Document Document Title
US09079938B2 ASPP2 splicing variant
The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro determination of the presence of or a predisposition of a patient to the development of cancer. In the method according to the invention, the presence of a marker is determined in a biological sample of the patient, said marker being selected from a) the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 2 from the sequence protocol that is provided, or b) a nucleic acid that encodes the amino acid sequence with the SEQ ID No. 2. The invention further relates to the amino acid and the encoding nucleic acid and to the use thereof in diagnostics and for molecular therapeutic approaches.
US09079936B2 Derivatives of APF and methods of use
Derivatives of a novel antiproliferative factor comprising a glycopeptide is disclosed. In specific embodiments, the novel antiproliferative factor is associated with the bladder. Compositions, diagnostic kits and reagents, and methods of using the compounds for identifying and/or treating interstitial cystitis and cancer are disclosed. In particular embodiments, the glycopeptide comprises D-proline.
US09079934B2 Antisense nucleic acids
The present invention provides an oligomer which efficiently enables to cause skipping of the 53rd exon in the human dystrophin gene. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition which causes skipping of the 53rd exon in the human dystrophin gene with a high efficiency.
US09079921B2 Processes for preparation of Everolimus and intermediates thereof
The present disclosure discloses processes of Everolimus and intermediates: reacting Sirolimus (Rapamycin) under solvent free conditions with appropriate side chain implying portion wise additions, one pot conversion, and resin mediated synthesis.
US09079915B2 Thienyl- and furanyl-isoquinolinones and methods for using them
The present invention relates to substituted thienyl- and furanyl-isoquinolinones that act, for example, as modulators of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of substituted thienyl and furanyl-isoquinolinones and to their use in treating various diseases and disorders.
US09079910B2 5-(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-D]pyrimidine derivatives
Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1, R2, R2a and R3 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of PDK1 and cell proliferation/cell vitality and can be employed for the treatment of tumors.
US09079909B2 Pyrazolopyridazines and methods for treating retinal-degenerative diseases and hearing loss associated with Usher Syndrome
Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber's congenital Amaurosis, Syndromic retinal degenerations, age-related macular degeneration and Usher Syndrome, and hearing loss associated with Usher Syndrome are described herein.
US09079908B2 Inhibitors of Bruton'S tyrosine kinase
Described herein are irreversible kinase inhibitor compounds exemplified by the following structure Formula (B2): methods for synthesizing such irreversible inhibitors, and methods for using such irreversible inhibitors in the treatment of a B cell proliferative disorder or a mast cell proliferative disorder.
US09079907B2 Fused heterocyclic compound and use thereof
The present invention relates to a serotonin 5-HT2C receptor activator containing a compound represented by the formula wherein ring A is a 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocycle optionally having substituent(s), and ring B is a 7- to 9-membered ring optionally having substituent(s) other than an oxo group wherein the combination of m and n (m,n) is (1,2), (2,1), (2,2), (3,1), (3,2) or (4,1), or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof, and a fused heterocyclic compound having a serotonin 5-HT2C receptor activating action and the like.
US09079904B2 Pyrido[3,4-B]indoles and methods of use
This disclosure relates to new heterocyclic compounds that may be used to modulate a histamine receptor in an individual. Pyrido[3,4-b]indoles are described, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of therapeutic applications, including the treatment of a cognitive disorder, psychotic disorder, neurotransmitter-mediated disorder and/or a neuronal disorder.
US09079902B2 Heteroaryl sodium channel inhibitors
The present invention provides compounds of Formula I or II, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that are inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels, in particular Nav 1.7. The compounds are useful for the treatment of diseases treatable by inhibition of channels such as pain disorders. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of the present invention.
US09079901B2 Fused heterocyclic compounds as ion channel modulators
The present disclosure relates to compounds that are sodium channel inhibitors and to their use in the treatment of various disease states, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In particular embodiments, the structure of the compounds is given by Formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as described herein, to methods for the preparation and use of the compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.
US09079900B2 Methods of synthesis and purification of heteroaryl compounds
Provided herein are methods to prepare Heteroaryl Compounds having the following structure: wherein R1-R4 are as defined herein. The Heteroaryl compounds are useful for treating or preventing cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, age-related diseases, or cardiovascular conditions.
US09079896B2 Urotensin II receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and prodrugs thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula (I) and the use of said compounds and compositions as urotensin II receptor antagonists.
US09079894B2 Heteroaryl compounds as 5-HT4 receptor ligands
The present invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I), and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and compositions containing them. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of above said novel compounds, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The compounds of formula (I) are useful in the treatment of various disorders that are related to 5-HT4 receptors.
US09079892B2 Method for preparing rivaroxaban intermediate
A method for preparing a Rivaroxaban intermediate I is presented, including the following step: in a non-protonic solvent, under the effect of lewis acid, performing cyclization reaction on 4-(4-phenyl isocyanate)morpholine-3-ketone (II) and (S)-epoxy compound (III), the reaction temperature ranging from 20° C. to 60° C., where R is amino replaced by amino protecting group. The preparation method of the present invention has a mild condition, a simple process, a low cost, and high efficiency; the product is easy to purify and the method is applicable to industrial production.
US09079891B2 Compounds that modulate intracellular calcium
Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which modulate the activity of store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. Also described herein are methods of using such SOC channel modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of SOC channel activity.
US09079884B2 Process for the preparation of substituted pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of substituted pyrimidine derivatives, useful as intermediates in the synthesis of histamine H4 receptor modulators, and to intermediates in H4 modulator synthesis.
US09079883B2 Process for the preparation of substituted pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of substituted pyrimidine derivatives, useful as intermediates in the synthesis of histamine H4 receptor modulators, and to intermediates in H4 modulator synthesis.
US09079880B2 Rho kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1 and X are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US09079878B2 (4-phenylimidazol-2-yl) ethylamine derivatives useful as sodium channel modulators
The present invention is directed to imidazole derivatives, to their use in medicine, to compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation and to intermediates used in such processes. More particularly the invention relates to a new imidazole NaV1.8 modulators of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the description. NaV1.8 modulators are useful in the treatment of a wide range of disorders, particularly pain.
US09079875B2 Method for decarboxylating C—C cross-linking of carboxylic acids with carbon electrophiles
The invention relates to a method for decarboxylating C—C bond formation by reacting carboxylic salts with carbon electrophiles in the presence of transition metal compounds as catalysts. The method represents a decarboxylating C—C bond formation of carboxylic acid salts with carbon electrophiles, wherein the catalyst contains two transition metals and/or transition metal compounds, from which one is present, preferably, in the oxidation step, which are different from each other by one unit, and catalyzes a radical decarboxylation which is absorbed during the second oxidation steps, which are different from each other by two units and catalyzes the two electron processes of a C—C bond formation reaction.
US09079866B2 Flap modulators
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), or a form thereof, wherein ring A, R1, R2, R3, R3′, L, W, and V are as defined herein, useful as FLAP modulators. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I). Methods of making and using the compounds of Formula (I) are also within the scope of the invention.
US09079865B2 Hydrazide containing nuclear transport modulators and uses thereof
The invention generally relates to nuclear transport modulators, e.g., CRM1 inhibitors, and more particularly to a compound represented by structural formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the values and alternative values for the variables are as defined and described herein. The invention also includes the synthesis and use of a compound of structural formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or composition thereof, e.g., in the treatment, modulation and/or prevention of physiological conditions associated with CRM1 activity.
US09079863B2 Crystalline forms for 5-amino-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione sodium salt, pharmaceutical preparations containing the same and method for the production of said forms
The invention relates to the provision of two novel crystalline forms I and II for 5-amino-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione sodium salt. Surprisingly, it was discovered that form I and form II have differing immunological effects. This advantageous property is useful for immunospecific applications. In addition, both forms have advantageous physicochemical properties, which are useful in the production, further processing and/or use of a pharmaceutical preparation of form I or form II or a mixture of both.
US09079861B2 Cyclic urea inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1
This invention relates to novel compounds of the Formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If), (Ig), (Ih)1 (Ij), (Ik), (Il1-3). (Im1-3), (In1-3), (Io1-2), (Ip1-6), (Iq1-6), (Ir1-6) and (Is1-2), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are useful for the therapeutic treatment of diseases associated with the modulation or inhibition of 11β-HSD1 in mammals. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions of the novel compounds and methods for their use in the reduction or control of the production of Cortisol in a cell or the inhibition of the conversion of cortisone to Cortisol in a cell.
US09079860B2 Five-membered heterocycles useful as serine protease inhibitors
The present invention provides a method for treating a thrombotic or an inflammatory disorder administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I) or Formula (V): or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate form thereof, wherein the variables A, L, Z, R3, R4, R6, R11, X1, X2, and X3 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula (I) are useful as selective inhibitors of serine protease enzymes of the coagulation cascade and/or contact activation system; for example thrombin, factor Xa, factor XIa, factor IXa, factor VIIa and/or plasma kallikrein. In particular, it relates to compounds that are selective factor XIa inhibitors. This invention also provides compounds within the scope of Formula I and relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
US09079855B2 Carbazole compound, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
A carbazole compound represented by General Formula (G1) is provided. In the formula, α represents a phenylene group, Ar1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenanthryl group, Ar2 represents hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenanthryl group, Ar3 represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenanthryl group, and R1 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group. Further, n is 0 or 1.
US09079850B2 Cosmetic compositions containing esters of 2-ethylbutanol
The invention relates to the use of esters of 2-ethylbutanol with C4-36 dicarboxylic acids or C4-36 dicarboxylic acids in cosmetics and/or pharmaceutical preparations. The compounds are characterized by a particularly light feeling.
US09079847B2 Process for preparing and purifying fatty acids
There is provided a process for purifying a fatty acid, which process comprises reacting a fatty acid with a lithium salt in a first solution and under conditions to allow formation of a precipitate of a lithium salt of the fatty acid; isolating the precipitate; dissolving the precipitate in a second solution followed by separation of the organic and aqueous layers so formed; and evaporating the organic layer to isolate the purified fatty acid. There is also provided a process for increasing the length of a fatty acid, and the use of a lithium salt to purify a fatty acid.
US09079846B2 Process for oxidizing impurities in crude terephthalic acid
A process for oxidizing solid crude terephthalic acid is described. The process includes contacting solid crude terephthalic acid with a solvent comprising a carboxylic acid and one or more of an ionic liquid or ammonium acetate; a bromine source; a catalyst; and an oxidizing agent to produce solid purified terephthalic acid at a temperature of about 100 to about 210° C., and a pressure of about 2 to about 4.5 MPa, for a time of about 5 to about 60 min, and recovering the solid purified terephthalic acid.
US09079845B2 Process for obtaining fatty acid alkyl esters, rosin acids and sterols from crude tall oil
The disclosed invention refers to a process for obtaining fatty acid alkyl esters, rosin acids and sterols from crude tall oil (CTO), which is characterized by the following steps: (a) reacting the free fatty acids present in the CTO with lower alcohols; (b) esterifying the sterols in the CTO with boric acid or transesterifying the sterols with a catalyst; (c) separating the fatty acid lower alkyl esters and rosin acids from the remaining sterol borate esters or sterol esters of fatty acids to produce a stream of sterol esters; (d) separating the fatty acid alkyl esters from the rosin acids to produce a first stream of fatty acid alky esters and a second stream of rosin acids; and (e) converting the sterol esters into the free sterols to produce a third stream of free sterols.
US09079842B2 Method for separating salified phenolic compounds
A method for separating a salified phenolic compound from a reaction medium including same is described. Also described, is a method for separating salified phenolic compounds from an aqueous reaction medium resulting from the reaction of a phenolic compound and glyoxylic acid in the presence of a base, which leads to a reaction medium including at least the excess of the starting salified phenolic compound and the various salified mandelic compounds resulting from the reaction, wherein the reaction medium including the starting salified phenolic compound is contacted with an adsorbent substrate. This leads to the selective adsorption of the phenolic compound onto said substrate and to the recovery of an aqueous flow containing the salified mandelic compounds from the reaction, and in that the phenolic compound attached onto the adsorbent is desorbed by means of a regenerating treatment of the adsorbent.
US09079840B2 Process for producing geometric shaped catalyst bodies
A process for producing geometric shaped catalyst bodies K whose active material is a multielement oxide of stoichiometry [Bi1WbOx]a[Mo12Z1cZ2dFeeZ3fZ4gZ5hOy]1, in which a finely divided oxide Bi1WbOx with the particle size d50A1 and, formed from element sources, a finely divided intimate mixture of stoichiometry Mo12Z1cZ2dFeeZ3fZ4gZ5h with the particle size d90A2 are mixed in a ratio of a:1, this mixture is used to form shaped bodies and these are treated thermally, where (d50A1)0.7·(d90A2)1.5·(a)−1≧820. A shaped catalyst body obtained by the process. A catalyst obtained by grinding the shaped catalyst body. A process for heterogeneously catalyzing the partial gas phase oxidation of an alkane, alkanol, alkanal and/or an alkenal of 3 to 6 carbon atoms using the catalyst.
US09079836B2 Compound having 2-fluorophenyloxymethane structure, a method for preparing the same, a liquid crystal composition and a liquid crystal device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a compound having both a low viscosity (η) and good miscibility with another liquid crystal compound; it is another object of the present invention to provide a method for producing the same. It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal composition containing such a compound; it is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device in which the compound is used.There are provided a compound represented by Formula (1), a liquid crystal composition containing such a compound, a liquid crystal device in which this liquid crystal composition is used, a method for producing the compound represented by Formula (1), and compounds represented by Formulae (4) and (5) that are materials used in such a method.
US09079834B2 HIV protease inhibitors
Compounds of Formula I are disclosed wherein R1, R2, R3A, R3B, R4A, R4B, R5A, R5B, R6A, R6B, R7, R8 and R9 are defined herein. The compounds encompassed by Formula I include compounds which are HIV protease inhibitors and other compounds which can be metabolized in vivo to HIV protease inhibitors. The compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of infection by HIV and the prophylaxis, treatment, or delay in the onset of AIDS. The compounds and their salts can be employed as ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, optionally in combination with other antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines.
US09079827B2 Process for production of aromatic amide carboxylic acid derivative
The invention provides a method for producing an aromatic amide carboxylic acid derivative represented by the following Formula (2), including a step of reacting an aromatic amide halide derivative represented by the following Formula (1) with carbon monoxide. In the following Formulae (1) and (2), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; X1 represents a fluorine atom or a cyano group; X2 represents a halogen atom; and n represents an integer of from 0 to 3.
US09079821B2 Quinone based nitric oxide donating compounds
The present invention relates to nitric oxide donor compounds having a quinone based structure, to processes for their preparation and to their use in the treatment of pathological conditions where a deficit of NO plays an important role in their pathogenesis.
US09079820B2 Process for preparing chlorine-containing fluorocarbon compound
The present invention provides a process for preparing at least one chlorine-containing fluorocarbon compound selected from the group consisting of chlorine-containing fluoropropane compounds represented by Formula (1): CFnCl3-nCHClCH2Cl, wherein n is 1 or 2, and chlorine-containing fluoropropene compounds represented by Formula (2): CFnCl3-nCCl═CH2, wherein n is 1 or 2, wherein the process includes the step of contacting at least one chlorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane, 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene, and 2,3,3,3-tetrachloropropene with hydrogen fluoride in the absence of a catalyst while heating. According to the present invention, the chlorine-containing propane and propene compounds having 1 or 2 fluorine atoms can be prepared by an industrially applicable, simple and effective process.
US09079817B2 Initial hydrotreating of naphthenes with subsequent high temperature reforming
A process for the production of aromatics through the reforming of a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process utilizes the differences in properties of components within the hydrocarbon stream to increase the energy efficiency. The differences in the reactions of different hydrocarbon components in the conversion to aromatics allows for different treatments of the different components to reduce the energy used in reforming process.
US09079812B2 Process for dehydration of dilute ethanol into ethylene with low energy consumption without recycling of water
A process for dehydration of an ethanol feedstock into ethylene, comprising the vaporization of said dilute hydrated ethanol feedstock in an exchanger, with heat exchange with the effluent that is obtained from a last reactor, with said mixture being introduced into said vaporization stage at a pressure that is lower than the pressure of the effluent that is obtained from the last reactor, the compression of the mixture that is vaporized in a compressor, the introduction of the vaporized and compressed mixture, into at least one adiabatic reactor that contains at least one dehydration catalyst.
US09079799B2 Cordierite aluminum magnesium titanate compositions and ceramic articles comprising same
Disclosed are ceramic bodies comprised of composite cordierite aluminum magnesium titanate ceramic compositions and methods for the manufacture of same.
US09079797B2 Method for producing polycarboxylic acid copolymer and copolymer composition for cement admixture
The present application relates to a production method for a polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer including a structural unit (I) derived from an unsaturated polyalkylene glycol ether-based monomer (a) and a structural unit (II) derived from an unsaturated carboxylic acid-based monomer (b), in which monomer components including the monomer (a) and the monomer (b) are polymerized using a peroxide and a reductant as polymerization initiators in combination while the pH during polymerization is controlled to 3 or less in the presence of a pH adjustor. The present application also relates to a polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer for a high-performance cement admixture including a structural unit (I) derived from an unsaturated polyalkylene glycol ether-based monomer (a) and a structural unit (II) derived from an unsaturated carboxylic acid-based monomer (b), and a nonpolymerizable organic sulfonic acid having a molecular weight of 300 or less and/or a salt thereof.
US09079791B2 System and method for positioning a hot glass sheet
A system (10) and method for positioning a hot glass sheet G on a roll conveyor 24 for further processing utilizes sensors (60, 62, 64) for sensing a conveyed glass sheet position and a turntable (72) having an actuator (74) for providing axial shifting of rolls (26) supported on the turntable to properly locate the glass sheet G, without any sliding between the glass sheet and the conveyor rolls, both rotationally and laterally for further processing which is specifically disclosed as forming.
US09079789B2 Flowpaths in CDI cell
In a capacitive deionization water desalination apparatus, the waterways of the cell are physically switchable between treatment-phase and purge-phase. In treatment-phase, the waterways conduct the flow of water thickness-wise, in-series, through the whole stack of electrodes and spacers. In purge-phase, the waterways conduct the flow of purge-water into the edges of the spacers, and along the spacers parallel to the plane of the spacers.
US09079787B2 Process for obtaining desalted water from zirconium-containing wash water
A method for recovering demineralized water from zirconium-containing rinse water having a pH lower than 6.0, wherein a) the rinse water has added to it an aqueous solution of Ca(OH)2 containing no more than 0.1 wt % undissolved Ca(OH)2, in a quantity such that the pH of the rinse water rises to a value in the range from 6.2 to 8.0, b) a precipitate that forms is separated from the rinse water, and c) the rinse water from which the precipitate was removed in step b) is subjected to an ion exchange method or to reverse osmosis.
US09079786B2 Purification of thin stillage from dry-grind corn milling with fungi
The present invention is directed to an improved method of processing thin stillage from ethanol production and/or other industrial processes to produce high value fungal biomass that can be recovered by simple means. The effluent is sanitized and recycled using a novel disinfection technique. This innovative approach generates revenue from low value thin stillage, while reducing wastewater purification costs.
US09079784B2 Water filter system
A slow/intermittent sand filter that purifies polluted water by flowing through sand in a manner that achieves greater purity and permits simpler and more effective maintenance than existing filters.
US09079783B2 Distributor arrangement for a fluid treatment tank
A distributor plate for a resin tank of a fluid treatment device such as a water softener includes a central hub, an outer ring, a plurality of ribs extending between the hub and the ring and dividing the distributor plate into discrete segments, and a slotted plate connected therebetween. The distributor plate separates the resin bed from a lower end of the resin tank. The distributor plate further comprises at least one valve plate coupled to an underside of the distributor plate over at least one segment thereof. The valve plate is constructed from a material configured to float in the fluid being treated and is movable between a raised position during upflow and a lowered position during downflow. In this manner, the valve plate acts like a check valve to regulate the manner in which fluid flows through the distributor plate during upflow and downflow, improving resin scrubbing during upflow.
US09079779B2 Connected heat conducting structures in solid ammonia storage systems
A compacted block of material constructed of one or more units consisting of matter comprising an ammonia-saturated material capable of reversibly desorbing and ad- or absorbing ammonia surrounded by a gas-permeable enclosure made of a flexible material having a thermal conductivity of at least about five times the thermal conductivity of said ammonia-saturated material at −70° C. to 250° C. and methods for producing the same are described.
US09079778B2 Production of near-stoichiometric spherical tungsten carbide particles
Near-stoichiometric spherical tungsten carbide particles and a method for making near-stoichiometric spherical tungsten carbide particles are disclosed. The method of making these particles may comprise coating a starting powder with a carbon containing compound followed by plasma processing the starting powder in a plasma formed by known ionization techniques using a suitable fluid medium. The near-stoichiometric spherical tungsten carbide particles exhibit desirable particle uniformity, impact resistance, and wear resistance in a variety of applications.
US09079777B2 Method for producing inorganic oxide particles
The present invention relates to a method for producing inorganic oxide particles, comprising at least the following steps of: coagulating a dispersion obtained by carrying out the hydrolysis reaction and the polycondensation reaction of a metal alkoxide in the presence of a basic catalyst; filtering the dispersion to obtain particles; and drying the particles, wherein the step of coagulating the dispersion is carried out by adding a coagulant comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate and ammonium carbamate to the dispersion. The inorganic oxide particles obtained by the method of the present invention have high purity and are excellent in flowability.
US09079773B2 Ozone generating apparatus
There is provided an ozone generating apparatus that requires no use of cooling water, is small in size and easy in maintenance. The ozone generating apparatus includes a ground electrode 1 formed of a substantially cylindrical metal tube, and a high voltage electrode 5 having a substantially cylindrical dielectric body substantially concentrically arranged inside the ground electrode, and having a high voltage applied to an electrically conductive layer 6 formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof, in which an oxygen-containing gas is supplied into an electric discharge gap formed between the ground electrode and the high voltage electrode to generate ozone, wherein the ground electrode is formed integrally with plural air cooling fins 2 extending in a longitudinal direction at an outer peripheral side thereof.
US09079769B2 Method and apparatus for producing gasoline and hydrogen from methanol
A method and an apparatus for producing gasoline and hydrogen from methanol are disclosed. First, methanol is supplied to a first catalyst layer located in a reaction tube arranged in a reactor via a first methanol supply path to synthesize gasoline from the methanol. At the same time, methanol is supplied to a second catalyst layer located on the outer periphery of the reaction tube provided within the reactor from a second supply path, which serves as a methanol supply path, to generate hydrogen from the methanol. Heat generated in the first catalyst layer is conducted to the second catalyst layer through the reaction tube to heat the second catalyst layer to a predetermined temperature.
US09079768B2 Dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane by bifunctional catalysts
Ligand-metal bifunctional ruthenium complexes are efficient catalysts for the liberation of two or more molar equivalents of hydrogen from ammonia-borane, a prospective hydrogen storage medium. In some cases, the mechanism for the dehydrogenation features a ruthenium hydride resting state from which dihydrogen loss is the rate-determining step.
US09079767B2 Countercurrent gasification using synthesis gas as the working medium
The invention relates to an autothermal method that is used for the continues gasification of carbon-rich substances (A) in a vertical process chamber (2) having a reduction zone (12) and an oxidation zone (6), in which the carbon-rich substances calcined in the reduction zone oxidize with oxygen-containing gas (8), wherein the gaseous reaction products (15) are drawn off at the top face of the vertical process chamber, the vertical process chamber is constructed in the form of a vertical shaft furnace, through which bulk material (3), which itself is not oxidized, flows continuously from top to bottom, wherein the carbon-rich substances are added to the bulk material before entering into the vertical process chamber. According to the invention, in order to be able to produce high-quality synthesis gas having a minimal fraction of inert gas without detrimentally influencing the energy efficiency of the countercurrent gasification, carbon monoxide-containing gas is introduced as cooling gas (10) into a cooling zone (11) at the lower end of the vertical shaft furnace.
US09079764B1 Methods for preparation of concentrated graphene compositions and related composite materials
A rapid, scalable methodology for graphene dispersion with a polymer-organic solvent solution and subsequent solvent exchange, as can be utilized without centrifugation, to enhance graphene concentration.
US09079763B2 MEMS device with stress isolation and method of fabrication
A MEMS device (20) includes a proof mass structure (26) and beams (28, 30) residing in a central opening (32) of the proof mass structure (26), where the structure and the beams are suspended over a substrate (22). The beams (28, 30) are oriented such that lengthwise edges (34, 36) of the beams are beside one another. Isolation segments (38) are interposed between the beams (28, 30) such that a middle portion (40) of each of the beams is laterally anchored to adjacent isolation segments (38). The isolation segments (38) provide electrical isolation between the beams. The beams (28, 30) are anchored to the substrate (22) via compliant structures (61, 65) that isolate the beams from deformations in the underlying substrate. The compliant structures (61, 65) provide electrically conductive paths (96, 98) to the substrate (22) for the beams (28, 30) where the paths are electrically isolated from one another.
US09079753B2 Vehicle lifting assembly
A yoke for receiving, raising, and lowering a vehicle having left and right tires by engagement with the left and right tires, the yoke having a left capture frame; a right capture frame; a span member having left and right ends, and having a medial jack clearance space arch; left and right socket joints for mounting the left and right capture frames upon the span member's left and right ends; and a rotation stopping pin fixedly attached to the arch, the rotation stopping pin being fitted for engaging a socket within a distal end of a trolley jack's lift arm.
US09079752B2 Elevator group supervisory control system and method with park floor cancellation
According to the present invention, when a parking floor is set as a remote-hall-operating-panel-installed floor, the parking floor can be canceled. As a result of this, during the movement of a passenger from a remote hall operating panel to an elevator hall, it is possible to prevent a car from being on standby at a remote-hall-operating-panel-installed floor. Therefore, because a car to which a remote hall registration has been assigned can effectively use the moving time of the passenger and hence it is possible to improve the operation efficiency of the whole group supervisory control system. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce useless runs and hence to reduce power consumption.
US09079749B2 Simple node transportation system and node controller and vehicle controller therein
A simple node transportation system having a vehicle traveling on a route having nodes, a traditional control module controlling the vehicle, and any combination of a node controller and a vehicle controller. The node controller has a traditional touch module connecting to the traditional control module and sending a control instruction to the traditional control module, an input module photographing an image and a gesture, a node control module recognizing the gesture and transferring the corresponding control instruction, and an output module displaying the image and the corresponding control instruction. The vehicle controller has a traditional touch module connecting to the traditional control module and sending a control instruction to the traditional control module, an input module photographing an image and a gesture, a vehicle control module recognizing the gesture and transferring the corresponding control instruction, and an output module displaying the image and the corresponding control instruction.
US09079746B2 Pool lane line reel apparatuses, systems, and methods
An apparatus, kits, and methods for reeling a pool lane line are described herein. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a lane line guide configured to guide the positioning of a pool lane line along an axis of the apparatus. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a manipulandum in communication with an axle of the apparatus.
US09079745B2 Pay-off assembly
An improved pay-off assembly allowing cable loaded on a cable reel to be transported to an installation site and/or paid-off during a cable pull is described. The pay-off assembly may include one or more of lateral support braces that provide stability and strength to an A-frame structure supporting the cable reel; a reel lock assembly for securely holding the cable reel in place during transport and/or pay-off of the cable; an end cap assembly that prevents detachment from an arbor as the arbor and cable reel rotate during pay-off; a dog hole stop assembly that engages a “dog hole” in the cable reel to prevent the cable reel from rotating during transport; a braking system for controlling the rotational speed of the cable reel during pay-off; and a ground attachment assembly that allows an additional cable reel to be loaded for transport and/or pay-off of the cable.
US09079743B2 Sheet discharge control by sheet conveying apparatus
Discharging a sheet bundle of a sheet N and a sheet N-1 on preceding sheets already stacked on a stacking tray can cause the already-stacked sheets to be pushed out by the front end of the succeeding sheets. By pressing already-stacked sheets with a bundle pressing member when a sheet bundle of succeeding sheets is discharged, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the already-stacked sheets being pushed out. Employing the bundle pressing member reduces disturbance of sheet alignment that can occur when a sheet bundle is discharged on already-stacked sheets.
US09079739B2 Apparatus for controlling the nip force/pressure between two rotating cylinders
An apparatus for controlling the nip force between a fixed roll having a first longitudinal axis and a pivoting roll pivotable about a pivot axis and having a second longitudinal axis is disclosed.
US09079738B2 Apparatus for causing paper webs to tear off within rewinding machines
Apparatus for causing paper webs to tear off within rewinding machines, the web (2) being provided, at regular intervals, with transverse perforation which subdivide the web into sheets joined to each other but able to be separated in correspondence of said perforation lines, the apparatus comprising a device to cause the tearing of the web (2) upon the passage of a perforation line (p) which separates the last sheet of a log (RO) in the course of formation from the first sheet of the next log to be formed, characterized in that the tearing device is a pneumatic type device (SP) able to direct a jet of compressed air toward the line (p).
US09079735B2 Anti-stick histological specimen slide feeder and method
An apparatus and method for feeding histology specimen slides from a stack of the slides in a slide printer. The stack of slides includes first, next-to-be removed and second slides having adjacent surfaces. A flow of gas is applied to a location that the adjacent surfaces of the first and second slides meet when removing the first slide from the stack. The flow of gas, which may be a jet or blast of air applied through a nozzle, and which may be applied before and/or during the removal of the slide from the stack, helps un-stick the slides to enhance the feeding action.
US09079733B2 Vortex suction separator device
A system for separating an article from the outer part of a stack and conveying it along a transfer path includes a stack assembly configured to receive a stack of articles. A mounting assembly including at least one vortex suction unit is disposed so as to face the stack of articles at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge thereof. The vortex suction unit includes a conveyor configured to transport an article from the stack.
US09079728B2 Feeder system for beverage container holder process
A system includes a sheet holder configured to hold a sheet of blanks, the sheet of blanks including a first blank and a second blank attached to the first blank. A conveyor mechanism is configured to transport the sheet of blanks from the sheet holder to a separator mechanism. The separator mechanism is configured to apply a pulling force to the first blank. A resistance component is configured to apply a resistance force to the second blank to resist the pulling force. The pulling force and the resistance force are configured to separate the first blank from the second blank.
US09079724B2 Electromagnetic transfer system
The invention relates to an electromagnetic transfer system (100) having a preferably closed carrier path (20), along which a multiplicity of individually activatable induction coils (25) are arranged, and having conveying elements (30, 30a to 30e), which are arranged in a movable manner on the carrier path (20) and each have a driver element (38), which serves for conveying in each case at least one article (1) from a first conveying arrangement (11), along a conveying route (18) in the region of the transfer system (100), into a second conveying arrangement (12) arranged downstream, wherein the driver elements (38) are in abutting contact with the at least one article (1) at least along the conveying route (18), and wherein the conveying element (30, 30a to 30e) has, as drive element, at least one permanent-magnet element (31) arranged in operative connection with the induction coils (25). According to the invention, it is provided that the driver element (38) is arranged on the conveying element (30, 30a to 30e) such that it can be moved, in particular pivoted, in order to be brought into abutting contact with, and removed from abutting contact with, the at least one article (1), wherein the driver element (38) is moved by at least one actuating element (43, 44) arranged at a fixed location on the carrier path (20).
US09079721B2 Combination weigher
A combination weigher comprises a collecting conveyor which conveys objects and discharges the objects; a plurality of weighing conveyors configured to convey the objects fed thereto and discharge the objects, to feed the objects to the collecting conveyor apparatus; a plurality of weight sensors for measuring weights of the objects held on the weighing conveyors; and a control section which finds a discharge combination including a combination of the weighing conveyors holding the objects in which a total weight thereof falls within a target weight range, based on the measured weight values of the weight sensors and activates the weighing conveyors selected to make up the discharge combination to convey the objects on the weighing conveyors and discharge the objects, wherein a conveying speed of the collecting conveyor apparatus is set higher than a conveying speed of the weighing conveyors.
US09079720B1 Roller chain lubricator
An apparatus for lubricating or cleaning a drive chain during a maintenance operation is configured as an enclosure that is inserted over a mounted chain. The apparatus disperses lubricant/cleaning solvent to specific locations through channels formed within the enclosure. The channels are strategically located within the enclosure to ensure that the applied material is directed to specific locations along the chain. A conventional lubricant/solvent is introduced through one or more inlet ports formed in the enclosure, the inlet port(s) coupled to the internal channels to properly distribute the material.
US09079718B2 Rail system for thermoformer with dual motor chain drive
A thermoformer apparatus has sheet supporting rails which are divided into sections hinged together to facilitate widening of the spacing between the rails with adjuster drive mechanism as the sheet moves through an oven to eliminate sagging of the sheet as it becomes heated. Thermoformer chains are driven by a pair of independently operable servo motors each associated with a respective thermoformer chain.
US09079715B2 Lifting device with sucker mount arrangement and upwardly curved handle
A lifting device has an elongate lifting arm provided with a suction mount enabling securing of the device to a body to be lifted. The suction mount has suction devices spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm sufficiently for a user to grip the lifting arm in between the suction mount devices. The device extends away from the suction mount, in the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm, to a handle spaced from the suction mount, and which extends upwardly above the lifting arm on the opposite side of the lifting arm to the suction mount devices.
US09079711B2 Receptacle with cinch
A receptacle includes a body configured to receive a liner and a cinch disposed on the body. The cinch includes a projection disposed outward of the body and configured such that at least a portion of the liner can be disposed between the projection and the body. The cinch further includes a slot having an open end and a closed end, wherein the slot is disposed substantially adjacent the projection and configured such that at least a portion of the liner can be disposed and retained within the slot.
US09079710B2 Packaging device for waste storage device and waste storage device
A waste storage device includes a waste storage part for storing a waste item and a packaging device arranged in an upper part of the waste storage part. The packaging device includes two film feed rollers, two waste sealing rollers which pull out films and are arranged in parallel that the peripheral surfaces thereof are in contact via the pulled out respective films in a normal state and at least one of which has the peripheral surface that is elastically deformed along the shape of the waste item, and a driving part which rotates the rollers. Two friction rollers which are driven and rotated to sandwich the films sealing the waste item having passed between the waste sealing rollers and pull them downward are provided below the waste sealing rollers. The device prevents a waste item sealed with resin films from being caught in rollers such as waste sealing rollers.
US09079708B2 Storage composite, and storage tank and permeable storage tank using same
The interior of a storage tank is filled with a storage composite and one cylindrical rib is positioned on each of the lower surface and the upper surface of partitions to project therefrom. Funnel-shaped end spacers have a large-diameter tube portion for engaging with and connecting to the cylindrical ribs on the upper and lower surfaces of the partitions, and a small-diameter tube portion having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter tube portion. Both ends of cylindrical connecting spacers engages with the small-diameter tube portion of a pair of end spacers, and the length of one side of a partition is S, the diameter of the section in which the cylindrical rib engages the large-diameter tube is set within the range of 0.40 S to 0.95 S. Multiple levels of horizontal connected units are provided, and end spacers and connecting spacers are interposed between the horizontal connected units of multiple levels.
US09079706B2 Infusible material capsule for brewing a beverage
A sealed capsule for use in apparatus including a capsule receiving station and a water delivery system for brewing a hot beverage in which a hot liquid under pressure infuses a material. A capsule base has a concave bottom floor with angularly spaced structural ribs that form channels for directing brewed beverage to a sharpened spout. A collar surrounds the dispensing spout. A foil attaches to the collar to overlie the spout. A filter lies on the structural ribs. Infusible material lies on the filter. A water distribution plate overlies the infusible material. A cover closes the base unit and includes a water inlet. As the capsule seats in the capsule receiving station, the foil seal is forced over the sharpened spout to rupture and enable brewed beverage to be dispersed. A probe of the water delivery system also penetrates the cover to direct water into the capsule without contacting the infusible material or the brewed beverage.
US09079705B2 Capsule for making beverages
A capsule (1) for making beverages comprises a powdered food substance, and comprises a body (2) having a lower wall (3) and a side wall (4), and a lid (6) fixed to an edge (5) of the side wall (4). Between the lid (6) and the inner surface of the body (2) there is a chamber in which a rigid or semi-rigid filter (10) is positioned, coupled at a coupling portion (14) located on the side wall (4) close to the edge (5). The filter (10) extends between a rim (12) positioned close to the lid (6) and coupled to the coupling portion (14), and a bottom portion (13) positioned close to the lower wall (3), and separates the chamber into a first compartment (15), containing the substance, delimited at least between the filter (10) and the lid (6), and into a second compartment (16) partly positioned between the side wall (4) and the filter (10), delimited between the filter (10), the lower wall (3) and the portion of side wall (4) located between the lower wall (3) and the coupling portion (14). The second compartment (16) comprises openings (11) at the part of it positioned between the filter (10) and the side wall (4).
US09079703B2 Actuator systems and methods for aerosol wall texturing
An outlet assembly for a spray dispenser comprises a container, an actuator member comprising at least one finger, a deformable outlet member, and an adjustment member defining an adjustment edge. The container supports the actuator member. The outlet member is arranged adjacent to the actuator member such that the outlet member is adjacent to the at least one finger. The adjustment member is arranged relative to the actuator member such that the adjustment edge is in contact with the at least one finger. Movement of the adjustment member relative to the actuator member displaces the adjustment member relative to the actuator member to cause the adjustment edge to deform the at least one finger. As the adjustment edge deforms the at least one finger, the at least one finger deforms the outlet member to alter a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening.
US09079702B2 Cigar box with pedestal lid
A cigar box includes a pedestal lid and a base. The base includes front, rear and side panels and a bottom panel. The lid includes a top panel and a front panel. Side edges of the lid are slidably insertable into channels in opposing interior surfaces of the side panels of the base. In a first configuration, the top panel is inserted into the base to close the cigar box. In a second configuration, the lid is removed from the base and placed underneath the bottom panel of the base such that the base is inclined towards its front panel lower. In this configuration, gravity causes cigars within an interior volume of the base to roll downwardly to the front of the base, where an opening in the front panel of the base facilitates their removal.
US09079700B2 Container carrier
A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers within a plurality of corresponding container receiving apertures formed in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks that includes at least three rows of container receiving apertures wherein a center aperture in middle transverse ranks is longer than an outer aperture in middle transverse ranks and wherein the center aperture in end transverse ranks is wider than the outer container aperture in end transverse ranks.
US09079699B2 Package for holding containers
A carrier comprising a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first bottom panel connected to the first side panel by at least one first strut, and a second bottom panel connected to the second side panel by at least one second strut. At least one container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature and an opposing second retaining feature. At least a portion of the first retaining feature or the second retaining feature is disposed in the first side panel or the second side panel. A container can be retained by at least one of the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature. At least a portion of at least one of the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel is disposed between the container and the top panel.
US09079698B2 Dual laser scored blister package cover
A rupturable blister package multilayer cover sheet has top (3) and bottom (4) layers having dual aligned laser scores (6,7) and at least one non-laser scored intermediate layer (15).
US09079696B2 Container for personal use
Containers with hooks are provided including those that hold personal care products such as shampoo or shower gel, and which comprise a cap at each end of an elongated container, the cap at one end comprising an articulating hook attached to the cap by a film hinge. The articulating hook, in the open configuration, allows the container to hang from an object such as a shower rod.
US09079692B2 Assembly of medical connector caps
Disclosed herein are disinfecting caps that can be used to cover and disinfect both a male medical connector and needleless injection site when not in use or when disconnected from each other. The caps contain a disinfecting agent.
US09079690B1 Freezer bag, storage system, and method of freezing
A freezer bag, a storage system, and a method of freezing are provided. The freezer bag includes a pliable housing including at least one panel and a seam, the at least one panel and the seam defining a cavity within the pliable housing, a port extending from the pliable housing, and a tufting coupling opposing sides of the pliable housing, the tufting dividing the cavity into a plurality of regions.
US09079685B2 Collapsible food container
The present specification discloses a collapsible food container. The container includes a wall portion with an outer surface having a substantially smooth shape. The wall portion is configured to bend from raised position to a collapsed position, with the food container being used to retain food in the raised position and being collapsed for storage in the collapsed position.
US09079684B2 Collapsible cheese container
Embodiments described herein provide a system for molding cheese having a pressboard for compressing cheese in a cheese mold. The pressboard includes spring alignment features to align a set of leaf springs that help ensure even compression of the cheese.
US09079681B1 Methods and articles for image transfer
Image transfer articles, sheets and methods are disclosed. The image transfer articles and sheets can include or be configured to receive an image. The image can be capture on one or more ink or other marking receptive layers of the image transfer articles or sheets. In various examples, the image transfer articles provide decorative features in addition to the image. Such decorative features can include article portions bearing elements such as, but not limited to, metallic flakes, metallic-like flakes, glitter materials, sparkle materials, luminescent materials (e.g., having a glow-in-the-dark effect), pearlescent materials, reflective materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the image transfer articles include a vanishing layer configured to hold or sustain the image on a receptor element until the receptor element is washed a predetermined number of times.
US09079679B2 Tray sealing apparatus and method
The present application relates to tray sealing apparatus (100) comprising a heat sealing tool (6), a pair of laterally spaced transfer mechanisms (66) for transferring trays to and away from the heat sealing tool along corresponding laterally spaced tray feed lanes, film supply apparatus for supplying respective heat sealable films to the sealing tool one in alignment with each tray feed lane. The sealing tool comprises a pair of lower support members (61a, 61b), each aligned with a respective one of the tray feed lanes and on to which one or more trays can be transferred. The tray sealing apparatus further comprises a common upper plate (65) having heaters aligned respectively in use with each tray on the lower support members; and means for selectively moving the lower support members towards the upper plate so as to bring the tray(s) on that lower support member into contact with the corresponding film, whereby the upper plate heat seals the film to the tray(s).
US09079675B2 Dual purpose screw coupling piece
A dual purpose coupling piece is provided for on the one hand the screw coupling of a disposable pressure container with a dispensing gun, and which further includes means for on the other hand also cooperating in a bayonet-type coupling with a suitable handheld applicator for application of the compound as in the handheld use. A suitable handheld applicator is also provided. The coupling piece and/or the handheld applicator may be designed for the production as one single product using injection moulding. Further provided is an assembly of a container with the coupling piece, and a process for producing the coupling piece and the assembly, as well as the handheld applicator.
US09079673B1 Assembly for collecting electromagnetic energy
A retractable and re-deployable assembly is provided for collecting electromagnetic energy, for instance in outer space. The assembly has two layers: a first layer comprising a substrate and a second layer comprising an array of electromagnetic transducers. The second layer may further include a plurality of panels, each of which has a proximal edge and a distal edge opposite to the proximal edge. The panels also have a reflective surface and opposite the reflective surface a collector surface on which the array of electromagnetic transducers is disposed. The panels may be flexible and pre-formed to a cylindrical parabolic shape such that when this embodiment is in the deployed configuration, the edge of the panel curls away from the substrate layer because of the pre-formed parabolic shape, thus helping focus the energy on the transducers.
US09079670B2 Aerosol detection
Aerosol detection apparatus comprises an aircraft having a dielectric member, such as a window (10), comprised in the body (12) thereof such that a surface of the dielectric member forms part of the exterior surface of the aircraft. Detection means (16), such as a static monitor is located on the inside of the aircraft and arranged to detect an electric field resulting from polarization of the dielectric member. The output of the static monitor, or the rate of change thereof, correlates closely to particle density as the aircraft is flown though an aerosol, such as a volcanic ash cloud. The apparatus is simple and relatively inexpensive, and may comprise any general purpose aircraft. Aerosol particles may be detected and mapped using apparatus of the invention more easily and quickly than by use of devices such as optical spectrometers mounted on dedicated research aircraft, or static monitors mounted on the exterior of an aircraft.
US09079669B2 Icing detector probe and icing detector with the same
An icing detector probe includes three sections arranged sequentially along the direction of air flow, namely, a first section, a second section and a third section. The shape of the outer surface of the first section is suitable for collecting droplets in the air flow. The shape of the outer surface of the second section is suitable for full decelerating and releasing latent heat of large droplets during their movements. The outer surface of the third section is suitable for icing of large droplets. The probe detects icing by distinguishing and identify large droplets icing. The probe effectively detects types of traditional icing, thus being helpful for exact detection of icing thickness. An icing detector including said icing detector probe is also provided.
US09079665B2 Sequential latch for palletized cargo
An aircraft cargo handling system has a pair of load restraining rail assemblies, each of which has a shaft assembly running substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The shaft assembly has a plurality of lock pawls, each of which comprises a body having a cylindrical pallet-engaging surface. The pallet engaging surfaces of the lock pawls have increasing included angles at stations moving toward the front of the aircraft (or vice versa). This enables the pallets to be locked in place sequentially by rotating the shaft assembly an predetermined angular rotation each time a pallet is loaded. Unloading of the aircraft is carried out in the reverse order, by rotating the shaft assembly in the opposite direction in steps to unlock each pallet individually as the aircraft is unloaded.
US09079663B2 Canard-locked oblique wing aircraft
An aircraft includes a fuselage, a main wing pivotally coupled to an aft portion of the fuselage, and a canard coupled to a forward portion of fuselage, wherein the main wing and the canard are configured to be connected together for supersonic flight and disconnected from each other for subsonic flight.
US09079661B2 Ultra-rapid air vehicle and related method for aerial locomotion
The invention concerns an ultra-rapid air vehicle together with a method of aerial locomotion by means of an ultra-rapid air vehicle, where the air vehicle is propelled by a system of motors formed of turbojets (TB1, TB2), ramjets (ST1, ST2) and a rocket motor which can be made streamlined to reduce the drag of the base during the cruise phase, and where the vehicle has a gothic delta wing (A) fitted with moving fins (a1, a2) at both outer ends of the trailing edge of the delta wing (A).
US09079659B2 Rotor hub and blade root fairing apparatus and method
A fairing system may be assembled about a rotor of a rotorcraft to present an aerodynamically quasi-static region that rotates in an airstream, as well as certain extensions that sweep through the airstream as the rotor hub passes through the air. A spherical interface between the extensions on the rotor hub fairing and the base or root portion of each blade fairing provides three degrees of freedom permitting lead-lag, flapping, and blade pitch pivoting in the blade, while still maintaining an aerodynamic profile that will minimize drag.
US09079658B2 Vortex generation device
A vortex generation device for reducing drag on an upswept aircraft fuselage afterbody and including a vortex generator vane that extends longitudinally from along an outer mold line of the fuselage of an aircraft adjacent an upswept afterbody of the fuselage and that is configured and positioned to reduce drag on an upswept aircraft fuselage afterbody by developing vortices that counteract vortices generated along such an upswept fuselage afterbody. The vane is disposed aft of a side paratrooper jump door of the aircraft fuselage and has a spine and leading end that are faired smoothly into the mold line of the fuselage.
US09079656B2 Mistake resistant design for wing fuel tank access door alignment features
An access door structure for a wing skin is received in an access hole opening which incorporates a protective glove having a set of mistake resisting features and engaging the periphery of the access hole opening. An inner door seals an interior of the access hole opening and has multiple fastener attachment elements and a set of mating mistake resisting features. An outer door engaged over an exterior of the access hole opening has fastener holes for mating alignment with the fastener attachment elements and receives a plurality of fasteners for engagement of the inner and outer doors.
US09079647B2 Vented personal flotation device
Personal flotation devices (PFD's), also known as life jackets, swim vests, etc., including various structures which promote an increased flow of air within the PFD thereby conveying warm, moisture laden air away from the wearer, and allowing at least some ambient air to reach the skin or outer clothing of the wearer. Either or both of at least two modes are provided for fluid passage or “venting.” One fluid passage mode is in directions parallel to an inner side (i.e. “lateral”), with fluid passages being defined by structures such as projections or within various three-dimensional permeable materials, such as spacer fabric. Another fluid passage mode is through an aperture in a buoyant intermediate layer. Depending upon the particular design, a blend or combination of these two modes is achieved.
US09079645B2 Foldable flotation device
A vest type flotation device having means for holding the flotation device in a folded configuration for transport and storage. In one embodiment a transport and storage strap member is attached substantially at its outer end to one of the right and left sides. The transport and storage strap member has a first portion of a first releasable locking member set attached thereto adjacent its inner end. A second portion of the first releasable locking member set is attached to one of the right and left front portions of the device. A second portion of a second releasable locking member set is attached to the right or left side of the device opposite the side to which the outer end of the transport and storage strap member is attached.
US09079643B2 Undersea pipe-laying
A vessel for laying a pipeline includes a plurality of ramps in the region of the first end of the vessel. The plurality of ramps includes a first ramp which is disposed along the pipelaying path, whose inclination is adjustable and which has a first upstream end and a second downstream end, and a second ramp which is disposed along the pipelaying path downstream of the first ramp, whose inclination is adjustable and which has a first upstream end and a second downstream end. The downstream end of the first ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel and the upstream end of the second ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel.
US09079642B2 Active heave compensation system and method
An active heave compensation system comprises a motor generator to interact with a load so as to drive the load in a first part of a heave motion cycle and to regenerate at least part of energy with which the load has been driven in a second part of the heave motion cycle, and an electrical storage element for storing the regenerated energy. The active heave compensation system further comprises a power supply electrically connected to the motor generator and the electrical storage element for providing electrical power to at least the motor generator, and a control unit configured to control the power supply substantially in synchronism with the heave motion.
US09079641B2 Floating dock system
A connector for a assembling members of a floating dock system comprises at least one post and a brace extending from the post. The post is shaped generally complimentarily to the shape of the socket, and comprises a generally convex midsection connected between a pair of generally falcate end portions. The post and brace define a flat, generally horizontal top surface to the connector.The dock system also includes a supplemental floatation system having a hollow floatation member body defining a chamber. The body includes a water port positioned to place the body interior in communication with water. An air port positioned vertically above the water port is placed in communication with a pump. A valve can be positioned between the chamber and the pump to selectively place the chamber in communication with the pump or to place the chamber in communication with the atmosphere.
US09079640B1 System and process for directing actions of a helmsman of a lifeboat
A system for directing actions of a helmsman of a lifeboat has a lifeboat with a connector at opposite ends thereof, a shackle sensor cooperative with each of the connectors so as to sense whether the shackle is engaged or released from the connector, and a display positioned within the lifeboat that is cooperative with the shackle sensor so as to provide the helmsman with a visual indication of the engagement or release of the shackle from the connector. Each of the connectors has a hook pivotally mounted thereto. A hook sensor is cooperative at the hook so as to sense whether the hook is in the open position or the closed position. Water sensors are mounted to the lifeboat so as to sense whether the lifeboat has contacted a surface of the body of water. The various sensors are cooperative with the display so as to provide the helmsman with a sequence of operations during the use of the lifeboat.
US09079638B2 Storage system for a watercraft
A watercraft is provided. The watercraft includes a cockpit. The watercraft further includes a stern-facing seat having a movable backrest. The seat is outside of the cockpit. An aquatic activity platform extends to a stern of the watercraft from the seat, and defines a foot rest for the seat. An engine is positioned substantially further towards a bow of the watercraft than the seat. A storage compartment has an opening positioned further towards the bow than the backrest of the seat. The backrest is movable to a first position to expose the opening and provide access to the storage compartment, and to a second position to conceal the opening.
US09079636B1 Clamp for gunwales of fiberglass hulls
A clamp for fiberglass boats is adjustable where the contact points are on any of the fiberglass hull, the fiberglass deck (which meets the hull at a seam covered by a rub rail), and/or the fiberglass gunwale (which is part of the deck and, if low enough, is called a toe rail). The clamp has an outer jaw for contacting the hull below the rub rail, and inner jaw that is reached over and around the gunwale for contacting the deck inside the gunwale, an optional auxiliary jaw for contacting the outside of the gunwale, and an optional stand-off resting on the crown of the gunwale. Preferably the jaws and stand-off are the terminations of linkages which can be re-configured in an indefinite variety of re-configurations.
US09079632B2 Gear and lever transmission system and method
Phase gear and lever mechanism converts reciprocating power to rotary power with phase gear providing power stroke of greater duration than travel stroke so as to develop efficient power through a power stroke. A modified lever and gear mechanism converts reciprocating power to rotary power at variable out power ratio. Both converting mechanisms are applied as bicycle drive mechanisms. Both mechanisms are applied together in a bicycle one as a drive mechanism, the other for synchronizing the drive mechanism.
US09079631B1 Motorcycle fork adapter
A motorcycle neck adapter comprising a main body formed of a single piece of metal, and a cavity socket formed on an aft end of the main body. The cavity socket is configured to receive an existing motorcycle neck. An upper set screw opening is formed on a top surface of the main body. An upper set screw is installed into the upper set screw opening. The upper set screw is configured to engage an existing motorcycle neck at an existing motorcycle steering neck top opening. The upper set screw is secured to the upper set screw opening by a threaded connection. A lower set screw opening is formed on a bottom surface of the main body. A lower set screw is installed into the lower set screw opening.
US09079623B2 Rear spoiler device for a vehicle
A rear spoiler device for a vehicle that has a rear door includes an air guiding element configured to attach to a lateral rear zone of the vehicle. The air guiding element can be pivoted between a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guidance with the rear door of the vehicle closed, and a position in which it is hinged inwards with the rear door open. To this end, the air guiding element can be received in a hinge of the rear door, and the rear spoiler device has a spring device that presses the air guiding element in the travel position against a counter-stop formed on the hinge, preferably, on a hinge plate fastened to the rear door.
US09079622B2 Gap fairing for a tractor-trailer
A gap fairing for a tractor-trailer is provided. A fairing body with an impact absorbing extension is attached to a chassis of the tractor, independently of the cab thereof and within a gap between a cab of the tractor and the trailer. The fairing body has side portions, extending rearwardly from a front portion, adjacent the cab of the tractor, toward the trailer and top portion. A clear panel can be located in at least the side portion of the fairing body located at the passenger side to enable the driver to view the trailer through the rear window of the tractor and the clear panel. A separation space between the front of the fairing body and the cab can be sealed by a sealing element that is at least in part one of resilient and flexible so as to allow relative motion between the fairing body and the cab.
US09079620B2 Mounting structure for rear sub-frame
A rear subframe comprises: a pair of right and left side member segments; and a front cross member segment and a rear cross member segment each coupling the side member segments together. The rear cross member segment has: a central portion; and a front branch portion and a rear branch portion branched forwardly and rearwardly from each of vehicle-widthwise outer ends of the central portion, while extending in the vehicle width direction. Each of the side member segments has a bent portion with its axis extending in a curved manner between a coupling portion between the front branch portion and the side member segments, and a coupling portion between the rear branch portion and the side member segments. The bent portion has a wall thickness set to be less than that of a region of the side member segment located forward of the bent portion.
US09079613B1 Crawler work vehicle
A crawler work vehicle includes an engine, left and right travel devices, a power transmission device, left and right steering clutches, left and right steering brakes, a rotation speed detecting device, a brake hydraulic pressure obtaining device, and a brake protecting device. The rotation speed detecting device detects an output rotation speed of the steering brakes. The brake hydraulic pressure obtaining device obtains a brake hydraulic pressure supplied to the steering brakes. The brake protecting device refers to the output rotation speed and the brake hydraulic pressure to compute a heat rate of the steering brakes, and executes a protection process of the steering brakes by reducing the engine output upon determining the heat rate that was computed is equal to or greater than a preset first threshold.
US09079606B2 Electrical power assisted steering system
An electric power assisted steering system comprises a steering mechanism which operatively connects a steering wheel to the road wheels of the vehicle, an electric motor operatively connected to the steering mechanism; a torque signal generator adapted to produce a torque signal indicative of the torque carried by a portion of the steering mechanism, a column velocity signal generator for producing a column velocity signal indicative of the angular velocity of the steering wheel or steering column and a signal processing unit adapted to receive the output signals from the sensing means and to produce therefrom a torque demand signal representative of a torque to be applied to the steering mechanism by the motor.The signal processing means includes a processing means which generates a torque damping component which is representative of the sum of a first column velocity term which is a linear function of column velocity and a second column velocity term which is a function of the square of column velocity, or a higher order factor and in which the torque demand signal is dependent upon the value of the torque damping component.
US09079603B2 Motor for an electric power steering apparatus
A motor for an electric power steering apparatus is obtained which can reduce the number of parts required. The motor has terminals for electrically connecting between leads and a stator coil. Each terminal is a band-shaped conductive member that has a pair of connector side terminal end portions at its opposite ends, respectively, when developed, and a plurality of stator side terminal portions protruding to one side of the conductive member along a longitudinal direction thereof. Each terminal is deformed in its thickness direction into a circular shape, and the connector side terminal end portions being bent in the same plane are connected with each other to form a connector side terminal portion. The connector side terminal portion is connected to the leads, and the stator side terminal portions are connected to the stator coil.
US09079597B2 Adjustable rack
A support rack for holding a plurality of pans includes a first side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member, and a second side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member. A hinge assembly couples the first and second side frames and is operable to position the rack in a first position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel and spaced a predetermined distance apart, a second position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are nonparallel, and a third position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel but closer in proximity than the predetermined distance.
US09079594B2 Safety device automatically helps prevent runaway baby strollers
Because sidewalks are slanted for rain run-off, they pose a safety risk for baby strollers if the person pushing the stroller stops and doesn't apply the brake. If s/he releases the stroller's handle when the brake is not applied, the stroller may veer off towards the curb owing to gravity, wind, the baby's movements, traffic vibrations, etc. Not applying the brake when stopped is a common mistake. While parents may remember to apply the brake when stopped, other caregivers may not. Applicant's improvement provides fully automatic slip-clutch joining means to inhibit veering off by automatically coupling the stroller's rear wheels together when the stroller is stopped. When coupled, the rear wheels must rotate in unison thus helping to prevent the stroller from veering-off toward the curb. When the stroller is being pushed the slip clutch handily becomes disengaged by turning or making other course adjustments.
US09079593B1 Method of improving shunt detection on railroad tracks and railroad highway crossing signal electronic assembly
A railroad highway crossing signal electronic assembly for use on bi-directional tracks, where a control unit sends AC voltage to an approaching rail segment wherein a rectifier receives AV voltage and discharges DC voltage which is sent back to a relay which controls lights on a gate arm. There is also a separate high current DC output to tracks. When shorted, the high current DC output creates sparks to improve detection of a train.
US09079590B2 Use of no-bake mold process to manufacture railroad couplers
A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.
US09079587B1 Autonomous control in a dense vehicle environment
A computer in a first vehicle is programmed to receive a first set of data from at least one sensor in the first vehicle and to receive a second set of data from at least one second vehicle. The second set of data is from at least one sensor in the at least one second vehicle. The computer is further programmed to use both the first set of data and the second set of data to identify at least one feature of a road being traversed by the first vehicle.
US09079586B2 Method and system for extending an operating range of a motor vehicle
A method and system are described for extending an operating range of a motor vehicle, the vehicle having a first mode of operation and an economy mode of operation. A vehicle range may be estimated based on a vehicle fuel level and the first mode of operation. A distance to a fuel location may also be estimated. The economy mode of vehicle operation may be automatically entered a predetermined period of time after the estimated vehicle range based on the vehicle fuel level and the first operating mode decreases to within a predetermined threshold of the estimated distance to a fuel location.
US09079582B2 Method and system to enable a coast-down mode
A vehicle includes an engine and a non-selectable-gear transmission having an electric machine mechanically coupled to the engine. The vehicle may have one or more controllers programmed to, in response to a request for passive neutral mode, pull-down the engine and inhibit engine pull-up while disabling the electric machine such that the vehicle coasts with minimal rotational inertia and electrical losses. The one or more controllers may be further programmed to, in response to a subsequent request for drive mode during the passive neutral mode, permit engine pull-up while enabling the electric machine such that the vehicle resumes drive.
US09079580B2 Method and system for controlling a vehicle having a hybrid drive
In a method for controlling a hybrid drive which is driven by an internal combustion engine designed as a first drive unit, and by a second drive unit, the internal combustion engine and the second drive unit contribute individually or jointly to the drive of the vehicle, and pollutant emissions are kept at the lowest possible level in all operating states of the hybrid drive. At least one control function for the internal combustion engine is carried out by a coordination unit which determines the point in time at which the internal combustion engine or the drive unit alone, or the internal combustion engine and the drive unit simultaneously, contribute to the drive of the vehicle.
US09079578B2 Apparatus and method for controlling transmission cut-off of heavy construction equipment
An apparatus for controlling transmission cut-off of heavy construction equipment according to the present disclosure includes: a displacement sensor which detects a boom height; a vehicle control unit (VCU) to which a detected signal of the displacement sensor is input; a transmission control unit (TCU) which is connected with the vehicle control unit and controls a transmission clutch cut-off function; a driving control proportion valve block (transmission valve assembly) which is connected with the transmission control unit and performs a driving control; and a brake press sensor which is connected with the transmission control unit and detects a brake pedal pressure.
US09079573B2 Assembly comprising a fluid reservoir and a master cylinder for a motor vehicle hydraulic brake system
An assembly includes a fluid reservoir and a master cylinder for a motor vehicle hydraulic brake system, the fluid reservoir being fastened to the master cylinder by a releasable connection and including at least one connection fitting, which is received in a corresponding connection aperture of the master cylinder. The fluid reservoir includes one or more components, which under a defined force applied to the fluid reservoir, allow a movement of at least one part of the fluid reservoir in the direction of the master cylinder.
US09079571B2 Method for operating a brake assist device and brake assist device for a vehicle
A method for operating a brake assist device for a vehicle and a brake assist system for carrying out the method involve effecting an assist function, in the absence of driver action, in a plurality of escalation stages on the basis of a distance of the vehicle from an object located in front of the vehicle. A warning indication is generated as an assist function and/or a braking process of the vehicle is initiated automatically. A road on which the vehicle is being driven is classified, and the execution of the assist function is permitted or prevented on the basis of the classification.
US09079567B2 Wiper motor control
The invention relates to a wiper motor control for controlling a wiper motor that moves a wiper arm in a pendulum motion between two turning positions, said wiper motor control being designed to control a speed of the wiper arm dependent on a position of the wiper arm. The speed of the wiper arm in turning regions, which comprise the turning positions, follows a specified progression independent of the speed of the wiper arm between the turning regions.
US09079563B2 Seatbelt device
A seatbelt retractor includes a rotation transfer mechanism configured to transfer rotation of an adjustment gear to a sensor housing to swing the sensor housing in the front-back direction of a vehicle. The turning axis of the adjustment gear and the swing axis of the sensor housing intersect each other at a predetermined angle with the swing axis of the sensor housing arranged in a horizontal direction with respect to the left-right direction of the vehicle. An inertial element support surface of the sensor housing is kept horizontal by swing motion of the sensor housing in the front-back direction of the vehicle, even if a seat back is tilted in the front-back direction of the vehicle.
US09079562B2 Active-active failover for a direct-attached storage system
Providing active-active failover capability to non-failover capable direct-attached storage (DAS) servers including connecting a first and a second non-failover capable direct-attached storage (DAS) servers to a shared storage pool via an expander that supports storage zoning, configuring a first storage zone including the first DAS server and a first portion of the shared storage pool, configuring a second storage zone including the second DAS server and a second portion of the shared storage pool, detecting that the second DAS server has failed, zoning out the second portion of the shared storage pool and mapping the second portion of the shared storage pool to the first storage zone.
US09079561B1 Apparatus for controlling smart airbag system using dual chamber structure
An apparatus for controlling a smart airbag system using a dual chamber structure may include a gas generator to eject hot gas at the time of a car crash, a gas chamber which receives the hot gas ejected from the gas generator and transfers the hot gas into an airbag, and a fluid chamber which cools the hot gas by spraying stored fluid, before it is introduced into the airbag.
US09079560B2 Device location determination by a vehicle
A device location determination includes authenticating a device within range of a vehicle via a node in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first peripheral device and a second peripheral device that is disposed at a location on the vehicle that is different than the first peripheral device. The peripheral devices are coupled to an antenna of the node. The device location determination also includes receiving from the device a first signal strength value associated with a first signal of the first peripheral device, a second signal strength value associated with a second signal of the second peripheral device, and a third signal strength value associated with a third signal transmitted by the node. The device location determination also includes determining a location of the device from the signal strength values and performing a remote function with respect to the vehicle.
US09079554B2 Method and apparatus for vehicle hardware theft prevention
A computer-implemented method includes determining that an infotainment system has been activated. The method further includes accessing a vehicle network containing at least a unique vehicle identifier. The method additionally includes comparing the unique vehicle identifier to a stored vehicle identifier. The method further includes permitting access to the infotainment system only if the unique vehicle identifier matches the stored vehicle identifier.
US09079549B2 Modular bumper arrangement for a vehicle
A modular bumper arrangement for a vehicle, including a cross-member composed of fiber reinforced plastic, two side parts made of plastic, wherein one side part is arranged or is arrangeable in each case at each of the two ends of the cross-member, and two fastening parts for fastening the bumper arrangement to a body structure of the vehicle, in which one fastening part is fastened or is fastenable to each side part.
US09079548B1 Truck trunk
A trunk for a bed of a truck is disclosed wherein the trunk provides an isolated enclosed space in an area of the truck bed. The trunk is configurable into different configurations and traversable between front and back positions in order to make best use of the bed of the truck. Moreover, the trunk may be configured and traversed easily so that one without great strength may still manipulate the trunk to make full use of the truck bed.
US09079546B2 Vehicle-mounted information apparatus
A main body chassis 101 in which a navigation side connector 109 is positioned and fixed, and a display part chassis 203 in which an LCD side connector 205 is positioned and fixed are positioned by abutting a pair of positioning bosses 116 of each of positioning parts 115a and 115b against both-shoulder portions 214 of each of positioning protruding pieces 211a and 211b, and are secured with screws; whether the navigation side connector 109 and the LCD side connector 205 are connected or not can be confirmed by presence or absence of a fitting between a fitting pawl 118 of the outer wall surface and a fitting hole 213.
US09079545B2 Gear shift mounted accessory holder
Accessory holders and methods of displaying an accessory or a display screen of an accessory to an occupant of a vehicle are disclosed. In one aspect, the accessory holder has a lower portion configured to couple to the gear shift of a vehicle. In another aspect, the accessory holder is configured to secure a personal electronic accessory.
US09079544B2 Accessory mounting apparatus for a vehicle
An accessory mounting apparatus is provided for coupling to a vehicle roll bar. The accessory mounting apparatus illustratively includes a driver side clamping device configured to be secured to a driver side upright of the roll bar, and a passenger side clamping device configured to be secured to the passenger side upright of the roll bar. Protective sleeves cooperate with the clamping devices to protect the roll bar from damaging contact therewith. A laterally extending cross member extends between the driver side clamping device and the passenger side clamping device.
US09079540B2 Combined storage and docking unit for a portable electronic device
A combined storage and docking unit for attachment to the instrument panel of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which a portable electronic device such as an MP3 player or GPS navigation device can be held in a display position by clamping it between lid and storage box parts of the combined storage and docking unit. The storage box includes a trough shaped portion in which the portable electronic device can be stowed if it is not required to be used. The combined storage and docking unit is of a simple construction and allows portable electronic devices of differing size and shape to be accommodated.
US09079539B2 Pipe mountable mirror with bracket
A pipe mountable mirror with bracket has a pipe mounting member with semi-circular surface to engage and to be clamped to an upright support or overhead, horizontal structural member and that has a projecting arm supporting a cylindrical base with a bore therethrough and a non-rotating ring of teeth surrounding the base; a mirror support arm having one end pivotable around the base, and a bore therethrough aligned with the bore through the base, and a ring of teeth that mesh with the teeth surrounding the base and a coiled spring acting to bias the ring of teeth rotable with the arm into meshing engagement with the non-rotable ring of teeth and being adjustable held in mesh by a bolt inserted through the spring and threaded into a nut secured in the cylindrical base, and a threaded shaft projecting from the other end of the mirror arm, a locking nut threaded onto the shaft and an attachment member fixed to a mirror and turned onto the threaded shaft.
US09079535B2 Tonneau cover device
A tonneau cover device electrically moves a tonneau cover between an extension position, at which the tonneau cover conceals a cargo compartment of a vehicle, and a storage position, at which the tonneau cover is separated from the cargo compartment. The tonneau cover device includes a switch, which is operated from outside the vehicle, and a tonneau cover control unit, which moves the tonneau cover between the extension position and the storage position when the switch is operated.
US09079534B1 Marine modular track and cam storage system and related accessories
A modular track and cam storage system for marine vessels comprising a track extrusion having a c-channel, and a cam latch assembly comprising a latch, a bolt, and a cam. The cam is substantially rectangular in shape having at least two rounded opposing corners. The cam of the cam latch assembly is configured to be horizontally received in the c-channel of the track extrusion and is configured to be rotated within the c-channel such that the cam is slideably engaged with said track extrusion. Manipulating the latch will cause the cam to rotate, in order or manually engage the cam latch assembly with the track extrusion. The cam is capable of being locked within said c-channel by flipping the latch downward about the bolt. The cam latch assembles are attached to a storage accessory such as a storage bag, a trash bag, a cup holder, a basin, a rod holder.
US09079532B2 Device for nighttime motor vehicle driving assistance
A device for assisting the nighttime driving of a motor vehicle fitted with a lighting device for emitting a beam for illuminating the road scene in front of the vehicle, the illumination emitted by the lighting device being variable periodically between a maximum value and a minimum value, the device including at least one variable-transmission screen placed between the road scene and the driver, the coefficient of transmission of the screen being variable periodically between a maximum value and a minimum value, the switching on of at least one light source of the lighting device and the coefficient of transmission of the variable-transmission screen controlled by the control unit, the illumination reaching its maximum value when the coefficient of transmission of the screen reaches its maximum value. The control unit controls a circuit for regulating the power supply and a transmitter of remote control waves toward a receiver.
US09079528B2 PSU pod assembly and method for using same
A PSU pod assembly that is configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The PSU pod assembly includes a PSU pod that includes a housing that includes a top, a bottom and first, second, third and fourth sides that cooperate to define a pod interior and a panel positioned above and connected to the PSU pod. The PSU pod includes at least first and second reading lights positioned within the pod interior that are configured to shine light below the housing and cabin lights positioned on or in the housing that are configured to shine light above the housing. The panel includes connectors that are configured to secure the PSU pod assembly to a component within the aircraft.
US09079526B2 Driving ability reduction determining apparatus
A driving ability reduction determining apparatus comprising a virtual image display portion, an operation portion, a response detection portion and a driving ability determination portion is disclosed. The virtual image display portion emits a determination-usage display image toward a windshield, thereby displaying to the driver the determination-usage display image as a virtual image through the windshield. The operation portion is operated by the driver when the driver visually recognizes the determination-usage display image. The response detection portion detects a response situation of driver's operation of the operation portion in response to display of the determination-usage display image by the virtual image display portion. The driving ability determination portion determines the driving ability reduction of the driver based on a detection result of the response detection portion.
US09079525B1 Cargo barrier for a vehicle
A cargo barrier for use in a vehicle, the cargo barrier broadly comprising a cargo guard, a guard frame, an elongated connector member, left and right seat mounting brackets, left and right lower extension legs, and left and right lower mounting brackets for mounting the cargo barrier in a first configuration in which the passenger seats are lowered and a second configuration in which the passenger seats are in an upright position.
US09079523B2 Low profile wheel chocking system and chock construction
A wheel chock is constructed from metallic material has an elongate primary body construction. The primary body construction has a Π-shaped transverse cross-section formed by an upper C-shaped channel construction and a lower planar basal construction. The basal construction has U-shape that extends orthogonally relative to the C-shape of the channel construction. The Π-shaped transverse cross-section bears and distributes stress imposed on the primary body construction. The C-shaped channel construction preferably includes a series of apertures for reducing weight and controlling elastic response of the primary body construction. Among these apertures are edge-based apertures, arm-based stress relief slots, and aligned apertures having sequentially decreasing diameters.
US09079522B2 Dolly for moving tall loads through thresholds with low clearance
A shallow-draft dolly for moving a pre-fabricated storm shelter or other load throw threshold with minimal clearance. In one embodiment, the dolly has two side rail units, each with a lower and an upper bar; four wheel arms with attached wheels extending from the ends of the side rails, at least two of which are pivotally attached; front and rear cross members disposed between the ends of the side rail units; and two or more intermediate cross members transversing between the lower bars, thereby providing a slatted load bed positioned at or below the axles of the wheels, and wherein the front cross member is removable such that a load may be moved over an open pit with the wheels astride the pit, the load lifted from the bed, the front cross member removed, and the dolly rolled from underneath the load thereby leaving the load suspended over the pit.
US09079519B2 Assembly and method for compressive swaging side frames to a package supporting housing associated with a forward dump vehicle headrest
A jig assembly and corresponding method for swage assembling a workpiece having first and second side components and a central component. A first pair of bi-directional traversable platforms are supported in inward and outward reciprocating fashion relative to a central support fixture, and upon which are mounted supporting structures for mounting the workpiece. A pair of engaging jigs are mounted to inner opposing sides of the pair of traversable platforms. Each of the engaging jigs includes a plurality of fingers which are adapted to seat within aperture locations associated with the workpiece side components and to facilitate loading and positioning the workpiece prior to swaging. A pair of opposing and synchronized inward compressing dies simultaneously swage locations associated with opposite edges of the central component which project through apertures defined in the side components.
US09079516B2 Frame for a motor vehicle seat cushion
A cushion structure for a motor vehicle seat including a retractable stop piece capable of preventing an object placed under the cushion from moving towards the front, and means capable of arranging said cushion in a position preventing a passenger from sitting on it.
US09079513B2 Luggage retention system
A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed.
US09079511B2 Vehicle seat power track enhancements
A vehicle seat power track for an automobile vehicle seat which includes a sensor arrangement to detect the seat position along the track relative to a front airbag apparatus and generate a signal to control the apparatus of the airbag. The vehicle seat power track also includes brackets configured to reduce horizontal movement of the track components.
US09079510B2 Adjustment device for ergonomically setting a vehicle seat with several adjustable seat components
An adjustment device has a control unit with a memory, in which vehicle occupant data is storable. The data enable an automatic setting of all adjustable seat components and/or vehicle components. A read-in unit allows the necessary vehicle occupant data to be read into the memory of the control unit from a mobile data medium. The data medium obtains the necessary vehicle occupant data as a defined two dimensional image from a digital image acquisition system. The control unit or the data medium has an algorithm that determines proportions of given body parts in relation to each other from the two dimensional image such that a certain, at least relative, automatic setting of the seat components and/or the vehicle components is derivable. An input unit, which is manually operable as a touch screen, sets defined body part positions using marks superposed in succession on the image.
US09079509B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a pressure-receiving member disposed rearwardly of an occupant between left and right side frames, and a rocking mechanism configured to cause a left side or a right side of the pressure-receiving member to move frontward and rearward. The rocking mechanism includes a first link member provided pivotally, a second link member provided pivotally on the first link member and pivotally connected to the pressure-receiving member, and an actuator configured to cause the first link member and the second link member to pivot.
US09079508B2 Fuel cell vehicle
A fuel cell vehicle is provided with a fuel cell stack and a vehicle body frame for mounting the fuel cell stack in a front box. The fuel cell stack and a frame member have portions overlapping with each other in a vehicle width direction in a plan view of the vehicle. A vehicle-forward end portion of the fuel cell stack is positioned closer to the rear of the vehicle than a vehicle-forward end portion of the frame member. A vehicle-rearward end portion of the fuel cell stack is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than a vehicle-rearward end portion of the frame member.
US09079505B1 System and method for management of a fleet of vehicles having an energy storage system
A system and method for management of an energy storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The energy storage system may comprise a battery system for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle. Vehicles may be in a group or fleet. The management system may be configured to use data and information available from data sources over a network or by instrumentation/sensors for vehicle systems. Data and information could be used in a system to manage the configuration and operation of the energy storage system and components, manage/control inventory and use/life-cycle of components, and/or aggregated/analyzed in analytics function for systems and components. Predictive control of the battery system may be implemented through a management system using data sources external to the vehicle. Inventive concepts and features of the systems and methods are indicated in the specification and FIGURES.
US09079498B2 Morphing vehicle user interface
A method for operating a vehicle user interface is provided, the user interface utilizing a touch-screen display mounted within the vehicle. In one aspect, the visual or visual/interactive properties of the interface change after the user initiates interface interaction. In another aspect, the interface allows a user to utilize any of a variety of different control interaction techniques, all to achieve the same function.
US09079497B2 Mobile hot spot/router/application share site or network
Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to generate a vehicle communication system. The vehicle communication system can determine which devices are within the vehicle. From this determination, the vehicle communication system may create a universal bus and hotspot where applications, data, multimedia information, and resources can be shared both with the vehicle and with the other devices in the vehicle.
US09079493B2 Adjustable control of power take-off subsystem damping and system thereof
The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a power take-off assembly. The method includes providing a drive unit, a transmission having an output, a speed sensor, a controller including a memory unit and a processor, and the power take-off assembly including a clutch and a solenoid. The method also includes storing a first threshold in the memory unit, determining a current input speed of the drive unit with the speed sensor, and comparing the current input speed to the first threshold. The method further includes controlling an amount of hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch and engaging the clutch.
US09079483B2 Connector component for an automotive equipment side and a battery side
Provided is a connector component that allows easily performing coupling of connectors with each other. In a connector component (a vehicle-side electrical connector) according to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle-side connector is mounted on a base bracket via mounting members formed of rubber, elastic deformation of the mounting members permits a relative positional displacement of the base bracket and the vehicle-side connector in a compressing direction (Z-direction) as well as a relative positional displacement in a sliding direction (a direction in an X-Y plane). Therefore, even when there is a positional displacement and/or inclination between the vehicle-side electrical connector and a battery-side electrical connector and a relative positional displacement in the sliding direction has occurred, self-correction is performed by elastic deformation of the mounting members. Thus, according to the vehicle-side electrical connector, coupling when coupling the battery-side electrical connector can be easily performed.
US09079480B1 Glass run weather strip assembly
Embodiments of glass run weather strips and door assemblies are described herein. Such assemblies may include a door frame defining a window opening and a window moveable between an open and closed position. A weather strip may be attached to the door frame such that a portion of the window is in contact with the weather strip and an interior garnish may be installed such that a garnish pin extends into an aperture in the weather strip.
US09079477B2 Vehicle door structure
A vehicle door panel, which can prevent a slide-openable door panel from deviating from a swing-openable door panel when the swing-openable door panel is opened, is provided. The vehicle door structure 10 includes a slide door panel 14, a swing door panel 16, a slide mechanism 18 and a hinge mechanism 20, and includes a lock mechanism 22 for locking the slide door panel 14 to the swing door panel 16 when the swing door panel 16 is opened. The lock mechanism 22 is configured by a locking portion 50 installed in the swing door panel 16 and protruding toward the slide door panel 16 when the swing door panel 16 is opened, and an opening portion 60 installed in the slide door panel 14 and locked by the locking portion 50 when the swing door panel 16 is opened.
US09079474B2 Coupled torsion beam axle type suspension system
Disclosed is a coupled torsion beam axle type suspension system. In particular, the coupled torsion beam axle type suspension system includes trailing arms respectively coupled to opposite ends of a torsion beam and a vehicle body-engaging unit provided in a front end portion of each of the trailing arm and engaging the trailing arm to a vehicle body. Each vehicle body-engaging unit includes a trailing arm bushing that is coupled to a front end portion of the trailing arm, a rotation link disposed in front of the trailing arm bushing and engaged thereto in a width direction of a vehicle, and a pair of connection links configured to respectively couple front and outer end portions thereof to the vehicle body, such that an instantaneous rotational center point of the rotation link is formed outside of the rotation link in the width direction of the vehicle.
US09079472B2 Suspension spring for shock absorber using carbon fiber reinforced plastic
Provided is a suspension spring for a shock absorber using carbon fiber reinforced plastic. From a structure including a spring unit in which a plurality of bowl-shaped unit bodies are stacked between a first sheet and a second sheet along a length direction of a piston rod, the suspension spring for the shock absorber can achieve weight reduction and durability improvement while exhibiting the same performance as that of steel coil spring by using the carbon fiber reinforced plastic.
US09079470B2 Vehicle with chassis height adjustment
A machine includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface, a motor for driving at least one of the ground engaging elements and a plurality of assemblies supporting the chassis on the ground engaging elements. Each of the assemblies is configured to selectively raise and lower the chassis relative to the ground surface and includes a first attachment component for attaching the assembly to one of the ground engaging elements, a second attachment component for attaching the assembly to the chassis, an adjustment component for shifting the first attachment component between a plurality of operating positions relative to the second attachment component. A control system allows an operator to remotely control the adjustment components of each of the assemblies.
US09079469B2 Air spring and damper unit with height adjustment
A vehicle suspension apparatus includes various elements, such as a self-pumping air spring and damper unit operating with compressed air for height adjustment of a vehicle body relative to a wheel suspension of a vehicle. The apparatus further includes at least one spring space filled with compressed air, which is at least partially bounded by at least one movable wall and a damper cylinder, which can be connected to the spring space for fluid transmission by at least one connecting valve. The damper cylinder includes a working space divided by a piston, which moves inside the working space, and fluidly connected by a throttle valve. The connecting valve and the throttle valve are each switchable valves, and one of the working spaces of the damper cylinder can be vented to the surrounding atmosphere via at least one switchable vent valve.
US09079468B2 Axle support structures for industrial vehicles
Embodiments of the present invention may include an axle support structure. The axle support structure has first and second axle supports, an axle and a bolt mechanism. The axle supports are provided on a vehicle body member of an industrial vehicle and have respectively a support hole. The axle is arranged between the first and second axle supports, and has a pair of center pins. Each of the center pins is rotatably supported by the support hole. The bolt mechanism configured to detachably attach each of the axle supports to the vehicle body member.
US09079467B2 Heavy-duty vehicle axle-to-beam or crossbrace-to-beam connection
An axle-to-beam or crossbrace-to-beam connection for a vehicle axle/suspension system includes an axle or crossbrace having at least one depression formed therein. A sleeve is formed with at least one depression and disposed about the axle or crossbrace so that the axle or crossbrace depression and the sleeve depression matingly engage one another to form a mated pair of depressions. A method of forming the axle-to-beam or crossbrace-to-beam connection includes providing an axle or crossbrace and disposing a sleeve about the axle or crossbrace. At least one mated pair of depressions is simultaneously formed in the axle or crossbrace and the sleeve. The sleeve is immovably mounted to a vehicle axle/suspension system.
US09079465B1 Trailer hitch accessories
Chain-up accessories, utility tether accessories, utility pad accessories, seven-way connector cap accessories, and hitch ball cap accessories are accessories for use with trailer hitches disclosed herein.
US09079464B2 Portable work holding device and assembly
A work holding device includes a first jaw piece having an elongated first connection member for connecting the work holding device to a support. The first connection member defines a first passage. A second jaw piece has an elongated second connection member positionable within the first passage. The second connection member defines a second passage in communication with the first passage. A spindle assembly movably couples the second jaw piece to the first jaw piece. The spindle assembly is configured to move the second jaw piece with respect to the first jaw piece to create a clamping pressure when an object is placed between the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece.
US09079462B2 System, method and computer program of estimating tire pressure deviations
The invention provides a system, a method and a computer program of estimating tire pressure deviations in a number of tires of a vehicle wherein a plurality of possible constellations of one or more pressure deviating tires exists. The system comprises a plurality of pressure deviation detectors (11), wherein each of the detectors (11) is adapted to detect at least one of the pressure deviating tire constellations. The system further comprises an output unit (12) which is adapted to provide for a warning if one of the pressure deviation detectors (11) detects at least one of the pressure deviating tire constellations.
US09079459B2 Tire with tread including rib having chamfered surface
This application discloses a tire comprising a circumferential tread including at least one tread element having a top surface, at least one edge, and at least one chamfered surface extending between the top surface and the edge. The chamfered surface is oriented at an angle relative to the top surface of the tread element that varies along the length of the chamfered surface. Alternatively, the chamfered surface may have a width and a height that vary along their respective lengths.
US09079457B2 Pneumatic radial tire for heavy load having lug grooves
The present invention provides a pneumatic radial tire for heavy load, having lug grooves in respective side regions of a tread surface, in which tire an amount of slip of the trailing edge of each of land portions defined by the lug grooves, with respect to a road surface, when the tire is rotated with load applied thereon is advantageously reduced without causing decrease in partial wear resistance of the land portions at a road contact surface thereof and generating cracks at the lug groove bottom. The pneumatic radial tire for heavy load, having a plurality of lug grooves 2 provided in respective side regions of a tread surface 1 to extend in the tread width direction, open at respective side edges of the tread surface 1, and define land portions 3 therebetween, is characterized in that: in a cross section of each lug groove 2 in the width direction thereof, only a groove wall 4 on the step-in side of each land portion 3 is bent at at least one bent point in the depth direction of the corresponding lug groove 2 such that a portion 4a of the groove wall, located on the inner side in the radial direction than the bent point f, is tilted in a direction that narrows a groove width.
US09079452B2 Decorative laminate and method for manufacturing same
A decorative laminate includes a decorative layer composed of a resin impregnated decorative sheet and a core layer composed of plural resin impregnated core sheets of core paper, wherein an exposed sheet at a bottom of the decorative laminate is subjected to a parchment treatment.
US09079451B2 Document processing machine such as an envelope opener
A document processing machine such as an envelope opener for moving a document in a longitudinal direction and a device for cutting off a portion of the document is described. The document processing machine includes, adjacent to the cutting device, a mobile guide path for the cut-off portion of the document that is adapted to support and drive the cut-off portion in an ejection direction.
US09079450B2 Plastic eraser, plastic eraser composite body, and method for producing thereof
The invention provides a plastic eraser comprising a vinyl chloride resin as a base resin and a combination of 4,5-epoxy-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) and diethylene glycol dibenzoate as plasticizers, wherein the plastic eraser comprises the base resin in an amount of 25-60% by weight, and the combination of plasticizers in an amount of 30-60% by weight, and wherein the proportion of the diethylene glycol dibenzoate in the combination of plasticizers is 5-60% by weight, and wherein the plastic eraser has a hardness in the range of 55-75, and a gel hardness in the range of 3.0-6.0 kgf.
US09079443B2 ID cards with blocked laser engraving writability
The invention relates to layer structures for ID cards on which information can be written by laser engraving and which have an additional layer that is applied to the card body after the laser engraving and restricts or completely prevents subsequent writing on the card by means of laser engraving, and consequently prevents falsification of the identifying information contained, and relates to a method for blocking the laser engraving writability of layer structures on which information can be written by laser engraving.
US09079442B2 Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer having a conveyer, a recording head, a carriage, a corrugation mechanism, and a controller is provided. The controller executes an operation including a conveying step to convey a sheet and a recording step to discharge ink toward the sheet. The recording step includes a first discharging step, in which the recording head is manipulated to discharge the ink toward a targeted position on the sheet along a scanning direction at a first discharging timing, and a second discharging step, in which the recording head is manipulated to discharge the ink toward the targeted position on the sheet at a second discharging timing which is deviated from the first discharging timing. The farther the targeted position is separated from a reference position on the sheet along the main scanning direction, the more largely the second discharging timing is deviated from the first discharging timing.
US09079438B1 Printer
A printer includes a cutter unit configured to cut recording paper, and a presenter unit, wherein the recording paper enters the presenter unit through the cutter unit, and the presenter unit includes a first roller and a second roller configured to convey the recording paper, a flapper disposed under a transport path of the recording paper between a position of the first and second rollers and a position of the cutter unit, and configured to be flipped open to provide an opening in the transport path, and a paper guide disposed over the transport path of the recording paper between the position of the first and second rollers and the position of the cutter unit, wherein, upon the flapper being flipped open to outside the presenter unit, the paper guide changes a position thereof to guide the recording paper to outside the presenter unit through the opening.
US09079437B1 Printer
A printer includes a printer body, a lid, a cutter, a fixed blade unit provided in the printer body and including the fixed blade of the cutter, a movable blade unit provided on the lid and including the movable blade of the cutter, and a gimbal plate attached to the lid. The movable blade unit is connected to the gimbal plate. A paper discharge opening is formed between the printer body and an end of the lid. The lid includes a first recording paper guide that projects toward the movable blade and is positioned at the end of the lid. The gimbal plate includes a second recording paper guide that projects toward the movable blade and is positioned at an end of the gimbal plate facing the paper discharge opening.
US09079435B2 Printer apparatus
A printer apparatus includes a print unit that prints an object on recording paper, a platen roller that conveys the recording paper, a cutter that cuts the recording paper, a mainframe that accommodates the print unit and the cutter, a cover that is attached to the mainframe and is configured to open and close with respect to the mainframe, the cover having the platen roller arranged thereon. The cover includes a lock member having a lock pin, and when the cover is closed, the lock pin of the lock member is moved towards the platen roller and is inserted into a lock pin fixing part that is arranged at the mainframe.
US09079431B2 Platen unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
A platen unit includes a supporting member, a first member that is provided on the supporting member and includes an inner space, a second member that is provided on the supporting member and includes an inner space, a first platen in which at least a portion is provided on the first member and which includes holes communicating with the inner space of the first member, and a second platen that is provided on the first member and the second member, includes holes communicating with the inner space of the first member, and holes communicating with the inner space of the second member.
US09079425B2 Print control method, printing method, and continuous sheet to be printed used in the method
In duplex printing on a continuous sheet, a schedule for the printing is appropriately set depending on a unique portion present on the sheet. On the continuous sheet, a plurality of images is printed according to the schedule. First, information, that is preliminarily recorded on the continuous sheet to be used, with respect to a location of the unique portion present on the continuous sheet and a sheet surface where the unique portion is present are obtained. Then, on the basis of the obtained information, the schedule is set so as to print the images with avoiding the unique portion.
US09079423B2 Printing ribbon security apparatus and method
An apparatus and method of securing and maintaining the integrity of desired information on a ribbon and media subsequent to a printing operation is provided. The apparatus and method includes a thermal transfer printer having a print station and a printhead operable for performing a printing operation. The printhead is capable of performing an initial print operation and then being raised from the media, thereby allowing the used ribbon to be rewound a predetermined distance about a supply spindle. Thereafter, a second print operation is performed on the space previously printed upon using characters, designs or block-out patterns and the used ribbon is then wound onto a take-up spindle. In exemplary embodiments, the used ribbon can also be reprinted with a waste media several times thus further obscuring the image on the used ribbon.
US09079422B2 Method and apparatus for printhead control based on neighbor printhead dot analysis
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are described herein for controlling a printing device. In an example embodiment, a print line is divided into frames and frame dot states are determined based on neighboring frame dot states. Maximum motor speeds of the printing device may be adjusted so that actual motor speeds change gradually during printing. The print engine may detect a printhead type by sending a signal to the printhead and receiving a response.
US09079417B1 Color mixing checking method for inkjet print head and printing apparatus
In the regions in the check pattern image where the stripe is formed, the density of the region with higher density has a density value lower than the density value in the case without occurrence of the color mixing and the density of the region with lower density has a density value higher than the density value in the case without occurrence of the color mixing. Regarding this difference in the density value, determination on whether or not density unevenness caused by the color mixing or the landing position deviation occurs is made by using a threshold value and a threshold value different from that.
US09079414B2 Inkjet printers
The invention provides a method and system for determining fluid levels in an inkjet printer. A non-contact sensor array is provided external to the container in which the levels are to be determined and each sensor in the array is sequentially switched into a sensing circuit until a change in capacitance is noted. The sensing circuit is preferably a frequency oscillation circuit whose frequency is defined by circuit capacitance.
US09079413B2 Liquid conatiner, liquid consuming apparatus, liquid supply system and liquid container unit
A liquid container includes an ink chamber containing an ink to be supplied via a tube to a liquid ejecting head consuming the ink; an outlet port from which the ink contained in the ink chamber flows to the tube side; an injection port through which the ink can be injected into the ink chamber; and an air intake port taking air into the ink chamber from a further vertically upper position than a liquid level of the ink when the ink is contained in the ink chamber. If the ink equal to 5% of containing capacity containable in the ink chamber flows from the outlet port, the liquid container has an area where a fluctuation range of the liquid level of the ink inside the ink chamber becomes 5% or less of the cubic root of the containing capacity.
US09079411B2 Ink cartridge
An ink cartridge comprises a main body comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a chamber, configured to store ink, disposed between the first surface and the second surface; an ink outlet portion disposed on the first surface of the main body configured to direct the ink from the chamber to an exterior of the main body; and an electronic circuit board disposed on the main body. The electronic circuit board comprises an electrical interface, a first portion facing a second direction that intersects a first plane that is perpendicular to the first direction, a second portion facing a third direction away from the ink outlet portion that intersects a second plane that is parallel to the first direction, and a connecting portion between the first portion and the second portion. The electrical interface is disposed on an area of the electronic circuit board including the connecting portion.
US09079408B2 Ink jet printing apparatus and maintenance method
Even when a pressurizing operation is performed, degradation of the quality of a printing head due to wiping of a nozzle surface is suppressed. In an ink jet printing apparatus including a printing head, an ink tank, a first pump arranged in an ink supplying path for supplying ink from the ink tank to the printing head, a second pump arranged in an ink collecting path for collecting ink from the printing head to the ink tank, a switch valve arranged between the printing head and the second pump, and a cleaning mechanism, by driving the first pump in a state where the switch valve is closed, the ink is discharged from the nozzle row, and after driving of the second pump in a state where the switch valve is opened, the cleaning mechanism is caused to clean the printing head.
US09079407B2 Inkjet apparatus and method of collecting mist
An inkjet apparatus includes a switching part for switching the direction of movement of a base material, and a mist suction part for suctioning air containing ink mist. The switching part bends the base material in a direction opposite to a recording surface of the base material in a position downstream in the direction of movement as viewed from jet heads to switch the direction of movement from a first direction to a second direction. Thus, a viscous flow near the surface of the base material and the ink mist contained in the viscous flow are separated from the surface of the base material by the use of inertial force. The mist suction part includes a suction opening at least part of which is positioned on the extension of the first direction. This allows the mist suction part to efficiently suction the ink mist separated from the surface of the base material.
US09079406B2 Inkjet printing apparatus and nozzle-cleaning method thereof
A controller in the example of this invention operates to perform flushing by ejecting three types in size of ink droplets, i.e., smaller, middle and larger ink droplets, from each of nozzles. Then the controller operates an ink-droplet detector to perform an ejection test to detect ejection conditions. Thereafter, the controller operates an ink supply section to perform cleaning in accordance with results of the test. A combination in size of unejected ink droplets indicates a defective condition of the nozzle. Consequently, varying the degree of cleaning the nozzles in accordance with the size of the unejected ink droplets may achieve cleaning in a shorter time of period. As a result, time for cleaning the nozzle can be suppressed. This leads to a decreased proportion of maintenance to a starting time in an apparatus and increased availability of the apparatus.
US09079405B2 Liquid ejection head and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid ejection head chip includes a liquid ejection unit having a plurality of ejection orifices for ejecting a liquid, a flow path in communication with the ejection orifices, and an energy generating element that generates energy for ejecting the liquid, the liquid ejection unit being provided on an upper surface formed of a (100) surface of a silicon single-crystal substrate. The side surfaces in at least one of two combinations of opposing side surfaces of the substrate have (111) surfaces of silicon single crystal and the angles of the (111) surfaces relative to the (100) surface are supplementary to each other.
US09079403B2 Inkjet printer having printhead plumbed for optimized color mixing
An inkjet printer including an inkjet printhead positioned relative to a media feed direction. The printhead has a plurality of color planes for ejecting different inks, each color plane including a nozzle row defined in a nozzle face of the printhead, and each nozzle in a respective color plane being supplied with a same ink. The printhead is plumbed such that a first color plane positioned furthest upstream with respect to the media feed direction ejects yellow ink and a second color plane neighboring the first color plane ejects black ink.
US09079401B2 Liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head unit includes a liquid ejecting head; an upstream flow path member that includes upstream flow paths; a downstream flow path member that includes downstream flow paths; and a seal member that includes pipe-shaped portions, which connect the upstream flow paths to the downstream flow paths and are provided with connecting flow paths through the inner portions of which a liquid flows, and is formed of an elastic material. The pipe-shaped portions are sealed due to inner walls thereof abutting at least one of the upstream flow path member and the downstream flow path member. The inner walls of the pipe-shaped portions include retaining portions that are provided along outer circumferences of the pipe-shaped portions so as to surround a region of the inner walls that abuts at least one of the upstream flow path member and the downstream flow path member.
US09079399B2 Method for operating a printing system
A printing system for printing a fluid includes a print head for ejecting droplets of the fluid; a first fluid storing section for storing a first amount of the fluid; a second fluid storing section for storing a second amount of the fluid, the second fluid storing section being in fluid communication to the pressure chamber in a power down situation; and a pre-tension device configured for arranging the second amount of the fluid in a pre-tension state in the second fluid storing section, thereby providing a positive fluid pressure on the nozzle in a power down situation, which positive fluid pressure is selected such that a third amount of fluid passes through the nozzle in response to said positive fluid pressure and forms a film on the nozzle plate. The printing system according to the invention supports the recovery of the print head after a power down situation.
US09079397B1 Inkjet printer having switched firing of adjacent nozzles applying common color
A printing system includes a printhead having adjacent inkjet nozzles for dispensing a common colored ink and a controller adapted to direct firing of the adjacent inkjet nozzles so that adjacent local areas using the common colored ink are printed on a printing medium with alternate firings of the adjacent inkjet nozzles.
US09079395B2 Ink-jet printer for printing on cards
An ink-jet printer for printing on cards includes a printing station having an ink-jet printhead. A reservoir containing an ink is coupled to the ink-jet printhead. The ink includes: a medium consisting of a low-boiling organic solvent, an auxiliary solvent consisting of a high-boiling organic solvent, and a coloring component soluble in said medium. A driving system is adapted to drive the printhead between a first operative condition wherein the ink ejected by the printhead impinges on the card, and at least a second operative condition, wherein the ink ejected by the printhead does not impinge on the card. A control unit is active on the printhead for commanding ejections thereof, and on the driving system for controlling movement of the printhead. The control unit is configured for commanding an ink ejection in the second operative condition before ink ejection in the first operative condition.
US09079389B2 Sheet-fed printing press
A sheet-fed printing press is provided with a cold foil-transferring unit for transferring foil onto a paper sheet, a printing unit for performing printing on the paper sheet, and an embossing unit for giving an embossed finish to the paper sheet.
US09079388B2 Control of a printing press using a torsion model and printing press controlled by torsion model
A method and an apparatus control a printing press having a plurality of printing units, a plurality of cylinders which are coupled mechanically to one another and a control computer for controlling at least one drive motor which drives the mechanically coupled cylinders. A torsion model is stored in the machine computer for describing the torsion state of the cylinders in the printing press which are rotatably coupled mechanically to one another, as a function of at least one measurable operating parameter or at least one variable of the printing press which is known to the machine computer. A control of the printing press is performed by the control computer on the basis of the values which are calculated by the torsion model.
US09079384B2 Touch sensor panel having an index matching passivation layer
Touch sensor panels typically include a plurality of layers that can be stacked on top of each other. When the touch sensor panel is used in a bright environment, incident light can hit the interfaces between those layers of the stackup having mismatched refractive indices and can reflect off those interfaces. The light reflected from those interfaces can give rise to the appearance of fringes on the touch sensor panel, which can be visually distracting. In order to reduce the appearance of these fringes, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to the addition of an index matching passivation layer between a conductive layer of traces and an adhesive layer in the touch sensor panel stackup.
US09079382B2 Method for manufacturing laminated circuit board
A method for manufacturing a circuit board featuring conductive patterns, said method comprising the following steps of: i) affixing a conductive layer, such as a metal foil (3), to a substrate material (1) selectively, such that a part of the conductive layer, such as the metal foil (3), comprising desired areas (3a) for the final product and narrow areas (3c) between the final product's conducting areas, is affixed to the substrate material (1) by means of a bond (2), and removal-intended more extensive areas (3b) of the conductive layer, for example the metal foil (3), are left substantially unattached to the substrate material in such a way that the removable area (3b) is in attachment with the substrate material (1) by not more than its edge portion to be patterned in a subsequent step ii) and possibly by sites which preclude a release of the removable areas prior to a step iii); ii) patterning, by a removal of material, the conductive layer, such as the metal foil (3), from narrow gaps between the desired conducting areas (3a), and from an outer periphery of the area (3b) removable in a solid state, for establishing conductor patterns; iii) removing the removable areas (3b), not affixed to the substrate material (1), from the conductive layer, such as the metal foil (3), in a solid state after the conductive layer's edge area, which was removed from the removable area's outer periphery during the course of step ii), no longer holds the removable areas (3b) attached by their edges to the substrate material.
US09079374B2 Sealable, peelable film
A sealable and peelable film comprising a four layer coextrudate comprising a core layer contributing predominantly towards the thickness of the film, a first sealing layer provided on one side of the core layer and a second sealing layer, or alternatively a laminating layer, provided on the other side of the core layer, and the film comprising a peeling layer in between the first sealing layer and the core layer and/or in between the second sealing layer, or alternatively the laminating layer, and the core layer, and wherein the peeling layer is adjacent the first sealing layer and/or the second sealing layer and/or the laminating layer, and wherein the relative thickness of the peeling layer and its adjacent sealing and/or lamination layer (p:s/l ratio) is from 1:10 to 5:1.
US09079367B2 Systems and methods for controlling permeability in vacuum infusion processes
Systems and methods for controlling permeability in vacuum infusion processes are disclosed. A system includes a tool surface, a flexible film, a preform, a magnetic field source, and a magnetic element. The flexible film has a periphery sealingly coupled to the tool surface to define a volume. The preform is disposed within the volume. The magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic element is positioned to receive the magnetic field generate by the magnetic field source. The magnetic element is configured to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface under application of the magnetic field. A method includes generating a magnetic field with the magnetic field source and receiving the magnetic field with the magnetic element to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface, thereby increasing permeability of the preform.
US09079359B2 Microchip and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a microchip including a fluid circuit consisting of a space formed therein, a light-absorbing first substrate and a light-transmitting second substrate bonded onto the first substrate, and a groove, having a V-shaped section, extending parallelly to the fluid circuit on a surface of the second substrate opposite to the first substrate on a position immediately above at least part of the fluid circuit and a method of manufacturing the same.
US09079353B2 Flexible pipe
Apparatus and methods are disclosed relating to flexible pipe and composite tape. Flexible pipe body for a flexible pipe comprises an internal pressure sheath and at least one armor layer over the sheath comprising a wound tape of composite material. A method for manufacturing a composite tape is disclosed making use of a pultrusion process.
US09079352B2 Duct molding method and duct
The present invention provides a duct molding method by which it is possible to improve the adhesion of a sheet. In the duct molding method of the present invention, a molten thermoplastic resin sheet is positioned between molds. Subsequently, the thermoplastic resin sheet (P) is absorbed onto cavity surfaces of the molds and the molds are closed. Thereby, a duct is molded.
US09079350B2 Wave plate, method for producing same, and liquid crystal display device
A phase difference plate is manufactured by a method including a step of forming a multilayer body by co-extruding or co-casting a resin A having a positive intrinsic birefringence value and a resin B having a negative intrinsic birefringence value, the multilayer body including a layer “a” containing the resin A and a layer “b” containing the resin B; a step of stretching the multilayer body at a temperature T1 in one direction; and a step of subsequently stretching the multilayer body at temperature T2 lower than the temperature T1 in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the previous stretching direction. The resulting phase difference plate has specific in-plane retardation Rea of the layer “a”, retardation Rta in the thickness direction thereof, in-plane retardation Reb of the layer “b”, and retardation Rtb in the thickness direction thereof.
US09079345B2 Method and apparatus for packaging a liquid food product
The invention relates to a method of and a device for delivering a predetermined volume of beverage into a thermoplastic container formed from a preform positioned in a mold having an opening opposite an injection head (18), characterized in that the method includes a prior step of exposing the preform to a sterilizing fluid supplied by a first circuit connected to the injection head (18) and a step of injecting, into a recess of the preform, at least some of the beverage supplied by a second circuit connected to the injection head (18) so as to promote expansion of the preform inside the mold, the mold defining the shape of the container.
US09079344B2 Method for injection molding a pump impeller and pump impeller
A method for injection molding a pump impeller (1) of plastic, with which the cores which define the flow channels (8) in the inside of the impeller (1), are formed in each case of at least two core parts (26, 30). After the injection molding, a first core part (26) is firstly pulled out of the flow channel (8) and subsequently, an additional relative movement between the impeller (1) and the core part (30) is effected in a direction transverse to the pulling direction of the second core part (30), before or during the pulling-out of a second core part (30).
US09079343B2 Method and apparatus for blow molding and for filling containers
The method and the apparatus are used for blow molding and for filling containers. To this end, after a thermal conditioning step, a preform is shaped into a container using blowing pressure inside a blow molding tool. The blow molded containers are positioned at least along part of the transport path thereof by a carrying element, which is held by a rotating transfer wheel. The transfer wheel provides at least part of a coupling between a blow molding module for producing the containers and a filling module for filling the containers. An outfeed wheel of the blow molding module can be arranged in a transport direction of the containers upstream of the transfer wheel, and an infeed wheel of the filling module can be arranged in said transport direction downstream of the transfer wheel, wherein each wheel can be equipped with carrying elements for the containers. The number of carrying elements (42) in the region of the transfer wheel (41) is varied in accordance with a production speed.
US09079342B2 Expandable polystyrene resin particles and method for producing the same
A blowing agent is infiltrated into polystyrene resin particles dispersed in an aqueous suspension. Before or during infiltration, a flame retardant solution obtained by dissolving 33-1,000 parts by weight of a powdery flame retardant and 20-200 parts by weight of a flame retardant aid having a 1-hour half-life temperature of 100-250° C. in 100 parts by weight of a plasticizer is supplied to the aqueous suspension to infiltrate the flame retardant and the flame retardant aid into the particles, producing expandable polystyrene resin particles. By dissolving the flame retardant, which doesn't accumulate in the living body and has satisfactory handleability, in a plasticizer, the flame retardant can be evenly infiltrated into resin particles. Consequently, expansion of the expandable particles doesn't result in unevenness of cell density and the particles have excellent heat-fusibility to one another during molding, and molded foam having excellent flame retardancy and heat resistance can be obtained.
US09079333B2 Pelletizing device and blade head and/or grinding head for such a pelletizing device
A pelletizer, preferably in the form of an underwater pelletizer, having a cutter and/or grinding head and a tool carrier is provided. The tool carrier can rotatably be driven about a tool carrier axis of rotation, and at least one cutting and/or grinding tool, which is attached to the tool carrier and is spaced from the tool carrier axis of rotation, is used to knock off plastic melt emerging from a pelletizer die plate and/or for grinding the pelletizer die plate. In one embodiment, the cutting and/or grinding tool rotates together with the tool carrier about its tool carrier axis of rotation, and in another embodiment, the cutting and/or grinding tool can rotate about its own axis of rotation relative to the tool carrier.
US09079332B2 Method for resuming operation of wire saw and wire saw
The present invention provides a method of resuming operation of a wire saw in which slicing of a workpiece is suspended and then resumed, including slicing the workpiece while detecting a traveling direction and a traveling speed of the reciprocating wire and recording them chronologically; and resuming the slicing while controlling the traveling direction and a traveling time in the traveling direction of the wire on a basis of a wire traveling history recorded until the suspending of the slicing of the workpiece such that the reciprocating cycle of the wire becomes continuous between before the suspending and after the resuming of the slicing of the workpiece. This method enables the slicing to be completed while the nanotopography of the sliced wafer is surely prevented from degrading, even when the slicing of the workpiece with a wire saw is suspended due to, for example, breaking of the wire.
US09079331B2 Gemstone alignment
An apparatus and method for aligning a gemstone such as diamond (106) with a predetermined vertical axis (108) is described. The apparatus includes an upwardly extending nozzle (105) aligned with the vertical axis (108) and sized to allow the gemstone (106) to settle into it under the action of gravity so that the article is supported by the aperture. A fluid supply system supplies fluid to the nozzle (105) under sufficient pressure to support the article within or above the aperture. A fluid pressure control system controls the pressure of fluid supplied to the nozzle (105), so that it can be reduced gradually.
US09079329B2 Method of cutting a wood block and veneer lathe
A method of cutting a wood block and a veneer lathe are disclosed. Two groups of first plural contact members and second plural contact members disposed around the wood block for supporting the wood block from the periphery thereof and each having a contact portion contactable with periphery of the wood block. The first and the second contact members are spaced away from each other along the spin axis of the wood block so as to form a space between any two adjacent contact members, respectively, and arranged in such a way that a part of the contact member of one group is insertable into the space between any two adjacent contact members of the other group when the wood block is cut to a predetermined reduced diameter so that the wood block is continued to be supported further.
US09079327B2 Woodworking hand tool
A woodworking hand tool, particularly for use in woodturning, comprises a shaft like handle provided at one end with a metallic cutting edge, and also with a flat along at least part of its length for engagement, in use, with a tool rest of a lathe or other machine, for stability and wherein the cutting edge is carried on, or by an adaptor that is rotationally adjustable with respect to the handle between at least two operational positions by the user, depending on the cutting action required.
US09079326B2 Profiling saw blade and method of using
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for cutting a chamfer into the edge of a material while simultaneously making another cut in the material. The chamfer provides the cut material with reduced susceptibility to top surface edge swell.
US09079324B2 Process for making a film/nonwoven laminate
An article includes a film and a non-woven having fibers, and an embossed seal joining a portion of the film and the non-woven. The seal includes discrete extended elements formed in the film and surrounded by lands in the film. The discrete extended elements having open proximal ends, open or closed distal ends, and sidewalls disposed between the proximal and distal ends, and portions of the discrete extended elements having a thickness less than that of the lands. Fibers of the non-woven are embedded in at least one of the lands and in the sidewalls of the discrete extended elements through the open proximal ends.
US09079321B2 Razor blades
A razor blade having a substrate with a cutting edge being defined by a sharpened tip. The substrate has a thickness of between about 1.3 and 1.6 micrometers measured at a distance of four micrometers from the blade tip, a thickness of between about 2.2 and 2.7 micrometers measured at a distance of eight micrometers from the blade tip, a thickness of between about 3.8 and 4.9 micrometers measured at a distance of sixteen micrometers from the blade tip, a ratio of thickness measured at four micrometers from the blade tip to the thickness measured at eight micrometers from the blade tip of at least 0.55 and a ratio of thickness measured at four micrometers from the blade tip to the thickness measured at sixteen micrometers from the blade tip of at least 0.30.
US09079316B1 Length-adjustable mechanical arm
A length-adjustable mechanical arm includes: a base; a first arm unit having one end formed with a first pivot portion pivoted to the base, and another end formed with a second pivot portion, a second arm unit pivoted to the first arm unit includes a pivot member, an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and an accessory mounting seat. The length of the second arm unit of the mechanical arm is adjustable by adjusting the inner and outer sleeves, and the second arm unit is switchable between an extended position and a retracted position. Therefore, the mechanical arm can be used for two distance operation.
US09079311B2 Interfacing with a mobile telepresence robot
A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an imaging system, and a mapping module. The mapping module may access a plan view map of an area and tags associated with the area. In various embodiments, each tag may include tag coordinates and tag information, which may include a tag annotation. A tag identification system may identify tags within a predetermined range of the current position and the control system may execute an action based on an identified tag whose tag information comprises a telepresence robot action modifier. The telepresence robot may rotate an upper portion independent from a lower portion. A remote terminal may allow an operator to control the telepresence robot using any combination of control methods, including by selecting a destination in a live video feed, by selecting a destination on a plan view map, or by using a joystick or other peripheral device.
US09079309B2 Terminal positioning method and system, and mobile terminal
A terminal positioning method is applicable in a positioning system having at least an image acquisition apparatus, and the method includes: judging whether a positioning request message sent from a terminal is received; acquiring a current position feature of the terminal when the positioning request message sent from the terminal is received; calculating current position data of the terminal according to the position feature; generating position information according to the position data; and sending the position information to the terminal. In this way, the terminal itself does not need to calculate the current position, thus reducing computational burden on the terminal, which facilitates achieving of fast navigation of the terminal.
US09079308B2 Robotic picking of parts from a bin
A robot is used to pick parts from a bin. The robot has a compliant apparatus and one or more tools are connected to the apparatus to perform the picking. The compliant apparatus has mechanisms for monitoring and/or controlling its compliance. The compliant apparatus can have various embodiments. Force sensing can be used during removal of grasped parts from the bin to determine the force exerted on the picking tool(s). The signal indicative of the exerted force can be used by the robot controller to determine the weight of the parts that may be held by the picking tool(s). The robot has one or more devices which can be the picking tool to stir the parts in the bin.
US09079307B2 Autonomous locomotion apparatus, autonomous locomotion method, and program for autonomous locomotion apparatus
The autonomous locomotion apparatus has a human information acquisition unit which detects a person. When there is probability of contact between the detected person and the autonomous locomotion apparatus based on movement information of the person, the autonomous locomotion apparatus controls a traveling speed or a rotational speed of the autonomous locomotion apparatus to perform a guide operation which presents a path of the autonomous locomotion apparatus which is intended to cause the person to predict, so that it causes the person to avoid the path without giving the person a sense of uneasiness.
US09079306B2 Evaluation of communication middleware in a distributed humanoid robot architecture
A publish-subscribe architecture based blackboard system for selecting and exchanging selected information among a plurality of processing modules using filters for implementing conditions described in a procedural language to reduce the amount of information transmitted between the processing modules. More than one filter may be dynamically installed in a message hub to select and collect the published information to be sent to a certain subscribing module. By using the procedural language to describe the filters, the message hub can more intelligently select the information to be sent to the subscribing module. This reduces the amount of information transmitted via communication channels. Further, the subscribing module may be relieved from the task of filtering the information received from the message hub, allowing the subscribing module to devote more resources to other operations.
US09079305B2 Monitoring robot sensor consistency
Sensors associated with a robot or sub-system thereof (e.g., a series elastic actuator associated with a robot joint) may be monitored for mutual consistency using one or more constraints that relate physical quantities measured by the sensors to each other. The constraints may be based on a physical model of the robot or sub-system.
US09079299B2 Switching device for ratchet wrench
A switching device of a ratchet wrench includes two engaging members respectively mounted to two rods of an operation member. The operation member has a polygonal shank which extends through the board of the head of the wrench and is connected with a switch. The operation member swings by pivoting the switch so as to control the either of the two engaging members to be engaged with the ratchet driving member. The operation member has a positioning tube, and a bead and a spring are located in the positioning tube. The bead is engaged with one of two recesses of a cover fixed to the head of the wrench when the operation member is pivoted. The cover has a flange on which a locking member is pressed. The locking member is engaged with a fixing portion in the inner periphery of the space.
US09079298B1 Adjustable socket for a socket wrench
A socket for a socket wrench that can be adjusted to enable the socket to fit different size fasteners. The socket includes a cylindrical housing having an end wall with means on it for enabling the socket to be connected to a wrench handle.The cylindrical housing comprises an elongated interior opening and a transverse opening for receiving a pivot pin.A jaw comprising an elongated member disposed in the elongated interior opening and a second transverse opening in the jaw.A pivot pin extends through the transverse openings in the housing and the jaw so that the jaw is pivotally connected to said housing so that one of its ends can be pivoted into engagement with a fastener.A radially directed shaft is threaded through the housing and is in engagement with the jaw to bring into engagement with a fastener.
US09079296B1 Swiveling ratchet
The swiveling ratchet involves a rotating socket that is in mechanical communication with a drive ratchet, which is able to rotate there between. The drive ratchet is driven via a handle that would rotate about a longitudinal axis. The rotating socket is rotated via a worm gear positioned inside of a socket housing. The worm gear features drive gears at distal ends. The drive gears are both in mechanical communication with a bevel gear that extends to the drive ratchet. Both the drive ratchet and the bevel gear freely rotate about a worm axis, which enables the handle and drive ratchet to rotate collectively with respect to the socket housing, and maintaining mechanical communication between the drive ratchet and rotating socket.
US09079295B2 Diamond particle mixture
A substantially homogeneous particle mixture is disclosed. The mixture includes a plurality of derivatized nanodiamond particles comprising a plurality of first functional groups. The mixture also includes a plurality of microdiamond particles, wherein the derivatized nanodiamond particles and microdiamond particles comprise a substantially homogeneous particle mixture. The mixture may also include a plurality of third particles comprising nanoparticles not identical to the derivatized nanodiamond particles, or a plurality of microparticles not identical to the microdiamond particles, or a combination thereof, and the derivatized nanodiamond particles, derivatized microdiamond particles and third particles comprise the substantially homogeneous particle mixture.
US09079290B2 Portable machine tool
A portable machine tool, in particular a hand machine tool, has at least one spindle for receiving and for driving a processing tool, at least one brake unit for braking the spindle and/or the processing tool at least in a braking mode, and at least one runoff safety unit for preventing the processing tool from running off of the spindle at least in the braking mode.
US09079288B2 Polishing pad and method for producing same
A polishing pad has a polishing layer including a non-foamed polyurethane, wherein the non-foamed polyurethane is a reaction cured body of a polyurethane raw material composition containing an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer obtained by reacting a prepolymer raw material composition containing a diisocyanate, a high-molecular-weight polyol and a low-molecular-weight polyol; an isocyanate modified body polymerized by adding three or more diisocyanates; and a chain extender, and the addition amount of the isocyanate-modified body is 5 to 30 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the isocyanate-terminated prepolymer. The polishing pad hardly causes scratches on the surface of an object to be polished and has an improved dressing property.
US09079287B2 CMP polishing pad detector and system
A chemical mechanical planarization apparatus includes a table, a polishing pad and a detector. The polishing pad is disposed at the table. The detector detects an abnormal condition of the polishing pad.
US09079284B2 Automated instrument sharpening and cleaning system
An automated knife sharpening and cleaning system is provided. The system comprises a container body that is configured to hold a utensil holder that is configured to releasably couple to the container body, the utensil holder configured to hold a utensil. The system further includes a drive assembly and a gripper assembly, the gripper assembly being coupled to the drive assembly and the drive assembly being configured to move the gripper assembly within the three-dimensional coordinate space of the container body. The system further includes a grinding assembly that is configured to sharpen the utensil. During operation of the system, the gripper assembly is configured to grip the utensil and remove the utensil from the utensil holder, hold the utensil within the grinding assembly during sharpening, and replace and release the utensil in the utensil holder once the sharpening is complete. Moreover, the system may clean and sanitize the utensil.
US09079281B2 Common rail valve seat refurbishing
A tool, method and apparatus to refurbish a valve seat having a compound geometry, such as a valve seat in a valve body for a common rail injector is disclosed. The tool includes a body with a head portion having substantially the same geometry as the valve seat to be refurbished, the tool further including a radiused portion between two angles of the valve seat to provide a chamfered surface on the valve seat to be refurbished. The method includes lapping the valve seat with the tool in and X, Y and Z axis to refurbish the valve seat in a single operation without substantially altering the geometry of the valve, and the apparatus includes slide moveable in an X and Y axis, and a fixture mounted on a preloaded biased base so movement in the Z axis is controllable.
US09079279B2 Actively compensated stage having 5-DOF motion error compensation and motion error compensating method thereof
Disclosed are an actively compensated stage including: a guide support having first and second guide surfaces perpendicular to each other; a table having first and second sides opposite the first and second guide surfaces and having air bearings on the first and second sides; a driving linear motor moving the table straight in an x-axial direction; and a plurality of magnetic actuators applying a magnetic preload between the guide support and the table and changing a magnetic force between the guide support and the table to compensate for 5-DOF motion errors generated in the table.
US09079275B2 Automatic screw tightening apparatus
An automatic screw tightening apparatus suppresses damage of an inner wall of a transfer tube, stabilizes the posture of the screw, stably supplies the screw to a driver bit, and reduces screw tightening time. A rotatable arm is installed at the screw discharging unit and a feed head unit is installed at a fore end of the rotatable arm to be brought into close contact with a driver bit portion of a fore end of the screw tightening mechanism. The feed head unit is movable between close contact with the driver bit portion and an evacuation position where the feed head unit is far from the driver bit unit. At the close contact position, the driver bit portion of the fore end of the screw tightening mechanism is brought into contact with the screw and sucks a head portion of the screw to engage the screw.
US09079270B2 Friction stirring and joining apparatus, and friction stirring and joining method
A friction stirring and joining apparatus includes a tool holder; and pressing means provided ahead in a direction of joining by a tool held by the tool holder for pressing a junction surface of a workpiece. The pressing means includes a load imparting section that imparts a load toward the workpiece; a first abutting portion that is provided between the load imparting section and the tool held by the tool holder and abuts on the junction surface in the workpiece; a second abutting portion that is provided opposite the first abutting portion with respect to the load imparting section and abuts on the junction surface of the workpiece; and a supporting portion that is attached to the load imparting section and supports the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion.
US09079269B2 Spalling with laser-defined spall edge regions
Laser ablation can be used to form a trench within at least a blanket layer of a stressor layer that is atop a base substrate. A non-ablated portion of the stressor layer has an edge that defines the edge of the material layer region to be spalled. Laser ablation can also be used to form a trench within a blanket material stack including at least a plating seed layer. A stressor layer is formed on the non-ablated portions of the material stack and one portion of the stressor layer has an edge that defines the edge of the material layer region to be spalled. Laser ablation can be further used to form a trench that extends through a blanket stressor layer and into the base substrate itself. The trench has an edge that defines the edge of the material layer region to be spalled.
US09079268B2 Analytical laser ablation of solid samples for ICP, ICP-MS, and FAG-MS analysis
This invention is improved laser ablation of solid samples analyzed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP), ICP mass spectrometry, or flowing afterglow mass spectrometry. A mirror-with-hole eliminates chromatic aberration in sample viewing and allows rad-hardening for radiation hot cell analysis of nuclear waste. Other attributes facilitate comprehensively rad-hardened laser ablation. Additional improvements include large, homogeneous laser spots, long-focus objective lenses, variable laser path length with built-in re-alignment, variable demagnification ratio, higher powered SMR lasers with larger spots enabling sensitive bulk solids analysis, demountable gravitationally self sealing stack assembly sample ablation cells, and laser ablation sample changers.
US09079263B2 Orthopedic fastener method
An orthopedic structure includes a method for making a threaded fastener with thread geometry and leading edge geometry which provides greater precision during installation. Specifically, thread pitch and tooth profiles are independently variable. A leading portion of the fastener advances bone shards forward of the forward of the fastener to reduce insertion torque and prevent the shards from residing in the upstream tooth profile for better retention.
US09079255B2 Lathe tool, in particular boring tool
A boring tool has a receiving part implemented as a borer body and a front part implemented as a borer head, which extend along a central axis and can be removably fastened to one another via driver connection. The driver connection has at least two coupling pairs which are separate from one another and are disposed eccentrically relative to the central axis. Each coupling pair is formed by interlocking coupling elements, namely a receiving pocket and a driver pin. The coupling elements have an asymmetrical cross-sectional area and widen with increasing distance to the central axis. Through this design, a reliable transmission of high torques is achieved with lower strains of the borer body in the area of the driver connection. Simultaneously, an automatic centering of the two tool parts to one another is performed.
US09079251B2 Cutting inserts having discontiguous clearance faces
Cutting inserts are described having at least two discontiguous clearance faces. Cutting tool systems including the cutting inserts are also described. An indexable cutting insert includes a top face, a bottom face, and at least two clearance faces connecting the top face and the bottom face at a periphery of the cutting insert. The at least two clearance faces include a primary clearance face contiguous with the top face and forming a cutting edge at an intersection of the primary clearance face and the top face, and a secondary clearance face discontiguous with the primary clearance face and separated from the primary clearance face by a bridge surface, and wherein a primary clearance angle formed by the primary clearance face is larger than a secondary clearance angle formed by the secondary clearance face.
US09079248B2 Method and apparatus for increasing the resolution in additively manufactured three-dimensional articles
A method for increasing the resolution when forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, said method comprising providing a vacuum chamber, providing an electron gun, providing a first powder layer on a work table inside said vacuum chamber, directing an electron beam from said electron gun over said work table causing the powder layer to fuse in selected locations to form a first cross section of said three-dimensional article, providing a second powder layer on said work table, directing the electron beam over said work table causing said second powder layer to fuse in selected locations to form a second cross section of said three-dimensional article, reducing the pressure in the vacuum chamber from a first pressure level to a second pressure level between the providing of said first powder layer and said second powder layer.
US09079247B2 Downhole tools including anomalous strengthening materials and related methods
Downhole tools for use in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material. Methods of forming downhole tools for use in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise forming a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material. Methods of using downhole tools in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise disposing a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material in a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The at least one anomalous strengthening material may be exposed to a temperature within the wellbore higher than a temperature at a surface of the subterranean formation and a yield strength of the at least one anomalous strengthening material may increase.
US09079244B2 Method for dispersing nanoparticles and methods for producing nanoparticle thin films by using the same
Methods for producing nanoparticle thin films are disclosed. According to one of the methods, a nanoparticle thin film is produced by modifying the surface of nanoparticles to allow the nanoparticles to be charged, controlling an electrostatic attractive force between the charged nanoparticles and a substrate and a repulsive force between the individual nanoparticles by a variation in pH to control the number density of the nanoparticles arranged on the substrate.
US09079243B2 Method of and device for controlling or regulating a temperature
The invention relates to a method of controlling or regulating the temperature of a cast strand (2) in a continuous casting installation (1) comprising a control or regulating unit (3) particularly for controlling or regulating the temperature in a secondary cooling of a continuous casting installation using at least one means for cooling the cast strand, characterized by a dynamic change of at least one set temperature of the cast strand on the basis of data and/or signals that are received and/or determined by the control or regulating unit.
US09079241B2 Multi-plane brake rotor hat holes and method of making the same
A rotor comprising: a two sided braking surface, a base portion; a hat portion connected to the two sided braking surface via the base portion, the hat portion including: a mounting face and a hat wall; and wherein the base portion includes holes and the hat wall includes holes.
US09079239B2 Method for manufacturing easy open end
A method of manufacturing an easy open end includes the steps of using a laminated steel sheet with resin films formed on both surfaces of the laminated steel sheet, and forming a panel structure and a score. A score die used for forming the score includes a scoring edge having a cross section in which a tip is a curve and two sides with the tip interposed therebetween are tangent to the curve. The tip is the curve having a curvature radius ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 mm, and the two sides have elevation angles θ in a range of 0.3≦tan θ≦1.0 to an end surface. The panel structure is formed by a motion that is synchronous with a motion in which the score die is pressed to a surface of the laminated steel sheet during the formation of the score.
US09079232B2 Linear drawing machine and method for linear drawing of a workpiece through a drawing ring
In order to allow a more targeted intervention in a drawing procedure, in particular on a linear drawing device, the invention proposes a linear drawing machine for the linear drawing of a workpiece through a drawing ring, a drawing unit, in which one or more drawing tools grasp the workpiece and draw it linearly in the drawing direction, being situated behind the drawing ring, the linear drawing device being distinguished in particular by a drawing ring which is situated fixed in relation to the drawing direction during the drawing procedure, preferably perpendicularly, and by a workpiece guide situated in front of the drawing ring in the drawing direction, which is displaceable perpendicular to the drawing direction.
US09079224B2 Cylinder head cleaning method and cylinder head cleaning device
A cylinder head cleaning method capable of cleaning a cylinder head with an enhanced foreign matter removing rate. The method is used to clean a cylinder head having therein a water jacket including a narrow space portion having a narrow flow path and a large space having a flow path wider than the narrow space portion, and the cylinder head further including holes communicating with the water jacket. Cleaning nozzles are inserted into the water jacket from the holes selected from the holes, clearing liquid is ejected from the cleaning nozzles toward the narrow space portion, and the cleaning liquid flowing from the narrow space portion to the large space is discharged to the outside of the cylinder head from the hole communicating with the space.
US09079223B2 Method and apparatus for portioning of article
A method is provided for allocating a first item from a group of items to a receiver selected from a group of receivers. The method includes obtaining characteristic property information for the group of items and obtaining capacity information for the group of receivers. According to the method, a characteristic property of the first item which is to be allocated and a characteristic property of a selected second item within the group of items are used in consideration of possible options for allocating said first and second items to the group of receivers. Taking into account the respective capacities of receivers in the group of receivers, it is then determined which receiver should be selected for allocation of the first item thereto.
US09079221B2 Acoustic transducer with impedance matching layer
A device includes a piezoelectric transducer. The transducer has N independent transducer regions. N is an integer. Each of the N independent transducer regions has a thickness. Each of the N independent transducer regions has an acoustic impedance AIT. Each of the N independent transducer regions is independently excitable to oscillate in the thickness mode when electrically excited by a potential difference applied across the thickness. The device further includes a first impedance matching layer having an acoustic impedance AI1 and AIT and a borehole fluid acoustic impedance AIBF. The first impedance matching layer is situated such that an acoustic signal emitted by the piezoelectric transducer will pass through the second impedance matching layer. The device further includes a second impedance matching layer having an acoustic impedance AI2 between AI1 and AIBF. The second impedance matching layer is situated in the device such that an acoustic signal emitted by the transducer will pass through the second impedance matching layer after it passes through the first impedance matching layer.
US09079219B2 Therapeutic ultrasound transducer chip with integrated ultrasound imager and methods of making and using the same
A therapeutic ultrasound device may include a substrate, at least one high power capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer, and at least one imager transducer comprising a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer. The at least one high power capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer and the imager transducer may be monolithically integrated on the substrate.
US09079214B2 Method of producing magnesium fluoride coating, antireflection coating, and optical element
A method of producing a magnesium fluoride coating includes a step of forming a coating by applying a solution containing a fluorine-containing organic magnesium compound represented by the following formula to a base and a step of heat-treating the coating while the coating is being irradiated with a beam of light with a wavelength of 246 nm or less: Mg(CF3—X—COO)2  (1) wherein X represents a single bond or one of —(CF2)n—, —(CH2)m—, and —CH2CF2— that may have a substituent, where n and m each represent an integer of 1 to 4. The temperature of the heat-treating step can be 250° C. or lower. The coating can be irradiated with a beam of light with a wavelength of 185 nm or less.
US09079212B2 Dry ink for digital printing
Pigment based particles in powder form intended to be used as colorants (7) in a digital print formed by applying dry colorants (7) on a surface (2), bonding a part of the colorants (7) with a binder (11) and removing the non-bonded colorants (7) from the surface (2). A panel (1) with a surface (2) including a digitally formed print of macro colorants (64) including a particle body (66) and color pigments (12) attached to the surface of the particle body (66) is also described. The colorants (7) are arranged in patterns with pigments (12) on an upper and lower surface of the particle body (66).
US09079211B1 Intergranular corrosion (IGC) and intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) resistance improvement method for metallic alloys
A method, structure, and/or material composition associated with overetching a structure or allow of interest to deplete magnesium content at and in a vicinity of grain boundaries which mitigates or prevents corrosion including, for example, intergranular corrosion (IGC) and/or intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC). Another aspect of the invention can include a process and material composition associated with providing a particular coating having a number of material properties. Additional steps, material composition(s), and/or exemplary structure(s) can also be provided which provides a nano coating over the depletion zone having a first coating in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
US09079209B2 Apparatus for power coating
The present invention relates to an apparatus which coats a substrate inside the vacuum chamber with the powder transported and entrained on the air from the outside without any extra gas supplier. Namely, the apparatus can coat the powder transported and entrained on the air naturally sucked in from the outside on a substrate through the spray nozzle inside the vacuum chamber as the pressure of the vacuum chamber is controlled and the pressure of the front of the spray nozzle is set under the atmospheric pressure.
US09079204B1 Showerhead cleaning adapter
A showerhead cleaning adapter that includes a pipe member having a male end and a female end disposed for positioning between an extant showerhead and an extant manifold, said pipe member including a flow controlling side inlet pipe valve disposed to releasably interconnect a cartridge therein, said cartridge discharging cleaning solution into said showerhead when attached to, and depressed within, an interconnect portion of the side inlet pipe valve, wherein cleaning solution is selectively releasable to clean and disinfect an extant showerhead interior.
US09079203B2 Method and apparatus for balancing flow through fuel nozzles
A fuel nozzle having a flow pathway including a smooth, sharp, or mitered bend prior to a nozzle tip is provided. The fuel nozzle injects fuel into a combustion chamber with an even flow distribution of the fuel and substantially reduces undesirable acoustic resonance encountered in a fuel nozzle body in a combustion system.
US09079202B2 Rotary variable arc nozzle
A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The nozzle may include an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a radius reduction valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.
US09079201B2 Liquid supply system for a gravity feed spray device
A system is provided for venting a container used to supply a liquid to a spray coating device. The system may include a container cover having a buffer chamber, a liquid conduit configured to extend into a liquid container, a first vent conduit that extends into the buffer chamber, and a second vent conduit that extends from the buffer chamber to the liquid container.
US09079199B2 System for increasing the life of fuel injectors
According to various embodiments, a system includes a gasification fuel injector. The gasification fuel injector includes a fuel conduit configured to inject the fuel, the first oxygen conduit configured to inject oxygen, a second oxygen conduit configured to inject oxygen, and a cooling gas conduit configured to flow a cooling gas. The cooling gas is flame resistant.
US09079196B2 Multiple spray tip turret assembly for paint sprayer
A reversible, multiple spray tip spray gun tip assembly includes a tip holder and a turret. In one embodiment, the tip holder has a turret opening and a fluid spray passage that is in communication with the turret opening. The turret has a barrel including a plurality of spaced apart spray tips and a handle to rotate the barrel within the turret opening. Either the tip holder or the turret includes one or more projections while the other of the tip holder or the turret includes a cam surface with which the one or more projections slideable engage such that rotating the turret relative to the tip holder causes the turret to translate relative to the tip holder and to align each of the spray tips with the fluid spray passage in a spray position and a clear position.
US09079194B2 Centrifuge for processing blood and blood components
The present invention relates generally to the field of extracorporeal blood processing methods and apparatus which are particularly useful in blood component collection, and more specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for centrifugally separating buffy coat that reduce the surface available for separated buffy coat components to sediment on by varying the radius of the product collection bag.
US09079190B2 Vertical ring high gradient magnetic separator
A vertical ring high gradient magnetic separator comprises an exciting winding coil and a coil casing, wherein the winding coil is immerged in coolant in the coil casing, the winding coil is of a multi-layer structure, and an insulating member is provided between each layer or a plurality of layers of the winding coil to form gaps through which the coolant passes. The winding coil of the vertical ring high gradient magnetic separator has a rapid heat dissipation capability in the coolant, which can ensure the winding coil maintaining a lower temperature during operation, thereby obtaining a higher magnetic field strength.
US09079189B2 Methods and devices for sorting cells and other biological particulates
An optical pattern-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and separation methods are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells and selection based on traits correlated with the DEP response. Embodiments of the apparatus use DEP electric field patterns in combination with microfluidic laminar flows to measure response, separate, segregate and extract particles from heterogeneous mixtures according to the relative response of the particles to one or more DEP fields without damaging living cells. The methods are particularly suited for selecting and extracting the best sperm and embryo candidates based on fitness for use with existing artificial reproduction procedures and excluding defective or non-viable gametes.
US09079184B2 Grain fraction endosperm recovery system
Generally, a dry-wet grain fractionation system which provides a dry mill process (26) for the production of grain fractions (14) (15) (16) and a wet mill process (18) for the production of purified bran (19), endosperm (20) and germ (21) from the mixture of grain particles in a grain fraction (14) (15) or (16) or combinations thereof. Specifically, a dry-wet grain fractionation system for production of corn germ (21) having increased protein and oil content and an endosperm (20) having increased starch and sugar content.
US09079179B2 Microfluidic device comprising sensor
A microfluidic device for performing detection of a substance in a liquid sample includes a cavity (24) formed above a sensor surface area (22) of a sensor (18). The cavity (24) extends at the first side of a base plate (10) from a first area (32), where the cavity overlaps a first lateral channel part (30), to a second area (34), where the cavity overlaps a second lateral channel part (36). The second lateral channel part (36) includes a lateral channel part formed by a porous capillary suction structure (13). The cavity (24) forms a flow path (42) from the first lateral channel part (30) along the sensor surface area (22) to the second lateral channel part (36).
US09079178B2 Apparatus and methods for pipetting with interchangeability among different pipette tips
Pipette tips of different sizes may be coupled to a pipettor without needing to modify the pipettor. The same pipettor may thus be utilized to exchange different pipette tips, which may be done in an automated manner. Pipette tips may be coupled to adaptors that include proximal ends for interfacing with the pipettor and distal ends for interfacing with pipette tips. The proximal ends may all have the same geometry, matched with the same pipettor. The distal ends may have different geometries matched with different pipette tips. A pipettor may be part of a liquid handling apparatus and movable in an automated manner to different deck positions. The pipettor may include a locking mechanism for locking adaptors to the pipettor or locking pipette tips directly to the pipettors, and an ejection mechanism for ejecting pipette tips from corresponding adaptors.
US09079177B2 Methylene aminoethyl sulfonic acid chelating resins
The present invention relates to chelating resins containing methyleneaminoethylsulfonic acid groups, a process for producing them and also their use for removing heavy metals or metals of value from aqueous solutions having a pH of <4, preferably from process water in or from the electronics industry, the electroplating industry or the mining industry.
US09079176B1 Regeneration of an acidic ionic liquid catalyst by addition of brønsted acids
A method for regenerating deactivated acidic ionic liquid catalyst containing conjunct polymer is described. The method includes contacting the deactivated acidic ionic liquid catalyst containing the conjunct polymer with at least one Brønsted acid in a regeneration zone under regeneration conditions, resulting in a mixture comprising regenerated acidic ionic liquid catalyst, the Brønsted acid, the released conjunct polymer. The Brønsted acid is derived from a mineral acid and contains at least one organic group. The released conjunct polymer can be separated from the regenerated acidic ionic liquid catalyst and the at least one Brønsted acid.
US09079168B2 Process for producing propylene
An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing efficiently and stably propylene from a hydrocarbon raw material containing a high concentration of ethylene. The present invention discloses a process for producing propylene, comprising catalytically converting a hydrocarbon raw material containing ethylene in an amount exceeding 50% by mass with a zeolite-containing catalyst satisfying the following (1) to (3): (1) containing of a medium pore diameter zeolite having a pore size of from 5 to 6.5 Å; (2) a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio in the medium pore diameter zeolite being from 20 to 300; and (3) an acid amount (TPD acid amount), determined by a high-temperature desorption amount in an ammonia temperature-programmed desorption spectrum, being from 20 to 350 μmol/g-zeolite.
US09079166B2 Granular body of titanium oxide having transition metal and/or transition metal oxide supported thereon, and method for decomposing waste plastic/organic material using said granular body
An object of the present invention is to provide titanium oxide granules that have a novel structure and have a characteristic of highly efficient decomposing capability, and a method of decomposing plastic and organic waste by using the granules. The present invention has been completed based on the finding that a method of decomposing plastic waste by using titanium oxide granules having a transition metal and/or a transition metal oxide, in particular copper, supported thereon enables decomposition of plastic waste at extremely high efficiency in a low-temperature region for a long period of time as compared to methods of decomposing plastic waste by using the related-art titanium oxide granules.
US09079163B2 Catalyst and method for producing the same and method for producing paraxylene using the same
The present invention relates to a novel catalyst which has a molecular sieving effect (or shape selectivity) and has excellent catalytic activity, and particularly to a catalyst which includes a core made of a zeolite particle having a particle size of not more than 10 μm and a zeolite layer covering the core, wherein as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, an outermost surface of the catalyst has a silica/alumina molar ratio of not less than 800, the core made of the zeolite particle has an average silica/alumina molar ratio of not more than 300, and the zeolite layer has an aluminum concentration increasing inward from an outer surface of the catalyst.
US09079162B2 Fe-BEA/Fe-MFI mixed zeolite catalyst and process for the treatment of NOX in gas streams
Disclosed is a catalyst, preferably for use in selective catalytic reduction (SCR), said catalyst comprising one or more zeolites of the MFI structure type, and one or more zeolites of the BEA structure type, wherein at least part of the one or more zeolites of the MFI structure type and at least part of the one or more zeolites of the BEA structure type respectively contain iron (Fe). Furthermore, an exhaust gas treatment system is described, comprising said catalyst as well as a process for the treatment of a gas stream comprising NOx using said catalyst as well.
US09079152B2 Encapsulated essential oils
The invention provides a process for the preparation of essential oil microcapsules comprising dissolving a di- or polyisocyanate into an essential oil, emulsifying the resulting mixture in an aqueous solution containing a di- or polyamine, and or a di or polyhydroxy compound to effect encapsulation of said essential oil through interfacial polymerization, whereby there is formed a polyurea and/or polyurethane film around the essential oil droplets which film enhances the stability of said essential oil, reduces its evaporation rate and controls its release rate when applied to a substrate.
US09079150B2 Object authentication method and use therof
An identification and verification system and a process for said identification and verification of documents is disclosed, which is based on the use of nanoparticles embedded or adsorbed in the document support, utilizing the different optical reflectance characteristics thereof in order to obtain, by combining several nanoparticles with specific characteristics, a high effectiveness in the identification of counterfeits.
US09079147B2 Method and apparatus for the treatment of fine-grained material in a spouted bed
A method and an associated apparatus for treating fine-grained material in a spouted bed. Here, the method and design for an associated apparatus for treating fine-grained material in a spouted bed eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art, allow different process conditions in the process chamber to be adjusted in a regulated manner, and has a simple and inexpensive structure. The method is provides that a nearly circular gas flow of the fluidizer is generated in the process chamber (5) by an external annular gap (7) lying on the y-z plane, the diameter of the nearly circular gas flow expands outward in the direction of the x axis inside the process chamber (5), and a nearly circular gas flow of the fluidizer is generated by an internal annular gap (8) lying on the y-z plane, the diameter of the nearly circular gas flow expands inward within the process chamber (5). A displacement member (2) and an annular central contour (9) are centrally disposed in the lower region of the process chamber (5) in such a way that an internal annular gap (7) is formed between the displacement member (2) and the inner contour of the annular central contour (9), while an external annular gap (8) is formed between the outer contour of the annular central contour (9) and the lower outer edge of the process chamber (5) in order to feed the fluidizer.
US09079145B2 Solids processing valve
A dome valve selectively dispenses a silicon product from a chamber of a vessel. The dome valve comprises a valve body defining a pass-through channel in communication with the chamber of the vessel to allow the silicon product to exit the vessel. The dome valve also comprising a valve seat defining an opening through which the silicon product enters the pass-through channel. The dome valve further comprising a domed body having a semi-hemispherical configuration. The domed body has a sealing surface. The domed body is rotatable between a closed position and an open position for allowing the selective dispensing of the silicon product from the vessel.
US09079144B2 Hydrogen generator and fuel cell system
A hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system including a fuel cell battery and the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator includes a cartridge including a plurality of pellets stacked within a casing, each pellet containing a hydrogen containing material capable of releasing hydrogen gas when heated; a compartment including a hydrogen outlet through a housing and as cavity within the housing within which the cartridge can be removably disposed; and an induction heating system. The induction heating system includes a plurality of secondary coils within the cartridge casing, with each secondary coil in contact with one or more of the pellets. The induction heating system also includes at least one primary coil within the compartment housing. The induction heating system provides an electromagnetic field from a flow of the current in the primary coil, induces an electric current in the secondary coil, and producing heat to heat the pellets.
US09079137B2 Method and apparatus for determining biofouling of a membrane
A method of determining a state of biofouling of a membrane is provided. The membrane is contained within a flow cell and the flow cell has an outer surface coupled to a tranducer, The method comprises introducing inorganic particles into the flow cell such that the inorganic particles form a part of a top surface of a foulant layer on the membrane. The transducer then emits acoustic waves towards the membrane and an acoustic signature of reflected sound waves are detected. A state of biofouling of the membrane is determined based on the detected acoustic signature. A method and an apparatus are also provided for determining a state of biofouling in commercial membrane modules such as spiral wounded membrane modules.
US09079131B2 Wet scrubber and a method of cleaning a process gas
A wet scrubber (1) useful for cleaning a process gas comprises at least a first spray level system (20) and a second spray level system (26) arranged vertically above the first spray level system (20) in a wet scrubber tower (2). The first spray level system (20) comprises at least one gas-liquid contacting plate (38) which is operative for deflecting absorption liquid, that has been atomized by means of the second spray level system (26) and flowing downward in the wet scrubber tower (2), so deflected absorption liquid (AL) may contact process gas (F) contacted by absorption liquid atomized by the first spray level system (20).
US09079130B2 Air filter mounting/demounting apparatus for over-the-range microwave oven
An air filter mounting/demounting apparatus for a microwave oven having easy mounting and demounting of the air filter is provided. The apparatus includes a base plate having an inlet port through which air is admitted to serve as a hood, an air filter installed at a position corresponding to the inlet port and configured to filter foreign substances being admitted through the inlet port, an air filter bracket coupled to the base plate, an air filter holder at which the air filter is assembled coupled to the air filter bracket to enable a sliding movement along the guide rail, a latch unit configured to be coupled to the base plate to maintain and release engagement of the air filter holder aged, and a spring installed at an inside the latch unit to deliver an elastic force to the air filter holder.
US09079127B2 Acoustically driven nanoparticle concentrator
An apparatus including an acoustic transducer configured to acoustically associate with at least a portion of a fluid cavity. The fluid cavity is configured as a resonator. The acoustic transducer is configured to create an acoustic wave in the at least a portion of the fluid cavity. The acoustic wave is selected to increase the concentration of at least one particulate in a location in the fluid cavity.
US09079126B2 Centrifugal separator
A centrifugal separator of the present invention comprises an upper inlet chamber and separation barrel connected thereto. The upper inlet chamber comprises an inlet through which a solids-laden fluid is introduced. An upper portion of the separation barrel extends into the upper inlet chamber below the inlet, such that the interior wall of the upper inlet chamber and the upper portion of the separation volume define a space, called the vestibular chamber. The vestibular chamber is defined at its upper end by a horizontally disposed plate larger in diameter than the separation barrel, but smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of the upper inlet chamber. The upper portion of the separation barrel comprises a plurality of generally axially-oriented slots which may penetrate through the wall of the separation barrel tangentially, so as to generally induce a tangential flow pattern to fluid entering the separation barrel from the vestibular chamber.
US09079122B2 Distillation column and method for distilling acrylic acid
A distillation column with external circulation evaporator and a sedimentation zone in the bottom of the column, from which the evaporator circulation is fed, and use of the distillation column for the distillation of acrylic acid.
US09079117B2 Systems including a condensing apparatus such as a bubble column condenser
Condensing apparatuses and their use in various heat and mass exchange systems are generally described. The condensing apparatuses, such as bubble column condensers, may employ a heat exchanger positioned external to the condensing vessel to remove heat from a bubble column condenser outlet stream to produce a heat exchanger outlet stream. In certain cases, the condensing apparatus may also include a cooling device positioned external to the vessel configured and positioned to remove heat from the heat exchanger outlet stream to produce a cooling device outlet stream. The condensing apparatus may be configured to include various internal features, such as a vapor distribution region and/or a plurality of liquid flow control weirs and/or chambers within the apparatus having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5. A condensing apparatus may be coupled with a humidifier to form part of a desalination system, in certain cases.
US09079114B2 Rattle tumbler toy
A rattle-tumbler toy, comprising a ball-shaped thin-walled body having two parts, one is a transparent reservoir and another is a non-transparent leak-proof cover connected to the first part of the body, a membrane on which a playing element is mounted and connected to the body cover. The transparent reservoir has a neck whose external surface has a collar for connection to mating parts on an internal surface of the cover when fastening the cover on the reservoir. When the body is assembled, the playing element is mounted in the transparent reservoir. The membrane is a thin-walled tumbler. The membrane is mounted in the inner space of the neck to place the playing element in the transparent part of the body. The transparent part of the body has freely arranged balls, and in the place of connection of the cover's wall to the transparent reservoir's wall there is a seal.
US09079111B2 Water slide
A water slide feature comprising a sliding surface concave about three axes. The waterslide feature is sized and adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon on a non-predetermined path. The water slide feature has an entry sized and positioned to direct the one or more riders and/or ride vehicles along the sliding surface on a path which is at least partially upward.
US09079110B2 Children's riding toy having electronic sound effects
A riding toy includes a body with a spring assembly supporting the body on a base so that the body may be moved in first and second motions with respect to the base. The riding toy also includes a microcontroller and first and second motion sensors responsive to the first and second motions, respectively. The first and second motion sensors are positioned on the body and in electronic communication with the microcontroller. A sound synthesizing circuit is in electronic communication with the microcontroller and a speaker. The microcontroller is programmed to provide a first sound effect when the first motion sensor detects the first motion and a second sound effect when the second sensor detects the second motion. The first sound effect is varied based on a speed of the first motion and preempts the second sound effect if both the first and second motions are taking place simultaneously. The riding toy also includes a light sensor in electronic communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor activates the sound synthesizing circuit to produce a third sound effect when the light sensor is triggered.
US09079108B2 Cache-influenced video games
Technologies related to cache-influenced video games are generally described. In some examples, the content of video game outputs as experienced by players of a video game may be adaptively modified to make more effective use of digital assets that are loaded in a computing system cache. Cache-influenced video games may increase cache use by increasing use, within a video game, of digital assets in a cache relative to assets not in the cache, e.g., assets that are on disk or in database storage. Cached digital assets can be retrieved more efficiently than assets stored elsewhere, and therefore video game performance may be improved.
US09079107B2 Game control method, game control device, and recording medium
Provided is a game control method carried out by a game control device connected to communication terminals used by users who play a game. The device has a storage unit for storing group information indicative of a group consisting of users and game piece information indicative of game pieces constituting one item. The method includes giving a game piece to each user in accordance with a user operation to his/her communication terminal; storing obtained game piece information indicative of the game piece given to each user in the storage unit; determining whether all of the game pieces necessary to constitute the one item indicated by the game piece information are given to users constituting a group indicated by the group information based on the obtained game piece information; and giving a reward to users constituting the group if it is determined that all of the game pieces are given.
US09079106B2 Server and method for providing a video game
One object of the present invention is to reduce the load on a server and reduce the communication traffic produced in providing online games. In accordance with one aspect, the server can execute a game program including: a game progress module for progressing a game; a generation module for generating, at first time intervals, frame information containing a plurality of drawing commands to be executed on a terminal device to render one frame of a game screen; a determination module for determining whether to send the generated frame information to the terminal device; a compression module for compressing the generated frame information; a sending module for sending to the terminal device the compressed frame information to be sent; and a request module for requesting drawing execution time information from the terminal device at second time intervals.
US09079101B2 Video game where players compete to occupy areas
If an area in which a character has been already placed by a player in another team is selected from the areas displayed in a game field display part on a top screen and a player point count corresponding to Oshikura at the bottom of as PP selection part is selected, a comparison is made between a player point count that was selected by a player at the placement of the currently placed character and a player point count that was selected by a player who will place a new character. Then, the character related to a player having more player points is determined as the character to be placed in the area. Accordingly, more competitive game elements are realized in a game that uses multiple areas.
US09079092B2 Training glove
A training glove for training includes a training glove body and a rotatable turntable secured adjacent to a knuckle portion of the training glove body, such that when the training glove is in a pushup position on its knuckles, the training glove body rotates relative to the surface.
US09079083B2 Golf club
A golf club 2 includes a shaft 6 and a head 4. When a shaft full length is defined as Ls, and a distance between a tip end Tp of the shaft and a center of gravity G of the shaft is defined as Lg, a ratio (Lg/Ls) is 0.52 or greater and 0.65 or less. When a club length is defined as X inch and a club weight is defined as Y gram, the golf club 2 satisfies the following relational expression (1). Y≦−7.62X+635   (1) Preferably, the distance Lg is 615 mm or greater and 660 mm or less. Preferably, a shaft weight Ws is equal to or less than 52 g. Preferably, the club length X is equal to or less than 46 inch.
US09079079B2 Club head with deflection mechanism and related methods
A club head comprising a deflection mechanism located at an interface of a front portion and a body portion. The deflection mechanism is configured so that the front surface is able to deflect toward the body portion at a top end of the club head and about a bottom end of the club head. The deflection mechanism comprises a groove located between the front surface and the crown surface. The deflection mechanism comprises at least one deflection feature that is located in the groove and comprises a step portion and a riser portion. The step portion comprises a step portion first side and a step portion second side opposite the step portion first side. The riser portion comprises a riser portion first side and a riser portion second side opposite the riser portion first side.
US09079077B2 Adjustable putter head assembly
An adjustable putter head assembly having a hosel attachment member that includes a hosel for receipt of a golf club shaft, a striking face, a bottom surface, and an adjustment surface that is generally parallel to the striking face and opposite the striking face. The hosel attachment member further includes an extension member that includes an aperture for mating with a threaded opening of the adjustment surface, and a plurality of receptacles that vertically extend the length of the extension member and correspond with a plurality of settings disposed on the adjustment surface. The adjustment surface defines multiple hosel position points for selectively attaching the hosel along the length of the putter head, and, adjusting the angular orientation between the golf club shaft and bottom surface in the plane in which the shaft lies.
US09079073B2 Process for designing dimple pattern of golf ball
A golf ball 2 has, on a surface thereof, a dimple pattern consisting of a land 10 and a large number of dimples 8. A process for designing the dimple pattern includes the steps of: (1) randomly arranging a large number of points on the surface of a phantom sphere; (2) calculating a distance between a first point and a second point which is a point closest to the first point; (3) deciding a radius on the basis of the distance; (4) assuming a circle which has a center at the first point and has the radius; and (5) assuming a dimple 8 whose contour coincides with the circle.
US09079068B2 Linear bearings and alignment method for weight lifting apparatus
A weight system having at least one weight stack moveable in a vertical direction on a lift rod, and a bearing block for housing a linear bearing. The invention further includes a method and apparatus for aligning the linear bearing.
US09079066B1 Ski motion simulator mechanism for a ski motion exercise machine
A ski motion simulator mechanism for a ski motion exercise machine is a mechanism that can be retrofitted to an existing ski motion exercise machine or may be installed on new machines by the manufacturer. The device utilizes a weighted flywheel and pulley system with belts to produce a momentary progressive resistance against a change of direction of the rolling foot-carriage assembly, which the user stands on, providing a resistive exercise motion for the user.
US09079062B2 Portable exercise device and method of using the same
According to one embodiment, an exercise device in the form of an adjustable resistance multi-use toning system that includes a plurality of elongated elastic bands (tension bands or cables) which can have different tension (resistance) values. Each band has a first end and an opposing second end. The device further includes a hollow sleeve that receives at least a portion of each of the elastic bands so as to at least partially envelope the elastic bands while permitting the first and second ends to be accessible. A first fastener is provided for attaching the first ends of the elastic bands to a support member, such as a piece of exercise equipment, a belt to be worn around a body part of a user; or any other structure to which the exercise device can be attached.
US09079060B2 Use of gyroscopes in personal fitness tracking devices and bicycling activities
Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing gyroscopes in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve obtaining swimming metrics regarding stroke cycle count, lap count, and stroke type. Such techniques may also, in some implementations, involve obtaining performance metrics for bicycling activities.
US09079058B2 Motion coordination operation device and method, program, and motion coordination reproduction system
A motion coordination operation device is provided, which includes a movement information input unit inputting movement information supplied from respective sensor devices mounted on a plurality of users; and an operation unit operating coordination information that indicates the synchronization of motions of bodies or parts of the bodies of the plurality of users from the input movement information from the respective sensor devices, and generating control information for feedback outputs for the users based on the coordination information.
US09079056B1 Cheerleader support system
A vertically oriented shaft has a vertically oriented central axis. A lower plate has a configuration with an upper surface integrally formed with the lower end of the shaft. An upper plate has a geometric configuration with a periphery, a lower surface integrally formed with the upper end of the shaft, and an upper surface. A base plate has a center located on the central axis of the shaft. The base plate has an upper surface in facing contact with and separably coupled to the lower surface of the lower plate. The system has a reduced center of gravity for maximum safety, particularly for preteen users.
US09079054B2 Inert gas fire extinguisher for reducing the risk and for extinguishing fires in a protected space
The invention relates to an inert gas fire-extinguishing system for reducing the risk of and extinguishing fires in a protected room. So as to have the inerting of the protected room ensue according to different variable sequences of events, the inert gas fire-extinguishing system includes a pressure-reducing device having at least two parallel branches, wherein each parallel branch has a pressure-reducing mechanism. Each parallel branch is connectable to a high-pressure collecting line and a low-pressure extinguishing line via a controllable valve, whereby each pressure-reducing mechanism is designed to reduce a high input pressure to a low output pressure according to a known pressure-reducing characteristic curve.
US09079052B2 Heat concentrating type self-operated automatic fire valve
A heat concentrating type self-operated automatic fire valve is characterized in that the first piston is provided on a top of the water inlet channel in the valve body, the piston cover is compressed on a circumferential periphery of the first piston; a pressurizing channel is provided on a center of the first piston; a first pressure relief channel is provided on a center or a circumferential periphery of the piston cover; the first pressure relief channel on the piston cover is communicated with the second pressure relief channel on the valve body; a magnetic pillar unit is sealedly provided on an upper portion of the valve core, and the second piston is provided on a lower portion of the valve core; a magnetic ring sleeve unit is sleeved on the valve-core sleeve, and a magnetic ring unit is provided in the magnetic ring sleeve unit.
US09079048B2 Cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical composition comprising enkephalin-derived peptides for reducing and/or eliminating facial wrinkles
A cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical composition comprising enkephalin-derived peptides of general formula (I) for reducing and/or eliminating facial wrinkles is disclosed. The cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical composition can be applied to the skin, preferably skin of the face, to reduce and/or eliminate facial wrinkles, such facial expression wrinkles.Use of the peptide of general formula (I) in the preparation of a cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical composition for reducing and/or eliminating facial wrinkles is also disclosed.
US09079046B2 Facial antiperspirant moisturizing composition and method of preparing same
The invention provides a cosmetic composition for reducing facial perspiration. The facial antiperspiration balm is a homogeneous mixture of a cosmetic gel and a cosmetic cream. The balm has a lowered amount of the active agent, moisturizes and protects the skin, and provides a pleasant feeling.
US09079044B2 Automatic external defibrillator for adult and pediatric patients
An AED unit which is operable to selectively execute either an adult rescue protocol or a pediatric rescue protocol is causes to execute the pediatric rescue protocol by inserting a key-like device into a slot of the AED unit. A sensor inside the case of the AED unit senses the presence of the device in the slot and responds by executing the pediatric rescue protocol. In an illustrated embodiment the AED unit includes a lighting mechanism which is used to light an illustration showing the proper placement of electrode pads on an adult patient. The key-like device includes an illustration showing the proper placement of electrode pads on a pediatric patient which obscures the adult illustration when the device is inserted in the AED unit. The key-like device is configured to make use of the same AED unit lighting mechanism to light the pediatric pad placement illustration.
US09079043B2 Transcutaneous power transmission utilizing non-planar resonators
A system for omni-orientational wireless energy transfer is described. A transmitter unit has a transmitter resonator with a coil that is configured to be coupled to a power supply to wirelessly transmit power to a receiver unit. A receiver unit has a receiver resonator with a coil coupled to a device load. At least one of the resonators is a non-planar resonator that spans a non-degenerate two-dimensional surface having at least one concave portion.
US09079036B2 Physiological signal amplifier with voltage protection and fast signal recovery
A physiological sense amplifier achieves fast recovery times following receipt of a large voltage, such as when a defibrillation pulse is delivered, without blanking. The recovery time may be less than one millisecond when polarization of surrounding tissue or the housing of the device is not present. The sense amplifier uses a feedback network to clamp the input voltage to a gain amplifier at a predetermined value when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded.
US09079033B2 Respiration as a trigger for therapy optimization
Changes in patient status are assessed based at least in part on respiration parameters. A user can make selections regarding alert criteria options to be used in assessing patient status. Respiration is implantably sensed and respiration data is stored by an implantable device. A respiration parameter, such as respiration rate, is measured from the respiration data. The change in patient status is assessed by comparing the respiration parameter to the configured alert criteria. If the comparison of the respiration parameter and the configured alert criteria indicates a significant change in patient status, an alert signal is generated.
US09079025B2 Gantry-type particle beam irradiation system and particle beam therapy system comprising same
In gantry type particle beam irradiation system comprising a gantry and being configured to irradiate a particle beam, which has small emittance in X direction and large emittance in Y direction at an extraction position of a circular accelerator, from an irradiation nozzle installed in the gantry to an irradiation target, the irradiation nozzle has a ridge filter which is installed so as for a direction in which emittance in X direction is maintained to tilt to a direction which is perpendicular to a ridge of the ridge filter by a predetermined angle in the state where the gantry is a reference angle.
US09079021B2 Electromagnetic radiation and its therapeutic effect
An electromagnetic radiation therapy system comprising an apparatus that emits electromagnetic radiation centred at or around 1072 nm and configured so as to be placed around a large proportion or the whole of a human or animal body. The invention also includes methods of treating diseases associated with a lack of compliance and or elasticity of vessels such as airway and/or blood vessels.
US09079019B2 Apparatus and methods for anchoring electrode leads for use with implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulator
Apparatus and methods for tethering an electrode lead to an anatomical structure within a patient using a coupling member are provided. An anchor configured to be secured to the anatomical structure and an electrode lead suitable for neuromuscular stimulation of spinal muscles and/or nerves innervating one or more muscles that contribute to spine stability may be used. The electrode lead is configured to be coupled to the anchor via the coupling member by securing a first end of the coupling member to the electrode lead and securing a second end of the coupling member to an eyelet of the anchor to place the electrode lead at a desired anatomical site within the patient.
US09079018B2 Implantable medical electrical leads, kits, systems and methods of use thereof
Implantable medical electrical leads, kits, systems and methods of use thereof for electrically stimulating the spinal cord with a plurality of electric stimulation leads. Directional stimulation electrodes are disposed along the distal end portions of the leads to form an electrode array in the epidural space of a patient with at least first, second and third directional stimulation electrodes being oriented at determined angular orientations relative to the spinal cord or each other. The stimulation electrodes may be programmed to create a tripole in which at least the first, second and third directional stimulation electrodes are active.
US09079015B2 Systems and methods for making and using contact assemblies for leads of electrical stimulation systems
First contacts are disposed along a distal end portion or a proximal end portion of a lead body of an electrical stimulation lead. A contact assembly is disposed along the other of the distal end portion or the proximal end portion of the lead body. The contact assembly includes a tubular-shaped composite structure formed from multiple layered elements mechanically coupled together and rolled together into a tube. Each of the layered elements includes a first electrically-nonconductive substrate, a second electrically-nonconductive substrate, and micro-circuits laminated therebetween. Second contacts are disposed over the composite structure and electrically coupled to a first end portion of at least one of the micro-circuits. Lead-body conductors electrically couple the first contacts to the second contacts. Each of each of the lead-body conductors is attached to a second end portion of at least one of the micro-circuits.
US09079010B2 Transcranial magnetic stimulation induction coil device with attachment portion for receiving tracking device
A transcranial magnetic stimulation induction coil device having a tracking device with a mating portion and at least one set of two or more reflective elements, a casing separate from a tracking device and containing at least one coil winding having a known orientation within the casing, and an attachment portion corresponding to the mating portion for removably attaching the tracking device to the casing such that, when attached, the reflective elements have a known orientation with respect to the known orientation of the coil winding.
US09079008B2 Medical tube clamp
A medical tube clamp wherein first and second plate parts including, on opposing surfaces, compressive protrusions for closing a medical tube are provided with a pair of side walls on both sides projecting from one toward an other of the plate parts, and are also provided with a central guide protrusion projecting from the other toward the one of the plate parts. Both sides of a tip portion of the central guide protrusion make sloping guide surfaces projecting toward a center. When the plate parts are displaced relative to each other so as to become closer, lateral displacement of them is corrected by a slide of the pair of side walls and the sloping guide surfaces, and the central guide protrusion is inserted between the pair of side walls.
US09079006B1 Suture locking mechanism
A flexible filament locking mechanism including spaced first and second toothed sections each having a plurality of opposing teeth, a filament-receiving region between the opposing teeth, a flexible filament or suture extending through the filament-receiving region, and means for moving the teeth of the toothed sections into and out of engagement to lock and unlock the flexible filament in place between the opposing teeth.
US09079001B2 Devices and methods for selectively lysing cells
A device for generating microbubbles in a gas and liquid mixture and injection device, the device comprising: a housing defining a mixing chamber; means for mixing solution contained in the mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution; a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with the mixing chamber, the needle array including at least one needle; and at least one pressure sensor for measuring tissue apposition pressure, the pressure sensor being mounted on one of the housing and the needle array.
US09079000B2 Integrated crossing balloon catheter
An integrated crossing balloon catheter. The catheter includes a hub assembly secured to the proximal end of the catheter shaft, an inflatable balloon secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft, and a stiffening tube positioned over the inflatable balloon and a distal end portion of the catheter shaft. The stiffening tube is configured to be advanced through a vasculature with the catheter shaft as a unit. The stiffening tube is translatable along the catheter shaft from a first position in which the inflatable balloon is within the stiffening tube to a second position in which the inflatable balloon is exposed from the stiffening tube.
US09078997B2 Catheter assembly including coiled internal bolster
A catheter assembly including a medical catheter and an internal bolster. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter is an elongated, tubular structure preferably made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The catheter is shaped to include a generally cylindrical wall terminating in a first end and in a second end, the wall coaxially surrounding and defining a longitudinal bore preferably used to convey fluids, such as food and/or medications, to a patient in need thereof. The internal bolster is an elongated, semi-tubular structure preferably made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The bolster is resiliently and reversibly transformable between a generally planar shape, when at rest, and a straightened shape, when forcibly unfurled. The bolster has an inner end and an outer end, the inner end being generally centrally located. The inner end of the bolster is insert-molded around the first end of the catheter, with the catheter and the bolster being oriented relative to one another so that the longitudinal axis of the catheter extends generally perpendicularly to the plane of the bolster in its coiled state, with the open, semi-tubular structure of the bolster facing away from the catheter.
US09078996B2 Rapid exchange balloon dilation catheter having reinforced multi-lumen distal portion
A rapid exchange balloon dilation catheter includes a catheter shaft with a proximal tubular member defining a proximal inflation/deflation lumen for conveying fluids therethrough with a distal portion of the bore of proximal tubular member filled with a fluid-impervious barrier, a distal body extending from the fluid-impervious barrier to the distal end of the shaft, a plurality of distal tubular members defining distal inflation/deflation lumens in fluid communication with the proximal inflation/deflation lumen and extending through the fluid-impervious barrier and the distal body to the distal end of the shaft distal portion, a guidewire tubular member having a bore extending from a side aperture formed in the distal body through the distal body alongside the distal tubular members in a multi-lumen arrangement, and a plurality of stiffening members extending from within the fluid-impervious barrier into the distal body to a point within the shaft distal portion.
US09078990B1 Devices and methods for treatment of fistulas and complex wounds
An enteric fistula healing device, configured for application over a fistula or other wound to physically separate the fistula from the remainder of the wound area, such that any effluent from the intestine or bowel, or other enteric substances, that pass through the fistula are prevented from communicating with the wound area. The device is configured to collapse from a first height to a shorter second height.
US09078989B2 Applicators for a nasal cannula
The invention relates to an applicator for a nasal cannula, comprising a body (11) enclosing a hollow space (22). The applicator further comprises tube connections (20, 21) for supplying a respirable gas into the hollow space (22). The applicator further comprises prongs (18, 19) for administering the respirable gas into the nostrils of a person. A valve (15, 16, 17, 38, 42) is located in a wall of the body (11) so that respirable gas can flow from the outside through the valve into the hollow space (22), but not in the reverse direction. The invention further relates to an applicator having a top of sealing cones (23, 24), wherein the sealing cones (23, 24) may be provided with rim-shaped sealing lips on their side facing away from the body (11), which produce a tight seal with the inner wall of the respective nostril.
US09078985B2 Dry powder nebulizer
A dry powder delivery device may be configured to provide micronized dry powder particles to airways of a user. The device may include a cylindrical container delimiting a chamber containing at least one magnetically-responsive object, a motor external to said chamber, a magnet external to the chamber and rotatably coupled with the motor, and an outflow member configured to direct airflow to a user. The magnetically-responsive object may be coated with micronized dry powder particles, and the motor may be operable to rotate the magnet about an axis. Rotation of the magnet creates a magnetic field that causes the magnetically-responsive object to move in response to the magnetic field and collide with a side wall of the container to deaggregate the dry powder particles and aerosolize the dry powder in the chamber.
US09078984B2 Mechanical ventilator
An entrainment-based mechanical ventilator may be initially set to approximate the patient's spontaneous respiratory frequency, enabling the patient to entrain to the ventilator if the ventilator frequency matches the patient's spontaneous breathing frequency or is within a reasonable range from it. If the preset frequency of the ventilator is set too high or too low from the spontaneous frequency, the patient will fall out of phase and “fight” the ventilator. The ventilator phase relative to the patient's breathing effort indicates the difference between the ventilator frequency and spontaneous frequency. Based on the phase difference, a closed-loop control mechanism may continuously adjust the ventilator frequency to match the patient breathing frequency until the phase shift is within a preset limit. Patient-ventilator entrainment will occur when the ventilator frequency is within a certain range from the patient breathing frequency.
US09078979B2 Corkscrew injection needle
An injection device including a syringe connectable to a corkscrew injection needle via an adapter is disclosed. The corkscrew needle includes a proximal end and a distal end and a bore formed through the proximal and distal ends, the corkscrew needle terminating with a sharpened tip at the distal end. The syringe includes a barrel and a chamber formed therein for containing an injectable substance. The barrel includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an outlet at the distal end in fluid communication with the chamber. The distal end of the syringe connects to the proximal end of the adapter. The adapter bore provides fluid communication between the syringe and the corkscrew needle. The proximal end of the corkscrew needle is rotatably coupled to distal end of the adapter which allows rotation of the corkscrew needle without rotating the syringe.
US09078976B2 Drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices
The present invention relates to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices, in particular pen-type injectors, wherein a number of pre-set doses of medicinal product can be administered. In particular, the present invention relates to such drug delivery devices where a user may activate the drug delivery device.
US09078975B2 Syringe having pivoting arm plunger rod
A syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The syringe assembly further includes a stopper disposed within a chamber of the syringe barrel, a plunger adapter engaged with the stopper, and a plunger rod having first and second ends. The first end of the plunger rod is pivotally secured to the plunger adapter. The plunger rod has a pre-use position where the second end of the plunger rod is positioned adjacent to the syringe barrel, and a use position where the plunger rod is configured to displace the stopper relative to the syringe barrel. A recessed portion of the plunger adapter receives a portion of the first end of the plunger rod when the plunger rod is in the pre-use position and the use position.
US09078968B2 Infusion control device
A medical fluid control device includes an actuator that is selectively operable to cause a fluid to be delivered from a fluid source to a patient at a basal rate of flow via a first flow path, or cause a bolus dose of the fluid to be delivered from a bolus reservoir to the patient via a second flow path.
US09078964B2 Pump device, tube device and method for movement and collection of fluid
A pump device, tube device and method for the aspiration, peristaltic movement and collection of fluid. A rigid tube for drawing fluid connected to a primary flexible tube. The primary flexible tube inserted through a peristaltic pump.
US09078963B2 Infusion pump systems and methods
Some embodiments an infusion pump system can be used to determine a user's total insulin load (TIL) that provides an accurate indication of the insulin previously delivered to the user's body which has not yet acted. In particular embodiments, the TIL can account for both the bolus deliveries and the basal deliveries that have occurred over a period of time. Such information may be useful, for example, when the infusion pump is operated in conjunction with a continuous glucose monitoring device.
US09078959B2 Coating method and coating device
A device for coating at least regions of a medical implant includes an elastically deformable transfer means having a liquid that contains at least one pharmaceutically active substance. The liquid can be transferred to the medical implant when the transfer means is contacted with a surface of the medical implant.
US09078957B2 Methods of polymeric stent surface smoothing and resurfacing to reduce biologically active sites
The present invention provides methods for fabricating a stent using a chemical treatment to smooth, polish or strengthen the stent. One such treatment involves exposing the stent to acetone or a similar solvent. In certain embodiments, the additional step comprises placing the stent in a bath containing acetone, or a similar solvent, where the bath also contains the polymer the stent is composed of. The acetone bath step may be conducted at a temperature that is below the glass transition temperature. The present invention also provides for methods of fabricating a stent using an acetone bath that comprises poly (lactic) acid. Other embodiments provide for methods of fabricating a stent using an acetone bath that comprises poly (lactic) acid and polyethylene glycol.
US09078947B2 Composition for forming a porous absorbent structure
A porous absorbent structure is disclosed which includes absorbent particles and a superabsorbent polymer material having less than about 1000 parts per million residual monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, the superabsorbent polymer material substantially coating the absorbent particles and connecting the particles into a porous network to form the porous absorbent structure.
US09078945B2 Ophthalmic and contact lens solutions using an aliphatic amino alcohol
The present invention relates to a lens care solution having 0.001 to about 5 weight percent of a low molecular weight amine of the general formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are —H or low molecular weight radicals, and R5 is a low molecular weight radical, or salt thereof; an effective amount of a tonicity agent; and the balance water.
US09078941B2 Ozone generator device
An ozone generator cartridge 60 suitable for a sterilization, decontamination and/or sanitation device. The cartridge comprises a sealable housing 60 for providing a corona discharge, the housing containing at least one power supply unit 64 and at least one inlet 65 for connection to an oxygen or air supply, the cartridge including at least part of at least one ozone conversion cell 63 attached to and extending from an external surface of a wall of the sealed housing, the conversion cell extending into a delivery conduit 52 of a decontamination device that leads to at least one discharge outlet 16.
US09078940B2 Infrared radiation filter systems, methods of use and methods of disinfection and decontamination
In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to infrared (IR) filter systems, methods of using the IR filter systems, and methods of degrading a contaminant, and the like.
US09078939B2 Disinfectant system
A disinfectant system including a pouch enclosing a first reagent, the first reagent releasing a disinfecting vapor when exposed to moisture. A moisture transfer element is included engageable with the pouch.
US09078930B2 Block copolymers for stable micelles
The present invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and more particularly to multiblock copolymers and micelles comprising the same. Compositions herein are useful for drug-delivery applications.
US09078929B2 ε-Polylysine conjugates and the use thereof
The present invention relates to ε-polylysine conjugates, in particular conjugates of ε-polylysine with compounds carrying carboxyl groups, and to the preparation and use thereof for targeting of the kidney.
US09078927B2 Self-assembling complex for targeting chemical agents to cells
The present invention relates to a complex that can be injected into the body to hone in on target cells to deliver molecules. In one embodiment, the invention provides a drug delivery system that includes components that self-assemble into one targeted conjugate. In another embodiment, the invention includes a targeted carrier protein and a nucleic acid sequence non-covalently linked to one or more drugs.
US09078920B2 Compact nanoparticles for biological applications
A water soluble nanoparticle can include a ligand of formula (I). The ligand can provide zwitterionic character and can provide water solubility, small hydrodynamic diameter, chemical stability, and the capability to modify the nanoparticle with additional functional moieties such as a small molecule, nucleic acid, or protein.
US09078916B2 Method for producing and using a copolymer of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and gossypol
The invention relates to the field of organic chemistry, pharmacology and medicine and concerns a method for producing a copolymer of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and gossypol having the formula (I), as well as the use thereof in a combined treatment for patients with autistic spectrum disorders and cognitive impairment.
US09078915B2 Prostate carcinogenesis predictor
A method of detecting prostate tumorigenesis in a subject, the method including the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from the prostate of the human subject, (b) detecting quantitatively or semi-quantitatively in the sample a level of expression for PKC-ι and (c) comparing the expression level in (b) to a level of expression in a normal control, wherein overexpression of PKC-ι, with respect to the control, indicates the presence of prostate cancer in the subject. The present invention is based upon the discovery that PKC-ι levels are elevated during prostate tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the proliferation rate of the tumor correlates with the level of PKC-ι. The invention also provides methods of treating prostate cancer by administering to the subject a compound that inhibits the expression of PKC-ι. The compound can be a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule.
US09078914B2 Method for the preparation of micro-RNA and its therapeutic application
The present invention relates to compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of miRNAs, their use for the treatment of medical conditions benefiting from being treated with these compositions, as well as methods for the preparation of compositions comprising miRNAs.
US09078909B2 Tertiary amines, medicaments containing said amines, use thereof and processes for the preparation thereof
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I) and the tautomers and the salts thereof, particularly the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids and bases, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on epithelial sodium channels, the use thereof for the treatment of diseases, particularly diseases of the lungs and airways.
US09078907B2 Immunoregulator compounds
The invention relates to sphingosine derivative compounds, like D-erythro-sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1 P), to be used as immunomodulators in a microbicidal treatment of infections derived from bacteria and specifically Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Such compounds are characterised in that they stimulate macrophagic Phospholipase D (PLD) (FIG. 1). The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing sphingosine derivative compounds and diagnostic methods for the preparation thereof. Further objects of the invention are methods of inducing or restoring the microbicidal activity in vitro of macrophages for monitoring the efficiency of phagocytosis and degradation processes performed by the same and assay methods suitable to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of candidate microbicides.
US09078904B2 Methods for increasing plasmin activity and promoting plaque regression in the treatment of atherosclerosis
The present invention provides the use of recombinant plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) isoform 23 in methods of increasing plasmin activity, inhibiting angiogenic vasa vasorum, promoting plaque regression and treating atherosclerosis by administering to a subject in need of treatment an effective amount of recombinant plasminogen activator inhibitor type isoform 23 (rPAI-123). In some embodiments, rPAI-123 is set forth in SEQ ID NOs:5-8. In other embodiments, rPAI-123 is administered at a dose in the range of approximately 2.5 μg/kg/day to 20 μg/kg/day. In further embodiments, the effective amount achieves a ratio of rPAI-123 to PAI-1 is in the range of approximately 1:2 to 3:1.
US09078899B2 Pyrazolyl-based carboxamides II
The invention relates to pyrazolyl-based carboxamide compounds useful as ICRAC inhibitors, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and to these compounds for the use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and/or disorders, in particular inflammatory diseases and/or inflammatory disorders.
US09078898B2 Placental stem cell populations
The present invention provides placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.
US09078895B2 Method for treating ocular cancer
It has now been found that the p53 pathway is inactivated in ocular cancers such as retinoblastoma. As such, the present invention is a method for inducing ocular cancer cell death using a p53 activator. In particular embodiments, the p53 activator blocks the interaction between DM2 or DMX and p53. As the p53 activator induces ocular cancer cell death, a method for preventing or treating ocular cancer is also provided.
US09078889B2 Lower dosage strength imiquimod formulations and short dosing regimens for treating genital and perianal warts
Pharmaceutical formulations and methods for the topical or transdermal delivery of 1isobutyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]-quinolin-4-amine, or 1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5 c]quinolin-4-amine, i.e., imiquimod, to treat genital/perianal warts with shorter durations of therapy than currently prescribed for the commercially available for Aldara® 5% imiquimod cream, as now approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”), are disclosed and described. More specifically, lower dosage strength imiquimod formulations to deliver an efficacious dose of imiquimod for treating genital/perianal warts with an acceptable safety profile and dosing regimens that are shorter and more convenient for patient use than the dosing regimen currently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) for Aldara® 5% imiquimod cream to treat genital/perianal warts are also disclosed and described.
US09078887B2 Bicyclic heteroaryl inhibitors of PDE4
The present invention relates to compounds and methods which may be useful as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) for the treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases and other diseases involving elevated levels of cytokines and proinflammatory mediators.
US09078878B2 Anti-NGF antibodies that selectively inhibit the association of NGF with TrkA, without affecting the association of NGF with p75
This invention pertains to NGF antagonists including antibodies and antibody fragments thereof having binding specificity to human Nerve Growth Factor (“NGF”), and methods of treating pain. Methods of treating pain or eliciting an analgesic effect in an individual comprising administering an effective amount of an NGF antagonist inhibits the association of NGF with TrkA without inhibiting the association of NGF with p75. The methods may further comprise administering an effective amount of a second anti-human NGF antibody or fragment thereof which inhibits the association of NGF with p75, that may further also inhibit the association of NGF with TrkA.
US09078859B2 Use of a synergistic combination of hypothiocyanite and/or hypohalite ions and lactoferrin for preparing a treatment for cystic fibrosis
The invention relates to the use of a synergistic combination of at least one ion selected from the group including hypothiocyanites and/or hypohalites and of lactoferrin for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for treating cystic fibrosis. In one embodiment, the lactoferrin is one having a purity higher than 95% and substantially free of lipopolysaccharides, endotoxins, and angiogenins, and having an iron saturation level higher than 15%.
US09078856B2 Improving efficacy of cancer therapy
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of improving the efficacy of an anti-cancer therapy and a method of treatment of cancer by normalizing angiogenesis in cancer. By enhancing the cell signaling pathway via a TRPV4 receptor in tumor endothelial cells, either by a TRPV4 agonist or by increasing the expression of TRPV4 in the tumor endothelial cells, the tumor endothelial cells behave normally and form normal angiogenic network for better anti-cancer therapy to the tumors.
US09078855B2 Further use of protein kinase N beta
The present invention is related to use of protein kinase N beta or a fragment or derivative thereof as a downstream target of the PI 3-kinase pathway, preferably as a downstream drug target of the PI 3-kinase pathway.
US09078853B2 Dry pharmaceutical compositions for topical delivery of oral medications, nasal delivery and to treat ear disorders
In one aspect, a dry formulation for the effective administration of multiple medications simultaneously for one or more ailments may be provided. The dry formulations include one or more of the following actives in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or additives: a) at least one antibiotic; b) at least one anti-inflammatory steroid; and c) at least one antifungal agent.
US09078852B2 Retinaldehyde in the treatment of obesity, diabetes and other conditions
The present invention is directed to methods of treating a patient for a disease or condition associated with adipogenesis or insulin resistance by administering a retinaldehyde compound to the patient or a compound that increases endogenous retinaldehyde levels by inhibiting the enzyme retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 1.
US09078850B2 System and method for extracting vitamin E from fatty acid distillates
Various systems and processes for extracting Vitamin E from a fatty acid distillate (FAD) having a Vitamin E component are disclosed. The process includes preparing a mixture of a FAD and a non-polar solvent (e.g., hexane). The mixture can be sequentially cooled to a series of pre-determined temperatures. As the mixture is sequentially cooled to each of the pre-determined temperatures within the series of pre-determined temperatures, non-Vitamin E components present in the FAD can form solid fractions within the mixture at the various pre-determined temperature stages. The process further includes removing the solid fractions from the mixture at each of the pre-determined temperature stages. After completion of a number of cooling and separation stages or cycles, the non-polar solvent can be removed from the remaining mixture to recover a Vitamin E extract.
US09078845B2 Anti-microbial agent
A composition comprising a C8 to C24 polyunsaturated fatty acid such as -linolenic or ester thereof, and terpinene-4-ol or derivative thereof. The composition has activity as a broad-spectrum antibacterial composition.
US09078842B2 Peptide for reducing the phosphate requirement and excretion from farm animals
Disclosed are methods of altering metabolism of phosphate in a livestock via an antibody. The methods involve the development of an antibody against FGF-23 for the purpose of reducing phosphate excretion by an animal.
US09078832B2 Biomimetic scaffold for bone regeneration
Described herein are novel methods of producing collagen-apatite (Col-Ap) scaffolds that exhibit a unique, anisotropic multi-level lamellar structure in which nano and submicron pores in each lamellae and macro pores are co-aligned.
US09078828B2 Cationic tetrahydropyrazolopyridines, dye composition comprising such oxidation bases, implementation process therefor and use thereof
The present invention relates to particular cationic tetrahydropyrazolopyridine compounds of formula (I) below and also to the use thereof for dyeing keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair. The invention also relates to a dye composition comprising, in a suitable dyeing medium, one or more cationic tetrahydropyrazolopyridines as defined previously. Finally, the invention relates to a dyeing device using the said composition.
US09078825B2 Method for the production of bioadhesive compact matrices
A method for the preparation of a bioadhesive compact matrix, which comprises the preparation of a uniform mixture of powders comprising one alkylcellulose or one hydroxy alkylcellulose and a non-water-soluble, water-swellable crosslinked polycarboxylic polymer; the preparation of compressed units starting from such powder mixture by direct compression and finally the heating of the compressed units thus obtained to a temperature in the range of 80-250° C. for a time of 1-60 minutes; the powder mixture can also comprise at least one active substance and the compressed units thus obtained are characterized by a prolonged release, and have a release kinetics of the active substance substantially of zero order in an aqueous solution at pH 4-8.
US09078822B2 Dry liposomal PVP-iodine compositions
The present invention is directed to a storage stable package of a iodophor containing particulate pharmaceutically acceptable carrier compositions. The invention is particularly directed to a storage stable package of a PVP-iodine liposome compositions. The packaging material is generally plastic, paper or cardboard.
US09078817B2 Oily solid cosmetic
An oily solid cosmetic is capable of effectively diminishing morphological problems, such as vertical wrinkles, in particular on the lip, over a long period of time. The present invention provides an oily solid cosmetic which contains: (A) a plate-like composite powder presenting interference colors, (B) a spherical composite powder wherein the surface of a spherical powder having a refractive index of 1.40 to 1.60 is coated with a coating component having a refractive index of 2.00 to 2.90, and (C) 1 to 40% by mass of a semi-solid oil component. Preferably, the cosmetic of the present invention further contains (D) heavy isoparaffin. The cosmetic of the present invention is capable of diminishing vertical wrinkles, in particular on the lip, over a long period of time, and of maintaining a glossy lip.
US09078816B2 Buccal, polar and non-polar spray containing ondansetron
Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvents have now been developed which provide ondansetron for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, ondansetron, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, ondansetron, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, ondansetron, and optional flavoring agent; formulation IV: non-polar solvent, ondansetron, optional flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation V: a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, ondansetron, and optional flavoring agent; formulation VI: a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, ondansetron, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.
US09078813B2 Intravaginal devices for controlled delivery of lubricants
The present technology provides intravaginal devices designed to deliver lubricants to the vagina for a sustained period of time. The intravaginal devices include a first segment comprising an outer surface and a lumen containing a lubricant, wherein the first segment is configured to deliver the contents of the lumen to the outer surface, and the first segment comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a hydrophilic, semi-permeable elastomer and a hydrophobic elastomer. The lubricant may be an aqueous lubricant. The present technology further provides an intravaginal device including a solid first segment that includes a hydrophilic semi-permeable elastomer, an outer surface and an aqueous lubricant, wherein the first segment is configured to deliver the aqueous lubricant to the outer surface.
US09078810B2 Transdermal delivery system
A transdermal delivery system comprising a composition comprising a physiologically active agent and a penetration enhancer wherein the penetration enhancer comprises a combination of (i) an ester of salicylic acid, preferably selected from the C6 to C30 aliphatic ester of salicylic acid and (ii) polyethylene glycol (PEG) of average molecular weight no more than 300.
US09078809B2 Medication dose preparation and transfer system
Apparatus, systems, methods and articles are described to prepare and track medications and medication containers as they are prepared, administered to patients and, in some cases, disposed of. Information such as medication type, concentration, and volume are associated with medication containers during preparation and this information can later be consumed/utilized when administering the medication from a container to a patient. Disposing of any remaining medication can also be tracked.
US09078805B2 Method for producing a drug delivery system on the basis of polyelectrolyte complexes
A method that relates to the fields of polymer chemistry, pharmacy and medicine and releases drugs as a component of implants into the environment of the implant. A method that, in a simple and easily reproducible manner, generates a drug delivery system, which releases drugs in a locally targeted and controllably delayed manner. Polyanions and polycations are mixed in a liquid in a non-stoichiometric ratio, relative to the charged monomer units, wherein drugs are added to the polyelectrolytes either before, during or after the mixing, or charge-carrying drugs and an oppositely charged polyelectrolyte are mixed, and after the mixing the polyelectrolyte complex produced is applied to the surface of a medical structure or material or is positioned on the surface directly at the location where the drug is to be released.
US09078802B2 Method, device and system for use in configuring a bathing unit controller
A controller for a bathing unit system comprising a memory unit for storing program instructions, an interface for establishing a communication link with an external memory medium and a processing unit. The controller is operative for controlling a set of bathing unit components at least in part on the basis of the program instructions stored in the memory unit. The external memory medium stores update information associated with the program instructions and relevancy information indicative of a characteristic of the update information. The processing unit is operative for detecting the presence of an external memory medium at the interface, accessing the relevancy information stored in the memory medium, processing the relevancy information and causing the program instructions to be updated on the basis of the update information.
US09078800B2 Compression belt system for use with chest compression devices
A compression belt cartridge for use with chest compression devices. The compression belt cartridge has a double-oar shaped belt and a cover plate through which the belt is threaded. The cover plate is provided with hooks and snap latches that fit into a belt drive platform. The cover plate is sized and dimensioned to fit within only selected platforms. The belt attaches to the means for tightening the belt via a spline attached to the belt. The means for tightening a belt then repetitively tightens the belt, thereby accomplishing chest compressions.
US09078799B2 Gastrointestinal capsule
An ingestible gastrointestinal capsule (GIC) for mechanically stimulating a segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) wall by alternately and repeatedly pressurizing, and/or vibrating it is provided. The GIC is programmed to being activated following a predefined time delay. The activated GIC agitates, shakes, rattles, jolts, vibrates and/or moves in a reciprocal expanding and contracting motion thereby mechanically stimulating the adjacent segment of the GI wall at a targeted location. Activation of the GIC may include a number of automatically accomplished partial activations, such as when the time elapsed from the moment of setting the GIC on equals a predefined time delay; when the mechanical load applied onto the GIC exceeds, and/or gets lower than a respective predefined level of mechanical load; when the ambient pH reaches a predefined level, or changes, and/or a temperature associated with the user reaches a predefined threshold. Agitation is accomplished by means of agitation means embedded in the GIC. Such agitation means includes an unbalanced weight attached to the shaft of an electric motor, an actuator implemented by, such as an electric solenoid, an electro-active polymer (EAP), a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA), embedded in a GIC of the invention.
US09078795B1 Cushioning device and method of cushioning a body
Disclosed herein is a cushioning device. The cushioning device includes a plurality of support fluid cells between a head end and a foot end of a support surface. The plurality of support fluid cells is configured for supporting a load of a person. Each of the plurality of support fluid cells includes a reforming element. The cushioning device includes a counterbalance system that has a structure configured to transfer fluid from a first support fluid cell located at a first location along the support surface to a first counterbalance fluid cell located at a second location when the pressure is increased in the first support fluid cell of the support surface. The first counterbalance fluid cell is positioned for counterbalancing a load on the plurality of support fluid cells of the support surface.
US09078793B2 Hook-engageable loop fasteners and related systems and methods
A method of making a sheet-form loop product can include placing a layer of staple fibers on a first side of a substrate, the layer of staple fibers including first staple fibers and second staple fibers that are intermingled with one another, where a diameter of the smallest circle capable of circumscribing one of the second staple fibers is greater than a diameter of the smallest circle capable of circumscribing one of the first staple fibers; needling substantially only the first fibers of the layer through the substrate by penetrating the substrate with needles that drag portions of the first fibers through the substrate during needling, leaving exposed loops of the first fibers extending from a second side of the substrate; and anchoring the loops of the first fibers by fusing the second fibers to each other on the first side of the substrate.
US09078791B2 Disposable worn article
A disposable worn article diaper includes: a central slit formed in an absorber such that the absorber is curved to be convex toward an inward direction toward a wearer in a crotch region; side curved portions formed in the absorber along the lengthwise direction such that the absorber is curved to be convex toward the outward direction. The disposable worn article diaper includes a crossing elastic member crossing the absorber in middle crotch regions and fixed to the absorber. The absorber is contracted by the crossing elastic member toward a center of the absorber in the widthwise direction.
US09078787B2 Shutter press compressor with shaping elements
An apparatus for compressing a material includes a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of levers, and a plurality of jaws, wherein each jaw is attached to a lever, and wherein each jaw has a compression surface having an area. The apparatus also includes a compressing mechanism configured to move each lever in a non-linear motion such that the area of a compression surface exposed to the material decreases with the inward movement of that compression surface; and a shaping element associated with at least one compression surface. The apparatus can include a plurality of shaping elements projecting from at least one compression surface, wherein the plurality of shaping elements is configured to impart a pattern in the material. The apparatus can include a plurality of shaping elements each projecting from a compression surface, wherein the plurality of shaping elements is configured to impart a plurality of grooves in the material.
US09078780B2 Balloon flareable branch vessel prosthesis and method
A stent graft system for intraluminal deployment in an aorta and a branch vessel that includes an aorta stent graft for deployment within the aorta and defining a lumen for the passage of blood therethrough, and having a fenestration positioned and sized so as to allow blood to flow to a contiguous branch vessel. The system also includes a branch vessel prosthesis, preferably a stent graft, having a tubular portion and a flaring portion, such that, when deployed, the flaring portion is located within the lumen of the aorta stent graft and the tubular portion passes through the fenestration and into the branch vessel. A balloon expansion catheter expands the tubular portion and flare the flaring portion. The expansion of the tubular portion and the flaring of the flaring portion may occur sequentially or simultaneously.
US09078777B2 Stent with non-round cross-section in an unexpanded state
A stent has a circumference and a plurality of members that define a lumen. The stent has three stable states, which include an unexpanded state, a partially deployed state, and a deployed state. The lumen has a first cross-sectional shape in the unexpanded state, a second cross-sectional shape in the partially deployed state and a third cross-sectional shape in the deployed state. The first cross-sectional shape of the lumen is different from the second and third cross-sectional shapes of the lumen, and the first cross-sectional shape of the lumen is a non-round shaped cross-sectional shape.
US09078768B2 Arcuate interbody spinal fusion implant having a reduced width and an anatomically conformed trailing end
An interbody spinal fusion implant adapted for placement at least in part across an intervertebral space formed across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies and for penetrating engagement into each of those vertebral bodies, the implant having a trailing end adapted to sit upon and not protrude from the anterolateral peripheral rim of bone of the vertebral body.
US09078767B1 Expandable spinal interbody fusion device
An expandable spinal interbody fusion device comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact a vertebral body of the spine and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing vertebral body. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.
US09078762B2 Space holder for vertebrae or intervertebral discs
The present invention concerns a space holder, especially for vertebrae or intervertebral discs for implantation into human or animal organisms, having a cylinder-like body (1) and, at the ends of the cylinder-like body, means (2) provided for connecting to adjacent body parts, said cylinder-like body (1) essentially being formed as a solid cylinder from at least one material that is elastically deformable under the conditions of use, such that the space holder is compressible and extensible in the axial direction and, with reference to means (2) provided at the ends for connecting the space holder to adjacent body parts, can bend about a radial axis of rotation (13).
US09078761B2 Devices and methods for treating tissue defects
The present disclosure describes embodiments for treating a defect in a tissue, the tissue having internal and external surfaces. A device includes a first portion for positioning at one of the internal and external surfaces for applying a treatment force to the defect. In addition, the device has a second portion for applying a counter-force, where the second portion is operable to be positioned so that the counter-force is applied on the other of the internal and external surfaces, away from the defect so as to substantially avoid application of force at the defect. Furthermore, the device includes a coupling member for connecting the inner and outer portions. Methods of using the device are described, for example in an intervertebral disc having a herniation.
US09078750B2 Ergonomic mitral heart valve holders
A holder for a prosthetic mitral heart valve that attaches to an inflow end of the valve and includes a simple tensioning mechanism that flexes the heart valve commissure posts inward to help prevent suture looping. The tensioning mechanism may include relatively movable rings of the holder or a generally unitary holder with a tensor, or rotatable knob. Connecting sutures thread through internal passages in the holder and travel in the outflow direction along valve commissure posts, emerging at the post tips and mutually crossing over the outflow side of the valve. A handle attaches off-center on the holder to increase visualization of and access to the heart valve through a central window. The holder is constructed of non-metallic materials so as to avoid interfering with imaging devices, and the handle is ergonomically curved and shaped to facilitate manipulation. The holder may be shaped as a ring with an open inner diameter for enhanced access to the commissure posts and leaflets.
US09078749B2 Truncated cone heart valve stent
A heart valve stent having a section with a heart valve implant and several proximally disposed tissue anchors, also comprising a plurality of anchoring threats, each with a proximate end fastened to the stent or valve and a distal end attached to tissue within a heart chamber to provide tension between the heart chamber tissue and the stent.
US09078746B2 Implantable vascular device
A valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, is described. The valve prosthesis has a support frame formed from a cannula and an attached covering that defines an opening adapted to move between a first position in which the opening is open to fluid flow and a second position in which the opening is closed to fluid flow. The support frame includes a leaflet support portion and a circumferential centering support element disposed adjacent the leaflet support portion with respect to a lengthwise axis of the support frame and mirroring the leaflet support portion with respect to a transverse axis of the support frame.
US09078744B2 Single optic accommodative intraocular lens system
A single-optic accommodative lens system includes two intraocular elements designed to be located within the capsular bag to extend depth of focus and/or restore accommodation following cataract extraction of a natural lens. A first intraocular element comprises a circumferential capsular ring having interlock features to couple to and control the dynamic vault response of a second intraocular element. This second intraocular element comprises an intraocular lens (IOL) having an optic and a plurality of haptics and is designed to move axially in response to changes in the geometry of the eye capsule and thus provide a range of accommodative power. The IOL further comprises interlock features complementary to the interlock features of the first intraocular element for coupling the IOL to the capsular ring in a manner that provides for controlled movement of the IOL in response to capsular forces.
US09078743B2 3-coil wireless power transfer system for eye implants
A three-coil electromagnetic induction power transfer system is disclosed for epiretinal prostheses and other implants. A third, buffer coil is disposed between an external transmitting coil and a receiver coil buried within the body to improve efficiency and robustness to misalignments. One or more of the coils can be manufactured using micromechanical machining techniques to lay out conductors in a ribbon of biocompatible insulator, folding lengths of the insulated conductor traces longitudinally over one another, and then spiraling them into a ring. The traces change axial position in the ring by shifting across fold lines. One or more U-shaped sections on the traces can be folded so that adjacent traces can project opposite one another, lengthening the resulting ribbon that can be wound into a coil.
US09078741B2 Cell suspension preparation technique and device
The present invention provides for methods and devices suitable for producing a transplantable cellular suspension of living tissue suitable for grafting to a patient. In applying the method and/or in using the device, donor tissue is harvested, subjected to a cell dissociation treatment, cells suitable for grafting back to a patient are collected and dispersed in a solution that is suitable for immediate dispersion over the recipient graft site.
US09078739B2 Fitting of brightness in a visual prosthesis
The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. The perceptual response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the relationship between current and perceived brightness is often non-linear. It is necessary to determine this relationship to fit the prosthesis settings for each patient. It is advantageous to map the perceptual responses to stimuli. The method of mapping of the present invention is to provide a plurality of stimuli that vary in current, voltage, pulse duration, frequency, or some other dimension; measuring and recording the response to those stimuli; deriving a formula or equation describing the map from the individual points; storing the formula; and using that formula to map future stimulation.
US09078738B2 Stent with expandable foam
A stent for treating a physical anomaly. The stent includes a skeletal support structure for expanding in the physical anomaly and a shape memory material coupled to the skeletal support structure.
US09078737B2 Brace
A brace may include a flexible sheet, a rigid panel and an outer strap. The flexible sheet may include a first side and a second side. The first side may receive at least portions of a user's wrist and hand. The rigid panel may be attached to the flexible sheet at a location that corresponds to a dorsal side of the user's wrist and hand. The rigid panel may cooperate with the flexible sheet to restrict movement of the wrist. The outer strap may be slidably received in a sleeve of the flexible sheet. The outer strap may include a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be adapted to adjustably engage the first portion. The first portion may be adapted to removably engage the flexible sheet.
US09078733B2 Closed-loop system for cryosurgery
A closed-loop system for cryosurgery includes a cryofluid at cryogenic temperatures flowing through a closed-loop flow path. A pump, configured for operating at cryogenic temperatures, circulates the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path. The closed-loop flow path includes a heat exchanger coupled to a heat sink configured for cooling the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path to cryogenic temperatures. The closed-loop system includes one or more cryoneedles configured for providing cryotherapy, and one or more flow control devices, wherein each flow control device is configured for operating at cryogenic temperature and for selectively flow connecting or flow disconnecting at least one of the cryoneedles to the closed-loop flow path.
US09078729B2 Body implantable fabric
An implantable fabric includes a bio-inert portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface, with each of the first and second surfaces configured for tissue ingrowth and a bio-absorbable portion attached to the bio-inert portion in a manner that substantially prevents wrinkles on each of the first and second surfaces of the bio-inert portion.
US09078728B2 Devices and methods for delivering female pelvic floor implants
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body that defines a lumen and a suture coupled to the elongate body and at least partially disposed within the lumen. The suture extends at least partially from a proximal end of the elongate body and forms a loop configured to couple a portion of a pelvic implant to the elongate body. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body having a distal end configured to releasably couple the elongate body to a delivery device. A tubular member is movably disposed over at least a portion of the elongate body. A coupler is disposed at a proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to releasably couple an implant to the elongate body. The tubular member can be slidably disposed over at least a portion of the implant when the pelvic implant is coupled to the elongate body.
US09078727B2 System and method for treating tissue wall prolapse
The invention disclosed herein includes an apparatus and a method for treatment of vaginal prolapse conditions. The apparatus is a graft having a central body portion with at least one strap extending from it. The strap has a bullet needle attached to its end portion and is anchorable to anchoring tissue in the body of a patient. The invention makes use of a delivery device adapted to deploy the graft in a patient. The inventive method includes the steps of making an incision in the vaginal wall of a patient, opening the incision to gain access inside the vagina and pelvic floor area, inserting the inventive apparatus through the incision, and attaching the straps of the apparatus to anchoring tissue in the patient.
US09078723B1 Dental oral shield device and system
An oral shield system for protecting an area in a patient's mouth, the system including an oral shield device having a molded body that forms a contoured surface and a pair of wings that extend from the body, and an elongate handle attached to the oral shield device.
US09078721B2 Implant extraction method and trephine drill bit for enabling the extraction
A trephine drill bit comprising a body and a tip connected to the body, wherein the tip includes a reduced area having a smaller diameter than the body, the reduced area ending in a stop to indicate when the trephine drill bit should no longer be introduced. A method is also disclosed.
US09078719B2 Polyaxial dental implant system
A dental implant system is described, including a lower implant body configured to be implanted in bone, and an upper implant body that couples to the lower body, thereby forming a cavity between upper and lower bodies. The system can further include a rotatable, swivelable anchor having a base at least partially disposed within the cavity. The anchor may have a shaft coupled to the base and extending through an opening in the upper body. The system may also include an abutment that couples to the shaft of the anchor and serves as a mounting area for a crown. The anchor's rotatability and swivelability allow the lower implant body to be implanted at an angle in bone while permitting the crown to be positioned in a natural tooth orientation.
US09078716B2 Surgical mid-foot compression pin
A surgical mid-foot compression pin (1), includes a core region (2) having a drive, a front thread portion (6) having a front outer thread (7), a rear thread portion (9) having a rear outer thread (10), and a middle portion (8) arranged between the thread portions, the pitch of the front outer thread (S1) being greater than that of the rear outer thread (10) so as to achieve a compression. In accordance with the invention, the rear outer thread (10) has a conical sleeve contour, which tapers in the direction of the front end (3) of the compression pin (1).
US09078710B2 Orthopedic compression/distraction device
An orthopedic device for compressing or distracting bone parts includes an elongated body with two arms extending transversely away from the body. One arm is a stationary arm affixed to one end of the body and a second arm is a longitudinally movable. The two arms extend from the elongated body in the same direction and parallel to each other. The orthopedic device also includes a locking sleeve hingeably connected to the outer end of each of the first and second arms by a hinge joint, where each locking sleeve is configured for lockably receiving an elongated pin using a collet and a captured collet nut.
US09078708B2 Implant for mutually supporting the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral bodies and a surgical system
An implant for supporting the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral bodies includes a first implant component and a second implant component and is transferable by moving the second implant component relative to the first implant component along a spreading direction from an introduction position into a spread position. The implant includes a locking device incorporating a locking element wherein the locking element is transferable relative to at least one implant component along a locking direction from a release position, in which the second implant component is movable relative to the first implant component in a direction opposed to the spreading direction, into a locking position in which the second implant component is locked to the first implant component. The implant also includes a securing device for securing the locking element against a movement that is directed counter to the locking direction.
US09078706B2 Intervertebral fusion device utilizing multiple mobile uniaxial and bidirectional screw interface plates
A system and method includes a housing dimensioned to be situated between adjacent spinal bones, such as adjacent vertebrae. Screws are provided in one embodiment and are dimensioned or configured to lock against each other to retain the screws and, consequently, the cover in place. Another embodiment illustrates a plurality of plate elements that can be slidably received and locked in the cage. Each of the plate elements are adapted to receive at least one screw and guide the screw at a predetermined angle into a vertebra, thereby securing the cage in an inter-vertebral space.
US09078704B2 Connecting element for a stabilization system for the vertebral column, and stabilization system for the vertebral column
To improve a connecting element for a stabilization system for the vertebral column, which includes a first attachment section for fixing to a first bone fixation device, a second attachment section for fixing to a second bone fixation device, and an at least partially flexible intermediate section having at least one recess which is open at the sides, that at least one mechanical property of the intermediate section can be individually set in a simple and safe way, at least one movement limiting member is provided, which comprises a filling body and at least one stop device acting parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or in the circumferential direction, and that the filling body, in a normal position in which no external forces act on the intermediate section, engage at least partially in the at least one recess.
US09078699B2 Trocar assembly with rotatable obturator housing
A trocar system includes a cannula having a cannula housing and a cannula sleeve extending from the cannula housing, and an obturator at least partially positionable within the cannula. The obturator includes an obturator housing adapted for mating with the cannula housing, an obturator shaft connected to the obturator housing and receivable within the cannula sleeve, an obturator blade connected to the obturator shaft, a protective member including a protective guard coaxially mounted about the obturator blade and a latch member associated with the obturator housing and operatively connected to the protective guard. The obturator shaft and the obturator blade are adapted for relative rotational movement. The protective guard is adapted for longitudinal movement between a first position substantially enclosing the obturator blade and a second position to at least partially expose the obturator blade. The latch member is moveable from an initial position securing the protective guard in the first position to an actuated position operatively releasing the protective guard to permit the protective guard to move to the second position thereof. The latch member is preferably adapted to move to the actuated position upon mating of the obturator housing and the cannula housing.
US09078698B2 Bladeless obturator for use in surgical trocar assembly
An obturator assembly for use in dissection of tissue includes an obturator housing, an obturator member mounted to the obturator housing and an obturator sleeve coaxially mounted about the obturator member and adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The obturator member includes an obturator rod and a penetrating end. The penetrating end defines a substantially planar dissecting segment and a central rod segment extending from the planar dissecting element. The planar segment of the penetrating end defines atraumatic outer edges which may be arcuate in character. In one embodiment, the distal entry surface of the central rod segment and the atraumatic edges of the planar dissecting segment are at least partially exposed from the nose shield when in the extended position of the obturator sleeve. The obturator sleeve may include a generally tapered nose shield for at least partially accommodating the penetrating end.
US09078697B2 Surgical portal apparatus including movable housing
A surgical portal apparatus includes a housing and a cannula member. The housing includes a seal mount and a flexible housing wall. The cannula member is connected to the housing and defines a longitudinal axis and passageway. The seal mount has an internal seal. The flexible housing wall is dimensioned to permit both axial and radial movement of the seal mount with respect to the longitudinal axis between a first position of the seal mount and a plurality of second positions of the seal mount. The seal mount may be biased by a biasing member toward the first position. In an embodiment, the biasing member is a spring that is engageable with the cannula member and the seal mount.
US09078695B2 Methods and devices for accessing a body cavity using a surgical access device with modular seal components
Methods and devices are provided for providing access through tissue to a surgical site. In one embodiment, a surgical access device can include a hollow tubular member and a modular seal member. The modular seal member can be configured to radially span a lumen of the tubular member and can be removably and replaceably matable to a portion of the tubular member. The access device can also include a plurality of access ports, each of which can be configured to mate with the modular seal member at a respective desired location.
US09078693B2 Method and apparatus for aspiration
An aspiration apparatus is described that includes a guide and a set of needles. The guide preferably has an approximately conical shape with a decreasing diameter in the distal direction. A plurality of lumens extend between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion of the guide. The needles have a tubular wall and are slidingly positionable in the lumens. The needles include a longitudinal section of the tubular wall that has a plurality of apertures that decrease in size in the proximal direction. The apertures define an approximately conically shaped area of harvest. The aspiration apparatus can connect to an external source of reduced pressure through the guide or directly to each needle.
US09078690B2 Spinal cord stimulator lead having multiple obstruction-clearing features
A spinal cord stimulator lead for implanting into the epidural space of a human or animal subject includes first and second lumens and electrical contacts. A pressurized fluid can be discharged through the first lumen directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the distal-end portion of the stimulator lead can be inserted into the partial opening and then a pressurized fluid can be delivered through the second lumen and into a distensible balloon for expanding the balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. In this way the stimulator lead can be advanced past a tissue obstruction and into place for use to deliver therapeutic energy to spinal tissue adjacent the contacts, without having to remove and reinsert multiple surgical implements.
US09078681B2 Reconfigurable handheld laser treatment systems and methods
In one embodiment, a handheld laser treatment apparatus comprises: a handset including a treatment chamber, the treatment chamber having an open treatment aperture; a laser array arranged to project optical energy into the treatment chamber and coupled to a power source; at least one vacuum channel positioned within the treatment chamber and coupled to a vacuum source; a trigger sensor coupled to logic that controls activation of the laser array and the vacuum channel; an attachment sensor arranged to detect which of a plurality of attachments are inserted into the treatment chamber through the treatment aperture. The logic enables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a first attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture. The logic disables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a second attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture.
US09078676B2 Patella drilling system
A patella drilling system includes a clamp and a patella drill guide. The clamp includes an arm with a pointed tip that is received in a dimple on the surface of the patella drill guide and another arm with a bone-gripping member spaced from the tip. The clamp is used to hold the patella drill guide firmly against the resected posterior surface of the patella while the surgeon drills into the patella to form holes for mounting pegs on the implant. The clamp may allow the patella drill guide to be pivoted while clamped so that the orientations of the guide bores may be optimized. The system includes an optional cap that may be used on the pointed tip of the clamp to hold the implant firmly in place while the bone cement sets.
US09078675B2 Anatomic femoral guide
An anatomic femoral guide positions bone tunnels corresponding to the AM and PL bundles in ACL repair and reconstruction procedures. A template guide disposed in a surgical field proximate to a surgical member such as a femur or tibia defines a surgical footprint of the resulting bone tunnel. The template includes apertures corresponding to the size of the bone tunnels for the respective (AM or PL) bundles, and allows positioning at the drilling site to identify the size and location of the bone tunnel, as well as the relative distance between tunnels for double bundle procedures. An offset angle in the template provides differing orientations of the template apertures for visualizing the actual bone tunnel placement. The template has an aperture positionable parallel to a tibial plateau formation on the tibia, and the template orients a second aperture angled by the offset angle for positioning the second tunnel.
US09078670B2 Drill bit
A drill bit (1) has a central axis (A) and a tapered cutting end part (2 ) terminating in a drill tip (3) at one end of the drill bit (1), a shank (4) extending from an opposing end of the drill bit (1), and a body (4a) extending between the cutting end part (2) and the shank (4). A plurality of flutes (5) are formed in the drill bit (1) and helically extend along the body (4a) into the cutting end part (2). Each flute (5) has a flute leading side wall (6) and a flute trailing side wall (7). A land (9) is defined on the body (4a) between each of the flutes (5) and extends to the cutting end part (2). In any body cross-sectional plane extending perpendicular to the central axis (A) through the body (4a), a land leading edge region (11) of each land (9) adjoining the flute trailing side wall (7) of a leading adjacent flute (5) is convexly curved.
US09078663B2 Electrosurgical device, method for generating a prescribed heat distribution over a probe body, method for generating a heat distribution field
An electrosurgical device for devitalizing tissue including a probe body, equipped with at least one electrode, and a cooling device. The probe body is suitable for generating a heat distribution field by means of a high-frequency current for devitalizing the tissue. The cooling device prevents carbonization of the tissue close to the probe body that would normally occur since the maximum current density occurs here. The electrosurgical device is modified such that the heat distribution over the probe body can be adjusted, allowing adjustment or positioning of a maximum cooling zone within the probe body. This regulation may be accomplished by regulating the inlet pressure of the refrigerant supply to the electrosurgical device.
US09078661B2 Ablator with improved cutting tip
An ablator having an electrode positioned at a distal end is disclosed. The ablator may be configured such that the ablator includes an inner shaft having a plurality of distal slots therein and contained within an outer hollow shaft. The inner shaft may extend distally from a distal end of the outer, hollow shaft. The configuration of the distal end of the ablator may increase the operating efficiency of the ablator by reducing the power requirements.
US09078659B2 Delivery system with hooks for resheathability
Described herein are flexible implantable devices or stents that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The devices can also conform to the shape of tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Methods and structures are provided for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the device while maintaining a cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, small hooks releasably engage the stent at a proximal end and are able to resheath the stent by retracting a proximal retaining member where the hooks are coupled to. The hooks straighten, unfurl, or otherwise disengage the stent when either unrestrained by a catheter or when coming into contact with an external stimulus found in the patient's vasculature.
US09078654B2 Surgical device
A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw disposed in opposed correspondence with the first jaw. The second jaw is mechanically coupled to the first jaw at a proximal end opposite a distal end. A cutting element is disposed within the second jaw, and a first driver is configured to move the cutting element proximally from the distal end toward the proximal end of the second jaw to cut a section of tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.
US09078653B2 Surgical stapling device with lockout system for preventing actuation in the absence of an installed staple cartridge
Surgical stapling instruments surgical stapling cartridges are disclosed. At least one embodiment includes an end effector that has an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and an anvil that is movably supported on the elongate channel between an open position and closed positions in response to an application of opening and closing motions applied thereto. An anvil lock member cooperates with the anvil to retain the anvil in an open position when a staple cartridge has not been installed in the elongate channel and prevent the anvil from moving to a closed position until the staple cartridge has been seated within the elongate channel. Surgical staple cartridges are configured to move the anvil from an open position to an actuatable position when the cartridge has been installed in the end effector.
US09078651B2 Tissue repair
An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.
US09078638B2 Bone marrow aspirator and methods therefor
A device and method for aspirating fluid from a body cavity are disclosed herein. The device disclosed utilizes a reservoir in fluid communication with a needle via a tube connected to a pump. The needle is able to displace a desired distance. Further, the aspirator includes a selector switch capable having three positions. In the first position anticoagulant is pumped through the system. In the second position bone marrow is aspirated but the needle is not moved. In the third position the displacement of the needle is controlled as well as the volume in the reservoir. Further, in the third position, the volume in the reservoir and the needle displacement are proportional to one another.
US09078637B2 Apparatus and methods to harvest bone and bone marrow
An apparatus and method for harvesting bone and bone marrow are provided. The apparatus may include a driver operable to be releasably engaged with an intraosseous device. The intraosseous device may include a cannula having a first end operable to penetrate bone and bone marrow and to allow retrieval of portions of bone and/or bone marrow. The cannula may have a second end operable to be releasably engaged with bone marrow sampling equipment. The apparatus may include a removable trocar. The removable trocar may have an inner channel operable to convey portions of bone and/or bone marrow. The removable trocar may have an inner channel and a side port communicating with the inner channel. The removable trocar may have a first end operable to penetrate bone and bone marrow.
US09078636B2 Cryo sensitizing agents for the enhancement of cryotherapy
A method and device for treating tissue with temperature-sensitizing adjuvants to enhance the effects of ablation therapy. The method may comprise identifying tissue to receive ablation therapy, treating the tissue with a temperature-sensitizing agent, and activating an ablation therapy device proximate the treated tissue. The device may comprise a cryo-sensitizing adjuvant operable in association with a cryotherapy device, the cryo-sensitizing adjuvant enhancing the effectiveness of tissue destruction upon application of temperatures below 0° C.
US09078635B2 Anterior hip replacement retractor assembly
A retractor assembly has a first clamp adapted to be mounted to a table, a first vertically oriented post supported by the clamp, a first main arm mounted for at least one of angular and lateral movement relative to the first post, and lockable in a selected position, and a tree assembly configured at one end of the second post. The tree assembly has at least two accessory arms, with each accessory arm having a first ball joint on a first end, and a pivot lock knob at an immediate portion, and each accessory arm having a second end configured to accept the mounting of a retractor to the accessory arm. The retractor assembly may also include a J-shaped hook mounted to a ratcheting linearly movable distractor assembly and trochanteric retractors mounted to the accessory arms for femoral elevation and exposure.
US09078633B2 Vessel access and closure device
A vessel access and closure device places a running suture in the wall of a blood vessel using a rotating helical suture needle that carries the suture along a helical path passing through the vessel wall, then reverses rotation to release a suture anchor attached to the distal end of the suture. A loose helical coil of suture is left behind as the helical suture needle withdraws. The device is withdrawn and replaced with a vessel dilator and an introducer sheath that opens up a larger access opening into the blood vessel and creates a pathway that passes though the helical coil of suture for introducing an interventional device into the blood vessel. After the interventional procedure is completed, the interventional device and the introducer sheath are withdrawn and the running suture is tightened and secured with a suture lock to close the access opening into the vessel.
US09078632B2 System and method for vessel access closure
Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis.
US09078631B2 Dual hypotube suture cutting device and methods
A tissue puncture closure device includes an anchor, a sealing pad, a compaction member, a suture, and a suture cutting member. The compaction member is configured to compress the sealing pad toward the anchor. The compaction member includes a sidewall and a first aperture defined in the sidewall. The suture cutting member is positioned in the compaction member and includes a suture cutting member sidewall and a second aperture defined in the suture cutting member sidewall. The suture is coupled to the sealing pad and anchor, and a portion of the suture extends through the first and second apertures. Relative movement between the compaction member and the suture cutting member severs the suture.
US09078626B2 Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US09078623B2 Multiple-energy X-ray imaging system and control method for the same
A multiple-energy X-ray imaging apparatus and a method obtain a plurality of X-ray images when the heart of a patient is in the same phase by measuring the electrocardiogram of the patient. A sensor is installed on a handle or a foot stool to measure the electrocardiogram when the patient grips the handle or makes contact with the foot stool without having to attach an electrode to the body of the patient, which removes the inconvenience in measuring the electrocardiogram.
US09078619B2 Hyperspectral/multispectral imaging in determination, assessment and monitoring of systemic physiology and shock
The present invention provides a hyperspectral imaging system which demonstrates changes in tissue oxygen delivery, extraction and saturation during shock and resuscitation including an imaging apparatus for performing real-time or near real-time assessment and monitoring of shock, including hemorrhagic, hypovolemic, cardiogenic, neurogenic, septic or burn shock. The information provided by the hyperspectral measurement can deliver physiologic measurements that support early detection of shock and also provide information about likely outcomes.
US09078615B2 Guiding device for use with laryngoscope
A guiding device for use with a laryngoscope for assisting in the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient, the device comprising a guiding means for guiding an endotracheal tube through the patient's upper airways, and an attachment means to attach the guiding means to the blade of the laryngoscope. A laryngoscope comprising the guiding device is also disclosed.
US09078610B2 Motion energy harvesting with wireless sensors
A system and method for generating power when one or more motion sensitive structures are moved. The system may include one or more sensing components which, acting alone or in combination, are capable of generating data related to one or more physiological parameters. The system may also include wireless communication circuitry capable of wirelessly transmitting the data related to the one or more physiological parameters. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more sensing components or the wireless communication circuitry may be at least partially powered, directly or indirectly, by the one or more motion sensitive structures.
US09078608B2 System and methods for processing analyte sensor data for sensor calibration
Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data are disclosed, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. The sensor can be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. Reference data resulting from benchtop testing an analyte sensor prior to its insertion can be used to provide initial calibration of the sensor data. Reference data from a short term continuous analyte sensor implanted in a user can be used to initially calibrate or update sensor data from a long term continuous analyte sensor.
US09078606B1 System and method for measuring blood glucose in the human body without a drawn blood sample
A system and method for measuring glucose levels in a user's blood without having to draw a blood sample. A wave energy source emits wave energy. A resonance chamber is provided that receives the wave energy and produces a frequency oscillation. An opening leads into the resonance chamber that is small yet enables a significant amount of sample tissue to bulge through the opening. The sample tissue of the user is pressed against the opening. At least a portion of the sample tissue passes through the opening and into the resonance chamber. The sample tissue loads the resonance chamber and alters the frequency oscillation created by the resonance chamber. At least some of the altered frequency oscillation is indicative of blood glucose levels within the sample tissue.
US09078604B2 Lancing devices
A lancing device includes a main barrel portion 10 to the front end of which is hinged a forward portion for movement between the open position shown in FIG. 1 and a closed position. The main barrel portion 10 contains a drive mechanism, cocking slider and trigger, while the forward portion contains a lancet holder into which a lancet may be loaded front end first. Also disclosed is a lancing device having a main housing having a forward nose portion to the rear of which is a flip up lancet hatch into which a lancet may be loaded front end first.
US09078603B2 Scanning ophthalmoscopes
The present invention provides a scanning ophthalmoscope for scanning the retina of an eye and a method of scanning the retina of an eye. The ophthalmoscope (10) comprises a source of collimated light (12), a first scanning element (14), a second scanning element (16) and a scan relay device (18) having two foci (18a, 18b). The source of collimated light (12), the first and second scanning elements (14, 16) and the scan relay device (18) combine to provide a two-dimensional collimated light scan (21) from an apparent point source (19). The scanning ophthalmoscope (10) further comprises a scan transfer device (20), wherein the scan transfer device (20) has two foci (20a, 20b) and at least one vertex (20c) and the apparent point source (19) is provided at a first focus (20a) of the scan transfer device (20) and an eye (22) is accommodated at a second focus (20b) of the scan transfer device (20), and wherein the scan transfer device (20) transfers the two-dimensional collimated light scan (21) from the apparent point source (19) into the eye (22). The two foci (18a, 18b) of the scan relay device (18) and the two foci (20a, 20b) of the scan transfer device (20) define a first plane and the two foci (20a, 20b) and the at least one vertex (20c) of the scan transfer device (20) define a second plane and wherein the first and second planes are substantially parallel.
US09078598B2 Cognitive function evaluation and rehabilitation methods and systems
A cognitive function evaluation method and system involves prompting a test subject (person) to engage in movement, such as whole-body movement, for example sports-specific movement, while tracking movement of the person. Data can be gathered from the tracking of the person's movement. This data can be compared with baseline data from an earlier test (or with data gathered from other subjects), to make a determination of cognitive function of the test subject, or to evaluate progress in rehabilitation and/or aid in making a determination whether a person is ready to resume specified activities, such as an athlete returning to a sport. Such a determination can be made under realistic activity-specific conditions (for example using increased metabolic rate and/or activity-specific movements that may test/challenge the test subjects cognition, vestibular, and/or visual performance/abilities), to allow a for determination of the person's cognitive function.
US09078597B2 Mobile x-ray unit with integrated x-ray shield
A mobile x-ray imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield is disclosed. The mobile x-ray imaging unit includes a base, a column structure extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the column structure, and an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm, with the x-ray source configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image. The mobile x-ray imaging unit also includes an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source that is configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is formed of an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to provide x-ray shielding to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.
US09078596B2 Imaging apparatus and imaging method
Provided is an imaging apparatus for acquiring a tomographic image of an object to be inspected based on light obtained by combining return light from the object illuminated with measuring light and reference light corresponding to the measuring light, the imaging apparatus including: a reference-light amount changing unit provided in an optical path of the reference light, for changing a reference-light amount of the reference light; and a control unit for controlling the reference-light amount changing means so as to control the reference-light amount within a predetermined range and an image quality of the tomographic image within a predetermined image-quality evaluation range.
US09078594B2 Ultrasound diagnostic and treatment device
Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic and treatment device for tumors which is used in combination with a phase-shift ultrasound contrast agent. By using a phase-shift ultrasound contrast agent, irradiating phase-shift ultrasonic waves from a phase-shift ultrasonic wave transmitter (18), irradiating ultrasonic waves for holding microbubbles from an ultrasonic wave transmitter (29) for holding microbubbles, and using a phase-shift detecting ultrasonic wave transceiver (19) to observe the phase shift, the ultrasound diagnostic and treatment device generates and holds the microbubbles in advance on the entire site (16) requiring treatment, and irradiates ultrasonic waves for treatment having a moderate intensity of 1 kW/cm2 or lower on the entire site (16) requiring treatment with the microbubbles as the target from a ultrasonic wave transmitter (20) for treatment.
US09078592B2 Ultrasonic strain imaging device with selectable cost-function
An elasticity measuring system determines tissue displacement between a pre-deformation and post-deformation image by a matching process using a cost function accepting as its arguments continuity of the tissue motion and correlation of the tissue in making the block matching. The invention allows the selection among different cost functions for different imaging situations or tissue types, to provide improved displacement calculations using a priori knowledge about the tissue and structure of tissue interfaces or information derived during the scanning process.
US09078590B2 Providing additional information corresponding to change of blood flow with a time in ultrasound system
There are provided embodiments for providing additional information. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire first ultrasound data and second ultrasound data corresponding to a living body; and a processing unit configured to form a brightness mode image based on the first ultrasound data, set at least one sample volume on the brightness mode image, and form blood flow information corresponding to blood flow in the living body based on the second ultrasound data corresponding to the at least one sample volume, the processing unit being further configured to form additional information corresponding to a change of the blood flow with a time based on the blood flow information.
US09078586B2 Body fat measurement device
A body fat measurement device, including: a plurality of electrodes which contact a body surface of the subject; a current application unit which passes a current between a pair of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes; a first measurement unit which measures a voltage between another pair of electrodes, while current is passed between the pair of electrodes; a calculation unit which calculates an abdominal impedance of the subject on the basis of the voltage measured by the first measurement unit and calculates an amount of body fat of the subject; a second measurement unit which outputs a signal indicating a parameter other than the abdominal impedance; a cable in which a first core wire which connects between at least one of the current application unit and the pair of electrodes, and the first measurement unit and the other pair of electrodes, and a second core wire which connects the second measurement unit and the calculation unit are provided inside a same insulating coating; and an isolating unit which can shut off a connection between the second core wire and the calculation unit; wherein the calculation unit calculates the abdominal impedance on the basis of the voltage measured by the first measurement unit while a connection between the second core wire and the calculation unit is shut off, during measurement of the abdominal impedance.
US09078585B2 Muscle synergy analysis method, muscle synergy analyzer, and muscle synergy interface
Disclosed is a muscle synergy analysis which comprises detecting a myoelectric signal generated at each muscle of an antagonistic muscle pair group of a subject; calculating, as time-series data, an antagonistic muscle ratio of an antagonistic muscle pair at a myoelectric signal level from a myoelectric signal detected during a predetermined motion by the subject; and conducting multi variate analysis using the antagonistic muscle ratio at each time of the time-series data as a variable to calculate a principal component including at least a first principal component having high contribution to correlation.
US09078580B2 Displaying image data from a scanner capsule
An ingestible image scanning pill captures high resolution images of the GI tract as it passes through. Images communicated externally have exact location determination. Image processing software discards duplicate information and stitches images together, line scan by line scan, to replicate a complete GI tract as if it were stretched out in a straight line. A fully linear image is displayed to a medical professional as if the GI tract had been stretched in a straight line, cut open, laid flat out on a bench for viewing—all without making any incisions in a live patient.
US09078577B2 Circuit for heartbeat detection and beat timing extraction
A circuit and method for long term electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is implemented with the goal of reducing power consumption, battery size, and consequently device size. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit includes an amplifier cell having a plurality of input terminals and an output terminal; a QRS amplifier cell in communication with the output of the amplifier cell; a baseline amplifier cell in communication with the output of the amplifier cell; a comparator cell having a first input terminal in communication with the output terminal of the QRS amplifier cell; and a VDC cell having an input in communication with the output of the baseline amplifier cell and an output in communication with the second input terminal of the comparator cell, wherein the comparator cell generates an output pulse in response to the output signal from the amplifier cell and the output signal from the baseline amplifier cell.
US09078573B2 System and methods for assessing heart function
Systems and methods can be used to provide an indication of heart function, such as an indication of mechanical function or hemodynamics of the heart, based on electrical data. For example, a method for assessing a function of the heart can include determining a time-based electrical characteristic for a plurality of points distributed across a spatial region of the heart. The plurality of points can be grouped into at least two subsets of points based on at least one of a spatial location for the plurality of points or the time-based electrical characteristics for the plurality of points. An indication of synchrony for the heart can be quantified based on relative analysis of the determined time-based electrical characteristic for each of the at least two subsets of points.
US09078572B2 Heartbeat detection and categorization
An automatic method for detecting heartbeats of a patient from two or more selected ECG signals, the method comprising: (a) determining a velocity for each of the selected signals; (b) summing together absolute values of each of the velocities; (c) comparing the sum with a threshold T having a value about one-half of an expected maximum value of the sum; and (d) if the sum is greater than the threshold T and if elapsed time since an immediately-previous heartbeat detection is greater than a preset refractory period tR, a heartbeat has been detected at a time tD of the velocity determinations. The method also further includes steps by which the detected heartbeats are categorized based on the velocities at the time of detection.
US09078571B2 High sensitivity noise immune stethoscope
A physiological sensing stethoscope suitable for use in high-noise environments is disclosed. The stethoscope is designed to be substantially matched to the mechanical impedance of monitored physiological activity and substantially mismatched to the mechanical impedance of air-coupled acoustic activity. One embodiment of the stethoscope utilizes a passive acoustic system. Another embodiment utilizes an active Doppler system. The passive and active systems can be combined in one stethoscope enabling switching from a passive mode to an active mode suitable for use in very high-noise environments. The stethoscope is suitable for use in environments having an ambient background noise of 100 dBA and higher. The passive includes a head having a housing, a flexural disc mounted with the housing, and an electromechanical stack positioned between the housing and the flexural disc in contact with the skin of a patient. The active system detects Doppler shifts using a high-frequency transmitter and receiver.
US09078569B2 Configurable data measurement and acquisition systems for multi-slice X-ray computed tomography systems
A Data Measurement and Acquisition System (DMAS) for multi-slice X-ray CT systems and multi-slice X-ray CT systems using the DMAS are disclosed; wherein the DMAS comprises a plurality of X-ray scintillators, a plurality of photodiode modules, a plurality of digitizing cards, one or more motherboards, and an arced support structure for mounting and securing the photodiode modules, the digitizing cards, and the motherboard(s); wherein the multi-slice X-ray CT systems comprises one or more X-ray sources, and one or more DMAS.
US09078566B2 Dual display CT scanner user interface
A CT user interface includes first and second displays that enable an operator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performing CT scans and enable the operator to perform image post-processing tasks associated with the CT scans. A plurality of distinct display zones are selectively displayed on the first and second displays, with the first display displaying a zone enabling the operator to create a record for each of a plurality of patients, a task list zone displaying all steps and sub-steps of a CT scan to be performed for a selected patient based on a selected scan protocol, a settings zone and a scanning zone displaying and enabling operator selection of scan parameters related to the selected scan protocol for the selected patient, and a dose area zone displaying a relationship between the selected scan parameters and a radiation dosage experienced by the patient based thereon.
US09078559B2 Oral cavity insertion instrument and pharyngoscope apparatus
An oral cavity insertion instrument which is to be attached to a monitor device having a long scope portion is provided. The oral cavity insertion instrument is adapted to be used by being inserted into an oral cavity and has a long cover member having a bore which extends in a longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the scope portion of the monitor is adapted to be inserted into the bore. The oral cavity insertion instrument also has a long tongue depressor in the form of a plate. The tongue depressor is provided adjacent to and in contact with the cover member along the longitudinal direction thereof. The oral cavity insertion instrument includes an attachment unit used to attach the cover member to the monitor device. The tongue depressor includes a tip end having a width greater than that of the cover member. A pharyngoscope apparatus provided with the oral cavity insertion instrument is also provided.
US09078556B2 Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance
A household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, includes an operating display unit having at least one visual and/or acoustic display, which is activated at least to display and/or signal a completion of a treatment cycle for a predefined time period on or after completion of the treatment cycle. The time period is hereby set by a delay element.
US09078555B2 Dishwasher and method for operating a dishwasher
A dishwasher includes a rinsing container having a rinsing chamber and a drying facility which is provided outside of the rinsing container and fluidically connected to the rinsing chamber for drying air charged with humidity from the rinsing chamber. A storage tank is fluidically connectable with the rinsing chamber for intermediately storing rinsing fluid.
US09078554B2 Dishwasher appliance with ozone level monitoring
The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance that measures the amount of ozone in a wash chamber of the appliance. The appliance is also configured for adjusting the amount of ozone in the wash chamber based upon such measurements. The appliance may adjust the amount of ozone by, e.g., adjusting the flow rate of wash fluid to the wash chamber, adjusting the flow rate of air in the wash chamber, and/or adjusting the temperature of wash chamber. Related methods are also provided.
US09078553B2 Dishwasher with low-temperature final washing
A method and apparatus for cleaning washware, in particular dishes, is provided. In the process, the washware is subjected to at least one wash process in which adhering dirt is at least largely removed. The washware is then subjected to a final-washing process which has at least two substeps. The washware is acted on by a first rinse liquid in a first substep, with the first rinse liquid containing a disinfectant. The washware is acted on by a second rinse liquid in a subsequent second substep, with the second rinse liquid comprising at least one permeate which is produced by reverse osmosis.
US09078552B2 Robot cleaner
The robot cleaner includes a main body configured to remove dust from a floor while traveling on the floor, the main body having a lateral rim defining the external appearance of a lateral surface of the robot cleaner, and at least one side brush assembly mounted to the main body to clean the corner of the floor. The side brush assembly includes a side arm pivotably coupled to the main body, the side arm moving between a first position where the side arm is inserted into the main body and a second position where the side arm protrudes outward from the lateral rim of the main body, a brush unit provided at the side arm to sweep the floor, and a rim cover coupled to the side arm to form a part of the lateral rim of the main body when the side arm is inserted into the main body.
US09078550B2 Latch assembly for a vacuum system
A central vacuum cleaner having a housing with a vacuum fan and motor and a dirt container mounted to a lower end of the housing. The dirt container includes a receptacle, a ring mount extending from the receptacle sidewall near an open top of the receptacle and a release ring. The ring mount extends around the sidewall perimeter and a bottom of the ring mount is shaped to be held by an operator to support the dirt container. The release ring is movably mounted above the ring mount and extends around the sidewall perimeter. One or more locks are mounted between the ring mount and the release ring. The locks are movable by the release ring from an engaged position to hold the dirt container to the housing to a disengaged position to permit removal of the dirt container from the housing.
US09078548B2 Dust collecting apparatus and vacuum cleaner having the same
A dust collecting apparatus in which, when a filter cover is attempted to be closed in a state in which the filter is not installed, the filter cover is prevented from closing by a simple configuration, and a vacuum cleaner having the same. The dust collecting apparatus includes a filter, a cover including a filter installation part in which the filter is installed and a catching rib which is provided at the filter installation part, and a filter cover which covers an upper portion of the cover, and the filter cover includes a closing prevention rib which is restricted by the catching rib so as to prevent the filter cover from closing when the filter is not installed.
US09078538B2 Fabric hanging and pleating apparatus
A pleated wall covering system includes a bracket for hanging and pleating wall fabric. The bracket includes a plurality of longitudinally extending planar mounting portions and a plurality of longitudinally spaced u-shaped pleating portions interspaced between the mounting portions. In an illustrative embodiment, a receiver includes opposing upper and lower slots configured to receive the mounting portions of the bracket.
US09078536B2 Monument assembly
A monument assembly having a main body that is interlocked with a base. The main body has inscriptions and etchings that are laser cut therein of a memorable photo or design. A plurality of solar powered lights are then used in association with the monument assembly to focus light onto the etching at night to illuminate the etching.
US09078533B2 Display tray for displaying a plurality of containers
A display tray for displaying a plurality of containers. The display includes a base having a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge; a first tray member comprising a first side extending from the first longitudinal edge of the base and terminating at an upper edge thereof, a second side extending from the upper edge of the first side and terminating at a lower edge thereof adjacent the base, the first tray member forming a substantially triangular cross-section and having a plurality of openings positioned along an apex thereof; and a second tray member comprising a first side extending from the second longitudinal edge of the base and terminating at an upper edge thereof, a second side extending from the upper edge of the first side and terminating at a lower edge thereof adjacent the base, the second tray member forming a substantially triangular cross-section.
US09078532B1 Circular lock assembly
A lock assembly having a front housing with a locking member. The front housing houses a spring. A slider assembly has a locking ramp. The locking ramp is engaged by the locking member when the slider assembly is in a locked configuration. A cover plate assembly has a transversal opening. The transversal opening receives a transversal member of a rail assembly when the slider assembly is in an unlocked configuration. The slider assembly has a locking tab that blocks the transversal opening when the slider assembly is in the locked configuration. Thus, securing the transversal member to prevent removal of packaging suspended from the rail assembly. A key inserted into a keyhole, is rotated to cause the locking ramp to disengage from the locking member to place the slider assembly is in the unlocked configuration.
US09078529B2 Collapsible child seat
A collapsible child seat having a collapsible frame that moves between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A seat member moveably attaches to the frame, with a recessed support for receiving and supporting a child. A retractable canopy covers the seat member.
US09078528B2 Therapeutic cushion for relieving lower back pain
The present embodiment is a therapeutic cushion for relieving lower back pain. The therapeutic cushion comprises a flat, elongated base, a rounded arc, and two semicircles slopping downwards on both sides of a rounded arc. The flat, elongated base of the therapeutic cushion is positioned on a surface of mattresses, sofas, and seats. When a user utilizes the therapeutic cushion in the supine position, the rounded arc elevates the lumbar spine, thus providing support for the lumbar area. The two semicircles serve to provide support for the sacroiliac joint and upper lumbar area.
US09078527B2 Apparatuses and methods for increasing support provided by cushioned and other occupant supporting furniture
Panel assemblies designed and configured to be installed into cushioned and other occupant-supporting furniture to increase the support provided to one or more occupants of the furniture. Each panel assembly is composed of interconnecting components, such as panels and slats. The components are interconnected in any one or more of a variety of manners, including side-to-side, overlapped, and stacked, and combinations thereof. Each panel assembly can be made from one or more kits of components that can be provided along with instructions, such as assembly instructions and installation instructions.
US09078525B2 Lateral support apparatus for a chair
An apparatus for removably attaching a lateral support to a chair. The apparatus comprises a support frame removably attachable to the chair. The support frame comprises two side members and a lateral member coupled between the side members spacing the side members apart by a lateral distance, and an adjustment mechanism that is operable to adjust the lateral distance between the two side members to clamp the chair between the side members. The apparatus comprises a lateral support attachable to a said side member.
US09078521B2 Height adjustable resting device for an internal shelf of an electric household appliance
A height adjustable resting device including a first plate fixable in use against a wall of an electric household appliance; a the second plate having a resting guide slidingly carried along longitudinal edges vertical to the first; a slider sliding on a first face of the first plate, facing an opposite second face of the second plate, transversally to the longitudinal edges, integrally provided with a pin which overhangingly protrudes from the first face; a channel-shaped track on the second face, slidingly engaged by the pin and having two branches parallel to the longitudinal edges, having on an upper edge a plurality of recesses adapted to engage the pin resting thereon and for each recess, at least one pair of abutting surfaces obtained on a lower edge to guide the pin from a recess to the next as a consequence of a vertical movement of the second plate.
US09078520B2 Locking bin drawer with slide-out trays for medications cabinet
A controlled access pharmaceutical storage cabinet has at least one pull-out drawer that is divided into a number of locked compartments, arranged in rows. Each row of compartments can be configured as a slide-out tray. A slide bar lock is positioned between rows of the compartments, and has a series of slots along each edge which align with lock pins on hinged lids or covers for the compartments. Only one compartment can be opened at a time. A gear-motor is provided for each slide bar to move the slide bar to a position for access to a given compartment. A locking hinged front door panel can swing down to allow the trays to slide out under the locked lids for refilling or replacement.
US09078519B2 Safety guard for liquid storage cabinet
A safety guard for a liquid storage cabinet having a substantially flat top surface, comprising a front panel; a pair of side panels, wherein said front panel is joined between said pair of side panels and forms an angle with the horizontal axis in the range of 20-60 degrees; a back panel, wherein said back panel is joined between said pair of side panels; and means for attaching said safety guard to said substantially flat top surface of said liquid storage container.
US09078518B2 Bottom mount adjustable cabinet mounted frame
An extendable and retractable container assembly for recyclable materials which includes a pair of drawer slide structures that are interconnected by a rear cross-member bracket and a front cross-member bracket to retain them in spaced parallel relation with the rear ends of the slide structures being independently adjustably supported by two unique adjusting structures.
US09078512B2 Portable self powered line mounted conductor ice thickness measuring system for overhead electric power lines
A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor includes an electrically conductive housing having an opening for accepting the power line conductor and is configured to be grounded to the power line conductor. At least one magnetic core is configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply module. A laser triangulation distance measuring device is configured to be powered by the power supply module.
US09078503B1 Purse theft deterrent system
A purse theft deterrent system for preventing undesired removal of items from a purse or the purse itself has a purse with a security rail located at least partially in a purse cavity. The system has an external independent anchoring member for use as a base of attachment for securing the purse with a flexible tether. A first tether end is located on a wallet, a pouch, or other item placed in a purse. A second tether end is located on the security rail for securing the wallet, the pouch, or other item placed in a purse to the purse via the security rail. A first tether end is located on the purse and a second tether end is attached on the anchoring member for securing the purse to the anchoring member.
US09078502B2 Closure for pouches
A closure for a pouch comprising: (a) a cylindrical sleeve having a first open end and a second open end, (b) a longitudinal slit in the cylindrical sleeve having a close end proximate to the first end of the cylindrical sleeve and an open end at the second end of the cylindrical sleeve; (c) a rod adapted to be arranged concentrically within the cylindrical sleeve having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rod being adapted to engage with the first end of the cylindrical sleeve; and (d) a child-proof lock adapted to be removably connected to the second end of the cylindrical sleeve or to the second end of the rod to block the open end of the longitudinal slit.
US09078499B1 Necklace tangling prevention system
A necklace tangling prevention system has a collapsible hollow tube with a tube first end and a tube second end. The tube first end has a first aperture fluidly connected to a tube cavity and the tube second end has a second aperture fluidly connected to the tube cavity. The tube has a ribbed tube side wall. The tube is collapsible to less than fifty percent of its fully extended length. The system has a necklace securing member located on the tube first end. The necklace securing member has a gripping member located on an interior surface for gripping a necklace. The necklace is inserted through the necklace securing member into the tube.
US09078495B2 Apparatus comprising removable light source for decorative utility
Apparatus for decorative utility comprising an ornament unit, a base unit, and a lighting unit, wherein the lighting unit comprises of a circuit board, power source such as battery, and at least one light source, such as a light emitting diode. The ornament unit is interchangeable, and can be disengaged and mounted onto the same or different base unit. The lighting unit may include one or more light sources, wherein the color and/or levels of intensity of the illumination can be modified and controlled.
US09078493B2 Footwear assembly
A footwear assembly requires a wearer to adjust in order to maintain stability while standing, walking, etc. The assembly includes an outer sole having a flexible shell surrounding a hollow interior substantially filled by a plurality of unconnected, substantially non-deformable particles. Foot pressure applied to the outer sole results in movement of the plurality of particles, and the resiliency of the shell allows it to assume a variety of different configurations based in part on the portion to which pressure is applied. The resiliency of the shell further facilitates normal biasing thereof and the particles therein into a normal, non-compressed orientation. The tendency of the outer sole to assume a variety of different configurations will, in some circumstances, require a wearer to adjust the corresponding foot and/or leg in order to maintain normal stability, at least when foot pressure is applied to the outer sole.
US09078490B2 Ankle and foot support system
Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a covering having a cable tightening mechanism and a cable forming an exposed loop. The exposed loop may be attached to a loop receiving member located on the covering. The exposed loop may also be attached to a footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the covering may include more than one exposed loop for attaching to more than one loop receiving member located on the covering, as well as more than one footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, adjusting the cable tightening mechanism may secure the covering to the article of footwear.
US09078489B2 Method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe and shoe obtained with the method
A method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, consisting in preparing a semimanufactured component of an upper for a shoe, such that it can be arranged spread out on a flat surface or on two mutually opposite surfaces, then arranging on the inner part of the semimanufactured component of an upper a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane, then preparing means for adhesive bonding between the semimanufactured component of an upper and the membrane so as to not inhibit the vapor-permeability of the assembly. One or more shapes, capable of shaping themselves complementarily with respect to the different thicknesses of the stitched seams and of the superimposed parts which constitute the outer surface of the semimanufactured component of an upper are prepared, and the membrane is coupled to the semimanufactured component of an upper, with the outer part of the component arranged so that the outer surface rests on the shape.
US09078479B2 Decorative article and apparatus and method for creating the same
A wound textile article comprising: an elongated winding portion having a first end and a second end; a first knot at the first end; and a second knot at the second end; wherein the elongated winding portion has an outer surface having an outer dimension, and each of the knots having an outer dimension; wherein the article can be supported by holding the first knot or the second knot so that the elongated winding portion is resistant to deflection under a weight of the article, but the article is sufficiently flexible that the article is capable of being wrapped around a body without permanently deforming the article; wherein the wound textile is made of a fibrous material having a denier of about 3000 or less; and wherein the elongated winding portion is characterized by one or more helically wound flexible mediums.
US09078475B2 Atomizing device and electronic cigarette having same
An atomizing device includes an atomizing sleeve; a mouthpiece assembly and an atomizing assembly received in the atomizing sleeve. The atomizing assembly includes an oil obstructing ring, a supporting sleeve, a porous body being fixed between the oil obstructing ring and the supporting sleeve, a heating wire wrapping around the porous body, a screw sleeve located at an end of the atomizing sleeve, an insulated ring and an tubular electrode received between the screw sleeve and the insulated ring. An oil valve is formed between the supporting sleeve and the tubular electrode, or between the tubular electrode and the insulated ring; the oil valve is opened or closed by a movement of the tubular electrode, and the oil valve is configured as an air passage in communication with the air pipe when the oil valve is opened. An electronic cigarette using the atomizing device is also provided.
US09078471B2 Filter
A filter for a cigarette comprises a porous material sheet wrapped around the filter rod and a cellulose acetate thread formed tram substantially uncrimped cellulose acetate filaments. The cellulose acetate thread is positioned within the filter rod and extends along the central axis of the filter rod.
US09078468B2 Leaf removal apparatus
A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce is provided. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The conveyor is configured to transport the harvested produce in a forward direction to the stripping roller. The stripping roller is connected to the framework and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the conveyor. The stripping roller applies a friction force on the harvested produce. The plurality of flexible members are connected to the framework and are configured to loosen or remove one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce and prolong the duration of contact between the harvested produce and the stripping roller. The flexible members may also cause the harvested produce to rotate, helping to remove one or more wrapper leaves. The friction force applied by the stripping roller removes one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce.
US09078463B2 Potato products with enhanced resistant starch content and moderated glycemic response and methods thereof
This application relates to compositions comprising whole-tissue potato products with enhanced resistant starch (RS) content and reduced estimated glycemic index values. Methods of preparing and using whole-tissue potato products with enhanced resistant starch (RS) content and glycemic index values are also disclosed.
US09078462B2 Potato products with enhanced resistant starch content and moderated glycemic response and methods thereof
This application relates to compositions comprising whole-tissue potato products with enhanced resistant starch (RS) content and reduced estimated glycemic index values. Methods of preparing and using whole-tissue potato products with enhanced resistant starch (RS) content and glycemic index values are also disclosed.
US09078461B2 Processing biomass
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, microbial, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as food products and amino acids.
US09078460B2 Gas entrainment in flowable foods
A method of entraining gas in a flowable food product comprising the steps of accelerating the flowable food product in a flow direction through a flow channel that includes a ramp. Gas is injected into the flowable food product transverse to the flow direction through a porous surface or plate while the food product traverses the ramp to generate a froth. An apparatus for entraining gas in a food product, comprises a source of flowable food product and a food product pump to accelerate the food product through a flow channel. A ramp is disposed in the flow channel as well as a porous surface forming a wall of the flow channel opposite the ramp. A source of gas is in communication with the porous surface, wherein gas is entrained in the food product as it passes by the ramp and the porous surface.
US09078457B2 Method and composition for improving the health of young monogastric mammals
A method of improving the health of a first group of young monogastric mammals, the first group of young monogastric mammals nursing from a first lactating monogastric mammal during a pre-weaning period, the method including feeding the first lactating monogastric mammal an effective amount of an animal feed during the pre-weaning period, and feeding the first lactating monogastric mammal an effective amount of sugar alcohol during the pre-weaning period.
US09078455B2 Process for manufacturing tea products
Disclosed is a process comprising the steps of: expressing juice from a supply of fresh tea leaves thereby to produce leaf residue and tea juice; subjecting the supply of fresh tea leaves and/or the tea juice to a fermentation step thereby to at least partially ferment the tea juice; and combining the at least partially fermented tea juice with substantially unfermented tea material comprising active endogenous enzymes, thereby to form a mixture; and subjecting the mixture to an enzyme deactivation step thereby to prevent fermentation of the substantially unfermented tea material in the mixture.
US09078454B2 Apparatus and method for severing fillets completely from the carcass of beheaded and eviscerated fish, a crosspiece left by other tools being cut through in the process
The invention relates to an apparatus for completely separating fillets from the skeleton of decapitated and gutted fish, cutting through a web left by separating tools mounted in front of the apparatus in the direction of transport T, comprising a separating unit with a pair of circular blades for separating the web, and an endlessly rotating transport conveyor with at least one saddle-shaped supporting body for receiving the fish and conveying them in the direction of transport T through the separating unit tail first, wherein the circular blades are mounted on a carrier which is movable up and down transversely to the plane of transport E, which is distinguished in that the two circular blades of the separating unit are driven in the same direction opposite the direction of transport T. Furthermore the invention relates to a corresponding method.
US09078452B2 Poultry wing segmenting blade and method of use
A poultry wing segmenting blade to segment a poultry wing into segments at the poultry wing joint, the blade includes a bifurcated blade having a first edge and a second edge, and further comprises a guide, the guide configured to align the poultry wing joint with the bifurcated blade configured to separate the joint and cut the poultry wing and, thus, functions to produce consistent high speed joint cuts without producing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed open bone areas, and/or bone marrow contamination.