最新美国发明专利第2017-08-15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
US09732493B2	Method and an apparatus for attenuating pressure pulses An apparatus and a method for attenuating water pressure pulses generated during sea piling when a percussion mechanism is used, including the stage of driving at least one pile into an earth by a percussion mechanism, while along at least a part of its axial extension, the pile is surrounded by water and at least partly by a tubular outer sleeve; and at least one gas-filled space is provided between the inner periphery of the outer sleeve and the outer periphery of the pile. The apparatus includes mechanisms for providing the gas-filled space.
US09732492B2	Situ treatment system and method for dewatering and stabilization of waste material deposits in waste impoundments A system and method for in situ dewatering and stabilizing waste material deposits previously created from sluicing into a waste impoundment. The method includes access for installation of wells and grading for surface drainage and storm water control. If free water is present, primary dewatering siphons or decants the free water in the pond. The system includes vertical dewatering well installation that requires drilling, well completion materials for filtering leachate, and well pump installation for removing leachate from the well. Collection piping collects leachate from the wells and transfers the leachate to a discharge solution. The dewatering operation collects and removes leachate from the pond ash deposit and impoundment, reuses or treats the leachate at a discharge solution, remediates contaminants and/or hydraulic head in the impoundment, and consolidates and stabilizes the dewatered solids. Impoundment closure includes horizontal drains, final grading, final cover or overfill landfill development, and post closure.
US09732491B2	Water suppressor and sediment collection system for use in shallow and deeper water environments A transportable wave suppressor and sediment collection system for suppressing wave action along the shore of a body of water, which includes a plurality of interconnected sections, each section including a base, a forward wall, and a rear wall, and having a plurality of flow pipes extending from the forward wall to the rear wall, and further including a plurality of shelves on the forward wall for dispersing wave energy, while redirecting and using the wave energy to allow water and sediment to flow into the flow pipes and for collecting sediment that is not carried into the flow pipes and settles on the shelves for being contacted by a following wave to carry the sediment into the flow pipes. In some deeper water embodiments, the sections may include a base portion, a top portion and one or more spacer portions to enable raising or changing the height of the system.
US09732490B2	Snow removal brush, vehicle, combination vehicle, and track transportation system A snow removal brush includes a brush rotary shaft that is disposed on each of opposite lateral surfaces of a vehicle body traveling along a track and in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle body and is supported by the vehicle body to be rotatable about an axis extending in a direction intersecting a track surface of the track, and a brush part that protrudes from an outer circumferential surface of the brush rotary shaft to a radial outer side. The brush part is formed to come into contact with trolley wires provided for the track and supplying electricity to the vehicle body.
US09732489B1	Snow removal system and associated use thereof A snow removal system includes a mobile vehicle including a first motor, an actuation lever in communication with the first motor, a plow having a cavity formed therein and being in communication with the actuation lever, a blade statically connected to the plow, a second motor seated exterior of the plow, an auger in communication with the second motor and rotatably seated within the cavity, a transfer chute in communication with the plow and the auger, a collection bin in communication with the transfer chute, a heating element situated within the collection bin, and a release valve in fluid communication with the collection bin.
US09732485B2	Column protector A column protection apparatus includes a number of impact absorbing members, each impact absorbing member including a protrusion and a protrusion receiving opening. The protrusion of each impact absorption member is inserted into the protrusion receiving opening of another, different impact absorption member such that a column-receiving opening is formed through the impact absorbing members.
US09732482B2	Mobile barrier In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
US09732479B2	Rolling wheel deflectometer A method and an apparatus for rolling wheel deflection measurement are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rolling wheel to be moved along a measuring surface in a first direction; a frame extending essentially along the measuring surface in the first direction from at least the rolling wheel; four spaced apart range sensors; a scanner for scanning in a first time interval a number of lines using each of the range sensors, so as to get a corresponding number of virtual images, in which the pixel values represent distances; and a data processor adapted for comparing and matching the virtual images, so as to identify corresponding regions, and for calculating a deflection value using matched pixel values of virtual images from the virtual images based on the identification corresponding regions.
US09732477B2	Apparatus and method for controlling airborne pollution An apparatus for controlling airborne pollution comprises a leeward wall located near a polluted region, and a windward wall located between the leeward wall and the polluted region. The leeward wall and the windward wall are spaced apart so as to define an airflow passageway therebetween. The windward wall extends upwardly to a first wall height. The leeward wall includes an upper portion extending above the first wall height. The upper portion is adapted to direct airflow downward through the airflow passageway towards at least one opening located below the first wall height for exhausting the airflow from the airflow passageway.
US09732474B2	Hydrophobic coated paper substrate for polymer emulsion topcoats and method for making same A hydrophobic coated paper substrate formed from a paper substrate of paper fibers and internal sizing agent, a surface size layer of one or more surface sizing starches, optionally one or more non-starch hydrophobic surface sizing agents, and optionally one or more paper pigments, on at least one surface of the paper substrate, and at least one hydrophobic pigmented coating layer of a paper pigment component and a hydrophobic pigment binder component on at least one surface size layer. Also a method for preparing such coated paper substrates.
US09732470B2	Shoe press belt for papermaking The purpose of the present invention is to provide a shoe press belt which exhibits improvement in mechanical characteristics such as crack resistance, wear resistance, delamination resistance and bending fatigue resistance, particularly in the surface wear resistance of the shoe press belt and the crack resistance of the bottom regions of water receiving parts. A shoe press belt which is produced by integrating a reinforcing substrate with a polyurethane layer including at least a felt-side layer and in which water-receiving parts are formed in the felt-side layer, wherein the polyurethane equivalent value of the second resin layer including the bottom regions of the water-receiving parts is adjusted so as to be larger than that of the first resin layer including a surface which is to be brought into contact with a felt.
US09732469B2	Biomass treatment for hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion A selective removal of metal and its anion species that are detrimental to subsequent hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion from the biomass feed prior to carrying out catalytic hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis/hydrodeoxygenation of the biomass in a manner that does not reduce the effectiveness of the hydrothermal hydrocatalytic treatment while minimizing the amount of water used in the process is provided.
US09732468B2	Spliced rope apparatus and method A spliced rope apparatus and a method of forming the same are disclosed. The apparatus has a first rope including a first plurality of strands and a second rope including a second plurality of strands. The apparatus also has a splice connecting the ropes and defined by the first and second pluralities of strands. The splice has a spiral section including a first pair having strands of the first plurality of strands that are positioned proximate each other. The first pair extends helically and the strands of the first pair together pass under a plurality of picks defined by the second plurality of strands and together pass over a remainder of the second plurality of strands. The splice also has a tuck section in which at least some of the first plurality of strands extend longitudinally to pass under and over sequential picks defined by the second plurality of strands.
US09732466B2	Sublimation transfer ink set, dyed product and manufacturing method thereof Provided is a sublimation transfer ink set including a yellow ink composition containing a yellow dye; a magenta ink composition containing a magenta dye; a cyan ink composition containing a cyan dye; a first black ink composition; and a second black ink composition, in which the first black ink composition contains the yellow dye and the magenta dye, and the cyan dye, and the second black ink composition contains a C.I. disperse blue 360.
US09732464B2	Method for producing water repellent down A method for producing water repellent down includes soaking cleaned down in an aqueous solution having a pH ranging from 4 to 7; adding to the solution a cross-linking agent composed of a material having an isocyanate or acrylic acid functional group to provide a solution having a weight ratio of the down and the cross-linking agent ranging between 1:0.005 and 1:0.06; adding to the solution a water-drawing agent composed of a material having a siloxane functional group to provide a solution having a weight ratio of the down and the water-drawing agent ranging between 1:0.01 and 1:0.1; stirring the solution for at least 15 minutes to react the cross-linking agent and the water-drawing agent and form a water repellent layer on the surface of the down; separating the down from the solution; and oven drying the down with hot air having a temperature of at least 120° C.
US09732460B2	Fabric treatment appliance control panel and associated steam operations A fabric treatment appliance capable of indicating when a fabric load is sanitized, implementing a sanitizing by modifying a predetermined operation cycle, or implementing a sanitizing cycle after the completion of a predetermined operation cycle.
US09732458B2	Frictional vibration damper A frictional vibration damper for washing machines is disclosed. The damper comprises a piston body and a piston rod which adapted to move along the primary axis of said piston body. A friction element is located in between the piston rod and the piston body. The piston rod and piston body is equipped with joint at one of their ends for connection to the frame and the drum of the washing machine. The piston rod comprises a tubular body which is made of sheet material and which is fixedly rolled around a carrier piece. The frictional damper according to the present invention preferentially comprises, on one or both sides of the tubular body, with connection elements in the longitudinal direction for engaging to corresponding connection elements located on the carrier piece.
US09732457B2	Washing method and washing machine Provided are a washing method and washing machine. In the washing method, an eco-rinsing process where a drum rotates in a state where at least a portion of laundry is pressed against the inner wall of the drum and wash water is sprayed into the drum is performed. A spinning process where the spraying of the wash water is stopped and the wash water is removed from the laundry by accelerating the drum is performed. Here, at least a portion of the laundry remains pressed against the wall of the drum in the eco-rinsing process and the spinning process.
US09732452B2	Stretch knitted fabric and clothes The present invention pertains to a stretch knitted fabric which exhibits an instantaneous temperature rise when stretched and which, by the repetition of stretching and relaxation, lastingly generates heat when stretched. A stretch knitted fabric which is composed of a non-elastic yarn and an elastic yarn, characterized in that the instantaneous temperature rise caused by heat generation at 100% warpwise and/or weftwise stretching is 1.0° C. or more.
US09732451B2	Fine knitwear of circular knitting machines with air permeable holes A fine knitwear of circular knitting machines with air permeable holes is a single face fabric knitted via a circular knitting machine with knitting fineness ≧24 needles/inch. Each air permeable hole includes: at least one yarn located above the air permeable hole and formed via interactive movements of a Dial sinker and a plurality of latch needles perpendicular to the Dial sinker, and a first support loop and a second support loop that are formed via interactive movements of the Dial sinker and the latch needles and symmetrical against the yarn on the left side and the right side to support and tie the transferred yarn. The fine knitwear can meet market and consumers' requirements of providing more comfortable cooling, and the width of the air permeable holes can be changed flexibly in response to different requirements in the industry.
US09732447B2	Method of preparing polyester fiber for seat belt Disclosed is a high strength polyester fiber for a seat belt, and in particular, a polyester fiber for a seat belt, which has intrinsic viscosity of 0.8 to 1.5 dl/g, tensile strength of 8.8 g/d or more, and total fineness of 400 to 1800 denier. A method of preparing the fiber is disclosed. The polyester fiber includes filaments having high strength, low modulus, and high elongation to significantly lower shrinkage, while securing excellent mechanical properties, it is possible to manufacture a seat belt having excellent impact absorption and significantly improved abrasion resistance and heat resistant strength retention, even with a woven density of 260 yarns/inch or less.
US09732446B2	Heat resistant outershell fabric The present invention relates to a thermally-resistant woven fabric and/or multiple ply fabric sheet for use as single or outer layer of protective garments, of the type comprising an inside fabric layer and an outside fabric layer joined together by an array of connecting lines. The woven fabric and/or multiple ply fabric sheet comprise yarns, wherein said yarn comprises i) meta-aramid ii) from about 5 to 10 weight % of polyamide and iii) at least 2 weight % of antistatic fibers, the weight % being based on the total weight of the yarn.
US09732445B2	Low temperature stabilization process for production of carbon fiber having structural order A method for producing a carbon fiber, the method comprising: (i) subjecting a continuous carbon fiber precursor having a polymeric matrix in which strength-enhancing particles are incorporated to a stabilization process during which the carbon fiber precursor is heated to within a temperature range ranging from the glass transition temperature to no less than 20° C. below the glass transition temperature of the polymeric matrix, wherein the maximum temperature employed in the stabilization process is below 400° C., for a processing time within said temperature range of at least 1 hour in the presence of oxygen and in the presence of a magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla, while said carbon fiber precursor is held under an applied axial tension; and (ii) subjecting the stabilized carbon fiber precursor, following step (i), to a carbonization process. The stabilized carbon fiber precursor, resulting carbon fiber, and articles made thereof are also described.
US09732444B2	Method of synthesizing silica nanofibers using sound waves A method for synthesizing silica nanofibers using sound waves is provided. The method includes providing a solution of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, adding sodium citrate and ammonium hydroxide to form a first mixture, adding a silica-based compound to the solution to form a second mixture, and sonicating the second mixture to synthesize a plurality of silica nanofibers having an average cross-sectional diameter of less than 70 nm and having a length on the order of at least several hundred microns. The method can be performed without heating or electrospinning, and instead includes less energy intensive strategies that can be scaled up to an industrial scale. The resulting nanofibers can achieve a decreased mean diameter over conventional fibers. The decreased diameter generally increases the tensile strength of the silica nanofibers, as defects and contaminations decrease with the decreasing diameter.
US09732441B2	Production apparatus and production method of SiC single crystal An apparatus for producing an SiC single crystal includes a crucible for accommodating an Si—C solution and a seed shaft having a lower end surface where an SiC seed crystal (36) would be attached. The seed shaft includes an inner pipe that extends in a height direction of the crucible and has a first passage. An outer pipe accommodates the inner pipe and constitutes a second passage between itself and the inner pipe and has a bottom portion whose lower end surface covers a lower end opening of the outer pipe. One passage of the first and second passages serves as an introduction passage where coolant gas flows downward, and the other passage serves as a discharge passage where coolant gas flows upward. A region inside the pipe that constitutes the introduction passage is to be overlapped by a region of not less than 60% of the SiC seed crystal.
US09732440B2	Process and apparatus for diamond synthesis The present invention relates to a microwave plasma deposition process and apparatus for producing diamond, preferably as single crystal diamond (SCD). The process and apparatus enables the production of multiple layers of the diamond by the use of an extending device to increase the length and the volume of a recess in a holder containing a SCD substrate as layers of diamond are deposited. The diamond is used for abrasives, cutting tools, gems, electronic substrates, heat sinks, electrochemical electrodes, windows for high power radiation and electron beams, and detectors.
US09732435B2	Group 13 nitride crystal and group 13 nitride crystal substrate A group 13 nitride crystal having a hexagonal crystal structure and containing at least a nitrogen atom and at least a metal atom selected from a group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl. The group 13 nitride crystal includes a first region disposed on an inner side in a cross section intersecting c-axis, a third region disposed on an outermost side in the cross section and having a crystal property different from that of the first region, and a second region disposed at least partially between the first region and the third region in the cross section, the second region being a transition region of a crystal growth and having a crystal property different from that of the first region and that of the third region.
US09732433B2	Material and process for electrochemical deposition of nanolaminated brass alloys Described herein are methods of preparing nanolaminated brass coatings and components having desirable and useful properties. Also described are nanolaminated brass components and plastic and polymeric substrates coated with nanolaminated brass coatings having desirable and useful properties.
US09732431B2	Cathode-driven or assisted solar cell In one form, a photoelectrochemical cell comprising a p-type sensitized photocathode including a sensitizer dye and a water-based electrolyte. In another form, the sensitizer dye and an adjacent semiconductor may have a reduction potential that is sufficiently high to either reduce a desired chemical feedstock in the cell or reduce protons in the water to hydrogen gas. The semiconductor to which the sensitizer dye is affixed may be nickel oxide. The photoelectrochemical cell can include a sensitized photocathode and an electrolyte that contains an electron acceptor, where light illumination of the sensitized photocathode results in reduction of the electron acceptor. The electrolyte can include water.
US09732428B2	Methods and compositions for acid treatment of a metal surface The invention relates to compositions and methods that are useful in etching a metal surface. In particular, the invention relates to novel acid compositions and methods of using such compositions in etching a metal surface, preferably an aluminum surface prior to anodizing to dissolve impurities, imperfections, scale, and oxide. The compositions are effective in maintaining their etching capacity and in removing smut produced by the etching of a surface as well as in general cleaning.
US09732427B2	Tunable nanoporous films on polymer substrates, and method for their manufacture The invention is directed to a composite polymer/nanoporous film system and methods of fabrication of tunable nanoporous coatings on flexible polymer substrates. The porosity of the nanoporous film can be tuned during fabrication to a desired value by adjusting the deposition conditions. Experiments show that SiO2 coatings with tunable porosity fabricated by oblique-angle electron beam deposition can be deposited on polymer substrates. These conformable coatings have many applications, including in the field of optics where the ability to fabricate tunable refractive index coatings on a variety of materials and shapes is of great importance.
US09732426B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, substrate processing apparatus, and recording medium According to the present disclosure, a film containing carbon added at a high concentration is formed with high controllability. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a film containing silicon, carbon and a predetermined element on a substrate by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times. The predetermined element is one of nitrogen and oxygen. The cycle includes supplying a precursor gas containing at least two silicon atoms per one molecule, carbon and a halogen element and having an Si—C bonding to the substrate, and supplying a modifying gas containing the predetermined element to the substrate.
US09732420B2	Reactor for producing polycrystalline silicon and method for removing a silicon-containing layer on a component of such a reactor Silicon deposited by CVD and/or silico dust is removed from a polycrystalline silicon deposition reactor component by abrasion with silicon-containing particles in a gas stream.
US09732412B2	Gas system for reactive deposition process A gas lance unit configured for a reactive deposition process with a plurality of spaced apart crucibles, wherein spaces are provided between the crucibles, is described. The gas lance unit includes a gas guiding tube having one or more outlets for providing a gas for the reactive deposition process, and a condensate guiding element for guiding a condensate, particularly an aluminum condensate, to one or more positions above the spaces.
US09732410B2	Dental and medical instruments comprising titanium Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.
US09732407B2	Bearing steel and method for producing same A bearing steel includes, as a metallographic structure, inclusions which contain complex oxysulfides including Rare Earth Metal, Ca, O, S, and Al, TiN, MnS, Al2O3, and complex oxides including Al and Ca, wherein, a number fraction of the complex oxysulfides in a total number of the inclusions is 50% to less than 100% and a number of complex oxysulfides having a major axis of 5 μm or more is 0.001 pieces to 2 pieces in an observed section of 1 mm2, and a number of TiN existing independently from the complex oxysulfides and having a major axis of 5 μm or more is 0.001 pieces to less than 1.0 piece in an observed section of 1 mm2.
US09732406B2	Magnetic refrigeration material and magnetic refrigeration device Provided is a magnetic refrigeration material represented by the formula La1-fREf(Fe1-a-b-c-d-eSiaCobXcYdZe)13 (RE: at least one of rare earth elements including Sc and Y and excluding La; X: Ga and/or Al; Y: at least one of Ge, Sn, B, and C; Z: at least one of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Zr; 0.03≦a≦0.17, 0.003≦b≦0.06, 0.02≦c≦0.10, 0≦d≦0.04, 0≦e≦0.04, 0≦f≦0.50), and having an average crystal grain size of not smaller than 0.01 μm and not larger than 3 μm, a Curie temperature of not lower than 250 K, and the maximum (−ΔSmax) of magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM) when subjected to a field change up to 2 Tesla is not less than 5 J/kgK.
US09732405B2	Hot rolled steel sheet and method of producing same A hot rolled steel sheet includes, as a chemical composition, at least one selected from Ti, REM, and Ca, and includes, as a metallographic structure, a ferrite as a primary phase, at least one of a martensite and a residual austenite as a secondary phase, and plural inclusions, wherein a total length in the rolling direction of both inclusion-cluster whose length in the rolling direction is 30 μm or more and independent-inclusion whose length in the rolling direction is 30 μm or more is 0 mm to 0.25 mm per 1 mm2.
US09732403B2	Wear-resistant alloy having complex microstructure A wear-resistant alloy having a complex microstructure, which may include a range of about 8 to about 17 wt % of zinc (Zn), a range of about 5 to 8 wt % of tin (Sn), a range of about 9.4 to about 12.6 wt % of silicon (Si) and a balance of aluminum (Al), is provided.
US09732402B2	Aluminum alloy foil and method for manufacturing same An aluminum alloy foil having superior formability is provided. An aluminum alloy foil, including 0.8 to 2.0 mass % of Fe, 0.05 to 0.2 mass % of Si, and 0.0025 to 0.5 mass % of Cu, with the rest consisting of Al and unavoidable impurities, wherein the aluminum alloy foil has an average crystal grain size of 20 μm or less, and a number of intermetallic compounds existing in the aluminum alloy foil, the intermetallic compounds having a circle equivalent diameter of 1.0 to 5.0 μm, is 1.0×104 grains/mm2 or more, is provided.
US09732398B2	Chloride process for the leaching of gold A process for the extraction of gold from a gold-bearing ore or concentrate, comprising the steps of leaching the gold-bearing ore or concentrate with a lixiviant of hydrochloric acid and magnesium chloride at atmospheric pressure at a temperature of at least 90° C. and an Eh of at least 900 mV. After a liquid/solids separation step, the solution obtained is subjected to an organic solvent extraction step using an oxime to obtain a solution of organic solvent containing gold, which is stripped with sodium thiosulphate to recover gold. The extraction may be operated to extract gold with or without iron. Materials used in the process may be recycled. The process avoids environmental and other hazards associated with the use of cyanide to extract gold.
US09732389B2	Methods and compositions for correlating genetic markers with prostate cancer risk The present invention provides methods of assessing an individual subject's risk of developing prostate cancer, comprising: a) analyzing a nucleic acid sample obtained from the subject and determining a genotype for the subject at a plurality of biallelic polymorphic loci, wherein each of said plurality has an associated allele and an unassociated allele, wherein the genotype is selected from the group consisting of homozygous for the associated allele, heterozygous, and homozygous for the unassociated allele; and b) calculating a cumulative relative risk (CRR) for the subject based on the genotype determined in step (a). A CRR of greater than 1.00 identifies a subject as having an increased risk of developing prostate cancer and also can identify a subject who is a candidate for early PSA screening, prostate biopsy and/or chemoprevention.
US09732387B2	Biomarker associated with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease The present invention provides compositions and methods for characterizing irritable bowel syndrome. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for determining polymorphisms associated with IBS-D and Crohn's disease. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for determining a treatment course of action in subjects with IBS-D and Crohn's disease.
US09732384B2	Apparatus and method for molecular separation, purification, and sensing Described herein is a device including a nanotube disposed within a support material. The nanotube has one or more sidewall electrodes, two nanomembranes, and an enzyme. One of the nanomembrane is in direct contact with at least a portion of one sidewall electrode. The other nanomembrane form a nanochannel, nanopore, or a combination thereof, and can alter one or more of a molecular composition, a dimension, or a property thereof in response to electrical stimuli.
US09732377B2	Microfluidic systems and methods for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) An integrated microfluidic chromatin immunoprecipitation assay dramatically improves the collection efficiency of ChIP DNA from cells. Immunoprecipitation of chromatin fragments is conducted in a microfluidic chamber with a large fraction of its volume (e.g., ˜15-40%) occupied by magnetic immunoprecipitation (IP) beads. Oscillating washing of the beads, enabled by, e.g., solenoid valves (controlled by a computer) and high pressure attached to both ends of the microfluidic chamber, effectively removes unbound chromatin and produces high-quality ChIP DNA. ChIP DNA produced by an example device generates excellent results in the subsequent DNA library preparation. The ChIP-seq (i.e., ChIP followed by next-generation sequencing) results match very well with public data generated using much larger cell sample sizes and a conventional approach.
US09732375B2	Molecular detection assay using direct treatment with a bisulphite reagent A molecular detection assay including treating a biological sample directly with a bisulphite agent under conditions that allow cell disruption and nucleic acid treatment; removing the bisulphite agent from the treated sample; and detecting a target nucleic acid in the treated sample.
US09732369B2	Method for selective treatment of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of metal surfaces Provided is a multi-phase process for conditionally treating MIC by evaluating whether MIC-correlating conditions exist, the degree of MIC, if present, and then applying a concomitant MIC-mitigating treatment which is adjusted in its degree of aggressiveness in proportion to MIC severity. The disclosed methodology allows, in part, for the continuous or periodic monitoring and assessment of MIC risk in petroleum-based equipment (e.g., pipeline) and the administering of a treatment that corresponds to the level of severity of the MIC resulting in a more fine-tuned, localized, and cost-effective treatment.
US09732365B2	Biosynthesis of paclitaxel intermediate The invention relates to methods of making compounds useful for production of paclitaxel and analogs or derivatives thereof.
US09732360B2	Method for improving production of bio-hydrogen from waste water containing protein Disclosed is a method for improving biological production of hydrogen from protein-containing wastewater comprising two stages: ultraviolet radiation pretreatment of protein-containing wastewater and biological production of hydrogen under a neutral pH condition and intermediate temperature condition.
US09732359B2	Replication-competent adenoviral vectors This invention provides improved replication-competent adenoviral vectors. The improved vectors have both a hybrid regulatory unit that provides for high level transgene expression. The vectors can be use, e.g., for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.
US09732358B2	PIV5 as oncolytic agent The present invention includes the Paramyxovirus Parainfluenza Virus 5 (PIV5) as an oncolytic agent for treating various cancers, including, but not limited to breast cancer, lung cancer and melanoma. PIV5 oncolytic agents include both wild type PIV5 and various recombinant PIV5 constructs. Recombinant PIV5 constructs may include PIV5 lacking the conserved C-terminus of the V protein (PIV5VAC), PIV5 with mutations in the N-terminus of the V/P protein (PIV5CPI−), and PIV5 expressing MDA-7/IL-24 (rPIV5-MDA7), rPIV5-V/P-CPI−, rPIV5-CPI+, rPIV-Rev, rPIV5-RL, rPIV5-P-S157A, rPIV5-P-S308A, rPIV5-L-A1981D, rPIV5-F-S443P, rPIV5-MDA7, rPIV5ASH-CPI−, or rPIV5ASH-Rev. Also included are methods of making and using such oncolytic agents and compositions including such oncolytic agents.
US09732348B2	Aptamers inhibiting the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase The invention relates to a DNA aptamer that can inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase for the conversion of tyrosine into L-DOPA and dopaquinone, and to the dermatological and cosmetic uses thereof.
US09732345B2	Hippo and dystrophin complex signaling in cardiomyocyte renewal The present invention is directed to methods and compositions that provide therapy for at least one medical condition that directly or indirectly affects cardiac muscle cells (also known as cardiomyocytes) in a mammalian individual, including humans, dogs, cats, horse pigs, and so forth. The medical condition may be of any kind, including a cardiac condition such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, and so forth. The medical condition may have a cardiac condition as its primary symptom or cause or it may be a secondary symptom or cause. The individual may be male or female and may be of any age.
US09732343B2	Composition and method for inner ear sensory hair cell regeneration and replacement A composition and method for replacement and regeneration of hair cells of the inner ear is provided. The composition comprises an active agent in an amount effective to decrease Hes1 gene expression in a tissue of the inner ear. The active agent can be short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules encapsulated in a biodegradable nanoparticle. The method involves administering a solution to the inner ear where the solution contains an active agent in an amount effective to decrease Hes1 gene expression.
US09732342B2	Segmented micro RNA mimetics This invention relates generally to segmented oligonucleotides capable of modulating gene expression. Specifically, the instant invention relates to segmented microRNA (miRNA) oligonucleotides, including segmented miRNA precursors and segmented pre-microRNAs. The invention also relates to compositions comprising such segmented oligonucleotides, as well as to methods of making and using such oligonucleotides for diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated or causally linked to aberrant levels or activities of gene expression, including aberrant levels of coding and/or non-coding RNA.
US09732341B2	Methods of delivering multiple targeting oligonucleotides to a cell using cleavable linkers The disclosure provides multimeric oligonucleotide compounds, comprising two or more target-specific oligonucleotides (e.g., antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)), each being resistant to cleavage, and linked together by a cleavable linker. In particular, two or more linked target-specific oligonucleotides, each to a different target, allows concomitant inhibition of multiple genes' expression levels, while exhibiting favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Methods of making and uses of the described compounds are also provided.
US09732338B2	Promoter and use thereof The promoter of the present invention causes a desired gene to be highly expressed, especially in thermotolerant yeast. The promoter is located upstream of the PIR1 gene or the CTR1 gene on the Kluyveromyces marxianus chromosome and comprises a region controlling expression of the PIR1 gene or the CTR1 gene.
US09732336B2	Accelerated directed evolution of microbial consortia for the development of desirable plant phenotypic traits The disclosure relates to methods for the screening, identification, and/or application of one or more microorganisms of use in imparting one or more beneficial properties to one or more plants.
US09732334B2	Mutated tissue plasminogen activators and uses thereof The present invention relates to mutated tissue plasminogen activators, and their use for treating thrombotic diseases.
US09732331B2	Codon modified amylase from Bacillus akibai The present invention relates to an isolated synthetic polynucleotide encoding the mature amylase AX856 from Bacillus akibai, using codon modified polynucleotide constructs for the expression of the amylase.
US09732328B2	Modified luciferases and uses thereof The present invention encompasses modified luciferases, methods for making modified luciferases, and assays utilizing modified luciferases. Modified luciferases of the invention show increased activity over wildtype luciferases and also show increased stability of signal. The present invention also encompasses multiplex assays utilizing multiple luciferases with different emission spectra.
US09732323B2	Methods for producing mature hepatocytes The present invention describes an efficient and rapid protocol to generate hepatocyte cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). According to the method, the iPS cells can be differentiated into functional hepatocyte cells in a short time course (less than 15-20 days). The iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells of the invention have a similar gene expression profile to mature hepatocytes. Moreover, the iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells is proved to rescue lethal fulminant hepatic failure in a non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mouse model. The rapid and efficient differentiation protocol for generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells may offer an alternative option for treatment of liver diseases.
US09732320B2	Selective differentiation, identification, and modulation of human TH17 cells The embodiments provide for the modulation of both the differentiation and activity of human TH17 cells. More specifically, human TH17 cell differentiation can modulated by TGF-β and IL-21, and their agonists and antagonists. Function of TH17 cells can be modulated by, for example, BLT1 or podoplanin, and their agonists and antagonists. Additionally, the embodiments provide for the identification of TH17 cells. More specifically, human TH17 cells specifically upregulate BLT1 and podoplanin.
US09732316B2	Devices and methods for pharmacokinetic-based cell culture system A cell culture device comprising a microscale chamber dimensioned to maintain a cell under conditions that give rise to a value for at least one pharmacokinetic parameter in vitro that is comparable to a value for the same at least one pharmacokinetic parameter obtained with respect to the same type of cell in vivo, wherein the microscale chamber is configured for flow of culture medium, and wherein the at least one pharmacokinetic parameter is selected from tissue size ratio, tissue to blood volume ratio, drug residence time, flow rate, circulatory transit time, liquid residence time, and liquid to cell ratio.
US09732315B2	Axenic inoculation system for microalgae using TR tube of triiodide resin and method for culturing axenic culture A triiodide resin (TR) tube of the present invention has a cylindrical shape. A resin exhaust preventing part is provided at a lower portion of the TR tube, and a triiodide resin is received inside the TR tube. A contaminated culture passes through the TR tube to allow an axenic culture to flow out. When a microalgae culture contaminated with bacteria passes through the TR tube filled with the triiodide resin, a pure culture of microalgae can be prepared by using the sterilizing rate of bacteria populations, which is relatively higher than that of microalgae, due to characteristics of iodine exhibiting negative polarity. An axenic inoculation system for microalgae using the TR tube of the present invention comprises the steps of: sterilizing a photobioreactor (PBR) with peracetic acid, washing the PBR with purified water, and filling the PBR with a sterilized culture; allowing a microalgae culture contaminated with bacteria to pass through a TR tube attached on an upper portion of the PBR, thereby obtaining an axenic culture; and inoculating the axenic culture into a culture liquid inside the PBR to culture microalgae. According to the present invention, the microalgae contaminated with bacteria are sterilized together with bacteria in external air flowing in the TR tube while passing through the TR tube, thereby causing no secondary contamination at the time of inoculation or culture.
US09732314B2	Apparatus for culturing cells An apparatus for culturing cells of the present disclosure includes: a cabinet that has a main surface and a side surface, the main surface having a window; a main surface aspiration port disposed at the main surface of the cabinet; and a side surface aspiration port disposed at the side surface of the cabinet. In the cross section of the cabinet taken along the horizontal direction, a first vessel supplying part for supplying a first vessel is disposed at a midportion of the cabinet, and a second vessel supplying part for supplying a second vessel is disposed at an inner peripheral portion of the cabinet. The first vessel supplying part has a first lid capable of entirely covering the first vessel supplying part. The first vessel has no lid. The second vessel supplying part has no lid. The second vessel has a second lid.
US09732311B2	Alcoholic compositions having a lowered risk of acetaldehydemia The present invention provides beverages and pharmaceutical compositions containing a deuterated alcohol according to Formula 1, and provides methods for their manufacture and use. The compositions of the invention are expected to ameliorate some of the negative side effects associated with the consumption of alcohol, such as hangover and facial flushing.
US09732309B2	Formulations, their use as or for producing dishwashing detergents and their production Formulations comprising (A) at least one aminocarboxylate selected from methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA) and glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA), and salts and derivatives thereof, and (B) at least one alkoxylated alkyleneimine polymer with an average molecular weight Mw in the range from 800 to 25 000 g/mol which has a positive charge density of at least 5 meq/g and which has in the range from 2 to at most 80% by weight alkylene oxide side chains, based on total alkoxylated alkyleneimine polymer.
US09732307B2	Esterquat composition having high triesterquat content A composition comprising (a) an esterquat that is a quaternized reaction product of an alkanol amine and a fatty acid, wherein from at least 90 wt % to up to 100 wt % of the esterquat is comprised of triesterquat and from 0 wt % to up to 10 wt % of the esterquat is comprised of at least one of monoesterquat and diesterquat, and (b) a cationic surfactant. Also, a method of producing such a composition and a method of softening a fabric, and increasing fragrance delivery, comprising treating the fabric with the composition.
US09732306B2	Fabric conditioner containing a branched amine functional silicone A fabric conditioner composition comprising a branched amine functional silicone, such as an amine functional silicone of structure: The branched amine functional silicone can reduce the time needed for drying fabric and reduce the amount of foam generated during laundering to reduce the amount of water needed for rinsing.
US09732304B2	3-(cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)propionates and their use in perfume compositions The present invention pertains to the use of 3-(cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)propionates in enhancing, improving or modifying the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, toilet waters, fabric care products, personal products, and the like, and in counteracting malodors.
US09732300B2	Liquid propylene oligomers and methods of making same Disclosed herein are oligomerization processes using feedstocks containing propylene to produce an oligomer product, and methods for recovering a propylene oligomer from the oligomer product. The resultant propylene oligomer can be characterized by a Mn in a range from 250 to 10,000 g/mol, a viscosity index of at least 85, and a pour point in a range from −5 to −60° C.
US09732298B2	Process for the treatment of liquefied hydrocarbon gas using 3-(amino) propane-1,2-diol compounds A method for treating liquefied hydrocarbons including acid gases to remove said acid gases while minimizing loss of amine species, said method comprising the steps of contacting the liquefied hydrocarbons with an absorbent aqueous solution of a first amine compound, the first amine compound having the structure: wherein R1 is propane-2,3-diol; R2 is hydrogen, methyl ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, or propane-2,3-diol; and R3 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl or propane-2,3-diol.
US09732297B2	Gas purification method The rate of recovery of a purification target gas from a gas purification apparatus that uses a PSA device is improved, and both a high purity and a high recovery rate are achieved with good power efficiency. The present invention is directed to a gas purification method using the PSA method, in which a carbon molecular sieve having a pore volume, at a pore diameter of 0.38 nm or more, of not exceeding 0.05 cm3/g and a pore volume, at a pore diameter of 0.34 nm, of 0.15 cm3/g or more, in a pore diameter distribution measured by the MP method is used as an adsorbent, and, in an adsorption step, a miscellaneous gas is adsorbed from a source gas by bringing the source gas into contact with the adsorbent for 10 seconds or more and 6000 seconds or less so as to obtain a concentrated methane.
US09732293B2	Fuel composition A fuel composition having a boiling range of between 95 to 440 degrees Fahrenheit containing (a) a saturates content below 55 vol %; (b) a RON of from about 88 to about 91; (c) an olefins content of from about 0 to about 5 vol %; (d) an aromatics content of from about 32 to about 40 vol %; (e) an ethanol content of from about 8 to about 16 vol %; (f) an octane sensitivity of from about 8 to about 11; and the fuel composition is used in an HCCI engine.
US09732290B2	Process and apparatus for cracking hydrocarbons with recycled catalyst to produce additional distillate A process and apparatus is for recycling LCO and/or HCO to an FCC unit to recover additional distillate. Spent catalyst recycle in the FCC unit may be used to improve distillate yield. A hydroprocessing zone may saturate cycle oil aromatics for cracking in an FCC unit. The recycle cracked stream may be recycled to a downstream hydroprocessing zone to avoid a first hydroprocessing zone for hydrotreating feed to the FCC unit. Additional recovery of cycle oil for recycle is obtained by heating slurry oil prior to vacuum separation.
US09732288B2	Process for producing diesel A process and apparatus are disclosed for hydrocracking hydrocarbon feed in a hydrocracking unit and hydrotreating a diesel product from the hydrocracking unit in a hydrotreating unit. The hydrocracking unit and the hydrotreating unit share the same recycle gas compressor. A make-up hydrogen stream may also be compressed in the recycle gas compressor. A warm separator separates recycle gas and hydrocarbons from diesel in the hydrotreating effluent, so fraction of the diesel is relatively simple. The warm separator also keeps the diesel product separate from the more sulfurous diesel in the hydrocracking effluent, and still retains heat needed for fractionation of lighter components from the low sulfur diesel product.
US09732287B2	Process to manufacture a base stock We provide a process to manufacture a base stock, comprising hydrocracking, separating, and dewaxing, wherein the base stock has a ratio of Noack volatility to CCS VIS at −25° C. multiplied by 100 from 0.15 to 0.40. We also provide a base stock made by a process, and a base oil manufacturing plant that produces the base stock.
US09732283B2	System for integrated catalytic cracking with ethanol conversion to fuel System relating to the conversion of ethanol in a stripper unit of a fluidized catalytic cracking system. An ethanol stream comprising at least 4 volume percent water mixes with a catalyst in the stripper unit under conditions of temperature that favor conversion of the ethanol to hydrocarbons, thereby increasing incorporation of ethanol into liquid transportation fuels without exceeding regulatory limits on fuel vapor pressure. Certain embodiments additionally combine the ethanol stream with a hydrocarbon stream in the stripper and react in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrocarbons that may have an increased boiling point, increased octane rating, decreased vapor pressure, decreased benzene content, or combinations of these properties.
US09732280B1	Burner kettle for asphalt paving apparatus A burner system for heating the material product, i.e., asphalt, includes a burner kettle designed with a thicker bottom heat transfer plate, added heat transfer oil (HTO) circulation pumps, a spiral circulation ring and heat restriction rings. The spiral circulation ring spirals up the burner kettle to move the HTO around the entire circumference of the burner kettle to eliminate hotspots. An HTO pump moves cooler oil from the top of the kettle directly across the hottest part of the bottom of the kettle, i.e., across the heat transfer plate. Keeping this zone cool will eliminate heat stress of the material. Heat restriction rings direct the heat back and forth throughout the burner kettle for increased efficiency.
US09732279B2	Extruder for processing hydrocarbon-containing materials An extruder for processing hydrocarbon-containing material. The extruder includes a screw that is rotatably positioned in a auger barrel and a heating system positioned about at least a portion of the auger barrel that is designed to heat the hydrocarbon-containing material as the hydrocarbon-containing material moves through the auger barrel.
US09732278B2	Petroleum coke and production method for same Provided are petroleum coke having a sufficiently small coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and yielding sufficiently suppressed puffing phenomenon and a method for stably producing the petroleum coke. Specifically, the method for producing the petroleum coke comprises the step of coking feedstock oil comprising light oil having an end point of distillation of 380° C. or less, and heavy oil having an initial boiling point of 200° C. or more and comprising 50% by mass or more of an aromatic component, sulfur content of 0.5% by mass or less, and nitrogen content of 0.2% by mass or less.
US09732277B2	Field induced and controlled heliconical structure of cholesteric liquid crystal A liquid crystal cell includes substrates defining a gap and electrodes having one of (i) an in-plane geometry generating an electric field parallel with the substrates and (ii) a top-down geometry generating an electric field across the gap between the two spaced apart substrates. A liquid crystal material disposed in the gap between the substrates comprises a chiral nematic material formed by a mixture of: 1-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yl)-6-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yloxy)hexane (CB6OCB) or α,ω-bis(4,4-cyanobiphenyl)nonane (CB9CB) dimeric liquid crystal material; at least one additional dimeric liquid crystal material; and a chiral dopant. The liquid crystal material within an operational range of electric field applied by the electrodes exhibits a heliconical state with an oblique angle helicoid director whose helicoid axis is oriented parallel with the electric field and whose helicoid pitch is sized to provide diffraction or Bragg reflection of light in a spectral range of interest impinging on one of the substrates of the liquid crystal cell.
US09732276B2	Alignment layer and liquid crystal display having the same Disclosed are an alignment layer and a liquid crystal display having the same. The alignment layer comprises a polyimide compound having an azo group and exhibiting optical alignment characteristics and a discotic liquid crystal compound exhibiting optical anisotropy. The liquid crystal display comprises first and second substrates facing each other, liquid crystal aligned between the first and second substrates, and an alignment layer formed on at least one surface of the first and second substrates. The alignment layer is adjacent to the liquid crystal and has optical alignment characteristics and optical anisotropy.
US09732275B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device To provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as high maximum temperature, low minimum temperature, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light and heat, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics; and an AM device having characteristics such as short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, low threshold voltage, a large contrast ratio and long service life. The composition has negative dielectric anisotropy and contains a specific compound having large negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component, a specific compound having small viscosity as a second component, and may contain a specific compound having high maximum temperature or small viscosity as a third component, a specific compound having negative dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, or a specific compound having a polymerizable group as an additive component.
US09732274B2	Nanocrystalline quantum dot heterostructure A semiconductor structure includes a nanocrystalline core comprising a first semiconductor material having a first bandgap, and a nanocrystalline shell comprising a second semiconductor material different than the first semiconductor material at least partially surrounding the nanocrystalline core, the second semiconductor material having a second bandgap greater than the first bandgap.
US09732270B2	Highly concentrated, water-free amine salts of hydrocarbon alkoxysulfates and use and method using aqueous dilutions of the same The present invention relates to highly concentrated, anhydrous amine salts of hydrocarbon polyalkoxy sulfates, wherein the salts are selected from the group of substituted amines, preferably alkanolamines. The products obtained are of low viscosity and pumpable at room temperature. Due to the absence of water, the salts are highly resistant to hydrolysis, even at high temperatures. The invention further relates to the use of the compositions according to the invention in an aqueous dilution for use in oil reservoirs with the aim of achieving enhanced oil production, or for the recovery of hydrocarbons from tar sands or other surfaces or materials provided with hydrocarbon.
US09732269B2	Proppants containing dispersed piezoelectric or magnetostrictive fillers or mixtures thereof, to enable proppant tracking and monitoring in a downhole environment In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for “tagging” proppants so that they can be tracked and monitored in a downhole environment, based on the use of composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change at a detectable level under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. In another aspect, the invention relates to composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. The currently preferred embodiments use substantially spherical thermoset nanocomposite particles where the matrix comprises a terpolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene and divinylbenzene, a PZT alloy manifesting a strong piezoelectric effect or Terfenol-D manifesting giant magnetostrictive behavior is incorporated to provide the ability to track in a downhole environment, and carbon black particles possessing a length that is less than 0.5 microns in at least one principal axis direction may optionally be incorporated as a nanofiller.
US09732266B2	Low-melting elemental metal or fusible alloy encapsulated polymerization initiator for delayed initiation An encapsulated composition for polymerization includes an initiator composition for initiating a polymerization reaction, and a capsule prepared from an elemental metal or fusible alloy having a melting temperature from about 20° C. to about 200° C. A fluid for polymerization includes the encapsulated composition and a monomer. When the capsule melts or breaks open, the initiator is released.
US09732264B2	Heat storage material composition and method for using heat storage material composition A heat storage material composition contains sodium acetate, water, and an organic compound comprising a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group. A weight ratio R (sodium acetate/water) of the sodium acetate to the water is 57/43 or less. A concentration Ws of the sodium acetate in three components of the sodium acetate, the water, and the organic compound comprising a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group is 52% by weight or more. A concentration Wa of the organic compound comprising a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group in the three components is 1% by weight or more.
US09732258B2	PSA containing olefin block copolymers and styrene block copolymers The invention relates to storage-stable hot-melt adhesive containing 15 to 70 wt % of a mixture of at least one copolymer based on ethylene and/or propylene and at least one C4 to C20 α-olefin which is obtainable as a block copolymer by metallocene-catalyzed polymerization, and at least one styrene block copolymer, 10 to 70 wt % of at least one tackifying resin, 0 to 40 wt % of further additives, wherein the total of the percentages should amount to 100% and the tackifying resin is entirely or in part a soft resin.
US09732257B2	Curable acrylate or methacrylate compositions A curable composition based on a curable acrylate or methacrylate component; an organoborane initiator component; a vinyl ether component; and an activator for the organoborane component. The composition exhibits good storage stability and good bonding properties when used to bond low surface energy substrates.
US09732255B2	Composition for structural adhesive The invention relates to a composition for a structural acrylic adhesive that comprises an adhesion promoter including a phosphate ester and a high molecular-weight polyamine as a polymerization accelerator.
US09732249B2	Composite material, and polymer coating material precursor produced using same A novel material is provided herein which is suitable for use in a precursor of a polymer coating material that coats a polymer on a surface of a base material to provide the base material with surface modification and/or functionality assignment. A composite material characterized in that a compound having a polymerization initiation site containing a halogen group is incorporated in a crosslinked structure comprising a catechol derivative or a phenol derivative represented by the following formula (I). In the formula (I), R may be interrupted by an oxygen molecule and represents a hydrocarbon group with 2 to 20 carbons that has at least one double bond site, and A represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or an alkoxy group with 1 to 20 carbons.
US09732245B2	Water-based ink for ink-jet recording and ink cartridge A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes a colorant, water, a surfactant, and a compound represented by the following formula (1). In the formula (1), R is an alkyl ether group or an alkyl ester group in which a number of carbon atoms of a main chain is not less than 6, and each of an alkyl group of the alkyl ether group and an alkyl group of the alkyl ester group is in a straight chain form or a branched chain form.
US09732239B2	UV-curable silicone composition, cured products thereof, and methods of using the same Various embodiments disclosed related to UV-curable silicone composition, cured products thereof, and methods of using the same. Various embodiments provide a shear-thinning UV-curable silicone composition. The composition can include (A) a mercapto-functional polyorganosiloxane having the unit formula [(CH3)3SiO1/2]x[(CH3)2SiO]y[R(CH3)SiO]z wherein x is about 0.01 to about 0.1, y is about 0 to about 0.94, z is about 0.05 to about 0.99, and at each occurrence R is independently a mercapto(C1-30)hydrocarbyl group. The composition can include (B) at least one of (B1) a polyorganosiloxane comprising at least two aliphatic unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds, and (B2) an organic molecule comprising at least two aliphatic unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds; the composition can include (C) a filler. The composition can also include (D) a photoinitiator.
US09732237B2	Coating composition, and method for forming coating film The present invention provides a coating composition capable of forming a coating film that is applicable to a variety of industrial products, particularly automobile exterior panels, while exhibiting a high lightness and a low ultraviolet transmittance at a wavelength of 420 to 480 nm. The present invention relates to a coating composition comprising a chloride process titanium oxide pigment, a yellow iron oxide pigment, a carbon black pigment having a primary average particle size of 15 to 80 nm, and a resin composition, which is a vehicle-forming component.
US09732234B2	Acoustic paint An acoustic paint to be applied to the walls of a room in which a source of audible sound is located to improve the acoustic characteristics of the room and correspondingly improve the clarity (e.g., the warmth, richness and detail) of the sound that is generated by the source and detected by the ear of a listener located within the room. The acoustic paint includes a paint foundation into which is mixed a powdered piezoelectric material or a powdered non-piezoelectric crystalline material having a resonant frequency so that the powdered material will react to the sound generated within the room and thereby control the room acoustics depending upon the type of material and the resonant frequency thereof. An optional catalyst, such as an electrically conductive powdered graphite or powdered graphene, is mixed into the paint foundation. The mixture is stirred and then applied to the walls of the room by means of a brush, a roller, or the like.
US09732230B2	Composite oxide black pigment and method for producing same A composite oxide black pigment has characteristics to absorb visible rays and near infrared rays, and is composed of an oxide of main constituent metals including copper, manganese and iron. In a wavelength region of 400 to 1,000 nm, the composite oxide black pigment has a minimum wavelength, at which a transmittance becomes minimum, in a wavelength region of 600 to 800 nm, a molar ratio of manganese/iron is 3/1 to 30/1, and a molar ratio of copper/(manganese+iron) is 1/2 to 1.2/2. Its sole use makes it possible to obtain a transparent vivid bluish, neutral gray color, and also to maximize an absorption in a near infrared region. It is, therefore, excellent in near infrared absorption characteristics.
US09732229B2	Diffractive pigment blend and composition A diffractive pigment blend or composition is provided which includes a plurality of groups of all-dielectric diffractive pigment flakes. The pigment flakes of each group each include one or more dielectric layers for providing a background color, at least one of which includes a diffractive structure for providing a diffractive effect. Each group of pigment flakes provides a different diffractive effect, and the diffractive pigment blend or composition provides a combined diffractive effect that is a combination of the different diffractive effects. The combined diffractive effect may be a neutral white diffractive effect or may include a reversal in color travel.
US09732217B2	Polycarbonate compositions Disclosed herein are methods and compositions of blended polycarbonate resins with improved flame resistance and impact strength. The resulting compositions can be used in the manufacture of articles while still retaining the advantageous physical properties of blended polycarbonate compositions with improved flame resistance and impact strength. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US09732210B2	Method for producing thermoplastic molding compounds with a high glass fiber content The present invention relates to a process for the production of thermoplastic molding compositions, in particular styrene copolymer compositions, to a process for production of these, and also to use thereof. The thermoplastic molding compositions produced by a process of the invention offer improved temperature-resistance and mechanical properties, which have better flow properties than known molding compositions.
US09732206B2	Copolymer, rubber composition using same, and tire The present invention relates to a copolymer including a monomer unit (a) derived from isoprene and a monomer unit (b) derived from farnesene; a process for producing the copolymer including at least the step of copolymerizing isoprene with farnesene; a rubber composition including (A) the copolymer, (B) a rubber component and (C) carbon black; a rubber composition including (A) the copolymer, (B) a rubber component and (D) silica; a rubber composition including (A) the copolymer, (B) a rubber component, (C) carbon black and (D) silica; and a tire using the rubber composition at least as a part thereof.
US09732204B2	Ultraviolet ray curable ink composition for use in ink jet method and printed object An ultraviolet ray curable ink composition adapted to be ejected by using an ink jet method is provided. The ultraviolet ray curable ink composition includes a polymerizable compound, metal powder, and a polyether based solvent. The metal powder is constituted from metal particles subjected to a surface treatment with a fluorine type silane compound and/or a fluorine type phosphoric acid ester as a surface treatment agent. An amount of the polyether based solvent contained in the ultraviolet ray curable ink composition is in the range of 0.05 mass % or more but 7.0 mass % or less. A printed object is also provided. Such a printed object is produced by using the ultraviolet ray curable ink composition.
US09732203B2	Emulsion coagulant, and flat tire repair kit using same An object of the present invention is to provide a novel emulsion coagulant having excellent coagulability used in a tire puncture sealing agent, and a tire puncture repair kit that uses the same. The present invention is an emulsion coagulant comprising magnesium oxide and a silane coupling agent and a cellulose and/or magnesium hydroxide, wherein a mass ratio of the magnesium oxide to the silane coupling agent is from 100:0.5 to 100:15; and a tire puncture repair kit that uses the same.
US09732202B2	Composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a synergistic mixture of determined amino ethers and finely particled phosphinates Compositions containing, as component (A), a finely particled phosphinic acid salt of formula (I) and/or a finely particled diphosphinic acid salt of formula (II) and/or the polymers thereof, as component (B), an aminoether of formula (III), and as component (C), a thermoplastic polymer.
US09732197B2	Peroxide treated metallocene-based polyolefins with improved melt strength Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having low densities and narrow molecular weight distributions, but high melt strengths for blown film processing. Such polymers can be produced by peroxide-treating a metallocene-catalyzed resin.
US09732195B2	Reinforcing carbon fiber bundle, method for manufacturing the same and method for manufacturing composite using the same There is provided a reinforcing carbon fiber bundle of the present invention is a reinforcing carbon fiber bundle with a sizing agent adhered to surfaces of carbon fibers, and characterized in that the sizing agent is constituted by at least two components, a first component does not melt at 150° C., and a second component in flowable at 150° C., and the reinforcing carbon fiber bundle is improved in impregnation property and openability and is excellent in workability and optimum for a composite.
US09732192B1	Flame-retardant, cross-linked polyhydroxyalkanoate materials In an example, a flame-retardant, cross-linked polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material includes a first PHA material that is cross-linked to a second PHA material via a phosphorus-based cross-linker.
US09732189B2	Methods for preparing polymeric reagents and compositions of polymeric reagents Methods for preparing active carbonate esters of water-soluble polymers are provided. Also provided are other methods related to the active carbonate esters of water-soluble polymers, as well as corresponding compositions.
US09732187B2	Manufacturing method of polyalkylene carbonate resin The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a polyalkylene carbonate resin capable of suppressing agglomeration among catalyst particles during polymerization to maintain an excellent catalytic activity in a polymerization process, wherein the manufacturing method of a polyalkylene carbonate resin may include polymerizing epoxide and a monomer including carbon dioxide in the presence of a zinc dicarboxylate-based organic zinc catalyst and a dispersant, and the dispersant may include at least one selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkyl acrylate, C1-C10 alkyl methacrylate, C1-C20 monocarboxylic acid having an oxo group in a molecular structure, and a polyether-based polymer having C2-C6 alkylene oxide repeating units.
US09732183B2	Method for manufacturing hole-filling printed wiring board, curable resin composition and hole-filling printed wiring board A redundant part of a plated through hole that is formed in a printed wiring board is removed by a back drilling method; a penetration hole is filled entirely with a curable resin composition for hole filling; the curable resin composition is initially heated at a temperature less than 100° C. so that a curing rate of the curable resin composition may be 60% to 85%; and the curable resin composition is subsequently heated at a temperature 130° C. to 200° C. so that the curable resin composition may be cured completely, where the curable resin composition contains 1 part by mass to 200 parts by mass of a curing agent with respect to 100 parts by mass of liquid epoxy resin, and contains no solvent.
US09732176B2	Pigment dispersant, production method for pigment dispersant, and pigment dispersion liquid The present invention provides a pigment dispersant that exhibits high fine dispersibility, stability, and fluidity in a small amount, a pigment dispersion liquid including the pigment dispersant, and a process of producing the pigment dispersant and pigment dispersion liquid. The pigment dispersant contains as a main component, a graft copolymer formed through living radical polymerization using two or more monomers containing including a methacrylate A having an acidic group or a basic group and a methacrylate-based macromonomer B having a methacrylate residue at one terminal of a particular polymer chain that has a molecular weight of from 500 to 5000. A ratio of a total molar number of the methacrylate-based monomers relative to 1 mol of a polymerization-initiating compound in the raw material monomers is from 20 to 50 mol. A ratio of the B component-derived polymer chain to the graft copolymer is from 50 to 90 mass %.
US09732172B2	Ethylene/1-hexene or ethylene/1-butene copolymer having excellent processibility and environmetal stress crack resistance The present invention relates to an ethylene/1-hexene or ethylene/1-butene copolymer having excellent processibility. The ethylene/1-hexene or ethylene/1-butene copolymer according to the present invention has high molecular weight and wide molecular weight distribution, and thus excellent processibility, and has excellent environmental stress crack resistance, and thus, may be applied for a high inner pressure heating pipe, a mining pipe, or a large-diameter pipe, and the like.
US09732170B2	Encapsulant film An encapsulant film and an optoelectronic device are provided. The encapsulant film having improved thermal resistance, and excellent adhesion, especially, long-term adhesive properties, to a front substrate and a back sheet can be provided. Also, the optoelectronic device capable of maintaining excellent workability and economic feasibility upon manufacture of the device without causing a negative influence on working environments and parts such as optoelectronic elements or wiring electrodes encapsulated by the encapsulant film can be provided.
US09732168B2	Method of preparing ethylene polymers by controlled high pressure polymerization The present invention relates to a method for the radical polymerization or copolymerization of ethylene at high pressures using a hydroxylamine ester as radical initiator. The hydroxylamine esters according to the invention are suitable initiators for the high pressure polymerization of ethylene leading to high molecular weight polyethylenes with narrow molecular weight distributions (Poyldispersity Index PD=1, 2-4.5).
US09732167B2	Oxygen-absorbing resin composition and oxygen-absorbing multilayer body using same, and molded article and medical container using these Provided is a novel oxygen-absorbing resin composition having excellent oxygen-absorbing performance and suppressing odor generation after absorption of oxygen even if a material responsive to a metal detector is not used. Further provided is an oxygen-absorbing resin composition having excellent oxygen-absorbing performance in a wide range of humidity conditions from low humidity to high humidity. Such an oxygen-absorbing resin composition contains a copolymerized polyolefin compound and a transition metal catalyst, in which the copolymerized polyolefin compound contains at least one constituent unit having a tetralin ring.
US09732161B2	Modified Fc proteins comprising site-specific non-natural amino acid residues, conjugates of the same, methods of their preparation and methods of their use Provided herein are modified Fc proteins comprising non-natural amino acid residues at site-specific positions, conjugates of the modified Fc proteins for therapy or diagnosis, compositions comprising the modified Fc proteins and conjugates thereof, methods of their production and methods of their use. The modified Fc proteins and conjugates are useful for methods of treatment and prevention, methods of detection and methods of diagnosis.
US09732158B2	Antibodies against fatty acid synthase The present invention relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to FAS and certain FAS related proteins. The invention encompasses human and humanized forms of the antibodies and their use in treating cancers and other proliferative disorders. The invention also relates to FAS-derived peptides useful for preparing the antibodies. Methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder, especially cancer and other proliferative disorders using the present antibodies also are disclosed.
US09732155B2	Crystal structures of heterodimeric Fc domains Disclosed are the atomic coordinates of compositions comprising Fc heterodimer proteins in crystalline form derived from high resolution x-ray diffraction. Further disclosed are systems and methods for using all or a portion of these atomic coordinates to identify and design improved Fc heterodimer proteins. Further disclosed are compositions comprising a mixture of (i) a solubilized Fc heterodimer protein and (ii) a mother liquor solution. The mother liquor solution comprises between 2% and 10% (v/v) ethylene glycol, between 10% and 25% (w/v) polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of between 2000 Daltons and 10000 Daltons, and between 0.05 M and 0.40 M ammonium iodide. Further disclosed are systems and methods of identifying a mutation which promotes heterodimeric Fc chain pair formation in which structure based modeling is performed to identify a candidate mutation to an Fc chain using all or a portion of the disclosed three-dimensional atomic coordinates.
US09732154B2	Anti-CD38 antibodies for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia The present invention relates to combination therapies with anti-CD38 antibodies.
US09732152B2	Formulation of human antibodies for treating TNF-alpha associated disorders A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation is described which has a high protein concentration, a pH of between about 4 and about 8, and enhanced stability.
US09732151B2	Biomarkers for TSLP treatment The present invention relates to biomarker responsive to treatment with an anti-Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) antibody.
US09732148B2	Anti-α-synuclein antibodies and methods of use The present invention relates to anti-alpha-synuclein (anti-α-synuclein) antibodies and methods of using the same.
US09732146B2	Antibody-mediated transduction of heat shock proteins into living cells The invention provides for a fusion protein comprising a 3E10 Fv joined to a Hsp-70, Hsp-27, Hsp-90 or GRP-78 or portion thereof, and optionally, the 3E10 Fv comprising an amino acid sequence AGIH at its amino terminus.
US09732143B2	Methods and materials for enhancing functional protein expression in bacteria Novel materials and methods useful for expressing heterologous proteins in prokaryotic cells are provided, including prokaryotic cells expressing FkpA and/or Skp.
US09732142B2	Intracellular antibody delivery The present invention concerns a composition comprising vesicles and encapsulated within the vesicles, an antibody, wherein the vesicles comprise an amphiphilic block copolymer having a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic block.Methods of delivering the above compositions into cells are also described.
US09732135B2	Targeting of human interferon antagonists The present invention relates to a fusion protein, comprising a cytokine antagonist and a targeting moiety, preferably an antibody or anti-body like molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the cytokine antagonist is a modified cytokine which binds to the receptor, but doesn't induce the receptor signalling. The invention relates further to a fusion protein according to the invention for use in treatment of cancer and immune- or inflammation-related disorders.
US09732133B2	Therapeutic IL-13 polypeptides Variant IL-13 polypeptides are provided, which are engineered to have one or more of the following properties: (a) altered affinity for IL-13Rα2, relative to the native human IL-13 protein; (b) altered affinity for IL-13Rα1 relative to the native human IL-13 protein; (c) a disruption in the binding site for IL-4Rα relative to the native human IL-13 protein.
US09732130B2	WNT7A compositions and method of using the same There are provided compositions and methods for modulating stem cell division, in particular, division symmetry. It has been demonstrated that Wnt7a polypeptide fragments promoting symmetrical expansion of stem cells. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful, for example, in modulating stem cell division symmetry in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, in replenishing and expanding the stem cell pool, and in promoting the formation, maintenance, repair and regeneration of tissue.
US09732129B2	Peptides and uses thereof Disclosed herein are zinc finger peptides having at least 4 zinc finger domains, such as 6, 11, 12 or 18 zinc finger domains. The zinc finger peptides may be fused to effector domains for modulating gene expression. Zinc finger peptides of the invention are useful for targeting trinucleotide-repeat sequences in mutant genes and may have applications in gene therapy. The zinc finger peptides may have nucleic acid recognition sequences according to SEQ ID NO: 101. Also disclosed are methods for constructing poly-zinc finger peptides having arrays of at least 8 zinc finger domains, along with zinc finger frameworks that may be useful for selecting zinc finger peptides from libraries.
US09732124B2	Peptides and compositions for prevention of cell adhesion and methods of using same Compositions comprising an isolated peptide, which may for example optionally comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of FDYDWY (SEQ ID NO: 2), SFSQNKSVHSFDYDWYNVSDQADLKN (SEQ ID NO: 3) or CSFSQNKSVHSFDYDWYNVSDQADLKNC (SEQ ID NO: 1), or any cyclized version thereof, and methods of using same, including for treatment of or prevention of formation of microbial biofilms and against adhesion of a cell to a surface.
US09732117B2	Steroids as agonists for FXR The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R is ethyl, propyl or allyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or amino acid conjugates thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as FXR agonists.
US09732110B2	Nucleoside and nucleotide derivatives The present invention discloses compounds of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: which inhibit, preventing or treating abnormal cellular proliferation and/or a viral infection, particularly by HIV, HCV or HBV. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the replication cycle of a virus and are also useful as antiviral agents, or interfere with host cellular biochemical process and are also useful as antiproliferative agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from viral infection and/or cell proliferation. The invention also relates to methods of treating a viral infection and/or cell proliferation in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention. The present invention relates to novel antiviral/anti-proliferative compounds represented herein above, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infection in a subject in need of such therapy with said compounds.
US09732109B2	Pesticidal compositions The invention disclosed in this document is related to the field of pesticides and their use in controlling pests. A compound having the following structure is disclosed.
US09732107B2	Method for producing beta-hematin crystal comprising step of heating This invention provides a method of preparing a β-hematin crystal comprising a step of heating, the β-hematin crystal obtained by such method, and a vaccine adjuvant composition containing the β-hematin crystal. The β-hematin crystal has a needle-like morphology, it has an average particle size of 0.6 to 1.2 μm, and it exhibits main peaks characteristics for angles of diffraction (2θ) of 7.4°, 12.2°, 21.6°, and 24.1° in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by powder X-ray diffractometry with Cu—Kα rays (with each peak including a plus-minus 0.2° diffraction angle).
US09732104B2	Ether compounds for treatment of complement mediated disorders Compounds, methods of use, and processes for making inhibitors of complement factor D comprising Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or composition thereof wherein R12 or R13 on the A group is an ether (R32) are provided. The inhibitors described herein target factor D and inhibit or regulate the complement cascade at an early and essential point in the alternative complement pathway, and reduce factor D's ability to modulate the classical and lectin complement pathways. The inhibitors of factor D described herein are capable of reducing the excessive activation of complement, which has been linked to certain autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as ischemia-reperfusion injury and cancer.
US09732101B2	Bioreversible boronates for delivery of molecules into cells Methods for enhancing cellular uptake of cargo molecules by boronating the cargo molecule, particularly with one or more phenylboronic acid groups. Boronation reagents for reversible boronation of cargo molecules, particularly, cargo molecules having one or more amino groups are provided.
US09732094B2	Arylquinazolines The invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I) which can be used for the inhibition of serine-threonine protein kinases and for the sensitization of cancer cells to anticancer agents and/or ionizing radiation.
US09732092B2	Substituted 2,3,4,5,7,9,13,13a-octahydropyrido[1′,2′:4,5]pyrazino[2,1-b][1,3]OXAZEPINES and methods for treating viral infections Compounds for use in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are disclosed. The compounds have the following Formula (I): including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, X, W, Y1, Y2, Z1, and Z4 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US09732079B2	Yellow reduced pyrroloquinoline quinone crystal and method of producing the same, and food, pharmaceutical, gel, composition and method of producing composition A yellow reduced pyrroloquinoline quinone crystal having a solubility in water of 0.040 to 0.20 (mg/mL).
US09732073B2	Compositions and methods for inhibition of the JAK pathway The invention encompasses compounds having formula I-V and the compositions and methods using these compounds in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases, particularly JAK3, may be therapeutically useful.
US09732072B2	PRMT5 inhibitors and uses thereof Described herein are compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Compounds of the present invention are useful for inhibiting PRMT5 activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating PRMT5-mediated disorders are also described.
US09732062B2	Therapeutically active compounds and their methods of use Provided are compounds useful for treating cancer and methods of treating cancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a compound described herein.
US09732061B2	Cinnoline derivatives useful as CB-1 receptor inverse agonists The present invention is directed to cinnoline derivatives pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions mediated by the CB-1 receptor; more particularly, use in the treatment of disorders and conditions responsive to inverse agonism of the CB-1 receptor. More particularly, the compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders.
US09732060B2	Aminotriazine derivative and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same The present invention provides novel compounds having a P2X3 and/or P2X2/3 receptor antagonistic activity.A compound of Formula (I): wherein Ra and Rb, and Rd and Re are taken together to form oxo or the like; R4a and R4b are hydrogen or the like; n is 1 or the like; R2 is aryl or the like; s and s′ is 0 or the like; R9 and R9′ are halogen or the like; R20a and R20b are hydrogen, alkyl or the like; u is 1 to 4; R13 is hydrogen or the like, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
US09732054B2	Part-stream distillation A continuous process for the preparation of propylene oxide, comprising (a) reacting propene, optionally admixed with propane, with hydrogen peroxide in a reaction apparatus in the presence of acetonitrile as solvent, obtaining a stream S0 containing propylene oxide, acetonitrile, water, at least one further component B, optionally propene and optionally propane, wherein the normal boiling point of the at least one component B is higher than the normal boiling point of acetonitrile and wherein the decadic logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficient (log Kow) of the at least one component B is greater than zero; (b) separating propylene oxide from S0, obtaining a stream S1 containing acetonitrile, water and the at least one further component B; (c) dividing S1 into two streams S2 and S3; (d) subjecting S3 to a vapor-liquid fractionation in a fractionation unit, obtaining a vapor fraction stream S4 being depleted of the at least one component B; (e) recycling at least a portion of S4, optionally after work-up, to (a).
US09732053B2	1-[2-(2,4-dimethylphenylsulfanyl) phenyl]piperazine acetate in crystalline form The present invention relates to 1-[2-(2,4-dimethylphenylsulfanyl)phenyl]piperazine acetate in crystalline form and to methods for the preparation thereof. In addition the present invention relates to solid pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration comprising an effective amount of the crystalline 1-[2-(2,4-dimethylphenylsulfanyl)phenyl]piperazine acetate. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of crystalline 1-[2-(2,4-dimethylphenylsulfanyl)phenyl]piperazine acetate for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.
US09732051B2	Isothiazoline compounds for combating invertebrate pests The present invention relates to isothiazoline compounds of formula I wherein the variables are as defined in the claims or the description, which are useful for combating or controlling invertebrate pests, in particular arthropod pests and nematodes, and to a method for producing them. The invention also relates to a method for controlling invertebrate pests by using these compounds and to plant propagation material and to an agricultural and a veterinary composition comprising said compounds.
US09732047B2	N-alkoxyamide conjugates as imaging agents The present disclosure is directed to compounds, diagnostic agents, and related methods. In some cases, methods for treating patients are provided. More specifically, the disclosure provides compounds, diagnostic agents, and kits for detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring elastin rich tissues. In addition, the disclosure provides methods of detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring the presence of coronary plaque, carotid plaque, iliac/femoral plaque, aortic plaque, renal artery plaque, plaque of any arterial vessel, aneurism, vasculitis, other diseases of the arterial wall, and/or damage or structural changes in ligaments, uterus, lungs or skin, as indicated by changes in total vessel wall area, internal lumen size, and exterior arterial perimeter.
US09732044B2	N-(pyrid-4-yl)amides and N-(pyrimidin-4-yl)amides and their pharmaceutical and cosmetic use The present invention relates generally to the field of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. More specifically, the present invention pertains to certain N-(pyrid-4-yl)amides and N-(pyrimidin-4-yl)amides of the following formula which are potent modulators (e.g., inhibitors) of an androgen receptor, and which are useful, for example, in therapy, for example, in the treatment of a dermatological disease or disorder; a disease or disorder of the sebaceous gland(s); acne; hyperseborrhoea; oily skin; seborrhoeic dermatitis; hyperpilosity or hirsutism; atopic dermatitis; or androgenic alopecia; especially acne. The present invention also relates to compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, cosmetic compositions) comprising the compounds; methods of preparing the compositions; methods of modulating (e.g., inhibiting) an androgen receptor using the compounds and/or compositions; and medical and/or cosmetic use of the compounds and compositions.
US09732034B2	Method and catalyst for synthesising aziridine The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing aziridines including isotopically labelled aziridines, said methods comprising contacting an imine or one or more precursors thereof with a diazo compound in the presence of a phosphoramide or a phosphoramide-derived catalyst. The present invention also relates to aziridines, modified aziridines and aziridine-derived compounds preparable by the aforementioned methods, and to phosphoramide or phosphoramide-derived catalysts suitable for use in such methods.
US09732033B2	Urea production plant Disclosed is a plant for the production of urea. The plant comprises conventional sections for synthesis and recovery, for evaporation and condensation, for urea finishing, and for dust scrubbing. According to the invention, an additional evaporation and condensation loop is introduced from and to the dust scrubbing section. This loop results in a more favorable energy consumption of the plant.
US09732031B2	Methods of treating neurological and other disorders using enantiopure deuterium-enriched bupropion The invention provides enantiopure deuterium-enriched bupropion, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treating neurological disorders, movement disorders, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disorders, and other disorders using enantiopure deuterium-enriched bupropion. A preferred aspect of the invention provides methods of treating obesity and sexual dysfunction using enantiopure deuterium-enriched bupropion.
US09732023B2	Process for preparation of methacrylic acid and methacrylic acid esters The invention relates to a process for preparation of at least one of methacrylic acid and a methacrylic acid ester, comprising the process stepsgas phase oxidation of at least one C4 compound, quenching of the reaction phase, separation and purification of the obtained methacrylic acid and optionally esterification, wherein the C4 compound is a methacrolein comprising mixture, originating from at least two different methacrolein sources, a first methacrolein source being a feed stream obtained by the heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase oxidation of isobutylene or tert-butyl alcohol or isobutylaldehyde or a mixture of two or more thereof, a second methacrolein source being a feed stream obtained by the reaction of propionaldehyde with a C1 extending agent, preferably formaldehyde, and where said methacrolein can be obtained either completely from the first methacrolein source, or completely from the second methacrolein source or from any mixture of both.
US09732021B2	Continuous process for conversion of lignin to useful compounds This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create a slurry comprised of lignin, raise the slurry comprised of lignin to ultra-high pressure, deoxygenate the lignin in a lignin conversion reactor over a catalyst which is not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles.
US09732014B2	Method of producing alkylaromatic compounds using aromatic compound from catalyst regeneration A process for producing alkylaromatic compounds is described. The process involves utilizing at least a portion of the aromatic compound used to regenerate the alkylation catalyst in a spent alkylation reaction zone as a reactant in the active alkylation reaction zone.
US09732010B2	Catalyst for methanation of carbon oxides, preparation method of the catalyst and process for the methanation Disclosed is a catalyst for methanation reaction producing methane with high conversion by reaction of hydrogen with carbon dioxide, or a gas mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, or a gas mixture containing these compounds as the main components. The catalyst is prepared by the steps of mixing (A) aqueous zirconia sol with salts of (B) stabilizing element(s), which is selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Ca and Mg, and (C) iron group element(s), drying and calcining the mixture to obtain a catalyst precursor, and subsequent reduction of the precursor. The catalyst comprises, by atomic %, A: 18-70%, B: 1-20% and C: 25-80% based on the elemental states of the metals. The catalyst is characterized by multiple oxide of tetragonal zirconia structure, in which not only the stabilizing element(s) but also a part of the iron group element(s) is incorporated, and on which the iron group element(s) in the metallic state is supported.
US09732008B2	Liquid formulations of urease inhibitors for fertilizers An improved solvent system for the formulation and application of N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamide urease inhibitors. These formulations provide safety and performance benefits relative to existing alternatives and enable storage, transport and subsequent coating or blending with urea based or organic based fertilizers. These formulations are comprised primarily of environmentally friendly aprotic and protic solvents (particularly dimethyl sulfoxide and alcohols/polyols) to stabilize the urease inhibitor.
US09732007B2	Methods and compositions for increasing the amounts of phosphorus available for plant uptake from soils The present invention relates to a method of enhancing growth conditions for plants by growing the plants in soil containing, in proximity to the plant roots, both a phosphorus source and at least two strains of the fungus Penicillium, particularly P. bilaiae, more particularly strains NRRL 50162 and NRRL 50169.
US09732006B2	Composition for seed growth and vigour in monocots Coating composition for applying to monocot plant structures from which roots and shoots are capable of growing, wherein the said coating composition comprises one or more organic materials having a melting point of ≧50° Centigrade and one or more additives, methods of making such compositions and coated monocot plant structures such as seeds of monocot plants.
US09732002B2	Low-density high-strength concrete and related methods A low-density, high-strength concrete composition that is both self-compacting and lightweight, with a low weight-fraction of aggregate to total dry raw materials, and a highly-homogenous distribution of a non-absorptive and closed-cell lightweight aggregate such as glass microspheres or copolymer polymer beads or a combination thereof, and the steps of providing the composition or components. Lightweight concretes formed therefrom have low density, high strength-to-weight ratios, and high R-value. The concrete has strength similar to that ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete but at an oven-dried density as low as 40 lbs./cu.ft. The concrete, at the density ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete, has a higher strength and, at the strength ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete, a lower density. Such strength-to-density ratios range approximately from above 30 cu.ft/sq.in. to above 110 cu.ft/sq.in., with a 28-day compressive strength ranging from about 3400 to 8000 psi.
US09731999B2	Chemical admixtures for hydraulic cements The present invention relates to a new class of chemical admixtures for hydraulic cement compositions and methods of preparing same. The admixtures, which include complexes of metals with one or more hydroxycarboxylic acids and/or derivatives of hydroxycarboxylic acids, improve at least the following properties of cement compositions: hardness, compressive strength, shrinkage, and freeze-thaw resistance. Hydraulic cement compositions that may be improved with the chemical admixtures include pastes, mortars, grouts and concretes, all of which may be made from ordinary Portland cement, blended cements, or non-Portland cements made with Supplementary Cementitious Materials.
US09731997B2	Multilayer heat rejection coating There is provided a multilayer coating comprising a plurality of layers comprising a) one or more layers of an elemental transition metal; b) one or more layers of an elemental metalloid; and c) two or more layers of an oxide; characterized in that the transition metal and metalloid layers are between the oxide layers and the plurality of layers does not need to contain an additional transparent conductive film (TCF). The multilayer coatings show high transparency in the visible light range combined with heat shielding without the need of transparent conductive oxide which have been previously used to achieve these properties. The multilayers can be produced with conventional physical vapor deposition methods on glass and polymer substrates. The coatings may therefore be used for applications on windows, plastic sheets and window shields. The invention relates also to the process for making the multilayer coatings, articles comprising them and their use in building and other applications.
US09731996B1	Method of making controlled pore glass This disclosure provides methods of manufacturing a controlled pore glass, including: (a) adding an acidic solution to a column containing borosilicate glass; (b) flushing the column from step (a) with an aqueous solution until the pH of the effluent is greater than about 6; (c) adding a basic solution to the column from step (b); and (d) flushing the column from step (c) with an aqueous solution until the pH of the effluent is less than about 9 to produce a controlled pore glass.
US09731987B2	Mobile flowback and produced water re-use system A mobile water re-use system can include a chemical treatment apparatus, at least one weir tank in fluid communication with the chemical treatment apparatus, and two or more settling tanks in fluid communication with each other and at least one of the settling tanks in fluid communication with the weir tank. The weir tank can have a first end, a second end, an internal chamber, and a plurality of baffles that induce turbulent flow of fluid through the internal chamber. The settling tanks can provide, promote, facilitate, result in, and/or induce laminar flow of fluid through at least a portion of the internal chamber. Weir tanks, settling tanks, and method of treating flowback and produced water are also described.
US09731986B2	Apparatus for water treatment using capacitive deionization and method for controlling the same There are provided an apparatus for water treatment using capacitive deionization and a method for controlling the same. The apparatus for water treatment using capacitive deionization includes a first filter unit and a second filter unit allowing dissolved solids included in an introduced fluid to be adsorbed on electrodes to generate purified water when a water purification voltage is applied to the electrodes, and allowing the dissolved solids adsorbed on the electrodes to be desorbed to generate regenerated water when a regeneration voltage is applied to the electrodes, respectively, and a controller iteratively alternatively applying the water purification voltage and the regeneration voltage to the first filter unit and the second filter unit to generate purified water having a pre-set target total dissolved solids (TDS) value.
US09731979B2	Purification of titanium tetrachloride Disclosed is a process/system for the removal of metal chloride impurities from a titanium tetrachloride stream. The metal chloride impurities are removed through contact of the titanium tetrachloride stream with an alumino-silicate material, which can be selected based on certain properties of the alumino-silicate and based on the geometries of the impurity(ies) and the alumino-silicate.
US09731977B2	Method for producing α-lithium aluminate The purpose of the present invention is to provide an industrially advantageous method for producing α-lithium aluminate which has physical properties that are suitable for use as an electrolyte holding plate of a MCFC having excellent thermal stability, even if the α-lithium aluminate is a fine material having a BET specific surface area of 10 m2/g or higher in particular. Provided is a method for producing α-lithium aluminate characterized by subjecting a mixture (a), which is obtained by mixing transitional alumina and lithium carbonate at an Al/Li molar ratio of 0.95-1.01, to a first firing reaction so as to obtain a fired product, and subjecting a mixture (b), which is obtained by adding an aluminum compound to the obtained fired product at quantities whereby the molar ratio of aluminum atoms in the aluminum compound relative to lithium atoms in the fired product (Al/Li) is 0.001-0.05, to a second firing reaction.
US09731975B2	Alternative methods for the synthesis of organosilicon compounds A method of forming chloro-substituted silanes from the reaction of an alkoxysilane with a chlorinating agent in the optional presence of a catalyst is provided. More specifically, chloro-substituted silanes, including but not limited to silicon tetrachloride, are formed by reacting a chlorinating agent, such as thionyl chloride, with an alkylalkoxysilane having the formula (R′O)4-xSiRx, where R and R′ are independently selected alkyl groups comprising one or more carbon atoms and x is 0, 1, 2, or 3. The catalyst may be dimethylformamide, (chloromethylene)dimethyliminium chloride, or triethylamine, among others. The chloro-substituted silane formed in the reaction along with several by-products has the formula (R′O)4-x-ySiRxCly; where x is 0, 1, 2, or 3 and y is 1, 2, 3, or 4. One of the by-products of the reaction is an alkyl chloride.
US09731972B2	Article comprising a cohesive carbon assembly Cohesive carbon assemblies are prepared by obtaining a functionalized carbon starting material in the form of powder, particles, flakes, loose agglomerates, aqueous wet cake, or aqueous slurry, dispersing the carbon in water by mechanical agitation and/or refluxing, and substantially removing the water, typically by evaporation, whereby the cohesive assembly of carbon is formed. The method is suitable for preparing free-standing, monolithic assemblies of carbon nanotubes in the form of films, wafers, discs, fiber, or wire, having high carbon packing density and low electrical resistivity. The method is also suitable for preparing substrates coated with an adherent cohesive carbon assembly. The assemblies have various potential applications, such as electrodes or current collectors in electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells, and batteries, or as transparent conductors, conductive inks, pastes, and coatings.
US09731968B2	Process for producing fluoride gas Disclosed is a process for producing a fluoride gas that can produces fluoride gases such as BF3, SiF4, GeF4, PF5 or AsF5 at a reduced production cost in a simple manner. The process is characterized in that a compound containing an atom, which, together with a fluorine atom, can form a polyatomic ion, is added to a hydrogen fluoride solution to produce the polyatomic ion in a hydrogen fluoride solution and to evolve a fluoride gas comprising the fluorine atom and the atom that, together with the fluorine atom, can form a polyatomic ion.
US09731967B1	System for continuously producing hydrogen, heat and aluminum oxides on demand A system for producing hydrogen gas, heat and an oxide component using a water splitting process is disclosed. The system involves a dry first chamber containing a passivating-oxide preventing reagent that receives a solid material feedstock and dissolves the solid material feedstock in the passivating-oxide preventing reagent. The passivating-oxide preventing reagent becomes saturated with the solid material in the first chamber and is then transferred to a second chamber without contact with water. In the second chamber, the solid material saturated in the passivating-oxide preventing reagent reacts with the water so as to generate hydrogen gas, an oxide component and heat. Following the reaction, the solid material depleted passivating-oxide preventing reagent and water is recycled to be re-used in the water splitting process.
US09731966B2	Non-pleated tubular depth filter having fine fiber filtration media A non-pleated depth filter element in the form of a tubular ring of depth filter media is provided. Multiple wraps of sheets, some including fine fibers, are employed. The depth filter element has particular applications to liquid filtration applications.
US09731963B2	Method of increasing MEMS enclosure pressure using outgassing material Semiconductor manufacturing processes include providing a first substrate having a first passivation layer disposed above a patterned top-level metal layer, and further having a second passivation layer disposed over the first passivation layer; the second passivation layer has a top surface. The processes further include forming an opening in a first portion of the second passivation layer, and the opening exposes a portion of a surface of the first passivation layer. The processes further include patterning the second and first passivation layers to expose portions of the patterned top-level metal layer and bonding a second substrate and the first substrate to each other. The bonding occurs within a temperature range in which at least the exposed portion of the first passivation layer undergoes outgassing.
US09731954B2	Fluid dispensor with isolation membrane A beverage dispenser is configured as an outer pressure vessel (12) with one or more internal liner bags (11) for respective content, the dispenser having one or more content pathways, a selector valve connected to the content pathways for selection and proportion mix, a pressurization port in the container for charging the container externally of the liner bags and to promote discharge through the pathways, a bleed valve from a pressurized gas supply for selective gas injection at or close to a point of dispensing with a facility to pre-mix and feedback the pre-mix to a dedicated liner bag.
US09731953B2	Cylinder-and-piston assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus A cylinder-and-piston assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids in which the stroke length of the piston of the cylinder-and-piston assembly is delimited by a stroke length stop when suctioning from the cylinder and is delimited by a readjustment stop when exhausting into the cylinder. The readjustment stop is disposed on the piston or on the cylinder housing and interacts with a fixed stop. The readjustment stop is accessible and adjustable by way of a removable seal. The seal is connected by way of ribs to a piston bearing. The readjustment stop is disposed below this removable seal. The seal has a molding and the piston bearing has a counter molding. Displacement of the seal in relation to the piston bearing moves the seal in the longitudinal direction, and by this movement, the seal is removed in a manner that preferably is not capable of re-assembly.
US09731951B1	Device for threading a seat belt through a child's car seat A device for threading a seat belt through a child's car seat to secure the car seat on a vehicle seat may include a carriage assembly moveably supported in the device. The device may be installed in a channel extending across the child's car seat. A drive mechanism housed within the device may be coupled to the carriage assembly. Actuation of the drive mechanism moves the carriage assembly along the longitudinal length of the device the opposite ends of the channel. The latch end of the vehicle seat belt may be removably connected to the carriage assembly and the seat belt threaded through the channel to the opposite side of the child's car seat. The latch end of the seat belt may be disconnected from the carriage assembly and latched to the seat belt buckle.
US09731949B2	Elevating apparatus In a lifting drive mechanism, first and second masts extend in the vertical direction. A lift platform is configured to be lifted or lowered along the first and second masts. A hanging belt includes a first end fixed to an upper portion of the lift platform and a second end fixed to the lower portion of the lift platform. An upper pulley supports the hanging belt. A driving pulley moves the hanging belt in a positive direction and a negative direction. An idler pulley is arranged in front of, in back of, or on both side of the drive pulley. A lower pulley is lower than the upper pulley and supports the hanging belt. A supporting member is pivotable around a fulcrum spaced away from a rotation center of the lower pulley in the horizontal direction, and is fixed. The supporting member includes a first end extending from the fulcrum in the horizontal direction and supporting the lower pulley such that the lower pulley is pivotable.
US09731948B2	Method for feeding a supply station of a packaging unit with a new reel of sheet packaging material, sheet packaging material holder and lift truck There is described a method for feeding a supply station (6) of a packaging unit (1) with a new reel (3a) of sheet packaging material, comprising the steps of releasably connecting a sheet packaging material holder (11) to a support structure (5); coupling an end portion (52) of new reel (3a) with holder (11) connected, in turn, to support structure (5); carrying out on end portion (52) at least an operation, which is preliminary for joining of end portion (52) to a first edge (53) of a terminated reel (3a′, 3b) previously connected to packaging unit (1); moving new reel (3) together with holder (11) from support structure (5) towards supply station (6); and releasably connecting a fixed part (12) of supply station (6) to holder (11) together with new reel (3a).
US09731945B2	Safety arrangement for a portable power driven system The present invention relates to a safety arrangement for a portable power driven system, such as an ascender/descender arrangement, specifically in relation to safety means for minimizing risks with items rotating during the operation of the power driven system.
US09731944B2	Portable winch A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.
US09731943B2	Egg lifting device, and associated systems and methods An egg lifting device is provided. Such a device includes a body and a securing arrangement extending from the body. The securing arrangement is configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for lifting thereof. A plurality of egg lifting devices is arranged on an egg removal system such that multiple eggs are capable of being removed from an egg flat. Associated systems and methods are also provided.
US09731941B2	Braking device for a door operator A device for inhibiting the closing of a door that controls entry of an enclosure includes a first magnet disposed on a driven portion of the device and a second magnet disposed on a fixed portion of the enclosure. The first magnet and the second magnet are configured to be in register with each other as the door moves toward a closed position such that if the first magnet and the second magnet are in register with each other, a pole of the first magnet is in close proximity of a pole of the second magnet such that the first magnet and the second magnet react to each other to inhibit motion of the door towards the closed position.
US09731937B2	Adjustable roller-guide shoe An adjustable roller-guide shoe for guiding an elevator car or a counterweight of an elevator installation contains a roller carrier, which can be fastened on the car or the counterweight, a guide roller and a roller spindle, which is arranged in the roller carrier and accommodates the guide roller. The roller spindle is positioned in the roller carrier by an adapter having an installation contour which matches a corresponding accommodating contour of the roller carrier. The adapter is configured to be fixed in different installation positions in relation to the roller carrier, and thus the roller spindle can be placed in different positions in the roller carrier, depending on the installation position of the adapter. It is thus possible for the roller-guide shoe to be operated with different roller diameters or to be adapted to different rail-web dimensions.
US09731932B2	Cylindrical sleeve An assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve and a length of material that is wound upon itself defining a wound roll. The cylindrical sleeve includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve defines a passage extending through the cylindrical sleeve. The length of material includes an inner surface and an outer surface. A portion of the inner surface of the length of material forms a passage extending through the wound roll. The outer surface of the cylindrical sleeve is secured to the portion of the inner surface of the length of material that forms the passage extending through the wound roll. The wound roll forms an upper axial end and a lower axial end. The wound roll is defined by a length extending between the upper axial end and the lower axial end. The cylindrical sleeve forms a distal end and a proximal end. The cylindrical sleeve is defined by a length extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The length of the cylindrical sleeve is greater than the length of the wound roll to thereby define a first portion of the length of the cylindrical sleeve that extends beyond the upper axial end of the wound roll and a second portion of the length of the cylindrical sleeve that extends beyond the lower axial end of the wound roll. Both of the first portion of the length of the cylindrical sleeve and the second portion of the length of the cylindrical sleeve is defined by a Sheffield Smoothness that is less than 350. A method is also disclosed.
US09731929B2	Method for determining the winding quality of a film roll Method for the determination of the winder quality of a film roll (10) of a film (30) on a winder roller (20) comprising the following steps: determination of the roll hardness (WH) of the film roll (10) during the winding on of the film (30) on the winder roller (20), determination of a variation from the determined roll hardness (WH) of the film roll (10) from at least one standard value (V1, V2) for the roll hardness (WH) of the film roll (10), determination of the film roll (10) using the determined variation.
US09731926B2	Paper sheet handling device A paper sheet handling device that facilitates removal of paper sheets blocked on a conveying path. The device includes a safe casing internally provided with a paper sheet storage box; a processing unit capable of being pulled out from, or stowed in, a main device; a conveying section coupled to the processing unit, and that forms a conveying path; a handover section coupled to a top plate of the safe casing to hand over the sheets between the storage box and the conveying path; and a positioning section that positions for connecting the handover section and the conveying path together when the processing unit is being stowed in the main device.
US09731923B2	Medium transport method, medium transport device, and image recording device A medium transport method, which is performed by a medium transport device having a transport unit which includes rollers that can pinch a medium and which transports the medium, includes inserting the medium to a predetermined position, pressing a side end portion of the medium against a side surface guide, and pinching the medium with the rollers, and transports the medium.
US09731921B2	Web roll handling and loading system A web roll handling and loading system and methods employ hubs positioned on opposing sides of a roll of web material wound on a hollow tubular core. Hub faces have an annular shape configured to be seated in respective ends of the hollow tubular core. The hubs are pivotably supported for pivoting between an operational position and a deflected position. The roll of web material is loaded on the hubs by lifting it from beneath the hubs to deflect the hub faces arcuately upward, then lowering the roll to allow the hub faces to pivot downward and become seated in the ends of the hollow tubular core. Alternatively, the roll is loaded into a pick-up tool by lowering the pick-up tool downward to the roll so the hubs deflect arcuately upward, then raising the tool so the hubs pivot downward and become seated in the hollow tubular core.
US09731914B2	Pneumatic convey system with constant velocity pickup An pneumatic convey device that employs active vacuum pressure monitoring using either a pressure sensor or vacuum motor power consumption to maintain a constant velocity pickup point, reduce product damage, increase capacity per vacuum pressure when the system is running at less than designed vacuum and reduce energy consumption at the point where the material convey starts.
US09731913B2	End effector An end effector for the packaging industry comprises has a frame, a bridge on top of the frame, a rack and pinion assembly, actuation rods, carrier assemblies, and vacuum ports. The rack and pinion assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a robot's rotatable shaft, and to the actuation rods. The actuation rods are fixedly connected to one or more of the carrier assemblies. As the robot's shaft rotates, the rack and pinion assembly is actuated, which actuates the actuation rods, which causes the carrier assemblies fixedly connected to the actuation rods to move longitudinally along the frame. Each carrier assembly includes a carrier block and at least one pick-up member. Each carrier block has at least one arm with a grabber to cooperate with an adjacent arm with grabbers of an adjacent carrier block(s) of the same subgroup.
US09731912B2	Container handling arrangement for handling beverage containers, including glass beverage bottles A container handling arrangement for handling beverage containers, including glass beverage bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US09731908B2	Goods overturning unit, conveyor having the goods overturning unit and method of overturning goods An overturning system is provided for a conveyor system, in particular an airport baggage conveyor system, which is suitable for transporting goods on a conveyor section. The goods can preferably be transported in the transport direction resting in a stable position on the conveyor section and, as the goods pass the conveyor section, the goods are moved into the stable position with the aid of a goods overturning unit. The goods overturning unit is divided into individual segments. The goods, which are initially in a non-stable position, are overturned into a stable position with the goods overturning unit.
US09731907B2	Apparatus and method for transporting plastic preforms with dual pitch delay Apparatus for treating plastic preforms, with a first transport facility transporting the plastic preforms along a predefined transport path at a first predefined pitch, with at least one heating unit heating the plastic preforms at least at times during their transportation and with a second transport facility arranged downstream with respect to the first transport facility in transport direction of the plastic preforms, which comprises a plurality of holding unit means for holding the plastic preforms and which is suitable and destined to alter a pitch between consecutive plastic preforms. The apparatus comprises a further transport section arranged, at least in sections, in transport direction of the plastic preforms between the first transport facility and the second transport facility, in which a pitch between the plastic preforms is altered.
US09731901B2	Belt-on-belt drives for steeply-sloped portions of long conveyors A conveyor system, at least a portion of which may traverse a continuous slope sufficiently steep such that tensile forces associated with overcoming the effects of the slope are several times larger per unit length of run than tensile forces per unit length of run due to main frictional resistance of the conveyor system, may include a belt-on-belt drive. The belt-on-belt drive may include at least one internal belt configured to operably engage the carry belt of the conveyor system so as to frictionally drive the carry belt over the sloped run. The longitudinal stiffness of the at least one internal belt may be at least twice the external belt's longitudinal stiffness. At the portion of the external belt driven by the at least one internal belt, the rate of tension rise in the external belt may be configured to be approximately zero or a modestly higher rate.
US09731900B2	Motorized transport roller Motorized transport roller comprising: a hollow cylindrical body (11) having an idle head (51) on one side and a motor head (20) on the other; a motor (15) arranged inside said roller having a motor shaft (30) protruding from said motor (15); the roller comprising a first element (53) associated with said motor shaft (30); a second element (54) associated with said motor head (20) by means of a transmission shaft (39); a third element (33) intermediate to said first (53) and second (54) element adapted to transfer the motion from said first element (53) to said second element (54); said third element (33) is made of a soft and/or elastic material; and by said motor head (20) rotating said hollow cylindrical body (11).
US09731893B2	Catalytic heating assembly for an oil storage tank In an oil storage tank having an interior oil storage chamber and a tank opening in one of the boundary walls, a heating assembly is supported to extend into the interior oil storage chamber from the tank opening. The assembly includes a casing of walls surrounding with a casing mounting flange mountable in sealing engagement relative to a tank mounting flange about the full perimeter of the tank opening such that the casing protrudes into the interior oil storage chamber of the oil storage tank. The heating chamber is suitable sized and configured to operably receive a catalytic heater therein. The heating chamber further accommodates entry of combustion air and combustion fuel into the heating chamber and exhaust of emissions therefrom.
US09731886B2	Waterproof enclosure for electronic device A waterproof enclosure is provided with a bag including an internal space configured to receive an electronic device, a hole disposed at a forward end, and a sealable opening disposed at a position other than the hole wherein the internal space communicates with both the hole and the sealable opening; a flexible sleeve sealingly disposed in the hole and including an axial channel communicating with both the internal space and a space externally of the bag; and a flexible plug disposed in the channel and including an axial tunnel having a forward end and a rear end, and a crack axially extending from the forward end of the tunnel to a rear end of the tunnel and radially extending from the tunnel to a peripheral surface of the plug.
US09731882B2	Oral care kit for displaying a portion of a toothbrush An oral care kit (1000) including a package (100), a toothbrush (200) positioned within the package and a backer card (300) comprising a window aperture (30). The oral care kit provides the user with the ability to view a portion of the toothbrush, such as the head (210), from both the front and rear of the package while maintaining the package in an enclosed state. In one embodiment of the invention, the package comprises a front cover (101) comprising a substantially transparent window portion (130) and a rear cover (102) comprising a substantially transparent window portion (120), the rear cover coupled to the front cover to form a receiving cavity (115). The backer card is positioned within the receiving cavity between the toothbrush and the rear cover so that the window portion of the rear cover, the window aperture (301) of the backer card, a portion of the toothbrush, and the window portion of the front cover are transversely aligned.
US09731879B2	Container lid with functional additive chambers A joint compound assembly is provided, including a main container with a base joint compound, and a container lid constructed and arranged for closing the main container, and having at least one sealed compartment enclosing a joint compound additive.
US09731878B2	Medical cap and a producing method thereof In the medical cap comprising a plug 10 made of thermoplastic elastomer and an outer frame 20 made of synthetic resin, the side surface part of the plug is contacted with an inner wall 211 of the side circuit part of the outer frame in a non-fused state and is held in a state with pressure applied from the leg part of the outer frame 22. As a result, the wetted surface of the plug is not flat shaped but has an inclination downward to the circle center. Protrusion 14 can also be provided on the wetted surface and in such a case, the bottom part of the protrusion part that is one part of the wetted surface has an inclination downward to the circle center.
US09731874B2	Button-type airtight container and the lid thereof A button-type airtight container lid having an upper lid, a lower lid, a dish seal ring, a button, a rotary toothed member, a vertical shaft, and a lever spring mechanism; the rotary toothed member includes a sleeve and N spline teeth provided at the top and bottom with a helicoid, respectively; the rotary toothed member is rotatably mounted at the vertical shaft fixed on the button; the upper lid being provided at the bottom plate with an N-groove spline hole, the bottom plate has an end gear at the bottom, which includes 2N end teeth; the tooth groove of the N-groove spline hole being located at the tooth groove section of the end tooth; the lower lid includes a 2N tooth end ratchet, whose ratchet tooth is adapted to the lower helicoid of the spline tooth, with N greater than or equal to 3.
US09731873B2	Cover device for covering a built-in valve mounting channel port of IBC and container The present invention discloses a cover device used to cover the built-in valve mounting channel port of IBC and a container. The IBC comprises a side plate, a base and a channel located in the base and used to receive the built-in valve. The cover device comprises a cover and structures or components used to detachably connect the cover to the side plate over the channel. The cover can be installed on the base at the position adjacent to the side plate, and can be rotated around a rotational axis of the cover itself, so as to open or cover the channel port. The cover is further provided with a lock hole, and the base is provided with a locking slot, so that the cover can be locked to the base by a disposable lock. The cover device of the present invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate. Further, it can well achieve the effect of dust-proof and/or thief-evident.
US09731870B2	Retort closure for a container A closure includes a skirt defining an outer periphery of the closure and having an open bottom end configured to fit over the mouth of a receptacle, an end wall positioned atop the skirt to close a top end of the skirt and form a top face of the closure, one or more openings formed through the end wall, and a sealing rib formed on the top face and diametrically disposed outboard the one or more openings.
US09731868B2	Polymeric bags with easy access features attached to the bags without adhesives A woven laminated plastic bag having an easy access or re-sealable feature and methods for making the same are provided. In certain aspects the easy access or re-sealable feature is attached to the bag without the use of an adhesive. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag in one embodiment can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide one or more discrete areas which may each contain discrete graphics and/or printing.
US09731867B2	Container arrangement for product A container arrangement for product comprises at least one first independent container part having a closable dispensing opening and a second independent container part having a closable dispensing opening. The second container part can be arranged detachably in a recess of the first container part in such a manner that the first container part and the second container part are connected to form the container arrangement, wherein the first dispensing opening and the second dispensing opening point in different directions. The first dispensing opening can be closed by a first closure part and the second dispensing opening can be closed by a second closure part. At least the second closure part overlaps a subregion of the second container part and a subregion of the first container part in a locking manner.
US09731866B2	Fuel tank with supporting element The invention relates to a fuel tank (1) made from thermoplastic material, having a top (2) and a bottom (3), which are supported upon one another via at least one column-shaped supporting element (4), wherein the supporting element (4) is connected positively and/or materially to a wall (6) of the top (2), on the one hand, and to a wall (6) of the bottom (3), on the other hand, in such a way that it can absorb tensile forces caused by a pressure within the tank, wherein the supporting element (4) is designed as a one-piece solid profile which has a ribbed profile, at least in cross section.
US09731865B2	Fluid container of a household appliance A fluid container of a household appliance, the fluid container having a retaining region to hold fluid and which has at least one oligodynamic surface, and a household appliance that includes on such fluid container.
US09731860B2	Tray with integrated support structures The present invention is to an integrated tray for holding and retaining a plurality of articles contained therein. The integrated tray comprises a tubular open-ended tray having a floor panel and an article support panel that is foldably joined to the floor panel in a spaced apart relationship. The article support panel includes a plurality of apertures formed therein to securely retain the plurality of articles therein. A girder is foldably joined to the floor panel and extending upwardly therefrom and is engaged with the article support panel to form the tubular open-ended tray. At least one divider is configured to be removably attached to the tubular open-ended tray. The at least one divider has at least one web panel extending transversely across the tray and at least one flange panel extending longitudinally of the tray.
US09731856B1	Rotatable tamp head Printing systems may include a rotatable tamp head that may be repositioned, as necessary, in order to cause a label to be printed in a specific location or in a certain alignment on an object. Such tamp heads may be repositioned as necessary where the label may cross a seam, a crease, a fold or another surface feature which might cause the label to be bowed or damaged in transit. The tamp head may be positioned in a manner that would enable any information, markings or bar codes thereon to remain legible and intact even if the label is applied across such a surface feature.
US09731855B2	Labeling device for containers A labeling device includes a container transporter that conveys the containers along a conveyor path and a first conveyor that runs between the return-stations. The labeling stations are arranged along the conveyor path between the return-stations. The frame's frame ends lie at opposite ends of a longitudinal axis. Attachment-sections associated with the frame ends attach to respective return stations, with at least one of them permitting attachment of a return-station at multiple positions along the axis. These attach to the mounts, which have continuous mounting-elements extending between the return-stations along the longitudinal axis. The mounts enable mounting a labeling station in any position between the return-stations using an attachment element that is complementary to the mounts and with which the labeling stations are equipped.
US09731853B2	Networked notification for dispensable units A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.
US09731848B2	Bread conveying apparatus A bread packaging apparatus for packaging bread in a bag, includes a first urging unit that comes into contact with a loaf of bread and conveys the loaf of bread along a conveying path; and a control unit for controlling a speed of the first urging unit. The control unit controls the speed of the first urging unit such that the speed when the first urging unit comes into contact with the loaf of bread is different from the speed when the first urging unit conveys the loaf of bread.
US09731843B2	Articulated joint for deploying and locking a solar generator or a reflector A joint for unfolding and locking a solar generator or a reflector, or other aerospace components that can be unfolded, includes two half joints, a joint axis, and a drive. A drive spring of the drive has a progressive characteristic curve over the unfolding angle of the two half joints, which increases over the unfolding, to compensate for a frictional torque that varies over the unfolding angle.
US09731842B1	Consumable bushing for use with aircraft wing repair systems and methods A wing skin, which was secured to a wing structure by a plurality of fasteners extending through the wing skin, is removed from the wing and aligned with a template. Template holes are drilled through the template corresponding to each of the fastener holes of the wing skin. The template is then aligned with a new wing skin, and pilot holes are drilled through the new wing skin corresponding to each of the template holes. The new wing skin is then aligned with the wing structure such that the pilot holes permit access to corresponding fastener holes of the wing structure. A mill bit is then positioned through each pilot hole and aligned with the center of the corresponding consumable bushing in the fastener hole of the wing sub-structure, and the skin pilot holes are milled to form fastener holes in the new wing skin aligned with existing sub-structure.
US09731834B2	Aircraft systems and methods with integrated tank inerting and power generation A system is provided for inerting a fuel tank of an aircraft. The system includes a first compressor fluidly coupled to the fuel tank for removing an air and fuel vapor mixture from an ullage of the fuel tank. The system further includes a fuel processor fluidly coupled to the first compressor and configured to receive the air and fuel vapor mixture and to generate hydrogen from the air and fuel vapor mixture. The system further includes a fuel cell fluidly coupled to the fuel processor and configured to receive the hydrogen as anode fuel to produce electricity. The system further includes a combustor fluidly coupled to the fuel cell and configured to combust the exhaust product to produce combustion gas, and a first heat exchanger fluidly coupled to the combustor and configured to cool the combustion gas into inerting gas for the fuel tank.
US09731833B2	Aircraft refueling safety system A system ensures the correct type of fuel is dispensed in an aircraft while removing the introduction of human error in the refueling process. The system includes an RFID tag disposed at one or more aircraft that electronically stores data such as engine type, engine hours, fuel type, tail number, and pilot/subscriber data for the aircraft on which the RFID tag is disposed. An RFID reader is disposed at or near a fuel dispensing mechanism, such as a fuel truck or tank. A signal indicative of fuel type is emitted from the RFID tag to the RFID reader. RFID tags on aircraft that are enrolled in the system's subscription service enable aircraft to be recognized by a module operating the fuel dispensing mechanism. Based on a comparison performed by the module, authorization to begin fueling is either permitted or declined.
US09731831B2	Aircraft with an air intake for an air breathing propulsion engine An aircraft with a fuselage that accommodates at least one air breathing propulsion engine, the fuselage having a maximum fuselage width determined in the region of the at least one air breathing propulsion engine and comprising at least one front fuselage cowling and at least one rear fuselage cowling that are each covering the at least one air breathing propulsion engine at least partly, the at least one front and rear fuselage cowlings being spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the at least one air breathing propulsion engine by a predetermined cowling offset to define a dynamic air intake through which an intake air stream is supplied to the at least one air breathing propulsion engine in operation.
US09731828B2	Aircraft seat, with crumple zones An aircraft seat comprises a sitting part, sides and a backrest, having structural components which undergo controlled deformation under the influence of an overload. The sitting part is provided with a backward inclined upper panel and a lower panel provided with at least one absorber forming the crumple zone. The upper panel is made of a framed rack permanently connected to the sides and to the backrest, while the sitting part, placed inside the rack above the absorber, is attached to the front and rear portions of the rack with a non-releasable connection of reduced tensile strength wherein the front raised part of the rack is provided with a transverse reinforcement forming the support of a thigh portion of legs, and each side is supported on two resilient rings in the shape of a split ring having a specified compressive strength, forming an additional crumple zone.
US09731826B2	Storage bin with luggage positioning protrusions An aircraft storage bin that includes an upper housing and a bucket movable with respect to the upper housing between a closed position and an open position. The upper housing and the bucket cooperate to define a bin interior. The bucket includes a bottom and first and second opposing side walls. The bottom of the bucket includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a front edge, and first and second protrusions protruding into the bin interior. The first protrusion defines a first luggage engaging surface and the second protrusion defines a second luggage engaging surface. The first protrusion includes an inner surface and an outer surface that defines a channel. The channel includes at least a portion of a latch button assembly disposed therein. The first and second cables extend outwardly from the latch button assembly and through the channel. The bucket includes a cover further partially defining the channel.
US09731821B2	Package transport by unmanned aerial vehicles According to an aspect, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided that is capable of flying between a pick up point and a delivery point with respect to a package transfer operation. The delivery point is identifiable by the UAV through global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the delivery point and verification of a device identifier of a package docking device (PDD) associated with a package transfer request. A control processor coupled to the UAV receives a transaction packet for the operation that includes the GPS coordinates and the device identifier of the PDD associated with the request. Upon arrival of the UAV at the delivery point, the control processor verifies that a device identifier of a PDD located at the delivery point matches the device identifier in the transaction packet, implements the package transfer operation, and transmits confirmation of completion of the operation to an originator of the request.
US09731819B2	System and method for linkage length adjustment A rotor system has a rotor, an axis of rotation about which the rotor may be rotated, a linkage system having a first adjustable length portion and a second adjustable length portion, wherein the second adjustable length portion is configured to provide a relatively finer adjustment of an overall effective length of the linkage system as compared to the first adjustable length portion and wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about the axis in response to changing the overall effective length of the linkage system.
US09731817B2	Aircraft tire An aircraft tire capable of suppressing rubber tire wear during landing and shocks which accelerate or decelerate an aircraft at touchdown includes, on a side of a tire body constituting an outer peripheral part of an aircraft wheel, a protrusion for receiving flight wind pressure. The wheel is rotated ahead of the touchdown by the action of the wind pressure received by the protrusion in a direction in which the wheel rotates during a landing roll. Weight is inserted into a hollow part of the protrusion. Through use of centrifugal force on the weight in association with a rotational motion of the wheel, the protrusion is deformed to change its wind pressure receiving area for bringing rotational speed of the wheel ahead of the touchdown close to a rotating speed of the wheel that is consistent with a flying speed of the aircraft making the touchdown.
US09731816B2	Multi-position landing gear A multi-position landing gear for an aircraft may include a first landing skid disposed on a bottom side of the aircraft, and a second landing skid disposed on one of a top side or the bottom side of the aircraft, wherein the first landing skid and the second landing skid are rotatable relative to the aircraft.
US09731815B2	Multi core vehicle management system and methods A flight management system (FMS) including a plurality of FMS components that can include a civil FMS component and a tactical FMS component. Each FMS component can have a processor programmed to execute an FMS software product. The FMS can also include a multi core FMS manager configured to control a plurality of flight management systems and coupled to the plurality of FMS components. The multi core FMS manager can include a plurality of FMS managers, each coupled to one of the FMS components, and a platform interface manager coupled to an avionics system. Each FMS manager can be adapted to transmit flight management data to, and to receive flight management data from, the FMS component to which it is coupled. The platform interface manager can be adapted to provide each FMS component access to the avionics system, such that an aircraft operator can control each FMS component via the FMS.
US09731814B2	Alternative method to determine the air mass state of an aircraft and to validate and augment the primary method A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying air data for an aircraft. The lift for the aircraft is identified. The number of surface positions for the aircraft is identified. The angle of attack during flight of the aircraft is identified. A synthetic dynamic pressure is computed from the lift, the number of surface positions, and the angle of attack.
US09731813B2	Methods and apparatus to control aircraft horizontal stabilizers Methods and apparatus to control aircraft horizontal stabilizers are described herein. One described method includes calculating, using a processor, a desired movement of a horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft to counteract a pitching moment of the aircraft, and controlling the horizontal stabilizer based on the desired movement.
US09731809B1	Aircraft wing repair methods A wing skin, which was secured to a wing structure by a plurality of fasteners extending through the wing skin, is removed from the wing and aligned with a template. Template holes are drilled through the template corresponding to each of the fastener holes of the wing skin. The template is then aligned with a new wing skin, and pilot holes are drilled through the new wing skin corresponding to each of the template holes. The new wing skin is then aligned with the wing structure such that the pilot holes permit access to corresponding fastener holes of the wing structure. A mill bit is then positioned through each pilot hole and aligned with the center of the corresponding consumable bushing in the fastener hole of the wing sub-structure, and the skin pilot holes are milled to form fastener holes in the new wing skin aligned with existing sub-structure.
US09731807B2	Joints in fibre metal laminates An aircraft panel with a laminate structure is provided that comprises a stack of a plurality of metal sheet layers, at least one fiber reinforced adhesive layer, and at least one cover segment. At least one outer layer of the metal sheet layers comprises at least two separate metal sheets that overlap with each other along their respective commonly adjoining edges, providing an overlapping joint of the two separate metal sheets. The at least one fiber reinforced adhesive layer comprises fiber elements embedded in a matrix structure. One of the at least one fiber reinforced adhesive layers is arranged between two adjacent metal sheet layers. Further, the at least one cover segment is arranged on an outside surface of the laminate structure, the cover segment covering a region of the overlapping joint. Still further, the at least one cover segment comprises at least one layer of reinforcement fibers.
US09731804B1	Directly mounted shaft actuator In one embodiment, an outboard marine engine comprises the internal combustion engine and a propulsor that is driven into rotation by the internal combustion engine so as to effect a thrust. The outboard marine engine further includes a transmission that shifts amongst a fourth gear wherein the thrust is forward thrust, a reverse gear wherein the thrust is a reverse thrust, and a neutral gear wherein the thrust is a zero thrust. The outboard marine engine further includes a shift rod that is rotatable about its own axis, wherein rotation of the shift rod about its own axis shifts the transmission amongst the forward gear, the reverse gear, and the neutral gear. An actuator operably connects to the internal combustion engine and causes rotation of a gear shaft. At least one gearset connects the gear shaft to the shift rod such that rotation of the gear shaft about its own axis rotates the shift rod about its own axis.
US09731803B2	Outboard motor A forward/backward switching mechanism having an intermediate gear supported by an intermediate shaft perpendicular to a drive shaft is interposed between first and second input shafts. A clutch body is a dog clutch having upper and lower locking dogs. As the dog clutch moves along an axial direction of the second input shaft and is engaged with upper or lower gears, rotation of the first input shaft is forwardly or reversely transmitted to the second input shaft.
US09731802B2	Fin for oscillating foil propulsion system A watercraft having propulsion means extending below the water line comprising a pair of flexible fins each adapted to oscillate through an arcurate path in a generally transverse direction across the central longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. As input force is applied, the fins twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust while moving in both directions along the arcurate path. Each of the fins have a generally squared off top and preferably an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Each of the fins can be adjusted at the trailing edge to provide adjustable tensioning of the trailing edge.
US09731797B2	Tow pylon assembly for a watercraft A tow pylon assembly for a watercraft has a pylon, a base connected to a lower portion of the pylon, the base being configured for connecting the tow pylon assembly to the watercraft, a bollard connected to an upper portion of the pylon, the bollard being configured for attaching a tow rope to the tow pylon assembly, and an equipment holding assembly connected to the pylon. The equipment holding assembly has a resilient member connected to the pylon. The resilient member is configured for holding equipment between the resilient member and the pylon. A personal watercraft having a rear platform and the tow pylon assembly connected to the rear platform is also disclosed.
US09731792B2	Ergonomic dual shifter assembly Described herein are gear shifter interfaces for a motor vehicle comprising: a shifter assembly configured to connect to a shift lever comprising: a first plate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first peg attached to the first plate; a second plate slidably coupled to the first plate, wherein the second plate has a top surface and a bottom surface; and a second peg attached to the second plate.
US09731785B1	Tiltable electric tricycle A tiltable electric tricycle as in the present invention comprises: (a) a frame, (b) a front fork mounted to the frame, (c) a front wheel with hub motor mounted to the front fork, (d) a seat, (e) a steering handle bar, (f) a pair of laterally spaced rear wheels on a common axle, (g) a support base with two quick release clamps for securing the axle of the rear wheels and the base has a shaft tube fitted into the bottom tube of the frame to connect to the frame rotatably, (h) a pair of footrests, (i) a battery to power the hub motor; furthermore the bottom tube points to the ground contact point of the front wheel; furthermore the frame has a horizontal oriented metal plate at the rear end of the bottom tube positioned above the support base of the rear wheels; and when the frame is tilted relative to the rear wheel support base to a certain extent, an end of the metal plate touches the rear wheel support base and thereby restricts the extent the frame can tilt; furthermore the axle of the rear wheels is secured to its support base using two quick release clamps and can be released quickly from the quick lease clamps so that the axle with two rear wheels can be separated from the rest of the tricycle for easy transportation; furthermore the two footrests are rotatably connected to the base and can swing toward the rear of the tricycle to reduce the width of the tricycle. In operation, the rider of the tricycle seats on the seat with two feet stepping on the footrests of the rear frame to keep balance and can tilt the front part of the tricycle around the axis line to maintain balance in response to road condition, speed, or turning while the rear part with two rear wheels remain stable.
US09731781B2	Endless track for traction of a vehicle, with enhanced elastomeric material curing capability An endless track for traction of a vehicle, such as a construction vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a forestry vehicle or a military vehicle. The endless track has an enhanced elastomeric material curing capability. In one embodiment, each of a plurality of elastomeric projections of the endless track, such as guide/drive projections or traction projections, comprises elastomeric material defining a cavity to enhance a curing process during manufacturing of the endless track. The cavity may be shaped such that, during the curing process, a heat conductor positioned in the cavity conducts heat from the heat conductor to the elastomeric material of the projection.
US09731780B2	Trailer hitch A trailer hitch for hitching a trailer to a motor vehicle is disclosed wherein the motor vehicle has a chassis supported by axles suspended from the motor vehicle chassis, the trailer has a chassis supported by one or more axles suspended from the trailer chassis, and the trailer hitch is adapted to hitch the trailer chassis to the motor vehicle chassis for movement therewith and also cause the trailer chassis to help support the motor vehicle chassis to a variable degree via the trailer hitch and in a manner determined by the spring action provided by the trailer axle suspension system(s). And wherein the trailer hitch is also adapted to allow the hitched trailer chassis to turn with respect to the motor vehicle chassis and prevent such turning and to stow a hitched trailer chassis on the motor vehicle.
US09731777B2	Active air skirt device for vehicle An active air skirt device for a vehicle includes a first skirt and a second skirt, which are operated in multiple steps corresponding to a speed of the vehicle, so as to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle corresponding to the speed of the vehicle.
US09731775B1	Cargo bed for utility vehicle A cargo bed for a utility vehicle includes a bottom plate, and a pair of right and left side walls extending upward from right and left ends of the bottom plate. The side walls each include a front pillar extending vertically at a front end, a rear pillar extending vertically at a rear end, a side panel extending between the front pillar and the rear pillar in an anteroposterior direction and having a rib extending in the anteroposterior direction, and a bed rail positioned above the side panel with a space being provided therebetween, and extending between the front pillar and the rear pillar in the anteroposterior direction.
US09731771B2	Vehicle upper portion structure A vehicle, to which a vehicle upper portion structure is applied, has: a peripheral information detecting sensor that is mounted to a vehicle upper portion, and that has a detecting section that obtains peripheral information of the vehicle by detecting a detection medium; and a roof panel that covers the peripheral information detecting sensor from a vehicle upper side, and at which at least a region, that faces the detecting section, is formed of a material that transmits the detection medium therethrough.
US09731768B2	Vehicle structural reinforcing device A vehicle includes a chassis having a pair of rails spaced from each other and a deployable reinforcing device extending between the rails. The deployable reinforcing device includes a beam disposed between the pair of rails and including walls and hinges connected in alternating arrangement. The walls are rotatable about the hinges from a collapsed position to an expanded position. The device includes a deployment mechanism disposed between the walls. When a vehicle impact is sensed, the deployment mechanism is deployed to expand the beam to the expanded position to reinforce the rails.
US09731764B2	Automatic parking controlling apparatus and method of vehicle Provided are an automatic parking controlling apparatus and method of a vehicle for effectively, safely parking a vehicle in a parking space. The automatic parking controlling apparatus of a vehicle includes a parking space recognizing unit configured to sense an obstacle on the side of a vehicle to recognize a parking space, a gradient angle calculating unit configured to calculate a gradient angle of a road surface by using a gradient of the vehicle and a degree to which the vehicle has slipped backwards according to a comparison between forward movement acceleration of the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle, a parking path calculating unit configured to calculate sequential turning paths for reverse perpendicular parking based on the calculated gradient angle of the road surface and the recognized parking space, and a control unit configured to control steering for reverse perpendicular parking according to the calculated sequential turning paths.
US09731763B2	Parking assist device and parking assist system A parking assist device for assisting parking of a vehicle, includes: a detecting unit that detects whether there is any obstacle and detects available parking areas for the vehicle, on the basis of a taken image of the surrounding area of the vehicle; and a selecting unit that selects an available parking area where the vehicle is parked with low risk of contact with the obstacle, from the detected available parking areas, on the basis of whether there is the obstacle.
US09731761B1	Steering-wheel control A vehicle includes a steering wheel and at least one road wheel. The steering wheel is rotatably connected to a steering-wheel actuator, and the at least one road wheel is movably connected to a steering system. A controller is in communication with the steering system and the steering-wheel actuator. The controller is programmed to determine a steering-wheel angle based on a road-wheel angle, an operation mode, and a steering-compensation type; and to instruct the steering-wheel actuator to rotate the steering wheel according to the steering-wheel angle.
US09731760B2	Traveling vehicle A traveling vehicle includes: a traveling machine body supported by a pair of left and right driving wheels; a pair of left motor and the right motor configured to independently drive the driving wheels; a riding part disposed behind the traveling machine body and connected to the traveling machine body, and configured to enable riding of a worker; a handle connected to the traveling machine body so as to be swingable left and right with respect to the traveling machine body; a plurality of load sensors for detecting a forward and backward weight shift of the worker who is riding on the riding part; a rotation angle sensor for detecting a leftward and rightward swinging operation amount of the handle; and a controller for controlling operation of the left and right motors based on detection values by the plurality of load sensors and the rotation angle sensor.
US09731758B2	Vehicle front suspension A transverse link has an inboard side and an outboard side. A steering knuckle has an upper end, a wheel supporting section and a lower end. The lower end is pivotally coupled to the outboard side of the transverse link. A strut has an upper end and a lower end. An upper knuckle breakaway structure attaches the upper end of the steering knuckle to the lower end of the strut. The upper knuckle breakaway structure has a frangible part that releases the upper end of the steering knuckle from the lower end of the strut upon application of a prescribed rearward directed force. A transverse link breakaway structure couples the inboard side of the transverse link to a lower suspension support structure such that upon application of the prescribed rearward directed force the inboard side of the transverse link is released from the lower suspension support structure.
US09731749B2	Power steering apparatus of vehicle The present disclosure relates to a power steering apparatus of a vehicle that includes: a rack housing configured to surround a rack bar and having an opening portion formed at one side thereof through which a steering shaft passes; a torque sensor cover that has a torque sensor therein and has a communicating hole formed therein through which the steering shaft passes and a first penetration portion having a first through-hole formed therein through which the fastening member passes; and a cover connecting member that has an insertion portion and a second penetration portion in order to connect the rack housing and the torque sensor cover, the insertion portion having an insertion hole formed therein where the opening portion is inserted and coupled and the second penetration portion having a second through-hole that is formed therein to correspond to the fastening hole and through which the fastening member passes.
US09731748B2	Steering apparatus and housing A housing extends in an axial direction of a rack shaft connected to a pinion shaft so as to cover at least the rack shaft, and has an end portion on which a cover member is fitted to cover the end portion. The housing includes a holding portion that has an inner side sinking in a radial direction of the housing, and holds the cover member, and a plurality of convex portions that protrude in the radial direction of the housing, and are circumferentially disposed on a downstream side of the holding portion in a fit-in direction of the cover member, while separating from the holding portion by a predetermined distance in the fit-in direction.
US09731743B2	Utility cart and docking apparatus there for A utility cart and docking apparatus are disclosed. The docking apparatus is configured to be attached to a utility vehicle and to receive the utility cart and raise the utility cart off the ground. The utility card has electronics which allow the utility cart to communicate with a point-of-sale system.
US09731741B1	Collapsible cart A collapsible cart having a frame that extends from a handle to an opposing wheel housing is provided. The wheel housing may provide a plurality of wheel, each wheel independently movable between a folded condition nested therein and an extended condition operably protruding from the wheel housing so that a user manipulating the handle steers the collapsible cart along a supporting surface. A plurality of collapsible brackets and crates may be provided along the frame so as to be movable between an operable configuration for transporting objects and a collapsed configuration for storage of the collapsible cart.
US09731739B2	Shelving base frame A shelving base bracket is an apparatus that is used to support and transport shelving units. The shelving base includes a rectangular frame which is made up of a plurality of lateral cross members. Each of the lateral cross members includes a base panel and a border panel. The base panel may be used to support a shelving platform for storing goods. The border panel provides structural strength to the lateral cross member and may be used to prevent items from falling off the shelving base frame. The shelving base frame also includes a plurality of corner brackets which is used to reinforce the connections between each of lateral cross members. Each of the plurality of lateral cross members is connected in-between two corner brackets. The plurality of corner brackets may be used to attach a shelving unit to the shelving base frame.
US09731737B2	Method for assisting implantation of access points of a radio-communications infrastructure along a railway track With first and second wagons (1, 3), including an emitter similar to the one of an access point and a receiving wagon (2), including a receiver similar to the one of a device onboard a train and measuring a quantity relating to a received signal, this method consists of: placing the first wagon at a previous implantation point while the emitter of the first wagon emits a first signal, moving the receiving wagon away from the first wagon; when the quantity relating to the first signal is under a threshold, immobilizing the receiving wagon; while the emitter of the second wagon emits a second signal, moving the second wagon away from the receiving wagon; when the quantity relating to the second signal is under the threshold, immobilizing the second wagon; and storing its position as the implantation point of an access point.
US09731736B2	Apparatus for detecting train position An apparatus for detecting a position of a train, the apparatus includes a reader. The reader electrically irradiates beams along a plurality of directions toward a tag, combines signals received from the tag and obtains a beam direction information toward the tag, and then detects the position of the train using the beam direction information and a tag information of the tag.
US09731734B2	Method for detection of a flaw or flaws in a railway track, and a rail vehicle to be used in such a method Rail vehicle (1) having rail wheels (3,4) accommodated to guide the rail vehicle along a railway track (2) and said vehicle comprising means for detection of a flaw or flaws in the railway track, wherein the rail vehicle is provided with a noncontact vibrometer (9,10) which is arranged to measure vibrational movement of the railway track surface.
US09731731B2	Fuel management system and method A system includes an engine and a controller. The engine is capable of multiple operating modes, and each mode has a relatively different fuel ratio such that as the engine is changed from a first operating mode having a first ratio of a first fuel to a second fuel to a second operating mode having a second ratio of the first fuel to the second fuel. The controller is operable to change the engine from one operating mode to another operating mode.
US09731728B2	Sensor abnormality detection device A sensor abnormality detection device includes a first sensor that detects a situation of a first region at a periphery of an own vehicle; a second sensor that detects a situation of a second region, which is a region different from the first region and includes an overlapping region that overlaps a part of the first region; a sensor abnormality determination means that determines abnormality of the first sensor and the second sensor; and a collision detection means that detects collision of the own vehicle to an object; wherein the sensor abnormality determination means determines that at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor has abnormality when the first region and the second region do not overlap in the overlapping region after the collision is detected.
US09731726B2	Redirecting self-driving vehicles to a product provider based on physiological states of occupants of the self-driving vehicles A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product redirects a self-driving vehicle (SDV) to a physical location of a product provider. A self-driving vehicle (SDV) on-board computer on an SDV receives a current location and a planned route to an initial destination of the SDV. The SDV on-board computer receives information describing real-time physiological states of one or more occupants of the SDV, and then identifies a physical location of a product provider that provides a solution to ameliorate the real-time physiological states of the one or more occupants of the SDV. The SDV on-board computer then alters the planned route of the SDV to redirect the SDV on-board computer to autonomously drive the SDV to the physical location of the product provider.
US09731724B2	Autonomous driving control apparatus and method for determining lane change and timing thereof based on analysis for shapes and links of forward road An autonomous driving control apparatus and method are provided to automatically determine whether a lane change is required by considering shapes of forward roads, a link relationship between the roads, a speed limit, the number of lanes, road characteristics (e.g., a crossroad, a crosswalk, an interchange, a junction, a speed bump, a dead-end, etc.), and the like which are recognized from a detailed map. The method also effectively determines a timing of the lane change when the lane change is required for a driver to more conveniently, stably, and efficiently arrive at a destination using an autonomous driving.
US09731723B2	Working vehicle A working vehicle includes an engine, a pair of right and left traveling portions rotated by a power of the engine, a pair of right and left brake operation devices for respectively operating to brake the traveling portions, an engine controller which controls driving of the engine, and a control mode selection switch which can alternatively select the isochronous control and the droop control. The engine controller selects any of an isochronous control and a droop control so as to control the engine. In the case that the isochronous control is designated by the control mode selection switch, the engine is controlled according to the isochronous control when one of the right and left brake operation devices is under a non-operation state, and the engine is controlled according to the droop control when both of the right and left brake operation devices are under an operation state.
US09731719B2	Vehicle control apparatus and vehicle control program A vehicle control apparatus is mounted to an own vehicle and controls the own vehicle such that an inter-vehicle distance between a preceding vehicle and the own vehicle becomes a reference distance. The vehicle control apparatus acquires passing suitability information indicating whether or not the own vehicle is able to pass the preceding vehicle. When the own vehicle is not able to pass the preceding vehicle, the vehicle control apparatus corrects the inter-vehicle distance by adding a correction distance to a reference distance.
US09731717B2	Driver assistance apparatus and method for operating the same A method for operating a driver assistance apparatus includes: recognizing a driving environment of a vehicle; determining a driving mode based on the driving environment; determining whether the vehicle is driven using at least one sensor based on the driving mode; and controlling steering and braking of the vehicle based on whether the vehicle is driven using the at least one sensor.
US09731716B2	Transporter vehicle, dump truck, and transporter vehicle control method A transporter vehicle includes: a traveling device changing a traveling direction so that one state of a linear movement state and a non-linear movement state changes to the other state thereof; a setting unit setting a determination value related to a change amount in the traveling direction from the linear movement state; a collision prevention system including an object detection device detecting an object in front of the vehicle and a collision determination unit determining a possibility of a collision with the object based on a detection result of the object detection device, the collision prevention system performing a process for reducing damage caused by the collision with the object; and an invalidation unit invalidating at least a part of a process of the collision prevention system based on the determination value and a detection value of the change amount in the traveling direction from the linear movement state.
US09731713B2	Modifying autonomous vehicle driving by recognizing vehicle characteristics A system for controlling an autonomous vehicle having cameras for obtaining image data of neighboring vehicles in a proximity of the autonomous vehicle and for identifying physical characteristics of the neighboring vehicles, including makes, models, and trims of neighboring vehicles, colors of the neighboring vehicles, and exposed cargo being carried by the neighboring vehicles. The system maps the identified physical characteristics into predicted potential on-road events in the proximity of the autonomous vehicle, and makes driving decisions based on the predicted potential on-road event.
US09731712B1	Control method and system for hybrid vehicle with dual-clutch transmission A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle with a DCT is provided. The method includes monitoring whether clutch stuck off is sensed and requesting prohibition of regenerative braking by a driving motor and requesting braking control using mechanical braking force to a higher controller when clutch stuck off is sensed. A driving mode is then changed into a single clutch driving mode, in which a vehicle is driven in gear stages realized by a clutch other than the clutch in which the clutch stuck off occurred and the higher controller is requested to prohibit regenerative braking by the driving motor, when clutch stuck off has occurred. Additionally, the higher controller is requested to obtain the braking force for the vehicle from mechanical braking force is response to determining that single clutch shifting has been performed and braking is required.
US09731709B2	Driving system for vehicle and controlling method thereof A driving system is provided for a vehicle that includes an engine, a driving motor connected to the engine and generating a driving force, and a transmission that receives a driving force generated from the driving motor and changes a direction of the driving force. Additionally, a clutch selectively connects between the driving motor and the transmission and a controller operates the driving motor and the transmission. The controller determines whether a direction inversion shifting condition is satisfied and performs a direction inversion shifting using the driving motor when the direction inversion shifting condition is satisfied.
US09731708B2	Startup control method for hybrid vehicle Disclosed is a startup control method for a hybrid vehicle, the method including judging, by a controller, whether starting motion of the vehicle is possible using only a motor or whether starting motion of the vehicle additionally requires power of an engine, preparing the power of the engine, by the controller, by igniting the engine and also initiating engagement of a driving gear when it is judged that starting motion of the vehicle additionally requires the power of the engine, and linearly increasing a torque of the motor to a maximum value, and completing the remainder of a motion start process by increasing a torque of a clutch while increasing a torque of the engine, by the controller, when transmission of the power of the engine to a drive wheel becomes possible via the preparation of the power of the engine.
US09731703B2	Hybrid electric vehicle controller and method Embodiments of the present invention provide a controller for a vehicle having a powertrain comprising an engine, the controller being operable to: receive a signal indicative of an amount of powertrain drive torque required to be applied to one or more wheels, powertrain wheel drive torque demand; and receive a signal indicative of an amount of powertrain load torque required to support an auxiliary powertrain load, powertrain auxiliary load torque demand, that is in addition to the powertrain wheel drive torque demand, the controller being operable to limit the amount of powertrain drive torque available to the one or more wheels and to limit the amount of powertrain load torque available to support the auxiliary load such that when a sum of the amount of powertrain wheel drive torque demand and the amount of auxiliary load torque demand exceeds the available powertrain torque, the one or more auxiliary loads may still receive at least a prescribed minimum auxiliary load powertrain torque amount.
US09731702B2	Method and device for actuating a mobile work machine A method of controlling a mobile work machine having a reversing gearbox. The driving direction reversal is initiated by detecting a driving direction reversal command. A change of the torque transmission from a current driving direction to a new driving direction is carried out as a powershift. Braking for the driving direction reversal occurs in a manner so as to recuperate energy. Furthermore, a device for controlling a mobile work machine, in particular for implementing the method, is also disclosed.
US09731701B2	Hybrid vehicle and method of controlling the same A maximum output line during HV backward running accompanying actuation of an engine is on a side of lower torque than a maximum output line in EV backward running in an engine stop state. Reverse drive torque during EV backward running is set in accordance with the sum of base torque suppressed within a range not higher than maximum output torque during HV backward running and correction torque added at the time when a reverse drive torque request from a driver is great in accordance with a running state.
US09731691B2	Hydraulic master cylinder with back-up ring Disclosed herein is a hydraulic master cylinder body having a bore defined at least in part by a bore wall, wherein the bore wall includes an opening for hydraulic fluid to be passed into the bore, and a piston assembly situated at least substantially in the bore, the assembly having a piston with a piston body and at least one cup seal situated substantially around the piston body, the cup seal situated adjacent to the bore wall so as to be in sealing engagement therewith, and a back-up ring that is situated about the piston body, wherein the back-up ring is positioned to at least partially cover a portion of the cup seal that is adjacent to the bore wall and to prevent at least a portion of the cup seal from contacting the bore wall and the opening for hydraulic fluid during piston actuation.
US09731689B2	Height-adjustable support for semi-trailers or the like The invention relates to a supporting device of a vehicle, in particular of a semi-trailer or trailer, comprising an outer pipe which is designed to be attached to the vehicle in a stationary manner, an inner pipe which is arranged in the outer pipe so as to be movable in the insertion and extension direction, an actuating device for moving the inner pipe between a transport position and an operating position, and an engagement device which is designed, in a first operating state, to fix the inner pipe in the operating position in relation to the outer pipe in such a way that a movement of the inner pipe in the insertion direction is prevented.
US09731688B2	Passive wiper system A wiper system for clearing a surface of a dome includes a plurality of wiper blades that are configured to move around a circumference of the dome. Rotation of the wiper blades in a first direction around the circumference of the dome deploys the wiper blades into an upright position and rotation of the wiper blades in a second direction opposite the first direction stows the wiper blades into a collapsed position.
US09731687B2	Wiper apparatus having integrally formed washer nozzle A wiper apparatus having an integrally formed washer nozzle may include a retainer connected to a driving motor to be rotated, a wiper blade having a center spoiler and side spoilers, a washer module coupled to an upper surface of the center spoiler, a rubber coupled to a lower surface of the wiper blade, and a connector for detachably fastening the wiper blade and the retainer, wherein the connector may be inserted into a connector hole formed on an upper surface of the washer module and may be coupled into recesses of the center spoiler using bosses formed at an inner side thereof, and the retainer may be inserted into opposite insertion holes of the connector through a tip end thereof to be laid on an upper surface of the connector and to be caught by opposite hook coupling parts of the connector through hooks at lower portions thereof.
US09731686B2	Washer liquid heating apparatus integrated into washer reservoir A washer liquid heating apparatus integrated into a reservoir may include a plate-type heater that may be installed in a hole of the reservoir to heat a washer liquid within the reservoir, a protect cover that may be assembled into the reservoir to surround the heater, and a fastening device for fixing the heater and the protect cover to the reservoir, wherein the plate-type heater may be fixed to be exposed to an inside of the reservoir through the hole such that a heating surface where heating may be performed heats the washer liquid within the reservoir.
US09731682B2	Methods and systems related to a remote tamper detection Remote tamper detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: receiving signals indicative of a location, the receiving by a first device coupled to an asset; sending, at predetermined time intervals, a signal of operability between the first device and a second device, the second device coupled to the asset, and the second device configured to selectively disable the asset; determining that receipt of the signal of operability has ceased; and issuing an indication of the location of the first device responsive to the determining that receipt of the signal of operability has ceased, the issuing from the first device by a wireless transmission to a remote operations center.
US09731677B1	Passive restraint system A restraint system includes an instrument panel, a passenger airbag chamber supported by the instrument panel, and a secondary airbag chamber. The passenger airbag chamber is inflatable to an inflated position and in the inflated position includes a rear face spaced from the instrument panel and a side face extending from the rear face toward the instrument panel. The secondary airbag chamber is external to the passenger airbag and, in an inflated position, extends along the side face and the rear face of the passenger airbag chamber.
US09731676B2	Curtain airbag device A curtain airbag device of the present invention includes an airbag body including a bend-facilitating portion which is formed of a non-inflating portion of the airbag body in at least one chamber disposed at a lower end portion of the airbag body and which facilitates bending of the airbag body during inflation and deployment of the airbag body. In the curtain airbag device, the chamber including the bend-facilitating portion includes a passage for distributing the gas such that the gas comes around the bend-facilitating portion in one direction.
US09731665B2	Protector and wire harness A protector and wire harness according to which, if human labor is used to place a group of electrical lines on a flat plate and wrap adhesive tape around the group of electrical lines and tape fixing portions, it is possible to enclose and protect the group of electrical lines with the flat plate without depending on human labor. The protector is made of a shape-memory polymer sheet with Tg set to a temperature higher than the high temperature reached in summer, and is constituted by a tube-forming flat surface portion and tape fixing portions. The tube-forming flat surface portion is formed with a rectangular shape having a width for folding into a tube shape that allows a group of electrical lines to be inserted and concealed therein, and is shaped as a flat plate with a tape fixing portion extending from at least one end in the lengthwise direction.
US09731663B2	Electrical harness connector An electrical harness assembly is provided that comprises a flexible printed circuit electrically connected to one end of an electrical connector. The other end of the electrical connector is presented for connection to another electrical component. Electrical tracks or conductors in the flexible printed circuit terminate in receiving holes. The electrical connector comprises terminals, each of which has a first end that is received in one of the receiving holes to form a connection formation, and a second end which is present for connection to the other electrical device. The connection formation is encapsulated so as to be sealed, thereby providing a reliable and robust connection between the connector and the flexible printed circuit.
US09731659B2	Vehicle rooftop cargo holder The invention provides a vehicle rooftop-mounted cargo container of rigid design that has the capability of sliding forward or rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle on semi permanent mounting points while remaining attached to the vehicle, and that has the means to selectively keep the container from sliding forward or rearward upon the mounting points, and that also has the capability of being assembled as a container into various lengths using only a few interchangeable component parts.
US09731658B2	Liftgate cargo module A liftgate cargo module having an integrated tailgate that unfolds from a hatch or liftgate of a vehicle that adds additional storage and provides a cargo load floor. When unfolded, there is an integrated pass through door formed in the hatch or liftgate permitting longer items to be hauled, while keeping the hatch or liftgate completely closed. The integrated tailgate includes an integrated tailgate taillight that indicates when the vehicle is braking or backing up. The integrated tailgate taillight also helps to show that the integrated tailgate is folded down from and extending from the hatch or liftgate of the vehicle. The integrated tailgate also includes integrated anchor points formed on the cargo load floor so items may be tied down and secured. An all-weather enclosure that is connectable to the cargo load floor for enclosing contents that are being hauled on the integrated tailgate may also be provided.
US09731657B1	Vehicle hanger and illumination assembly A vehicle hanger assembly includes a deployable hanger supported by a structure on a vehicle. A first proximity sensor detects a user in close proximity to the hanger, and a second sensor detects deployment of the hanger. A light source is controlled to illuminate the object at a first intensity when the hanger is deployed and arranged to illuminate an object supported on the hanger at a second intensity when the user is detected in close proximity to the hanger.
US09731649B2	Lighting device for a motor vehicle The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a light guide for the totally reflecting guidance of light from two light sources along a light propagation axis, wherein the light from one light source can be coupled in at an in-coupling face on one end face of the light guide and the light from the other light source can be coupled in at another in-coupling face on another end face of the light guide. The light guide also has an out-coupling face arranged along the light propagation axis for coupling the light out, which light exits from the light guide at an exit face arranged along the light propagation axis where the total reflection condition is removed. The lighting device according to the invention is characterized in that the light guide is designed in such a manner that the light intensity distribution of the light from at least one light source exiting at the exit face has a gradient in the propagation direction of the light from the light source concerned, and a control device for the light sources (is provided in such a manner that, when the lighting device is switched on, the light sources are activated at a predefined switch-on time interval and thereby the brightness of at least one light source is modified on the basis of a ramped or stepped progression until a predefined brightness value is achieved.
US09731648B2	Control of operation of automotive direction indicators An automotive electronic control unit (4) configured to control operation of automotive direction indicators (2) based on motor vehicle-related data and by receiving current steering wheel angle (α) and motor vehicle speed (v), determining an initial steering wheel angle (α0) when a direction indicator (2) is activated, determining minimum and maximum steering wheel angles (αmin, αmax) reached during the period that the direction indicator is active, computing a steering wheel release angle (αr) based on the current motor vehicle speed (v), the steering wheel release angle (αr) representing the steering wheel angle (α) beyond which the motor vehicle's steering wheel is to be turned in the direction indicated by the active direction indicator to cause, when the steering wheel is turned in the opposite direction at the end of steering manoeuvre, the automatic deactivation of the active direction indicator (2), and determining if and when to deactivate the active direction indicator (2) based on the current steering wheel angle (α), the initial steering wheel angle (α0), the minimum and maximum steering wheel angles (αmin, αmax) and the steering wheel release angle (αr).
US09731647B2	Light emitting wheel The present invention provides a light emitting wheel, characterized in that, a light emitting device is attached to the light emitting wheel, the light emitting device is composed of a bulb, a first elastomer, a second elastomer, a power supply, a conducting wire and a protective cover. When a vehicle is started, the on-off state of the bulb can be controlled by a switch, the bulb will move towards a direction away from the center of the wheel hub, and a ring of light will be formed due to the phenomenon of persistence of vision. The higher the speed of the vehicle is, the larger the diameter of the ring of light is, so that the vehicle is driven with rich dynamic effect.
US09731638B2	Seat cushion for a vehicle seat A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to move relative to the seat bottom. The seat bottom includes a cushion configured to have a variable shape.
US09731636B1	Vehicle seat In a vehicle seat including a first member and a second member allowed to turn relative to the first member to thereby shift between a first state in which the second member faces the first member and a second state in which the second member is farther from the first member than in the first state, a first electric device is provided in the first member, a second electric device is provided in the second member, a first electric wire is connected to the first electric device, a second electric wire is connected to the second electric device, and a tying part is provided which ties the first electric wire and the second electric wire together into a bundle. The tying part is fixed to the first member.
US09731632B2	Seat assembly having an actuator member A seat assembly having a seat back pivotally disposed on a seat bottom. The seat assembly may include an actuator member that may be configured to rotate about a first axis and a cam member that may be configured to rotate about a second axis that may be spaced apart from the first axis.
US09731631B2	Motor vehicle seat having a reversible sitting part with an opening for the passage of a base for securing a safety belt A motor vehicle seat including a sitting part including a base panel bordered at least partially by a side panel, the sitting part configured to be mounted on the vehicle floor panel in two different positions of: a first accommodating position, in which the side panel extends in a first direction, at the rear of the base panel and forms a portion of the seatback of the seat, and a second reversed position, in which the side panel extends in front of the base panel, in a second direction opposite the first. The sitting part further includes an opening configured for passage of a base for securing a safety belt when the sitting part is in the accommodating position. A motor vehicle can include the seat.
US09731627B2	Capacitive sensor A capacitive sensor for a vehicle seat comprises an antenna electrode and a control and evaluation circuit operatively connected to the antenna electrode. The control and evaluation circuit is configured to operate in a first mode of operation, during which it measures alternating electrical current flowing between the antenna electrode and ground. The capacitive sensor comprises a seat frame connector for connecting the control and evaluation circuit to the seat frame of the vehicle seat. The control and evaluation circuit is configured to operate in a second mode of operation, during which it measures electrical current flowing into the seat frame connector.
US09731626B2	Device having two rigid conductor rails and a section insulator The section insulator for rigid conductor rails has conductive runners, a ramp and an insulating runner, each connected to one conductor rail. The conductor runners (7, 7′) and the ramps (11, 11′) are connected to one another at one end and at their other ends to the conductor rail, wherein the latter mentioned ends are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction (3). The two conductor rails (1, 2) are rigidly and torsion-resistantly connected to one another by insulating profiles (5, 6). Insulating runners (14, 14′) are attached to the insulating profiles opposite the respective conductive runner, so that a current collector is properly guided when passing by. An insulating spacing is present between the ends of the conductive runners (7, 7′) and the ends of the closest insulating runner (14, 14′).
US09731623B2	System for cooling the batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle A liquid cooling circuit for a storage battery, with which a motor vehicle of the electric or hybrid type is equipped includes a main loop for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, the main loop is connected to elements for cooling the storage battery, and a first bypass connects the main loop to an air cooling radiator, and a second bypass connecting the main loop to a heat exchanger intended to be connected to an air conditioning system with which the motor vehicle is equipped, so as to cool the heat transfer fluid by means of the radiator and/or the heat exchanger of the air conditioning system. The main loop is connected to the first bypass by way of a first progressive three-way valve, and the main loop is connected to the second bypass by way of a second progressive three-way valve.
US09731622B2	EV battery pack multi-mode cooling system A multi-mode thermal management system is provided for use with the battery pack of an electric vehicle, the system utilizing the surface area of the battery pack to remove battery pack heat. The system includes two sets of coolant conduits separated by a thermal insulator, with one set of the coolant conduits thermally coupled to the batteries and the other set of coolant conduits coupled to at least one thermally conductive battery pack surface. A valve controller is used to optimize system performance by coupling the battery cooling conduits to the battery pack heat withdrawal conduits and/or a separate radiator and/or a heat exchanger coupled to a refrigeration subsystem.
US09731620B2	Drive device, energy storage control method for drive device, and transport apparatus A motor is to be driven with power supplied from at least one of a first energy storage and a second energy storage. The booster is to boost a first voltage output from the first energy storage such that the first voltage and a second voltage output from the second energy storage satisfy a first condition, a second condition, and a third condition. In the first condition, the second voltage does not exceed a withstand voltage limit of the motor. In the second condition, the second voltage is lower than or equal to a maximum boosted value to which the booster boosts the first voltage with a maximum boosting ratio. In the third condition, the second voltage is higher than or equal to a minimum boosted value to which the booster boosts the first voltage with a minimum boosting ratio.
US09731618B2	Information provision apparatus and information provision method An information provision apparatus including: a provision control unit (40, 30) configured to provide a vehicle passenger with energy replenishment information relating to energy replenishment of a vehicle-driving energy supply source (20) that is capable of storing regenerative energy regenerated from rotational energy of a vehicle wheel, when a remaining energy amount of the energy supply source (20) falls below a determination reference value; and a modification unit (40) configured to modify a provision condition that is a condition on which the provision control unit (40, 30) provides the energy replenishment information, so that after the energy replenishment information is once provided when the remaining energy amount falls below the determination reference value, the energy replenishment information is less likely to be provided than before the energy replenishment information is once provided.
US09731615B2	Grid overlay for a zip coded map system and method therefor A system and method for managing a demand response (DR) event requests divides a geographic region into a plurality of units, wherein each unit is associated with a specific utility provider; issues a DR event request from the specific utility provider for at least one particular unit of the plurality of units; determines which of a plurality of vehicles are in the at least one particular unit; determines a subset of the plurality of vehicles that meet qualifying criteria of the DR event request; and sends a vehicle to grid (V2G) request to the subset of the plurality of vehicles to participate in the DR event request.
US09731606B1	Redundant circuit disconnection for electric vehicles Systems and methods for redundant circuit disconnection in electric vehicles are disclosed. Systems can include a resistive metallic fuse connected within an electrical circuit for a battery or otherwise, an inductor comprising a coil of at least one turn of wire about a longitudinal axis, and an AC power source configured to provide an alternating current across the inductor. The resistive metallic fuse may be disposed within the inductor along the longitudinal axis, and the AC power source may be configured to cause the inductor to induce within the resistive metallic fuse eddy currents of sufficient magnitude to melt or vaporize at least a portion of the resistive metallic fuse disposed therein.
US09731601B2	Assembly structure for assembly member An assembly structure for an assembly member includes a locking protrusion disposed in a protruding manner on a speedometer ring portion of a decorative ring and a locking portion formed in a meter case and configured to lock the locking protrusion. The locking protrusion includes a substantially quadrangular prismatic portion, which is disposed in a hanging manner from the speedometer ring portion, and a locking depression, which is formed by means of notching across two adjacent lateral faces of the substantially quadrangular prismatic portion. The locking portion includes a locking wall, which extends inward from an opening edge of a locking hole that is formed in the meter case, and a locking protruding part, which is disposed in a protruding manner on the locking wall and which engages with the locking depression.
US09731598B2	Multi-mode drive system for transaxle applications A vehicle drive system capable of selectively providing all-wheel drive and single-driven-axle modes includes a front drive unit having a planetary gearset with a grounded ring gear and a sun gear driven by the transaxle's drive spool via an input shaft, and a differential selectively coupled by a dog clutch to one of the sun gear or the planetary carrier, or neither of them, to thereby selectively provide both an available low range and a front axle disconnect. The front drive unit further defines a power take-off unit with a clutch selectively coupling the input shaft to a propshaft. The rear drive unit includes a planetary gearset with a grounded ring gear, a sun gear driven by the propshaft, and a differential selectively coupled by a dog clutch to one of the sun gear or the planetary carrier, or neither of them, to thereby likewise selectively provide both an available low range and a rear axle disconnect.
US09731597B2	Disconnectable driveline with brake system A disconnectable vehicle driveline having front and rear axle assemblies and a power take-off unit (PTU). The PTU includes a coupling, which is configured to selectively transmitting rotary power between an input shaft and a first gear, and a brake element. The coupling includes a first coupling portion, which is coupled to the input shaft for rotation therewith, and a second coupling portion that is coupled to the first gear for common rotation. The second coupling portion can be translated into and out of engagement with the first coupling portion. The brake element is configured to engage the second coupling portion when the second coupling portion is not engaged to the first coupling portion to thereby resist rotation of the first gear and elements of the vehicle driveline that are drivingly coupled to the first gear.
US09731594B2	Natural gas filling system for a vehicle A natural gas filling system for a vehicle includes a piping system defining a first flow path, a receptacle, a tank, and a cooling circuit. The piping system includes a first end and a second end. The receptacle is coupled to the first end of the piping system, and the receptacle is configured to engage a natural gas filling station. The tank is in fluid communication with the receptacle and is configured to store a natural gas supply. The cooling circuit defines a second flow path and includes an expansion valve configured to reduce a pressure of a secondary fluid flow. The second flow path is in thermal communication with the first flow path such that heat transfer from the piping system into the cooling circuit cools the natural gas flowing between the receptacle and the tank.
US09731588B2	Hybrid drive of a motor vehicle and method for operating same A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission. The transmission is a multi-stage shifting transmission including two subtransmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft and a common output shaft. The first input shaft of a first subtransmission can be coupled to the internal combustion engine via a friction-locking clutch in such a way that when the clutch is engaged the internal combustion engine is coupled to the first input shaft and thus to the first subtransmission, and when the clutch is disengaged the internal combustion engine is decoupled from the first input shaft and thus decoupled from the first subtransmission. A second input shaft of a second subtransmission is rigidly coupled to the electric machine, and both input shafts can be coupled selectively to the common output shaft via form-locking shift elements of the subtransmissions.
US09731585B1	Quick release assembly for electric side roll tarps A quick release assembly for a side roll tarp has a roll-tube coupler connected to a roll-tube for rolling and unrolling the side roll tarp. A drive coupler is connected to a shaft of a motor, the drive coupler fitting within an opening in the roll-tube coupler. The drive coupler has a first groove and second groove circumferentially around an exterior of a circular shaft below a head portion of the driver coupler. A quick release pin traverses through a pair of tangential openings in the body of the roll-tube coupler to engage the first or second grooves of the drive coupler, wherein the driver coupler is engaged with the roll-tube coupler when in the first groove allowing the motor to drive the roll-tube and disengaged from the roll-tube coupler when in the second groove allowing the roll-tube to be rotated independently of the motor.
US09731583B2	Vehicle door structure A vehicle door structure 1 includes a lock mechanism 40. The lock mechanism 40 includes a portion to be locked 50 provided to a guided body 18, a first locking portion 60 arranged at a position that corresponds to the portion to be locked 50 when the slide door 6 is in the fully closed position, and a second locking portion 70 arranged at a position that corresponds to the portion to be locked 50 when the slide door 6 is in the fully open position. The portion to be locked 50, in the fully closed position or the fully open position, protrudes toward the first locking portion 60 or the second locking portion 70 and is locked by the first locking portion 60 or the second locking portion 70. The second locking portion 70 protrudes toward the portion to be locked 50 when the swing door 70 is opened.
US09731581B2	Vehicle door and door module with multi-portion door carrier A vehicle door comprising an outer door panel an inner door panel and a door module. The inner door panel is joined to the outer door panel so as to define a door cavity between the inner and outer door panels. The inner door panel has an aperture providing access to the door cavity. The door module includes a plurality of carrier portions including a first carrier portion that holds at least one functional door hardware component and a second carrier portion that holds at least one other functional door hardware component. The plurality of carrier portions are mounted to the inner panel to seal the aperture thereby defining a wet side of the door module facing towards the door cavity and a dry side of the door module facing away from the door cavity.
US09731579B2	Automatic water sensor window opening system A system can automatically open at least one window of a vehicle when the vehicle is being submerged in water. The system can include a water collector and a water sensor, and when the water sensor detects water in the water collector, at least one window of the vehicle opens.
US09731578B2	EV multi-mode thermal management system A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop and two non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops, where one of the non-refrigerant-based loops is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the other of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control loop may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to the battery thermal control loop using refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers.
US09731574B2	Shock absorber gas spring seal A shock absorber includes a first portion and a second portion that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber defined between an interior wall and a plunger. A seal including a lip portion minimizes gas pressure loss and friction between the two portions.
US09731572B2	Suspension device for an in-wheel motor driven wheel A suspension device for an in-wheel motor driven wheel ensures a lever ratio and stroke of a shock absorber without setting the upper end portion of the shock absorber at a high position. A wheel driven by an in-wheel motor unit is suspended on a vehicle body via a suspension structure member and a shock absorber, the suspension structure member including an upper suspension arm pivotally supported with respect to the vehicle body, and a third link. The third link pivotally connects the upper suspension arm to the wheel while having a shock absorber connecting portion to which the lower end of the shock absorber is connected. Further, the shock absorber connecting portion is disposed in the vehicle bottom position lower than an upper end surface of the in-wheel motor unit.
US09731570B1	Vehicle hitch cover A vehicle hitch cover for covering a hitch ball of a vehicle hitch is disclosed, the hitch cover including a ball cover portion for concealing the hitch ball and a secondary cover portion providing a mount for the ball cover portion. The ball cover portion includes at least one movable cover that is movable relative to the hitch ball of the vehicle hitch. The at least one movable cover is movable between a closed position for fully covering and concealing the hitch ball and an opened position for exposing the hitch ball. The secondary cover portion is in turn removably attached to the vehicle hitch.
US09731555B2	Pneumatic tire A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with a pair of shoulder main grooves and at least one crown main groove between the shoulder main grooves to define a pair of middle portions between the adjacent shoulder main groove and crown main groove. The middle portions are provided with inner middle lug grooves and outer middle lug grooves. Each outer middle lug groove extends from the shoulder main groove to its axially inner end while decreasing its groove width. The outer middle lug groove are arranged with alternately arranged first pitches and second pitches, wherein the second pitches are larger than the first pitches. Each inner middle lug groove extends from the crown main groove to its axially outer end while decreasing its groove width. The inner middle lug grooves are arranged with substantially the same pitches.
US09731551B2	Fabricated drop axle and method of manufacturing same A fabricated drop axle is described. A pair of axle stub ends is oppositely retained within a saddle having a recess through which accessories can pass.
US09731550B2	Bicycle hub assembly A bicycle hub assembly includes a hub axle, a hub shell, and a sprocket supporting member. The sprocket supporting member includes a tubular portion and a first tooth. The tubular portion includes an outer peripheral surface and an attachment portion provided only radially inward of the outer peripheral surface. The first tooth is configured to be attached to the attachment portion of the tubular portion. The first tooth includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to face a mounting portion of a bicycle sprocket in a circumferential direction of the sprocket supporting member. The second surface is opposite to the first surface in the circumferential direction. The second surface is configured to face the mounting portion of the bicycle sprocket in the circumferential direction.
US09731543B2	Decorative insert A writing instrument with a decorative element is provided including a housing having a first portion and a second portion, wherein at least one of the first and second housing portions has a recess positioned at a terminal edge thereof, and an decorative insert having a body and at least one decorative portion positioned on the body, the decorative portion having a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the recess such that only the decorative portion is visible when the first and second housing portions are connected together.
US09731542B2	Single booster binder mechanism A binder mechanism is shown and described herein. The binder mechanism may include a base, first and second ring bases pivotally coupled to the base, first and second ring portions fixed with the ring bases, at least one pin attached with the first and second ring bases, a slide operatively engaged with the base and operatively engaged with the at least one pin, the slide selectively and axially positionable relative to the base, and an actuator operatively engaged with the slide, where the actuator is configured to selectively and axially position the slide whereby the slide positions the at least one pin to pivot the first and second ring bases away from one another to disengage the first and second ring portions.
US09731541B2	Label, adhesive label, and printed product A label (1) of this invention includes an optical function layer (13) configured to pass light of a certain wavelength, a light absorption layer (15) facing the optical function layer (13) and configured to absorb the light of the wavelength, and a light scattering layer (12) intervening between the optical function layer (13) and the light absorption layer (15) and including hollow bodies configured to scatter the light of the wavelength. The light scattering layer (12) is configured to raise a transmittance at the wavelength upon receiving external heat.
US09731539B2	Security devices A method and security device, including: a semi-transparent layer exhibiting a first pattern of regions having high optical density and/or raised surface profile relative to layer intervening regions; and a color layer exhibiting a second pattern of elements of at least one color. First and second patterns partially overlap and are configured so the device, appearance varies at different viewing angles. First pattern has color layer following the contours of raised regions. Security device includes: a photosensitive film exhibiting pattern of regions of relatively high and low optical density, the pattern arising from photosensitive film exposure to radiation of a responsive predetermined wavelength from the photosensitive film; and a color layer overlapping the pattern exhibited by photosensitive film, which exhibits increase in optical density upon radiation exposure of a predetermined wavelength and concurrent or subsequent heating. Increases in optical density being due to the bubbles formation within the photosensitive film.
US09731534B2	Automated simultaneous multiple article sublimation printing process and apparatus A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images on transfer media to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images onto the media according to the spatial arrangement, then position the media onto a substrate. The products are automatically placed on the media proximate to their corresponding printed images. The apparatus manipulates the media to substantially surround the products and places at least one image onto each side of each product to be sublimated. One or more heating platens engage the media to sublimate the images. The heating platens are configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.
US09731529B2	Mounting apparatus A mounting apparatus for mounting a printing apparatus to a structure includes an attachment part, which is attachable to the structure, and a support member upon which a printing apparatus is supportable. The support member enables the printing apparatus to be located in a desired position along a first axis, which extends in a first direction relative to the structure, and wherein at least a part of a footprint of the support member defined in a first plane, which is substantially transverse to the first axis, overlaps at least a part of a footprint of the printing apparatus defined in a second plane, which is substantially transverse to the first axis.
US09731526B2	Printer In a printer that performs printing on a label of a continuous paper while feeding the continuous paper unwound from a paper sheet supply unit, a platen roller portion is configured to be attachable and detachable only by operating an operating lever portion of an attaching and detaching operation portion. The attaching and detaching operation portion has its shaft fixed in a rotatable state between a bearing ring and a platen main body on one side in an axial direction of the platen roller portion. Pulling the operating lever portion of the attaching and detaching operation portion releases a locked state of the attaching and detaching operation portion itself and a locked state in the axial direction of the platen roller portion.
US09731525B2	Recording material feeding device A recording material feeding device includes a stacking portion, a driving source, a holding member, a torque limiter for limiting transmission of a driving torque from the driving source to the stacking portion in a case that the driving source rotates in a state in which the holding member holds the position of the stacking portion; a storing portion for storing information on a holding state of the holding member; and a controller for controlling the driving source to rotate at a rotational speed slower when the information is information indicating that the holding member holds the position of the stacking portion than when the information is information indicating that the holding member does not hold the position of the stacking portion.
US09731523B2	Cutter blade drive mechanism, cutter, and printer A cutter blade drive mechanism reliably returns a cutter blade from a forward position to a retracted position. A rotation transfer mechanism 34, which transfers rotation of a drive motor 31 to a drive gear 32, has a cutter blade return gear 50 that meshes with the drive gear 32, a compound gear (controller) 40 to which rotation from the drive motor 31 is transferred, and a transfer gear 51 that meshes with the compound gear 40 and the cutter blade return gear 50. While an intermittent teeth part 43a of the compound gear 40 and the transfer gear 51 are meshed, the cutter blade 21 moves to the forward position 21A. When the intermittent teeth part 43a and the transfer gear 51 are not meshed and the compound gear-side protrusion 44b of the compound gear 40 is in contact with a cutter blade return protrusion 50b of a cutter blade return gear 50, the cutter blade return gear 50 rotates in unison with the compound gear 40, the drive gear 32 turns in the opposite direction, and the cutter blade 21 returns to the retracted position 21B.
US09731518B2	Print media guide In one example, a media guide for use in a printer having a print bar and a print zone adjacent to the print bar includes a movable blocker downstream from the print zone along a media path and movable though a range of motion to block print media from leaving the media path when exiting the print zone.
US09731517B1	Printing device dryer setting According to an example, an apparatus may include a controller and a non-transitory computer readable medium on which is stored instructions. The instructions may cause the controller to predict that a user is to instruct a printing device to perform a printing operation, in which the printing device includes a dryer, identify the user in response to the prediction, to access a user profile corresponding to the identified user, in which the accessed profile identifies a type of document that the identified user typically prints, and to adjust a setting of the dryer according to the identified type of document in the accessed profile.
US09731512B2	Liquid supply system and inkjet recording device including the same A liquid supply system includes a liquid supply source, an injection head, a damper in communication with the injection head, a liquid supply path including an end in communication with the liquid supply source and another end in communication with the damper, a liquid supply device supplying the liquid from the liquid supply source toward the damper, a pressure control valve provided between the liquid supply source and the liquid supply device, and a controller controlling the liquid supply device to be actuated or to be stopped. The pressure control valve closes the liquid supply path while the liquid supply device stopped.
US09731511B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes ejection heads that eject a liquid onto a medium, a plurality of sub-units each including an ejection head row configured by a plurality of the ejection heads, and a plurality of maintenance sections that sequentially perform maintenance on the sub-units. For a head pitch that is a spacing between centers of the ejection head rows, a spacing between centers of mutually adjacent of the maintenance sections is an integer multiple of the product of the head pitch with the number of the ejection head rows provided to each of the sub-units.
US09731505B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus and piezoelectric element A piezoelectric element includes a plurality of individual electrodes, a piezoelectric layer formed on each of individual electrodes, and a common electrode which is formed on the piezoelectric layer and is an electrode common to the individual electrodes. Further, a protection film covering a region, which is not covered by the common electrode on the individual electrode, is provided.
US09731500B2	Method for testing the reliability of error detection of an image inspection method A method for testing the reliability of an error detection of an image inspection method by using a computer includes producing a defective test image by superposing specific error elements on an error-free reference image, carrying out the image inspection method with the defective test image, comparing the errors found by the image inspection method with the error set to be expected with the aid of the known errors added to the test image, and evaluating the reliability of the image inspection method with the aid of the difference between found and expected errors.
US09731499B2	Device for adjusting an operating parameter of ink for a printing process of a rotary printing press as well as method therefor A device for setting at least one operating parameter of ink for a printing process of a rotary printing press having an inking system which has a doctor blade device with a doctor blade chamber containing the ink for the printing process, and an ink reservoir from which ink can be supplied to the doctor blade chamber, includes a supply system which allows ink to be supplied inside the inking system. The supply system can be switched to a setting mode (I) or to a production mode (II), the operating parameter being automatically set in the setting mode (I) and no ink being supplied to the doctor blade chamber, and the supply system supplying ink to the doctor blade chamber in the production mode (II).
US09731496B2	Method of manufacturing rotogravure cylinders The present invention describes a method for manufacturing rotogravure cylinders with a cylinder base made of aluminum and a single metallic layer on the cylinder surface. The method comprises the construction of the cylinder base, the deposition of the metallic layer on the cylinder surface, the thinning of the cylinder to achieve the required dimensions, the polishing of the cylinder surface and finally the etching of the cylinder with the desired printing pattern. The metallic layer can be any copper alloy that will produce a surface with a Vickers hardness of about 400 HV. The metallic layer is deposited onto the cylinder base using any thermal spraying method. The cylinder surface is then thinned and polished by using any conventional method. Finally, the cylinder is etched to provide a superb cylinder for the printing industry.
US09731495B2	Method of manufacturing three-dimensional structure, three-dimension formation material set, and three-dimensional structure There is provided a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, in which the three-dimensional structure is manufactured by laminating a layer, the method including: forming the layer using a three-dimension formation composition containing particles having hydrophilicity on a surface thereof, a water-soluble resin, and a water-based solvent; and discharging an ultraviolet-curable ink containing a water-soluble monomer onto the layer.
US09731491B2	Melamine decorative board Provided is a melamine decorative board having a milky-white core layer and less warpage. When the melamine decorative board is bonded onto a base plate such as a plywood, a particle board, and a steel board, a color tone of the base plate does not appear through to a decorative layer. Stacked and thermal-pressure-formed are: a resin-impregnated patterned paper as the decorative layer; multiple sheets of a resin-impregnated core paper, as the core layer, produced by impregnating a whitish fibrous base material with a resin liquid including: a condensate of melamine and formaldehyde, and a divalent polyalkylene glycol or a derivative thereof, or a tri- or more valent polyalkylene glycol polyvalent ether, and drying the whitish fibrous base material; and a resin-impregnated backside paper, as a backside layer, produced by impregnating a fibrous base material with a condensate of melamine and formaldehyde and drying the fibrous base material.
US09731489B2	Material application system A system for applying a material to a substrate comprising: a feed section that comprises a feed roll and configured for advancing a material along a predetermined path; a material applicator roll configured to receive the material from the feed roll and apply a cut length of material to a substrate; a knife element located between the feed section and the material applicator roll; and a non-vacuum anvil roll positioned near the knife element, wherein the knife element and the non-vacuum anvil roll are positioned along the path of the material and engage the material to cut the material into the cut length of material for applying to the substrate, and wherein the material contacts the peripheral surface of the non-vacuum anvil roll only at a cut engagement point.
US09731487B2	Method for assembling a box structure and structure obtained by such a method A method for assembling a skin and a flange of a stiffener. The periphery of the contact between the skin and the flange of the stiffener is sealed by applying a bead of adhesive on the flange of the stiffener in contact with the skin. A first and second orifices are made in the skin. The orifices open at the interface between the skin and the flange of the stiffener. The adhesive is injected through the first orifice at the interface between the skin and the flange of the stiffener while keeping the skin in contact with the stiffener until the interface between the skin and the stiffener is completely filled with the adhesive.
US09731479B2	Display device and manufacturing method therefor A display device includes a transparent laminated body 6 formed of transparent substrates 1 that are arranged in layers; an image display body 2 that faces the transparent laminated body 6; and a resin layer 3 that is disposed between the transparent laminated body 6 and the image display body 2 and is made of a photo-curable resin. The transparent substrates 1 are bonded with a thermal adhesive film 5. The thermal adhesive film 5 has optical transmittance of 50% or more at wavelength of 395 nm and optical transmittance of 10% or less at wavelength of 365 nm.
US09731478B2	Dechlorinating humidifier filter wick An evaporative element for use in a humidifier. In order to reduce the amount of chloride species evaporated into the air with the water, the evaporate element includes a dechlorination agent, such as sulfur compounds, ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, or combinations thereof. The dechlorination agent can be applied to the water retaining elements of the evaporate element or to the rigid members used to support the water retaining elements.
US09731477B1	Display stack formed to minimize substrate warping In some implementations, an electronic device includes a display stack to display content. The display stack can include a number of substrates coupled using a liquid optically clear adhesive (LOCA). In some implementations, the LOCA can have a modulus of elasticity of no greater than 80,000 Pa. Additionally, the display stack can be formed using a process that includes applying an external force to the display stack by placing the display stack between two fixtures. In an implementation, the external force can be applied while heating the display stack at a temperature of at least 60° C. and cooling the display stack according to a particular cooling rate.
US09731467B2	Food processor A food processor includes a tubular member, and a spindle inserted into the tubular member and including a guide entry section, a crushing section, a grinding section, an extension section, a guide exit section, a guide thread helically wound around the guide entry section, a crushing thread helically wound around the crushing section, and a plurality of spaced-apart grinding threads helically extending from the grinding section to the guide exit section. The guide thread has first and second ring segments each helically extending one revolution around the guide entry section. The first ring segment has a thread depth smaller than that of the second ring segment.
US09731464B2	Article of footwear formed from two preforms and method and mold for manufacturing same A method of manufacturing a midsole includes placing first and second preforms into a midsole recess of a mold, with first and second portions of the mold defining a first overflow chamber connected to the first recess; closing the mold by positioning the first and second portions in contact with one another; heating the mold for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the first and second preforms melt and bond together to form a midsole, with a portion of each of the first and second preforms flowing into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion; removing the midsole from the mold; allowing the midsole to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion.
US09731462B2	Mold and method for vulcanizing tires Tire vulcanizing mold able to cooperate with a curing press, said mold comprising two shells each one molding a sidewall of the tire and a ring of sectors for molding the tread of the tire, each sector comprising a support and a molding lining situated radially on the inside of the support, in which ring the sectors, when the mold is in the closed position, are all in circumferential contact one with the next via the molding linings and in radial contact on the shells via the front ends of the linings each of which forms a face for contact with the shell, said supports and linings being produced in such a way that each support is able to take up the clamping force applied to the lining coming into contact with the shell when the mold is in the closed position when said clamping force at said contact face exceeds a given threshold that is lower than the plastic threshold of the lining.A predetermined clearance (j) is provided between the lower front face of the shell and the lower front end of the support, and in that this clearance (j) is cancelled out when the mold is in the closed position.
US09731459B2	Lens with low birefringence, method of fabricating the lens, and light scanning unit including the lens There are provided a lens, a method of fabricating the lens, and a light scanning unit. The lens includes a lens portion having an effective optical surface, and a gate-side flange portion between the lens portion and a gate-side end of the lens. If the lens is disposed between two polarizers configured to polarize light linearly in perpendicular directions and is illuminated in an optical axis direction, interference fringes are generated on the lens, and peripheral interference fringes of the interference fringes extend continuously from the gate-side end and are longer than the gate-side flange portion.
US09731457B2	System and method for minimizing wrinkles in composites A wrinkle mitigation system may include at least one tooling rod disposed against a tool surface at a location on the tool where a composite ply is configured to overlap the tooling rod. The tooling rod may have an elongated shape and may be generally oriented along a direction of wrinkle formation in the composite ply. The tooling rod may have a rod width that results in the composite ply assuming a corrugated shape when compaction pressure is applied to the composite ply.
US09731456B2	Method of manufacturing a functionally graded article Disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing a functionally graded polymer material. The methods comprise preparing a melted polymer mixture comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a magnetic filler dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer, molding the melted polymer mixture and applying a magnetic field to a portion of the melted polymer mixture to form a functionally graded polymer material. The resulting functionally graded polymer material has a magnetic filler gradient formed through a thickness of the material.
US09731455B2	Chopped fiber composite sorting and molding systems and methods Chopped fiber composite systems and methods are disclosed. Sorting systems include a conveyor, an imager, a plurality of receptacles, a pneumatic device, and controller. Molding systems include a conveyor, an imager, a mold, a pneumatic device, and a controller. The controller directs the pneumatic device to alter the freefall of chopped fiber composite pieces based on characteristics of the chopped fiber composite pieces as they drop from the conveyor and into a receptacle or a mold. Sorting and molding methods include dropping chopped fiber composite pieces, detecting characteristics of the dropping pieces, and directing the pieces based on the detected characteristics.
US09731450B2	Three-dimensional object building apparatus and method for building three-dimensional object The three-dimensional object building apparatus includes a powder delivering unit that delivers a powder on an object building area, a powder flattening device that flattens the powder delivered from the powder delivering unit to form a powder layer, and a light beam radiating unit that is disposed above the object building area and radiates a light beam on the powder layer to sinter or melt solidify the powder for building an object. The three-dimensional object building apparatus also includes a transferring mechanism that moves the light beam radiating unit in three-dimensional directions, and a shroud that moves integrally with the light beam radiating unit and surrounds a space above an area of the powder layer that is smaller than the object building area around a radiation of the light beam. The powder delivering unit and the powder flattening device move integrally with the light beam radiating unit.
US09731442B2	Mold clamping apparatus A mold clamping apparatus includes a mold clamping cylinder. The mold clamping cylinder has, in a region thereof located below left and right lower tie bars and above left and right sliders, a left grooved portion opened leftward and elongated horizontally, a right grooved portion opened rightward and elongated horizontally, and a leg portion formed between the left and right grooved portions. The leg portion and the left and right grooved portions together form a constricted part.
US09731441B2	Double fabric faced injection molded fixture A flanged plumbing fixture having two planar fabric mortar-bondable face layers fused to opposite sides of a planar plastic core layer is made by aligning two preformed fabrics on top of each other, with connecting elements positioned between the fabrics and bonded to each of the two fabrics, positioning the connected two fabrics in a mold and centering the connected fabrics inside the mold by the connecting elements, injecting a plastic material through openings in the connecting elements, and filling the space between the two fabrics with the plastic material.
US09731438B2	Composite article with expandable elastomer in compression A composite article having an elastomeric composition with a blowing agent having an activation temperature and providing at least one structural member defining a fixed gap. The composition is formed below the blowing agent's activation temperature into a solid elastomeric member approximately the thickness of or larger than the gap. The elastomeric member is assembled into the gap, which may place the elastomeric member in a state of compression in the gap. The elastomeric member is then expanded by heating it above the activation temperature. During expansion, the escape of the gas produced is limited to increase the state of compression of the elastomer in the gap by means of confining any free surfaces or by including a platy filler such as nanoclay in the composition.
US09731436B2	Blended fiber pad A system for creating a blended fiber pad made from a mixture of alpaca fiber and a selected fiber. The fiber pad is used for bedding products, cushions, toppers and furniture. The system includes a washing station for cleaning and processing the fiber mixture and a pad forming machine. The washing station is used to thoroughly wash, clean and dry the alpaca fiber and the selected fiber. The washing station includes a series of wash tanks, squeeze pads and drying racks. The dried alpaca fiber and dried selected fiber are then baled and fed into the pad forming machine. The pad forming machine includes a plurality of individual sections with a series of conveyor belts. The conveyor belts are used for conveying the fiber mixture and a bond material from one station to the next and creating a finished blended fiber pad.
US09731435B2	Integral irradiation unit The invention relates to an integral irradiation unit for hardening light-hardening polymer compositions, a method for producing hardened polymer molded bodies or bodies coated with hardened polymers using the integral irradiation unit, and to the use of the integral irradiation unit for producing molded polymer bodies or bodies coated with polymers.
US09731434B2	Apparatus for the manufacture of a plastics filling material and a method of using the apparatus Plastic sheet elements (19) having a size and deformation suitable for use as a filling material in pillows, duvets and the like are manufactured by feeding one or more plastic sheets to a shredding apparatus (6) which has a rotating drum (9). Loosely hanging knives (12) are mounted (11) near an outermost edge of the drum (9), and are pivoted outwards during rotation to thereby cut, deform and twist the sheet to form “curly” elements (19), which are sucked out through openings (14) in a screen (8) located below the drum (9). By adjusting the feeding of the sheet (4), the rotation of the drum (9) and the magnitude of the negative pressure, various sizes and configurations of cut individual sheet elements (19) are produced.
US09731433B1	Cement forms having pin connected form sections A form for curable construction materials, comprising an elongated, substantially planar wall having a selected thickness, the wall having inner and outer surfaces, a flange region extending from the wall, the flange region having a flange substantially running the length of the wall, wherein a bore substantially running the length of the wall is formed adjacent the wall and the flange, the flange region further having first and second angled surfaces extending therefrom, wherein a channel extending to the bore is formed between the first and second angled surfaces, wherein one form may be assembled with other forms using pins inserted into respective bores to create a containment system for construction materials.
US09731432B1	Rip fence with locking device A moveable rip fence of a table saw includes a housing including an elongated opening on a top, a seat secured to an underside of top of the housing, the seat having a lower through hole, and a stop member across two sides of the housing, a lever pivotably fastened in the elongated opening; a link pivotably interconnecting the lever and a spring biased rod, an inverted L-shaped limit member secured across two sides of the housing; a clamping member having a top secured by a support member and including an intermediate hole member and a projecting base member; and a locking member including a lower wedge member fastened on the base member, and a flexible inclined member on a top. The lever is flush with the top of the housing in a locked position. A pressing of a rear portion of the lever unlocks the rip fence.
US09731430B2	Transversal cutting equipment for sheets separable from overlapped continuous forms Cutting equipment (41) which processes overlapped continuous forms (23H, 23L) is disclosed. The cutting is carried out by means of a cutting device (29), which separates the sheets from the forms, introduction devices (28H and 28L), which enter the continuous forms (23H, 23L) into the cutting device and a singularizing device (46) for overlapped sheets, which includes two transport paths (81 and 82), the one above the other, with differentiable transfer times; the singularizing device comprises a diverter (83) upstream of the transport paths (81 and 82); the introduction devices (28H and 28L) are actuatable for temporarily projecting a leading edge of one of the overlapped forms (23H, 23L) with respect to the other form up to a switching zone of the diverter (83), or for advancing together the overlapped forms (23H, 23L); the diverter (83) is configurable for addressing a continuous form or both forms (23H, 23L) to one or to both transport paths (81 and 82); and the introduction devices (28H and 28L) are also actuatable, in the case of projecting of one of the continuous forms, for lining up trailing edges of the sheets of the one and the other form for a joint cutting of the overlapped forms (23H, 23L) by means of the cutting device (29).
US09731428B2	Food slicing apparatus A slicing apparatus and methods of using a slicing apparatus are provided. The apparatus can include a base configured to rest on a horizontal surface, a vertically extending cutting area generally perpendicular to the horizontal surface, and a food carriage for laterally moving and rotating a food item engaged with the food carriage. The cutting area can include blades angled relative to each other, and a multi-blade tool that allows adjustment and selection of different blades.
US09731427B2	Razor handle comprising inserts within holes and razor comprising such a razor handle A razor handle that includes an elongated body extending in a longitudinal direction (C), the elongated body having an outer surface and being provided with a first hole and a second hole, the first and second holes opening on the outer surface of the elongated body, the razor handle that includes a first insert and a second insert, the first and second inserts being respectively partially encapsulated within the first and second holes.
US09731422B2	Methods, apparatuses, and systems for micromanipulation with adhesive fibrillar structures The present invention are methods for fabrication of micro- and/or nano-scale adhesive fibers and their use for movement and manipulation of objects. Further disclosed is a method of manipulating a part by providing a manipulation device with a plurality of fibers, where each fiber has a tip with a flat surface that is parallel to a backing layer, contacting the flat surfaces on an object, moving the object to a new location, then disengaging the tips from the object.
US09731421B2	Recognition-based industrial automation control with person and object discrimination The present disclosure generally relates to a method for performing industrial automation control in an industrial automation system may include detecting, via a sensor system, positions and/or motions of one or more humans and/or one or more objects in an industrial automation system and distinguishing, via a programmed computer system, between one or more humans and one or more objects based upon the detected positions and/or motions. The method may then include implementing a control and/or notification action based upon the distinction.
US09731420B1	System for configuring a robotic manipulator Described are techniques for storing and retrieving items using a robotic manipulator. Images depicting a human interacting with an item, sensor data from sensors instrumenting the human or item, data regarding physical characteristics of the item, and constraint data relating to the robotic manipulator or the item may be used to generate one or more configurations for the robotic manipulator. The configurations may include points of contact and force vectors for contacting the item using the robotic manipulator.
US09731414B2	Storage sheet having a plurality of pockets A storage sheet having a plurality of pockets which includes a flexible sheet, a plurality of pocket strips, and a fastener. The plurality of pocket strips allow for the storage of personal or professional items. The plurality of pocket strips are shingled to save space as well as to display the contents of the pockets. The storage sheet is flexible to able to be rolled and secured or bundled together through use of the fastener. A roll-up storage sheet provides increased storage space as well as reduces the total volume the storage space occupies.
US09731408B2	Driving device According to one aspect of the application, a device for driving a fastening element into a substrate has an energy-transfer element for transferring energy to the fastening element. The energy-transfer element can move preferably between a starting position and a setting position, wherein the energy-transfer element is located, before a driving-in procedure, in the starting position and, after the driving-in procedure, in the setting position.According to another aspect of the application, the device comprises a mechanical-energy storage device for storing mechanical energy. The energy-transfer element is then suitable preferably for transferring energy from the mechanical-energy storage device to the fastening element.
US09731406B1	Socket assembly A socket assembly includes an outer socket, an inner socket mounted in the outer socket, and an intermediate socket mounted in the outer socket. The outer socket has a plurality of drive blocks and a plurality of retaining grooves. The inner socket includes a first base, a plurality of first driving sections, and a plurality of first openings. The intermediate socket includes a second base, a plurality of second driving sections, and a plurality of second openings. Thus, the inner diameter defined between the first driving sections is smaller than that defined between the second driving sections by 2 mm, and the inner diameter defined between the second driving sections is smaller than that defined between the drive blocks by 2 mm, so that the inner socket, the intermediate socket and the outer socket co-operate to operate three successive sizes of nuts.
US09731401B2	Method and apparatus for conditioning polishing pad A conditioning method which can efficiently produce surface roughness of a polishing pad to obtain an optimum polishing rate by performing dressing while monitoring the surface roughness of the polishing pad and adjusting a temperature of the polishing pad is disclosed. The conditioning method includes measuring surface roughness of the polishing pad during dressing of the polishing pad, comparing the measured surface roughness with preset target surface roughness to obtain comparison result, and adjusting a surface temperature of the polishing pad by heating or cooling the polishing pad based on the comparison result. The surface roughness is represented by at least one of five indexes comprising arithmetical mean deviation of the roughness profile (Ra), root mean square deviation of the roughness profile (Rq), maximum profile valley depth of the roughness profile (Rv), maximum profile peak height of the roughness profile (Rp), and maximum height of the roughness profile (Rz).
US09731397B2	Polishing pad with secondary window seal A polishing article has a polishing surface and an aperture, the aperture including a first section and a second section. The polishing article includes a projection extending inwardly into the aperture. The polishing article includes a lower portion on a side of the first surface farther from the polishing surface. A window has a first portion positioned in the first section of the aperture and a second portion extending into the second section of the aperture. The window has a second surface substantially parallel to the polishing surface. A first adhesive adheres the first surface of the projection to the second surface of the window to secure the window to the projection and a second adhesive of different material composition than the first adhesive. The second adhesive is positioned laterally between the second portion of the window and the lower portion of the polishing article.
US09731396B2	Method of preparing synthetic quartz glass substrate A synthetic quartz glass substrate is prepared by immersing a starting substrate in an aqueous solution of a nonionic surfactant and precision polishing the substrate with a colloidal silica water dispersion. A synthetic quartz glass substrate having a few defects and low surface roughness is obtained while the polishing rate is improved and the polishing time is reduced.
US09731395B1	Tilted angle abrasive belt sharpener A sharpener for sharpening a cutting tool having a blade portion with a cutting edge, such as but not limited to a kitchen knife. In some embodiments, the sharpener has first and second rollers, with the first roller rotatable about a first roller axis and the second roller rotatable about a second roller axis parallel to the first roller axis. An endless abrasive belt is arranged along a belt path that passes over the first and second rollers to define a planar segment that lies along a neutral plane from the first roller to the second roller. A guide assembly adjacent the planar segment of the belt is configured to contactingly engage the cutting edge of the cutting tool and apply a non-uniform surface pressure to a side of the cutting tool adjacent the cutting edge across a width of the belt.
US09731392B2	Robotic tool changer alignment modules Alignment modules attached to a robotic tool changer assist spatial orientation and alignment of a robot arm relative to a robotic tool for location training. A three-axis spatial orientation sensor is first attached to an alignment module affixed to a tool unit. The sensor is “zeroed,” or calibrated to the spatial orientation of the tool unit. The sensor is transferred to a corresponding surface of an alignment module affixed to a master unit. The orientation of the robot arm is adjusted to eliminate sensor error signals indicating deviations from the zeroed orientation of the tool unit. An optical signal, such as a cross line laser beam, is then projected between the alignment modules. The x- and y-axis position of the robot arm is adjusted to align the optical signal with alignment markings. When the master and tool units are aligned, the robot arm is advanced in the z-axis direction until the master unit abuts the tool unit.
US09731389B2	HVAC fire damper tool A fire damper tool is provided for assisting a user opening the shutters of an HVAC fire damper after the shutters have closed. The device comprises a scissor tool that is hand-driven for separating the closed shutters without requiring the user to exert force on the doors while opening. The tool comprises a first and second set of scissor arms connected to a common pin. A threaded rod connects the proximal ends of the scissor arms along one side of the pin, while the distal ends of the scissor arms are positioned between the closed fire damper doors. A hand driven nut draws the proximal ends of the scissor arms together, causing the proximal ends thereof to spread, and in turn spread the fire damper doors. The tool is useful for confined areas where mechanical advantage is necessary for separating items, and is particularly suited for commercial HVAC applications.
US09731388B2	Method and fixture for airfoil array assembly An example method of assembling a turbomachine airfoil array includes, among other things, securing a partial airfoil array within a fixture, the partial airfoil array having at least one existing airfoil extending radially between an inner and an outer fairing and an open area where at least one existing airfoil has been removed. The method includes mounting a positioning saddle relative to a base of the fixture, the positioning saddle aligned with the open area, holding a replacement airfoil using the positioning saddle, applying a curable material at an interface between the replacement airfoil and the inner and outer fairing, and curing the curable material while maintaining a relative position between the replacement airfoil and the inner and outer fairing.
US09731387B2	Furnace vent termination One aspect of the disclosure provides a termination for use with a furnace. The termination, in one embodiment, includes a face plate including an exhaust region and an air supply region, the face plate having a front surface and an opposing back surface. The termination, in this embodiment, further includes an exhaust termination portion extending from the back surface in the exhaust region, the exhaust termination portion capable of engaging a terminal end of a variety of different size exhaust conduits associated with a furnace. The termination, in this embodiment, further includes an opening extending through the face plate in the exhaust region, the opening aligned with the exhaust termination portion.
US09731383B2	Filler metal with flux for brazing and soldering and method of using same A brazing or soldering wire has a pair channels recessed therein. A divider separates the pair of channels. The divider has opposing walls extending outwardly from corresponding base portions of the pair of channels. A first engagement surface is located between the opposing walls. A pair of outer walls is separated by the pair of channels and the divider. A second engagement surface is formed between an outer surface of the elongated wire and a terminal end of one of the outer walls and is substantially coplanar with the first engagement surface. A third engagement surface is formed between the outer surface of the elongated wire and a terminal end of the other of the outer walls and is substantially coplanar with the first engagement surface. A cured flux solution is located within the pair of channels.
US09731380B2	Device for operating a machine tool and machine tool A device is provide for operating a machine tool. The machine tool includes a rotation unit designed to rotate a workpiece about an axis of rotation with an adjustable rotational speed progression, and an ultra-short pulse laser for generating laser pulses, the laser being arranged such that material of the workpiece is removed by means of the laser pulses. The device is configured to adjust the rotational speed progression based on geometry data of a specified geometry and/or a specified surface quality characteristic value representative of a corresponding surface quality.
US09731374B2	Welding torch A cooled welding torch (1) having a cooling circuit, which cooling circuit extends via a nozzle fitting receiver (3) into a gas nozzle (9), and the gas nozzle (9) is attachable to the welding torch (1) by a defined turn, wherein the cooling circuit is routed through a redirecting element (5), which redirecting element (5) is positioned above the nozzle fitting receiver (3) and may be turned together with the gas nozzle (9), wherein a path of the cooling circuit is switchable by the position of the gas nozzle (9).
US09731373B2	Method for welding and for hard surface deposition of metal parts made of aluminium by a MIG method with pulsed current and filler wire A method for hard surface deposition on aluminum metal parts of a turbine engine using MIG welding equipment which includes a pulsed current generator and pulsed filler metal wire feed, wherein the deposition is achieved using a filler metal wire whose composition is of the same nature as the composition of the aluminum alloy of the part to undergo hard surface deposition, with the pulsed metal wire feed and speed of deposition on the metal part of the turbine engine being adapted to carry out deposition without hot fissuring.
US09731368B2	Apparatus and method for stripping solder metals during the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment Apparatuses and processes for recycling printed wire boards, wherein electronic components, precious metals and base metals may be collected for reuse and recycling. The apparatuses generally include a mechanical solder removal module and/or a thermal module, a chemical solder removal module, and a precious metal leaching module, wherein the modules are attached for continuous passage of the e-waste from module to module.
US09731367B2	Gear or profile grinding machine and method for the operation of such a machine A gear or profile grinding machine and a method for operating such a machine, especially for grinding of pre-geared or pre-profiled workpieces, wherein the machine includes at least one tool spindle which can receive at least one grinding tool, and at least one workpiece spindle which is movably arranged at a carrier element and which can be driven up to the tool spindle for an at least temporary cooperation of the workpiece with the grinding tool by at least one drive. To enhance the precision of the machine at growing workpieces with simple measures, at least one mass is arranged at or in the carrier element, which is arranged movable at or on a guiding element by a drive element, wherein the mass is permanently free from any contact with another machine part and/or workpiece part and/or tool part.
US09731366B2	Saw blade and method of shaping a back edge of a saw blade A saw blade includes a first edge having teeth and a second edge principally opposed to the first edge, which second edge extends in a first principal direction of extension along a first part of its principal extension and in a second principal direction of extension along a second part of its principal extension, neither said first nor said second principal direction of extension being parallel to a principal direction of extension of said first edge, but said first principal direction of extension forming a first and positive angle (A) with said principal direction of extension of said first edge and said second principal direction of extension forming a second and negative angle (B) with said principal direction of extension of said first edge.
US09731361B2	Rapidly retractable tool support for a pipe machining apparatus Pipe machining apparatuses, tool supports, and methods of operating pipe machining apparatuses are provided. In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus includes a frame, a tool carrier coupled to and movable relative to the frame, and a tool support coupled to and movable with the tool carrier relative to the frame. The tool support is adapted to support a tool and move the tool in a first direction toward a pipe at a first increment and move the tool in a second direction away from the pipe at a second increment. The second increment is larger than the first increment.
US09731360B2	End milling apparatus, CAM apparatus, and NC program An end milling apparatus has an end mill and a support member. The end mill has a cutting portion and a non-cutting portion. The support member supports the non-cutting portion in at least one direction toward the periphery of the end mill. The width of the support member as measured in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the center axis of the end mill and to the direction in which the support member is located as viewed from the end mill is smaller than the outer diameter of the end mill.
US09731357B2	Hole-making system A hole-making system for making holes on the collar of a cylinder is provided. The hole making system includes a hand unit for making holes on the collar of the cylinder and the hand unit being configured to be used with two hands. The hole making system further includes a control unit configured to control operation of the hand unit. The hole making system further includes a pedal configured to enable a user to control the operation of the hand unit with a foot. The hand unit is held and controlled with two hands and a drilling command is provided by the pedal, allowing the user to control the hand unit in a more reliable manner.
US09731356B2	Tool connector having multiple seating positions A tool connector generally includes a tool receiving portion configured for reciprocating between first and second work tool seating positions, wherein the tool receiving portion is normally biased to the first work tool seating position, and actuatable to the second work tool seating position. The tool connector further includes a magnetic mechanism in the tool receiving portion for providing magnetic force to engage a work tool in either of the first and second work tool seating positions, and a locking mechanism for lockingly engaging a work tool in the second work tool seating position.
US09731351B2	Hybride part and method of manufacture A part (P) includes a first (FP), and a second portion (SP), which meet at an interface (IF). A channel (CH) extends from the first portion (FP) through the interface (IF) into the second portion (SP). Further there is a method to generate the part (P). To refurbish a part with tiny geometry channels, the second portion (SP) is produced by additive manufacturing technology on the interface (IF) with the first portion (FP), the channel (CH) has a first average diameter (DI) in the first portion (FP) and the interface (IF), and the channel (CH) has a second average diameter (D2) in the second portion (SP) at said interface (IF). The second diameter (D2) is larger than the first diameter (DI). The channel (CH) has a first tapered portion (TP) which narrows in the second portion (SP) at increasing distance from the interface (IF).
US09731350B2	Method of casting monocrystalline metal parts A foundry method of casting monocrystalline metal parts, the method including at least casting a molten alloy into a cavity of a mold through at least one casting channel in the mold, subjecting the alloy to heat treatment, and removing the mold, and wherein the heat treatment is performed before an end of mold removal.
US09731349B2	Mold assembly and guide element thereof A mold assembly includes a first mold part having guide passages defined therein. Protruding members are each movably received in a first portion of a respective guide passage to extend selectively in and out of the mold cavity. At least some of the protruding members are movable along different directions from one another. Cables are each connected to one of the protruding members and extend through a linear second portion of the respective guide passage and out of the first mold part. An actuator is connected to the cables and movable relative to the first mold part between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, each protruding member protrudes into the mold cavity. In the retracted position, each of protruding member is retracted out of the mold cavity and contained within the respective guide passage. A guide element and a method of molding are also discussed.
US09731348B1	Method and apparatus for avoiding erosion in a high pressure die casting shot sleeve for use with low iron aluminum silicon alloys An improved shot sleeve for high pressure die casting of low-iron aluminum silicon alloys and a method of making the shot sleeve, the shot sleeve includes a top portion including a pouring hole and a bottom portion including an impingement site on an inner surface of the bottom portion opposite the pouring hole. The impingement site is constructed of an erosion resistant material. The erosion resistant material is selected from: titanium, tungsten, molybdenum, ruthenium, tantalum, niobium, chromium, vanadium, zirconium, hafnium, boron or a secondary, tertiary or quaternary alloy formed from combination thereof. An erosion resistant insert located at an impingement site of a shot sleeve may accomplish the construction. The insert may be introduced into an internal surface of a conventional shot sleeve or replace a bottom portion of a conventional shot sleeve.
US09731347B2	Core pin for preventing molten metal from flowing into pipe and casting device using the same A core pin is provided that prevents a molten metal from flowing into a pipe and a casting device using the same is also provided. The core pin specifically contacts a first end of the pipe inserted into a mold to close the end of the pipe, to thus prevent the molten metal from flowing into the pipe.
US09731346B2	Control device for oscillating table A control device (1) for an oscillating table (6), comprising: —a closed and pressurized hydraulic circuit (20), —a hydraulic actuator (21) connected to said hydraulic circuit (20) and adapted to be connected to the mobile part of the oscillating table (6) to adjust the position thereof, in which said hydraulic actuator (21) is a double-acting cylinder having a first chamber (21a) and a second chamber (21b) delimited from each other by a sliding piston (22) rigidly connected to a first rod (31a) which is rigidly restrainable to said mobile part, in which said hydraulic circuit (20) comprises at least one reversible hydraulic pump (9) directly connected to at least one of said first chamber (21a) and second chamber (21b).
US09731345B2	Martensitic stainless steel highly resistant to corrosion, and method for manufacturing same Provided is a martensitic stainless steel having excellent productivity and high corrosion resistance, which comprises, as percentages by weight, 0.45 to 0.60% carbon, 0.02 to 0.08% nitrogen, 0.2 to 0.4% silicon, 0.3 to 0.6% manganese, 12 to 15% chromium, one or more kinds of 0.1 to 1.5% molybdenum or 0.1 to 1.5% tungsten and Fe and other unavoidable impurities as remnants.
US09731341B2	Forged crankshaft and method for manufacturing the forged crankshaft A forged crankshaft (1) includes a carbon steel containing S, wherein in a portion corresponding to a machined outer circumferential surface of a shaft part such as journals (J), crank pins (P), a front part (Fr), and a flange (Fl), a ratio x/y of an area rate x of sulfide in a position (X) corresponding to a parting surface of a die for finish forging to an area rate y of sulfide in a position (Y) corresponding to a bottom of a die impression of the die for finish forging is equal to or lower than 1.5. The forged crankshaft (1) can avoid an occurrence of machined surface cracks on the journals (J) and the crank pins (P) after the outer circumferential surface is machined.
US09731334B2	Microbot pigging system A self-adjusting microbot pigging system for cleaning the interior of a pipe, the system comprises a plurality of microbots, each microbots comprises a propulsion device and a programmable computer processor operatively associated with the propulsion device, each of said processors programmed to instruct its associated propulsion device to operate in cooperation with one or more of the other microbot propulsion devices of said plurality of microbots to form a pig in the pipe.
US09731330B1	Portable cooling tower cleaning system Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for portable cooling tower cleaning are provided.
US09731328B2	Inspection and sorting machine An inspection and sorting machine and a related method of operation are provided. The inspection and sorting machine includes an inspection system that outputs a first signal corresponding to a fastener condition and a second signal corresponding to an inspection condition. Based on the inspection system output, a controller determines whether a fastener is classified as conforming or whether the fastener is classified as undetermined. Conforming fasteners are diverted into a conforming parts chute, and undetermined fasteners are diverted into a recirculated parts chute. The remaining fasteners are diverted into a reject chute. The undetermined fasteners are recirculated into the inspection and sorting machine for re-inspection.
US09731324B2	Drive for railroad ballast tamper apparatus A tamper drive includes a wobble shaft rotatable about a central axis. The wobble shaft includes an eccentric hub recess within a movable bearing coupled to a yoke. The movable bearing rotates when the wobble shaft rotates to induce reciprocal movement of the yoke. In another tamper drive, an eccentric portion of a wobble shaft is rotatable within a bearing coupled to or integrated with an offset lobe having a pin slidingly disposed therein. Still another tamper drive includes an arm having a shaft fixedly coupled to one end, and first and second cam followers disposed at the other end. A rotatable cam provides a cam surface for each of the first and second cam followers.
US09731323B2	Tunable ultrasound transmitter The use of power-efficient transmitters to establish acoustic wave energy having low undesirable harmonics is achieved by adjusting the transmitter output waveform to minimize the undesirable harmonics. In one embodiment, both the timing and slope of the waveform edges are adjusted to produce the desired output waveform having little or no second harmonics. In the embodiment, output waveform timing adjustments on the order of fractions of the system clock interval are provided. This then allows for very fine control of a coarsely produced waveform. In one embodiment, the user can select the fine tuning to match the transmitter output signal to a particular load transducer.
US09731318B2	Sauce gun with replaceable pushing mechanism The invention discloses a sauce gun with replaceable pushing mechanism, including a gun body, a push rod with row teeth, a fixed handle with a cavity, a trigger handle and a pushing mechanism, wherein the pushing mechanism includes a function case detachably installed in the cavity, the external wall of the function case is provided with a first sliding groove, the first sliding groove is internally provided with a first connecting piece driven by the trigger handle, and the function case is internally provided with a front push rod lock rotatably connected to the first connecting piece, a rear push rod lock hinged with the function case through a second connecting piece, and a flexible device driving the front push rod lock and the rear push rod lock to match with the row teeth respectively.
US09731313B1	Application of substance to protrusion A fluid applicator for applying a fluid to a surface protrusion. In one embodiment, an anticorrosion substance is applied to a structural fastener.
US09731312B2	Nebulization structure A nebulization structure includes a driving element, a structure plate and a nebulization plate. The structure plate is installed on a side of the driving element, and the structure plate is substantially in a circular disc shape and has a plurality of through holes, and at least one rib is formed between adjacent through holes to define a water guide passage. The nebulization plate is clamped between the driving element and the structure plate and made of a polymer material to overcome the problems of having easy metal fatigue and embrittlement of the nebulization plate made of metal, and being corroded by corrosive liquids.
US09731310B2	Spray head with refill valve A spray head for a spray bottle includes a spray mechanism connected to a tube that extends into the spray bottle. The spray mechanism draws fluid from a bottom of the spray bottle, through the tube, to produce a spray of the fluid. A threaded female fitting attaches to a threaded top of the spray bottle. The threaded female, when screwed on to the threaded top of the spray bottle, securely attaches the spray head to the spray bottle. A refill valve, when opened, provides a conduit to refill the spray bottle so that fluid can be poured into the spray bottle without unscrewing the threaded fitting and removing the spray head from the spray bottle. A refill valve cap, when in a shut position, closes the refill valve to prevent spilling of the liquid when the spray bottle is not being refilled.
US09731300B2	Centrifugal separator with sludge space plates A centrifugal separator for separating a fluid mixture into components includes a rotor which forms within itself a separation space delimited by a rotor wall, and includes a set of separation plates defining separation passages there between. An inlet is arranged for supply of a fluid mixture to be separated and a first outlet is arranged for a separated lighter first component of the fluid mixture. A sludge space is being defined as an annular portion of the separation space radially outside the separation plates. A second outlet is arranged for discharge of a separated denser second component of the fluid mixture extending from the radially outer portion of the sludge space. A plurality of sludge space plates, which sludge space plates are separate components from the separation plates, is arranged in the sludge space, extending outwardly and in an annular direction with respect to the rotational axis, while forming a gap between the sludge space plates and the rotor wall.
US09731299B2	Method and apparatus for separating solvent An electrode is arranged on one wall surface of a flow path of an exhaust atmosphere in a solvent separating apparatus, an electric field is applied to vaporized solvent in the exhaust atmosphere so as to concentrate only the solvent in the exhaust atmosphere in the direction toward the electric field, and the solvent is discharged to the outside of the solvent separating apparatus together with a portion of the exhaust atmosphere in the periphery of the solvent.
US09731294B2	Assembly for storing and mixing two substances A storage assembly for two substances to be mixed prior to use, includes a closable dropper tip (3). A first storage chamber (7) is formed by the closable dropper tip (3) and a first container part (2, 4), the first container part (2, 4) being provided with at least one aperture (43). A second storage chamber (8) is formed by a second container part (5) which includes an open end part (52, 53) that closes off the at least one aperture (43) in a first operational position. The first and second container parts (2, 4; 5, 6) are moveable with respect to each other, and are in fluid communication through the at least one aperture (43) in a second operational position wherein the total flow surface area of the at least one aperture (43) is at least equal to a cross sectional area of the first container part.
US09731292B2	Assay devices and methods for the detection of analytes The present invention relates to devices and methods for performing assays, especially for determining the presence and/or amount of one or more analytes. In particular, the invention relates to a device for the detection of analytes, comprising a reversibly compressible matrix located between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable. The invention also relates to a corresponding method using such a device for the detection of one or more species of analytes.
US09731291B2	Fluid mixing and delivery in microfluidic systems The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions.
US09731285B2	Process for producing oxide catalysts An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing an oxide catalyst used in a vapor-phase catalytic oxidation or vapor-phase catalytic ammoxidation reaction of propane or isobutene, which enables a catalyst demonstrating favorable yield to be stably produced. According to the present invention, there is provided a process for producing an oxide catalyst used in a vapor-phase catalytic oxidation or vapor-phase catalytic ammoxidation reaction of propane or isobutane, comprising the steps of: (i) preparing a catalyst raw material mixture containing Mo, V and Nb and satisfying the relationships of 0.1≦a≦1 and 0.01≦b≦1 when atomic ratios of V and Nb to one atom of Mo are defined as a and b, respectively; (ii) drying the catalyst raw material mixture; and (iii) calcining a particle, in which a content of the particle having a particle diameter of 25 μm or less is 20% by mass or less and a mean particle diameter is from 35 to 70 μm, in an inert gas atmosphere.
US09731284B1	Process for oxidation of amines in the synthesis of energetic materials A process for use of composite catalysts for oxidation of amines during synthesis of energetic compounds. This method overcomes the safety concerns associated with dangerous reaction conditions for these energetic materials. The process requires exposing phthalocyanine conjugated to an inorganic substrate to the precursor reactant and activating the composite material to light and oxygen to covert amine groups into oxidized nitrogen species.
US09731282B2	Ligand compound, organic chromium compound, catalyst system for ethylene oligomerization, preparation method thereof, and ethylene oligomerization method using the same The present invention relates to a ligand compound, an organic chromium compound, a catalyst system for ethylene oligomerization, a preparation method thereof, and an ethylene oligomerization method using the same. The catalyst system for ethylene oligomerization according to the present invention is used to prepare a low-density polyethylene in one reactor by using a small amount of comonomers such as alpha-olefin or by using only ethylene without comonomers, because it maintains high catalytic activity and high alpha-olefin selectivity even though supported on a support.
US09731278B2	Catalyst for methanation of carbon oxides, preparation method of the catalyst and process for the methanation Disclosed is a catalyst for methanation reaction producing methane with high conversion by reaction of hydrogen with carbon dioxide, or a gas mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, or a gas mixture containing these compounds as the main components. The catalyst is prepared by the steps of mixing (A) aqueous zirconia sol with salts of (B) stabilizing element(s), which is selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Ca and Mg, and (C) iron group element(s), drying and calcining the mixture to obtain a catalyst precursor, and subsequent reduction of the precursor. The catalyst comprises, by atomic %, A: 18-70%, B: 1-20% and C: 25-80% based on the elemental states of the metals. The catalyst is characterized by multiple oxide of tetragonal zirconia structure, in which not only the stabilizing element(s) but also a part of the iron group element(s) is incorporated, and on which the iron group element(s) in the metallic state is supported.
US09731277B2	Catalytic composition for synthesizing carbon nanotubes The present invention relates to a catalytic composition for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes, comprising an active catalyst and a catalytic support, the active catalyst comprising a mixture of iron and cobalt in any oxidation form and the catalytic support comprising exfoliated vermiculite.
US09731275B2	Catalytic converter Provided is a catalytic converter in which the entire catalyst constituting the catalytic converter can be efficiently utilized to purify exhaust gas, and the emission of hydrogen sulfide can be suppressed.A catalytic converter 10 includes catalyst layers 2A, 2B formed of a noble metal catalyst that are formed on cell wall surfaces of a substrate 1 having a cell structure in a longitudinal direction of the substrate 1 in which gas flows, in which the substrate 1 has a center region 1A having a relatively high cell density and a peripheral region 1B having a relatively low cell density, and lengths of the catalyst layers 2A, 2B of the center region 1A and the peripheral region 1B in the longitudinal direction are the same as each other, or the length of the catalyst layer 2B in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the catalyst layer 2A.
US09731271B2	Methods for regenerating solid adsorbents The invention provides for a method of regenerating a solid adsorbent, such as a molecular sieve or activated carbon, using stable fluorinated hydrocarbon compounds such as, for example, HFC-245cb (1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane, as a regeneration fluid.
US09731266B2	Linear valve arrays The invention provides systems, devices, methods, and kits for performing an integrated analysis. The integrated analysis can include sample processing, library construction, amplification, and sequencing. The integrated analysis can be performed within one or more modules that are fluidically connected to each other. The one or more modules can be controlled and/or automated by a computer. The integrated analysis can be performed on a tissue sample, a clinical sample, or an environmental sample. The integrated analysis system can have a compact format and return results within a designated period of time.
US09731265B2	Method for handling solids capable of deflagration Method of processing and handling solids and mixtures capable of deflagration, in particular of processing materials capable of deflagration in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, wherein the processing and handling is carried out in an environment under a reduced pressure of ≦500 mbara and the processing and/or handling comprises one or more process steps selected from the group consisting of filtration, milling, sieving, mixing, homogenization, granulation, compacting, packaging, drying, storage and transport in a transport container and other steps in apparatuses having mechanical internals.
US09731264B2	Method and apparatus for preparing aerogel by drying under reduced pressure A method and an apparatus for preparing aerogel by drying under reduced pressure. The gel to be dried is placed into a sealed drying apparatus which can be depressurized by air extraction or/and can be heated to raise the temperature. The methods of reducing pressure by air extraction or/and raising temperature are acted upon the water and solvents within the aerogel to be dried, and an outward force is thus generated for the water and solvents to be volatilized outwards. By controlling the rates of reducing pressure by air extraction or/and raising temperature, the outward force is allowed to be equal to or close to the inward capillary force, such that the pores of the gel may not be collapsed or cracked. At the same time, drying is carried out continuously, and finally the interior water and solvents are removed completely.
US09731262B2	Large-grain crystallized metal chalcogenide film, colloidal solution of amorphous particles, and preparation methods The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous or hydro-alcoholic colloidal solution of metal chalcogenide amorphous nanoparticles notably of the Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) type and to the obtained colloidal solution.The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a film of large-grain crystallized semi-conducting metal chalcogenide film notably of CZTS obtained from an aqueous or hydro-alcoholic colloidal solution according to the invention, said film being useful as an absorption layer deposited on a substrate applied in a solid photovoltaic device.
US09731261B2	Process comprising two reaction zones and apparatus therefore In a process for carrying out a chemical reaction gaseous reactants are supplied to a first reaction zone including a first catalyst having a first particle equivalent diameter. The first reaction zone is operated such that when the reactants are contacted with the first catalyst a portion of the reactants is converted to the desired product. An intermediate stream of unreacted reactants and the desired product is removed and passed to a second reaction zone including a tubular reactor. Tubes of the reactor are catalyst carriers containing a second catalyst having a second particle equivalent diameter smaller than the first particle equivalent diameter. The second reaction zone is operated such that when the unreacted reactants are contacted with the second catalyst, at least some of the unreacted reactants are converted to the desired product. A product stream is then recovered. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also described.
US09731259B2	Functional fluid A functional fluid useful as an emulsion in a cleaning product or a personal care product is the esterification reaction product of a) a triglyceride or a fatty acid or a methyl ester of a fatty acid, and b) an alcohol which comprises b1) a polyglycerol having at least 3 glycerol units (preferably polyglycerol-4), and b2) glycerol and/or diglycerol. The functional fluid is effective as a stabilizer and as an emulsifier for o/w and w/o emulsions. When a triglyceride is used as a reactant, glycerol and fatty acids are generated in situ by an interesterification reaction. Preferred functional fluids provide the significant benefit that they may be mixed into an oil phase and in a water phase before such phases are mixed together, and that such processing may be carried out at ambient temperature.
US09731257B2	Device for producing a multicomponent mixture A device for producing a multicomponent mixture having a mixing chamber which is surrounded by a chamber wall, the device further includes an outlet for a multicomponent mixture and into which at least two component valves and at least one flushing valve open, the flushing valve being in connection on the inlet side with a temperature control channel system which is associated with the chamber wall and through which water can flow.
US09731255B2	Feedback controlled concrete production Techniques or processes for efficiently producing concrete using dynamic feedback are disclosed. A concrete plant can use a control system to manage concrete production based on the dynamic feedback. The dynamic feedback can control mixing of concrete ingredients so as to yield uniform particle distribution for the concrete ingredients. The dynamic feedback can also avoid overflow situations as well as yield improved loading of the resulting concrete into a concrete transport vehicle (e.g., concrete truck).
US09731250B2	Method for producing hollow fiber carbon membrane Disclosed is a method for producing a hollow fiber carbon membrane using a hollow fiber carbon membrane-forming material by means of a dry method or dry-wet method comprising a spinning step, a drying step, an infusibilization step, and a carbonization step as basic steps; wherein in the infusibilization step, heat treatment is performed at least two times at different temperatures, with the second temperature being higher than the first temperature. It is preferable that the second heat treatment is performed directly after the first treatment is performed, without once cooling to room temperature. The obtained hollow fiber carbon membrane has improved permeability, without reducing its separation coefficient.
US09731244B2	Carbon dioxide recovery apparatus and carbon dioxide recovery method The present invention provides a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus capable of recovering heat energy of carbon-dioxide-containing gas which includes an absorbing tower to generate and discharge a rich liquid absorbing carbon dioxide as carbon-dioxide-containing gas is introduced and contacted to an absorbing liquid to absorb carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide release devices to discharge semi-lean liquids which have steam containing a part of carbon dioxide released by heating the rich liquid discharged from the absorbing tower, and a regeneration tower to generate a lean liquid which has steam containing remaining carbon dioxide released and separated by heating the semi-lean liquids discharged from the carbon dioxide release devices and to return the lean liquid to the absorbing tower.
US09731243B2	Low pressure re-absorber and its integration with sulfur-rich solvent flash drum or sulfur-rich solvent stripper in an absorption unit A low pressure re-absorber is integrated with a sulfur-rich solvent flash drum or a sulfur-rich solvent stripping column in a solvent acid gas removal process that provides for sufficient sulfur concentration for the downstream sulfur recovery unit. In another aspect of the invention, carbon dioxide containing or carbon dioxide rich gas streams that are at a lower temperature relative to a lean solvent stream are used to cool those lean solvent streams and then optionally to cool other process streams, to save energy consumption.
US09731241B2	Radial flow adsorber ‘U’ configuration A radial U-flow adsorption unit for air purification in a TSA process, having a gas outlet at one end and at least one gas inlet at the side, preferably at the same end of the unit as the gas outlet. The simpler design of the unit facilitates manufacture, installation and transport, and reduces the capital and operating costs.
US09731240B2	Method for backwashing filter The reliability of backwashing valves constituted of first backwashing valves and second backwashing valves is ensured. A first backwashing valve (backwashing-gas rear valve) (7) that controls gas for backwashing and a second backwashing valve (backwashing-gas front valve) (6) that operates at slower speed than the first backwashing valve (7) are disposed, in a series including two or more thereof, at backwashing-gas introducing pipes individually provided for each of the filter blocks.
US09731235B2	Filter appliance A filter appliance may include a filter housing and a ring filter element having an axis and being mountable in the filter housing. The filter element may include a first axial end disc having a protruding pin configured to engage into a channel of the filter housing. The filter housing may have an interior including a first region and the ring filter element may include a second region associated with the first region. A guide contour may be arranged on one of the first region and the second region, and a first guide element and a second guide element may be disposed on the other of the first region and the second region. The guide contour may include a first axial groove and a second axial groove configured to receive the first guide element and the second guide element to define a key and lock interaction.
US09731234B2	Liquid pitcher including divided fluid filter for inlet and outlet filtering A liquid (water) pitcher that includes a pitcher having a liquid receiving aperture configured to allow a liquid (water) to be delivered into an interior liquid storage volume defined by at least one upwardly extending wall extending upward from a base and a liquid (water) filter positioned within the pitcher that includes a filter housing and at least one gravity-driven fluid treatment medium within the filter housing where the filter housing has a plurality of fluid intake apertures and at least one treated fluid outlet configured to deliver treated fluid into an internal volume of a vessel wherein the at least one fluid filtering medium treats the liquid at a rate of at least about one liter per minute while removing at least chlorine odor and chlorine taste components from the liquid (water).
US09731232B2	Liquid filter having a drainage valve A liquid filter having a housing and a hollow insert. The housing has a dirty liquid feed, a clean liquid outlet and a drainage channel, and is closed by a detachable cover. In the channel, a valve is arranged, having a valve body axially displaceable between a closed and an open position. The cover on the housing presses the valve body into the closed position. When the cover is removed from the housing, the valve body is carried to its open position and then is detachable from the cover or insert and is retainable in its open position by a spring holding element. The holding element automatically expands into the opening position by spring force and engages a spring element restraint holding the valve body in its open position. A force contracts the spring element, displacing the valve body in the closing direction, releasing engagement with the spring restraint.
US09731227B2	Household water filter element for removing radioactive substances The present invention relates to a filter element for disinfecting, cleaning and purifying household water, by removing pollutants such as heavy metals, bacteria, VOCs, and even radioactive substance. The present filter element comprises activated carbon, ion exchange resins (cationic and anionic), biopolymer and transitional metal oxide. Said biopolymer and transitional metal oxide are both in particle form and said transitional metal oxide particle can be either incorporated into the biopolymer particle or directly incorporated into the present filter element as individual particle. Maximum capacity of the present filter element can reach up to 150 L of household water. Some of the pollutants can be removed by up to 99% by the present filter element. A method of preparing the present filter element is also disclosed herein.
US09731226B2	Solution treatment apparatus and solution treatment method A solution treatment apparatus connected to a supply nozzle that supplies a treatment solution to a substrate, includes: a supply pipeline connecting a treatment solution storage container and the supply nozzle; a filter apparatus provided in the supply pipeline; a pump on a secondary side of the filter apparatus; a circulation pipeline connecting a discharge side of the pump and an intake side of the filter apparatus; a supply control valve provided in the supply pipeline on a secondary side of the pump; a circulation control valve provided in the circulation pipeline; and a control unit, wherein the control unit opens the circulation control valve and drives the pump when supply of the treatment solution from the supply nozzle to the substrate is stopped by closing the supply control valve, to thereby circulate the treatment solution between the supply pipeline having the filter apparatus and the circulation pipeline.
US09731225B2	Deaerator and method for deaeration A system for deaeration of a liquid comprises a heater for heating the liquid to a well-defined temperature, means for pressurizing the liquid, a first piping for guiding the heated liquid to a separation vessel, a vacuum pump for evacuating deaerated gases from the separation vessel, and a second piping for guiding the deaerated liquid from the separation vessel. The system further comprises an inert-gas supply and a mixer for supplying and mixing in inert gas into the liquid in the first piping. The vacuum pump is controllable to maintain a separation pressure in the separation vessel corresponding to a pressure at or slightly above the saturation pressure.
US09731224B2	Filter element and filter device A filter element for filtering a fluid has a first filter medium arranged in annular shape and surrounding an interior. A second filter medium is provided, wherein the first filter medium and the second filter medium separate a clean side of the filter element from a raw side of the filter element. The first filter medium and the second filter medium are arranged such that a fluid to be filtered flows from the raw side of the filter element to the clean side of the filter element in parallel through the first filter medium and the second filter medium. The first filter medium is liquid-permeable and gas-impermeable and the second filter medium is liquid-impermeable and gas-permeable.
US09731223B2	Device for separating two immiscible fluids of different densities by centrifugation A device for separating immiscible fluids of different densities from a liquid-containing emulsion, includes a longitudinal rotary drum having a longitudinal axis of rotation. The drum includes, longitudinally from upstream to downstream and between at least one upstream inlet and downstream outlets: a solid body rotation stage having an inlet and including at least one longitudinal inner partition for causing circumferential solid body rotation; a migration and coalescence stage including at least one longitudinal partition for causing circumferential solid body rotation, the partition delimiting at least one longitudinal channel communicating with the solid body rotation stage; and an extraction stage including at least one liquid outlet that has an overflow edge and extends along a longitudinal flow space communicating with the migration and coalescence stage via at least one longitudinal passage, and including a downstream liquid discharge space communicating with the outlet and connected to a downstream discharge port.
US09731222B2	Solvent extraction settler arrangement A solvent extraction settler arrangement comprises a settler (1) having a feed end (2) and a discharge end (3), said settler being arranged to separate solution phases from a dispersion fed from the feed end while the dispersion flows to the discharge end. Elongated discharge launders (4, 5) are arranged at the discharge end (3) of the settler for each solution phase to be separated from the dispersion, each discharge launder (4, 5) including a first end (6), an outlet (7, 8) arranged at the first end, and a closed second end (9). At least one of the discharge launders (4, 5) has a form of a conical tube with a cross-section converging from the first end (6) towards the second end (9) and an inclined bottom (10, 11) descending from the second end (9) towards the first end (6).
US09731221B2	Apparatus having polymer surfaces having a siloxane functional group An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed, including a collection area or tank having one or more collection surfaces configured to contact with a mixture having water and valuable material, the valuable material having a plurality of mineral particles of interest; and a synthetic material provided at least on the one or more collection surfaces, the synthetic material having plurality of molecules with a siloxane functional group configured to attract the mineral particles of interest to the collection surfaces. The one or more collection surfaces includes a conveyor belt that is driven through the collection area or tank, through a release area or tank, back through the collection area or tank. The mixture includes a pulp slurry having ground ore with mineral particles of interest forming part thereof, including mineral particles of interest of about 500 microns or larger.
US09731218B2	Water production, filtration and dispensing system A water production system with a thermal separation device that defines a cold region and a hot region, a fluid-air heat exchanger located remotely from the thermal separation device and exposed to air, and a fluid circulation loop that thermally connects the cold region of the thermal separation device to the fluid-air heat exchanger so as to cool the fluid-air heat exchanger and condense water from ambient air to produce water pure enough so that with further treatment it can be made potable. Also disclosed are filtration and dispensing features that are appropriate for a potable water supply.
US09731215B2	Systems and methods for collapsible structure applications Collapsible structures may be formed from planar solids. The structures may be comprised of multiple planar objects hingedly connected, where each planar object may include magnetic materials (e.g., magnets, ferromagnetic metals) or electromagnetic materials. Using the magnetic or electromagnetic materials, the connected planar objects may be arranged as a single planar object with multiple layers, or may be arranged as a three-dimensional (3-D) object, where the magnetic or electromagnetic materials may be used to retain the formed 3-D object shape. Application of a current to the electromagnetic materials may cause the collapsible structure to form the 3-D object, and removal of the electric current may cause the collapsible structure to revert to a single planar object. Multiple structures may be combined to form larger structures.
US09731211B2	On-board audio system for a model vehicle A realistic simulation of the dynamic sounds of a full-sized vehicle are created on a moving R/C Scale Model. A mounting apparatus supports an audio exciter in a model vehicle without any modification to the exciter. A full range of volume of sound may be produced by the exciter without limiting the range of movement of the exciter as volume is increased or decreased. The apparatus may limit the mechanical excursion of the exciter to prevent physical damage to the exciter. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for operating the audio exciter in a model vehicle.
US09731210B2	Toy vehicle launcher A toy vehicle launcher is disclosed. The launcher includes a cavity configured for receiving a plurality of toy vehicles. Furthermore, the launcher includes a launching mechanism that launches a single toy vehicle while loading the next vehicle into the launching position in a single action. Additionally, the launching mechanism includes an actuator for triggering the launching of the toy vehicles. Moreover, the launcher is configured for easy access to the storage of the plurality of toy vehicles in the cavity.
US09731206B2	Delegating video game tasks via a sharing service Video game tasks are delegated using a sharing service. A first computing device is configured to execute a game application. The first computing device can receive a request from a first user to delegate play of the game application to a second user so that the second user can attempt to complete a game task on behalf of the first user by controlling the game application from a second computing device that is associated with the second user. Control of the game application can be made available from the second computing device to the first computing device via a sharing session that is created and managed by a sharing service to which the first computing device and the second computing device are connected.
US09731205B2	Communication game system, game apparatus, server, storage medium storing a program, and game control method A communication game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses which are able to wirelessly communicate with each other. Each of the game apparatus registers identifying information of an opponent obtained by a short-distance wireless communication or by user's manual input in a friend list. Thereafter, the game apparatus connects to the Internet, and inquires whether it is possible to communicate with an opponent in the friend list over the network. If it is possible to communicate, the game apparatus obtains an address of the opponent to make a network communication. Even if a user makes a short distance wireless communication with a friend to exchange and register the identifying information or registers the friend by hand and then is parted from the friend, the user can safely communicate with the friend across the network without being exposed to unknown players. In a case that an additional opponent is to be added to the multiplayer game session, one of the participants transmits identifying information to introduce the communicating opponents to each other. The game apparatuses introduced to each other make a communication over a network, and add the identifying information of the opponents to the friend list, if necessary.
US09731204B2	Matchmaking system for massive multiplayer online games In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a matchmaking system for massive multiplayer online games. In one or more embodiments, the described matchmaking system is easily tunable enabling the gaming administrator to make quick adjustments to the parameters of the matchmaking system. The system is configured to provide game players with a fair gameplay experience across their entire career of matches. Fine tuning of the point values assigned to vehicles, the player-specific point modifiers, and the point ranges used for creating matches allows for long-term improvement to the matchmaking results. In one or more embodiments, the matchmaking system assigns points to each game player and a vehicle and relies on specific point ranges and values assigned to vehicle, and player specific point modifiers.
US09731194B2	Multi-platform gaming systems and methods A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.
US09731184B2	Exercise assistive device The present disclosure provides an exercise assistive device. The present disclosure also provides a method for estimating stamina level and a method for adjusting stamina category. The present disclosure further provides the several types and applications of the exercise assistive device.
US09731173B2	Golf club head and removable weight A golf club head and a removable weight that is received in a receptacle of the golf club head. The weight includes a cap and a slug. The cap is removably coupled to the receptacle and includes a recess that receives a portion of the slug so that the cap and slug are able to rotate relative to each other. The slug includes an anti-rotation feature that prevents relative rotation between the slug and the receptacle and a lead-in portion.
US09731171B2	Golf club with removable weight A golf club includes a golf club head having a sole, a crown, and a face. The golf club head defines a bore that has an outer cylindrical portion and a stop extending radially inward from the outer cylindrical portion. An elongate member is insertable within the bore. The elongate member includes a body portion and a protrusion extending radially outward from the body portion. The elongate member is rotatable within the bore between a first angular position and a second angular position, where the elongate member can be freely withdrawn from the bore while in the first angular position and is restrained from being freely withdrawn from the bore while in the second angular position. The stop is at least partially disposed in a path of the protrusion as the elongate member is rotated between the first angular position and the second angular position.
US09731167B2	Golf ball An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball striking a good balance between flight distance on driver shots and spin rate on approach shots, and excellent in stain resistance and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a paint film, wherein a base resin of the paint film contains a polyurethane obtained by a reaction between a polyisocyanate composition and a polyol composition containing a urethane polyol having a polyether diol with a number average molecular weight in a range from 800 to 3,000 as a constituent component, and the following requirements are satisfied: Mp≦200×X−75 Mp≦100 Minm−Moum>40 Moum−Mc<5 Tinm≧Toum>Tc>Tp (Tinm×Minm)/(Toum×Moum)>2.0 (Toum×Moum)/(Tc×Mc)<3.0 (Tc×Mc)/(Tp×Mp)>10.0 [where Mp, Minm, Moum, and Mc represent a 10% elastic modulus (kgf/cm2) of the paint film, inner intermediate layer, outer intermediate layer and cover, respectively; Tp, Tinm, Toum, and Tc represent a thicknesses (mm) of the paint film, inner intermediate layer, outer intermediate layer and cover, respectively; and X represents a molar ratio (NCO/OH) of a NCO group in the polyisocyanate composition to a OH group in the polyol composition.].
US09731165B2	Swing analyzing apparatus A swing analyzing apparatus includes at least an angular velocity sensor, an impact detection section, an angular velocity information calculation section, and an impact state judgment section. The impact detection section detects the timing of impact in a swing of a sporting good. The angular velocity information calculation section calculates at least one of the amount of change in angular velocity with respect to a predetermined axis in a predetermined period after the impact timing and the greatest value of the angular velocity based on data outputted form the angular velocity sensor. The impact state judgment section judges the state of impact based on the result calculated by the angular velocity information calculation section.
US09731164B1	Stationary bike comprising cylindrical elastic feet A stationary bike has a main frame. The main frame has a base that is configured to be laid on the ground. The base has its end surface facing the ground provided with a plurality of elastic feet that are arranged symmetrically with intervals therebetween for pressing on the ground. The elastic foot is made of a soft, elastic material and contains therein an inner space defined by a circular wall. When the elastic foot receives an external force from the base, the circular wall of the elastic foot deform correspondingly, thereby allowing the main frame to jolt and simulate road-riding experience.
US09731162B2	Free-motion dynamic resistance trainer for sports and rehabilitation movement training A free-motion dynamic resistance trainer to be used to train the muscular coordination, dynamic stability and gait mechanics of athletes and physical therapy patients. Adjustable tension shock cords or bungee cords and resistance tubing are used in conjunction with a spinal support harness and jib in order to allow for the adjustment of progressive resistance and to create a heightened sense of proprioceptive awareness in those muscles and joints that are meant to be targeted depending upon the particular movement pattern being exercised. While providing resistance to improve strength and stamina, the shock cords or bungee cords and resistance tubing simultaneously guide and assist the trainee through certain aspects of each movement in order to train muscle memory of the proper kinetic sequence and body positioning. The apparatus, which is meant to be worn, can be used during sport specific movements other than running, in order to train and improve performance in myriad sports and activities.
US09731161B2	System for linking dumbbells to increase the weight lifted by a user The present invention is a device configured to permit combining the weight of a first and second free weight such that a user could grasp one of the weights in order to lift the combined weights. Embodiments of the invention comprise a back panel connected to two side panels, the side panels each comprising a slot with an opening divided into two portions oriented such that a first free weight may be inserted into the slot of each panel and positioned into a first slot portion, followed by a second free weight positioned in the second slot portion of each panel to permit a user to increase the resistance available for an exercise regimen.
US09731158B1	Weight training assembly A weight training assembly includes a frame includes a first rail to which a slide member and multiple weights are connected. The slide member has a main rod with multiple through hole. Each weight has a transverse holes and longitudinal holes, each transverse hole has a pin received therein, and each longitudinal hole has a push rod received therein. A first spring is located between the pin and the weight. A second spring is located between the push rod and the weight. A push unit includes a push member which is located corresponding to the front sides of the weights. When the push member pushes the push rod from the first position to the second position, the pin moves from the third position to the third position and extends through one through hole to lock the weight to the main rod.
US09731147B2	Method and apparatus pertaining to the optimization of radiation-treatment plans using automatic changes to treatment objectives Optimization of a radiation-delivery treatment plan can be facilitated by permitting the making of automatic changes to one or more treatment objectives. This can comprise processing radiation-delivery treatment plan parameters with respect to one or more predetermined treatment objectives and then automatically changing that predetermined treatment objective to provide one or more changed treatment objectives (including altered, deleted, and/or added treatment objectives) that can then be used to at least attempt to optimize a radiation-delivery treatment plan. That predetermined treatment objective can comprise, for example, a treatment objective as regards a given treatment volume. The automatic changing of the predetermined treatment objective can occur in response to a variety of stimuli such as detecting a change with respect to a treatment condition such as a change in the presentation of a patient volume of interest.
US09731144B2	Light emitting element display device with light therapy device and method for driving the same A light emitting element display device can be used for light therapy. The device includes: a display panel including a plurality of light emitting elements; a retarder plate configured to convert light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements into circularly polarized light; and a selective polarizer configured to selectively convert light supplied from the retarder plate into linearly polarized light or allow penetration of the light.
US09731142B2	Magnetic stimulation in tissue-stimulating prostheses Presented herein are tissue-stimulating prostheses that deliver magnetic stimulation to a recipient. The magnetic stimulation is delivered to the nerve cells through the use of one or more implantable magnetic stimulation coils, such as stimulation coils and/or extra-cochlear stimulation coils.
US09731137B2	Systems and methods to identify the inability to exercise to desired capacity The current technology is relevant to a system having a programming device capable of communication with an implantable medical device, where the programming device is configured to identify a patient condition comprising the patient's inability to exercise to a desired capacity, configured to notify a clinical user of the identified condition and configured to identify a therapy appropriate for the identified condition.
US09731133B1	Systems and methods for systematically testing a plurality of therapy programs in patient therapy devices Methods for systematically testing a plurality of therapy programs in a spinal cord modulation system, and associated systems are disclosed. A representative method comprises loading a plurality of therapy programs into a signal generator, wherein individual therapy programs include parameters specifying electrode configuration, signal amplitude, and/or signal frequency. The programs are automatically activated for an automatically instructed period of time. The method includes automatically changing from one therapy program to another after the instructed period of time. The patient is queried for patient input corresponding to the therapy programs. The patient input is received via a remote. The patient input is correlated with a corresponding time of day and recorded in the signal generator. Thereafter, the patient input is retrieved from the signal generator.
US09731131B2	Pacemaker for unilateral vocal cord autoparalysis A method for treating a human subject having unilateral vocal cord paralysis includes sensing electrical activity of a dysfunctional muscle of the subject, generating at least one stimulation parameter, using a processor, based on the sensed electrical activity, and stimulating the dysfunctional muscle, using a stimulating electrode, based on the at least one stimulation parameter. A stimulation system is also provided.
US09731127B2	Modulation of autonomic nervous system activity and integrated electrode assemblies for trigeminal neurostimulation Cutaneous and subcutaneous TNS embodiments are disclosed for addressing autonomic nervous system imbalances. A cutaneous electrode assembly is applied to a patient's forehead, and a current is pulsed through the electrode assembly to stimulate the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves on the patient to increase activity for the patient's parasympathetic nervous system. Pulsing the current increases the power spectral density for the patient's heart rate variability in a 0.1 to 0.15 Hz frequency band.
US09731123B2	Pacemaker for spasmodic dysphonia A stimulation system and method for treating to a human subject having spasmodic dysphonia includes a sensing electrode configured to detect voice activity of a vocalizing muscle of the subject and to generate a first signal, and a processor configured to receive the first signal from the sensing electrode and to generate at least one stimulation parameter based on the first signal. The system further includes a mechanical actuator configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and to activate a glottic closure reflex of the subject in response to the stimulation parameter and a stimulating electrode configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and stimulate the recurrent laryngeal nerve or the vagus nerve of the subject based on the stimulation parameter.
US09731121B2	Switch validation circuit and method A switch-operated therapeutic agent delivery device is described. Embodiments of the operated therapeutic agent delivery device include a switch that can be operated by a user, a device controller connected to the switch through a switch input where the device can actuate the device when certain predetermined conditions are met, following performance of both a digital switch validation test and an analog switch validation test.
US09731120B2	Uterine electrical stimulation system and method Some embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for treating insufficient uterine contractions after labor and delivery. The system includes a control module and a current source controlled by the control module to produce stimulating current at a frequency greater than or equal to about 5.0 Hertz. The system also includes one or more stimulation electrodes to provide the stimulating current to the patient in order for the patient to produce tonic uterine contractions.
US09731119B2	System and method for implantable medical device lead shielding An implantable medical device (IMD) can include a cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Various portions of the IMD, such as a device body, a lead body, or a lead tip, can be provided to reduce or dissipate a current and heat induced by various external environmental factors. According to various embodiments, features can be incorporated into the lead body, the lead tip, or the IMD body to reduce the creation of an induced current, or dissipate the induced current and heat created due to an induced current in the lead. For example, an IMD can include at least one outer conductive member and a first electrode. The first electrode can be in electrical communication with the at least one outer conductive member. The first electrode can dissipate a current induced in the at least one outer conductive member via a first portion of the anatomical structure.
US09731116B2	Charge pump system, devices and methods for an implantable stimulator A medical device for providing an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient includes a microcontroller configured to generate a plurality of electrical pulses and a control signal. The medical device includes a stimulation driver coupled to the microcontroller. The stimulation driver is configured to amplify the electrical pulses into amplified electrical pulses to be delivered to the patient as a part of the electrical stimulation therapy. The medical device includes a battery configured to supply a first voltage. The medical device includes a voltage up-converter coupled between the battery and the stimulation driver. The voltage up-converter is configured to convert, in response to the control signal from the microcontroller, the first voltage to a compliance voltage for the stimulation driver. The compliance voltage is a fraction of the first voltage, and the fraction is greater than 1.
US09731115B2	System and method for muscle reconditioning and neural rehabilitation A method for treating a patient requiring conditioning of one or more muscle groups comprises applying electrical stimulation to a ventral epidural space of the patient, thereby activating the muscles. The method includes conveying the stimulation energy to one or more motor efferents associated with the muscles through respective one or more electrodes implanted within the ventral epidural space, and thus activating the muscles.
US09731113B2	Collapsing coil coupling for lead extension and extraction A device for extending a lead according to some embodiments includes a body, a coil element coupled to the body, the body configured to cover the coil element during use, the coil element comprising an inner lumen sized to receive an outer surface of a lead, the coil element is movable between a first configuration in which the coil element slides over the lead, and a second configuration in which at least some coils grip the outer surface of the lead; an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the coil element, the actuation mechanism configured to move the coil element between the first and second configurations; and a tether coupled to the lead via the body, the coil element, and/or actuation mechanism, the tether configured to extend further proximally than a proximal-most end of the lead and configured to transfer tension force applied to the tether to the lead.
US09731111B2	Systems and methods for making and using improved connectors for electrical stimulation systems A connector for an implantable medical device includes a lumen extending from a port defined along a length of a connector housing. Axially-spaced-apart connector couplers are disposed along the lumen and are configured to couple to a proximal end of an inserted lead or lead extension. Each of the connector couplers includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced-apart coupling members and at least one elastic member. The plurality of circumferentially-spaced-apart coupling members each have inner surfaces and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the coupling members are configured and arranged to couple to the proximal end of the lead or lead extension when the proximal end of the lead or lead extension is inserted into the lumen. The at least one elastic member couples the coupling members to one another such that a distance between the coupling members is expandable.
US09731110B2	Cosmetology device A device for applying electrical stimulation to a surface of the human body utilizes a calibrated, pre-arranged pattern of conducting, current emitting elements to distribute current throughout an entire surface at once, such as human face, without needing to alter the device to accommodate various are sizes, including varying face sizes.
US09731105B2	Micro infusion device for drug delivery A device introduced small volumes of fluid for delivery to a patient through a fluid line. The device includes a first arm adapted to receive a syringe and a second arm fluidly connected to an upstream reservoir that defines an internal volume adapted to receive a volume of fluid. The device includes a fluid obstruction mechanism configured to selectably block flow of fluid from the reservoir toward the patient, wherein the fluid obstruction mechanism transitions between a first state that permits fluid flow from the reservoir toward the patient and a second state that directs fluid flow from the syringe into the reservoir while blocking fluid flow from the reservoir toward the patient.
US09731104B2	Implantable dual reservoir access port A dual reservoir access port includes a base having proximal and distal fluid reservoirs. The fluid reservoirs each comprise a bottom and a side wall. A dual prong outlet stem projects from a distal end of the base and comprises a first prong and a second prong. A first fluid channel extends through the first prong to the distal reservoir, and a second fluid channel extends through the second prong to the proximal fluid reservoir. A puncture shield is disposed between at least a portion of the second fluid channel and the bottom of the distal fluid reservoir. A needle-penetrable septum is disposed atop of each of the fluid reservoirs. A cap is placed over and around the port base compressing and sealing the septa against the base. A locking collar may be placed over a dual lumen catheter to lock the catheter to the dual prong outlet stem.
US09731103B1	Computerized oral prescription administration devices and associated systems and methods Computerized oral prescription administration (COPA) devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a substance dispensing apparatus includes a mouthpiece having a recess sized and shaped to mate with an intended user's dentition; a sensing element coupled to the mouthpiece and configured to determine whether the intended user's dentition is positioned within the recess; and an actuator coupled to the mouthpiece and in communication with the sensing element, the actuator configured to dispense a substance from a reservoir coupled to the mouthpiece in response to the sensing element determining that the intended user's dentition is positioned within the recess.
US09731102B2	Adjustable resistance, gravitationally activated, anti-siphon valve An anti-siphon drainage device having a housing forming an internal chamber, an inlet and outlet ports part of the internal chamber and fluidly connected by a primary flow path. A valve seat is associated with the primary flow path, a sloped section extends from the valve seat, and a valve element disposed in the sloped section and can seat in the valve seat to restrict a fluid flow into the primary flow path from the inlet port. A secondary flow path can have an opening near the inlet port and an orifice near the outlet port. A regulator has an aperture to selectively open and close the opening of the secondary flow path. When the valve element is seated in the valve seat and restricting the fluid flow into the primary flow path, the fluid flows into the secondary flow path.
US09731101B2	Method of using a system for draining cerebral spinal fluid A drainage system that includes a ventricular catheter, a drainage catheter, and a positive displacement pump that can function to actively drain CSF from the ventricles of the brain of a patient. The pump can include, for example, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, a rotor pump, a peristaltic pump, or a screw pump.
US09731099B2	Apparatus and methods for treating obstructions within body lumens An apparatus is provided that operable in different modes to perform various functions for treating a body lumen. The apparatus includes a shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending therebetween, and a balloon on the distal end having an interior communicating with the lumen. The apparatus includes a valve on the distal end that selectively opens or closes an outlet communicating with the lumen. With the valve open, fluid introduced into the lumen exits the outlet into a body lumen. With the valve closed, fluid introduced into the lumen expands the balloon. The apparatus also includes an actuator for axially compressing the balloon, and a helical member extends between ends of the balloon interior that expands the balloon from a contracted condition to an expanded helical shape when the actuator is activated.
US09731098B2	Wire centering sheath and method The present disclosure is directed, in one embodiment, to a wire centering sheath system in which wires outwardly extend from a sheath to brace against a vessel wall. The wire centering sheath system may be used to center endovascular devices.
US09731096B2	Catheter or guide wire manipulating device for vascular intervention A catheter or guide wire manipulating device for vascular intervention is provided, comprising a thumb component (3), a forefinger component (4), a driving component (1) and a catheter/guide wire support component (2); the thumb component comprises a roller (7) configured to advance or retreat the catheter/guide wire; the thumb component (3) is configured to drive the catheter/guide wire to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise through a combination motion of the components; the forefinger component (4) is configured to cooperate with the thumb component (3) to implement the rotation and the advancement of the catheter/guide wire by moving manually away from the thumb component, and returning by a pull force of a spring (23) after being released; the driving component (1) is configured to drive the thumb component (3) and the forefinger component (4); the catheter/guide wire support component (2) comprises a Y adapter fixation configured to install a Y adapter and an entry support configured to support and guide the catheter/guide wire into a mechanism.
US09731094B2	Introducer sheath having dual reinforcing elements An introducer sheath for deploying a stent to a target site within a body passageway of a patient. The introducer sheath includes a tubular inner liner having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an outer surface. A first reinforcing element, and a second reinforcing element are positioned along the outer surface of the inner liner. The first reinforcing element comprises a braid the second reinforcing element comprises a coil. The braid is positioned at the proximal portion of the inner liner and extends distally therefrom. The coil is positioned at the distal portion longitudinally adjacent the braid. The braid has a length that may extend about 90% of the length of the sheath. An outer jacket is positioned longitudinally around the reinforcing elements, and is connected to the inner liner between the respective wires of the braid and the coil.
US09731093B2	Catheter assembly/package utilizing a hydrating/hydrogel sleeve and a foil outer layer and method of making and using the same A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a fluid containing sleeve, and a container. The catheter may include a tubular portion between a proximal end and a distal end, a coating on a length of the tubular portion, and at least one drainage opening on the distal end. The fluid containing sleeve is designed for arrangement on the tubular portion to maintain the coating in a hydrated state. The container may have at least one foil inner layer containing therein the catheter and the fluid containing sleeve. Substantially or nearly all fluid contained in the container may be disposed in the fluid containing sleeve.
US09731088B2	Dry powder nebulizer A dry powder delivery device may be configured to provide micronized dry powder particles to airways of a user. The device may include a cylindrical container delimiting a chamber containing at least one magnetically-responsive object, a motor external to said chamber, a magnet external to the chamber and rotatably coupled with the motor, and an outflow member configured to direct airflow to a user. The magnetically-responsive object may be coated with micronized dry powder particles, and the motor may be operable to rotate the magnet about an axis. Rotation of the magnet creates a magnetic field that causes the magnetically-responsive object to move in response to the magnetic field and collide with a side wall of the container to deaggregate the dry powder particles and aerosolize the dry powder in the chamber.
US09731086B2	Device for detecting moisture for an arrangement for monitoring an access to a patient A device for detecting moisture for an arrangement for monitoring an access to a patient for a system by which, via a flexible line, a liquid is fed to a patient and/or a liquid is fed out from the patient, and in particular for monitoring the vascular access in extra-corporeal blood treatment and particularly for monitoring a central venous catheter for acute dialysis includes at least a portion which can be deformed into a sleeve and placed around the circumference of the flexible line or of a connecting system. The portion in sleeve form has fastening means for fixing it in place in the position in which it surrounds the flexible line or the connecting system. The portion in sleeve form allows the device to be fastened quickly and securely to a flexible line or a connecting system.
US09731084B2	Device and method for drug delivery A therapeutic treatment device, system and method for improving administration of a temperature sensitive drug into a tissue on the body of a patient at a drug injection site are disclosed. The device includes a treatment element with a controllable heating element in temperature communicative contact with the tissue adjacent to the drug injection site. The controllable heating element is configured to heat the tissue adjacent to the drug injection site to a controllable temperature but does not heat the injected drug above a predetermined limiting temperature, above which degradation of the injected drug may occur.
US09731081B2	Contact trigger release needle guard with elastic spring A needle guard device mountable to a pre-filled syringe in its ready-to-fill state. The device includes a device shield interconnected to a lock collar with flexible member and biased to move relative to the lock collar. The lock collar interfaces with the syringe neck to attach the device to the syringe. As the device shield moves proximally, rotation arms of the lock collar interact with angled cutouts in the device shield, causing the device shield to rotate relative to the lock collar and disengaging one or more keys on the device shield from one or more keyways in the lock collar triggering the device shield to move from a first configuration in which the device shield is retractable to expose a syringe sharp to a second configuration in which the device shield is fixedly positioned to cover the syringe sharp.
US09731079B2	Drive assembly suitable for use in a medication delivery device and medication delivery device A drive assembly for a medication delivery device comprising a housing, a drive member moveable in the proximal direction for setting a dose of the medication and in the distal direction for delivering the dose, a piston rod driven by the drive member in the distal direction during movement of the drive member in the distal direction for delivering the dos. A restriction member for restricting proximal movement of the piston rod during proximal movement of the drive member by mechanical interaction of the restriction member with a stop feature of the piston rod. The restriction member and the stop feature are arranged for the piston rod to be moved proximally a first distance during a first proximal movement of the drive member before the restriction member and the stop feature interact mechanically.
US09731078B2	Syringe for injecting solid granular material A syringe for injecting solid, hard and rough granular material includes: a longitudinal injection chamber having constant section and an internal diameter of less than 4.5 mm, having a distal outlet mouth for the flow out of the material, whose surface is the same as the injection chamber, and a proximal mouth, in which granular material is inserted; a plunger sealedly mobile along the injection chamber, joined to a stem which enters the injection chamber through the proximal mouth, the plunger having: a transversal section which sealingly couples with the surface of the injection chamber, and having an operative surface, facing towards the distal mouth of the injection chamber; and a body projecting longitudinally internally of the injection chamber, fixed substantially axially to the operating surface of the plunger, having a diameter that is less than 70% of that of the injection chamber and a length greater than 6 mm.
US09731076B2	Multi-compartment pre-filled mixing syringes with bypass The present invention is directed to a multi-compartment medical device for segregated storage and on demand mixing of at least two components and expression of a resulting mixture from the device having a tubular barrel with an opening and a gasket sealing the rear end through which a plunger is axially slidable within the tubular barrel. At least one bypass is provided in the barrel in order to enable fluid movement of the components between front and rear compartments and rear compartments. The present invention is also directed to methods for the use of such devices.
US09731060B2	Automated pre-filtration air management and filtration systems and methods Filtration systems and methods using a pump and pressure sensor are provided for improved efficiency in fluid filtration systems. A filtration system includes a pre-filter container joined to a post-filter container by a filter line having a filter. To reduce the time required for filtration a pump and pressure sensor are included in a filter inlet flow path. The pump also is used to provide air management in the system via pre-filtration evacuation of air from at least the filter.
US09731057B2	Removable heart pump, and method implemented in such a pump The heart pump includes: a rotary impeller inserted in the systemic ventricle, the rotary impeller being provided with: a sealing membrane sutured onto the outer wall of the heart so as to secure the rotary impeller to the wall of the heart; a casing arranged inside the systemic ventricle such as to be able to suction and then discharge the blood; a preferably brushless motor connected to the casing and arranged inside the systemic ventricle and/or in the body of the ventricle, so as to facilitate maintenance; a managing unit installed in the epigastric region and including a preferably rechargeable power source and a unit for controlling the rotary impeller; a wired link between the managing unit and the rotary impeller; and a system for transmitting haemodynamic and rhythmic data measured by the heat pump via telemedicine.
US09731051B2	Pacemaker lead and other medical implant devices An implantable medical device for electrical stimulation or sensing includes a body supporting at least one flexible elongate conductor element. The body includes an insulating structure that protects the flexible conductor element(s). The insulating structure is realized from multiple polymer layers wherein at least one of the polymer layers is formed from a polymer blend of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and an isobutylene block copolymer. In one particular embodiment, the insulating structure of the body includes at least a first polymer layer, a second polymer layer and a third polymer layer, where the second polymer layer covers and interfaces to the first polymer layer, and the third polymer layer covers and interfaces to the second polymer layer. The first polymer layer is formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane material. The third polymer layer is formed from an isobutylene block copolymer. The intermediate second polymer layer is compatible with the particular polymers of the first and third polymer layers and is formed from a polymer blend of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and an isobutylene block copolymer.
US09731049B2	Catheters with high-purity fluoropolymer additives The present invention provides catheter compositions that provide anti-thrombogenic properties while not adversely impacting mechanical properties. All embodiments of the present invention comprise a catheter that comprises a fluoropolymer additive with specific compositions and/or purity levels.
US09731046B2	Hydrogel system comprising spatially separated bioactive polypeptides The present invention provides a multi-compartment hydrogel, and a sulfated polysaccharide and at least two bioactive polypeptides capable of binding said sulfated polysaccharide, for use in repair or regeneration of a damaged tissue in a mammal. Also provided is a method for constructing the multi-compartment hydrogel. The present invention also provides a method for the repair or regeneration of a damaged tissue in a mammal, and a kit for constructing a multi-compartment hydrogel.
US09731045B2	Shape memory polymer A polymer is composed of a linear chain acrylate and a multi-functional acrylate cross-linker. The polymerized composition exhibits a transition at a temperature between about 34° C. and about 50° C. The polymerized composition exhibits shape memory effects. In one embodiment, the linear chain is tert-butyl acrylate and the crosslinker is polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The resultant shape memory polymers may be used in medical devices to provide devices with different shapes for pre and post implantation.
US09731044B2	Biopolymer system for tissue sealing A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises alkylated chitosan or a gelatin, and a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, in an aqueous medium. The premix can also include a dehydrating reagent, a carboxyl activating reagent, or both. A specific use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.
US09731043B2	Embolizing sclerosing hydrogel A sclerosing embolizing hydrogel comprising from about 0.1% by weight to about 4.0% by weight of chitosan; from about 0.01M to about 1M of hydrochloric acid; from 0% by volume to about 40% by volume of iopamidol; from 0.5% by weight to about 25% by weight of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt; and from about 0.05% by weight to about 4% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate. Also a kit for synthesizing the hydrogel and a method using the hydrogel to treat a vascular defect in a subject.
US09731042B2	Absorbent article comprising complexed or encapsulated reactive compounds Absorbent articles comprising one or more complexed or encapsulated compounds compounds selected from: melonal, adoxal, trans-2-hexenal, ligustral, Floral Super, Florhydral, 5-methyl-2-thiophene-carboxaldehyde, hydratropic aldehyde, undecenal, 9-undecenal, 10-undecenal, trans-4-decenal, cis-6-nonenal, isocyclocitral, precyclemone b, (E)-2,(z)-6-nonadienal, undecyl aldehyde, methyl-octyl-acetaldehyde, Lauric aldehyde, silvial, vanillin, floralozone; are particularly effective in reducing malodors coming from degradation of proteinaceous materials such as food, menses or feces.
US09731040B2	Sanitization apparatuses, kits, and methods Sanitization apparatuses, kits, and methods, such as, for example, for pens, styluses, handles, remote controls, and pagers.
US09731038B2	Nasal canula cover A protective cover for a nasal cannula completely encloses the two prongs of the nasal cannula when properly installed. This protective cover will keep the nasal cannula from contacting potentially unclean surfaces when the nasal cannula is not in use. An optional UV light may be present in the protective cover to provide UV cleaning of the nasal cannula prongs when the cover is closed.
US09731037B2	Scanning suspension comprising a particle with a diameter of at least 1 micrometer The invention provides a scanning suspension comprising a particle which is capable of at least in part disturbing a magnetic field, wherein said particle comprises a diameter of at least 1 μm, and use thereof for obtaining a scanning image. Preferably, said particle comprises holmium and a composition capable of essentially maintaining its structure during irradiation. A particle of the invention is suitable for preparing a kit of parts, comprising a diagnostic and a therapeutic composition which both comprise particles of the invention with essentially the same chemical structure, wherein said therapeutic composition is more radioactive than said diagnostic composition. Said kit of parts is especially suitable for treatment of a tumor. First, the distribution of a particle of the invention within an individual can be determined with a scanning image obtained with said scanning composition. Subsequently, a radioactive therapeutic composition can be administered, wherein a suitable dose of said therapeutic composition is derived from said scanning image.
US09731036B2	CEACAM1 mediated protective immunity The presently described technology relates to the modulation of specific immune responses to create a protective immunity in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and diseases requiring the transplantation of tissue. In particular, the present technology relates to the supression of immune responses in a targeted fashion, by increasing the functional concentration of the CEACAM1 protein in a target tissue to create a localized protective immunity for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and diseases requiring the transplantation of tissue.
US09731014B2	Use of SLURP1 as an imunomodulatory molecule in the ocular surface Methods for treating inflammation are disclosed, such as for treating ocular inflammation. In some embodiments, the ocular inflammation is inflammation of an ocular surface, such as keratitis. The methods include administering to a subject with inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of SLURP1, or a nucleic acid encoding SLURP1, thereby treating the inflammation.
US09731013B2	Devices for thermally induced transformations controlled by irradiation of functionalized fullerenes An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation.
US09731010B2	Methods and compositions for enhanced immunological therapy and targeting of gram-positive bacteria The present invention relates to methods and compositions for use in modulating, including inhibiting the growth and/or reducing the virulence of, gram-positive bacteria. The present invention provides methods and compositions for disrupting the cell wall and/or cell membrane in gram-positive bacteria such that cell wall or cell membrane target(s) are rendered exposed or accessible and sensitive to a modulation thereof. Methods for modulation of one or more gram-positive bacterial cell wall or cell membrane targets in a gram-positive bacteria are provided comprising disrupting the cell wall such that the cell wall or cell membrane target, which is particularly a sortase, is rendered exposed or accessible and sensitive to a modifying, modulating or binding agent, which is particularly an antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the cell wall or cell membrane target is inaccessible or relatively insensitive to the modifying, modulating or binding agent in the absence of cell wall disruption.

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