最新美国发明专利第2016-11-01期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US09482733B2	Magnetic resonance elastography A magnetic resonance elastography method includes application of mechanical oscillations with an oscillation period (T) to an object to be examined to generate mechanical waves in the object. A motion sensitive magnetic resonance acquisition sequence with repetition time TR issued to acquire magnetic resonance signals from the object. This acquisition sequence including application of one or more phase encoding steps within an individual repetition time. The repetition time times the number of phase encodings within one repetition time is not equal to an integer multiple of the oscillation period. Thus a magnetic resonance image of the wave pattern is reconstructed from the magnetic resonance signals assembled in a sample space spanned by the phase of the mechanical oscillation and the phase encoding.
US09482729B2	NMR measuring configuration with temperature control device for a sample vial An NMR measuring configuration has a temperature control device for a sample vial (1). The temperature control device has a temperature sensor with supply wires which are both surrounded by a sensor tube (15). The sensor tube (15) is connected to a measurement space via a sensor flow inlet (26) in such a way that a partial flow of a temperature-control fluid flows as a temperature-control flow (16) into a free space (17) between the temperature sensor and the inner wall of the sensor tube along the supply wires and flows out of the sensor tube via a sensor flow outlet (18) at the opposite end of the sensor tube. This minimizes both the temperature penetration factor and the difference between the sensor and sample temperatures (ΔTp).
US09482728B2	Methods, systems and devices for local magnetic resonance imaging Featured are a device with localized sensitivity to magnetic resonance signals, an imaging system using such a device and MRI methods for performing internal MRI or MRI Endoscopy. Such an MRI method includes introducing an MRI antenna or probe into the specimen to be imaged, the antenna being configured in accordance with the devices described herein, so that the spatial coordinate frame of imaging is inherently locked or defined with respect to the introduced antenna thereby providing imaging of the specimen from the point of view of the antenna. Further such imaging is conducted so that the MRI signal is confined substantially to a volume with respect to a particular region of the antenna or probe.
US09482726B2	Fabricating method of magnetic axis controlled structure Provided is a method of fabricating a magnetic axis-controlled structure. The method of fabricating a magnetic axis-controlled structure includes providing a composition including magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid medium, applying a magnetic field to the composition to align the magnetic nanoparticles along the magnetic field and form a magnetic axis, and solidifying the liquid medium to fix the magnetic axis.
US09482725B2	Sensor device including magnetoresistive sensor element and pre-magnetization device A measuring device for measuring magnetic properties of the surroundings of the device includes at least one magnetoresistive element extending in a line direction, and a support field device generating a magnetic support field in an area over the line direction. A pre-magnetization device of one or more magnets are arranged at a distance from the sensor line in a direction vertical to the line direction and extending parallel to the line direction. The pre-magnetization device is arranged relative to the sensor line such that the fields of the pre-magnetization device and the support magnetic field overlap to provide an overlapping magnetic field with a field strength component pointing in the line direction that is greater at one location on the sensor line than the strength of a field component pointing vertically toward the line direction not in the direction of the height of the magnetoresistive element.
US09482723B2	Wireless power supply system, power transmission device, and power receiving device A wireless power supply system includes a power transmission device capable of transmitting power to a plurality of power receiving devices by a magnetic field resonance method. The power transmission device includes a detection unit configured to detect an amount of charge of each of the plurality of power receiving devices, a determination unit configured to determine, if the amount of charge of a certain power receiving device is not increased even when a predetermined time has elapsed since start of power transmission to the certain power receiving device, whether a cause of failure to increase the amount of charge is the power transmission device or the certain power receiving device, based on the amount of charge of any other power receiving device detected by the detection unit, and a notification unit configured to transmit a notification about the determination result by the determination unit.
US09482720B2	Non-invasive pre-bond TSV test using ring oscillators and multiple voltage levels A design for test (DfT) architecture is provided that enables pre-bond parametric testing of through-silicon vias (TSVs). A grouping of N number of input/output (I/O) segments are configured to receive a test signal in a feedback loop, where each I/O segment includes one or more buffers (or inverters) and a TSV connected at one end to the one or more buffers. The TSV acts as a shunt-connected capacitor—when defect free—and includes a load resistance when the TSV contains a defect. Each I/O segment can also include one or two multiplexers to control whether the I/O segment receives a test or functional signal and, optionally, whether the I/O segment is bypassed or included in the ring oscillator. The varying loads caused by the defects cause variations in the delay across the buffers (or inverters) of an I/O segment that can be detected in the output signal.
US09482709B2	Method and device for assigning individual phase conductors in a polyphase energy distribution network A method for assigning individual phase conductors at a first point to those at at least one further point in a polyphase energy distribution network, in particular in a three-phase network. In the case of mains operation, wherein a common reference time is determined for these points, and the time difference and/or phase difference of the phase voltage or the line-to-line voltage between the reference time of a zero crossing of the phase voltage are determined for these points. By a comparison of the time and/or phase differences at two different points the phase conductor of one point is assigned to a phase conductor of the further point which has the same to time and/or phase difference with respect to the common reference time. An additional loading of the energy supply network or an interruption of the mains operation is avoided by the method.
US09482705B2	Measurement of voltage standing wave ratio of antenna system The present invention provides methods and apparatus to detect the presence of interferers in a wideband digital VSWR measurement signal. Interferers cause power differences over different intervals of time and frequency, and may be detected by comparing the measured signals in both time and frequency domains with the original signal. Frequency components in the measured signals may be discarded if the interference is deemed too large. The remaining frequency components can then be used to compute the VSWR.
US09482704B2	Detecting shorted diodes A method, a controller unit for a bridge rectifier, and a bridge rectifier system are disclosed for detecting a shorted diode in a bridge rectifier. The method can include determining a phase-to-phase voltage between two phase inputs of the bridge rectifier, wherein a phase input is provided between the two series connected diodes of the respective phase, and indicating a shorted diode fault by determining whether the phase-to-phase voltage is zero for more than a commutation time of the bridge rectifier.
US09482701B2	Detection device and method, and program A detection device for detecting a state of electric power has a first current transformer that measures a first current on a first power line side of a connecting point between a first power line derived from a commercial power supply and a second power line derived from a power generation device which supplies electric power equal in frequency to the commercial power supply, a second current transformer that measures a second current on a second power line side of the connecting point, a first calculation unit that calculates a decision value based on a product of a measured value of the first current and a measured value of the second current, and a detection unit that detects a power flow direction of electric power of the first power line based on the decision value.
US09482698B2	Methods and apparatus for resistive voltage sensing in an isolated power distribution unit Methods and apparatus provide for a primary side circuit including one or more voltage nodes; and a monitoring circuit operating to monitor one or more parameters of the primary side circuit, and including at least one sensing circuit and at least one processing circuit within a secondary side circuit, where the sensing circuit includes a resistor network having an input for receiving a first sensed voltage from a first of the voltage nodes of the primary side circuit, traversing an isolation boundary between the primary side circuit and the secondary side circuit while adhering to a safety specification, which includes a primary-secondary isolation requirement, and having an output for providing a first modified sensed voltage to the processing circuit.
US09482694B2	Device for measuring electronic components A device for measuring electronic components having a plurality of conductors applied to a dielectric cable carrier, which conductors are each connected both to a contact finger and to a connection contact, such that a switch is integrated in at least one of the conductors, via which the conductor can be additionally connected to a ground connection.
US09482692B2	Magnetic field value measuring device and method for measuring magnetic field value A magnetic field measuring device including: a vibrational probe unit having a probe that includes one or more material(s) whose intensity of magnetization is proportionate to an external magnetic field, a mechanical vibration source for the probe; a vibration detector detecting a vibration frequency and amplitude of the probe; an alternating-current magnetic field generator applying to the probe an alternating-current magnetic field; a direct-current external magnetic field generator applying a direct-current external magnetic field to the probe; a frequency modulation detector detecting frequency modulation occurring to the mechanical vibration of the probe; a direct-current external magnetic field controller adjusting the intensity of the direct-current external magnetic field applied to the probe; and a direct-current magnetic field determination unit determining a value of the direct-current magnetic field originating from a specimen.
US09482691B1	Atomic force microscopy active optical probe A new active optical Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probe integrating monolithically a semiconductor laser source, an AFM tip, and a photodetector into a robust, easy-to use single semiconductor chip to enable both conventional AFM measurements and optical imaging and spectroscopy at the nanoscale.
US09482688B2	NBT-BT crystal piezoelectric film and piezoelectric stacking structure comprising the same The present invention provides an NBT-BT film having a higher polarization-disappearance temperature. The present invention is a [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film. The [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film has a (001) orientation only. The [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film has a-axis length of not less than 0.390 nanometers and not more than 0.395 nanometers. The [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film has c-axis length of not less than 0.399 nanometers and not more than 0.423 nanometers (where x represents a value of not less than 0 and not more than 1). The [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film has a polarization-disappearance temperature of not less than 389 degrees Celsius.
US09482687B2	Device for measuring angle and angular velocity or distance and speed A device for measuring angle and angular velocity or distance and speed of a moving part is described. The device has a sensor which is or can be arranged in a stationary manner and an encoder which is or can be arranged on the moving part and, together with the sensor, generates a modulation signal to be demodulated by the sensor. For the frequency measurement which is needed to measure the angular velocity/speed, the encoder has a structure which reproduces a periodic pattern and is interrupted by at least one index area for the angle/distance measurement. In the index area, the encoder has a substitute pattern which differs from the periodic pattern by at least one physical variable which can be detected by the sensor but has a structure which also enables the frequency measurement in the index area.
US09482680B2	Test platform, test apparatus and control method thereof A test platform is provided for testing a detection module of a test apparatus to determine whether correction is needed or for quality control of the test apparatus. The test platform includes a body, and at least one reference material which is formed on the body and on which at least one color is printed.
US09482673B2	Method for simultaneously determining multiple coagulation proteases The present invention relates to a chromogenic method for simultaneously determining the activity of multiple coagulation proteases or for simultaneously determining the inhibition of multiple coagulation proteases in a single test reaction. For this purpose, use is made of two chromogenic substrates which have different absorption maxima and whose color signals can be separated spectrally.
US09482672B2	Methods for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome The invention provides an ELISA assay for the determination of serum mast cell β-tryptase levels using rabbit anti-tryptase as the capture antibody and alkaline phosphatase conjugated G3 as the detecting antibody. Luminescent substrate CPSD was used to enhance the assay sensitivity. Also provided are methods for aiding in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by detecting the serum level of β-tryptase, histamine and/or prostaglandin E2.
US09482669B2	Crystal structure of the NanR and ManNAc-6P complex, and uses thereof The present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure of a complex explored by crystallization of the complex of NanR which is a key pathogenic regulatory protein of Vibrio vulnificus and ManNA6P which is a NanR regulator. Further, the present invention relates to a modified NanR protein, a polynucleotide encoding the protein, a vector including the polynucleotide, and a transformant including the vector. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for screening a substance regulating interaction between NanR and the transcriptional control region of nan operon which is a gene cluster regulated by NanR, or a substance regulating interaction between NanR and ManNAc-6P, by designing three-dimensional structure of the complex, and to an antibacterial composition including the screened substance.
US09482668B2	Methods and systems for the detection of bacteria Disclosed are methods and systems for the isolation and detection of microbes from a sample. The use of binding agents for isolation of a microbe of interest from a sample are described. In certain embodiments, the methods use ribosome-based and/or bacteriophage-based amplification of the signal in detection of bacteria and other microorganisms. For example, embodiments of the present invention can achieve total amplification of at least 10,000 from a single infected cell.
US09482665B2	Immunoassay standards and measurement of clinical biomarkers using intra-assay calibration standards The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating quantitative standards to calibrate analytes. These compositions and methods enable the creation of standards and calibrators for analyzing analytes and measuring clinical biomarkers. Also provided are kits comprising the novel compositions for use in assays, for example sandwich immunoassays.
US09482663B2	Method for binding a recombinant polypeptide to a carrier The present invention refers to a method for binding a recombinant polypeptide to a carrier, wherein a layer is bound to a carrier, and the layer comprises a recombinant polypeptide on the surface distal to the carrier.
US09482662B2	Ultra-sensitive detection of molecules or particles using beads or other capture objects The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample and in some cases, determining a measure of the concentration of the molecules or particles in the fluid sample. Methods of the present invention may comprise immobilizing a plurality of analyte molecules or particles with respect to a plurality of capture objects. At least a portion of the plurality of capture objects may be spatially separated into a plurality of locations. A measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in a fluid sample may be determined, at least in part, on the number of reaction vessels comprising an analyte molecule immobilized with respect to a capture object. In some cases, the assay may additionally comprise steps including binding ligands, precursor labeling agents, and/or enzymatic components.
US09482659B2	Apparatus, method, and system for the automated imaging and evaluation of embryos, oocytes and stem cells Apparatuses, methods, and systems for the automated imaging and evaluation of human embryos, oocytes, or pluripotent cells are described. An apparatus and method for automated dish detection and well occupancy determination are described. In addition, a multi-well culture dish and an illumination assembly for bimodal imaging are described. These inventions find use at least in identifying or in facilitating identification of embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.
US09482655B2	System and method for using additives with isotopic patterns to enhance the specificity of a spectrometer A method for detecting a chemical substance includes collecting a sample of a substance of interest and mixing the sample and at least one additive within a reaction chamber. The at least one additive includes a plurality of isotopes. The method also includes producing a plurality of adduct ions of the sample. The plurality of adduct ions has a plurality of isotopes. The method further includes performing a spectrometric analysis of the plurality of adduct ions and performing sample identification using comparative spectrometric data of the isotopes of the plurality of adduct ions.
US09482651B2	Chip produced at wafer level for liquid chromatography and method for the production thereof The present invention relates to a method for producing a miniaturized separation column for chromatographic purposes including a porous stationary phase anchored in the column, including the following steps: (a) preparing a flat substrate of silicon, glass, glass ceramic or ceramic; (b) etching at least one channel structure into the flat substrate; (c) introducing a non-porous precursor material for the porous stationary phase into at least one portion of the channel structure (s); (d) forming a porous, three-dimensional network from the precursor material; and (e) fluid-tight covering of the channel structure(s) on the top side of the flat substrate.
US09482644B2	Methods and apparatus for high-resolution continuous scan imaging using vold-kalman filtering A method of imaging a test subject includes providing one or more moveable sensors to sense an attribute of the test subject (e.g., acoustic pressure), wherein the attribute has a tonal noise component and a broadband noise component. A rotational sensor is provided to sense a rotational velocity of a rotational element of the test subject. Each of the moveable sensors are moved along a path while continuously acquiring test data that is indicative of the rotational velocity of the rotational element, the sensed attribute, the position, and the orientation of each of the moveable sensors. A set of transfer functions corresponding to points in space that have been visited by the moveable sensors are constructed, each of the transfer functions relating the test data of the moveable sensors to the test data of the rotational sensor. A visual representation of the tonal noise component of the attribute in a region adjacent the test subject is produced using the set of transfer functions.
US09482638B2	Graphene composition, method of forming a graphene composition and sensor system comprising a graphene composition A device including a composition formed by oxidation of graphene oxide to form holey graphene oxide having defects therein and reduction of the holey graphene oxide. A composition includes graphene oxide sheets including holes therein formed by oxidation to form a network of interconnected graphene oxide nanoribbons.
US09482637B2	Sensor A sensor including: a detection element; terminal members; and a separator, wherein at least one specific first electrode terminal portion and an other first electrode terminal portion are formed on a first main surface of the detection element, wherein a second electrode terminal portion formed on a second main surface of the detection element is disposed so as to be offset from the specific first electrode terminal portion and to overlap with the other first electrode terminal portion in the axial direction, and in a thickness direction, a distance between the detection element and a specific first frame body portion brought into electrical connection with the specific first electrode terminal portion is larger than a distance between the detection element and the other first frame body portion brought into electrical connection with the other first electrode portion.
US09482636B2	Vital information measurement device and vital information measurement method employing same An objective of the present invention is to provide a vital information measurement device which measures vital information using a biosensor, with which it is possible to adjudicate more precisely whether a mounted biosensor is usable, and to alleviate inconsistency in measured values therefrom. Specifically, the present invention provides a vital information measurement device comprising: an input terminal to which a biosensor is connected; a voltage application unit which applies a voltage to the input terminal; an adjudication unit which is connected to the input terminal; a control unit which is connected to the adjudication unit; and a display unit which is connected to the control unit. The control unit causes the adjudication unit to carry out a first adjudication, a second adjudication, and a third adjudication.
US09482634B2	Electrolyte solution, method for producing electrolyte solution, and electrochemical device There is provided an electrolyte solution including a solvent formed from a sulfone, and a magnesium salt dissolved in the solvent.
US09482633B2	Capacitive measurement multiplexing circuit and method A capacitance measuring system, including: a calibration capacitor; first circuitry for sensing an input current at an input thereof and generating an output signal that is based upon a capacitance appearing at the input of the first circuitry; and multiplexer circuitry, coupled between the input of the first circuitry and a terminal of each of the capacitor to be measured and the calibration capacitor, for selectively coupling the terminal of each, one at a time, to the input of the first circuitry while the terminal not coupled to the input of the conversion circuitry is coupled to a ground reference; and controller circuitry for calculating a capacitance of the capacitor to be measured based upon the output signal of the first circuitry when the capacitor to be measured is coupled to the input thereof and upon the output signal of the first circuitry when the calibration capacitor is coupled to the input thereof.
US09482631B2	Formation core sample holder assembly and testing method for nuclear magnetic resonance measurements A core sample holder assembly for performing a laboratory magnetic resonance measurement of a core sample taken from a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. The assembly comprises a pressure chamber provided by a hull and one or more flanges are sealingly coupled with the hull. A flexible core sample holder sleeve is arranged within the pressure chamber and is sealingly coupled with at least one of the flanges. An overburden fluid injection port is in fluid communication with an annular space between the hull and the flexible sleeve and is configured to inject overburden fluid into an annular space between the hull and the flexible sleeve. A pressure regulator is configured to maintain the overburden fluid in the annular space at an elevated pressure. A radio-frequency antenna, within the pressure chamber and wrapped around the sample holder sleeve, is configured to receive an electromagnetic-signal from the core sample. In use, the core sample is arranged substantially within the sleeve.
US09482623B2	Test device and method A connection assembly for a test device comprises a carriage for receiving at least a portion of a test device and a receptacle for co-operation with the carriage. The carriage is longitudinally movable with respect to the receptacle and is latchable to the receptacle at a predetermined position.
US09482619B2	Metallic nanoparticles and methods for their preparation and use Provided herein are Raman active particles and methods for their preparation and use. The particles can include a SERS-active material that is at least partially encased within a spherical porous hollow casing. In some embodiments, this can be especially advantageous when employed for water analysis and/or being employed in combination with silica particles.
US09482616B2	Methods, kits and systems for signal amplification for bioassays using zinc nanoparticles Disclosed herein are methods, kits and systems for signal amplification that can be used for many analytes. For example, a method of detecting an analyte in a sample includes contacting the sample containing the analyte with a detecting agent, wherein the detecting agent contains a specific binding agent that binds the analyte and zinc nanoparticles wherein the zinc nanoparticles and specific binding agent are coupled together; exposing the analyte bound to the specific binding agent which is coupled to the zinc nanoparticles to an acidic condition to release zinc ions from the zinc nanoparticles; contacting the released zinc ions with an indicator to generate a signal; and detecting the signal. The disclosed bioassay can be used in clinical and non-clinical settings. For example, the method can be used for clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment-effectiveness or for testing for the presence of a substance like biological or chemical agents.
US09482607B2	Methods of smoke detecting using two different wavelengths of light and ambient light detection for measurement correction In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector determines the presence of smoke particles outside its housing based on measurements of light detected at different wavelengths and corrected based on an ambient light level.
US09482606B2	Method for processing data and electronic device thereof A method for operating an electronic device including a first sensor is provided, the method including: obtaining a first reading from the first sensor; detecting a state of the electronic device; and adjusting the first reading based on the state the electronic device to generate an adjusted reading; and performing, by the electronic device, an action based on the adjusted reading; wherein the first sensor includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.
US09482601B2	Portable device for transporting a histological sample The invention relates, in accordance with one aspect, to a portable device for transporting at least one histological sample or at least one cassette containing a histological sample. The device is attachable to a processing station for processing 5 histological samples. In the attached state, energy for cooling the histological sample is transferred from the processing station to the device or vice versa. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a processing station for processing a histological sample is provided, which station is embodied for releasable attachment of a portable device. The processing station is further embodied to transfer energy 10 for cooling to, or receive it from, an attached device.
US09482597B2	Method and a device for normalizing values of operating parameters of an aeroengine A normalization method includes: normalizing a current value of each operating parameter relative to exogenous variables using a first regression model defined on a space generated by the exogenous variables; associating the vector formed by the normalized current values of the parameters with at least one vector class of a set of predefined classes; using at one second regression model defined on the space generated by the exogenous variables for the at least one class associated with the vector to construct, for each parameter, a third regression model onto the space; and normalizing the normalized current value of each parameter relative to the exogenous variables using the third regression model.
US09482596B2	Optical monitoring system for a gas turbine engine A system for optically monitoring a gas turbine engine includes a viewport into the gas turbine engine, and an optical connection having a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end is optically coupled to the viewport and configured to receive an image from the viewport, the optical connection includes a substrate having multiple hollow passages each extending from the first axial end to the second axial end, and each hollow passage includes a reflective coating disposed on an inner surface of the hollow passage to facilitate transmission of a respective portion of the image from the first axial end to the second axial end. In addition, the system includes a detector array in optical communication with the second axial end of the optical connection. The detector array includes multiple detection elements configured to receive multiple respective portions of the image from the hollow passages.
US09482595B2	Rotor state sensor system A rotor state sensor system is provided for use with a rotor including a hub, a hub arm and a blade coupled to the hub by the hub arm. The sensor system includes sensors disposed on the hub arm to define a first plane, which emit emissions and receive reflected emissions, and which generate a signal according to the received reflected emissions, reflector plates disposed on the blade which define a second plane at locations where the emissions from the sensors are incident on the reflector plates and from which the reflected emissions are reflected towards the sensors and a computing device which receives the signal from the sensors, determines relative orientations of the first and second planes according to the received signal and determines a condition of the rotor based on the determined relative orientations.
US09482592B2	Directional ultrasonic gas leak detector An embodiment of a directional ultrasonic gas leak detector includes an array of spaced MEMS microphones, each responsive to incident airborne ultrasonic energy from gas leak sources to generate a microphone signal. A beamforming processor is responsive to the microphone signals from the array to generate processor output signals indicative of estimated angles of arrival of ultrasonic energy incident on the array. The array may be disposed in an explosion proof housing structure for operation in hazardous location, or implemented as an intrinsically safe device. In another embodiment, a display is responsive to the processor output signals to generate an image representative of a surveilled scene with the estimated magnitudes of incident energy at beam directions overlaid onto the image.
US09482587B2	Magnetic load sensor unit A magnetic load sensor unit is provided which can detect a load with a minute movement of its part, and which is durable and less likely to be influenced by temperature. The sensor unit includes a flange member (1) deflectable when an axial load is applied, a support member (2) supporting the flange member (1), a magnetic target (3) which generates a magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor (4) for detecting the magnetic field generated by the magnetic target (3). The magnetic target (3) and the magnetic sensor (4) are fixed to the flange member (1) and the support member (2), respectively, such that when the flange member (1) is deflected, the magnetic target (3) and the magnetic sensor (4) move relative to each other, whereby magnitude of the load can be detected based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor (4).
US09482585B2	Method and system for multi-functional embedded sensors A system and method for monitoring system including a three dimensional embedded sensor coupled to an article, wherein the three dimensional embedded sensor is a direct write embedded sensor using a high temperature light emitting material. A camera system detects illumination signals from the embedded sensors. A processing section processes the illumination signals and determines gas/surface temperatures and strain data for the article.
US09482580B2	Inspection method and inspection device for containers A method for inspecting drink containers, wherein the container is transported along a predefined transport path by means of a transport facility, and an outside wall of the container is tempered at least in sections, and wherein an area of the inside wall of the container is inspected through an orifice of the container during or after tempering of the outside wall by means of an inspection means is provided. The inspection means includes at least heat radiation emanating from the observed area of the inside wall, and conclusions are drawn from the recorded heat radiation as to the presence of foreign bodies between the observed area of the inside wall and the inspection means.
US09482577B2	Segmented chirped-pulse fourier transform spectroscopy An emission can be obtained from a sample in response to excitation using a specified range of excitation frequencies. Such excitation can include generating a specified chirped waveform and a specified downconversion local oscillator (LO) frequency using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), upconverting the chirped waveform via mixing the chirped waveform with a specified upconversion LO frequency, frequency multiplying the upconverted chirped waveform to provide a chirped excitation signal for exciting the sample, receiving an emission from sample, the emission elicited at least in part by the chirped excitation signal, and downconverting the received emission via mixing the received emission with a signal based on the specified downconversion LO signal to provide a downconverted emission signal within the bandwidth of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The specified chirped waveform can include a first chirped waveform during a first duration, and a second chirped waveform during a second duration.
US09482571B2	Device for measuring a fuel flow and calibrating device therefor A device for measuring a fuel flow in a test stand comprises a measuring module (10) for measuring a fuel flow guided through the measuring module (10) as well as a conditioning module (11) arranged downstream of the measuring module (10) for conditioning the fuel. Moreover, a verification module (19) is provided downstream of the measuring module (10) for checking the measuring precision of the measuring module (10). The fuel may be guided optionally to the conditioning module (11) or to the verification module (19). The verification module (19) is an integral part of the device may have an injector (26) as a dosing unit for extracting an exactly defined reference fuel quantity.
US09482568B2	Detecting a sediment condition in a conduit In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.
US09482562B2	Shielded radiation detector heads A radiation detector head assembly is provided that includes a detector housing and a detector unit. The detector housing defines a cavity therein. The detector housing includes a shell and a shielding body. The shell defines at least a portion of a perimeter surrounding the shielding body, and includes an extrusion defining the at least a portion of a perimeter. The extrusion is formed from a first material that is configured for rigidity. The shielding body includes a second material configured to shield radiation. The detector unit is disposed within the cavity, and includes an absorption member and associated processing circuitry.
US09482561B2	Searching system, searching unit, searching method, displaying method for search results, terminal unit, inputting unit, and record medium A searching system for searching contents that were broadcast, the searching system having an inputting unit, a searching unit, and a terminal unit is disclosed, wherein the inputting unit comprises a first storing means for storing information representing at least time at which contents were broadcast corresponding to a predetermined operation, and a first communicating means for transmitting the information representing time stored in the storing means to an external unit, wherein the searching unit comprises a second storing means for correlatively storing information representing contents and broadcast time thereof, and a searching means for searching information representing the contents stored in the second storing means corresponding to the information representing time, and wherein the terminal unit comprises a second communicating means for receiving the information representing time transmitted from the inputting unit through the first communicating means, a third communicating means for transmitting the information representing time received by the second communicating means and receiving search results transmitted from the searching unit, and a first displaying means for displaying the information representing time received by the second communicating means and the search results by the searching unit.
US09482560B2	Optical position transmitter with analog memory unit The invention relates to a position transmitter with a position code and an optical sensor element for detecting at least one part of the position code. The sensor element has a row of photosensitive detection regions, which convert incident photons into electric charges, and a readout structure for outputting an electric data signal corresponding to the stored electric charges. The sensor element has an analog memory unit structure with a number of N>1 rows of photo-insensitive analog memory cells in order to temporarily store the electric charges and an electric switching structure, by means of which a charge transfer can be carried out between the detection regions and the memory cells, between the memory cells amongst one another, and between the memory cells and the readout row.
US09482558B2	Device for detecting multi-turn absolute rotation angle and method for detecting the same There is provided a method for calculating with high accuracy a multi-turn absolute rotation angle of a motor rotating shaft coupled to a motor output shaft. In a rotation angle detection device according to this invention, a rotation angle θn of an n-th rotating shaft satisfies the relationship with a rotation angle θ1 of the motor rotating shaft: θn=(−(m±1)/m)n−1×θ1. The rotation angle detection device as an embodiment of a mechanism satisfying the relationship includes a gear mechanism in which a gear having (m±1) teeth meshes with a gear having m teeth between each adjacent two of first to n-th rotating shafts. A multi-turn rotation angle of the first rotating shaft is expanded to a detected value p1 of the first rotating shaft which is a rotation angle of the first rotating shaft and R0×m0+R1×m1+ . . . Rn−2×mn−2 corresponding to the number of revolutions of the first rotating shaft, coefficients R0 to Rn−2 are obtained on the basis of detected values from angle detectors of the respective shafts, and the multi-turn rotation angle of the first rotating shaft is calculated. Detection errors generated in the angle detectors of the second and subsequent rotating shafts can be effectively reduced, and a high-accuracy multi-turn rotation angle can be calculated.
US09482555B2	System and method for improved data transfer from an IED A system and method for providing easy access to an internal file structure of an intelligent electronic device (IED), e.g., a power meter, not presently defined or supported directly by legacy protocols used in metering industry, such as the Modbus protocol.
US09482554B2	Gyroscope stabilizer filter A method, a filtering module, and a computer-readable medium are configured to filter measurements acquired in a sensor reference system. Filtered measurements of motion sensors and a magnetometer attached to the device may then be used to determine orientation of a device in a non-inertial reference system. The measurements are filtered in a reference system, whose position relative to the sensor system can be calculated, and in which gravity and Earth's magnetic field have substantially constant direction and magnitude during the filtering window.
US09482553B2	Calibration systems and methods for gyroscopes Methods and apparatus for calibrating a gyroscope without rotating the instrument. In one example, a calibration method includes operating the gyroscope in a self-oscillation loop to generate x-axis and y-axis drive signals, adding forcing signals to the x-axis and y-axis drive signals to produce pick-off x-axis and y-axis signals, measuring the pick-off x-axis and y-axis signals to produce measurement data, determining a relative phase between the pick-off x-axis and y-axis signals, based on the measurement data and the relative phase, estimating parameters of the gyroscope, based on the measurement data and the estimated parameters, calculating estimated position signals to calibrate the gyroscope.
US09482548B2	Route inspection portals One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for populating a map interface with a route inspection portal and/or for generating travel route video. In an example, a map interface is populated with a map canvas illustrating a travel route. The map canvas is populated with inspection markers corresponding to imagery depicting travel route portions of the travel route. Responsive to identifying a selection of an inspection marker at an inspection location, imagery depicting the inspection location may be identified. The map canvas is populated with a route inspection portal for the inspection marker. The route inspection portal is populated with the imagery (e.g., street-side imagery of an intersection along the travel route). In an example, a travel route video, comprising video frames corresponding to an ordering of the imagery (e.g., from a start location to an end location) along the travel route, may be generated and/or played.
US09482547B2	Method and device for computer-based navigation A video route-previewing system includes a route-previewing device for receiving input defining a starting point and a destination point and for identifying a route based on the starting point and the destination point. A preview-generating device receives the route from the route-previewing device and generates an image request for the route. A street-level imagery server receives the image request from the preview-generating device and communicates imagery of the route to the preview-generating device in response to the image request. The preview-generating device generates a time-compressed nonlinear route preview from the imagery of the route and communicates the preview to the route-previewing device. The route-previewing device displays the preview video of the route. The preview video may time-compress segments without navigational decision points and present in slow-motion segments around navigational decision points.
US09482545B2	Apparatus and method for providing user's route information in mobile communication system An apparatus and a method search a route using a portable terminal. A controller establishes a call connection with another party and exchanges positional information with the other party. An analyzing unit analyzes the route information using a first positional information of the portable terminal and a second positional information of the other party. A displaying unit outputs the route information analyzed by the analyzing unit. The controller provides the route information analyzed by the analyzing unit.
US09482538B1	Method and system for optimally localizing vehicles in a parking environment The present disclosure relates to a method and system for optimally localizing vehicles in a parking environment. The method comprises receiving, by a vehicle localization server, 3D acceleration data of each of one or more vehicles when each of the one or more vehicles passes through one or more bumps in the parking environment. Upon receiving the 3D acceleration data, the vehicle localization server compares the 3D acceleration data with one or more predefined 3D acceleration data to identify the location status of each of the one or more bumps. The location status of the bumps corresponds to location status of the vehicle. The vehicle localization server localizes each of the one or more vehicles in the parking environment based on the location status of each of the one or more vehicles.
US09482536B2	Pose estimation A solution for estimating the pose of a platform, such as a vehicle, is provided. Data from a plurality of types of sensing devices located on the platform can be used to independently calculate a plurality of preliminary estimates corresponding to the pose. A plurality of estimates corresponding to the pose can be generated using the preliminary estimates and at least one covariance matrix. One or more entries in the covariance matrix are adjusted based on an uncertainty for the corresponding preliminary estimate. The uncertainty can vary based on time, distance, and/or velocity of the platform.
US09482535B2	Integrated silicon optomechanical gyroscopes (OMGs) A system having an optomechanical gyroscope device. An optomechanical disk acts as an optical ring resonator and a mechanical disk resonator. A drive laser generates an optical drive signal. A drive channel acts as a waveguide for the optical drive signal and includes drive electrodes in a first proximity with respect to the optomechanical disk. The drive electrodes to excite the ring by evanescent coupling. A drive photodetector is configured to receive an output optical signal from the drive channel. A sense laser generates a optical sense signal. A sense channel acts as a waveguide for the optical sense signal and includes sense electrodes in a second proximity with respect to the optomechanical disk. A sense photodetector is configured to receive an output optical signal from the sense channel.
US09482530B2	Nadir/zenith inertial pointing assistance for two-axis gimbals Control systems and methods are provided for improved azimuthal pointing control near gimbal zenith/nadir in two-axis gimbal systems mounted to moveable platforms. The system includes a two-axis gimbal and a two-axis pointing device mounted to the two-axis gimbal. The two-axis pointing device directs a line of sight axis based upon a commanded steering direction and movement of the platform in the inertial frame of the line of sight. The two-axis gimbal follows the movement of the two-axis pointing device, keeping the two-axis pointing device from encountering its mechanical limits. In this manner, inertial pointing control is maintained in the near gimbal zenith/nadir regime.
US09482527B2	Gear inspection apparatus A gear inspection apparatus includes a distance measurement device, a value search part, a difference calculation part, a selecting part, a judgment value determination part, and a judgment part that are connected together in the named order. A raw waveform obtained by the distance measurement device is converted by the value search part into a rectangular waveform of maximum value and a rectangular waveform of minimum value for each prescribed number of gear teeth, and a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is calculated by the difference calculation part. The difference is converted into a nick determination value by the judgment value determination part, and the presence or absence of a nick is determined by the judgment part.
US09482521B2	Systems for sparse aperture optical alignment and related methods According to one aspect, a sparse optical system is provided. The sparse optical system includes optical segments, an optical source module to generate beams of light, a collimating module to direct the beams of light towards two adjacent optical segments, a detector to receive a reflection of the beams of light from the optical segments, and a processor. The processor instructs the optical source module to generate a first beam of light, determines a first measurement of an alignment of the two adjacent segments based on the reflection of the first beam, adjusts a position of an optical segment based on the first measurement, instructs the optical source module to generate a second beam of light, and determines a second measurement of the alignment of the two segments based on the reflection of the second beam.
US09482519B2	Measuring semiconductor device features using stepwise optical metrology The present invention relates generally to metrology, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method of measuring multiple parameters of a structure or feature of a semiconductor device using a combination of stepwise optical metrology and a linear system of equations to generate an output as function of position. In an embodiment, a light beam having a width greater than the features to be measured may be shined on a first area of the semiconductor device to calculate a first average. The light beam may then be shined on a second area that overlaps the first area by at least one individual feature to calculate a second average. The averages may be entered into a system of linear equations which may then be solved to calculate an overall average.
US09482514B2	Diagnosing multipath interference and eliminating multipath interference in 3D scanners by directed probing A method for determining 3D coordinates of points on a surface of the object by providing a remote probe having a probe tip and a non-contact 3D measuring device having a projector and camera coupled to a processor, projecting a pattern onto the surface to determine a first set of 3D coordinates of points on the surface, determining susceptibility of the object to multipath interference by projecting and reflecting rays from the measured 3D coordinates of the points, projecting a first light to direct positioning of the remote probe by the user, the first light determined at least in part by the susceptibility to multipath interference, touching the probe tip to the surface at the indicated region, illuminating at least three spots of light on the remote probe, capturing an image of the at least three spots with the camera, and determining 3D coordinates of the probe tip.
US09482511B2	System and method for interlacing differing coherence length sweeps to improve OCT image quality A system and method for sweeping electromagnetic radiation over a first coherence length and a second length over a range of wavelengths to generate an image. Electromagnetic radiation having a first coherence length is generated and swept over a range of wavelengths. Electromagnetic radiation having a second coherence length is generated and swept over a range of wavelengths. The electromagnetic radiation is splitting through a reference path and a sample path; Electromagnetic radiation returned from the reference path and the sample path is detected, wherein the detector generates output signals corresponding to the received electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, the output signals are processed to generate an image. The image may be interleaved with data corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation having the first coherence length and the second coherence length.
US09482508B2	Measuring wheel with folding handle A measuring wheel includes a handle that can be folded into a non-use position. The wheel lies in a plane, and the handle moves in a plane coincident with the plane of the wheel between a collapsed position and an extended use position. The handle has a proximal section and a distal section that connect about a pivot point for movement between a collapsed position and the extended use position. The measuring wheel has a releasable engagement member associated with one of the handle sections that releasably holds the handle in the extended position. The releasable engagement member can be disengaged to allow the handle to be collapsed.
US09482506B1	Methods and apparatus for non-contact inspection of containers using multiple sensors Methods and apparatus for an acoustic source for directing acoustic energy to ensonify a container, a first sensor to detect acoustic energy from the acoustic source affected by an object in the container without contacting the container, a second sensor to confirm presence of the object, and a processing module to process the detected acoustic energy from the first and second sensors to identify the object in the container.
US09482505B2	Arrow construction system having tip canister electronics An arrow construction system comprising a tip canister configured to receive an arrow tip and to attach to an arrow shaft. The tip canister contains a power source and sensitive electronics. The power circuit may be a battery, a primary storage capacitor, a coil and a rectifier, and/or a solar cell. The tip canister may be electrically connected to the nock via the shaft electrical conduction system. The electrical conductors may be integrated into the shaft. The wires may form a cable with standard connectors. The nock may contain a light. Alternatively, the fletching may comprise light emitting film or fibers. The circuits may include a flash circuit, an audio circuit, a radio beacon, a wireless transmitter, environmental sensors, a camera, a switch, and/or a GPS device. The switch may be activated by a current detected in a coil or by an accelerometer.
US09482504B2	Munition with a variable explosive power A munition (10) with variable explosive power comprises a body (12) extending in an axial direction and housing at least first and second explosive charges (31, 32), together with a firing device (16). According to the invention, the munition further comprises a selector (50, 50′) provided with a detonating portion (52) and adapted to move between at least first and second positions, the selector being configured so that its detonating portion couples the firing device (16) to the first explosive charge in said first position and to the second explosive charge in said second position, one of the first and second explosive charges (31, 32) not being coupled to the firing device (16) in at least one of the first and second positions.
US09482503B2	Paintball grenade A paintball grenade that disperses a marking fluid upon impact. In one embodiment, the paintball grenade includes a flexible, resilient tube sealed at both ends. The tube includes a distended portion containing pressurized marking fluid and a side discharge port for discharging the marking fluid along a discharge axis that is approximately transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tube. A blocking member is disposed in the tube that is movable between a closed position that prevents fluid communication between the distended portion of the tube and the discharge port and an open position that allows fluid communication between the marking fluid and the discharge port. When the paintball grenade is thrown and impacts an object, this results in hydrostatic shock through the marking fluid, which moves the blocking member from the closed position to the open position, thereby discharging the marking fluid through the discharge port onto surrounding objects.
US09482502B2	Beveled end pieces for an arrow Example nocks, arrowheads and/or arrowhead inserts include a tapered annular flange axially engaging a correspondingly tapered edge on a tubular arrow shaft. The tapered flange and edge help prevent the end of tubular arrow shaft from deforming radially outward when substantial axial force is applied to the nock, arrowhead and/or arrowhead insert.
US09482493B2	Turret structure, in particular for a fighting vehicle A turret includes a hollow casing provided with a gun, such as a cannon. The casing includes an upper half-shell at least partially widening towards the bottom of the casing, and a lower half-shell at least partially widening towards the top of the casing; the upper half-shell and the lower half-shell meeting and widening, in at least one edge border of the casing.
US09482489B2	Ranging methods for inclined shooting of projectile weapon A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.
US09482481B2	Push-lever magazine release for converting a carbine from clamshell magazines to removable magazines A magazine release for installation on a carbine in place of an original sliding latch enables use of removable magazines in place of an original clamshell magazine. The magazine release features a support member having an upper portion coupled to a trigger assembly frame of the carbine in place of the original sliding latch. A lever is pivotally supported on the support member at a lower portion thereof carried beneath the trigger assembly frame. The lever is pivotal about an axis that lies transversely of a longitudinal barrel direction of the carbine, and is manually pivotable in a release direction moving a catch feature rearwardly in the longitudinal barrel direction out of a default positon into which said catch feature is biased forwardly so as to catch under a retention feature of the removable magazine. The catch feature normally retains the removable magazine in place until the lever is pivoted in the release direction.
US09482475B2	Heat exchanger A heat exchanger includes a shell; a pair of tube plates provided at both ends of the shell; a plurality of heat transfer tubes supported by the tube plates and housed in the shell; and a high-temperature fluid inlet connection for introducing a high-temperature fluid into the shell. A cooling jacket having a porous structure, over which a cooling fluid is to be spread, is provided on the interior surface of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection.
US09482470B2	Process and method for hot changing a VIM induction furnace An apparatus, method and process directed to enabling a VIM induction furnace to be removed from a vacuum chamber while the induction furnace is still in a heated state without damaging the induction furnace. The induction furnace can include a power port that can be easily switched to an auxiliary cooling source to enable the induction furnace to be removed from the vacuum chamber while the induction furnace is still in a heated state.
US09482466B2	Method for drying bulk material The invention relates to a method for drying bulk goods, in particular solids, such as granular materials, powders, grains, films, shreds, or the like, preferably plastic granular material, in a drying silo (9) by means of an air flow. The exhaust air flow (5) that is discharged from the drying silo (9) is dried in a wheel dryer (1). The adsorbent is regenerated and cooled in the wheel dryer. A rotatable drum (2) of the wheel dryer (1) is divided into at least three wheel segments, wherein the region of a wheel segment is used for drying or dehumidifying the exhaust air flow, the region of the second wheel segment is used for heating the adsorbent, and the region of the third wheel segment is used for cooling the adsorbent. The drying or dehumidifying phase (14) for the exhaust air flow (5) and preferably the adsorbent cooling occur in parallel, in particular in a continuous manner during the operation. The regenerating phase (15) with the adsorbent heating is carried out at intervals during the operation. The drum (2) of the wheel dryer is stopped in the cooling (16) or regenerating phase (15) and advanced to a selectable region, preferably the cooling region, after the cooling (16) or regenerating phase (15) finishes.
US09482464B1	Controlling temperature of a test chamber which is equipped with a refrigerant cooling subsystem and a liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem An environmental control apparatus includes a test chamber, a refrigerant cooling subsystem coupled to the test chamber, a liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem coupled to the test chamber, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is coupled to the refrigerant cooling subsystem and the liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem. The control circuitry is constructed and arranged to coordinate operation of the refrigerant cooling subsystem and the liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem to control internal temperature of the test chamber. Selective operation of the liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem and the refrigerant cooling subsystem can provide significant cost savings by alleviating the need to provide liquid nitrogen cooling in all cooling situations. Moreover, co-location of the liquid nitrogen cooling subsystem and the refrigerant cooling subsystem can provide an efficient and effective form factor for the environmental control apparatus.
US09482462B2	Systems and methods for providing two energy level settings for a refrigerator hot water heater Systems and methods for providing two energy level settings for a refrigerator hot water heater are provided. An exemplary refrigerator includes a refrigeration system that includes an evaporator. The refrigerator includes a defrost assembly for defrosting one or more of the evaporator or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes a water dispensing assembly that includes a heating element for heating a volume of water. The refrigerator includes a controller configured to operate the heating element at a first energy level when the defrost assembly is not operating and to operate the heating element at a second energy level when the defrost assembly is operating. An exemplary method includes detecting that the refrigerator is performing an energy critical task. The method includes enabling a reduced consumption of electrical power by a heating element included in a water dispensing assembly of the refrigerator when the refrigerator is performing the energy critical task.
US09482458B2	Ice making unit and refrigerator having the same A refrigerator includes an ice making compartment, an ice making unit producing ice in the ice making compartment, and a refrigeration cycle including a refrigerant pipe to supply cooling energy to the ice making compartment. Air present in the ice making compartment is cooled while undergoing direct heat exchange with at least one of the ice making unit and the refrigerant pipe.
US09482455B2	Systems and methods for harvesting ice from an icemaker tray A system comprising a gear having at least one slot, wherein the gear is connected to an icetray and a motor so that when the motor rotates the gear, the icetray twists, and an optical sensor that detects when the gear has rotated the slot over the optical sensor. The icetray twists while the gear is rotated in a first direction away from a home position to a reverse twist position. The rotation of gear then reverses to twist the icetray to a harvest position in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction until ice in the icetray is dislodged.
US09482454B2	Compressor operation management in air conditioners In various implementations, compressor operation in an air conditioner may be managed by maintaining oil viscosity, a temperature differential, compressor sump temperature, and/or suction pressure. Properties of the air conditioner or portions thereof, such as the compressor, may be determined. To manage compressor operations, operation(s) of the air conditioner may be adjusted based on one or more of the determined properties.
US09482446B2	Heat pump water heater A heat pump water heater includes: a compressor; a first water-refrigerant heat exchanger; a second water-refrigerant heat exchanger; refrigerant paths capable of forming a refrigerant circuit; and water channels including a flow channel, the flow channel leading hot water that has passed through the second water-refrigerant heat exchanger to the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger. The heat pump water heater is able to perform a heating operation. In the heating operation, the hot water heated in the second water-refrigerant heat exchanger is fed to the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger and the hot water further heated in the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger is supplied to a downstream side of the water channels. The first water-refrigerant heat exchanger is able to be replaced without replacing the second water-refrigerant heat exchanger.
US09482443B1	HFC blend refrigeration system with internal R32 blend subcooling A refrigeration system having a main circuit including a main compressor thermally coupled with a secondary or subcooling circuit. The main circuit uses a HFC blend, such as but not limited to, R125/R143A blend or R32/R125/R134A blend as a refrigerant and the subcooling circuit uses an R32 blend. Some embodiments may include more than one main compressor. Some embodiments of the secondary circuit may include more than one secondary compressor. The combined system of differing refrigerants provides increased efficiencies and reduced Global Warming Potential (GWP) over single refrigerant systems for low and medium temperature refrigeration applications.
US09482442B1	Decision dashboard balancing competing objectives A decision dashboard system to balance competing objectives in a control system suggests control parameter settings for the control system based on specified weights for the competing objectives. For example, given a target amount of energy consumption for a campus-wide, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system, providing an optimal amount of climate control to the different campus locations may compete against the length of time climate control is provided to each of the locations. In some aspects, sets of control system settings may be used to predict outcomes based on a history of control parameter settings and measurements from the control system. In further aspects, the predicted outcomes and their associated control parameter settings may be mapped to different weights for the competing objectives and displayed in a graphical user interface.
US09482439B2	Air handling device An air handling device includes a fan that has a fan hub and a set of fan blades that extend from the fan hub. The set of fan blades defines a fan diameter and the fan hub defines a hub diameter. The fan has an inlet side for air intake and an outlet side for air discharge. An annular fan inlet passage is arranged at the inlet side of the fan, and an annular fan outlet passage arranged at the outlet side of the fan. The fan inlet passage and the fan outlet passage each define an outer diameter that is substantially equivalent to the fan diameter and an inner diameter that is substantially equivalent to the hub diameter.
US09482427B2	Method for operating a once-through steam generator and forced-flow steam generator A method for operating a once-through steam generator including an evaporator heating surface is provided. A target value for the supply water mass flow is fed to a device for setting the supply water mass flow, which is predefined using the ratio of the heat flow currently being transferred in the evaporator heating surface from the hot gas to the flow medium to a target enthalpy increase predefined with respect to the desired live steam condition of the flow medium in the evaporator heating surface. A forced-flow steam generator used for carrying out the method is also provided. The heat flow transferred from the hot gas to the flow medium is ascertained for this purpose allowing for a specific temperature value characteristic of the current temperature of the hot gas at the evaporator inlet and a specific mass flow value characteristic for the current mass flow of the hot gas.
US09482424B2	Lighting device having a remote wavelength converting layer According to an aspect of the present invention, a lighting device (2) is provided. The lighting device (2) comprises a wavelength converting layer (21) having a curved shape and a light source (22) arranged to emit light towards the wavelength converting layer (21). The wavelength converting layer (21) intersects a plane extending through the light source (22) and being parallel with the optical axis of the light source (22), at a curve given, in a polar coordinate system centered at the light source (22), by the equation: R(φ)=k·I(φ)1/2±D, wherein k is a constant, 0 is an angle with respect to said optical axis, /(φ) is a function defining a luminous intensity profile of the light source and D is a deviation ranging from zero to 20% of the maximum value of said curve, Rmax. The present invention is advantageous in that the lighting device (2) has a more uniform color distribution of emitted light across the wavelength converting layer (21) and the risk of color gradients and artifacts is reduced.
US09482417B2	Illumination device An illumination device includes a light emitting panel and a device body to which the light emitting panel is detachably attached. The light emitting panel has a rear surface serving as a first curved surface. The device body has a surface serving as a second curved surface conforming to the first curved surface. An attachment portion for attaching/detaching the light emitting panel to/from the device body to slide along the first curved surface or the second curved surface is provided on one of the rear surface of the light emitting panel facing the device body and surface of the device body facing the light emitting panel. A groove portion for enabling the attachment portion to slide is provided on the other of the rear surface of the light emitting panel facing the device body and the surface of the device body facing the light emitting panel.
US09482415B1	Submersible floating light A submersible floating light (1) having a bulb that (3) that floats under that surface of a body of water, thereby illuminating the water and attracting fish and other aquatic life at night. A weighted base (8) locks onto an electrical power cord (7) that passes through apertures (15, 16) located on a housing (9) of the weighted base. The electrical power cord extends from an electrical power source through the weighted base and to the bulb. Clamps (17) allow the weighted base to be positioned at a predetermined distance from the bulb on the electrical power cord.
US09482414B2	Lighting device The invention relates to a lighting device comprising a light source, a light source support, and a cover that extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends includes an opening and the light source support is adapted to be moved in part or in full through a said opening. The lighting device also has a closure member for closing at least one of the openings at the first and second ends, the closure member being movable between a closed position and an open position, and a connector (18) having a first connection member and a second connection member. In the closed position of the closure member the first and second connection members are connected together by an electrical contact, which is a butt contact inside the inside space of the cover. The invention also provides a method of taking action on such a device.
US09482406B2	Multilayered lighting device A light device and a method of making the same. The light device having a casing, or body, in the form of a multilayered stack that includes a supporting base layer, a scattering layer above the base layer, and an outermost protective layer above the scattering layer. The light device further includes a lighting unit contained within the casing, for emitting light outside the light device. The multilayered stack of the casing may further include a spacer arrangement, either as a separate layer between the base layer and the scattering layer, or as an integrated arrangement of one or both of the base layer and the scattering layer. The outermost protective layer may also be a prism layer having a one-way light transmitting character, and a one-way light reflecting character. The bottom layer may include a fastening element for releasably fastening the light device to a separate mounting unit.
US09482405B2	Vehicle lighting device A present invention includes a lamp housing, a lamp lens, a first lamp unit, and a second lamp unit. The first lamp unit includes a semiconductor-type light source, and a light guide member. The light guide member has an exit surface, and a reflection surface. A plane exit surface is provided in a part of the exit surface for blocking a part of a radiated light L4 from the second lamp unit, and a plane incident surface is provided in a part of the reflection surface for blocking a part of the radiated light L4 from the second lamp unit. As a result, the present invention is able to minimize an optical loss of the radiated light L4, even when the light guide member is located at a position for blocking a part of the radiated light L4 from the second lamp unit.
US09482399B2	Light tube kit for skylight A light tube kit for skylight with a light tunnel and a spring clip. The light tunnel may be configured from a sheet member rolled upon itself such that two opposite edges overlap, such overlapped edges secured with the spring clip engaged through slots proximate to the overlapped edges. The spring clip has first and second hooks that are engaged through such slots and a handle disposed between the hooks.
US09482398B2	Lightweight and thermally efficient LED down light A lightweight and thermally efficient LED lighting module is disclosed for recessed down light can retrofits, or as new down light installations mountable to different size junction boxes consisting of a combination heat sink and trim ring unitary metal dish for the attachment of at least one LED array mounted to a circuit board, or at least one chip-on-board or COB LED array, further including at least two removable springs or clips, junction box mounting screw clearance holes, an optional external dimmable LED driver, and a diffusion lens cover installed to the front of the LED lighting module.
US09482392B2	Light fixture and lamp and support at the light fixture and support element at the lamp and lamp holder and lamp socket A light fixture for supporting a lamp at two ends, the light fixture including a lamp holder which receives and supports a lamp socket arranged at a first end of a lamp, wherein the lamp holder includes lamp holder contacts which electrically connect with lamp socket contacts; and a support which receives and supports a support element arranged at a second end of the lamp, wherein the support mechanically supports the lamp in the light fixture and does not include electrical contacts, wherein the support is essentially pot-shaped, wherein two opposite face walls are arranged at a base of the support, wherein the face walls and the side walls define a receiving cavity which is accessible through an opening and which includes a push-in section arranged in front in a push in direction and a support section arranged in a rear in the push-in direction.
US09482389B2	Fuel tank pipe structure A fuel tank plumbing structure includes a first pipe; a second pipe coaxially connected to the first pipe; a flexible locking piece having a protruding end displaced in a radial direction of one of the first pipe or the second pipe; a locking portion formed in another of the first pipe or the second pipe to engage the locking piece; and a lock member annularly formed and fitted externally onto the one of the first pipe or the second pipe, and including an escape groove portion and a control wall portion arranged adjacent to the escape groove. The lock member is displaced in an axis line direction of the one of the first pipe or the second pipe between a first position wherein the locking piece is displaced toward the escape groove portion, and a second position wherein the locking piece abuts against the control wall portion.
US09482388B2	Skid-mounted compressed gas dispensing systems, kits, and methods for using same A skid-mounted compressed gas dispensing station comprises a skid-mounted assembly, with the skid adapted to be mounted to the ground; wherein the skid-mounted assembly comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of a dryer assembly, one or more compressors, a compressed gas storage tank, one or more dispenser assemblies, and an electrical control system, either integral to or pre-mounted on the skid.
US09482386B2	Extendable viewing system and kit allowing for assembly of extendable viewing system An extendable viewing system which allows for the suspension of a camera, or a video recorder, at a distance from the user. The viewing system may have a camera mount which may be rotated by the user. The camera mount may be on a far end of a mounting rod, with the user holding the close end of the mounting rod. The user may rotate a handle to rotate the camera mount.
US09482385B2	Pivoting equipment mounting bracket A system and assembly for mounting components of equipment is disclosed. The assembly includes a mount assembly configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The mount assembly includes a first and second mount. Each mount has a plunger to allow rotation of the mount assembly, and an end for attachment to a component of equipment. The assembly further includes a first brace coupled to the first mount and a second brace coupled to the second mount. Each brace has a first end for attachment to a surface, a second end having an open hem to retain the respective mount, a plurality of pivot holes configured to receive the plunger, and a pivot point coupling the respective mount and the brace.
US09482378B2	Rapid release emergency disconnect system incorporating an integrated hydraulic skid In various embodiments, fluid conduits such as high pressure hoses deployed in-between two sea-fairing vessels may be released during an emergency by using a rapid release emergency disconnect system as described herein, where the rapid release emergency disconnect system may engage with a hanger such as an industry standard frac hanger and be used in-line with fluid conduits such as high-pressure lines. Various skid embodiments are described which can be configured to interface with one or more of the described rapid release emergency disconnect systems.
US09482377B2	Adaptor for use with a valve fitment for dispensing fluids An adaptor that is used with a valve fitment assembly used to dispense fluids or flowable materials from a container. The adaptor is utilized in conjunction with the valve fitment assembly to allow the fitment assembly to be used with a spout and valve assembly attached to a container holding fluid.
US09482370B2	Line clamp assembly and method of use Various embodiments provide a line clamp assembly that includes a base, cradle, and clamp. The base includes wings and a body. The wings extend from the body and each includes a routing port. The body is configured to be welded to a structure. The cradle includes a generally C-shaped body that defines a channel and an opening. The channel is configured to receive the line via the opening. The cradle is configured to sit on the base. The clamp includes a body having ends that each include an attachment configured to mate with a corresponding routing port of the wings. A force is applied to the cradle to compress the cradle such that the attachments are mated with the routing ports. The force applied to the cradle is removed after the attachments are mated with the routing ports such that the cradle expands to apply pressure to the clamp.
US09482367B2	Laying vessel for laying pipelines on the bed of a body of water, and laying vessel operating method A laying vessel configured to lay pipelines on the bed of a body of water has a floating structure; a laying tower hinged to the floating structure and configured to assemble and lay a pipeline on the bed of the body of water; and an A&R system configured to abandon and recover the pipeline; and wherein the A&R system has a haul line; and a sheave assembly configured to guide the haul line, and which is fitted to the floating structure to move between a work position at the laying tower, and a position away from the laying tower.
US09482363B2	Positioning device for knob of valve unit A valve unit includes a valve body with a plate located in a tubular portion of the valve body. The tubular portion has multiple notches defined in the outside there. A knob has a space defined therein and is threadedly mounted to the tubular portion. The knob has a groove defined in the outside thereof. A first hole and a second hole are respectively defined through knob and communicate with the groove. A resilient member is engaged with the groove and two ends of the resilient member are respectively engaged with the first and second holes. A spring is biased between the plate and the knob. The contact portion is engaged with the notches to generate sounds when rotating the knob.
US09482362B2	Check valve for injecting gas A check vale for injecting fuel comprises: an integrally formed body provided with a neck-down portion having a diameter smaller than other areas on an outer surface of an upper portion of a fuel flow hole; an integrally formed spindle perpendicularly penetrating the body and provided with a neck-down portion having a diameter smaller than other areas on an outer surface of a lower portion of the fuel flow hole of the body; a spring surrounding an upper end portion of the spindle; a spring seat for fixing the spring surrounding the upper end portion of the spindle and for guiding the spindle to a perpendicular position; a coupling ring coupled to an upper end of the body for fixing the body to a prechamber; and a spacer coupled to a lower end of the body for fixing the lower end of the body that covers an outer edge of the spindle to the prechamber.
US09482361B2	Magnetically actuated valve This invention relates to a magnetically actuated valve (60), in particular for a mixing apparatus, comprising mechanical means (50, 51, 53, 62) for opening and closing the valve (60), at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52) mobile between a rest position and an operating position, and at least one activation magnet (61) mobile between a first position and a second position, said mechanical means (50, 51, 53, 62) being capable to interact with said at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52) for opening and closing the valve (60), said at least one activation magnet (61) being capable to magnetically interact with said at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52), the valve (60) being characterized in that it comprises sliding mechanical means (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) comprising a slide (63) integrally coupled to said at least one activation magnet (61) and mobile between an initial position and a final position. This invention further relates to an apparatus for mixing a liquid comprising such magnetically actuated valve (60).
US09482360B2	Miniature high performance solenoid valve A solenoid valve assembly includes an armature having a longitudinal axis and an ovular cross-section, the armature being moveable along the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position, and a bobbin including a solenoid coil configured to electromagnetically move the armature when energized. The bobbin defines a recess also having an ovular cross section for receiving the armature and restricting lateral movement of the armature, thereby providing a linear actuation path for the armature along the longitudinal axis. A flux coupler and a flux bracket form a magnetic circuit with the bobbin to electromagnetically move the armature. The flux bracket has a pole piece with a commensurate ovular cross-section that limits the movement of the armature along the longitudinal axis, thereby determining a stroke length of the armature. During manufacture, the flux bracket, and therefore the pole piece, are moved relative to the flux coupler to set the stroke length.
US09482359B2	Electrically operated valve actuator with electro-mechanical end stop detection device An electrically operated valve actuator effective for shifting a valve (10) between open and closed positions is disclosed, the valve actuator comprising a movable member in the form of a valve stem (21) connected to a valve body (14), the movable member being driven by an electric motor (22) in linear motion between valve closing and valve opening positions, wherein electrical power to the motor is supplied via a current (25) control including a supplied current detection device. The movable member is designed for an idling length of travel (L) in the opening and closing directions during which the valve (10) is either fully open or fully closed, and the movable member is associated with buffer means (30) that during the idling length of travel gradually increases the torque and power required to move the movable member further in the open and closed positions of the valve (10), respectively.
US09482354B2	Super high flow pressure relief vent A pressure relief valve (100), having: an upper housing (104) defining a housing internal chamber (112) and comprising at least one window (108) between the upper housing chamber and the atmosphere; a lower housing (106) comprising a housing opening (134); a pallet (170) disposed within the housing internal chamber; and a pair of nested springs (116) disposed within the housing internal chamber and configured to bias the pallet toward the lower housing and thereby form a seal (180) between the housing opening and the housing internal chamber. When the pressure in the housing opening is at a full discharge pressure that is greater than and within fourteen percent of the start-to-discharge pressure, the pair of nested springs is configured to permit the pallet to travel a sufficient distance to expose a flow area of the at least one window that is at least greater than a flow area (138) of the housing opening.
US09482351B2	Disposable, sterile fluid transfer device The present invention relates to a process for the sterile transfer of fluids, be they liquids or gases. It uses a presterilized device comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, sample bag and the like. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when it the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components. The device is attached to an upstream component and the face and the first end of the plunger are steam sterilized in place.
US09482346B2	System and method for controlling a compressor inlet valve An air compressor system includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a butterfly valve coupled to the inlet and movable between a closed position and an open position, and an actuator coupled to the butterfly valve and operable to apply an actuator force to the butterfly valve to move the actuator and the butterfly valve to a desired position between the closed position and the open position. A feedback actuator is coupled to the actuator and is operable to apply a variable secondary force to the butterfly valve in opposition to the actuator force, the secondary force varying in response to the position of the butterfly valve.
US09482343B2	Piston ring for engine Disclosed is a piston ring for engine that includes chromium (Cr) coating layer coated on the surface of a base material of the piston ring of an engine; a chromium nitride (CrN) coating layer; and a silicon-incorporated diamond-like carbon (Si-DLC) coating layer, which is formed on the CrN coating layer, and contains Si component of about 3˜10 at %, and a method for manufacturing thereof.
US09482342B2	Radially deflectable piston bushings A piston assembly, including: a piston for a clutch in a torque converter including: first and second radial surfaces; and a radially inner-most end connecting the first and second radial surfaces. The piston assembly includes a radially displaceable bushing assembly: arranged to engage an input shaft for a transmission and form a first seal against the input shaft; including a first radial wall disposed parallel to the first radial surface and forming a second seal against the first radial surface; and including a second wall facing the second radial surface. The bushing assembly is radially displaceable with respect to the piston while maintaining the first seal between the first radial wall and the first radial surface and the second seal between the bushing assembly and the input shaft.
US09482339B2	CVT ratio change control during a sudden vehicle stop A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes input and output members, a primary variator pulley, and a secondary variator pulley. The respective variator pulleys are responsive to primary and secondary pressures. Speed sensors measure a respective rotational speed of each variator pulley. A controller executes a method by receiving the measured rotational speeds, calculating a current speed ratio of the CVT above a threshold CVT speed ratio using the rotational speeds, comparing the calculated current speed ratio to calibrated threshold ratios during a sudden stop event of the vehicle, and selectively executing a CVT control action after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio during the sudden stop event. The control action depends on which of the threshold ratios is exceeded by the calculated current speed ratio after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio, and on the measured rotational speeds.
US09482337B2	Controller for continuously variable transmission A controller for a continuously variable transmission includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit reduces a change in a target speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission when a sensitivity coefficient is large as compared to when the sensitivity coefficient is small. When the sensitivity coefficient is large, a change in speed ratio is suppressed, so the stability of the speed ratio is improved. When the sensitivity coefficient is small, the response of a shift is improved. The controller changes a degree of suppressing a shift of the continuously variable transmission in response to the sensitivity coefficient, so it is possible to suppress a shift where necessary. Thus, it is possible to achieve both improvement in the stability of the speed ratio and improvement in the response of a shift in automatic vehicle speed control. This suppresses a feeling of strangeness experienced by a driver.
US09482336B2	Guide shoe An object of the present invention is to provide a guide shoe that can prevent a shortage of lubricating oil and supply the lubricating oil onto a sliding surface of the shoe in a favorable manner. To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a guide shoe that has a shoe surface for slidably guiding a running chain CH. A plate guide groove extending along a chain running direction D and guiding link plates L of the chain CH is provide in the shoe surface. An oil guide part having a pair of guide walls is provided in the bottom surface of the plate guide groove. The pair of guide walls are each formed such as to face a rear side in the chain running direction D and converge to each other toward a front side in the chain running direction D.
US09482331B2	Power split transmission A power split transmission, in particular for a traction drive, having at least one drive shaft and at least one output shaft between which a mechanical first branch and a hydraulic or electrical second branch are provided that can be connected to one another at least in part by a planetary gear arrangement, wherein the second branch comprises a plurality of energy converters. The at least one drive shaft can be connected to a first energy converter and to a first connection element of the planetary gear arrangement, while the at least one output shaft can be connected to a second connection element of the planetary gear arrangement and the second and third energy converters can be connected to at least one or more further connection elements of the planetary gear arrangement and/or of the at least one output shaft.
US09482329B2	Multi-mode transmission for vehicle powertrain system A torque transmission device for a powertrain system includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in parallel with a fixed-gear-ratio transmission. The fixed-gear-ratio transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets and a plurality of transmission clutches, wherein the first and second planetary gear sets are arranged to transfer torque between an input member and an output member in one of first and second fixed-gear-ratio modes by selectively activating the transmission clutches. The torque transmission device operates in a first fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a first set of two of the transmission clutches is activated. The torque transmission device operates in a second fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a second set of two of the transmission clutches is activated.
US09482326B2	Electromechanical actuator An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) may comprise a ball screw having at least one tab extending from an inner surface thereof and/or an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing that interfaces with the at least one tab. The bail screw may include three tabs extending from the inner surface thereof. An outer surface of the ball screw may be threaded to mate with a threaded portion of an inner surface of the ADU housing, and/or the ADU housing may interface with the at least one tab, and the ball screw may be rotated to translate a ball nut situated concentrically over ball screw axially. The ADU housing may include a gear train assembly having a carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate includes at least one receptacle.
US09482325B2	Systems and methods for load cell and multi-row thrust bearing integration with ball screw and actuator drive unit housing An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) comprising an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing and a ball screw is disclosed. The ball screw and ADU housing may interface to form a multi-row thrust bearing (MRTB). Further, the ball screw may be situated at least partially about the ADU housing, an outer surface of the ADU housing may include a first ADU raceway, and an inner surface of the ball screw may include a second inner ball screw raceway. Either or both raceways may comprise hemispherical structures. Further, the first raceway and the second raceway may interface to form a multi-row thrust bearing (“MRTB”).
US09482321B2	Power train for hybrid vehicle A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle may include a first input shaft connected to a motor generator and coupled to a dog clutch apparatus, and a second input shaft connected to an engine and coupled to a planetary gear set, in which when the vehicle is overdriven, the dog clutch apparatus is engaged and restricts one component of the planetary gear set.
US09482317B2	Multi-ratio transmission A multi-ratio transmission with nine forward and one reverse gear. Sun gears of first and third gearsets (P1, P3) are couplable, via brake (04), a housing. Carrier of third gearset (P3) and sun gear of second gearset (P2) are couplable, via clutch (13), to input shaft or coupled, via brake (03), housing. Input shaft detachably couples, via clutch (16), ring gear of third gearset (P3), and, via clutch (18), carrier of second gearset (P2) and detachably couples, via clutch (78), ring gear of fourth gearset (P4). Ring gear of second gearset (P2) and carrier of first gearset (P2, P1) are connected to one another. Output shaft couples carrier and ring gear of the fourth and first gearsets (P4, P1) to one another. The sun gear of fourth gearset (P4) is coupled to the housing.
US09482316B2	Compound planetary gear unit A compound planetary gear unit comprising a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a planet carrier for both planetary gear sets together, a first sun gear and a second sun gear as well as comprising a first ring gear and a second ring gear, wherein the first planetary gear set is formed by first planetary gears, which are carried by the planet carrier at a radial distance from a central axis of the compound planetary gear unit in such a way that each of said first planetary gears can be rotated about its own first axis of rotation.
US09482314B2	Bearing roller chain A bearing roller chain includes a tubular bush configured to interconnect link plates facing each other, a tubular metal-made roller through which the bush is inserted, a plurality of metal-made anti-friction rollers arranged between an inner circumferential surface of the roller and an outer circumferential surface of the bush, and annular nonmetallic restraint members fitted into openings at the opposite ends of the roller in an axial direction, with the bush inserted through the restraint members, the restraint members configured to restrain axial direction movement of the plurality of anti-friction rollers.
US09482313B2	Engagement chain unit Provided is an interlocking chain unit configured such that chains reliably and firmly engage with each other and that the buckling and twisting of a rigidified chain portion are avoided. An interlocking chain unit is configured such that the outer edges of a plate overlap region (P) are defined by contact portion faces and flat buckling restricting end faces, and that the plate overlap region (P) is constructed from the outlines of two plate overlap portions (Pa, Pa) which are point-point-symmetric about the point (C) of intersection between hook-shaped interlocking end faces and the buckling restricting end faces.
US09482308B2	Automotive flywheel with fins to increase airflow through clutch, method of making same, and heat management method A flywheel for use in an automobile between an engine and a clutch assembly is provided. The flywheel is a circular member having an engine side and an opposite clutch side. An aperture is formed in the circular member having an axis, and the aperture is used to operatively attach the flywheel to the engine. A plurality of clutch fins and/or grooves are formed on the clutch side adjacent the outer edge of the circular member and spaced radially about the axis of the aperture of the flywheel. The clutch fins have a face that is generally coplanar with the clutch side of the circular member. The fins and grooves work to cool the internal components of the engine. Optionally, a second set of grooves and fins may be formed on the engine side of the flywheel to further aid in cooling the clutch disc and other engine components.
US09482297B2	Controllable coupling assembly having forward and reverse backlash A controllable or selectable coupling assembly includes a plurality of forward locking elements, at least one reverse locking element and first and second coupling members supported for relative rotation about a common rotational axis. The coupling members include a first, second and third coupling faces. The first coupling face has a set of forward pockets angularly spaced about the axis. The second coupling face has a set of reverse locking formations adapted for abutting engagement with the at least one reverse locking element. The third coupling face opposes the first coupling face and has a set of forward locking formations. Either forward backlash is a non-zero integer multiple of reverse backlash or the reverse backlash is a non-zero integer multiple of the forward backlash to prevent the coupling assembly from inadvertently binding in both directions (i.e. a “lock-lock” condition) about the axis.
US09482296B2	Rendering road signs during navigation Some embodiments of the invention provide a navigation application that presents road signs during a navigation presentation. In presenting the road signs, the application of some embodiments differentiates the appearance of road signs at junctions that require a change of direction from road signs at junctions that do not require a change of direction. The application may perform processes that ensure that it arranges the road signs on the map in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In addition, the navigation application of some embodiments does not display too many road signs along the navigated route so that the route is not by occluded by too many road signs.
US09482295B2	Gear-shifting device for means of transport A gear-shifting device (1) for means of transport including a pair of shafts (20-30) each including a plurality of transmission units (200) wherein each transmission unit (200) of a shaft (30) is rotated by a respective transmission unit (200) of the other shaft (20) wherein the shaft (30) is an activation shaft. The activation shaft (30) includes activation means (40) configured in such a way as to selectively rotate in an integral fashion a transmission unit (200) of the shaft (20) with a transmission unit (200) of the activation shaft (30) by generating a transient difference in speed of rotation between the slowing disk (45) operatively connected to the transmission unit (200) of the shaft (30) and the transmission unit (200) of the shaft (30). The transmission units (200) of the activation shaft (30) rotate freely relative to the activation shaft (30) in a selected configuration of the transmission unit (200).
US09482294B2	Coupling and control assembly including a sensor A coupling and control assembly including a sensor for providing an electrical signal for electronic transmission control is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling member which supports the sensor and a locking element and a second coupling member supported for rotation about a rotational axis. The second coupling member has a coupling face oriented to face radially with respect to the axis and has a set of ferromagnetic or magnetic locking formations. An electromechanical component is also supported by the first coupling member. Both the locking element and the sensor are in close-spaced opposition to the coupling face. The sensor senses magnetic flux to produce an electrical output signal indicative of a speed of rotation of the second coupling member. A variable magnetic field is generated in response to rotation of the locking formations past the sensor.
US09482285B2	Hybrid torque transmission mechanism A hybrid torque transmission mechanism (10) comprises a torque receiving component (30) and a torque output component (50) connected to each other, so that they are able to rotate synchronously. The torque receiving component (30) is configured to receive power from an electric motor or gearbox (70), which is then transferred to the torque output component (50), which may contain an output gear (58) to transfer power to an application. The torque receiving component (30) is fabricated using powder metallurgy to achieve sufficient tolerance. The torque output component (50) is fabricated using metal injection molding for high toughness.
US09482279B2	Spacer for rolling bearing, notably used in a wind turbine The spacer is adapted for a rolling bearing comprising an inner ring, an outer ring and at least one row of angular contact rollers disposed between raceways and guiding faces provided on the rings. The spacer comprises opposite inner and outer parts 13, 14 and opposite lateral flanges 15, 16 respectively adapted to come into contact with the raceways and the guiding faces of the rings. Said inner and outer parts and/or said lateral flanges comprise at least a contact surface 14a, 14b; 16a with one of the rings and a concave recess 14c; 16b, 16c, 16d directed outwards towards said ring.
US09482276B2	Method of filling lubricating fluid in hard disk drives Provided herein is an apparatus, comprising a stationary component comprising a cup having a volume reserved for receiving a predetermined amount of lubricating fluid; a rotatable component comprising a sleeve, wherein the rotatable component is fitted within the stationary component in a position substantially above the volume; and an annular member configured for forming a thrust bearing with the sleeve.
US09482273B2	Linear guide device A side seal included in a linear guide device of the present disclosure has one or a plurality of seals, and the seals each have a lip portion, and a holder plate made of hard resin configured to the lip portion and to be mounted on a slider. The holder plate has a thickness retention portion configured to retain plate thickness, and a thin portion that is thinner than and has a lower rigidity than the thickness retention portion. The thickness retention portion is formed along at least the portion of an outer edge of the holder plate where there is not the portion. The thin portion is blocked by the thickness retention portion from the outside.
US09482272B2	Device for the relative displacement of two parts under differential pressure Two detectors mounted on footprints (12) and (13) of a plate (5) can be permuted and placed in turn in front of a measuring location set in a plate (1) connected to the plate (5). Concentric sealing joints (24, 25) bound with the plates (1, 5) a closed cavity wherein a vacuum should be created to perform measurements. The joints enable the plate to be mutually moved without sealing loss. The invention is however applicable to any device implying a relative displacement of two parts in front of each other, a stronger pressure existing outside of the parts than between them, which tends to collapse them against each other.
US09482266B2	Connector for a tubular composite shaft A load transmitting connector 13 for composite tube 11 and a method of attachment of said connector 13 to the tube 11, the connector 13 comprising a screw threaded nut 14 having an outer surface 18 shaped to receive the composite, an annular collar 15, a screw threaded end fitting 16 for engaging the screw thread within the nut 14, and a load means 17, wherein the nut 14 is incorporated within said one end of the tube during tube manufacture, the tube 11 being cured with the nut 14 in situ, the annular collar 15 is placed over said one end of the tube, the end fitting 16 is screwed into the nut, and the load means 17 in use axially moving the end-fitting 16 relative to the collar 15 to exert a clamping load on the composite tube.
US09482261B2	Fastening element A fastening element is provided for a motor vehicle having a nut and a housing accommodating the nut, by which the fastening element can be fastened to a support part, in particular body panel, body attachment part or similar vehicle part of vehicle attachment part. It is provided that the housing is a plastic part with fixing device molded thereon for the clamping and/or positively joined fixing of the fastening element on the support part. A support part is further provided for a motor vehicle, on which a fastening element is fixed. A wiper motor is provided having such a support part.
US09482258B2	Fastener with multiple threaded regions A fastener includes a shank having a point at a first end and a second, head end. A first helical thread region is formed at the first end adjacent to the point and has having a first helical thread having a first effective diameter. A sub-region of a second helical thread formed within the first helical thread region adjacent to the first end. A head at the second end includes a cutting structure, the cutting structure positioned to intersect a bottom surface of the disk and the shank, the cutting structure has a square cross-section formed by four walls intersecting the disk. A third helical thread region may be provided between the first region and the head. The shank diameter in the sub-region and the first region is smaller than the other regions.
US09482257B2	Configuration comprising a component and a fixing system for elastic attachment of the component to a panel-shaped support part A configuration has a component equipped with a retaining foot and a fixing system with a fixing element for elastic attachment of the component to a panel-shaped support part. The fixing element has a central connecting region in the form of a shaft, to which a support plate is attached at one end and to which a cam element is attached at the other end, and an elastomer sleeve surrounds the connecting region, the sleeve having a groove into which the retaining foot engages. The cam element is inserted through a borehole in the support part such that the elastomer sleeve is pressed together between the support plate and the support part, and the fixing element is rotated for a latching connection. A retaining foot plug part with an annular shape partly open in a C shape and adapted to the inner diameter of the retaining groove.
US09482256B2	Mechanism for rapid de-coupling of load bearing structures A de-coupling mechanism includes a link slidably received in a link aperture of a bracket. A pin is slidably received in a pin bore of the link and a receiving bore of the bracket. A first block is connected to the bracket and includes an initiator receiving passage in communication with the pin bore. An initiator is positioned in the initiator receiving passage and retained against a connecting passage edge and oppositely contacts an end face of a cap connected to the first block. A second block connected to the bracket includes a longitudinal channel having a channel diameter larger than a pin diameter so the pin is freely displaceable into the longitudinal channel. An end face of a retaining cap is connected to a second block end wall. The retaining cap includes a stepped portion having a step diameter smaller than the channel diameter and the pin diameter.
US09482254B2	Telescopic rod A telescopic rod includes a large-diameter rod segment, a small-diameter rod segment, and a clamping unit. The large-diameter rod segment is telescopically joinable to the small-diameter rod segment, and includes a uniform-dimension main region, a marginal region, and a dimension reducible region which has left and right grip areas defined by an elongated gap and proximate and distal transverse slots communicated with the elongated gap. The clamping unit is displaceable between an untightened state and a tightened state, where the dimension reducible region is squeezed by the clamping unit such that the left and right grip areas tightly and evenly grip the small-diameter rod segment.
US09482253B2	Pipe supporting device for construction machine A pipe supporting device includes a support portion for supporting a hydraulic pipe along an axis of the hydraulic pipe extending along a length of a boom, and a weld portion to be connected with an outer surface of the boom by fillet welding. The weld portion has a plurality of peripheral surfaces, the plurality of peripheral surfaces including: a pair of opposite perpendicular standing surfaces and extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly intersecting a first stress direction along the axis of the hydraulic pipe; and a pair of oblique standing surfaces extending from respective leading ends of the pair of opposite perpendicular standing surfaces to join each other. Each of the oblique standing surfaces extends in a direction oblique to the first stress direction and joins the corresponding one of the perpendicular standing surfaces at an acute angle.
US09482248B2	Energy regeneration type forklift hydraulic system An energy regeneration type forklift hydraulic system is provided, which includes a first oil pump, a first electrical motor, a multiple directional control valve, a lifting oil cylinder, a tilting oil cylinder, a steering oil cylinder, a load-sensing steering device, an oil filter, a second oil pump and an oil tank, wherein the multiple directional control valve includes an oil inletting and returning valve spool, a raising and lowering reversing valve spool, a tilting reversing valve spool, and an oil inletting valve spool. The raising and lowering reversing valve spool includes a raising and lowering three-position six-way reversing valve, an annular oil returning passage and an oil returning passage. The system can utilize the potential energy of lowering cargo to simultaneously drive two oil pumps for driving two motors to generate energy, thereby realizing energy recovery.
US09482240B2	Compressor housing assembly for a turbocharger A compressor housing assembly for a turbocharger can include a compressor housing shell that includes an axis for alignment with a rotational axis of a compressor wheel, a wall that includes features defined in part by radii with respect to the axis, and an edge that defines in part an inlet opening of a shroud port; and an insert that includes a shroud section and a noise suppressor section that define a recirculation port where the insert is axially located by the wall of the compressor housing shell, where an internal recirculation passage is defined in part by the insert and the wall, and where an edge of the shroud section (e.g., a lowermost edge) defines in part the inlet opening of the shroud port.
US09482239B2	Die-cast diffuser for a turbocharger A compressor housing of an exhaust-gas turbocharger is formed as a pressure-die-cast housing to achieve cost reduction in relation to permanent-mold-cast housings. Since it is not possible in a pressure-die-cast housing to realize round transitions of the spiral in the direction of the housing rear side because this would prevent removal from a mold, the bearing-housing-side diffuser wall is formed as a separate component.
US09482237B1	Method of designing a multi-stage turbomachine compressor A method for designing a multi stage compressor of a turbomachine includes: determining the appropriate number of blades of each rotor blading; determining by instationary computations the trajectories of the slipstreams of the trailing edges of the blades of a rotor blading of an upstream stage n to the leading edges of the blades of a rotor blading of a downstream stage n+1; positioning angularly this rotor blading of the downstream stage n+1 so that the slipstreams pass substantially in the middle of the inter blade circumferential spaces of this blading; repeating these operations for all the stages in order to achieve an aerodynamic coupling on all of the rotor bladings of the compressor; and validating the respective positions of the rotor bladings by new instationary computations on the whole of the compressor.
US09482236B2	Modulated cooling flow scheduling for both SFC improvement and stall margin increase A turbine engine includes a compressor, and high and low pressure turbines. The configuration includes a mid-compression station which can be, in the case of a single compressor in the middle of that compressor, or at the exit of the first compressor in the case of two compressors. Also, there is an exit pressure station at the exit of the compression system. A first gas flow line is interposed between the mid-compression station of the compressor and the low pressure turbine, and a second gas flow line is interposed between the exit pressure station of the compression system and the high pressure turbine. A first valve is coupled to the first gas flow line and modulates a low pressure flow rate of coolant in the first gas flow line, and a second valve is coupled to the second gas flow line and modulates a high pressure flow rate of coolant in the second coolant flow line. A controller is configured to operate the first and second valves based on an operating condition of the turbine engine so as to improve the specific fuel consumption while ensuring acceptable stall margin.
US09482231B2	Rotary compressor having an oil groove in an inner peripheral surface of a bearing A compression element includes a substantially spiral oil groove which is provided in inner peripheral surfaces of bearings and of the shaft. One end of the oil groove opens at a bearing base portion, and the other end of the oil groove opens at a bearing end. According to this configuration, oil in a gap between the shaft and inner peripheries of the bearings and forcibly discharges, into the hermetic container, gas bubbles generated in a sliding gap between the shaft and the bearings and by action of a viscosity pump generated by the substantially spiral oil groove, and it is possible to provide a rotary compressor capable of preventing seizing and wearing caused by gas-involvement at a bearing sliding portion, and capable of securing reliability when refrigerant including R32 is used.
US09482228B2	Variable capacity vane pump with a rotor and a cam ring rotatable eccentrically relative to a center of the rotor In a variable capacity vane pump in which a discharge capacity of a pump chamber is varied by varying an amount of eccentricity of a cam ring relative to a rotor, a port inner wall surface that extends around an inner peripheral cam surface of the cam ring when the cam ring moves in a direction for increasing the amount of eccentricity of the cam ring relative to the rotor is formed on an intake port.
US09482226B2	Blade-type fluid transmission device A blade-type fluid transmission device includes a rotor eccentrically located in the room of a stator and the outer periphery of the rotor is tangent to the inner periphery of the room. At least one blade is pivotably connected to stator and movably inserted in at least one slot of the rotor. The distal end of the at least one blade is in contact with the inner periphery of the room so as to form a space for receiving fluid between the outer periphery of the rotor and the inner periphery of the room. The contact between the at least one blade and the inner periphery of the room increases the efficiency for transmitting fluid which enters into the stator from an inlet and leaves from the stator from an outlet.
US09482221B2	Gas control apparatus A gas control apparatus includes an upper housing to which a second piezoelectric pump is joined, a lower housing to which a first piezoelectric pump is joined, and a diaphragm. The upper housing includes a discharge hole through which gas is discharged. The lower housing includes introduction holes through which gas is introduced, an opening, a first valve seat, a second valve seat, and a third valve seat. The diaphragm is sandwiched between the upper housing and the lower housing, and is fixed to the upper housing and the lower housing so that the diaphragm contacts the first valve seat, the second valve seat, and the third valve seat. The diaphragm divides an inner space of the upper housing and the lower housing to define valve chests together with the upper housing and the lower housing.
US09482212B1	Holddown system for an axial piston pump An axial piston pump includes a housing with a cover plate assembly, a rotor with reciprocable pistons rotatably mounted with a drive shaft and a swashplate assembly tiltably mounted relative to the drive shaft and engaged with outer ends of the pistons. A holddown spring is incorporated within the swashplate assembly and positioned outside the rotor such that the holddown spring tilts with the swashplate assembly and does not rotate with the drive shaft. The holddown spring applies a force holding the piston outer ends against the swashplate assembly and the rotor against the cover plate assembly.
US09482211B2	High pressure sealing arrangement A seal assembly seals a gap between a pump plunger and a high pressure cylinder of a pump. The assembly includes a seal ring having a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end, and a rear axial end. An O-ring is positioned on the seal ring. A packing ring has a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end abutting the rear axial end of the seal ring, and a rear axial end. A non-metal packing follower has a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end abutting the rear axial end of the packing ring, and a rear axial end. The non-metal packing follower can be ceramic (e.g., carbide) or similar hard, wear-resistant materials.
US09482208B2	Wind turbine rotor blade having an electrical heating arrangement and method of making the same A wind turbine rotor blade is assembled from a first and a second rotor blade half shell made of a fiber-reinforced plastics material. An electrical heating arrangement includes a first heating element connected to the first rotor blade half shell and having a blade root end and a blade tip end and a second heating element connected to the second rotor blade half shell also having a blade root end and a blade tip end. The heating arrangement also includes a third heating element connected to the rotor blade half shells and having a blade root end and a blade tip end. The blade tip ends of the first, second and third heating elements are mutually electrically connected. The blade root ends of the first, second and third heating elements are connected to respective electrical connecting lines.
US09482206B2	Rolling bearing arrangement The invention is directed to a rolling bearing arrangement comprising two annular elements that are arranged mutually concentrically and at least regionally inside each other, for connection each to a respective one of two oppositely rotatable system components, and comprising a gap between said connecting elements, such that they are able to rotate in opposite directions about an imaginary axis located at the center of the annular connecting elements and extending approximately perpendicular to the ring plane, wherein at least two rows of rolling bodies are provided in the region of the gap between the connecting elements, wherein the annular connecting elements completely or partially overlap each other in the radial direction and one or more raceways for rolling bodies are arranged in radially overlapping regions of the annular connecting elements, in such a way that the contact angle which the connecting line between the centers of the points of contact of a rolling body with its two raceways makes with the ring plane is equal to or greater than 75°, and wherein the rolling bodies of at least one row have a contact angle of 15° or less.
US09482205B2	Wind turbine having a heat transfer system A method of starting up a wind turbine includes heating first and second components, the first component having a first minimum operating temperature and the second component having a second minimum operating temperature. Excess heat is generated after the second component has been heated to the second minimum operating temperature. The excess heat is transferred to the first component to assist heating the first component to the first minimum operating temperature. The first and second components are cooled after reaching the first and second minimum operating temperatures.
US09482203B2	Spark plug for internal combustion engines and mounting structure for the spark plug A spark plug is provided, which includes a housing, an insulation porcelain, a center electrode, a main ground electrode, a first sub ground electrode and a second sub ground electrode. The first and second sub ground electrode are arranged being opposed to each other. Requirements of Hs1
US09482202B2	Torque compensation for detonation In one aspect, a method for mitigating detonation in a skip fire engine control system is described. The working chambers of the engine are operated in a skip fire manner to deliver a desired torque. One or more detonations are detected in the engine. In response to the detection of the one or more detonations, the spark timing for one or more of the working chambers is retarded. Additionally, the firing fraction used to operate the engine is increased. The increase in the firing fraction helps to compensate for torque lost due to the retarding of the spark timing.
US09482197B2	Fuel supply structure in vehicle engine A main fuel injection valve and a secondary fuel injection valve are separately housed in a purified chamber and an unpurified chamber of an air cleaner. A common fuel supply conduit for leading fuel from a fuel tank is connected to a branching connection pipe which is supported to pass through a cleaner case and a bulkhead and which is placed in one of the unpurified chamber and the purified chamber 49. The branching connection pipe is connected to a main fuel injection valve side branched fuel conduit and a secondary fuel injection valve side branched fuel conduit.
US09482196B2	Method for monitoring an injection valve, and method for operating an injection valve A method is disclosed for monitoring an opening of an injection valve. The injection valve includes a valve body with a cavity having a fluid outlet portion, a valve needle movable in the cavity between a closing position preventing fluid flow outlet and other positions allowing fluid flow through the outlet, and an actuator unit for actuating the valve needle. The method includes actuating the actuator unit with a predetermined voltage signal, recording a time-dependent profile of a current through the actuator unit, detecting a first gradient alteration time where the gradient of the recorded current profile changes more than a first threshold, detecting a second gradient alteration time where the gradient of the recorded current profile changes more than a second threshold, and based on the first and second gradient alteration times determining a diagnostic value usable for compensating a long-term drift of the injection valve.
US09482194B2	Mixing valve for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle In a mixing valve for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the distance between pivot axes of two flaps is smaller than the diameter of the largest flap. The flaps are also connected to a single drive device. The drive device ensures a collision-free coupling of the movements of the flaps.
US09482193B2	System for rotationally securely plugging a sensor into a through passage of a flow channel A system for rotationally securely plugging a sensor into a through-passage of a flow channel, the sensor including a sensor housing, the through-passage having an inner wall delimiting the through-passage and first and second inside diameters extending respectively along a first axis and a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, the first inside diameter being greater than the second inside diameter, a plug-in direction of the sensor housing into the through-passage defining a third axis essentially perpendicular to the first and second axis, the sensor housing having a longitudinal extension area along the third axis and being insertable into the through-passage. To ensure rotationally secure assembly of the sensor in its setpoint angular position, at least one protrusion is provided so that the sensor housing, in a plugged-in state, is rotatable in the through-passage by no more than 0.5° about the third axis.
US09482191B2	System and methods for managing fuel tank temperature A system for an engine, comprising: a fuel tank; a thermal regulator comprising a phase-change material, the thermal regulator coupled to the fuel tank; and an engine coolant passage positioned to transfer thermal energy between engine coolant and the phase-change material. In this way, the temperature of the fuel tank may be managed passively by the phase-change material, and actively by engine coolant, thereby allowing heat energy to be shunted away from the fuel tank, cooling the fuel within the fuel tank, and reducing fuel vapor concentration, thus enabling a fuel vapor canister with a reduced size.
US09482181B2	Thrust reverser device without a control rod in the stream A jet engine nacelle has one thrust reverser device which includes a deflection means and one cowl translatable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle. The cowl can translate between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the cowl ensures the aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle and covers the deflection means. In the open position, the cowl opens a passage into the nacelle and uncovers the deflection means. The thrust reverser device moreover includes one blocking flap pivotably mounted by one end attached to a rear portion of the deflection means, and slidingly connected to the moving cowl. The pivoting end is also translatably connected to the rear portion of the deflection means.
US09482178B2	Cylinder liner with an undercut seal trap A cylinder liner for an engine includes a cylindrical wall having a radially internal surface and a radially external surface opposite the radially internal surface, the cylindrical wall defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, the radially external surface including a sealing surface and an undercut surface adjacent to the sealing surface, the sealing surface at least partly facing away from the longitudinal axis. The undercut surface includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface at least partly facing the longitudinal axis, and the second surface at least partly facing away from the longitudinal axis.
US09482177B2	Control apparatus for internal combustion engine An object of this invention is to accurately detect a sensitivity abnormality of an in-cylinder pressure sensor over a wide operating range without using other sensor outputs or the like. Based on only the output of an in-cylinder pressure sensor 44, an ECU 50 acquires a first parameter that is affected by an output sensitivity of the sensor, and a second parameter that is not affected by the output sensitivity. Specifically, the ECU 50 acquires a heat release quantity PVκ as the first parameter, and acquires an indicated torque ratio (A2/A1) as a second parameter. The ECU 50 also calculates a determination coefficient α that is a ratio between the first and second parameters, and determines that the output sensitivity of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 44 is abnormal when the determination coefficient α deviates from an allowable range. Thus, even without utilizing another sensor output or the like in an auxiliary manner or previously preparing a large amount of data or the like, a sensitivity abnormality of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 44 can be easily detected over a wide operating range.
US09482175B1	Systems and methods for providing fuel to an internal combustion engine A system for providing fuel to an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel reservoir for containing fuel for use by the internal combustion engine; a first pump that pumps fuel from a supply tank into the fuel reservoir; and a battery that provides electrical power to the first pump. A control circuit sends signals to selectively run the first pump so as both to minimize a total amount of electrical power consumed by the system and to maintain at least a minimum amount of fuel in the reservoir. Methods for filling a fuel reservoir that contains fuel for use by an internal combustion engine are also provided.
US09482173B2	Fuel control systems and methods for cold starts An indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) module determines IMEPs for combustion cycles of cylinders of an engine, respectively. A coldstart indication module indicates whether the engine is in a cold state after a startup of the engine. A fueling correction module, when the engine is in the cold state, selectively increases a fueling correction for one of the cylinders based on the IMEP of the one of the cylinders. An equivalence ratio (EQR) module selectively increases an EQR of the one of the cylinders based on the fueling correction for the one of the cylinders.
US09482171B2	Cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel-ratio controller for internal combustion engine An ECU executes a cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel-ratio control in which an air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder is estimated based on a detection value of an air-fuel-ratio sensor to adjust the air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder. Further, the ECU computes a learning value of a correction quantity for each cylinder, which is obtained by executing the cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel-ratio control. Then, the ECU determines whether the estimated air-fuel-ratio has converged according to whether the estimated air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder has been closer to a target value than a specified value for not less than a specified time period. A computation of the learning value is prohibited until the estimated air-fuel-ratio has converged. Therefore, it can be avoided to compute the learning value based on the fuel correction quantity that is obtained when the estimated air-fuel-ratio has not converged yet.
US09482168B2	Mid-cycle fuel injection strategies A method and apparatus are disclosed for introducing a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The method includes dividing the engine map into three distinct operating regions, with different operating modes in each region. When the engine is operating in a low load region, gaseous fuel is introduced to the combustion chamber during an intake stroke before an intake valve associated with the combustion chamber closes. When the engine is operating in a high load low-speed region, gaseous fuel is directly injected into the combustion chamber during a compression stroke after the intake valve is closed. When the engine is operating in a high load high-speed region, a split injection strategy is employed with a first portion of the gaseous fuel introduced into the charge before the intake valve closes and a second portion being injected after the intake valve is closed.
US09482167B2	Hybrid pump control for multi fuel engine system In an engine system of a machine having a multi fuel engine system, an energy accumulator is provide to accumulate and store energy when the engine system is in a low engine power usage or low engine load state, and to discharge energy from the energy accumulator when the engine system is in a high engine usage or high engine load state. The energy accumulator may be implemented, for example, in the form of a gaseous fuel accumulator that delivers gaseous fuel to the engine, a hydraulic fuel accumulator that provides pressurized fluid to power a fuel pump, or a battery pack that powers an electric hydraulic pump.
US09482166B2	Method of controlling a direct-injection gaseous-fuelled internal combustion engine system with a selective catalytic reduction converter A method controls a direct-injection gaseous-fuelled internal combustion engine system to improve the conversion efficiency of an SCR converter that is operative to reduce levels of NOx. The method comprises detecting when the internal combustion engine is idling and timing the injection of a first quantity of fuel to begin injection when the engine's piston is near top dead center; and controlling the temperature of exhaust gas to be above a predetermined temperature that is defined by an operating temperature range that achieves a desired conversion efficiency for the selective catalytic reduction converter, by: (a) timing injection of the gaseous fuel to begin after timing for injection the first quantity of fuel, and (b) increasing exhaust gas temperature by increasing a delay in timing for injecting the gaseous fuel, while limiting the delay to keep concentration of unburned fuel exiting the combustion chamber below a predetermined concentration.
US09482163B2	Spark ignition type internal combustion engine In the present spark ignition internal combustion engine, a shortest self-ignition delay time τmin for a maximum cylinder internal pressure Pmax and a maximum cylinder internal temperature Tmax when equivolume combustion is realized is calculated by using a calculation formula which uses a cylinder internal pressure and a cylinder internal temperature to calculate an self-ignition delay time, and a knock limit ignition timing ITA is determined based on the calculated shortest self-ignition delay time.
US09482154B2	Exhaust gas collector for an exhaust aftertreatment system An exhaust gas collector for use in a duct of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system includes generally T-shaped tubular sample members having closed upstream ends, downstream ends and spaced apart exhaust collection holes. The downstream ends of the tubular members are fluidly coupled at a common collection location in the center of the duct. The tubular members are positioned in the duct with the exhaust collection holes at locations distributed across a cross sectional area of a duct to collect exhaust samples from across the cross sectional area of the duct. All exhaust gas samples collected by the exhaust gas collector are collected by one of the sample members having a downstream end coupled to the common collection location. A non-sample collecting accumulator tube is fluidly coupled to the common collection location of the tubular sample members. A sensor senses the mixed exhaust gas in the accumulator tube.
US09482153B2	Oil retention in the bore/piston interfaces of ported cylinders in opposed-piston engines An opposed piston engine includes at least one cylinder with a bore surface and longitudinally-spaced exhaust and intake ports that open through the sidewall of the cylinder. A pair of opposed pistons is disposed in the cylinder for sliding movement along the bore surface. An oil-retaining surface texture pattern in an interface between the pistons and the bore surface extends in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, aligned with bridges of at least one port. The surface texture pattern includes a plurality of separate recesses on an outside surface of a skirt of each piston. Alternatively, or in addition, the surface texture pattern includes a plurality of separate recesses extending in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, aligned with bridges of at least one port.
US09482148B2	Active exhaust pulse management Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a volume control valve attached to a branch of a split exhaust manifold in a boosted engine system. Volume control valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. One example method includes closing the volume in response to a tip-in when increased boost is needed for exhaust turbine spool-up.
US09482147B2	Method and apparatus to operate internal combustion engine employing an intake air compressor A method for controlling intake airflow in an internal combustion engine including an intake air compressor includes determining a first compressor boost signal based upon a predetermined intake manifold pressure command, determining a second compressor boost signal based upon a predetermined exhaust pressure limit, determining a compressor boost control command based upon the first compressor boost signal and a limit comprising one of a maximum boost setting and said second compressor boost signal, and controlling the intake air compressor in response to the compressor boost control command.
US09482144B2	Air-actuated fan clutch An air-actuated fan clutch having a translatable piston in communication with a pressure chamber and moveable between a piston neutral position and a piston activated position in response to air pressure. A clutch spring biases a clutch housing into engagement with a clutch element that is coupled for rotation with a drive shaft when the piston is in the piston neutral position. Movement of the piston to the piston activated position moves the clutch housing away from the clutch element to inhibit transmission of rotary power through the fan clutch. A valve and an actuator are provided to prevent movement of the piston from the piston neutral position when air pressure acting on the piston would be below a predetermined threshold.
US09482143B2	Motorcycle A water pump is disposed so as to be mounted on a cylinder head cover of an engine. An electric motor is disposed continuously from the water pump. The water pump sends cooling water to a water jacket of a cylinder block via a cooling water pipe disposed so as pass in front of the cylinder head cover and a cylinder head. In an upper end portion of a radiator, an inlet through which the cooling water is led from the engine is disposed on the left and an outlet through which the cooling water is supplied to the water pump is disposed on the right. The inlet is connected to the cylinder block via a cooling water pipe, and the outlet is connected to the water pump via a cooling water pipe.
US09482138B2	Exhaust device of motorcycle In an exhaust device in a motorcycle including an article storage pannier at a side portion of a rear portion of the motorcycle, a rear end surface of a muffler which discharges exhaust gas to the outside is located frontward of a front end surface of the pannier, and an outlet pipe of the muffler is curved such that the exhaust gas is discharged to a region below the pannier. An axis of the muffler is inclined so as to extend rearward and upward. A plurality of the outlet pipes are aligned vertically, and the upper outlet pipe is curved.
US09482136B2	NOx sensor based output disablement in response to exhaust system high frequency pressure pulsations Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for disabling control of one or more outputs of an internal combustion engine system in response to an engine-out NOx sensor during a high frequency pressure pulsation associated with the exhaust gas at the engine-out NOx sensor. A high frequency pressure pulsation event may be determined in response to a pressure sensor measurement, or in response to operating parameters of one or more components of the system indicating high torque output conditions, and/or by a blade position of a turbine adjacent the NOx sensor indicating passage of the exhaust gas pressure pulsations to the NOx sensor.
US09482135B2	Dual fuel diesel oxidation catalyst with removable catalysts A diesel oxidation catalyst component may include an inlet, an outlet, and a catalyst chamber body in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. An angled jacking bolt assembly is configured to secure a diesel oxidation catalyst within a catalyst chamber defined by the catalyst chamber body. In some implementations, a spacing component or a second diesel oxidation catalyst may be included and secured by the angled jacking bolt assembly. The catalyst chamber body may include an access panel assembly that includes an access panel and securing bolts. The access panel assembly may substantially fluidly seal an opening defined by a mount of the catalyst chamber body when the access panel is secured to the mount by the plurality of securing bolts. The opening may be sized to permit removal of the diesel oxidation catalyst from within the catalyst chamber.
US09482130B2	Selective catalytic reduction and catalytic regeneration system A selective catalytic reduction and catalytic regeneration system includes: a main exhaust flow path; a reactor which is installed on the main exhaust flow path; a bypass exhaust flow path which branches off from the main exhaust flow path, and bypasses the reactor; an ammonia injection unit, which injects ammonia to the exhaust gas which is to flow into the reactor; a hydrolysis chamber, which produces ammonia to be supplied to the ammonia injection unit; a branch flow path, which branches off from the main exhaust flow path at a front side of the reactor; a recirculation flow path, which branches off from the main exhaust flow path at a rear side of the reactor, and merges with the branch flow path; and a multifunctional flow path, which connects the hydrolysis chamber with a point where the branch flow path and the recirculation flow path merge together.
US09482128B2	Method for regenerating NOx storage catalytic converters of diesel engines with low-pressure EGR The invention relates to a method for regenerating nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters and to a correspondingly adapted exhaust-gas purification system for lean-burn engines. In particular, the present invention relates to the regeneration of nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters during special driving situations of the vehicle.
US09482127B2	Booster air heater for high moisture fuels A system and method for drying pulverized high moisture fuel for use in a selective catalytic reduction system equipped combustion system is provided. The combustion system includes a mill for pulverizing fuel, an air heater, a booster air heater and a fuel duct for feeding dried pulverized fuel to a combustion furnace.
US09482126B2	Method for operating an exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle, and exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle A method for operating an exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle involves performing regeneration of the particle filter as a function of at least one aging value characterizing an aging condition of the oxidation catalytic converter.
US09482125B2	Particulate filter and hydrocarbon adsorber bypass systems A regeneration system includes a first comparison module that at least one of (i) compares a first temperature of an adsorber to an adsorber release temperature and (ii) compares a second temperature of an engine to a predetermined temperature, and generates a first comparison signal. A second comparison module that compares a particulate matter output of the engine with a predetermined output and generates a second comparison signal. A mode selection module that selects a mode and generates a mode signal based on the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal. A bypass valve control module that adjusts position of a bypass valve to bypass at least one of a particulate matter (PM) filter and the adsorber based on the mode signal.
US09482124B2	Method for detecting abnormally frequent diesel particulate filter regeneration, engine and exhaust aftertreatment system, and warning system and method A method is provided for detecting abnormally frequent diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration. The method includes measuring a pressure drop across the DPF and using the measured pressure drop to calculate a pressure drop based soot load estimate, calculating soot output from an engine model and using the calculated soot output to calculate an emissions based soot load estimate, comparing the pressure drop based soot load estimate with the emissions based soot load estimate, and providing a warning if a difference between the pressure drop based soot load estimate and the emissions based soot load estimate exceeds a predetermined.
US09482120B2	Retention device for valve actuating mechanism A retention device for a valve actuating mechanism to secure a finger follower and lash adjuster together includes a ring member disposed in a groove of a movable piston of the lash adjuster. The retention device also includes a connecting member having a plurality of legs adapted to engage the finger follower and an intermediate base interconnecting the legs and adapted to be disposed below the ring member and about a portion of the lash adjuster to effect a free movement of the connecting member in all pivoted positions of the finger follower.
US09482118B2	Tappet A tappet (1) having a tube-like housing (2), which in the region of one of the end faces (3) thereof receives a roller (5) running on a pin (4) and serving for contact with a periodic stroke generator. The pin (4) is mounted via the ends (6) thereof in a flat (8) that is indented from an outer surface (7) of the housing, wherein in the housing (2), axially beneath the roller (5), means (9) are provided for an at least indirect bearing of a tappet follower member. The housing (2) is formed of an extruded profile having profiling on the inner surface (10) of the housing (2), wherein, viewed in a circumferential direction of the housing (2), at least twothick-wall profile segments and two thin-wall profile segments (11, 12) are present. The thick-wall profile segments lie diametrically opposite each other and the thin-wall profile segments lie diametrically opposite each other, and the flat portions (8) are located in the thick-wall profiled segments (11).
US09482115B2	Turbine engine support assembly including self anti-rotating bushing A turbine engine includes multiple tierod supports. Each of the tierod supports is connected to an inner frame case of the turbine engine via multiple fasteners and at least one self anti-rotating bushing component.
US09482114B2	Compressor case lining A lining for a compressor case in use with a gas turbine engine compressor is provided. The compressor includes a compressor casing, which is generally comprised of a first and second half. Inside the casing is a plurality of vanes attached to a plurality of vane bands. The vane bands are affixed to the interior of the compressor casing. A lining, comprising a carbon fiber reinforced-type material is applied to the interior of the compressor casing over the vane bands. The lining allows a minimal clearance to be between the lining and wheel blade tips spinning within the compressor casing. The carbon fiber in the lining allows the lining to withstand a high number of temperature cycles due to the use of the compressor and the gas turbine engine.
US09482113B2	Mounting system for a nacelle fire detection system A mounting system for a fire detection system for a turbofan engine propulsion system is provided to mount fire detection sensors on the inner fixed structure (IFS) of the nacelle. The mounting system mounts to an inner, engine facing surface of the IFS. Two IFS halves cooperate to form a substantially enclosed space around an engine core. The mounting system includes part of a fastening system mounted to the IFS, and an orientation clip mounted to a thermal blanket. Brackets for mounting the fire detection system sensing wires are positioned on the orientation clip, and the fastening system fixes the bracket to the IFS and traps the thermal blanket therebetween.
US09482111B2	Fan containment case with thermally conforming liner A fan section of a gas turbine engine includes a fan containment case assembly includes an outer case of an aluminum alloy. The outer case extends circumferentially around an axial centerline. A thermally conforming liner assembly is located inwardly of the outer case. The thermally conforming liner assembly includes a circumferential liner of an aluminum alloy. A ballistic liner is located between the outer case and the thermally conforming liner assembly.
US09482109B2	Compressed gas energy storage and release system A compressed gas energy storage and release (CGESR) system and method. The system has a gas compressor, a container for storing compressed gas, a pressure engine, and an underground high temperature region. Conduits connect the gas compressor, the container and the pressure engine. The compressed gas drives the pressure engine. An electrical power generating means is operatively connected to said pressure engine to generate electricity. The system further comprises a means to heat at least a portion of one of the conduits utilizing heat from the underground high temperature region to heat the compressed gas therein prior to driving the pressure engine.
US09482106B2	Combustor transition A combustor transition can be adapted to guide combustion gases in a hot gas flow path extending between a combustor and a first stage of a turbine in a gas turbine. The combustor transition includes a duct having an upstream end adapted for connection to the combustor and a downstream end adapted for connection to a first stage of the turbine. The downstream end comprises an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. At least one side wall has a side wall extension, which can extend in a downstream direction beyond the outlet. A gas turbine can be retrofitted with such a combustor transition and a gas turbine with such a combustor transition can also undergo a borescope inspection.
US09482104B2	High-pressure turbine blades made of ceramic matrix composites A turbine blade for a turbojet engine, made of a ceramic matrix composite material and including a vane that extends above a platform and a root that extends below the platform is provided. The pressure face and the suction face of the vane is formed by sheets of a composite material, the sheets meeting at the leading edge and trailing edge of the vane. The pressure face and suction face are formed by the same sheet bent back on itself, in a radial direction, at the leading edge or trailing edge.
US09482103B2	Intermediate additively manufactured component An intermediate component with an internal passageway includes a solid metallic additively manufactured component with an internal passageway in a near finished shape. The component has voids greater than 0 percent but less than approximately 15 percent by volume and up to 15 percent additional material by volume in the near finished shape compared to a desired finished configuration. Also included are a ceramic core disposed within the internal passageway of the component and an outer ceramic shell mold encasing an entirety of the component, such that an entire external surface of the component is covered by the outer ceramic shell mold.
US09482102B2	Method of reinforcing a mechanical part A method of reinforcing a mechanical part, for example a turbine engine part, the part being made by assembling together two portions, the method including: inserting reinforcing mechanisms of elongate shape at least in part in at least one recess formed in one of the portions and opening out into a junction surface between the portions; and assembling the two portions together.
US09482101B2	Trailing edge and tip cooling A gas turbine engine component includes an airfoil extending radially from a root section to a tip section and having a trailing edge cooling passageway and first, second and third flow dividers in the cooling passageway. The first, second and third flow dividers have longitudinal axes that are angled based upon a position of the flow divider relative to the tip section of the airfoil.
US09482097B2	Gas turbine engine airfoil An airfoil for a turbine engine includes pressure and suction sides that extend in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a relationship between a stacking offset and a span position that is at least a third order polynomial curve that includes at least one positive and negative slope. The positive slope leans aftward and the negative slope leans forward relative to an engine axis. The positive slope crosses an initial axial stacking offset corresponding to the 0% span position at a zero-crossing position. A first axial stacking offset X1 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a negative-most value on the curve. A second axial stacking offset X2 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a positive-most value on the curve. A ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is less than 2.0.
US09482096B1	Textured leading edge for aerospace and nautical structures A surface area of a structure is fabricated with a textured surface that reduces the surface wear rate or erosion caused by a high speed flow of fluid containing abrasive particles over the surface area. More particularly, a leading edge surface such as a rotor leading edge surface, an aircraft airfoil leading edge surface, a propeller leading edge surface, etc. is fabricated with a textured surface comprised of a plurality of grooves that alter or break up a high speed flow of fluid containing abrasive particles over the textured surface. The grooves are contacted by the high speed flow of fluid containing the abrasive particles and alter or break up the flow of fluid and abrasive particles and thereby reduce surface wear rate or erosion of the structure leading edge.
US09482095B2	Web connected dual aerofoil members A rotor blade assembly for a gas turbine engine includes two aerofoil members joined together at their roots by a blade assembly attachment web. The rotor blade assembly is made from a composite material, for example an organic fiber composite material. The blade assembly attachment web is used to attach a plurality of rotor blade assemblies to the rest of the gas turbine engine in order to form a rotor stage. The rotor stage may, for example, be the fan stage of a turbofan gas turbine engine.
US09482094B2	Gas turbine and turbine blade for such a gas turbine A gas turbine includes a rotor concentrically surrounded by a casing, with an annular hot gas channel axially extending between the rotor and the casing. The rotor includes a plurality of blades arranged annularly on the rotor. Each of the blades is mounted with a root in a respective axial slot on a rim of the rotor radially extending with an airfoil into the hot gas channel and adjoining with an axially oriented root surface to an annular rim cavity. A cooling device is provided at the root of each blade to receive cooling air injected into the rim cavity through stationary injectors. An optimized cooling is achieved by providing an essentially plane root surface and the cooling device includes a scoop for capturing and redirecting at least part of the injected cooling air, which scoop is a recess with respect to the root surface.
US09482089B2	Receiving and measuring expelled gas from a core sample An example system for receiving gas expelled from a core sample of a formation may include a tubular element. A core chamber may be disposed within the first tubular element. A gas and drilling fluid separator may be in fluid communication with the core chamber. The tubular element may be an inner barrel assembly of a core sample assembly that is disposed within a borehole. A core sample may be contained within the inner barrel assembly and may be retrieved at the surface. Gas may be expelled from the core sample as it is retrieved, and the gas and drilling fluid separator may separate the expelled gas from suspension with a drilling fluid for analysis.
US09482088B2	Mean regression function for permeability A method having obtaining one or more porosity data of a subsurface of the Earth using a data acquisition tool; computing one or more permeability data from the porosity data using a transformation function; computing a first quantile regression function and a second quantile regression function of the one or more permeability data; producing a combined mean regression function of the one or more permeability data by summing the first quantile regression function and the second quantile regression function, wherein the first quantile regression function is multiplied by a first coefficient and the second quantile regression function is multiplied by a second coefficient; and using the combined mean regression function to predict a mean permeability of the subsurface.
US09482087B2	Geomechanical logging tool An apparatus including a body having a central axis defined therethrough, at least one extendable arm coupled to the body, and a mechanical property tester coupled to the at least one extendable arm, the mechanical property tester configured to penetrate a surface of a borehole and to measure one or more mechanical properties of the surface of the borehole.
US09482086B2	Remote visual and auditory monitoring system A well site remote monitoring system comprises a monitoring station, a number of recording devices, a number of sensors, a processor, and a power source. The monitoring station supports the recording devices, processor, and power source thereon and is positioned at a strategic location at a well site so that the recording devices can create video, audio, or other recordings of points of interest of the well site. The processor controls the recording devices and uploads the recordings to a remote server computer for storage and so that an operator can manage and view the recordings on a remote monitoring computer.
US09482080B2	Hydrocarbon resource heating apparatus including RF contacts and guide member and related methods A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a tubular radio frequency (RF) antenna within the wellbore and a tool slidably positioned within the tubular RF antenna. The tool may include an RF transmission line and at least one RF contact coupled to a distal end of the RF transmission line and biased in contact with the tubular RF antenna. The tool may also include a guide member extending longitudinally outwardly from the distal end of the RF transmission line.
US09482078B2	Diffuser for cable suspended dewatering pumping system A pump includes one or more stages, each stage including a tubular housing and a mandrel disposed in the housing. The mandrel includes a rotor rotatable relative to the housing and having: an impeller, a shaft, and one or more helicoidal blades on an outer surface of the impeller. The mandrel further includes a diffuser: connected to the housing, having the rotor shaft extending therethrough and having a plurality of vanes on an outer surface thereof. Each vane has an arcuate portion and a longitudinal portion. The diffuser further has a channel formed between an adjacent pair of vanes. The pump further includes a fluid passage formed between the housing and the mandrel.
US09482076B2	Multi-stage valve actuator An actuator assembly for effective interventionless activation of a valve in wells of multilateral architecture. The assembly may be pressure actuated from an oilfield surface even in certain circumstances where another valve in another leg of the well has been opened in a manner compromising pressure control of the well. Due to the multi-stage nature of the actuator, pressure based activation remains viable as a result of supplemental and/or fail-safe modes of actuation, for example, where such pressure control becomes compromised.
US09482075B2	Retrieval of subsea production and processing equipment Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes, among other things, subsea equipment (100) that is adapted to contain a first fluid while operating in a subsea environment (160), and an accumulator device (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e) that is in fluid communication with the subsea equipment (100), wherein a pressure boundary of the accumulator device (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e) is adapted to move in response to a pressure change on the subsea equipment (100) as the subsea equipment (100) is raised from the subsea environment (160).
US09482074B2	Valve actuating apparatus An actuating apparatus for a downhole valve including a tubular body, which includes an axial bore that extends through the body. The actuating apparatus also includes an operating member that is adapted to move relative to the tubular body. The movement of the operating member relative to the tubular body is between a first position and a second position such that fluid contained within a reservoir is displaced when such a downhole valve is actuated. The actuating apparatus is adapted to be fluidly coupled to the downhole valve.
US09482071B2	Seat apparatus and method An apparatus and method for restricting fluid flow with a seat assembly. The seat is configured to go from a first position, in which it is adapted to engage a plug element, to a second position, in which the plug element passes through the seat. A second portion of the seat, and alternatively of a housing in which the seat is disposed, is formed of a disintegrable material. The second portion of the seat and housing comprising the disintegrable material are isolated from a fluid flow when engaged with the seat.
US09482068B2	Hydraulic lockdown A subsea well connector for connecting a tubular member to a subsea wellhead assembly includes a tieback connector having an annular stationary connector body that circumscribes a portion of an annular moveable connector body. A tie rod with a tie rod profile extends axially from the stationary connector body. A dog ring circumscribes the tie rod and is moveable between a lockdown open position where the dog ring is spaced from the tie rod, and a lockdown engaged position where a dog ring inner diameter profile engages the tie rod profile, to axially couple the stationary connector body and the moveable connector body. An annular piston circumscribes the dog ring and has a region with a reduced inner diameter that engages an outer diameter of the dog ring to retain the dog ring in the lockdown engaged position. A cylinder circumscribes the annular piston, defining a lockdown piston cavity.
US09482066B2	Downhole tool activation An apparatus for use in controlling first and second downhole tools includes a first cyclical indexing mechanism associated with a first downhole tool, and a second cyclical indexing mechanism associated with a second downhole tool, wherein the first indexing mechanism defines at least three sequential indexing positions within a cycle and the second indexing mechanism defines at least two sequential indexing positions within a cycle. The apparatus includes at least one actuator for actuating the first and second indexing mechanisms in response to a common stimulus to cause said first and second indexing mechanisms to advance between respective indexing positions so as to permit co-ordination of the operational states of the associated first and second downhole tools. The apparatus may be used for controlling first and second under reamers or for controlling an under reamer and a corresponding stabilizer.
US09482065B1	Method and apparatus for disposal of cuttings A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the storage area 30.
US09482064B2	Drum unit with an arch compensator for a well intervention string A drum unit for an intervention string for a well includes a drum with a drum axis and with a radius, arranged in a structural frame and rotatable by a motor and a tension compensator. The tension compensator includes a guide arch displaceable in a direction generally along the intervention string, orthogonal to the drum axis, using a first force device connected to the structural frame for keeping the intervention string in tension. At least a first end of the guide arch is laterally displaceable in a direction generally orthogonal to the intervention string, parallel with the drum axis. The intervention string runs between the guide arch to or from the first end to the drum. The intervention string runs via a second, opposite end of the guide arch via a second, fixed guide at the structural frame, directly or indirectly to or from the well.
US09482056B2	Solid PCD cutter A cutting element may be formed by placing a plurality of diamond particles adjacent to a substrate in a reaction cell and subjecting the plurality of diamond particles to high pressure high temperature conditions to form a polycrystalline diamond body. The polycrystalline diamond body may have a cutting face area to thickness ratio ranging from 60:16 to 500:5 and at least one dimension greater than 8 mm.
US09482053B2	Ladder safety device and method of attachment According to principles of the present inventive concepts, a ladder safety device can include one or more stabilizing legs configured to be removably or permanently attached to a ladder. In a preferred embodiment, an attachment mechanism of the ladder safety device removably attaches to the ladder through rung holes already present in the ladder. The stabilizing legs are preferably secured in the attachment mechanism such that they can be securely oriented at a desired angle extending away from the ladder legs and can be independently extended to have a desired length.
US09482052B2	Safety gate with a rewindable, flexible barrier Provided is a retractable safety gate and locking mechanism for a retractable safety gate that employs a flexible barrier windable around a rotating spool, a lever or time release cap, a spline lock, meshing teeth, a spline geometry for extending and retracting the barrier.
US09482041B2	Door actuator A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.
US09482040B2	Fitting for a sliding door A fitting (1) for suspending a sliding door leaf (D) is provided. Said fitting (1) comprises a base plate (2) having means (8, 9) for attaching said base plate (2) to a door leaf (D), support means (3) attached to said base plate (2) for allowing said fitting (1) to be guided by a rail (R) along a sliding path (P), and a shank (5) having a part (5b, 5d) extending from a lateral end of said base plate (2) at an angle (α, β) relative a plane of the base plate. Said fitting (1) further comprises an anti-lifting device (4) attached to said shank (5) and being moveable between an idle position and a locked position by a rotational movement of the anti-lifting device (4) about an axis (A) being substantially perpendicular to a plane of said shank part (5b, 5d).
US09482039B1	Hard cover A hinge for a tonneau cover includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member oriented in an opposite direction as the first hinge member. Each of the hinge members includes a hook-shaped rail having a flat portion and a hooked end directed in a direction toward a body of the hinge member. The hooked end is positioned near a same side of the hinge member as a top surface of the body. The hinge body includes an edge positioned near a base of the hook-shaped rail. The hinge includes a hinge junction having a first curved lip and a second curved lip extending from a top surface of the hinge junction. The top surface is positioned opposite a base of the hinge junction. The curved lips are configured to pivotably receive the hook-shaped rails of the first and second hinge members.
US09482037B2	Exterior locking module for a lock The invention relates to a module for locking a motor vehicle lock. The aim of the invention is to design an easy-to-make and compact locking module for a lock. Said aim is achieved by a locking module comprising a housing, a switching nut that can be connected to a locking cylinder so as to rotate the switching nut by means of a key, and mechanism for converting a rotary movement of the switching nut into a linear movement to lock and unlock a lock. The mechanism comprises a dog which is linearly moved by a rotary movement of the switching nut. In the mounted state of the locking module, the linear movement of the dog actuates a mechanism that causes the lock to unlock or lock. In order to minimize the number of parts, the switching nut is rotatably mounted by the module housing.
US09482034B2	Security latch for door hinged to open outwardly A security latch apparatus for the interior of a school or industrial door hinged to open outwardly. The latch includes a lower mounting door bracket with a pivotable handle designed to fit firmly against the interior doorframe and prevent that door from being prematurely pulled open. A disengagement rod is provided for authorized personnel to manually undo a secured door from its exterior.
US09482033B2	Anti-shock electromechanical lock The present invention concerns an electromechanical lock (1), comprising: a solenoid (2) a movable locking element (3) displaceable by said solenoid (2) into an unlocking position of the lock (1) a spring (4) acting on said movable element (3) to hold it in a locking position of the lock (1) with the solenoid (2) in a de-energized condition wherein said movable element (3) comprises an anti-shock shaped portion (31,31′,31″,31′″) and said lock (1) comprises an engagement means (8,8′,8″,8′″) for said anti-shock shaped portion, said engagement means (8,8′,8″,8′″) is displaceable into an engagement position in which it interferes with the anti-shock shaped portion (31,31′,31″,31′″) in order to prevent said movable element (3) from displacing into the unlocking position of the lock wherein said lock it further comprises a substantially cylindrical and hollow rotor (6), intended to house said solenoid (2) and said movable element (3) such that one end of the latter provided with said anti-shock shaped portion (31) externally protrudes from said solenoid (2) a fixed block or stator (9) a stop bar (81) radially displaceable from and towards an interference position between rotor (6) and stator (9) to allow or prevent rotation of the former with respect to the latter.
US09482032B2	System for changing a locking state The invention relates to a system for changing a locking state of a window and/or a door, comprising at least one handle housing that can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the window and/or the door and a handle that is rotatably mounted relative to the handle housing. The invention further comprises at least one electronic evaluation circuit for detecting the position of the handle, wherein the evaluation circuit is provided with at least one primed circuit board arranged, at least in part, inside the handle housing and/or the handle, and accommodating a first sensor. The handle is connected in a pivotably secure manner to at least one connecting device, which extends through the handle housing, by way of which the locking state of the window and/or the door can be changed, wherein the primed circuit board is connected to the connecting device and/or the handle in a pivotably secure manner.
US09482028B2	Friction picket system A railing assembly may include a first railing portion including a first channel and a second channel. The railing assembly may include a first retaining element disposed at least partially in the first channel. A second retaining element may be disposed at least partially in the second channel. A baluster may be disposed at least partially in the first railing portion. The first retaining element and the second retaining element may be configured to retain the baluster relative to the first railing portion. The railing assembly may include a second railing portion, and the baluster may be disposed at least partially in the second railing portion.
US09482025B2	Foldable tent One embodiment of the invention relates to a self-contained folding shelter, including a rigid base with a first base portion and a second base portion and a hinge coupled to the first base portion and the second base portion. The hinge defines a hinge axis such that the first base portion and the second base portions are pivotally movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The folding shelter further includes a first pair of rail members disposed along the sides of the first base portion and a second pair of rail members disposed along the sides of the second base portion. The first and second pairs of rail members extend generally orthogonal to the hinge axis. The first pair of rail members are aligned with the second pair of rail members when the first and second base portions are in the open configuration. The folding shelter further includes a plurality of frame members, each of the frame members having a pair of ends spaced apart and movably coupled to the plurality of rail members such that each frame member is configured to pivot relative to the rail members and translate along the length of the rail members. The folding shelter further includes a cover supported by the frame members to define an interior space, and a panel coupled to the rigid base. The panel is pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position. The panel is coupled to an edge of the cover when in the vertical position and configured to pass electrical power to the interior space. In the closed configuration, the rigid base defines a storage space sized to receive the plurality of frame members, the cover, and the panel.
US09482019B2	Leveling device for laying tiles or the like A leveling device for laying tiles or the like includes a tie-rod having a support base for edge portions of one or more adjacent tiles, a projecting element from the base, which can be arranged into junctions between adjacent tiles, and a knob coupling with the projecting element and having an outlet pass-through hole for a free end of the projecting element. The knob is configured to force an edge portion of the adjacent tiles against the base to level the placement and is configured to receive and retain, by snap coupling elements, a blocking tie-rod hooking and retaining the projecting element inside a pass-through channel defined in the blocking tie-rod. The blocking tie-rod is sectioned into two coupling half-shells, embracing and constraining the projecting element when inserted in the cap, and mutually separating to leave free the projecting element when at least partially extracted from the cap.
US09482017B2	Alignment guides for constructing building components The invention pertains to the field of construction of buildings and structures. The invention relates to alignment guides for constructing building components, namely walls, ceilings and floors to be used in buildings and structures. This invention also relates to kits of specific alignment guides and methods of using alignment guides.
US09482013B2	Floor covering Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
US09482011B2	Panel siding product A siding product may include a panel having a substantially rectangular structure with a simulated pattern on a front face thereof. The panel may be formed from a polymer and may include color variegation. The panel may have a hollow back and be a single shake configuration that does not simulate more than one shake or more than one course of siding. The siding product may include a panel having a front face with a simulated pattern. The panel can include a hollow back, a longitudinal length extending in an x-direction, a lateral width extending in a y-direction, and a transverse depth extending in a z-direction. The panel can have a plurality of reinforcement ribs on the hollow back that extend longitudinally in the x-direction and transversely in the z-direction. In a version, none of the reinforcement ribs extend laterally in the y-direction.
US09482009B2	Connector element for use in a flashing assembly for roof windows mounted side-by-side and a method for mounting a flashing assembly The invention relates to a connector element for use in a flashing assembly for roof windows mounted side-by-side comprising at least two flashing members. The exterior side of the connector element having an exterior side intended for facing the exterior in the mounted state comprises a gutter with two longitudinal edges each being adapted for engagement with an engagement section of a flashing member. At least two flanges projecting from the interior side, which is intended for facing the roof in the mounted state, and in parallel with the longitudinal edges of the gutter are adapted for coming into engagement with a mounting bracket arrangement including at least two mounting brackets associated with two different roof windows and adapted for a locking engagement with the mounting bracket arrangement thereby fixating the connector element in relation to the mounting bracket arrangement in at least one direction. Each of the at least two flanges are intended for coming into abutment with a surface of one of the two mounting brackets and each flange is provided with two or more curved recesses, each recess being adapted for riding on intermediate members of the mounting bracket arrangement. The invention also relates to method for mounting a flashing assembly.
US09482007B2	Flexible laminated hip and ridge shingle A laminated asphalt shingle including a base layer, a first decorative layer, and a second decorative layer is provided. The first decorative layer may be affixed to the base layer and to the second decorative layer by a flexible adhesive that permits the first decorative layer to move relative to both the base layer and the second decorative layer without de-bonding. The relative movement of the shingle layers permits the shingle to be folded over the ridge line of a roof without de-bonding or breaking the layers. Additionally, the relative movement of the layers when the shingle is installed over a ridge creates opposing transverse edges in which each layer is offset from the other layers as a result of the shingle bending about a different radius of curvature, thereby providing a dimensional appearance along the transverse edges.
US09482004B2	Method for producing a panel sandwich A method for producing a panel sandwich (2, 17, 40) for use as a wall, ceiling or floor panel (1, 16) comprising at least the following steps: providing a base panel (7, 20, 31) made of wood-based material, arranging a sound-insulating layer (9, 18) above the base panel (7, 20, 31), arranging a cover panel (11, 22, 38) above the base panel (7, 20, 31), pressing the sandwich, wherein an elastic plastic material is used to produce the sound-insulating layer (9, 18), wherein according to a first alternative of the invention, a closed-cell foam (9a) is arranged as the elastic plastic material, wherein the plastic material before being introduced into the sandwich panel has an elasticity modulus under pressure of 0.25 MPa to 1.5 MPa, according to a second alternative of the invention, the elastic plastic material applied is a self-adhesive plastic material (18c) which connects the base panel (20) to the cover panel (22), is elastic when set, has an elasticity modulus under pressure of 0.25 MPa to 1.5 MPa and has a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm.
US09482000B2	Hanger devices for interstital seismic resistant support for an acoustic ceiling grid Hanger devices for a ceiling tile grid suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof.
US09481995B2	Method of applying foam compositions Methods of applying a foam composition to a cavity in a building structure are provided. The methods include introducing a foam composition into a cavity defined by a wall, a plurality of structural members, and a plastic membrane affixed to one or more faces of the structural members and one or more sides of the structural members defining the cavity.
US09481993B2	Formwork for use in the construction of arched structures and a method of constructing arched structures A formwork for constructing an arched structure comprises a first end panel and a second end panel. A plurality of longitudinal members extends between the first end panel and the second end panel. The longitudinal members are arranged in an arced formation and the longitudinal members slope between the first end panel and the second end panel. The formwork may have rollers disposed along lengths of the longitudinal members.
US09481990B2	Toilet air filtration system A filtration system to filter air from a toilet bowl includes: a fan assembly having a fan and an air flow channel in fluid communication with the toilet bowl to draw air from the toilet bowl; a housing interposing the toilet bowl and the fan assembly, the housing having a filter receptacle to receive a filter unit therein, the received filter unit being in fluid communication with the air flow channel wherein the fan assembly draws air through the filter unit to exhaust the air out of the air flow channel; an activator to activate the fan assembly; and, a decimator for killing or eliminating particulate matter in the air flow.
US09481989B2	Rigid piston valve incorporating a solenoid A rigid piston assembly for use in a conventional flush valve includes a rigid piston and a solenoid configured to fixedly engage within the valve body. A flush valve for a plumbing fixture as well as a method of retrofitting a piston valve into a diaphragm flush valve body includes a rigid piston and solenoid configuration.
US09481981B2	Shovel A shovel includes a cabin in which a display monitor is provided, a main pump that generates a hydraulic pressure, an internal combustion engine that drives the main pump, and a display control part configured to generate display information to be displayed on the display monitor based on information communicated between the display control part and the internal combustion engine, and cause the generated display information to be displayed on the display monitor. The display control part is configured to cause a graph showing the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine over time and the operational work mode of the shovel corresponding to a time for which the fuel efficiency is calculated to be simultaneously displayed on the single display screen of the display monitor.
US09481977B1	System and method for controlling a machine A system for controlling a machine during an autonomous material moving operation includes a terrain sensing system, a position sensing system, and a ground engaging work implement. A controller is configured to determine the topography of the work surface, generate a first target profile, generate signals to autonomously operate the machine along a work surface, receive a plurality of signals associated with a plurality of necessary input conditions, and generate a pause command based upon an absence of one of the plurality of necessary input conditions to define a pause condition. The controller may determine the position of the machine, determine an estimate of an amount of material being moved, generate a second target profile, and generate signals to re-start autonomous operation of the machine based upon the second target profile after elimination of the pause condition.
US09481975B2	Construction machine A construction machine including: a swivel motor; a working attachment having a boom, a boom cylinder, an arm and an arm cylinder; a hydraulic actuator circuit having a first circuit including the boom cylinder and a boom control valve, a second circuit including the arm cylinder and an arm control valve, and a third circuit including the swivel motor and a swivel control valve; first to third pumps for the first to third circuits; a merge valve having a first position for merge of third pump fluid into the first circuit and connection of an unload line of the third circuit to a tank, and a second position for prohibiting the merge; and a merge selecting control section which holds the merge valve at the first position either of when only a swivel operation is performed and when a boom raising operation is performed.
US09481973B2	Continuous strand hoop reinforcement for concrete foundations A post-tensioned continuous strand hoop reinforcement for concrete foundations is provided. The post-tensioned continuous strand hoop reinforcement compresses the concrete to prevent cracking and significantly reduces foundation deflection and distortion which increases rotational stiffness in anchor caps, spread foundations, and like foundation configurations.
US09481965B2	System for absorbing impact load in a machine A system associated with a machine is provided. The system is configured to engage with a vehicle. The system includes a first frame and a second frame to support a first roller and a second roller, respectively. The first roller and the second roller are configured to abut a first and a second set of ground engaging members, respectively, of the vehicle. The system further includes a pin member to couple the first frame and the second frame. The first frame and the second frame are moveable relative to each other about a rotating axis defined by the pin member. The system further includes an actuating member coupled between the first frame and the second frame. The actuating member is configured to move the first frame and the second frame about the pin member.
US09481962B2	Method for treating textile material for use in reinforced elastomeric articles The invention is directed to a method for treating a textile material with a crosslinkable high density polyethylene based elastomer compound, such treated material for use in reinforced elastomeric articles. In one embodiment, a crosslinkable high density polyethylene based elastomer compound is applied in particle form to a surface of a textile material having a plurality of interstices. The particles are of a size no greater than about 35 mesh and include a peroxide curing agent. Next, the particles are melted so as to impregnate the interstices of the textile material with the compound. Then, the compound is crosslinked in-situ via the peroxide curing agent. In one example, the rubber compound includes about 80 parts per hundred cross-linkable material (phcm) to 100 phcm crosslinkable high density polyethylene. The resulting textile material may be used as a facing fabric, e.g., in a reinforced elastomeric article, such as a toothed power transmission belt.
US09481957B2	Method for optimizing a rinsing phase in a washing machine and washing machine suitable therefor A method for optimizing a rinsing phase in a washing machine includes introducing rinsing liquid in a last step of the rinsing phase into an outer tub of the washing machine. A sensor detects a presence of fabric softener in the rinsing liquid to produce a signal which is compared with a reference signal to determine the presence of fabric softener in the rinsing liquid. Rinsing is executed with water only in the absence of fabric softener, or with water and fabric softener in the presence of fabric softener, with a washing kinetics reduced by at least 15% when rinsing involves water and fabric softener and including a switch-on time, duration of a reversing cycle, and rotational speed of a drum of the outer tub. Switch-on time and rotational speed are hereby each reduced by at least 20% whereas duration of the reversing cycle is increased by at least 20%.
US09481956B2	Pretreatment cup for treating durable and delicate fabrics A pretreatment cup comprising elongated protrusions, having a length to width ratio of greater than 2, which are spaced so that the distance between the elongated protrusions is less than the height of the elongated protrusions, can be used for pretreating both durable and delicate fabrics.
US09481949B2	Fabrication and application of nanofiber ribbons and sheets and twisted and non-twisted nanofiber yarns The present invention is directed to nanofiber yarns, ribbons, and sheets; to methods of making said yarns, ribbons, and sheets; and to applications of said yarns, ribbons, and sheets. In some embodiments, the nanotube yarns, ribbons, and sheets comprise carbon nanotubes. Particularly, such carbon nanotube yarns of the present invention provide unique properties and property combinations such as extreme toughness, resistance to failure at knots, high electrical and thermal conductivities, high absorption of energy that occurs reversibly, up to 13% strain-to-failure compared with the few percent strain-to-failure of other fibers with similar toughness, very high resistance to creep, retention of strength even when heated in air at 450° C. for one hour, and very high radiation and UV resistance, even when irradiated in air. Furthermore these nanotube yarns can be spun as one micron diameter yarns and plied at will to make two-fold, four-fold, and higher fold yarns. Additional embodiments provide for the spinning of nanofiber sheets having arbitrarily large widths. In still additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to applications and devices that utilize and/or comprise the nanofiber yarns, ribbons, and sheets of the present invention.
US09481940B2	Electrodeposition system and method incorporating an anode having a back side capacitive element Disclosed are an electrodeposition system and method with an anode assembly comprising a capacitor comprising a first conductive plate (i.e., an anode) with a frontside having a surface exposed to a plating solution, a second conductive plate on a backside of the first conductive plate, and a dielectric layer between the two conductive plates. During a non-plating mode, a power source, having positive and negative terminals connected to the first and second conductive plates, respectively, is turned on, thereby polarizing the first conductive plate (i.e., the anode) relative to the second conductive plate to prevent degradation of the anode and/or plating solution. During an active plating mode, another power source, having positive and negative terminals connected to the first conductive plate (i.e., the anode) and a cathode, respectively, is turned on, thereby polarizing the anode relative to the cathode in order to deposit a plated layer on a workpiece.
US09481937B2	Selective etching of reactor surfaces Compositions, methods, and systems permit selectively etching metal oxide from reactor metal parts (e.g., titanium and/or titanium alloys). The etching composition comprises an alkali metal hydroxide and gallic acid. The method is useful for cleaning reaction chambers used in the deposition of metal oxide films such as aluminum oxide.
US09481930B2	Fabrication of diamond shells A novel method for fabricating diamond shells is introduced. The fabrication of such shells is a multi-step process, which involves diamond chemical vapor deposition on predetermined mandrels followed by polishing, microfabrication of holes, and removal of the mandrel by an etch process. The resultant shells of the present invention can be configured with a surface roughness at the nanometer level (e.g., on the order of down to about 10 nm RMS) on a mm length scale, and exhibit excellent hardness/strength, and good transparency in the both the infra-red and visible. Specifically, a novel process is disclosed herein, which allows coating of spherical substrates with optical-quality diamond films or nanocrystalline diamond films.
US09481928B2	Sputtering sources for high-pressure sputtering with large targets and sputtering method A sputtering head comprises a receiving area for a sputtering target (target receptacle). The sputtering head comprises one or more magnetic field sources so as to generate a stray magnetic field. The magnetic north and the magnetic south of at least one magnetic field source, between which the stray field forms, are located 10 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less, and particularly preferably approximately 1 mm apart. It was found that, notably when sputtering at a high sputtering gas pressure of 0.5 mbar or more, the degree of ionization of the sputtering plasma, and consequently also the ablation rate of the sputtering target, can be locally adjusted by such a locally effective magnetic field. This allows the thicknesses of the layers that are obtained to be more homogeneous over the surface of the substrate. Advantageously, the sputtering head additionally comprises a solid state insulator, which surrounds the base body comprising the target receptacle and the sputtering target (all connected to potential) and electrically insulates the same from the shield that spatially limits the material ablation to the sputtering target (connected to ground).
US09481924B2	Seed layer for low-e applications Methods, and coated panels fabricated from the methods, are disclosed to form multiple coatings, (e.g., one or more infrared reflective layers), with minimal color change before and after heat treatments. For example, by adding appropriate seed layers between the IR reflective layers and the base oxide layers, the color performance can be maintained regardless of high temperature processes. The optical filler layers can include a metal oxide layer. In some embodiments, the seed layer can include nickel, titanium, and niobium, forming a nickel titanium niobium alloy such as NiTiNb.
US09481923B2	Methods for both coating a substrate with aluminum oxide and infusing the substrate with elemental aluminum Methods of aluminizing the surface of a metal substrate. The methods of the present invention do not require establishment of a vacuum or a reducing atmosphere, as is typically necessary. Accordingly, aluminization can occur in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies and reduces processing costs by allowing deposition of the aluminum coating to be performed, for example, in air. Embodiments of the present invention can be characterized by applying a slurry that includes a binder and powder granules containing aluminum to the metal substrate surface. Then, in a combined step, a portion of the aluminum is diffused into the substrate and a portion of the aluminum is oxidized by heating the slurry to a temperature greater than the melting point of the aluminum in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.
US09481919B2	Production of high grade nickel product A process for the production of a high grade nickel product including the steps of: a) providing at least one heap of a nickeliferous lateritic ore and leaching that heap with a suitable lixiviant, preferably sulfuric acid solution, to produce a nickel rich pregnant leach solution (PLS); b) subjecting the PLS to an impurity removal step to precipitate ferric iron, and preferably partially precipitate aluminum and chromium as hydroxides; and c) recovering a high grade nickel product from the PLS preferably by either nickel ion exchange, solvent extraction, electrowinning, conventional multi-stage neutralization, pyrohydrolysis or sulfidation.
US09481917B2	Gaseous based desulfurization of alloys A method for desulfurizing a metal alloy comprises heating the metal alloy to a molten state. A gaseous desulfurizing compound is bubbled through the molten alloy to form a solid sulfur-containing waste phase and a molten reduced-sulfur alloy phase. The solid waste phase and the molten reduced-sulfur alloy phase are separated. The gaseous desulfurizing compound includes a constituent element selected from the group: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and rare earth metals.
US09481915B2	Method of screening drugs that promote LOXL1 expression The present invention discloses a drug screening method, drugs promoting extracellular matrix protein crosslinking and their applications, the said drug screening method, is used to screen out materials promoting the expression of LOXL1 gene, wherein, the said drug screening method contains the following steps: A, Construct the 2nd generation lentiviral vector used to control the ZsGreen expression by human LOXL 1 gene promoter. B, Infect human fibroblasts with the 2nd generation lentiviral vector, and construct the new human fibroblasts which integrate PLOXL1-ZsGreen components. C, Drug screening: Inoculate the said human fibroblasts integrating PLOXL1-ZsGreen components into culture medium. Add the analyte into the cell culture medium containing human fibroblast cells. After culturing, detect the green fluorescence intensity of these fibroblast cells, then decide if the analyte promotes LOXL1 gene expression by checking if the green fluorescence intensity is increased. The method provided by the present invention is easy to operate and widely applicable.
US09481904B2	Electrokinetic method for capturing and bioassaying airborne assayable pathogenic agents Electrokinetic methods are described with the purpose of collecting assayable agents directed by creation of an electrokinetic potential well. Environmental agents such as biowarfare agents, pathogens, allergens or pollutants are collected autonomously. The dielectric fluid medium, such as air, is sampled by electrokinetic propulsion. A further embodiment for collection of pathogen samples entails exposing the sample to an electric plasma in the neighborhood of a high voltage electrode or electrodes, further transported through a potential well created at a sample collection device conductive liquids, such as oils may be sampled for the presence of contaminants, contaminating organisms or bio-degrading organisms.
US09481903B2	Systems and methods for detection of cells using engineered transduction particles Systems and methods for detecting and/or identifying target cells (e.g., bacteria) using engineered transduction particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes mixing a quantity of transduction particles within a sample. The transduction particles are associated with a target cell. The transduction particles are non-replicative, and are engineered to include a nucleic acid molecule formulated to cause the target cell to produce a series of reporter molecules. The sample and the transduction particles are maintained to express the series of the reporter molecules when target cell is present in the sample. A signal associated with a quantity of the reporter molecules is received. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the signal is independent from a quantity of the transduction particle above a predetermined quantity.
US09481897B2	Hybrid polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention provides hybrid polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity. The present invention also provides polynucleotides encoding the hybrid polypeptides; nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and processes of using the hybrid polypeptides.
US09481895B2	Introduction of modular vector elements during production of a lentivirus Methods and kits for lentiviral production are provided. By separating certain components of the vector including but not limited to promoter, reporter and selection marker preference components from the genetic content of interest, one can create libraries that allow for the efficient generation of custom selected lentiviral vectors.
US09481889B2	Gene controlling shell phenotype in palm Nucleic acid sequences for predicting and controlling shell phenotype in palm.
US09481888B2	Recombinant bacterium and methods of antigen and nucleic acid delivery The present invention provides a recombinant bacterium and methods of using the recombinant bacterium to induce an immune response.
US09481887B2	DNA aptamers for promoting remyelination Materials and methods related to using multimeric DNA aptamers to treat demyelinating diseases are provided herein.
US09481884B2	Enabling the use of long dsRNA for gene targeting in mammalian and other selected animal cells The present invention provides a method of enabling the use of long dsRNA for gene silencing in mammalian cells through bacteria, preferably non-pathogenic or therapeutic strains of bacteria. DNA that encodes long double-strand RNAs are transformed into bacteria and processed in the bacterial cells into a mixture of smaller RNA duplexes and then released into the cytoplasm of the target cells, resulting in modulation of gene expression in the target cells. The methods overcome the incompatibility between long strong dsRNA and mammalian cells by eliminating, or mitigating, the non-specific innate immune response. The eukaryotic cells can be mammalian cells or avian cells. The gene of interest can be a mammalian, avian, bacterial, eukaryotic, or viral gene.
US09481883B2	Arrays and methods of use Methods are provided for producing a molecular array comprising a plurality of molecules immoblized to a solid substrate at a density which allows individual immobilized molecules to be individually resolved, wherein each individual molecule in the array is spatially addressable and the identity of each molecule is known or determined prior to immobilization. The use of spatially addressable low density molecular arrays in single molecule detection and analysis techniques is also provided. Novel assays and methods are also provided.
US09481880B2	Methods of genome installation in a recipient host cell The presently disclosed invention relates to methods of installing a genome isolated from one species (the donor) into suitably prepared cells of a second species (the recipient). Introduction of the donor genetic material into the recipient host cell effectively converts the recipient host cell into a new cell that, as a result of the operation of the donated genetic material, is functionally classified as belonging to the genus and species of the donor genetic material.
US09481878B2	Compositions and methods of use of immunotoxins comprising ranpirnase (Rap) show potent cytotoxic activity The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming immunotoxin complexes having a high efficacy and low systemic toxicity. In preferred embodiments, the toxin moiety is a ranpirnase (Rap), such as Rap(Q). In more preferred embodiments, the immunotoxin is made using dock-and-lock (DNL) technology. The immunotoxin exhibits improved pharmacokinetics, with a longer serum half-life and significantly greater efficacy compared to toxin alone, antibody alone, unconjugated toxin plus antibody or even other types of toxin-antibody constructs. In a most preferred embodiment the construct comprises an anti-Trop-2 antibody conjugated to Rap, although other combinations of antibodies, antibody fragments and toxins may be used to form the subject immunotoxins. The immunotoxins are of use to treat a variety of diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disease or immune dysfunction.
US09481877B2	Engineered primate L-methioninase for therapeutic purposes Methods and compositions relating to the engineering of an improved protein with methionine-γ-lyase enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-γ-lyase (CGL) comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading methionine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with methionine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.
US09481871B2	Nucleic acid encoding a polpeptide having aminotransferase activity, vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid A method for inexpensively and efficiently producing an optically active amino compound useful as an intermediate for pharmaceutical preparations, agricultural chemicals, or the like, from a ketone compound is provided. Specifically, a polypeptide exhibiting higher activity for glutamic acid as an amino donor than that for L-alanine, and, having novel transaminase activity for generating (S)-1-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinone with high optical purity of 93% or more, a gene encoding the same, and a transformant expressing the gene at a high level are also provided herein.
US09481869B2	Host cell modification with artificial endosymbionts The present invention is directed generally to host cells with artificial endosymbionts, wherein the artificial endosymbiont and the host cell communicate with each other to alter a phenotype of the host cell. In some embodiments, the communication comprises the secretion of a polypeptide from the artificial endosymbiont into the host cell. The secreted polypeptide can be a selectable marker, a reporter protein, a transcription factor, a signal pathway protein, a receptor, a growth factor, a cytokine, an effector molecule or other factors that can produce a phenotype in the host cell.
US09481868B2	Engineered renal tissues, arrays thereof, and methods of making the same Disclosed are renal tissues and arrays thereof that include a layer of renal interstitial tissue, the renal interstitial tissue comprising renal fibroblasts and endothelial cells; and a layer of renal epithelial tissue, the renal epithelial tissue comprising renal tubular epithelial cells, the renal epithelial tissue in contact with the layer of renal interstitial tissue to form a three-dimensional, engineered, biological renal tissue. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating and using the same.
US09481866B2	Methods of producing T cell populations enriched for stable regulatory T-cells The present invention provides methods for producing cell populations enriched for stable, regulatory T cells (Tregs). In particular, the invention relates to methods for culturing T cells such that the final culture is enriched for stable, regulatory T cells. It also relates to methods for stabilizing regulatory T cells. Also provided are compositions enriched for stable, regulatory T cells, which are useful for treating individuals in need of such treatment. The methods and compositions disclosed herein can also be used to treat an individual suffering from an immune-mediated disease.
US09481861B2	Culture medium, method for culturing Salmonella and E. coli and method for detecting Salmonella and E. coli In embodiments there are disclosed culture media, compositions for supplementing culture media, and methods for culturing biological samples. In embodiments the methods are methods for detecting bacteria and in embodiments the bacteria include Salmonella spp and in embodiments include E. coli spp. In embodiments the media and compositions comprise an alkanolamine and a cobalamin compound.
US09481856B2	Pharmaceutical formulations comprising stabilized polysaccharides and source of hydrogen peroxide A pharmaceutical formulation that is effective in adversely affecting the viability of microorganisms or in inhibiting their growth and that provides better safety and/or comfort to the users comprises a polysaccharide, a source of hydrogen peroxide, and an anti-oxidant. The formulation can further comprise a chelating agent and/or an ophthalmically active agent for treating or controlling a disease or disorder of the eye. The formulation may be used to treat, clean, disinfect, store, wet, or rewet contact lenses.
US09481849B2	Polymer useful as viscosity index improver The present invention describes a polymer useful as viscosity index improver comprising units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (I), where R is hydrogen or methyl, R1 means a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl residue with 1-6 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen or a group of the formula —COOR′, where R′ means hydrogen or a alkyl group with 1-6 carbon atoms, units of one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (II), where R is hydrogen or methyl, R4 means a 2-alkyl branched alkyl residue with 12-18 carbon atoms, R5 and R6 independently are hydrogen or a group of the formula —COOR″, where R″ means hydrogen or an alkyl group with 12-18 carbon atoms, and units of one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (III), where R is hydrogen or methyl, R7 means a linear alkyl residue with 12-24 carbon atoms, R8 and R9 independently are hydrogen or a group of the formula —COOR″, where R″ means hydrogen or an alkyl group with 12-24 carbon atoms wherein said polymer comprises at least 10% by weight units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (I), based on the total weight of the polymer, said polymer comprises at least 10% by weight units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (II), based on the total weight of the polymer, and said polymer comprises at least 10% by weight units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (III), based on the total weight of the polymer.
US09481845B2	Use of compounds revealing the efficiency of filterability additives in hydrocarbon distillates, and synergic composition containing same The invention relates to the use, in a hydrocarbon distillate with a boiling temperature of between 150 and 450° C. and a crystallization onset temperature as measured by Differential Calorimetric Analysis of greater than or equal to −50° C., preferably of −5° C. to +10° C., of a homopolymer obtained from an olefinic ester of carboxylic acid of 3 to 12 carbon atoms and from a fatty alcohol containing a chain of more than 16 carbon atoms and optionally an olefinic double bond, as a compound for revealing the efficiency of filterability additives based on copolymer and/or terpolymers of ethylene and of vinyl ester of a carboxylic acid of 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and of a monoalcohol containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The invention is also directed to an additive composition comprising a conventional hydrocarbon filterability additive in combination with an efficiency reveal additive, and also to the combustion fuels, motor fuel and oil fuel that comprise these additive combinations.
US09481841B2	Process of preparation of an additive and its use This invention relates to a process for preparing an additive comprising the steps of: (1) reacting a polymer derived from of an olefin containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms with an acylating agent to form an acylated polymer, and (2) reacting the acylated polymer of step (1) in a medium substantially free of to free of sulphur with: (a) ammonia or an amine to form a succinimide product; or (b) water to form a hydrolyzed product, wherein the mole ratio of the acylating agent to polymer in step (1) is from 0.3:1 to 1.6:1. The invention further relates to compositions containing the additive and its use.
US09481840B2	Hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate-acetone formulations and methods of making hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate-acetone formulations Embodiments of the present disclosure include one-step synthesis to prepare a hypergolic green Fuel (HGF) propellant from 2-Hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH) via a “one-step synthesis method”. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure include fully nitrated HGF and partially nitrated HGF and formulations containing Hydroxyethylhydrazinium Nitrate (HEHN) and acetone, where the HEHN is produced independently.
US09481832B2	Flame retardant composition for flammable plastic materials comprising 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine and process for producing the same A flame retardant composition for flammable plastic materials and a method for producing the same are disclosed. The flame retardant composition comprises 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine that contains 1 to 1000 ppm of a metal species of a water-insoluble polyvalent metal compound selected from the group consisting of oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, phosphate, sulfate and silicate present in the particles of 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine. The flame retardant composition is produced by reacting an alkali metal salt of 2,4,6-tribromophenol and cyanuric chloride in the presence of said water-insoluble polyvalent metal compound.
US09481828B2	Liquid Crystal compound containing cyclobutyl group and difluoromethyleneoxy linking group, and preparation method and use thereof A liquid crystal compound containing cyclobutyl and a linking group difluoromethyleneoxy, and a preparation method and use thereof are disclosed. The compound is as shown in Formula I. The liquid crystal compound containing cyclobutyl as a terminal group and difluoromethyleneoxy (—CF2O—) as a linking group in the molecular structure of Formula I according to the present invention, has not only a high dielectric anisotropy, but also importantly an extremely fast response speed and a high clearing point, which are of great significance for the formulation of a liquid crystal mixture.
US09481827B2	Core-shell nanoparticle and method of generating an optical signal using the same A core-shell nanoparticle is provided. The core-shell nanoparticle has a core comprising a metal fluoride doped with a first sensitizer and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises a first layer comprising the metal fluoride doped with a second sensitizer and a first activator, and a second layer comprising the metal fluoride doped with a third sensitizer and a second activator, wherein the first activator and the second activator are different, and each is independently selected from the group consisting of Tm3+, Ho3+, and combinations thereof. A method of generating an optical signal using the core-shell nanoparticle and a method of preparing the core-shell nanoparticle is also provided.
US09481822B1	Drilling fluid additive composition and high temperature resistant clay-free whole-oil-based drilling fluid The present invention relates to the field of petrochemical drilling and discloses a drilling fluid additive composition. The composition contains rheological modifier, emulsifier and tackifier. Among them, the rheological modifier is dimer acid-organic amine copolymer comprising structural units from dimer acid, structural units from alkylamine and structural units from arylamine; the tackifier is modified polysiloxane nano-particles, and the modifying group Z on the polysiloxane nano-particles is the emulsifier is one or more of the compounds represented by the following Formula (1). The present invention further provides a high temperature resistant clay-free whole-oil-based drilling fluid containing the foregoing composition. Through synergistic effect of the rheological modifier, the emulsifier and the tackifier in the composition, the present invention obtains a clay-free whole-oil-based drilling fluid with desirable suspending power and temperature resistance.
US09481821B2	Method of modulated exothermic chemical systems through phase change materials The chemical reactions modulation of temperature and dissipate heat through using phase change materials (PCM). Hydration of a mixture composed of encapsulated and/or non-encapsulated oxides such as calcium oxide and/or magnesium oxide and dehydrated and/or hydrated zeolite coupled with control of pH of mixture through compounds such as Citric acid, or combination exothermic mixes, such as Cao and Mg—Fe, provide sustained heat release and heat retention tailored by addition of PCMs. The modulation may include timed/controlled release from encapsulated reactants and may include particles with tailored size distribution and different burn characteristics. The phase change materials used include organics (paraffins, non paraffins and fatty acids) and inorganics (salt hydrates). The selection of PCM is based on compatibility with the reacting mix, added reacting aqueous medium, and the desired temperature the system is to be held constant or temperature range it is desired to be modulated.
US09481820B2	Method of selecting refrigerant-lubricant combinations The present invention provides methods for selecting refrigerant and lubricant combinations for use in heat transfer cycle systems and provides methods for operating said heat transfer systems. More particularly, the invention provides methods to select lubricant and refrigerant combinations for a heat transfer cycle system wherein at the lower temperatures of the heat transfer cycle the refrigerant and lubricant are miscible and at the upper temperatures of the heat transfer cycle the refrigerant and lubricant are phase separated and such that the density phase inversion temperature of the combination is below the upper operating temperature of the heat transfer cycle.
US09481815B2	Hot melt adhesive The present invention provides a hot melt adhesive being highly environmentally-friendly, and as well having sufficient tackiness, adhesion, thermal stability and the like. The present invention relates to a hot melt adhesive comprising (A) a polar functional group-modified conjugated diene-based polymer, (B) an aliphatic polyester-based resin, and (C) a tackifier resin.
US09481814B2	Tacky, heat curable multi-layer adhesive films Disclosed is a multi-layer adhesive film including a heat curable adhesive film and a first tacky adhesive composition disposed on the first major surface of the heat curable adhesive film. The heat curable adhesive film includes a surface-deactivated solid isocyanate and a polyurethane that includes functional groups that are reactive with isocyanate. A method of making an article that includes the multi-layer adhesive film and article made thereby are also disclosed.
US09481813B2	Bonding material composition, aluminum nitride bonded body, and method for producing the same A first bonding material composition according to the present invention is a bonding material composition used when aluminum nitride sintered bodies containing a rare-earth metal oxide are bonded to each other, in which the bonding immaterial composition contains, in addition, to an O element-containing aluminum nitride raw material, (a) as a fluorine compound, at least one of a fluorine compound of an alkaline-earth metal and a fluorine compound of a rare-earth metal, or (b) as a fluorine compound, at least one of a fluorine compound of an alkaline-earth metal and a fluorine compound of a rare-earth metal, and a rare-earth metal oxide.
US09481811B2	Composition and method for polishing memory hard disks exhibiting reduced edge roll-off The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition containing (a) an abrasive selected from wet-process silica, alpha alumina, fumed alumina, ceria, zirconia, titania, and combinations thereof, (b) an oxidation catalyst, (c) a non-transition metal sulfate salt, (d) a complexing agent, (e) hydrogen peroxide, (f) a nonionic surfactant, (g) an anionic surfactant, and (h) water. The polishing composition has a pH of about 1 to about 5, and the polishing composition is substantially free of a peroxydisulfate salt. The invention also provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate, especially a nickel-phosphorous substrate, by contacting a substrate with a polishing pad and the chemical-mechanical polishing composition, moving the polishing pad and the polishing composition relative to the substrate, and abrading at least a portion of the substrate to polish the substrate.
US09481809B2	Multilayer film The present disclosure is directed to multilayer film having has an L* color less than 30 and a 60 degree gloss value less than 10. The multilayer film has a first polyimide layer and a second polyimide layer. The second polyimide layer has 45 to 67 wt % of a polyimide, greater than 14 wt % of a silica matting agent or a mixture of silica matting agent and at least one additional matting agent, and at least one submicron carbon black, wherein the total amount of the submicron carbon black and the polyimide is less than 85 wt % and greater than 45 wt %.
US09481808B2	Coating compositions Coating compositions comprising: (i) a water reducible monomer modified alkyd obtained by the acidolysis of a polyalkylene terephthalate or polyalkylene napthanate and subsequent monomer modification and (ii) a latex having an average particle size greater than 200 nm and (iii) a small particle size latex having an average particle size less than 110 nm.
US09481807B2	Acrylic redispersible polymer powder for non-cementitious exterior finishing compositions The present invention provides a water redispersible polymer powder (RDP) for use in the preparation of non-cementitious exterior finishing compositions such as textured paint formulations. Also provided are non-cementitious exterior finishing compositions comprising such RDPs and a method of coating a surface with such a finishing composition. When the RDP of the invention is incorporated into an exterior finishing composition such as a topcoat formulation of an external insulation finishing system (EIFS), the resultant composition provides improved dirt pickup resistance without a loss in wet abrasion resistance over conventional textured paint formulations comprising acrylic latex powders and, preferably, acrylic latexes.
US09481804B2	Electroconductive ink composition An electroconductive ink composition comprising silver particles (A), a compound having a siloxane backbone with a functional group (B), and an organic solvent (C), the silver particles (A) having a protective layer containing an amino group-containing compound and having a mean particle size of 1 nm or more and 100 nm or less, the content of the compound (B) being 4% by weight to 8% by weight based on the total amount of the composition, can form a circuit pattern on a polymer film with low heat resistance, and the obtained circuit pattern has excellent adhesion to a substrate and high conductivity.
US09481803B2	Water dispersible phase change ink suitable for use as a photo-mask A water dispersible phase change ink composition including a hydrophilic wax having at least one ethoxyl moiety; a low viscosity wax having at least one hydroxyl group, wherein the low viscosity wax is miscible with the hydrophilic wax; an optional stabilizer; and a colorant, wherein the colorant is selected to absorb light in a region that one wants to block. An ink jet printer stick or pellet comprising the water dispersible phase change ink composition. A process for forming a photo-imaged stencil using the water dispersible phase change ink composition.
US09481800B2	Polymeric materials with antifouling, biocidal, antiviral and antimicrobial properties; elaboration method and its uses The present invention is related to polymeric materials, in particular thermoplastic or resins, with antifouling, biocidal, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. In particular, the present invention comprises a polymeric material with antimicrobial properties, wherein said antimicrobial property is given by the controlled and maintained in time release of elements or compounds with antimicrobial properties. The present invention also relates to the preparation method and products generated from said polymeric materials with antimicrobial properties.
US09481797B2	Pigment for paper and paper laminate A pigment mixture comprising (a) pigment particles, (b) colloidal spacer particles dispersed on surfaces of the pigment particles, and (c) carrier particles, wherein the pigment particles with colloidal spacer particles are dispersed on surfaces of the carrier particles. A pigment mixture of titanium dioxide pigment particles having colloidal silica spacer particles on surfaces of the titanium dioxide, the titanium dioxide and colloidal silica attached to surfaces of diatomaceous earth carrier particles, provides improved optical efficiency of the pigment and improved retention in a paper fiber matrix.
US09481795B2	Underwater pelletizing method for low viscosity hydrocarbon resins An underwater pelletizing method for pelletizing brittle hydrocarbon resins with low melt viscosity. A feed material comprising the hydrocarbon resin is formed into a melt, extruded through a die into a water bath below the Tg of the hydrocarbon resin to form a plurality of extrudates and cut adjacent the die surface to form a slurry of resin pellets. A graft monomer and/or other reactants, such as a hydrosilylation agent, may be introduced into the resin melt to chemically modify the hydrocarbon resin.
US09481793B2	Development of a renewable carbon-based bio-modifier for asphalt cement A bio-modifier for asphalt is provided that comprises non-wood bio-char. In some embodiments, the bio-char comprises pyrolyzed biomass from a bio-fuel crop and/or comprises pyrolyzed grass. The asphalt modifier can improve the performance of asphalt compositions such as asphalt binder compositions and compositions comprising asphalt binder and aggregate. For example, the bio-modifier can improve the temperature susceptibility of asphalt binder compositions and increase the rutting resistance, moisture and cracking resistance of hot mix asphalt compositions. In addition, methods of preparing the bio-modifier composition, methods of preparing modified asphalts comprising the bio-modifier, and modified asphalt compositions are provided.
US09481791B2	Curable resin composition and cured product thereof, encapsulant, and semiconductor device Provided is a curable resin composition capable of forming a cured product that has excellent heat resistance and transparency and, in particular, offers excellent barrier properties to a corrosive gas. The curable resin composition according to the present invention includes a polyorganosiloxane (A), an isocyanurate compound (B), and a silane coupling agent (C). The polyorganosiloxane (A) is an aryl-containing polyorganosiloxane. The polyorganosiloxane (A) preferably includes a polyorganosiloxane having a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of 500 to 4000 as determined by gel permeation chromatography and calibrated with a polystyrene standard.
US09481788B2	Process for preparing stable aqueous epoxy resin dispersions The present invention relates to a process for preparing stable aqueous epoxy resin dispersions with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) in finely divided, solid, or granular form as a primary dispersant, and stable aqueous epoxy resin dispersions made thereof. Specifically, the process is a solvent free continuous extrusion dispersion process.
US09481785B2	Finely divided, cationic or amphoteric, aqueous polymer dispersions, process for their preparation, their use, cationic or amphoteric protective colloids and their preparation A finely divided, cationic or amphoteric, aqueous polymer dispersion which is obtainable by emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of a cationic or amphoteric protective colloid, wherein first the cationic or amphoteric protective colloid is prepared by polymerizing a monomer blend in the presence of at least one first polymerization initiator in an organic solvent, and is carried out in a pressurized reactor at a pressure of at least 1720 kPa and at a temperature of at least 150° C., which monomer blend comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying an amine group, to provide a resin, then combining the resin, with an acid and water, to form the cationic or amphoteric protective colloid, thereafter carrying out an emulsion polymerization by introducing a monomer mixture into an aqueous medium containing said cationic or amphoteric protective colloid and at least one second polymerization initiator, wherein said monomer mixture comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated water insoluble monomer. The composition is useful as a sizing agent for paper.
US09481783B2	Rubber composition for tires and pneumatic tire The present invention provides rubber compositions for tires which are capable of improving handling stability, fuel efficiency, and processability while sufficiently reducing the dependence on petroleum resources, and pneumatic tires including tire components (e.g. bead apex) formed from the rubber compositions for tires. The present invention relates to rubber compositions for tires, containing a rubber component and a naturally derived phenolic resin.
US09481781B2	Black ceramic additives, pigments, and formulations Ceramic black materials for use as, or in, colorants, inks, pigments, dyes, additives and formulations utilizing these black materials. Black ceramics having silicon, oxygen and carbon, and methods of making these ceramics; formulations utilizing these black ceramics; and devices, structures and apparatus that have or utilize these formulations. Plastics, paints, inks, coatings, formulations, liquids and adhesives containing ceramic black materials, preferably polymer derived black ceramic materials, and in particular polysilocarb polymer derived ceramic materials. The instant materials are particles which are pyrolyzed and are defined by having a specific Si, C and O content and having carbon which is both free and silicon bound. The particles are prepared by specific processes, as defined herein.
US09481773B2	Method and plant for etching a fluoropolymer substrate (Semi-)continuous etching method for a fluoropolymer substrate (10) comprising steps of feeding (22) said substrate (10) in the form of a continuous ribbon wherein said substrate defines a primary surface (12), subjecting to at least one etching operations (2) a part of the primary surface (12) by means of an adhesion-promoting solution comprising a complex of an alkali metal in naphthalene, washing (4) the primary surface (12) wetted by the adhesion-promoting solution by means of a washing solution (42) comprising aqueous acetic acid/formic acid, and selectively separating a concentrated solution (24) of acetic acid/formic acid from the washing solution (42) by means of inverse osmosis operations (6, 8) at ▪ increasing pressures, and re-introducing at least a portion of the concentrated solution (24) of acetic acid/formic acid in the washing solution (42) to create a recirculation. The invention further relates to an etching plant.
US09481771B2	Method for adhering hydrogels There is provided a method for bonding together hydrogels by interposing a polyalkylene glycol between the gel surfaces to be bonded together of hydrogels. A method for bonding together hydrogels of the same type or different types, the method including: interposing a polyalkylene glycol between gel surfaces to be bonded together of the hydrogels and joining together the gel surfaces.
US09481770B2	Carbon fiber composite material A carbon fiber composite material which includes a carbon fiber sheet as a reinforcing material and a thermoplastic resin as a matrix resin, the carbon fiber sheet exhibiting a work per areal weight of 1×10−3 to 30×10−3 [(N·mm)/(g/m2)] in a tensile test using a specimen having a width of 25 mm. The carbon fiber composite material exhibits excellent flowability in molding and ensures excellent moldability even when molded into a complicated shape. Further, the composite material can yield a molded product which has high mechanical properties with minimized dispersion, thus being suitable for press molding.
US09481769B2	Direct crosslinking process for preparing perfluoroalkyl-cross-linked fluoropolymer having perfluoroether pendant groups This invention pertains to a novel thermal process for converting a fluoropolymer having cyano-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups into a novel perfluoroalkyl-crosslinked fluoropolymer having perfluoroether pendant groups. The process comprises heating the fluoropolymer having cyano-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups in the presence of Cl—F to a temperature in the range of 200 to 300° C. The fluoropolymer having cyano-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups can first be formed into a shaped article, and the shaped article then subject to treatment in situ with Cl—F.
US09481768B1	Method of mixing to form composition A fly ash material or other filler or combination of the two having a particle size distribution is mixed with a liquid coupling agent in a sealed mixer that is heated to gasify the coupling agent for association with the varied particles of the filler. An acid scavenger, an antioxidant, a compatibilizer and an impact modifier may be mixed with a base resin or target resin to form a master batch or the final composition. Either the master batch or the final composition is mixed with a blend of a mineral oil and a styrenic block copolymer in addition to low melt or fractional melt resins.
US09481766B2	Siloxane-containing hybrid materials The present application discloses siloxane-containing hybrid materials. For example, the present application discloses siloxane-containing hybrid materials comprising cyclic siloxanes or polyhedral siloxanes such as polymeric siloxane-containing hybrid materials comprising cyclic siloxanes or polyhedral siloxanes, methods for preparing such siloxane-containing hybrid materials, the use of such siloxane-containing hybrid materials for coating a substrate, coatings comprising the polymeric siloxane-containing hybrid materials, composites comprising a film of the polymeric siloxane-containing material coated on a substrate and compounds which are useful in preparing the siloxane-containing hybrid materials.
US09481764B1	Flow reactor synthesis of polymers A flow reactor system and methods having tubing useful as polymerization chamber. The flow reactor has at least one inlet and at least one mixing chamber, and an outlet. The method includes providing two phases, an aqueous phase and a non-aqueous phase and forming an emulsion for introduction into the flow reactor.
US09481761B2	Cross-linked polycarbonate resin with improved chemical and flame resistance Disclosed herein are compositions including a cross-linked polycarbonate. The cross-linked polycarbonate may be derived from a polycarbonate having about 0.5 mol % to about 5 mol % endcap groups derived from a monohydroxybenzophenone. A plaque including the composition can achieve a UL94 5VA rating. Also disclosed herein are articles including the compositions, methods of using the compositions, and processes for preparing the compositions.
US09481759B2	Polyurethanes derived from highly reactive reactants and coal ash Composite materials and methods for their preparation are described herein. The composite materials include a polyurethane made from the reaction of at least one isocyanate and at least one polyol, and coal ash (e.g., fly ash). The composite materials are highly reactive systems such as through the use of highly reactive polyols, highly reactive isocyanates, or both. The coal ash is present in amounts from about 40% to about 90% by weight of the composite material. Also described is a method of preparing a composite material, including mixing at least one isocyanate, at least one polyol, coal ash, and a catalyst.
US09481758B2	Porous polyisocyanurates having rigid linker groups The invention relates to a polyisocyanurate comprising isocyanurate rings linked by linker groups coupled to the nitrogen atoms of said rings. The polyisocyanurate may be microporous or mesoporous or both microporous and mesoporous.
US09481755B2	Anionic polymerization initiator, use thereof for synthesizing a diene elastomer having an alkyne function at the chain end, and functionalized diene elastomer An anionic polymerization initiator of formula: in which: Met, which can be borne by the ortho, meta or para position, denotes an alkali metal, R1 and R2, and also R3 and R4, which can be borne by the ortho, meta or para position, denote a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or arylalkyl group, and R5 denotes an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or arylalkyl group or a protective group for the alkyne functional group. The use of such a polymerization initiator makes possible the synthesis of a diene elastomer bearing, at one or each of its chain ends, a group comprising an alkyne functional group with a high degree of functionalization.
US09481752B2	Polymeric particles comprising vinyl formal, vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer units Particles, such as particles including a polymer including vinyl formal monomer units, and related compositions and methods, are disclosed.
US09481750B2	Boron-bridged bis-indenyl metallocene catalyst systems and polymers produced therefrom Disclosed herein are catalyst compositions containing boron bridged, bis-indenyl metallocene compounds with an alkenyl substituent. These catalyst compositions can be used for the polymerization of olefins. For example, ethylene copolymers produced using these catalyst compositions can be characterized by a density less than 0.92 g/cm3 and a melt index greater than 25 g/10 min.
US09481749B1	Processes for preparing metallocene-based catalyst systems in cyclohexene Methods for preparing metallocene-based catalyst systems containing an activator-support are disclosed. These methods are directed to contacting an activator-support, an organoaluminum compound, and a mixture containing a metallocene compound and cyclohexene or a mixture of cyclohexane and 1-hexene, resulting in catalyst systems with increased catalytic activity for the polymerization of olefins.
US09481739B2	Glucan fibre Method for preparing a branched glucan having a chain comprising a plurality of glucose units linked by alpha 1,4-glycoside bonds and a plurality of side-groups linked to said chain via another type of glycoside bonding, which side-groups comprise one or more glucose units, the method comprising contacting a glucose source with a polysaccharide—which polysaccharide is a glucan comprising a plurality of glucose units linked by alpha 1,4-glycoside bonds and is essentially linear or branched to a lesser extent than the branched glucan that is to be prepared—in the presence of an acid catalyst under polycondensation conditions, thereby forming the branched glucan.
US09481736B2	IL-17 binding proteins Proteins that bind IL-17 and/or IL-17F are described along with their use in composition and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing IL-17 related diseases and for detecting IL-17 in cells, tissues, samples, and compositions.
US09481734B2	Immunoglobulin cleavage fragments and disease indicators and compositions for detecting and binding such The invention relates to antibody compositions and use of the composition to detect disease processes associated with elaboration of proteases. The reagents are directed to assessing an IgG breakdown product that is the result of such proteolytic cleavage. The invention further relates to the use of a therapeutic immunospecific for IgG protease cleavage products to restore effector function to antibody compositions that are subject to protease cleavage.
US09481733B2	Anti-FGFR2 antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions thereof The present invention provides an antibody which binds to a fibroblast growth factor receptor.
US09481729B2	Anti-HER2 and anti-IGF-IR BI-specific antibodies and uses thereof Disclosed are antibodies, or binding fragments thereof, that specifically bind to human HER2 and human IGF-IR. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the disclosed antibodies and binding fragments and vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acid molecules. The disclosure also provides methods of inhibiting cancer cell growth and metastasis in a mammal using the antibodies described herein, as well as compositions containing the antibodies, nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies, and host cells and vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules. The disclosure also features the use of the polypeptides to detect the presence of HER2 and IGF-IR in a mammal, and epitopes that can be used as cancer vaccine immunogens.
US09481728B2	Compositions and methods for treatment of cancer The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention includes relates to administering a genetically modified T cell to express a CAR wherein the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory signaling region, and a CD3 zeta signaling domain.
US09481726B2	Antibodies to TGF-β The present invention relates to antibody molecules, in particular antibody molecules that bind Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ), and uses thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to antibody molecules that bind and preferably neutralize TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3, so-called “pan-specific” antibody molecules, and uses of such antibody molecules. Preferred embodiments within the present invention are antibody molecules, whether whole antibody (e.g. IgG, such as IgG1 or IgG4) or antibody fragments (e.g. scFv, Fab, dAb).
US09481724B2	hDC-sign binding peptides Polypeptides that bind to DC-SIGN and/or its homologues and methods for using such peptides for the treatment of various disorders are described. DC-SIGN and its homologues are receptors that bind IgG antibodies or Fc fragments and mediate intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-related reversal of inflammation associated with various immune disorders.
US09481723B2	Methods of treating and preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections and associated conditions The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing and treating Staphylococcus aureus in a subject. Therapeutic compositions of the present invention comprise leukocidin E and/or D proteins or polypeptides and anti-leukocidin E and/or D antibodies. The invention further relates to methods of identifying inhibitors of LukE/D cytotoxicity and inhibitors of LukE/D-leukocyte binding.
US09481717B2	Lectins and uses thereof The present invention relates to chemical compounds, methods for their discovery, and their therapeutic and research use. In particular, the present invention provides antiviral and antimicrobial lectin compounds and methods of their use.
US09481716B2	Treatment for peanut allergy The present invention relates to oral immunotherapy for the desensitization of patients who are hypersensitive to peanut allergen. The immunotherapy comprises increasing the oral dose daily dose of peanut protein administered to the patient at intervals of at least 2 weeks in a series of increments from an initial dose to a maximum dose, the series of dose increments including 2 mg, 5 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg; administering a daily oral dose of the maximum dose of peanut protein for at least 2 years and then administering a weekly oral dose of the maximum dose of peanut protein for at least 2 years.
US09481714B2	Fusion proteins for use as immunogenic enhancers for inducing antigen-specific T cell responses A fusion protein for use as an immunogen enhancer for enhancing antigen-specific T cell responses is disclosed. The fusion protein comprises: (a) an antigen-presenting cell (APC)-binding domain or a CD91 receptor-binding domain; (b) a protein transduction domain; and (c) an antigen of a pathogen, wherein the APC-binding domain or the CD91 receptor-binding domain is located at the N-terminus of the fusion protein, and the antigen of the pathogen is located at the C-terminus of the protein transduction domain. The protein transduction domain is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a fusion polypeptide, comprising a T cell sensitizing signal-transducing peptide, a linker, and a translocation peptide; (ii) a T cell-sensitizing signal-transducing peptide; and (iii) a translocation peptide of 34-112 amino acid residues in length.
US09481703B2	HCV polymerase inhibitors The invention provides compounds of the formula: wherein B is a nucleobase selected from the groups (a) to (d): and the other variables are as defined in the claims, which are of use in the treatment or prophylaxis of hepatitis C virus infection, and related aspects.
US09481702B2	Glycoside compound, method for producing thioether, ether, method for producing ether, method for producing glycoside compound, method for producing nucleic acid The invention provides a glucoside compound, which is capable of providing a phosphoramidite, which can be produced at low cost and can produce a nucleic acid in high yield and with high purity. The glycoside compound has the formula wherein B, R1, and R2 are as described herein, R3 is —OCH2(OCH2)n—O-L1-[D1], in which L1 is an ethylene group, wherein hydrogen atoms besides a hydrogen atom bonded to the α-position relative to [D1] are optionally substituted by a straight chain or branched alkyl group, n is a positive integer, and [D1] is an electron-withdrawing group.
US09481701B2	Method for 2-sulfation of glycosides Method for selective 2-sulfation of glycosides.
US09481696B1	Thiophosphates and thiophosphate derivatives as lubricant additives The present invention provides thiophosphates and thiophosphate derivatives useful as antiwear additive components, lubricant additive compositions and lubricant compositions each comprising such compounds, and methods for making and using the same. In one aspect, the invention relates to a compound of formula (I): or a tribologically acceptable salt thereof.
US09481692B2	Heterocyclic modulators of HIF activity for treatment of disease The present invention relates to compounds and methods which may be useful as inhibitors of HIF pathway activity for the treatment or prevention of cancer and other hypoxia-mediated diseases.
US09481691B2	CDK inhibitors Compounds of formulae I, II or III, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful as CDK inhibitors.
US09481686B2	Process for preparing enantiomerically enriched oxamides The present invention relates to a chiral oxamide of formula (I) useful as an intermediate in the preparation of dorzolamide, and to the preparation thereof. The invention also relates to the preparation of dorzolamide, to the hydrochloride salt thereof, and to the active ingredient contained in a drug useful in the treatment of glaucoma, by means of the intermediate of formula (I).
US09481682B2	Substituted benzamides and substituted pyridinecarboxamides as Btk inhibitors The present invention provides Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (Btk) inhibitor compounds according to Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to their use in therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of Btk inhibitor compounds in the treatment of Btk mediated disorders.
US09481680B2	Process for the preparation of key intermediates of omarigliptin An improved process for the preparation of a key intermediate for the synthesis of the active ingredient Omarigliptin is provided. The key intermediate is a compound having the following formula (I) wherein R1 is propargyl or allyl group and P is an amine protecting group. The compound of formula (I) is prepared by converting a compound of formula (IV) by an amination reaction to a compound of formula (III), which is then protected to provide a compound of formula (II), which is then alkylated to provide the compound of formula (I).
US09481679B2	Process for the preparation of tofacitinib and intermediates thereof The present invention provides compounds of Formula III and Formula VI, and processes for their preparation. The present invention further provides use of the compounds of Formula III and Formula VI for the preparation of tofacitinib or isomers or a mixture of isomers or salts thereof.
US09481678B2	Substituted pyrrolo[2,3-D]dipyrimidines for selectively targeting tumor cells with FR-alpha and FR-beta type receptors Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives, and pharmaceutical acceptable salts thereof, useful in therapeutically treating patients with cancer are disclosed. These compounds selectively target folate receptors (FR) of cancerous tumor cells and inhibit purine synthesis and hence, DNA synthesis.
US09481677B2	Biaryl ether sulfonamides and their use as therapeutic agents This invention is directed to biaryl ether sulfonamides, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or prodrugs thereof, for the treatment and/or prevention of sodium channel-mediated diseases or conditions, such as pain.
US09481675B2	Gyrase inhibitors Novel gyrase inhibitors and related compositions and methods are useful for impeding bacterial growth. Compounds of Formula I are disclosed: wherein Y is N or CH; Z is N or CR5; R5 is H, a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl residue (1-3C) containing 0-2 heteroatoms selected from O, S and N, or is an inorganic residue; L is O, S, NR7, or CR8R9; R7 is H or C1-3 alkyl; R8 and R9 are each independently H or C1-3 alkyl; R2 is H, a hydrocarbyl residue (1-40C) containing 0-10 heteroatoms selected from O, S and N optionally substituted with an inorganic residue; R4 is H, an inorganic residue, or a hydrocarbyl residue (1-30C) containing 0-12 heteroatoms selected from O, S and N and containing 0-10 inorganic residues, wherein R5 and R4 together may join to form a fused ring; and R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-5 alkyl, C2-5 alkenyl, C2-5 alkynyl, halo C1-5 alkyl, halo C2-5 alkenyl, halo C2-5 alkynyl, C1-5 hydroxyalkyl, C1-5 alkyl chloride, C2-5 alkenyl chloride, and C2-5 alkynyl chloride; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof.
US09481673B2	6-alkynyl-pyridine derivatives 6-Alkynyl-pyridine of general formula (I) their use as SMAC mimetics, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use as a medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation and associated conditions such as cancer. An exemplary compound is
US09481670B2	Triazine compounds The present invention relates to novel triazine compounds of formula (1), methods of their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and the use of these compounds to treat proliferative disorders such as tumors and cancers and also other conditions and disorders related to or associated with dysregulation of PI3 Kinases, PI3 Kinase pathway, mTOR and/or the mTOR pathway.
US09481669B2	Pladienolide pyridine compounds and methods of use The present invention provides novel pladienolide pyridine compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods for using the compounds as therapeutic agents. These compounds may be useful in the treatment of cancer, particularly cancers in which agents that target the spliceosome and mutations therein are known to be useful.
US09481667B2	Salts and solid forms of isoquinolinones and composition comprising and methods of using the same Solid forms of chemical compounds that modulate kinase activity, including PI3 kinase activity, and compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment of diseases and conditions associated with kinase activity, including PI3 kinase activity, are described herein. Also provided herein are processes for preparing compounds, solid forms thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
US09481665B2	Process for preparing PI3K inhibitor buparsilib The present disclosure provides a new process for preparing PI3K inhibitor buparsilib. The whole reaction route of the present invention is simple and easy to control for the industrial production.
US09481664B2	Androgen receptor modulators and uses thereof Described herein are compounds that are androgen receptor modulators. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such androgen receptor modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that are mediated or dependent upon androgen receptors.
US09481662B2	Seriniquinones, melanoma-specific anticancer agents There are provided, inter alia, derivatives of seriniquinone and methods useful for the treatment of cancer, and in particular treatment of melanoma and prostate cancer.
US09481661B2	Disubstituted maleic anhydrides with altered kinetics of ring closure We describe anhydride compounds suitable for physiologically labile modification of amine-containing molecules. The described anhydrides form reversible linkages having desirable kinetics for in vivo delivery of biologically active molecules. Also described are endosomolytic polymers formed by modification of membrane active polyamines with the described anhydrides.
US09481660B2	Tetra-O-substituted butane-bridge modified NDGA derivatives, their synthesis and pharmaceutical use The present invention relates to nordihydroguaiaretic acid derivative compounds, namely, butane bridge modified nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) compounds and butane bridge modified tetra-O-substituted NDGA compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods of making them, and methods of using them and kits including them for the treatment of diseases and disorders, in particular, diseases resulting from or associated with a virus infection, such as HIV infection, HPV infection, or HSV infection, an inflammatory disease, such as various types of arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, or a proliferative disease, such as diverse types of cancers.
US09481655B2	6,7-dialkoxy quinazoline derivatives and methods of treating drug resistant and other tumors Methods of inhibiting a receptor tyrosine kinase in a subject in need thereof. Methods of inhibiting the growth of a tumor cell in a subject in need thereof. Methods of treating pancreatic cancer in a subject in need of treatment for pancreatic cancer. Methods of treating HER2 positive breast cancer in a subject in need of treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer. Methods of treating drug resistant non-small cell lung cancer in a subject in need of treatment for drug resistant non-small cell lung cancer. Each of these methods can include administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09481653B2	Benzoimidazol-1,2-yl amides as Kv7 channel activators Optionally substituted benzoimidazol-1,2-yl amides, such as compounds of Formula 1 or Formula 2, can be used to treat disorders associated with a Kv7 potassium channel activator. Compositions, medicaments, and dosage forms related to the treatment are also disclosed herein.
US09481647B2	Forms of [R-(R,R)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-β, δ-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-Phenyl-4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid calcium salt (2:1) Novel forms of [R—(R,R)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-β,δ-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl-4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid hemi calcium salt designated Form XX, Form XXI, Form XXII, Form XXIII, Form XXIV, Form XXV, Form XXVI, Form XXVII, Form XXVIII, Form XXIX, and Form XXX, characterized by their X-ray powder diffraction, solid-state NMR, and/or Raman spectroscopy are described, as well as methods for the preparation and pharmaceutical composition of the same, which are useful as agents for treating hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Alzheimer's disease.
US09481643B2	Fluorosurfactants The present invention relates to novel compounds containing fluorinated end groups, to the use thereof as surface-active substances, and to compositions comprising these compounds.
US09481641B2	Process for the purification of a polycarbodiimide A process for purifying a polycarbodiimide comprising (a) providing a mixture comprising a polycarbodiimide and a carbodiimidization catalyst; (b) separating carbodiimidization catalyst from the polycarbodiimide by subjecting the mixture according to (a) to a first distillation, (c) adding an entrainer to the first bottom product obtained from (b) to obtain a mixture; (d) further separating carbodiimidization catalyst from the polycarbodiimide by subjecting the mixture obtained from (c) to a second distillation.
US09481634B2	Amine mining collectors A family of amine mining collectors that uses alkoxylates allows for the easy adjustment of solubility and molecular weight useful because anionic and cationic mineral collectors require such varying degrees of solubility and molecular weight. The family of the present invention allows for the optimization of both parameters and an increase in collector efficiency.
US09481628B2	Esterification process Embodiments of an invention disclosed herein relate to methods to produce terephthalate esters, the methods include esterifying at least one C6-C13 alcohol with dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) in the presence of a catalyst to produce the terephthalate esters.
US09481626B2	Production of formic acid Processes for producing formic acid from a carbohydrate-containing material include hydrolyzing a carbohydrate-containing material (e.g., cellulose) in the presence of a mineral acid to form an intermediate hydrolysate comprising one or more sugars, and hydrolyzing the intermediate hydrolysate to form a hydrolysate product including formic acid.
US09481623B2	Glycol separation and purification A process and an apparatus for the separation of a homogeneous catalyst solution from crude monoethylene glycol (MEG) and for purifying MEG is provided. The apparatus includes a catalyst separation section, an MEG rectification section, a stripping section and a pasteurization section, wherein the MEG rectification and pasteurization sections are located within a MEG purification column, and the catalyst separation section is either located in the MEG purification column or in a separate upstream vessel, and wherein the catalyst separation section includes a crude MEG vapor feed inlet to the MEG rectification section.
US09481621B2	Preparation of bromine-containing aromatic compounds and their application as flame retardants The invention relates to compounds of the formula Ar(—CH2C6Br5)y, wherein Ar indicates a structure comprising one or more six-membered aromatic ring(s) and —CH2C6Br5 indicates a pentabromobenzyl group, characterized in that at least one carbon atom of said six-membered aromatic ring(s) is bonded to the benzylic carbon of said —CH2C6Br5 group, wherein y, which indicates the number of the —CH2C6Br5 groups in said compound, is not less than 1. Processes for preparing the compounds and their use as flame retardants are also disclosed.
US09481619B2	7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl halide, method for producing the same, and method for producing 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl propionate Provided is a simple, selective and efficient method for producing 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl propionate and the like. More specifically, provided is, for example, a method for producing 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl propionate, comprising the steps of: subjecting a nucleophile represented by Formula (1) and an electrophile represented by Formula (2) to a coupling reaction to obtain a 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl halide represented by Formula (3), and subjecting the 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl halide (3) to propionyloxylation to obtain the 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl propionate represented by Formula (4).
US09481615B2	Digital microfluidic platform for radiochemistry Disclosed herein are methods of performing microchemical reactions and electro-wetting-on-dielectric devices (EWOD devices) for use in performing those reactions. These devices and method are particularly suited for preparing radiochemical compounds, particularly compounds containing 18F.
US09481613B2	Liquid-fertilizer ready formulations of bifenthrin Insecticidal compositions suitable for use in preparation of insecticidal liquid fertilizers are disclosed. The compositions include bifenthrin, a polymeric dispersant, a suspension agent, a freeze-thaw stabilizer, and optionally a preservative.
US09481609B2	Heteromorphic lysine feed granules A heteromorphic granule comprising lysine free base and a lysine salt is disclosed. A fertilizer composition is set forth having cores containing an acid salt of a basic amino acid and effective amounts of first and second layer coatings coated sequentially to the surface of each core. A method for using the heteromorphic granule as a fertilizer and/or an animal feed is provided.
US09481597B2	Method for producing synthetic quartz glass The invention relates to a method for producing synthetic quartz glass by vaporizing a polyalkylsiloxane as a liquid SiO2 feedstock (105), converting the vaporized SiO2 feedstock (107) into SiO2 particles, separating the SiO2 particles, forming a soot body (200) and vitrifying the soot body (200). According to the invention, the vaporizing of the heated SiO2 feedstock (105) comprises an injection phase in an expansion chamber (125), in which the SiO2 feedstock (105) is atomized into fine droplets, wherein the droplets have an average diameter of less than 5 pm, and wherein the atomizing of the droplets takes place in a preheated carrier gas stream which has a temperature of more than 180° C.
US09481596B2	Optical element manufacturing method and optical element manufacturing apparatus The present invention provides an optical element manufacturing method including a first step of fixing an optical material by exerting a first weight different from a self weight of an upper die on the optical material positioned in a cavity between the upper die and a lower die, a second step of thereafter heating and softening the optical material by introducing a heated gas to an inside of the cavity, and a third step of thereafter molding an optical element by exerting a second weight larger than the first weight on the optical material within the cavity.
US09481595B2	Method of producing optical element forming mold and optical element forming mold Provided is a method of producing an optical element forming mold, the method including forming a ta-C film 12 on a mold matrix 10 for an optical element forming mold by an FCVA process, in which the mold matrix 10 is kept at a floating potential, a voltage is applied to a mold matrix-holding member 2 for holding the mold matrix via insulating members (3a,3b), and a magnet 4 internally provided in the mold matrix forms a magnetic field for applying a magnetic force in a normal direction of a transfer surface of the mold matrix so as to follow a magnetic force applied by a filter coil 22, thereby homogenizing the film quality.
US09481589B2	System and method for improved anaerobic digestion A method for improved anaerobic digestion is presented. The method includes mixing a volume of waste material with water to form a feedstock mixture. The volume of waste material includes an initial amount of biomass and the feedstock mixture includes methanogenic bacteria either naturally present in the waste material or introduced artificially. The method also includes introducing one or more promoter substances to the feedstock mixture. The one or more promoter substances are capable of modifying the methanogenic bacteria. Modifying includes stimulating novel enzyme production in the methanogenic bacteria.
US09481583B2	Synthesis of metal oxide, titania nanoparticle product, and mixed metal oxide solutions The disclosure provides methods and materials for preparing a titania nanoparticle product. For example, titania nanoparticle products having desirable optical properties such as a desirable refractive index are prepared according to the methods provided herein.
US09481577B2	Reactor with induction heater A method for producing usable product in a reactor including introducing a viscous mixture including usable product and unconverted reactant into a chamber of a housing through an inlet, wherein the mixture has a temperature greater than ambient temperature when introduced into the chamber; heating the viscous mixture in the chamber using at least one of an induction heater, an exothermic reaction, a microwave heater, a radio frequency heater, an electrical resistance heater, a laser heater, a plasma heater, and a heated fluid; converting at least a portion of the unconverted reactant to usable product, wherein at least a portion of the usable product is produced in the viscous mixture; and transferring the viscous mixture including usable product from the housing through an outlet.
US09481576B2	Environmentally benign production of graphene materials An intercalated graphite compound composition, comprising a layered graphite with interlayer spaces or interstices and an intercalant residing in at least one of said interstices, wherein said intercalant comprises a carboxylic acid and an oxidant selected from Li2FeO4, Na2FeO4, K2FeO4, LixCoO4, NaxCoO4, KxCoO4, LixNiO4, NaxNiO4, KxNiO4, or a combination thereof. This compound can be produced in an environmentally benign process. The compound can be further treated to produce separate graphene sheets.
US09481574B2	Apparatus for HCL synthesis with steam raising An apparatus for synthesizing hydrogen chloride from chlorine and hydrogen or from chlorine and hydrocarbons with integrated heat recovery. The combustion chamber and the heat exchanger are arranged in the steam drum of a shell boiler that works according to the waste heat boiler principle.
US09481571B2	Photostructured chemical devices and methods for making same A photostructurable ceramic is processed using photostructuring process steps for embedding devices within a photostructurable ceramic volume, the devices may include one or more of chemical, mechanical, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic devices, all made in part by creating device material within the ceramic or by disposing a device material through surface ports of the ceramic volume, with the devices being interconnected using internal connections and surface interfaces.
US09481570B2	Method of manufacturing an integrated circuit comprising a pressure sensor Disclosed is an integrated circuit, comprising a semiconductor substrate carrying a plurality of circuit elements; and a pressure sensor including a cavity on said semiconductor substrate, said cavity comprising a pair of electrodes laterally separated from each other; and a flexible membrane over and spatially separated from said electrodes such that said membrane interferes with a fringe field between said electrodes, said membrane comprising at least one aperture. A method of manufacturing such an IC is also disclosed.
US09481569B2	Monolithic CMOS-MEMS microphones and method of manufacturing Systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing a CMOS-MEMS device (100). A partial protective layer (401) is deposited on a top surface of a layered structure to cover a circuit region. A first partial etch is performed from the bottom side of the layered structure to form a first gap (501) below a MEMS membrane (207) within a MEMS region of the layered structure. A second partial etch is performed from the top side of the layered structure to remove a portion of a sacrificial layer between the MEMS membrane and a MEMS backplate (215) within the MEMS region. The second partial etch releases the MEMS membrane so that it can move in response to pressures. The deposited partial protective layer prevents the second partial etch from etching a portion of the sacrificial layer positioned within the circuit region of the layered structure and also prevents the second partial etch from damaging the CMOS circuit component (211).
US09481566B2	Methods of forming semiconductor structures including MEMS devices and integrated circuits on opposing sides of substrates, and related structures and devices Methods of forming semiconductor devices comprising integrated circuits and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices operatively coupled with the integrated circuits involve the formation of an electrically conductive via extending at least partially through a substrate from a first major surface of the substrate toward an opposing second major surface of the substrate, and the fabrication of at least a portion of an integrated circuit on the first major surface of the substrate. A MEMS device is provided on the second major surface of the substrate, and the MEMS device is operatively coupled with the integrated circuit using the at least one electrically conductive via. Structures and devices are fabricated using such methods.
US09481562B2	Sustainable bulk liquid dispensing device A bulk liquid dispensing system includes a plurality of dispensing devices for each dispensing a respective type of bulk liquid. Each device includes a primary tank of bulk liquid communicating with a nozzle for dispensing into a reusable container which may be provided by a customer. A secondary portable tank is interchangeably connected above the primary tank to ensure continued dispensing of liquid even as the secondary tank is interchanged. A payment system associates a debit amount with a dispensed fluid from each device resulting from a user selection and a cumulative total of the debit amounts is collected from the customer in a single transaction. The devices can be operated to dispense liquid in response to input of an identification code which is generated when the user prepays, for example through a web interface, a mobile application, a point of sale tool, or a tablet application.
US09481560B2	Tubular bag with metering device The device (1) consists of a second connection piece (4), which can be welded via its flange (41) onto an aseptically closed tubular bag (2). A first connection piece (33) can be screwed into the second connection piece (4) and is provided at the end with opening means (34). The first connection piece (33) forms the intake piece of a metering pump (3). Securing means (5) hold the metering pump (3) in the correct position relative to the second connection piece (4) before the first use, and further means hold the metering pump (3) in the correct position relative to the second connection piece (4) in the use position.
US09481556B2	Industrial vehicle An industrial vehicle includes a vehicle body and a battery pack, which is placed in the vehicle body. The battery pack includes a counterweight and at least one battery cell, which partially contacts the counterweight. The battery pack is arranged in the vehicle body such that a contact portion of the counterweight that contacts the at least one battery cell exchanges heat with relative wind by a greater amount than a non-contact portion of the at least one battery cell that have no contact with the counterweight.
US09481554B2	Monitoring apparatus and control method of crane hoisting vertical deviation angle Disclosed in the present invention is a monitoring apparatus of crane hoisting vertical deviation angle. The monitoring apparatus uses a dual-axis inclinometer to measure the vertical deviation angle of the lifting pulley block of a crane, wirelessly transmits the angle signal, and dynamically displays the angle by a control display. The control method adopts the monitoring apparatus mentioned above. The monitoring apparatus thereof fixes a measuring platform on the outside of the guard plate of the movable pulley of the lifting pulley block, and the dual-axis inclinometer is fixed on the measuring platform surface, which becomes a horizontal plane when the crane hoisting vertical deviation angle is 0 degree. The present invention can detect and monitor the verticality of the lifting pulley block in real time, and avoid the risk of non-vertical crane hoisting.
US09481551B2	Escalator or moving walkway with a transparent balustrade The invention relates to a transparent balustrade (12) of an escalator (1) or of a moving walk, comprising a balustrade skirt (13), at least one glass panel (33), and a handrail guide (15) with a handrail (14). The at-least one glass panel (33) has an upper edge (9) and a lower end (6) and, at its lower end (6), is gripped in a mounting (18) in the balustrade skirt (13) in locationally fixed manner. The transparent balustrade (12) contains at least one support (20), which is tightly joined to the balustrade skirt (13). The glass panel (33) is deformable perpendicular to its planar extent and therefore in lateral direction. Through its elastic deformability, to absorb lateral forces (F) the glass panel (33) displays lateral displaceability within a permissible deformation play (s), lateral displaceability within the permissible deformation play (s) being limited by the support (20).
US09481549B2	Regenerative electric power storage control system for elevators A regenerative electric power storage control system for elevators, including: a converter that converts AC electric power to DC electric power; an inverter that converts the DC electric power to the AC electric power, and drives an electric motor that ascends and descends a car; an electric power storage apparatus provided, via an electric power charge and discharge unit, across DC buses located between the converter and the inverter; an electric power charge and discharge control unit to which DC electric power is supplied from an electric power charge and discharge control power supply and that controls the charge and discharge unit. The charge and discharge control unit calculates on a time zone basis electrical energy stored in and electrical energy discharged from the energy storage apparatus during a predetermined period, and based on the calculation result, determines a discharge operation for each time zone posterior to the predetermined period.
US09481548B2	Sensor-based elevator system and method using the same Smart elevator systems and methods for controlling an elevator system use sensors that transmit data to a processor in a network system for use in operating an elevator system. The elevator system can include a system connected to a LAN, WAN, intranet, internet, etc. and is capable of exchanging data with and retrieving data therefrom. In the smart elevator systems, there are a number of wireless sensors that detect and transmit information on a number of people requesting elevator transport. The smart elevator system uses that information to select or determine one or more transport paths for one or more elevators to follow and, therefore, can be beneficial in enhancing efficient use of one or more elevators in an elevator system to service persons awaiting elevator service.
US09481546B2	Reel A reel includes: a hub in which plural through holes are formed at a connecting portion that interconnects a cylinder portion and an axial center portion; a first flange disposed on one end portion of the hub and equipped with first insertion portions that are inserted into the through holes; a second flange disposed on the other end portion of the hub and equipped with second insertion portions that are inserted into the through holes; and joint portions configured to join the first insertion portions and the second insertion portions, with spaces between radial direction inside wall surfaces of the through holes and radial direction inside wall surfaces of the first insertion portions and the second insertion portions being smaller than spaces between radial direction outside wall surfaces of the through holes and radial direction outside wall surfaces of the first insertion portions and the second insertion portions.
US09481545B2	Filament fusing apparatus A filament-fusing apparatus includes a first body, a first-heating element, a second body and a second-heating element. The first body includes a first surface and a first-filament groove disposed thereon. The first-heating element disposed on the first surface has a first-connecting groove and a first-overflow groove. Two opposite sides of the first-connecting groove connect the first-filament groove. An axial side of the first-connecting groove connects the first-overflow groove. The second body includes a second surface and a second-filament groove disposed thereon. The second-heating element disposed on the second surface has a second-connecting groove and a second-overflow groove. Two opposite sides of the second-connecting groove connect the second-filament groove. An axial side of the second-connecting groove connects the second-overflow groove. The second body is pivotally connected to the first body to rotate till contacting the first body, such that the second-heating element contacts the first-heating element.
US09481542B2	Foil processing device A foil processing device comprises at least two supply units for supplying at least two foils for processing, a processing unit for processing the at least two foils to each other and a transport unit for transporting the foils from the supply unit to the processing unit. At least one of the foils is segmented comprising mechanically weak zones separating subsequent foil segments for enabling real-time correction of a relative position between the foils. The transport unit includes at least two support members for supporting at least two subsequent segments of the segmented foil.
US09481540B2	Sheet stacking apparatus, method of controlling sheet stacking apparatus, and storage medium A sheet stacking apparatus performs control to change a sheet discharge destination from a first sheet stacking tray to a second sheet stacking tray in a case where an obstacle prevents the second sheet stacking tray from being moved down while a sheet is discharged to the first sheet stacking tray.
US09481534B2	Conveyance device, image-forming device, and medium conveyance method A conveyance device includes an image-forming drum (52) which fixes a rear surface (PB) of a sheet (P) and conveys the sheet along an arc-shaped path at a transfer position (312), a chain gripper which includes a gripper (64D) which is disposed on the downstream side of the image-forming drum in a conveyance direction and holds a leading end portion of the sheet, conveys the sheet along the arc-shaped path at the transfer position, and is disposed at a position at which a portion of the path leads to the image-forming drum side from the transfer position, and a blower unit (300) which is disposed on the chain gripper side from the transfer position, blows air from the chain gripper side to the image-forming drum side on the downstream side of the transfer position in the conveyance direction, and blows air toward the sheet conveyed by the chain gripper.
US09481533B2	Medium separation device of ATM The invention relates to a medium separation device of an automated teller machine (ATM) that includes a pickup roller for sequentially picking up and feeding stacked media through a friction member on a portion of the outer periphery of the pickup roller, a feed roller for feeding the picked-up and fed media toward a transfer path through a friction member provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the feed roller while rotating with the same phase as the pickup roller, and a medium separation unit for separating a following medium simultaneously fed with a preceding medium fed to the feed roller while in close contact with the bottom, from the preceding medium through a separation belt, to pick up and feed media through a partial roller structure partially having a friction member and simultaneously perform the separation of the media through the medium separation unit.
US09481532B2	Feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus A feeding apparatus includes a stacking member provided to a feeding cassette, a feeding member, a contact portion provided on a regulating member provided on the feeding cassette, a movement unit, and a switching unit. The movement unit raises the feeding member when the feeding cassette is pulled out and lowers the feeding member when the feeding cassette is inserted. The switching unit switches a positional relationship between the feeding and stacking member. After the feeding member is lowered and before the feeding member performs a sheet feeding operation, the switching unit switches the relationship to the second positional relationship from the first. When a stacked sheet amount is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the contact portion is disposed in contact with the stacked sheets and when the amount is smaller than the predetermined amount, the contact portion is disposed not in contact with the stacked sheets.
US09481528B2	Temporary parking station for conveying devices of biological product containers A temporary parking station of conveying devices containing only one container of biological, products is described, interfaced with a laboratory automation system, comprising a conveyor belt with at least one dispatching lane with a stop gate adapted to queue the conveying devices let into the station and to release only one of said conveying devices at each step to a diverter fitted on a motorized belt, parallel to the dispatching lane, adapted to move said diverter in steps in either one direction or the other from a start of travel position to an end of travel position, diverting in steps only one at a time said conveying devices on a main conveyor belt moveable in a direction perpendicular to the motorized belt.
US09481524B2	Guide rail system with cover element A guide rail system for guiding containers moved by one or more conveyors, each container having an interior portion defined therein for receiving a product and an opening in fluid communication with the interior portion. The guide rail system includes a cover assembly including one or more cover elements, and one or more structural elements to which the cover element is secured. The structural element locates the cover element in a preselected location relative to the openings of the containers, for at least partially impeding ingress of foreign matter to the interior portions of the containers.
US09481523B2	Positive-drive spiral conveyor and belt A spiral conveyor for positively driving a conveyor belt (20) along a helical path. The spiral conveyor includes a rotating cylindrical tower (10) with parallel drive members (14) extending from the bottom to the top of the tower on its periphery. Each drive member includes an outwardly protruding ridge (28) that varies in height from the bottom to the top of the tower. The variations in height facilitate the belt's entry onto and exit from the tower and robust, positive driving engagement with the inside edge of the belt along the majority of its path along the tower. In another version, a conveyor belt has teeth (62) with guide surfaces (78, 79) at the inside edge of the belt. The teeth guide the drive members between belt rows into driving engagement with drive faces at the inside edge of the belt.
US09481515B2	Trash cans with features to aid in actuation Certain embodiments of a trash can include a cap with a lid and an actuator. The actuator can extend outwardly from the cap at a downward angle. The actuator can be configured to maintain the lid in a closed position when a locking portion of the actuator is engaged with a securement portion of the lid. The lid can be rotationally biased toward an open position and the actuator can be configured to release the lid from the closed position upon an input of force on the actuator. The range of effective angles for the input force can enable a user of the trash can to easily open the lid by contacting the actuator with from a wide variety of angles.
US09481514B2	Trash bag securing system A trash bag securing system having a plastic liner; the plastic liner inserted into the trash receptacle and placed over the at least one sidewall; a single elastic cord having a first end and a second end and which culminates in at least one knot. The at least one knot anchors the elastic cord to the receptacle. The at least one knot is a stopper at either the first end or the second end of the elastic cord and positioned on the outer surface of the least one sidewall. The elastic cord is inserted into the at least one opening and sized and positioned to fit around the outer rim of the outer surface of the at least one sidewall and over the plastic liner such to secure the plastic liner to the receptacle. The elastic cord may also be further configured to act as a handle.
US09481511B2	Silo de-bridging device including a sleeve structure having a cam contour surface A silo de-bridging device (100), comprising: a rotary shaft (11) and at least one de-bridging unit (10) connected to the rotary shaft (11); each de-bridging unit (10) includes a fixed sleeve (101), a movable sleeve (102) and at least one de-bridging arm (103) connected to the movable sleeve (102), and a cam structure is formed between two end surfaces of the movable sleeve (102) and the fixed sleeve (101) adjoining each other. The silo de-bridging device can de-bridge the materiel in the silo effectively.
US09481510B2	Container having multiple layers of tracks including at least one non-linear track A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a base and opposed sides, linear and non-linear tracks, and a plurality of dunnage supports extending between the tracks. At least one of the tracks on each side may be non-linear in the shape of a “C” or “U” or “J”. One type of dunnage support comprises end members and a tubular middle member, the end members being movable along the tracks. The dunnage supports support dunnage, such as pouches.
US09481508B2	Beverage brewing system A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
US09481507B2	Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in beverage production device Capsule designed in particular for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule along a central axis to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces, wherein the capsule comprises:—a body comprising containment walls, a main cavity of central axis,—a lid connected or connectable to said body and arranged for covering said cavity;—an annular flange peripherally bordering and protruding outwards beyond the said cavity, wherein the flange is configured to ensure one passage or a plurality of passages for providing flow of the centrifuged beverage in multiple radial directions from the cavity and through the flange or above the flange as a result of the centrifugation forces exerted when the capsule is rotated along said central axis.
US09481506B2	Assembly and method for preparing a beverage The invention relates to an assembly for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. To that end, the assembly is provided with at least a first covering and a first ingredient included in the at least first covering, the first ingredient having a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and like additives soluble or extractable in a liquid such as water. The assembly is further provided with a second ingredient, the second ingredient having a soluble or extractable substance such as ground coffee or tea while the second ingredient forms part of a substantially rigid body.
US09481504B2	Pet toy dispenser and method A pet toy dispenser and method are provided. The dispenser has a housing, a dispenser mechanism, a drive mechanism, an electronic tag reader, and a controller. The drive mechanism is operable to move one or more of the plurality of compartments of the dispenser mechanism from a load location to an exit location. The electronic tag reader is capable of reading an electronic tag embedded in an animal toy within at least one compartment. The controller having an authentication function configured to determine whether a code of an electronic tag within the at least one compartment received from the tag reader corresponds to an authorized code and to allow the load completion of the compartment if the code is an authorized code.
US09481502B2	Biodegradable one-way venting valve for an airtight container The present invention concerns a venting valve for a container (1) adapted to contain gas-releasing products comprising a valve body (2A) and a one-way valve member (4) movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, said valve member (4) being associated with said valve body (2A). Particularly the valve body (2A) is formed from a biodegradable material and said movable valve member (4) is a combination of at least one biodegradable material and at least one non biodegradable material.
US09481498B2	Sealing lip for use with a viewing window An apparatus for permitting inspection of container processing includes a one-piece elastic peripheral lip seal that seals a transition between a window and a mounting frame. In its un-deformed state, the lip-seal, which has first and second strip-shaped lip-sections, has an at least partially sickle-shaped cross-section in its un-deformed state. Both lip sections extend outward toward respective first and second edges, the second edge being a sealing edge. A thickness of the second lip-section decreases towards the sealing edge. The lip sections curve around an axis oriented along a longitudinal direction of the lip seal. The first lip-section defines a concave curve along a first surface of the lip seal, and the second lip-section defines a convex curve along the first surface.
US09481489B2	Container having dunnage components movable in opposite directions A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a base and opposite sides. The container has multiple levels of dunnage components, the dunnage components of at least one level being movable between open and closed positions to enable an operator to load and unload products more easily. The dunnage components of at least one level may have openings through which pass guides supported at least partially by the container.
US09481485B2	Wave-type pressure compensating bases for polymeric containers A plastic container having a sidewall defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and an opening at the first end into the chamber. A base of the container extends from the sidewall and closes the second end, the base having an outer perimeter portion defining a support structure, an axially inwardly extending perimeter wall spaced radially inwardly from the support structure forming an angle with a horizontal line of greater than about 80°, a centrally disposed pushup section in the shape of an axially inwardly extending truncated cone, and a toroidal-shaped channel circumscribing and connecting the perimeter wall to the pushup section. The toroidal-shaped channel has a surface that is asymmetrical about a central axis of the container when the container is under static pressure conditions.
US09481478B2	Ice bagging device An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.
US09481467B2	Modular aircraft floor track adapter system A modular floor track adapter system including a plurality of adapter plates laterally sized to span existing aircraft floor beams, each of the plurality of adapter plates shaped to interlock with an adjacent adapter plate in a side-by-side arrangement and including a series of holes for attaching seat track crown sections and panel attachment tabs for securing an aircraft floor panel thereto.
US09481466B2	Powered seat and control thereof A method of controlling motion of movable components of a powered seat includes, using the controller, monitoring a feedback signal of an actuator during motion of a component. During an acceleration phase of the motion of the component, a reference state of the time-varying motion command is detected and a reference value of the monitored feedback signal is determined as a reference value. A feedback-signal acceptance range is determined using the reference value of the monitored feedback signal. During a steady-state phase of the motion, the motion of the component is terminated if the monitored feedback signal departs the determined feedback-signal acceptance range. A control system for a powered seat of a vehicle is described. A powered seat assembly is described.
US09481464B2	Table arrangement The present invention provides table arrangement comprising a housing that has an open configuration and a closed configuration, a table, which, when in a stowed configuration is at least partially housed in the housing, and when in a presented configuration, is partially protruding from the housing, and an activation mechanism for opening and closing the housing, which is linked by a mechanical linkage to the table or housing such that when the activation mechanism closes the housing, the table changes from the presented configuration to the stowed configuration. The invention also provides an aircraft seat module, an aircraft and a method of stowing a table arrangement.
US09481461B1	Dual release lanyard connector A dual release lanyard connector includes first and second lanyard rings coupleable to first and second lanyard cables, a coupling sleeve coupled to the first lanyard ring and movable between a first position and a second position, and a locking ring configured to engage the coupling sleeve and movable between the first position and the second position, the locking ring having a first ring groove. A two-piece housing of the lanyard connector includes a plug housing with first and second plug housing grooves and a secondary housing coupled to the second lanyard ring and having a secondary housing groove, the secondary housing movable between a third position and a fourth position. The secondary housing is configured to engage the coupling sleeve such that movement of the secondary housing to the fourth position causes a corresponding movement of the coupling sleeve and locking ring to the second position.
US09481460B1	Drone-based microbial analysis system A drone-based microbial analysis system includes an electronic drone control facility including an electronic storage memory device. The storage memory device stores information including a location of at least one possible contaminated area previously determined to contain at least one positively-tested microbe. At least one drone vehicle is in signal communication with the drone control facility and autonomously navigates to the at least one possible contaminated area to collect a specimen. The drone control facility performs a microbial analysis based on the collected specimen and confirms the at least one possible contaminated area is a positively contaminated area that contains at least one microbe based on the microbial analysis.
US09481457B2	Vertical take-off and landing aircraft with variable wing geometry A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is provided and includes a fuselage, inboard wings extending from opposite sides of the fuselage to define a support plane and engine nacelles disposed along the wings. Each of the wings includes ground alighting elements and a variable geometry such that a portion of the ground alighting elements are alignable with the support plane during in-flight conditions and displaceable from the support plane.
US09481456B2	Relative acceleration blade position measurement Embodiments are directed to obtaining data from a plurality of sensors located on a rotorcraft, wherein a first plurality of the sensors is associated with a hub of the rotorcraft and a second plurality of the sensors is associated with blades of the rotorcraft, processing the data to isolate blade dynamics using the data from the sensors associated with the blade from rotorcraft maneuvering dynamics using the data from the sensors associated with the hub, obtaining at least one parameter associated with the blade dynamics based on the processing, and analyzing the at least one parameter to control at least one of the rotorcraft and the blades.
US09481455B2	Dual series damper system A dual series damper includes a fluid damper portion and a elastomeric damper portion. The fluid damper portion includes a first housing, a first connection member, and a piston coupled to the first connection member. The piston divides an interior of the first housing into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The piston has a fluid passage in the piston, the fluid passage being configured to provide fluid communication between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The elastomeric damper portion includes a second housing, a second connection member coupled to the second housing, and an elastomer between the first housing and the second housing. When a lead/lag force is introduced to the dual series damper, the fluid damper portion behaves rigidly so that the elastomeric damper portion dampens the lead/lag oscillation.
US09481451B2	Rigid tipped riblets A multilayer construction for aerodynamic riblets includes a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material exhibiting a first characteristic having long-term durability and a second layer composed of a material, exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface.
US09481449B2	Blade, particularly variable-pitch blade, propellor comprising such blades and corresponding turbomachine A blade, configured to be mounted on a hub of a turbomachine propeller so that an empty space is defined between a base of the blade and a face of the hub facing the base. The blade includes a retractable blanking mechanism configured to reversibly occupy at least one of following two positions: a deployed position in which the retractable blanking mechanism at least partially closes off the empty space; and an extreme retracted position in which the retractable mechanism is kept out of the empty space.
US09481445B2	Connection device for means of airplane The disclosure disclosed a connection device for connecting first means of the airplane to second means of the airplane. The first means and the second means are provided with connection regions, which lengthwise extend in a first direction and are connected with each other, respectively. A plurality of finger-like grooves, which are parallel with each other and extend respectively in a second direction inclined relative to the first direction in which the connection region extends, are provided respectively on a connection face of the connection region of the first means and a connection face of the connection region of the second means. Wherein the plurality of finger-like grooves are formed in such a manner that a finger-like protrusion is formed between adjacent finger-like grooves, when fitted, the finger-like protrusions of one of the first means and the second means is inserted into the corresponding finger-like grooves of the other one of the first means and the second means, thereby the first means and the second means are fixedly connected.
US09481441B2	Variable trim deflector system and method for controlling a marine vessel A method and a system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second trim deflectors is disclosed. The first and second trim deflectors have a first surface having a first area and a second surface having a second area, wherein the second planar surface is coupled to the first surface. The method and system control the first and second trim deflectors to induce any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second trim deflectors.
US09481440B2	Watercraft propeller propulsion system having a hydraulic thrust bearing assembly A thrust system for a watercraft including a propeller shaft, a propeller shaft housing and a hydraulic thrust bearing assembly. The propeller shaft has an enlarged diameter shoulder, and the housing is positioned around and allows axial movement of the propeller shaft. The hydraulic thrust bearing assembly is axially constrained between the propeller shaft shoulder and the housing. The hydraulic thrust bearing assembly includes an annular cylinder, an annular piston, at least one oil feed passage and at least one oil bleed port. The annular cylinder surrounds the propeller shaft and has a circular groove. The annular piston surrounds the propeller shaft and is movably positioned within the circular groove of the annular cylinder forming a pressurized chamber. Each oil feed passage and oil bleed port allows oil to be communicated relative to the pressurized chamber. The hydraulic pressure developed in the pressurized chamber is proportional to thrust.
US09481436B2	Shift control device of outboard motor, shift control method of outboard motor and program A shift control device of an outboard motor having an electrical shift device for switching a propulsion direction has a rotation switching unit electrically switching whether to drive the outboard motor for regular rotation or for counter rotation, and a rotation determination unit determining whether the outboard motor drives for regular rotation or for counter rotation. Desired performances can be obtained by the outboard motor for regular rotation and the outboard motor for counter rotation without complicating the operation even when the propulsion unit for regular rotation and the propulsion unit for counter rotation are made as a common unit.
US09481434B1	Midsection housing for an outboard motor with water-cooled mounts A midsection housing for an outboard motor includes a driveshaft housing having an oil sump provided therein. An adapter plate is coupled to a top of the driveshaft housing. The adapter plate has an inner surface along which oil from an engine mounted on the adapter plate drains into the oil sump. First and second pockets are formed in an outer surface of the adapter plate on first and second generally opposite sides thereof, the first and second pockets configured to receive first and second mounts therein. A water jacket is formed between the inner and outer surfaces of the adapter plate. The water jacket extends at least partway between the inner surface of the adapter plate and each of the first and second pockets, respectively. A method for cooling a mount is also provided.
US09481433B2	Paddle A paddle is disclose, the paddle comprises a blade, an intensified structure and a handle. The blade comprises a body and a tubular section extending from the body. The body is provided with a reception hollow communicated with the interior of the tubular section. The intensified structure comprises a joint section and an intensified section, where one end of the joint section engages fixedly in the inside of the tubular section of the blade. The handle is joined to the other end of the joint section. The paddle of this invention exploits the intensified structure to heighten the structural strength of the blade, which substantially decreases the possibility of breakage of the blade due to the propelling force.
US09481429B2	Board hanger The present invention provides a hanger configured to support a sports board (e.g. surfboard), for example, in a vertical orientation. The hanger comprises a mount configured for attachment to a supportive structure (e.g. a wall mount) and a ring configured to surround and contact the body of the sports board (‘body ring’) such that at least a portion of the weight of the board is supported by friction imparted by the body ring on the sports board. Embodiments of the present invention provide an efficient and aesthetic mechanism for hanging a sports board such as a surfboard.
US09481427B2	Bicycle kickstand A bicycle kickstand may include a crank arm to mount a pedal to a bicycle frame, which has a slot formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, a pedal coupled perpendicular to the slot of the crank arm and configured to rotate in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm, a middle arm received in the slot of the crank arm and having both end portions which are respectively connected to the crank arm and the pedal in order to allow the pedal to be inclined with respect to the crank arm, and a safety pin configured to be inserted through the slot of the crank arm and the pedal in order to support the pedal in a perpendicular state or an inclined state with respect to the crank arm.
US09481421B2	Backlight for bicycles The invention relates to a rear bicycle light having a socket to be fastened on the frame of the bicycle, a lighting unit being received in said socket, and a luminous body for emitting the light emitted to the surroundings by the lighting unit during operation. According to the invention, the luminous body is an optical fiber emitting the light emitted by the lighting unit during through at least part of the peripheral surface thereof operation to the surroundings.
US09481420B2	Saddle adjustment system A saddle adjustment assembly comprising an adjustable height saddle post, the adjustable height saddle post comprising a first support and a second support, the second support configured to slidably move relative to the first support between at least a raised position and a lowered position, the first support configured to attach to a bicycle frame; a saddle angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the second support, the saddle angle adjustment mechanism comprising a rotatably coupled saddle support configured to couple to a bicycle saddle; wherein the saddle angle adjustment mechanism is configured to enable rotation of the saddle support relative to the second support as a result of the first support moving relative to the second support.
US09481419B2	Bicycle The invention relates to a bicycle, with a bicycle seat assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. Rotation movement of the bicycle seat assembly is possible, seen in the driving direction, to the left and to the right side and is independent of the steering movement of the bicycle. The axis of rotation of the bicycle seat assembly is arranged in front of the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction, and the seating surface of the bicycle seat is arranged behind the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction. The rotatable bicycle seat assembly enables an upright riding position by dodging the cyclist's leg pedaling downwards through a rotational movement. At the same time it supports the hip side of the other leg. The driver is supported by the bicycle seat even in the upright riding position.
US09481415B2	Vehicle fuel economy by optimizing effective rolling tire resistance The subject matter of the present invention relates generally to a vehicle that has axles with tires mounted thereon with at least one axle that is a lift axle, and more specifically, to a method that optimizes the effective tire rolling resistance by adjusting the load on the tires, resulting in an improvement in the fuel economy of the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the method takes into consideration the rolling resistance characteristics of the tires placed onto the axles of the vehicle and provides an algorithm for optimizing their rolling resistance by raising or lowering the lift axle.
US09481409B2	Underbody panelling A motor vehicle component having at least one surface which, in the installed position, forms an outer side of the motor vehicle, in which the surface has substantially V-shaped and/or substantially U-shaped projections, with the closed sides thereof facing a direction of air flow during normal operation of the motor vehicle.
US09481406B2	Drag reduction device and a vehicle comprising the device A drag reduction device for a truck, comprising a vortex generator. The drag reduction device is arranged to cooperate with a front portion of the truck such that, in use, the vortex generator generates a vortex which is capable of suppressing a wake formed along a side of the truck.
US09481403B1	Secure truck box system A secure truck box system discretely holds and protects items within a box accessible only using a remote control. The system includes a truck having a sidewall extending along a bed. An enclosure has an open top and a perimeter wall coupled to the bed and the sidewall defining an interior space with the sidewall and the bed. A case is positioned within the interior space. The case has a solid top panel and a storage section extending downwardly from the top panel. A lift elevates and lowers the case. The top panel is coextensive with and obstructs the open top when the case is fully retracted into the interior space. The lift is actuated only by manipulation of a remote control.
US09481402B1	Methods and apparatus for supporting vehicle components Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle bed system for use with a vehicle that includes a cargo compartment, a tail light, a tail light cover, and a fender. The vehicle bed system can include a bed bottom that defines a bottom surface of the vehicle cargo compartment, and a pair of bed sidewalls that are disposed at opposite sides of the bed bottom. Connectors can directly connect each of the fender, tail light, and tail light cover to one of the bed sidewalls.
US09481399B2	Structure for mounting hood hinge for vehicle A structure for mounting a hood hinge for a vehicle includes a front pillar outer panel bonded to each of rear portions of fender apron upper members, which extend in a length direction of the vehicle, and mounted to left and right sides of the vehicle. A cowl upper panel extends in a width direction of the vehicle and is bonded to the front pillar outer panel and each of the rear portions of the fender apron upper members. A cowl side outer panel is connected to the fender apron upper member, the front pillar outer panel, and the cowl upper panel. The hood hinge is mounted on the connection portion of the cowl side outer panel and the fender apron upper member.
US09481394B2	Angle detection apparatus, motor having the angle detection apparatus, torque sensor, electric power steering apparatus, and vehicle There are provided an angle detection apparatus configured to correct an error included in angle information output from a multipolar angle detector, a motor having the angle detection apparatus, a torque sensor, an electric power steering apparatus, and a vehicle. A multiplication circuit (12) generates digital electrical angle information (θed) from analog angle information output from a multipolar optical encoder (11), a first differentiator 30 differentiates the electrical angle information (θed) to operate an electrical angular velocity (ωed), a first discontinuity correction circuit (31) carries out processing of correcting a discontinuity of an angular velocity in a temporal change for the electrical angular velocity (ωed), and a digital filter (32) carries out correction processing of reducing a high-frequency noise component for an electrical angular velocity (ωedc) corrected by the first discontinuity correction circuit (31).
US09481391B2	Electric power steering apparatus An electric power steering apparatus includes steering mechanisms that direct left and right front wheels of a vehicle equipped with the electric power steering apparatus according to rotation of a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is coupled, a first motor and a second motor that give an assist torque to the steering mechanisms, and a controller that controls the assist torques generated by the first motor and the second motor. The controller causes the first motor to generate the torque in a direction of the steering operation when a generation of the assist torque is started. The controller causes the second motor to generate the torque after a rotation of the first motor is detected. The torque of the second motor is smaller than the torque of the first motor and opposite from the direction of the steering operation.
US09481387B2	Transport dollies In one embodiment, a transport dolly includes a base having a generally horizontal platform adapted to support an object to be moved and generally vertical side walls that extend downward from edges of the platform toward a floor or ground surface, and casters mounted to a bottom surface of the platform between the side walls, the casters being dimensioned such that bottom edges of the side walls nearly touch the floor or ground surface such that the casters are enclosed and protected by the side walls.
US09481386B2	Mobile cart A mobile cart includes a cabinet supported by a plurality of wheels, a countertop located on top of the cabinet, an upper trim assembly completely surrounding an upper portion of the cabinet and being spaced apart from the cabinet by a space, a lower trim assembly at least partially surrounding a lower portion of the cabinet and being spaced apart from the cabinet by a space and a marketing sign held to a front panel of the cabinet. The upper edge of the marketing sign is located in the space between a front member of the upper trim assembly and a front panel of the cabinet. The lower edge of the marketing sign is located in the space between a front member of the lower trim assembly and the front panel of the cabinet.
US09481382B2	Handbrake with a double-sided gear box A handbrake for a railroad car includes a handbrake body having one or more gear train components therein and a drive shaft operatively connected to the one or more gear train components. An intermediate pinion shaft is operatively connected to the drive shaft through one or more gears. A shaft alignment link is adapted for maintaining a relative spacing between the drive shaft and the intermediate pinion shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A gear box housing is provided to enclose at least a portion of the drive shaft, the intermediate pinion shaft, and the shaft alignment link. The shaft alignment link is movable relative to the gear box housing due to any eccentric movement of the drive shaft to maintain the proper spacing between the drive shaft and the intermediate pinion shaft, thereby eliminating a possibility of gear binding. A method for aligning internal gear components within a handbrake and an alignment system for use with a railway vehicle handbrake is also provided.
US09481381B2	Lightweight yoke for railway coupling E-type and F-type yokes improve the ability of the yokes to be constructed having lighter weight yet function to handle loads from car coupling assembly components, such as, for example, a coupler mounted on the yoke. The E-type and F-type yokes have straps and openings provided in the straps, and are constructed from austempered ductile iron. Embodiments may be constructed with a tail or butt portion that includes sloped walls that form cavities in the butt portion of the yoke, where a supporting structure spans between the yoke rear wall and the draft gear seat wall.
US09481372B2	Speed change apparatus for vehicle After a speed change operation mechanism has changed gear position during a shift in a vehicle, a controller operates an actuator to put a clutch into a partial clutch engagement state, thereby reducing difference rotation Nd of the clutch, and temporarily lowers an output of an engine below a normal-time output. After the difference rotation of the clutch is reduced, the controller returns the engine output to the normal-time output, and operates the actuator to bring the clutch into a full capacity state. The standard difference rotational speed Nds is variable according to the throttle position Th detected by the engine load detection means.
US09481371B2	Method and apparatus for controlling speed change of hybrid vehicle A method and apparatus for controlling a speed change of a hybrid vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes an engine for combustion of fuel to generate power and a motor that is configured to supplement the power from the engine and operate as a generator during braking to generate electrical energy and store the generated electrical energy generated a battery. A transmission is configured to convert the power from the engine to a required torque based on a speed and transmit the power to wheels and is directly connected to the motor. In addition, a controller is configured to operate the transmission to shift in a constant power section of the motor when the motor is performing regenerative braking. The apparatus minimizes the sense of difference felt by a driver by shifting in the constant power section of the motor during the regenerative braking of a hybrid vehicle.
US09481368B2	Park exit assist system and park exit assist method A park exit assist system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to, at a time of assisting in moving a vehicle parallel parked in a parking area out of the parking area, set an imaginary line at a boundary at a predetermined position on a side in a direction, which is opposite to a direction in which the vehicle is moved out of the parking area, on the basis of a position of the vehicle at a start of assisting in moving the vehicle out of the parking area, set an area beyond the imaginary line for a no-entry area, and execute control for assisting in moving the vehicle out of the parking area such that the vehicle does not enter the no-entry area.
US09481366B1	Automated control of interactions between self-driving vehicles and animals A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product causes a self-driving vehicle (SDV) to avoid a physical encounter with an animal. An SDV on-board computer on an SDV receives an animal predicted movement signal from an animal signal transceiver worn by an animal, and an SDV movement signal from a set of SDV sensors on the SDV that track movement of the SDV. One or more processors determine a probability of a physical encounter (E) between the SDV and the animal exceeding a predefined confidence value (C) based on the animal predicted movement signal and the SDV movement signal. In response to determining that E>C, the SDV on-board computer instructs an SDV control processor on the SDV to direct SDV vehicular physical control mechanisms on the SDV to adjust the current speed and direction of movement of the SDV.
US09481363B2	Method for operating a hybrid vehicle In a method for operating a hybrid vehicle, a total wheel drive torque is composed of a wheel drive torque of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle and a wheel drive torque of an electric machine of the vehicle, and the total wheel drive torque is selectively increased or decreased by the wheel drive torque of the electric machine in one of a motor mode or a generator mode of the electric machine. The electric machine is operated such that (i) the sum of the wheel drive torques of the electric machine and a wheel-drive-torque-reducing safety measure carried out remains constant in the generator mode, or (ii) the sum of the wheel drive torques of the electric machine and a wheel drive torque-increasing safety measure carried out remains constant in the motor mode.
US09481362B2	Driving control apparatus and method for hybrid vehicle A driving control apparatus and method for a hybrid vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a vehicle speed calculator that is configured to detect a driving speed of the vehicle and output information regarding the detected driving speed. An inclination sensor is configured to detect an inclination of a road on which the vehicle is being driven and output information regarding the detected inclination. In addition, a mode shift controller is configured to determine a driving load of the vehicle based on the driving speed and the inclination and execute the driving mode of the vehicle based on a magnitude of the driving load.
US09481361B2	Control apparatus for a vehicle A control apparatus for a vehicle provided with an engine, an electric motor, and a damper disposed in a power transmitting path between said engine and said electric motor, wherein said engine is started with its speed being raised by a drive force of said electric motor, wherein said damper has characteristics of generating a larger hysteresis torque during its torsion in a negative direction of transmission of the drive force from said electric motor toward said engine, than a hysteresis torque generated during its torsion in a positive direction of transmission of a drive force from said engine toward said electric motor, said control apparatus comprising a hybrid control portion configured to ignite said engine by igniting said engine in the process of a rise of the speed of said engine while said damper is subjected to the torsion in the negative direction by said electric motor.
US09481360B1	Vehicle driveline damper oscillation control A vehicle includes an electric machine, a torque converter and damper, and a controller. The controller is programmed to operate the electric machine to apply a regenerative torque according to a deflection of the damper and a difference between a speed of the electric machine and an output speed of the torque converter.
US09481358B2	Method for engine starting in a hybrid vehicle A starting method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle involves detecting at least one engine related parameter to determine whether an electric machine is to be used for cranking the engine and opening the clutch to separate the electric machine from the engine. Subsequently, the at least one detected engine related parameter is used to select rotatable components to be used for assisting engine start. The selected components are rotated by connecting the countershaft to the clutch. The electric machine is operated. The clutch is then closed in order to start the engine.
US09481354B2	Emergency operation method of hybrid vehicle An emergency operation method of a hybrid vehicle, which includes an engine, a first motor connected to the engine through an engine clutch and transmitting power to a vehicle wheel, and a second motor connected with the engine to directly transmit power, includes charging a DC-link terminal with a first counter electromotive force of the first motor and the second motor generated by driving energy of the vehicle or power from the engine when a main relay is off while the vehicle travels. A voltage of the DC-link terminal is controlled by using a second inverter which is connected between the DC-link terminal and the second motor in a driving state of the engine. Power is supplied by using the DC-link terminal, of which the voltage is controlled, for an emergency operation of the vehicle.
US09481349B2	Vehicle brake device A brake ECU uses a control pressure acquired from a control pressure sensor to determine whether a valve closing operation abnormality or a valve opening operation abnormality occurs in one of a pressure increasing linear control valve and an adjusted flow rate cut valve in a state where a hydraulic pressure is supplied from an accumulator. The brake ECU controls, if the brake ECU determines that an abnormality occurs, respectively the control valve and the cut valve to change to an open state or a closed state, and identifies, based on a change in the control pressure acquired from the control pressure sensor, in which of the control valve and the cut valve the valve opening operation abnormality or the valve closing operation abnormality occurs. The brake ECU can use, after a valve in which the valve opening operation abnormality or the valve closing operation abnormality occurs is identified, a valve in which the abnormality does not occur to carry out brake control.
US09481347B2	Internal gear pump for a hydraulic vehicle brake system The disclosure relates to an internal gear pump for a slip-controlled hydraulic vehicle brake system. According to the disclosure a separating piece of the internal gear pump is formed having an inner part and an outer part, which engages around the end of the inner part with allowance for tolerance. In this way, the inner part and the outer part are movably connected to one another in a radial direction, and can be installed in the internal gear pump as a pre-mounted assembly.
US09481344B2	Braking control system for vehicle A braking control system for a vehicle includes a camera configured to be disposed at a vehicle so as to have an exterior field of view. After actuation of the brake system by an automatic emergency braking system of the vehicle, a control controls the brake system of the subject vehicle. While the control is controlling the brake system of the subject vehicle, the braking control system determines if the driver of the subject vehicle is impaired. Responsive to a determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is impaired, the braking control system does not allow the driver to override the control's control of the brake system of the subject vehicle, and responsive to a determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is not impaired, the braking control system allows the driver to override the control's control of the brake system of the subject vehicle.
US09481343B2	Windscreen wiper device A windscreen wiper device is provided. The windscreen wiper device includes an elongated wiper strip of a flexible material for sealing against the windshield and at least one elongated groove. At least one flexible and elongated carrier element is disposed in the at least one groove of the wiper strip for biasing the wiper strip into a predetermined configuration when in a relaxed state. The at least one carrier element presents at least one upwardly facing curve and at least one downwardly facing curve when in a relaxed state.
US09481341B2	Safety belt arrangement for a motor vehicle The invention relates to a safety belt arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a safety belt having a safety belt section and a pelvic belt section (6), which safety belt has a belt diverter (13) on the outer attachment point (A) in the motor vehicle transverse direction (y), above which belt diverter the pelvic belt section (6) is guided to a belt tensioner unit (19) in the region of a rocker panel (7). According to the invention the rocker panel (7) has a retaining profile part (27) which supports a door sill panel (4) delimiting the door entry area, wherein between the retaining profile part (27) and a bottom group (41) of the motor vehicle lying underneath an installation space (33) is formed, in which the belt tensioner unit (19) is arranged.
US09481337B2	System and method for mounting an airbag chute assembly within a vehicle trim component A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component includes disposing a fiber panel within a mold cavity, and aligning an airbag chute assembly with the fiber panel. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel within the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. At least a portion of the fiber panel is compressed between a surface of the mold cavity and a surface of the airbag chute assembly.
US09481336B2	Vehicle steering arrangement and a vehicle comprising such a steering arrangement The disclosure relates to a vehicle steering arrangement comprising a steering wheel and a torque transmitting steering column arrangement arranged to connect the steering wheel with front wheels of a vehicle. The steering arrangement comprises at least a first steering column part connected to the steering wheel and a second steering column part connected to the front wheels. The first and second steering column parts are connected to each other by a decoupling device adapted to decouple the first and second steering column parts from each other when an accident is detected so that the second steering column part can rotate in relation to the first column part. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising such a steering arrangement.
US09481335B2	Method and apparatus for detecting pedestrian vehicle impact An apparatus (50) detects a pedestrian/vehicle impact, the apparatus including a plurality of sensors (62, 64, 66) mounted near a forward location of a vehicle (52), each sensor providing an associated signal indicative of an impact event. A metric determining device (80) determines metric values for each of the sensor signals. A controller (80) determines if any of said determined metric values indicates the occurrence of a misuse event. The controller also determines if a pedestrian/vehicle impact event is occurring by comparing the metric value of at least one sensor signal against a selectable threshold. An actuation signal is provided in response to the comparison. The selectable threshold is selected in response to the determined occurrence of a misuse event. An actuatable pedestrian impact mitigation device (84) is attached to the vehicle and is actuated in responsive to the actuation signal from said controller.
US09481331B1	Enhanced communication system for vehicle hazard lights A system for implementing strobing of existing vehicle hazard lights including an interface to a vehicle wiring harness configured to receive input to an existing vehicle flasher module, and a strobing circuit that responds to an activation signal from the vehicle wiring harness that is indicative of a hazard flasher deployment event by producing an electrical output through the interface to the vehicle wiring harness that causes a strobing of existing vehicle hazard lamps.
US09481327B2	Wire harness and wire fitting A wire harness including a wire fitting is provided that maintains the length of the portion of the wire bundle that extends to the outside of the wire fitting reliably at a tolerance range without impeding the freedom of bending the wire bundle. A wire harness includes a wire fitting having a base and a cover covering a portion of a wire bundle together with the base. The base is provided with a protrusion that pierces the insulated wires at a portion further to an outer edge of the base than a portion of the wire bundle that is tied together by a first tie member, the wire bundle extending from the base to an outside of the base.
US09481325B1	Control of an access opening in a body of a vehicle A system for controlling access into a vehicle in the event of loss of electrical power is disclosed. The vehicle has an access opening into the vehicle's interior with a first door for access thereto, a cargo enclosure with a second door therefor, and an energy storage device for generating the electrical power. A first latch selectively latches and unlatches the first door, while a first switch operates the first latch. A second latch selectively latches and unlatches the second door, while an actuator connects the second door to the vehicle body and selectively opens and closes the second door. A second switch selectively connects a motor-generator to the energy storage device for operating the actuator in a first mode and disconnects the motor-generator from the energy storage device for generating electric current when the second door is operated manually to operate the first latch in a second mode.
US09481324B2	Vehicle battery charger A vehicle battery charger for charging a vehicle that is operable to detect a disengagement of a connecter or a preparing operation of the disengagement of the connector by a change in an electric current value of an electric current output from a terminal of the connecter and to stop charging a storage battery of the vehicle upon the detection includes a charging device configured to charge the vehicle, and a simulation operation device configured to change the electric current value by switching a pathway of the electric current output from the terminal of the connecter in a state that the connecter is in engagement and the preparing operation of the disengagement of the connecter is not carried out so as to cause the vehicle to stop charging the storage battery.
US09481323B2	Flexible interior trim component having a smooth surface An interior trim component is provided that includes multiple substantially parallel ribs each configured to engage a track to facilitate movement of the interior trim component along the track. The interior trim component also includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is coupled to the ribs, and the second surface is opposite the first surface and is substantially smooth.
US09481319B2	TV mount for over-the-road truck A bracket assembly adjustably mounted a flat screen TV monitor in the sleeper compartment of an over-the-road truck. The bracket base mounts to the ceiling of the truck cab and to the front wall of the sleeper compartment. An arm is slidably connected to the base. The TV is mounted to a plate on the end of the arm so as to reside in the entry/exit opening between the cab and the sleeper compartment. The TV can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position.
US09481317B2	Elastically deformable clip and method An elastically deformable clip includes a first and second outer wall arranged substantially parallel to each other, each of the first outer wall and the second outer wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first edge and a second edge arranged substantially parallel, and a third edge and a fourth edge arranged substantially parallel. The clip also includes at least one inner wall extending between the inner surfaces of the first and second outer walls, the at least one inner wall having at least one slot, wherein the first outer wall, the second outer wall and the at least one inner wall are formed of an elastically deformable material. The clip further includes a rib protruding from the outer surface of at least one of the first and second outer walls, the rib arranged substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge.
US09481316B2	Hidden storage box and multi-purpose utility table for light pickup trucks A storage box system for a motor vehicle includes a folding storage box and a sliding rail assembly for translating the folding storage box between a hidden storage position below a cargo bay of the motor vehicle and a deployed position extending from a rear portion of the motor vehicle. The storage box includes at least a back and opposed sides being connected to a floor for transitioning between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. Structures are provided for retaining the opposed sides and back in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a plane defined by the floor when the folding storage box is in the unfolded configuration. The sliding rail assembly includes one or more sliding rails associated with the folding storage box floor and one or more cooperating sleeves disposed below the cargo bay for slidingly receiving the sliding rails therein.
US09481312B2	Weapon lock apparatus A weapon lock apparatus having a magnetic lock system activated by a control module for releasably securing an article, such as a weapon, to deter unauthorized removal and use of the article secured by the apparatus.
US09481311B2	Accessory mounting structure to vehicle dashboard An accessory mounting structure to a vehicle dashboard, the structure includes: a dashboard extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion of a riding space and provided with an accessory location opening for locating an accessory; and an accessory mount panel detachably provided to the dashboard and closing the accessory location opening. The accessory mount panel has an accessory mount portion for mounting the accessory that is located through the accessory location opening.
US09481304B2	Automotive exterior mirror heater control An exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly, a mirror heating element and a control. The mirror assembly includes a mirror head portion mountable to a side of a vehicle and a reflective element supported at the mirror head portion. The mirror heating element is disposed at a rear side of the reflective element and operable to heat the reflective element. The control is operable to power the mirror heating element to heat the reflective element. The control controls heating of the mirror heating element responsive at least in part to a signal indicative of air flow at or around the exterior rearview mirror assembly and the reflective element of the equipped vehicle.
US09481302B2	Mirror for checking blind spot Provided is a mirror for checking blind spot that achieves further thickness reduction while being provided with flame resistance.A single double-sided adhesive tape 2 in which both surfaces of a base sheet 7 are coated with adhesives 8, 9 is attached to a back surface of a Fresnel mirror 1 formed of a planar transparent resin plate 3. The base sheet 7 is formed of a resin into which a flame retardant is blended.
US09481298B2	Reporting system, reporting control method, and handheld device A reporting system has a first handheld device that locks and unlocks a door of a vehicle, and a second handheld device that communicates with the first handheld device. The first handheld device has an inside/outside determination unit that carries out wireless communication with the vehicle and acquires, with the vehicle, information of inside/outside determination on whether the first handheld device is inside the vehicle or outside the vehicle, and a transmitting unit that transmits the result of the inside/outside determination. The second handheld device has a receiving unit that receives the result of the determination from the first handheld device.
US09481290B2	Adjustment device for light modules of a vehicle The invention relates to an adjustment device for light modules of a vehicle, by which the light module is arranged pivotal about a horizontal or vertical axis in reference to a housing, with an actuator arranged articulate along a direction of adjustment, which is connected via a link to a support frame carrying the light module, with the link comprising on the one hand a spherical link and on the other hand a cup-shaped link part accepting the former, with the cup-shaped link part comprising a laminar support section for the laminar contact at a fastening part of the support frame, with the laminar support section being supported at the fastening part in a manner displaceable perpendicular in reference to the direction of adjustment.
US09481287B2	Roadway projection system A roadway projection system integrated into a vehicle is configured to identify a specific driving scenario encountered by a driver of the vehicle, and to then project an image onto a roadway along which the vehicle travels based on that scenario. The image is intended to provide guidance to the driver in negotiating the identified scenario and/or to visualize potential driving actions of the driver for the benefit of others. The image could be, for example, and without limitation, an indicator that the driver should follow to perform a specific driving or navigation action, or a preference that the driver wishes to share with other drivers. In addition, the roadway projection system may detect images projected by other roadway projection systems in other vehicles and to determine mutual preferences shared between drivers. When a shared preference is violated, the roadway projection system may alert the driver of the vehicle.
US09481285B2	Strap assembly and protective cover for a hook of a strap assembly A protective hook cover configured for use in association with a hook member having a base and a leg joined together about a bend region so as to define a retention channel therebetween. The protective hook cover comprises a base region cover portion, a leg region cover portion and a connecting cover portion therebetween. The connecting cover portion including a plurality of nub bumper members extending outwardly from the outer base surface. A combination protective hook cover and hook member is also disclosed, as is the inclusion of a strap member.
US09481277B1	Adjustable headrest A headrest assembly includes a centrally disposed headrest bun having an upper portion and an adjustable lower portion. The adjustable lower portion is configured to move between extended and retracted positions relative to the upper portion. First and second side supports are operably coupled to the headrest bun on opposite sides of the headrest bun. The first and second side supports are operable between upright and deployed positions relative to the headrest bun. The adjustable components of the headrest assembly make for a headrest assembly that is operable between neutral and surround configurations.
US09481275B2	Armrest device for a vehicle interior Armrest device having an armrest part swivellably movable between an armrest position and a not-in-use position, having a base part arranged fixed in the vehicle and on which the armrest part is mounted swivellably movable about a swivel axis, and having a locking device for supporting the armrest part in at least one swivel position relative to the base part. The swivel axis is axially split into a base axis section and an armrest axis section, and the locking device includes a wrap spring brake which interacts with the base axis section and the armrest axis section in order to release the armrest part during a swivel movement in the direction of the not-in-use position and to lock it during a reverse swivel movement.
US09481274B2	Vehicle armrest with structural fabric substrate A vehicle armrest includes an inner armrest substrate having at least one buckling member extending to an outer armrest substrate. A gap is defined by the inner and outer armrest substrates and the at least one buckling member. A fabric member extends across the gap and is attached to the inner and outer armrest substrates. A cover member extends over and is vertically supported by the fabric member.
US09481273B2	Cable retention unit Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a device for maintaining a cable in place or otherwise securing, capping, shielding, or guarding a cable. In one embodiment, the cable retention unit is used to secure or guard a cable in place in a seat actuator or other cable-containing component.
US09481269B2	Recliner for vehicle seat Disclosed herein is a recliner for a vehicle seat including an external gear bracket having an external gear, an internal gear bracket which has an internal gear and is formed with a central protrusion, a socket which is formed with a socket protrusion and has an operation protrusion, and a pair of wedge blocks configured to surround the central protrusion. The socket includes a lubrication pocket for supplying a lubricating substance to the central protrusion of the internal gear bracket or the bush, and thus may improve durability of each component by constantly supplying the lubricating substance between the central protrusion of the internal gear bracket and the operation protrusion of the socket, between the operation protrusion of the socket and the bush, and between the bush and the wedge blocks.
US09481265B2	Convertible golf cart seat assembly A convertible golf cart seat assembly is disclosed. The convertible golf cart seat assembly includes a main seat frame attached to the existing golf cart structure, a plastic stationary cargo board supported by the main seat frame, a plastic flip board rotatably hinged to the main seat frame, and a seat with a plastic backer board attached to the flip board. The hinge between the flip board and the main seat frame includes flip board flanges on the flip board and cargo board flanges on the stationary cargo board that abut each other and provide strength to the cargo bed created by the stationary cargo board and the flip board.
US09481262B2	Electric vehicle and method A vehicle includes an electric motor, a direct current power source, and an inverter operatively connected to the direct current power source and the electric motor. The inverter is configured to convert direct current from the power source to alternating current and to transmit the alternating current to the electric motor. The inverter is characterized by an on status and an off status. A controller is operatively connected to the inverter and is configured to control whether the inverter is on or off. The controller is configured to selectively cause the inverter to enter a mode of operation in which the inverter cycles between being on and off.
US09481259B2	Bidirectional vehicle charging apparatus and operation method thereof Disclosed is a charging apparatus to supply a power to a battery of an electric vehicle. The charging apparatus includes a bidirectional power conversion unit including three pairs of switching device groups and having one end connected to a power system and an opposite end; an energy storage unit connected to the opposite end of the bidirectional power conversion unit to store the DC power output through the opposite end of the bidirectional power conversion unit; a multi-DC power output unit to output the DC power to an outside in the first inverse operation mode; and a charging control unit to detect a charging condition of the charging apparatus. The switching device groups serve as buck-converters, respectively, in the first inverse operation mode to convert the DC power into another DC power having a level different from a level of the DC power.
US09481258B2	Vehicle and wireless power supply system A vehicle (3, 3A) is provided with: a power receiving coil (3a) that is provided so as to face a ground power supply coil (2a) and that receives electric power from the ground power supply coil (2a); a storage battery (3d) that stores the electric power received by the power receiving coil (3a); and a power supply coil (3f) that supplies the electric power received by the power receiving coil (3a) to the outside. A transporting system is provided with: a plurality of travel tracks (1A, 1B) along which the plurality of vehicles (3, 3A) travel; and power transfer areas (Ka, Kb) where a vehicle (3, 3A) traveling along a travel track (1A) and a vehicle (3, 3A) traveling along another travel track (1B) are able to mutually transfer electric power to each other.
US09481256B2	Onboard generator drive system for electric vehicles An electric vehicle utilizes an internal combustion engine to drive the vehicle's main electric drive system in the regeneration mode and to charge the battery when the vehicle is stopped. The electric vehicle's main drive controller and motor are used as the generator to recharge the battery when the vehicle is stopped via a clutch mechanism allowing the motor to act as a generator while the vehicle is at rest. As the vehicle proceeds throughout the drive cycle, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor from the battery. The battery is recharged to a specified state of charge when the vehicle is parked. The internal combustion engine only operates to charge the battery, and the electric motor is used to propel the vehicle.
US09481254B1	System and method for improving acceleration performance of an electric vehicle Systems and methods are disclosed for improving acceleration performance of an electric vehicle that includes an electric motor for propulsion. An exemplary system may include an inverter configured to drive the electric motor. The inverter may include at least one power electronic device. The system may also include a torque capability controller. The torque capability controller may be configured to receive information indicative of a selection between a first mode and a second mode. The second mode may correspond to a higher torque to be output by the electric motor than the first mode. The torque capability controller may also be configured to apply a switching frequency to the at least one power electronic device. The switching frequency may have a lower value when the received information indicates the selection of the second mode than when the received information indicates the selection of the first mode.
US09481253B2	Electrical energy storage system for traction power supply An energy storage system for connection to a traction power supply that provides power to an electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes a power controller that controls a DC-DC converter to transfer electrical energy from the traction power supply to electrical energy storage when the train is braking. The power controller also controls the converter to transfer electrical energy from the electrical energy storage to the traction power supply when the train is accelerating. The controller slows the rate of energy transfer when upper and lower voltage boundary limits of the electrical energy storage are approached, respectively.
US09481252B1	Regenerative braking system for reducing fuel consumption Systems and methods are disclosed for reducing engine fuel consumption during regenerative braking. According to certain embodiments, the regenerative braking system has an engine, a generator, a rectifier, a first inverter, a traction motor, and a reverse recovery unit. The generator is configured to be driven by the engine to produce AC electrical power. The rectifier is configured to receive AC electrical power from the generator and convert the AC power to DC power. The first inverter is configured to receive the DC power and convert the DC power to AC power. The traction motor is configured to be driven by the AC power in a traction mode, and to produce regenerated power when rotated in reverse in a regenerative braking mode. The reverse recovery unit has a second inverter and a filter. The second inverter is electrically connected in parallel with the rectifier and configured to communicate at least part of the regenerated power from the traction motor to the generator during the regenerative braking mode. The filter is electrically connected downstream of the second inverter and in parallel with the rectifier. The filter is configured to filter transient voltage generated by the second inverter during the regenerative braking mode.
US09481250B2	Mining vehicle A mining vehicle includes electric components, devices or machines operating at alternating voltage and having a specific nominal voltage. Power is fed to the mining vehicle from an alternating current network with a specific voltage level. The mining vehicle further includes a transformer arranged to transform the voltage level of the alternating current network into the nominal voltage. When a voltage higher than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer, the transformer lowers this higher voltage to the nominal voltage. When a voltage lower than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer, the transformer raises the voltage to the nominal voltage. The transformer is arranged to feed the electric component, device or machine both when a voltage lower than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer and when a voltage higher than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer.
US09481249B2	Electric vehicle An electric vehicle equipped with an automotive battery. The automotive battery has a charging unit on the left side surface, discharging units on the right side surface, and a battery-side power supply terminal on the lower surface. The automotive battery drives an electric motor when the vehicle is moving, supplies power to external electrical products when the vehicle is not moving, and is configured so as to be usable at all times.
US09481245B2	Vehicle sobriety interlock systems and methods with vehicle warm-up support A vehicle sobriety interlock system including a sobriety testing apparatus for testing a driver of a vehicle for intoxication and an interlock system responsive to test results from the sobriety testing apparatus for controlling ignition of an engine of the vehicle. The interlock system, in response to a test result indicating that the driver is sober, allows the driver to start the engine of the vehicle. During a vehicle warm-up time period of a predetermined length following start of the engine and before a transmission of the vehicle has been engaged for putting the vehicle in motion, the interlock system delays a retest of the driver with the sobriety testing system for intoxication.
US09481240B1	Cover assembly for a filling port of a vehicle A cover assembly for a filling port of a vehicle includes a hinge structure and a cover portion. The hinge structure includes an interface portion having a plurality of retention tabs. Each of the plurality of retention tabs include an inboard surface that is spaced from an outboard surface of the interface portion. The cover portion includes a plurality of cover tabs. Each of the cover tabs include an outboard surface that is spaced from an inboard surface of the cover portion. The cover portion is disposed adjacent the outboard surface of the interface portion. Each of the retention tabs is engaged with one of the cover tabs in interlocking engagement. Each of the cover tabs is disposed between one of the retention tabs and the interface portion. Each of the retention tabs is disposed between one of the cover tabs and the cover portion.

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