2 |
Composition including dapsone for preventing or treating side effect of steroid in subject and use of the composition
A composition including dapsone for preventing or treating a side effect of a steroid in a subject, and methods for preventing or treating a side effect of a steroid using the composition. |
| US09381164B2 |
Silk nanospheres and microspheres and methods of making same
The present invention provides for methods of preparing silk nanoparticles and microparticles, methods of encapsulating an active agent into the silk nano- and microparticles and compositions comprising these silk particles. In particular, the silk spheres are prepared from phase separation of silk and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), without exposure to an organic solvent. The method employs a chemical, PVA, which is an FDA-approved ingredient in drug formulations. Different parameters can be adjusted to control the size and shape of the silk spheres during the fabrication process. The silk particle compositions of the present invention may also encapsulate active agents or chemicals. Such compositions allow the active agents to be controllably and sustainably released to the target organs or tissues. The silk composition entrapping active agents also provides for a long-term storage medium for the active agents so entrapped. The silk nano- and microparticles of the present invention are thus suitable for a variety of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, such as drug delivery or tissue engineering. |
| US09381159B2 |
Microspheres for controlled- or sustained-release delivery of therapeutics
A new microsphere formulation (composition) for controlled- or sustained-release delivery of therapeutic ingredient(s), mainly peptides and proteins not over 10K in molecular weight, comprises at least a therapeutic ingredient, a helping agent (such as PH sensitive agent whose solubility is a function of pH) and a biodegradable polymer. The therapeutic ingredient(s) and the helping agent are in the form of fine particles, less than 1O um in diameter, encapsulated in the polymer which forms the microsphere matrix. A method for preparing the composition comprises a step of in-situ precipitating the therapeutic ingredient(s) and the helping agent to the fine particles and successive steps for forming the microspheres. Such a microsphere formulation offers a well-controlled release profile for prolonged period and encapsulation efficiency over 95%. |
| US09381156B2 |
Stabilized, sprayable emulsion containing active agent particles
A sprayable emulsion is provided. The emulsion can be used in the treatment of various skin conditions. The emulsion includes a hydrofluoro-based propellant, an emulsification system, an oil phase, a water phase, and active agent particles. Further, the emulsification system includes at least one nonionic emulsifier. The emulsion has a viscosity ranging from about 500 centipoise to about 10,000 centipoise and a hydrophilic to lipophilic balance (HLB) value of from about 2 to about 12. The present inventors have found that by selectively controlling the nature of the emulsification system and the viscosity of the emulsion, the active agent particles resist settling such that a substantially homogeneous distribution of the active agent particles is maintained and can be evenly sprayed onto a surface without running once applied. |
| US09381149B2 |
Compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides a composition for stimulating hair growth in a mammal comprising a modified osteopontin polypeptide in which an RGD domain is inactivated; and a pharmaceutically acceptable and/or cosmetically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent. The invention further provides methods of stimulating hair growth in a mammal. |
| US09381144B1 |
Cosmetic formulations
The invention relates to cosmetic formulations. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to cosmetic formulations for use on the skin (e.g., the skin of the face). |
| US09381143B2 |
Use of substituted methoxyalkoxyphenylalkyl derivatives as preservative, preserving method, compounds and composition
The present invention relates to the use as a preserving agent, in particular in cosmetic or dermatological composition, of at least one compound of formula (I): in which:—X represents ═O or —OH;—R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl;—R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl or an ethyl;—R3 represents a C1-C12, saturated or unsaturated, linear hydrocarbon-based radical, optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group (OH); with the exclusion of the compound of formula (I) in which X represents ═O, R1=methyl, R2=H and R3=—(CH2)6—CH3. The invention also relates to certain novel compounds and to the cosmetic or dermatological compositions comprising same. |
| US09381141B2 |
Method for manufacturing a cleansing and/or care article
The invention relates to the use of a cleansing and/or care composition for impregnating a pile of absorbent supports.The care and cleansing composition has a relatively high apparent viscosity while having a rheological behavior of the shear-thinning and thixotropic type and comprises at least one care and/or cleansing compound.Thus, during an impregnation under stress, especially under pressure and with prior stirring, the composition becomes sufficiently fluid to enable it to rapidly and homogeneously diffuse into the supports arranged in a pile. |
| US09381137B2 |
Closed fluid transfer system with syringe adapter
A closed fluid transfer system for fluidly interconnecting a syringe to any one of a patient I.V. set, a vial and an I.V. bag, is provided and includes a housing defining an open distal end and an open proximal end, a base supported in the open proximal end of the housing and including a syringe adapter luer connector, a collar slidably and rotatably supported in the housing, the collar defining a longitudinal opening therethrough, a shuttle slidably extending through longitudinal opening of the collar, the shuttle defining a shuttle lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, a barrel supported on and extending over a distal end of the shuttle, a biasing member interposed between the collar and the shuttle for urging the collar away from the shuttle, and a seal interposed between the shuttle and the barrel, wherein the seal extends across the shuttle lumen and the central opening of the barrel. |
| US09381135B2 |
Easy linking transfer system
A transfer device for pharmaceuticals comprising a housing which has an open bottom permitting insertion of a vial within the housing, a piercing member mounted within the housing and having an interior passageway formed therein, a connector for a syringe located on top of the housing, and a moveable member mounted within the housing, the moveable member being moveable from a first position preventing access to the piercing member and a second position permitting access to the piercing member when the vial is inserted in the housing. |
| US09381133B2 |
Automatic patting mechanism
A patting mechanism includes a support base for support a user, a driving device mounted to the support base and having a pushing unit, and a patting device having a rod pivotally connected with the support base, a patting member fixedly connected with the rod, and an elastic member connected between the support base and the rod. Thus, the rod is pushed to a preloaded position when the pushing unit is activated, and the rod is pulled by the elastic member to a patting position when the pushing unit is stopped working, such that the patting member is driven by the rod to pat on the user's back muscle repeatedly to relieve muscle soreness or help the user spit out phlegm. |
| US09381132B2 |
Walkers and methods of use
A walker having a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein the walker comprises a structural frame with a first upright portion, a second upright portion, a folding mechanism between the first upright portion and the second upright portion, ground engaging elements on each of the first upright portion and second upright portion, and a foldable basket with first and second opposed ends secured by one or more fasteners to the first upright portion and the second upright portion, respectively. In another embodiment, walker comprises a structural frame with a first end, a second end, and sides between the first end and the second end, a handle or handles on the structural frame at the first end of the structural frame, ground engaging elements at the first end and the second end of the structural frame, and a suspension system integrated with the structural frame. |
| US09381126B2 |
Latching motion transfer mechanism
Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time. |
| US09381119B2 |
Methods and apparatus for continuous noise exposure monitoring
A method for continuously monitoring noise exposure level of a person via measuring sound level within an ear canal of the person using a sound measurement means linked to a sound level recording device external to the ear canal, wherein the sound measurement means may be shielded from the environment by a hearing protective device, and wherein the cable does not interfere with the ability of the hearing protective device to reduce noise exposure level in the ear canal. Also provided is a system comprising a sound measurement means mounted within an ear canal of the person, an external sound level recording means and a linking cable. Further provided is a system for providing continuous noise exposure monitoring level of a person, and for providing radio communication in a noisy environment, said system comprising the above sound monitoring system linked to a radio signal transmission means, and is switchable between said sound level recording means in a recording mode and said radio signal transmission means in a communication mode. |
| US09381116B2 |
Subthreshold micropulse laser prophylactic treatment for chronic progressive retinal diseases
A process for treating an eye to stop or delay the onset or symptoms of retinal diseases includes determining that the eye has a risk for a retinal disease before detectable retinal imaging abnormalities. A laser light beam is generated that provides preventative and protective treatment of the retinal tissue of the eye. At least a portion of the retinal tissue is exposed to the laser light beam without damaging the tissue. The retina may be retreated according to a set schedule or periodically according to the determination that the retina of the patient is to be retreated by monitored visual and/or retinal function or condition. |
| US09381114B2 |
Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size
Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation. |
| US09381111B2 |
Delivery and extraction devices
This invention provides a device for delivering substances such as medical implants and tissues. The device comprises a mandrel and a mandrel guide whereby substances are delivered by retracting the mandrel guide relative to the mandrel. Included among the various embodiments are devices specialized for delivering retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells or nanoplates containing RPE cells to the retina, devices with precise control of delivery, devices with specialized mandrels and/or nozzles, and multifunctional devices adapted to provide additional functions such as infusion and/or suction, illumination, and diathermy. |
| US09381110B2 |
Method and system for training voice patterns
One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times. |
| US09381108B2 |
Device for the analysis of urine
A device for the analysis of urine designed to be connected in series to a catheter (12) of a patient's urine, comprises: means (14) for analyzing a sample of urine, means (13, 19) for feeding a pre-established quantity of urine coming from the catheter to said analysis means, and automatic control means (21) for controlling the feeding of the pre-established quantity of urine to the analysis means through said means for feeding, and for activating the analysis of the urine through said urine analysis means when the pre-established quantity of urine is supplied thereto. |
| US09381106B2 |
Cranial position orientation detection method and apparatus for pediatric patients
A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods, material selections, and sensors produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures. Further embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are adapted to detect and monitor motion and position of the subject, providing retrospective or real-time data for caregivers. |
| US09381103B2 |
Stent with elongating struts
A stent includes a plurality of rings which form a tubular scaffold. The rings include an elongation mechanism which allows for further expansion of the stent. |
| US09381101B2 |
Hybrid graft for therapy of aortic pathology and associated method
Vascular devices and methods for addressing aortic pathologies are provided that facilitate hemostasis at the junctions of the ends of the device with the native aorta or other vessels to minimize or eliminate the risk of endoleaks. One or both ends of the device may include inner and outer skirts that are configured to receive a section of native blood vessel therebetween. The outer skirt may be flared in some cases or rolled up prior to placement at and engagement with the blood vessel to provide clearance for joining the blood vessel to the inner skirt of the device, such as via sutures. Once engaged, the outer skirt is disposed such that the blood vessel is between the inner and outer skirts. Devices and associated methods are also described that allow endografts to be deployed and engaged with an end of the device in areas with insufficient landing zones. |
| US09381097B2 |
Assembly tool for modular implants, kit and associated method
An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool includes a first member in contact with the first component and a second member connected to the second component. The first member defines a first member longitudinal axis. The first member and the second member provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis. The second member provides relative motion of the second member with respect to the first member when the second member is rotated relative to the first member about the first member longitudinal axis. The first member and the second member have relative motion features adapted to reduce friction that cooperate with each other to provide the relative motion of the first member with respect to the second member. |
| US09381096B2 |
Method and apparatus to identify coordinated components
A prosthetic system is disclosed that can have a feature for identifying an aspect of the prosthetic member and related instruments. The identification feature can identify cooperating components of the prosthetic system, such as an implant and instruments for use with the implant. |
| US09381093B1 |
Locking device for fixation mechanism of medical implant
A device for locking a bone fastening or fixation mechanism in a receiving member of a medical implant (corpectomy cage or cervical cage). The locking mechanism is kept in place (both in its locked and unlocked positions) using a retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism also provides predetermined locked and unlocked positions that are readily moved to by the practitioner and maintained in position once placed there. |
| US09381090B2 |
Asymmetric tibial components for a knee prosthesis
An orthopaedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate with features designed for use with small-stature knee-replacement patients. The tibial prosthesis may include a shortened tibial keel, tibial keel fins which define a large angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the keel, and/or tibial keel fins which extend along less than the entire longitudinal extent of the keel. |
| US09381089B2 |
Meniscus prosthetic devices with anti-migration or radiopaque features
A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint. |
| US09381087B2 |
Hinged joint system
Methods, systems, and devices for replacement of a joint with a prosthetic system that replicates the natural kinematics of the joint is disclosed. A prosthetic system according to one embodiment includes a tibial component having a tibial plateau and a tibial stem portion, the tibial plateau having a top side and a bottom side, a tibial insert, with a bearing surface, adapted to be positioned on the top side of the tibial plateau, a femoral component having a base portion and a central housing, the femoral component having an axis of extension-flexion rotation, the base portion having a pair of condyles, an a mechanical linkage component linking the tibial component with the femoral component and with the tibial insert in between the tibial component and the femoral component, so that there is a center of contact between the condyles and the bearing surface. |
| US09381084B2 |
Annuloplasty device for tricuspid valve repair
Annuloplasty device for implantation adjacent an annulus of a tricuspid valve, the annulus comprising anterior, posterior and septal aspects adjacent anterior, posterior and septal leaflets, respectively, of the tricuspid valve, the device comprising: a ring body comprising: an anterior portion, a posterior portion and a septal portion shaped to conform to, and for implantation adjacent, the anterior, posterior and septal aspects of the annulus, respectively; and first and second end portions that are more flexible than a remainder of the ring body to provide a gradual transition from the remainder of the ring body to tissue of the tricuspid valve annulus; wherein the ring body is curvilinear, with substantially no flat portions, and forming a shape. Related devices, kits and sizer devices. |
| US09381081B2 |
Intraocular lens having helical haptics of shape memory
For easy handling at placement of intra ocular lenses (IOLs) for cataract operations, these are equipped with helical haptics of memory materials circumferring the lens. Said haptics adhere to the rim of the lens as long as being cooled down to constriction temperature. On regaining body temperature the haptics expand and fit into the ridges of the eye's capsule sack. Accommodation then is achieved with constriction of the capsule sack by pressure transfer to the rim of the lens to form its shape, in multiplying it with some protrusion towards the pupil. |
| US09381080B2 |
Hydrophobic intraocular lens
An intraocular lens (IOL) with excellent non-glistening characteristics comprising at least one copolymer comprising: (a) one or more first monomeric subunits comprising a polymerized acrylate and/or methacrylate group, at least one side group comprising (i) an aryloxy moiety, and (ii) an aliphatic carbon moiety linking the aryloxy moiety with the polymerized acrylate or methacrylate group, wherein the aliphatic carbon moiety comprises at least one hydroxyl substituent, (b) one or more second monomeric subunits different from the first monomeric subunits comprising a polymerized acrylate and/or methacrylate group, and comprising at least one alkoxyalkyl side group, (c) one or more third monomeric subunits different from the first and second monomeric subunits, the third monomeric subunits comprising a polymerized acrylate and/or methacrylate group, and comprising at least one alkylene oxide side group, wherein the first monomeric subunit is present in a greater amount by weight than the second monomeric subunit, and the first and second monomeric subunits together comprise about 75 percent or more of the monomeric subunits composition by weight. |
| US09381077B2 |
Extraction kit for a filter for the vena cava
The invention relates to a withdrawal member for a filter for the vena cava, essentially consisting of a head and shape memory or wrought strands forming a tail, said strands being attached to the head and being located on the same side of the head, said withdrawal member including a rod (7) comprising, at the distal end thereof, a plurality of resilient arms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) flaring from the rod (7), naturally spaced apart from each other and ending in the form of hooks oriented towards the inside so as to grasp the cap of the filter upon tightening, and including a flexible bent area adjacent to the distal end of the rod (7). |
| US09381076B2 |
Surgical articles and methods
Described are devices, implants, kits, and related methods for treating pelvic conditions such as urinary in incontinence, in a male or a female patient. The invention includes, in one embodiment, a multi-piece implant, including a tissue support piece, extension portion, and one or more self-fixating tips. The device may be employed through a medial incision in the pelvic region of the patient. |
| US09381075B2 |
Deflection member for delivering implants and methods of delivering implants
In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an elongate member configured to be associated with an implant and having a piercing portion. The apparatus can include a deflection member having a fixed curvature disposed within a plane. The deflection member can have a distal end configured to be disposed within a body of a patient. The deflection member can define a groove extending along at least a portion of the deflection member. The groove of the deflection member can be configured to deflect the piercing portion of the elongate member. |
| US09381074B2 |
Deciduous teeth storage device
The deciduous teeth storage device contains an openable casing, an upper gum cast, a lower gum cast, and a number of artificial teeth. The gum casts are stored in the casing. Along a gum model of the upper and lower gum casts, there are a number of holes for receiving the artificial teeth and the deciduous teeth, and the upper and lower gum casts are joined along their back edges by a foldable element providing an angle of rotation in-between. The casing contains a lower chamber where a movable drawer is configured for storing adhesives and artificial teeth. A transparent plate is attached to an upper side of the casing, and at least a pair of magnets are correspondingly embedded in the transparent plate and the top side of the casing, respectively, so that a child's photo can be positioned between the casing and the transparent plate. |
| US09381070B2 |
Dental mixer
To provide a dental mixer capable of easily, certainly locking a mixing tip to a syringe body, easily removing the mixing tip, and thereby having easy handling property. The dental mixer includes a syringe body 1 and a sleeve 3. The mixing tip 2 includes a housing 2a, a paste guiding member 2b and a plate spring-shaped locking members 2c and 2c. The plate spring-shaped locking members 2c and 2c have pawl portions 2ca and 2ca on the tip-end side thereof, and the pawl portions 2ca and 2ca are locked, by elasticity, with locking grooves 1c and 1c between the syringes 1a and 1a. The sleeve 3 has a shape to cover at least the pawl portions 2ca and 2ca when sliding toward the outlet side of the housing 2a, and thereby to prevent the locking of the pawl portions 2ca and 2ca by elasticity from canceling. |
| US09381069B2 |
Medical instrument holding apparatus
A medical instrument holding apparatus includes an attachment device attached to a longitudinal shaft and having a casing, a coupling device attached to the casing of the attachment device, and a carrying device attached to the coupling device, and the carrying device includes an orifice and an aperture, and the aperture of the carrying device is tilted and inclined relative to the orifice of the carrying device, a medical instrument includes an insertion tube engaged into the orifice of the carrying device, and a projecting device is engaged in the aperture of the carrying device for projecting a light onto the insertion tube of the medical instrument at an index mark. |
| US09381065B2 |
Treatment of headache
Headache treatment methods are described and include providing an energy delivery device; locating a secondary or higher-order branch of a postganglionic nerve that provides innervation for a patient's head, by identifying a target region of the patient's head that includes the nerve branch; positioning, within the target region, a portion of the energy delivery device; and applying, from the positioned portion of the energy delivery device to the target region, an amount of energy effective to result in a stimulation activity of the nerve branch; and, after observing the stimulated nerve branch activity, delivering, from the energy delivery device to the nerve branch, energy in an amount effective to reduce a headache severity in the patient. |
| US09381062B2 |
Electro-mechanical intravascular device
An occlusion treatment device is disclosed that is configured and dimensioned for the treatment of a lumen that is at least partially blocked by an occlusion. The occlusion treatment device comprises a catheter including a body portion with proximal and distal ends, at least one expandable element that is secured to the body portion of the catheter, and a material removal element that extends distally from the distal end of the body portion including a debriding member in communication with an energy source to facilitate selective energizing of the debriding member. The catheter is axially movable through the lumen, and rotatable within the lumen, such that the material removal element selectively imparts non-mechanical and/or mechanical energy to the occlusion to effect debriding of the occlusion. |
| US09381060B2 |
Blade deployment mechanisms for surgical forceps
A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position. |
| US09381055B2 |
Therapeutic cryoablation system
A cryoablation system has a gas source which provides a working nitrogen gas at room temperature and at a constant set pressure, a liquid generator which is coupled to the gas source to receive the working gas, and which then generates a working cryogen fluid, and a catheter coupled to the liquid generator for receiving the working cryogen, the catheter having a distal section having a freezing element which delivers the working cryogen to a treatment location, the catheter also having a balloon positioned adjacent the distal section. |
| US09381054B2 |
Self holding feature for a screw
A bone fixation device comprises an elongated body extending from a head at a proximal end to a shaft at a distal end along a central longitudinal axis. A slotted opening extends distally into the head by a predetermined distance, the opening defining a spring portion on a lateral side thereof, the spring portion being biased toward the central longitudinal axis and configured to be deflectable away from the central longitudinal axis upon application of a radially expansive force thereto. |
| US09381052B2 |
Dynamic axial nail for intramedullary treatment of long bone fractures
An intramedullary nail for fixation and stabilization of a fractured bone that also allows for a controlled amount of longitudinal motion at the fracture site to encourage bone remodeling and healing is described. The intramedullary nail has a proximal portion and a distal portion that are coupled together in a manner by a biasing assembly that provides for a controlled movement of the proximal and distal portions relative to each other so that when a patient puts pressure on the bone, such as when walking, the fracture site compresses and the bone ends move together, and when the pressure is released from the bone, the bone ends are biased apart by a controlled amount. |
| US09381038B2 |
Tunneling system
A tunneling system for use with a catheter includes an elongate tunneling member defining a longitudinal axis along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. The tunneling system further includes a connector configured for releasably engaging the second end of the elongate tunneling member to the catheter. |
| US09381034B2 |
Water jet surgical instrument
Water jet surgical instruments comprising a feed line for supplying fluid in one flow direction and one exit nozzle for ejecting the fluid in the form of a fine jet displaying a defined geometric opening configuration are known. In order to be able to widen the jet a fluid chamber is provided—viewed in the direction of flow—upstream of the exit nozzle. A disturbance device is provided in or on the fluid chamber, said disturbance device being able to generate a turbulent flow inside the fluid chamber. |
| US09381032B2 |
Surgical instrument with malleable tubing
A surgical instrument includes a hollow cylindrical member having a flexible region along at least a part of the hollow cylindrical member and a malleable tubing disposed over at least an outer surface of the flexible region of the hollow cylindrical member. The flexible region and the malleable tubing disposed over the flexible region can bend multiple times. The malleable tubing can maintain a bent orientation until the malleable tubing is re-bent by a user. The surgical instrument also includes connections that prevent the malleable tubing from moving longitudinally relative to the hollow cylindrical member. The malleable tubing may be made of various materials, one example of which is anodized, annealed aluminum. |
| US09381031B2 |
Surgical instruments for cutting cavities in intramedullary canals
Surgical instruments and procedures are disclosed that enable the injection of an optimal amount of curable resin and/or the placement of an internal fixation device in an intramedullary canal of a fractured bone. The disclosed instruments and procedures enable a surgeon to clear a portion of the canal of cancellous bone and marrow across the fracture site without damaging the cortical wall. |
| US09381030B2 |
Tunneling tool for implantable leads
A tunneling tool for creating a pathway for implanting a therapy delivery element in a living body. The tunneling tool includes a malleable elongated shaft having a distal end. A sheath having a lumen is slidably positioned over a portion of the shaft. A primary handle secured to proximal end of the shaft permits a user to advance and manipulate the shaft and the sheath in the living body. A secondary handle with an opening is slidably positioned on the shaft between the primary handle and the sheath. The opening has a diameter less than an outside diameter of a proximal end of the sheath. A locking mechanism releasably engages the secondary handle to the primary handle. The sheath is retained in a desired location within the living body by securing the secondary handle relative to the living body as the primary handle is used to remove the shaft from the sheath. |
| US09381029B2 |
Incision-less laparoscopic instrument
A laparoscopic instrument is placed into the abdomen without the creation of a skin incision. The laparoscopic instrument includes a shaft that does not exceed 1.6 mm in diameter. The shaft has a beveled end and is inserted into an abdomen similar to the placement of a needle, without use of a scalpel. Operating instruments are introduced into the abdomen through the umbilical port using a docking device, and are then docked to the beveled end of the shaft after the shaft is introduced through the abdomen. Multiple types of operating instruments can be placed on the beveled end of the shaft during the surgical procedure. Each operating instrument is docked with a holster during introduction into and withdrawal from the umbilical port and is removed from the holster only when in use. When removed from the holster it is locked to the shaft and cannot be dropped. |
| US09381028B2 |
Inversible tubular member and a gripping device including such a member
This invention relates to a gripping device (10), e.g. a surgical retrieval device. The device includes an inversible tubular member (28), which is composed of interengaged stitches of resiliently flexible filamentary material and which is progressively transformable between an everted condition and an inverted condition. The device includes also actuation means (12,20) carrying the inversible tubular member and operable for effecting progressive inversion and eversion of the inversible tubular member. Through progressive inversion of the inversible tubular member, an object can be gripped thereby. |
| US09381026B2 |
Jig for placing a shoulder prosthesis onto a socket
The jig includes bearing portions capable of engaging, only on the anatomical bone structure of the patient, with the front and rear edges of the socket, said portions having temporary positioning and attaching arrangements defining contact surfaces engaging with said front and rear edges, and said portions being formed from an area for connecting with a gripping sleeve arranged to act as a bore guide, wherein the positioning and orientation of the sleeve are predetermined relative to a three-dimensional coordinate system specific to the scapula and resulting from a peroperative plan translated via a bore axis defined by a vector and an origin that is the center of the socket, wherein both the vector and the origin give said orientation to the customized placement jig. |
| US09381023B2 |
Surgical drill instrument with motor and locking mechanism to receive an attachment and a cutting burr
A surgical apparatus having a locking mechanism that receives a cutting burr and that may include a loading and running position. The locking mechanism may include a motor driven spindle that carries a locking pawl and a detent pawl that lock the cutting burr in place an prevent the cutting burr from inadvertently falling out of the surgical drill instrument when in its load position. A diamond-shaped portion of the cutting burr may be formed in a six-sided diamond configuration and a perpendicular back end surface. The end of the cutting burr may include another diamond-shaped portion formed in a six-sided diamond shape surface that mates with a complementary surface formed in the receiving end of the spindle of the motor/locking mechanism. In an aspect, the attachment of the cutting burr is such that the cutting burr has substantially zero axial movement and runs true in the running condition. |
| US09381022B2 |
Labrum retracting burr
A rotary abrader allowing for improved visibility during surgery and improved aspiration of waste material. This is accomplished by providing a hood or sheath formed of a clear material and available in various shapes and sizes. The clear hood or sheath is also provided with a flattened, angled portion at a tip of the hood, to assist with retraction of the labral tissue while burring the glenoid rim. Slots are provided on the cannulated tube to provide aspiration of waste material and used to attach the hood to the cannulated tube. |
| US09381020B2 |
Pyloric obstruction device
An obstruction device includes an obstruction disc mounted on a shaft. The disc includes a membrane attached to a peripheral frame. An anchoring member extends from a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft, anchoring member and peripheral frame together have a unitary construction made from a bent slender element. |
| US09381018B2 |
Device for rapid repair of body conduits
A self-expanding stent-graft provided in a diametrically compacted state for implantation and retained preferably by a constraining sheath, useful for the temporary or permanent repair of injured, partially or entirely transected body conduits including blood vessels. It may be used under direct visualization to quickly stop or substantially reduce loss of blood from such damaged vessels and to quickly re-establish perfusion distal to the injury site. The device would typically be implanted under emergency room conditions but also be used in field situations by trained medical technicians. After an end of the device is inserted into a blood vessel through the injury access, deployment preferably initiates from the device end in a direction moving toward the middle of the length of the device by directionally releasing the constraining sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the two opposing ends of the device are individually deployable from the compacted, small diameter intended for insertion into a vessel, to the larger diameter at which they fit interferably into a portion of the vessel. |
| US09381013B2 |
Method for coupling soft tissue to a bone
A method for coupling tissue with a flexible member including a tail and a self-locking construct coupled to the tail. The self-locking construct includes an adjustable first loop and an adjustable second loop coupled thereto. The method includes implanting an anchor in bone, the anchor slidably mounted to the tail. The tail is positioned relative to the tissue. An end of the tail is inserted through the first loop. The tail is passed through the first loop, the second loop is pulled into the anchor, and the self-locking construct is positioned relative to the tissue. The self-locking construct is tightened against the tissue by pulling on an end of the self-locking construct. The first loop is tightened onto the second loop. |
| US09381011B2 |
Orthopedic surgical instrument for knee surgery
An orthopedic surgical instrument for use in knee surgeries includes an elongated body, a pair of output shafts, and a user control. A first output shaft extends out from a first side of the body along a first output axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body. A second output shaft also extends out from the first side of the elongated body along a second output axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The user control is coupled to the elongated body near a first end and the first and second output shafts are situated near the second end of the elongated body. Each of the first output shaft and the second output shaft are configured to turn independent of one another in response to operation of the user control. Various joint distractors for use with the orthopedic surgical instrument are also disclosed. |
| US09381008B2 |
Retractor device
A retractor device has a first arm rotatable arcuately about a first pivot; a second arm rotatable arcuately about a second pivot; and a third arm interposed between the first and second arm. The third arm has a linearly movable blade holding end translatable inwardly and outwardly between the first and second arms. The third arm is connected to the first arm at the first pivot and the second arm at the second pivot. The first arm and said second arm are rotatably movable about their respective pivot independent of the other arm. |
| US09381006B2 |
Sealing device and delivery system
The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site. |
| US09381004B2 |
Multifunctional surgical instrument with flexible end effector tools
A surgical tool having proximal and distal ends and adapted to transverse a curved passageway comprises an end effector disposed on the distal end of the surgical tool, the end effector having a first body section and a second body section and a releasable connector joining the end effector first body section with the end effector second body section. The connector is operable to reversibly engage the first and second end effector body sections in a first fixed position and in a second movable position. The surgical tool further comprises an actuation device for moving the first and second end effector body sections from the first fixed position to the second movable position. The end effector is adapted to maneuver through a larger radius of curvature in the second movable position than in the first fixed position. |
| US09380995B2 |
Ultrasound system for measuring image using figure template and method for operating ultrasound system
Provided are a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a method for operating the 3D ultrasound system. The 3D ultrasound system may include a display unit to form an image with respect to an object in the body and to display the image on a screen, and a control unit to generate a figure template corresponding to the image, to adjust the generated figure template based on a reference location of the image, and to superimpose the adjusted figure template on the image and display the resulting combination. |
| US09380992B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring flow in multi-dimensional ultrasound
A method and system are provided for estimating velocity of flow within an ultrasound dataset. A sample volume gate is defined on a two-dimensional (2D) image. The 2D image is based on an ultrasonic dataset. Spectral Doppler velocity estimates of flow are detected within the sample volume gate in first and second dimensions that are orthogonal with respect to each other. A true velocity estimate of the flow within the sample volume gate is determined based on the Doppler velocity estimates. |
| US09380990B2 |
Apparatus and method for X-ray imaging of breast
An apparatus for imaging a breast using an X-ray includes a support having a through-hole, a holder having a cylindrical shape, disposed in the through-hole of the support, and accommodating a breast of a patient, a linear X-ray generator disposed outside the holder and emitting an X-ray having a linear beam section that is lengthy in a vertical direction of the holder, a linear X-ray detector arranged outside the holder, and a rotation driver rotating the linear X-ray generator and the linear X-ray detector along an outer circumference of the holder. |
| US09380988B2 |
Electronic cassette for radiographic imaging
An electronic cassette for radiographic imaging includes a radiation imaging detector for detecting X-rays from an object and creating an X-ray image of the object. A battery supplies the radiation imaging detector with power. A power receiver wirelessly receives power from a wireless power transmission apparatus for charging the battery. A housing is formed from an electrical conductor, for containing the radiation imaging detector and the power receiver. A path opening is formed in the housing, and disposed between the power receiver and the wireless power transmission apparatus. A cover device is formed from a material having electrical insulating property and thermal conductivity, for closing the path opening, and conducting heat of the power receiver to the housing for dissipation. Preferably, the cover device contains synthetic resin. Also, a profile line of the path opening is at least partially curved. |
| US09380987B2 |
X-ray CT device
In order to suppress reduction in sensitivity when acquiring high-resolution data, an X-ray CT device is provided with an X-ray source that irradiates a patient with X-rays, and an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays. The X-ray detector includes a plurality of detection elements (scintillators and photodiodes) arrayed in a first direction, and a plurality of separators that separate the detection elements arrayed in the first direction respectively from each other. The separators each have a first-direction width which is a width in the first direction, first-direction widths of some separators each arrayed every predetermined number of separators being different from first-direction widths of the other separators. |
| US09380986B2 |
Dental surface models
To create a digital surface model of an intra-oral anatomy, a recess or a hole in an impression material having a predetermined shape and size is scanned. The scanning results and information on the predetermined shape and size are used for determining a threshold value representing interface between the impression material and another material. The threshold value is then used in generating the digital surface model from CT scanning data of an impression of an intra-oral anatomy on said impression material. |
| US09380985B2 |
X-ray tomosynthesis imaging device and calibration method of an X-ray tomosynthesis imaging device
The X-ray imaging device comprises an X-ray source that is able to move along a predetermined movement path, a movement unit configured to cause the X-ray source to move along the predetermined movement path, an imaging platform that is disposed to face the X-ray source, a flat-panel X-ray detector that is provided to the imaging platform, a marker that is disposed in the imaging platform, a control unit that causes the X-ray source to move and to capture images respectively including the marker from at least two positions, and an image processing unit that calculates a position of an image of the marker in each of the captured images and calculates a slope of a movement axis of the X-ray source with respect to the X-ray detector based on a relative relationship between positions of images of the marker. |
| US09380980B2 |
Orthpaedic monitoring system, methods and apparatus
A method for assessing the orthopedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopedic performance of the joint after the procedure. |
| US09380975B2 |
Contact activated lancet device
A lancet device including a housing and a lancet structure having a puncturing element. The lancet structure disposed within the housing and adapted for movement between a retaining or pre-actuated position wherein the puncturing element is retained within the housing, and a puncturing position wherein the puncturing element extends through a forward end of the housing. The lancet device includes a drive spring disposed within the housing for biasing the lancet structure toward the puncturing position, and a retaining hub retaining the lancet structure in the retracted position against the bias of the drive spring. The retaining hub includes a pivotal lever in interference engagement with the lancet structure. An actuator within the housing pivots the lever, thereby moving the lancet structure toward the rearward end of the housing to at least partially compress the drive spring, and releasing the lever from interference engagement with the lancet structure. |
| US09380971B2 |
Method and system for powering an electronic device
Methods and apparatus for providing a power supply to a device, including an inductive rechargeable power supply for a data monitoring and management system in which a high frequency magnetic field is generated to provide power supply to a rechargeable power source such as a battery of a transmitter unit in the data monitoring and management system are provided. |
| US09380969B2 |
Systems and methods for varying a sampling rate of a signal
Methods and systems are provided that include sampling a light intensity signal at different frequencies based on the waveform of the signal to produce a more accurate digitized signal. The light intensity signal is an analog signal proportional to the intensity of light received at a detector of a pulse oximetry system. In one embodiment, the signal may be sampled exponentially during pulse width periods, such that the end of the pulse width periods where the signal reaches a maximum amplitude may be sampled more frequently. The signal may also be exponentially sampled or oversampled during periods when the signal is expected to near a maximum amplitude. Further, the signal may be sampled less frequently during low amplitude periods of the signal, and during dark periods, such that processing power may be conserved. |
| US09380968B2 |
Light absorption coefficient distribution estimation device, concentration measurement device, and method for controlling light absorption coefficient distribution estimation device
A light absorption coefficient distribution estimation device includes a detection section and a light absorption coefficient distribution estimation section. The detection section detects the received light intensity of scattered light from a subject at a plurality of light-receiving positions that differ in distance from an irradiation position at which measurement light is applied to the subject. The light absorption coefficient distribution estimation section estimates the light absorption coefficient distribution of the subject using the received light intensity, a propagation optical path length model that specifies a propagation optical path length on a basis of the distance, and a first model that specifies the received light intensity on a basis of the distance when absorption of light is at a predetermined value. |
| US09380964B2 |
Device for interstitial fluid extraction, production process thereof and analyzing process of interstitial fluid using the device
A device for interstitial fluid extraction, having a base material formed from a synthetic resin film, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, a hydrogel layer formed from at least one hydrophilic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and a release layer, wherein the hydrogel layer has an area of a size that the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is exposed from around the hydrogel layer, does substantially not contain a sodium ion and causes no water separation. |
| US09380961B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for detecting and evaluating impact events
An impact detection device for detecting impacts to a body part of a user and various supporting systems are discussed. In an example, an impact detect device can include a circuit board, a component having a first section and a second section, a battery, and a molding for housing the circuit boat, the battery and the component. The circuit board can include impact detection circuitry including at least two sensors and a communication circuit. A zone of reduced rigidity can connect the first and second sections of the component, with the circuit board secured to the first section. The battery can be secured to the second section of the component allowing for flex relative to the circuit board. The molding can be shaped and dimensioned for mounting to a body part of the user. |
| US09380960B2 |
Method for non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography
A method for non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) that has a short scan time and is insensitive to patient motion is provided. More particularly, the method provides significant arterial conspicuity and substantial venous signal suppression. A two-dimensional single shot acquisition is employed and timed to occur a specific time period after the occurrence of an R-wave in a contemporaneously recorded electrocardiogram. In this manner, k-space data is acquired that is substantially insensitive to variations in arterial flow velocity, or heart rate, and that further substantially suppresses unwanted venous signal in a prescribed imaging slice. |
| US09380959B2 |
MRI-guided nanoparticle cancer therapy apparatus and methodology
An apparatus and method direct nanoparticles in a body part under imaging guidance using at least one electromagnet configured and operable to create a magnetic field gradient used to direct the nanoparticles, wherein, the magnetic field gradient used to direct the nano-particles does not substantially interfere with the use of magnetic field gradients whose purpose is to image the body part. |
| US09380956B2 |
Method and apparatus for classifying cardiac arrhythmia
A method and a device for classifying cardiac arrhythmia, using an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, are provided. The method includes receiving the ECG signal representing an electrical activity of a heart of an individual over a period of time, the ECG signal including ECG beats. The method further includes converting each of the ECG beats into symbols. The method further includes identifying an arrhythmia class indicating a type of cardiac arrhythmia associated with the individual from arrhythmia classes indicating respective types of cardiac arrhythmia based on the symbols representing each of the ECG beats. |
| US09380954B2 |
Method for physiological signal analysis and its system and computer program product storing physiological signal analysis program
A method for physiological signal analysis and its system and a computer program product storing a physiological signal analysis program are provided. Physiological signals of a subject are collected for a user to provide a detection opinion for the physiological signals in order to generate syndrome recognition parameters and syndrome weight parameters such that the collected physiological signals are analyzed and determined. The invention performs detection determination by means of combining the physiological signals of the subject and referencing to an analysis opinion from the user. Therefore, an output detection result may be believed by both doctors and patients with effectively improved accuracy of analysis result to improve the efficiency of the user in diagnosis and treatment. |
| US09380949B2 |
Modular sensor platform
Exemplary embodiments for reconfiguring a storage system comprise a modular sensor platform, comprising: a base module comprising, a display, a processor, a memory and a communication interface; a band removably coupled to the base module such that the band is replaceable with different types of bands; and a sensor module that collects data from a user, the sensor module in communication with the base module and removably coupled to the band such that the sensor module is replaceable with different types of sensor modules, the sensor module further comprising a plurality of sensor units that are removably coupled to the sensor module such that individual sensor units are replaceable with different types of sensor units. |
| US09380946B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining cardiac performance in a patient with a conductance catheter
An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient. The apparatus includes a conductance catheter for measuring conductance and blood volume in a heart chamber of the patient. The apparatus includes a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle by applying a non-linear relationship between the measured conductance and the volume of blood in the heart chamber to identify mechanical strength of the chamber. The processor is in communication with the conductance catheter. Methods for determining cardiac performance in a patient. Apparatuses for determining cardiac performance in a patient. |
| US09380940B2 |
Method and system for displaying a three dimensional visualization of cardiac motion
A method and system for displaying a three dimensional visualization of cardiac motion. The method and system obtain point specific (PS) motion data for a plurality of map points. The PS motion data indicates an amount of motion that occurred at the corresponding map point on a wall of the heart during at least one cardiac cycle. The method and system determine three dimensional (3D) positions of the map points during the cardiac cycle based on the PS motion data and select a set of 3D positions based on a frame rate. The method and system further generate 3D visualizations for each selected set of 3D positions. |
| US09380935B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a calculation unit configured to calculate information indicating similarity among a plurality of tomographic images, and a generation unit configured to generate a tomographic image from the plurality of tomographic images based on the calculated information indicating similarity. |
| US09380932B1 |
Retractor devices for minimally invasive access to the spine
According to some embodiments, a retractor device for selectively moving (e.g., retracting) anatomical tissue of a subject during a minimally invasive procedure (e.g., accessing the lumbar or other portion of a spine during a spinal fusion procedure) comprises a main body comprising at least three sides (e.g., three, four, five sides, more than five sides, etc.). In some embodiments, the main body defines or otherwise forms a central opening, which comprises a center-point positioned along a centerline of the central opening. In some embodiments, the retractor device further comprises a plurality of movable members secured to the main body. |
| US09380930B2 |
Steering mechanism
A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis). Movement of the second cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a second plane different than the first plane. |
| US09380927B2 |
Mountable footwear cleaner
A footwear cleaning apparatus including a housing having an opening, an internal cavity and a discharge aperture, the internal cavity being shaped to move debris through the discharge aperture, a cover for at least partly covering the opening, and a brush assembly connected to the housing. |
| US09380925B2 |
Household appliance with a drying system for wet articles
Provided is a household appliance, in particular dishwasher, tumble drier or the like, having a primary circuit which has a hygroscopic liquid, in particular brine solution, for extracting moisture from drying air, and a secondary circuit for drying wet articles by drying air, wherein a contact chamber is provided which has at least one dispersal element for surface area enlargement of the contact surface of the hygroscopic liquid for the drying air, characterized in that the dispersal element of the contact chamber has at least one drive for imparting drive and/or movement, such that for the surface area enlargement, the hygroscopic liquid can be dispersed with kinetic drive energy. |
| US09380921B2 |
Upright deep cleaner and method
A surface cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a base assembly (12), an upright handle assembly (14) pivotally mounted to the base assembly (12), a fluid distribution system including a supply of cleaning fluid, and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The base assembly (12) comprises a fluid supply tank (22) mounted on a base platform (20), and a recovery tank (24) and lid (70) mounted on the supply tank (22). The nozzle (146) assembly is split into three separable sections, and the upper handle (300) is foldable to a storage position. The base assembly (12) further comprises a pivotal brush carriage (210) assembly. A method for renting extraction cleaning machines (10) utilizes a vending machine (600) that dispenses cleaning formulations packaged in single use packages (602). |
| US09380920B2 |
Ozone injection for continuous flow cleaning systems
A mobile floor cleaning machine has a clean water system with a reservoir for applying water to a floor during cleaning. The floor cleaning machine includes an ozone source which generates ozone in liquid form and introduces the liquid ozone directly into the circulating water for eliminating pathogens in the circulating water. The ozone is generated continuously and essentially instantaneously by the ozone source and destroys most bacteria, virus, fungus and mold in the circulating water at room temperature, while decaying harmlessly to oxygen within the water and producing fewer by-products than chemical sanitizers and having essentially no environmental impact. |
| US09380919B2 |
Method for cleaning a filter of a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner for performing the method
A method is provided for cleaning at least one filter of a vacuum cleaner, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a suction inlet and a dirt collection container, which can be subjected to negative pressure by a suction unit via the at least one filter and a suction extraction line, and wherein for cleaning purposes the at least one filter can be acted upon by external air on the clean side via at least one external air valve, which moves from a closed valve position via an open valve position back into the closed valve position for cleaning the at least one filter. So that the at least one filter can be cleaned particularly effectively, the suction power of the suction unit can be increased before transfer of the external air valve to the open valve position and reduced again later. A vacuum cleaner for performing the method is also provided. |
| US09380916B2 |
Dispenser system
The invention relates to a dispenser system with a housing, into which a reservoir cartridge is inserted, which is formed by a reservoir container and a distribution device. Housing comprises an actuation device which acts on distribution device in such a way that a pressure on the actuation device delivers a portion of the medium on the distribution device. The known dispenser systems have the drawback that an individual dispenser is required depending on the medium. According to the invention, in order to create an identical part dispenser system, a connection element compensating for the different geometries of distribution device is connected to distribution device. Moreover, actuation device comprises at different levels pressure-exerting faces, which cooperate with pressure-receiving faces of distribution device, wherein different faces engage with one another depending on employed reservoir cartridge. |
| US09380908B2 |
Milk-frothing apparatus, and coffee or espresso machine and automatic beverage vending machine having a milk-frothing apparatus of this kind
The invention relates to a milk-frothing apparatus, in particular for a coffee or espresso machine, comprising a froth-generating unit (22) which is in the form of a disposable part, which is easy to replace, and has a mixing chamber (40), an outlet (39), which leads to the outside from the mixing chamber (40), for the generated milk froth, and first means (42) through which the froth-generating unit (22) is supplied with steam and air (53), and also second means (43) through which the froth-generating unit (22) is supplied with milk, wherein the froth-generating unit (22) can be connected to a holding means (30) in a detachable manner. The froth-generating unit (22) can be replaced in a simple and reliable manner while at the same time operating in a flexible manner by the first means comprising a first inlet (42) through which steam and air enter the froth-generating unit (22) together, by a combined steam/air nozzle (33), which projects outward and is connected to a steam generator and an air pump and through which steam and air are routed together, being provided on the holding means (30), and by the first inlet (42) and the steam/air nozzle (33) being designed and matched to one another such that they form a detachable hydraulic plug connection. |
| US09380905B2 |
Electric kitchen appliance comprising a pressing screw and a pre-cutting device
Provided is an electric kitchen appliance including a housing which contains an electric motor connected to an upper drive output, a work chamber comprising a work container sealed by a lid with a chute for inserting food, the work container having a discharge outlet, a removable pressing screw which can be rotated by the upper drive output being arranged in the work chamber. Rotation of the pressing screw is provided by a rotary element removably mounted in the work chamber, the rotary element including a pre-cutting disc and a driving member which is rotated by the upper drive output. |
| US09380898B2 |
Lid having collapsible straw for bottle
A lid connected to a container or body portion of a bottle includes: a base defining a channel; a cover in communication with a top of the channel; a lid-latch configured to releasably engage the cover and hold the cover proximate the top of the channel; and a tube defining a conduit housed in the channel and coupled to the base. At least a portion of the tube is resiliently collapsible so as to bias the cover away from the top of the channel. |
| US09380897B2 |
Fluid consumption monitoring system
An activity and volume sensing beverage container cap system for a beverage container including a cap that couples with the beverage container, a processor, a timer and at least one activity level sensor, such as an inclinometer, coupled with the processor. The activity level sensor detects container orientation. When the container is tilted, the timer measures an amount of time in an orientation. Based on the current and previous orientation and the amount of time the container is in different orientations, the processor determines an amount of time of activity of the user, and a level of activity of the user, such as number of steps or moves per time. The inclinometer is also used to determine the amount of volume dispensed from the container when tilted over a threshold indicative of drinking. Thus one inclinometer may be utilized as both to determine activity level and volume of fluid dispensed. |
| US09380894B2 |
Caster having replaceable shielded bearing
A caster includes a yoke for retaining a wheel, a bearing housing connected to the yoke and a replaceable shielded bearing occupying the bearing housing. The inner wall of the bearing housing is provided with a groove into which a retaining ring may be inserted to prevent the shielded bearing from escaping. A caster mounting assembly having a connecting member which passes through a central opening of the shielded bearing is configured to connect the yoke and the bearing housing to a rollable article, such as chair or table. In the event that the shielded bearing needs to be replaced, the caster may be disassembled, the retaining ring removed from the groove, a new shielded bearing substituted for the old shield bearing, the retaining ring replaced in the groove, and the caster reassembled. |
| US09380893B2 |
Thermally insulating stretchable down feather sheet and method of fabrication
A thermally insulating stretchable down feather sheet and its method of manufacture is described. The core of the sheet is comprised of down feathers mixed with a binder which exhibits elastic properties. The core is sandwiched between a top and bottom stretchable elastomeric sheet having multi-directional stretchability. The core down feathers and the binder as well as the elastomeric sheet and bound together by heat treatment to provide a down feather insulating sheet which is stretchable in all directions without fractioning the sheet. |
| US09380891B2 |
Over-the-door storage armoire
A storage armoire includes a back frame assembly configured to provide a storage space, a front frame assembly rotatably coupled to the back frame assembly so that the front frame assembly is pivotal about a portion of the back frame assembly and first and second over-the-door hangers. The first and second over-the-door hangers have hook portions that fit over a top of a door, mounting portions mounted to a back of the back frame assembly and arms extending between the mounting portions and the hook portions. The hook portions are spaced apart from each other on the door at a distance that is greater than a distance that the mounting portions that are mounted to the back of the back frame assembly are spaced apart from each other. |
| US09380885B1 |
Modular seat and shelving system
A modular seating and shelving system including two or more blocks. Each block includes six sides defining an open interior. Each block includes a first side having a first protruding member, a second side having a recess, a third closed side, and fourth side having an opening to enable access to the open interior of each block. Each block may be utilized individually or may be interlocked with another block to form children's furniture such as seating or shelving. The configuration of the modular seating and shelving unit enables a children to utilize and maneuver blocks with ease to form various pieces of children's furniture. |
| US09380883B1 |
Pocketed spring assembly comprising perimeter string of springs having rectangular convolutions
A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel interior strings of individually pocketed coil springs. The interior strings of springs may extend from head-to-foot or side-to-side of the product. The pocketed spring assembly further comprises at least one perimeter string of springs. Each of the springs of each perimeter string of springs has rectangular convolutions to provide edge support to the product. |
| US09380882B2 |
Mattress with user adjustable comfort features
A mattress wherein a plurality of independent yarn based fire barrier fabrics encases a plurality of distinct and unattached interior core structures. The plurality of interior core structures include at least a detached and internally flippable upper comfort layer assembly with a plurality of non-homogeneous foams or filling materials encased in a yarn-based fire barrier fabric and a lower, interiorly disposed support core structure with resilient filling materials encased in a yarn-based fire barrier fabric and a fabric cover. The detachable and internally flippable upper comfort layer assembly may be contained in a user accessible compartment that is fashioned into an outer cover assembly. |
| US09380881B2 |
Strap bed lift
A bed lift system for a vehicle includes a first moving member, a guide member, a second moving member, and a flexible drive member. The first and second moving member are configured to be coupled to a bed. The guide member is configured to be coupled to the vehicle and cooperate with the first moving member to guide vertical movement of the bed. The flexible drive member is coupled to the first moving member and the second moving member. The bed lift system is configured so that raising the first moving member exerts tension on the flexible drive member which raises the second moving member and lowering the first moving member releases tension on the flexible drive member which lowers the second moving member. |
| US09380880B1 |
Leg buddy
The inventive device described in the instant application is a leg rest with collapsible capabilities. It is made with light weight metal and thin airy cloth to rest the user's legs on. It can be used by the user anywhere because of the devices collapsibility and portability it is an efficient and convenient way to transport a leg rest. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. |
| US09380879B2 |
Chair back swivel mechanism
A chair includes a backrest swivel mechanism that is configured to permit the backrest to swivel about a vertical axis about a preselected range of motion. The backrest may be configured to swivel, or rotate, about a vertical axis that is defined by an element located adjacent a rearward central location that is below the seat of the chair and adjacent a rear of the chair. A lock mechanism can be selectively engaged to lock and unlock the swiveling mechanism so that when in the locked state, the backrest cannot swivel and when in the unlocked state, the backrest can swivel. In some embodiments, the range of swiveling motion may be with a predefined range, such as +/−10° or +/−20° of rotation relative to a central position of the backrest. |
| US09380877B2 |
Ready to assemble furniture system
A component interface assembly for attaching the individual subcomponents of an RTA furniture system. Each component interface assembly having an elongated alignment slot cut into one of the subcomponents of the RTA furniture kit and a retention element affixed to a second corresponding subcomponent such that the first and second subcomponents can be secured together by inserting the retention element into the alignment slot. The alignment slot is positioned on the first subcomponent such that positioning the retention element for insertion into the slot aligns the second subcomponent with the first subcomponent providing tool-less alignment and engagement of the subcomponents. The assembled components may have cutouts on confronting planar surfaces of the respective first and second subcomponents providing enhanced storage for shipping the RTA furniture components. |
| US09380876B2 |
Bathroom rack
A bathroom rack may include a main body and at least two positioning units. The main body has a hanging portion at a rear portion thereof. Each of the positioning unit has a connecting head, a screw, and a cover. The connecting head has a first end and a second end, and the second end has a threaded connecting section. The cover has an inner hole that has a threaded connecting portion corresponding to the connecting section. A notch is formed at a periphery near a center portion of the positioning unit, and a locking hole toward the direction of the first end is located at a rear end of the notch, and the main body is configured to horizontally slide into the notch of the connecting head through the hanging portion to engage with the connecting head. |
| US09380875B2 |
Methods and apparatus for support channel
Methods and apparatus for a support channel according to various aspects of the present technology comprise a support channel having a strengthening ridge positioned along a closed end of an open channel body. The ridge may extend along the length of the channel body to increase a load bearing capacity of the channel body as compared to a similar shaped body without the ridge. The ridge may comprise a rounded protrusion extending outward from the dosed end of the channel, body in a manner that provides additional resistance to loading forces. |
| US09380869B2 |
Storage shelf
A storage shelf includes a secure sleeve and a bracket that the secure sleeve is in a hollow cylinder shape with an outer circumference on which two symmetrical slots, constructed by L-shape elements, in a downward and skewed taper shape, are provided. A buckling piece, of a curve and in a downward and skewed taper shape, is provided at four corners of the bracket respectively. After assembling the multiply secure sleeves to a support tube, the buckling piece of the bracket is inserted into one slot of the secure sleeve so as to firmly position the bracket to the support tube for constituting a unity storage shelf. The other slot of the secure sleeve can be engaged by the buckling piece of the other bracket to extend multiply storage shelf in a parallel arrangement for achieving convenience for both assembly and extension in an orderly manner. |
| US09380867B2 |
Partition system and accessories for use therewith
A partition system includes various accessories that may be associated with a wall or base element. The accessories include without limitation a power strip, an adjustable shelf, various backdrops and a worksurface assembly. The wall element may be curved or linear in various embodiments. The wall element may include an upstanding wall or a channel, either or both of which are engaged by one or more accessories. In some embodiments, the accessories may be co-located at a single location, with one or more accessories accommodating the others with an expansion device. |
| US09380866B1 |
Telescopic support
A telescopic support having an outer support tube and an inner support that move with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis of the telescopic support. At least three bearing sets having roller bearings are affixed to one of the outer support tube or the inner support. The roller bearings of a bearing set may be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, and may be configured such that a rotational axis of each of the roller bearings is substantially directed toward the longitudinal axis of the telescopic support. |
| US09380863B2 |
Folding table
A folding table includes: a table body provided with a pair of hinge pins and a pair of lock pins, each of the pairs protruding oppositely in left-right direction; and a pair of left and right brackets having shaft holes in which the hinge pins are inserted and movable holes in which the lock pins are inserted. Spring members mounted in the movable holes press the lock pins. The table body is rotatably supported by the brackets affixed to a wall surface. The folding table has closing plates having through-holes respectively through which the hinge pins and the lock pins are penetrated. The closing plates are sandwiched between the table body and the brackets to close the movable holes. |
| US09380861B1 |
Collapsible table with auger anchors
The collapsible table with auger anchors is a table adapted for use with a grills and a hibachi. The collapsible table with auger anchors is a metal table that is designed to be anchored into a lake or river bed. This allows the grill or hibachi to be placed on the table top of the collapsible table with auger anchors for use in the water at a safe distance from a boat. The collapsible table with auger anchors further comprises a table top, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of struts. |
| US09380860B1 |
Cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus
A cosmetic brush cleaner apparatus is provided for automatically washing, cleaning, rinsing, and sanitizing a plurality of cosmetic brushes quickly, efficiently, and effectively. In particular, the cosmetic brush cleaner includes a removable lid, a base having a liquid inlet port, a removable brush holder coupled to the base, wherein the brush holder secures one or more cosmetic brushes. The cleaner further comprises a bristle plate coupled to the base, a liquid dispensing port for dispensing the liquid on to the bristle plate, a liquid drainage port for draining the liquid from the bristle plate, wherein the bristle plate is configured to engage the cosmetic brushes, and a controller for operating a motor of the brush cleaner. |
| US09380857B2 |
Portable self powered line mountable device for measuring and transmitting ambient temperature
A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor includes an electrically conductive housing with an opening for accepting the power line conductor and configured to be grounded to the power line conductor. At least one magnetic core is configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply electronics module. An ambient temperature measuring assembly is mounted inside and near the bottom of the electrically conductive housing. The ambient temperature measuring assembly is thermally insulated from the housing for thermally separating the ambient temperature measuring assembly from the housing. |
| US09380855B2 |
System and method for generating and using a wearable device profile
A system and method for generating and using a wearable device profile are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: a retention mechanism including an attachment mechanism configured to attach the retention mechanism to a body part of a user; a memory device for storage of information indicative of the location of the body part in a wearable device profile; and a data interface for communicating the wearable device profile to another electronic device. |
| US09380851B1 |
Artificial nail holding device
An artificial nail holding device including a pair of bases, at least one rotatable dowel, and a pair of double-sided adhesive strips. The pair of bases includes a right base and a left base. The at least one rotatable dowel has a right end rotatably disposed within the right base and a left end rotatably disposed within the left base. The pair of double-sided adhesive strips is continuously attached to the at least one dowel from proximal the right end of the dowel to proximal the left end of the dowel. |
| US09380848B2 |
Hair styling device
A hair styling device comprising a first blade section, a second blade section, and at least one fin. The first blade section comprises an inner blade surface and at least one first blade section heating element one of coupled to and integrated with the inner blade surface. The second blade section may be rotatably coupled to the first blade section and may comprise at least one second blade section heating element substantially opposing the at least one first blade section heating element. The at least one second blade section heating element may also comprise a substantially flat surface and at least one outer surface. A portion of the at least one fin is one of coupled and integrated to the at least one outer surface. |
| US09380847B1 |
Mobile work station system
A mobile work station system which is adapted to be utilized in a wide range of locations for a wide range of uses, such as functioning as an eating table, work area, computer desk, television stand and the like. The mobile work station system generally includes a case including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is hingedly secured to the second portion. A pair of cup holders extend from either side of the first portion for storing various beverages therein. A pair of dry-erase boards extend from either side of the second portion in a retractable manner. An attachment receiver is positioned on the lower end of the first portion for attaching a tripod attachment. A pair of mounting members are positioned within a slot formed in the second portion for suspending the present invention from various structures, such as a fence. |
| US09380844B1 |
Adjustable umbrella
An adjustable umbrella includes an umbrella base, a stand column, a sliding sleeve, a cross rod, an adjustment mechanism provided between the bottom joint and the bottom end of the cross rod, a drawing rod, and an umbrella frame. The top of the umbrella frame is rotatably attached to the top end of the cross rod, an internal tube is rotatably disposed inside the cross rod, the bottom end of the internal tube is connected to the adjustment mechanism, the top end of the internal tube is connected to the top of the umbrella frame. When in use, the internal tube connected to the umbrella frame may be rotated by rotating the umbrella frame, so that the leftward and rightward adjustment of a sun-shading angle is realized in coordination with the adjusting mechanism, and operation thereof is simple and convenient. |
| US09380841B2 |
Zipper assembly and method of use thereof
A zipper assembly is described wherein the facing tapes having interlocking teeth along facing edges each have a plurality of eyelets distributed longitudinally therein. The eyelets permit the receipt of zip ties therethrough for securing the assembly to an opening in a net. When installed a user may selectively open and close the opening by zipping and unzipping the zipper assembly. |
| US09380840B2 |
Knitted surface fastener
A knitted surface fastener is provided that is capable of firmly forming warp knitting structure of a sewn area and achieving weight reduction as well as production costs reduction. A knitted surface fastener includes a pair of right and left sewn areas and a surface fastener area disposed between the right and left sewn areas. An average used amount of the weft insertion yarns in the sewn areas is set to be larger than an average used amount of the weft insertion yarns in the surface fastener area. |
| US09380836B1 |
Sandal strap repair device
A sandal strap repair device to repair a toe strap of a thong sandal including a repair disc having a centrally disposed aperture therethrough and a slot on each side of the aperture for receiving a toe strap of a thong sandal therethrough and securing the toe strap between the repair disc and a sole of the thong sandal. |
| US09380835B2 |
Footgauge
A footgauge having a foot support plate having an upper surface on which the foot is placed with the heel against a fixed heel abutment. A touchscreen computer device (TCD) is inserted in a tray below the surface and engages a movable toe abutment. The toe abutment is moved into engagement with the foot and the user then and the user then presses a fixed pointer into contact with the screen of the TCD. The TCD is programmed and calibrated so as to give a foot length reading which is dependent on how far the toe abutment is moved towards the heel abutment. |
| US09380833B2 |
Shoe insert
A toe engaging apparatus or shoe insert includes one or more layers. Each layer is removably held to a neighboring planar layer. Each of the layers have a thickness, a longitudinal length, and a height; the height being such that the layers fits against a front wall of a target shoe. The layers are sized and shaped such that when affixed to the front wall area of the target shoe, the layers reduce the internal length of the target shoe, thereby effectively decreasing the size of the target shoe. The toe engaging apparatus optionally includes a mechanism for holding the plurality of layers against the front wall of the target shoe. |
| US09380815B2 |
Privacy cover
An improved privacy cover is described which may be used for breastfeeding a baby or to provide privacy. The cover includes one contiguous sheet, or two panels joined together, having a cutout for the wearer's head. Where two panels are used they may be sewn at their top edges. The cover includes a member to provide a viewing area, and neck facing to provide support to the member. |
| US09380814B2 |
Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear
An improved fishing or hunting wader, exposure suit or foul weather pants/bib incorporates a novel waterproof connectable hatch to provide access for urination. The low profile and lightweight waterproof hatch is centered over the groin area and allows the wearer of a fishing wader, or similar foul weather gear pants, to be able to quickly open the hatch and urinate without removing the cumbersome garment. A hinged or connectable lid may swing upwards and downwards and features a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic, or mechanical fastener so that the lid is held up in place and out of the way. After urination, the lid may conveniently snap back into place against a seal or O-ring thereby forming a water tight seal. |
| US09380813B2 |
Drug delivery system and method
A drug delivery system can include a cylindrical structure extending in a longitudinal direction and formed from a substrate of an electrically conductive material. The cylindrical structure can include multiple electrodes extending laterally on the substrate at respective longitudinal locations. The electrodes each have an electrical resistance small enough to conduct current laterally along the substrate without heating the cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure can include at least one substrate portion extending longitudinally between a respective pair of electrodes. Each substrate portion can have an electrical resistance high enough to conduct current longitudinally between the electrodes and resistively heat the respective substrate portion in response to the current conducted therethrough. A dose of a drug can be disposed on each substrate portion and configured to volatilize into a gas in response to the resistive heating of the respective substrate portion. |
| US09380812B2 |
Wet scrubbing electronic cigarette
The present invention removes particles entrained within a flow of vapor and cools vapor passing through a wet scrubbing section of an electronic cigarette. The wet scrubbing electronic cigarette includes an atomizer section having a battery section connection for connection to a battery section. The atomizer section has an atomizer heating section. A wet scrubbing section has a mouthpiece, a water chamber in fluid communication with the mouthpiece. The water chamber provides for scrubbing of incoming airflow. A tubular air passage assembly is held within the water chamber. The tubular air passage assembly is in fluid communication with the water chamber. A battery section powers the atomizer section. |
| US09380806B2 |
System for processing primary food product waste into secondary food product
A system for producing secondary food product from primary food product waste is disclosed that comprises several modular subsections: a staging subsystem, a processing subsystem, a drying subsystem, and a pelletization subsystem. Each subsystem, and the connections between subsystems, are sealed such that the food product being processed is isolated from the general environment. Product is dried by the dryer in such a way that it emerges from the dryer at a desired moisture content level and at ambient temperature. A moisture sensor may provide control data to a controller that in turn controls product throughput to obtain a desired moisture content level. High nutritional content and long lifespan of the processed product can be maintained, while reducing the weight of the final product. One or more of the subsystems may be portable and configured for convenient connection and disconnection to mating subsystems, and to facilitate permitting for portable operation. |
| US09380802B2 |
Coated pet chew product
Disclosed herein are pet chews which include a chewable substrate with a palatable coating and methods for making them. The methods include contacting a chewable substrate with a palatable coating composition and drying the coated pet chew or pet food. The coating provides strong binding power, good adhesiveness, and improved palatability and imparts a unique aesthetic to the pet chew product. |
| US09380798B2 |
Constructed non-dairy creams
A constructed non-dairy ice cream is prepared by making an aqueous emulsion of a flavorful non-dairy fat composition, dispersing an emulsion stabilizer in the aqueous emulsion, warming the stabilized emulsion to a sub-boiling temperature, and then freezing the emulsion to a temperature below a melting point of the flavorful non-dairy fat composition. |
| US09380796B1 |
Crab cleaner
A crab cleaner including a base and a wedge blade fixedly disposed atop the base. A rounded apex of the wedge blade is provided for splitting the crab's carapace into right and left halves upon pushing the carapace forward side onto the apex with a quick downward motion. |
| US09380795B1 |
Fish scaling systems
The fish scaling system is a device having an elongated body with a first side and a second side and a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end forms a handle and the distal end has three large circular serrated scrapers on the first side and three small circular serrated scrapers on the second side for removing scales from a fish. The large and small circular scrapers are replaceable when they become worn. |
| US09380791B2 |
Apparatus and method for macerating meat-type products
An apparatus and method for macerating raw meat pieces includes two sets of rotating arbors, each having a different primary function. More particularly, the first arbor set is primarily configured to flatten and roughly tenderize the meat. The second arbor set is primarily configured to increase the surface area and tenderness of the meat without breaking the meat apart, though the second arbor set may also further reduce the thickness of the meat pieces. The second arbor set is positioned downstream of the first arbor set by a conveyor such that the meat pieces advancing through the macerator are only macerated by one of the arbor sets at any give time. Each arbor set has a pair of counter rotating shafts. |
| US09380786B2 |
Agent for preventing bacterial wilt disease, and method for preventing bacterial wilt disease
Provided are: an agent for preventing bacterial wilt disease, which agent can prevent the development of bacterial wilt disease caused by various different bacterial wilt disease strains, that is, the development of bacterial wilt disease in various different plant varieties; and a method for preventing bacterial wilt disease utilizing the agent for preventing bacterial wilt disease. The agent for preventing bacterial wilt disease comprises as an active ingredient a wilt bacterium (Ralstonia solanacearum) infected with the φRSM1-type filamentous phage and/or the φRSM3-type filamentous phage. The method for preventing bacterial wilt disease comprises the step of inoculating the agent for preventing bacterial wilt disease to a plant. The plant is preferably any one of tomato, potato, green pepper, eggplant, tobacco, capsicum, Japanese basil, Japanese radish, strawberry, banana, marguerite, chrysanthemum and sunflower. |
| US09380784B2 |
Antimicrobial compositions and methods of use
Disclosed herein are antimicrobial compositions, kits, and articles of manufacture. Further disclosed herein are methods for treating surfaces, including tissue, inter alia, wounds, with the disclosed compositions. |
| US09380778B2 |
Anthroquinone containing derivatives as biochemical agricultural products
Formulations containing anthraquinone derivatives with increased effectiveness as pesticides are provided. These formulations may comprise (a) a preparation comprising one or more anthraquinone derivatives having activity against plant pests; (b) one or more C2-C7 alcohols, or glycols or lactones; and (c) one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of a sulfate, ethoxylated fatty acid esters wherein said alcohols and surfactants are present in amounts effective to stability said preparation. Also provided are methods of using these formulations as pesticides. |
| US09380777B2 |
Formulation comprising a particulate calcium silicate and clonostachys rosea for treating plants
A powder plant treatment formulation for application to plants by insect vectoring includes: a plant treatment agent; a stabilizing agent bonded to the plant treatment agent for stabilizing the plant treatment agent; a moisture absorption agent for absorbing moisture from the formulation; an attracting agent for attracting the formulation to plants; and a diluent. |
| US09380775B2 |
Method and system for monitoring and communicating the status of traps for vermin or pests
A method and a device or system for monitoring and communicating the status of traps for vermin or pests, the method includes a step of triggering of the alarm, for example by a proximity detector, a step of registering this alarm, a step of transmission by wireless communication, for example via a modem, to a server in the form of an unanswered call, a step of interpretation by the server by comparing the calling number and called number in order to determine the nature and origin of the alarm, and also the transmission thereof to a user. |
| US09380769B2 |
Transgenic chicken comprising an inactivated immunoglobulin gene
A transgenic chicken comprising an inactivated heavy immunoglobulin gene and/or inactivated light chain immunoglobulin gene is provided, as well as cells and targeting vectors for making the same. |
| US09380766B2 |
Aquaculture system
A recirculating aquaculture system is configured for growing aquatic animals. The system includes an inlet conduit, a tank, a water treatment unit, a clarifier, and an outlet conduit. The tank is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit to receive water displaced from the inlet conduit. The tank also contains water and aquatic animals. The water treatment unit is arranged within the tank and includes algae capable of removing aquatic animal waste from the water within the tank. The clarifier is in fluid communication with the tank to receive displaced water from the tank. The clarifier is also configured to remove solid waste from the displaced water. The outlet conduit is in fluid communication between the clarifier and the inlet conduit. |
| US09380765B2 |
Bird feeder with rotating perch
Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for providing different perch positions for feeding birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder having a perch mounted on a wall of a reservoir having an interior configured to hold bird food is provided. The reservoir has a wall opening to provide access to the interior. The perch is rotated to one of a plurality of positions about an axis line extending through a center of the wall opening. |
| US09380762B1 |
Elevated bowl stand assembly
An elevated bowl stand assembly that is adaptable to attach to a tire of automobiles. The bowl stand assembly comprises a main rod member, a pair of bowls and a pair of struts. A plurality of strap members having a pair of first strap members that is attached to the main rod member and the pair of connecting rod members utilizing at least one mounting means and the pair of second strap members that is attached to the pair of connecting rod members utilizing the at least one mounting means. A horizontal supporting member is adapted to releasably hold the pair of second strap members and loop behind the tire of the automobiles. The plurality of strap members engages the main rod member to the tire thereby placing the main rod member and the pair of bowls in a suspended orientation. |
| US09380759B2 |
Pet kennel
A pet kennel that is structured to receive an animal includes an upper kennel portion and a lower kennel portion that include first and second engagement structures that are slidingly engageable. The upper kennel portion is situated in a first position atop the lower kennel portion offset from one another along a longitudinal axis of the pet kennel. The upper kennel portion is then translated along the longitudinal axis with respect to the lower pet kennel portion toward a second, assembled position to cause the first engagement elements and the second engagement elements to become slidingly engaged and to cause the upper and lower kennel portions to become aligned with one another. The upper kennel portion additionally includes a pair of latches that are engageable with the lower shell portion in the second position of the pet kennel to retain the upper and lower kennel portions in the second position. |
| US09380754B1 |
Maize inbred PH2F3V
A novel maize variety designated PH2F3V and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH2F3V with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2F3V through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH2F3V or a locus conversion of PH2F3V with another maize variety. |
| US09380753B1 |
Maize inbred PH25HM
A novel maize variety designated PH25HM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH25HM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25HM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH25HM or a locus conversion of PH25HM with another maize variety. |
| US09380750B2 |
Automatic water sprinkler regulator
An automatic water sprinkler regulator is provided to control sprinkler coverage and times for water cycles. The regulator comprises control interface, series of control buttons, water inlet part, water outlet part, control processor. An improvement made in the present invention focuses on rendering a control interface with multiple approaches to control times for water cycles to make for a controller interface that can be set for irrigating by way of a series of control buttons. |
| US09380746B2 |
Environmentally controlled storage facility for potatoes and other crops
Facilities for storing large quantities of potatoes, other tubers, vegetables, produce, and/or other crops are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a facility configured in accordance with the present technology circulates air from a pile of potatoes into one or more ceiling cavities above the potatoes to warm ceiling panels. Aspects of this embodiment can reduce undesirable water formation on the potatoes. |
| US09386734B2 |
Method for producing a plurality of electronic devices
An electronic device comprises a substrate (120), at least one electronic component (171, 172, 173) arranged on the substrate, and an encapsulation (140) covering the at least one electronic component (171, 172, 173). An electromagnetic protective layer (130) covers a surface (143) of the encapsulation (140) that faces away from the substrate (120), and the side faces (121, 141; 122, 142) directed transversely with respect to the surface (143). In particular, a thermal and/or electrical coupling (134, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166) couples the electromagnetic protective layer (130) thermally and/or electrically to a region (168) of the electronic device (111, 112) that is enclosed by the encapsulation. For production purposes, the device is singulated from a panel and the electromagnetic protective layer (130) is subsequently applied. |
| US09386732B2 |
Power line communication apparatus
A communication apparatus performs communication through a power line. The communication apparatus includes an electrical power plug which is capable of connecting to the power line and provides the communication apparatus with a power supply. The communication apparatus also includes a power line communication unit which performs communication through the power line, and a heat radiator which radiates heat generated from the power line communicator, wherein the heat radiator is disposed at a location where is not to overlap the power plug. |
| US09386731B2 |
Magnetic shield
A magnetic shield for shielding adjacent coils of an ICPT system. One or more conductors are configured to distribute induced eddy currents from the surface of the shield to below the surface and thus reduce heating due to eddy currents.The magnetic shield may be employed to transfer power over rotary couplings, such as the shaft of a wind turbine. |
| US09386727B2 |
Apparatus for adjusting coolant flow resistance through liquid-cooled electronics racks
Flow restrictors are employed in association with multiple heat exchange tube sections of a heat exchange assembly, or in association with multiple coolant supply lines or coolant return lines feeding multiple heat exchange assemblies. Flow restrictors associated with respective heat exchange tube sections (or respective heat exchange assemblies) are disposed at the coolant channel inlet or coolant channel outlet of the tube sections (or of the heat exchange assemblies). These flow restrictors tailor coolant flow resistance through the heat exchange tube sections or through the heat exchange assemblies to control overall heat transfer within the tube sections or across heat exchange assemblies. In one embodiment, the flow restrictors tailor a coolant flow distribution differential across multiple heat exchange tube sections or across multiple heat exchange assemblies. |
| US09386725B2 |
Heat sinking
A printed circuit assembly includes a printed circuit board, a heat generating component attached to the printed circuit board at a first location, a formed conductive substrate including a protrusion extending toward the printed circuit board corresponding to the heat generating component, and a thermally conductive pad disposed between the printed circuit board and the protrusion of the formed substrate. The formed conductive substrate is configured to flex the protrusion to relieve stress at the heat generating component attachment. |
| US09386720B2 |
Casing assembly and power supply apparatus with the same
A casing assembly includes a first casing and a second casing. The first casing includes a first lateral plate and a first engaging element. The first engaging element includes a first slab, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are connected with the first lateral plate. Moreover, a dent is formed between the first lateral plate and the first engaging element. The second casing is combined with the first casing. The second casing includes a second lateral plate and a second engaging element. The second engaging element includes a second slab, a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall. The third sidewall and the fourth sidewall are connected with the second lateral plate. The second engaging element is accommodated within the dent and in contact with the first engaging element, so that the first casing and the second casing are combined together. |
| US09386716B2 |
Electronic device having a waterproof structure
An electronic device according to the present invention comprises a main body including a pair of body chassis, a pair of cover panels disposed to cover the front face and the back face of the main body, a switch unit disposed on the side part of the main body, an operation button which is held between the pair of cover panels and has a pusher projecting therefrom, a housing recess which is formed on at least one of the body chassis and recessed on a joint surface with the other body chassis to form a housing chamber for the switch unit, a through hole penetrating the one body chassis from the side face toward the housing recess, and a bag-like waterproof packing member which is attached to the through hole and recessed toward the switch unit to house the pusher of the operation button. The pusher of the operation button passes through the through hole toward the switch unit, and the end of the waterproof packing member is pressed against the switch unit to fixedly hold the switch unit inside the housing recess. |
| US09386715B1 |
Liquid tight electrical housing
A liquid tight electrical housing is described herein and can include a housing body. The housing body can include a first housing body piece and a second housing body piece removably coupled to the first housing body piece, where the second housing body piece includes a third opening and a fourth opening, where the fourth opening includes a complementary housing coupling feature that removably couples to a housing coupling feature in a second opening of the first housing body piece. The housing can also include a first coupling component disposed in a first opening of the first housing body piece, where the first coupling component is configured to couple to a first electrical enclosure. The housing can also include a second coupling component disposed in the third opening of the second housing body piece, where the second coupling component is configured to couple to a second electrical enclosure. |
| US09386714B2 |
Apparatus for housing an electronic component, a method
An apparatus including: a deformable protective housing including circumscribing deformable barrier side walls defining a variable volume internal hermetic chamber for housing an electronic component in a protected atmosphere. |
| US09386711B2 |
Display device wall mounting apparatus
There are disclosed a display device including a display module configured to display a screen, a case configured to mount the display module therein, a mount plate coupled to a back surface of the case, with a lower portion comprising an arch-shaped handle having a predetermined curvature, and a mount fixer fixed to a wall, the mount fixer comprising a seating portion having the same curvature as the handle, such that an installation angle can be changed to make the display device leveled even after the mount device is installed so as to relieve difficulty in leveling the display device when it is mounted to the wall. |
| US09386709B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed circuit board
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board precursor includes the steps of providing a substrate. Then the surface of the substrate is catalyzed to form a catalytic layer by a catalyst. Subsequently, a conductive layer is formed and attached to the surface of the catalytic layer. Finally, a metal layer is electroplated on the conductive layer. A printed circuit board precursor includes a substrate having a surface. Specifically, the surface is catalytically treated to form a catalytic layer. The precursor also includes a conductive layer which is attached to and covers the catalytic layer and a metal layer which is disposed on the conductive layer. |
| US09386708B2 |
Method of forming electric wiring using inkjet printing
Disclosed is a method of forming an electric wiring using inkjet printing. The method includes forming a main trench and first and second guide trenches on a substrate. The first and second guide trenches are disposed at opposite sides of the main trench. The method includes ejecting ink into the main trench, the ink including a conductive material. The method also includes heating the substrate to sinter the ink such that the electric wiring is formed an upper portion of the main trench, and contract the ink such that a tunnel is formed in a lower portion of the main trench. |
| US09386707B2 |
Circuit substrate and method of forming circuit pattern
With a nozzle being moved in one direction to a substrate unit, conductive ink is discharged out of a slit of the nozzle in a belt-like manner to the substrate unit. The conductive ink is discharged in a belt-like manner to the substrate unit on which a liquid-repellent region having a liquid repellency to the conductive ink and a lyophilic region having a lyophilic property to the conductive ink and having the same form as a desired circuit pattern are formed. Thereby, the conductive ink is applied to the lyophilic region, while the conductive ink is repelled at the remaining liquid-repellent region and flows into the lyophilic region. |
| US09386705B2 |
Handheld device assembly
This is directed to several handheld device components to be placed in a handheld device, as well as methods or systems for mounting or retaining components within the device. In particular, this is directed to a rigid shield used in an SMT process and securing connected flex connectors by adhering the flexes together. This is also directed to using foam in combination with a hard material to create an acoustic seal, or several layers of foam to create an acoustic and mechanical seal. This is also directed to selectively folding a sheet of material placed around a battery cell. |
| US09386700B2 |
Method of manufacturing circuit board, method of manufacturing electronic device, and electronic device
A method of manufacturing a circuit board includes forming a first electrode on a support substrate, covering the support substrate and the first electrode with a first insulating layer, polishing the first insulating layer to expose a first surface of the first electrode, forming a first wiring on the first insulating layer after exposing the first surface of the first electrode, the first wiring being connected to the first electrode, and removing the support substrate to expose a second surface of the first electrode after forming the first wiring. |
| US09386694B1 |
Super light weight electronic circuit and low power distribution in aircraft systems
A method and system for applying conductive traces to a structure to complete an electrical circuit. One or more graphene traces is formed on a substrate. The substrate is applied to the structure such that one or more first portions of the electrical circuit are electrically connected to respective one or more second portions of the electrical circuit by respective ones of the one or more graphene traces. The substrate may be removed from the structure such that the graphene traces remain on the structure. The structure is preferably a fuselage of an aircraft and is formed from a composite material. The substrate may be applied to the structure is prior to curing of the composite material and/or prior to a complete formation of the fuselage, such that, after the fuselage is completely formed, the one or more graphene traces become embedded within the composite material forming the fuselage. |
| US09386693B2 |
Board integrated interconnect
In an embodiment, a method includes forming a printed circuit board by depositing a first plurality of layers and forming an interconnect integral to the printed circuit board by depositing a second plurality of layers on at least a portion of the first plurality of layers. The interconnect includes a stabilizing structure and a contact positioned within the stabilizing structure. The stabilizing structure includes a first material and the contact includes a second material that is different than the first material. |
| US09386691B2 |
Conductive sheet and touch panel
In this conductive sheet and touch panel, a first conductive pattern has a band-shaped section extending in the y-direction; a second conductive pattern has a plurality of electrode sections that are each connected in the x-direction by a connection section; the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are both configured combining a first lattice and a second lattice (having a size larger than that of the first lattice); the facing portions of each of the band-shaped section of the first conductive pattern and the connection section of the second conductive pattern are configured from a plurality of second lattices; and when seen from the upper surface, the facing portions of the band-shaped section and the connection section have a form combining a plurality of first lattices. |
| US09386690B2 |
First and second differential interconnects having interleaved stub traces
This disclosure relates generally to an electronic assembly and method having a first electrical connection point and a second electrical connection point and a differential interconnect coupling the first electrical connection point to the second electrical connection point, the differential interconnect including first and second transmission traces including a interior edges and a exterior edges opposite the interior edges, the second interior edge facing the first interior edge, and stub traces, each stub trace coupled to one of the first and second transmission traces and projecting from one of the first interior edge, the first exterior edge, the second interior edge, and the second exterior edge. A substantially equal number of stub traces project from the first exterior edge and the second exterior edge. At least twice as many stub traces project from the first and second exterior edges as project from the first and second interior edges. |
| US09386688B2 |
Integrated antenna package
An integrated antenna package includes an interposer, an integrated circuit die, and a cap that forms a cavity within the integrated antenna package. A lossy ERG structure resides at the cap overlying the integrated circuit device. A lossless EBG structure resides at the cap overlying a microstrip feedline. A radar module includes a plurality of receive portions, each receive portion including a parabolic structure having a reflective surface, an absorber structure, a lens, and an antenna. |
| US09386687B2 |
Electronic component housing package and electronic apparatus
While it is necessary for an electronic component housing package to be provided with numerous wiring conductors, phase differences of signals caused by differences in signal transmission distance among the wiring conductors, is a problem. An electronic component housing package based on one embodiment includes a substrate having a dielectric region and an electronic component placement region, a frame body surrounding the dielectric region and the placement region, and wiring conductors disposed on the dielectric region of the substrate. The wiring conductors have a first wiring conductor and a second wiring conductor which is longer in signal transmission distance than the first wiring conductor, which are disposed so as to extend from a location immediately below the frame body to the dielectric region. The frame body made of a dielectric material has a projection protruding from its inner periphery, which covers at least part of the first wiring conductor. |
| US09386683B2 |
Particle accelerator and medical equipment
One embodiment of a particle accelerator includes: a particle source from which a particle beam is extracted with a beam pulse width of not greater than 2 μsec; a linear accelerator for accelerating the particle beam extracted from the particle source; a synchrotron for receiving the particle beam transported thereto from the linear accelerator and causing the particle beam to circulate in order to accelerate it until it gets to a predetermined energy level; a bump electromagnet for shifting the circulating path of the particle beam each time it makes a full turn; and a control unit for controlling the extent of magnetic excitation of the bump electromagnet and for controlling the timing of magnetic excitation of the bump electromagnet according to the pulse timing of the particle source. |
| US09386681B2 |
Particle accelerator and method of reducing beam divergence in the particle accelerator
An oscillating field particle accelerator and a method of reducing beam divergence in the particle accelerator are provided. The particle accelerator includes an intermediate electrode disposed within the particle accelerator between a source of charged particles and a second electrode of the particle accelerator. The charged particles are exposed to a first electric field extending between the source and the intermediate electrode prior to being exposed to a second electric field extending between the intermediate electrode and the second electrode. The magnitude of the first electric field is less than the peak magnitude of the second electric field, and may be less than or equal to a minimum magnitude of the second electric field occurring during a phase acceptance time period associated with a phase acceptance of the particle accelerator. The accelerated charged particles emerge from the second electrode as a non-diverging or reduced divergence particle beam. |
| US09386678B2 |
Plasma generator and plasma generating device
The plasma generator has the dielectric having the inner circumferential surface, and a pair of electrodes which are arranged separated from each other in the direction along the inner circumferential surface and are isolated from each other by the dielectric and which are capable of generating plasma on the inner circumferential surface by application of voltage. In the inner circumferential surface, at the positions between the pair of electrodes in a plan view, recessed portions causing electric field concentration are formed. |
| US09386676B2 |
Apparatus for magnetic and electrostatic confinement of plasma
An apparatus and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels. |
| US09386673B2 |
ESD protection device and method for producing same
An ESD protection device providing highly reliable insulation and having good discharge characteristics is provided. An ESD protection device has opposing first and second discharge electrodes, an auxiliary discharge electrode (18) astride between the first and second discharge electrodes, and an insulating substrate (12) supporting the first and second discharge electrodes and the auxiliary discharge electrode (18). The auxiliary discharge electrode (18) is composed of an assembly of core-shell metal particles (24) that have a core portion (22) mainly composed of a first metal and a shell portion (23) mainly composed of a metal oxide that contains a second metal. The metal particles (24) are substantially completely covered with the shell portion (23) mainly composed of the metal oxide, and this improves the insulation reliability of the device against discharge. Preferably, the metal particles (24) have a bond with each other with a vitreous substance (27) therebetween. |
| US09386671B2 |
Method and control circuit for starting a gas-discharge lamp
A method operates a gas-discharge lamp (16) in a transition from a “deactivated” state without an electric arc to a stable “light-generating” state. The method comprises steps of discharging a booster capacitor (C2) in an “acquisition” phase following an ignition-voltage impulse via a current path that conducts a current flowing through the gas-discharge lamp (16) and in which an inductor (L1) having at least one switch (S5) lies in series and cyclically discharging the booster capacitor (C2) by a repeated alternating closing and opening of the switch (S5). |
| US09386670B2 |
Electric lamp
In various embodiments, an electric lamp includes a light source having at least two supply lines configured to supply electrical energy to the light source, and an outer bulb surrounding the light source. The outer bulb is filled with inert gas. The lamp further includes a disconnection mechanism arranged within the outer bulb. At least one of the supply lines is interrupted in the event that the disconnection mechanism is tripped. The disconnection mechanism has a switch. |
| US09386667B2 |
Encoded light-activated illumination
A method for controlling detached lighting units uses source light of a capable flashlight to communicate information. The capable flashlight encodes an ID Tag in modulated light, and the detached lighting units recognize the specific ID Tag and responds, for example by activating and creating illumination. A user can illuminate selected areas by shining the beam of the flashlight on detached lighting units to selectively activate them, and since the detached lighting units only respond to the encoded light, unintended activation is avoided. In addition to the encoded ID Tag, mode information can be included such that the detached lighting units can respond in a number of ways, such as selected periods of activation. Stored ID Tags can be transferred and thus shared using the same modulated light. ID Tags can be randomly re-assigned, and the new value shared among other flashlights and detached lighting units, creating a coordinated set. |
| US09386666B2 |
Method of optically transmitting digital information from a smart phone to a control device
A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a wireless communication module operable to receive Wi-Fi communications on a local area network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain programming instructions from the received optical signal to enable the wireless communication module to receive digital messages via the Wi-Fi communications on the local area network. |
| US09386664B2 |
Methods of controlling an outdoor lighting system
A method (100) of controlling an outdoor lighting system, a computer program product, a controlling device for controlling an outdoor lighting system and an outdoor lighting system are provided. The outdoor lighting system comprises outdoor lamps which are distributed over spatial segments of an outdoor space. The emitted light intensity of the outdoor lamps is controllable per spatial segment, and references are used to refer to specific spatial segments. The method (100) comprises the steps of (i) receiving (102) from a detection system an indication of a sub-area of the outdoor space and receiving at least one activity property or the sub-area, the detection system being arranged for detecting activity in the sub-area, the sub-area being different from all the spatial segments, and the indication being used to refer to the sub-area, and the at least one activity property being related to a traffic density in the sub-area (ii) mapping (104) the at least one indication to at least one reference of a respective spatial segment, (iii) determining (106) a light intensity level for the respective at least one spatial segment in dependence on the received at least one activity property, (iv) providing (108) the at least one reference together with the respective determined light intensity to the outdoor lighting system. |
| US09386662B1 |
Method and apparatus for a customizable lighting controller
The present disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses for a customizable lighting controller. In some aspects a lighting controller is described that includes a display device to display selectable lighting functions, switches that each correspond to one of the selectable lighting functions, and a lighting controller manager to receive an input of a selectable lighting function at one of the switches of the lighting controller. The lighting controller manager can then initiate a display of the selected lighting level on the display device of the lighting controller. The lighting controller manager can also control a dimming module to set the selected lighting level. |
| US09386661B2 |
Driver circuit and method for driving an electrical load
A driver circuit (11) for a current regulator (13), which can be coupled in series to an electrical load (14), comprises a control circuit (12) for controlling the current regulator (13). The control circuit (12) is designed to determine at least two target current values (SW1) for the current regulator current (IS1) of the current regulator (13) for at least two points in time in an operation phase on the basis of a signal (VS1, STR) that can be tapped at the current regulator (13). |
| US09386660B1 |
Light emitting diode matching by photovoltaic response
Disclosed is a method and device that may respond to the application of a uniform light source to a plurality of light emitting diodes. An electrical signal generated by each of the respective light emitting diodes in the plurality of light emitting diodes in response to the applied uniform light may be measured. The electrical signal may be measured by a sensing circuit. An adjusted drive signal generated based on a calibration value may be applied to each of the respective light emitting diodes. |
| US09386657B2 |
Organic Electroluminescent materials and devices
Novel tricarbazole compounds are provided. By appropriately selecting the nature of the tricarbazole substituents, compounds with appropriate HOMO and LUMO energies can be obtained for use as materials in a secondary hole transport layer. |
| US09386656B2 |
Luminescent system and organic EL device
The present invention aims to provide a luminescent system enabling contactless power supply, having a high ratio of light emission region, and securing a desired quantity of emitted light. The luminescent system is constituted by an organic EL device and a fixed-side wall surface. The device is formed by stacking an electrode layer of an anode side, an organic light-emitting layer, and a transparent electrode layer of a cathode side on a substrate and being sealed by a sealing part. Electrodes with a planar expanse are stacked on a face near the wall surface and are arranged so as to overlap a light emitting region where the organic light-emitting layer is disposed. Electrodes with a planar expanse are embedded in the wall surface. A power unit is electrically connected between the electrodes. The electrodes of the device and of the wall surface are opposite each other across a flooring material. |
| US09386652B1 |
Driving circuit for light-emitting diodes
A driving circuit for light-emitting diodes includes a power unit providing an input voltage, a voltage regulation unit providing a voltage-increasing loop and a voltage-decreasing loop and having an energy-storing capacitor with an intermediate voltage therebetween, a current control unit generating a driving current for the light-emitting diodes according to the intermediate voltage, and a switching control unit. The switching control unit generates a reference voltage based on the input voltage and compares the reference voltage with a feedback voltage associated with driving current. The switching control unit controls the voltage regulation unit to increase the intermediate voltage through the voltage-increasing loop when the feedback voltage is smaller than the reference voltage. The switching control unit controls the voltage regulation unit to decrease the intermediate voltage through the voltage-decreasing loop when the feedback voltage is larger than the reference voltage. |
| US09386643B2 |
Visible light communications using a remote control
According to one aspect of the disclosure, a lighting system comprises a remote control unit (4) and at least one lighting device (2a, 2b, 2c) comprising a light driver (13) and a light emitter (14). The remote control unit (4) comprises an image capturing unit (5) and is arranged to control the lighting device (2a, 2b, 2c). To do so, the remote control unit (4) receives information relating to current/present settings of the image capturing unit (5), then determines one or more properties of signals for visible light communications based on these settings. The one or more properties are then communicated to the at least one lighting device (2a, 2b, 2c). Upon reception thereof the light driver (13) generates a light emitting control signal based on the received properties and visible light communications based on the light emitting control signal is emitted by the light emitter (14). According to another aspect, a lighting device (2a, 2b, 2c) adapts emitted modulated light and adapts the modulation so as not to correspond to blind-spots of an image capture unit (5). |
| US09386642B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device (300a) comprising: a substrate (302) having a first surface (303); an n-type well (304) extending from the first surface (303) into the substrate (302) and configured to form a depletion region (306) in the substrate (302) around the n-type well (304); an insulating layer (340) extending over the first surface (303) of the substrate (302) from the n-type well (304), the insulating layer (340) configured to form an inversion layer (342) in the substrate (302) extending from the n-type well (304) adjacent to the first surface (303); wherein a p-type floating channel stopper (370a) is provided, configured to extend through the inversion layer (342) to reduce electrical coupling between the n-type well (304) and at least part of the inversion layer (342), and is electrically disconnected from a remainder of the substrate (320) outside of the depletion region (306). |
| US09386640B2 |
LED package with capacitive couplings
A light emitting diode, LED, package (2) arranged to emit light when connected to an AC power supply (30), comprising a first and a second LED package terminal (24, 26), at least one pair of diodes (20, 22) connected in anti-parallel between the LED package terminals (24, 26), wherein at least one of the diodes is a light emitting diode. The first LED package terminal (24) is detachably connectable to a first power supply terminal (34), and adapted to form a first capacitive coupling (14) together with the first power supply terminal (34), and the second LED package terminal (26) is detachably connectable to a second power supply terminal (36), and adapted to form a second capacitive coupling (16) together with the second power supply terminal (36). By providing electrical connections which are less sensitive to temperature dependent degradation, the life time of the LED package (2) may be increased. |
| US09386636B2 |
Lighting device with tetrahedral opto-electronic modules
The present invention relates to a lighting device (1) comprising: a carrier (106, 206, 306), an electrode pattern comprising at least a first carrier electrode (214, 312) arranged on the carrier, and an opto-electronic module (102, 202, 302, 402). The opto-electronic module (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises: a first, a second, a third and a fourth electric contact point arranged to together define a tetrahedron; a first light source (208, 308, 408) arranged to emit light in response to an AC-voltage being applied between the first electric contact point (216, 316, 416) and the second electric contact point (218, 318, 418); and a second light source (210, 310, 410) arranged to emit light in response to an AC-voltage being applied between the third electric contact point (220, 320, 420) and the fourth electric contact point (222, 322, 422). The electrode pattern is configured to allow provision of an AC-voltage between the first electric contact point (216, 316, 416) and the second electric contact point (218, 318, 418) or between the third electric contact point (220, 320, 420) and the fourth electric contact point (222, 322, 422) of the opto-electronic module (102, 202, 302, 402). |
| US09386632B2 |
Apparatus for substrate treatment and method for operating the same
The present invention relates to a substrate treatment apparatus and method which perform heat treatment on a substrate, and can accurately measure the temperature of the substrate even at a low temperature. An embodiment of the present invention includes a process chamber that has a substrate treatment space, a heating housing that contains a plurality of heating lamps for generating radiant energy, a window that is placed between the heating housing and the process chamber to maintain the air-tightness of the process chamber and transmit the radiant energy to be transferred to a substrate, a first pyrometer that measures a wavelength generated at the substrate in the process chamber, and converts the wavelength into substrate measurement energy, a second pyrometer that measures a wavelength generated at the window, and converts the wavelength into window measurement energy; and a heating controller that compensates for the window measurement energy in the substrate measurement energy, thereby calculating the temperature of the substrate itself, and uses the calculated temperature of the substrate itself to control the heating lamps. |
| US09386627B1 |
Customized call setup procedure based on predicted call quality
A system and method for customizing call setup based on predicted call quality is disclosed. When a radio access network (RAN) device receives a request to set up a call between an originating wireless communication device (WCD) and a terminating WCD, the RAN device can predict that the call will use particular coding technique. The prediction can be made prior to alerting either of the originating or terminating WCDs of the new call, and can be based on a historical call record of calls originated by the originating WCD and/or terminated by the terminating WCD. The RAN device can then alert at least one of the originating WCD or the terminating WCD of the call with an alerting signal that indicates the particular coding technique will be used for the call. |
| US09386625B2 |
Update of timing advance without starting discontinuous reception activity timer
Methods, apparatuses, and computer programs that are able to minimize UE power consumption while still updating the TA are provided. For example, one embodiment includes performing TA update without starting the DRX inactivity timer and short cycle timer. |
| US09386622B2 |
Call service method and apparatus
A call service method and an apparatus are provided. The call service method of an electronic device includes detecting a communication state change with a counterpart electronic device, checking a reason for the communication state change, and performing at least one of displaying communication state information based on the reason for the communication state change and recovering a call connection. |
| US09386616B2 |
Device and method for performing inter-device communication
A device and method for performing inter-device communication are disclosed. The inter-device communication method includes searching for a second device supporting inter-device communication, receiving service information from the searched second device, determining that one of the first and second devices is a group owner and the other is a group client to compare the received service information of the second device with service information of a first device, receiving a group owner intent value of the second device from the second device, and setting a group owner intent value of the first device such that the group owner intent value of the device determined as the group owner is greater than the group owner intent value of the device determined as the group client to compare the group owner intent value of the first device with the group owner intent value of the second device. |
| US09386612B2 |
Method and system for establishing a connection between network elements
Establishing or handling a connection between a first and a second network element connected to different networks such as GPRS/UMTS and IP-based networks is disclosed. The connection is established via at least a third network element such as a SGSN or GGSN arranged in one of the networks. The third network element is adapted to send, when receiving information on an establishment of a connection, a request to a fourth network element which may be a Call State Control Function, a Policy Control Function, or a Call Processing Server. The request requests permission for establishing a type of connection, or requests a check of a connection parameter, and specifies the first and/or second network element and/or the connection or connection type to be established. The fourth network element returns a response specifying a permission for establishing a connection or connection type, or a connection parameter. |
| US09386609B2 |
WiFi network bridge, and WiFi-based communication method and system
The present disclosure provides a WiFi network bridge, a WiFi-based communication method and system, the WiFi network bridge of the present disclosure may first acquire LTE communication link information, after receiving a WiFi connection establishment request sent by a WiFi terminal, establish a WiFi communication link with the WiFi terminal, and send authentication request information to a LTE base transceiver station; then the WiFi network bridge may judge whether the authentication succeeds, and if the authentication succeeds, a LTE communication link with the LTE base transceiver station is established according to the acquired LTE communication link information. That is to say, the present disclosure implements the backhaul of a WiFi AP network by using a LTE wireless network, avoiding the need to deploy a wire backhaul every time before a WiFi AP network is deployed, thereby the network topology of WiFi communications can be simplified, the engineering cost and usage cost can be lowered, and the satisfaction of user experiences can be improved. |
| US09386608B2 |
Time division duplex (TDD) uplink downlink (UL-DL) reconfiguration
Technology for performing a Time Division Duplex (TDD) uplink-downlink (UL-DL) reconfiguration in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) is described. An evolved node B (eNB) may identify cluster metrics for a plurality of evolved node Bs (eNBs) in a cell cluster of the HetNet. The plurality of eNBs in the cell cluster may have a backhaul latency within a selected range. The eNB may select a TDD UL-DL configuration index for the plurality of eNBs in the cell cluster based in part on the cluster metrics. The eNB may transmit the TDD UL-DL configuration index to one or more user equipments (UEs) located within the cell cluster using a downlink control information (DCI) format. The TDD UL-DL configuration index may be transmitted on a Common Search Space (CSS) of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on a UE-specific Primary Cell (PCell). |
| US09386607B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing packet data network connectivity
Methods and apparatuses are provided for managing packet data network (PDN) connectivity for a device. PDN connectivity to a local gateway can be managed at an access point with which the device is communicating based at least in part on received PDN connectivity parameters. The PDN connectivity parameters can include access points, related closed subscriber groups, public land mobile networks, etc., from which a device can request a PDN connection. The PDN connectivity parameters can be specific for the device and/or for one or more access point names. In addition, a subscription server or other core network device can communicate the PDN connectivity parameters to the device and/or the device can receive PDN connectivity parameters as a result of a failed PDN connection attempt to an access point. |
| US09386606B2 |
Methods and systems for embedding supplementary data channel in LTE-based communication systems
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for embedding a supplementary data channel in LTE-based communication systems. One embodiment takes the form of a process that includes obtaining a primary data signal. The primary data signal includes a given symbol, and the given symbol includes primary payload data prepended with a given cyclic prefix. The process also includes obtaining supplementary payload data. The process also includes generating a modified primary data signal at least in part by replacing an initial portion of the given cyclic prefix with a subset of the supplementary payload data. The process also includes outputting the generated modified primary data signal for transmission via an air interface. |
| US09386602B2 |
Method and system for HARQ operation and scheduling in joint TDD and FDD carrier aggregation
A method at a user equipment for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) operation, the user equipment operating on a primary carrier having a first duplex mode and on at least one secondary carrier having a second duplex mode, the method using HARQ timing of the first duplex mode if the timing of the first duplex mode promotes acknowledgement opportunities over using HARQ timing of the second duplex mode; and using HARQ timing of the second duplex mode if the timing of the second duplex mode promotes acknowledgement opportunities over using HARQ timing of the first duplex mode. |
| US09386599B2 |
Radio communication system, radio base station apparatus and radio communication method
The present invention is designed to provide a radio communication system, a radio base station apparatus and a radio communication method which can realize high transmission rate while reducing the calculation load involved in CoMP scheduling. The present invention provides a radio communication system including a plurality of radio base station apparatuses and a user terminal that is configured to be able to perform coordinated multiple point transmission/reception with the plurality of radio base station apparatuses, and, in this radio communication system: the radio base station apparatus has: an operation section (420) that calculates the priority of a pattern to be a candidate for radio resource allocation, which is determined based on candidate cell information that is reported from the user terminal and that shows a candidate of a cell to perform coordinated multiple point transmission; and a scheduling section (421) that executes scheduling based on the priority calculated in the operation section; and the user terminal has: a reporting section that reports the candidate cell information to the radio base station apparatus. |
| US09386598B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronization processing
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for synchronization processing, wherein the method for synchronization processing includes: a designated network element receiving multiple data bursts of a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service transmitted by its upper layer network element, wherein data packets in the data bursts carry timestamp information; for multiple data bursts whose timestamp locates before a current available transmitting time interval, the designated network element starting to transmit the data packets belonging to the multiple data bursts in turn from the start time of the current available transmitting time interval. By means of the present invention, the synchronization between the lower layer network elements can be kept and the performance of a system can be stabilized. |
| US09386597B2 |
QoE-aware traffic delivery in cellular networks
A method of delivering packets from a radio access network to a user terminal. The method comprises establishing a radio access bearer for transporting data to the user terminal from a radio layer control entity responsible for constructing downlink radio frames. Within the radio access network, an IP traffic flow destined for said user terminal is observed and a delivery priority determined for the IP traffic flow taking into account a user application to which the traffic relates. The delivery priority is dynamic ally adjusted in dependence upon the desired arrival time or delivery rate of packets within the IP traffic flow at the user terminal. With respect to other downlink user traffic to be sent over the radio interface, packets of the IP traffic flow are scheduled for transmission to the user terminal over the established radio access bearer, and or the scheduling weight of radio frames of the established radio access bearer adjusted, in accordance with the current delivery priority. The method further comprises, upstream of said radio layer control entity, carrying out a pre-scheduling of packets of said IP traffic flow with respect to other IP traffic flows. |
| US09386595B2 |
Systems and methods for providing categorized channel reservation
A wireless communications system and associated method are disclosed. The system, in one configuration, includes an antenna and a wireless communications module configured to operate and communicate with a plurality of wireless communications stations via the antenna, in compliance with a wireless communications protocol. The communications include transmitting a first control packet to disable at least one of the wireless communications stations from data transmissions in compliance with the wireless communications protocol. The system is also configured to transmit a second control packet to enable at least one of the disabled wireless communications stations to perform the data transmissions. The first control packet is transmitted using a first configuration transmission power or modulation scheme, and the second control packet is transmitted using a second configuration transmission power and modulation scheme. |
| US09386594B2 |
Downlink transmission coordinated scheduling
A method of coordinated scheduling of a downlink transmission flow from a first radio network node to a user equipment UE in a second radio network node. The method includes scheduling the downlink transmission flow so that the in-sequence delivery of the received data blocks can be kept in an acceptable level in the UE by adjusting a scheduling priority of the downlink transmission flow in the second radio network node. The method may further include estimating one or more buffer-related parameters based on buffered data for the downlink transmission flow from the first radio network node, and determining, based on the estimated one or more buffer-related parameter and/or one or more parameters associated with the operation status of the second radio network node, if the in-sequence delivery of the received data blocks to higher layers can be in an acceptable level in the UE. |
| US09386591B1 |
Managing wireless communication link resources
In systems and methods of managing wireless communication link resources, a static overhead load, a data traffic load, and a signaling load are determined of a wireless communication link between an access node and at least one wireless device. A wireless communication link load is calculated based on the static overhead load, the data traffic load, and the signaling load, and a load control process is performed when the wireless communication link load meets a load criteria. |
| US09386585B2 |
Systems and methods for a data scrambling procedure
Systems, methods, and devices for communicating in a wireless network are provided. In one aspect, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes inserting an indication of a scrambling sequence into a signal field of a first data unit. The signal field occurs before a service field in the first data unit. The method includes scrambling at least a portion of the first data unit based at least on the inserted indication of the scrambling sequence in the signal field of the first data unit. The method includes transmitting the first data unit. The signal field is transmitted at a first data rate and the service field is transmitted at a second data rate greater than the first data rate. The indication of the scrambling sequence comprises either a scrambler seed or one or more parameters indicative of the scrambling sequence. |
| US09386583B2 |
Methods and systems for determining uplink resources
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of determining uplink resources. The method includes assigning index values for control channel elements. The control channel elements are allocated to at least one of first and second control channel transmission sets. The uplink resources being are based on the index values and an uplink resource for the first control channel transmission is different than an uplink resource for the second control channel transmission. |
| US09386580B2 |
Communicating with multiple devices
A first wireless node may determine that a first reserved retransmission frame overlaps with a second reserved transmission frame and a second reserved retransmission frame and that the second reserved transmission frame overlaps with a first reserved transmission frame and the first reserved retransmission frame. The first reserved transmission frame and the first reserved retransmission frame may be reserved for wireless communication with a first master node, and the second reserved transmission frame and the second reserved retransmission frame are reserved for wireless communication with a second master node. The wireless node may also process and acknowledge data received from the first master node during the first reserved transmission frame based on the determining, ignore data sent by the second master node during the second reserved transmission frame based on the determining, and process and acknowledge data received from the second master node during the second reserved retransmission frame. |
| US09386578B2 |
Methods and systems for node operation according to network-wide resource-allocation schedules
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for node operation according to network-wide resource-allocation schedules. One embodiment takes the form of a method carried out by a given node within an ad-hoc wireless network, which includes a controller node for a current time period. The method includes obtaining one or more air-interface resource requests for the current time period, where each obtained resource request indicates a requesting node and a requested resource. The method further includes using a network-standard algorithm for deriving a network-wide resource-allocation schedule for the current time period based at least in part on the obtained resource requests. The method further includes verifying the derived resource-allocation schedule based at least in part on a verification value derived by the controller node from the network-wide resource-allocation schedule using a network-standard verification function. The method also includes operating according to the verified resource-allocation schedule for the current time period. |
| US09386572B2 |
Method, device and system for wireless broadband communications
A small cell receives a dedicated synchronization signal Preamble sent through a first message by a user equipment UE in an idle state. The dedicated Preamble is allocated when the UE accesses a network for the first time. The small cell according to the dedicated Preamble queries whether a first signaling radio bearer SRB 1 and/or a second signaling radio bearer SRB2 of the UE are/is stored. If stored, the small cell replies in a second message to the UE that indication information that the SRB 1 and/or the SRB2 between the small cell and the UE do/does not need to be re-established or modified. An uplink radio resource control RRC message sent through a dedicated control channel DCCH by the UE is received. |
| US09386571B2 |
Switching discontinuous reception parameters
In accordance with some embodiments, a new discontinuous reception (DRX) parameter change may be received in user equipment while the user equipment is using an existing DRX parameter. The user equipment continues to use the existing parameter and determines when a new discontinuous reception cycle is starting. The change to the next discontinuous reception parameter is implemented in the new discontinuous reception cycle. In some embodiments by having an agreed upon time to implement the change to the new parameter, signaling between an enhanced node B and user equipment may be reduced. Signaling overhead is a serious impediment to achieving high efficiency in wireless communications. |
| US09386569B2 |
Processing information blocks for wireless transmission
In general, according to an embodiment, a wireless transmitter includes a plurality of coding and modulation modules to apply corresponding coding and modulation algorithms to input information blocks. A discrete Fourier transform (DFT) precoder applies DFT processing to outputs of the coding and modulation modules, and an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) module receives a DFT output of the DFT precoder, which is mapped to different subcarriers according to the resource allocation indicated by the base station, and applies IFFT processing to the DFT output. An output processing stage produces output signals based on the output of the IFFT module to transmit wirelessly to a wireless receiver. In a different implementation, the outputs of the coding and modulation modules can be provided to an IFFT module to produce IFFT-processed output information. |
| US09386568B2 |
Method and apparatus for frequency allocation in a trunked radio communication system
A wireless communication system (200) for providing two-way radio communication includes a base station (340) comprising a receiver (352) and a transmitter (354). The receiver receives transmissions from a first mobile communication unit (210) on a first frequency, assigned for reception. The transmitter transmits on a second frequency, assigned for transmission. The base station (340) is operable to receive a preemption call from a second mobile communication unit (220) on the first frequency, when the first frequency is not in use for reception and the second frequency is in use for transmission. Otherwise the base station (340) receives a preemption call on the second frequency. The base station (340) may comprise a second receiver (344), operable to receive the preemption call on the second frequency during a planned interruption to transmissions from the transmitter (354). Alternatively, the receiver (352) may receive the preemption call on the second frequency, during the transmission interruption. |
| US09386564B2 |
Method and base station for adjusting uplink grant physical downlink control channel of user equipment
The disclosure provides a method and a base station for adjusting an uplink grant physical downlink control channel of a UE adaptively. The method includes: receiving a physical uplink shared channel transmitted on an uplink resource indicated by a current uplink grant physical downlink control channel from the UE; judging whether or not the UE has received the uplink grant physical downlink control channel successfully in accordance with the received physical uplink shared channel; and determining the number of control channel elements CCEs occupied by the uplink grant physical downlink control channel and/or a transmission power of the uplink grant physical downlink control channel in accordance with the judgment result. |
| US09386561B2 |
Method for allocating pilots
This is provided a method for allocating pilots to a sub-frame. The sub-frame includes a plurality of blocks in time domain. The method includes allocating a data demodulation (DM) pilot used for demodulating data to two blocks spaced not contiguous with each other, and allocating a channel quality (CQ) pilot. System capacity can be increased, and degradation of performance incurred by a channel estimation error can be minimized. |
| US09386560B2 |
Transmission of MBMS in an OFDM communication system
The invention provides for a method of identifying a cyclic prefix to UEs in an OFDM communication system. The cyclic prefix has a dynamically variable length. The method includes, within an OFDM cell, transmitting MCCH scheduling information in a system information block in an OFDM broadcast channel, and using the MCCH scheduling information to receive the MCCH, wherein the MCCH contains MTCH scheduling information to indicate to the UE which sub-frame carries MTCH. |
| US09386553B2 |
Securing, monitoring and tracking shipping containers
A method of securing a container includes inserting, into a seal device at a container, an electronic bolt; reading, by the seal device, a serial number stored in the electronic bolt; communicating, from the seal device, to a user application, insertion of the bolt; scanning, by the user via a handheld device, a barcode on the seal device representative of an identification of the seal device; communicating, from the handheld device to the user application, the identification of the seal device; inputting, by a user at the container via the handheld device, information associated with the container; communicating, from the handheld device to the user application, the information associated with the container; associating, in a database by the user application, the information associated with the container with the bolt serial number and the identification of the seal device; communicating, by the user application, a confirmation to the seal device. |
| US09386551B2 |
Systems and methods for synchronization of wireless devices in an ad-hoc network
Methods, devices, and computer program products for synchronization of wireless devices in an ad-hoc network are described herein. In one aspect, a method for synchronizing a wireless communication apparatus is provided. The method includes generating, at a wireless communication apparatus, one or more messages identifying a second device to generate prospective synchronization messages. In some aspects, the second device is a back-up root device. The method further includes transmitting a synchronization message. In one aspect, a root device for an ad-hoc network is responsible for generating synchronization messages for nodes of the ad-hoc network. The root device also generates and transmits a message which identifies a back-up root device. The back-up root device may assume responsibility for generating synchronization messages for the ad-hoc network in the event that the wireless communication apparatus no longer generates synchronization messages for the ad-hoc network. In an embodiment, the generated message identifying the back-up root device is included in a synchronization message. |
| US09386549B2 |
Synchronisation in a communication system
Synchronization in a communication system A method and apparatus for a communication system is disclosed. In the system communications occur via a multiple of nodes each providing a stratum for synchronization. It is determined that the stratum of a node is not included in a predefined set of stratums. In response to said determination synchronizing with the node is provided differently from nodes with stratums without taking the order of the stratum into account. Information about the status can be communicated between nodes. |
| US09386548B2 |
Base station apparatus, communication system and synchronization method
A base station apparatus includes a wireless communication unit, a wired communication unit, and a communication timing correction unit. If the wireless communication unit fails to receive a synchronization signal from another base station apparatus at given reception timing, the wired communication unit transmits a synchronization state confirmation signal for confirming a synchronization state between the base station and another base station apparatus, and receives a synchronization state response signal including a determination result of the synchronization state. The communication timing correction unit corrects a communication timing based on the synchronization state response signal. |
| US09386547B2 |
SC-FDMA transmission device and transmission method
An SC-FDMA transmission device capable of achieving excellent error rate characteristics on any propagation channel, wherein a determination unit (151) determines the ratio of the frequency puncturing amount to the time puncturing amount in the total puncturing amount on the basis of a puncturing determination rule, and a setting unit (152) sets the time puncturing amount and the frequency puncturing amount on the basis of this ratio. Here, in the puncturing determination rule, the ratio is determined from the MCS of the encoded data, the number of resources allocated to the encoded data, and the delay spread of the propagation channel between a receiving device and the transmission device (100). |
| US09386544B2 |
Using location information to control transmission signal levels of wireless devices
Provided is adjusting power output levels of a wireless network device by determining a location information of another wireless network device relative to the wireless network device, the location information including distance range. Based on the location information of the another wireless network device, a power output level is adjusted to optimize the power usage of the wireless network device. The power output level is readjusted based upon a sensing a subsequent signal of the another wireless device, and when a signal strength of the subsequent signal compares favorably to a predetermined threshold level, the location information is refreshed, and the power output level of the wireless network device is readjusted based upon the refreshed location information. |
| US09386540B2 |
Power control in orthogonal sub-channels in wireless communications
A method and apparatus for power control in a wireless communication involves establishing at least two orthogonal sub-channels within a channel for communication and controlling transmitted power in each sub-channel independently. |
| US09386539B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and method
According to one embodiment, a wireless communication apparatus includes a transceiver, an estimator and a controller. The transceiver transmits and receives a frame in a frequency band which is used by a first system executing communication in a first communication range determined by a first transmission power and a first antenna gain. The estimator determines whether an amount of interference in the frequency band from a second system is no less than a threshold, the second system executing communication in a second communication range which is larger than the first communication range and which is determined by a second transmission power and a second antenna gain. The controller increases a transmission power when the amount of interference is no less than the threshold. |
| US09386530B2 |
Method for reducing transmission power and terminal thereof
There is provided a method of reducing transmission power. The method may comprise: receiving a network signal, if a carrier aggregation (CA) is configured and if the configured CA corresponds to an intra-band contiguous CA; applying an additional maximum power reduction (A-MPR) for a transmission, based on the network signal. If a configuration of the CA corresponds to a CA_1C and if the aggregated transmission bandwidth is the summation of 75 RBs and 75 RBs, a value of the A-MPR is specified for L_CRB>10. The L_CRB is a length of a contiguous resource block allocation. |