| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09061666B2 |
Electronic control unit assembling method, electronic control unit and vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus
An electronic control unit includes: a sensor board on which a sensor is mounted; a control board configured to control an operation of each electric component, based on a physical quantity detected by the sensor; and a housing configured to accommodate the sensor board and the control board, wherein: in an internal space of the housing, a first accommodation chamber in which the electric component is accommodated, a second accommodation chamber in which the sensor board and the control board are accommodated in a hierarchical state, and a partitioning portion which partitions between the first accommodation chamber and the second accommodation chamber are formed; and the sensor board and the control board are supported by the partitioning portion, and a rib is protrudingly provided on the partitioning portion. |
| US09061665B2 |
Magnetic valve having a core sleeve and method for welding thereof
A magnet valve has a core sleeve in which a valve element is longitudinally movably arranged and has at least one housing sleeve overlaying the core sleeve which is connected to the core sleeve by welding from the outside. The weld is designed via a circumferential section or a plurality of circumferential sections of the housing sleeve forming at least one weld-free zone. A method for welding such a core sleeve of a magnet valve to the housing sleeve is also disclosed. The weld is made via a circumferential section or a plurality of circumferential sections of the housing sleeve, leaving at least one weld-free zone. |
| US09061664B2 |
Electrohydraulic antilock brake system for articulated vehicles
An antilock brake system for a vehicle having a front axle with right and left front brakes and at least one rear axle with right and left rear brakes is disclosed. The front axle includes a front differential with a front clutch and the rear axle includes a rear differential with a rear clutch. A controller is employed to control the brake torque applied through one or more brake valve assemblies and the controller may further shift brake torque from one wheel of an axle to the other wheel on the axle through a differential clutch valve assembly in the clutch of an open differential which forms part of the axle assembly. |
| US09061663B2 |
Trailer sway mitigation using torque vectoring
A system for stabilizing a sway of a trailer attached to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the system includes a controller, a plurality of sensors in electronic communication with the controller and transmitting sensor data to the controller, a torque vectoring device in electronic communication with the controller, and a computer readable memory storing instructions executed by the controller. The instructions cause the controller to evaluate the sensor data received from the sensors to determine a current vehicle yaw rate, a target vehicle yaw rate, and a yaw rate error of the vehicle. The instructions further cause the controller to determine if the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, to determine a torque distribution signal, and to transmit this signal to the torque vectoring device to stabilize the sway of the trailer without braking the vehicle. |
| US09061662B2 |
Method and device for continuously determining wheel state variables of a wheel
In order to more accurately determine wheel state variables of a wheel, physical variables of the wheels are continuously measured and evaluated on the vehicle side. In addition, physical variables of the wheel are intermittently measured on the wheel side. The variables measured on the wheel side or the evaluated measurement results thereof are used to correct the variables measured on the vehicle side and/or the determined wheel state variables. |
| US09061650B2 |
Device for assembling airbag cover
A device for assembling an airbag cover according to the present invention includes: a mounting plate; and an airbag cover which covers the mounting plate, in which a hook portion is formed on the airbag cover, a fastening unit into which the hook portion is inserted, and an insertion member, which pushes the hook portion toward the fastening unit after the hook portion is inserted into the fastening unit, are formed on the mounting plate, and as a result, the airbag cover may be securely assembled to the mounting plate. |
| US09061648B2 |
Method of forming tear line of airbag using in-mold blade
A method of forming a tear line of an airbag door using an in-mold blade, may include a) confirming a time point when resin flow in an airbag door tear line portion may be completed in an injection mold, b) transferring a resin arrival signal to a blade operation portion for operating the in-mold blade, c) moving the in-mold blade forward at an in-mold blade forward time point that substantially corresponds to a receiving time of the resin arrival signal, d) completing the forward movement of the in-mold blade when the resin may be intercepted and dwelling starts, e) moving the in-mold blade backward before the dwelling may be completed, and f) completing the backward movement of the in-mold blade after the dwelling may be completed and cooling starts. |
| US09061647B2 |
Trim assembly and component with retention feature
A trim assembly covering an airbag in a vehicle. The trim assembly includes a trim panel having an A-side surface and a C-side surface opposite of the A-side surface. Portions of the trim panel define an aperture through which a trim component is mounted, including a bezel and a backplate, with the bezel engaging the A-side surface of the trim panel, generally about the aperture. A backplate of the trim component includes a central portion and a flange extending from the central portion in surface-to-surface engagement with the C-side surface of the trim panel. The flange includes a plurality of projections formed on its surface so as to penetrate into the trim panel through the C-side surface. During activation of the airbag, the trim panel is displaced to permit deployment of the airbag, and the projections operate to retain the trim component in engagement with the trim panel. |
| US09061639B2 |
Device and method for triggering passenger protection devices
A device and a method for triggering passenger protection devices, an accident sensor system generating a first signal and the passenger protection devices being triggered as a function of a frequency of a second signal, which is derived from the first signal, the frequency being determined as a function of a first length of a first signal characteristic of the second signal and of a second length of a second signal characteristic of the added-up second signal. |
| US09061636B2 |
Vehicle front structure
A front vehicle structure includes: a bumper fascia; a radiator panel upper disposed in a vehicle width direction behind the bumper fascia; and an upper energy absorbing (EA) member for pedestrian protection. The upper EA member is provided in the vehicle width direction in a substantially Σ shape as a side view between the top of the bumper fascia and the radiator panel upper. A rear of the upper EA member for pedestrian protection is fixed to the radiator panel upper. An upper projection and a lower projection are respectively formed above and below the upper EA member. |
| US09061628B2 |
Vehicle headlight module mounted on sliders, corresponding support and headlight
A vehicle headlight comprising at least one lighting module mounted on a support. The module comprises a base with a mounting surface inclined backward and toward the top of the headlight. The support comprises a corresponding mounting surface. Positioning means with sliders are provided on these surfaces so as to be able to extract the module and fit it by a translational movement in a direction contained within the plane of the mounting surfaces. The housing comprises a removable portion positioned in the extension of the module in the direction of translation of the positioning means with sliders. The wall of the housing comprises precuts on the circumference of the removable portion. This arrangement makes is possible to easily replace a bulky lighting module such as that of a headlight with style functions. |
| US09061623B2 |
Sealable transport trailer container with hinging baffles
A container for use on a dump truck style transport trailer is described, and specifically a container for transporting a fluid mixture such as a slurry or sludge is described. The container has interior hinging baffles for dividing the container into compartments and preventing the contents in the container from moving around during transport. The container has a tailgate that is connected to the baffles such that pivoting the tailgate causes the baffles to pivot. The container also includes a sealable lid that can be opened for loading contents into the container and closed for preventing spillage of the contents during transportation. A cleaning system and heating system for the container are also described. |
| US09061621B2 |
Seat-cushion shell unit and shell seat for vehicle
A seat-cushion shell unit is configured to include a support panel provided to be movable up and down and tiltable to an arbitrary angle below a seat cushion shell, and a support pad provided between the seat cushion shell and the support panel. A front end part and a rear end part of a support panel are fixed to the seat frame, and the seat-cushion shell unit is attached to the seat frame. |
| US09061612B2 |
Safety belt system in transport vehicles for able and disabled people
A device suitable for use in a transport vehicle of able people and/or people in a wheelchair is described. The device includes a foot support with a foot attachment for attachment to a vehicle floor and a rigid arm having a shoulder end and a foot end. The rigid arm is connected near the foot end to the foot support. The system also includes a safety-belt system including a safety-belt and safety-belt attachment. The safety-belt attachment has a first attachment point with belt-guiding situated near the shoulder end of the rigid arm. The rigid arm is attached to the foot support by one or more arm hinges. The rigid arm is capable of rotating around the arm hinges. In addition, a foldable chair may be mounted on the foot support. The foot support may be connected with the vehicle floor using a connector which fits in a rail in the floor. |
| US09061611B2 |
Impact dispersal system for a child safety seat
Apparatus for securing a child safety seat and for impact dispersal. A tether system secures the child safety seat to the LATCH anchors in a vehicle. The tether tightening system attached to a frame tightens the tethers after they are snugged to the vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety seat is secured. In one embodiment, a screw-type adjustment allows for fully tightening the tethers after they are snugged up with a locking device. The child safety seat is attached to the frame with a hydraulic impact dispersal system connected to a platform that pivots. The force of an impact applies a rotational force to the platform. The energy from the impact is dispersed by the application of the platform's rotational force to a hydraulic cylinder that has a fluid connection to a dispersal valve. |
| US09061609B2 |
Car seat base with a self-keeping lock mechanism
A car seat base with a self-keeping lock mechanism for releasably locking a car seat rested thereon. The car seat has a pair of rods fixed at its underside, and the self-keeping lock mechanism is characterized by including at least a front hook element and a rear hook element and at least a front positioner and a rear positioner. The front hook element and the rear hook element are spaced apart from each other and pivoted inside the car seat base for locking the rods in a closed position, and releasing the rod in an opened position; the front positioner and the rear positioner are pivoted near the hook elements for keeping the hook elements in the opened position before the rods being entered into and caught by the hook elements, and may keep the hook elements in the closed position when the rods have been locked by the hook elements. |
| US09061608B2 |
Detent fitting for locking two vehicle parts
A detent fitting for latching two vehicle parts is provided. The detent fitting comprising a first fitting part, a second fitting part rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation relative to the first fitting part, at least one locking bolt shiftably arranged on the first fitting part, which is formed and provided to be brought in engagement with a toothing of the second fitting part for latching the first fitting part and the second fitting part and to be brought out of engagement with the toothing of the second fitting part for releasing the latching, at least one guide element arranged on the first fitting part for guiding the at least one locking bolt, and at least one bearing element arranged on the first fitting part and different from the at least one guide element, which for supporting the first fitting part on the second fitting part slidingly cooperates with the second fitting part. |
| US09061607B2 |
Soldier support system in a vehicle
A soldier support system and a method for protecting soldiers are disposed in a vehicle. In an embodiment, a soldier support system includes a seat assembly. The soldier support system also includes a single point release system. The single point release system includes a release assembly. In addition, the single point release system includes a first seat side strap and a second seat side strap. Moreover, the single point release system includes a first main support strap and a second main support strap. The single point release system further includes a first side restraint tether and a second side restraint tether. |
| US09061606B2 |
Electric release manual seat
A release mechanism of a seat, including a two way motion actuator that moves in both a first direction and in a second direction; a recliner release mechanism that releases a recliner of the seat in response to the two way motion actuator moving in the first direction; and a slide release mechanism that releases a slide mechanism of the seat in response to the two way motion actuator moving in the second direction. The release mechanism also including a first unintentional movement prevention device that prevents the slide mechanism from being released when the two way motion actuator moves in the first direction; and a second unintentional movement prevention device that prevents the recliner from being released when the two way motion actuator moves in the second direction. |
| US09061600B2 |
Auxiliary machine mounting structure of saddle-ride type vehicle
An auxiliary machine mounting structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle that ensures consistent appearance irrespective of the presence or absence of a mounting of an auxiliary machine or device such as an antenna being mounted on a meter visor to ensure the degree of freedom in layout without having to consider the possibility of the windshield creating a ghost image of the auxiliary machine or device. An opening is formed on the windshield side of the meter visor. An ETC cover is detachably mounted on the meter visor to cover the opening. An antenna is positioned beneath the ETC cover and disposed in the opening. |
| US09061595B2 |
Auxiliary drive apparatus and method of manufacturing same
An auxiliary drive circuit includes a first energy storage device coupled to a first DC bus and configured to output electrical power to the first DC bus, a first switch-mode power supply coupled to the first DC bus and to a second DC bus, the first switch-mode power supply configured to convert the electrical power to a first voltage and to output the first voltage to the second DC bus, and a second switch-mode power supply coupled to the second DC bus and coupled to an auxiliary bus, the second switch-mode power supply configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage and to provide the second voltage to the auxiliary bus, the auxiliary bus configured to provide an auxiliary voltage to an auxiliary drive system, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage. |
| US09061593B2 |
Sliding strip for a sliding contact device and method for producing a sliding strip
A sliding strip and a method for producing a sliding strip for a sliding contact device which rests in a prestressed manner against an overhead wire includes a carbon molding and at least one metallic conduction device arranged in the carbon molding. The conduction device has at least one conduction layer extending on a plane transversely with respect to a sliding direction and in a direction of a prestressing force. The conduction device is formed by a layer of a metallic conductive material arranged on at least one flank of a slot which extends transversely with respect to the sliding direction in the carbon molding. |
| US09061590B2 |
Leading vehicle detecting apparatus and inter-vehicular control apparatus using leading vehicle detecting apparatus
A leading vehicle detecting apparatus judges whether or not a first vehicle is following a second vehicle. The apparatus includes a signal acquiring section, a storage section, and calculating section. The signal acquiring section acquires position signals outputted from a position detecting section that detects the position of the second vehicle, and detection signals outputted from a state detecting section that detects a state of a first vehicle cruising line. The storage section stores in advance a probability map showing the probability of the first vehicle following the second vehicle, based on a distance between an expected cruising line of the first vehicle and the position of the second vehicle. The calculating section calculates the expected cruising line based on the detection signals, and judges whether the first vehicle is following the second vehicle based on the expected cruising line, position signals, and probability map. |
| US09061588B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a wheel, an electric motor that drives the wheel, a drive torque operator that is operated by an operator, a slip detection unit that detects a slipping state of the wheel, a torque command value calculation unit that calculates a torque command value for the electric motor, and a motor drive unit that drives the electric motor according to a calculated torque command value. When the slip detection unit has not detected a slipping state of the wheel, the torque command value calculation unit calculates a torque command value for the electric motor according to an input to the drive torque operator. When the slip detection unit has detected a slipping state of the wheel, the torque command value calculation unit calculates a torque command value that repeatedly fluctuates alternately between a first value not more than a torque command value at the time when wheel slip has been detected and a second value smaller than the first value. |
| US09061583B2 |
Rear integration of a suspension system and fuel tanks in fuel cell vehicles
A fuel cell powered vehicle fuel storage system is disclosed having a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system, wherein the suspension system, fuel tank, and support system cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and the reaction loads of the suspension system and to maximize a volume of the fuel tank. |
| US09061578B2 |
Hybrid driving apparatus
A hybrid driving apparatus includes an engine configured to output a rotation driving force to an output shaft; an input shaft configured to rotate in association with rotation of driving wheels of a vehicle; a clutch that is provided between the output shaft and the input shaft to disengageably connect the output shaft and the input shaft; a clutch actuator configured to operate the clutch; a motor generator configured to rotate in association with rotation of the input shaft; a rust formation determining unit configured to determine whether there is a possibility of a rust formation on the clutch; and a rust formation suppressing unit configured to operate the clutch actuator in a case where the rust formation determining unit determines that there is the possibility of the rust formation on the clutch. |
| US09061577B2 |
Driving device for rear wheels of four wheel driving electric vehicle
Provided is a driving device for rear wheels of a 4 wheel driving electric vehicle, which can minimize a loss in the drive power during 4-wheel by transmitting the drive power to the rear wheels based on a disconnector input shaft, rather than a clutch, after synchronizing a rotating speed of the disconnector input shaft based on a first motor with a rotating speed of a hub based on rear wheels. Other aspects of the present invention provide a driving device for rear wheels of a 4 wheel driving electric vehicle, which can prevent a loss in the drive power during 2-wheel driving by preventing a load based on a differential device from being generated by connecting the differential device between a reduction gear group and the disconnector input shaft. |
| US09061576B2 |
Hub motor and steering solution
Embodiments of the invention describe vehicles including a wheel (e.g., a front wheel or wheels), a wheel hub, a motor included in the wheel hub to transmit power to the wheel, one or more rolling bearings to support the wheel hub and having one or more rolling elements to enable rolling of the wheel, and a steering axle placed within the wheel hub for steering the wheel. Embodiments also describe a wheel (e.g., a rear wheel or wheels), a wheel hub, a motor included in the wheel hub to transmit power to the wheel, and a swing arm assembly having a first and a second end, the first end rotatably coupled to a steering axle, the second end coupled to the motor. As described below, embodiments of the invention decrease volume necessary for a vehicle's drivetrain, while not adversely affecting the potential for vehicle interior volume and vehicle maneuverability. |
| US09061572B2 |
Perimeter seal for vehicle tonneau cover
A tonneau cover system for a cargo area of a vehicle. The system may comprise a flexible cover mounted to a main support frame. The flexible cover may include a J-clip for matingly engaging a cantilevered male portion extending from the rails of the support frame. |
| US09061566B2 |
HVAC case having equalized sealing force tongue and groove joint
A case includes a first case section and a second case section defining an interior. The first case section includes a groove extending along the first case section. The second case section includes a tongue extending along the second case section into the groove. The groove includes a groove inner wall proximal to the interior of the case and a groove outer wall distal from the interior of the case. The tongue extends from a tongue base end to a tongue free end and includes a tongue inner wall proximal to the interior of the case and a tongue outer wall distal from the interior of the case. The tongue free end is in contact with the groove inner wall and spaced apart from the groove outer wall and the tongue base end is in contact with the groove outer wall and spaced apart from the groove inner wall. |
| US09061560B2 |
Method and system of controlling the stability of a two-wheeled vehicle by electronically adjustable suspension
The present invention relates to a method of controlling the stability of a two-wheeled vehicle including a first wheel associated with a first suspension and a second wheel associated with a second suspension. The method includes: detecting a signal representing the roll angle and detecting a signal representing the roll angular speed of the vehicle; detecting a signal representing the first force imposed on the first suspension; detecting a control signal representing the reference force to impose to the second suspension according to the signals representing the roll angle, of the roll angular speed and the first force. The present invention is also related to a system for controlling the stability of a two-wheeled vehicle. |
| US09061559B2 |
Rear wheel suspension device
A rear wheel suspension device includes a knuckle configured to support a rear wheel, a trailing arm configured to link the knuckle to a vehicle body, and an actuator configured to drive the knuckle in the general width direction of the vehicle, so as to adjust the rear wheel camber angle and toe angle. The knuckle is linked to the trailing arm via linking portions enabling turning of the knuckle in a direction of changing the rear wheel camber angle and toe angle. A turning axis defined by the linking portions is set so as to be tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Particularly, the turning axis defined by the linking portions is set so as to be tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in side view. |
| US09061557B1 |
Amphibious bicycle float attachment and lift system
An amphibious float system removably and nondestructively attached to a bicycle, having floats that raise and lower simultaneously on pivoting arms that swing longitudinally in a fore and aft arc and lock in place in a desired position by hand manipulable connections for transition between land and water travel without modification of the bicycle. The bicycle remains fully assembled and the lift arms provide ample clearance above land and water to keep the bicycle and rider fully out of the water for dry feet operation. The system carries everything with it to convert between multiple modes of operation, including as an amphibious bicycle, an amphibious water cycle, a conventional bicycle, and a pontoon boat. A self-engaging drive system and removably attached rudder aid in changeovers for repeated land and water evolutions, and both kick-up when encountering land or underwater obstructions. |
| US09061556B2 |
Air maintenance pneumatic tire
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire with an elongate substantially annular air passageway enclosed within a bending region of the tire and extending substantially in a circumferential direction, wherein upon rolling of the tire air is pressed through the air passageway and a valve assembly in air flow communication with the tire cavity, the annular air passageway and the exterior of the tire and having an air inlet for allowing air to enter the valve assembly from the exterior of the tire as well as an air outlet for allowing air to enter the tire cavity. |
| US09061555B2 |
Method and machine for automated tire and wheel assembly
A programmable wheel and tire assembly machine and method of assembly is disclosed which compensates for different wheel and tire combinations, as well as dynamically manipulates the present arms during the mounting process. An upper present arm is supported in a manner to provide at least two axes of movement, the upper present arms capable of independent manipulation along/about each axis. A lower present arm is supported in a manner to provide at least one axis of movement, the lower present arm capable of manipulation in a horizontal plane. Wheel and tire data is collected and used to generate a mounting protocol for individual tire & wheel combination. Continuous position feedback of the present arms may be employed to further control movement throughout the mounting process. |
| US09061548B2 |
Rubber composition for tire, and pneumatic tire
The invention provides a rubber composition for a tire, and a pneumatic tire that are capable of achieving both good fuel economy and a good elongation at break. The rubber composition for a tire according to the invention includes a rubber component containing an isoprene-based rubber; sulfur; and a coumarone-indene resin having a softening point of −20° C. to 45° C., wherein the coumarone-indene resin is contained in an amount of 0.5 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component. |
| US09061535B2 |
High efficiency printing system for improved image quality
A high efficiency thermal printing system, comprising: a donor ribbon having donor material; a receiver medium; a test pattern to be printed on the receiver medium using the donor ribbon; a print head, a sensor, and a processor is disclosed. The present invention is adapted to print the test pattern on the receiver medium by heating the donor ribbon to cause the donor material to transfer from the donor ribbon onto the receiver medium, thereby depleting donor material on the donor ribbon. Moreover, the sensor is adapted to measure a depletion amount of the donor material on the donor ribbon after printing the test pattern, and the processor is adapted to calibrate the thermal printing system by adjusting a lookup table in response to the measured depletion amount of donor material. |
| US09061532B2 |
Liquid-droplet ejection device
A printer includes an inkjet head that includes a plurality of individual flow passages each including a nozzle and a manifold commonly communicating with the plurality of individual flow passages, a heater that heats ink in the manifold, and a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of ink in the manifold. After the heater heats ink in the manifold, liquid droplets are ejected from the nozzles of the inkjet head. Abnormal ejection of the nozzle is detected based on a detected change in a temperature of the ink in the manifold. |
| US09061531B2 |
Modular printer having narrow print zone
A modular printer includes: (a) a media feed path defining a media feed direction; (b) a first printer module suspended over the media feed path; and (c) a second printer module suspended over the media feed path and at least partially overlapping the first printer module in the media feed direction. The first and second printer modules have respective first and second printheads and maintenance assemblies. The first and second printheads are relatively proximal to each other with respect to the media feed direction, and the first and second maintenance assemblies are relatively distal from each other with respect to the media feed direction. |
| US09061529B2 |
Printing apparatus
Each unit of an inkjet printing station includes chains arranged along a transportation path of a web paper. A holding mechanism is fixedly arranged on the chain. The holding mechanism holds both ends of a paper passing bar to which the web paper is attached. Driving the chain with a handle causes the holding mechanism to move. The paper passing bar is delivered between the units adjoining each other. Therefore, the paper passing bar is movable from one end to the other end of the inkjet printing station formed by the units. Moreover, when specifications are changed for changing combination of the units, the combination can be made optionally. |
| US09061525B2 |
Image forming method
An image forming method uses an ink set that includes applying a liquid composition onto a recording medium; further applying a ink composition onto the recording medium with an ink jet method to form an image; drying the image at a surface temperature of the image of 35° C. to 55° C. until a difference between a residual water content of a non-image portion on the recording medium and a residual water content of a image portion where an application amount of the ink composition is the maximum is 2 g/m2 to 4 g/m2; and irradiating the image with active energy rays: the ink set includes the ink composition containing at least a pigment, water, 3% by mass or less of polymer particles, and 5% by mass to 15% by mass of polymerizable compound having an acrylamide structure represented by the formula (1); and the liquid composition containing an aggregation component. |
| US09061523B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method thereof, and computer readable information recording medium
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part configured to form images on both sides of a recording medium based on image data using developers; a storing part configured to store developer using amount information for obtaining using amounts of the developers not causing bleed-through of the developers when the image forming part forms the images on both sides of the recording medium, the developer using amount information including plural items of developer using amount information separately set for respective colors of the image data; and a control part configured to cause the image forming part to use the developers and reduce using amounts of the developers when determining, based on the plural items of developer using amount information separately set for respective colors of the image data, to reduce the using amounts of the developers. |
| US09061522B2 |
Reversible printer assembly
A method and apparatus for printing labels with reduced waste. The method includes printing a label on an end-portion of a label roll and advancing the label roll such that the end-portion passes a cutter mechanism. The cutter mechanism cuts the end-portion, thereby defining a new end-portion. The method further includes reversing the label roll to align the new end-portion with a printer head. The apparatus may be a drive mechanism that includes a roller for feeding label material in a forward feed mode and in a reverse feed mode. The drive mechanism has a drive clutch configured to engage with a take-up printer ribbon spool. The drive clutch may be operated to (i) transfer a driving force to the take-up printer ribbon spool in a forward feed mode and (ii) allow a release of printer ribbon in a reverse feed mode. The drive mechanism further includes a reverse clutch having a return spring. The reverse clutch may engage with a payout printer ribbon spool and may be operated to (i) prime the return spring of the in the forward feed mode and (ii) transfer a driving force from the return spring to the payout printer ribbon spool in the reverse feed mode. The drive mechanism may be incorporated into a hand-held printer, and therein interact with a removable label cassette to reduce waste of the label material and/or ink ribbon. |
| US09061516B2 |
Inkjet printer
A first ink air chamber is in communication with an air layer in a first ink tank for an ink of a first viscosity in communication with a first inkjet head. A second ink air chamber is in communication with an air layer in a second ink tank for an ink of a second viscosity in communication with a second inkjet head. A first on-off valve opens or closes communication between the first and second ink air chambers. A second on-off valve opens or closes communication between the second ink air chamber and the atmosphere. A pressure adjuster is configured to adjust a pressure in the second ink air chamber without intervention of the first ink air chamber. A controller is configured to drive the pressure adjuster to increase the pressure in the second ink air chamber with the first and second on-off valves being closed. |
| US09061511B2 |
Trap configured to collect ink particle contaminants in response to a cleaning flow
An apparatus includes an inkjet manifold with at least one ink supply port coupled to an ink supply and at least one ink delivery port. A flow path is between the ink supply and ink delivery ports, and the flow path includes a trap configured to collect particle contaminants in response to a pulsed cleaning flow and hold the particle contaminants during an operational flow. |
| US09061509B2 |
Liquid holding container
A liquid holding container includes a holding body case, a film and a reinforcing member. The holding body case has a case opening section. The film adheres to the holding body case to cover the case opening section and form a liquid holding chamber configured and arranged to accommodate liquid between the holding body case. The reinforcing member is provided along a surface of the film at a position which is on an opposite side to the liquid holding chamber with respect to the film so as to suppress deformation of the film toward the opposite side. |
| US09061507B2 |
Inkjet printer for labeling goods
An inkjet printer for the labeling of goods includes a main device having at least one outlet opening for ink, in particular for ink droplets, at least one storage container for a liquid flowing through the outlet opening, such as, for example, ink, pigments or solvents, the storage container being detachably connected to the main device, and liquid and mechanical couplings. The liquid coupling has a first coupling portion on the main device and a second coupling portion on the storage container. The mechanical coupling includes a first coupling means on the main device and a second coupling means on the storage container. The storage container further includes a ring-shaped transponder having a ring-shaped second antenna extending about the second coupling portion and a control unit storing data on the liquid contained in the storage container. |
| US09061503B2 |
Suction device, suction method, and ejection device
A suction device for an ejection head provided with a nozzle includes a cap capable of sealing a nozzle surface provided with the nozzle, a decompression pump serving as a decompression device, and a suction passage provided between the cap and the decompression pump. The negative pressure level of the suction passage set by the decompression pump are controlled on the basis of a volume of the suction passage such that a liquid with which the ejection head has been filled is sucked out from the nozzle. |
| US09061500B2 |
Printhead substrate, method of manufacturing the same, printhead, and printing apparatus
A method of manufacturing a printhead substrate, including forming a metal pattern, including a portion forming a pair of electrodes, on an insulating member, forming a conductive film which covers the insulating member and the metal pattern, including a first portion forming a temperature detection element and a second portion except for the first portion, etching the second portion so as to form the pair of electrodes, and etching the first portion so as to form the temperature detection element which is connected to the pair of electrodes, wherein an etching amount in the etching the second portion is larger than a thickness of the conductive film, and an etching amount in the etching the first portion is smaller than the etching amount in the etching the second portion. |
| US09061499B2 |
Negative photosensitive resin composition, pattern formation method, and liquid discharge head
A photosensitive resin composition includes a cationically polymerizable compound, a photoacid generating agent having an anion portion and a cation portion, and a salt having a cation portion having either one of a quaternary ammonium structure and a quaternary phosphonium structure and an anion portion, wherein the anion portion of the salt is exchanged with the anion portion of a first acid derived from the anion portion of the photoacid generating agent to form a second acid having acid strength that is lower than acid strength of the first acid. |
| US09061498B2 |
Printing device, and method for performing wiping operation
With a printing device that discharges a plurality of chromatic inks, to inhibit a decrease in printing quality due to mixed colors of ink that comes with the wiping operation, a printing device is equipped with a line head having a first nozzle row including a plurality of nozzles that discharge a first chromatic ink, and a second nozzle row including a plurality of nozzles that discharge a second chromatic ink that is brighter than the first chromatic ink, a wiper member for performing in sequence the wiping operation with the second nozzle row as the subject and the wiping operation with the first nozzle row as the subject, and a wiper member sweeping tool that sweeps the wiper member after the wiping operation with the first nozzle row as the subject. |
| US09061495B2 |
Inkjet printer
A controller is configured to determine nozzles to be used for ejection in nozzle arrays in a upstream head block by selecting endmost nozzles from nozzles in a region of the upstream head block overlapping a downstream head block so that the endmost nozzle of the nozzle array located more downstream is closer to a center of the upstream head block, and determine nozzles to be used for ejection in nozzle arrays in the downstream head block by selecting endmost nozzles from nozzles in a region of the downstream head block overlapping the upstream head block so that the endmost nozzle of the nozzle array located more upstream is closer to a center of the downstream head block. |
| US09061488B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus allowing a user to easily access an operating section even in a large-size apparatus can be provided. An image forming apparatus 100 includes a main machine 110 including an operating section 113 and capable of functioning as a multifunction machine by itself, and at least one option machine 120 to 190 added to a side-face side of an enclosure 111 of the main machine. The apparatus 100 includes the operating section 113 at a fixed position in the width direction of the enclosure. The enclosure has a unified first color of a same tone at a front face thereof, and an operating position line 101 is formed at a part of the front face of the enclosure and has a second color that is clearly different from the first color so as to be a guide indicating a position of the operating section 113. |
| US09061484B2 |
Label assembly having registration structures for applying a label to an object
A label assembly that includes a face sheet with a label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration structure that is or can be aligned with the label shape. The registration structure is adherable to an exposed portion of the adhesive material that is adjacent to a portion of the label shape. |
| US09061483B2 |
Advanced card merge machine
Advanced card machines and associated card merge methods are provided. A form may be provided from a first supply of forms to a first track that is configured to advance the form. A foldable payment card may be selected from a second supply of foldable payment cards, wherein the selection of the payment card does not result in the payment card being folded. The selected payment card may be advanced, without folding the payment card, along a second track to a position in which the payment card is supplied to the form Additionally, an adhesive may be applied to one of the form or the payment card, and the adhesive may attach the payment card to the form when the payment card is supplied to the form. |
| US09061482B2 |
Flexible chair pad
A bamboo Chair pad that can be manufactured from 100% Anji Mountain bamboo from China. The bamboo is all treated with various protective coatings to add resistance to natural factors including water, sun and dirt. All bamboo chair pads can be manufactured from the harder portions of the bamboo trunk. (Some bamboo is manufactured from the softer fibers of the inside of the bamboo trunk). This portion of the bamboo trunk is not utilized for this invention. The bamboo utilized in the present inventions is taken from the harder part of the bamboo trunk to assure maximum endurance and longevity. The lower trunk portion of the bamboo plant is harder and less porous. |
| US09061481B2 |
Display-on-demand mirror with optional defogging feature, and method of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to robust semi-transparent coatings that are suitable for use in a wide variety of display-on-demand mirror applications, and methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes a coating supported by a glass substrate. A reflective metal-inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the glass substrate. A silicon oxide inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the reflective metallic layer. A titanium oxide inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the silicon oxide inclusive layer. The metal-inclusive layer is formed so as to reflect incoming light away from the glass substrate such that substantially less incoming light would be reflected away from the glass substrate if lighting were provided on a side of the glass substrate opposite the coating than if no lighting were provided. The surface of the coated article need not necessarily be conductive. The metal-inclusive layer may be connected to a power source so as to heat it (e.g., for defogging purposes). |
| US09061480B2 |
Plastic laminates and methods for making the same
In one embodiment, a laminate comprises: a plastic sheet, a second sheet, an adhesive disposed between and in physical contact with the plastic sheet and the second sheet, and an interlayer formed from a liquid filling having a viscosity that does not form bubbles visible to the unaided eye. The laminate has a storage modulus that varies by a factor less than or equal to about 200 at 1 Hz in the temperature range of −40° C. to 200° C. In another embodiment, a laminate comprises: a plastic sheet, a second sheet, an adhesive disposed between and in physical contact with the plastic sheet and the second sheet, and an elastomer interlayer formed from a liquid RTV filling. In one embodiment, a method for making a laminate comprises: adhering a glass sheet to a plastic sheet with an adhesive to form a gap therebetween, and introducing a liquid RTV filling to the gap. |
| US09061470B2 |
Device, kit and method for tire repair
A tire repair device for repairing a puncture in a vehicle tire includes an applicator including a stem portion and a tip portion for insertion into a puncture and through a wall of the tire, at least a part of the stem portion and the tip portion having a passage therethough, and a plug having a plug shaft made of a resilient material, a stopper portion provided at a first end of the plug shaft and a patch portion provided at a second end of the plug shaft opposite the first end, the patch portion having a closed position in which the patch portion is folded around the plug shaft and an open position in which the patch portion is extends outwardly from the plug shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plug shaft. The plug shaft and the patch portion are guidable through the passage in the applicator. |
| US09061469B2 |
Fluid barriers with flexible backing material and methods of repairing and manufacturing the same
A component to be repaired includes a relatively rigid plate. On a surface that may have been subject to fracture, a resin material is first laid down, then a relatively flexible material is positioned outwardly of the resin material to repair the barrier. A part may also be formed initially with the flexible material. In another feature of this application, a method of forming a barrier includes providing a composite material, and applying a relatively flexible material on a surface of the composite material, and concurrently molding the relatively flexible material with the composite material using a composite mold. |
| US09061466B2 |
Method and installation for constructing a layer of armour strips
A method and an installation for constructing a layer (12) of armor strips around a tubular core (10) of a flexible pipe. The installation has a support wheel (14) of a plurality of armor strips (32, 34) having, respectively, two opposite faces (44, 46) and a plurality of pairs of guide members (20, 22). The pairs of guide members include upstream guide members (52, 54) and downstream guide members (56, 58) which sets of guide members extend along axes that are angularly offset from one another. The support wheel (14) has devices (78, 92) for adjusting the downstream guide members (56, 58) into a position such that the two opposite faces (44, 46) of the armor strip entering and leaving the downstream guide members (56, 58) are substantially perpendicular to the plane of flexing (Pf) defined by the entering and leaving armor strip. |
| US09061465B2 |
Powder rapid prototyping apparatus and powder rapid prototyping method
A powder rapid prototyping apparatus includes a decompressable chamber, a thin layer forming section which supplies powder material from a powder material housing container provided in the chamber to form a thin layer of the powder material, an energy beam source for heating which outputs energy beam for heating which sinters or melts and models the thin layer of the powder material, and a control section which controls the modeling, wherein the control section exposes the powder material to the decompressed atmosphere before starting modeling, and houses the powder material in the powder material housing containers in a divided manner. |
| US09061464B2 |
Re-rollable wrapping implant
A re-rollable membrane for wrapping around and protecting a cylindrical tissue having an injury site. The membrane includes a sheet of a porous matrix formed of cross-linked biopolymeric fibers. In one implementation, the sheet can be spirally rolled so that at least one portion overlaps another portion of the sheet and, upon absorption of a fluid, the overlapping portions adhere to each other closely so as to exclude penetration of cells. In another implementation, the sheet can be helically rolled to form a helix having a pitch of 2 mm to 40 mm and an inner diameter of 1 mm to 50 mm. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such re-rollable membranes. |
| US09061462B2 |
Stamping and/or drilling device comprising a substrate support head with continuously controlled orientation
A device for stamping and/or drilling a substrate, including two dies supported by two support assemblies configured to be moved relative to each other in translation. The assembly includes: a base; an orientable head fixed to the die; a connection mechanism between the base and the head to adjust orientation of the head relative to the base; pressure sensors configured to continuously output information about pressure applied at different points of the die; and a mechanism controlling a connection, to continuously control the orientation of the head relative to the base, in response to information output by the sensors. |
| US09061458B2 |
Method and device for forming containers with localized cooling
A forming method, in a mold fitted with a wall forming a cavity, of a container from an intermediate container including at least one lateral protrusion projecting toward the exterior of the container. The method includes a boxing operation of pushing back the lateral protrusion in order to form, by turning it around an articulation zone, a hollow reserve projecting toward the interior of the container and a local cooling operation, after turning the protrusion over, of sweeping a circulation fluid over the articulation zone. |
| US09061449B2 |
Process for producing a fluororesin sheet containing a filler and a fluoroesin sheet containing a filler
A process for producing a fluororesin sheet containing a filler includes a step of rolling a sheet-forming resin composition including a fluororesin, a filler and a processing aid at a roll temperature of from 40 to 80° C. The processing aid includes at least 30% by mass of a petroleum hydrocarbon solvent having a fractionating temperature of not higher than 120° C. based on 100% by mass of the amount of the processing aid. The fluororesin sheet so produced provides high stress relaxation properties along with high hermetic sealing properties even when the content of the fluororesin is low and the content of the filler is high. |
| US09061447B2 |
Composite material mould having improved mould surface
A composite mold laminate, having a main structure layer made of oriented fiberglass, characterized in that the laminate further comprises a surface layer comprising random oriented carbon fiber. |
| US09061446B2 |
Process, mould, devices and kit for manufacturing products made of composite materials, as well as products manufactured with this process and/or with these means
A process for manufacturing products made of composite materials is disclosed which includes the steps: screwing at least one insert provided with a threaded hole on the outer thread of at least one pin partially inserted in a removable manner in a mold; arranging on the mold one or more fiber layers provided with at least one opening in which the insert is arranged; curing resin with the layers arranged on the mold, so as to obtain a product made of a composite material which incorporates the insert and the layers; rotating the pin in the insert for removing it from the mold. The present invention also relates to a mold, devices and a kit which can be employed for carrying out the process, as well as to products manufactured with this process and/or these means. |
| US09061443B2 |
Method and device for separating foreign polymers from a polymer mixture
A method of separating foreign polymers from a polymer mixture that comprises amorphous PET particles and crystalline PET particles, wherein the softening point of the foreign polymers is lower than that of the crystalline PET particles, and wherein the method includes separating the amorphous PET particles from the polymer mixture, heating the resulting polymer mixture to a temperature between the softening point of the foreign polymers and that of the crystalline PET particles, and separating the foreign polymers from the resulting polymer mixture. Also, a device for separating foreign polymers from a polymer mixture that comprises amorphous PET particles and crystalline PET particles, the device including a first separation unit for separating the amorphous PET particles from the polymer mixture, and a second separation unit for separating the foreign polymers from the resulting polymer mixture. |
| US09061437B2 |
Method and apparatus for gluing wood particles
A method and an apparatus for gluing wood particles, in particular wood strands, is described, as well as a method for the manufacturing of lignocellulosic products, in particular chip boards, oriented strand boards or fiber boards. Since the wood particles are blended in a blending device with a water-curable binder, in particular with polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate and moisture is added to the wood particles outside the blending apparatus, curing of the binder inside the blending apparatus, and as a consequence pollution thereof, can be avoided. Moreover, moisturizing outside the blending device can produce a particular even distribution of moisture. |
| US09061432B2 |
Method and device for cutting a food strand into slices
The invention relates to a method for cutting a food strand into slices including the steps inserting the food strand in a conveying device, conveying the food strand into a transfer position in a feed device, transferring the food strand through the feed device into a feed position where the food strand is more inclined relative to horizontal than in the transfer position, gripping the food strand at a rear end, feeding the food strand towards a cutting device, cutting the food strand into slices through the cutting device, and fixating the food strand at least during transfer from the transfer position into the feed position at least at one of its free longitudinal sides through at least one fixation element providing a form locking and/or friction locking engagement with the food strand. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method. |
| US09061431B1 |
Portable cutting tool, kit, and methods for removing damaged surfaces
A cutting tool apparatus, methods, and kit for removing damaged surfaces, more specifically, a portable cutting tool for removing cracked inner wing spars from hard to access surfaces. The portable cutting tool assembly includes at least one cutting tool, at least one alignment cutting mechanism, at least one cutting mechanism, angle plate assembly, and at least one fastening means, where fastening means secures the angle plate assembly to an aircraft wing, and where at least one cutting tool cuts a desired shape from an aircraft wing. |
| US09061429B2 |
Pumpkin carving spoon with nested knife
A pumpkin carving tool has a knife nested within the handle of a scoop. The knife and scoop together serve as the only tools necessary to carve a simple or complex pattern into a pumpkin. The handle extends under the bowl of the scoop and has a hollow interior. The knife has a handle and blade and the dimensions of the handle closely approximate the interior dimensions of the handle. In this way, the knife is securely retained within the handle until removed by the handle. By providing a knife nested within the scoop, a user has all utensils needed to carve a pumpkin or similar item in a convenient, compact configuration. |
| US09061419B2 |
Processing tool and processing method
A processing tool, especially drilling tool, includes a processing element (5) acting on a workpiece (3) and a connection (9) for a handling device (10), especially a robot. The processing tool (1) has a feed device (8) connected to the connection (9) for feeding the processing element (5) by a motion of the handling device (10) connected to the connection (9). The handling device (1) moves and actuates the feed device (8) of the processing tool (1) for feeding the processing element (5). |
| US09061418B2 |
Control system equipped with detachable control panel
A control system (100) comprises a control apparatus (2) for controlling a driven body, and a pendant (1) having an emergency stop switch (11), wherein the control apparatus (2) includes an emergency stop circuit (21) which causes the operation of the driven body to stop when the emergency stop switch (11) is operated, a detach-ready setting switch (23) which switches detach-ready setting information to “detach mode” when connecting or disconnecting the pendant (1) to or from the control apparatus (2) and otherwise to “normal mode”, and a connection state monitoring unit (24) which sends information concerning the connection state of the pendant (1) to the emergency stop circuit (21), and wherein the control apparatus (2) disables the operation of the emergency stop circuit (21) when the detach-ready setting information is set to “detach mode” and when the pendant (1) is disconnected from the control apparatus (2). |
| US09061416B2 |
Sprinkler transferring apparatus
A sprinkler transferring apparatus is provided for a flexible sprinkler drop on an irrigation supply line. The sprinkler transferring apparatus includes a lifting tool and a sprinkler component support body. The lifting tool has an elongate body with a first contact portion and a handle spaced from the first contact portion. The sprinkler component support body has a second contact portion configured to mate with the first contact portion. |
| US09061415B2 |
Prismatic/revolute orienting apparatus
A two degree-of-freedom parallel device for orienting or pointing an end effector with vibration suppression is described. The two end effector degrees-of-freedom are decoupled by connecting fast actuators to the effector by passive joints. The stiffness of the linkages and the high speed of the revolute and prismatic actuators employed permit the application of large feedback useful for disturbance rejection. |
| US09061414B2 |
Device for guiding a power tool
A device (3) for guiding a power tool (2) along an advancing direction (15), including a baseplate (9) that can be fastened to a substrate (8) by a fastener, of a guide rail section (21) that can be joined to the baseplate (9) by a joining mechanism (12) and that has a contour (18), and a guide carriage (13) for guiding the power tool (2) along the advancing direction (15), whereby the guide carriage (13) has a counter-contour (19) that can be made to engage with the contour (18), whereby a second guide rail section (22) is provided that can be joined to the first guide rail section (21) and that is configured so that it can rotate relative to the first guide rail section (21) around a rotational axis (23) that is parallel to the advancing direction (15). |
| US09061410B2 |
Power tool having a clamping device for a working element
The present disclosure provides a power tool having a clamping device for a working element. The power tool includes an output shaft, a fastening piece having a flange portion for clamping the working element and a protruding shaft substantially perpendicular to the flange portion. A locking assembly comprising a locking member having a first position in which the protruding shaft is locked and a second position in which the protruding shaft is loosened is provided, wherein a pressing member can press the working element between the pressing member and the flange portion when the locking member is in the first position. The power tool can fasten the working element to the output shaft in a simple and reliable manner without the necessary use of such auxiliary tools as a spanner etc. and can achieve a stronger clamping force even under impact conditions. |
| US09061403B2 |
Elastic tube alignment system for precisely locating an emblem lens to an outer bezel
An elastic tube alignment system for the mating an emblem lens to an outer bezel utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment features are disposed on a first side of the emblem lens, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment features are provided in the outer bezel. During the mating, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns the emblem lens with respect to the outer bezel. |
| US09061399B2 |
Non-slip spacer support system
A non-slip removable spacer for holding a workpiece in place relative to a work surface when interposed therebetween without permanent bonding therebetween. The spacer has a core with generally planar surfaces, with a pair elastomeric coverings applied to the surfaces. Further disclosed is a recessed attachment member in the spacer to receive a spindle element which permits spacers to be connected in a spaced part relationship. The spindle further includes a shelf. Also disclosed is cone adapter engagable atop a spacer. The cone has an apex for supporting a work surface with minimum surface contact. |
| US09061398B2 |
Hand tool with compound leverage mechanism
A compound leverage hand tool includes a first section having a first handle end and an opposing first jaw portion with a first jaw end, a second section having a second handle end and a link end, and a second jaw portion having a second jaw end and a lever end, the second jaw portion pivotally coupled to the first jaw portion at a first pivot point intermediate the second jaw end and the lever end. The link end is pivotally coupled to the lever end at a second pivot point, and the link end is pivotally coupled to the first section proximate the first jaw portion at a sliding pivot point intermediate the first pivot point and the second pivot point. |
| US09061396B2 |
Abrasive blasting method and control device for such a method
Abrasive blasting control method in which a control device (10) is used including at least a swing-arm (13) and in which the movement of the swing-arm (13) is controlled from the exterior of the casing of the wheel from its rest position to its second position in which said swing arm (13) is subjected to a part of the jet of abrasives leaving the wheel (1). |
| US09061395B2 |
Autocalibration
A method for calibrating a miffing, cutting or grinding tool of a spectacle lens frame machining unit, for which a) in a first machining step, prior to shaping an edge or surface shape RF by the milling, cutting or grinding tool, the lens is measured by an optical measuring device, b) the shaping of an edge or surface shape RF is carried out by the milling, cutting or grinding tool, c) the generated edge or surface shape RF is measured by the optical measuring device, d) a deviation between the surface or edge shape RF so produced and the desired surface or edge shape target values is determined, and e) the tool is calibrated at least by adjusting the control variables. The invention further relates to a device for the initial working of edges, chamfers and/or grooves at the edges of lenses, wherein an optical measuring system for measuring surface or edge shapes RF and/or edges K of the lens prior to and/or after machining the lens is provided. |
| US09061387B2 |
Article positioning mechanism
An article positioning mechanism for positioning an article comprising a component or a tool with respect to a mounting portion of a movable member of a mechanical device and also restraining rotation thereof includes a holder member to which the article is fixed and a frame shaped member that is fixed to the mounting portion, the holder member including position regulation surfaces and a tapered male engagement portion that is formed as a regular polygon and also is sloped so as to approach its axis in the direction towards the mounting portion, the frame shaped member including a reference surface that receives the position regulation surfaces and positions them in the axial direction, and a tapered female engagement portion that is formed as a regular polygon and also is sloped in the same direction as the tapered male engagement portion. |
| US09061386B2 |
Machine tool
A machine tool for machining workpieces, comprising a dimensionally rigid machine base, a traveling stand that can be moved on the machine base, a machining unit that is mounted movably on the traveling stand and has at least one cutting tool and a supporting structure provided on the front longitudinal side of the machine base for fastening at least one workpiece. The supporting structure has a dimensionally stable frame, the longitudinal members of which arranged at a transverse distance delimit a clear space for the chip clearance, and wherein different workpiece carriers can be mounted at or on the frame. |
| US09061385B2 |
Clamp device
A clamp device has a gripping member which is expandable and contractible and is inserted into an aperture in a workpiece and grips the aperture, a clamp rod including a tapered shaft portion that fits into the gripping member, and a drive means for driving the clamp rod forwards and backwards. Provided is a support mechanism that supports the gripping member by fluid pressure when the gripping member is radially expanded, and a fluid pressure release means that releases the fluid pressure of the support mechanism after radial expansion of the gripping member when the clamp rod is driven by the drive means to perform clamping. The support mechanism has an annular pressure reception member that supports the gripping member, and a supporting fluid chamber that causes fluid pressure in the direction opposite to the clamping direction to be received on the annular pressure reception member. |
| US09061383B2 |
Heat sink structure with a vapor-permeable membrane for two-phase cooling
A heat sink, and cooled electronic structure and cooled electronics apparatus utilizing the heat sink are provided. The heat sink is fabricated of a thermally conductive structure which includes one or more coolant-carrying channels coupled to facilitate the flow of coolant through the coolant-carrying channel(s). The heat sink further includes a membrane associated with the coolant-carrying channel(s). The membrane includes at least one vapor-permeable region, which overlies a portion of the coolant-carrying channel(s) and facilitates removal of vapor from the coolant-carrying channel(s), and at least one orifice coupled to inject coolant onto at least one surface of the coolant-carrying channel(s) intermediate opposite ends of the channel(s). |
| US09061378B2 |
Lens array, light source device, projector and light source device fabrication method
A lens array which facilitates the alignment of optical axes of light source elements with optical axes of lenses, a light source device that employs this lens array, a projector that employs this light source device and a light source device fabrication method are provided. A lens array 73 is an integrated assembly of a plurality of lens portions 73b which collect individually light from a plurality of light source elements and has cylindrical portions 73c for positioning the plurality of light source elements on a light entrance side of the individual lens portions 73b. |
| US09061377B2 |
Joining apparatus for joining structural components of an aircraft
A joining apparatus for joining together structural components of an aircraft, includes positioning means for holding the structural components to be joined in a defined desired position, in which the structural components can be fixedly joined together by means of a joining device that can be moved relative to the structural components by way of guiding means, wherein the positioning means encompass a formative frame structure that is detachably secured to the structural components to be connected along the joining edges outside in the edge area, and serves as a guiding means for the joining device movably secured hereupon. |
| US09061376B2 |
Method and device for laser material processing of a workpiece
Cutting a workpiece with a laser beam includes using the laser beam to melt and/or vaporize at least a portion of the workpiece, and moving at least one of the workpiece and the laser beam relative to one another to form a cutting front on the workpiece, in which the laser beam includes either at least two different radially polarized beam portions offset relative to each along an advancing direction of the laser beam, or multiple laser beam strips extending along the advancing direction of the laser beam. Each laser beam strip has a different linear polarization direction, and the advancing direction corresponds to a direction along which the workpiece is cut by the laser beam. |
| US09061374B2 |
Laser/arc hybrid welding method and method for producing welded member using same
Disclosed are: a welding method capable of increasing the welding speed up to approximately 20 m/min., yet capable of producing good bead configurations and preventing welding defects such as blowholes; and a method of producing a welded member using the welding method. Specifically disclosed is a laser/arc hybrid welding method for butt-welding flat plates of stainless steel, titanium, or titanium alloy, or butt-welding both ends of a strip-shaped plate of stainless steel, titanium, or titanium alloy which has been formed into a tubular shape, wherein in the butt welding, the laser beam irradiation and the arc discharge trace the same welding line in such a manner that laser welding is followed by TIG arc welding. |
| US09061369B2 |
Method for real-time optical diagnostics in laser ablation and laser processing of layered and structured materials
A method for real-time optical diagnostics in laser ablation and laser processing of layered or structured materials or material structures. Diagnostics is provided during laser ablation that is utilized regularly in laser processing and/or chemical analysis of structured materials, by means of measuring optical emission generated as a result of the pulsed laser-material interaction in real time. The method can involve a single-layer-film or a stack of multiple layers or a structure of different domains. The method is particularly beneficial in fabrication of thin-film structures, such as photovoltaic and electronic devices or circuits of devices. |
| US09061367B2 |
Weld electrical and gas connector with sealed gas flow
A weld electrical and gas connector with sealed gas flow is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a welding cable connector system includes a male connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The system also includes a female connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough. |
| US09061366B2 |
Welding system and method having controlled liner contour and welding wire curvature
A welding system, in certain embodiments, includes a torch having a neck with an arcuate portion, and a resilient jump liner disposed in the neck and extending through the arcuate portion. The resilient jump liner includes a pathway having a curvature configured to bend a welding wire passing through the pathway. The system also includes an annular support disposed about the resilient jump liner inside the neck, wherein the annular support is configured to at least substantially fix the curvature to force the welding wire to achieve a wire curvature. The system also includes a contact tip coupled to the neck, wherein the wire curvature is configured to bias the welding wire into substantially consistent contact with an interior pathway through the contact tip. |
| US09061365B2 |
Pulse arc welding method
In pulse arc welding, a welding wire is fed at a rate corresponding to a current average set value. An arc is struck by passing a peak current for a peak period and a base current for a base period, where the peak and base periods make one pulse period. The arc transfers a droplet from the wire. The peak period includes a first peak period for a first peak current and a second peak period for a smaller second peak current. The first peak period and current are determined so that an arc anode point is formed at the top of the droplet even if the shield gas mixing ratio deviates from a standard value. The second peak period and current are determined so that one droplet is transferred during every pulse period, and beads are formed with no undercuts. |
| US09061362B2 |
Pipe assembling device
A simple, compact, lightweight, and inexpensive pipe assembling device (1) for welding and affixing connection flanges (3, 4) to both ends of a connection pipe (2) with high reproducible accuracy on the basis of electronic data for manufacturing design pipes, the connection pipe (2) comprising a straight pipe or a bent pipe for conveying fluid such as gas or running water. The pipe assembling device comprises a pair of left and right, the first and second flange positioning mechanisms (5, 6), at least one of which can move on a horizontal plane so as to approach and separate from each other in the direction in which the pair is separated from each other. The flange positioning mechanisms comprise: flange placement bases (7, 8) which are provided with X-direction slide mechanism (10) for sliding the flanges in the X-direction with the flanges affixed; θ1-direction rotation mechanism (11) which rotate the flange placement bases in a plane; θ2-direction rotation mechanism (12) which rotate the θ1-direction rotation mechanism in the vertical direction; and θ3-direction rotation mechanism (13) which rotate the θ2-direction rotation mechanism in the horizontal direction. |
| US09061361B2 |
Concentric cutting assembly, concentric cutting system, and net penetration method
The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using concentric cutters in which a rotatable cutter having floating teeth rotates concentrically about a stationary cutter having fixed teeth. The object is cut by a severing action caused by the floating teeth of the rotatable cutter sliding against the fixed teeth of the stationary cutter. Embodiments of the invention include a UUV system for penetrating through fishing nets and other objects, concentric cutting assemblies for use in the UUV system and other systems, and a method for penetrating through fishing nets and other objects. A UUV system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention has a concentric cutting assembly at the forward end and a propulsor at the aft end. The concentric cutting assembly integrates seamlessly within the UUV housing and is deployed from the forward end of the UUV, enabling the UUV to quickly and efficiently penetrate through objects blocking its path. |
| US09061359B2 |
Table saw with foldable tabletop
A table saw assembly in one embodiment includes a base portion with a base work piece support surface defining a support plane and a saw blade opening defined in the base work piece support surface, a saw assembly, a first extension and a first sliding support assembly. The saw assembly includes a saw blade positionable to extend upwardly through the saw blade opening. The first extension includes a first extension work piece support surface pivotable with respect to the base portion between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first extension work piece support surface is coplanar with the base work piece support surface. In the second position, the first extension work piece support surface is located above the support plane. The first sliding support assembly is movable along the support plane and is configured to support the first extension in the first position. |
| US09061358B2 |
Methods for cutting smooth reflective surfaces
The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface thereon. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter is used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. The diamond cutter has a cutting edge and a land. The cutting edge cuts the surface of the part and the land burnishes the surface of the part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. Thus, the diamond cutter cuts and burnishes portions of the part, thereby eliminating a subsequent polishing step. |
| US09061357B2 |
High precision chuck with centering function
A chuck including: (a) a main body; (b) three slot-defining members each constituted by a member independent of the main body and defining therein a guide slot, and detachably attached to the main body; (c) three jaws each including (c-1) a fitted portion slidably fitted in the guide slot defined in the corresponding slot-defining member and (c-2) an engaging portion which projects from the fitted portion in an axial direction and which is configured to engage with a circumferential surface of an object that is to be held by the chuck; and (d) three pairs of pressing members detachably fixed to the three slot-defining members. Each pair of the three pairs of pressing members engage with the fitted portion of the corresponding jaw, for thereby preventing separation of the fitted portion of the corresponding jaw from the guide slot defined in the slot-defining member. |
| US09061351B2 |
Multicomponent titanium aluminide article and method of making
A process for fabricating sintered, substantially pore-free titanium aluminide articles with minor alloying element additions is disclosed. Such articles may find application as automobile engine valves and connecting rods and may be fabricated by rapidly sintering intimately mixed powders of substantially pure titanium and rapidly-cooled particles of aluminum alloyed with the minor alloying element(s). |
| US09061350B2 |
Ceramic core compositions, methods for making cores, methods for casting hollow titanium-containing articles, and hollow titanium-containing articles
The disclosure relates generally to core compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to core compositions and methods for casting hollow titanium-containing articles, and the hollow titanium-containing articles so molded. |
| US09061349B2 |
Investment casting method for gas turbine engine vane segment
An investment casting method for a cast ceramic core (110), including an airfoil portion (116) shaped to define an inner surface (56) of an airfoil (52) of a vane segment (50) and an integral shell portion (122) having a backside-shaping surface (120) shaped to define a backside surface (68) of a shroud (62) of the vane segment. The backside-shaping surface has a higher elevation (132) and a lower elevation (134). The higher elevation is set apart from a nearest point (138) on the airfoil portion by the lower elevation. The airfoil portion and the shell portion are cast as a monolithic body during a single casting pour. |
| US09061347B2 |
Method of sealing cooling holes
A method of selectively sealing at least one cooling hole provided on an aerofoil component (10). The method comprises applying a thermoplastic material to one or more selected cooling holes (12, 14) in a molten phase, and cooling the thermoplastic material to set the thermoplastic material. |
| US09061346B2 |
Die locking system and method
A die locking device including a press having a top end, a bottom end and a plurality of channels disposed around a perimeter of the press. The device also includes a plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators affixed to a first end of one of a plurality of locking arms that are each at least partially disposed in one of the plurality of channels. The device also includes a plurality of locking clips, each affixed to a second end of each of the plurality of locking arms and each affixed to one of a plurality of hinges. The plurality of hinges is configured to receive and secure a die stack to the top end of the press. |
| US09061345B2 |
Screw conveyors, augers, and flighting for use therein
In a continuous screw conveyor or auger, the rotatable screw member comprises a helical radial blade (“flighting”) carried on a central driving shaft. The flighting is formed by providing a raw metal strip, generally of uniform thickness, performing optional compression and flaring of the metal strip, and rolling the metal strip between a pair of opposed, preferably offset, conical rolls. In contrast to prior art rolls, the present invention provides on at least one of those rolls a stepped conical rolling surface formed so as to exert a lesser and reducing rolling pressure on an outer portion of the helical blade being formed, thereby to produce a blade in which the outer portion tapers to a thickness which is preferably 125% of the thickness of the ingoing material to provide a greater wear resistant surface, a longer working life to the flighting and improved output performance. |
| US09061343B2 |
Indexing machine with a plurality of workstations
A machine may include a plurality of stations, e.g., for performing progressive die-necking of open-ended container bodies. A conveyer may be provided to index the open-ended container bodies in a linear manner through the machine from station to station. |
| US09061341B2 |
Hot-pressing device and method of manufacturing hot-pressed product
A hot-pressing device includes a forming surface having a shape corresponding to a predetermined shape into which a workpiece is to be formed and a plurality of coolant channels formed therein so as to be arranged side by side and each having an opening in a side surface thereof when the forming surface is viewed from above or below. The forming surface includes a plurality of grooves formed therein so as to correspond to the coolant channels, a plurality of connection holes formed in each of the grooves so as to be connected to one of the coolant channels corresponding to the groove, the connection holes having openings at positions separated from each other, and a first connection groove connecting a portion of one of the grooves located between two adjacent connection holes to another one of the grooves located adjacent to the one of the grooves. |
| US09061339B2 |
Method for manufacturing a sheet molded to form a multi-dimensional curved surface
A method for manufacturing molded plates with multi-composite curved surface is provided to manufacture a forming plate having various cubic multi-composite curved surfaces. The operation program of an upper mold, a lower mold, a stretching forming unit, a marking robot, and a cutting robot is inputted (S1). The upper surface of the lower mold and the lower surface of the upper mold are formed into the shape of multi-composite curved surface (S2). After a metal plate is positioned on the upper surface of the lower mold, both ends thereof are clamped by multiple stretching forming units (S3). The metal plate is molded into the shape of the multi-composite curved surface (S4). The metal plate is marked by the marking robot (S5). |
| US09061336B2 |
Wire drawing die
One object of the present invention is to provide a wire drawing die excellent in strength and wear resistance. The wire drawing die has a core formed using highly hard diamond polycrystalline body made substantially only of diamond and produced by directly converting a raw material composition including a non-diamond type carbon material into diamond and sintering the diamond at an ultra high pressure and an ultra high temperature without adding a sintering aid or a catalyst, the polycrystalline body having a mixed construction including fine-grained diamond crystals with a maximum grain size of less than or equal to 100 nm and an average grain size of less than or equal to 50 nm and plate-like or particulate coarse-grained diamond crystals with a minimum grain size of greater than or equal to 50 nm and a maximum grain size of less than or equal to 10000 nm. |
| US09061328B2 |
Method for cleaning the interior surface of hollow articles
A method of blast cleaning the inside of a hollow article, such as a storage tank. The method includes the introduction of outside air and evacuation of inside air to permit blast cleaning to be carried out while managing the conditions within the enclosed interior space within the hollow article. Managing the interior space conditions permits rapid application of protective coatings to the cleaned surface. |
| US09061325B2 |
Automatic portable fluid dispersal device
The present disclosure includes an automatic portable misting apparatus for the dispersal of fluids. The misting apparatus is customizable to a specified use and is highly portable. The misting apparatus includes a pressurizable fluid tank, an automatic air compressor mounted to the fluid tank, a fluid conduit and a hose or wand coupled to a plurality of nozzles. Fluid may be distributed in the form of a corresponding number of fine spray streams, and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid tank to the fluid conduit. The fluids dispersal apparatus is easy to operate, easy to maintain, unobtrusive and economical. |
| US09061323B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating oxidatively and thermally-enhanced treatment liquids
A cleaning system comprising a liquid source configured to provide a feed liquid at a first temperature, and an electrolysis cell configured to receive the feed liquid and to electrochemically activate the feed liquid to provide an electrochemically-activated liquid, wherein the electrochemical activation also heats the feed liquid such that the electrochemically-activated liquid is at an elevated temperature that is greater than the first temperature. The cleaning system also includes a dispenser configured to dispense the electrochemically-activated liquid. |
| US09061319B2 |
Ultrasound probe
Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe including a plurality of piezoelectric elements forming a laminate, a plurality of internal electrodes formed at the lamination interface, an external electrode formed on the front or the rear surface of the laminate. The ultrasound probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements forming a laminate, a plurality of internal electrodes interposed among the piezoelectric elements, and an external electrode formed on the front or rear surface of the laminate, wherein the external electrode includes a first external electrode and a second external electrode disposed to have a space therebetween. |
| US09061316B2 |
Mountable device for dispensing heated adhesive
A device for dispensing a heated liquid, such as a hot melt adhesive, includes a vertically oriented mounting plate; a melter subassembly including an adhesive manifold, a heater, and a pump adapted to dispense the heated liquid; a control subassembly adapted to control one or more components of the melter subassembly; and a subassembly cover coupled to the mounting plate for movement between an open condition and a closed condition. The subassembly cover thermally insulates the melter assembly from the control assembly when in the closed condition. |
| US09061306B2 |
Device for dispensing a fluid product
A fluid dispenser device comprising: a fluid dispenser orifice (31); an air duct (32, 51, 52) for air under pressure, said air duct including an upstream end and a downstream end that opens out in the proximity of the orifice (31); an air expeller (4) that is suitable for being subjected to elastic squeezing and relaxation stages, the air expeller (4) being connected to the air duct (32, 51, 52) so that, during elastic squeezing stages, it delivers a flow of air through the air duct until it reaches the orifice (31); and a fluid channel (25, 33) that is connected to the air duct (32, 51, 52), the fluid in the channel (25, 33) being sucked up by the flow of air under pressure by the Venturi effect; the device being characterized in that the air expeller (4) has only a single opening (43) that is provided with a connection sleeve (5) that includes an incoming-air passage (53) that is provided with an air-inlet valve (56; 56b; 56c; 56d) that is suitable for allowing outside air to enter into the air expeller during elastic relaxation stages. |
| US09061303B2 |
Inhalation therapy device
The inhalation therapy device comprises an aerosol generator (2) and a mixing chamber (3). The introduction of ambient air is achieved by means of supply channels (9) under the control of an inspiration valve (20), including an aerosol passage (22), a region with inspiration air through openings (23) and a valve element (21). The aerosol passage (22) surrounds the membrane (6) of the aerosol generator (2), whereby a front face edge of the tubular aerosol passage (22) lies along a sealing line (20a) on a surface of the aerosol generator (2). |
| US09061302B1 |
Liquid pourer device with venturi effect
A liquid pourer device with venturi effect for preventing the dripping of liquid from spout after use. The liquid pourer device with venturi effect includes an elongate base member having a bore with a main section and a constricted section and also includes a spout in communication with the elongate base member and further having a flow regulating member movably disposed in the bore. |
| US09061301B2 |
Knapsack spraying device
The application sets forth a knapsack or backpack spraying device having a blower unit and a spraying medium container fixed to a carrying frame. The blower unit conveys an air stream through a blower pipe. Spraying medium is fed from the spraying medium container to the air stream. The spraying medium container has a filling opening which is closed by a cover. The cover has a lower edge facing the spraying medium container. The spraying device has a standing position in which it stands on a flat, horizontal standing face and in which the cover is arranged on an upper side of the spraying medium container facing away from the standing face. To reliably avoid contact of the operator with spraying medium, the height of the carrying frame, measured at right angles to the standing face, is at least 80% of the overall height of the spraying device. |
| US09061300B2 |
Bent capillary tube aerosol generator
An apparatus for generating aerosol having a capillary tube, which includes at least one bend, fluid inlets, regions of reduced wall thickness located between the fluid inlets and the at least one bend, and an outlet along the at least one bend. The capillary tube is heated to a temperature sufficient to volatilize fluid in the capillary tube, such that the volatilized fluid discharges from the outlet to form an aerosol. |
| US09061299B1 |
Spray paint can spraying accessory
The spray paint can spraying accessory attaches onto an existing can of spray paint, and which is able to direct paint inwardly around a focal point in order to paint a cylindrical or circular object. The spray paint can accessory includes a nozzle housing that attaches atop of a spray paint can, and a can nozzle that attaches onto the outlet tube of the existing spray paint can. A spray gun hose connects with the can nozzle to direct paint to a spray gun having a plurality of paint nozzles positioned along an assembly, and which direct paint inwardly around a focal point. The assembly and paint nozzles include an opening to enable ingress and egress of the object to be painted. The can nozzle housing includes a threaded member that upon rotation engages the can nozzle downwardly thereby operating the outlet tube of the spray paint can. |
| US09061296B2 |
Multi port nozzle point injection system
A multi port nozzle may be provided. The multi port nozzle may include a main inlet. In addition, the multi port nozzle may include a first chamber branching off from the main inlet. The first chamber may have a first port. Moreover, the multi port nozzle may include a second chamber branching off from the main inlet. The second chamber may be separated from the first chamber by a partition and may have a second port. The first chamber may include a first plurality of mixing elements and the second chamber may include a second plurality of mixing elements. |
| US09061294B2 |
Joint connector
A ball joint connector is provided for linking a showerhead to a water supply pipe. The connector has an internal venturi that draws air into the connector to aerate water being provided to the showerhead. A flow control member is disposed in a fluid pathway connected to the venturi, preventing spraying or leaking out the air inlet, while reducing noise associated with the air induction. |
| US09061292B2 |
Electrostatic coating gun
A coating gun includes: a high-voltage generating device that is used to generate high voltage; an air motor that is a motor portion to which the high voltage is applied; a bell cup that is supported on a rotary shaft of the air motor and to which the high voltage is applied; a CCV unit that selectively supplies a plurality of types of coatings to the bell cup; a gun body that is a casing and that contains the high-voltage generating device, the air motor and the CCV unit; and a coupling portion that is used to couple the gun body to a robot arm and that is grounded. The air motor and the CCV unit are electrically connected to each other via a first resistor, and the coupling portion and the CCV unit are electrically connected to each other via a second resistor. |
| US09061289B2 |
Mechanized separation and recovery system for solid waste
Methods and systems for separating a mixed waste into a wet organic fraction, a dry organic fraction, and an inorganic fraction are achieved by (i) comminuting the mixed solid waste, (ii) fractionating the comminuted stream by size to produce two or more particle-sized waste streams, and (iii) processing one or more of the particle-sized waste streams using density separation to produce an intermediate wastes stream, and (iv) recovering a homogenous product (e.g., a recyclable material or an organic fuel) from the intermediate waste stream. |
| US09061288B2 |
Device for recycling molding sand
A device for recycling molding sand, the device containing a base; a vibratory reclaimer; a pneumatic cascade classifier serially connected at its upper section to the vibratory reclaimer; and at least two generators of vibrations. The vibratory reclaimer contains: a vertical column, the vertical column being hollow and cylindrical in shape, having an axis of rotation, and a side wall with at least one pour-out hole, wherein the pour-out hole is connected with a transport trough, and the transport trough is rigidly mounted and rises in a spiral fashion along the side wall and at a top end passes through a channel extending to a feeding screw for feeding recycled molding the to the pneumatic cascade classifier. |
| US09061282B2 |
Reaction plate
A reaction plate includes a welded plastics planar laminate consisting of an aperture plate and a film, the aperture plate having at least one planar surface and a plurality of apertures in the planar surface of the apertured plate and the film being attached to the planar surface of the apertured plate around the or each aperture by welding. The welding is preferably laser or transmission welding. A method of forming such reaction plates using diode laser welding. An apparatus for handling such reaction plates including performing polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) or primer extensions therewith. |
| US09061280B2 |
Chemical reaction cartridge, its fabrication method, and a chemical reaction cartridge drive system
The present invention makes it possible to realize a chemical reaction cartridge, which enables prescribed protocols to be achieved easily without differences among operators. The cartridge is sealed and disposable, and has a safe structure against viruses or dangerous drugs. This cartridge is intended to be used for performing chemical reaction of samples. The cartridge comprises a container formed of a rigid substrate and an elastic body, wherein two or more chambers linked or arranged to be able to be linked through flow paths are formed in the container. The flow paths, the chambers or both are partially closed by applying an external force to the elastic body from outside the container, thereby being able to move or block fluid substance in said flow paths or chambers. |
| US09061277B2 |
Micro-fluid supplying device having gas bubble trapping function
A micro-fluid supplying device having a gas bubble trapping function. The micro-fluid supplying device includes: a fluid supplier including a fluid having a biomaterial; a trap chamber in which a gas bubble is removed from the fluid supplied from the fluid supplier; and a fluid discharger which externally discharges a material supplied from the trap chamber. Material properties of a side wall and a bottom of an inside of the trap chamber are different from each other. The side wall has a better property of wetting with respect to the fluid supplied from the fluid supplier than the bottom. |
| US09061274B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing a catalyst material
A method of ageing a catalyst material includes at least the steps of: (a) heating a gaseous stream; (b) adding a least one pure hydrocarbon gas and an oxygen-containing gas to the heated gaseous stream to provide a combined stream; and (c) passing the combined stream through the catalyst material. The use of at least one pure hydrocarbon gas and an oxygen-containing gas allows maximum re-circulation of the exit stream from the catalyst material for reuse, while maintaining the correct C, H and O proportions being provided in the combined stream to replicate realistic use of the catalyst material. |
| US09061270B2 |
Cyclohexanone dehydrogenation catalyst and process
A catalyst composition comprising: (i) a support; (ii) a first component comprising at least one metal component selected from Group 1 and Group 2 of the Periodic Table of Elements; and (iii) a second component comprising at least one metal component selected from Groups 6 to 10 of the Periodic Table of Elements, wherein the catalyst composition exhibits an oxygen chemisorption of greater than 50%. |
| US09061255B2 |
Rotating unit-based micro-sized bubble generator
The present invention relates to a micro-sized bubble generator. A micro-sized bubble generator using a highly-dissolved solution based on a rotating unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present includes: a rotating unit receiving a mixture of water and gas and discharging a solution while making the water and gas collide with each other and rotating the same; a dissolving tank storing the solution discharged from the rotating unit; and a nozzle unit receiving the solution and generating micro-sized bubbles in the water. Accordingly, a massive amount of micro-sized bubbles less than 100 nm in size can be generated. |
| US09061249B2 |
Aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction method and system
An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction method includes feeding pressurized air into an air separation module containing a carbon membrane, the air feed exhibiting a normal pressure of no more than 55 psig and the carbon membrane containing at least 95 weight percent carbon. The method includes producing nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed. An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction system includes a source for pressurized air, an air separation module configured to receive air feed from the pressurized air source, and a carbon membrane containing at least 95 weight percent carbon. The carbon membrane is configured to permeate oxygen from the air feed through the carbon membrane at a temperature of at least 120° C. (248° F.) and to produce nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed. |
| US09061247B2 |
Separation membrane module
A separation membrane module (1A) includes: a tubular pressure container (7); a plurality of separation membrane elements (2) inserted in the pressure container (7) and each having a first end member (3) and a second end member (4); and a sealing member (5A) mounted on one of or both the first end member (3) and the second end member (4) that are adjacent to each other. In a normal condition, the sealing member (5A) is located radially inward of a maximum diameter portion of the first end member (3) and/or the second end member (4) on which the sealing member (5A) is mounted. The sealing member (5A) is deformed due to contact between the adjacent separation membrane elements (2) or due to supply of a pressurized liquid into the pressure container (7), and comes into close contact with an inner circumferential face (7a) of the pressure container (7). |
| US09061245B2 |
Method for reducing nitrogen oxides in diesel-engine exhaust gases and exhaust gas aftertreatment system for carrying out the method
An exhaust gas aftertreatment system, in particular for V-type diesel engines, is provided. The system includes, disposed in the exhaust line of the engine in the direction of the exhaust gas flow, a first SCR stage, a catalytically activated particulate filter (cDPF), a second SCR stage, and an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC). A method for purifying diesel engine exhaust gases containing hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, soot particles, and nitrogen oxides consisting of NO and NO2 is also provided. |
| US09061244B2 |
System for reducing NOx in exhaust
A system and method for NOx reduction is described, with a catalytic unit including a first zeolite catalyst with a first NOx conversion performance in a first temperature range and a second NOx conversion performance, lower than said first NOx conversion performance, in a second temperature range. The catalytic unit also comprises a second zeolite catalyst with a third NOx conversion performance, lower than said first NOx conversion performance, in the first temperature range and a fourth NOx conversion performance, higher than said second and third NOx conversion performances in the second temperature range, said first temperature range being higher than said second temperature range. The system further includes a controller configured to adjust an amount of reducing agent added to the NOx reducing system responsive to a temperature of the catalytic unit. |
| US09061243B2 |
Catalyst for life support system
A catalyst for a life support system includes a plurality of titania support particles that define an average particle surface area. Platinum metal is disposed on the plurality of titania support particles such that a ratio of the average particle surface area to the percentage amount of the platinum metal is between 5 and 50 m2/% Pt g. |
| US09061240B2 |
On-site medical gas production plant and associated operating method
The invention relates to an on-site medical gas production plant (100) comprising a unit (50) for purifying gas, such as air, a first vessel (A) for storing purified gas, and a main gas line (10) fluidically connecting the gas purification unit (50) to the said first storage vessel (A). It furthermore comprises a three-way solenoid valve (VA) arranged on the main gas line (10) upstream of the first storage vessel (A), and furthermore connected to the atmosphere (at 12) via a vent line (11), as well as an operating device (4) which controls at least the three-way solenoid valve (VA), and at least a first gas analysis device (D1) of which a first measurement line (29) is fluidically connected (at 28) to the main line (10), upstream of the three-way solenoid valve (VA), and which is electrically connected to the said operating device (4). |
| US09061231B2 |
Purification arrangements and methods for gas pipeline systems
A purification arrangement for a gas pipeline system includes a pressure vessel and at least first and second purification assemblies in the interior of the pressure vessel. A gas flow may be established through the pressure vessel, and the gas may pass through the first purification assembly and the second purification assembly to remove liquid and/or solid particulates from the gas. At least one of the first and second purification assemblies includes a separator assembly having one or more separators which removes particulates and a shell mounted to one or more of the separators to collect and contain the removed particulates. |
| US09061225B2 |
Reinforced receiver for cassette filter locking clip
A receiver for a cassette filter housing having an upper housing surface. The receiver comprises an arrow shaped elongated member having ends. The elongated member may be parallel with an upper surface of the cassette and may include a base portion attached to the upper housing surface the cross-section of which is a substantially planer segment extending to the upper surface. The elongated member includes an upper receiver portion having at least one cavaliered retaining surface. The receiver includes a first reinforcement member extending outward from the base portion adjacent one of the ends of the elongated member and perpendicular to the elongated member, and a second reinforcement member extending outward from the base portion adjacent the opposite end of the elongated member and perpendicular to the elongated member the reinforcement members affixed to the base portion and the upper housing surface. |
| US09061220B1 |
Toy with persistance of view components
An amusement device includes a rotating assembly display rotatably mounted about a center point configured to create a plurality of images via a persistence of vision effect. The rotating assembly includes a sensor disposed on the rotating assembly at a location closer to an end of the rotating assembly than to the center point. The amusement device also includes a device for rotating the rotating assembly and a control circuit including a first microcontroller in operable communication with the sensor. The microcontroller controls a speed at which the device for rotating the rotating assembly rotates the rotating assembly based on communications with the sensor. |
| US09061219B2 |
Convertible flower doll
A convertible flower doll has garment including a skirt with layers that may be raised or lowered to convert the doll between a figure resembling a flower and a figure resembling a character. In flower form, the doll sits within a container resembling a flower pot. The doll has legs that wrap together and attach at the ankles to resemble a flower stem. The skirt has features resembling flower petals, and elastic in the lowest layer of the skirt bunches up the skirt layers when raised to resemble a flower. |
| US09061218B2 |
Train tracks
A toy track system configured to provide an infinite number of track layouts with varying levels. The toy track system includes track pieces, vertically-oriented support pieces configured to connect to the track pieces and provide the varying elevations of the track, and platforms configured to connect to the track pieces and provide support for destinations positioned adjacent to and/or over the track pieces. |
| US09061215B2 |
Inflatable educational structure
An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure. |
| US09061213B2 |
Swing set
A swing set (10) is shown including a support beam (16), a plurality of legs (14), and swing apparatus (18, 24, 26) supported by the support beam. The support beam and legs include a plurality of tubes (28, 30, 38, 40, 44) coupled together by connectors (42, 48). The connectors include an inner tube (66) and a cover (68, 68′) positioned over the inner tube. Feet (46) are provided at the lower ends of the legs that rotate relative to the legs. |
| US09061206B2 |
Video game system using pre-generated motion vectors
A method and related system of generating a frame of video is disclosed. In the method, a request is received. For instance, the request may initiate a video game. A motion search between an object in a subsequent frame of video and the object in a current frame of video is performed. A pre-determined motion vector for the object is selected. The object in the subsequent frame of video may correspond to a set of pre-encoded macro-blocks and the performing the motion search may include searching a corresponding set of macro-blocks associated with the current frame of video. The pre-encoded macro-blocks may be pre-encoded prior to the request. The motion vector may be pre-determined prior to the request. |
| US09061205B2 |
Music video game with user directed sound generation
A music based video game provides a user directed sound generation feature. In some embodiments, the user is provided a video game controller simulating a musical instrument, which the user may operate similarly to its real musical instrument counterpart. A free play feature is provided for users to operate the video game controller, where a processor of a video game console receives input signals from the video game controller and outputs audio samples based on the received input signals. During the free play feature, multiple suggestions as to how to operate the video game controller are simultaneously provided to give users some guidance as to what to play using the video game controller. |
| US09061204B2 |
Interactive game for an electronic device
An interactive game allows a player to play a “handclapping” game on a device with a touch screen interface (mobile phone, tablet or other such device) with a 3D model or a 2D model of an animal, a person, or any other character. The player must successfully mimic the moves of the 3D or 2D model/character to progress in the game. Specifically the player must match his moves by touching the screen with his finger or fingers with the moves made by the animal, a person, or any other character, which is also touching its appendages to specific areas of the touch screen. |
| US09061202B1 |
Data locker synchronization
Disclosed are various embodiments enabling a saved state of an application to be stored at a central location and to be retrieved by multiple computing devices executing the application. Accordingly, saved states of applications and interfaces are also enabled to follow a user from one personal computing device to the next. |
| US09061190B2 |
Baseball swing training apparatus
A baseball swing training device that is operable to teach an improved baseball swing plane wherein the baseball swing training device is tiltably adjustable in a first direction and a second direction. The baseball swing training device further includes a base member having a telescoping support arm extending upward therefrom. Secured to the telescoping support arm is an upper frame assembly that includes a support arm that is u-shaped. An upper bat guide member and a lower bat guide member are secured to the support arm and are parallel in configuration having a void therebetween. A pair of ball grip members are mounted intermediate the lower bat guide member and upper bat guide member. A speed sensor is present and is operable to detect the speed of either the ball or the bat during use of the baseball swing trainer and display the speed on a LCD screen. |
| US09061189B2 |
Training device for rugby players
A training device for rugby players, notably for a phase of the game known as the scrum, comprises: a simulation platform of the Stewart platform type, onto which a training yoke is mounted; an electronic device for closed-loop control of said simulation platform; a computer device for controlling the training device. The present invention is mainly applicable to the training, the development and the improvement of rugby players at a high level. |
| US09061182B2 |
Golf balls including highly neutralized polymer having a hardness modifier
A golf ball includes a core made from a highly neutralized polymer that has been mixed with a hardness modifier. The modifier may be a process oil or a plasticizer. In particular, the modifier may be a naphthenic process oil, a paraffinic process oil, a phthalate plasticizer, a trimellitate plasticizer, an adipate plasticizer, a sebacate-based plasticizer, a maleate-based plasticizer, and blends thereof. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a golf ball that includes changing the hardness of a highly neutralized polymer core. |
| US09061177B1 |
Wrist exercise device
A device that exercises a wrist of a user by converting a pivotal motion into a linear motion. The device includes a base, a pair of pivoting assemblies, a pair of resistance assemblies, and a grip. The base is placed on a support surface. The pair of pivoting assemblies extend upwardly from the base and are spaced apart from each other to have the wrist of the user placed therebetween. The pair of resistance assemblies depend from the pair of pivoting assemblies, respectively, to the base. The grip extends from one pivoting assembly to the other pivoting assembly and is gripped by a hand of the user, and when pivoted downwardly by the hand of the user, the pair of pivoting assemblies pivot downwardly which in turn causes the pair of resistance assemblies to extend linearly upwardly and provide a resistance, and in doing so, converts the pivotal motion into the linear motion. |
| US09061176B2 |
Exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus includes a mounting assembly and a pulley assembly coupled to the mounting assembly. The pulley assembly includes a first pulley and a second pulley. A first pulley cable is positioned about the first pulley for movement relative thereto and a second pulley cable is positioned about the second for movement relative thereto. The first pulley cable includes a first end and a second end and the second pulley cable includes a first end and a second end. A first handle is coupled to the first end of the first pulley cable and a second handle is coupled to the first end of the second pulley cable. A body engaging assembly is coupled to the both the second end of the first pulley cable and the second end of the second pulley cable. |
| US09061173B1 |
Basketball player training device
A basketball player training device including an adjustable waist belt; a harness including adjustable shoulder straps, each having a first D-ring disposed thereon; and a fingerless glove. A reinforcement member is disposed on a back side of the glove and an elastomeric securement band has a proximal end securely attached to the reinforcement member and a distal end to which a second D-ring is attached. Elastomeric resistance exercise bands are provided in a range of lengths directly correlated to resistance strengths that increases as the length decreases. A quick-release clip disposed on outer ends of each exercise band engages a respective first D-ring and second D-ring. Each exercise band is configured to provide a variable resistance to strengthen a basketball player's shooting arm and to develop muscle memory in the finger, arm, and shoulder muscles required to correctly execute basketball shots. |
| US09061168B2 |
Device for use in fire-fighting operations
A fire-fighting device includes an extinguishing device arranged on an end region of a cantilever arm and is adjustable in at least one spatial direction. A penetration fixture is adjustable relative to the extinguishing device and has a double-acting pressure cylinder subjectable to pressure by a pressure medium from a hydraulic system via at least one control valve. The cylinder has a tubular continuous piston rod having a penetration tool on a protruding end having a through-hole and a nozzle head. At another end, the piston rod is connected in line with a supply mechanism for an extinguishing medium. Pressure accumulator elements are in fluid communication with a pressure chamber of the pressure cylinder for extending the penetration tool and with a return line for the pressure medium from another pressure chamber for retracting the penetration tool. |
| US09061167B2 |
Fire extinguisher with disposable plastic container
Fire extinguisher with disposable plastic container refers to a disposable fire extinguisher that works with direct pressure (internal) in a Container (01) manufactured with high viscosity Polyamide, Fiberglass and mineral elements composed by calcium, aluminum, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, titanium, iron, potassium, zinc, strontium, copper, manganese and chrome, besides others for U.V protection, with a five millimeters thick Wall (P) and cylindrical shape extremities with an 180° Angle (G) ray, and Ribs (N) from plastic concentration at the welded areas. |
| US09061165B2 |
Solution for forming double eyelid and method for forming double eyelid using same
To provide a solution for forming a double eyelid which enables extremely easy formation of a natural and ideal double eyelid without giving a displeased feeling or an uncomfortable feeling to a user, and a method for forming a double eyelid using the solution for forming a double eyelid.A solution for forming a double eyelid 1 according to the present invention is formed by dissolving, into a solvent having volatility, a fibrous material which forms a film 1a onto a skin 5a of an eyelid 5 and shrinks with vaporization of the solvent. By applying the solution 1, in a successive-curve form, over an imaginary line I forming a fold 5d of a double eyelid in the eyelid 5 onto which a user want to make a fold and vaporizing the solvent so as to shrink the film 1a, successive concaved groove-like constricted part 5c is formed on the imaginary line I and the fold 5d of a double eyelid along the constricted part 5c is formed. |
| US09061161B2 |
Capacitive filtered feedthrough array for implantable medical device
In one example, a filtered feedthrough assembly for a medical device, such as, e.g., an implantable medical device, is described. The filtered feedthrough assembly may comprise a feedthrough comprising at least one feedthrough conductive pathway extending between a first feedthrough side and a second feedthrough side; a capacitive filter array comprising at least one filter array conductive pathway extending between a first filter array side and a second filter array side, and at least one capacitor filter substantially surrounding at least a portion the at least one filter array conductive pathway; and at least one electrically conductive member electrically coupling the at least one filter array conductive pathway to the at least one feedthrough conductive pathway. |
| US09061157B2 |
Effective capture
The present disclosure pertains to cardiac pacing methods and systems, and, more particularly, to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In particular, the present disclosure pertains to determining the efficacy of CRT through use of an effective capture test (ECT). One or more embodiments comprises sensing a signal in response to a ventricular pacing stimulus. Through signal processing, a number of features are parsed from the signal. Exemplary features parsed from the signal include a maximum amplitude, a maximum time associated with the maximum amplitude, a minimum amplitude, and a minimum time associated with the minimum amplitude. The data is evaluated through use of the ECT. By employing the ECT, efficacy of CRT is easily and automatically evaluated. |
| US09061156B2 |
Automatic selection of stimulation chamber for ventricular resynchronization therapy
A method and apparatus for selection of one or more ventricular chambers to stimulate for ventricular resynchronization therapy. Intrinsic intracardia electrograms that include QRS complexes, are recorded from a left and right ventricle. A timing relationship between the intrinsic intracardia electrograms recorded from the left and right ventricle is then determined. In one embodiment, the timing relationship is determined using a delay between a left ventricular and a right ventricular sensed intrinsic ventricular depolarizations and a duration interval of one or more QRS complexes. In one embodiment, the duration of QRS complexes is determined from either intracardiac electrograms or from surface ECG recordings. One or more ventricular chambers in which to provide pacing pulses are then selected based on the timing relationship between intrinsic intracardia electrograms recorded from the right and left ventricle, and the duration of one or more QRS complexes. |
| US09061155B2 |
Implanted device data to guide ablation therapy
A medical device system and associated method for guiding ablation therapy sense cardiac signals using implantable electrodes and detect spontaneous cardiac events from the sensed cardiac signals. Pacing pulses are delivered and a return cycle length is measured in response to the plurality of pacing pulses. The spontaneous cardiac event is clustered with a previously detected cardiac event in response to the measured return cycle length, and a targeted ablation site is estimated in response to the measured return cycle length. A transit time interval, corresponding to a distance traversed by a depolarization associated with a last one of the plurality of pacing pulses when a reset condition occurs, is computed using the return cycle length, and the ablation site is estimated in response to the computed transit time interval. |
| US09061153B1 |
Method of treating a patient
There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method of treating diabetic patients comprising measuring a triglyceride level in a diabetic patient and applying a diabetes treatment according to the triglyceride level. Optionally, there is provided a method of screening. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of weight loss. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of relatively reducing HOMA-IR levels. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of relatively reducing blood pressure. An exemplary device to apply the treatment is described. |
| US09061152B2 |
Techniques for sensing and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator device
Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient. |
| US09061144B2 |
System for irradiating charged particles and method for irradiating charged particles
A charged particle irradiation system is capable of shortening the irradiation time and the treatment time by performing efficient irradiation even when irregular variation occurs in the irradiation object during the gating irradiation. The extraction of the beam is stopped upon reception of a regular extraction permission end signal which is outputted based on a regular movement signal. An extractable state maintaining function operates upon the reception of the extraction permission end signal. When a preset standby time elapses without receiving an extraction permission start signal again during the standby time, the extractable state maintaining function finishes its operation and a charged particle beam generator decelerates the beam. Also, the extraction of the beam is stopped due to reception of an irregular extraction permission end signal during the irradiation. When the extraction permission start signal is received again during the standby time, the extraction of the beam is restarted. |
| US09061142B2 |
Method and device for radiation therapy treatment of multiple targets
The present invention is directed to a data processing method for determining a treatment plan for radiation therapy treatment of at least two spatially separate targets by means of a treatment device constituted to treat the at least two targets by means of one or more sub-beams during a treatment time, the one or more sub-beams constituting at least one treatment beam which is to pass through the at least two targets in accordance with a treatment plan during the treatment time, the treatment device being further constituted to allow for simultaneous treatment of the at least two targets by at least two of the sub-beams at least during a time interval during the treatment time. |
| US09061140B2 |
Sample and hold circuitry for monitoring voltages in an implantable neurostimulator
Sample and hold circuitry for monitoring electrodes and other voltages in an implantable neurostimulator is disclosed. The sample and hold circuitry in one embodiment contains multiplexers to selected appropriate voltages and to pass them to two storage capacitors during two different measurement phases. The capacitors are in a later stage serially connected to add the two voltages stored on the capacitors, and voltages present at the top and bottom of the serial connection are then input to a differential amplifier to compute their difference. The sample and hold circuitry is particularly useful in calculating the resistance between two electrodes, and is further particularly useful when resistance is measured using a biphasic pulse. The sample and hold circuitry is flexible, and can be used to measure other voltages of interest during biphasic or monophasic pulsing. |
| US09061137B2 |
Nerve electrode provided with anti-inflammatory drug and method of manufacturing the same
A nerve electrode that is inserted into a living body and that is configured to attach to nerves is provided. The nerve electrode that is inserted into a living body and that is configured to attach to nerves includes: i) a flexible substrate; ii) a plurality of electrodes that are separately positioned on the flexible substrate; and iii) an insulating layer that is positioned at a separation space of the plurality of electrodes and that insulates the plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes include i) at least one linear electrode, and ii) a planar electrode that is separated from the linear electrode. An anti-inflammatory drug transfer layer is positioned on the planar electrode. |
| US09061136B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering vagal nerve stimulation
According to various method embodiments, a person is indicated for a therapy to treat a cardiovascular disease, and the therapy is delivered to the person to treat the cardiovascular disease. Delivering the therapy includes delivering a vagal stimulation therapy (VST) to a vagus nerve of the person at a therapeutically-effective intensity for the cardiovascular disease that is below an upper boundary at which upper boundary the VST would lower an intrinsic heart rate during the VST. |
| US09061135B1 |
Apparatus and method for managing chronic pain with infrared and low-level light sources
Method and apparatus for infrared-light nerve stimulation plus low-level light therapy (INS-plus-LLLT) that includes providing an infrared-light nerve stimulation plus low-level light therapy (INS-plus-LLLT) device; implanting the INS-plus-LLLT device in the animal; emitting a plurality of infrared laser-light nerve-stimulation signals from the INS-plus-LLLT device and directing the plurality of infrared laser-light nerve stimulation signals toward a neural tissue of the animal in order to trigger an action potential response in the neural tissue; and generating a plurality of low-level light therapy signals using the INS-plus-LLLT device and directing the low-level light therapy signals toward the neural tissue of the animal, wherein the low-level light therapy signals are configured to be efficacious for pain management in order to reduce an acute pain of the animal. |
| US09061128B2 |
Light and/or ultrasonic transducer device with sensor feedback for dose control
A system for delivering light and/or ultrasound across a skin surface is provided. The system includes a device having a layered structure comprising one or both of a light source and an ultrasonic transducer. The light source comprises a flexible light emitter layer electrically coupled to a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a flexible ultrasound emitter layer electrically coupled to a third conductive layer and a fourth conductive layer. The system also includes one or more sensors in contact with the skin surface and a controller electrically coupled to the device and the sensor. The controller is operable to receive sensor data from the sensor and dynamically control the device in response to the received sensor data. |
| US09061124B2 |
High-modulus superelastic alloy wire for medical and dental purposes
A wire used in the medical field for guiding purposes, as well as in other fields, such as in the field of orthodontics for teeth aligning purposes. The wire, when prepared for use in such applications, exhibits an innovative blend of advantageous properties, including enhanced kink resistance over stainless steel wires and enhanced stiffness over Nitinol wires, which enhance its use as a medical guidewire or stylet, and further, as an arch wire in orthodontia applications. |
| US09061122B2 |
Catheter securement device
A catheter securement device (100) holds a medical article such as a catheter hub or a connector fitting in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device (100) includes a retainer (120) and at least one anchor pad (110). The retainer (120) has one or more curved ribs (280) into which at least a portion of the medical article is inserted. The retainer (120) includes a spine (145) that extends in a proximal direction from the retainer (120). The spine (145) includes a clip (147) having an abutment surface that can abut against a contact point or surface on the medical article. The abutment, in conjunction with a second abutment and/or a tapering shape of the retainer (120), inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article in both proximal and distal directions. |
| US09061121B2 |
Targeting therapeutic agents
Provided are devices, systems, and methods for targeted administration of therapeutic agents to a subject. For example, provided are devices, systems, and methods for targeting the administration of peri-urethral bulking agents. |
| US09061117B2 |
Catheter systems and methods of use
A catheter system can include a first catheter having an elongated body that defines a lumen, and a second catheter slidably disposed within the lumen of the first catheter. The second catheter can include an acoustic device. The acoustic device can create a sound for verifying the location of the second catheter within a body lumen. The distal end portion of the second catheter can include a pre-formed bend that extends at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first catheter. In some embodiments, the second catheter can be used to aspirate a substance from a body lumen. |
| US09061115B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing an arteriovenous fistula
Methods and apparatus for creating an artificial arteriovenous fistula between an artery and an adjacent vein are disclosed. Methods include utilizing a hollow spiral shunt that defines a fluid passageway between a proximal port and a distal port thereof. The spiral shunt is loaded within a delivery device that is transversely advanced through a wall of the artery. A piercing end of the spiral shunt is than exposed and the delivery device is rotated to pierce an opposing wall of the artery and a wall of the adjacent vein with the spiral shunt piercing end. Rotation of the delivery device corkscrews the spiral shunt through the walls of the artery and the vein in order to position the spiral shunt to fluidly connect the artery and vein. Once so positioned, the spiral shunt is released to be deployed between the artery and vein lumens thereby forming an artificial arteriovenous fistula therebetween. |
| US09061113B2 |
Forehead support for a facial mask
A respiratory mask includes a mask frame, a forehead support provided to the mask frame and including a forehead member, and headgear including at least one strap adapted to connect to the forehead member. The forehead member includes one or more holes configured and positioned to allow at least one strap to form a strap loop that loops around at least a portion of the forehead member and arrange one or more layers of the strap loop between the headgear member and the patient's forehead in use. |
| US09061111B2 |
Unit dose capsules and dry powder inhaler
Described is a dry powder inhaler comprising an intake section; a mixing section, and a mouthpiece. |
| US09061104B2 |
Medicament injection device
A medicament delivery device comprising a housing, a tubular activation member, a first resilient member, a container holder, a medicament container (80), a tubular operation member (100), a plunger rod (90), a delivery member; wherein the container is a cartridge, having a membrane (82) and in that the delivery member comprises a retainer member (70) fixedly connected to the container holder, a hub (60) coaxially movable within the retainer member, a needle having opposite proximal and distal ends, and a cap (10) interactively connected to the hub and to the retainer member, wherein the cap comprises a distal end surface abutting with the proximal end surface of the annular contact member such that said hub may be distally moved whereby the needle penetrates the membrane and the cap is detached from the retainer member, allowing the tubular activation member to be moved its activated position. |
| US09061103B2 |
Auto-injector
An auto-injector for delivering a liquid medicament (M) is presented having an elongate housing having a loading bay configured to receive a packaged syringe, wherein the loading bay is configured to be laterally accessible for inserting or removing the packaged syringe, wherein a sliding door is slidably arranged over the housing in a manner to reveal the loading bay in a distal position and to cover the loading bay in a proximal position. |
| US09061102B2 |
Unmanned device interaction methods and systems
Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to participate in the performance of tasks, for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance, or for facilitating other interactions with such devices. |
| US09061100B2 |
Large-volume bolus patient controlled drug administration device with lock-out
A patient controlled liquid drug administration device providing either or both of a continuous flow of a liquid drug, as well as successive boluses thereof, to be self-administered by a patient while allowing delivery of only full bolus volumes. The device includes a reciprocating pump defining a closed internal reservoir having a fixed first wall, and a second, flexible wall that is axially movable in relation to the fixed wall between reservoir-full and reservoir-empty positions. A lock is connected to a push button that activates a plunger of the pump. The lock has a first position preventing the push button from being depressed when the push button is in an extended position and the plunger is in a reservoir-empty position and a second position permitting the push button to be depressed when the push button is in an extended position and the plunger is in a reservoir-full position. |
| US09061097B2 |
Drug delivery device
A drug delivery device includes a housing having an interior space, a needle having retracted and deployed states, an injector to move the needle between retracted and deployed states, and a reservoir disposed within the interior space, the reservoir configured to receive a volume of a drug and to be in fluid communication with the needle. The drug delivery device also includes a controller coupled to the injector and the reservoir, and configured to actuate the injector to move the needle from the retracted state to the deployed state only once, and to actuate the reservoir to deliver the volume of the drug to the patient as a single bolus after a preselected time period has elapsed, the controller disposed within the interior space and configured prior to being disposed within the interior space. The delivery device is wearable, disposable, and single-use. |
| US09061095B2 |
Wound dressing and method of use
A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises a liquid and gas permeable transmission layer, an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, the absorbent layer overlying the transmission layer, a gas impermeable cover layer overlying the absorbent layer and comprising a first orifice, wherein the cover layer is moisture vapor permeable. |
| US09061092B2 |
Method for fabricating medical devices with porous polymeric structures
Medical articles with porous polymeric structures and methods of forming thereof are disclosed. The porous structure can have pores sizes that are nanoporous or greater than nanoporous. The porous structure can be a coating or layer of a medical device such as a stent, stent graft, catheter, or lead for pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Additionally, the body of the medical device can be a porous polymeric structure. The porous structure can be made from bioabsorbable polymers. The porous structures can be formed by contacting a polymer with a supercritical fluid. |
| US09061091B2 |
Methods to improve adhesion of polymer coatings over stents
Methods are disclosed to improved adhesion of polymer coatings over polymer surfaces of stents which include plasma treatment, applying an adhesion promoting layer, surface treatments with solvents, and mechanical roughening techniques. |
| US09061085B1 |
Hand-held device with reagents and method for detection and diagnostics
A hand-held device and method of processing a biological threat agent sample such that any infectious organism is rendered harmless while preserving it for subsequent testing, the method comprising placing a sample comprising a biological threat agent in a reservoir; adding a first reagent comprising peracetic acid in sufficient concentration to reach a predetermined minimal concentration after mixing with the sample in the reservoir; inactivating the sample upon interaction of the sample with the first reagent for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature; removing the inactivated sample from the reservoir; and providing the inactivated sample for subsequent diagnostic testing, wherein the subsequent diagnostic testing is unaffected by inactivation of the sample. In another embodiment, the first reagent comprises a cupric salt, which is mixed with ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide to generate cupric ascorbate. |
| US09061084B2 |
Fine particle diffusion device
A fine particle diffusion device includes: a first outlet (10a to 10c) through which a first air current is discharged to a space above a living space within a living room; a second outlet (10d) which is arranged below the first outlet (10a to 10c) and through which a second air current is discharged to a space below the first air current; and a fine particle generation device (17) which generates fine particles. Here, the fine particles generated by the fine particle generation device (17) are discharged into the living room, and the concentration of the fine particles discharged through the first outlet (10a to 10c) is lower than the concentration of the fine particles discharged through the second outlet (10d). |
| US09061083B2 |
Ultraviolet laser sterilization system
The invention relates to an ultraviolet laser sterilization system, comprising an ultraviolet laser module and a scanning module. The ultraviolet laser module emits an ultraviolet laser light with a wavelength ranging from 200 nm to 280 nm. The scanning module includes a plurality of reflectors for receiving the ultraviolet laser light, and a controller for controlling rotation of the reflectors to adjust an angle of emergence of the ultraviolet laser light for sterilizing a target. |
| US09061082B2 |
Ultraviolet-based sterilization
A system for sterilizing at least one surface of an object is provided. The system includes a set of ultraviolet radiation sources and a set of wave guiding structures configured to direct ultraviolet radiation having a set of target attributes to a desired location on at least one surface of the object. The set of wave guiding structures can include at least one ultraviolet reflective surface having an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least thirty percent. Furthermore, the system can include a computer system for operating the ultraviolet radiation sources to deliver a target dose of ultraviolet radiation to the at least one target surface of the object. |
| US09061080B2 |
HER2 binding peptides labeled with aluminium-[18] fluoride complexed by NOTA
Imaging agents comprising an isolated polypeptide conjugated with a radionucleide and a chelator; wherein the isolated polypeptide binds specifically to HER2, or a variant thereof; and methods for preparing and using these imaging agents. |
| US09061077B2 |
Methods of determining renal function using technetium-99m tricarbonyl-nitrilotriacetic acid
This disclosure relates to the methods of imaging the kidneys and measuring renal function using the renal tracer 99mTc(CO)3(NTA) (technetium-99m tricarbonyl-nitrilotriacetic acid). The disclosure encompasses methods of imaging the kidneys and measuring effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) in an animal or human subject using renal scintigraphy, comprising administering to an animal or human subject an amount of a renal tracer, wherein the renal tracer comprises 99mTc-(CO)3(NTA). Another aspect of the disclosure are methods of measuring effective renal plasma flow in an animal or human subject, comprising administering to an animal or human subject an amount of a renal tracer, wherein the renal tracer comprises 99mTc-(CO)3(NTA), isolating a series of plasma samples from the animal or human subject after administering the renal tracer and quantitatively detecting the amount of the renal tracer in the biological samples. |
| US09061075B2 |
Bone delivery device
Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects. |
| US09061073B2 |
Antibody-light fusion products for cancer therapeutics
Antibody-LIGHT fusion products or conjugates stimulate immunity against tumors and eradicate metastases. Tumor-specific antibodies coupled with LIGHT effectively target metastatic tumors and reduces cancer metastases. |
| US09061066B2 |
Immunoadjuvant compounds and uses thereof
Cyclic beta glucan compounds function as an immunoadjuvant when administered prior to, concommitantly with, or subsequent to the administration of one or more antigens to a subject. These adjuvant compounds may be effectively used as dendritic cell activating molecules. |
| US09061061B2 |
Method of treating dysglycemia and glucose excursions
The present application relates to pharmaceutical compositions for reducing glucose excursions in a normal subject or a subject having an insulin-related disorder or dysglycemia. The pharmaceutical composition contains one or more active agent-containing layers, which each contain a dry blended mixture including a therapeutically effective amount of a polar ionizable insulin-sensitizing oral hypoglycemic agent or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an amphipathic compound in monomelic form consisting of an amphipathic ionic compound in monomelic form. Each dry blended mixture contains a sufficient amount of the amphipathic ionic compound such that upon contact with an aqueous fluid, the amphipathic ionic compound forms a reverse micelle comprising the polar ionizable insulin-sensitizing oral hypoglycemic agent. The present invention also relates to a use of a modified release pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an insulin-sensitizing oral hypoglycemic agent for sensitizing pre-prandial (basal) insulin levels and/or reducing postprandial glucose excursions in a normal patient or a patient having an insulin-related disorder. |
| US09061058B2 |
Use of Pol III promoters for controlled expression of therapeutic proteins
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology. More specifically, the present invention relates to expression systems for use in modulating the expression of protein coding target genes in vivo or in vitro. More specific, this invention relates to RNA polymerase III-based methods and systems for expression of therapeutic proteins in cells in vivo or in vitro. |
| US09061057B2 |
Synthesis and composition of amino acid linking groups conjugated to compounds used for the targeted imaging of tumors
The present disclosure relates to compounds that are useful as near-infrared fluorescence probes, wherein the compounds include i) a pteroyl ligand that binds to a target receptor protein, ii) a dye molecule, and iii) a linker molecule that comprises an amino acid or derivative thereof. The disclosure further describes methods and compositions for making and using the compounds, methods incorporating the compounds, and kits incorporating the compounds. |
| US09061056B2 |
Compositions and methods for targeted thermomodulation
Provided are nanoparticles and formulations which are useful for cosmetic, diagnostic and therapeutic applications to mammals such as humans. |
| US09061055B2 |
Oncolytic adenovirus armed with therapeutic genes
The present invention involves compositions and methods for treating cancer using a mutant adenovirus comprising a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic polypeptide that is targeted to cells with a mutant retinoblastoma pathway. The mutant adenovirus is able to kill the tumor cells without harming cells with a wild type retinoblastoma pathway. |
| US09061049B2 |
Antifungal, antibacterial topical composition for the prevention and treatment of various skin conditions including diaper rash
A topical, over the counter, all natural, organic, antifungal, antibacterial cream having superior moisturizing and water repellency performance that absorbs into the epidermis without spreading thereby eliminating and preventing the growth of the rash-causing fungus that causes diaper rash, and other skin irritation rashes. |
| US09061047B2 |
Methods for treating neurological conditions and compositions and materials therefor
The present invention generally relates to methods, compositions and materials for treatment of and promotion of neurological functional recovery from neurological conditions including central nervous system injuries and/or diseases. |
| US09061046B2 |
Arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides useful against gastrointestinal infections
The present invention relates to the use of oligosaccharides derived from arabinoxylan for use in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal infection. More particularly the invention provides a method for preventing or reducing the gastrointestinal infection of a animal or human being with bacteria associated with gastroenteritis through the supplementation of their diets with the said oligosaccharides. |
| US09061045B2 |
Method for ProNGF assay for in vitro diagnosis of cancer in particular breast, thyroid or lung cancer and therapeutic use of ProNGF
A ProNGF inhibitor for preparing a drug, said drug being in particular useful for blocking remote dissemination and cell invasion in patients suffering from cancer, in particular breast, thyroid or lung cancer. |
| US09061042B2 |
Composition for suppressing expression of target gene
An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for suppressing expression of a target gene, and the like. A composition comprising an RNA-encapsulated liposome, wherein the RNA contains a sequence consisting of 15 to 30 contiguous bases of a target gene mRNA (hereinafter, sequence X) and a base sequence (hereinafter, complementary sequence X′) complementary to the sequence X, 1 to 90% of all sugars binding to the bases of the sequence X and the complementary sequence X′ being ribose substituted by a modifying group at 2′ position, and the lipid particle being capable of reaching a tissue or an organ containing an expression site of the target gene is provide. |
| US09061038B2 |
Doxorubicin adjuvants to reduce toxicity and methods for using the same
Methods are provided for using doxorubicin active agents in which reduced host toxicity is observed. Aspects of the methods including administering to a subject an effective amount of a doxorubicin active agent in conjunction with a doxorubicin toxicity-reducing adjuvant, e.g., a nitrone compound, or a nitrone compound in combination with a bisdioxopiperazine compound. Also provided are compositions for use in practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including in the treatment of a variety of different disease conditions. |
| US09061035B2 |
Alcoholic injury mitigating agent
The present invention relates to an alcoholic injury mitigating agent comprising krill oil as an active ingredient. The krill oil preferably comprises phospholipids in an amount of at least 30% by weight, ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in an amount of at least 5% by weight of the total fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid in an amount of at least 2% by weight of the total fatty acids, or docosahexaenoic acid in an amount of at least 1% by weight of the total fatty acids. |
| US09061033B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of symptoms of prion diseases
A therapeutic composition for the treatment of the symptoms of prion diseases and the method for preparing the therapeutic agents is disclosed. The therapeutic composition is a stable pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more digestive and/or pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic composition may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic composition may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or other method. Further, a method of using fecal chymotrypsin level as a biomarker for the presence of a prion disease, or the likelihood of an individual to develop a prion disease is disclosed. |
| US09061032B2 |
Small molecule trail gene induction by normal and tumor cells as an anticancer therapy
Methods and compositions relating to TIC10 are described according to aspects of the present invention. The compositions and methods have utility in treating disease, particularly cancer in a subject in need thereof, including a human subject as well as subjects of other species. The compositions have utility in treating brain cancer in a subject in need thereof. |
| US09061028B2 |
Process for the preparation of Nilotinib
The present invention relates a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which process comprises converting a compound of formula (IV): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, into the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09061027B2 |
Enhanced delivery of drug compositions to treat life threatening infections
Inhalable compositions are described. The inhalable compositions comprise one or more respirable aggregates, the respirable aggregates comprising one or more poorly water soluble active agents, wherein at least one of the active agents reaches a maximum lung concentration (Cmax) of at least about 0.25 μg/gram of lung tissue and remains at such concentration for a period of at least one hour after being delivered to the lung. Methods for making such compositions and methods for using such compositions are also disclosed. |
| US09061025B2 |
Methods for selecting headache patients responsive to botulinum toxin therapy
A method for treating a headache by selecting a patient determined to be responsive to administration of a botulinum neurotoxin for treatment of a headache by determining that the patient has or has a propensity to have an imploding headache and/or an ocular headache pain and administering a botulinum toxin to the patient, thereby treating the headache. A method for selecting from a population of patients with headache or with a propensity to have a headache, those patients whose headache will respond to administration of a botulinum neurotoxin by identifying from a population of patients with headache or with a propensity to have a headache those patients who have or who have a propensity to have an imploding headache pain and/or an ocular headache pain. |
| US09061024B2 |
Combination analgesic employing opioid agonist and neutral antagonist
In some embodiments, the invention provides a non-addictive analgesic co-formulation comprising an opioid agonist in an amount sufficient to confer analgesia in a mammalian subject (such as a human) and a neutral opioid antagonist in an amount sufficient to inhibit peripheral effects of the opioid agonist, and insufficient to block substantial central effects of the opioid agonist in the subject. The formulation may be formulated for oral administration to the subject. Such formulations, and methods of using the same, may also deter diversion, inhibit peripheral effects of the opioid agonist, and reduce addiction liability. |
| US09061019B2 |
Pharmaceutical salts and polymorphs of a factor Xa inhibitor
The present invention provides for salts comprising a compound of Formula I and an acid that has activity against mammalian factor Xa. The present invention is also directed to methods of making the compound of Formula I. |
| US09061018B2 |
Use of microvesicles (MVs) derived from stem cells for preparing a medicament for endo/epithelial regeneration of damaged or injured tissues or organs, and related to in vitro or in vivo methods
The invention relates to the use of microvesicles (MVs) derived from stem cells for preparing a medicament for the endo/epithelial regeneration of damaged tissues or organs and/or for inhibiting the apoptosis induced by cytostatic agents. The stem cell from which the microvesicles are obtained is preferably selected from the group consisting of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), mesenchimal stem cells (MSCs), renal progenitors CD133+, adult human liver stem cells (HLSC) and any combination thereof. The microvesicles may be used in both in vitro and in vivo applications, such as for example the regeneration of damaged tissues or organs and the treatment of renal injury and hepatic injury, particularly acute renal failure (ARF) and acute hepatic failure (AHF). |
| US09061014B2 |
Intravascular delivery of nanoparticle compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides methods of delivering a composition comprising nanoparticles that comprise a macrolide and an albumin by directly injecting the nanoparticle composition into the blood vessel wall or the tissue surrounding the blood vessel wall. The methods can be used for inhibiting negative remodeling or vascular fibrosis in the blood vessel and are useful for treating various diseases. |
| US09061008B2 |
Hepatitis B antiviral agents
The present invention includes a method of inhibiting, suppressing or preventing HBV infection in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of the invention. |
| US09061007B2 |
Compositions and methods for therapy and diagnosis of cancer and cancer metastasis
The present invention relates to methods which make possible to assess and/or prognose a cancer disease, the metastatic behavior of a cancer disease and/or the occurrence of a relapse of cancer. In particular, the methods of the invention make possible to assess and/or prognose the occurrence of cancer metastasis, in particular distant metastasis. Preferably, the methods of the invention allow to discriminate malign from benign conditions. |
| US09061006B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating phenylketonuria (PKU)
A method of diagnosing Phenylketonuria (PKU) in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprises detecting phenylalanine fibrils in a tissue of the subject, wherein a presence or level above a predetermined threshold of said phenylalanine fibrils in said tissue, is indicative of PKU in the subject. Antibodies capable of detecting phenylalanine fibrils are also disclosed as well as additional uses. |
| US09061001B2 |
Combination adjuvant formulation
Methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to a selected antigen are described. The methods are useful for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The methods and compositions include host defense peptides, polyphosphazenes and immunostimulatory sequences to enhance the immune response to a coadministered antigen. |
| US09061000B2 |
Pharmacological treatment of aortic aneurysm development
A method for pharmacological prevention and suppression of aortic aneurysm development is disclosed. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of recombinant thrombomodulin to a subject in need thereof. The recombinant thrombomodulin prevents formation and/or retards progression of an aortic aneurysm. |
| US09060998B2 |
Use of a polyphenol for the treatment of a cancerous or pre-cancerous lesion of the skin
The present invention refers to a method for treating cancerous or precancerous lesions of the skin by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a polyphenol to a patient as well as to the production of a medicament thereto. |
| US09060992B2 |
Treatment of short bowel syndrome patients with colon-in-continuity
Intestinal absorption is enhanced in short bowel syndrome patients presenting with colon-in-continuity by treatment with a GLP-2 receptor agonist, such as teduglutide. |
| US09060991B2 |
Use of GLP-1 analogues for the treatment of disorders associated with dysfunctional synaptic transmission
The present invention relates to a peptide analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36), which is useful to prophylactically prevent, improve, or reverse the diminished cognitive function associated with these types of disorders, by increasing (or sustaining) the LTP of synaptic transmission. Moreover, sustaining LTP may find utility in the prophylaxis of neurological disease by delaying the onset of impaired cognitive processes, and could serve as a treatment, not only for the diminished cognitive function caused by neurodegeneration, but also for the dysfunctional cognitive processes associated with trauma or age. |
| US09060988B2 |
Method for treating pulmonary fibrosis using a pharmaceutical composition containing stanniocalcin 1 (STC1)
A pharmaceutical composition for treating fibrosis and/or the progression of fibrosis contains stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) as an active ingredient; or a pharmaceutical composition for treating pulmonary fibrosis and/or suppressing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis contains STC1 as an active ingredient. A method for treating or suppressing progression of fibrosis using the above pharmaceutical composition. The fibrosis may be pulmonary fibrosis. |
| US09060985B2 |
Use of rosmarinic acid and the derivatives thereof to treat ciguatera
The present invention relates to rosmarinic acid and to the derivatives thereof, expressed by the compounds of general formula (I), for the use thereof to prevent and/or treat disorders caused by ciguatoxin poisoning and for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating disorders caused by ciguatoxin poisoning. |
| US09060979B2 |
Antidepressant
An antidepressant containing, as an active ingredient, at least one compound selected from a branched amino acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a derivative thereof. |
| US09060978B2 |
Method for treating an intervertebral disc disorder by administering a dominant negative tumor necrosis factor antagonist
Effective methods of treating a spinal disorder or osteoarthritis associated with a proinflammatory agent in a patient in need of such treatment, the method comprising administering an effective amount of DN-TNF (e.g., XPro®-1595) to a target tissue site at or near the spine or osteoarthritic joint to reduce pain and/or inflammation. |
| US09060975B2 |
Heat-stable respiratory syncytial virus F protein oligomers and their use in immunological compositions
Heat-stable oligomeric recombinant polypeptides, presenting at least one antigenic epitope of the pre-fusion Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) F protein, comprising the RSV F protein ectodomain, functionally deleted in the HRB region, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains replaced with a heterologous trimerization domain, and absent two functional multibasic furin cleavage sites, are useful as antigenic components in immunogenic compositions useful in methods of inducing an immune response and vaccinate against RSV infections. |
| US09060974B1 |
Prostate cancer therapy using an engineered respiratory syncytial virus
The present invention is within the field of oncolytic virotherapy. Oncolytic virotherapy is a strategy using viruses, naturally occurring or genetically modified, to selectively target and destroy tumor cells while leaving surrounding non-malignant cells unharmed Here, an engineered respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with the NS1 gene deleted (NS1 gene-deficient RSV, ΔNS1 RSV), kills prostate cancer cells, but does not affect normal human cells. |
| US09060973B2 |
Vaccine for enveloped viruses
The present invention provides a recombinant viral surface antigenic protein with enhanced stability. The present invention also provides a vaccine composition against enveloped viruses. |
| US09060969B2 |
Compositions for preventing cardiac arrhythmia
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing a cardiac arrhythmia in a subject. |
| US09060966B2 |
Use of 2,5-dihydroxybenzene derivatives for the treatment of arthritis and pain
The present invention relates to the use of a compound of Formula (I′″) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate, isomer or prodrug thereof in the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of arthritis and pain. |
| US09060961B2 |
Molecules and methods for treatment and detection of cancer
The invention provides a method for inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, as well as methods for detecting and treating various cancers, including cancer of the ovary, breast, prostate and colon. The method comprises contacting a cancer cell with an IGF-related molecule of the invention or administering an IGF-related vaccine to the cancer patient. In one embodiment, the molecule is an immunogenic peptide derived from IGFBP-2 or from IGF1 R. The invention additionally provides methods for detecting and treating cancer using IGF-related molecules. |
| US09060957B2 |
Antiperspirant compositions
Fragrance leaches rapidly from capsules having shells made from cross linked gelatin into volatile silicone oils. Unfortunately such oils are much favored for anhydrous antiperspirant compositions. The rate and extent of leaching can be ameliorated greatly or nearly halted by employing as carrier oil, an ester oil or an ether oil, even in the presence of a significant fraction of volatile silicone oil. Consequently, the capability of antiperspirant compositions to generate detectable fragrance over an extended period after application to the skin is improved by employing ester or ether oil as all or part of the carrier liquid in which the antiperspirant is suspended. |
| US09060949B2 |
Menthyl carbamate compounds as skin and/or hair lightening actives
The present invention relates to the cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical (therapeutic) use of compounds of formula (I) or a cosmetically acceptable salt of a compound of formula (I) or a mixture containing two or more of these compounds or the salts thereof wherein R1 denotes hydrogen or an organic radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R2 denotes an organic radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and wherein optionally R1 and R2 are covalently bonded to one another, preferably so that a 3 to 8 membered ring is formed, for the lightening of skin and/or hair. The invention further relates to compositions and cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical preparations (compositions) comprising one or more compounds of formula (I) suitable for lightening human skin and/or hair and corresponding methods. The invention further relates to compounds of formula (I) as a drug, their use for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for lightening human skin and/or hair and to certain novel compounds of formula (I). |
| US09060947B2 |
Tooth sensitivity treatment compositions
A tooth sensitivity treatment composition is disclosed. The composition includes a compound of Formula I M1-A-M2-B-M3 (I) wherein: M1 and M3 are, independently, a monovalent or divalent metal; M2 is a polyvalent metal or metal oxide; and A and B are, independently, selected from the group consisting of C2-C6 diacids, triacids, and tetraacids. Methods for treating tooth sensitivity are also disclosed. |
| US09060946B2 |
Topical skin care formulations
A white, color-stable, stain-free emulsion formulation containing vanillin for sunless tanning. The amount of vanillin can be adjusted, from about 1% up to about 45%, to provide light or dark tanning of the skin. Lime oil and lime juice form a preferred white emulsion foundation. |
| US09060945B2 |
Use of danielone and derivatives thereof in skin care
The present invention relates to a novel composition comprising danielone and derivatives thereof as well as to the use of such compositions in skin lightening. More particularly, the present invention relates to danielone and derivatives thereof for use in topical compositions for smoothening skin color irregularities, for reducing melanin formation in the human skin, for lightening/brightening human skin and/or for treatment of pigmentation disorders which comprises topically administering an effective amount of danielone and derivatives thereof to the appropriate skin area of a person in need of such beautifying agent, or treatment. |
| US09060944B2 |
Cosmetic composition rich in fatty substances comprising a polyoxyalkylenated fatty alcohol ether and a direct dye and/or an oxidation dye, the dyeing method and the device
A subject-matter of the present invention is a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising: i) at least one non-ionic ether of polyoxyalkylenated fatty alcohols of formula (I), and also the optical isomers and geometrical isomers thereof; in which formula (I): R denotes a saturated or unsaturated and linear or branched C10-C30 hydrocarbon radical, R′ denotes a saturated or unsaturated and linear or branched C10-C30 hydrocarbon radical, which may be substituted by a hydroxyl radical, n is an integer between (1) and approximately (100) inclusive, and Alk represents a linear or branched, preferably linear, (C1-C6) alkylene group such as ethylene or propylene, preferably ethylene, ii) at least one fatty substance, iii) optionally at least one surfactant other than i), iv) at least one direct dye and/or at least one oxidation dye, v) optionally at least one basifying agent, vi) optionally at least one chemical oxidizing agent, and the fatty substance content of the composition representing in total at least 25% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The present invention also relates to a method using this composition and to a multi-compartment device that is suitable for the use of said method. R—(O-Alk)n-O—R′ (I) |
| US09060942B2 |
Oil-in-water emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition
Provided is an oil-in-water emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition that can provide high protection ability against UVA and excellent emulsion stability. The oil-in-water emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition is characterized in that it contains (A) a hydrophobized zinc oxide having an absorbance of 0.3 or more at a wavelength of 370 nm, (B) a UVA absorber being solid at room temperature, (C) a UVB absorber, (D) a liquid-state higher fatty acid, (E) a nonionic surfactant, (F) a volatile oil, (G) a quaternary ammonium compound having a long-chain aliphatic group and (H) water. Particularly, it is preferable that the hydrophobized zinc oxide has an average particle size within a range of 35 to 100 nm; the hydrophobized zinc oxide is hydrophobidized by use of hydrogen dimethicone; the quaternary ammonium compound having a long-chain aliphatic group is distearyldimethylammonium chloride; and the UVB absorber is octylmethoxy cinnamate. |
| US09060935B2 |
Pharmaceutical lipid compositions
The present invention relates to a particulate composition containing; a) 5 to 90% of at least one phosphatidyl choline component b) 5 to 90% of at least one diacyl glycerol component, at least one tocopherol, or mixtures thereof, and c) 1 to 40% of at least one non-ionic stabilizing amphiphile, where all parts are by weight relative to the sum of the weights of a+b+c and where the composition contains particles of at least one non-lamellar phase structure or forms particles of at least one non-lamellar phase structure when contacted with an aqueous fluid. The invention additionally relates to pharmaceutical formulations containing such compositions, methods for their formation and methods of treatment comprising their administration. |
| US09060934B2 |
Compositions and methods for surface abrasion 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. |
| US09060933B2 |
Topical antiviral formulations
The present invention relates to formulations of nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), preferably [2-(6-Amino-purin-9-yl)-1-methyl-ethoxymethyl]-phosphonic acid (tenofovir, PMPA), or a physiologically functional derivative thereof, suitable for topical application and their use in the prevention of HIV infections. |
| US09060932B2 |
Matrix carrier compositions, methods and uses
Provided is a matrix carrier composition for use in pharmaceutical delivery system, the composition comprising an intermolecular association of at least a first solid phase comprising nanoparticles having hydrophobic surface, wherein the size of the nanoparticles is in the range of about 5-1000 nm, a second solid phase, comprising a biopolymer having hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, and a continuous phase comprising oil associated with the first and said second solid phases. |
| US09060931B2 |
Compositions and methods for delivery of frozen particle adhesives
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. |
| US09060927B2 |
Insulin formulations for rapid uptake
Injectable insulin formulations with improved stability and rapid onset of action are described herein. The formulations may be for subcutaneous, intradermal or intramuscular administration. In the preferred embodiment, the formulations are administered via subcutaneous injection. The formulations contain insulin in combination with a chelator and dissolution agent, and optionally additional excipients. In the preferred embodiment, the formulation contains human insulin, a zinc chelator such as EDTA and a dissolution agent such as citric acid or sodium citrate. These formulations are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream when administered by subcutaneous injection. In the preferred embodiment, the insulin is provided as a clear liquid, neutral pH, in a multi-use sterile vial. In an alternative embodiment, the insulin is provided as a powder in a sterile vial. This is mixed with a diluent containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as water, a zinc chelator such as EDTA and a dissolution agent such as citric acid shortly before or at the time of administration. In another embodiment, the insulin is stored as a frozen mixture, ready for use upon thawing. |
| US09060926B2 |
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. |
| US09060919B2 |
Child-proof and tamper-evident medication dispensers
Medication dispensers are provided that are both child-proof and tamper evident. In one embodiment, a child-proof and tamper-evident dispenser includes a tray member comprising a plurality of receptacles for receiving a pharmaceutical compound, a stop tab connected to a first peripheral edge by a neck member, and a tab member at a second peripheral edge that is opposite from the first peripheral edge. The dispenser further includes a bottom case body and a top case body configured to form an enclosure around the plurality of receptacles when brought into a substantially confronting relationship. Each of the bottom case body and the top case body include a sloped wall member having a shelf portion that surrounds the neck member when the enclosure is formed. A plurality of locking tabs engage a complimentary number of locking recesses configured to receive an end portion of the locking tabs to fix the bottom case body and the top case body in an enclosure configuration. The tray member includes a plurality of resiliently flexible locking arms that extend into a complimentary plurality of apertures within the case to secure the tray member within the enclosure. |
| US09060916B2 |
Microbubble therapy method and generating apparatus
A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object. |
| US09060914B2 |
Spasticity reducing closed-loop force-feedback control for post-stroke gait training
A robotic module which can be attached to an exercise apparatus provides enhanced physical therapy for victims of stroke or other maladies or accidents by simulating normal or arbitrarily modified profiles of angular position of an extremity such as a foot in accordance with a position of that extremity along a locus of repetitive motion. A closed-loop control system which is included in the module provides regulation which reduces or avoids spastic responses often found in poststroke patients during gait rehabilitation. |
| US09060913B2 |
Surgical table magnetic instrument holder
A instrument holder is disclosed that is adapted to be attached to a side edge of a surgical table in an operating room and that includes a magnet by which metallic instruments are attachable to the holder for staging during performance of a medical procedure in the operating room. The magnet further may assist in retaining and/or stabilizing the holder in its attachment to the side edge of the table. The holder may include grooves for receiving certain types and/or sizes of instruments. During performance of a medical procedure the holder may be moved to a different side edge of the table. The holder preferably is contained within a plastic, transparent, pliable sleeve for maintaining sterility of the holder, whereby the holder is reusable in subsequent procedures. |
| US09060911B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods including a stand-up wheel chair having automatic stability control
Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a stand-up wheel chair having automatic stability control. |
| US09060908B2 |
Varying depth fluidized bed
A varying depth fluidized bed comprises a tank assembly containing fluidizable medium. The tank assembly comprises at least one step such that the depth of fluidizable medium is greater in one region of the tank assembly relative to another. |
| US09060906B2 |
Wheelchair wheel attachment and gear change adaptor unit
The present invention relates to a wheelchair wheel attachment and gear change adaptor unit for a geared wheelchair wheel having a hub which comprises an attachment shaft protruding to one side thereof, and where gear change is actuated by axial manipulation of a rod running within the shaft in a cylindrical bore which is concentric with the shaft. An adaptor housing (1) is designed to receive and support the shaft in an opening (19). Locking means are provided for releasably locking the shaft to the adaptor housing (1) such that the shaft cannot move out from the adaptor housing (1) until the locking means are released. A gear shift plunger (5) is arranged for hydraulic activation within the adaptor housing (1) such as to, upon activation when the wheelchair wheel is attached to the adaptor unit, push the rod outwards of the adaptor housing (1) towards the hub for effecting gear change in the hub. |
| US09060904B2 |
Disposable absorbent article with sealed absorbent core with substantially continuously distributed absorbent particulate polymer material
A disposable absorbent article includes a chassis and an absorbent core which is substantially cellulose free. The chassis may contain a topsheet and a backsheet. The absorbent core may be located between the topsheet and the backsheet and may include (i) a storage layer which comprises an absorbent particulate polymer material and has a wearer facing side and an opposed garment facing side, (ii) a first core wrap sheet covering the wearer facing side of the storage layer, and (iii) a second core wrap sheet covering the garment facing side of the storage layer, the first core wrap sheet being joined to the second core wrap sheet along at least one traverse sealing zone. |
| US09060903B2 |
Pants-type disposable wearing article
A pant-type disposable wearing article includes at least one waist region of front and rear waist regions, which includes an inner sheet lying on the skin-facing side and an outer sheet lying on the non-skin-facing side. The inner sheet has a contractile force higher than that of the outer sheet at least in the transverse direction X. Opposite lateral sections of the inner sheet and opposite lateral sections of the outer sheet are permanently bonded together and extend outward in the transverse direction X from arrays of side seam spots to form front flaps and rear flaps defining protruding rims. The front flaps and the rear flaps are curled inwardly. This article is improved so that opposite side edges do not irritate a wearer's skin even if the wearer's skin comes in contact with these side edges and, in addition, good appearance from a lateral view is assured. |
| US09060898B2 |
Manufacturing device for absorbent body and manufacturing method therefor
A device for manufacturing an absorbent body by depositing on a deposit portion liquid absorbent fiber contained in a first gas flowing through a duct. The device for manufacturing an absorbent body includes the deposit portion that travels along a predetermined travel path, the duct that distributes the liquid absorbent fiber from a distribution opening placed opposing the travel path, a particulate matter discharge tube, a tip end thereof being introduced into the duct, that discharges a second gas having particulate matter mixed therein from a discharge hole of the tip end, and an operable throttle portion that throttles a flow path of the particulate matter discharge tube to change discharge distribution of the particulate matter. The operable throttle portion is operated in conjunction with the travel of the deposit portion. |
| US09060896B2 |
Earwax cleaner
An earwax cleaner includes a bag-shaped holding portion and a soft earwax picking sleeve. The rear section of the bag-shaped holding portion is provided with a resilient bag-shaped body, and the front section is a pipe with an opening. The earwax picking sleeve has a reduced mouth at the distal end and a plurality of protrusions on an outer wall thereof. The earwax picking sleeve is fitted on the pipe of the holding portion. The opening of the pipe is aligned with the mouth of the earwax picking sleeve to form an open end for the air in the bag-shaped body of the holding portion to pass in and out. When in use, the pipe is inserted in the ear and the holding portion is slightly turned with the protrusions to pick the earwax from the wall of the ear to be collected in the bag-shaped body. |
| US09060895B2 |
Rotational controlled deployment device
A stent graft deployment device assembly (10) has a cylindrical fixed handle (6) to be gripped and held by a user and an tubular release handle (30) extending through the fixed handle. The release handle can be moved through the fixed handle. The deployment device assembly has a pusher assembly and a sheath (18) to cover a stent graft on the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is connected to the fixed handle and the sheath is connected to the release handle so that retraction of the release handle through the fixed handle causes the sheath to be retracted from the stent graft on the pusher assembly. The fixed handle has a rotator component (36) with internal first and second screw threads. The tubular release handle has an external screw thread (31) which engages with the first screw thread. The external screw thread (31) can extend along part, all or in segments along the release handle. A release clamp (48) on the pusher has pins which engage with the second screw thread. Movement of the rotator component with respect to the fixed handle first moves the tubular release handle with respect to the fixed handle and subsequently moves the release clamp on the pusher and thereby pulls the trigger wires. |
| US09060892B2 |
Stent with independent stent rings and transitional attachments
A vascular endoprosthesis (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) includes a radially-expandable first segment and a radially expandable second segment. The vascular endoprosthesis further includes first and second coupling elements. The first coupling element extends from the proximal end of the first segment toward the distal end of the second segment, and the second coupling element extends from the distal end of the second segment toward the proximal end of the first segment. The first and second coupling elements cooperate one with another to couple the first and second segments together when the vascular endoprosthesis is in a delivery configuration and to decouple the first and second segments when the vascular endoprosthesis is in a deployed configuration. |
| US09060888B2 |
Method of disposing a linearly expandable ureteral stent within a patient
A method includes placing a ureteral stent on an insertion tool. The ureteral stent includes an elongate member having a distal end coupled to a distal retention member. The elongate member includes a solid spring wire having a plurality of coils defining a lumen. A first portion of the insertion tool is disposed within the lumen, and the distal retention member, which has a nominally curved shape, is disposed about a second portion of the insertion tool such that the distal retention member is substantially linear. The insertion tool is inserted into the body of the patient and the ureteral stent is moved along the insertion tool such that at least a portion of the distal retention member is disposed within the kidney and a portion of the elongate member is disposed within the ureter. |
| US09060886B2 |
Vascular remodeling device
A vascular remodeling device has a plurality of sections, sized for deployment in a blood vessel, that is radially expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state. Each section has a plurality of interconnected struts that define a waist, a proximal face, and a distal face. Each face comprises (i) a plurality of distal strut portions extending proximally from a distal side of the face, (ii) a plurality of proximal strut portions extending distally from a proximal side of the face, and (iii) a plurality of sub-struts, wherein, from each proximal strut portion, two of the sub-struts each extend to a different one of the distal strut portions. |
| US09060882B2 |
Joint mechanism
The invention relates to a join mechanism of a knee orthosis or knee prosthesis, having a first part (14), a second part (15), which is pivotable relative to the latter, and attachment means (2) for securing the joint mechanism (1) to a user of the knee orthosis or knee prosthesis, and having a locking mechanism (4, 40) with which a pivoting of the two parts (14, 15) relative to each other in a flexion direction is prevented by a form-fit element (4) which is arranged movably on the second part (15) and which, in the locking state, engages with a form fit in a recess (40) assigned to the first part (14), wherein the form-fit element (4) is mounted rotatably on the second part (15) and has a contour which, in the locked position, protrudes into the recess (40) and, in the released position, allows the first part (14) to pivot past the bearing of the form-fit element (4). |
| US09060874B2 |
Spinal implant apparatus and methods
A method of inserting and positioning an intervertebral spacer is provided. The spacer includes a longitudinal axis, an on-axis interface coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an off-axis interface angled to the longitudinal axis. The spacer's front end may be curved. The method may include inserting the spacer into the disc space utilizing a tool to engage an on-axis interface and then to engage one or more of the off-axis interfaces, which may be used for further modification of the spacer. The tool is moved substantially along a single insertion direction, which may be substantially parallel to a posterior-anterior axis of the disc space. The method may result in the longitudinal axis of the spacer being perpendicular to the insertion direction, or substantially parallel to a medial-lateral axis of the disc space. The spacer may also be positioned in an anterior aspect of the disc space. |
| US09060871B2 |
Total disc replacement device
An intervertebral implant for implantation between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra having a central axis. The implant may have a first member with a top surface for contacting at least a portion of the upper vertebra and a bottom surface as well as a second member with a top surface and a bottom surface for contacting at least a portion of the lower vertebra. An elastic spacer may be disposed between the first member and the second member. Contraints may be employed to to limit the amount of lateral movement between the first and second members. |
| US09060870B2 |
In-situ formed spinal implant
An in-situ formed spinal implant is provided, including an elongate strip having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the strip having a plurality of spaced teeth disposed along edges of the strip. The strip has a generally arcuate or concave cross-section and is configured for being coiled into a spiral from the proximate end to the distal end for placement between adjacent spinal vertebrae, such that upon formation of the coiled shape, the teeth on a first edge engage one of the vertebrae, and teeth of an opposite, second edge engage the other of the vertebrae. |
| US09060869B1 |
Tension ring applicator assembly
An assembly for applying a tension ring to a penis includes an elongate base having a top and a flange just below the top. An applicator is releasably coupled to the top of the base. The applicator has a projecting tab which is smaller than the diameter of the tension ring. The applicator and the base cooperate to define a channel between the tab and the flange which is sized to receive the tension ring. A user can easily apply the tension ring over the tab and then stretch the tension ring over the entire applicator into the channel, whereupon the applicator is moved off the base and onto an erect penis so that the tension ring can be moved from the applicator onto the penis. |
| US09060866B2 |
Joint prosthesis with intermediate element having differently formed sliding surfaces
A knee joint endoprosthesis (1) for forming an articulation between a femur and a tibia includes a femur component (2), which is connected to the femur, a tibia component (4), which is connected to the tibia, and an intermediate element (3) which is mounted between the tibia component (4) and the femur component (2). This intermediate element lies against the femur component (2) with a modular sliding surface (9) which includes a lateral sliding surface (9a) and a medial sliding surface (9b), and can be connected in a releasable manner to the tibia component (4). The lateral sliding surface (9a) and the medial sliding surface (9b) of the intermediate element (3) have different sagittal cross-sectional profiles. |
| US09060864B1 |
Joint prosthesis
The improved joint prosthesis includes a metal-based substrate forming an articulatory surface for the joint prosthesis, wherein the metal-based substrate is coated with a ceramic or ceramic-based surface coating of a thin film doped silicon nitride (Si3N4) layer thereon, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,881,229. The ceramic coating provides improvements in ultra-low wear over an extended service life, with dramatically reduced risk of brittle fracture when articulated or moved against articulation surfaces such as an acetabular cup in a hip prosthesis. In one preferred formation process, the ceramic coating is applied to the metal substrate by vapor deposition to mirror the surface finish of the substrate, and then polished to a smoother surface finish. |
| US09060857B2 |
Heart valve prosthesis and methods of manufacture and use
A heart valve prosthesis is provided having a self-expanding multi-level frame that supports a valve body comprising a skirt and plurality of coapting leaflets. The frame transitions between a contracted delivery configuration that enables percutaneous transluminal delivery, and an expanded deployed configuration having an asymmetric hourglass shape. The valve body skirt and leaflets are constructed so that the center of coaptation may be selected to reduce horizontal forces applied to the commissures of the valve, and to efficiently distribute and transmit forces along the leaflets and to the frame. Alternatively, the valve body may be used as a surgically implantable replacement valve prosthesis. |
| US09060850B2 |
Method and system for making an apparatus for individualized area-specific skin treatments for a subject
A temperature controlled cosmetic treatment facial mask with area-specific treatments of the present invention includes a substantially planar mask body which is formed with cut-outs for a person's eyes, nose, and mouth. The mask may include a number of large and small area treatment zones in combination with asymmetrical treatment zones suitable for treatment of specific and localized skin conditions. The treatments zones are coated with skin treatments, such as compounds, lotions, gels, and the like as are known in the facial treatment, cosmetics, spa and medical industry. The mask may include a self-heating or cooling substrate to provide temperature control to the face mask and each mask may include heating areas, cooling areas, or both. A system is also provided that includes an imaging device that feeds its output to a central computer system having an image analyzer, CPU, memory and Look Up Table, and face map for determining specific treatment requirements for the particular patient. An output from the central computer system is provided to a treatment deposition device which deposits various treatments onto an intermediate membrane layer to generate a custom temperature controlled facial mask with area-specific treatments for that particular patient. |
| US09060842B2 |
Adhesive articles
An adhesive article includes a biocompatible and at least partially biodegradable substrate having a surface; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the surface. The protrusions include a biocompatible and at least partially biodegradable material, and have an average height of less than approximately 1,000 micrometers. |
| US09060840B2 |
Needle targeting apparatus for implanted device
A needle targeting apparatus comprises a sense head configured to locate an implanted device and a guide. The guide is associated with the sense head and comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a support member. The support member comprises a channel extending through the support member that provides access to an injection site. In some versions, a needle targeting apparatus comprises a locating feature, an alignment feature, and a support feature. The locating feature is configured to locate an implanted device. The alignment feature is configured to align a syringe needle with the implanted device. The support feature is configured to support a syringe upon insertion of the syringe needle into the implanted device. In some versions, a needle targeting apparatus comprises a sense head configured to locate an implanted device and a guide. The guide is configured to identify the center of the sense head. |
| US09060837B2 |
Patterned sling implant and method
Embodiments of elongate pelvic implants and methods for treating pelvic conditions, such as incontinence, are provided. The implants can include a tissue support portion, one or more extension portions and one or more anchors. The implant is constructed as a unitary sling implant. The implant can be constructed or formed in a generally elongate shape to provide a lattice support structure of repeated cells. |
| US09060835B2 |
Conformationally-stabilized intraluminal device for medical applications
The invention relates to devices that are stabilized at an intraluminal residence site in the gastrointestinal tract by their conformation, including dimensions of length and curvature. The device as a whole corresponds to the conformation of the residence site; more particularly, the curved or angled portions correspond to the curved or angled portions of the residence site and do not conform to an immediately proximal or distal site. In some embodiments, the conformationally stabilized device may effect a change in the residence site shape that contributes to stability of the device. Some embodiments are directed toward curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake, other embodiments may be directed toward other therapeutic ends. Some embodiments of the device are designed to reside wholly in the duodenum; others reside principally within the duodenum but extend proximally into the gastric antrum, while other embodiments are designed to reside elsewhere within the gastrointestinal tract. |
| US09060834B2 |
Method for positioning orthodontic braces
A method for positioning orthodontic braces includes scanning a patient's teeth by a computer in which installation locations of orthodontic braces for the teeth to be cured are arranged; carving out by a carving machine a denture mold and positioning members at the installation locations of the orthodontic braces on the denture mold to attach monomer substrata bound with the orthodontic braces or the orthodontic braces connected serially by connection members onto the denture mold one by one; connecting the monomer substrata together by light curing resin; attaching the serially connected monomer substrata and orthodontic braces directly onto the patient's teeth, and removing flexible members binding the monomer substrata and monomer substrata or the connection members connecting the orthodontic braces serially to secure the orthodontic braces on the surfaces of teeth, which installs the orthodontic braces more conveniently and efficiently. |
| US09060832B2 |
Fabrication of dental articles using digitally-controlled reductive and digitally-controlled additive processes
By capturing a highly detailed three-dimensional digital model of dentition, a suitable replacement dental article be fabricated with a combination of digitally-controlled reductive processes such as milling and digitally-controlled additive processes such as digital painting. A dental article so-manufactured can provide an aesthetically pleasing, multi-chromatic appearance that closely matches surrounding dentition. |
| US09060830B2 |
Tear-resistant dental dams
A tear-resistant dental dam is provided. The tear-resistant dental dam includes a first elastomeric sheet and a second elastomeric sheet disposed on the first elastomeric sheet. The first and second elastomeric sheets have a grid pattern of weld joint regions configured to couple together the first and second elastomeric sheets. The grid pattern of weld joint regions define a plurality of unwelded regions of the first and second elastomeric sheets. |
| US09060829B2 |
Systems and method for management and delivery of orthodontic treatment
The present invention provides systems and methods of managing delivery of an orthodontic treatment plan using treatment guidelines, instructions and appointment planning tools customized to the individual patient being treated. A method includes, e.g., generating a treatment plan for a patient, generating a customized set of treatment guidelines, providing the set of customized treatment guidelines to the practitioner; and providing a set of orthodontic appliances to the practitioner. |
| US09060826B2 |
Method and apparatus for delivering bone cement
The present teachings provide one or more surgical instruments for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a vertebral compression fracture. The present teachings can provide a bone cement system. The system can include a housing, which can define at least a throughbore that can extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the housing. The system can also include a dispenser housing received in the throughbore of the housing that is adapted to receive a bone cement. The system can include a plunger, which can be releasably coupled to the proximal end of the housing and received into the dispenser housing so that movement of the plunger can dispense the bone cement. The system can also include a pressure release system, which can be coupled to the housing and can be movable to release pressure within the dispenser housing without moving the plunger. |
| US09060819B2 |
Bone fixation device with cover
A bone fixation device (1) comprising: A) a first bone implant (2) with at least one through hole (11) having an upper opening (3) with the area A and a lower opening (4) in the case of a bone plate (10) as the first bone implant (2); or an outer opening with the area A and an inner opening in the case of a hollow intramedullary nail as the first bone implant (2); B) at least one second bone implant (5) with a head (6) and a shaft for insertion into one or more of said through holes (11); and C) at least one closing cover (7) for closing said upper opening (3) or outer opening of said through hole (11) for preventing bone and soft tissue ingrowth and/or bacterial invasion into said through hole (11) and into said second bone implant (5) wherein said closing cover (7) is D) removably attachable to said first bone implant (2); and E) dimensioned and shaped in such a way that upon attachment to said first bone implant (2) it is apt to cover at least the entire area A of said upper opening (3) or outer opening and of any of said second bone implants (5) if inserted into said through hole (11). |
| US09060812B2 |
Screw assembly with deformable bushing
A bushing for a bone screw assembly includes a distal portion, a receiver portion, and a proximal portion. The distal portion includes a distal engagement surface that engages with a head of a bone screw. The receiver portion receives a fixation rod. The proximal portion includes a proximal engagement surface that engages with a locking member and a deformable portion that deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration based on a force applied by the locking member. |
| US09060803B2 |
Method and apparatus for tissue grafting and copying
Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue. |
| US09060802B2 |
Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space
The present disclosure is directed to a device. The device may include a distal shaft defining a central lumen and an orienting element comprising at least one inflatable member. Wherein a first portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a first direction and a second portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a second direction. Further, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction. |
| US09060801B1 |
Reciprocating rotary arthroscopic surgical instrument
A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member to simultaneously rotate and translate the cutting member in response to a force applied to the drive. A method of cutting tissue includes positioning an outer member such that tissue is located within the outer member, engaging the tissue with an inner member, and simultaneously rotating and translating the inner member to cut the tissue. A tangential cutting force is applied to the tissue with the inner member to mechanically cut the tissue. The inner member is mechanically driven to undergo simultaneous rotation and translation. |
| US09060798B2 |
Surgical forceps capable of adjusting sealing pressure based on vessel size
A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween. |
| US09060787B2 |
Method of using a vertebral facet joint drill
Methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra using a vertebral facet joint drill tool are provided. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided. |
| US09060786B2 |
X-ray based cut block positioning jig
A cut block positioning jig including a first alignment member, a second alignment member, and both first and second guide members. The first alignment member is movable towards and away from a patient's bone to which the positioning jig is mounted to arrange the jig at a predetermined position relative to the bone based on x-rays of the patient. The second alignment member is movable towards and away from the bone to arrange the jig at the predetermined position relative to the bone. The first and second guide members are configured to direct cut block support members to the bone to couple a cut block to the bone to provide the bone with patient-specific cuts. |
| US09060779B2 |
Clip devices and methods of delivery and deployment
The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least one clip device. In a first embodiment, the system comprises a first clip device having first and second arms. The first clip device and an associated sliding ring are configured to be selectively advanced through a lumen of an inner catheter. Selective positioning of an outer catheter over a distal region of the inner catheter causes a distal region of the inner catheter to bow radially inward to form a constriction that securely engages the sliding ring of the first clip device, thereby allowing for partial closure and repositioning of the first clip device. In an alternative embodiment, a delivery system includes a single catheter having a tapered distal region, such that upon ejection of the sliding ring from the distal end of the catheter, the sliding ring is dimensioned to abut the distal end of the catheter. In any of the embodiments, multiple clips may be sequentially loaded and deployed using the delivery systems. Various clip designs and a loading cylinder are also disclosed. |
| US09060777B1 |
Vaso-occlusive devices and methods of use
Vaso-occlusive apparatuses, including implants, and methods of using them to treat aneurysms. For example, described herein are expandable vaso-occlusive implants that include one or more soft and expandable braided member coupled to a pushable member such as a coil that maybe inserted and retrieved from within an aneurism using a delivery catheter. In particular, the expandable implants described herein are configured to allow relatively soft and elongate implants to be pushed out of a cannula without binding up within the cannula. |
| US09060775B2 |
Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices
A method for determining motional branch current in an ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic surgical device over multiple frequencies of a transducer drive signal. The method may comprise, at each of a plurality of frequencies of the transducer drive signal, oversampling a current and voltage of the transducer drive signal, receiving, by a processor, the current and voltage samples, and determining, by the processor, the motional branch current based on the current and voltage samples, a static capacitance of the ultrasonic transducer and the frequency of the transducer drive signal. |
| US09060773B2 |
Occlusive implant delivery devices and associated methods
The various embodiments simplify the delivery of an occlusive implant to a hollow anatomical structure, such as a fallopian tube. For example, the delivery devices don't need to be retracted manually to deploy the implant. When the devices are activated, stored energy or a powered drive member induces movement of the various components. The operator need only position the distal ends of the devices at the treatment site and then commence deployment by, for example, flipping a switch or changing the position of an activation button. The present embodiments thus increase the efficacy of occlusion procedures by reducing the likelihood of operator error. |
| US09060772B2 |
Device for assisting in flexor tendon repair and rehabilitation
A surgical device and method used to assist in the surgical repair and rehabilitation of damaged and/or severed tendons. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a hollow member, preferably shaped as a partial funnel and/or cone, having an inner and outer surface, a flared mouth, a shaft, and an apical end. In another embodiment, the device includes a hollow member, preferably shaped as funnel or barrel cut in half along its longitudinal axis, having an inner and outer surface, two flared mouths, and a shaft. |
| US09060768B2 |
Tissue fixator
The present disclosure relates to a needle for attaching a fixator to a soft tissue graft. The needle includes a pointed distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including a suture coupler, the suture coupler including a hook and a pocket formed by the hook, wherein the needle is curved along an entire length of the needle. A fixator for use with the needle and method of fixating a soft tissue graft to a bone is also disclosed. |
| US09060766B2 |
Suture fixation kit of parts, system, and device
A suture fixation system that is configured to secure a suture includes a pad and a suture fixation device configured to clamp and retain at least one end of a suture. The pad includes a suture surface opposite a tissue surface and defines an opening formed through the suture and tissue surfaces that is sized to provide a margin around a tissue lesion to be sutured. The suture is employed to stitch the tissue lesion closed, the suture having at least one free end that is held in place by the suture fixation device, and the pad configured to elevate a portion of the suture away from the tissue. |
| US09060765B2 |
Electrosurgical apparatus with retractable blade
An electrosurgical apparatus with a retractable blade for use in cold plasma applications, electrosurgical cutting and mechanical cutting is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus employs a tip of the retractable blade as a sharp conductive point to generate a plasma beam or discharge. When the blade is retracted within the electrosurgical apparatus, it is electrically energized while an inert gas flows over it, producing a cold plasma discharge. In the de-energized state, the blade is advanced and used as a traditional, mechanical surgical blade. |
| US09060761B2 |
Catheter-focused magnetic field induced renal nerve ablation
A flexible catheter includes a magnetically permeable element provided at its distal end. The magnetically permeable element is configured for placement within the renal artery. External coils, positionable on anterior and posterior portions of a patient in proximity to the renal artery, are coupled to a generator which energizes the external coils to create a high-frequency oscillating magnetic field in body tissue between the external coils including the renal artery and perivascular renal nerve tissue. The magnetically permeable element serves to concentrate the magnetic field in a region near the renal artery. The concentrated magnetic field induces high frequency electric current sufficient to ablate the perivascular renal nerve tissue proximate the renal artery. A cooling arrangement can be provided at the catheter's distal end and configured to provide cooling to the renal artery during ablation of the perivascular renal nerve tissue. |
| US09060760B2 |
Tissue removal system
A tissue removal device includes an outer tubular member coupled to a housing and a having a tissue resection window, an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the outer tubular member, a tissue trap having a sealed interior in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber, an open proximal end of the inner tubular member being disposed within the tissue trap interior, and an actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively connected to a movable piston in the vacuum chamber, such that movement of the actuator relative to the housing generates a vacuum in the tissue trap. |
| US09060759B2 |
Adjustable-throw biopsy needle
Among other things, there is disclosed a biopsy needle system in which the needle is capable of obtaining more than one length of sample. Generally, the needle includes an inner stylet, an outer cannula, and a handle connected to the stylet and cannula. The stylet has a notch that is extendable from the cannula to accommodate a tissue sample. An insert member is provided for attachment to the handle to make the amount of exposed notch smaller. Consequently, when the insert member is not attached to the handle, the needle can obtain a larger sample of tissue, and when the insert member is attached to the handle, the needle can obtain a smaller sample of tissue. |
| US09060758B2 |
Needle assembly storage device
Described is a needle assembly storage device comprising a housing having an opening adapted to receive an injection device, an array of needle assembly storage compartments moveably disposed within the housing, and an actuator adapted to cause movement of the array, wherein actuation of the actuator aligns a given needle assembly compartment with the opening. |
| US09060757B2 |
Distractor
An instrument for distracting and/or compressing adjacent vertebrae is described. The instrument includes a yoke, a first blade movably mounted to the yoke, a second blade mounted to the yoke and an adjustment system. The yoke, the first blade and the second blade form a working channel for the instrument. The adjustment system of the instrument is configured to adjust a spacing between the first blade and the second blade by selectively moving the first blade relative to the second blade to distract and/or compress adjacent vertebrae when the first blade and the second blade have been secured to the adjacent vertebrae. The instrument may include a depth stop system that limits an insertion depth of an associated tool inserted into the working channel of the instrument. The adjustable depth stop system includes a releasable catch for securing a stop element of the associated tool. A position of the releasable catch relative to the working channel is adjustable to vary the insertion depth of the associated tool. |
| US09060754B2 |
Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods
Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongated shaft and a cooling assembly at a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site within or otherwise proximate a renal artery. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a supply lumen configured to carry liquid refrigerant toward the cooling assembly. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when in a deployed state. |
| US09060753B2 |
Sampling system
A sampling system comprises a mailing package; a cell sampling device comprising a flexible shaft having a handle at one end, wherein the shaft is configured to allow an individual to self collect a cell sample from mucous tissue, and a sample collecting element removably connectable with the other end of the shaft and operable to collect a cell sample from mucous tissue of an individual; and a sealable unit, wherein the unit is configured to store the sample collecting element having a cell sample thereon configured to receive the remaining components of the system for delivery to a user. |
| US09060752B2 |
Methods and devices for aseptic irrigation, urine sampling, and flow control of urine from a catheterized bladder
A urinary catheter connector system having a housing; a catheter connector port supported by the housing and configured to attach to a urinary catheter; a urine exit port supported by the housing and configured to connect to a urine collection device; an irrigation port supported by the housing and configured to receive an irrigation syringe; a channel in the housing fluidly connecting the catheter connector port, the urine exit port and the irrigation port; and a valve supported by the housing and adapted to cooperate with the irrigation syringe to shut off flow of fluid and air to the urine exit port when the irrigation syringe is inserted and allow for flow of fluid and air to the urine exit port when the irrigation syringe is removed. The invention also includes methods of using the system. |
| US09060745B2 |
System and method for detecting fluid responsiveness of a patient
A system is configured to determine a fluid responsiveness index of a patient from a physiological signal. The system may include a sensor configured to be secured to an anatomical portion of the patient, and a monitor operatively connected to the sensor. The sensor is configured to sense a physiological characteristic of the patient. The monitor is configured to receive a physiological signal from the sensor. The monitor may include an index-determining module configured to determine the fluid responsiveness index through formation of a ratio of one or both of amplitude or frequency modulation of the physiological signal to baseline modulation of the physiological signal. |
| US09060743B2 |
Strain monitoring system and apparatus
A system for monitoring strain as an indicator of biological conditions, such as spinal fusion, glucose levels, spinal loading, and heart rate. The system includes an inter-digitated capacitor sensor, and RF transmitter, and an associated antenna, all of which are microminiature or microscopic in size and can be implanted in a biological host such as a human or animal. An inductively coupled power supply is also employed to avoid the need for implantation of chemical batteries. Power is provided to the sensor and transmitter, and data is transmitted from the sensor, when an external receiving device, such as a handheld RF ID type receiver, is placed proximate the location of the implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply. The implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply can be left in place permanently or removed when desired. |
| US09060739B2 |
Photographing device including a power transmission body selectively coupled to a rotating arm and to a support
The present invention relates to a photographing device including a power transmission unit. The power transmission unit includes a frame unit which is connected to the second drive body, an adaptor unit which is connected to the frame unit and is selectively connected to the first drive body or the support body by external power, an actuating unit which operates the adaptor unit, and a power unit which transmits power to the actuating unit. According to the power transmission unit of the X-ray mammography device, since biopsy photography and tomography can be performed using only one power transmission unit, the weight and size of the rotating arm may be reduced, and the vibration and noise produced thereby may be reduced. Thanks to the simple operation mechanism of the power transmission unit, power loss may be reduced, and the durability of each component may be improved. |
| US09060736B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a diffraction grating that forms an interference pattern by diffracting X-rays emitted from an X-ray source, an absorption grating that shields a portion of the interference pattern, a detector that detects the X-rays emitted from the absorption grating, and a moving unit that changes relative positions of a sample object and the absorption grating. The moving unit changes the relative positions of the sample object and the absorption grating from first relative positions to second relative positions. The detector detects the X-rays at least when the sample object and the absorption grating are at the first relative positions and when the sample object and the absorption grating are at the second relative positions. |
| US09060734B2 |
Fixed focus transducer array and ultrasonic wave transceiving apparatus using the same
There are provided a fixed focus transducer array and an ultrasonic wave transceiving apparatus using the same. The fixed focus transducer array includes: a plurality of transducers, transducing electrical signals into ultrasonic signals to thereby focus the ultrasonic signals on a single focal point and transducing reflected ultrasonic signals from the single focal point into electrical signals to thereby output the electrical signals, wherein the plurality of transducers are disposed to be symmetrical to each other based on one transducer and simultaneously focus the ultrasonic signals on the single focal point at speeds according to the respective natural frequencies thereof. Therefore, a circuit area is reduced, whereby miniaturization may be implemented and a processing speed may be increased. |
| US09060731B2 |
Radiographing system, method of controlling automatic exposure in radiographing system, and radiological image detection device
A comparison circuit 78 of an AEC unit 67 of an electronic cassette 13 compares the accumulated value of a detection signal from a detection pixel 65 of the electronic cassette 13 with an irradiation prohibition threshold value on the electronic cassette 13. When the accumulated value of the detection signal reaches the irradiation prohibition threshold value on the electronic cassette 13, a detection signal having the same voltage value as the irradiation prohibition threshold value of the radiographing condition on the source control device 11 paired with the radiographing condition on the electronic cassette 13 is output from a detection signal I/F 80 of the electronic cassette 13 toward a detection signal I/F 26 of the source control device 11. |
| US09060727B2 |
Automatic biological analyte testing meter with integrated lancing device and methods of use
The invention is directed to an integrated device for sampling and testing an analyte. The device generally comprises a housing, a lancing device for sampling an analyte, a test strip for substantially capturing at least a portion of the analyte, and a display unit for displaying a result corresponding to the captured portion of the analyte. The invention is further directed to methods for sampling and testing. For example, one method comprises performing a single operation to sample an analyte, to capture the sampled analyte, to perform testing on the sampled analyte, and to display a result corresponding to the performed test. A method such as this can be carried out using an integrated sampling and testing device of the invention, for example, by placing the device the device on a test site of a subject, such as a patient, and performing the single operation to obtain a test result. The invention has particular application in the sampling and testing of analytes in blood, such as the blood of a diabetic patient. |
| US09060726B2 |
Integrated lancet and analyte testing apparatus
Integrated lancing and analyte measurement systems are provided which minimize the number of actions required to operate the systems, accomplished in part by combining two or more user steps into one. |
| US09060722B2 |
Apparatus for processing physiological sensor data using a physiological model and method of operation therefor
A pulse oximeter system comprises a data processor configured to perform a method that combines a sigma point Kalman filter (SPKF) or sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) algorithm with Bayesian statistics and a mathematical model comprising a cardiovascular model and a plethysmography model to remove contaminating noise and artifacts from the pulse oximeter sensor output and measure blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, left-ventricular stroke volume, aortic pressure and systemic pressures. |
| US09060718B2 |
Methods and apparatus for retinal imaging
In exemplary implementations, this invention comprises apparatus for retinal self-imaging. Visual stimuli help the user self-align his eye with a camera. Bi-ocular coupling induces the test eye to rotate into different positions. As the test eye rotates, a video is captured of different areas of the retina. Computational photography methods process this video into a mosaiced image of a large area of the retina. An LED is pressed against the skin near the eye, to provide indirect, diffuse illumination of the retina. The camera has a wide field of view, and can image part of the retina even when the eye is off-axis (when the eye's pupillary axis and camera's optical axis are not aligned). Alternately, the retina is illuminated directly through the pupil, and different parts of a large lens are used to image different parts of the retina. Alternately, a plenoptic camera is used for retinal imaging. |
| US09060716B2 |
Apparatus and method for acquiring panoramic, teleradiographic and optionally volumetric CBCT radiographies
Apparatus and method for acquiring panoramic, teleradiographic and optionally CBCT volumetric dental radiographies, comprising a support holding a rotary arm which in its turn supports at one end a first X-ray source and at the other end an X-ray detector at a suitable distance for acquiring panoramic and optionally CBCT volumetric images. Apparatus comprises only one patient positioning system and a second X-ray source at a distance from detector suitable for acquiring cranial teleradiographies. |
| US09060714B2 |
System for detection of body motion
Methods for classifying aggregated data in a distributed sensor system are provided and illustrated with a wearable motion sensor network. The classification is operated in a distributed fashion on individual sensor nodes and a base station computer. The method classifies actions using a set of training motion sequences as prior examples and may reject outlying actions that are not in the training categories. Acquired sensor data is processed at the node by taking projections of the data to reduce dimensionality, calculating sparse representations of features using training sequences; validating and classifying local measurements and then transmitting classified measurements to a network base station. The base station aggregates local sensor measurements and performs a global classification of the data by forming global features from the local measurements; calculating sparse representations of global features; validating and classifying valid global features; and labeling global features and their corresponding local features. |
| US09060713B2 |
Sensing tissue properties
Some embodiments of a tissue sensor may include a micro-fabricated structure that can be coupled to a medical instrument, such as a probe, an endoscopic tool, or another minimally invasive instrument. The tissue sensor can be configured to provide information indicate of tissue properties, such as tissue elasticity characteristics or the type of tissue. |
| US09060711B2 |
Automated detection of uveitis using optical coherence tomography
Systems and methods for automatically detecting, classifying and quantifying clumps indicative of inflammation in the eye using optical coherence tomography images are described. Clump detection relies on both intensity and geometric thresholding. Applications of the invention include improved diagnosis, classification and monitoring of inflammatory disease. |
| US09060710B2 |
System and method for ocular tomography using plenoptic imaging
Improved systems and methods for ocular tomography are provided. These systems and methods can be used to improve the effectiveness of a wide variety of different ophthalmic diagnostic procedures, and various surgical and non-surgical treatments. One embodiment provides a system and method for determining ocular tomography data for the eye using a plenoptic detector. For example, an ocular tomography system can comprise a set of light sources configured to illuminate an eye, a plenoptic detector configured to receive images of the light sources reflected from surfaces of the eye and generate plenoptic image data representing the images, and a processing system coupled to the plenoptic detector. The processing system is configured to analyze the plenoptic image data to determine tomography data for the eye. |
| US09060709B2 |
Method and apparatus for quantifying organization in collagenous tissue
An apparatus uses a steered ultrasound beam to assess microstructure of the cervix revealed by backscatter power variation at a range of angles and depth. Analysis of a distribution of power loss at different angles and depths referenced to the structure of the cervix may be used to characterize cervical tissue. |
| US09060705B2 |
Electrode assembly for electrical impedance tomography
An electrode assembly for electrical impedance tomography comprising a plurality of different electrode modules, each containing a support strap made of a flexible material that presents a reduced longitudinal deformability and carrying a predetermined number of electrodes, each support strap being dimensioned to be seated and retained onto a respective extension portion of a body segment of a patient. Each electrode module presents the number of electrodes and a distance “De” between each two consecutive electrodes predetermined as a function of a specific operational pattern to be obtained from each electrode module. The assembly can further comprise an electrical conducting cable having an end connected to a monitoring apparatus and a free end provided with a connector to be coupled to a respective electrode of an electrode module. |
| US09060699B2 |
Multilead ECG template-derived residua for arrhythmia risk assessment
A method and system for predicting the onset of heart arrhythmias more accurately observes trends in abnormal or pathologic morphology of the electrocardiogram (ECG). A first set of ECG signals is monitored from a patient. A baseline measurement is generated from the monitored first set of ECG signals to contain nonpathologic ECG morphologies in each lead. A second set of ECG signals is monitored from the patient and the baseline measurement is subtracted from the second set of ECG signals on a beat-to-beat basis. Afterwards, a residuum signal is generated for each lead based on the subtraction. R-wave heterogeneity, T-wave heterogeneity, P-wave heterogeneity, or ST-segment heterogeneity or other indicators of arrhythmia risk or myocardial ischemia are quantified based on the generated residuum signals. |
| US09060698B2 |
Radiation system with rotating patient support
A patient support system includes a patient support having a surface for supporting a patient and a longitudinal axis, and a positioner coupled to the patient support for positioning the patient support, wherein the positioner is configured to move the patient support along a path that has an arc, circular, or zig-zag shape, and wherein the path lies within a plane that forms an angle with the surface of the patient support. |
| US09060696B2 |
Implantable pressure transducer system optimized to correct environmental factors
This invention relates generally to systems and methods for optimizing the performance and minimizing complications related to implanted sensors, such as pressure sensors, for the purposes of detecting, diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient. Systems and methods for anchoring implanted sensors to various body structures is also provided. |
| US09060687B2 |
Device for monitoring blood vessel conditions and method for monitoring same
The present invention detects a fluorescent signal from AGEs at a blood vessel tissue of an individual to determine the condition of the tissue of the individual. This solves a problem that in measurement of AGEs used in diagnosis of diabetes, data indicative of fluorescent spectrum from AGEs at the skin of a forearm varies depending on where to measure on skin of even the same forearm, which results in variations in measurement values, leading to unreliable data and incorrect measurement result. |
| US09060683B2 |
Mobile wireless appliance
A wireless system for a person includes a wearable appliance with an accelerometer; a wireless device in communication with the wearable appliance; and a remote computer coupled to the wireless device to provide information to an authorized remote user. |
| US09060682B2 |
Distributed systems and methods to measure and process sport motions
A distributed, multi-stage, intelligent system is configured to determine user action performance characteristics parameters in action sports. Ruggedness, complexity, and cost are unevenly distributed among components across the stages for improved overall performance and reduced cost. The system includes stage-one, wearable devices configured to use sensors to collect initial data and transfer the initial data to stage-two devices which may temporally store the initial data and/or perform further data processing to generate intermediate data for communication to one or more stage-three devices configured for long term data storage, further processing and presentation. |
| US09060675B2 |
Receiving apparatus and capsule endoscope system
A receiving apparatus includes: a plurality of receiving antennas capable of receiving transmission data which is wirelessly transmitted frame by frame and includes a preamble at a head; a switching unit that selectively switches a connection to any one of the plurality of receiving antennas; a preamble detector that detects the preamble of the transmission data output via the receiving antenna which is connected by the switching unit; and a control unit that controls whether or not to cause the preamble detector to be in a sleep condition based on a detection result by the preamble detector. |
| US09060674B2 |
Auto zoom for video camera
An endoscope, endoscopic system and method for filling a medical display with a medical image involving sizing the medical image so that it covers at least one of the dimensions of the medical display. Automatically sizing the medical image to fit either the vertical, horizontal, or corner-to-corner dimensions of the surgical display, the sizing of the image involving adjusting the image size to account for changing zoom factors, endoscopes and imaging conditions. |
| US09060672B2 |
Coregistering images of needle biopsies using multiple weighted landmarks
A method for coregistering images involves defining middle paths through image objects depicting tissue slices of needle biopsies. First landmarks are defined on a first middle path through a first image object in a first digital image of a first tissue slice, and second landmarks are defined on a second middle path through a second image object of a second digital image of a second tissue slice. Individual first landmarks are associated with individual second landmarks. A first pixel in the first object is coregistered with a second pixel in the second object using multiple first and second landmarks. The first image is displayed in a first frame on a graphical user interface, and the second image is displayed in a second frame such that the first pixel is centered in the first frame, the second pixel is centered in the second frame, and the images have the same orientations. |
| US09060671B2 |
Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
Example devices are disclosed herein that include a first elongated band coupled to a first housing to be located on a first side of a head of a subject and a second housing to be located near a second side of the head of the subject, the first elongated band comprising a first set of electrodes. The example device also includes a second elongated band coupled to the first housing and to the second housing, the second elongated band comprising a second set of electrodes. In addition, the device includes a third elongated band coupled to the first housing and to the second housing, the third elongated band comprising a third set of electrodes. |
| US09060666B2 |
Robot cleaner, automatic exhaust station and robot cleaner system having the same
A robot cleaner provided with a shutter to open or close an inlet of a dust box when the dust box is separated from a body of the robot cleaner. Another robot cleaner, which docks with an automatic exhaust station, is also disclosed, together with the automatic exhaust station. The latter robot cleaner includes a shutter to be automatically opened by air discharged from the automatic exhaust station in a docked state of the robot cleaner to exhaust dust from the dust box, in order to allow even heavy dust to be easily exhausted. |
| US09060665B2 |
Floor cleaning appliance
A pivoting and swiveling floor treatment appliance includes a lock-prevention member that prevents a body from becoming pivotally locked in a forward/backward direction when a portion of the body is in a swiveled position. The lock-prevention member may move relative to an appliance head and to a portion of the body that swivels. In some embodiments, components of the lock-prevention member contribute to locking the swivel of the body when the body is pivotally locked. |
| US09060664B2 |
Dishwasher and method of controlling the same
Disclosed is a dishwasher, which prevents a washing cycle from being carried out in an insufficient state of washing water caused by the continuous discharge of the washing water due to a siphon action, and a method of controlling the dishwasher. The method includes draining washing water from the dishwasher; supplying the washing water to the inside of the dishwasher; and temporarily stopping the supply of the washing water for a designated time between the drain of the washing water and the supply of the washing water. |
| US09060661B2 |
Female electrical receptacle for mounting behind an inlet valve of a central vacuum cleaning system
A female electrical receptacle for mounting behind an inlet valve of a central vacuum cleaning system, having a base portion and a cover portion wherein the base portion defines three open topped channels and two side channels include an electrically conductive bayonet extending into said channel. The central channel retains the ground wire. Each bayonet is electrically connected to a female pin receptacle located toward one end of said base portion. The cover is sized and shaped to be field securable to said base portion to close said open top channels onto said bayonets, The female electrical receptacle further includes attachment features adjacent the pin receptacles, which are sized and shaped to engage with said inlet valve to permit said one end to be mounted behind said inlet valve and connected to a plug opening in said inlet valve. An electrical wire may be field inserted between the cover and the base so that when the cover is secured to the base an electrical connection is completed by the bayonets between the wire and the pin receptacles to electrify the plug opening in the inlet valve. |
| US09060655B2 |
Dispenser for hand sanitizer
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a sanitizer dispenser may include a dispenser intake, a diaphragm pump including a diaphragm and a pump chamber, a dispenser outlet, a first one-way valve having an intake in fluid communication with the dispenser intake and an output in fluid communication with the pump chamber, a second one-way valve having an intake in fluid communication with the pump chamber and an outlet in fluid communication with the dispenser outlet, and a push plate including an outer surface and configured to press an outer surface of the diaphragm when the push plate is pressed. |
| US09060653B2 |
Bath spout cover
A bath spout cover is provided that includes a body structure having an upper portion, two opposing side portions, and a front portion; a receiving area defined between the upper portion, the two opposing side portions, and the front portion; a strap spanning the two opposing side portions, said strap being adjustable on at least one of the side portions of the body structure; and at least one aperture defined by one of the side portions of the body structure, said aperture for receiving an end of the strap. Further provided are methods for securing a bath spout cover to a bath spout. |
| US09060652B2 |
Transportable sanitary unit
Transportable unit for forming a straight parallelepiped-shaped residential space, provided with a bottom and a covering, and upright walls extending in between them, which walls can be converted between a—particularly retracted—transport position and a—particularly extended—operational position, in which the unit has a larger height, wherein the unit is equipped as a sanitary unit having a series of toilet bowls, urinals and/or showers. |
| US09060649B2 |
Infuser cup
An improved tea cup apparatus for facilitating the mixture of a fluid substance and a device to add lose tea or a tea bag in a cup. The apparatus preferably comprises of a built in cup with handle, tea storage and lid. This apparatus combined with a tea infuser is to allow the accessibility to mix water and tea in a cup. The first cylinder section is a cup in which fluid is stored and brewed. The second is a built in infuser for infusing tea into the cup. This devise is designed for the convenience of brewing tea in two step process. |
| US09060648B2 |
Energy saving manager for beverage preparation devices
An electrically powered device for preparing beverages, in particular hot beverages, that includes means for conditioning a liquid to prepare one or more batches of beverage after such a beverage preparation device has been switched on; and a power management arrangement for shutting down the beverage preparation device automatically. |
| US09060646B2 |
Milk frothing with pressurized gas
A milk frothing device (1) delimiting an area (2) for mixing milk (35) from a milk reservoir (3) and gas (49), comprises a supply arrangement (4) of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas supply arrangement (4) has a propelling gas conduit (41) configured to deliver pressurized propelling gas (48) into the milk reservoir (3) to pressurize the reservoir and propel thereby pressurized milk (36) from the reservoir to the mixing area (2). |
| US09060643B2 |
Extraction device for immersion beverage primary liquid
An extraction device is disclosed, mainly including a frame, an elastic fixing ring and a filter. The frame includes a circular opening frame and a lower section formed with a hollowed cup-shaped structure. The filter includes a top section outwardly clamped by the elastic fixing ring to be positioned and clamped outside the filtration stand. The filtration stand includes a downward-bent handle outwardly extended from the frame, and the bottom end of the handle is disposed with an inwardly-bent concave hanging opening, thereby forming a filter stand with a cup-shaped liquid-filtering area. When the filter stand is lifted to be held above a cup opening of the liquid-collecting cup or to be stayed above the liquid-collecting cup, the primary liquid is drained out to downwardly or outwardly flow through the filter to rapidly drop in the liquid-collecting cup, and the residue can be collected in the filter. |
| US09060639B2 |
Multi-ply aluminum bonded cookware
Cookware, such as a stock pot, fry pan, sauté pan, griddle, or grill, comprising a basic three-ply bonded composite includes two layers of an aluminum alloy, such as 3003 or the like, bonded on opposed sides to a core layer of higher purity aluminum, such as 1050, 1100, 1145, or the like, to define a three-ply composite cookware product. One or more additional layers of higher purity aluminum are bonded intermediate one or more additional layers of aluminum alloy to form five-ply, or seven-ply, or more, bonded composite cookware products. The exterior layers of aluminum alloy may also include a non-stick coating and/or an anodized coating. |
| US09060634B1 |
Universal sleeve supporter and method for manufacturing a sleeve supporter
A universal sleeve supporter for keeping a suit jacket sleeve from creasing or wrinkling while the jacket is mounted on a hanger. The supporter comprises a planar structure stamped out of a firm yet flexible material in a manner to include a hanger engaging opening therein for engaging the supporter about a hanger when not in use and a clip which is foldable to either side of the structure, being engaged to the supporter structure by a hinge stamped into the material thereof. The supporter has scored side edge sections along each side edge of a lower section thereof, the scored side edge sections including a plurality of score lines therein about which the side edge sections may be folded inwardly to accommodate a sleeve of lesser diameter than that of the lower section. |
| US09060632B2 |
Biodegradable toys and methods of making same
The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a biodegradable mailbox that includes a receptacle. The receptacle has a post attachment integral with the receptacle. The mailbox also includes a post, the post having a first end and a second end, the first end being securely insertable into the post attachment of the receptacle. The mailbox also includes a base into which the second end of the post is securely inserted. The mailbox is comprised of cardboard and contains no glue. |
| US09060629B2 |
Tea cup and method of manufacturing a tea cup
The tea cup (1) of the invention is used with a pocket (2) that includes a sieve (3) for tea material. The tea cup (1) has a functional shape achieved with two bottom sides (6,7) enabling the tea cup (1) to be placed in two different positions. The pocket (2) is designed so that it forms a tea compartment (4), which is attached to the inner wall (5) of the cup (1). The tea compartment (4) is integrally or detachably inserted in the tea compartment (4) at the upper part of the cup (1) on the same side as one of the bottom sides (6). This arrangement enables the tea compartment (4) to be on vertically different levels with respect to a water surface (or a tea surface) (11) in the cup (1) when the tea cup (1) is tilted in said different positions constituting a tea-making position and a drinking position in order to make tea of sufficient strength. The placement of the tea compartment (4) thus enables a functionality with respect to these positions. In the tea-making position, tea material inserted in the tea compartment (4) is in contact with the water in the cup (1), whereas in the drinking position, the tea material is intended to be above the water (or tea) surface (11). In the method of the invention for manufacturing the tea cup the tea cup part and the tea department part separately, whereafter a tea sieve is fastened to the tea compartment, and the tea compartment with the metal sieve is manufactured as a part that can be placed to the inner wall of the tea cup. |
| US09060624B2 |
Product management display system with rail mounting clip
A product management display system for merchandising products on a shelf includes a rail mounting clip structure for removably coupling a front rail to a shelf, the shelf having a channel structure extending along a portion of a front edge. Upon removable engagement with the shelf, the front rail may be used to engage with one or more divider and pusher devices configured to display products on a shelf. |
| US09060615B1 |
Headboard bracket pad for a bed frame
A pad is releasably secured to a bed frame for covering the headboard bracket. The headboard bracket pad includes a padded body having a first panel and a second panel secured together with a flexible pad disposed therebetween. A mounting system is used to selectively attach the padded body to the bed frame to protect humans, walls, painted surfaces and animals from harm and/or injury resulting from an impact with the headboard bracket. |
| US09060613B2 |
Personal weather shelter
A personal weather shelter is disclosed comprising a seat portion, a shelter portion, one or more arms, one or more screw assemblies, and one or more rotating assemblies. Said seat portion comprises a base, a seat back, a front, a back, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. Said arms each comprise a first end and a second end. Said first ends of said arms each attach to said seat portion with said screw assembly and are each capable of rotating on said screw assemblies relative to said seat portion. Said shelter portion is capable of attaching and rotating relative to said second ends of each of said arms with said rotating assemblies. Said personal weather shelter is capable of transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration by rotating arms about screw assemblies and shelter portion about rotating assemblies. |
| US09060612B2 |
Balance chair
A balance chair includes a central vertical post with a base attached at a lower end of the central post; a flexible joint attached at an upper end of the central post, a seat attached atop the flexible joint; and a plurality of resistance members attached to the central post and the seat, wherein the plurality of resistance members are arranged around the post in a spaced-apart manner, wherein the flexible joint supports the seat and enables the seat to pivot about an effective pivot point as defined by the shape and composition of the flexible joint, and wherein the resistance members resist but do not prevent pivoting of the seat about the effective pivot point. The flexible joint and the resistance members support pivoting of the seat both side-to-side and fore-and aft and any combination thereof. The resistance members limit a degree of pivoting of the seat. |
| US09060607B1 |
Hanger bar for recessed light fixture mounting
A hanger bar for a recessed lighting fixture mounting is disclosed. The hanger bar includes a rail portion having a wall that is in a first plane. The hanger bar further includes a first end portion disposed at a first end of the rail portion and a second end portion disposed at a second end of the rail portion. Each of the first end portion and the second end portion includes a first tab extending from the rail portion in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane. Each of the first end portion and the second end portion further includes a second tab extending from the rail portion and a notch that is substantially below the first tab. The second tab extends beyond the first tab, and the notch is partially bounded by an edge of the second tab. |
| US09060606B1 |
Table display, bench and shipping platform convertible apparatus and method of use
A pair of platform assemblies, each platform assembly having a platform and a pair of supporting members extending downward from an underside of the platform. The elements of the platform assemblies can be assembled into a shipping configuration, a table configuration, and a bench configuration. In a shipping configuration, the platform assemblies are abutted and joined along a mating edge. The plurality of legs are inserted into leg receiving channels of each platform and the pair of platforms are joined together to form the shipping configuration. In a table configuration, the legs are assembled to a platform in a generally perpendicular relation. In a bench configuration, one platform is oriented horizontally with legs assembled thereto extending downward therefrom, and a second platform is oriented vertically and assembled to an upper surface of the horizontally oriented platform. The bench and table configurations can be covered for aesthetic improvements. |
| US09060605B2 |
Drawer
A drawer includes a front panel, a lateral drawer wall, and an attachment element arranged at least partially over the drawer lateral wall. The attachment element is intended to be fastened to the front panel by a fitting body separate from the drawer lateral wall, and the fitting body includes at least one fixing point for fixing to the front panel and a recess for receiving the attachment element. After completed mounting of the fitting body on the front panel, the attachment element can be brought into the recess of the fitting body, and the attachment element can be brought into the recess of the fitting body and can subsequently be pivoted about a notional axis running substantially vertically in the mounting position. |
| US09060598B2 |
Laboratory table having tabletop elements
Laboratory table has a frame with front and rear frame parts, at least one detent element, at least one detent extension and at least one replaceable tabletop element on the frame. Each tabletop element has at least one fixing mechanism for interacting with the frame parts and for holding a corresponding detent element and detent extension in fixing positions. A detent element or detent extension in each case is spaced apart from the fixing mechanism. The frame part opposite to the frame part the fixing mechanism is interacting with comprises a detent element or a detent extension that in each case is brought into a mutual fixing position with a corresponding detent extension or detent element of the corresponding tabletop element. The corresponding detent extension is thus guided in a detent element parallel to a tabletop axis of the corresponding tabletop element. |
| US09060597B1 |
Reconfigurable furniture and millwork using a connector clip
A reconfigurable banquet table includes a table top, a plurality of retaining clips, and two or more base members. The table top bottom surface includes a plurality of pairs of openings. A corresponding plurality of retaining clips are secured thereat. Each retaining clip includes a first flange and a second flange extending from a plate. Each base member includes first and second legs connected a set distance apart. The first and second legs of each base member are received in one pair of the table top openings, and releasably secured therein by the corresponding retaining clips, with one side of each of the first and second legs engaged by the second flange of the respective retaining clip, to cause deflection of the second flange to provide suitable retaining forces. Easy removability of the base members permits interchangeability without requiring tools, for greater functional/aesthetic versatility, easier transport, and more compact storage. |
| US09060589B1 |
Parachute carrying device
A parachute carrying device comprising a folding mat and a cover connected through a flexible strip, as well as cut outs for pulling out shoulder harnesses, allows to both pack a parachute and carry it securely while traveling. |
| US09060586B1 |
Applicator having a lid usable as a handle
An applicator package (40), consisting of an applicator and a substance (48) in the applicator, so a user can apply the substance (48) to a target region. A set of components for being assembled as the applicator, and a method for making the applicator package (40). The applicator package (40) includes a platform (42) having an outer side (56) and having an inner side (54) defining a substance support surface (55). The substance (48) is supported on the platform support surface (55). The platform (42) defines (1) at least one fill passage (58) that extends from the platform outer side (56) to the platform inner side (54), and (2) at least one channel (60) that is located between portions of the substance support surface (55) and that communicates between the platform inner side (54) and the platform outer side (56). An inner side cap (46) is initially, releasably mounted on the platform (42) over the substance (48) at the platform inner side (54). A lid (44) may be attached to the platform (42). |
| US09060581B2 |
Picnic organizer package bagging system
A foldable organizer bagging system. Plurality of pieces durable fabrics are seamed to form a flat sheet with a zipping mechanism mounted at two opposing sides and allows use as a picnic tote. On these plurality pieces of durable fabrics, multiple slotted pockets are attached to hold dishware, glassware and napkin and utensils. With a zipping motion, two side pieces fold into the bottom piece and the flat sheet forms a bagging system with a internal spacing for containing an anchored and separate bag for containing food and other items. |
| US09060580B2 |
Mobile device case having tension elements
A housing sized to at least partially retain the mobile device, the housing defining an interior and a plurality of side wall portions substantially surrounding the interior; and at least one resiliently movable tension element molded to a portion of the side wall portions, the at least one resiliently movable tension element extending into the interior of the housing. |
| US09060579B2 |
Carrying case for a mobile electronic device
A carrying case assembly for a mobile electronic device such as a mobile telephone. A generally rectangular cover is sized to receive the mobile electronic device therein. A first side edge of the cover is attached parallel to a base portion of an attachment mechanism for attaching the cover to an article. The attachment mechanism further includes an arcuate upper portion, and a pivotal gate between the base portion and the arcuate upper portion. The base portion of the attachment mechanism is configured such that, when the upper arcuate portion is suspended from an article, e.g., a belt loop, purse strap or the like, the base portion and the parallel first side edge of the cover are suspended at an arcuate angle with respect to vertical, of 30 degrees to 45 degrees. This angle and the configuration of the attachment mechanism to the cover makes the mobile telephone easily removable from the cover. |
| US09060577B2 |
Luggage with shells having varied depths
A luggage case may include opposing sidewalls forming minor faces, opposing sidewalls forming major faces, and opposing end walls together forming an article defining an enclosed space. A line of separation may be formed in said minor faces and end walls. A first portion of the line of separation may extend along a first portion of opposing minor faces at a location proximate one of said opposing major faces and corresponding one of said opposing end walls positioned therebetween. A second portion of the line of separation may extend along a second portion of said opposing minor faces in a direction away from said one of said opposing major faces and towards other of said opposing major faces. |
| US09060575B2 |
Integrated illumination part and lead frame of umbrella
The manufacturing method of the integrated illumination part used in the present invention is to install annular lead frame with luminous LED chip on main part body of the umbrella, then package into one unity with transparent material such as plastic or silica gel, for example, slip ring, installation seat, handle and other parts can be used to produce the part. The purpose of the present aims at innovating the structure of annular lead frame made of sheet metal whereby to increase the mass production of integrated illumination part and diversity of light source, and fully to utilize high heat dissipation capacity of umbrella parts. It includes single-layer and multilayer structure according to the functional demand of LED chip; the manufacturing method of annular lead frame is first to produce LED chip and lead frame into LED lead frame, then bend it into annular with jig according to the appearance of main part body and fix power pin into annular structure with fastener. |
| US09060568B2 |
Article of footwear with insertable lightweight interior midsole structure
An article of footwear includes an upper that at least in part defines an interior chamber for receiving a foot; an insertable interior midsole component received within the interior chamber; and an exterior sole structure engaged with the upper, wherein the exterior sole structure includes: (a) an exterior midsole component and (b) optionally an outsole component that extends under the forefoot region, wherein the insertable interior midsole component is formed from a foam material comprising a reaction product of about 10 to about 100 phr hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, 0 to about 40 phr modified hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, and 0 to about 90 phr alpha olefin copolymer, and at least one additive in an amount suitable to form the foam material; wherein the density of the foam material is less than 0.25 g/cm3. |
| US09060560B2 |
Composite material
Disclosed herein are engineered composite materials suitable for applications that can benefit from a composite material capable of interacting with or responding to, in a controlled or pre-determined manner, changes in its surrounding environment. The composite material is generally includes a gradient layer structure of a sequence of at, e.g., three or more gradient-contributing layers of microscale particles, wherein a mean particle size of particles of neighboring gradient-contributing layers in the cross section of the gradient layer structure varies from layer to layer, thereby forming a particle size gradient, and in contact with the gradient layer structure, a densely packed particle structure including densely packed microscale particles, wherein a mean particle size of the densely packed microscale particles does not form a particle size gradient in the cross section of the densely packed particle structure. |
| US09060556B2 |
Two (2) section waist belt for side zipper style garments and the method of making the same
The present invention relates to belts for use with garments such as equestrian riding breeches, pants, trousers, shorts, skirts and the like which have side zippers rather than front zippers. More particularly (but not exclusively), the present invention relates to a versatile and utilitarian two section belt that can be fastened and/or unfastened from more than one position on the wearer's waist (front or side) and that can also be adjusted from either buckle or billet end so as to fit a high, natural, or low waist side zipper garment. |
| US09060553B2 |
Stowable jacket
A stowable outerwear garment is provided. The outerwear garment includes a shortened torso portion that deploys from an integral pouch to provide protection to a wearer's upper torso when worn in combination with a load-bearing vest. The shortened torso portion can include an elastic band extending about the wearer's torso and a plurality of fasteners supported by the elastic band to detachably secure the garment to the load-bearing vest. Sleeves can extend from the torso portion and can include an outer waterproof shell, an inner lining and an insulating material therebetween. |
| US09060552B2 |
Garment construction
A garment is constructed of a plurality of interchangeable panels. A mirror pair of side panels is selectively attached to a center panel by various attachment means, e.g., a zipper. Each panel includes two designed surfaces, an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface and the outer surface are interchangeable. Accordingly, a complete garment can be configured having various color and design pattern fabric combinations in similar concepts and different designs or cuts. |
| US09060545B2 |
Smoking article with manually releasable odorant
A smoking article has an outer surface and a plurality of frangible microcapsules provided on the outer surface, wherein the microcapsules are capable of being manually ruptured by a consumer to release an odorant encapsulated therein. The smoking article preferably comprises a wrapped tobacco rod; and a filter attached to the wrapped tobacco rod by tipping paper, a mouth end portion of which is “over tipped” with a band or strip of “Peel and Sniff” microcapsules and/or a band or strip of “Scratch and Sniff” microcapsules. |
| US09060541B2 |
Sterilizer for foods
Disclosed is a sterilizer for foods, which contains calcinated calcium or calcium hydroxide and has a higher sterilizing activity than conventional sterilizers. The sterilizer is made up of an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion prepared by blending calcinated calcium or calcium hydroxide, ethanol, and sodium lactate. |
| US09060536B2 |
Sweetened consumables comprising rebaudioside A as a sweetness enhancer and method of enhancing sweetness of consumables
Disclosed are sweetened consumables and methods of forming said sweetened consumables that comprise certain sweeteners and at least one sweetness enhancer in a concentration near its sweetness detection threshold. The sweeteners include sucrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, inositol, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, neotame, sucralose, saccharine, or combinations thereof. The sweetness enhancer is selected from naringin dihydrochalcone, mogroside V, swingle extract, rubusoside, rubus extract, rebaudioside, and stevioside. |
| US09060535B2 |
Substituted butanol derivatives and their use as fragrance and flavor materials
The present invention is related to substituted butanol derivatives of the formula: wherein R is an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 straight chain alkyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C3-6 branched chain alkyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C3-6 straight chain alkenyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C3-6 branched chain alkenyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C3-6 cycloalkyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkoxy, nitrile, halo, amino, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylamino, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 dialkylamino, carboxy-C1-6 alkylamino, carboxy-C1-6 dialkylamino, an unsubstituted or substituted acetoxy, carboxy, an unsubstituted or substituted carboxyethyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylcarbonyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylcarboxy, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylthio, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkyloxy, carboxamido, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylcarboxamido or an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 dialkylcarboxamido. Such compounds are useful in flavor or flavor compositions. |
| US09060534B2 |
Method for drying rice
The invention relates to a method for drying rice, in which, during the drying process, the grains of rice pass through surface states which have various pairs of values of temperature (T) of the surface and moisture (U) of the surface, the surface of the grains of rice remaining in a viscoelastic state during the drying process, and in which, in a diagram comprising temperature (T) of the surface of the grains of rice and moisture (U) of the surface, a) the temperature (Tv) of the surface of the grains of rice lies no more than 40° C. above the temperature (Tg) on the glass transition curve of the rice at the point of the same moisture of the surface and/or b) the moisture (Uv) of the surface of the grains of rice lies no more than 20% above the moisture on the glass transition curve of the rice at the point of the same temperature of the surface. |
| US09060531B2 |
Laminated baked snack bar
A laminated baked snack bar includes a layer of low moisture filling laminated between two thin layers of dough. The dough layers of the snack bar have a crunchy, cracker-like texture while the filling layer remains soft. The total thickness of the baked snack bar is preferably less than 7 millimeters. The snack bar is prepared by calibrating dough sheets to a thickness of less than 1 millimeter each, followed by depositing a filling composition having a high heat resistant stability on one of the calibrated dough sheets and placing a second calibrated dough sheet on top of the filling to form a laminate. The laminate is then calibrated, cut into bars and baked, using a mild baking profile. The snack bar may have a design molded on the top surface and/or a topping composition, preferably including oats, deposited on the laminate. |
| US09060530B2 |
Transfer mechanism for use with a food processing system
A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion. |
| US09060528B2 |
3-D continuous shaping of edible-based extrudates
A chew toy of non-uniform shape may be manufactured from an edible starch composition by introducing said composition to an extruder having a barrel and subjecting the composition to shear and heat to form a melt, and conveying the melt through an adjustable orifice while varying the cross-section dimensions of the orifice to form an extrudate having thickness dimensions that varies along its length. This may be followed by cutting the extrudate to length. The extrudate may also be passed between cooperating cavities and formed to shape. The extrudate may also be guided into predetermined patterns by repositioning the die relative to a molding surface. |
| US09060526B2 |
Confectionery processing
The present invention provides various methods of improving homogeneity in confectionery mixing processes. In particular, the invention includes such steps as mixing a predetermined amount of confectionery base and/or chewing gum base and bulk sweeteners in a first direction for a first cycle period to provide a mixture; adding a predetermined amount of a flavoring component to the mixture; mixing the mixture in a second direction for a second cycle period; mixing the mixture in the first direction for a third cycle period. |
| US09060525B2 |
Apparatus and method for cellular extract enhancement
The invention discloses a method of increasing extracts 100E taken from cellular plant tissue 100 comprises the steps of placing prepared cellular plant tissue 100 in a container 114; introducing a fluid 101 into the container 114 to wet and immerse the prepared cellular plant tissue 100; and emitting acoustic shock waves 200 into the fluid 101 immersed cellular plant tissue 100 to increase the extracts 100E released by the plant tissue 100 into the fluid 101 and a product made from the method, the product being a beverage, medicine or drug. |
| US09060523B1 |
Thermal process for food enhancement
A thermal process used to modify the moisture content and appearance of food, primarily meat, poultry and fowl, so that the resulting product will meet the USDA label requirement as “Jerky”. The process takes place in one or more enclosed insulated chambers which have temperature and relative humidity controls and reversing horizontal air flow. The process preconditions the product and also controls the application of superheated steam to the product, thereby controlling the reduction of free and bound moisture (water activity) exiting from the product. In addition, enhanced heated vapors can be added to be absorbed into the product's surface pours, thereby changing the appearance and flavor of the product and improving the end products' yields. The completed process also has the advantages of meeting lethality treatment requirements while also reducing the thermal processing time and energy associated with existing Jerky manufacturing methods. |
| US09060515B2 |
Heterocyclic urea compounds
The present invention provides a compound of the following formula, racemates, enantiomers and salts thereof. Also provided is the use of these compounds as antibacterials, compositions comprising them and processes for their manufacture. |
| US09060508B2 |
High-performance extended target temperature containers
Reusable and recyclable target temperature storage and shipping containers designed to maintain the content therein within desired temperature levels for greatly extended periods of time are disclosed. A First species is customized to maintain refrigeration temperatures for extended periods of time and the Second species maintains freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. Both species models include containers having outer protective layers and inner insulating layers as well as a cavity for holding payload being stored or shipped, and one or more areas for holding passive coolants in a predetermined relationship to the products within specific target temperatures. The different species provide cold or freezing temperatures in reusable or disposable models for various applications. The main containers are substantially airtight when sealed for storage or shipping and includes an outer box, inner insulation, internal dividers, and different temperature controlling coolants designed for various temperature maintenance requirements of temperature-sensitive content. |
| US09060506B2 |
Interchangeable scent cartridge system
An interchangeable hunting scent cartridge system featuring a scent cartridge which has a scent body engaged thereon. The scent cartridge is engageable with any of a plurality of mounting components which may be adapted to engage a gun or a tree or other outdoor mounting positions where a scent is desirable. The scent cartridges may also be provided with solid covers allowing for storage when not in use and sale and provision of a plurality of differently scented cartridges each of which is engageable with any of the plurality of mounting components. |
| US09060503B2 |
Insect trap with improved glueboard mounting, retention, and removal assembly
In an insect trap a housing is provided having a swingable guard grill attached at a front of the housing. First and second insect attractant lamps are mounted in the housing. The guard grill has at least one window and a pivotable glueboard mounting, retention, and removal drawer assembly located at said window. The drawer assembly is pivotable at one end. The drawer assembly has a drawer panel and a V-shaped member attached to a back of the drawer panel. The V-shaped member has first and second transverse walls connecting at an apex, each wall having a respective window. A first glueboard is retained in arc-shaped fashion between said apex and the first corner and a second glueboard is retained in arc-shaped fashion between said apex and a second corner. |
| US09060493B2 |
Milking unit for milking an animal
A milking unit is proposed, comprising at least one milk hose (5, 30), having a first end section (6, 32) and a second end section (49), and a milk collecting component (7, 37), which is connected to the first end section (6, 32) of the milk hose (5, 30). The milk collecting component (7, 37) has at least one coupling element (1), which cooperates with the first end section (6, 32) of the milk hose (5, 30). A clamping element (9) is provided, which cooperates with the coupling element (1) so that an essentially fluid-tight connection is generated between the milk hose (5, 30) and the milk collecting component (7, 37). |
| US09060491B1 |
Soybean cultivar 39242052
A soybean cultivar designated 39242052 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 39242052, to the plants of soybean cultivar 39242052, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 39242052, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 39242052. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 39242052. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 39242052, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 39242052 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09060477B2 |
Genetic LOCI on maize chromosomes 3 and 4 that are associated with fusarium ear mold resistance
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to Fusarium ear mold. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention. |
| US09060476B2 |
Hybrid carrot variety NUN 85190
The present invention relates to plants of a carrot variety NUN 85190 and seeds and progeny thereof. The invention further relates to methods for producing a carrot plant by traditional breeding methods. The invention further relates to a method for producing a carrot plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes. |
| US09060468B2 |
Plant growth lighting device and method
Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for promoting plant growth that combine beam angle control with spectral control. In one embodiment, an optical device can be configured to emit multiple colors of light at particular wavelengths. The optical device may also be configured to generate an emission spectrum with multiple peaks. The spectrum can be selected based on stimulating biological processes of a plant. |
| US09066461B2 |
Base member, manufacturing method for electronic device, and electronic apparatus
A base member includes a mounting area where an electronic component can be mounted and a ring-shaped sealing surface surrounding the area as the area is viewed in a plan view. A sealing member is fixed on the sealing surface. A through-hole portion which is a recess partitioned by a wall surface of the sealing member and which connects the mounting area and an outer peripheral side of the sealing surface as viewed in a plan view is provided on the sealing surface. A manufacturing method for an electronic device using this base member is also provided. |
| US09066459B2 |
Manufacturing method of multilayer printed wiring board
A manufacturing method of a multilayer printed wiring board in which a copper foil with carrier foil consists of at least four layers, a copper foil layer/a release layer/a heat-resistant metal layer/a carrier foil is used; a supporting substrate is manufactured by laminating an insulating layer constituting material to the surface of the carrier foil constituting the copper foil with carrier foil; a supporting substrate with build-up wiring layer is manufactured by forming a build-up wiring layer on the surface of the copper foil layer constituting the copper foil with carrier foil in the supporting substrate; the resulted supporting substrate with build-up wiring layer is separated at the release layer to manufacture a multilayered laminate; the resulted multilayered laminate is processed a necessary procedures to manufacture a multilayer printed wiring board. |
| US09066454B2 |
Inverter with enclosure
The invention relates to an inverter with an enclosure that includes a removable hand plug which, when inserted inside the enclosure, shares an electrical connection with the inverter. The hand plug includes a fan configured to cool at least a portion of the inverter enclosure. |
| US09066450B2 |
Data center air routing system
The invention provides a modular, configurable aisle isolation and containment system that may function as a hot aisle or as a cold aisle. The data center air routing system of the invention comprises one or more free-standing, essentially identical, modular system units. Each modular unit comprises two sidewalls, a ceiling, and a door or panel at either end to form an interior, enclosed aisle. Two or modular units may be coupled together end-to-end. Each modular unit further comprises one or more sidewall blanking panels that may be removed to create gaps of varying height and width to accommodate one or more IT racks. Each modular unit may also include one or more ceiling-mounted air ducts, baffles and fans to manage air flow. |
| US09066449B2 |
Air filtration and visual barrier for enclosure with front-to-back airflow
An enclosure has a perforated front door with a replaceable filter, and a perforated rear side allowing air to flow through the enclosure. The enclosure also has mounting brackets for heat generating elements, such as line cards or other rack mounted electronics. A fan draws air through the perforated front door, though the filter, and across the heat generating elements. Side brushes are disposed on a side wall near the front of the enclosure, which allow any cables attached to the heat generating elements to exit the enclosure. The front door is removable, opening up one side of the side brushes and allowing the cables to slide in the side brushes while still connected to the heat generating elements. |
| US09066447B2 |
Heat dissipation for a chip protected by an anti-tamper background
Systems and apparatus disclosed herein provide for heat dissipation from a chip protected by an anti-tamper material. An example electronic device includes a circuit board having electronics mounted thereon, and a security shield covering one or more electronics on the circuit board and configured to sense tampering, the one or more electronics including a chip, the security shield defining an aperture. The device also includes a heat sink extending through the aperture and thermally coupling with the chip, the heat sink extending outside of the security shield. |
| US09066446B1 |
Thermal extraction architecture for camera heads, inspection systems, and other devices and systems
Thermal extraction architectures for heat-generating electronic devices such as cameras or lights are disclosed. An electronic device such as a camera head may include a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing, and a thermal extraction element positioned between the housing and PCB to transfer heat from the PCB to the housing and external environment. |
| US09066445B2 |
Cooling system for electric vehicle and control method thereof
Disclosed are a cooling system for an electric vehicle and a control method thereof. The electric vehicle equipped with electronic parts including an electric motor. The electric vehicle includes a motor control unit to control the electric motor, a main control unit to control the electronic parts and the motor control unit, a water pump to circulate a cooling water cooling the electronic parts, the motor control unit, and the main control unit, and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature for an operation of the water pump and output the temperature to the motor control unit. The motor control unit generates a control signal to operate or stop the water pump according to a detection result of the temperature sensor. |
| US09066444B2 |
Power supply unit with articulating fan assembly
A fan assembly is flexibly attached to an electronic device enclosure. The fan assembly is configured to pivot with respect to the electronic device enclosure from a horizontal position to an angled position during insertion of the enclosure into the chassis. The horizontal position is to facilitate insertion of the electronic device enclosure into a chassis. The angled position is maintained when the electronic device enclosure is fully inserted into the chassis. |
| US09066436B2 |
Flexible wiring board and display device
A flexible wiring board includes a base member having flexibility, a write terminal section which is formed on the base member and which is a section to be protected, a protecting section which is integrally formed with the base member and which is folded back so as to cover the write terminal section, and a slit which is formed in the base member in a position that overlaps with the protecting section in a folded state and into which the protecting section can be inserted. |
| US09066429B2 |
Control device and vehicle steering system including control device
A circuit board includes control circuit patterns and first drive circuit patterns. A base maintains the circuit board in a state in which the base is opposed to a portion of the circuit board, in which the control circuit patterns are formed, across a space that allows control circuit elements to be mounted at the circuit board. A line module includes second drive circuit patterns electrically connected to the first drive circuit patterns so as to constitute a part of lines of a drive circuit, and is sandwiched between a portion of the circuit board, in which the first drive circuit patterns are formed, and the base. |
| US09066424B2 |
Partitioned hybrid substrate for radio frequency applications
The presently claimed invention is to provide a package for compact RF signal system, and a method to form the package thereof in order to miniaturize the size of package, improve signal integrity, and reduce manufacturing cost. The package comprises a hybrid substrate with a sandwiched structure, in which the hybrid substrate comprises an upper layer and a lower layer with different dielectric properties being separated by an interposer for improving electrical isolation and mechanical stiffness. Metal layers are formed on the sidewalls of the opening to surround an active component, such that the metal sidewalls together with two ground plates in the upper and lower layers constitute a self-shielding enclosure inside the package to protect the active component. |
| US09066423B2 |
Electrical junction box
An electrical junction box includes a box body in which electrical parts are mounted and that has a water draining hole provided at a bottom wall part of the box body and a waterproof wall that is provided inside the box body along a periphery of an opening of the water draining hole. The waterproof wall includes a spherical cover wall part standing from the periphery of the water draining hole to cover the water draining hole with an inner spherical surface, and a draining opening part formed at a portion of the spherical cover wall part to allow water exist in the box body to drain to the outside of the box body through the water draining hole. |
| US09066421B1 |
Holding apparatus for retaining a generally flat-shaped item, such as a hand-held electronic device
A holding apparatus capable of embracing a generally flat-shaped item, such as a smartphone, computer tablet or the like, said holding apparatus comprising one or more pairs of opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces capable of providing a self-adjusting, permanent grip of the sides of the item regardless of the item being static, vibrating, or touched by a user's finger or other external object. The V-shaped clamping surfaces can be arranged on two or more sides of the device. For instance, opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces can be arranged to clamp the left and right sides of a four-sided quadrangular device, and additional opposing surfaces can be arranged perpendicularly to grip the top and bottom sides of the device, providing a very effective and robust grip that minimizes the risk of the item being dropped and damaged. |
| US09066420B2 |
Explosion proof by containment enclosure for housing electrical equipment
A low profile explosion proof by containment enclosure includes a base wall having first and second edge sections that are joined with third and fourth edge sections to define a substantially planar surface. First and second side walls extend from the first and second edge sections, and third and fourth side walls extending from the third and fourth edge sections and are joined with the first and second side walls. The base wall, first and second, and third and fourth side walls define an interior zone. A cover is coupled to the first and second, and third and fourth side walls to enclose the interior zone and provide containment to any flammable events. At least one of the first and second side walls, third and fourth side walls, base wall, and cover includes one or more unobstructed openings that provide fluid drainage while also providing containment to any flammable events. |
| US09066418B2 |
Housing for a portable electronic device
A housing for a portable electronic device including a first transparent curved portion configured to curve from a front face of the housing to a first side face of the housing; a second transparent curved portion configured to curve from the front face of the housing to a second side face of the housing; a third transparent curved portion configured to curve from a rear face of the housing to the first side face of the housing; and a fourth transparent curved portion configured to curve from the rear face of the housing to the second side face of the housing. |
| US09066414B2 |
Display device
A display device in the present invention includes a display panel which is provided with a display screen, a T-substrate which is arranged in a predetermined range narrower than the display panel at the back side of the display panel, first flexible printed circuit substrates which extend downward from the upper end of the display panel and are connected to the T-substrate, and second flexible printed circuit substrates which extend upward from the lower end of the display panel and are connected to the T-substrate in order to achieve more reduction in thickness when the display panel and the circuit substrate are arranged together. |
| US09066413B2 |
Plasma generation apparatus
A plasma generation apparatus includes a vacuum container, dielectrics connected to through-holes formed in the vacuum container, RF coils of the same structure disposed in the vicinity of the respective dielectrics and electrically connected in parallel, an RF power source to supply power to the RF coils, an impedance matching circuit disposed between the RF power source and the RF coils, and a power distribution unit disposed between the impedance matching circuit and one ends of the RF coils to distribute the power of the RF power source to the RF coils. The power distribution unit includes a power distribution line and a conductive outer cover enclosing the power distribution line. Distance between an input end of the power distribution unit and the RF coils are equal to each other, and the other ends of the RF coils are connected to the conductive outer cover to be grounded. |
| US09066410B2 |
Organic electronic device
The present invention relates to organic electroluminescent devices which comprise aromatic nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, in particular in a hole-injection layer and/or in a hole-blocking layer and/or in an electron-transport layer and/or in an emitting layer. |
| US09066409B2 |
Method for manufacturing a flexible display device
The present invention relates to the display technology field and provides a method for manufacturing a flexible display device, wherein an adhesion layer having a rough surface is formed at the juncture of a releasing layer and a carrier substrate before a flexible substrate is formed on the carrier substrate. The technical solution of the present invention can improve the qualified rate of the flexible display device. |
| US09066408B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and method of testing the same
Provided is an organic light emitting display device including: a display unit including a plurality of pixels, each pixel of the pixels including an organic light emitting diode; and a test circuit configured to apply a first signal and a second signal to the display unit and to receive a third signal from the display unit. The test circuit is configured to determine whether or not the display unit is in a normal state based on a voltage level of the third signal when the first and second signals have a first level. |
| US09066404B2 |
Systems and methods for developing and distributing illumination data files
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for creating, distributing and playing illumination data files. The illumination data files, created using luminaire development systems are uploaded to a luminaire management system, where they are further processed and packaged for sale or license within a luminaire marketplace. Consumers and enterprises using luminaires may establish accounts with the luminaire management system and marketplace to access illumination data files for playback on individual or multiple luminaires. Consumers and enterprises may also create play lists and uniquely configure the luminaires to display various lighting effects based on user preferences, environmental factors or energy efficient settings. |
| US09066403B2 |
LED lamp with half wave dimming
An LED lamp assembly includes a power supply configured to receive an input power signal and provide a DC lamp current, a dimming controller coupled to the power supply and configured to adjust the DC lamp current, and an LED lamp coupled to the DC lamp current. The dimming controller is configured to determine if full brightness or dimmed brightness is required based at least in part on the input power signal. The DC lamp current is maintained at a first level when full brightness is required and at a second level when dimmed brightness is required. |
| US09066399B2 |
Illumination driving apparatus for light emitting diode and method thereof
There is provided an illumination driving apparatus for a light emitting diode, the apparatus including: a light emitting unit including M number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in series and driven by an output voltage rectified in a rectifying unit; an LED switch unit including N number of LED switches connected in parallel with at least N number of the M LEDs, respectively, and connected in series; an LED switch control signal generating unit comparing the output voltage of the rectifying unit with each of the first to Nth preset reference voltages to generate N number of LED switch control signals controlling the LED switch unit; and an LED switch controlling unit transferring the N number of LED switch control signals to the LED switch unit. |
| US09066395B2 |
Power supply device and control circuit thereof
There are provided a power supply device switching power input to a primary side to supply the power to a predetermined load connected to a secondary side electrically insulated from the primary side and a control circuit thereof. The control circuit generates a predetermined PWM signal to apply the PWM signal to a dimming switch connected to an end of the load and controls a switching frequency of the primary side, based on a control voltage generated according to a feedback signal according to the power supplied to the load and the PWM signal, and the control voltage maintains a constant difference between a minimum voltage level and a maximum voltage level regardless of a duty of the PWM signal. |
| US09066392B2 |
LED driving device and LED driving method using same
In various aspects of the present subject matter, a light emitting diode (LED) driving device and an LED driving method using the same are disclosed. |
| US09066391B1 |
Passive peaking circuit comprising a step-down impedance transformer
A passive peaking circuit is formed in part from a passive step-down impedance transformer that interconnects the light source driver to the light source. The step-down impedance transformer has impedance that decreases in a continuous or discrete manner in the direction from the light source driver circuit to the light source. The passive peaking circuit peaks the electrical drive signal being delivered from the light source driver circuit to the light source, thereby widening the eye opening. |
| US09066390B2 |
LED driving apparatus having holding current circuit and operating method thereof
A LED driving apparatus having a holding current circuit and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The holding current circuit includes an input terminal, a holding resistor, a regulator, a first resistor, a second resistor, a setup resistor, a control unit, and a transistor. The holding resistor and the regulator, the first resistor and the second resistor, and the transistor and the setup resistor are coupled between the input terminal and ground terminal respectively. The control unit is coupled to the transistor, between the holding resistor and the regulator, and between the first resistor and the second resistor respectively. The control unit receives a first voltage between the holding resistor and the regulator and a second voltage between the first resistor and the second resistor and outputs a control signal to selectively control the transistor off. |
| US09066382B2 |
Apparatus and methods for control of a light emitting device using power line communication
A lighting apparatus includes a light emitting device that has an attribute that is adjustable responsive to a control signal carried on a power line from which the light emitting device receives an Alternating Current (AC) power signal. |
| US09066381B2 |
System and method for low level dimming
The present disclosure is directed to an inexpensive yet intelligent solution for dimming light devices to low level intensities in which the common lighting systems generally have difficulties maintaining stability and flicker-free operation. The systems and method described herein enable a lighting system to utilize a dimmer to dim one or more lighting devices to low level intensities without introducing flickering or inconsistent operation of the lights. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein enable a dimmer to dim lights to anywhere between 0% and 5% of maximum brightness, while ensuring that the lights operate at these levels consistently, smoothly and without any visible flickering. |
| US09066379B2 |
Pixel circuit for an active matrix OLED display
A circuit arrangement for organic light-emitting diodes can be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. It can in particular be used with microdisplays. It can allow a wide influencing of the brightness of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the organic light-emitting diodes. Every organic light-emitting diode can be controlled by means of a storage circuit, a sense amplifier and a driver circuit using the circuit arrangement. The driver circuit can be formed by at least three transistors connected in series and a further output transistor whose drain is connected to the anode of the respective organic light-emitting diode. In this respect, the transistor acting as the driver can have a constant electric operating voltage LVDD applied at its source and a further likewise constant electric operating voltage Vdrive is applied to its gate. The drain of the first transistor to the source of the following transistor connected to it in series and the two gates of the following transistors which form a switch and are connected in series are connected to the output of the sense amplifier and are acted on by its electric output voltage VSenseOut. The drains of the two transistors forming the switch are connected to the source of the output transistor whose gate is connected to ground potential or to which negative electric voltage is applied. |
| US09066377B2 |
High frequency cooking apparatus
A high frequency cooking apparatus supplies electric power through a relay contact to a high frequency generator, sets cyclic ON time and OFF time of the relay contact based on set heating time and heating power, and controls the heating power of the high frequency generator. The high frequency cooking apparatus includes a unit for determining whether the time corresponding to the last cycle in the heating time is more than the set ON time of the relay contact, and a unit for increasing the ON time of the relay contact in a cycle just before the last cycle by the ON time of the relay contact in the last cycle and abbreviating the ON time of the relay contact in the last cycle, when the determining unit determines that the time is not more than the set ON time of the relay contact. |
| US09066374B2 |
Induction-based food holding/warming system and method
A method for holding and warming food. The method includes the steps of: using a container formed of 300-series stainless steel, wherein the container is formed by a cold working process; and applying to the container a magnetic field from an induction coil, wherein the magnetic field is sufficient to induce a current in the container to heat the container. |
| US09066373B2 |
Control method for an induction cooking appliance
A system and method of controlling an induction cooking appliance based on a feedback signal. A feedback signal sampling time interval may be triggered when a power control signal has a magnitude of zero. The feedback signal sample may be used to calculate a status factor and the appliance may be controlled based on the calculated status factor. |
| US09066372B2 |
Heating cooking device
A heating cooking device includes a temperature sensing element that contacts a bottom surface of a top plate directly or indirectly and measures a temperature of the top plate, a spring portion one end side of which is supported by a heater unit and the other end side of which presses the temperature sensing element against the top plate, and a spring that presses the heater unit toward the top plate. An elastic force n1 with which the spring portion presses the temperature sensing element against the top plate is smaller than an elastic force n2 with which the spring presses the heater unit toward the top plate. |
| US09066371B2 |
Method and apparatus of transmitting a White Space Map information in a wireless local area network system
A method of transmitting a White Space Map information in a wireless local area network system (WLAN) is disclosed. A method of transmitting a white space map information from a first station to a second station in a regulatory domain where a licensed device and an unlicensed device are permitted to operate together in a wireless local area network (WLAN) comprises transmitting, from the first station, one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame and a white space map announcement frame comprising a white space map (WSM) element comprising information for first available channels, which are available for the unlicensed device, to the second station, wherein the WSM element comprises a device type field indicating which device type the list of the fist available channels is for. |
| US09066369B1 |
Coexisting radio communication
This disclosure describes techniques and/or apparatuses for coexisting radio communication. In some aspects, a first radio module transmits a protection frame to a remote entity through an antenna effective to prevent the remote entity from transmitting a signal to the first radio module while a second radio module has access to the antenna. |
| US09066367B2 |
Macro-femto inter-cell interference mitigation
A method for managing signal interference is provided. The method comprising receiving a signal, wherein the signal comprises at least an interfering reference signal from an interfering network interface and a serving reference signal from a serving network interface, and wherein the interfering signal interferes with the serving signal; identifying a power level and offset of the interfering reference signal and a power level and offset of the serving reference signal; comparing the interfering power level and offset to the serving power level and offset to form a comparison; and performing a corrective action based on the comparison. |
| US09066365B2 |
Relay station data transmission method
A method of a relay node transmitting data is provided. The method includes receiving scheduling information about a backhaul link and data from a base station; receiving channel information about an access link from relay node user equipment; performing scheduling on the access link based on the scheduling information about the backhaul link and the channel information about the access link; and relaying the data to the relay node user equipment according to a result of the scheduling. The backhaul link means a link between the base station and the relay node, and the access link means a link between the relay node and the relay node user equipment. |
| US09066356B2 |
Wireless communication system provided in aircraft for communicating using plural wireless channels
In a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless stations provided in a structure having a radio wave shield arranged at a fixed position, at least one of two wireless stations using an identical wireless channel and two wireless stations using wireless channels adjacent to each other are allocated on both sides of the radio wave shield, respectively. In this case, the structure is an aircraft, and the two wireless stations are allocated on different aisles of the aircraft, respectively. In addition, the two wireless stations are allocated to be apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. |
| US09066355B2 |
Central wireless network selection and monitoring for mobile client terminals
A method of selecting a wireless network for a plurality of mobile client terminals. The method comprises monitoring at least one network selection parameter of each of a plurality of wireless networks in a plurality of different geographical areas, identifying a group of the plurality of wireless networks which are available for providing a network service to a first of a plurality of mobile client terminals in one of the plurality of different geographical areas, selecting at least one member of the group according to respective the at least one network selection parameter, and sending a network message instructing the first mobile client terminal to establish automatically a connection via the at least one member. |
| US09066352B2 |
Wireless network connection method of electronic device and electronic device thereof
A wireless network connection method of an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has an access point (AP) mode and a station (ST) mode. When the electronic device starts a wireless network connection function, the electronic device is switched to the ST mode. Electronic devices in the AP mode are searched within a nearby area. If no electronic device in the AP mode is found, the electronic device is switched to the AP mode to automatically connect to a wireless network, and wireless network services are provided to other electronic devices in the ST mode in the nearby area. If electronic devices in the AP mode are found, the weights of the electronic devices are respectively calculated to set one of the electronic devices as a primary AP, and the electronic devices other than the primary AP are allowed to connect to the wireless network through the primary AP. |
| US09066349B2 |
Wireless communication device, wireless communication method and communication control program
A wireless communication device includes: a first wireless communication unit configured to receive a beacon signal when the first wireless communication unit is connected to a first wireless communication network; a second wireless communication unit configured to perform data communication through a second wireless communication network when the first wireless communication unit is not connected to the first wireless communication network; and a control unit configured to detect, from a signal from the first wireless communication network, a parameter concerning intervals at which the first wireless communication unit receives the beacon signal, and configured to perform control, based on the detected parameter, as to whether or not to disconnect connection to the first wireless communication network. |
| US09066347B2 |
Base station device and user device
A base station device eNB according to the embodiment is provided with a Capability signal reception unit 202 configured to receive, from a user device UE, a Capability signal that notifies whether there is a capability to simultaneously transmit an uplink signal in an allocated discontinuous frequency band, and the Capability signal is configured to be notified for each operation band. |
| US09066346B2 |
Frequency sub-band selection in wireless communications
This document discloses a solution where a network element of a cellular communication system detects appearance of a terminal device in the cellular communication system. In connection with registering the terminal device in the cellular communication system, the network element determines that a native frequency band of the terminal device is a sub-band of an operating frequency band of the cellular communication system and, then, allocates to the terminal device frequency resources from the native frequency band of the terminal device. |
| US09066344B2 |
State synchronization of access routers
Embodiments describe synchronizing access routers with wireless terminal state information. According to an embodiment is a wireless terminal that transmits a message that includes an address for at least two access routers. State change information can optionally be included in the message. According to another embodiment is an access router that receives a state change notification from a wireless device or another access router. The state change notification is updated in the access router. An acknowledgment confirming the updated state change may be sent to the wireless terminal. Dynamic state synchronization is provided with minimal communication with wireless terminal. |
| US09066343B2 |
Method for transmitting control channel to relay node in wireless communication system and apparatus thereof
A method for receiving a Relay Physical Downlink Control CHannel (R-PDCCH) by a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving a downlink subframe including one or more aggregated resource blocks including resource elements. The resource elements are mapped in increasing order of first a subcarrier index, and then a symbol index. The method further includes monitoring the R-PDCCH on the one or more aggregated resource blocks. The one or more aggregated resource blocks are numbered based on an aggregation level and a number of the one or more aggregated resource blocks corresponding to the aggregation level. |
| US09066341B2 |
Adaptive uplink/downlink timeslot assignment in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system
A method and apparatus for adaptive uplink/downlink resource assignment may include determining uplink interference associated with each of several uplink resources. The method and apparatus may produce an uplink list with values for the uplink resources. The values may include one value indicating high interference and another value indicating low interference. The method and apparatus may compare a downlink power level to a threshold for each of the downlink resources and produce a downlink list indicating which of the downlink resources have a downlink power level which exceeds the threshold. Also, the method and apparatus may send the uplink list and downlink list. Further, the method and apparatus may receive an uplink list and a downlink list from each of several neighboring wireless network devices. The method and apparatus may assign uplink and downlink resources to a user equipment based on the uplink and downlink lists received. |
| US09066336B2 |
Method and system for determining physical uplink control channel resources
A method and system for determining physical uplink control channel resources are disclosed in the present document, a terminal determines a frequency domain resource, namely a location of a physical uplink control channel format 3 in total physical uplink control channel areas, used when the physical uplink control channel format 3 is sent according to parameters configured by a base station, and the location is determined according to a set location relationship. One location relationship is: from a bandwidth edge to a bandwidth center, the total physical uplink control channel areas including in turn a physical uplink control channel format 3 area, a physical uplink control channel format 2/2a/2b area, a hybrid resource block and a physical uplink control channel format 1/1a/1b area. In the present document, a feasible scheme is provided for determining resources of the physical uplink control channel format 3, which improves the system performance. |
| US09066334B2 |
Method for transmitting/receiving control channel in multicell cooperative wireless communication system and device therefor
Disclosed is a method for a terminal to receive a control channel in a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a common control channel from a base station; determining an effective channel between the base station and the terminal according to a flag bit of the terminal being indicated in the common control channel; and receiving a terminal specific control channel from the base station on the basis of the effective channel, wherein the terminal specific control channel is space-multiplexes with terminal specific control channels of other terminals controlled by the base station. |
| US09066331B2 |
Radio base station and communication control method
An LTE base station 10-1 reserves uplink resource blocks for urgent communications and downlink resource blocks for urgent communications, when ETWS information is transmitted from a core network 30 to mobile terminals 40. The LTE base station 10-1 releases the uplink resource blocks for urgent communications and the downlink resource blocks for urgent communications when a predetermined time elapsed from the reservation of them and when an amount of calls between the LTE base station 10-1 and the mobile terminals 40 is at or below a fourth predetermined value. |
| US09066329B2 |
Communication system
The present invention has an object to provide a communication system capable of appropriately providing services while improving a data rate using carrier aggregation. In Step ST1408, of a cell1 and a cell2 of a base station A, RRC connection is established between the cell1 and a UE, and the cell1 becomes a primary cell (PCell). Then, in Step ST1418, the cell1 determines to configure the cell2 as a secondary cell (SCell) to be aggregated with the own cell. Then, the cell1 notifies the UE of the above in Step ST1419. Upon this notification, the operation of restricting access to the cell2 from the UE is stopped by an MME, and thereafter, communication between the UE and the cell2 is started in Step ST1422. |
| US09066327B2 |
Low energy wireless proximity pairing
A method of pairing devices includes causing a Bluetooth-enabled host device and a Bluetooth-enabled peripheral device to be located proximate to each other, the Bluetooth-enabled host device comprising at least a processor, a memory and an antenna, in the Bluetooth-enabled host device, detecting advertising packets broadcast by the Bluetooth-enabled peripheral device on one or more of a plurality of advertising channels, saving a numeric indicator of each of multiple detected advertising packets, determining an average numeric indicator from the saved numeric indicators of each of the separately detected advertising packets, if the average numeric indicator exceeds a proximity threshold, determining whether a set of conditions are met, and initiating a Bluetooth device pairing sequence between the Bluetooth-enabled host device and the Bluetooth-enabled peripheral device if the set of conditions are met. |
| US09066319B2 |
Method of sensing in a radio system employing opportunistic spectrum access
In a radio system where wireless nodes are in contact, the wireless nodes are enabled to exchange information with adjacent nodes. In addition, distant nodes out of range for direct communication can be communicated with by forwarding data over multiple hops. The wireless nodes are configured to perform sensing of at least one radio resource. A node can be adapted to combine the sensing measurement data into a sensing result, such as an estimate of the probability of whether the resource is free or not. The sensing performed in a node is distributed to at least one other wireless node. Each wireless node can, therefore, access sensing information from at least one other wireless node located in the vicinity of the wireless node. Based on the collective information from at least one other node, a wireless node can make an improved decision if a particular radio resource is free to use or not. |
| US09066318B2 |
Techniques for enabling compatibility of ultra wideband devices
A method (200) for enabling compatibility of wireless devices having different regulation settings. The method includes upon initialization of a wireless device, scanning a predefined common channel (S220); forming a WiNet service set (WSS) by wireless devices communicating over the predefined common channel (S230); upon switching of the wireless devices in the WSS to a channel other than the predefined common channel, checking if a new wireless device attempts to join the WSS (S240, S250); and adding the new wireless device to the WSS if such attempt was detected (S290). |
| US09066317B2 |
Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol distributing method and system for multimedia broadcast multicast service single frequency network sub-frame
The present invention provides an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol distributing method for Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) sub-frame. According to the uniform configuration rules, an OFDM symbol distributing system distributes the OFDM symbols in all MBSFN sub-frames bearing the transmission of the Multi-cell transmission Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) in the MBMSFN domain. The present invention also correspondingly provides an OFDM symbol distributing system for MBSFN sub-frame. By configuring the OFDM symbols occupied by the PDCCH in the MBSFN sub-frame bearing the Multi-cell transmission MBMS, the present invention increases the frequency of the OFDM symbol that is occupied by the PDCCH bearing the MBMS in the MBSFN sub-frame, so as to effectively use the resource and avoid the interference to the PDCCH due to the MBMS data transmission to a certain extent. |
| US09066313B2 |
Base station, radio communication system, and communication method
A base station includes a connection processing unit that performs connection processes between user terminals registered in a user terminal registration unit and the base station, and between user terminals other than the user terminals registered in the user terminal registration unit and the base station; a resource amount measurement unit that measures an amount of resources utilized by the base station; and a call disconnection user terminal selecting unit that selects, when the resource amount measurement unit measures that the amount of the resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the user terminal for which a call is to be disconnected, among the user terminals other than the user terminals registered in the user terminal registration unit. The connection processing unit disconnects a connection with the user terminal for which the call is to be disconnected. |
| US09066312B2 |
Mobile communication devices and location registration methods
A mobile communication device with a wireless module and a controller module is provided. The wireless module performs wireless transceiving to and from a first service network. The controller module transmits a location update request message to a first cellular station of the first service network via the wireless module, and receives a location update rejection message, which comprises a rejection cause indicating a network related failure, from the first cellular station via the wireless module. Also, the controller module transmits another location update request message to a second cellular station of the first service network via the wireless module in response to the location update rejection message. Particularly, the first cellular station and the second cellular station belong to a first location area and a second location area, respectively. |
| US09066311B1 |
Networked navigation and ranging methods
A system and method for calculating a range delay is presented. A method begins by transmitting a first message at a first transmit time at a lower layer of a first node to a second node. A first service primitive is sent is sent to an upper layer associated with the first node with the first transmit time. A second message is received at the lower layer containing a first receive time of the first message at the second node. A second receive time of the second message is determined and sent with a second service primitive with the first receive time to the upper layer. A range delay is calculated in the upper layer based on one or more of the first transmit time, the first receive time and the second receive time. |
| US09066308B2 |
Method and apparatus for using supported network information for positioning
Techniques to support positioning for terminals in Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) are described. A SUPL Enabled Terminal (SET) may receive supported network information from a SUPL Location Platform (SLP), which is a location server in SUPL. The supported network information may indicate one or more radio access networks supported by the SLP, one or more types of measurement supported by the SLP, and/or information that the SET is allowed to send to the SLP. The SET may send network measurement information for a supported radio access network to the SLP. The network measurement information may include cell and/or access point (AP) information for one or more access points or base stations in the supported radio access network. The SLP may determine a location estimate for the SET based on the network measurement information from the SET. |
| US09066306B2 |
Interference management utilizing power control
Interference that occurs during wireless communication may be managed through the use of fractional reuse and other techniques. In some aspects fractional reuse may relate to HARQ interlaces, portions of a timeslot, frequency spectrum, and spreading codes. Interference may be managed through the use of a transmit power profile and/or an attenuation profile. Interference also may be managed through the use of power management-related techniques. |
| US09066300B2 |
Dynamic power class re-registration of mobile devices
Dynamic power class re-registration of wireless devices is provided. A wireless device can exchange data with a communications network. While exchanging data, the device can monitor its usage and based on the usage, generate a power change request. The device can then send the power change request to the communications network, prior to or in conjunction with powering down the device. In this regard, the communications network can receive the power change request, generate instructions for the wireless device, and adjust network resources based on the power change request. The instructions can then be sent to the wireless device. Since the device re-registers its power class with the communications network, handoffs, internetwork thresholds, network resources and other network parameters can be adjusted to compensate for the changed power class resulting into improved service for a user of the wireless device. |
| US09066299B2 |
Apparatus and method of handling MBMS service in a wireless communication system
A communication device in a wireless communication system, for handling a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) service is disclosed. The communication device comprises an application module, for determining a state of a display device of the communication device; and a modem module, coupled to the application module, for receiving the MBMS service according to the state. |
| US09066296B2 |
Method for operation in idle mode for M2M communication, and device using same
Provided are an operation method for M2M (machine to machine) communication and a device using same. M2M equipment receives a paging message including a resource offset for indicating an offset for uplink allocation. The M2M equipment transmits a ranging request message using the uplink allocation. |
| US09066295B2 |
Power conservation techniques for use in devices with selectable power modes
Techniques are provided which may be implemented in various methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture for use in and/or with an electronic device that is operable in a plurality of selectable power modes, including at least a “higher power mode” and a “lower power mode”. In an example implementation, with an electronic device operating in a higher power mode may selectively transition to a lower power mode based, at least in part, on at least phase value obtained from a signal acquired from a ground-based transmitter. Further techniques are provided which may be implemented to allow electronic device to selectively transition from a lower power mode to one or more other selectable power modes, e.g., including various “medium power modes”, and various “higher power modes”. |
| US09066292B2 |
System and method for polling a network service
A method of operating a mobile device is provided, the method comprising: pairing the mobile device with a second device; having the second device poll a network service on behalf of the mobile device; and obtaining data provided by the network service. A method of operating on behalf of a mobile device is also provided, the method comprising: pairing a second device with the mobile device; polling a network service on behalf of the mobile device; and enabling data provided by the network service to be sent to the mobile device. |
| US09066291B1 |
Active network system for wireless computer networks
An active network system for a host device with a host processor, comprises a wireless port including a first physical layer/medium access control (PHY/MAC) device. A first wired port includes a second PHY/MAC device. A secondary processor communicates with the wireless port, the first wired port and the host processor. The secondary processor, the wireless port and the first wired port support network functionality when the host processor is an inactive mode. The network functionality includes at least one of access point functionality, router functionality, repeater functionality, point-to-point functionality and point-to-multipoint functionality. |
| US09066282B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting WPAN based adaptive RF interface
A method and apparatus for selecting a wireless personal area network (WPAN) based adaptive radio frequency (RF) interface. The method includes obtaining RF interface information by establishing a WPAN based network connection with a target RF device; selecting an RF interface from among a plurality of RF interfaces using the obtained RF interface information, based on characteristics of applications and a network load; and establishing the selected RF interface by negotiating about the selected RF interface with the target RF device. |
| US09066281B2 |
Method, device, and system for transmitting packet switched services
A method, a device, and a system for transmitting Packet Switched (PS) services are provided. The method includes: receiving an Activate Packet Data Protocol (PDP) Context Request message of PS services sent by a User Equipment (UE), in which the Activate PDP Context Request message carries an Access Point Name (APN) for identifying a first service network or a second service network (s201); establishing a corresponding transmission channel according to the APN (s202); and transmitting the PS services to the corresponding service network through the established transmission channel (s203). Through the method and the device, different networks are selected to transmit the PS services according to the APN for identifying different networks in the Activate PDP Context Request message of PS services sent from the UE, thereby implementing distribution of the PS services. |
| US09066279B2 |
System acquisition at a mobile device
Methods, systems, and devices are described for system acquisition at a mobile device. A scan list including a plurality of entries may be stored at the mobile device. Each entry may include at least one connection parameter for connecting to a cellular system associated with the entry. A connection may be established with a target cellular system at the mobile device. A connection time with the target cellular system may be measured at the mobile device. A time-based entry including at least one connection parameter for the target cellular system may be added to the scan list based at least in part on the measured connection time with the target cellular system. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
| US09066276B2 |
Controlling radio emission from a mobile terminal in a critical area
Methods and arrangements (400, 600) in network nodes (101, 102, 110) for controlling radio emission from a mobile terminal (102) are provided. The mobile terminal (102) is located in a critical area. The network node sends a location parameter of the critical area, wherein the location parameter indicates a geographical location of the critical area. The first radio network node (101, 110) sends a first set of control parameters to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal determines a geographical location of the mobile terminal and controls radio emission from the mobile terminal based on the first set of control parameters, the location parameter and the geographical location of the mobile terminal. Methods and arrangements (900) in a first radio network node (101, 110) for performing admission control are provided. The first radio network node (101, 110) receives a service request. In another step, the first radio network node (101, 110) denies the service request if an aggregated number of mobile terminals attached to the first radio network node (101, 110) exceeds a predetermined mobile terminal number or total received power at the first radio network node exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US09066274B2 |
Control apparatus, control method, and mobile communication system
In a control apparatus, to control operations with a first base station forming a first radio section and a second base station forming a second radio section which is overlaid with the first radio section and has relatively lower transmission power, a connection change determination unit determines whether to perform connection in response to a connection destination change request from a mobile terminal, a measurement unit measures communication conditions from the first or second base station about all mobile terminals existing in the first radio section, a change value determination unit determines a change value of transmission power of the second base station, a prediction unit predicts communication conditions after transmission power of the second base station is changed based on the change value, and a power change unit changes transmission power of the second base station based on the change value. |
| US09066269B1 |
Network handovers
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for network handovers are provided. An eNodeB of a fourth generation mobile telecommunications network identifies available channels of a third generation mobile telecommunications network in which to handover user devices. Once an available channel is identified, the user device may be handed off to the available channel without unnecessary latency. |
| US09066264B2 |
Status report triggering in wireless communication system
A method for status report triggering in a wireless communication entity is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a data unit segment wherein the data unit segment is a portion of an original data unit that has been re-segmented for transmission into a plurality of data unit segments. Then, determining that the data unit segment includes a last segment flag indicating that the data unit segment is a last segment of the plurality of data unit segments. Further, transmitting a status report containing a status report for the re-segmented data unit in response to determining that the data unit segment includes a last segment flag indicating that the data unit segment is a last segment. |
| US09066255B2 |
Distributed load control the mobile communication network
A base station determines whether the base station is in an overload state on the basis of an available resource of the base station and a load state of a mobility management entity (MME), and transmits the call setup request to MME if the base station is determined to be in a non-overload state. MME determines whether MME is in the overload state on the basis of an available resource of MME and a load state of a gateway according to the call setup request transmitted from the base station, and transmits the call setup request to the gateway if MME is determined to be in the non-overload state. The gateway determines whether the gateway is in the overload state according to the call setup request transmitted from MME, and performs a call setup procedure if the gateway is determined to be in the non-overload state. |
| US09066253B2 |
System and method for reduced interruption time in mobile communications
A method and mobile communication device that reduce communication interruption time when a base station stops operating are described. The mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to a cell operated by a base station. The method includes determining a fallback cell, obtaining parameters to quickly establish a wireless connection to the fallback cell, determining that the base station is stopping operation, and using the parameters to quickly establish a wireless connection to the fallback cell. Also described are a base station and method for the base station to reduce communication interruption time. The method includes determining that the base station is stopping operation, switching to a backup power source if the base station is stopping operation due to loss of power, and transmitting a message to the mobile communication devices connected to the base station that they should switch to a fallback cell, since the base station is stopping operation. |
| US09066250B2 |
Method and network node in a communications system
The present disclosure relates to a method and a network node 100 in a wireless communications network 1. In particular, it relates to selecting a frequency band for operation for user equipment 9 in the wireless communications network 1. The frequency band to be selected is either a licensed frequency band or an unlicensed frequency band. The network node 100 is a macro base station 5, or a home base station (7, 700), and is adapted to communicate with user equipments 9 in the wireless communications network 1 which comprises both the macro base station 5 and the home base station (7, 700). The home base station (7, 700) is adapted to support operation in both the licensed frequency band and the unlicensed frequency band. The method comprises obtaining radio condition measurements performed on the licensed frequency band and/or on the unlicensed frequency band; selecting the frequency band, based on the obtained radio condition measurements; and updating the home base station of the selected frequency band to be used for communication with one or more of the user equipments. |
| US09066248B2 |
Method and system for UMTS HSDPA shared control channel processing
Aspects of a method and system for processing control channel signals may include calculating at a receiver, for a portion of a sub-frame of each one of a plurality of control channels, first and second quality metrics. A control channel may be selected on the basis of the quality metrics. The calculating and selecting may be done for a first slot of a corresponding sub-frame. A validity of a selected control channel may be determined based on a CRC derived from decoding the selected control channel's sub-frame. |
| US09066244B2 |
Uplink signal bandwidth characterization from channel state information
Techniques are provided to determine whether or not incident power at a wireless communication device in at least two frequency channels is from the same device. Incident power in frequency channels allocated to a basic service set in a wireless network is received at a plurality of antennas of the wireless communication device. Channel state information is computed for at least two frequency channels allocated to the basic service set. One or more metrics are generated based on the channel state information in the two frequency channels. The one or more metrics are evaluated to characterize an uplink signal bandwidth associated with the two channels to determine whether or not the incident power in the two channels is from the same device. |
| US09066243B2 |
Apparatus and method of managing radio bearer in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of managing a radio bearer is disclosed. A relay node (RN) sets up at least one UuRB for a Uu interface between a user equipment (UE) and the RN and a UnRB for a Un interface between the RN and a base station (BS). The at least one UuRB is mapped to the UnRB according to quality of service (QoS) guaranteed by the at least one UuRB to setup a RB between the UE and the BS. |
| US09066239B2 |
Reducing spectrum interference between wireless networks
A method and apparatus for reducing spectrum interference between wireless networks. This is realized by arranging at least one sub-coordinating apparatus, namely, a monitoring apparatus, in respective wireless network, and by arranging a coordinating apparatus, namely, an allocation apparatus in the whole network. Wherein, the sub-coordinating apparatus monitors the spectrum utilization situation of the wireless network where it is located, reports it to the coordinating apparatus, and requests the coordinating apparatus for spectrum resource when new spectrum resource is needed. The coordinating apparatus maintains the spectrum utilization information of each wireless network, and allocates appropriate spectrum resource to the sub-coordinating apparatus which requests spectrum resource based on the maintained information. Therefore, the interference of inter-wireless networks is reduced or even avoided through such overall management that the coordinating apparatus allocates corresponding spectrum resources to a plurality of wireless networks capable of sharing spectrum resources. |
| US09066237B2 |
System to determine permission to contact
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for determining permission to contact. The system, method, and computer program product are configured to determine a contact for a customer; determine when a merchant has received explicit denial to communicate with the customer via the contact; determine when the contact requires permission to communicate with the customer; and determine when permission has been received to communicate with the customer. The system can be used to comply with regulations for when a contact, such as a phone number, may be contacted using automatic dialing technologies. |
| US09066236B2 |
System and method for cloning a Wi-Fi access point
Systems and methods for cloning a Wi-Fi access point. A determination is made by a network monitoring device to transition communications between a Wi-Fi device and a first access point (AP) to a second AP. The SSID and the security configuration information, and, optionally, network address translation (NAT) information of the first access point are acquired and provided to a second AP. The second AP instantiates the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information. The networking monitoring device directs the first AP to cease using the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information in response to receipt of confirmation that the second AP has instantiated the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information of the first AP. |
| US09066231B2 |
Method for 802.1X authentication, access device and access control device
In a method for 802.1X authentication, used in a network which comprises an access device and an access control device, a WLAN security template and a 802.1X client template is enabled at the access device, a 802.1X client template is enabled at the access device, and a 802.1X device template is enabled at a tunnel port of the access control device. The access control device establishes a 802.1X authentication tunnel with the access device, receive a packet transmitted by a client at the access control device through the 802.1X authentication tunnel, authenticates the client after receiving the packet, and assists the access device through the 802.1X authentication tunnel to obtain a session key. |
| US09066229B2 |
Configurable integrated radio processor
In a base station, a configurable radio unit allows for communication with a baseband processor that satisfies a CPRI standard while allowing personalization and customization by the end user in order to prevent undesired usage and/or access by other users/competitors. The radio module is programmable to allow for specific designation of the location, lengths, and types of signal and control information within CPRI basic frames. By being configured to allow for the adjustment of these parameters, the radio module can be commonly and mass produced while allowing for end users of the processors to personalize their use without additional hardware components, such as FPGA circuits. In addition, by generating a container frame, the radio module can allow for asynchronous communication between the CPRI standard and an employed communication scheme. |
| US09066228B2 |
Communication control apparatus, system, and method therefor
In a communication control method for wireless communication between a first communication device and a second communication device through a wireless communication unit, identification information is notified from the second communication device to the first communication device by using a communication unit other than the wireless communication unit. Wireless communication between the first and second communication devices is performed by the wireless communication unit using the first communication parameter shared in advance, and authentication processing based on identification information is performed. When authentication is acquired by this authentication processing, the second communication parameter to be set with respect to a wireless communication unit is shared by the first and second communication devices through the above wireless communication. Parameters for wireless communication between the first and second communication devices are set in the wireless communication unit by using the second communication parameter shared in this manner. |
| US09066224B2 |
Multi-antenna distribution of wireless broadband in a building
The disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for distributing a broadband wireless signal in a building. The disclosed methods and systems feature a wireless broadband transmitter associated with multiple base antennas, where the base antennas are inserted into one or more ducts of the ventilation system of the building. Communication between the transmitter and receivers within the building may be optimized by selecting, modifying or controlling a configuration parameter of at least one of the multiple base antennas to enhance distribution of the wireless broadband signal within the ducts of the ventilation system and between the transmitter and device receivers. |
| US09066223B2 |
Methods and systems for algorithmically balancing cost and performance of cellular data connections in multipurpose communications gateways
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for algorithmically balancing cost and performance of cellular data connections in multipurpose communications gateways and other cellular enabled devices. A preferred mode of operation is determined. The preferred mode of operation can be selected from a plurality of modes of operation, each one being-sensitive to cost, coverage, or bandwidth considerations, or any combination thereof. Balancing logic receives information from a multipurpose communications gateway or other cellular device and algorithmically balances cost and performance considerations based on the preferred mode of operation and the received information. The balancing logic can cause the communications gateway or other cellular device to automatically switch telecommunications carriers, plans, and/or cellular networks to achieve enhanced performance and reduced costs. |
| US09066221B2 |
Method and apparatus of providing a proximity-based service for public safety with one or more user equipments out of the cellular network coverage
A method and a user equipment (UE) are described for performing a proximity-based service (ProSe) in a cellular communication system. The UE is a public safety (PS) ProSe-enabled UE that is a member of a ProSe Group. At least one UE of the ProSe Group is not served by a cellular network, and an apparatus therefore. The PS ProSe-enabled UE checks whether it is in a location served by the cellular network, and transmits first information related to the ProSe Group to the cellular network if a condition is satisfied. The PS ProSe-enabled UE transmits a notice to a leader UE of the ProSe Group for informing that the PS ProSe-enabled UE is in a state that can be served by the cellular network when the PS ProSe-enabled UE is in the location served by the cellular network as a result of the check operation. |
| US09066220B2 |
Method and system for distributed infrastructure for streaming data via multiple access points
Methods and systems for distributed infrastructure for streaming data via multiple access points. Aspects of one method may include apportioning multimedia information among a plurality of transmitting devices based on feedback channel information received from a destination receiving device by, for example, a transmission controller device. The transmitting devices may transmit the multimedia information to the destination receiving device. A transmitting device that may not be apportioned multimedia information may transmit a probing signal. The destination receiving device may generate feedback channel information for a transmitting device, for example, based on the multimedia information or the probing signal received from the respective transmitting device. The apportioning of the multimedia information may be dynamically adjusted based on updated feedback channel information received from the destination receiving device. |
| US09066211B2 |
Decision support
Decision support information is exchanged over a secure wireless network among mobile computing devices, and also optionally a central command computer. Each of the mobile computing devices has one or more sensors connected and interfaced to it. Output data from the sensor(s) can be sent over the network to one or more other devices on the network. A command for a sensor also can be sent over the network to cause the sensor to take some action such as turning on or turning off. The mobile computing devices on the network automatically share plug-in software components needed by any of the devices to view transmitted sensor output data and/or act on sensor commands. |
| US09066209B2 |
Calendar integration methods and systems for presentation of events having combined activity and location information
A method includes receiving geo-location data collected over time period. The geo-location data is associated with a monitoring device. The method further includes receiving motion tracking data of the monitoring device. The motion tracking data is collected over time period. The method includes identifying one or more activities. The activities are identified based on inference rules that identify certain activities to have occurred when at least part of the motion tracking data is correlated to the received geo-location data. The method further includes defining a metric for one or more of the identified activities. The metric is associated to a calendar date. The method includes sending the metric to a calendar application with integration instructions. The integration instructions define the calendar date to which the metric will be added. |
| US09066206B2 |
System and method for providing dynamic supply positioning for on-demand services
A method for providing on-demand service information is provided. One or more processors determine, for a given geographic region, position information for each of a plurality of requesters for an on-demand service and position information for each of a plurality of service providers that can provide the on-demand service. A plurality of sub-regions is identified for the given geographic region. Based, at least in part, on the position information of the requesters and the service providers, one or more sub-regions are determined as being under-supplied by the plurality of service providers as compared to one or more other sub-regions. Information identifying the under-supplied sub-regions are provided to one or more service provider devices. |
| US09066205B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for optimization of bearer resources for IMS roaming
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for optimization of bearer resources for IMS roaming are disclosed. According to one aspect a system for optimization of bearer resources for IMS roaming includes a home media resource function controller module (HMRFC) for managing local media resources and for selecting a visited media resource function controller module (VMRFC) to provide media resources to a home subscriber that is roaming in the visited network (“visiting subscriber”), and a VMRFC for managing media resources within the visited network and for providing media resources to the visiting subscriber in response to a request to provide media resources to the visiting subscriber. |
| US09066203B2 |
System and method for restricting communications at a network level
The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for restricting communications at a network level. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes a system that includes at least one processor and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor performs operations that includes receiving location coordinates such as, but not limited to, a building's coordinates, a name of a business, and a freeform shape that defines a boundary. The operations include restricting, at the network level, communications associated with a device determined to be within a boundary corresponding to the location coordinates. |
| US09066202B2 |
Positioning using observer-based time-of-arrival measurements
A method of determining a position of a target device includes: sending a first measurement signal from a first known-position device; receiving the first measurement signal at a second known-position device; receiving a first acknowledgement signal from the target device at the first known-position device and at the second known-position device; determining the position of the target device using first timing information associated with the first measurement signal and the first acknowledgement signal, a first position of the first known-position device, and a second position of the second known-position device. |
| US09066201B1 |
Correlating media types of emergency communication requests
Systems, methods, and software for correlating media types of emergency communication requests in wireless communication networks are provided herein. In one example, a method of operating a wireless communication system which routes communications between user devices and emergency service providers is provided. The method includes monitoring communication requests for emergency communication sessions between the user devices and service nodes of the emergency service providers to determine which media types of the communication requests are supported by the service nodes receiving the communication requests, identifying geographic locations of the user devices for the communication requests, identifying the service nodes receiving the communication requests, and creating a data structure correlating the geographic locations of the user devices and identifiers of the service nodes to the media types supported by the service nodes. |
| US09066198B2 |
Integrated contactless signal transfer apparatus
An integrated contactless signal transfer apparatus makes use of the rule of filter design to transfer signal from a chip to the transmission lines of a PCB. The integrated contactless signal transfer apparatus includes a substrate, a chip disposed on the substrate, a first resonator unit disposed on the chip for receiving a first signal with a first frequency generated from the chip, a PCB positioned at a distance opposite to the substrate, and a second resonator unit disposed on the PCB. The first signal passes through the first resonator unit to generate a contactless coupling between the first and second resonator units, so the second resonator unit generates a second signal. The second signal has a second frequency substantially equal to the first frequency. |
| US09066193B2 |
Virtual Trunking system
The present invention discloses a virtual trunking system developed on a value-added platform. At present, information islands are formed among different modes of trunkings, so that interconnection and intercommunication cannot be realized and interconnection and intercommunication of various trunkings with common communication network cannot be realized either. In the technical scheme adopted by the present invention, the virtual trunking system is characterized by comprising a mobile phone software module, a trunking dispatching desk, a terminal access server, a database server, an application server, a virtual trunking business module, a platform support module and a value-added platform, wherein the value-added platform is a CPCI (Compact Peripheral Component Interconnect) value-added platform which provides PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots and bus exchange; and the value-added platform accesses a public network through a digital relay or an IP (Internet Protocol). In the present invention, the value-added platform is interconnected with a public communication network and the mobile phone terminal serving as a client of the value-added platform is combined with the value-added platform, so that wireless trunking communication is realized. |
| US09066190B2 |
Hearing aid with a pump arrangement
A hearing aid comprising a behind-the-ear unit comprising a pump arrangement which is fluidly connected to an inflatable part of an in-the-ear unit. The pump arrangement comprises one inlet valve and two outlet valves which are arranged in series. The valve leakage of the two outlet valves is not identical. |
| US09066185B2 |
Implantable microphone
A hearing aid microphone assembly is configured for implantation into a subject and includes a microphone housing, the housing having a generally conical sound gathering portion with a proximal end and a distal end and a microphone support portion with one or more ports configured to receive a microphone and acoustically coupled to the distal end. A diaphragm is disposed over the proximal end of the housing to hermetically seal the sound gathering portion of the housing and create a first chamber. The microphone assembly is configured with either: (1) at least a first and a second port each coupled to a microphone; or (2) at least a first port coupled to a microphone and an accelerometer coupled to the housing. Each of the ports is configured to communicate acoustically with the first chamber. Any unused ports are sealed. |
| US09066183B2 |
Piezoelectric speaker
A piezoelectric speaker includes: a diaphragm which includes a substrate and a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged on the substrate; and a frame for supporting the substrate at an outer peripheral portion thereof. The plural piezoelectric elements include first piezoelectric elements each having a first number of layers, and second piezoelectric elements each having a second number of layers, the first number of layers being larger than the second number of layers. Moreover, the second piezoelectric elements may be arranged farther from the center of the substrate than the first piezoelectric elements. |
| US09066181B2 |
Interchangeable attachable extendable and retractable earpiece cable assembly for mobile communication and sound devices
An interchangeable, extendable and retractable audio earpiece cable assembly for a mobile electronic or sound device having an audio output port. A protective casing assembly is adapted to attach to the mobile communication or sound device. A platform assembly having a cable reel housing is removably attached to the protective casing assembly. A cable attached at one end to an earpiece retractably extends from the cable reel housing at another end. |
| US09066180B2 |
Component having a micromechanical microphone structure
A micromechanical microphone structure configured as a layered structure includes: a semiconductor substrate; a diaphragm structure having an acoustically active diaphragm which at least partially spans a sound opening in the back side of the substrate and is provided with a movable electrode of a microphone capacitor, which diaphragm structure has openings via which pressure compensation occurs between the back side and the front side of the diaphragm; a stationary acoustically permeable counterelement having vents, which counterelement is situated in the layered structure above the diaphragm and which functions as a carrier for a nonmovable electrode of the microphone capacitor; and at least one ridge-like structural element which is situated at the outer edge area of the diaphragm, and which protrudes from the diaphragm plane into corresponding recesses in an adjoining layer. |
| US09066179B2 |
Loudspeaker assembly configuration
Embodiments are provided for configurations of a loudspeaker and assembly of the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker configuration may include a circumferential spacer element having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may be attached to an outer rim of a first suspension element. An inner rim of the first suspension element may be attached to an outer rim of a diaphragm. A central portion of the diaphragm may be coupled to a voice coil. The second surface may be attached to an outer rim of a second suspension element. An inner rim of the second suspension element may be coupled to a lower surface of the diaphragm. The circumferential spacer element has a structural shape configured to be coupled to a loudspeaker frame such that the voice coil may be suspended at least partially within a magnetic gap of a magnetic structure of the loudspeaker. |
| US09066178B2 |
Audio processing apparatus
A pre-out terminal that outputs a left outside audio signal can be fixed and an increase of the number of DACs is prevented. In the case that a surround back left audio signal SBL and a left outside audio signal LW are included, the signal SBL is amplified and output to a surround back left SP terminal 14a through a switch S13a. The signal LW is amplified and output to a left outside SP terminal 14b through a switch S13c. The signal LW is supplied from a DAC 11b to a left outside pre-out terminal 11d through a switch S11c. At this point, in order to supply the signal LW to the left outside pre-out terminal 11d, a DAC 11c is not used, but the DAC 11b is used. Accordingly, the DAC 11c can be used for another signal (ex., ZONE2) to decrease the number of DACs. |
| US09066177B2 |
Method and arrangement for processing of audio signals
Method and arrangement in an audio handling entity, for damping of dominant frequencies in a time segment of an audio signal. A time segment of an audio signal is obtained, and an estimate of the spectral density or “spectrum” of the time segment is derived. An approximation of the estimate is derived by smoothing the estimate, and a frequency mask is derived by inverting the approximation. An emphasized damping is assigned to the frequency mask in a predefined frequency range, as compared to the damping outside the predefined frequency range. Frequencies comprised in the audio time segment are then damped based on the frequency mask. The method and arrangement involves no multi-band filtering or selection of attack and release times. |
| US09066176B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive noise cancellation including dynamic bias of coefficients of an adaptive noise cancellation system
In accordance with method and systems of the present disclosure, a processing circuit may implement an adaptive filter having a response that generates the anti-noise signal from the reference microphone signal to reduce the presence of the ambient audio sounds heard by the listener, a coefficient control block that shapes the response of the adaptive filter in conformity with the error microphone signal and the reference microphone signal by adapting the response of the adaptive filter to minimize the ambient audio sounds in the error microphone signal, and a coefficient bias control block which biases coefficients of the coefficient control block towards zero in a range of frequencies outside of a frequency response of the source audio signal. |
| US09066171B2 |
Loudspeaker protection apparatus and method thereof
An apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine at least one parameter of a transducer on the basis of received information; and modify a received signal for actuating the transducer on the basis of the determined parameters of the transducer and a frequency spectrum of the received signal. The apparatus protects the transducer from damage due to excessive displacement caused by the received signal. |
| US09066168B2 |
Sound generator for an anti-noise system for influencing exhaust noise and/or intake noise of a motor vehicle
A sound generator 103 for an anti-noise system for influencing sound waves propagating in exhaust systems or intake systems of vehicles driven by an internal combustion engine includes a loudspeaker basket 123, a membrane 122 supported by the loudspeaker basket 123, a permanent magnet 121 supported by the loudspeaker basket 123, a voice coil 126 supported by a voice coil carrier 125 and a membrane stop 150. The voice coil 126 is located within a constant magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 121. The voice coil carrier 125 is supported by the membrane 122. The membrane stop 150 is located on the loudspeaker basket 123 adjacent to the membrane 122. The membrane stop 150 includes a projection 151 extending towards the membrane 122. An anti-noise system using the sound generator and a vehicle using the anti-noise system are also provided. |
| US09066167B2 |
Method and device for personalized voice operated control
An earpiece (100) and a method (300) personalized voice operable control can include capturing (302) an ambient sound from an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) to produce an electronic ambient signal (426), delivering (304) audio content (402) to an ear canal (131) by way of an Ear Canal Receiver (125) to produce an acoustic audio content (404) and capturing (306) in the ear canal an internal sound (402) from an Ear Canal Microphone (123) to produce an electronic internal signal (410). The electronic internal signal includes an echo of the acoustic audio content and a spoken voice generated by a wearer of the earpiece. The Method also includes detecting (312) the spoken voice in the electronic internal signal in the presence of the echo, and controlling (314) a voice operation of the earpiece when the spoken voice is detected. |