| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09051143B2 |
Sheet conveyer and image reading apparatus
A sheet conveyer, including a first roller to rotate to convey a sheet in a conveying direction; a separator arranged to be opposed to the first roller and configured to nip the sheet and to separate the sheet from other sheets; a multiple sheet sensor arranged in a downstream position with respect to the first roller and configured to sense presence of multiple sheets, the multiple sheet sensor including an emitter and a receiver; and a second roller arranged in a downstream position with respect to the multiple sheet sensor and configured to convey the separated sheet, is provided. A component being at least one of the emitter and the receiver is arranged in an outer side position with respect to the separator, and at least a part of the component is arranged in an inner side position with respect to the second roller. |
| US09051130B2 |
Transport unit and transport apparatus
The present invention provides a transport unit comprising a base member, a transport mechanism and a positioning mechanism. The base member includes a bottom wall extending in a transport direction and a pair of side walls standing upright from two side portions, respectively, of the bottom wall. The transport mechanism is supported by the base member and transports an object to be transported. The positioning mechanism is supported by the base member, and positions the object relative to the base member. |
| US09051127B2 |
Grain auger protection system
The present invention is a grain auger protection system that includes an electric motor that generates power to operate the system that is shut-off when movement by a person is detected by the system, a motor cord that is an electrical cord that runs from the motor and a grain bin doorway that receives the motor cord running from the motor that allows a person access to the system. The system also includes a motion detector sensor that includes a circuit controller, a motion detector eye, a controller sensor, a sensor cable, a control circuit and a voltage line that is connected to the motor and terminates the system when movement by the person is detected, a plurality of cords to a controller and a bin sweep auger that is controlled by the system that sweeps a grain bin being protected by the system. |
| US09051125B2 |
Conveying unit for thermoform packaging machine
The invention relates to a conveying unit for guiding and conveying a material web in a thermoform packaging machine, comprising, on either longitudinal side of a machine frame, a conveyor chain, a chain wheel and a guide device. A chain link of the conveyor chain and a clamp guide can be implemented together and in one piece as a shaped part. |
| US09051123B2 |
Drop chute assembly for paper handling system
A paper transport system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a drop chute assembly. The first conveyor has a belt for transporting paper disposed at a first elevation. The second conveyor has a belt for transporting paper disposed at a second elevation that is different from the first elevation. The drop chute assembly is positioned between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The drop chute assembly is configured to receive paper from the first conveyor and output the paper to the second conveyor. |
| US09051122B2 |
Idler roller conveyor system
An idler roller conveyor uses paired rollers set at an acute angle to each other with the rollers being coplanar and skewed toward opposite sides of a perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the conveyor. Roller pairs are preferably mounted in sub-frames that pivot about on an axis transverse to the conveyor's longitudinal axis. This arrangement produces opposing transverse forces that are subtractive to result in negligible resultant transverse forces that are unlikely to make an object veer off course. |
| US09051121B2 |
Medium conveyance mechanism
The present invention may lower the cost, save space and simplify assembly in a medium conveyance mechanism that conveys a medium with a pair of conveyance rollers provided facing each other. Namely, the medium conveyance mechanism is disposed with a torsion spring including a coil portion and arms at both ends of the coil portion; a first fixing wall that fixes one arm of the torsion spring; and a second fixing wall that fixes the coil portion at an opposite side from the first fixing wall, wherein the other arm of the torsion spring is made to contact a following roller shaft at the first fixing wall side. |
| US09051120B2 |
Control system for storage and retrieval systems
A warehouse storage and retrieval system including an array of multilevel storage racks having at least one transfer deck, picking isles and storage areas disposed along picking isles, the storage areas being configured to hold differing loads, and a controller including a management module configured to variably size the storage areas of the array of multilevel storage rack modules and assign each of the variably sized storage areas to a corresponding one of the differing loads, wherein the storage and retrieval system is arranged to transport the differing loads for placement in the variably sized storage areas assigned by the controller. |
| US09051119B2 |
Bag retention system and field configurable waste and recycling receptacles and systems employing same
A bag retention system and field configurable waste and recycling receptacle and receptacle systems that employ same. The bag retention system includes a peripheral side wall element having an upper portion defining an opening for receiving at least one bag, the peripheral side wall element having a bag opening and support member (e.g. an outwardly extending flange) about which an upper portion of a bag can be wrapped, and a tensioning element located below the flange and coupled to and extending outwardly from the side wall element, the tensioning element having means for releasably securing excess material from an upper portion of a bag, whereby a bag can be inserted in the opening with an upper portion thereof folded over and tightened around flange by pulling the upper portion of the bag taut around the flange and releasably securing the excess material to the tensioning element. |
| US09051117B2 |
Actuator for opening and closing lid for bulk storage bin
An actuator opens and closes a lid on a bulk storage container. The actuator may be activated remotely using a remote control. When actuated, the actuator will lift the lid so that it is clear of the structure, and will then rotate the lid in a horizontal plan about a vertical axis until the lid is rotated to uncover the opening. The axis of rotation is located near the perimeter of the opening, so that very little of the lid remains over the opening when in the open position. To close the lid from the open position, the remote control may then again be used to actuate the closing process. The closing process works in reverse of the opening process. Therefore, during closing, the lid will rotate back to its original orientation over the hole and then lower into the closed position. |
| US09051114B2 |
Foreign object barrier device for bulk material conveying ducts
A device disposable between upstream and downstream openings of components conveying a fine bulk material, including a housing displaceable between such component openings, having an opening therethrough for conducting such material, and at least one conduit supported on such housing, spanning the opening in such housing, in the path of the flow of such material therethrough, formed of a porous material, connectable to a source of fluid. |
| US09051111B2 |
Pallet
The present invention provides a pallet, which includes a base board and secondary boards movably coupled to the base board with coupling axles arranged therebetween. Each coupling axle includes a base from which an extension section extends. The extension section forms a plurality of flexible engagement keys. The base board forms receiving sections corresponding to the bases and track channels corresponding to the extension sections. Each track channel forms therein a plurality of groups of retention slots corresponding to the flexible engagement keys. The bases are respectively received in the receiving slots and movable in the receiving slots. The engagement keys are receivable in and retained by the retention slots to retain the coupling axles in the base boards. The extension sections have free ends respectively fixed in the secondary boards to movably couple the secondary boards to the base boar. |
| US09051109B2 |
Testing apparatus for testing a gas and/or combustion product detector
Apparatus is provided which comprises a container arranged to contain a material dispensable as a spray, aerosol or particulate through an outlet aperture, and a spacer member, wherein the spacer member is movable between a first position which is convenient for carrying and/or storage and a second position which determines a minimum distance between the outlet aperture and the target surface area or object for the spray, aerosol or particulate. Preferably, the spacer member when in the first position can inhibit the spray, aerosol or particulate from directly impacting the target surface, area or object. |
| US09051108B2 |
Shroud and dispensing system for a handheld container
A dispensing system includes a shroud having a gripping portion. An actuation area of the shroud is between about 15% to about 95% of a surface area of the gripping portion. |
| US09051102B2 |
Carrier capable of hanging from a side of a container
A carrier has a bottom, a plurality of side panels connected to the bottom, and a handle panel. The handle panel is connected to one of the side panels or the bottom and includes a first slot being angled relative to a plane formed by the bottom, and a second slot being angled relative to the plane formed by the bottom and being angled relative to the first slot. The handle panel folds over a container to accommodate the shape of the container and to facilitate penetration of a handle of the container through the first slot. The handle panel folds over the container to accommodate the shape of the container and to facilitate penetration of the handle of the container through the second slot. |
| US09051101B2 |
Packaging material comprising magnetisable portions
A packaging material comprising a plurality of magnetisable portions thereon comprising at least one spot per package to be formed from the packaging material is disclosed. At least one of the magnetisable portions, per package, provides a first magnetic mark carrying a magnetic field pattern, and another of the magnetisable portions, per package, provides a second magnetic mark carrying a magnetic field pattern. |
| US09051097B1 |
Apparatus for deterring and detecting tampering with a bottleneck cap of a bottle and method for the same
A method, an apparatus and a kit that provides for deterring and for deterring and detecting the tampering of a bottle. A latex covering is placed over a bottleneck of a bottle and a zip tie is then wrapped around the circumference of the bottleneck. The zip tie preferably has a custom name and serial number thereon. |
| US09051096B2 |
Sealing ring
A sealing ring is an elastic annular member with an engaging groove for insertion of an insertion member. The engaging groove includes a sealing surface and an opposite abutting surface which is inclined from the bottom of the engaging groove toward the open end of the engaging groove, so that the open end of the engaging groove is narrower than the bottom of the engaging groove. When the insertion member is inserted in the engaging groove, the abutting surface and the sealing surface will transmit pressure to make the abutting surface of the abutting portion and the sealing surface of the sealing lip of the sealing ring are pressed against two sides of the inserted insertion member. Therefore, the sealing performance of the sealing ring is improved. |
| US09051095B2 |
Sealing overcap for a container
An overcap is provided for use in sealing a container of the type having an outer rim, an inside wall surface, and an inner rim spaced inwardly from the inside wall surface, with the inner rim forming a container opening. A flexing portion is formed within the body portion of the overcap and is moveable between a first sealing position and a second sealing position. The flexing portion includes a downwardly depending wall member positioned adjacent the inside wall surface of the container in the first sealing position. A sealing plug is provided and is moveable between the first sealing position and the second sealing position. The sealing plug includes a peripheral surface dimension for frictional engagement with the inner rim, releasably closing of the opening in the second sealing position. The sealing plug is separated from the inner rim in the first sealing position. |
| US09051094B2 |
Closure with obliquely angled cam surfaces on inner and outer parts
A closure (22) for a bottle (20) containing carbonated beverages. The closure (22) comprises an inner part (28) and an outer part (24). The inner part (28) is adapted to receive a portion of a finish of the bottle (20) and includes a plurality of outwardly extending first cam surfaces (32) that are obliquely angled to the longitudinal axis of the closure (24). The outer part (24) is adapted to fit substantially over the inner part (28), the outer part (24) including a plurality of inwardly extending second cam surfaces (34) that are obliquely angled to the longitudinal axis of the closure (22). The outer part (24) is movable relative to the inner part (28) between a closed position in which at least a portion of the outer part (24) urges at least a portion of the inner part (28) against the neck to resist disengagement of the inner part (28) from the finish and an open position in which the inner part (28) allows disengagement of the inner (28) part from the finish. When the outer part (24) is in the closed position: applying a longitudinally directed force to the outer part (24), relatively away from the inner part (28), causes the outer part (24) to move longitudinally relative to the inner part (28) towards the open position as the first cam surfaces (32) travel relatively longitudinally away from the second cam surfaces (24); and twisting the outer part in a first direction about the longitudinal axis relative to the inner part (28) drives the inner and outer parts longitudinally towards the open position as the second cam surfaces (34) travel relatively along the first cam surfaces (32). |
| US09051089B2 |
Drink cup and lid
A liquid container includes a brim forming an opening into a liquid reservoir chamber formed in the cup. A lid is coupled to the brim to form more than one seal with the container. The lid includes lid-removal blocker walls arranged to engage undercuts formed in the cup to retain the lid in a mounted position on the cup closing the opening into the liquid reservoir chamber. |
| US09051087B1 |
Sanitary cover for airplane tray including pocket for personal use
A sanitary pocket that fits over the tray table on a commercial airplane flight having two parts wherein the first part slips over the tray when it is its horizontal position. When the tray is returned to its upright vertical position, the first pocket is held in place by the securing device that secures the tray in its upright position while a second pocket hangs down from the first pocket that allows the traveler to place his or her items therein, with the peace of mind of knowing that the pocket has not been previously used by an uncountable number of persons and that the pocket is as clean and sanitary as the user dictates. Furthermore, advertising could be displayed on the pocket when in the upright position. Additionally, graphics, including game boards could be used on the first pocket when the tray is in the in-use position allowing for games, as well as providing a clean tablecloth for the user. |
| US09051085B2 |
Container with air freshener
A container for dispensing a pourable composition and an air freshener, the container comprising: a container body for the pourable composition, and an air freshening unit attached or attachable to a lower periphery of the container body, and comprising a housing and a closure. The closure closes an aperture in the housing through which the air freshener is loadable into the air freshener unit and thereby retains the air freshener in the air freshener unit, and the closure and the air freshener housing are mutually engageable. |
| US09051084B2 |
Internal liquid drainage and removal container liner
An internal liner for a cooler is provided having a base attached to a set of side walls with handles along the uppermost edge thereof. The base includes a plurality of apertures disposed along its surface to allow liquid to pass therethrough. The liner is placed into a cooler or similar container prior to normal use. When ice is used in conjunction with a cooler, it melts and forms standing water. The liner holds stored items within the cooler and can be lifted from the cooler to separate the contents from the water, thus allowing a user to pour out excessive water from the cooler without displacing its contents. The liner provides a method to efficiently separate standing water from stored items within a cooler when utilized in conjunction with water, where the user desires to remove water from within the cooler. |
| US09051082B1 |
Beach glass and cooperating caddy for storing or transporting
A glass that is self-supporting in a substance consisting of sand, earth, snow, water or vegetation. The glass includes a bowl, a stem, and apparatus that maintains the glass upright in the substance consisting of sand, earth, snow, water or vegetation. The stem depends from the bowl to a point so as to form a spike. The spike of the stem inserts into the substance consisting of sand, earth, snow, water or vegetation. |
| US09051081B2 |
Vent opening mechanism
A drink can has a drink opening and a vent opening. These openings are positioned opposite from each other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user's finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user's finger. |
| US09051077B2 |
Front-rollover and hammer-lock container
A front-rollover-style and hammer lock shipping container formed from a one-piece unitary blank of material which comprises a bottom wall foldably joined to upstanding opposed parallel side walls, a back wall, and a front wall to form an interior space. A top wall is foldably joined to the back wall. The bottom wall comprises two front slots each of which is formed on longitudinal edge in proximity of the front wall. The front wall comprises two wall panels being coextensively in overlapping relationship wherein one of the front wall panels includes a pair of front locking tabs spaced apart from one another that are engaged with the respective two front slots when the container is fully constructed. |
| US09051072B2 |
Labeling system
A labeling system may include a labeling device which applies labels to objects, for example, containers, and a loading device which is arranged upstream of this labeling device and which supplies the labeling device with labels The loading device may comprise a transport device which transports a second label strip and comprises at least two carriers for first label strips wound onto label rolls The carriers may be arranged next to one another on holding devices. A joining unit may be provided which can be displaced between the carriers in a first movement direction and which joins sections of the first label strips, which are arranged on the carriers, to sections of the second label strips, which are guided in the transport device. |
| US09051069B2 |
Systems and methods for strapping a set of documents
An apparatus for strapping a set of documents includes a document platform to receive a set of documents and a document strap while the document platform is in a receiving position. The document strap is positionable between the document platform and the set of documents. A frame having a first frame arm and a second frame arm forming a platform-receiving space between the first and second frame arms, and a belt disposed between the document platform and the document strap when the document platform receives the set of documents. The document platform is movable from the receiving position into the platform-receiving space to cause the belt and the document strap to at least partially surround the set of documents, thereby strapping the set of documents together. |
| US09051066B1 |
System and method for filling containers with fluids
An example embodiment of an apparatus includes a housing with an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end, a plurality of hollow tubes attached to the plurality of holes, a plurality of containers removably attached to the hollow tubes, and a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping each container to a corresponding hollow tube, such that when the containers are filled with fluid and detached from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic fastener seals each container with the fluid inside. |
| US09051061B2 |
Systems and methods for safely landing an aircraft
A system for safely landing an aircraft including a low range radio altimeter, a barometric altimeter, and an autothrottle control. The low range radio altimeter calculates a first height of the aircraft above ground-level, the barometric altimeter calculates a second height of the aircraft above ground-level, and the autothrottle control determines if the first height and the second height do not correlate. If the first and second heights are determined to lack correlation, then automatic thrust-control of the aircraft is stopped. In some embodiments, the second height is partially calculated by accessing a ground elevation database to obtain an elevation of the ground above sea level and determining a difference between the elevation of the ground above sea level and an elevation of the aircraft above sea level. |
| US09051054B2 |
Nacelle for turbojet engine
The present invention relates to a nacelle for a turbojet engine comprising an air intake structure able to channel an airflow towards a fan of the turbojet engine, and a middle structure comprising a casing (9) intended to surround the said fan and to which the air intake structure is attached, the latter structure having at least one peripheral interior panel (41), characterized in that the casing extends around the fan more or less as far as the fan blades (8), the air intake structure being connected to the casing by the interior panel by means of at least one structural peripheral flange (15) capable of providing containment for at least one blade should the latter break off. |
| US09051052B2 |
Single aisle aircraft lavatory with optimized use of floor space for wheelchair accessibility
An aircraft cabin has a lavatory that is accessible from a cross-aisle of the aircraft and in which the toilet is moved from the typical outboard location to an inboard location where increased head room enables the toilet to be positioned in tight proximity to a back wall of the lavatory directly behind the toilet and thereby increases an open area of floor surface in front of the toilet for wheelchair access to the lavatory. |
| US09051050B2 |
Rotary-wing aircraft
A rotary-wing aircraft (100), comprising at least four rotors (110), which are disposed on girder elements (120a, 120b), wherein said rotors (110) and girder elements (120a, 120b) are disposed such that a free field of vision (S) is defined along a longitudinal axis (L) of said rotary-wing aircraft (100) at least between two terminal rotors. |
| US09051046B2 |
Vertical support system
A vertical support system includes a first articulated leg assembly configured to carry a first load, the first articulated leg assembly being selectively movable between a first retracted configuration and a first loaded configuration and a second articulated leg assembly configured to carry a second load substantially kinematically identical to the first articulated leg assembly, the second articulated leg assembly being selectively movable between a second retracted configuration and a second loaded configuration. The arrangement of axis of rotations and offset angles of the first and/or second lees of each articulated leg assembly may produce a lateral width ratio. A first vertical footprint of the first articulated leg assembly overlaps a second vertical footprint of the second articulated leg assembly when the leg assemblies are retracted. |
| US09051044B2 |
Counter-rotating open-rotor (CROR)
A method of controlling a Counter-Rotating Open-Rotor (CROR) includes measuring a speed of a first rotor and deriving a speed of a second rotor and controlling a pitch of the first rotor and the second rotor. |
| US09051043B1 |
Providing emergency medical services using unmanned aerial vehicles
Embodiments described herein may help to provide medical support via a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). An illustrative medical-support system may include multiple UAVs, which are configured to provide medical support for a number of different medical situations. Further, the medical-support system may be configured to: (a) identify a remote medical situation, (b) determine a target location corresponding to the medical situation, (c) select a UAV from the fleet of UAVs, where the selection of the UAV is based on a determination that the selected UAV is configured for the identified medical situation, and (d) cause the selected UAV to travel to the target location to provide medical support. |
| US09051040B2 |
Outboard engine unit
An outboard engine unit includes a water pump disposed on a lower end portion of an input shaft of a transmission, and left and right cooling water feeding passages interconnecting the water pump and a cooling water inlet of an engine. The left and right cooling water feeding passages are disposed around a plurality of transmission gears disposed on the input shaft of the transmission. A cooling water drawn by the water pump is guided through the left and right cooling water feeding passages to the cooling water inlet. |
| US09051038B1 |
System and method for propelling a watercraft utilizing human power
An aquatic device, such as a paddle board or surfboard, that includes a propulsion device that utilizes paddle wheels positioned on either side of the board, wherein the paddle wheels are driven by foot operated drive mechanism that utilizes elliptical type of pedaling by the user, and further includes hand controlled rudders to control the direction of travel of the device. |
| US09051036B2 |
Underwater moving apparatus and moving method thereof
Disclosed are an underwater moving apparatus and a moving method thereof. The underwater moving apparatus of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a body; a propelling device installed on a rear side of the body; a thruster unit including an up and down directional thruster and a left and right directional thruster installed at the body; and a plurality of leg units positioned at both side portions of the body and including a multi-joint module. |
| US09051035B2 |
Bench system for small watercraft boatlift
A boatlift for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with a guide rails on either side of the boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel or urge his/her watercraft onto the boatlift. In addition, that boatlift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member which can be used by boaters with impaired leg function to enter and exit from the watercraft. The boatlift can be provided with a bench system which enables disabled persons to more easily enter and exit from small watercraft supported by the boatlift. |
| US09051034B1 |
Frame system
A frame system suitable for use on a boat and capable of supporting one or more tarpaulins to protect the boat from the elements, comprising one or more sets of couplers and hinged angle elements adapted to be used with off-the-shelf connecting members, such as PVC pipes, such that when assembled the frame system provides a canopy frame arching over the top side of the boat, with the lateral sides of the frame system sloping upward and meeting over the longitudinal midline of the boat. |
| US09051031B1 |
Rotary capture device with passive engagement and active release
A vehicle recovery system is provided which includes a capture device having a body with two arms defining an open ended cavity with a shaft attached to and between each of the arms and extending through the cavity. A tow line is attached to the body opposite the cavity and a buoyant member disposed in the cavity and rotatable around the shaft. A plurality of capture loops disposed within the cavity are rotatable with the buoyant member and define closed loops with the buoyant member. A spring-loaded towing latch is attached to the vehicle to be recovered. The latch includes a hook having a first open position and a second closed position. The hook is moveable from the first position to the second position under action of a biasing spring upon engagement of one of the capture loops over the hook. |
| US09051028B2 |
Autonomous hull inspection
A hull inspection robot for autonomously inspecting a hull includes a robot body and a drive subsystem onboard the robot for driving and maneuvering the robot about the hull. An autonomous inspection system non-destructively inspects the hull by detecting a state of or near a portion of the hull and comparing the detected state with a stored state of the portion of the hull. |
| US09051027B1 |
Vehicle having an inertia wheel
A vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, a motor, a belt transmission system, front left and right suspension assemblies, front left and right ground engaging members, a rear suspension assembly, a rear ground engaging member, a steering assembly operatively connected to the front left and right ground engaging members and having a handlebar, and an inertia wheel. The inertia wheel is operatively connected to the steering assembly. The inertia wheel pivots about a generally vertical axis when the handlebar is turned to steer the front left and right ground engaging members. The inertia wheel pivots about the vertical axis in a same direction as the front left and right ground engaging members when steered by the handlebar. |
| US09051026B2 |
Riding walkers having pedal drive assemblies
In at least some embodiments, a riding walker assembly includes a support assembly and a drive assembly. The support assembly may include a frame work supporting a seat assembly, and a plurality of wheels operatively coupled to the frame work and configured to rollably engage a floor surface. The drive assembly may include a drive wheel configured to engage the floor surface, and a pedal assembly operatively coupled to the drive wheel such that rotation of the pedal assembly rotates the drive wheel. The riding walker assembly may further include a coupling assembly operatively coupling the drive assembly to the support assembly, the coupling assembly being configured to selectively engage and disengage the drive wheel from the floor surface. |
| US09051022B2 |
Methods and apparatus for selective stiffness of vehicle suspension
A suspension assembly including a core member; and a skin member bonded on said core member. The skin member having a higher strength than the core member. |
| US09051021B2 |
Compact, collapsible bicycle
The invention relates to a compact, foldable bike with small wheels and a bicycle drive for driving the rear wheel, comprising a traction mechanism or a spur-gear transmission, driven by a crank, the distance of the bottom-bracket axle to the rear-wheel axle being larger than half the outer diameter of the rear wheel. The bicycle exhibits a front frame part and a rear frame part that are rotatably connected to each other by a folding hinge that is aligned at right angles to the ground plane, whereby the front frame part, the rear frame part, and a front-wheel fork, in the folded state, seen laterally, form the sides of a triangle having the following characteristic combination of features: The bicycle is ridden while standing up, the driving wheel and the output wheel of the bicycle drive are arranged on the same side of the bicycle frame and the steering tube exhibits a lower and an upper steering tube, that in the folded state of the bicycle are folded-in laterally beside the front wheel. With this combination of features, a particularly compact folding size is achieved for the folding bicycle. |
| US09051019B2 |
Transport vehicle having a three-wheel chassis
The invention relates to a transport vehicle including a three-wheeled carriage, wherein the three-wheeled carriage includes two non-driven front wheels which are coupled to a steering, and a non-jointed rear wheel which is coupled to a drive. In order to provide a transport vehicle which can be used as a replacement for a motorized vehicle for simple transport journeys, it is envisaged that a transport platform be arranged between the axles of the front wheels and the axle of the rear wheel, and that a driver's area be arranged in front of the transport platform as viewed in the direction of travel. |
| US09051016B2 |
Bicycle training handle
A bicycle riding training handle is provided that is operably attachable to the post of a bicycle seat without removing the same. The assembly utilizes a quick connect cam locking means that secures around the outer portion of the seat post, wherefrom the elongated handle curves upward and backward toward a standing user. The attachment end of the handle affixes to the seat post of the bicycle and the gripping end is held by a standing user for balance support and for controlling the speed of the bicycle. Optionally extending from the attachment end of the handle is a secondary frame attachment member, which pivotably attaches to the bicycle frame in front of or behind the seat post to prevent rotation of the handle during use. Finally, the elongated handle is provided in a telescoping design to allow the handle position to be adjusted for standing users of different size. |
| US09051008B2 |
Driver assistance system
A driving aid system is provided for assisting a motor vehicle during a change of lane. The system includes a device monitoring the lateral side space and a device monitoring the directional stability. The lateral space monitoring device is designed to determine the degree of risk (for example, two levels: dangerous/not dangerous, or three levels: low/medium/high risk) represented by a change of lane. At the high risk level, a first driving aid reaction occurs, at least in the form of a counter-steering, which is regulated by a link existing between the lateral space monitoring device and the directional stability monitoring device and is expressed by a reorientation towards the specific traffic lane or by maintaining the directional stability. At the low risk level, a second driving-aid reaction is triggered, which is less perceptible and depends on the degree of likelihood of the intention to change lane. |
| US09051007B2 |
Mechanically steered articulating dolly transport system
The present invention relates to a mechanically steered articulating dolly transport system for transporting large structures such as a drilling mast over the federal highway system. Generally, the invention relates to an articulating dolly system that utilizes a unique mechanical system for steering a first dolly with a path generated by the movement of the load held by the second dolly. More particularly, the invention provides a front dolly steered by a non-rotatable front steering frame, a rear dolly having a pivotally mounted turntable and a pair of steering links connected between the respective sides of the front steering frame and the turntable. The left steering link and the right steering link are located in a first plane. One or both of the turntable and the steering frame being located on a second plane that is not the first plane. Moment forces generated between plane one and plane two elastically deform one or both of the steering frame and the turntable to permit the transport system to make a left-hand or right-hand turn. |
| US09051006B2 |
Method and apparatus for vehicle auto-guidance
Methods and apparatus are disclose for auto-steering of an auto-guided vehicle. A sensor coupled to a steering shaft detects when an operator requests control of the vehicle. The sensor then transmits information indicative of the request to one or more controllers of an auto-guidance system, which initiates a shutdown of auto-steering functions. In this way, the system quickly reverts to manual steering in an automatically guided and steered vehicle. |
| US09051005B2 |
Torque-based on-center feel for electric power steering
A control system for controlling an electric power steering system is provided. The control system includes a first module configured to compute an on-center torque adjustment compensation based on a sensed handwheel torque. The on-center torque adjustment compensation is configured to compensate for inertia of a steering actuator motor using a frequency-based methodology. The control system also includes a second module configured to generate a command signal to control the steering actuator motor of the electric power steering system based on the on-center torque adjustment compensation. |
| US09051003B2 |
Electromechanical power steering system with play compensation for the worm gear mechanism
The invention relates to an electromechanical steering system having an electric servomotor (1) which drives a worm shaft (2) which meshes with a worm gear (7) which is arranged on a steering shaft (8), wherein the worm gear (7) is operatively connected to an input shaft of a steering gear, and wherein the worm shaft (2) and the steering shaft (8) are mounted rotatably in a common gearbox casing (9), in which the worm shaft (2) has a free end (12) which is remote from the motor and is mounted in a rolling bearing (13) with an inner ring (14), rolling bodies (15) and an intermediate ring (16), wherein the intermediate ring has an inner running surface for the rolling bodies (15) and an outer running surface for outer rolling bodies (17), and wherein the inner running surface and the outer running surface of the intermediate ring (16) are arranged eccentrically with respect to one another. |
| US09051000B2 |
Method for controlling a power-assisted steering apparatus
A method and apparatus for controlling an electrically power-assisted steering device for vehicles including a control unit providing control information to a steering device. The method and apparatus includes a setpoint signal value transmitter providing setpoint value information and obtaining actual value information from the steering device. The actual value information is fed to the setpoint signal value transmitter and a difference value information is obtained from the setpoint value information and actual value information with the difference value information fed to the control unit. A filter unit filters information components from one of the actual value information provided, the actual value information fed to the setpoint signal value transmitter, the setpoint value information or the difference value information. |
| US09050995B1 |
Device for transporting refuse containers and method of use
A device for transporting a plurality of refuse containers across either a support surface or a winter support surface, includes a housing which is partitioned into a plurality of compartments, each compartment is shaped and dimensioned to receive a refuse container. A plurality of skis are removably connectable to the housing, the skis being used to move the housing across the winter support surface. Alternatively, a plurality of wheels are removably connectable to the housing, the wheels being used to move the housing across the support surface. |
| US09050992B2 |
Portable work station
Disclosed is a combination portable tool chest and work station, comprising a hand truck having a pair of upper and lower folding legs, a planar work surface, and a removably attached tool chest. The hand truck can be used to transport tools and equipment to a desired location. Once the device has be placed at a desired location, the upper and lower legs can be extended, which provides a horizontal work station for performing a variety of tasks thereon. In this position, a user has access to the tool chest, and can organize various tools or work pieces on the work station. The user can then unlock the tool chest, and exchange it for a different one. When work is complete, the tool chest can be locked, the upper and lower legs can be folded, and the device can be transported via the wheels. |
| US09050986B2 |
Roll container
A roll container is suitable for transporting post, namely letters. The novel roll container includes two opposing parallel side wall frames, wherein the front ends of the side wall frames define the width of the front opening of the roll container. The roll container also includes a door, and a hinge which connects the door to one of the side wall frames. The door includes a lower portion and an upper portion which is arranged slidably to tracks provided to the lower portion. The roll container further includes a device configured to lock the upper portion of the door to the front end of the side wall frames at different heights. |
| US09050983B2 |
Onboard apparatus and train-position calculation method
An onboard apparatus includes: a route database that stores start and end distances from a start point and a section length of the radiowave-reception difficult area; and an onboard control device that checks the rout database to determine whether the own train is in the radiowave-reception difficult area, and when the own train is not in the radiowave-reception difficult area, confirms whether position information has been obtained from a GPS receiver, and when the position information has not been obtained from the GPS receiver, executes control to stop the own train based on a running distance and a determination threshold for determining whether to stop the own train. When the own train is in the radiowave-reception difficult area, the onboard control device does not confirm whether the position information has been obtained from the GPS receiver, and updates a train position based on information from a speed power-generator. |
| US09050977B1 |
Detecting and responding to tailgaters
An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. For example, a vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle may respond to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. For example, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T. |
| US09050976B2 |
Method for operating a hybrid vehicle
A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric machine, wherein the hybrid vehicle can be driven purely electrically if the internal combustion engine fails because, for example, a fuel tank for supplying the internal combustion engine with fuel is empty. In the event of failure of the internal combustion engine, continued purely electric travel of the hybrid vehicle is made possible only on condition that a restart of the hybrid vehicle is initiated. |
| US09050972B2 |
Hybrid vehicles
A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances. |
| US09050971B2 |
Vehicle drive device
A vehicle drive device having an input member coupled to an internal combustion engine; an output member coupled to a wheel; a first rotating electrical machine; a second rotating electrical machine; and a differential gear unit having at least three rotating elements. A dog engagement device is provided on a power transmission path between the input member and an input rotating element. The engagement device includes a state selecting member that switches a state among three states, which are a first state where the input rotating element and the input member are coupled and the input rotating element and a non-rotating member are not coupled, a second state where the input rotating element coupled with both the input member and the non-rotating member, and a third state where the input rotating element and the non-rotating member are coupled. |
| US09050969B2 |
Trip oriented energy management control
An engine, electric machine and battery of a vehicle are operated such that a state of charge of the battery generally decreases and then achieves approximately a charge-depletion-to-charge-sustaining transition threshold after the vehicle has been driven a distance greater than the pure electrical range of the vehicle. |
| US09050967B1 |
Methods and systems for a stop/start engine
Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, automatic engine stopping is inhibited in response to a driver communicating a desire to not automatically stop an engine. The driver communicates intentions to allow or inhibit automatic engine stopping via a brake pedal. |
| US09050965B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
When an ECU determines that an accelerator is “ON” and a brake is “ON”, the ECU determines whether or not the brake previously depressed is “OFF”. When the ECU determines that the brake previously depressed is “OFF” and that the vehicle is in the reduced speed state, the vehicle control apparatus is configured to execute an engine output reduction control process under the condition that the simultaneous depressions of the accelerator and brake pedals continues for less than 10 seconds and the vehicle speed is not less than 7 km/hr. When the simultaneous depressions of the accelerator and brake pedals continues for no less than 10 seconds, the ECU is configured to make an output reduction prohibition flag “ON” and not to execute the engine output reduction control process until a predetermined time elapses. |
| US09050964B2 |
Vehicle driving device and vehicle driving method
An output power of the internal combustion engine (1) is transmitted to a drive wheel via a torque converter (2B) having a pump impeller and a turbine runner. A lockup clutch (2C) directly connects the pump impeller and the turbine runner during a coast running of a vehicle. When the accelerator pedal is slightly depressed during a coast running of a vehicle in a fuel cut-off state, the lockup clutch (2C) disengages. In addition, fuel recovery of the internal combustion engine (1) is suppressed until the engaging pressure of the lockup clutch (2C) decreases, thereby preventing a vehicle speed change caused by an output power increase of the internal combustion engine (1) before the lockup clutch (2C) substantially disengages. |
| US09050962B2 |
Mounting structure for boosters and booster assembly for vehicles having the same
Disclosed herein are a mounting structure for boosters and a booster assembly for vehicles having the same. The mounting structure for boosters to mount a booster provided with a casing formed by hermetically connecting a front cell and a rear cell includes a front bolt passing through the front cell, the inside of the front bolt being hollow, a tube having a cylindrical shape, the inside of which is hollow in the lengthwise direction, and provided with a front part being opposite the front bolt to communicate with the hollow of the front bolt and a rear part crossing the casing to pass through the rear cell, a support washer installed on the tube and connected to the rear portion of the front bolt to surround the outer circumferential surface of the rear portion of the front bolt, and a sealing member provided between the tube and the support washer. |
| US09050960B2 |
Pedal prop for imposing a load on a brake pedal and method for checking the sealing of one or more components of a hydraulic brake system
A pedal prop for imposing a load on a brake pedal, in particular in motor vehicles, in order to apply the pressure necessary during sealing tests on components of the brake system, comprising a movable part, which changes the length of the pedal prop by moving in and out, and a fixed part, wherein the movable part is supported on a point of support on the motor vehicle. According to the invention, an evaluation and control unit is provided as an integrated element, which controls an actuator in order to provide an actuating force, wherein a displacement sensor and a force sensor are provided, by which a travel and an actuating force of the actuator can be sensed. |
| US09050959B2 |
Axial coupling with compensated forces
The invention relates to a drive train (1) for a hydraulic drive where a friction coupling (3) is arranged between a hydraulic machine (2) and a consumer (5). The coupling (3) has two parts (20A, 20B) which are displaceable towards each other in the axial direction (18) and are connected to the hydraulic machine (2) or to the consumer (5). Hydraulic fluid is introduced by means of a pressure line (28) into a pressure chamber (27) formed between the parts (20A, 20B), as a result of which the complementarily formed friction surfaces (9A, 9B) become frictionally locked together and a torque is able to be transmitted between the hydraulic machine (2) and the consumer (5). The friction surfaces (9A, 9B) are each fixedly connected at least radially to the shaft of the hydraulic machine (2) or of the consumer (5). |
| US09050957B2 |
Compressed air supply system, compressed air supply device for vehicle, and method of controlling air compressor
The operation of an air compressor is controlled to control engine performance to thereby improve the performance of the vehicle. A compressor (4) driven by an engine (3) of a vehicle and supplying compressed air to loads (51-54) is controlled by an ECU (2). A loaded state and an unloaded state of the compressor (4) are switched between each other according to the requirements from the loads (51-54). When the vehicle requires braking force, the compressor (4) is set to the loaded state irrespective of the requirements from the loads (51-54). |
| US09050956B2 |
Brake device for vehicle
A brake device for a vehicle is provided in which when there is an abnormality in which a slave cylinder becomes incapable of being actuated, a wheel cylinder is actuated using a brake fluid pressure generated by a master cylinder, which is actuated by a brake pedal. Since an idling detector detects idling of a motor when the rotational speed of the motor is greater than a reference value that is set according to the stroke of the slave cylinder, it is possible to reliably and rapidly detect idling of the motor. When the idling of the motor is detected, since a control device opens a master cut valve and the wheel cylinder is actuated by the brake fluid pressure generated by the master cylinder, the slave cylinder, which has become incapable of being actuated, can be backed up rapidly by the master cylinder. |
| US09050955B2 |
Hydraulic vehicle braking system, vehicle having such a braking system, and method for operating a hydraulic vehicle braking system
A hydraulic vehicle brake system has a pedal travel simulator having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, between which a piston is situated so as to be displaceable, the secondary chamber being fluidically connected to a storage chamber. Brake fluid from the storage chamber is able to be supplied via a hydraulic pump. |
| US09050948B2 |
Wiper connector apparatus having enhanced assembly
A wiper connector apparatus includes a first connector member at a side of a vertebra; a second connector member that is disposed at an opposite side of the first connector member with the vertebra therebetween, wherein a first hooking unit is formed on an inner surface of the first connector member, to extend and slope against a direction of a length of the vertebra; a second hooking unit is formed on an inner surface of the second connector member in a parallel direction to the first hooking unit and not overlapping with the first hooking unit; and a coupling plate that slides into and is coupled to the first hooking unit and the second hooking unit to bind the first hooking unit and the second hooking unit so that the first hooking unit and the second hooking unit are not detached from each other. |
| US09050946B2 |
Method for reducing motor torque for wiper drives
The invention relates to a method for operating a direct wiper drive having a motor, in particular for a windshield wiper. The method comprises reading out at least one characteristic curve from a memory and operating the wiper direct drive at an angle- and direction-dependent torque, corresponding at a maximum to a value of the angle- and direction-dependent characteristic curve, wherein the characteristic curve comprises at least the following values: a first, maximum value for upward wiping at a first wiping angle between a lower turning location and an upper turning location; a second value for upward wiping at a second wiping angle between the first wiping angle and the upper turning location, wherein the second value for upward wiping at the second wiping angle is less than the first, maximum value for upward wiping at the first wiping angle; a first, maximum value for downward wiping at a wiping angle between the upper turning location and the lower turning location, wherein the first, maximum value for downward wiping is greater than the first, maximum value for upward wiping; and a second value for downward wiping corresponding to a wiper position at the second wiping angle, wherein the second value for downward wiping is greater than the second value for upward wiping. |
| US09050944B1 |
Gas generating system with initiator sub-assembly
A housing for an initiator module is provided. The housing includes at least one wall defining a hollow interior having a first region, a second region and a third region, the first region having a first width, the second region having a second width less than the first width, and the third region having a third width greater than the second width. |
| US09050943B2 |
Handle unit
The invention relates to a handle unit (10) to trigger the function of a lock (19) for opening and/or for closing a moving part (42), in particular a door, a tailgate or similar of a motor vehicle (40), with one electronic unit (20, 20′) and one actuating element, wherein the electronic unit (20, 20′) is used for data communication with a vehicle part, in particular with a security system; the actuating element monitors an actuation zone (60) and a signal is triggered by means of the actuating element by a movement of an object (100) within the actuation zone (60). The invention provides that the actuating element optically monitors the actuation zone (60) so that the detection of a specified motion pattern (30) due to movement of the object (100) will cause a triggering of the signal. |
| US09050940B2 |
Motor vehicle having a capacitive deformation sensor for collision detection
A motor vehicle includes a fender provided at the front and the rear and at least one sensor device including a capacitively operating sensor and an associated control device for collision detection, wherein the sensor is arranged on a fender and is formed as a surface sensor which extends over at least half the width of the fender, wherein the control device is able to determine information resulting from a collision with an object by using the capacitance of the sensor, which changes as a result of collision-induced deformation of the sensor. |
| US09050939B2 |
Reinforced plastic energy absorber system and methods of making the same
In one embodiment, an energy absorber, comprises: a plurality of crush lobes including a base and sides extending from the base to an outer wall; and a composite insert in the energy absorber. The insert comprises a second plastic material and reinforcement. The second plastic material is different than the crush lobe material. The insert is located at an area of the crush lobes, and wherein the area is the side and/or the outer wall. In another embodiment, an energy absorber comprises: a plastic frame; thermoplastic crush lobes extending from the frame, wherein the crush lobes comprise an outer wall, an extending wall, and a base; and a plastic insert located at an area having a volume of the crush lobes, wherein the insert occupies less than or equal to 90% of the area volume. The insert comprises reinforcement and a plastic material different than the thermoplastic crush lobes. |
| US09050937B2 |
Logo device for vehicle
A logo device for a vehicle is disclosed. The logo device comprises a first shell including a transparent region forming a logo pattern and a nontransparent region and a second shell connected with the first shell. The first shell and the second shell form a sealed cavity therebetween. A bottom plate is disposed in the sealed cavity, and a light guide plate disposed between the bottom plate and the first shell. The light guide plate includes one or more grooves disposed thereon. A circuit board is disposed between the bottom plate and the second shell, including a plurality of illuminating elements thereon. The one or more grooves on the light guide plate receives the plurality of illuminating elements. The light guide plate is configured to direct at least a part of the light generated by the illuminating element toward the transparent region of the first shell. |
| US09050935B2 |
Assessment of driving behavior of a driver of a motor vehicle
Various embodiments relating to driving behavior of a driver of a motor vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include assessing driving behavior of the driver according to a comparison of a current value of a coasting characteristic relative to a reference value. The current value may be determined during operation of the motor vehicle. The reference value of the coasting characteristic may be determined from operation of the motor vehicle during at least one past operating phase or another duration. The method further includes displaying a visualization representative of assessed driving behavior of the driver. |
| US09050932B2 |
Magnetically coupled accessory for a self-propelled device
A self-propelled device includes a spherical housing and an internal drive system including one or more motors. The internal drive system acts to provide power to an interior surface of the spherical housing, thereby causing the self-propelled device to move. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the internal drive system and includes a spring and a spring end in contact with the inner surface of the spherical housing. An accessory component magnetically interacts with the biasing mechanism through the spherical housing such that as the self-propelled device rotates along, the accessory component remains stable with respect to the biasing mechanism. |
| US09050928B2 |
Headlamp device and luminance control method therefor
To provide a headlamp device for a vehicle that has LEDs as light sources, the headlamp device including a situation detection part that detects a lighting status of headlamps; and a dimming control part that reduces the luminance of the headlamps to a prescribed value that is greater than zero based on the lighting status of the headlamps. |
| US09050923B1 |
Slidable room assembly
A slidable room assembly comprising a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall and a reciprocable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by means of a drive mechanism that includes rack gear assemblies driven from a drive shaft as described herein. Sliding movement of the slideout unit 24 may be either motor driven or manually powered. |
| US09050922B1 |
Tie down device
A tie down device comprised of a tie down strap and a ratchet take-up device, with the ratchet being suitable for taking up the tie down strap in order to change the effective length of the strap for use with different sized loads and to create tension over a load when securing it, with the tie down strap having a relatively long inelastic proximate portion and a relatively short elastic distal portion; such that the inelastic portion of the strap maintains tension on a load being secured and the elastic portion of the strap serves as an automatic re-tensioning means if the load shifts. |
| US09050921B2 |
Auto-rack railroad car vehicle wheel chock
A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle. |
| US09050919B2 |
Vehicle seat cushion
A vehicle seat cushion is provided with: a cushion body that makes contact with the body of a vehicle occupant; and a plurality of spring bodies that are suspended on a seat frame so as to extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. The plurality of spring bodies include inner region spring bodies that are placed underneath the hipbone of the vehicle occupant, and outer region spring bodies that are placed on the outer sides of the inner region spring bodies in the transverse direction of the seat. Moreover, if a cross-section of the seat extending in the fore-and-aft direction is viewed, then at least the inner region spring body portion that is located on the front side of the bottommost end portion of the hipbone of the vehicle occupant is seen to be positioned lower than the outer region spring bodies. |
| US09050915B2 |
Vehicle seat
A seat for a vehicle is disclosed with a support for attachment to an aspect of a vehicle and a platform block which may be securely attached to the support. A seat element for accommodating an occupant is provided together with a suspension system connecting the seat element to the platform block. The suspension system includes a resilient member having an equilibrium condition to which the resilient member is biased to return if it extends beyond, retracts below or otherwise varies away from the equilibrium condition. |
| US09050913B2 |
Vehicle load floor assembly
A vehicle load floor includes a seatback pivotal to a stowed position. A cargo floor is rearward the seatback. A foldable panel assembly is movable between stored and deployed positions. The foldable panel assembly includes a first panel pivotally coupled with the seatback and a second panel coupled with the first panel. A hinge coupled between bottom surfaces of the first and second panels. The deployed position includes the seatback in the stowed position and top surfaces of the first and second panels defining a planar support surface spanning to the cargo floor. |
| US09050906B2 |
Abnormal torque evaluation apparatus for electrically driven vehicle
An abnormal torque evaluation apparatus is applied to an electrically driven vehicle configured to drive left and right driving wheels independently with respective electric motors and also configured to independently drive the left and right driving wheels by means of the electric motors driven responsively to respective torque commands. Also provided are a yaw jerk detection means for detecting a yaw jerk and an abnormal torque evaluator for evaluating, based on the yaw jerk, the presence or absence of the occurrence of abnormal motor torque at the electric motors. |
| US09050903B2 |
Torque control arbitration in powertrain systems
A method of regulating a torque output of a vehicle powertrain includes generating a plurality of torque requests and associating each of the plurality of torque requests with one of a plurality of arbitration domains to form torque request sets associated with each of the plurality of arbitration domains. A first torque request set is arbitrated within a first of the plurality of arbitration domains to provide a first torque request. The first torque request is introduced into a second torque request set associated with a second of the plurality of arbitration domains. The second torque request set is arbitrated within the second arbitration domain to provide a second torque request. A torque source is regulated based on the second torque request. |
| US09050901B2 |
Electric vehicle charging apparatus, electric vehicle charging system including the same, and electric vehicle charging method
Provided is an electric vehicle charging apparatus, and more particularly, an electric vehicle charging apparatus that periodically transmits a consumed amount of power to a cost claim server, so as to claim a cost per unit time. The charging apparatus includes a charging certification unit receiving certification information of the electric vehicle, a power measurement unit generating power consumption information as a result obtained by calculating an amount of power consumed for charging the electric vehicle, and a communication unit transmitting the certification information to a certification server, and transmitting the power consumption information to a cost claim server. |
| US09050899B2 |
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle includes a rechargeable battery, a wheel, a motor coupled to the wheel, a motor driver coupled to the motor and coupled to the battery, the motor driver being configured to drive the motor by discharging the battery in response to a motor driving signal during each of a plurality of supply periods and perform charging of the battery using recovery charging current generated by the motor during a plurality of idle periods, each of the idle periods being between two adjacent ones of the supply periods, and a controller coupled to the motor driver, the controller being configured to supply the motor driving signal to the motor driver during each of the supply periods, and control the motor driver to charge the battery during each of the idle periods. |
| US09050895B2 |
Control apparatus of rotating electrical machine
A phase difference between an inductive voltage of an armature winding of a rotating electrical machine and an output of a magnetic pole position sensor is detected by a phase difference detection unit. The output of the magnetic pole position sensor is corrected on the basis of the phase difference thus detected and a power conversion unit is controlled on the basis of the corrected output. |
| US09050894B2 |
System and method for predicting mechanical failure of a motor
A method for a vehicle having plural electric motors includes generating motor electrical signatures for the motors. The motor electrical signatures represent one or more characteristics of electrical energy that is supplied to the motors. The method also includes identifying one or more fault measures of each of the motor electrical signatures. The fault measures are indicative of mechanical characteristics of the motors. The method further includes comparing the one or more fault measures of each motor with the one or more fault measures of the other motors in the same vehicle and predicting an impending mechanical failure of one or more of the motors based on comparing the fault measures of the motors. |
| US09050890B2 |
Vehicle positioning system
A vehicle includes an operator station, a propulsion system, a steering system a hitch, and a vehicle positioning system. The positioning system includes positioning controls outside the operator station of the vehicle and adjacent to the hitch, such as on a rear fender. The positioning controls include a forward switch, a reverse switch, a left switch and a right switch. A controller is connected to the positioning controls, to the propulsion and steering systems. The controller moves the vehicle forward or rearward in response to actuation of the forward or reverse switches. The controller operates the steering system in response to actuation of the left or right switches. The steering system may include a brake control valve which brakes one of a pair of driven wheels while the other driven wheel is rotating. The steering system may include a steering control valve which is operable to turn steerable wheels. |
| US09050889B2 |
Fuel tank support
An endoskeleton to support a fuel tank body and establish a fuel tank. The endoskeleton may include columns to support fuel system components, first and second beams staggered with respect to one another and having tank contact portions attachable to the tank body, and walls extending between adjacent first and second beams to baffle fuel and to yieldably restrain movement of the body. The fuel tank body may have a wall thickness of about 2 to 4 mm, and a combined weight of the tank body and the endoskeleton may be less than a weight of the fuel tank if the body were about 4 to 6 mm in wall thickness. Also, an endoskeleton-to-tank body contact surface area ratio may be greater than about 4% of a total interior surface area of the tank body. Further, fuel tank may include a strength to weight ratio greater than 250 l-mbar/kg. |
| US09050887B2 |
Utility vehicle
A vehicle includes at least: an engine; a transmission arranged on a rear side in a vehicle traveling direction relative to the engine; an exhaust pipe connected to the engine and discharging exhaust gas; and an exhaust muffler connected to a downstream end part of the exhaust pipe. The exhaust muffler is elastically supported on the transmission by an exhaust muffler support member arranged and located between the transmission and the exhaust muffler. |
| US09050886B2 |
Exhaust valve device for fuel tank
An exhaust valve device for a fuel tank includes a casing partitioning an inside into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a bulkhead including a through hole, an inflow hole communicating the lower chamber and an inside of the fuel tank, an exhaust hole communicating a side portion of the upper chamber and an outside of the fuel tank, and a float valve displaceably supported in the lower chamber. A portion defining the upper chamber of the casing includes a cylinder portion and a circular plate closing an upper end of the cylinder portion. A buffer chamber is defined between the cylinder body and the bulkhead to communicate with the lower chamber by the through hole. In a side wall on a side opposing an exhaust hole side of the cylinder body, a first ventilation hole communicating the buffer chamber and the upper chamber is formed. |
| US09050881B2 |
Hybrid propulsion systems for vehicles and transmissions for propulsion systems
Hybrid propulsion systems are provided which include an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, a primary shaft adapted to receive the rotary motion from the electric machine, a secondary shaft, a differential for transmitting the rotary motion to the wheels of an axle of the vehicle, a first transmission mechanism interposed between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft for transmitting the rotary motion between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft, a second transmission mechanism interposed between the secondary shaft and the differential for transmitting the rotary motion between the secondary shaft and the differential, and an overrunning clutch associated to the secondary shaft, whereby the secondary shaft receives the rotary motion from the internal combustion engine via the overrunning clutch. |
| US09050877B2 |
Motor vehicle having a roof opening
A motor vehicle with a roof opening in a fixed roof surface of the motor vehicle and a roof mechanism configured to close and at least partially open the roof opening. The roof mechanism includes a front folding roof system having a front folding-top configured to close and at least partially open a front region of the roof opening, a rear folding roof system having a rear folding-top configured to close and at least partially open a rear region of the roof opening; guide rails configured to permit displacement of the front and rear folding top, respectively, to close and at least partially open the frontad rear regions of the roof opening. |
| US09050876B2 |
Cam mechanism
The invention concerns a cam mechanism (10), in particular for the actuation of ventilation valves of a vehicle ventilation system with a revolving cam disc (12) which has on one of the disc faces two curvilinear guides (16, 18) intersecting in intersection areas (14) as well as two swivelling adjustment levers (20, 22) each with a coupling (24, 26) associated with a curvilinear guide (16, 18). For guiding at least one adjustment lever (20, 22) during its on passage through the intersection areas (14) separate guide elements (32a, 32b, 32c) different from the curvilinear guides (16, 18) and the couplings (24, 26) are provided. |
| US09050875B2 |
Trailing arm yoke suspension with brake actuator clearance
An underslung trailing arm suspension assembly is disclosed for use on heavy duty low clearance trailers having a unique beam configuration to provide clearance for a transversely mounted air brake actuator connected directly to a disc brake housing. The suspension beam includes a unique plate mounted near an axle seat below an air spring mounting plate providing clearance for a disk brake actuator. |
| US09050869B1 |
Torque reversing suspension system
A torque reversing suspension system for improved traction and steering control for all-terrain vehicles features an all-terrain vehicle upper frame having an all-terrain vehicle front steering and suspension system located at an upper frame anterior end. An all-terrain vehicle engine and transmission are located at an upper frame middle. An all-terrain vehicle seat is located on an upper frame top close to the upper frame middle. A single all-terrain vehicle lower frame swing arm is pivotally located on the upper frame. A rear axle is operatively connected to the engine and transmission via a chain and sprockets. A rear wheel having a rear tire located thereon is located on the rear axle. A mono-shock is located between an upper frame posterior end midpoint and a lower frame posterior end midpoint. The mono-shock is located at an angle in a Sagittal plane from 30 degrees to 75 degrees. |
| US09050868B2 |
Gooseneck hitch assembly
A hitch assembly having a ball stud assembly and a sleeve with an open end dimensioned to receive the ball stud assembly. The ball stud assembly including a ball portion and a locking assembly. The ball stud assembly is movable between an extended position in which the ball portion extends out of the sleeve and a retracted position in which the ball portion is fully received within the sleeve. The locking assembly is configured to selectively lock the ball stud assembly with respect to the sleeve in either the extended position or the retracted position. |
| US09050849B2 |
Document binder
A document binder is provided which includes a plate body including two side plates and a bridging plate connected between the two side plates, an engaging mechanism, and a fixture unit fixed to the engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism includes a rail, two slidable shafts and at least one gear. The side plate has a coupling portion which has two protrusions. Each protrusion has an engaging slot. The two slidable shafts are slidably disposed in the rail and each slidable shaft has a pivotable portion. Each slidable shaft has a gear strip. The gear is pivotally disposed in the rail. The gear and the two gear strips are engaged. Each slidable shaft has an engaging body which is selectively coupled to the engaging slot. Thus, by pushing one end of the pivotable portion, convenient separation and combination of the fixture unit and the platy body are provided. |
| US09050848B2 |
Combination classification shelf
A combination classification shelf includes a base frame and at least one shelf divider. The base frame includes two support rod members transversely arranged in parallel. The shelf divider is detachably mounted at the base frame. The shelf divider is bent to from two classification rod members and two transverse rod members. Each classification rod member has two hooked end portions. The transverse rod members are respectively connected between the classification rod members and define with the hooked end portions of the respective classification rod members a respective receiving space. The support rod members are respectively positioned in the respective receiving spaces. The transverse rod members are respectively supporting the support rod members. Thus, the shelf dividers will be not fall easily. |
| US09050845B2 |
Printing system, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor
A printing system that is capable of producing a bookbound matter with good appearance when producing the bookbound matter by covering a first sheet bundle with a second sheet bundle. A determination unit determines whether it is specified so that images are printed on sheets of first and second sheet bundles in page order in which a bookbound matter is produced by covering the second sheet bundle folded by the first sheet bundle folded. A control unit controls so as to cut the first sheet bundle at a first position and to cut the second sheet bundle at a second position that is different from the first position, when the determination unit determines to be specified. |
| US09050841B1 |
Portable stamp with an easily removable ink part
A portable stamp has a stamp box, an ink part and a stamping part. The stamp box has a first case and a second case pivotally connected to the first case. The ink part and the stamping part are mounted in the first case and the second case respectively. The first case has a peripheral wall and a positioning hole formed through the peripheral wall. The ink part is mounted in the peripheral wall and has a positioning plate mounted through the positioning hole. The ink part is located in the first case by the positioning plate. When replacing a dry ink part with a new one, a user just presses the positioning plate to loosen the dry ink part from the first case. Then the user can remove the dry ink part easily and mount the new ink part in the first case. |
| US09050837B2 |
Fill-and-line print mode
An N-pass hybrid fill-and-line print mode is used to print an image on a print medium. In this mode, each sequence of N longitudinally overlapping printhead passes over said print media includes at least one transverse forward pass using a fill mask and at least one transverse reverse pass using a line mask. |
| US09050831B2 |
Ink curing apparatus with lamp housing and movable locking member
A lamp housing (1) for an ink curing apparatus comprising at least one locking member (18) configured to lock a lamp (3) into the housing (1) wherein the locking member (18) is movable between an open position allowing removal of the lamp (3) and a closed position restricting vertical movement of the lamp (3). |
| US09050830B2 |
Ink jet printer and an ink jet printing process
The invention provides a drop-on-demand ink jet printing apparatus for printing inks comprising water or a volatile solvent onto a continuous web substrate, the printing apparatus comprising: a print head, a chamber for retaining water or solvent vapor in the vicinity of the print head, the chamber having an inlet for the continuous web substrate and an outlet for the printed continuous web substrate, and means for feeding the continuous web substrate through the chamber inlet into the chamber, past the print head and out of the chamber outlet. |
| US09050826B2 |
Thermal head and thermal printer equipped with the same
A thermal head includes: a substrate; a heat storage layer disposed on the substrate; a heat-generating section disposed on the heat storage layer; an electrode electrically connected to the heat-generating section; a protection layer which coats the heat-generating section and a part of the electrode; and a first coating layer which coats a part of the protection layer and is disposed downstream in a transportation direction of a recording medium, with respect to the heat-generating section, the first coating layer including a first protrusion protruding towards a recording medium side, an end on a heat-generating section side of the first coating layer being positioned between the first protrusion and the heat-generating section, and the end on the heat-generating section side of the first coating layer being positioned in a range of L/2 from the heat-generating section, in which L is a distance between the heat-generating section and the first protrusion. |
| US09050825B2 |
System and method for capturing and translating Braille embossing
The present disclosure describes, among other things, a device. The device includes a plurality of sensors, an output system, a processor coupled to the plurality of sensors and the output system, and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a signal from the plurality of sensors, interpret the signal as a first Braille cell, and send a signal corresponding to the first Braille cell to the output system. |
| US09050822B2 |
Liquid ejecting device, liquid ejecting method and recording medium storing programs for liquid ejecting device
A liquid ejecting device has a liquid ejecting head to eject ink to a sheet-like object, a carriage mounting the liquid ejecting head, a conveying device which conveys the sheet-like object with holding the sheet-like object to have a corrugated shape having a corrugated cross-section in the scanning direction, a detecting unit which detects an end portion of the sheet-like object in the scanning direction, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute instructions to provide an ejection timing determining unit configured to determine an ejection timing at which the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejecting head in accordance with positional information representing the end portion detected by the detecting unit and reference information, and an ejection control unit configured to control the liquid ejecting head and the carriage to eject the liquid from the liquid ejecting head at the timing determined by the ejection timing determining unit. |
| US09050821B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and method
Through the use of a mask with an appropriate pattern, depending on dot size or density, in an in jet printing apparatus, image defects caused by conveyance distance errors are suppressed. More concretely, at the masking unit A an interlaced mask pattern is used and a masking process is performed with respect to 2 pl dot data obtained from the dot pattern development unit 604. On the other hand, at the masking unit B a random mask pattern is used and masking is performed with respect to 5 pl dot data. Herewith it has become possible, at all gradations, to suppress the 2 image defects, density unevenness and graininess, caused by conveyance distance errors. |
| US09050818B2 |
Inkjet recording device, computer program for controlling the same, and method of using the same
An inkjet printer (100) has an ink tank (113), an ink head (110), an ink supply tube (112) configured to supply ink from the ink tank (113) to the ink head (110), an ink return tube (115) one end of which is connected to an upstream side portion of the ink supply tube (112) and the other end of which is connected to a downstream side portion of the ink supply tube (112), and a pump (116) configured to circulate the ink in the ink supply tube (112) and the ink return tube (115). |
| US09050813B2 |
Ink cartridge refilling device, ink cartridge refilling system and corresponding ink cartridge refilling method
The invention relates to an ink cartridge refilling device and an ink cartridge refilling system. The ink cartridge refilling device comprises an ink container, an ink injection channel, an air inlet channel, an aspirator and a cover component, wherein the cover component is provided with a first sealing section for sealing an ink cartridge to be refilled and a second sealing section for sealing the air inlet channel. During the ink refilling, air in a sealed ink cartridge can be sucked to enable ink in the ink container to flow into the sealed ink cartridge, so that negative pressure is formed in the ink container and the ink is conveyed from the ink container to the ink cartridge under the negative pressure, thus the refilling of the ink into the ink cartridge and the replenishing of air into the ink container may not be carried out at the same time. |
| US09050812B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and maintenance method of the same
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a support stage that supports a recording medium; a liquid ejecting portion that has a liquid ejecting unit ejecting an ink to the supported recording medium; a ventilation fan that causes a gas to flow between the liquid ejecting unit and the support stage; a throttle portion that increases a flow velocity of the gas; and a controller that is enabled to execute a strong wind mode in which the gas increased in the flow velocity by the throttle portion flows between the liquid ejecting portion and the support stage, and a breeze mode in which the gas before being increased in the flow velocity by the throttle portion flows between the liquid ejecting portion and the support stage. The controller executes the breeze mode during recording work and executes the strong wind mode during non-recording work. |
| US09050810B2 |
Image forming apparatus configured with recording head cap having plural release valves
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording head, a cap member, and release valves. The head has a nozzle face with nozzles to eject liquid droplets. The head is placed in the apparatus body so as to eject the droplets obliquely downward in any of the vertical or horizontal arrangement of the apparatus body. The cap member caps the nozzle face and has openings at opposed ends in a longitudinal direction of the cap member to communicate an inside of the cap member with an outside of the cap member. The valves open and close the openings relative to an atmosphere. One of the valves placed higher than another one of the valves in accordance with the vertical or horizontal arrangement is configured to open the inside of the cap member to the atmosphere through one of the openings placed higher than another one of the openings. |
| US09050809B2 |
Liquid discharge recording apparatus and method for recovering liquid
A liquid discharge recording apparatus includes a first liquid containing first 1,2-alkanediol; a liquid discharge head configured to discharge the first liquid; a second liquid containing second 1,2-alkanediol of which vapor pressure is lower than that of the first 1,2-alkanediol; and an absorber which contains the second liquid and which is configured to absorb the first liquid exited from the liquid discharge head. |
| US09050808B2 |
Cap and inkjet recording device
A cap includes a cap body and an atmosphere communication portion. The cap body comes into contact with and is pressed against a portion around an ink outlet of a nozzle head to form a main space between the cap body and the nozzle head. The atmosphere communication portion includes a ventilation hole, a sub-space, and a ventilation channel. The ventilation hole is open to the main space. The sub-space retains ink entering the ventilation hole. The ventilation channel allows the sub-space to be in communication with the atmosphere. |
| US09050807B2 |
Process for bonding interstitial epoxy adhesive for fabrication of printhead structures in high density printheads
A method for forming an ink jet printhead comprises processing an epoxy adhesive such that negative effects from physical contact with particular inks are reduced or eliminated. Conventional adhesives processed using conventional techniques are known to gain weight and squeeze out when exposed to certain inks such as ultraviolet inks and pigmented inks. An embodiment of the present teachings can include processing of a particular adhesive such that the resulting epoxy adhesive is suitable for printhead applications. |
| US09050806B2 |
Liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes a member having a liquid ejection port, wherein a surface of the member on which the ejection port is open is formed by a curing reaction of a siloxane compound having a first group and a second group. The first group has a fluorine atom. The second group has at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, a carbonyl group, and a polyether structure. |
| US09050804B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a nozzle plate provided with nozzle openings; an actuator unit including a flow channel formation substrate in which pressure generation chambers are provided and piezoelectric actuators that cause a change in the pressure of the liquid within respective pressure generation chambers; a communication substrate in which communication channels that communicate between the pressure generation chambers and corresponding nozzle openings are provided; a first case member that is a frame member affixed to the communication substrate so that the actuator unit is disposed within the first case member and that, along with the actuator unit, forms a manifold that holds the liquid to be supplied to the pressure generation chambers; and a second case member that is affixed to the first case member and in which is formed an introduction channel that sends the liquid from the exterior to the manifold. |
| US09050801B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and method for manufacturing liquid ejecting head
A liquid ejecting head includes a channel unit having a plurality of pressure chambers respectively communicating with a plurality of nozzles opened to a nozzle formation surface, a plurality of reservoirs for supplying liquid to the plurality of the pressure chambers, and a plurality of compliance units formed by partitioning at least a part of the surface of each reservoir opposite to the nozzle formation surface by a film member; and a head case joined to a surface of the channel unit. A concave chamber formed by depressing a part of a surface joined to the channel unit in a side opposite to the reservoir and an atmosphere opening passage whose one end communicates with the concave chamber and the other end is opened to the atmosphere are formed at the head case. The concave chamber is formed in series over the compliance units. |
| US09050799B2 |
Piezoelectric material, piezoelectric element, and electronic apparatus
A piezoelectric material includes a metal oxide represented by general formula (1) below, a Mn content is 0.04 parts by weight or more and 0.36 parts by weight or less, a Li content α is 0.0013 parts by weight or more and 0.0280 parts by weight or less, a Bi content β is 0.042 parts by weight or more and 0.850 parts by weight or less, and the contents α and β satisfy 0.5≦(α·MB)/(β·ML)≦1 (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-y-zZrySnz) O3 (1) (where x, y, z, and a satisfy 0.09≦x≦0.30, 0.025≦y≦0.074, 0≦z≦0.02, and 0.986≦a≦1.02).A piezoelectric material according to an embodiment of the present invention contains no lead, has a low degree of temperature dependency of piezoelectric performance within operation temperature ranges of piezoelectric elements, and good piezoelectric properties. |
| US09050798B2 |
Ink-jet head and manufacturing method of the same
According to embodiments, a manufacturing method for an ink-jet head is disclosed. The method comprises forming an ink pressure chamber, forming an oscillating plate, and forming, on the oscillating plate, a first electrode having a predetermined footprint. The method further comprises forming, on the oscillating plate and on the first electrode, a piezoelectric film having a footprint that is geometrically similar to the predetermined footprint, forming, on the oscillating plate and the piezoelectric film, a second electrode having a footprint that is geometrically similar to the predetermined footprint, and forming a nozzle in the oscillating plate. |
| US09050797B2 |
Inkjet nozzle device configured for venting gas bubbles
An inkjet nozzle device configured for venting a gas bubble during droplet ejection. The inkjet nozzle device includes: a firing chamber for containing ink, the firing chamber having a floor and a roof defining an elongate nozzle aperture having a perimeter; and an elongate heater element bonded to the floor of the firing chamber, the heater element and nozzle aperture having aligned longitudinal axes. The device is configured to satisfy the relationships A=swept volume/area of heater element=8 to 14 microns; and B=firing chamber volume/swept volume=2 to 6. The swept volume is defined as the volume of a shape defined by a projection from the perimeter of the nozzle aperture to the floor of the firing chamber, and includes a volume contained within the nozzle aperture. |
| US09050789B2 |
Machine and method for marking articles
The present invention relates to a machine for marking articles, comprising a marking head suitable for applying a marking force on an article along a marking axis. The marking head comprises a carriage movable in translation along the marking axis and along a transverse axis, which is perpendicular to the marking axis (X10). The marking head also comprises a first roller and a second roller carried by the carriage, rotatable respectively around a first axis and a second axis each located in a plane perpendicular to the marking axis. The rollers are capable of alternately marking the same article or two successive articles, depending on movements of the carriage. The invention also relates to a method for marking articles. |
| US09050788B2 |
Universal adapter for consumable assembly used with additive manufacturing system
A universal adapter for use with a consumable assembly that is configured for use with an additive manufacturing system, the universal adapter comprising an inlet opening configured to receive a guide tube of the consumable assembly, and a connection member at the outlet end, which is configured interface with a mating panel of the additive manufacturing system. |
| US09050782B2 |
Expanded laminate
An expanded laminate includes a first plastic sheet, a first expanded sheet and a second expanded sheet. The first plastic sheet has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the first plastic sheet is bonded to a bottom surface of the first expanded sheet. The bottom surface of the first plastic sheet is bonded to a top surface of the second expanded sheet. |
| US09050781B2 |
Expanded laminate
An expanded laminate material includes a plastic sheet and two expanded layers. The plastic sheet has upper and lower surfaces and a thickness of between about 0.05 and 1 mm. The first expanded layer has upper and lower surfaces, a foam density of between about 1.2 and 8 pcf and a thickness of between about 1 and 8 mm. The lower surface of the first expanded layer is directly bonded to the upper surface of the plastic sheet. The a second expanded layer has upper and lower surfaces, a foam density of between about 1.2 and 8 pcf and a thickness of between about 1 and 8 mm. The upper surface of the second expanded layer is directly bonded to the lower surface of the plastic sheet. The first and second expanded layers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of expanded polyethylene and expanded polypropylene. |
| US09050767B2 |
Apparatus for producing at least one container, in particular in ampule form, made of thermoplastic material
An apparatus for producing at least one container, in particular in ampoule form, made of thermoplastic material, includes a mold (13) with mold components (15, 17). A first calibrating mandrel (19) and a second calibrating mandrel (23) are movable coaxially in relation to the longitudinal direction (21) of the container (1) and in relation to one another. The first calibrating mandrel (19) through the container (1) located in the mold (13) and the second calibrating mandrel (23) from the outer side of the container (1), move into a shaping position in which they calibrate a bottom area that forms at least part of a container bottom between the mandrel ends. A severing device has a movable cutting or punching surface (37) to sever excess plastic material forming during the shaping process in interaction with a cutting or bearing edge on the mold components (17) assigned to the bottom region. The severing device has a cutting device (35) that is guided in an axially displaceable manner on the second calibrating mandrel (23), forms the cutting or punching surface (37) and can move between the withdrawn position and the punching position independently of the movement of the respective calibrating mandrel (23). |
| US09050766B2 |
Variations and methods of producing ventilated structural panels
A method of forming a ventilated structural panel having a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and a plurality of spacing structural elements arranged in a matrix that fixedly attach the top sheet to the bottom sheet, the method comprising forming the matrix in a mold form attaching the matrix to the first and the second sheet. |
| US09050761B2 |
Method of dosing a lens forming material into a mold
There is described a method of dosing a lens forming material into a mold (1;21), which comprises dosing a metered amount of a lens forming material (P) including a volatile solvent into a mold cavity (4) enclosed by a female mold half (2) and a male mold half of a mold (1;21). The lens forming material (P) is subsequently polymerized and/or cross-linked to form an ophthalmic lens, in particular a contact lens. Dosing of the lens forming material (P) into the mold cavity (4) is accomplished while the mold halves (2, 3) are associated with each other substantially gas-tight. There is also described an apparatus for carrying out the method. |
| US09050760B2 |
Blown film scanning method
A method is provided for measuring and controlling a cumulative physical property, such as the thickness, of a tubular blown film, wherein the tubular blown film is being extruded from a ring-shaped extruder having a plurality of film physical property controllers disposed around the ring-shaped extruder. Where the physical property is thickness, the method includes the steps of (1) collapsing the tubular film to create a two-ply web and slowly rotating the film while taking a plurality of thickness measurements across the two-play web at various sections of the film, (2) calculating initial estimates of the thickness of each section using a first algorithm, (3) refining the initial estimates of the thicknesses of each section by successive iterations using a second algorithm, and (4) optionally adjusting at least one film physical property controller to control the final estimate of the thicknesses of each longitudinal section. |
| US09050756B2 |
Method of making a helmet
This invention relates to a method of making a helmet using a preform subassembly with arms which have an area that matches a perimeter profile of a specified geometric shape. By use of the area matching perform with arms, the thickness of the helmet is more uniform, seams in the preform can be minimized, and the ballistic resistance of the resulting helmet can be increased. |
| US09050751B2 |
Device for blow moulding containers
A device with blow stations disposed on a blow wheel for blow molding containers from a thermoplastic material includes a unit for pneumatic control of a blow pressure. The pneumatic control unit has a control piston which is guided in a cylinder and is mounted so as to be movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the piston. A main flow path, which can be closed by the control piston, extends through the cylinder. The control piston is provided with a control surface which faces a control chamber of the cylinder and is designed to transmit a control force to the control piston. The control piston is constructed at least in some regions from a metal or a ceramic. |
| US09050748B2 |
Composite material manufacturing device and composite material manufacturing method
In manufacturing composite material by curing fluid, strength deterioration of the composite material due to repair before the fluid is cured is reduced. A suction hole is formed in a bag film (3) for sealing a space for fibers being impregnated with resin, after start of impregnation. The suction hole is covered by a plate (56) with holes (57). The resin is sucked from the space through the plate (56). According to such composite material manufacturing method, a defect, which occurs during fibers are impregnated with resin, can be repaired before the resin is cured without causing disorder and damage in the fibers. In a composite material formed from one repaired in the above way, the repaired portion is strong, namely, there is no strength deterioration due to repair after curing, and thus, the material is preferred as compared with a composite material which is repaired after resin is cured. |
| US09050747B2 |
Techniques to mold parts with injection-formed aperture in gate area
Methods and systems for co-extruding multiple polymeric material flow streams into a mold cavity to produce a molded plastic article having an injection-formed aperture in gate region of the article are disclosed herein. A method includes providing a valve pin having a distal portion with a first diameter and a mid-portion with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and providing a mold defining a cavity corresponding to a shape of a resulting molded plastic article. The mold has a recess aligned with a gate region of the mold, extending into the mold and configured to receive the distal portion of the valve pin when the distal portion of the valve pin extends beyond the gate region. The method includes advancing the distal portion of the valve pin into the recess until the mid-portion of the valve pin at least partially extends into the gate region, thereby establishing a flow path for a combined polymeric stream into the cavity at the gate region for forming a molded plastic article having at least one layer of a first polymeric material and at least one layer of a second polymeric material. The method also includes withdrawing the mid-portion of the valve pin from the gate region, thereby forming an injection-molded aperture in the resulting molded plastic article at the gate region. |
| US09050743B2 |
Multilayer film
Provided is a molded body in which at least one surface layer made of a copolyester polymer is laminated on one surface or both surfaces of a base layer made of aliphatic polycarbonate. When coextruding aliphatic polycarbonate and copolyester polymer, two layers adhere well to each other and are hardly delaminated from each other even without an adhesive and a tie layer, oxygen barrier property and low-temperature heat seal property can be provided as compared with a case where the copolyester polymer alone is used, the cost can be reduced because a separate adhesive or a tie layer is not required, and the manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced because the constitution of layers is simplified. |
| US09050742B2 |
Injection moulding apparatus
An injection molding apparatus for injection molding articles from plastic, has a guide that extends along a plurality of stations, including at least one injection molding station, and along the guide at least one slide can be driven successively through the stations, wherein the or each slide transports the article to be produced from station to station. The slide or the plurality of slides altogether have associated therewith a plurality of motors which are seated on the slide or the slides. The motors have associated and moved therewith lines for supplying electrical power and/or at least one line for signalling, which are coupled with a stationary electrical power source or a stationary controller, respectively. At least one of the lines is guided from one motor to another. The motors are coupled with the at least one line in respect of the transfer of electrical power and/or signals. |
| US09050741B2 |
Method and device for cleaning an extrusion head
The present invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning extrusion heads (10) in the extrusion of thermoplastic plastic materials which are ejected or extruded as tubular preform (12) from an extrusion nozzle (14). For removing interfering deposits and cakings (20) on the discharge nozzle (14), according to the present invention the tubular preform (12) is briefly deflected and upset, wherein the deposits (20) adhering in a proximate region of the discharge nozzle (14) are wiped off from the tubular preform (12) and transported away. Advantageously, the tubular preform (12) is during its deflection itself used as cleaning element, wherein the cleaning takes place automatically during the continuous operation of the continuous extrusion without interrupting the production process. |
| US09050729B2 |
Self loading utility knife
A self-loading utility knife including an elongate handle having an internal chamber defining an axis and at one end is flat aperture for the passage of an active blade. The flat aperture defines a cutting plane extending through said handle along the axis. A blade-holder is slidably mounted in the chamber for movements in directions along the axis and is adapted to secure a single active blade for movement through the aperture when the blade holder is in the extended position. A blade-holder release button is coupled to the blade holder and is slidingly movable relative to the handle to move blade holder between retracted and extended positions. The handle has a blade compartment which is open to the chamber and can receive a stack of spare blades when a cover to the compartment is opened and blades can be shifted transversely relative to the axis into the chamber. The blade holder is provided with a recess having a depth no greater than the thickness of one blade to allow at least a portion of a single blade to be received in a retaining relationship within the recess to cause an end-most blade in the stack to be received within said recess to follow the movements of the blade holder. A spring biases the blades in the blade compartment inwardly in the direction of the blade holder. A blade releasing disc on the blade holder selectively locks a blade to the blade holder when the blade holder is in the extended position. The blade holder only receives a single blade within the recess. A belt clip s provided on the compartment cover. |
| US09050727B2 |
Master operation input device and master-slave manipulator
A master operation input device operates a slave manipulator provided with joints adapted to multiple degrees of freedom. The master operation input device includes a grip portion and a first operation portion. The grip portion is variable in position and orientation while being gripped by an operator. The grip portion is configured to give command values regarding the position and orientation of a distal end of the slave manipulator in accordance with the variation in position and orientation. The distal end is the farthest end when the slave manipulator is viewed from a fixed end thereof. The first operation portion is located to be operable by a fingertip of the operator when the grip portion is gripped. The first operation portion is operable independently of the grip portion. |
| US09050725B2 |
Tool control system based on anticipated terrain
A tool control system for controlling a tool of a machine is disclosed. The tool control system includes a tool configured to shape a surface of a worksite. The tool control system also includes a positioning system configured to determine a worksite position of a machine supporting the tool. The tool control system also includes a controller configured to receive a site map containing a profile of the surface, receive the worksite position of the machine, and determine a contour of the surface not yet traversed by the machine. The controller also being configured to anticipate an effect on the contour caused by the tool when the machine traverses the contour, and to move the tool and accommodate the affect before the machine traverses the contour. |
| US09050724B2 |
Control method of robot apparatus and robot apparatus
A control method of a robot apparatus, the robot apparatus including a link and a pair of actuators, obtaining each driving force command value of each of the actuators, and controlling each of the actuators, the control method including: a torque command value calculation step of using the target stiffness, the target trajectory, angular velocity of the target trajectory, and angular acceleration of the target trajectory to calculate a torque command value; a determination step of determining whether each of the driving force command values is a value 0 or greater; a change step of performing at least one of a change of increasing the target stiffness and a change of reducing the angular acceleration; and a driving force command value calculation step of using the target stiffness and the torque command value to calculate each of the driving force command values. |
| US09050719B2 |
Method for the selection of physical objects in a robot system
A method in which an apparatus receives first sensor data from first sensors and determines a target position from the data, the target position may be a position in space or an orientation of a gripper in a robot arm First instructions are issued to the robot arm or the gripper in order to move a gripper to the target position. Force feedback sensor data is received from force feedback sensors associated with either the robot arm or the gripper or from the first sensors. A failure in carrying out the first instructions is determined. Second sensor data is received from the at least one first sensor. Successful gripping of an object is determined from the second sensor data. |
| US09050718B2 |
Securable and collapsible work station
A work station includes tool containing or supporting features as well as workbench features, such as a work surface and work back. The work station is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In addition, the work station is preferably collapsible and securable. In one configuration, the work station has a work bench portion which can be raised or lowered relative to a base portion, wherein in the lowered position, the base portion is positioned in an interior space of the work bench portion. |
| US09050711B1 |
Multiple use fitters tool assembly
A multiple use fitters tool assembly provides multiple tools used by pipe fitters in a single convertible unit. The assembly includes a pair of elongated arms pivotally coupled together defining an upper handle, a lower handle, an upper jaw, and a lower jaw defining a pipe wrench. A tool slot extends into the pipe wrench. Each of a plurality of extendable tools is pivotally coupled to the pipe wrench in the tool slot and pivotable between an extended use position and a storage position. Selectable pairs of first and second gripping surfaces are couplable to the upper jaw and the lower jaw. A storage void extends into the pipe wrench. Each of the first gripping surfaces and the second gripping surfaces is selectively couplable to the pipe wrench in the storage void when not coupled to the upper jaw and the lower jaw. |
| US09050710B2 |
Woodworking vises
Vises utilizing a threaded screw and nut to translate rotary motion of the screw into linear relative movement of vise components. The nut may be a half-nut urged into contact with the screw by a cam that may be operated by a lever located near the handle for turning the screw. A tail vise embodiment may be mounted to the underside of a workbench without signification bench modification and positions the screw near the front edge of the bench top. A front vise embodiment may include a screw cover to protect workpieces from contact with the screw. |
| US09050707B2 |
Method for manufacturing polishing pad
A method for manufacturing a polishing pad, which may be laminated, with a small number of manufacturing steps, high productivity and no peeling between a polishing layer and a cushion layer includes preparing a cell-dispersed urethane composition by a mechanical foaming method; continuously discharging the cell-dispersed urethane composition onto a face material, while feeding the face material; laminating another face material on the cell-dispersed urethane composition; curing the cell-dispersed urethane composition, while controlling its thickness to be uniform, so that a polishing layer including a polyurethane foam is formed; cutting the polishing layer parallel to the face into two pieces so that two long polishing layers each including the polishing layer and the face material are simultaneously formed; and cutting the long polishing layers to produce the polishing pad. |
| US09050705B2 |
Clamping mechanism for surface blasting
A clamping mechanism for surface blasting of workpieces includes a base seat, a following assembly and a linking assembly. The following assembly is mounted on the base seat. The linking assembly is mounted on the following assembly, in which the linking assembly includes a lower rod, an upper rod, at least two linking bars and a plurality of loading members; the lower rod, the upper rod and the at least two linking rods cooperatively forming a four-bar linkage mechanism. The plurality of loading members are fixed to the at least two linking bars, such that the plurality of loading members are capable of turning over workpieces for surface blasting without requiring any positional readjustment of the workpieces by hand. |
| US09050704B1 |
Abrasive-delivery apparatuses for use with abrasive materials in abrasive-jet systems and related apparatuses, systems, and methods
Abrasive-delivery apparatuses for use in abrasive-jet systems and associated apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed. An abrasive-delivery apparatus configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first funnel segment and a second funnel segment downstream from the first funnel segment. The first funnel segment can have a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first interior region extending between the first inlet and the first outlet. Similarly, the second funnel segment can have a second inlet, a second outlet, and a second interior region extending between the second inlet and the second outlet. The first interior region can have a first inward taper toward the first outlet, and the second interior region can have a second inward taper toward the second outlet. The second inward taper can be steeper than the first inward taper when the abrasive-delivery apparatus is vertically oriented. |
| US09050698B2 |
Manufacturing method of carrier for double-side polishing apparatus, carrier for double-side polishing apparatus, and double-side polishing method of wafer
A manufacturing method of a carrier for a double-side polishing apparatus for polishing surfaces of a wafer, the carrier having: a carrier body arranged between upper and lower turn tables, the carrier body having a holding hole for holding the wafer; and a ring-shaped resin insert arranged along an inner circumference of the holding hole, the resin insert having an inner circumferential surface to be brought into contact with a peripheral portion of the wafer to be held, the method having the steps of attaching, to the holding hole of the carrier body, a base material for the resin insert not having the inner circumferential surface to be brought into contact with the wafer to be held, and performing inner-circumferential-surface-forming processing on the base material for the resin insert to form the inner circumferential surface to be brought into contact with the peripheral portion of the wafer to be held. |
| US09050697B2 |
Self-conditioning polishing pad and a method of making the same
The present invention is directed to a self-conditioning polishing pad. The self-conditioning polishing pad comprises an insoluble polymeric foam matrix and insoluble polymeric foam particles within the foam matrix. The particles are coated with a water-soluble component over a portion of the surface area of the particle. The particles may have a diameter in the range of 5 to 1000 microns in diameter. |
| US09050695B2 |
Tool changer for machine tool
A machine tool includes a lever arm extended from a column, a working spindle and a guiding member attached to the lever arm and having an upper guiding surface and a lower recess formed by an anchoring surface, the guiding surface is located farther away from the column as compared with the anchoring surface of the guiding member, a tool cartridge is attached to the lever arm for supplying tool elements to the working spindle, and includes a seat having a cam surface, a guiding roller attached to the seat for engaging with the guiding surface of the guiding member and for selectively separating the tool cartridge from the working spindle and the guiding member. |
| US09050692B2 |
Method and apparatus for radome and reflector dish interconnection
An interconnection retaining a radome upon a periphery of a reflector dish has a plurality of curved channel portions, each of the channel portions provided with an open periphery slot and an open retention slot. The periphery slot dimensioned to receive the peripheries of the radome and reflector dish. The channel portions are arranged end-to-end adjacent to one another, encircling the peripheries of the radome and reflector dish seated within the periphery slot. A gap may be provided between one or more of the channel portions. A link member is seated within the retention slot at an end of each adjacent channel portion. The retention slot at the end of each of the adjacent channel portions is crimped upon the link member. The link member may be, for example, a portion of threaded rod or a molded portion of polymer material. |
| US09050685B2 |
Method for controlling the quality of laser-welding processes
Described herein is a method for controlling the quality of a laser-welding process, for example, of laser welds of semifinished products constituted by elements of sheet metal of different thickness and/or properties (“tailored blanks”), of the type that comprises the steps of: detecting a radiation (E*) produced in the welding area and issuing signals (E*) indicating said radiation; acquiring and processing said signals (E*) indicating said radiation; making a division into blocks of said signals (E*) indicating said radiation; calculating for each block a block-mean value (u) and a value of block standard deviation (o); and in supplying input values comprising block-mean values (μ) and values standard deviation (o) for identifying defects and/or porosities and insufficient penetration. |
| US09050679B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for monitoring weld quality
An arc welder including an integrated monitor is disclosed. The monitor is capable of monitoring variables during a welding process and weighting the variables accordingly, quantifying overall quality of a weld, obtaining and using data indicative of a good weld, improving production and quality control for an automated welding process, teaching proper welding techniques, identifying cost savings for a welding process, and deriving optimal welding settings to be used as pre-sets for different welding processes or applications. |
| US09050677B2 |
Arc welding method and arc welding apparatus
An arc welding method comprising the steps of accelerating a feeding speed of a welding wire to cause shorting between the welding wire and a base metal when a welding end signal is input during a period of arcing, retracting the welding wire backward thereafter until a wire retracting speed reaches a predetermined rate, controlling the wire retracting speed constant at this speed for a predetermined duration of time, then stopping the backward retraction of the welding wire, and then terminating a welding power output after supplying a predetermined amount of welding current for a predetermined duration of time starting from a time when opening of the shorting occurs during the backward retraction of the welding wire. |
| US09050676B2 |
Apparatus and method for starting arc welding process
A system and method of starting a welding operation is provided where an electrode is advanced towards a work piece in a pulsed fashion and having a voltage level which will provide a first current when contact between the electrode and the work piece is made. After contact the electrode is retracted so that a welding arc is established and after the welding arc is established the current and wire feed speed is increased to a welding level. |
| US09050673B2 |
Multilayer overlays and methods for applying multilayer overlays
A wear resistant multilayer overlay includes a first layer on at least a surface of an article, and a second layer metallurgically bonded to at least a portion of the first layer. The first layer includes a first continuous metallic matrix and at least one of first hard particles, blocky diamond particles, non-blocky diamond particles, TSP diamond, cubic boron nitride particles, and PCD compacts embedded in the first continuous metallic matrix, wherein the first hard particles are at least one of transition metal carbide particles and boron nitride particles. The second layer includes a second continuous metallic matrix and at least one of second hard particles, blocky diamond particles, non-blocky diamond particles, TSP diamond, cubic boron nitride particles, and PCD compacts, embedded in the second continuous metallic matrix, wherein the second hard particles are at least one of transition metal carbide particles and boron nitride particles. Related methods and articles of manufacture also are disclosed. |
| US09050670B2 |
Pipe disconnecting device
The invention relates to a pipe disconnecting device, comprising a disconnecting device, which has a rotary body. The rotary body comprises a tool carrier for a disconnecting tool. A protrusion projects transversely to the rotational axis of the rotary body away from the rotary body or away from the tool carrier. At least one handle is attached to the protrusion, the handle extending across a region of the surface of the protrusion and forming a reach-through opening between the handle and the surface of the protrusion for a hand reaching for the handle. |
| US09050669B2 |
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. |
| US09050667B2 |
Cutting insert for right angle machining and milling cutter having the same
A polygonal cutting insert for right angle machining has opposed upper and lower surfaces, a peripheral side surface interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces and having curved first and fourth side surfaces and plane second and third side surfaces, and main and secondary cutting edges alternately formed along the outer peripheries of the upper and lower surfaces. The adjacent main and secondary cutting edges form a right angle therebetween. The first side surface adjoins the main cutting edge of the upper surface. The second side surface adjoins the secondary cutting edge of the lower surface. The third side surface adjoins the secondary cutting edge of the upper surface. The fourth side surface adjoins the main cutting edge of the lower surface. The cutting insert can be mounted on a milling cutter at a positive axial rake angle. |
| US09050665B2 |
Modular template for drilling holes and method of making same
A template for use with an instrument to drill a hole in a surface at a desired location. The template includes a body which has a negative impression of the surface, and a guideway having a first end positioned to open onto the desired location when the body is placed in conforming contact with the surface and a second end positioned on an exterior surface of the body. The second end of the guideway is connected to the first end by a passage. The guideway is preferably positioned in a portion of the template which is removable from the remainder thereof. The template also includes a stop for limiting the depth of penetration of the drill bit into the hole, a first fastener for attaching the stop to the body and a second fastener for fastening the removable portion of the template to the remainder of the template. |
| US09050662B2 |
Portable adjustable multiple end drill device
A portable adjustable multiple end drill device comprises a rotary power source communicating with a plurality of end drill units. The device includes restraints for holding the rotary power source and a hearing rigidly attached to the restraints for rotating the device. The device includes two end-caps, each of which is connected to a respective arm directly or via at least one modular extension of a respective arm. The end-caps are also connected to guide bars and a splined power transmission shaft. The device imparts a set of rectilinearly aligned work areas of a work piece, which work areas are respectively and simultaneously drilled by the respective drill bits. A rectilinear position of each end drill unit can be adjusted mechanically. Each drill bit holder, or base, holding a respective drill bit or fastener bit is rotated by a system of bearing-journaled drive gears. |
| US09050658B2 |
Cutting insert with bottom stopper surface between bottom abutment surfaces and cutting tool therefor
A cutting insert has an upper abutment portion at an upper surface thereof, and two bottom abutment portions and a stopper portion, at a bottom surface thereof. The two bottom abutment portions define bottom planes, parallel and spaced apart from one another. The upper abutment surface defines an upper plane, forming a first angle with the bottom planes. The cutting insert has a relief surface at a front surface thereof, forming a cutting edge with a rake surface formed at the upper surface. The stopper portion defines a stopper plane, which forms a second angle with a relief plane defined by the relief surface. A reference plane perpendicular to the upper plane, passing through the upper abutment portion, intersects the first and second bottom planes at first and second intersection lines, which are spaced apart from the first and second bottom abutment portions. |
| US09050655B2 |
Continuous reactor and method for manufacturing nanoparticles
The present invention relates to a continuous reactor a method for manufacturing nanoparticles. The reactor of the present invention includes: a plurality of first inputs for individually inputting a plurality of reagents; a first mixing part connected to the first inputs to mix the reagents; N number of first reaction units, each comprising a plurality of first diverging channels and a first converging channel to form a channel having the first diverging channels and the first converging channels alternately connected to one another in series for N times of diverging-converging actions, wherein N≧1, and the first diverging channels of a 1st one of the first reaction units are connected to the first mixing part; and a first output connected to the first converging channel of an Nth one of the first reaction units, so as to output a product of nanoparticles. |
| US09050654B2 |
Method of manufacturing composite ball for electronic parts
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a composite ball for electronic parts by preparing a core ball with spherical shape, forming a solder-plated layer encompassing the core ball to obtain a composite ball, and then conducting a smoothing work on the surface of the solder-plated layer, therein the smoothing work is preferably conducted by bringing a medium into contact with the surface of the solder-plated layer. |
| US09050653B2 |
Suction valve device for discharging gas from a mould
The invention relates to a valve device for a pressure injection or die-casting machine, said device comprising a body (18) with a valve chamber (21) including a suction chamber and a control chamber, and a sliding valve (20) mounted in the valve chamber, said sliding valve comprising a first portion (34) with a valve head (44) that co-operates with a valve seat (22) on the body in order to open and close the valve and a second portion (35) comprising a piston (38) mounted in the control chamber (21a). The control chamber is connected to fluid control connections (26a, 26b) in order to exert a pressure on the piston (38) so as to control the opening and closing of the valve. The second valve portion and the first valve portion are aligned on the same axis in the direction of movement of the sliding valve and said first and second portions of the sliding valve can be separated from one another and secured to one another using a removable securing member (36, 36′). |
| US09050650B2 |
Tapered hearth
A casting system and method. The casting system can include an energy source and a hearth, which can have a tapered cavity. The tapered cavity can have a first end portion and a second end portion, and the tapered cavity can narrow between the first and second end portions. Further, the tapered cavity can have an inlet at the first end portion that defines an inlet capacity, and one or more outlets at the second end portion that define an outlet capacity. Where the cavity has a single outlet, the outlet capacity can be less than the inlet capacity. Where the cavity has multiple outlets, the combined outlet capacity can match the inlet capacity. Further, the cross-sectional area of the tapered cavity near the inlet can be similar to the cross-sectional area of the inlet. |
| US09050643B2 |
Method for connecting two components of a vehicle seat
In a method for connecting two at least partly metal components of a vehicle seat, which has a backrest that can be pivoted about an axis, wherein the two components are arranged relative to each other and are then connected, the two components are arranged at a distance from each other, at least in some regions, and connected by electromagnetic pulse technology. By a current pulse, electromagnetic fields are induced in the two components, the intense magnetic attraction force of which presses the two components together, producing an integral connection. |
| US09050641B2 |
Device and method for hot stamping
Disclosed herein is a hot stamping device for forming, cooling and trimming a material heated to a set temperature including a lower stanchion having a lower mold steel formed to a shape corresponding to a bottom surface of the material and a blank holder vertically movable on an exterior of the lower mold steel; a lower trimming steel mounted on the blank holder, configured to support the edges of the material; an upper stanchion having an upper mold steel formed to a shape corresponding to an upper surface of the material, and configured to move the upper mold steel up and down; an upper trimming steel disposed on an exterior of the upper mold steel move downwardly with the lower trimming steel to trim the edges of the material; and a cooling unit disposed on to the lower and the upper mold steels and the lower and the upper trimming steels, and configured to circulate coolant. |
| US09050639B1 |
Process for making an interlocking flanged bushing and products made by this process
The provided process creates a fully flanged interlocked bushing by feeding a metal strip into a stamping assembly having a plurality of tool stations. The stations blank a workpiece from the metal strip, and trim the workpiece's two opposing ends forming a triangular shaped tab and a puzzle locking feature on either end. The workpiece is then formed into an annular shape, wherein the triangular shaped tabs are overlapped as the opposing ends are abutted and interlocked. A flange is then imparted into the side wall of the workpiece relieving the tab's overlapping condition, causing the tabs to abut one another and become co-planar with the flange. This creating a fully flanged part with a tightly fitted parting line. This invention also includes products formed by the aforementioned process. |
| US09050625B1 |
Floor grout installation apparatus and method
The present invention is related to a floor grout installation apparatus and its method of use. The apparatus not only applies grout to fill spaces between floor tiles but also includes means for removing grout from the surface of the tiles after the grout has been applied and cleaning the tile as it passes. |
| US09050623B1 |
Progressive UV cure
Porous ULK film is cured with UV radiation at progressively shorter wavelengths to obtain ULK films quickly at a desired dielectric constant with improved mechanical properties. At longer wavelengths above about 220 nm or about 240 nm, porogen is removed while minimizing silicon-carbon bond formation. At shorter wavelengths, mechanical properties are improved while dielectric constant increases. |
| US09050618B2 |
Double-sided coating apparatus and double-sided coating method
According to one embodiment, a double-sided coating apparatus includes a first coating head arranged on one side of a raw material to coat the one side with a coating liquid by alternately forming a coating region and a non-coating region in a direction crossing a delivery direction, a second coating head arranged on the other side of the raw material to coat the other side with the coating liquid by alternately forming the coating region and the non-coating region in the direction crossing the delivery direction, and a coating roller arranged near a position on the one side of the raw material and opposite to the second coating head across the raw material and having a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion with different diameters along an axial direction with the small-diameter portion opposite to the coating region and the large-diameter portion opposite to the non-coating region. |
| US09050615B2 |
Apparatus and method for coating substrates for analyte detection by means of an affinity assay method
The invention relates to several embodiments of equipment for coating substrates for detecting one or more analytes by way of an affinity assay method, comprising: a receptacle receiving a liquid to be atomized (“liquid receptacle”) with substances (compounds) to be deposited onto at least one surface of said substrates and an atomized volume produced by the liquid in the operating state; an actuator for triggering the atomization process and; a fixture for receiving and storing the substrates during the coating process. The invention is characterized in that the substrates are not in contact with the surface of the liquid to be atomized. The invention also relates to several embodiments of methods for coating substrates with coupler and/or passivation layers for use in the detection of one or more analytes by way of an affinity assay method. |
| US09050612B2 |
Shower device with independently operating valves
A shower device includes spray outlets and valves configured to control flow of a fluid to the spray outlets. At least one of the valves is configured to control, independently of other valves, flow of the fluid to at least one of the spray outlets. |
| US09050611B2 |
High mass throughput particle generation using multiple nozzle spraying
Spraying apparatus and methods that employ multiple nozzle structures for producing multiple sprays of particles, e.g., nanoparticles, for various applications, e.g., pharmaceuticals, are provided. For example, an electrospray dispensing device may include a plurality of nozzle structures, wherein each nozzle structure is separated from adjacent nozzle structures by an internozzle distance. Sprays of particles are established from the nozzle structures by creating a nonuniform electrical field between the nozzle structures and an electrode electrically isolated therefrom. |
| US09050607B2 |
Decanting centrifuge with plural screen support sections
A screen bowl decanting centrifuge comprising a rotatable bowl (4) and a conveyor assembly (8) adapted, in use, to separate a slurry into solids and liquids components, and an outlet for the liquids component which outlet communicates with the inlet (102) of a perforated bowl section (100) arranged, in use, to filter the liquids component as it passes through the perforations of a screen or screens (13), wherein the perforated bowl section (100) comprises a plurality of removably mounted screen support sections (50). |
| US09050605B2 |
Graphene nanocomposites
A nanocomposite material for use as an electromagnetic wave or radio frequency absorber or as a filter to trap or remove heavy metals. The nanocomposite material may be made with a one-pot synthesis, or thermodecomposition process, of magnetic graphene nanocomposites decorated with core-double-shell nanoparticles, wherein the double shell iron nanoparticles may comprise a crystalline iron core, an inner iron oxide layer around the crystalline iron core, and an outermost amorphous Si—S—O compound shell around the iron oxide layer. |
| US09050602B2 |
Refining surface for a refiner
A refining surface (1, 2) of a refiner for defibrating lignocellulose-containing material has a feed edge (14) and a discharge edge (15) and has a first blade groove (17a) and a second blade groove (17b), with a blade bar (16) therebetween. A distance (D, D17a, D17b) of the bottom (18) of the first blade groove (17a) and the second blade groove (17b) from an upper surface (16a) of the blade bar (16) is arranged, at least in a part, to change substantially continuously in a direction of travel (A) of the blade grooves. The distance of the bottom of the second blade groove from the upper surface of the blade bar deviates from the distance of the bottom of the first blade groove from the upper surface of the blade bar at substantially the same distance (SD) from the feed edge of the refining surface. |
| US09050597B2 |
PCR method and PCR device
Provided on an inner surface of a container to carry out polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are an electrode pair 22 to be disposed to face each other with a gap along a flow of a reaction solution interposed therebetween, and an AC voltage is applied to the electrode pair 22 to make an AC current flow through the reaction solution, whereby Joule heat is generated to control the reaction solution in temperature. Accordingly, a PCR method and a PCR device that allow generating sufficient Joule heat for a PCR cycle even when an applied voltage is low, and do not electrolyze a reaction solution even by making an electric current flow through the reaction solution can be provided. |
| US09050594B2 |
System and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids
A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a capture plate and a capture plate module configured to facilitate binding of nucleic acids within the set of biological samples to magnetic beads; a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols; and an assay strip configured to combine nucleic acid samples with molecular diagnostic reagents for analysis of nucleic acids. |
| US09050591B2 |
Nickel form for preparation of catalytic nickel-ligand complexes
A novel nickel particulate form is provided that efficiently forms a zero-valent nickel complex with a phosphorus-containing ligands in an organic liquid to form a hydrocyanation catalyst. Particles in the nickel particulate form comprise nickel crystallites. For example, the nickel particulate form can have a BET Specific Surface Area of at least about 1 m2/gm; an average crystallite size less than about 20-25 nm, the nickel particulate form can have at least 10% of the crystallites in the nickel form can have a diameter (C10) of less than about 10 nm, and/or there are on average at least about 1015 surface crystallites per gram nickel. A ratio of BET SSA to C50 for the nickel particulate form can be at least about 0.1×109 m/gm and preferably at least about 0.4×109 m/gm. Methods of preparation and use are also provided. |
| US09050583B2 |
Carbon catalyst for hydrogen production, method for producing catalyst, and method for producing hydrogen using catalyst
Provided are a carbon catalyst for hydrogen production having an excellent catalytic activity, a production method therefor, and a method of producing hydrogen using the catalyst. The carbon catalyst for hydrogen production is a carbon catalyst, which is obtained by carbonizing a raw material including an organic substance and a transition metal, the catalyst being used for hydrogen production by thermal decomposition of a hydrocarbon compound and/or an oxygen-containing organic compound. Further, the carbon catalyst for hydrogen production may be obtained by loading an alkaline earth metal on a carbonized material produced by the carbonization. |
| US09050577B2 |
Carrier for holding nucleic acid
A solid support for maintaining a uniform spot shape while improving the capacity for immobilization of nucleic acids upon spotting of nucleic acids onto a solid support is provided. A substrate has a base material, an electrostatic layer formed on the base material in order to electrostatically attract nucleic acids, and carboxyl groups formed on the electrostatic layer, wherein the ratio, (COO peak intensity)/(C—C peak intensity) in the C1s spectra obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) performed for the surface of the substrate ranges from 0.10 to 0.20. The solid support for immobilizing nucleic acids is produced by active esterification of carboxyl groups of the substrate. |
| US09050576B2 |
Device and method for making a dilute aqueous solution of peroxomonosulphuric acid
A device, comprising a conduit for an aqueous stream, a mixing tube located inside the conduit, having a static mixer inside the mixing tube, an outlet open to the conduit and an inlet, a sulphuric acid supply tube connected to the inlet of the mixing tube and a hydrogen peroxide supply tube, arranged inside the sulphuric acid supply tube and having an outlet for hydrogen peroxide at the inlet of said mixing tube, and a method, where an aqueous stream is passed through the conduit of the device, 85 to 98% by weight sulphuric acid is introduced to the sulphuric acid supply tube of the device and 50 to 80% by weight aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is introduced to the hydrogen peroxide supply tube of the device, provide a dilute aqueous solution of peroxomonosulphuric acid without a risk of exposing operating personnel to concentrated peroxomonosulphuric acid. |
| US09050575B2 |
Thermochemical system having a modular connection
A thermochemical system having a reactor or a chamber for storing a reactive material capable of absorbing a gas that is taken into the reactor by a diffuser placed along the longitudinal axis of the latter. The reactive material and the gas are such that, when placed in the presence of each other, same are subjected to a reaction causing the reactive material to absorb the gas, and conversely, same are subjected to a reaction for desorbing the gas, absorbed by the reactive material, by heating applied to the latter when it has absorbed gas. The diffuser includes a gas supply mechanism, a mechanism for dispensing the gas into the reactive material, a filtration mechanism, and a heating mechanism. The various mechanisms form a sub-assembly that is attached onto the housing of the reactor by a sealing element. |
| US09050572B2 |
Process for the production of carbon nanotubes in a fluidized bed
The present invention relates to a process for the production of carbon nanotubes by decomposition of hydrocarbons on a heterogeneous catalyst in a fluidized bed reactor, wherein the reactor can be operated batchwise or continuously, and in the case of continuous operation discharge can take place with sifting or without sifting. |
| US09050571B2 |
Apparatus for a radial-flow reactor and method for assembly thereof
An apparatus for a radial-flow reactor according to various approaches includes a catalyst transfer pipe having an inwardly tapered end portion. According to various approaches, a catalyst transfer port of the reactor may include a centering device having an upper tapered surface for facilitating assembly of the reactor. A method according to various aspects includes assembling a radial-flow reactor by installing a catalyst transfer pipe through a catalyst transfer port. |
| US09050568B2 |
Hybrid mixer
A mixer (1) for processing one or more fluid media (2) and optionally one or more solid media (3). The mixer (1) consists of a tank (4) with one or more filling openings (5) and a discharge opening (6) at the bottom of the tank (4), and a mixer unit (8) provided at the bottom of the tank. The mixer unit (8) includes a rotor (9), an inlet (10) and an outlet (11). The mixer unit (8) also includes a valve arrangement (12) with a valve body (13), an inlet (14) communicating with the outlet of the mixer unit (8), a first outlet (14) communicating with the discharge opening (6) of the tank and a second outlet (15) communicating with an inlet in the tank (4). A connection (20) may be provided between the first outlet (15) of the valve arrangement and at least one of the filling openings of the tank. |
| US09050566B2 |
Gas separation membrane
A gas separation membrane having a polyimide structure. The polyimide structure is provided to contain a repeating unit represented by general formula (1): (In the formula, R1 is a divalent organic group and R2 is a tetravalent organic group), wherein R1 is a divalent organic group represented by general formula (2): (In the formula, Raa is a single bond, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, —SO2— group, —CH2— group, —C(═O)— group, —C(CH3)2— group, —C(CH3)(CH2CH3)— group, —C(CF3)2— group or a divalent organic group formed by removing any two hydrogen atoms from a C3-C12 alicyclic hydrocarbon or C6-C25 aromatic hydrocarbon. Rab is a C1-C6 alkyl group. “ac” and “ad” mutually independently represent an integer of 0 to 2 such that 1≦ac+ad≦4. HFIP represents a —C(CF3)2OH group. A straight line that intersects with a wiggly line represents a bonding moiety). |
| US09050565B2 |
Centrifugal filter
Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device. The two-panel configuration also maintains more available membrane area in use during the last stages of filtration than a one-panel configuration. |
| US09050562B2 |
Method of preparing or reconditioning a leak stable gas separation membrane system
A method of making a gas separation membrane by providing a plating vessel with a volume of plating solution of gas-selective metal ions into which is placed a porous support. The plating solution is circulated over a surface of the porous support while maintaining conditions within the plating vessel so as to promote the electroless deposition. The circulation rate of the plating solution is such as to enhance the metal deposition onto the surface of the porous support in the formation of the gas separation membrane. |
| US09050555B2 |
CO2 recovery system and recovery method for moisture containing CO2 gas
A CO2 recovery system 10A has a CO2 recovery unit 11, a compression unit 12, and a condensed-water supply line 65A that supplies condensed water 64 to an absorbent regenerator 14. The CO2 recovery unit 11 includes a CO2 absorber 13 and the absorbent regenerator 14. The compression unit 12 has a first compressor 61-1 to an nth compressor 61-n that compress CO2 gas 56 emitted from the absorbent regenerator 14, a first separator 63-1 to an nth separator 63-n that reduce moisture in the CO2 gas 56, and a first heat exchanger 66-1 that performs heat exchange between the CO2 gas 56 emitted from the first compressor 61-1 and the condensed water 64 emitted from the first separator 63-1. |
| US09050551B2 |
Supersonic venturi scrubber
A method of removing contaminants from a gas stream utilizing a supersonic venturi including a converging section, a throat, and a diverging section is provided. A contaminated gas stream and a scrubbing liquid stream are introduced into the converging section, thereby forming a mixed stream which experiences choked flow upon exiting. The choked mixed stream is introduced into the throat section wherein the scrubbing liquid is contacted with the contaminated gas stream. The contaminated scrubbing liquid stream is removed from the supersonic venture scrubber, and an essentially pure gas stream is removed from the diverging section. A flow modification device may be introduced into the throat section. The flow modification device may be either axially or radially adjustable in order to effect the atomization of the scrubbing liquid and/or the contacting of atomized scrubbing liquid with the contaminated gas stream within the throat section. |
| US09050546B2 |
Waterproof and salt repellant media and filter
A waterproof and salt repellant media for use in a gas turbine intake filter is provided. The media includes a first composite material layer having a polypropylene melt-blown layer and a polypropylene spun-bond layer, and a second composite material layer having a polyester spun-bond material coated with PTFE. |
| US09050541B2 |
Moving attachments for a vibration powered toy
An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load. |
| US09050540B1 |
Toy skateboard
In one embodiment there is a toy skateboard having two configurations. In the first configuration, a pair of non-motorized truck assemblies are attached to the deck, and the upper surface of the deck has a finger engaging region for a user's fingers to engage and move the skateboard. In the second configuration, the rear non-motorized truck assembly is replaced with a motorized rear truck assembly, wherein the movement of the skateboard is controlled by the processor in response to remote signals. In addition, the processor may detect a back EMF voltage generated by the rotation of a motor caused by a manual manipulation of a wheel controlled by the motor. The processor would have sleep and wake states and would transition between the two when the detected back EMF voltage reaches a pre-determined value. |
| US09050539B2 |
Control expansion for conventionally powered model railroads
A method and apparatus is shown to allow expanded control capability for devices on and attached to a model railroad layout. Included is the capability for track section occupancy detection for one or more track sections, employing a switched impedance occupancy detection method, simultaneously allowing; transponding location and/or data feedback detection and intelligent power management, and/or autoreversing methods in the same device, and further providing for this encoded detection and power state information to be communicated to a layout control and monitoring system. Additional capability is to display on the local device or remote indicator lights and/or aural alarms any user selectable device state information by employing a recognizable and predefined indication pattern. |
| US09050538B2 |
Collision detection and motion simulation in game virtual space
An object placement managing unit (44) controls whether or not to change the position or direction of a first object according to a positional relationship between a passive area determined based on the position of the first object, and a judging area determined based on the position of a second object. The object placement managing unit (44) controls whether or not to change the position or direction of the second object according to a positional relationship between an active area determined based on the position of the first object and differing from the passive area, and the judging area. |
| US09050536B2 |
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 communication 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. |
| US09050528B2 |
Systems and methods for utilizing personalized motion control in virtual environment
Techniques for controlling motions using motion recognizers generated in advance by users are described. According to embodiment, the motion recognizers created by end users are utilized to control virtual objects displayed in a virtual environment. By manipulating one or more motion sensitive devices, end users could command what the objects to do in the virtual environment. Motion signals from each of the motion sensitive devices are recognized in accordance with the motion recognizers created in advance by the users. One or more of the motion signals are at the same time utilized to tune the motion recognizers or create additional motion recognizers. As a result, the motion recognizers are constantly updated to be more accommodating to the user(s). |
| US09050526B2 |
Gaming system
A remote control for use with a media player coupled to an output device. The media player is configured to receive signals from the remote control, to read and execute information stored on a game medium, and to cause the output device to transmit generated signals. The remote control includes a controller, an input coupled to the controller, a transmitter coupled to the controller, and a receiver coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to selectively operate in a first mode that causes the transmitter to transmit a signal upon user actuation of the input, and a second mode that prevents the transmitter from transmitting signals upon user actuation of the input. Reception of a first generated signal by the receiver causes the controller to operate in the first mode, and reception of a second generated signal by the receiver causes the controller to operate in the second mode. |
| US09050524B2 |
Method for using images to generate gameplay content
Systems and methods for using images to generate gameplay content are disclosed herein. Specifically, for example, one aspect of the present disclosure involves a method for altering a virtual world generated by a video game system. The method includes obtaining one or more images from sources external to the video game system and processing the one or more images to obtain one or more inputs. The one or more inputs are provided to a gameplay engine to alter an output of the gameplay engine. |
| US09050522B2 |
Card game with dealt card disclosure feature and kit
A method of managing a card game, a computer implementation thereof, and a card game kit are disclosed. In the method, a plurality of cards are dealt in one or more rounds to a plurality of players, each player receiving one or more cards in each round, with each card bearing a designated value and suit. The values and suits of the cards dealt are recorded in each round. Those values and suits are then revealed to the players during one or more of the rounds to enable the players to wager or withdraw from the game. |
| US09050520B2 |
Ball pitching machine
A ball pitching machine includes a tripod, a mounting base, two rotary wheel devices, and a ball holder. The mounting base includes an engaging member rotatably mounted to a pillar of the tripod and a mounting plate pivotably coupled to the engaging member. The rotary wheel devices are mounted on two sides of the mounting plate and each includes a rotary wheel. The ball holder is mounted to the mounting plate and located between the rotary wheel devices. The ball holder of the ball pitching machine is applicable to different-sized rugby balls or soccer balls and can be easily adjusted to any elevation angle. The ball pitching machine allows elevation angles of the mounting base to be adjusted, and also allows elevation angles of the rotary wheels to be adjusted. |
| US09050519B1 |
System and method for shot tracking
A system and method for shot tracking is disclosed herein. The system preferably includes a golf club, a receiver device and a server with a website. The golf club preferably includes an active RFID transponder, a power source and a shock switch. When the golf club strikes a golf ball, the shock switch closes thereby powering the RFID transponder which sends a signal to the receiver device for automatically tracking a golfer's round of golf. The data is then uploaded to the website for processing. |
| US09050517B2 |
Ski training device and method
A ski training device includes a frame and two sets of rollers mounted side-by-side on axles on the frame. The two sets of rollers each define a linear roll path and a roll surface. Each roll path has a rearward portion, a central portion, and a forward portion, and the two roll paths are substantially parallel. Each roll surface similarly has a rearward portion, a central portion, and a forward portion, and the rearward and forward portions of each roll surface are higher than their respective central portions when the ski training device is positioned on a flat, level surface. Each roll surface accordingly arcs or slopes upward as one moves forward or rearward along the roll path from its center, thus helping to keep a skier centered over the rollers when training. |
| US09050515B1 |
Golf swing training machine
A device training muscles of a golfer to remember how to properly swing a golf club through a set-up position, a turning position without swaying to hit a golf ball, and a follow through position. The device includes a base, an upright portion, and a lateral portion. The base rests on a generally horizontal surface, adjacent to the golfer. The upright portion extends generally vertically upwardly from the base, adjacent to the golfer. The lateral portion extends generally horizontally outwardly from the upright portion, and partially encircles the golfer to train the muscles of the golfer to remember how to properly swing the golf club through the set-up position, the turning position without swaying to hit the golf ball, and the follow-through position. |
| US09050513B2 |
Temporary support
A self-supporting, readily erectable and transportable mast that includes a pneumatically inflatable elongate tubular member useful for providing structural support when raising various types of equipment above the ground. Included in the tubular member are woven or interwoven textile reinforcing strands arranged in one or more layers that may be laid at various angles useful for reinforcing and strengthening the tubular member when raised. |
| US09050512B2 |
Method and system to analyze sports motions using motion sensors of a mobile device
A method and system to analyze sports motions using the motion sensors of a mobile device, such as a smart phone, is provided. This method uses the mobile device motion sensor output to define the impact point with a virtual object, such as a golf ball, baseball or tennis ball. The motion sensor signature of the sports motion is analyzed for characteristics, specific to each type of sports motion. A method is disclosed using multiple sensors outputs in a mobile device to compute the impact point with a virtual object, such as a golf ball, baseball, tennis ball. Further, a method is disclosed where moving virtual sports objects interact with virtual sports motions and the responsive outputs are displayed on the mobile device and/or any Web-enabled display device. |
| US09050511B2 |
Damping device
A golf club (2) comprising a shaft (20), a head and a damping device (1, 100). The damping device (1, 100) includes an anchor element (3, 103) and a damping element (4, 104) interconnected by a rigid rod (5, 105). The anchor element (3, 103) is anchored within the lower section of the shaft (20) that has a substantially constant diameter such that the damping element (4, 104) is in contact with an internal surface of the shaft (20) to dampen vibrations therein. |
| US09050508B2 |
Golf club and method for adjusting characteristics of the same
A golf club includes: a shaft; a head; and a shaft case, a hosel column, wherein: the shaft case includes a convex axis member provided at a top end of the shaft case; the hosel column includes a plurality of concave threads that are provided on the lower side of a step face on an inner periphery of the hosel column; a flange member is provided at a back end of the shaft case, and a spacer is provided insertable and removable between the flange member and an upper end of the hosel column; a bolt holder is arranged to connect with the step face when the spacer is inserted between the flange member of the shaft case and the hosel column; and the bolt holder is arranged to connect with the upper ends of the concave threads when the spacer is removed. |
| US09050507B2 |
Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. |
| US09050506B2 |
Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. |
| US09050501B2 |
Multi-layered cores having foam inner core for golf balls
Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. |
| US09050499B2 |
Golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a paint film which is formed from an aqueous paint and excellent in adhesion to the surface of the golf ball and stain resistance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on the golf ball body, wherein the paint film has a tensile strength ranging from 5 MPa to 45 MPa and is formed from a curing type aqueous polyurethane paint containing (A) an aqueous polyol composition including (a-1) an aqueous acrylic polyol and (a-2) an aqueous polyurethane resin having a tensile strength ranging from 5 MPa to 45 MPa and (B) an aqueous polyisocyanate including hexamethylene diisocyanate and/or a derivative thereof. |
| US09050497B2 |
Isolated curl machine and method of training therefor
An isolated curl machine and method therefor is disclosed herein. Generally, the isolated curl machine provides a resistance having a force which is directed upward and away from the user. The machine may also support the user's upper arms, or a portion thereof. In this manner, training on the machine is highly focused on the biceps. The machine may comprise a frame, a seat, an arm rest, and a resistance device. The user may engage the machine by sitting in the seat and placing his or her arms on the arm rest. In this position, the user may engage the resistance device such as by grasping a handle of the resistance device. The resistance device provides the resistance which resists movement of the user's arm during a bicep curl and may be configured such that the force of the provided resistance is directed upward and away from the user. |
| US09050491B2 |
Varied gait exercise device with anatomically aligned hip pivots
An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having upper right and left leg links pivotally mounted to lower right and left leg links respectively. The upper leg links are pivotally coupled to the frame. A foot support is provided on the distal end of the lower leg links. The device includes first and second transfer systems for coordinating movement of the right and left sets of upper and lower leg links. The first transfer system is movably coupled to the frame and includes a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link, a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, and a pivot bar pivotally mounted to the frame between a first end and a second end thereof with the first end coupled to the first transfer member and the second end coupled to the second transfer member. |
| US09050479B2 |
Module for a device generating at least one water curtain and corresponding device
The present application concerns a module for a device generating at least one water curtain aimed at confining an area of space or for a cooling tower, including at least one water supply, at least one convergence zone mounted downstream of the holding zone, and at least one nozzle mounted downstream of the convergence zone and made of two parallel walls in equal length to the module and separated by a distance defining the thickness of the water curtain. The application also concerns a device generating at least one water curtain including a module previously defined. |
| US09050478B2 |
Supply valve for air respirator
A supply valve for supplying air to a wearer of an air respirator is attached to a facepiece and includes an inflow port for medium-pressure air (S1), a supply port for the medium-pressure air (S1) with respect to the facepiece, and a diaphragm. The supply valve includes a cylindrical housing and a slider that is reciprocally slidable on the inner peripheral surface of the housing in an axial direction thereof. The housing includes a pilot valve seat urged toward a pilot valve on an outer side of the one end portion in the axial direction and a main valve seat on an inner side of an opposite end portion in the axial direction. The inflow port is formed between the one end portion and the opposite end portion. The slider includes the pilot valve contactable with the pilot valve seat and a main valve urged toward the main valve seat. |
| US09050474B2 |
Transfer resistant cosmetic
Provided are cosmetic compositions comprising acrylate film forming polymers and an surface-treated colorants which exhibit an improved or synergistic reduction in their propensity to transfer or rub of during wear. |
| US09050472B2 |
Automatic selection of lead configuration for a neural stimulation lead
A neurostimulation system includes a neural stimulation lead having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a plurality of electrodes along the distal portion. The plurality of electrodes are configured for positioning proximate a portion of the autonomic nervous system. A neural stimulation circuit, coupled to the plurality of electrodes, delivers neural stimulation pulses to the plurality of electrodes. A processor and controller is configured to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver first neural stimulation pulses to each of a plurality of electrode configurations. Each electrode configuration includes one or more of the plurality of electrodes. The processor and controller is further configured to receive information related to motor fiber activity that is induced in response to delivery of the first neural stimulation pulses to each of the plurality of electrode configurations and to identify the electrode configurations that induce the motor fiber activity. |
| US09050467B2 |
Compensation current optimization for cochlear implant systems
An exemplary system includes a sound processor configured to process one or more audio signals and an implantable cochlear stimulator configured to apply stimulation representative of the one or more audio signals to a patient via a plurality of electrodes. In some embodiments, the sound processor directs the implantable cochlear stimulator to 1) apply a main current to a first electrode included in the plurality of electrodes and associated with a first pitch, 2) concurrently apply, during the application of the main current, a compensation current to a second electrode included in the plurality of electrodes and associated with a second pitch that is lower than the first pitch, and 3) adjust the compensation current to result in a target pitch being presented to the patient, the target pitch being higher than the first pitch. |
| US09050465B2 |
Methods and systems for facilitating adjustment of one or more fitting parameters by an auditory prosthesis patient
An exemplary method of facilitating adjustment of one or more fitting parameters by an auditory prosthesis patient includes 1) receiving, by a fitting subsystem communicatively coupled to a sound processor, user input representative of a selection of a fitting parameter, 2) associating, by the fitting subsystem in response to the user input, the fitting parameter with a physical input mechanism that is a part of the sound processor, and 3) dynamically adjusting, by the fitting subsystem, a value of the fitting parameter in response to actuation by a user of the physical input mechanism. Corresponding methods and systems are also described. |
| US09050464B2 |
Gastrointestinal motility control
A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways. |
| US09050462B2 |
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. |
| US09050461B2 |
Radiotherapy apparatus
In radiotherapy apparatus comprising an imager for the MV beam and a separate kV imaging system, it is common for there to be significant artifacts in the kV image arising from the MV pulse. We disclose such a radiotherapy apparatus which is adapted to (i) cause the therapeutic source to emit radiation while keeping the diagnostic source inactive, (ii) read an image from the detector associated with the therapeutic source, (iii) cause the diagnostic source to emit radiation and while keeping the therapeutic source inactive, (iv) read an image from the detector associated with the diagnostic source, and (v) repeat as necessary. The control unit is preferably adapted to, at steps (ii) and (iv), read an image from both of the detectors, or to clear the “inactive” detector. The detectors are ideally flat-panel detectors, capturing a two-dimensional image. |
| US09050456B2 |
Unipolar multipurpose electrode line and stimulation and defibrillation assembly
A unipolar multipurpose electrode line, comprising a line body, a unipolar plug, a defibrillation electrode attached to the line body, and a stimulation and sensing electrode, which are connected by way of a common feed line to the unipolar plug, wherein the defibrillation electrode is connected by means of at least one voltage-dependent component to the electrode feed line so that the connection has low impedance only in response to the application of a defibrillation voltage at the plug. |
| US09050444B2 |
Drug delivery and substance transfer facilitated by nano-enhanced device having aligned carbon nanotubes protruding from device surface
The present invention relates to a nano-enhanced device for substance transfer between the device and a tissue. The device comprises a substrate with substantially aligned carbon nanotubes anchored within the substrate, and with at least one end of the carbon nanotubes protruding from the substrate. The protruding nanotube ends may be coated with a drug for delivery of the drug into body tissue. The present invention may be incorporated into an angioplasty catheter balloon or into a patch that is worn on the skin. The carbon nanotubes can be grouped in clusters to effectively form nano-needles which can transfer fluid to or from the subdermal tissue. The nano-needles can be used in conjunction with a sensor to ascertain body fluid information such as pH, glucose level, etc. |
| US09050436B2 |
Adjustable resistance, gravitationally activated, anti-syphon 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. |
| US09050435B2 |
High flow catheters
A catheter that comprises a hub, an elongated conduit, and at least one lumen therein. The lumen includes a proximal lumen section, a distal lumen section, and an intermediate lumen section extending between the proximal and distal lumen sections. The cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the distal lumen section. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the proximal lumen section. In certain embodiments, the lumen tapers from the distal and/or proximal lumen sections to the intermediate lumen section. |
| US09050433B2 |
Dispensing device
A device for dispensing a substance having a dispensing outlet, a dispensing member mounted for movement in a dispensing direction U from a first position to a second position, such movement, in use, causing the substance to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet, and an actuator mechanism for moving the dispensing member from the first position to the second position. The actuator mechanism has a first member mounted for movement in a predetermined direction and a second member pivotally mounted on the first member for pivotal movement in a predetermined pivotal sense A. The actuator mechanism is adapted such that movement of the first member in the predetermined direction results in the second member moving therewith and pivoting in the predetermined pivotal sense and the pivotal movement of the second member in the predetermined pivotal sense results in the dispensing member moving from the first position to the second position. |
| US09050432B2 |
Medical apparatus for atomizing water, gas, and liquid medication
A medical apparatus is provided. The medical apparatus includes a water source for supplying water to a mixer, a gas source for supplying gas to a gas reservoir, a gas output for flowing gas from the gas reservoir to the mixer to mix with water to form a first mixture, a line for carrying the first mixture, Venturi tubes on the line, medication units for containing liquid medication and communicating with the Venturi tubes respectively, a mixing device being downstream of the Venturi tubes to atomize the liquid medication and the first mixture to form a final mixture, a control panel, and an outlet for exiting the final mixture. Infected skin areas of a patient can be washed aseptically by the medical apparatus. |
| US09050431B2 |
Device for dispensing a medium
A device for dispensing a medium is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated body including a chamber for containing a medium and an outlet through which the medium exits the device into an oral or nasal opening. A dispensing system selectively places the chamber and the outlet in communication, causing medium to flow out of the device. |
| US09050428B2 |
Device, cartridge and method for dispensing a liquid
A device, cartridge and method for dispensing a liquid, preferably a drug, are proposed. The liquid is pressurized in a cartridge to a first lower pressure and, then, pressurized in doses by a pump to a second higher pressure. A valve arranged between the cartridge and the pump is normally closed and/or opened only temporarily. Thus, evaporation and dripping of liquid can be avoided or minimized. |
| US09050426B2 |
Device for distributing a fluid product
A fluid dispenser device including a body, a dispenser mechanism, and a dose counter. The counter includes a first rotary counter element provided with a first surface including a first indicator, such as digits, and provided with at least one first set of teeth, a second rotary counter element provided with a second surface including a second indicator, such as digits, and provided with at least one second set of teeth, and a movable actuator element. The first counter element includes at least one deformable finger displaceable between a non-deformed position and a deformed position, and that is adapted to co-operate, in its deformed position, with the second set of teeth of the second counter element, so as to cause the second counter element to turn. The body includes a cam that is adapted to deform the deformable finger towards its deformed position. |
| US09050417B2 |
Membrane for a pressure dome
A membrane for a pressure dome is configured to cooperate with a pressure sensor, and includes a resilient circular wall and a circular rim. The resilient circular wall is configured to close one side of the pressure dome so as to define a partition between the inside of the pressure dome and the outside. The circular rim is configured to be housed in a main body of the pressure dome. The membrane is configured such that the resilient circular wall, when there is no difference between the pressures acting respectively on the inner surface and on the outer surface, has an outwardly convex form. |
| US09050413B2 |
Integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensor
Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction. |
| US09050412B2 |
Method for monitoring and controlling peritoneal dialysis
A dialysis apparatus includes a housing; a first electrical contact carried by the housing; a hydrogel material located within the housing; a second electrical contact connected to the hydrogel material, the hydrogel material located so as to be contacted by a liquid flowing through the housing; and wherein the hydrogel material expands as the material absorbs the liquid such that the second electrical contact is moved and eventually engage the first electrical contact. |
| US09050410B2 |
Blood purifier and blood purifier package
The present invention provides a blood purifier which shows a decreased amount of hydrogen peroxide extracted from its selectively permeable separation membranes, and thus is highly reliable in its safety in use for hemecatharysis.The present invention relates to a blood purifier which comprises selectively permeable separation membranes as a main component and which is characterized in that the amount of hydrogen peroxide which is extracted from the selectively permeable separation membrane removed from the blood purifier after 3 months or longer has passed since the sterilization of the blood purifier by exposure to a radioactive ray and/or an electron ray is not larger than 10 ppm. |
| US09050409B2 |
Patient device with separate user interface
A patient device includes a case and a user interface for interaction between a patient and the patient device. The case may include a projection unit which projects information onto a surface separate from the case. The user interface may include a display unit for displaying information relating to the patient device integrated into the case and an additional display unit for displaying information relating to the patient device, which is external to the case. The externally provided display unit may be coupled to the case such that it can be at least one of folded, tilted, pulled out or unrolled relative to the case. |
| US09050406B2 |
Occlusion detection for a fluid infusion device
A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir. |
| US09050405B2 |
Stabilizing drive for contactless rotary blood pump impeller
A rotary blood pump includes a casing defining a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a blood inlet and a tangential blood outlet. One or more motor stators are provided outside of the pumping chamber. A rotatable impeller is within the pumping chamber and is adapted to cause blood entering the pumping chamber to move to the blood outlet. The impeller has one or more magnetic regions. The impeller is radially constrained in rotation by magnetic coupling to one or more motor stators and is axially constrained in rotation by one or more hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces on the impeller. |
| US09050403B2 |
Platelet-rich plasma separator and platelet-rich plasma separation method
Provided is a platelet-rich plasma separator which can carry out the separation of a platelet-rich plasma with a small number of gamma radiation sterilized instruments and a platelet-rich plasma separation method. The platelet-rich plasma separator comprises a first syringe and a second syringe. The first syringe comprises a first syringe cylinder provided with a first port on which a blood collection needle can be mounted, a first cap detachable from the first port, a first gasket for sealing the first syringe cylinder fluid-tightly, which first gasket is reciprocated within the first syringe cylinder, and a first plunger provided detachably on the first gasket. The second syringe comprises a first hollow needle, which can be passed through the first gasket, a second syringe cylinder having a second port on which the first hollow needle can be mounted, a second cap detachable from the second port, a second gasket for sealing the second syringe cylinder liquid-tightly, which second gasket is reciprocated within the second syringe cylinder, and a second plunger provided detachable on the second gasket. |
| US09050399B2 |
Wound treatment apparatus with exudate volume reduction by heat
Apparatus (130) for use in wound therapy of mammals is described, the apparatus (130) comprising: a dressing covering the wound, the dressing being substantially sealed to prevent ingress of ambient atmospheric air to the wound; aspiration means (132) operably connected to a space between the dressing and the wound by an aspiration conduit (142) sealed to the point of entry between wound and dressing against ingress of ambient atmosphere, said conduit (142) being for aspiration of said wound and for removal of fluid from said space between said wound and said dressing; a waste container (148) for receiving aspirated fluid to be discarded operably connected to said aspiration conduit; and heating means (144) for heating said fluid in order to increase the vapor pressure thereof and to cause evaporation to reduce the volume of the fluid in the waste container (148). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the waste fluid is also provided with a sparge gas. |
| US09050396B2 |
Device and method for bone imaging
The invention comprises a modified implant useful to assess bone by imaging. The modified implant comprises a medical implant and at least one detectable marker element associated with the implant that serves as a reference point in medical imaging. Preferably, the implant and the detector marker elements have different radiolucencies such that one element can be seen through the other in medical imaging. |
| US09050395B2 |
Medical product comprising a chitosan-coated wall and method for manufacturing a medical product
A method for manufacturing a medical product comprising a hollow body (2), wherein at least part of a wall of the hollow body (2) is coated at least on the inside with a layer comprising a polymer; at least the part of at least the inside of the wall of the medical product is brought into contact with a mixture (6) of the polymer and the polymer is deposited from the mixture (6) on at least the part of the inside of the wall. And a medical product comprising a hollow body (2) with a wall consisting of one or more structural elements (16), at least a section of the wall being coated with a layer (15) comprising native chitosan, wherein both on the inside and the outside of the hollow body (2) at least some of the one or more structural elements (16) of the wall of the hollow body (2) are at least partly coated with the native chitosan layer (15). And a method for electrodepositing a polymer on an electrode from an acidic mixture of the polymer, wherein the mixture (6) comprises a multibasic acid. |
| US09050393B2 |
Medical devices and methods for modulation of physiology using device-based surface chemistry
This invention provides implantable medical devices having at least one moiety attached to the surface capable of catalyzing a reaction in vivo. The implantable medical device has a body such as a stent with a surface adapted to be placed adjacent to a biological tissue or fluid. The body has at least one moiety attached to the surface which is capable of catalyzing a first reaction upon contacting a first substrate in the biological tissue or fluid. The moiety remains attached to the surface after the first reaction and is capable of catalyzing at least a second reaction upon contacting a second substrate. In preferred embodiments the moiety is capable of catalyzing a multitude of reactions as substrates come into contact and then leave the surface of the device. |
| US09050392B2 |
Hydrogel and biomedical applications thereof
The invention relates to a method for preparing a cross-linked sterile and homogeneous hydrogel for injection, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) preparing an aqueous solution containing a polymer derived from cellulose and at least one water-soluble polymer, the total polymer content ranging from 0.5 and 5 wt %, preferably from 1 to 4 wt % and more preferably from 1.5 to 3 wt %; (b) optionally adding sold particles; (c) pouring the resulting liquid mixture with the optional solid particles into a vessel and closing dais vessel using a water-tight and gas-tight system; and (d) exposing said vessel containing the liquid and the optional solid particles to a radiation dose of between 5 and 50 kGy, preferably between 20 and 30 kGy, and more preferably of about 25 kGy. The invention also relates to a hydrogel obtained according to the above method and to the use thereof in medical applications. |
| US09050391B2 |
Implant and production method for said implant
The invention relates to an implant, e.g. a stent, bone replacement material, a prosthesis, a scaffold or similar, which comprises a coating at least in those surface areas that come into contact with hard and/or soft tissue when implanted. To ensure that the active ingredient contained in the coating (bisphosphonate) is released into the surrounding tissue or can act in the latter in a controlled manner at the correct speed, the coating is characterized in that it contains bisphosphonate, the respective pharmaceutically compatible salts or esters of the latter, in addition to at least one amphiphilic component, selected from the group containing branched or linear, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or partially unsaturated C10-C30 alkyl-, alkenyl, alkylaryl-, aryl-, cycloalkyl-, alkylcycloalkyl-, alkylcycloaryl-carboxylates, -phosphates or -sulfates or mixtures thereof and/or a water-soluble ionic polymer component. The invention also relates to a method for producing an implant of this type and to a specific composition, which can be used to produce a coating of this type. |
| US09050382B2 |
Close proximity airborne influenza/pathogen mitigator
Close proximity, including conversations at closer than three (3) feet apart, facilitates disease transfer via airborne pathogens. This transfer can be mitigated by the present invention, which is directed towards methods, systems and apparatuses to produce a predictably shaped and minimally intrusive air barrier that may comprise an airborne disinfectant, to divert and or render harmless and to divert and negate close proximity airborne pathogens, such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome, etc., and other airborne particulates transferred from an infected person towards the face of an unfortunate recipient at normal conversational distances apart from each other, and/or to divert and render harmless such airborne particulates. |
| US09050379B2 |
Bioprocess data management
A data management system for a biological process, comprising: a. a single-use component, b. a tag assembly, including a non-volatile memory storage component, that is associated with the single-use component, c. the memory storage component including a unique identification and a memory, and at least one data element that describes a key performance, calibration or control parameter of the single-use component d. a memory reader useable to obtain the identification from the memory storage component. |
| US09050378B2 |
N2S2 chelate-targeting ligand conjugates
The invention provides, in a general sense, a new labeling strategy employing compounds that are N2S2 chelates conjugated to a targeting ligand, wherein the targeting ligand is a disease cell cycle targeting compound, a tumor angiogenesis targeting ligand, a tumor apoptosis targeting ligand, a disease receptor targeting ligand, amifostine, angiostatin, monoclonal antibody C225, monoclonal antibody CD31, monoclonal antibody CD40, capecitabine, a COX-2 inhibitor, deoxycytidine, fullerene, herceptin, human serum albumin, lactose, leuteinizing hormone, pyridoxal, quinazoline, thalidomide, transferrin, or trimethyl lysine. The present invention also pertains to kits employing the compounds of interest, and methods of assessing the pharmacology of an agent of interest using the present compounds. |
| US09050374B2 |
Inhibitors against endosomal/lysosomal enzymes
The present invention relates to a multi-functional protease inhibitor, which may be conjugated to various molecules. The present invention also relates to uses of the protease inhibitor and conjugates thereof. |
| US09050371B2 |
PEGylated insulin lispro compounds
The present invention relates to the field of diabetes. More particularly, the invention relates to PEGylated insulin lispro compounds that are PEGylated with high molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol), are highly soluble at physiological pH, have an extended duration of action, and characterized by pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and/or activity peak-trough ratios of less than 2. The invention also relates to methods of providing such molecules, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to their therapeutic uses. |
| US09050368B2 |
Corticosteroid compositions
Provided herein are methods for treating, preventing or alleviating the symptoms of and inflammation associated with inflammatory diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, those involving the esophagus. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions useful for the methods of the present invention. |
| US09050361B2 |
Diagnostic reagents
There is provided a skin test diagnostic reagent comprising at least one CFP-10 epitope polypeptide, at least one ESAT-6 epitope polypeptide and at least one Rv3615c epitope polypeptide, the reagent eliciting a positive result when administered in a skin test to an animal infected with Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The reagent is useful in that it can be used in a method to determine whether an animal is infected with Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. |
| US09050360B1 |
Apparatus for crankcase pressure regulation using only ambient air or coolant temperature
A vapor compression thermal control system having at least one electrically powered evaporator fan and an apparatus for preventing compressor overloading apparatus having a sensor that measures temperature of air entering the evaporator. That measured temperature is compared with at least one predetermined temperature setting to activate a predetermined evaporator blower on/off duty cycle when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature. Alternatively, the apparatus can have a sensor that measures temperature of air being used to cool the condenser, and that measured temperature is then compared with at least one predetermined temperature setting to activate a predetermined evaporator blower on/off duty cycle when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature. In either case, it is evaporator air flow that is modulated when the system is operated as a heat pump. For liquid cooled evaporators, however the circulation pump instead of the fan is modulated. |
| US09050359B2 |
Compositions of herbal formulations and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are herbal formulations for relief from symptoms of skin disease. The formulations can also be combined with an active or inactive pharmaceutical ingredient, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. |
| US09050352B2 |
Immunomodulating compositions and uses therefor
The present invention discloses immunomodulating compositions. More particularly, the present invention discloses compositions comprising an immune-modulating agent and a lectin-interactive agent, which are useful for stimulating and prolonging host immune cell responses. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a range of conditions including pathogenic infections, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, allergies, inflammatory disease, as well as cancers and tumours. |
| US09050346B2 |
Bromodomain inhibitors
The present invention provides for compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, A1, A2, A3, A4, X, and Y have any of the values defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that are useful as agents in the treatment of diseases and conditions, including inflammatory diseases, cancer, and AIDS. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula (I). |
| US09050343B2 |
Combination of pimavanserin and risperidone for the treatment of psychosis
Combinations of 5-HT2A inverse agonists or antagonists such as pimavanserin with antipsychotics such as risperidone are shown to induce a rapid onset of antipsychotic action and increase the number of responders when compared to therapy with the antipsychotic alone. These effects can be achieved at a low dose of the antipsychotic, thereby reducing the incidence of side effects. The combinations are also effective at decreases the incidence of weight gain and increased glucose or prolactin levels caused by the antipsychotic. |
| US09050342B2 |
Beneficial effects of combination therapy on cholesterol
The present invention discloses pharmaceutical combination therapies for the treatment or prevention of diseases in a mammal comprising a Janus Kinase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and kits for achieving a therapeutic effect in a mammal comprising pharmaceutical combination therapies are further described. |
| US09050341B2 |
Methods of treating drug resistant and other tumors by administering 6,7-dialkoxy quinazoline derivatives
Methods employing and uses of a compound of formula (I) in inhibiting the growth of a tumor cell in a subject in need thereof. Methods employing and uses of a compound of formula (I) in treating pancreatic cancer in a subject in need of treatment for pancreatic cancer. Methods employing and uses of a compound of formula (I) in treating HER-2 positive breast cancer in a subject in need of treatment for HER-2 positive breast cancer. Methods employing and uses of a compound of formula (I) in treating drug resistant non-small cell lung cancer in a subject in need of treatment for drug resistant non-small cell lung cancer. Each of these methods can include administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.Method of manufacturing a medicament including a compound of formula (I) for treating a subject suffering from growth of a tumor cell; for treating a subject suffering from pancreatic cancer; for treating a subject suffering from HER-2 positive breast cancer; or for treating a subject suffering from drug resistant non-small cell lung cancer. |
| US09050340B2 |
Compositions of engineered human arginases and methods for treating cancer
Compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer are described, and, more preferably, to the treatment of cancers that do not express, or are otherwise deficient in, argininosuccinate synthetase, with enzymes that deplete L-Arginine in serum. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates an arginase protein, such as a human Arginase I protein, comprising at least one amino acid substitution and a metal cofactor, said protein comprising an increased catalytic activity when compared with a native human Arginase I. |
| US09050331B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulations comprising paraoxonase
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising paraoxonase (PON), a purification and stabilization method of PON, and an agent for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of a disease resulting from ischemia reperfusion and/or cerebral infarction containing PON as an active ingredient. |
| US09050325B2 |
Ondansetron nasal spray composition
A pharmaceutical composition for treating sudden discomfort associated with nausea and vomiting is disclosed which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of Ondansetron or a pharmaceutical salt thereof formulated for intranaal administration in combination with an antimicrobial preservative yielding enhanced stability of the Ondansetron or pharmaceutical salt thereof with a long chain polymer enhancing the viscosity of the composition. |
| US09050324B2 |
Methods for treating amyloidosis with 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl)-piperidine-2,6-dione
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing cancer as well as and diseases and disorders associated with, or characterized by, undesired angiogenesis are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound alone or in combination with a second active ingredient. The invention further relates to methods of reducing or avoiding adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy which comprise the administration of an immunomodulatory compound. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed. |
| US09050320B2 |
Method for inducing lymphoid tissue and modulating intestinal homeostasis
Methods and products for modulating the lymphoid system, especially intestinal homeostasis between intestinal lymphoid tissues and gut flora using ligands for NOD1 and/or CCR6. |
| US09050319B2 |
Phospholipid drug analogs
Provided in some embodiments are compositions comprising a compound having a structure according to Formula A or Formula B: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer or hydrate thereof, where X2 is a bond or linker, X3 is bond or —PO4—, and X1, R1, R2, R3, and n are described herein. Also provided in some embodiments are methods for making and using such compounds and compositions. |
| US09050317B2 |
Compositions and methods for therapeutic delivery with frozen particles
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue. |
| US09050316B2 |
Pharmaceutical-grade ferric organic compounds, uses thereof and methods of making same
The present invention discloses a pharmaceutical-grade ferric organic compounds, including ferric citrate, which are soluble over a wider range of pH, and which have a large active surface area. A manufacturing and quality control process for making a pharmaceutical-grade ferric citrate that consistently complies with the established Manufacture Release Specification is also disclosed. The pharmaceutical-grade ferric organic compounds are suitable for treating disorders characterized by elevated serum phosphate levels. |
| US09050315B2 |
In vivo and ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells with a targeted combination of clinically tested, FDA approved drugs
The present invention provides a therapeutic approach to maintain and expand HSCs in vivo using currently available medications that target GSK-3 and mTOR. The present invention also provides a system and method for the ex vivo culturing of HSCs, where an mTOR inhibitor is combined with a GSK-3 inhibitor within the culturing conditions. |
| US09050312B2 |
Strontium compound for treatment of sub-dermal soft tissue pain
The invention provides a method of treatment of a human or non-human subject to combat sub-dermal soft tissue pain therein, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a physiologically tolerable strontium compound. |
| US09050310B2 |
Treatment of ocular lesions
Methods for the treatment of ocular lesions, particularly diseases of the surface of the eye, selected from pterygium, pinguecula, ocular dysplasia, ocular neoplastic disorders including malignancy of the limbus and eyelids in humans and animals, neurotrophic keratitis, fibrosis of conjunctival drainage blebs in glaucoma and viral disorders of the eye surface are described. Also described are uses and eyedrop formulations for the treatment of eye surface lesions. |
| US09050308B2 |
DPA-enriched compositions of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in free acid form
DPA-enriched pharmaceutical compositions of polyunsaturated fatty acids in free acid form, therapeutic methods for their use, and processes for refining the compositions from fish oil are presented. |
| US09050307B2 |
Method for the preparation of a levothyroxine solution
Levothyroxine, also known as L-thyroxine, synthetic T4, or 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodo-L-thyronine, CAS number 51-48-9, is a synthetic form of thyroxine, used as a hormone substitute for patients with thyroid conditions. The invention relates to a method for the preparation of an oral levothyroxine composition. The method according to the invention results in liquid levothyroxine formulations that have improved storage stability compared to known liquid levothyroxine formulations. |
| US09050305B2 |
Treatment for ischemic stroke
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; a stem cell enhancer and facilitator), DETC-MeSO (a glutamate receptor partial antagonist and anti-excitotoxicity agent), and sulindac (a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent) each can protect brain tissue exposed to a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and minimize the size of infarcts that develop as a result of the injury. When administered in combination, these agents are effective at protecting brain tissue and minimizing the size of an infarct resulting from the injury at much lower concentrations compared to using a single agent. |
| US09050302B2 |
Method of administration of gamma hydroxybutyrate with monocarboxylate transporters
One embodiment of the present invention is to improve the safety and efficacy of the administration of GHB or a salt thereof to a patient. It has been discovered that the concomitant administration of an MCT inhibitor, such as diclofenac, valproate, or ibuprofen, will affect GHB administration. For example, it has been discovered that diclofenac lowers the effect of GHB in the body, thereby potentially causing an unsafe condition. Furthermore, it has been discovered that valproate increases the effect of GHB on the body, thereby potentially causing an unsafe condition. |
| US09050301B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for treatment of corneal endothelial wounds containing angiogenin
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for treating corneal endothelium wounds, the composition including angiogenin as an effective ingredient. The present invention relates to a new topical therapeutic use of angiogenin for treatment of corneal endothelium wounds, wherein the angiogenin that is generally known to be involved in angiogenesis activates a PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway thereof in ocular corneal endothelium to increase migration and proliferation of corneal endothelial cells that are not capable of self-proliferation and to promote prevention and treatment of corneal endothelial cell wounds. |
| US09050299B2 |
Administration of growth factors for the treatment of CNS disorders
A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described. |
| US09050290B2 |
Functional influenza virus like particles (VLPs)
The present invention discloses and claims virus like particles (VLPs) that express and/or contains seasonal influenza virus proteins, avian influenza virus proteins and/or influenza virus proteins from viruses with pandemic potential. The invention includes vector constructs comprising said proteins, cells comprising said constructs, formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the inventions. The invention also includes methods of making and administrating VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing substantial immunity to either seasonal and avian influenza, or at least one symptom thereof. |
| US09050288B2 |
Cleanser compositions and methods for using the same
The present invention is directed to anti-microbial cleanser compositions comprising linalool, hinokitiol and dipropylene glycol. The present invention further provides methods for using these compositions to maintain eyelid hygiene, to treat an ocular disorder or to clean a skin surface. The cleanser compositions of the present invention can be in the form of a foam, gel or liquid. |
| US09050284B2 |
Orally bioavailable stilbenoids—compositions and therapeutic applications thereof
Disclosed is a novel sirtuin modulating composition comprising an orally bioavailable SIRT-1 enhancing compound 3,5-dimethoxy-3,4′-dihydroxystilbene represented by STR#I. Also disclosed is an anti-acne composition comprising 3,5-dimethoxy-3,4′-dihydroxystilbenes represented by STR#I. Further, a novel sirtuin modulating composition comprising an orally bioavailable SIRT-1 enhancing compound 2,3′,5′, 6-tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene represented by STR#II is also disclosed. |
| US09050282B2 |
Method of providing protective immunity against heterologous leptospira strains
The present invention provides compositions and methods for eliciting protective immunity in animals against Leptospira interrogans (LI) serovar copenhageni. The invention is based, in part, on the unexpected cross-protection against heterologous LI serovar, which resulted when canines were administered an effective amount of RECOMBITEK® 4 Lepto, then subsequently challenged with virulent L. copenhageni (Fiocruz L1-130). |
| US09050278B2 |
Scavenger of in vivo harmful reactive oxygen species and/or free radicals
An object of the present invention is to provide a scavenger of in vivo harmful reactive oxygen species and/or free radicals, which is capable of effectively reducing the concentrations of in vivo reactive oxygen species and/or free radicals and exhibiting given effects such as the suppression of aging process, the prevention of geriatric or lifestyle-related disease, health promotion, and the inhibition of oxidative stress by virtue of this reduction in the concentrations of reactive oxygen species and/or free radicals. The scavenger of in vivo harmful reactive oxygen species and/or free radicals of the present invention comprises a liquid or gas comprising at least a hydrogen molecule. This medium may further comprise an oxygen molecule. Furthermore, this medium may comprise water or an aqueous solution or may be a gas. The scavenger of reactive oxygen species and/or free radicals can be used in the treatment or prevention of a disorder attributed to reactive oxygen species and/or free radicals. |
| US09050276B2 |
Autism-associated biomarkers and uses thereof
The invention discloses biomarkers for human autism. The invention provides methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing human autism and autism-related disorders. |
| US09050273B2 |
Ultra fine dead sea mineral compound and method of manufacture
An ultra fine mineral compound and method of processing native Dead Sea minerals into this ultra fine mineral compound that can be used to manufacture all natural Dead Sea mineral compositions particularly compositions for use in bath and body products is disclosed. Even with the extreme ionic character of the Dead Sea minerals, the Dead Sea mineral compositions prepared remain in suspension creating a viable cosmetic preparation that can maintain adequate shelf life and provide a more pleasant feel for the consumer. |
| US09050271B2 |
Antimycotic pharmaceutical composition
In a pharmaceutical composition for external use containing a compound such as luliconazole and/or a salt thereof, comprised are a higher alcohol which is in a liquid state at 1 atm and 25° C. and/or a diester of a dibasic acid, provided that a diester carbonate is excluded, and a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and/or a polyoxyethylene alkenyl ether. Provided is a preparation using a solvent other than crotamiton, propylene carbonate, and N-methyl-2-pyrroridone as a solvent for solubilization and steric stabilization and having the following properties: 1) when a compound represented by the general formula (1) and/or a salt thereof has a stereoisomer, the amount of the stereoisomer of the compound and/or a salt thereof produced under a preservation condition of 60 degrees C. for 3 weeks is 1% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the compound and/or a salt thereof at the beginning of preservation; 2) the preparation is in a clear liquid state when preserved at a constant temperature of 20° C. immediately after manufacture; and 3) no crystal is deposited when the preparation is preserved at 5° C. for 2 weeks after manufacture. |
| US09050267B2 |
Dry powder formulations of particles that contain two or more active ingredients for treating obstructive or inflammatory airways diseases
Dry powder formulations for inhalation comprising spray-dried particles and their use in the treatment of an obstructive or inflammatory airways disease. Each particle has a core of a first active ingredient in substantially crystalline form that is coated with a layer of a second active ingredient in substantially amorphous form that is dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrophobic excipient. A process for preparing such formulations is also described. |
| US09050262B2 |
Compositions for enhancing nail health
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing the health of nails and cuticles in a mammal, including humans. The compositions may be administered topically to the nail bed, nail matrix and cuticle in an amount effective to enhance nail health. The composition is also effective in strengthening and growing nails. |
| US09050260B2 |
Cosmetic composition comprising at least one silicone copolymer and at least one liquid volatile linear alkane mixture
Provided herein is a composition for treating keratin fibers that comprises at least one silicone copolymer based on at least one silicone resin and at least one fluid silicone, and at least one liquid volatile linear alkanes. Also provided herein is a method of treating keratin fibers, comprising applying the composition to the keratin fibers. |
| US09050258B2 |
Bilayer tablet formulations
The present invention relates to bilayer tablet formulations comprising metformin extended release (XR) or reduced mass metformin XR formulation as the first layer, an SGLT2 inhibitor formulation as the second layer, and optionally a film coating. The present invention provides methods of preparing the bilayer tablet formulations and methods of treating diseases or disorders associated with SGLT2 activity employing the bilayer tablet formulations. |
| US09050256B2 |
Oral dosage form, comprising at least one biologically active agent, formulation auxiliary substances and magnetizable particles
The invention relates to an oral dosage form, comprising at least one biologically active agent, formulation auxiliary substances and magnetizable particles, wherein the dosage form has an at least two phase composition, wherein the phases can dissolve in the body after oral administration due to their formulation and the magnetizable particles are bound in formulation auxiliary substances and are present in a magnetized state, wherein the magnetized particles are present in at least two phases of the dosage form and generate magnetic fields, wherein these phases dissolve at different times in the body after oral administration, and wherein the magnetic field strength with respect to time, position and movement in the body is acquired using a detection system and can be evaluated using a computer-based evaluation system. |
| US09050249B2 |
Oral pharmaceutical compositions in timed-release particle form and fast-disintegrating tablets containing this composition
The present invention relates to an oral pharmaceutical composition in particle form, which comprises particles that contain a drug at the core of the pharmaceutical composition in particle form; a middle layer that contains two types of water-soluble components, an insolubilizer and an insolubilizing substance; and an outer layer for controlling water penetration that contains a water-insoluble substance. The present invention makes it possible to provide a pharmaceutical composition in particle form for oral use with which initial drug release is suppressed, the drug is quickly released thereafter, and lag time can be controlled as needed, and fast-disintegrating tablets containing this composition. |
| US09050248B2 |
Methods of delivering stable topical drug compositions
A method of delivering a drug composition comprises providing a carrier having a phosphatidylcholine component and a drug entrapped therein, and applying the composition to the skin for transdermal delivery of the drug, wherein the composition is stable at room temperature. |
| US09050246B2 |
Injectable combination of adrenergic receptor agonists with fillers, for decreasing skin reactions due to injection
The present invention concerns an injectable composition comprising a filler or a botulinum toxin and an adrenergic receptor agonist, and its use for diminishing, decreasing or avoiding skin reactions due to injection, specially redness, ecchymosis, bruising, bleeding, erythema, oedema, necrosis, ulceration, swelling and/or inflammation. |
| US09050245B2 |
Teething device
Embodiments of systems and methods for a teething device for an article of clothing configured to cover a foot with toes. The teething device includes a teether that is coupled to an outer surface of the article of clothing and extends in a direction parallel to the toes. |
| US09050242B1 |
Infant bottle with formula dispensing means
An infant bottle cap provides a means for storing powdered infant formula which is then installed upon a conventional baby bottle. The device comprises a cap attachment which attaches to the bottle and an internal cavity which separates the nipple from the powdered formula. The cap attachment is hollow, allowing for the storage of formula inside said cap. The top surface of the cap further comprises a hinged and latching lid for filling the cap with powdered formula and pouring the formula into water within the bottle when ready for use. |
| US09050238B2 |
Pulsatile and non-invasive device for circulatory and haemodynamic assistance
The present invention relates to a non-invasive pulsatile circulatory assistance device encouraging the circulation of a volume of blood in a subject's body, wherein the device includes a flexible multilayer structure for applying against at least a portion of the subject's body, the structure having a flexible inner layer beside the subject's body and a more rigid outer layer; means for pulsating connected to the multilayer structure in such a manner that the assembly having the structure plus the pulsation means is leaktight, and wherein the pulsation means are adapted to create pulsations between the inner and outer layers by means of a fluid referred to as a “pulsation” fluid, each of the pulsations propagating progressively in the venous return direction along the portion of the subject's body when the structure is placed on the portion of the subject's body. |
| US09050237B2 |
Walking assist device
A walking assist device which assists walking motion of one of the legs of the human with a sensor attached only to the one leg is provided. The walking assist device having an actuator, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor detects a knee joint angle and a hip joint angle of the one leg. The controller stores a first target trajectory for the knee joint angle and a second target trajectory for the hip joint angle. The controller controls the actuator so that the detected knee joint angle follows the first target trajectory. Further, the controller compares time series data of the detected hip joint angle with the second target trajectory while the one leg is in a stance phase. The controller calculates a time difference between the time series data and the second target trajectory and modifies the first target trajectory based on the time difference. |
| US09050236B2 |
Walking assistance device
A walking assistance device includes a seating member configured to provide seating for a user; and leg links connected to the seating member. The seating member includes: a seating frame having at least two frames movably connected to each other; a bag member secured to the seating frame; filler contained in the bag member and freely movable in the bag member; and a valve provided on the bag member and capable of switching between a first state in which an inside of the bag member is in communication with an outside of the bag member and a second state in which the communication between the inside and the outside of the bag member is interrupted. |
| US09050234B2 |
Casket head insert module
A casket lid insert module is constructed as a complete insert separate from the casket lid and is later inserted into the casket lid as a single complete piece. The module includes a base panel, four roll panels, and a center panel. The roll panels are each attached to the back side of the base panel, curved to form a roll shape, and then also attached to the front side of the base panel. The center panel is then affixed directly to the base panel between the four roll panels. The center panel is preferably affixed to the base panel using hook and loop (aka Velcro) attachments. |
| US09050233B2 |
Casket with moveable bottom panels
A casket comprises four sides, a cover, a plurality of fixed bottom beams extending across the bottom width of the casket, and at least one moveable bottom panel located inside the casket and on top of the fixed bottom beams. At least one rope is affixed to each moveable bottom panel and, the rope extends through the casket to the outside. The inventive casket places the body of the deceased person in closer contact with the earth to promote natural disintegration of the body and in accordance with burial customs of religious faiths requiring such intimate contact of the body with the earth. |
| US09050224B2 |
Wheelchairs
The invention relates to a wheelchair for example a wheelchair for an active user, a method of manufacturing a wheelchair and a wheel for a wheelchair. In further aspects the invention relates to a wheelchair, a footrest for a wheelchair, a wheelchair having a light, and a seat back for a wheelchair, a wheelchair that is water resistant. |
| US09050222B2 |
Incontinence brief
An incontinence brief for an adult wearer has an absorbent body having a fluid-permeable inner side, a fluid-tight outer side, and an absorbent liner therebetween. The body is subdivided into a central part adapted to fit in a crotch region of the wearer, a rear part connected to the central part and adapted to fit against a rear waist region of the wearer, and a front part adapted to fit against a front waist region of the wearer. Two fastening straps adapted to fit around respective sides of a waist of the wearer each have a rear end secured to the rear part and a front part. At least one of the fasteners is provided between its respective front and rear ends with an elastic layer forming an elastically stretchable region, and each of the fasteners has an outer layer formed by a water-jet consolidated fleece. |
| US09050219B2 |
Diaper with separator sheet
Diapers, including infant diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence articles, and the like having a transverse separator sheet for excrement separation and/or isolation away from the skin with a specific design which has a reduced impact on the absorbency, comfort and fit properties of the diapers. |
| US09050217B2 |
Incontinence article in pant form
In an incontinence article in pant form, a crotch section is connected to stomach and back sections in respective overlapping regions of the crotch section and the stomach section and the crotch section and the back section, by means of multiple adhesive strips extending spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction of the incontinence article, whereby visually and/or tactilely perceivable structures are formed on the outer visible side of the incontinence article in the respective overlapping regions, which structures correspond in their course to a course of the adhesive strips. |
| US09050215B2 |
Hygienic tampon, optionally a digital or applicator tampon, as well as apparatus and method for manufacturing thereof
Hygienic tampon (1) consisting of absorbent fibrous material on the basis of natural and/or artificial fibers of each desired structure, which is formed into at least approximately cylindrical blank (10), which is symmetric with regard to a longitudinal axis (100) defining a direction of inserting the tampon (1) into each desired cavity of a human body. Such tampon (1) comprises four pairs of grooves (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18), which are equidistantly arranged in the circumferential direction of the tampon (1). Two pairs of grooves (11, 13, 15, 17) having a pre-determined width (B1) and depth (T1) are pressed in two planes being perpendicular to each other and coincide with the longitudinal axis (100). The other pairs of grooves (12, 14, 16, 18) having a pre-determined width (B2) and depth (T2) are pressed in two planes, which are perpendicular to each other and coincide with the longitudinal axis (100) under 45° with respect to previously mentioned planes. |
| US09050208B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering fluid to a wound therapy dressing
Systems and methods for delivery of fluid to a wound therapy dressing. In exemplary embodiments, a pressure sensor measures the pressure at the wound therapy dressing and restricts fluid flow to the wound therapy dressing when a predetermined pressure is achieved. |
| US09050204B2 |
System and method for removing an implanted object in a passageway in a patient
A system for removing an implanted stent or other object from a passageway in a patient includes a housing, an expansion element that operates between an enlarged mode in which the expansion element may radially expand to a diameter larger than the object diameter and a collapsed mode in which the expansion element radially contracts, and a plurality of radially contractible members configured to circumferentially engage the implanted object. A method for moving an implanted stent or other object from an initial location in a passageway includes positioning an expansion element proximate to the stent, expanding the expansion element thereby creating a tapered annular space between the stent and the passageway, advancing a plurality of members towards the tapered annular space, engaging the stent with the members, radially contracting the members to radially compress the stent, and moving the compressed stent from the initial location. |
| US09050203B2 |
Bendable stent
A stent includes a matrix of struts. The matrix of struts may be disposed parallel to one another in a non-expanded disposition. A plurality of loops along the longitudinal axis may be formed by the matrix of struts. In one aspect, a plurality of cusps in each loop of the plurality of loops connects adjacent struts, the plurality of cusps including tied cusps and free cusps. The tied cusps of one loop can be connected to the tied cusps of an adjacent loop by a bridge extending therebetween. In one aspect, the adjacent struts connected by a tied cusp have different lengths. In one aspect, at least one free cusp in each loop joins two struts of approximately equal length. |
| US09050198B2 |
Device for the alleviation of snoring and sleep apnoea
Apparatus for the alleviation of sleep apnoea in which dentition engagement units or dental overlays shaped to engage the maxillary and mandibular dentition of a subject each having a laterally located pair of flanges the ends of which almost abut, magnets embedded in said flanges with their like poles adjacent or sinusoidally-shaped extension elements made from shape-memory material having a transition temperature equal to or slightly less than normal body temperature and accommodated in cavities in said flanges provide, respectively, a magnetic repulsion force or expansive force when warmed by body heat sufficient, during sleep-induced relaxation, to displace said mandibular dentition engagement unit or dental overlay forwardly in relation to said maxillary dentition engagement unit, displacing the mandible of the subject and thereby effecting a displacement of the temporomandibular joint. |
| US09050195B2 |
Expandable spinal implant device
An expandable spinal implant device for supporting vertebral bodies can include first and second body members and first and second expansion mechanisms. The body members can each have a first end positionable toward one of the vertebral bodies and can each define a hollow interior. The expansion mechanisms can be spaced apart from each other and can include a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft, respectively. The first and second drive shafts can each have a gear member fixedly coupled thereto. Each drive shaft can be threadably engaged at a first side to the first body member and at a second side to the second body member. The expansion mechanisms can be operable to effect axial displacement of the first body member relative to the second body member by rotationally driving the gear members of the first and second drive shafts. |
| US09050193B2 |
Artificial wear resistant plug for mounting to existing joint bone
An artificial and wear-resistant plug mounted to an existing bone associated with a joint structure and which includes a three dimensional and composite plasticized material. An end surface of an existing bone is reconditioned in preparation for engagement of the plug thereto and in order to define a reconditioned artificial wear surface. In a preferred application, a pair end mounted plugs are arranged in opposing fashion between first and second bones and respectively define a male receiving end and a female socket. A lubricant retaining and cartilage defining exterior layer is applied to one or both of opposing surfaces of the plugs. |
| US09050191B2 |
Cranial burr hole plug with adaptable mounting surface
A burr hole plug includes a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole. The plug base includes an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The plug base is configured to accommodate a variety of cranium forms without requiring deformation of the plug base. A plug base holding tool is used to secure the plug base to the cranium, wherein the tool aligns fasteners with the plug base for insertion through the plug base and into the cranium. The burr hole plug further includes a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base to secure the medical device. The retainer includes a clamping mechanism that secures the elongated medical device in the burr hole plug, wherein the movement of the clamping mechanism is controlled to prevent skewing of the clamping mechanism. |
| US09050186B2 |
Minimally invasive surgical stabilization devices and methods
The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes. |
| US09050184B2 |
Dual plane breast implant
A soft breast prosthesis is provided, the prosthesis having a surface configuration advantageous for dual plane placement of the prosthesis in a breast. |
| US09050183B2 |
Resilient device
An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use. |
| US09050182B2 |
Stent/graft assembly
A stent/graft assembly includes a tubular graft connected in substantially end-to-end relationship with a generally tubular stent. Free ends of the stent and graft extend in opposite directions from the end-to-end connection during a pre-deployment orientation of the assembly. However, the graft is inverted during deployment so that free ends of the graft and the stent extend in substantially the same direction from the end-to-end connection in a post-deployment orientation. Thus, at least a portion of the stent is disposed within at least a portion of the graft in a post-deployment orientation of the assembly. |
| US09050181B2 |
Ring stent
A stent arrangement which has at least a first ring (3) and zig zag struts (5) extending axially from the periphery of the ring. There can be first and second rings (3, 4) axially spaced apart and defining substantially parallel planes and a plurality of zig zag portions (5) between the first and second ring portions around the periphery thereof. The stent can be formed from a single wire or laser cut from a cannula and can be covered or uncovered. |
| US09050179B2 |
Posture improving garment
The garment is adapted to be worn by a wearer. The garment includes a main body portion. The main body portion is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's body. The main body portion includes first and second portions each defining a longitudinal axis and configured to extend toward a respective limb of the wearer so as to envelop a portion of a respective limb of the wearer. At least a portion of the first strap is releasably affixed to the main body portion, and at least a first grip layer is associated with the first portion. The first strap overlies the first grip layer. The first grip layer is configured to come into contact with a wearer's skin when the garment is worn. |
| US09050177B2 |
Method and apparatus for a process creating an internal tissue graft for animal and human reconstructive purposes
A method and apparatus is provided for creating an internal reconstruction tissue graft. Templates may be used to create a multitude of patterns in a variety of tissue reconstruction grafts. An apparatus may be used to create an internal tissue graft for reconstruction through either compression and/or removal of segments. An apparatus may be used, through either compression and or removal of segments of a preformed template made of synthetics and or metal that mirrors a template that can be used as an internal tissue graft for reconstruction. In a method, such as using software analysis and an apparatus, the physical properties of the tissue graft and its pre- and post-operative properties and appearance may be measured. |
| US09050171B2 |
Small diameter fragmatome for minimally traumatic retained lens fragments removal
A medical instrument is disclosed, comprising a tubular member with proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the tubular member provides an elongated section having a substantially constant outside diameter of no more than 23-gauge (about 0.57 mm). The tubular member is in energy communication with an emulsification energy source disposed to deliver emulsification energy at the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member may also be in suction communication with a suction source disposed to deliver suction at the distal end of the tubular member. The medical instrument may be used in a method to remove lens fragments from the eye, through incisions in the eye that are small enough not to require suturing after the operation. |
| US09050168B2 |
Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass
Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially. |
| US09050164B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering a medical implant to an anatomical location in a patient
Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed. |
| US09050162B2 |
Brushhead for a power toothbrush with moving paddle members
A power toothbrush brushhead includes a neck portion which is attachable to a drive member of the power toothbrush which operates in a sweeping, i.e. partially rotating, manner. The brushhead includes a neck portion and a bristle base member at a distal end of the neck portion. The bristle base member includes a central portion and two paddle members on opposing sides of the central portion. The central portion and paddle members are supported at one end thereof in cantilever fashion from the distal end of the neck portion, with the other ends thereof being free to move. The action of the drive member moves the central portion in a sweeping, back-and-forth, motion, which results in an in-and-out movement of the two paddle members. |
| US09050160B1 |
Dental flossing device
The dental flossing device has an elongate handle with a removable and disposable floss holder at its distal end. A slide is installed along the handle, with the slide reciprocating axially along the handle when manipulated by a user of the device. The slide operates a flexible cable that in turn reciprocates the floss holder orthogonally relative to the elongate axis of the handle. Upper and lower bite pads are installed upon the distal end of the handle, with the user of the device gripping the pads, and thus the distal end of the device, between the teeth. The floss extending across the floss holder is then reciprocated between adjacent teeth by operating the slide on the handle. The device can also include a timer and alarm to notify the user of the appropriate time to be spent flossing, and to remind the user to floss daily. |
| US09050159B2 |
Periodontal probe with touch sensing
A periodontal probe is provided for measuring a depth of a periodontal pocket using a touch sensor. The periodontal probe includes a handle with a probe tip for insertion into the periodontal pocket. The probe tip includes a touch sensitive reader located on or near an exterior surface thereof for measuring contact between the exterior surface of the probe tip and the tissue of the periodontal pocket. A touch sensor and a microcontroller are connected to the touch sensitive reader to measure the amount of contact between the touch sensitive reader and the tissue of the periodontal pocket, which corresponds to the depth of the periodontal pocket. |
| US09050157B2 |
Dental water jet with storage container reservoir cover
A dental water jet provides a pressurized water stream for cleaning gums and teeth. The embodiment includes a base unit defining a cavity. The cavity contains a pump, which may move pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. A flow control knob may be turned to selectively adjust the water pressure supplied by the tip between a minimum and a maximum value. The reservoir may be removed from the base unit so that it may be filled with the fluid. The reservoir may support a container for storing tips or other items. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue. |
| US09050156B2 |
Sealing particulate matter in a micro-abrasive blasting device
A micro-abrasive blasting device comprises a mixing chamber, a delivery conduit extending from external the mixing chamber to the mixing chamber and a discharge conduit extending from the mixing chamber. Embodiments having delivery and discharge conduits extending from the same, or from opposite ends of the mixing chamber are disclosed. Abrasive material may selectively be sealed in the chamber by positioning the discharge conduit to abut the inlet port. Other sealing techniques are disclosed, such as capping or plugging the delivery and discharge conduits. The chamber may be spherical to deliver consistent powder perturbation at all mixing chamber orientations. Methods of using the device are disclosed. Methods of making the device by blow molding are disclosed. |
| US09050152B2 |
Method and apparatus for use in operating on a bone
An implantable device includes a body and a first mounting strip connected to a trailing end portion of the body. The body has a leading end portion, a first side surface, a second side surface, an upper surface, a lower surface and a central opening extending through the upper and lower surfaces. The central opening has an internal surface with an internal leading surface, a first internal side surface and a second internal side surface. A first depth is defined between the leading end and the internal leading surface, a first spacing is defined between the first side surface and the first internal side surface and a second spacing is defined between the second side surface and the second internal side surface. The first spacing is substantially the same as the second spacing. |
| US09050151B2 |
Bone plate and aiming block
A bone-fixation system is disclosed, the system comprising a bone plate having a section with a plurality of holes and a recessed area at least partially surrounding one or more of the holes, the recessed area defining a floor surface situated below a top surface of the plate, the floor surface extending at least partially between some or all of the plurality of holes, and an aiming device having a plurality of holes arranged to align with the plurality of holes in the plate and an extension, the extension being receivable within the recessed area and defining a bottom surface adapted to at least partially rest on the floor surface. |
| US09050144B2 |
System and method for implant anchorage with anti-rotation features
A system includes an implant with an articulation surface, a fixation member which may be anchored in a bone, and a base portion which may receive the fixation member. The base member may comprise a bone-engaging portion and an attachment portion. The base member may receive the fixation member such that a threaded portion of the fixation member and the bone-engaging portion of the base member may be seated in the bone. The implant may be attached to the attachment portion of the base member. The base member may be configured in a variety of shapes and may include fins, teeth, pegs or other anti-rotation features, and may include a bone ingrowth surface. The attachment portion may be tapered and attachable to the implant through a taper-lock. |
| US09050139B2 |
Orthopedic implant rod reduction tool set and method
A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. |
| US09050138B2 |
Vertebral rod connector and methods of use
A vertebral rod connector includes a first portion configured to engage a fastener construct and define a first longitudinal axis. A second portion is configured to engage a vertebral rod and define a second longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first longitudinal axis. A flexible linking portion is disposed for connecting the first portion with the second portion. The linking portion has a bifurcated configuration oriented transverse to the first longitudinal axis. Methods of use are disclosed. |
| US09050137B2 |
Interchangeable orthopedic blade
An interchangeable orthopedic blade that includes an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion threads onto either a pre-installed K-wire or a pre-installed screw so as to more accurately place the interchangeable orthopedic blade in, without excessive damage to, the bone when repairing a fracture in the bone, and ultimately providing absolute stable fixation by the interchangeable orthopedic blade holding the fracture in its anatomic position and resisting applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion. The internal portion is received in the external portion, and rotates relative to the external portion, but has the external portion move non-rotatably axially with the internal portion into the bone as the internal portion threads onto either the pre-installed K-wire or the pre-installed screw. |
| US09050133B1 |
Skin treatment system with adjustable height wand
A distance between a surface of a treatment head and tip opening of a skin treatment hand piece is adjustable. In an implementation, the distance is adjusted by moving the tip opening relative to the treatment head surface. Different distances may be used to treat different skin types, problems, and conditions. In an implementation, the hand piece includes a fluid delivery and a vacuum or suction mechanism to provide various therapeutic benefits to the skin. |
| US09050132B2 |
System for determining the position of a knee prosthesis
The present application provides an apparatus and method for determining a position of a joint prosthesis using a computer assisted orthopedic surgery system in support of an arthroplasty surgery. The apparatus and method includes attaching a first locatable element to a first bone on one side of a joint, providing a sensor having a second locatable element and moving the sensor in proximity of the joint to locate a plurality of positions of the sensor relative to the first locatable element using a tracking device. The apparatus and method further includes selecting a generic model of a joint, determining the generic model in response to the plurality of positions located using the tracking device to generate a deformed model, determining a position for a joint prosthesis on the deformed model, and outputting on a display the determined position upon the deformed model. |
| US09050129B2 |
Auto-closure apical access positioner device and method
A positioning device for providing access to a ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, the device includes a cup positionable over an apex of the heart and at least a first access valve in the cup for accessing an entry point to the ventricle of the heart. |
| US09050128B2 |
Cannula inserter
Cannula inserter comprising a casing with a distal end, intended to be placed in proximity to the skin of a patient, and an opposite proximal end, a piston fixed at least temporarily by retaining means, drive means designed to exert a propulsion force of the piston in the direction counter to the trigger, and release means intended to release the piston; the inserter additionally comprising a needle fixed to a support; the piston being mounted in the casing in such a way that, once released, it reaches and remains temporarily in a first position, then a second position; the needle and its support also being arranged so as to be able to be driven by the piston in a direction corresponding to the main orientation of the casing, before the piston reaches said first position, and so as to be able to effect an automatic rotation about an axis perpendicular to said main orientation during the movement of the piston between said first position and said second position. |
| US09050123B2 |
Powered surgical system
A system for treating tissue includes a device including a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to the first member to treat tissue. The system also includes a processor configured to automatically control movement of the second member relative to the first member using position control methodology. A method of treating tissue includes providing a device having a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to the first member, moving the second member relative to the first member, and automatically controlling the movement of the second member using position control methodology. |
| US09050120B2 |
Apparatus and method of user interface with alternate tool mode for robotic surgical tools
In one implementation, a method is disclosed in which a lock sensing mode is entered for a robotic surgical instrument. In the lock sensing mode, the degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument are switchably reduced. Further in the lock sensing mode, one or more end effectors of the robotic surgical instrument are switchably clamped together in the robotic surgical instrument. An increased level of torque may also be applied to the end effectors to increase a gripping force applied by the one or more end effectors in response to the reduced degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument. |
| US09050119B2 |
Cable tensioning in a robotic surgical system
An apparatus, system, and method for setting, maintaining, and adjusting a cable tension in a telerobotic surgical system are provided. A cable tensioning apparatus includes, in one example, an arm, a pulley rotatably coupled to the arm, and a base operably coupled to the arm, the base including a translation mechanism for changing the position of the pulley to control a tension of a cable movable along the pulley. A termination block includes, in one example, a block including two cable pathways with each cable pathway having a retaining means for a ball fitting, and a support for moving a cable along the two cable pathways, the cable including a ball fitting in each of the cable pathways. |
| US09050117B2 |
Dynamic cooling of human skin using a nontoxic cryogen with no ozone depletion and minimal global warming potential
An improvement in a method for providing localized cooling of tissue when thermally mediated by electromagnetic radiation including directing at least one spurt of a heat transferring substance onto a selected location on the tissue, and preventing ignition of the heat transferring substance by heating from the electromagnetic radiation. Preferably liquid carbon dioxide under pressure is supplied as the heat transferring substance, and adiabatically expanded to provide a solid carbon dioxide spray onto the selected location. |
| US09050116B2 |
Dermal retraction with intersecting electromagnetic radiation pathways
A method and device for stimulating human dermal tissue retraction and collagen and elastin production is provided. One or more lasers or other electromagnetic radiation devices produce at least two output beams (split or independent beams) that can be directed to deliver electromagnetic energy to a desired subsurface depth of dermal tissue, thereby disrupting the same, without causing excessive damage to the adjacent epidermis, subcutaneous fatty tissue, or blood vessels of the skin. |
| US09050115B2 |
Surgical antenna
A surgical instrument (100) (e.g. scalpel) is disclosed which has an antenna arranged to emit a substantially uniform microwave radiation field (e.g. having a frequency of 5-100 GHz) at an edge of a cutting element (110) (e.g. blade). The emitted radiation can cauterize tissue e.g. broken blood vessels simultaneously with cutting. The antenna may be integral with the cutting element, e.g. a metallized piece of ceramic attachable at an end of a waveguide (120, 150) to receive radiation therefrom. The cutting element (110) can include a quarter wave transformer to couple power efficiently from the waveguide (120). The instrument can be used with impedance matching apparatus to control the energy delivered into the tissue. Also disclosed is an invasive ablation probe (e.g. insertable through a catheter) having a plurality of radiating elements whose emitted field combine to give a uniform effect at an insertion end of the probe. |
| US09050114B2 |
Surgical implant
The invention relates to a surgical implant (10), and in particular, to a surgical implant for stabilizing a bone fracture (20). The surgical implant (10) comprising a plate (14) and an elongate member (16) projecting from the plate (14). The elongate member (16) is provided for insertion into a bone (32) and the plate (14) is provided for attachment to a surface of a bone (24). Each of the elongate member (16) and the plate (14) are provided with at least one fastening region for fastening the surgical implant (10) to the bone (24, 32). |
| US09050112B2 |
Tissue removal device and method
A tissue removal device for removing hard and/or soft tissue is disclosed. The device can have an elongated rigid shaft attached to an articulating broach. The device can be inserted through a transosseous delivery channel formed in a bone. The broach can articulate after passing through the transosseous delivery channel. |
| US09050101B1 |
Surgical multi-tool and method of use
Surgical tools are disclosed that include a first handle having a first recess, a second handle having a second recess, a first tip disposed in the first recess and extending distally, and a second tip disposed in the second recess and extending distally. The first tip has a first external surface and a first internal surface. The second tip has a second external surface and a second internal surface. The surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as forceps. The surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as scissors. The first internal surface can be moved adjacent to the second internal surface to permit rotation of the first tip relative to the first recess and permit rotation of the second tip relative to the second recess. The rotation of the first tip and the second tip transitions the surgical tool between the first configuration and the second configuration. |
| US09050099B2 |
Surgical jaw instrument having a slide system
A surgical jaw instrument having two jaw pieces mounted at the distal end section of a shaft for relative reciprocal displacement, whereby at each displaced jaw piece a sliding rod is fastened at an incline to the axis of the shaft, to which a displaceable sliding element can be connected parallel to the axis of the shaft in such a way that upon displacement of the sliding element, the jaw pieces are relatively reciprocally displaced wherein a second sliding element is mounted at the first sliding element, diametrically opposed relative to the sliding rod. |
| US09050098B2 |
Cordless medical cauterization and cutting device
A cordless cautery and cutting surgical device includes a modular battery and a surgical handle. The battery has a cordless radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly generating an output radio-frequency signal and a first selectively removable connector part. The surgical handle has a first handle body portion with a bipolar cautery and cutting end effector. The end effector has jaws with bipolar contacts and a cutting blade disposed between the jaws. The handle has a second body portion connected to the first body portion, defines therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment selectively exposed to the environment and removably holding therein the battery, and a second selectively removable connector part operable to removably hold the first connector part thereto. The second connector part has conductors electrically connecting the RF assembly to the bipolar contacts for supplying the radio-frequency signal to the bipolar contacts when the first and second connector parts are removably secured together. |
| US09050092B2 |
Embolic coils
Coils, such as embolic coils, and related methods, devices, and compositions, are disclosed. |
| US09050088B2 |
Anastomosis ring and anastomosis ring arrangement
The invention relates to an anastomosis ring and to an anastomosis ring assembly for connecting hollow organs made from human or animal tissue. The anastomosis ring includes a first support ring and a second support ring, which can be coupled with the first support ring for fixating the tissue, so that the support rings are essentially disposed fixated relative to one another. The anastomosis ring is at least partially made form a biofragmentable material which disintegrates after a predetermined time period in a human or animal body. In order to facilitate better tissue connection the anastomosis ring includes at least one energy delivery element connectable with an energy source. The energy delivery element is configured to fuse the tissue at least partially through delivering energy during operations. |
| US09050087B2 |
Integrated vascular device with puncture site closure component and sealant and methods of use
Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a variety of apparatus suited for closing a vascular puncture. Once the closure component has been actuated to close the puncture, sealant is introduced to seal the puncture. The sheath and closure component are then removed from the patient. |
| US09050082B2 |
Compound barb medical device and method
A compound barb medical device is provided which includes an elongated body having at least one barb formed along the length of the body, the barb defining an inner surface with a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the barb defines a third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. A method for forming a compound barb on a medical device is also provided. |
| US09050072B2 |
Cryoprobe for low pressure systems
A cryoprobe for use in cryosurgery and other applications comprising a rigid outer tube, an inner coolant inlet tube. a short rigid penetrating segment extending distally from the distal end of the outer tube and a helical-shaped baffle having a heating element disposed about the outer surface of the inlet tube. The baffle is adapted to produce turbulent fluid flow improving heat transfer and is able to warm target tissue during rapid freezing and thawing cycles. |
| US09050069B2 |
Thermocouple-controlled catheter cooling system
The present invention provides a medical system, including a catheter defining an injection lumen, a chamber in fluid communication with the injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen in fluid communication with the chamber; a first temperature sensor positioned in the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber; a second temperature sensor positioned in the chamber; and a console in electrical communication with the first and second temperature sensors, the controller modifying coolant flow through the medical device based at least in part upon a signal received from the first and second temperature sensor. The system may further include a thermally-conductive element circumscribing a substantial portion of the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber, where the first temperature sensor is mounted to the thermally-conductive element, and the thermally-conductive element may include at least one of a braid, coil, and band. |
| US09050067B2 |
Percutaneous nephrostomy plug delivery device
A device for delivering a percutaneous nephrostomy plug is provided. The device comprises a tubular member configured for insertion into a biological body. The device further comprises a handle coupled to a proximal end of the tubular member. The handle comprises a pusher element, an actuation element, and a transmission. The pusher element is disposed within the tubular member, and is configured to deliver a plug through a distal end of the tubular member. The transmission is coupled to the tubular member and the actuation element, and the transmission is configured to cause a retraction of the tubular member relative to the pusher element in response to a depression of the actuation element. A first depression of the actuation element toward the tubular member urges a partial exposure of the plug. A second depression of the actuation element urges a further exposure of the plug. |
| US09050065B2 |
Tissue repair implant and delivery device and method
A device for the repair of tissue and methods of use and manufacturing thereof are described herein. Applications for the use of the device include, e.g., repair of atrial septal defects (ASD), patent foramen ovale (PFO), left atrial appendage closure and stent graft fixation among other applications throughout the anatomy. The implant portion of the device is available in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate the vast complexity of the target anatomy. |
| US09050064B2 |
Systems for engaging a bodily tissue and methods of using the same
Systems for engaging a bodily tissue and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an exemplary system for use with a vacuum source for engaging a tissue of the present disclosure, the system comprises an engagement catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, first and second lumens extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a skirt operatively connected to the distal end, an inducer sheath having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therethrough, the inducer sheath configured so that it is capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, a dilator comprising a tapered tip at a distal end and a hollow channel extending therethrough, the dilator sized and shaped for insertion into the lumen of the inducer sheath, and a vacuum port located at the proximal end of the engagement catheter, the vacuum port being operatively connected to the first lumen of the engagement catheter and capable of operative connection to a vacuum source. In various embodiments, the systems further comprise an inflatable balloon at or near the distal portion of the inducer sheath. |
| US09050059B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus and system
An X-ray imaging apparatus has an electronic cassette, in which an FPD device receives X-rays applied by an X-ray source to a body, and stores charge according to a radiation dose of the X-rays, to create an image. A control unit controls the FPD device. A radiation sensor detects the radiation dose to be used for controlling the FPD device. A magnet as fastening device secures the radiation sensor removably in a radiation path between the X-ray source and the body. Also, an evaluation unit recognizes a start and end of application of the X-rays according to a dose signal from the radiation sensor, for the control unit to control the FPD device. A flexible support arm is disposed between the radiation sensor and the magnet, for keeping the radiation sensor in a changeable position relative to the magnet. |
| US09050056B2 |
Reduced X-ray exposure by simulating images
Medical imaging is carried out by transmitting X-ray emissions through a subject, generating a first set of temporally separated images of an area of interest in the subject from the transmitted X-ray emissions, generating a second set of temporally separated images from the area of interest from a second source, and combining the sets to produce combined images of the area of interest. The method is further carried out by blocking the X-ray emissions from reaching the subject, updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set to produce updated combined images, displaying the updated combined images, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, iterating updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set, and displaying the updated combined images. |
| US09050052B2 |
Ultrasound endoscope
A wiring board electrically connected to a back side of an ultrasound transmitting/receiving section that transmits/receives ultrasound includes a rigid circuit board included in a stiff portion, and a wrapping portion extending out from the rigid circuit board (stiff portion), and a plurality of drive wirings electrically connected to the wiring board are inserted into a wiring insertion portion of a housing with the plurality of drive wirings wrapped and bundled by the wrapping portion. |
| US09050050B2 |
Method for monitoring fertility by measuring the concentration of hormones in tears
The invention provides methods and kits for monitoring the status of women's health, including HRT monitoring and determination or diagnosis of ovulation, contraception, pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovarian disease, and female sexual dysfunction. The method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting a tear fluid from a female human; (b) determining the tear concentration of at least one hormone of relevance to female fertility, sexual differentiation or sexual dysfunction in a female human, wherein the tear concentration is diagnostics of the status of women's health. |
| US09050049B2 |
Urethra gauge and methods of manufacture, and operation thereof
A urethra gauge for measuring an inner size of a urinary tract. The gauge permits a clinician to measure the size of the urethral lumen (proximal to an outer orifice of the urethra) before a catheterization is performed. Selecting a properly-sized catheter for insertion into a patient by measuring the size of the urethral lumen before performing a catheterization is believed to reduce: (1) catheter-associated-urinary-tract infections; (2) urethral injuries due to inserting a catheter that is too large for the urethra; and/or (3) leakage associated with catheters that are too small for a particular patient. |
| US09050047B2 |
Resistance feedback laryngoscope
A resistance feedback laryngoscope contains a pushing grip, a trigger pad, a rotary shaft, a first transmitting rod, a second transmitting rod, and a two-step levering blade. The pushing grip includes a curved front side connecting with the two-step levering blade. The two-step levering blade includes a first movable blade, a second movable blade, and a fixed blade. The first transmitting rod and the second transmitting rod connect with the rotary shaft fixed on a drive post with a resilient element. The resilient element has a first foot butting against a locking peg proximate to the drive post and has a second foot being biased against a side piece of the rotary shaft. The trigger pad contacts with the pushing grip and curves upward slightly, and the trigger pad includes an arcuate groove formed therein, a bottom end of the arcuate groove contacts with the side piece of the rotary shaft. |
| US09050040B2 |
Intraoral radiation type X-ray photographing apparatus and method thereof
The present invention provides an X-ray imaging system for capturing an X-ray image of teeth and a jawbone, including a tubular X-ray generating unit placed in an oral cavity, and a movable X-ray detection unit placed in the oral cavity outer side region corresponding to the X-ray generating unit and corresponding to a face or an X-ray detection unit having a curved surface shape similar to the face.The present invention having the configuration may obtain a teeth X-ray image with a large surface area while minimizing the dose of X-ray exposed to a patient by placing an X-ray generating device in the oral cavity and disposing a movable sensor or a sensor with a large surface area on the outer side of the oral cavity to obtain an X-ray image, reduce excessive X-ray exposure and foreign body sensation in the oral cavity, which a panoramic mode X-ray generating device or an oral sensor-type X-ray generating device in the related art has, to enhance the safety and convenience of the patient, and obtain a clear image with a large surface area, which helps a medical staff in making an exact judgment, with the least number of shootings. |
| US09050038B2 |
Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus: in conjunction with change of a projection region using an operation part, changes a viewpoint to a position where a reference cross section is in front and the changed projection region is on the back; in conjunction with change of the viewpoint using the operation part, changes a region where the reference cross section is in front and the changed viewpoint is on the back to the projection region; in conjunction with change of a scanning region using the operation part, changes the viewpoint to a position where the reference cross section is in front and the changed scanning region is on the back; in conjunction with change of the viewpoint using the operation part, changes the scanning region to a region where the reference cross section is in front and the viewpoint is on the back; and then executes rendering. |
| US09050036B2 |
Device for maintaining visualization with surgical scopes
The present application discloses several embodiments of a devices for maintaining visualization with a surgical scope. The embodiments of the device are adapted to shield, defog or clean the lens of the surgical scope while the surgical scope is being used to perform a surgical procedure within a patient's body. In one embodiment, a view optimizer is provided that is adapted to deliver at least one fluid to the objective lens of the laparoscope to clean and/or defog the objective lens of the laparoscope without the need to remove the laparoscope from the surgical field. In additional embodiments, a view optimizer is provided that is adapted to create leakage or venting of gas from the body cavity so as to ensure continuous gas flow from an insufflator. |
| US09050034B1 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring the condition of a night vision device user with non-visible light
A system for monitoring the condition of an optical device user with non-visible light includes a non-visible light source that is positioned to direct a beam of non-visible light onto an eye of the optical device user. A non-visible light sensor is positioned to receive non-visible light that is reflected off of the eye and is configured to generate a signal corresponding to either a level or an intensity of the received non-visible light. A processor is connected to the light sensor, and is configured to determine a condition of the eye including whether the eye is either not moving, closed without blinking or open without blinking for more than a pre-determined amount of time based upon signals received from the light sensor. Also disclosed herein is a method for monitoring the condition of an optical device user with non-visible light. |
| US09050031B2 |
Healthcare communication system having configurable alarm rules
A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition. |
| US09050030B2 |
Zone extension systems and methods
Wavefront measurements of eyes are often taken when the pupil is in a first configuration in an evaluation context. The results can be represented by a set of basis function coefficients. Prescriptive treatments are often applied in a treatment context, which is different from the evaluation context. Hence, the patient pupil can be in a different, second configuration, during treatment. Systems and methods are provided for determining a transformed set of basis function coefficients, based on a difference between the first and second configurations, which can be used to establish the vision treatment. |
| US09050027B2 |
Intraoperative imaging system and apparatus
Systems, methods and apparatuses for an intraocular imaging system are disclosed comprising an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The OCT system has an imaging range that may enable substantial portions of an eye or even a whole eye to be imaged. The OCT system may be coupled to an operation microscope, such that, for example, a surgeon can visualize ocular structures like the human crystalline lens and other ocular structures such as the cornea and/or vitreous while surgical instruments are in the field of view. |
| US09050023B2 |
X-ray apparatus
A controller determines a lower edge position of an imaging area of an image combined in long-length imaging through light illumination from a line marker. Thereby the controller performs control such that light from the line marker is switched off beyond an area, set in advance, capable of being imaged upon determination of the imaging area. Consequently, an operator just performs operation while looking at only light from the line marker upon determination of the imaging area, which achieves easy operation. As a result, operation upon determination of the imaging area can be facilitated. |
| US09050022B2 |
Method for dynamically analyzing distribution variation of scatterers and application using the same
A method for dynamically analyzing distribution variation of scatterers is provided and used for dynamically analyzing changes in two or three dimensional scatterer distribution and concentration of ultrasound data by using probability density function along with a moving window technique. The present invention has advantages in low computation load and may be used for real-time analysis. A method for dynamically detecting thermal ablation area and thermal ablation level and a method for dynamically controlling thermal ablation intensity are also provided for non-invasive detection and thermal ablation. |
| US09050021B2 |
Method and apparatus for the detection of impaired dark adaptation
The present method describes a new method for the measurement of dark adaptation. The dark adaptation status of subjects may then be used to identify those subjects who are at risk of developing and/or who are currently suffering from a variety of disease states having their clinical manifestations in impaired dark adaptation. The disease states include, but are not limited to, age related macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy, late autosomal dominant retinal degeneration, retinal impairment related to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An apparatus for administering the test method described is also provided. |
| US09050018B2 |
Means and methods for providing high resolution MRI
Means and methods for improving the MRI “image quality in an MRI imaging” apparatus comprising a non-superconducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces are provided. Said means for improving the image quality chosen from the group consisting of (a) means for reducing degradation of MRI image quality due to B0 field instability; (b) means for decreasing or otherwise correcting residual magnetization; (c) means for providing a 3D scout image; and (d) any combination of the above. These means for improving the image quality provides greater resolution of the imaged object relative to an MRI apparatus not containing such means for improving image quality. |
| US09050011B2 |
Removal of artifacts from map data
A method for mapping, consisting of receiving an initial set of measured values of a physiological parameter, which were measured at respective locations in a body organ and receiving a three-dimensional (3D) map of the organ including an array of spatial map elements. The method includes forming a correspondence between the respective locations at which the measured values were measured and a sub-group of the map elements, and in response to the correspondence, associating respective element values of the physiological parameter with map elements other than the sub-group. The method further includes adjusting the respective element values so that contiguous sets of the map elements form a geodesic, and displaying a map of the organ showing the adjusted element values. |
| US09050010B2 |
Double loop lasso with single puller wire for bi-directional actuation
A catheter has a distal assembly with at least one loop, if not two, with ring electrodes. The distal assembly has an elongated support member covered by an extruded form having two lumens, one sized for nonslip tight fit with the support member. A single continuous puller wire for bidirectional deflection is pre-bent into two long portions and a U-shape bend therebetween. The U-shape bend is anchored at a distal end of a deflectable section which is reinforced by at least one washer having at least two holes, each hole axially aligned with a respective lumen in the deflectable section. Each hole is centered with a lumen so that each puller wire portion therethrough is straight and subjected to tensile force only. A proximal end of the support member is flattened and serrated to provide a better bonding to the distal end of the deflectable section. |
| US09050007B1 |
Extraction of cardiac signal data
A T-wave offset point of an ECG signal is provided. In accordance with various example embodiments, a location of a QRS complex in the ECG signal is identified and used to determine a first time window of the ECG signal in which to search for a T-wave offset point. The T-wave offset point is identified within the first time window, and the identified T-wave offset point is provided as an output based upon a noise characteristic of the ECG signal in a second time window that includes at least a portion of the T-wave. |
| US09050002B2 |
Image reconstructing apparatus, X-ray computed tomography apparatus, and image reconstructing method
According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a reconstructing unit, a first control unit, a detecting unit, a generating unit, and a second control unit. The first control unit controls the reconstructing unit to reconstruct first images based on projection data collected in first periods. The detecting unit detects second periods which belong to pulsation cycles different from one another and in which an organ to be imaged is in the substantially same form, based on the first images. The generating unit generates data for reconstruction including projection data for the required angle range by combining projection data collected in third periods close to the second periods. The second control unit controls the reconstructing unit to reconstruct a second image based the data for reconstruction. |
| US09049995B2 |
System and method for detecting pulmonary congestion based on stroke volume using an implantable medical device
Techniques are provided for detecting pulmonary congestion based on an increase in right ventricular (RV) stroke volume over left ventricular (LV) stroke volume. In one example, the device generates an index based on accumulated differences between RV stroke volume and LV stroke volume while RV stroke volume exceeds LV stroke volume, such that the index is indicative of an ongoing imbalance between RV and LV stroke volume. The index is compared to a suitable threshold to detect a severe imbalance indicative of pulmonary edema. Additionally, techniques are described for estimating RV and LV stroke volumes based on pulmonary artery pressure, left atrial pressure, aortic pressure, LV strain or on various intracardiac or extracardiac impedance measurements. |
| US09049994B2 |
System for cardiac arrhythmia detection and characterization
A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection comprises an input processor and at least one signal processor. The input processor receives, sampled data representing a patient blood pressure signal and a concurrently acquired electrocardiogram (ECG) signal representing heart electrical activity of the patient. The at least one signal processor, synchronizes the patient blood pressure signal and the heart electrical activity signal, identifies at least two points of a heart electrical activity signal cycle, integrates signal data values representing the amplitude of the patient blood pressure signal of a segment between the identified two points to derive an integral value over time duration of the segment representing an area under the blood pressure signal waveform between the identified two points and in response to the derived integral value, initiates generation of a message associated with a medical condition of the patient. |
| US09049993B2 |
Apparatus for biological signal measurement at point of end-tidal
A biological signal measuring apparatus includes: a pressure sensor which measures a pressure in a living body; a respiratory sensor which measures respiratory information; and an outputting unit which detects an end-tidal based on the respiratory information measured by the respiratory sensor and which outputs a pressure value based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor when detecting the end-tidal. |
| US09049991B2 |
Method of discriminating longitudinal melanonychia and visualizing malignancy thereof
In a digital color image of longitudinal melanonychia, RGB parameter values of each pixel are assumed as three components to form a three-dimensional vector. Latitudinal and longitudinal variables are obtained for each three-dimensional vector in an RGB space. The latitudinal and longitudinal variables are used to define a distribution of points, and from the distribution, a discrimination index is found. The discrimination index is classified according to a threshold, to discriminate whether the longitudinal melanonychia is malignant or benign. The distribution of points is displayed to realize visualization of the malignancy of the longitudinal melanonychia. |
| US09049990B2 |
Corneal endothelial cell photographing apparatus
A corneal endothelial cell photographing apparatus for photographing an endothelial cell in the cornea of the examinee's eye includes an optical system, an image processor, and a display controller. The optical system includes an illuminating optical system for irradiating the cornea with illuminating light, and a light receiving optical system including a light detector and configured to receive reflected light from the cornea including the endothelial cell. The image processor analyzes each of endothelial cell images photographed at different positions on the cornea, and acquires an integrated analysis result by integrating the result of analysis of each of the endothelial cell images. The display controller displays the endothelial cell images simultaneously on a monitor with reference to an endothelial cell image photographed at a central portion of the cornea, and displays the integrated analysis result on the same screen as for the endothelial cell images. |
| US09049989B2 |
Methods and devices to decrease tissue trauma during surgery
Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a physician retracts a patient's tissues for surgery. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling retraction force and pace. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for oscillating force when opening. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for detecting trauma during retraction. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for balancing forces on multiple retraction elements. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for reducing forces in multiple dimensions. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for engaging ribs. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed to compensate for deformation of a retractor under load. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that combine these methods and devices. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling pressure inside inflatable devices used for deforming biological tissues. |
| US09049987B2 |
Hand held surgical device for manipulating an internal magnet assembly within a patient
A device for manipulating a magnetic coupling force across tissue in response to a monitored coupling force is described. The device includes a magnetic field source assembly, a positioning assembly operatively connected to the magnetic field force assembly, and a magnetic coupling force monitor. The magnetic field source assembly includes magnets that provide an external magnetic field source for providing a magnetic field across tissue. The positioning assembly adjusts the position of the magnetic field source. The magnetic field creates a magnetic coupling force between the external magnetic field source and an object positioned in use in a patient during a procedure, wherein the object has or is associated with an internal magnetic field. |
| US09049986B2 |
Cannulotome
Systems and methods for treating spinal stenosis include endoscopic access devices and bone removal devices used to perform a foraminotomy or other bone removal procedures. A bone removal device includes a cannulotome with an endoscopic imaging lumen. Optionally, an endoscope retaining device can be used to facilitate advancement of the endoscope through the cannulotome. |
| US09049985B2 |
Satellite, cellular and Wi-Fi mobile multimode transmission and reception methods
A airplane based communication and position finding method for receiving in a transceiver a OFDM signal from a mobile unit in an airplane. Demodulating and processing an OFDM received signal into a processed OFDM signal and processing and modulating the processed OFDM signal into a processed modulated signal. Transmitting in the airplane based transceiver the modulated signal to a satellite receiver. Receiving in the airplane based transceiver a second modulated signal from a satellite transmitter, demodulating and processing the second modulated signal into a processed second OFDM signal and modulating and transmitting said processed second OFDM signal to mobile unit. Method for processing an input voice signal, in a mobile unit, into a processed cross-correlated CDMA signal, modulating and transmitting cross-correlated CDMA signal into a modulated transmitted CDMA signal, used in a cellular system. |
| US09049984B2 |
Gas water bottle adaptor
The present invention provides a gas water bottle adaptor that is suitable for attachment to a water bottle and to a bottle cap. The adaptor can include a gas inlet on one side thereof suitable for attachment to the gas connection of an endoscope. A sealing member can be affixed to the adaptor to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is inside of the water bottle. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source to a water bottle. |
| US09049983B1 |
Ear recognition as device input
An electronic device can attempt to capture at least one image including at least a portion of a user's ear when the user utilizes the electronic device for certain purposes, such as to receive a call or listen to an audio file. In some embodiments, the device analyzes the captured information to determine whether the user is holding the device near the user's right ear or left ear, and adjusts functionality of the device based at least in part upon how the user is likely holding the phone. In other embodiments, the device attempts to recognize the user based on ear shape or other parameters, and can provide customized functionality of the device based at least upon that determination. |
| US09049982B2 |
Methods to pair a medical device and at least a remote controller for such medical device
A disease management system, methods, and devices are shown and described. In one embodiment, the system includes an infusion pump and a remote controller with the ability to be paired to each other. A method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is shown and described herein. In a further embodiment, a method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is provided. In addition, a method of operating a diabetes management system is provided in which the system includes an infusion pump and at least a remote controller. |
| US09049981B2 |
Heart sound tracking system and method
A system and method provide heart sound tracking, including an input circuit, configured to receive heart sound information, and a heart sound recognition circuit. The heart sound recognition circuit can be coupled to the input circuit and can be configured to recognize, within a particular heart sound of a particular heart sound waveform, a first intra heart sound energy indication and a corresponding first intra heart sound time indication using the heart sound information from the particular heart sound waveform and the heart sound information from at least one other heart sound waveform. The particular heart sound can include at least a portion of one of S1, S2, S3, and S4. Further, the first intra heart sound energy indication and the corresponding first intra heart sound time indication can correspond to the at least a portion of one of S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively. |
| US09049978B1 |
Shoe cleaning apparatus
A shoe cleaning apparatus includes a housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the top and bottom walls. A cleaning assembly is mounted to the housing and extends upwardly from the top wall. The cleaning assembly cleans a shoe positioned on the top wall. A drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the foot cleaning assembly and rotates a plurality of brushes of the foot assembly when the drive assembly is turned on. A vacuum is mounted within the housing and is in fluid communication with apertures extending through the top wall. The vacuum suctions material from the shoe into the housing. |
| US09049977B2 |
Dishwasher
A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes at least one wash compartment and a rack guide rail for support in the wash compartment of a rack which holds items to be washed and/or dried. The rack guide rail has a running surface to allow movement of the rack in and out of the wash compartment for loading and unloading purposes along a travel path supported on the running surface. The rack guide rail is hereby supported at a support point for pivoting about a pivot axis. |
| US09049975B2 |
Surface maintenance vehicle with quick release squeegee assembly
A surface maintenance vehicle with quick release squeegee assembly and a method of connecting a squeegee assembly to the brush deck of a floor surface maintenance vehicle. A single release latch may be used to connect and disconnect the squeegee assembly and the brush deck. When engaged, corresponding locating structures on the brush deck and a frame of the squeegee assembly align the brush deck and the frame and provide points where the relative movement between the brush deck and frame are restricted. |
| US09049971B2 |
Vacuum cleaning systems and methods with integral vacuum assisted hose storage system
A storage system for a vacuum cleaning system has a hose storage structure defining a storage chamber having a storage chamber inlet port and a storage chamber outlet operatively connected to the common chamber operatively connected to a vacuum. The storage chamber defines a chamber cross-sectional area. The hose end carrier defines a carrier cross-sectional area, where the carrier cross-sectional area is slightly less than the chamber cross-sectional area. The hose member defines a hose cross-sectional area, where the hose member cross-sectional area is sized and dimension with respect to the carrier cross-sectional area to facilitate movement of the hose member along the storage chamber. |
| US09049967B1 |
Food processing apparatus and method
Food processing apparatus and methods for processing food are disclosed. The apparatus may include stored sequences for operating a processing tool. The stored sequences may address various challenging aspects of blending solid foods and/or ice. In some embodiments, particular sequences are implemented with specific processing tools. |
| US09049962B2 |
Beverage preparation device provided with a discharge that is height-adjustable by hand
Beverage preparation device provided with a discharge (3) that is height—adjustable by hand characterized in that the discharge (3) comprises an adjustment arm (9) that is hingeably attached to a housing (4) in a hinge point (5) with a supply end (9a), wherein the adjustment arm can be pressed down or pushed up, which adjustment arm (9) at a delivery end (9b) is provided with a delivery head (6) with a delivery opening (7), wherein the delivery head (6) is pivotable around a pivot axis (2) arranged perpendicularly to the adjustment arm (9) by suspension from the adjustment arm (9) via hinge means (8a, 8b) arranged at the delivery end (9b) and arranged at the pivot axis (2), in such a way that the delivery opening (7) when pivoting the adjustment arm (9) maintains a substantially constant orientation. |
| US09049961B2 |
Liquid cartridge for use in a beverage system
A device for preparing a heated liquid for use with a beverage-making appliance includes a liquid transport channel in communication with a liquid reservoir which discharges into a first chamber. The first chamber includes a steam inlet which is connectable to a steam generator. A second chamber of the device is connected to the first chamber via a restriction and has a liquid outlet. The device is in the form of a cartridge n which the liquid reservoir, the liquid transport channel, the first chamber, the steam inlet, the restriction, the second chamber, and the liquid outlet are provided. All components of the device are integrated into one cartridge, so the cartridge can be discarded after use. |
| US09049960B2 |
One hand carriable liquid food or beverage machine
A machine for preparing a liquid food or beverage has an outermost housing that includes a top part and downwardly extending sidewalls which cover and shield at least part of a liquid food or beverage module. The downwardly extending sidewalls have a portion that forms, optionally together with a portion of the top part, a grip seizable by a human hand such that the machine can be carried and displaced single handed by seizure of the grip. |
| US09049954B2 |
Hanger bar assembly for architectural mesh and the like
An architectural mesh hanging system having a hanger assembly including a hanger tube having a plurality of openings and an architectural mesh panel of predetermined size having an uppermost edge defined by a plurality of loops. The plurality of loops are positioned within the plurality of openings in the hanger tube and a retaining rod is disposed through the plurality of loops within an interior of the hanger tube, thereby preventing the plurality of loops from displacement out of the plurality of opening. |
| US09049953B2 |
Cord embedded roman shade curtain and cord embedded roman shade using the same
Disclosed herein is a cord embedded roman shade curtain which is configured to include a curtain 10, a pocket curtain 20, a connection belt 30, and a cord 40. Further, the present invention relates to a cord embedded roman shade which is configured to include a curtain 10, a pocket curtain 20, a connection belt 30, a cord 40, a rotating bar 50, a frame 60, and a tow rope 70. Therefore, the curtain can be integrally woven without forming a separate ring and the cord is not exposed to the outside to prevent the accidents that the cord is wound around a child's hand or neck. |
| US09049950B2 |
Shoulder warming sleeping bag extension
One embodiment of a sleeping bag extension piece or elongated sleeping bag with sufficient length beyond a traditional sleeping bag to rest upon the sleep surface above the user's shoulder line creating a natural body heat seal and restricting air flow between the sleeping bag top and sleep surface above the shoulder line, and having a separation to allow a user's head to protrude. |
| US09049948B2 |
Utensil dispenser
A utensil dispenser including a reservoir that stores utensils and front and rear pedestals in contact with a next utensil. The pedestals contain a plurality of utensils within the reservoir. A gravity feed ramp moves the next utensil to an access port of the utensil dispenser. The utensil dispenser includes an actuator operably connected to a drive pin or other drive mechanism. The actuator is configured to halt a dispensing utensil at a ready position based upon contact between the dispensing utensil and the actuator. In the ready position, a handle portion of the dispensing utensil is accessible via the access port. The drive mechanism is configured to contact the next utensil. The actuator is configured to move the drive mechanism to move the next utensil to clear the front pedestal to release the next utensil from the reservoir onto the gravity feed ramp when the dispensing utensil is dispensed. |
| US09049944B2 |
Solid gel cushion system
A solid gel cushion system is provided. The solid gel cushion system includes a first elastic quadrilateral body having a first elastic surrounding sidewall to define a first space allowing for a heat exchange. The first elastic quadrilateral body defines a first top surface and a first bottom surface with respect to the first elastic surrounding sidewall, both of which are communicative of surrounding atmosphere in order to form an air passage. The cushion system further includes a second elastic quadrilateral body having a second elastic surrounding sidewall defining a second space in which two interleaving elastic supporting ribs are formed. The first elastic quadrilateral body is surrounded by the four second elastic quadrilateral bodies. |
| US09049942B2 |
Movable bed
A movable bed contains a base, a moving assembly, a first electric actuator, a second electric actuator, a driving shaft for matching with a support stand, and a lifting rack. The moving assembly includes four rollers fitted into two rails of the base. The base includes a centrally horizontal rod with a U-shaped piece. A top end of the first electric actuator is rotatably coupled with a connecting piece of the driving shaft, and the driving shaft has two ends connecting with the support stand and two U-shaped pieces. The second electric actuator includes a bottom end fixed on the moving assembly and a top end rotatably coupled with a L-shaped piece of a first plate of the lifting rack, one end of the first plate is rotatably joined with a second plate. The second plate is rotatably connected with a pushing bar also rotatably joined with the moving assembly. |
| US09049937B2 |
Active response seating system
A seat having a plurality of defined zones for supporting the human anatomy. The zoned seating can also include one or more recoil shields that can be one piece, multiple pieces, or can itself comprise multiple sections that correspond with the multiple zones or individual zones. The seating can also include inserts to assist in supporting or isolating certain desired portions of the human anatomy. The seating includes both seat back structures and seat pan structures, with each including a zoned configuration designed to support and stabilize specific structures of the human anatomy in a defined manner. The zones can separate independent and defined zones that are designed to be separate and act as individual anatomical support areas that collectively support, cradle and permit the human anatomy to be supported in a comfortable manner. It is preferred that the zones act and operate independently from one another. However, the zones could be arranged, for example, by size, design, formation, or the shape of construction, to interact with adjacent zones. The seat can also be formed around and/or from a molded, contoured member that itself replicates a surface taken from a multi-zoned surface which has been adjusted to fit an individual. |
| US09049932B2 |
Appliance movement system
According to the present teachings, a system is provided which allows a user or mover to move large, heavy appliances across finished floor surfaces without damaging by scratching, indenting or cracking under the weight of the object. When placing the object on the mover's surface, the weight becomes distributed and absorbed across the mover instead of localized points such as the case with casters, wheels or legs. |
| US09049930B1 |
Cabinet drawer floor and fence assembly
A cabinet drawer includes a molded drawer floor having a central portion including at least one depression, each depression having a bottom wall and a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A flange extends outwardly from an upper edge of each depression. A plurality of webs extends outward from each depression outer surface for connection with a drawer slide system. A peripheral edge of the flange includes a plurality of deflectable tabs for coupling to a surrounding fence without the use of fasteners. The fence includes a skirt portion extending downward from the drawer floor flange to hide any drawer slide mechanism coupling the drawer floor to any underlying base. |
| US09049929B2 |
Appliance apparatus including a bonded bracket
An appliance apparatus includes an adhesively bonded bracket or support. In another aspect, a clothing apparatus includes a moveable transparent panel, such as a glass door or lid, which has a polymeric support or bracket adhesively bonded thereto. A further aspect provides polyurethane adhesive pellets bonding a polymeric hinge bracket to only a backside of a glass appliance panel. |
| US09049928B2 |
Bottle holding device
A holding device for holding a plurality of bottles. The holding device has a plurality of holding elements, each holding element having an interacting surface capable of engaging at least one of a neck and a shoulder of a respective bottle for holding the bottle upside down. |
| US09049926B2 |
Digital furniture piece
An article of digital furniture piece comprises a table and a computer disposed in an accommodating space of the table, the computer comprises a frame, and a power supply, a hard disk and a host are disposed thereon. The frame comprises a first frame body and a second frame body connected each other, the first frame body is able to overturn relative to the second frame body according to the shape of the accommodating space, for matching the shape of the computer and the shape of the accommodating space, such that the appearance of the digital furniture piece could have variety designs. |
| US09049921B1 |
Floss-dispensing toothbrush device
A floss-dispensing toothbrush device stores and dispenses floss while also cleaning a person's tongue. The toothbrush device includes an elongated member having a head coupled to a handle. A top and bottom side of the handle define an interior space of the handle. A plurality of bristles is coupled to and extends from the head. A ridged surface extends across the head and is configured for cleaning a person's tongue. A floss housing is coupled to and positioned in a floss cavity within the interior space of the handle. The floss housing is configured for receiving floss. A conduit extends from the floss cavity wherein the conduit is configured for guiding the floss through the handle. An aperture is positioned in the handle and coupled to the conduit. The aperture is configured for receiving the floss from the conduit wherein a person palls the floss out from the aperture. |
| US09049920B2 |
Position sensing toothbrush
The toothbrush includes a handle portion (12 or 55) and a brushhead portion (14 or 57) with a bristle set (20 or 53) at one end of the brushhead. At least one sensor (16 or 56 is located either on the handle of the toothbrush or on the bristle set back plate (54) of the toothbrush. When the sensor is located on the handle of the toothbrush, the position of the brushhead is determined by a processor (44 or 58) relative to the inside or outside surfaces of the teeth on the basis of the temperature detected by the sensor, either the outside environmental temperature or the skin temperature of the user. When the sensor is located on the bristle set back plate, the determination is made on the basis of the position of the bristle set relative to the cheek of the user. |
| US09049918B2 |
Folding broom
A broom comprises a handle and a head supported by the handle. The head comprises a first head section pivotably connected to a second head section such that the head sections may rotate relative to one another between a folded position and an unfolded position. An actuator is movably mounted on the handle between a first position and a second position. A first connecting member connects the actuator to the first head section and a second connecting member connects the actuator to the second head section such that movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position moves the head sections relative to one another between the folded position and the unfolded position. A method of operating the broom is also provided. |
| US09049915B2 |
Method for manufacturing a unit for applying a cosmetic product
Disclosed herein is a method for producing a unit for applying a cosmetic product, the application unit comprising a support having a fixing site onto which a mass of cosmetic product is molded, the method comprising injection molding the cosmetic product onto the support. Also disclosed herein are application units obtained by such a method. |
| US09049911B1 |
Electronic device cover
A cover for an electronic device includes back cover, such as a tray, to receive the electronic device. The cover may also include a foldable flap that is foldable into a stand to support an electronic device held by the cover at one or more viewing angles oblique to a surface on which the cover is placed. The back cover and/or the foldable flap may include one or more activation mechanisms that, when moved relative to the electronic device, activate one or more functions of the electronic device (e.g., camera functions, display of information, etc.). |
| US09049903B2 |
Removable footwear traction plate
A traction plate and a method of use for a shoe. The traction plate is removably attachable to the outsole of a shoe to provide traction on a surface for a shoe wearer. The plate includes a flange with one or more surface-engaging elements on one face. The plate also includes two or more shoe-coupling elements. The shoe-coupling elements are inserted into corresponding receptacles in a shoe-outsole and then rotated to affix the plate to the shoe. The shoe-coupling elements may be captively attached to the plate flange or attachable to the shoe receptacle with a rotation of no more than one full revolution. |
| US09049898B2 |
Footwear with improved upper
An article of footwear, such as a boot, including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the boot extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise from the outer sole assembly to an upper end of the upper, the upper including a lateral quarter and a medial quarter, the boot including a first tightening device, which itself includes a linkage and a quick-locking device, the boot including a cover flap. The flap demarcates a storage space capable of receiving the quick-locking device. |
| US09049895B1 |
Shirt stay with improved fastener and associated use thereof
A shirt stay garter employs a releasable fastening clip for reducing a tendency for plastic and/or clam-type button clips to fail (e.g., come loose). Use of the improved fastener provides a center pin that keeps the shirt stay device from coming loose. The shirt stay garter may be embodied in a variety of forms including a stirrup style, a 4-strap style, and a Y-style, for example. The shirt stay garter may include a distal member adapted to be engaged with a support surface, a proximal member slidably coupled to the distal member, and a fastener attached to the proximal member. Notably, the fastener is adapted to engage the shirt tail and resists external forces acting thereagainst during extended periods of time. |
| US09049892B2 |
Stretch mark prevention undergarment
Stretch mark prevention undergarments (1) worn around a woman's abdomen, chest, lower torso, legs, buttocks and other areas for reinforcing elastic fibers in the skin and preventing stretch marks. The stretch mark prevention undergarment has an outer layer (2) made of stretchable material and an inner layer (8) of material made of a non-slip material (9). The non-slip material maintains a constant adherent traction with the skin of a wearer, thereby reinforcing elastic fibers of skin. The inner layer is arranged in a predetermined pattern or design to allow a wearer's skin to breathe through the outer layer of the stretch mark prevention undergarment. The stretch mark prevention undergarment may be in the form of underwear (14), briefs, underpants, panties, leggings (16), corsets, bras (10) or any combination thereof to help prevent stretch marks on various parts of the body. |
| US09049891B2 |
Water shorts incorporating a stretch textile
An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, includes a first textile and a second textile. The first textile forms a majority of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the apparel, and the first textile exhibits at least thirty percent stretch prior to tensile failure. The second textile is located around a waistband portion of the apparel, and the second textile exhibits less than ten percent stretch prior to tensile failure. |
| US09049885B2 |
Resealable spout for selectively accessing coconut water within a coconut
A resealable spigot for a coconut that provides easy access by consumers to the sterile coconut water within a coconut includes a valve seat positioned within a coconut aperture and a plunger sleeve positioned within the valve seat. The plunger sleeve has a based positioned membrane that seals the coconut aperture, A plunger-stopper is tethered to the plunger sleeve for shipping and storage and is used by the consumer to pierce the plunger sleeve membrane to gain access to the coconut water. The plunger sleeve is also used to reseal the coconut aperture to preserve any remaining coconut water for future consumption. Further provided is an additional embodiment for a spigot comprising a conduit having a spike-tip on one end and a spout on the other with a through bore therebetween. The coconut having a partially inserted spigot is provided to the consumer whereby the consumer gains access to the sterile coconut water by pushing the partially inserted spigot to its seated position with a grommet provided as an insertion stop for the spigot. An optional air vent is provided to aid in fluid flow from the spigot. |
| US09049880B2 |
Method for harvesting cochineal wax from cochineal insects grown on an artificial medium
A method for obtaining cochineal wax is provided which comprises (a) harvesting cochineal insects from an artificial medium inoculated with the insects; (b) extracting cochineal wax from the insects with a liquid medium; and (c) isolating cochineal wax from the liquid medium. |
| US09049877B2 |
Crispy french fries
Crispy French fry-style food products are prepared by modification of the water content and the texture of the products' surface layers prior to deep frying. The surface modifications include surface firming, enzyme treatments, starch infusion and/or ultrasound treatment. |
| US09049876B2 |
Composition for improving taste of high-intensity sweetener and application thereof
An object of the present invention is to improve a distinctive strange taste (particularly bitterness remaining in the mouth) of a conventional low-calorie food or drink, particularly an edible product (a food or drink) having low calories obtained by replacing part or most of the sugar or isomerized sugar to be added by a high-intensity sweetener. Provided are a composition for improving a taste of a high-intensity sweetener, a method of improving a taste of an edible product containing a high-intensity sweetener, and an edible product in which a taste of a high-intensity sweetener is improved, each of which is characterized by containing or using an isomerized sugar and a rare sugar such that the rare sugar is contained or used in an amount of from 1 to 150 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the isomerized sugar. |
| US09049873B2 |
Method of producing an aromatised aqueous liquid
The present invention relates to a method for producing an aqueous liquid aromatised with aroma compounds from coffee, wherein a gas comprising aroma from roast and ground coffee and water is condensed to provide a liquid aqueous phase and a gas phase; and the gas phase is subjected to pressurisation in the presence of an aqueous liquid. The liquid is useful e.g. in the production of soluble coffee products. |
| US09049869B2 |
Method for improving bread-making properties of rice flour bread dough
This invention provides a method for improving bread-making properties of bread dough using rice flour as the main material. The invention relates to a dough improving agent for rice flour breads, wherein said agent comprises glutathione and a method for making rice flour breads using the same. |
| US09049865B2 |
Use of fungicidal active substances for controlling mycoses on plants of the palm family
The present invention relates to the use of specific fungicidal active substances, alone or in combination, for controlling mycoses in plants of the palm family and to a method for using said specific fungicidal active substances for controlling said mycoses in the field of plant protection and the protection of materials. |
| US09049859B2 |
Pesticidal mixtures
The present invention relates to an agrochemical mixture for increasing the health of a plant, comprising as active ingredients a herbicidal compound (I) selected from the group consisting of: Benzoic acids, Pyridine carboxylic acids, Quinoline carboxylic acids, and benazolin-ethyl; and a fungicidal compound (II) in synergistically effective amounts. The present invention further relates to a method for improving the health of a plant, wherein the plant, the locus where the plant is growing or is expected to grow or plant propagation material from which the plant grows is treated with an effective amount of a mixture as defined above. In addition, the invention relates to the use of a mixture as defined above for synergistically increasing the health of a plant. |
| US09049858B2 |
Pest controlling composition and method for controlling pest
The present invention provides a composition having an excellent controlling activity on a pest. The composition comprising a compound represented by Formula (1) and one or more macrolide compound(s) selected from Group (A) shows an excellent controlling activity on a pest. Group (A): a group consisting of abamectin, doramectin, emamectin, emamectin-benzoate, lepimectin, milbemectin, spinetoram and spinosad. |
| US09049856B2 |
Cold organ preservation composition and method of use
The present invention relates to a cold organ preservation composition for transplantation comprising a cold organ preservation solution and cardiotrophin-1 or a functionally equivalent variant thereof. The invention also relates to methods and kits for the preparation of said composition, the uses thereof for the cold organ protection and/or preservation for transplantation (particularly for kidney, lung and heart) and also to the cold preservation methods and cold-preserved isolated organs by these methods. |
| US09049852B1 |
Spoon fishing lure and method of making the same
A spoon fishing lure is configured to catch fish in shallow water without becoming entangled in grass. The spoon fishing lure includes a body which includes a raised right portion immediately adjacent to front central portion and rear central portion and a lowered left portion. The body is shaped to efficiently travel through the grass in the shallow water. A hook assembly mechanically coupled to the body and further comprising an eye immediately adjacent to a shank which is further immediately adjacent to a hook. The eye can be tethered to a line and the hook can catch the fish. The body is made of a semi-buoyant material and the lowered left portion attached to an egg sinker causing the body to sink slightly in the shallow water without precision reeling making the spoon fishing lure easier to use. |
| US09049848B1 |
Increased resistance to Enterobacteriaceae in bovines
A mechanism for increasing resistance to Enterobacteriaceae infection is described. Additionally genetic markers for identifying traits associated with resistance to Enterobacteriaceae are also described. Thus the invention provides methods and compositions for the production of animals which exhibit increased resistance to Enterobacteriaceae infection. The invention further provides methods and compositions for marker assisted breeding to identify animals resistant to Enterobacteriaceae infection. The invention allows for cattle production with lower susceptibility to Enterobacteriaceae infection. |
| US09049844B2 |
Pet deshedder apparatus
A system for removal of hair includes an instrument having a frame with a trailing handle segment and a leading treatment segment, a manually manipulative actuator mounted relative to the trailing handle segment of the frame and a drive member operatively coupled to the actuator and extending at least partially within the leading treatment segment of the frame. The drive member is movable between an initial condition and a deployed condition in response to corresponding movement of the actuator. A blade assembly is mountable relative to the leading treatment segment of the frame. The blade assembly includes a blade housing mountable relative to the treatment segment of the frame, a blade mounted to the blade housing and having hair teeth for grooming a pet and an ejector member mounted relative to the blade housing. The ejector member is couplable to the drive member of the instrument and positioned to facilitate removal of hair from the blade upon movement toward the advanced position. |
| US09049843B2 |
Milking box with a robotic attacher having a three-dimensional range of motion
In certain embodiments, a robotic attacher comprises a main arm, a supplemental arm coupled to the main arm, and a plurality of actuators operable to move the main arm and supplemental arm in response to signals from a controller. The actuators comprise first, second, and third actuators operable to move the main arm in x-, y-, and z-directions, respectively. The actuators further comprise fourth and fifth actuators operable to pivot a gripping portion of the supplemental arm in a first z-direction and a second z-direction, respectively, with the second z-direction being opposite the first z-direction. |
| US09049842B2 |
Auto water replenishing mechanism of the pet drinking fountain
An automatic replenishing mechanism for a pet drinking fountain is a container having a water injection element, a float, a linkage set, and a sealing plug. The water injection element, connected to the container, has a water inlet and a base. The float, connected by a link bar to the base, is located underneath the water inlet and limited by a guiding portion to float longitudinally. The sealing plug is mounted on the link bar near the water inlet. When water level rises to elevate the float, the link bar rotates to push the sealing plug. When the float floats to a predetermined level, the sealing plug blocks the water inlet to stop water supply. When a pet drinks water and the water level drops, the float sinks from the predetermined level. The link bar rotates to retreat the sealing plug from the water inlet, thereby automatically replenishing water. |
| US09049837B2 |
Cheese mould
The invention provides a cheese mold, in particular a cheese mold composed of plastic or metal, for arrangement in a cassette press or the like. The mold should have a simple structure, and at the same time withstand the pressing pressure and also satisfy high hygienic demands. This is advantageously achieved in that the base of the mold is provided with a rib structure as far as the transition region of the outer jacket wall, wherein the mold can be round or cylindrical or angular in cross section. In the case of a round mold, longitudinal ribs extend radially, starting from the longitudinal axis over the base and continuously as jacket ribs into the region of the jacket wall. |
| US09049832B1 |
Wheat variety W020536B1
A wheat variety designated W020536B1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W020536B1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W020536B1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W020536B1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W020536B1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W020536B1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods. |
| US09049830B1 |
Soybean variety XBP04003
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP04003 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP04003, cells from soybean variety XBP04003, plants of soybean XBP04003, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP04003. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP04003 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP04003, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP04003, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP04003. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP04003 are further provided. |
| US09049828B1 |
Maize inbred PH1V5F
A novel maize variety designated PH1V5F and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1V5F with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1V5F through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1V5F or a locus conversion of PH1V5F with another maize variety. |
| US09049825B1 |
Maize inbred PH18H4
A novel maize variety designated PH18H4 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH18H4 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH18H4 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH18H4 or a locus conversion of PH18H4 with another maize variety. |
| US09049822B2 |
Soybean markers linked to SCN resistance
This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for identifying the SCN resistant phenotype in soybean. In some embodiments, the disclosure concerns methods for performing marker-assisted breeding and selection of plants carrying one or more determinants of SCN resistance in soybean. |
| US09049819B2 |
Structure for reinforcing greening member and construction method thereof
A structure for reinforcing a greening member and a construction method thereof are provided. The structure for reinforcing a greening member comprises a greening member adapted for being placed on a surface of an area to be greened, a positioning cover (2), a positioning member (3) and a rope (4). The positioning member is adapted to be inserted into the ground of the area to be greened. A positioning member is provided with a pivot portion (31). One end of the rope is fixedly connected to the pivot portion, and the other end is exposed out of the ground of the area to be greened and passes through the greening member to reach the positioning cover. The other end of the rope is fixed by the positioning cover. |
| US09049818B2 |
Cargo of rectangular switchgrass or Miscanthus bales optimized for high density transport to biorefineries
Cargo of rectangular switchgrass or miscanthus bales having a payload density of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3. |
| US09049817B2 |
Combine unload drive control system
A control system for an unload drive system of a combine and a method for controlling an unload drive system of a combine by sensing a force on an unload auger. The combine includes a grain tank for storing grain and at least one auger for unloading grain from the grain tank. The combine includes at least one movable auger cover coupled to the grain tank for controlling the amount of grain to flow into the at least one auger. The control system includes at least one sensor for sensing a force on the unload drive system and a controller for receiving at least one force condition from the at least one sensor representing the sensed force on the unload drive system and causing the at least one movable auger cover to move based on the sensed force condition. |
| US09049815B2 |
Flexible hitch cutter
A rotary mower has a lift frame comprising swiveling linkages that allow rotation of the deck with respect to a three point hitch. The lift frame further has a pair of angled legs rotatably affixed to the lift frame, each angled leg having an upper end and a lower end, the lower ends rotatably affixed to pivot brace brackets rigidly affixed to the deck. Each angled leg of the lift frame is rotatably affixed to one or more pivot bars near the upper end of the angled leg. Each pivot bar extends upwardly between the angled leg and an upper end of the lift frame. A shield covers the pivot bars to protect the users. |
| US09049812B1 |
System and method for removing vegetation from soil
A vegetation removal device including a shaft that has a helix attached to the shaft's first curved end. When the helix is placed within proximity of unwanted vegetation and rotated radially, the helix will entangle the vegetation and remove it from the soil. In one embodiment, the shaft comprises a second end that is configured to be attached to an electronic device, which allows users to easily rotate the shaft and helix. |
| US09055709B2 |
Electronic component feeder
An electronic component feeder and a chip mount having the electronic component feeder are provided. The electronic component feeder includes a body having a pickup position at which electronic components are picked up and a plurality of component feed paths guiding respective component feed tapes holding the electronic components to the pickup position, and which switches the component feed paths to select a component feed path guiding a component feed tape to the pickup position so that the electronic components held in the component feed tape are picked up at the pickup position, based on a component holding state about the electronic components held in one of the component feed tapes. |
| US09055703B2 |
Sidewalls of electroplated copper interconnects
A structure including a seed layer located directly on top of and conformal to the diffusion barrier, wherein the seed layer is parallel to the sidewall and bottom of the opening, the seed layer comprises a crystalline structure suitable for plating copper; a first intermetallic compound and an alloy layer parallel to the sidewall of the opening and separating the seed layer from the conductive material, the first intermetallic compound is a precipitate within a solid solution of an alloying material of the alloy layer and the conductive material, and is molecularly bound to both the alloy layer and the conductive material, and a first high friction interface located between the seed layer and the alloy layer extending in a direction parallel to the sidewall of the opening, wherein the first high friction interface results in a mechanical bond between the seed layer and the alloy layer. |
| US09055702B2 |
Method for forming a circuit board via structure for high speed signaling
One embodiment of the invention comprises an improved method for making a via structure for use in a printed circuit board (PCB). The via allows for the passage of a signal from one signal plane to another in the PCB, and in so doing transgresses the power and ground planes between the signal plane. To minimize EM disturbance between the power and ground planes, signal loss due to signal return current, and via-to-via coupling, the via is shielded within two concentric cylinders, each coupled to one of the power and ground planes. |
| US09055700B2 |
Apparatus with a multi-layer coating and method of forming the same
In some embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) comprises a substrate comprising an insulating material. The PCB further comprises a plurality of conductive tracks attached to at least one surface of the substrate. The PCB further comprises a multi-layer coating deposited on the at least one surface of the substrate. The multi-layer coating (i) covers at least a portion of the plurality of conductive tracks and (ii) comprises at least one layer formed of a halo-hydrocarbon polymer. The PCB further comprises at least one electrical component connected by a solder joint to at least one conductive track, wherein the solder joint is soldered through the multi-layer coating such that the solder joint abuts the multi-layer coating. |
| US09055697B2 |
Air conditioning system control
Systems, devices and methods for generating a virtual mapping of a room are provided. A plurality of racks for housing servers, a plurality of position determining devices and a plurality of temperature sensors can be provided. A computer can be operatively connected to the plurality of position determining devices and the temperature sensors. Each position determining device can be associated with one or more of the temperature sensors. For each of the temperature sensors, position information can be obtained from the position determining device associated with the temperature sensor and the position information used to plot the temperature sensor in a virtual mapping of the room. The virtual mapping can then be used to visually represent a location in the room where a temperature measurement was taken. |
| US09055692B2 |
Server and partition thereof
A server includes a chassis, at least a partition and at least a server unit. The chassis has an accommodating cavity and a first fixing structure. The partition has a second fixing structure and includes a plate, a pivot component and a locking component. A first space and a second space are defined in the accommodating cavity by the plate. The locking component has at least a first locking portion and a stopping portion. The pivot component is pivoted between the plate and the locking component. When the locking component moves from a first position to a second position, the first locking portion is locked to the chassis and the locking component is positioned by a structural interference between the stopping portion and the chassis. The server unit is fixed in the first space by the first fixing structure or fixed in the second space by the second fixing structure. |
| US09055689B2 |
Door mechanism and electronic device therewith
A door mechanism includes a cover, a connecting bracket, a rotary door, a sliding bracket and a sliding button. The sliding button is connected to the sliding bracket. When the sliding button is located at a stopping position, the sliding button contacts against the rotary door for constraining the rotary door from moving in a first direction and the sliding button drives the sliding bracket to a position where the sliding bracket is stopped for constraining the rotary door from pivoting relative to the cover. When the sliding button is located at an unlocking position, the sliding button drives the sliding bracket to a position where the sliding bracket is not stopped and the rotary door can move in the first direction, so that the rotary door can pivot relative to the cover to expose a containing space of a housing. |
| US09055686B2 |
Explosion-proof electronic device and manufacturing method thereof
An explosion-proof electronic device includes: a first circuit board provided with a first connector on one surface thereof; and a second circuit board provided with a second connector on a surface facing the one surface of the first circuit board, the second connector being fit to the first connector. A packing is attached to a position on the second connector which is away from the surface of the second circuit board, surrounds the outer circumference of the second connector, and extends toward the first circuit board to form a closed space including an interface between the first and second connectors. The space between the first and second circuit boards is filled with a filler with the first and second connectors fit to each other. |
| US09055682B2 |
Circuit module
There is provided a circuit module including a circuit substrate being a wiring substrate having a mount surface, a surface wiring layer disposed on the mount surface, and an inner wiring layer formed within the substrate, a first mount component mounted on the mount surface, a second mount component mounted on the mount surface, and electrically connected to the first mount component via the inner wiring layer, a sealing body formed on the mount surface, covering the first mount component and the second mount component and having a trench formed from a main surface of the sealing body to the surface wiring layer between the first mount component and the second mount component, and a shield having an inner shield section formed within the trench that abuts on the surface wiring layer and an outer shield section covering the sealing body and the inner shield section. |
| US09055681B2 |
Method for attaching a flexible structure to a device and a device having a flexible structure
Techniques for producing a flexible structure attached to a device. One embodiment includes the steps of providing a first substrate, providing a second substrate with a releasably attached flexible structure, providing a bonding layer on at least one of the first substrate and the flexible structure, adjoining the first and second substrate such that the flexible structure is attached at the first substrate by means of the bonding layer, and detaching the second substrate in such a way that the flexible structure remains on the first substrate. |
| US09055680B2 |
Electroconductive sheet and touch panel
The present invention provides an electroconductive sheet and a touch panel which do not impair visibility in a vicinity of an electrode terminal in a sensing region. In an electroconductive sheet which has an electrode pattern constructed of a metal thin wire and an electrode terminal that is electrically connected to an end of the electrode pattern, a transmittance of the electrode pattern is 83% or more, and when the transmittance of the electrode pattern is represented by a %, a transmittance of the electrode terminal is controlled to be (a-20)% or more and (a-3)% or less. |
| US09055678B2 |
Modular unit and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A modular unit removably mounted to a main body includes a cover openably closable relative to a unit body of the modular unit and a movable member to move to the main body in conjunction with closing of the cover. As the cover is closed with the modular unit mounted to the main body, a projection provided to the movable member pushes a lever provided to the main body, and a detector provided to the main body detects that the lever is pushed by the projection of the movable member. |
| US09055677B2 |
Cable pass-through panel for electronic equipment enclosure
An electronic equipment enclosure includes a frame structure and at least one panel secured to the frame structure. The at least one panel includes one or more panel knockouts arranged therein. Each panel knockout is configured to be removable from the at least one panel to provide a pass-through opening for a cable. The at least one panel further includes a split brush assembly seated in place of a removed one of the one or more panel knockouts. |
| US09055671B2 |
Substrate with built-in electronic component
A substrate with built-in electronic component includes: a core layer that includes a core material and a cavity formed in the core material and containing an insulating material; an insulating layer that includes a ground wiring and a signal wiring and is formed on the core layer; and a plurality of electronic components that each include a first terminal and a second terminal and are stored in the cavity, the plurality of electronic components each having one end portion and the other end portion, the first terminal being formed at the one end portion and connected to the ground wiring, the second terminal being formed at the other end portion and connected to the signal wiring, the plurality of electronic components having at least one of arrangements in which the first terminals face each other and in which the second terminals face each other. |
| US09055669B2 |
Display device package and packaging process thereof
An display device package including a first substrate, an display device, a second substrate, a welding glue, and a first adhesive layer is provided. The display device is disposed on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed above the first substrate and the display device. The welding glue is welded with the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounds the display device, wherein the welding glue has a continuous pattern. The first adhesive layer is adhered to the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first adhesive layer is disposed between the display device and the welding glue and surrounds the display device, and the material of the first adhesive layer and the material of the welding glue are different. |
| US09055665B2 |
Interface between a security module and a host device
The present invention may be deployed in a system comprising a security module housed on a chip card and a host device comprising a chip card reader. The host device is comprised in a housing with a slot for the chip card. The housing is shielded to reduce the amount of electromagnetic radiation generated by the security module and/or the host device from penetrating to the exterior of the housing. Similarly, the shielding is adapted to reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation generated outside of the host device on the components within the housing. The slot is also shielded by a flap made of an electrically conductive epoxy material or an electrically conductive resin. |
| US09055663B2 |
Touch panel and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein is a touch panel, including: a window substrate divided into an active area and a non-active area surrounding the active area; an electrode part having an electrode bezel pattern formed of a bezel ink in the active area of the window substrate and an electrode pattern integrally formed on one surface of the electrode bezel pattern; and a bezel part formed of the bezel ink in the non-active area of the window substrate, to surround the electrode part. |
| US09055651B1 |
Circuit and method for monitoring and reporting the remaining useful life of an LED module
A light source includes an operating time accumulator (i.e., counter or timer). The light source is operable to be powered by a driver circuit. The light source may be included in a light fixture or independently housed. The light source includes a controller integrally connected with a light emitting diode (LED) of the light source. Whenever the LED is receiving power from the driver circuit, the controller receives power from the driver circuit and accumulates an operating time in a nonvolatile memory of the controller. The nonvolatile memory includes blocks of bits arranged in a hierarchy. All of the bits of any block are in the same level of the hierarchy. |
| US09055649B2 |
Control circuit and control method of light emitting device circuit
The present invention discloses a control circuit and a control method of a light emitting device circuit. When the light emitting device circuit is normally connected in normal operation, an output current is regulated to a predetermined current. When the light emitting device circuit is removed, an output voltage is regulated to a predetermined voltage. When the light emitting device circuit is reconnected, the output current is regulated to the predetermined current. The output voltage is at or above a level when the light emitting device circuit is normally connected in normal operation, and the predetermined voltage is lower than this level. |
| US09055648B2 |
LED lighting system, LED lamp, and illumination system for LED
The LED illumination system according to various embodiments is configurated in such a manner that the LED lighting device is installed in an existing straight-tube fluorescent lamp luminaire, and the LED lamp is connected to the existing sockets. The characteristic of the output from the LED lighting device connected to either inter-terminal section A on the ends of the LED lamp is to be different from that of an existing fluorescent lamp lighting device. The LED lamp is provided with lighting device output detector for detecting the output from the LED lighting device and protector for cutting off the input to the LED lamp when the output detected by the lighting device output detector is outside of a predetermined range. |
| US09055646B2 |
Light emitting device driver circuit and control method thereof
The present invention discloses a light emitting device circuit and a control method thereof. The light emitting device circuit includes: a light emitting device control circuit, for converting an input voltage to an output voltage according to a control signal, wherein the output voltage is supplied to a light emitting device circuit; a voltage supply circuit, which is coupled to the light emitting device circuit, for generating a supply voltage from the output voltage; and a remote control circuit, which is coupled to the voltage supply circuit, for receiving the supply voltage, and generating the control signal according to a remote signal. |
| US09055636B2 |
Light source driving device and illuminating apparatus using the same
A light source driving device includes a transformer, a rectifying diode, a filter, and an open loop preventing circuit. The transformer has a primary winding part including first and second external input terminals configured to receive external power from a ballast stabilizer and a coil having an impedance level set to allow the ballast stabilizer to output a normal amount of power, and a secondary winding part electromagnetically coupled to the primary winding part to transform received external power. The rectifying diode rectifies power from the secondary winding part, and the filter filters the rectified power from the rectifying diode. The open loop preventing circuit provides a closed loop to the filter such that power stored in the filter is applied to the output terminal when the rectifying diode is turned off. |
| US09055633B2 |
Load compensation for an electronic transformer in a LED illumination system
The invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) illumination system, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of rapidly ramping up a transformer current and a LED driver current by coupling a transformer load compensation circuitry to an output of an electronic transformer. A bridge rectifier is coupled to the electronic transformer and provides full-wave rectification to an AC supply at the output of the electronic transformer. The load compensation circuitry senses the rectified AC supply and compensates the load of the electronic transformer, such that the electronic transformer starts up properly when the level of the signal envelope is below a threshold voltage. Therefore, the load compensation circuit is active for a programmed time during which the LED driver current has been increased to a sufficient value to keep the electronic transformer operational. |
| US09055630B1 |
Power control system and method for providing an optimal power level to a designated light assembly
A control system and method for automatically and seamlessly providing optimal power and/or voltage levels to an integrated, connected or other designated light assembly. In particular, the control system comprises corresponding boost, buck and feedback circuitry cooperatively utilized to intelligently increase, decrease or maintain the signal or power delivered to the light assembly at an optimal level, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity of the light assembly and allowing the light assembly to operate even in the event of a severely degraded signal due to resistance or impedance resulting from a lengthy power wire or other factors. |
| US09055629B2 |
SCR dimming circuit and method
The present invention relates to an SCR dimming circuit and method for regulating the luminance of an LED load. In one embodiment, an SCR dimming circuit can include: an SCR element that generates a lack-phase AC voltage based on a sinusoidal AC supply; a rectifier bridge that generates a lack-phase DC voltage based on the lack-phase AC voltage; a conduction angle generator that receives the lack-phase DC voltage, and generates a controlling signal representative of a conduction angle of the SCR element; and a dimming signal generator that generates a dimming signal to regulate luminance of the LED load, where the dimming signal generator receives the controlling signal, an adjustable signal, and a clamping voltage, an amplitude of a dimming phase angle range is selected by a fixed signal determined by the clamping voltage, and the dimming phase angle range may be shifted by regulating the adjustable signal. |
| US09055622B2 |
Calibration method and apparatus for lighting fixtures using multiple spectrum light sources and light mixing
Disclosed examples of optical systems having a plurality of light sources with each source having a different spectral outputs may be calibrated by measuring a spectral characteristic of the combined light with two measurements, e.g., one from a colorimeter and one from a sensor included in the system. Accordingly, one can determine a transform function in response to the two measures that models a feedback response of the optical system for each of a plurality of the inputs that would cause the optical system to generate radiant energy within a predetermined range of a spectrum. In order to calibrate the optical system, the transform function is programmed in the optical system to enable the optical system to transform an input to the optical system to a plurality of unique control signals each for controlling a respective light source of the plurality of light sources. |
| US09055615B2 |
Induction heating cooker
The present invention provides an induction heating cooker, which is structured to cut off visible light being incident upon an infrared sensor, yet being capable of more accurately sensing any abnormality of the infrared sensor before heating is started. To this end, the induction heating cooker includes a sensor failure sensing-purpose light emitting portion that emits visible light for sensing any failure of an infrared sensor, a visible light cutting filter provided on a surface of a printed circuit board holding the infrared sensor so as to cover the field of view of the infrared sensor, and a control unit that limits the output of an inverter circuit supplying a high-frequency current to a heating coil when the output of the infrared sensor is equal to or less than a threshold value in a situation where the sensor failure sensing-purpose light emitting portion is lit up. The infrared sensor receives the visible light from the sensor failure sensing-purpose light emitting portion to irradiate inside the visible light cutting filter. |
| US09055614B2 |
Induction heating device
An induction heating device includes a top plate arranged to have an object placed thereon, a heating coil provided under below the top plate for heating the object, a sensor provided under the top plate for detecting a temperature of the object, a judging unit for judging whether or not the object is positioned directly above the sensor, a controller operable to allow the heating coil to heat the object in response to the temperature detected by the sensor detecting, and a position indicator provided at the top plate for indicating a position of the sensor. The position indicator includes a detectable area of the sensor, and is larger than the detectable area. This induction heating device securely positions the object directly above the sensor and detects a temperature of the object accurately, hence heating the object accurately at a predetermined temperature. |
| US09055613B2 |
Formable helical wire heating coil assembly
The supporting frame for a helical wire heating coil assembly is initially formed in a straight linear manner using an angular cross section shape and including integrally formed linear arrays of clips for mounting insulating stand-offs, attachment tabs for mounting the assembly and open notches that permit the frame to be subsequently formed into a circular or other arcuate shape. |
| US09055610B2 |
Integrated base station for managing multiple simplified radio access points
There is disclosed an integrated base station (BS) communicatively combined with two or more simplified radio access points (APs). The integrated BS is configured to receive a signal from a backbone/backhaul network and transmits the received signal to the simplified radio APs, route a signal to at least one of the two or more simplified radio APs, and communicate with the two or more simplified radio APs through wireline communication. |
| US09055608B2 |
Frequency band admission
A device is configured to receive a request, from a user device, to connect to a network using a first frequency band. The device is configured to determine that the first frequency band cannot accommodate the user device. The device is configured to determine that the user device can connect to the network using a second frequency band, and connect the user device to the network using the second frequency band rather than the first frequency band. |
| US09055607B2 |
Data buddy
Multi-modal, multi-lingual devices can be employed to consolidate numerous items including, but not limited to, keys, remote controls, image capture devices, audio recorders, cellular telephone functionalities, location/direction detectors, health monitors, calendars, gaming devices, smart home inputs, pens, optical pointing devices or the like. For example, a corner of a cellular telephone can be used as an electronic pen. Moreover, the device can be used to snap multiple pictures stitching them together to create a panoramic image. A device can automate ignition of an automobile, initiate appliances, etc. based upon relative distance. The device can provide for near to eye capabilities for enhanced image viewing. Multiple cameras/sensors can be provided on a single device to provide for stereoscopic capabilities. The device can also provide assistance to blind, privacy, etc. by consolidating services. |
| US09055606B2 |
Systems and methods for automatic connection with a wireless network
A Intelligent Mobile HotSpot (IMHS) comprises a wide area network radio interface configured to enable communications between a wide area network and the IMHS; a local area network radio interface configured to enable communications between the IMHS and a computing device; a power input configured to cause the IMHS to be powered on; memory configured to store instructions; and a processor coupled with memory, the instructions configured to cause the processor to perform the following in response to an activation of the power input: automatically establish a data connection with a base station associated with the wide area network over the wide area network, automatically establish a data connection with computing device over the local area network, and be in a ready state to route data packets from the computing device to the base station via the local area network data connection and the wide area network connection. |
| US09055602B2 |
Method for estimating channel based on IEEE 802.11ad with low complexity
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of estimating a channel in a wireless communication network using the IEEE 802.11ad communication standard, and more particularly, to a method of estimating a channel which can determine a channel environment and actively select a channel estimation scheme according to the determined channel environment, and correctly estimate the channel while reducing the amount of computation by selectively using a pilot channel estimation value only in a pilot estimation period and adjacent pilot estimation periods when the channel changes severely, i.e., when a deep hole occurs, in the pilot estimation period although an LTF channel estimation value is used. |
| US09055600B2 |
Communication system, mobile station apparatus, radio link state management method, and integrated circuit
A base station apparatus performing communication through the use of a plurality of frequency bands and a mobile station apparatus wirelessly-connected to the base station apparatus, efficiently manage a radio link state of the frequency band in consideration of a cooperation relation between the plurality of frequency bands. The base station apparatus and the mobile station apparatus communicate with each other by aggregating a plurality of cells of different frequencies, the base station apparatus, in a case of configuring a plurality of cells of different frequencies to the mobile station apparatus, configures linkage information indicating a cooperation relation between an uplink and a downlink for each of the cells, and a timer for managing a state of the cells, and the mobile station apparatus simultaneously changes states of the uplink and the downlink of the cell upon timer being expiration, based on the linkage information for each the cell. |
| US09055599B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus is capable of improving communication efficiency by reducing the amount of control information transmitted. A channel quality information extraction section extracts CQI's from a received signal. An allocation control section allocates subcarriers for every communication terminal apparatus and selects a modulation scheme in such a manner that required transmission rate is satisfied for each communication terminal apparatus based on required transmission rate information, etc. and CQI's for communication terminal apparatus of each user. A required subcarrier number determining section decides the number of subcarriers allocated to every communication terminal apparatus so as to satisfy the required transmission rate for each communication terminal apparatus. A required subcarrier number information generating section generates information for the number of subcarriers allocated to every communication terminal apparatus. A subcarrier allocation section allocates packet data to selected subcarriers. Modulating sections adaptively modulate packet data allocated to each subcarrier. |
| US09055598B2 |
Systems and methods for making channel assignments to reduce interference and increase capacity of wireless networks
Techniques for making channel assignments to reduce interference and increase capacity of wireless networks are described. In an implementation, a signal is received at a first station from a second station. A signal strength is measured and compared to other signal strength measurements of signals received from other stations. The signal strength is determined to be relatively weak based on the comparison, and the second station is assigned to a first subchannel that includes subcarriers reserved for stations with relatively weak signals. Subsequently, the signal strength measurement is repeated and the signal strength is determined to be relatively strong in comparison to the other signal strengths. The second station is then reassigned to a second subchannel that includes subcarriers reserved for stations with relatively strong signals. |
| US09055595B2 |
Bandwidth-based configuration of measurement gaps
Processing implemented by a method and apparatus herein advantageously improves the quality of measurements performed on non-serving frequencies and/or the quality of serving cell data reception by intelligently configuring measurement gaps during which a wireless device (36) is to perform those measurements. Such intelligent configuration entails obtaining (100) information that identifies, for each of a plurality of candidate non-serving frequencies, one or more measurement bandwidths over which one or more corresponding measurements on that non-serving frequency are to be performed. In at least some embodiments, such candidate non-serving frequencies represent frequencies for which the device (36) has requested measurements gaps. Regardless, processing further includes selecting (110) a subset of the candidate non-serving frequencies based on the measurement bandwidths. Processing finally includes configuring (120) measurement gaps during which the wireless device (36) is to perform one or more measurements on the selected non-serving frequencies. |
| US09055592B2 |
IEEE 802.11 communication utilizing carrier specific interference mitigation
Wireless communication under IEEE 802.11 standards utilizing carrier specific interference mitigation where an AP or UE employs an ultra-wideband tuner to evaluate available spectrum between several communication bands. Rather than being constrained to communicate in a single communication band, the AP and UEs may utilize more than one communication band to communicate with one another. In doing so, the AP and UE search across several bands and measure interference on a carrier-by-carrier basis across those bands. Either of the AP and UE may select a cluster of carriers for communication, where the cluster of carriers may comprise 1) contiguous carriers in a single sub-channel, 2) contiguous carriers spanning across more than one sub-channel, 3) discontinuous carriers in a single sub-channel, or 4) discontinuous carriers spanning across more than one sub-channel. The mapping between a cluster and its carriers can be fixed or reconfigurable. |
| US09055591B2 |
Scheduling method of wireless communication system and apparatus adapted thereto
A scheduling method and an apparatus adapted thereto are disclosed that can allocate sub-carriers to a terminal at the cell edge in a wireless communication. The scheduling method includes, calculating average interference and instantaneous interference of at least two terminals for a sub-carrier, determining whether an interference for the sub-carrier is partial interference, and allocating a corresponding sub-carrier serving as transmission resource to a terminal having a higher ratio of the instantaneous interference compared to the average interference than the other terminal if an interference for the sub-carrier is partial interference. |
| US09055590B2 |
Transmitter warm-up using dummy frame generation
An electronic device includes a medium access controller (MAC) to generate frames and transmitter circuitry to convert the frames to radio-frequency (RF) analog signals for transmission. The MAC is to initiate frame generation at a time that precedes initiation of RF analog signal transmission by a specified time period. In a first mode, the MAC is to generate a dummy frame during a first portion of the specified time period and to initiate generation of a transmit frame during a subsequent second portion of the specified time period. Also in the first mode, the transmitter circuitry is to convert the dummy frame into a first analog signal, discard the first analog signal, convert the transmit frame into a second analog signal, and transmit the second analog signal. |