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US09096472B2 |
Methods of forming a ceramic component and a high temperature mold component for use therewith
Methods of forming a ceramic component and a high temperature mold for use therewith are provided. The method includes providing a fixture having a receiving surface configured to receive an unfired ceramic component. The method includes applying a continuous high temperature membrane to a surface of the unfired ceramic component. The method includes covering the continuous high temperature membrane and unfired ceramic component with a high temperature loose media. The method includes heating the unfired ceramic component to a firing temperature. The high temperature mold includes the fixture and a support structure forming a compartment surrounding the fixture. The mold allows the high temperature loose media to be contained within the compartment and to cover the continuous high temperature membrane. The continuous high temperature membrane and high temperature loose media are evenly distributed over the uncured ceramic component and operable to provide constant pressure during processing using the mold. |
US09096465B2 |
Sustainable composite building materials and related methods of manufacture
Sustainable composite materials for interior spaces and related methods of manufacture are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the sustainable composite materials include a load-bearing stud. The load-bearing stud includes a plurality of woven burlap layers impregnated with a magnesium oxide resin. The load-bearing stud is formed by creasing a woven burlap sheet to form multiple foldable panels, wetting the foldable panels with a curable resin, layering the foldable panels to achieve a multi-layered prepreg, pressing the multi-layered prepreg to distribute the resin therethrough, compacting the multi-layered prepreg within a mold cavity having the exterior shape of the load-bearing stud, and curing the multi-layered prepreg, wherein the resin includes a mixture of mono-potassium phosphate and magnesium oxide. The load-bearing stud provides a lightweight, dimensionally stable, and environmentally-friendly composite structure to replace lumber studs and metal studs in building constructions. |
US09096464B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing optical fiber
This optical fiber manufacturing method includes: forming a bare optical fiber by drawing an optical fiber preform; forming an intermediate optical fiber by providing a coating layer, which is formed of resin, on the outer periphery of the bare optical fiber; performing primary curing of the coating layer which forms the intermediate optical fiber; pressing the outer periphery of the intermediate optical fiber; and performing secondary curing of the pressed coating layer of the intermediate optical fiber. |
US09096461B2 |
Boron-free universal glass
Universal glasses are provided which have the composition, in percent by weight on an oxide basis, 65-75 of SiO2, 11-18 of Al2O3, 5-10 of MgO, 5-10 of CaO, which are free of B2O3, SrO, BaO, CeO2 and PbO and have a hydrolytic resistance in the first class in accordance with DIN ISO 719, an acid resistance at least in the second class in accordance with DIN 12116 and an alkali resistance at least in the second class in accordance with DIN ISO 695. |
US09096458B2 |
Article made from overmoulded composite material and relative preparation method
An article made from overmolded composite material (1) having a glass body (2), consisting of a container or a closing element of a container, and an overmolded jacket (3) made from thermoplastic resin, characterised in that said glass (2) is a glass of the sodium-calcium or borosilicate type comprising (percentages in weight referring to the weight of the glass): CaO from 1 to 12% by weight, preferably between 8% and 10% in the case of sodium-calcium glass; preferably between 1% and 3% in the case of borosilicate glass; Al2O3 from 1 to 7% by weight, preferably between 1% and 2% in the case of sodium-calcium glass; preferably between 5% and 7% in the case of borosilicate glass; one or more oxides selected from the group consisting of ZnO, TiO2 and ZrO2. |
US09096456B2 |
Cellular bending mold
A mold for bending glass, including a cellular solid material including cells that form cavities in the molding area, the cells representing more than 40% of the volume of the material. A low-heat-capacity tool bends glass panes in the context of processing tempered or laminated glass. A process for manufacturing the bending mold includes assembly of metal sheets of different shapes placed parallel to one another so as to form a cellular unit, then machining of the molding area of the unit, the area being placed substantially perpendicular to the metal sheets. |
US09096449B1 |
Method for treating flowback water from hydraulic fracturing
Composition and method for treating fluids with select facultative organisms and/or nutrients. At least one facultative organism is selected and added to a fluid to stimulate/facilitate biological remediation of the fluid. In one embodiment, the select facultative organisms are put into frac pits/ponds containing frac water to inhibit the sulfate reducing bacteria in the frac water. In another embodiment, at least one facultative organism and nutrients are selected and added to a fluid. |
US09096448B2 |
Anaerobic treatment method and apparatus
Anaerobic treatment of water is performed under anaerobic conditions with a biofilm formed on a surface of a fluid non-biological carrier in a reaction vessel. Stable high-load treatment is performed by preventing the blockage of the reaction vessel caused by the flotation and adhesion of the non-biological carrier in the reaction vessel and effectively recovering the settleability of the carrier floating owing to adhering air bubbles by simple means. A reaction vessel is charged with a fluid non-biological carrier having a size in the range of 1.0 to 5.0 mm and a settling velocity in the range of 200 to 500 m/h. Part of the carrier that has floated and flowed out of the reaction vessel is fed downward through a pipe having a vertical height of 50 cm or more so as to remove air bubbles adhering to the carrier and is returned to the reaction vessel. |
US09096447B2 |
Water treatment system with carbon regeneration circuit
A water treatment system (50) utilizing granular activated carbon (GAC) for the removal of organic contaminants in a process water circuit (52), and including a carbon regeneration circuit (54) in fluid communication with the process water circuit. The carbon regeneration circuit may include a dedicated regeneration vessel (16), or the regeneration process may proceed within a GAC/water contactor (58) of the process water circuit. A process is described wherein spent GAC from the water treatment system is regenerated within the system with an oxidation process that minimizes damage to the carbon granules. |
US09096445B2 |
Water purification apparatus
A water purification apparatus comprising at least: (a) one or more water purification components in a housing; and (b) a handset integral with the housing, and moveable between a supported position on the housing and a suspended position beyond the housing, the handset including one or more water purification controls thereon. In this way, at least one control of the purification of the water in the housing is operative on the handset, which handset is useable either in its supported position on the housing or in its suspended position beyond the housing, whichever is most convenient to the user. More convenience is therefore provided to a user by the present invention compared with conventional purification apparatus. |
US09096443B2 |
Magnetite in nanoparticulate form
The present invention relates to a process for the polyol-type synthesis of nanoparticulate magnetite starting from mixtures of Fe0 and Fe1III in the presence of a mineral acid. The magnetite particles obtainable from the process have uniform size characteristics and have even presented higher SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values than those of magnetosomes. |
US09096441B2 |
Composition for manufacturing doped or undoped zinc oxide thin film and method for manufacturing zinc oxide thin film using same
Disclosed is a composition for forming a zinc oxide thin film, which contains an organic zinc compound as a starting material, is not ignitable, and can be easily handled. The composition for forming a zinc oxide thin film is capable of forming a transparent zinc oxide thin film which is not doped or doped with a group 3B element by being heated at 300° C. or less. Also disclosed is a method for obtaining a transparent zinc oxide thin film, which is not doped or doped with a group 3B element, using the composition. Specifically, the composition for forming a zinc oxide thin film contains a product which is obtained by partially hydrolyzing an organic zinc compound by adding water to the organic zinc compound or a solution of the organic zinc compound and a group 3B element compound. In cases when a group 3B element compound is contained, the molar ratio of the group 3B element compound to the organic zinc compound is within the range of 0.005-0.3. The composition is applied to a substrate surface and then heated, thereby forming a zinc oxide thin film which is doped with the group 3B element. |
US09096440B2 |
Method of producing superconductive oxide material
A method of producing a superconductive material involves the step (1) of applying a solution of an organic compound of metals and oxides of the metals forming a superconductive material, onto a support body to be subsequently dried, the provisional baking step (2) of causing organic components of the organic compound of the metals to undergo thermal decomposition, and the main baking process step (3) of causing transformation of the oxides of the metals into the superconductive material, thereby producing an epitaxially-grown superconductive coating material, wherein the support body is irradiated with the laser light during a period between the steps (1) and (2) from a surface of the support body, on the opposite side of the surface coated with the solution of the organic compound of the metals for forming the superconductive material. |
US09096438B2 |
Nano-diamond dispersion solution and method for preparing same
The present invention relates to a nano-diamond dispersion solution and a method of preparing the same. The method of preparing a nano-diamond dispersion solution comprises the following steps: providing a nano-diamond aggregation; mixing the nano-diamond aggregation with a metal hydroxide solution and stirring the mixture such that the nano-diamond aggregation is separated, to obtain a mixture solution; stabilizing the mixture solution such that the mixture solution is separated into a supernatant and precipitates; and extracting the supernatant and precipitates. |
US09096436B2 |
Method for producing ionomer-coated, catalyst-supporting carbon nanotubes
Disclosed is a method for producing ionomer-coated, catalyst-supporting carbon nanotubes, the method comprising: a step of preparing catalyst-supporting carbon nanotubes on at least one surface of a substrate; a step of preparing a first ionomer solution; an ionomer coating step of bringing the catalyst-supporting carbon nanotubes into contact with the first ionomer solution and coating the catalyst-supporting carbon nanotubes with the ionomer; and a drying step of drying the ionomer-coated, catalyst-supporting carbon nanotubes, wherein the method comprises an ionomer removal step in which, when the ionomer that is unevenly attached in a thickness direction of a layer comprising the ionomer-coated, catalyst-supporting carbon nanotubes, the ionomer that is relatively largely found in and attached to the tip end of the carbon nanotubes rather than other parts thereof, is removed after the ionomer coating step and before the drying step. |
US09096435B2 |
Process for production of carbon nanotube
The present invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising a synthesis step of synthesizing carbon nanotubes on a support on which a catalyst is supported by flowing a source gas consisting of acetylene, carbon dioxide, and an inert gas over the support, wherein in the source gas, a partial pressure of the acetylene is 1.33×101 to 1.33×104 Pa, a partial pressure of the carbon dioxide is 1.33×101 to 1.33×104 Pa, and a partial pressure ratio of the acetylene to the carbon dioxide (acetylene/carbon dioxide) is in the range of 0.1 to 10. |
US09096432B2 |
Auric acid assisted silicon nanoparticle formation method
Embodiments of the invention provide, among other things, a method of preparing nanoparticles including silicon nanoparticles. A mixture is prepared that includes auric acid (HAuCl4) and HF. A silicon substrate is exposed to the prepared mixture to treat the silicon substrate. The treated silicon substrate is immersed in an etchant mixture, wherein nanoparticles are formed on a surface of the substrate. The nanoparticles are recovered from the substrate. |
US09096431B2 |
Nanoparticle decorated nanostructured material as electrode material and method for obtaining the same
The present invention refers to a nanostructured material comprising nanoparticles bound to its surface. The nanostructured material comprises nanoparticles which are bound to the surface, wherein the nanoparticles have a maximal dimension of about 20 nm. Furthermore, the nanostructured material comprises pores having a maximal dimension of between about 2 nm to about 5 μm. The nanoparticles bound on the surface of the nanostructured material are noble metal nanoparticles or metal oxide nanoparticles or mixtures thereof. The present invention also refers to a method of their manufacture and the use of these materials as electrode material. |
US09096427B2 |
Method for making a suspended part of a microelectronic and/or nanoelectronic structure in a monolithic part of a substrate
Method for making at least one first suspended part of a microelectronic or nanoelectronic structure from a monolithic part of a first substrate, the method comprising the following steps: make a first etching with a first given depth in the monolithic substrate to define the suspended part, deposit a protective layer on at least the side edges of the first etching, make a second etching with a second depth in the first etching, make a physicochemical treatment of at least part of the zone located under the suspended structure so as to modify it, and release the suspended part by removal of the physicochemically treated part. |
US09096419B2 |
Electromechanical systems device with protrusions to provide additional stable states
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for an electromechanical systems (EMS) device with one or more protrusions connected to a surface of the EMS device. In one aspect, the EMS device includes a substrate, a stationary electrode over the substrate, and a movable electrode over the stationary electrode. The movable electrode is configured to move to three or more positions across a gap by electrostatic actuation between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode. When the protrusions contact any surface of the EMS device at one of the positions across the gap, the protrusions change the stiffness of the EMS device. At least one of the surfaces in contact with the one or more protrusions is non-rigid. In some implementations, the protrusions have a height greater than about 20 nm. |
US09096417B2 |
Modular chemical dispensing system and methods
A modular chemical dispensing system includes a plurality of rail members combining to define a wall-mounted grid for supporting dispensing and chemical source modules. The grid is easily secured to a wall and the modules moved laterally onto the grid with rotatable locks securing the modules to the rails. Chemical source modules have lockable doors preventing unauthorized access to chemicals therein and preventing unauthorized module removal. A variety of module configurations are provided, reducing inventories of custom parts. Methods are disclosed. |
US09096415B2 |
Lifting device for scissor lifts
A lifting device for scissor lifts, in particular for raising motor vehicles, which during the starting phase of the lifting movement requires a reduced force for raising. The lifting device for scissor lifts includes at least two scissor arms which cross one another, a linear actuator for raising a scissor arm, a double lever joint which is pivotably mounted on a scissor arm; wherein the double lever joint couples the lifting movement of the linear actuator to at least one scissor arm. |
US09096414B2 |
Crane control system
The present invention relates to a crane control system for controlling and/or for the hydraulic supply of hydraulic loads of a crane, as well as a crane having at least one crane control system. |
US09096413B2 |
Crane having a crane jib, in particular a bracket crane
A crane comprising a laterally projecting crane jib on which a hoisting device is arranged and which is connected to at least one carrier body, which, together with the crane jib, can travel along an upper guide rail and a lower guide rail by way of traveling gears, wherein in each case the upper and the lower guide rails, and correspondingly, the traveling gears, are arranged spaced vertically from one another. In order to provide a crane comprising a laterally projecting crane jib, in particular a bracket crane or a traveling crane, the manufacture, transport and installation of which are optimized, according to the invention the at least one carrier body is designed as one component and connecting surfaces are arranged on said carrier body, to which a respective traveling gear and the crane jib can be detachably fastened. |
US09096405B2 |
Defective-workpiece discharging device
In a defective-workpiece discharging device, a defective workpiece is discharged to a discharge path from a conveyance path that conveys a plurality of workpieces related to absorbent articles at a predetermined conveyance pitch. The conveyance path has a first path and a second path downstream of the first path. A sorting mechanism between the first and second paths sorts workpieces into either the second path or the discharge path. A defect detection sensor detects a defect and outputs a defect detection signal. A passage detection sensor detects passage of the workpieces at a predetermined position on the first path and outputs a passage detection signal. A controller controls the sorting mechanism based on the defect and passage detection signals. An end of the first path on the sorting mechanism side and the predetermined position are separated by a distance greater than or equal to the conveyance pitch. |
US09096401B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a plurality of roll-type medium loading unit that are positioned so that a roll-type medium can be loaded therein from a front of the recording apparatus; a transportation unit that transports the medium which has been fed from the roll-type medium loading unit in the downstream direction; and a recording unit that performs recording on the transported medium, wherein the roll-type medium loading unit includes a first roll-type medium loading unit that is disposed at a position above the recording unit and a second roll-type medium loading unit that is disposed at a position below the recording unit. |
US09096400B2 |
Image recording device
A first feeder contacts a first surface of a first sheet held in a first tray and feeds the first sheet toward a recording unit. A second feeder contacts a first surface of a second sheet held in a second tray and feeds the second sheet toward the recording unit. An inner member is disposed above a standing plate. An outer member comprises an upstream portion opposing the standing plate, and a downstream portion opposing the inner member. The inner member guides the first surface of the first sheet and the first surface of the second sheet. The standing plate guides the first surface of the second sheet. The upstream portion of the outer member guides a second surface of the second sheet, and the downstream portion guides a second surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the second sheet. The standing plate moves relative to the outer member. |
US09096399B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding device having: a blowing device configured to blow air toward the stack of sheets placed in a predetermined stacking direction, thereby floating at least a top sheet from the stack; a suction/transportation mechanism that includes a suction belt provided above the mounting portion and configured to attract the top sheet floated by the blowing device to transport the attracted sheet in a predetermined transportation direction; and an image pickup device configured to capture images of the top sheet and the next sheet therebelow, and disposed so as to see through an area where a side of the top sheet and the suction belt, when viewed in a plan view in the stacking direction, are close to each other during the floating of the top sheet, to such an extent that the side of the top sheet essentially does not hang downward. |
US09096397B2 |
Downwardly insertable vehicle restraints
Vehicle restraints are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint disclosed herein includes a deck installable at the loading dock and a lip extending from the deck where the deck and lip are movable between a stored configuration and an operative configuration such that the deck and lip in the operative configuration provide a bridge between a vehicle bed and a platform when the deck is installed at a loading dock and the vehicle is at the loading dock. A blocking member is selectively attachable to the lip to selectively engage and disengage a restraint feature of the vehicle bed. The blocking member restricts forward movement of the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the blocking is engaged with the restrain feature and the blocking member allows forward movement of the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the blocking is disengaged from the restraint. |
US09096394B2 |
Self-calibrating dosing device
A dosing device for bulk material having a dosing scale fastened to an outlet opening of a bulk material container. The dosing device comprises a motor-driven conveyor, extending substantially horizontally, which is designed to convey the bulk material from an entry region to an exit region. The entry region is arranged under the bulk material container. The exit region is supported on at least one first measurement device which is arranged and designed to determine the weight load of the conveyor by the bulk material. The conveyor is attached in a free floating manner to the bulk material container at the entry region thereof. |
US09096389B2 |
Advancing longwall system for surface mining
A surface mining system for removing material from a mining face generally includes a conveyor extending substantially parallel to the mining face, a miner supported by and moveable along the conveyor, and a conveyor translation device associated with the conveyor and operable to move the conveyor and the miner toward the mining face. A method for advancing a surface mining longwall system generally includes moving the longwall shearer along a face conveyor, operating load translation devices to move the face conveyor and the longwall shearer toward the mining face, resetting a first group of load translation devices, and then resetting a second group of load translation devices. A load translation device generally includes an actuator, a ground drilling device coupled to and moveable with a portion of the actuator, and a frame coupled to and moveable with another portion of the actuator. |
US09096387B2 |
Positioning mechanism
A positioning mechanism, used for positioning a material being transported, includes a loading assembly and a positioning assembly. The loading assembly includes a fixing member and a loading member movably fixed to the fixing member for loading the material. The positioning assembly includes a first engaging member mounted on the loading member, and a second engaging member engaged with the first engaging member. The second engaging member includes a mounting plate and a locking rod mounted on the mounting plate. The mounting plate is located beside a predetermined position. The first engaging member defines a connecting portion. The second engaging member includes a locking rod. The locking rod forms a latching end, and the latching end is tapered outwardly along the axis of the locking rod. The latching end engages with the connecting portion to position the loading member to the predetermined position. |
US09096382B2 |
Protective cover for the discharge end of a conveyor
A cover and frame assembly for a discharge end of a belt conveyor, the assembly including: a stationary frame supporting the discharge end and including sides extending beyond the discharge end; a cover having a top, opposite side walls extending down from the top and an end face extending between the side walls and down from the top; a rim along each of the side walls, wherein each the rim seats on an upper edge of one of the sides of the stationary frame, while the cover is closed over the discharge end, and a roller on each upper edge of the sides of the stationary frame, wherein each roller extends above the upper edge and seats in a hole or pit in the rim seated on the upper edge while the cover is closed, wherein the rim of each side wall slides over the corresponding roller as the cover is opened. |
US09096381B2 |
Endless belt having meandering prevention guide
Disclosed herein is an endless belt having a meandering prevention guide, wherein the meandering prevention guide is heat-treated, and thermoplastic double-sided adhesive tape exhibiting adhesivity using heat is applied to the meandering prevention guide. |
US09096380B2 |
Conveyor belt with alignment features
A conveyor belt includes a first link having a first protrusion with a first mating surface that is curved. The first protrusion is disposed proximate a first rod receiving aperture of the first link. The belt also includes a second link having a second protrusion with a second mating surface that is curved. The second protrusion is disposed proximate a second rod receiving aperture of the second link. The first mating surface receives and abuts the second mating surface. The second link is restrained against movement in less than three orthogonal directions relative to the first link due to abutment of the first and second mating surfaces. The first and second rod receiving apertures are aligned when the first and second mating surfaces abut. Additionally, the belt includes a connecting rod extending through the first and second rod receiving apertures. |
US09096379B2 |
Roller-noise reduction in conveyor belts
Low-noise rollers in modular plastic conveyor belts. Energy-absorbing elements formed on belt rollers or in roller support structure is used to absorb the energy of impacts between rollers and the support structure. The energy-absorbing elements include resilient roller sections sandwiched between rigid sections, spring-like bent tabs on the end faces of rollers, hinged bumpers or flexible fingers between the end faces of the rollers and the roller support structure, and flexible structure protruding from the module into circumferential grooves in the outer cylindrical surface or circular grooves formed in the end faces of the rollers. |
US09096371B2 |
Metering valve and dispensing apparatus
A metering valve (10) for dispensing metered doses of a pressurized product derived from a bulk supply of a pressurized product, the metering valve comprising a valve body (14), a valve stem (11), and sealing means (17,18), the valve stem (11) comprising an outlet for the pressurized product, the valve body (14) defining an internal volume (33), the metering valve further comprising a metering chamber (12), the valve stem being movable between a non-dispensing position in which the metering chamber is, in use, in fluid communication with the bulk supply of pressurized product and a dispensing position in which the metering chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet, characterized in that, in use, the bulk supply of pressurized product is wholly contained within the internal volume (33) of the valve body (14). |
US09096366B2 |
Apparatus and method for the conservation, shipment and exhibition of fresh flowers
The present disclosure includes an apparatus and method of use to facilitate storing, conserving and exhibition of fresh flowers particularly where the flowers originate in country such as Columbia and are internationally shipped to a country such as the United States and doing so while the flowers are maintained completely hydrated. Hydration is accomplished by placing fresh flowers stems into florists' foam which is soaked to make hydration continuously available to the fresh flowers during storage shipment and exhibition. Thus there is no water to leak from the packaging and no need to maintain the shipping container in a vertical upright position. The packaging further includes perforations so the fresh flowers can breath while being stored and in transit and the packaging includes a stand for exhibition of the flowers at a convenient and attractive height of about waist high when the fresh flowers arrive at a retailer having no special equipment or personnel for the care of perishables. The exhibition box contained within the shipping container is equipped with a custom symmetric geometric shaped opening for firm support of the bucket containing the fresh flowers and soaked florists' foam. The disclosure further includes a series of steps for opening the shipping container, discarding packaging material and placing the bucket of fresh flowers into the top of the exhibition box. Finally, the method includes the optional step of adding water to the bucket. |
US09096365B2 |
Vacuum generating apparatus and vacuum container provided with the same
The present invention relates to a vacuum container. The vacuum container includes a piston member linearly movably disposed in a receiving portion which is formed at the vacuum container and has a first outlet and provided with a second outlet, an elastic member disposed in the piston member, a first valve plate disposed in the receiving portion and adapted to open or close the first outlet, a second valve plate disposed at the piston member and adapted to open or close the second outlet, a separation preventing plate mounted in the receiving portion and preventing separation of the piston member, and a unit for pressuring the first valve plate which is mounted in the receiving portion and is adapted to close the first outlet by pressurizing the first valve plate if the piston member descends and is caught by and fixed to the separation preventing plate. Thereby, vacuum state can be continuously maintained in the vacuum container. |
US09096364B2 |
Container for a medical device
A container for a medical device such as a glucose meter is provided. The container includes a base member having a plurality of sides defining an interior volume. A cover member is operably coupled to the base member and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the cover member encloses the interior volume when in the second position. An insert is disposed within the interior volume, the insert having an opening sized to receive the glucose meter. A heating element is disposed within the opening. A thermostat is in thermal communication with the opening and electrically coupled to the heating element, wherein the thermostat is configured to flow electrical power to the heating element when a temperature within the interior volume is below a threshold. |
US09096349B2 |
Divider boxes and their assembly
A divider box contains a plurality of individual compartments, i.e, a crate, formed from mated slotted transverse panels and slotted longitudinal panels. A pair of horizontal exterior panels surmount the interlocking panels forming the divider box outside. A lid and tray complete the divider box. |
US09096344B1 |
Carton with corner dispenser
A dispenser is for removal of containers, e.g., beverage and non-beverage containers, held in a matrix configuration within a carton. A dispenser opening is defined in the carton's top panel with the dispenser opening being oriented on a single longitudinal axis oriented normal to the top panel. The dispenser opening is sized to allow egress of each container in the container matrix. Retaining flaps are included with the dispenser to inhibit unintended egress of the containers. A push hole may be provided in the carton opposite from the dispenser to allow access by a user to push the container out of the dispenser. |
US09096340B1 |
Box design with corner stack tabs
The present disclosure relates to improved box designs and methods of making stackable boxes having improved designs. Some embodiments include boxes having corner stack tabs that are bent along an axis extending from the top to the bottom of a box. Some embodiments include boxes having corner stack tabs of tapered or generally trapezoidal shape. Some embodiments include a box having a notch in its bottom end portion for receiving a stack tab of another box. Some embodiments include boxes formed from three separate sheets of cardboard. |
US09096339B2 |
Method of producing adhesive labels and printer
A printer has a printer unit including a recording head and automatic cutter, and an adhesive transfer unit disposed downstream from the automatic cutter. The adhesive transfer unit has a transfer mechanism that supplies adhesive tape and transfers adhesive to recording paper at a transfer position. When a paper detector disposed upstream from the transfer position detects recording paper, the control unit of the printer causes the pressure mechanism to alternately form the contact state pressing the recording paper to the adhesive tape, and the non-contact state in which the recording paper is separated from the adhesive tape. Adhesive is transferred to the recording paper passing the transfer position while this contact operation repeats intermittently. |
US09096333B2 |
Rotary-type bag filling and packaging machine
A rotary-type bag filling and packaging machine including a synchronized table (19) provided above a rotary table (16), which has a plurality of gripper pairs (3), and gas injection nozzles (28), which are provided on the synchronized table (19) so as to correspond to the gripper pairs (3). The synchronized table (19) rotates co-axially with the rotary table (16) in an intermittent manner by a first servo motor (21), which is independent from the drive source of the rotary table (16). A second servo motor (25) which raises and lowers the gas injection nozzle (28) is provided on the synchronized table (19) in conjunction with each gas injection nozzle (28). |
US09096332B2 |
Airship docking station
An airship docking station includes one or more sources of relatively high speed airflow to facilitate landing an airship in turbulent or gusting air conditions. The sources of airflow are arranged to produce an envelope of airflow over the surface of the airship to stabilize the airship as it lands and is moved into a docked position where it can be secured. The docking station allows an airship to land with reduced or eliminated risk of damage to the airship, payload or ground personnel injury compared to current methods in use. The docking station and method thus ensure more consistent wind conditions adjacent the docking station. Protection from buffeting by gusting winds also facilitates automated or semi-automated airship landing with fewer or no ground personnel. |
US09096328B2 |
Method and device for automatically estimating a degradation in fuel consumption and in drag of an aircraft
A method and device for automatically estimating a degradation in fuel consumption and in drag of an aircraft. The device comprises a device for calculating a numerical value of the effect of a degradation in performance on the fuel consumption and/or the drag of the aircraft, and an arrangement for displaying this numerical value on a screen in the cockpit of the aircraft. |
US09096322B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat, in particular an aircraft seat, has at least one seating device, which has at least one seat unit and at least one bench unit which is arranged at one side of the seat unit in a transverse direction oriented at least substantially perpendicular to a seat unit longitudinal direction and has a bench unit surface which forms a lying surface with at least one seat bottom unit of the seat unit in at least one seat position. The bench unit can have at least one cavity, which is provided in at least one seat position for accommodating the legs of a passenger sitting in a seating device arranged, in relation to the seat unit longitudinal direction, behind said seating device. |
US09096321B2 |
Compact aircraft galley plumbing system
An aircraft galley plumbing is disclosed comprising water distribution components and assemblies to allow installation in a wet/refrigerated reduced foot print galley. The system includes a single potable water distribution manifold with quick disconnect couplings for the GAINS and built in air bleed devices facilitate rapid drainage and easy installation. The system also includes a compact pressure check valve to control filling operation and drain down of the potable water system. The use of a compact air stop valve and integrated master distribution block (manifold) and water filter system further enhance the system. |
US09096317B2 |
Cargo compartment with robot, aircraft, freight storage device
Conventional aircraft offer an inadequate solution for handling freight items. The present invention significantly improves the handling of freight items. Inter alia, for this the cargo compartment of an aircraft is equipped with a robot with at least one robot arm, wherein the robot arm comprises a receiver tool to receive freight items and is arranged displaceably on a ceiling construction of the cargo compartment. |
US09096314B2 |
Electric VTOL aircraft
An electric and hybrid Vertical-Take Off and Landing (“VTOL”) aircraft is disclosed comprising a plurality of small Electric Ducted Fans (“EDFs”) of various sizes and orientations. The thrust of each fixed EDF is individually controlled by modulation of motor power by one or more onboard microcomputers connected to a plurality of onboard laser distance measuring sensors, at least three onboard three-axis accelerometers and at least one GPS thereby allowing extremely precise and safe VTOL operation. The aircraft may be employed to allow robotic and passenger vehicles to transition extremely quickly between normal linear flight and VTOL and to operate in extreme and gusty conditions. |
US09096308B2 |
Wingtip fin of an aircraft
A wingtip fin of an aircraft comprising an upstanding fin body, the fin body having an inboard face and an outboard face and a recess defined there within, a display screen assembly in the recess in the fin body, the display screen assembly comprising a translucent face, substantially flush with and forming at least part of the inboard face or the outboard face of the fin body, and a display screen arranged in the recess such that images displayed on the display screen are visible through the translucent face. |
US09096306B2 |
Aircraft system carrier element
An aircraft system carrier element includes a basic body made of a sound- and heat-insulating material, in which are formed an air conditioning duct, which is connectable to an aircraft air conditioning system and provided for supplying an aircraft compartment, and a line duct for receiving lines that are provided for supplying the aircraft compartment. The basic body includes a rear wall and a line duct cover that is fastened detachably to the rear wall. The detachable fastening of the line duct cover enables easy access to the lines for maintenance purposes, when necessary, while also protecting the lines against environmental effects in normal operation. |
US09096305B2 |
Curved composite frames and method of making the same
A curved composite aircraft frame comprises a multi-ply composite laminate having a generally Z-shaped cross section. At least certain of the laminate plies include unidirectional reinforcing fibers that are substantially tangent at substantially all points along the curvature of the frame. |
US09096304B2 |
Method of coupling aerofoil surface structures and an aerofoil assembly
A method of attaching first and second aerofoil sections to each other is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: positioning one aerofoil section in an initial assembly orientation with respect to the other aerofoil section so that hinge elements on each aerofoil section are in alignment with each other, inserting a hinge shaft through said aligned hinge elements to initially couple the aerofoil sections together whilst the aerofoil sections are in their initial assembly orientation; and rotating one aerofoil section relative to the other aerofoil section about a compound angle defined by the hinge shaft into a second orientation in which the aerofoil sections are in their final, assembled orientation relative to each other. An aerofoil assembly is also disclosed. |
US09096302B2 |
Hydrogen replenished lighter-than-air vehicle and method to replenish hydrogen
The present invention discloses a lighter-than-air vehicle and a method to replenish hydrogen into the vehicle while the vehicle is in the sky. The lighter-than-air vehicle can use helium or other gases that doesn't react with hydrogen as lifting gas. Hydrogen will be replenished into the lighter-than-air vehicle while it is still in mid-air. The lighter-than-air vehicles can comprise an aerostat, a hydrogen generator; a water tank and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, hydrogen generator, a water tank; and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, and a hydrogen storage alloy device. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat and a hydrogen storage alloy device. |
US09096295B2 |
Hybrid power and propulsion system
An azimuthing drive system is provided for marine vessels. The azimuthing drive system includes a propulsion pod that houses a propulsor, which is configured to rotate about a first axis and to be driven by a first shaft generally orthogonal to the first axis. The propulsion pod is configured to swivel about the first shaft. The drive system also includes a gearbox connected to drive the first shaft, a diesel engine connected to drive the gearbox via a second shaft, and an electric motor connected to drive the first shaft via the gearbox or directly, whereby propulsion loads are shared between the diesel engine and the electric motor. |
US09096291B2 |
Stowable bimini top
Disclosed is a slide piece for a stowable bimini frame associable with a tower structure of a watercraft, the slide piece including a slide piece body portion, at least one frame association structure extending from the body portion, the at least one frame association structure being configured to slidingly associate the bimini frame with the slide piece body portion, and an affixing surface of the slide piece body portion, the affixing surface being positioned and configured for associating the slide piece body portion with the tower structure of the watercraft. |
US09096278B2 |
Active air flap device for vehicles
An active air flap device for vehicles includes a first flap installed in the front end of a vehicle and is configured such that the first flap is rotated by power of an actuator so as to be opened or closed, a second flap installed at a location around the first flap and configured such that the second flap is rotated so as to be opened or closed, and a link module connected to the first flap at a first end thereof and connected to the second flap at a second end thereof, and configured such that the link module is moved upward and downward, with a regulation unit provided in a central portion of the link module so that the regulation unit can connect or disconnect a link of the first flap to or from a link of the second flap. |
US09096277B2 |
Group of motor vehicles
In the case of motor vehicles from at least two vehicle series assigned to different vehicle classes, a particularly economical manufacturing of the vehicle body of the motor vehicles is achieved in that only the forward section of the rear longitudinal members has a different design depending on the vehicle class, while the center section and the rear section of the rear longitudinal members have a vehicle-class-spanning uniform construction. |
US09096272B2 |
Front vehicle-body structure of vehicle
A cowl panel comprises an upper face portion, a protrusion portion, a vertical wall portion, and a lower face portion. A front end of the protrusion portion is configured in a curve shape in a plan view such that a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the front end is positioned forward the most. A lower end of the vertical wall portion is configured such that at least a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the lower end extends substantially straightly in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the flexibility of interior design can be improved, and also both the NVH performance and the pedestrian protection performance can be ensured. |
US09096268B2 |
Control group mounting relative to controlled hardware
A mounting apparatus for positioning an actuator managing the pivotal position of rotatable pintel arms controlling the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps providing motive power for an agricultural machine. The pumps are resiliently connected to the machine main frame, permitting relative movement to reduce vibration transmission to the main frame. A mounting bracket connected to the drive pumps provides a fixed connection for a first end of the actuator while the opposing second end is connected by an axially moveable linkage to the pintel arms. A common anchorage for the actuator and the pintel arms eliminates unintended pintel arm movement that occurs when anchoring the end of the actuator on the main frame. |
US09096258B2 |
Gearbox assembly for electric power steering systems
A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering assembly comprises a gearbox housing (20), an output shaft (23), a wheel gear assembly (22) comprising a hub (21) which is fixed to the output shaft by a locating means so as to prevent relative rotational and axial movement between the hub and the output shaft and a gear wheel fixed to the hub, at least one support bearing assembly (25,26) which supports the output shaft relative to the gearbox housing (20), a worm gear which engages the wheel gear (22), and a coupling for transmission of torque from the output shaft to an intermediate shaft that is external to the gearbox housing. The coupling includes a fixing part (31) which is fixed to the output shaft (23) through the gear assembly and the support bearing assembly is provided on the opposite side of the gear assembly (22) to the coupling (31) such that the gear assembly (22) is overhung from the portion of the output shaft supported by the bearings (25,26). |
US09096256B2 |
Electric power steering system and steering angle outputting method thereof
The present invention provides a system and method of providing high reliability for an absolute angle in an electric power steering system in which the final absolute steering angle is calculated using a device configured to measure an absolute steering angle and a relative steering angle. |
US09096252B2 |
Sit or stand strollers and methods of making the same
Sit or stand strollers and methods of using and making the same are described herein. An example stroller includes a frame having a first set of mounts and a second set of mounts. The example stroller includes a first seat removably couplable to the frame via either the first set of mounts or the second set of mounts. The stroller also includes an accessory removably couplable to the frame via either the first set of mounts or the second set of mounts, the accessory including a platform to provide a standing surface for a stroller occupant. |
US09096250B2 |
Foldable stroller and folding device thereof
A foldable stroller includes a linkage and an engaging mechanism; the linkage includes a slider connected to the rear frame, a pull rod connected between the slider and the upper frame, and/or between the slider and the lower frame, and struts whose middles are pivoted each other, with two ends of each strut connected to the rear frame, and the sliders connected to the struts so as to actuate the struts to pivot each other; and the engaging mechanism is formed on the rear frame to restrict a sliding motion of the slider. The structure is simple and handy, and the stroller can be folded due to the gravity of the upper and lower frames when operating the engaging mechanism, which needs small strength of the user. |
US09096247B2 |
Portable cooking apparatus
A portable cooking apparatus comprises a heating assembly, and a support assembly for supporting the heating assembly. The support assembly comprises first and second legs. Each leg comprises an upper segment and a lower segment. The legs are pivotably coupled to each other generally between the upper and lower segments. The upper segment of each leg is pivotably coupled to the heating assembly. The upper segment of at least one leg is slidably coupled to the heating assembly and slides when the support assembly moves between upright and folded positions. In the folded position, the upper and lower segments of the first leg are adjacent to the lower and upper segments of the second leg, respectively. In at least one of the legs, the upper and lower segments are laterally offset from one another. |
US09096246B2 |
Determining positional relationships between cars in a consist
A method is disclosed for determining the positional relationship between a locomotive in a consist and a tender car in the consist. The method may include transmitting a signal from a locomotive controller to the tender car. The signal may be processed at the tender car in a manner uniquely indicative of one end of the tender car. A locomotive controller associated with the locomotive may receive an indication of an effect of the signal processing, and use the indication to establish the positional relationship between the locomotive and the one end of the tender car. The locomotive controller associated with the locomotive may transmit a signal indicative of fuel requirements and including the positional information to a controller associated with the tender car. The tender car controller may transfer fuel from the one end of the tender car to the locomotive. |
US09096244B2 |
System and method for controlling coupler nodes in a vehicle system
A method for controlling coupler nodes in a vehicle system includes monitoring coupler forces between vehicle units in the vehicle system. The vehicle units include plural propulsion-generating vehicles. The method also includes identifying one or more nodes in the vehicle system based on the coupler forces. The one or more nodes represent one or more respective locations in the vehicle system disposed between a tensile section of the vehicle system experiencing a tensile force and a compressive section of the vehicle system experiencing a compressive force. The method also includes independently controlling tractive operations of the propulsion-generating vehicles based on the one or more nodes that are identified in order to control at least one of a number of the one or more nodes that are identified in the vehicle system or the one or more locations of the one or more nodes. |
US09096242B2 |
Gauge face lubrication
A rail gauge face applicator is provided. The gauge face applicator comprises a resilient pad comprising one or more than one channel extending from one or more than one inlet to one or more than one outlet. The one or more than one channel is operable from a closed position when the pressure within the channel is low to an open position when the pressure within the channel is raised. Thus, when the pressure of the friction modifying material is raised the one or more than one channel opens and material can be delivered from the one or more than one outlet. The applicator further comprises a rail engagement element which allows the gauge face applicator to be positioned appropriately to engage a rail. The applicator may be less prone to clogging and may be more efficient at delivering friction modifying material efficiently than prior art applicators. |
US09096241B2 |
Device carrier for actuating an electric coupling and a control element
A coupling head with a device carrier for the automatic coupling of couplable vehicles is disclosed, wherein the device carrier comprises a plurality of the components necessary for realizing the automatic coupling and/or decoupling. In order to enable assembly/disassembly of these components on the coupling head which is as simple as possible, the device carrier is disconnectably mounted on the coupling head such that at least one of the components will be activated or deactivated during the coupling and/or decoupling. Also disclosed is a method for assembling a coupling head with a device carrier which comprises a plurality of components necessary for realizing the automatic coupling and/or decoupling. |
US09096236B2 |
Transitional mode high speed rail systems
The present disclosure relates to a transitional mode high speed rail system. The high speed rail infrastructure employed by the system is constructed adjacent a conventional host highway. The infrastructure can be provided adjacent to acceleration/deceleration lanes, or emergency parking/paved shoulder lanes. The vehicles used by the system are individual, self-powered, self-operating, individual mass passenger transport vehicles similar in size and appearance to municipal buses. These are transitional mode vehicles because they operate as railroad vehicles on the high speed rail infrastructure, but transition to automotive vehicle mode traveling on ordinary paved roads. They are mass passenger transport vehicles because many passengers can be accommodated. |
US09096229B2 |
Method and system for controlling a vehicle cruise control
A method and a vehicle cruise control system performing the steps of driving with the cruise control active and set to maintain a set target speed, registering a first position when driving in an uphill slope of a hill where vehicle retardation has decreased vehicle speed to a first speed below the set target speed and where the retardation has decreased to zero or acceleration has just started in order to increase speed to the set target speed, registering a desired speed in a second position downhill of the crest at a first distance after the crest, based on the desired speed calculating a minimum speed at the crest with which the vehicle has to pass the crest in order to be able to reach the desired speed with zero fuel consumption during the first distance, controlling speed between the first position and the crest so that the vehicle reaches the minimum speed when passing the crest. |
US09096226B2 |
Vehicle dynamic controls coordination system for dual-axle driven electric vehicles
An electric vehicle (HEV/BEV/EV) includes a dynamic traction control (DTC) system configured to perform a DTC process and an electric motor enhanced dynamic wheel torque control by brake (eDWT-B) system configured to perform an eDWT-B process. A controller selects according to a vehicle criterion a combination of the DTC and eDWT-B processes to control a vehicle operation. |
US09096224B2 |
Hybrid vehicle clutch control device
The clutch control device for a hybrid vehicle comprises an engine, an automated manual transmission, a clutch device and a clutch actuator concluding an output rod and a master cylinder which generates a hydraulic pressure therein by closing an idle port in response to the stroke of the output rod, a slave cylinder in fluid communication with the master cylinder through a passage and controlling the clutch device to be in engagement state or disengagement state operated by the hydraulic pressure generated by the master cylinder and a clutch engagement state holding control portion for temporarily holding the clutch device to be in the engagement state by operating the master cylinder to close the idle port after the engagement state under the vehicle being running under a motor drive mode continued for a predetermined time. |
US09096221B2 |
Method and system for controlling charging and discharging for a hybrid vehicle
A method and system for controlling charging and discharging for a hybrid vehicle that may consume regenerative electric power collected by a motor through regenerative braking while coasting the hybrid vehicle when operating an integrated starter-generator (ISG) according to a state of charge (SOC) of a battery. The method of controlling charging and discharging for a hybrid vehicle which includes a motor operated by power of a battery and an ISG configured to start an engine or generate electric power by torque of the engine includes: changing a running mode of the hybrid vehicle to a regenerative braking mode when the hybrid vehicle is coasting, controlling the motor to generate electric power in the regenerative braking mode, determining whether an SOC of the battery is a charge limiting state, and operating the ISG by electric power generated by the motor when the SOC of the battery is the charge limiting state. |
US09096219B2 |
Drive apparatus for hybrid vehicle
The drive apparatus (1) controls a rotating speed of a ring gear (Ri) of a power split mechanism (6) by controlling a first motor generator (3) after a rotating speed of an engine (2) is deemed to be zero by executing an engine stop control for stopping the engine (2), when a condition which a control to a clutch (31) or a parking mechanism (30) is performed is satisfied while the engine (2) is running. |
US09096217B2 |
Control apparatus for transmission, and control method for transmission
A control apparatus for a transmission that form a plurality of shift speeds by engaging those of a plurality of engagement elements which need be engaged for each shift speed. The control apparatus having a target shift speed changing unit that changes a target shift speed based on a vehicle speed and a neutral control unit that, when predetermined conditions that are predetermined to bring the transmission into a neutral state are satisfied during traveling, engages at least one of the engagement elements that need be engaged to attain the target shift speed, and disengages the remainder of the engagement elements, thereby bringing the transmission into the neutral state. |
US09096216B1 |
Vehicle and method of operation providing brake pedal activated downshifts
A method of operating a vehicle downshifts a transmission in response to a driver tapping a brake pedal. A brake pedal tap is distinguished from brake pedal movement associated with normal braking by the peak pedal travel and the duration. Multiple step downshifts are triggered in response to closely spaced pedal taps or slightly longer pedal taps. A user interface allows the driver to adjust various parameters, such as upper and lower peak pedal travel and duration limits. Some parameters may be determined by sampling a series of driver brake taps. |
US09096215B2 |
Method to control a drivetrain of a vehicle
A method is provided to control a drivetrain of a vehicle, especially a utility vehicle, wherein the drivetrain includes an engine with a cooling system. The cooling system includes a fan. The cooling system and the drivetrain are controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU has access to a navigation system with topographic data. The method includes determining a topology of an upcoming route of the vehicle, estimating the load of the engine dependent of the topology of the upcoming route, estimating a temperature variation of the cooling system during the upcoming route, and controlling the drivetrain dependent on the estimated temperature variation, such that an actual temperature of the cooling system is kept below a temperature threshold value during the upcoming route of the vehicle. The temperature threshold value is dependent on a temperature at which said fan is activated. |
US09096213B2 |
System and method for operating an engine of a vehicle
A system and a method for operating an engine of a vehicle are provided wherein a transmission coupled to the engine has a freewheeling mode. The engine is switched off by setting the transmission into the freewheeling mode and interrupting fuel supply to the engine in the freewheeling mode depending on one or more operating conditions of the vehicle. A gear in the transmission is selected proactively depending on one or more operating actions of the vehicle anticipated to be required on or within a predefined time limit after restart of the engine. |
US09096212B2 |
Vehicle and method for controlling same
In a vehicle and a method of controlling the same, a controller determines whether an idle-stop condition is satisfied or not when an engine is driven, and stops idling of the engine when it is determined that the idle-stop condition is satisfied. In addition, while the idling of the engine is stopped, when an operation order given to a fork driving cylinder by manipulation of a cargo handling lever is received, the controller starts the engine, and switches an oil pump for cargo handling of the fork driving cylinder to an on-load state before an engine revolution number reaches an idling revolution number region. |
US09096209B2 |
Control system and method for hybrid vehicle
The present invention relates to a control system and a method for a hybrid vehicle which may optimally control the operating point of a vehicle. A control method for a hybrid vehicle includes detecting driving requests and a state of charge (SOC) of a battery when the vehicle is driving in HEV mode, determining a motor operating point and an engine operating point when the battery is in low SOC state, and compensating the motor operating point and the engine operating point by applying a climbing degree of the vehicle and the atmospheric pressure. |
US09096204B2 |
System and method for determining an adaptive turnaround threshold
A method includes measuring a brake temperature of an aircraft brake using a sensor; determining a brake heat sink mass of the aircraft brake using a wear measuring device; and calculating a turnaround threshold based upon the measured brake temperature and the determined brake heat sink mass. |
US09096195B2 |
Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade, which includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed and comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, the wiper blade comprises an elongated upper holding part and an elongated lower wiping part of a flexible material, wherein the holding part comprises downwardly extending side arms, seen in cross-section, for holding the wiper part from the outside in a lateral region thereof, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove having a open circumference is provided on the holding part at an upper side thereof facing away from the wiping part, and wherein the connecting device and the strip are provided with mutually cooperating protrusion/hole means for interconnecting the connecting device and the strip through a snapping connection. |
US09096194B2 |
Seatbelt retractor
A seat belt retractor comprising a rotating member, a moveable actuator configured to selectively interact with the rotating member in order to prohibit rotation of the rotating member in a seat belt withdrawing direction, an inertia sensing element, a guide member having a guide surface configured to guide the movement of the sensing element, and an electromagnetic element coupled to the guide member on an opposing side of the guide surface. The seat belt is configured to wind and unwind around the rotating member. When subject to a force due to acceleration, the sensing element is configured to move along the guide surface, where the electromagnetic element is configured to impart an electromagnetic force on the sensing element to retard the movement of the sensing element when the force due to acceleration is below a threshold. |
US09096193B2 |
Airbag with enhanced gas diffuser
An improved airbag assembly (20) has an inflator (40), an airbag (20) and a diffuser (70). The diffuser (70) is formed from two folded inner and outer pocket panel layers of fabric and sewn to the airbag (20). The folded inner pocket layer (71) is configured to fit inside the outer pocket layer (73) forming a two-layer structure. The fold (75) in the inner layer (71) is oriented in a first direction relative to the weave of the fabric and the fold of the outer layer (73) is oriented at a second direction relative to the weave of the fabric wherein the second direction is different from the first direction. The first direction and second direction of folds (75, 77) are inclined relative to the other so upon assembly the inner pocket layer (71) fabric weave is directionally inclined on a bias relative to the outer pocket layer (73) fabric weave. |
US09096192B2 |
Airbag
The present invention provides an airbag that is capable of stabilizing a flow of a gas introduced into a lower air chamber to thereby stabilize an expansion behavior, the air bag being capable of stably constraining an occupant. Along a bulkhead configured to partition an airbag main body portion into an upper air chamber and the lower air chamber, a patch is mounted into the lower air chamber so that a rear end part is opposed to a distributing portion. The patch is expanded by means of a gas introduced into the lower air chamber in an expanded state of an inflating portion of the airbag main body portion to thereby form a cover portion along an interior face of the lower air chamber and a redundant portion configured to slacken with respect to the interior face of the lower air chamber. |
US09096189B2 |
Multi sensor detection, stall to stop and lock disabling system
A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product. The detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. The detection system can be interconnected to surveillance towers scanning detector cases disposed at seaport docks, freight depots and rail terminals for monitoring containers being prepared for shipment or sitting on docks for long periods of time. |
US09096188B2 |
Mounting sensor and aftermarket device equipped with mounting sensor
An aftermarket device is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the aftermarket device includes, but is not limited to, a housing that is configured to be mounted to an internal surface of a vehicle. The aftermarket device further includes, but is not limited to a processor that is mounted within the housing. The aftermarket device still further includes, but is not limited to, a mounting sensor that is associated with the housing and that is communicatively coupled with the processor. The mounting sensor is configured to detect a mounting status of the housing and to provide a signal to the processor. The signal contains information indicative of the mounting status of the housing. The processor is configured to determine that the housing is improperly mounted to the internal surface of the vehicle based on the mounting status. |
US09096187B2 |
Frame molding of door for vehicle
A frame molding configured to be assembled on a corner portion of a window opening formed at an intersecting portion between a door panel and a door frame of a door for a vehicle, the frame molding includes a body member including a first molding portion formed to be extended along a first portion provided at the corner portion and a second molding portion formed to be extended along a second portion provided at the corner portion, the first portion being positioned in a vicinity of the door panel and the second portion being positioned in a vicinity of the door frame, and a support member formed along the first portion and configured to be fixed to the door panel, the support member on which the first molding portion is assembled and which includes a positioning portion determining a position of the body member relative to the door panel. |
US09096183B2 |
Composite part and method of manufacturing a composite part
The invention relates to a composite part having a decor skin with a first and a second section, preferably each including leather, and a holding portion, wherein the first and second sections are connected to one another by a seam and a part region of the decor skin is connected to the holding portion.In accordance with the invention, the part region of the decor skin is preferably connected to the holding portion with material continuity in the region of the seam. |
US09096180B1 |
Container
Certain embodiments of the invention may include a self-securing container to the back of a pickup truck. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the bottom side of the container may be shaped to be securely mounted on the left or right hump in the bed. According to other embodiments, the present invention may include at least one protruding portion to securely fit a channel guide on the right or left side wall of the bed. According to other embodiments, the present invention may include a tool box that may be secured to the back of the pick-up truck without the use of any additional tools or other structures or fasteners. |
US09096178B1 |
Vehicle body structure
A first side wall structure and a second side wall structure each have a plurality of first shelf supporting surfaces and a plurality of first shelf guiding surfaces aligned with one another. The plurality of first shelf supporting surfaces defines a first retention location and a second retention location, and the plurality of first shelf guiding surfaces defines a first movement path extending horizontally between the first retention location and the second retention location. A first shelf moves from the first retention location to the second retention location along the first movement path. The first shelf is a first distance above a vehicle floor in the first retention location, and a second distance above the vehicle floor in the second retention location, the second distance greater than the first distance. In the first movement path the first shelf is inclined contacting the first shelf guiding surfaces. |
US09096177B2 |
Apparatus for securing a rechargeable electronic device with respect to a surface of a wireless battery charging apparatus of a vehicle
Methods, system and apparatus are provided for securing a rechargeable electronic device with respect to a surface of a wireless battery charging apparatus of a vehicle. |
US09096173B2 |
Control circuit for a dual-function signaling or lighting device and corresponding control method
An electrical control circuit for a lighting and/or signaling module handling at least two functions from one and the same network of light sources of LED type. The function selection is handled by one or more input signals on the monitoring unit. If a branch or section connected to a defective LED fails, the monitoring unit can either deactivate all the branches or sections, or keep the remaining branches or sections active, and do so according to the function that is present. One or more functions can thus be compared to the single-section type despite the presence of a number of sections when the monitoring unit is configured to deactivate all the sections if one of the sections fails. |
US09096168B2 |
Control network for LED-based lighting system in a transit vehicle
A transit vehicle lighting system has a plurality of LED-based lighting fixtures for providing interior illumination. A control network comprises a plurality of slave nodes for controlling the LED-based lighting fixtures, and a master node for controlling the slave nodes. The master node may be connected to the slave nodes by a combined power/communication bus in a daisy chain fashion. The slave node may include a power regulator and a controller for providing a target current command to the power regulator, and may adjust the target current based upon temperature measurements or a recorded age of the LEDs. An optical sensor may provide automatic dimming. A reduced number of LEDs may be used in an emergency mode. The lighting fixture may include a ceiling panel fixture and a riser panel attachable by way of a hinge mechanism. |
US09096167B2 |
Collision warning system
A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. |
US09096165B2 |
Method and device for generating noise in the vehicle interior and vehicle exterior of a motor vehicle
A method is provided for generating noise in an interior and exterior of a motor vehicle in which a control unit is provided which can be activated and which is operatively connected to a noise generator. The noise generator is connected to at least one noise emitting device (3). The noise emitting device (3) is mounted underneath a hood of the motor vehicle, and is connected to the vehicle interior via at least one hose with at least one sound transmitting element. Sound waves are extracted from the noise emitting device (3) and are transmitted into the vehicle interior. |
US09096162B2 |
Information display system for vehicle, information display method for vehicle, vehicle and mounting member
An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display device, a mounting member, and a personal digital assistant. The information display device is mounted on a vehicle and is configured to display vehicle information. The mounting member is fixed to the vehicle. The personal digital assistant is detachably mounted on the vehicle via the mounting member in such a manner that at least a part of the vehicle information displayed on the information display device becomes non-visible by the personal digital assistant and includes a communication device and a display device. The communication device is configured to acquire at least vehicle information which is displayed on the information display device and which becomes non-visible from an electric accessory unit mounted on the vehicle. The display device is configured to display the vehicle information acquired using the communication device. |
US09096157B2 |
Seating assembly with air distribution system
A vehicle seating assembly with a cooling system includes a seatback structure with a permeable passenger support which is coupled with the seatback structure. The passenger support has a back support surface and a rear surface. A concave shell has a peripheral edge which is coupled with the rear surface of the passenger support. A conduit member has an intake opening between the passenger support and the shell and an exhaust opening. An air chamber is coupled with the exhaust opening of the conduit member and has a fan on an exterior portion of the air chamber to draw air from the back support surface through the air chamber. |
US09096156B2 |
Vehicle seat, in particular utility vehicle seat
A vehicle seat has a scissor-type stand vibratable and adjustable in height, with a pneumatic spring and cranks intersecting at a scissor shaft, and a control device for level control and height adjustment of the stand. The control device has a driver, a switching element coupled with the driver, and a valve device controlled by the switching element, for controlling the pneumatic spring. The driver and the valve device are kinematically assigned to different parts of the stand, such parts being movable relative to one another. The switching element is spaced from the shaft and rotatably supported on the first crank. The valve device is connected with the first crank, and the driver is configured as a Bowden cable, the core of which is coupled with the switching element, and the jacket of which is fixedly connected with the second crank. |
US09096151B2 |
Lawn care vehicle adjustable seat
A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame, a seat base and an adjustable seat. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The seat base may also be coupled to the frame. The adjustable seat may be coupled to the seat base of the riding lawn care vehicle to enable selectable repositioning of at least a portion of the adjustable seat at variable distances from the seat base. |
US09096148B2 |
Fastening arrangement
A fastening arrangement for fastening a flexible element to a rigid element is provided. The fastening arrangement comprising a first closure element and a second closure element, which each consist of a plug part, a housing part and a catch. Each closure element is closed in that the plug part is put together with the housing part in a closing direction until snapping into place in a closed position, so that the plug part and the housing part are held at each other against the closing direction. Each housing part is formed such that by means of a relative movement of the housing part relative to the plug part in an opening direction, which differs from the closing direction, the plug part is pushed out of the catch and the closure element hence can be opened. |
US09096147B2 |
Controllable comfort shell for vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a seat back having a support frame coupled to a seat foundation. The seat back also further includes a deformable seat shell adapted to assume various shapes between initial position and final positions in response to variable rearward loads applied by a seated passenger. The seat shell is coupled to the support frame by a compliant shell-motion controller via upper and lower motion-control links. The motion-control links allow pivotal motion, and at least one of the links includes a spheroidal joint. A link foundation extends between and interconnects the upper and lower motion-control links and is coupled to the support frame so that the link foundation does not move during seat shell deformation. The shell-motion controller may be pre-assembled as part of a backrest or the motion-control links may be formed after the link foundation is attached to the support frame. |
US09096142B2 |
Vehicle including secondary battery and control method for vehicle including secondary battery
A vehicle including a secondary battery includes an electricity generation device; an amount-of-stored electricity detection portion; an inverter that converts electric power output from the secondary battery into alternating-current power; an external load connection portion that connects an external load to the secondary battery via the inverter; and a control portion (10) that controls charging/discharging of the secondary battery. The control portion causes the electricity generation device to charge the secondary battery based on a value detected by the amount-of-stored electricity detection portion such that the amount of electricity stored in the secondary battery is in a predetermined range, and the control portion performs a control such that when the electric power is supplied to the external load during stoppage of the vehicle, an upper limit value of the amount of stored electricity is different from the upper limit value during traveling of the vehicle. |
US09096141B2 |
Detachable modularized battery charging assembly
A detachable modulized battery charging assembly for electric vehicles is disclosed. The detachable modulized battery charging assembly includes a number of charging units for charging rechargeable batteries of electric vehicles while the rechargeable batteries are detachably inserted therein; a managing unit for controlling the charging units, recording charging statuses of the rechargeable batteries, and confirming identification of a user; and a user interface unit for communicating with the user. The charging units, the managing unit and the user interface unit are modulized and can be fixed together in different arrangements. |
US09096139B2 |
Power feeding control apparatus
A power feeding control apparatus includes a housing for accommodating at least a relay unit which opens and closes power feeding lines, a control circuit for controlling the relay unit, a leakage current detection circuit for detecting leakage current in the electric vehicle and a power supply circuit for generating a control electric power. The apparatus further includes a power source side connector and a vehicle side connector. The leakage current detection circuit includes a zero current transformer through which the power feeding lines extend and is configured to detect leakage current based on unbalanced currents flowing through the power feeding lines. Lead plates constitute a part of the power feeding lines and pass through a central opening of the zero current transformer, and the zero current transformer includes a positioning member molded within the central opening to fix the positions of the lead plates. |
US09096138B2 |
Contactless power feeding apparatus and contactless power feeding method
To make a high efficiency electric power feeding possible without a wireless communication.There is provided an electric power feeding apparatus 100 for feeding a secondary coil 210 of a moving body 200 with an electric power, which comprises a primary coil 140 that is magnetically coupled with the primary coil with the work of resonance of a magnetic field and constructed to supply a high frequency electric power to the secondary coil 210, a high frequency electric power driver 120 that converts, by causing a magnetic field to resonate, the electric power from an alternating-current power supply 110 to a high frequency electric power that can transfer to the moving body 200 and feeds the primary coil 140 with the converted electric power, a calculation device 130 that estimates, from supplying current and voltage of the high frequency electric power driver 120, equivalent circuit parameters of an electric power transfer from the primary coil 140 to the secondary coil 210 upon resonance of the magnetic field, and a control device 150 that estimates, from the equivalent circuit parameters estimated by the calculation device 130, the receiving electric power of the secondary coil 210 and controls the high frequency electric power driver 120 in such a manner as to cause the estimated receiving electric power to show the maximum value. |
US09096133B2 |
Electric vehicle with range extender
A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle. An on-board range extender is provided to charge the batteries and/or to provide power to the motor. |
US09096129B2 |
Method and system for facilitating viewing of information in a machine
Methods and systems for facilitating viewing of information by machine users associated with machines, such as vehicle users in vehicles, are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method for facilitating viewing of first information comprises (a) determining second information concerning a viewing direction of the machine user, and (b) adapting at least one operation of at least one display device so as to display the first information. Also, in an additional example embodiment, the method further comprises (c) additionally determining whether a first condition has been met, where the first condition is indicative of whether the machine user has failed to view in a sufficient manner the first information for or during a first predetermined amount of time. Additionally, the method comprises (d), upon the first condition being additionally determined to have been met, one or both of (i) repeating (a), (b), and (c), and (ii) outputting a signal configured to be sensed by the machine user. |
US09096126B2 |
Drive train of a purely electrically all-wheel drivable motor vehicle
A drive train (1) of a purely electrically all-wheel drivable motor vehicle has a first axle (2) with axle halves (7, 8) and a differential (9) connecting them, a second axle (3) with axle halves (4, 5) and a differential connecting them, and first and second electric machines (19, 20) for driving the axles (2, 3). The first electric machine (19) is connected via a first transmission (24) to one axle half (7) of the the first axle (2) and the second electric machine (20) is connected via a second transmission (25) to the other axle half (8) of the first axle (2). The two differentials (6, 9) are connected to each other via a shaft (13). The drive train provides an all-wheel drive with simple construction, and standardization. |
US09096120B2 |
Fuel filling device for a ship and a fuel cap thereof
A fuel filling device includes a fuel pipe seat having a filling port and a fuel pipe in communication with the filling port. Three engagement portions are formed on an inner peripheral face of the fuel pipe. A fuel cap includes a body and an operative portion mounted to the body. Three tracks are formed on an outer periphery of the body. Each track includes a front, lower end and a rear, higher end having a stop. An entrance is defined in front of the front, lower end of each track. The fuel cap is inserted into the fuel pipe with the engagement portions respectively received in the entrances of the tracks. The fuel cap is rotated in a locking direction. The tracks move relative to the engagement portions until the engagement portions are stopped by the stops of the tracks, and the fuel cap is in a locking position. |
US09096116B2 |
Drive with an internal combustion engine and an expansion machine with gas return
A drive for a vehicle includes an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber delimited by a cylinder and a piston, a compressed gas storage connectable with the combustion chamber for storing a gas compressed in the combustion chamber, a separate expansion machine for expanding compressed gas from the combustion chamber or from the compressed gas storage by performing mechanical work, and devices for supplying gas from the expansion machine into the combustion chamber or into an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. The drive may, alternatively or in addition, also include devices for heating the compressed gas from the combustion chamber or from the compressed gas storage before the compressed gas enters into the expansion machine. |
US09096108B2 |
Wheel axle suspension
A wheel axle suspension for attaching a wheel axle to a vehicle chassis has a trailing arm extending crosswise to the axle body and an axle pad arranged between the axle body and the trailing arm. At least one clamping strap, having a generally U-shape with a front leg and a rear leg, extends around the axle body. Strap nuts are provided on the strap legs for tightening the axle body, the axle pad and the trailing arm together. A clamping part is arranged on the side of the arm facing away from the axle body, which clamping part has side portions which extend beyond the side edges of the trailing arm. The trailing arm is provided at a location at the rear side of the axle body with at least one recess for receiving the end portion of the rear legs of the clamping straps. |
US09096095B2 |
Handling device and method
An apparatus (1) for transporting an article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a frame (3) and an article support (4) operatively coupled to the frame (3). The article support (4) is movable relative to the frame (3) such that the apparatus (1) provides a first configuration for retaining the article (2) and a second configuration for receiving or unloading the article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a plurality of wheels (9) for movement over a substrate surface, and, a stabilizing means (6) to engage the substrate surface and stabilize the frame (3) when the apparatus (1) is in the extended position. In use, the apparatus (1) may be used to support a wheel, tire or other vehicular component (2) during installation, for example, in a confined space such as a mine. |
US09096090B2 |
Liquid platemaking with laser engraving
A method of making a relief image printing element from a liquid photopolymer composition is described. The method includes the steps of (1) casting a liquid photopolymer layer onto a cover sheet and at least substantially simultaneously placing a hacking sheet onto the liquid photopolymer layer; (2) preliminarily exposing the liquid photopolymer layer to actinic radiation to create at least one island of solid photopolymer in the liquid photopolymer layer where it is desirable to laser engrave a relief image; (3) reclaiming uncured liquid photopolymer from the relief image printing element; (4) processing the at least one island of solid photopolymer to remove uncured liquid photopolymer; (5) exposing the at least one island of solid photopolymer to actinic radiation to fully cure the islands of solid photopolymer; and (6) laser engraving the at least one island of solid photopolymer to produce the relief image therein. |
US09096085B2 |
Printer with force transmitting path selecting mechanism
A printer has a carriage being movable between a first end and a second end of a reciprocating path; and a driving force transmitting path selecting mechanism provided at the second end of the reciprocating path. The selecting mechanism has: a common driving force outputting member; a plurality of force receiving members; a selecting member; and a position retainer for keeping the position of the selecting member. The selecting member connects the force outputting member to one of the plurality of force receiving members, and moves in association with the carriage when the carriage moves in a vicinity of the second end in a first direction extending from the first end to the second end. The position retainer keeps the position of the selecting member when the carriage moves in a second direction extending from the second end to the first end. The force receiving member connected to the force outputting member via the selecting member is selected in accordance with a movement of the carriage along the reciprocating path. |
US09096082B2 |
Recording apparatus
There is provided an adhesive belt configured to support and transport a recording medium, a recording head configured to record by discharging ink onto the recording medium which is supported on the adhesive belt, and a guiding section arranged at an upstream side relative to the recording head in a transport direction of the recording medium and configured to guide fluff on an end section, in an intersecting direction that intersects with the transport direction, of the recording medium in a direction to an outside of the recording medium in the intersecting direction. |
US09096080B2 |
Sensor for determining ink drying time in a page-wide inkjet printer
A page-wide inkjet printer for determining a drying time of a print swath of ink deposited on a sheet of media by a fixed printhead spanning a width of a printing zone in a subscan direction. The printer has a controller communicatively coupled to each of the printhead and a moveable gloss sensor or a scan bar for processing a respective output response for the determining the drying time of the print swath. |
US09096077B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus for printing mesh-like medium
Provided is an inkjet printing apparatus that can dry a medium immediately after printing or bleed-through ink while preventing the medium or bleed-through ink from being in contact with a dryer. In an inkjet printing apparatus including an inkjet head (20) for discharging ink onto a mesh-like media (10) having through holes penetrating from the top surface, which is the printing surface, to the bottom surface, a feeder (12) for feeding the mesh-like medium (10) in a feed direction, and a dryer for drying the mesh-like medium (10) hit by ink discharged from the ink-jet head (20), the dryer has a blower (28) placed under the mesh-like medium 10) for applying an air flow to the bottom surface of the mesh-like medium (10) with the top surface hit by the ink. |
US09096073B2 |
Device and method for printing, in particular for printing containers in several colors
An apparatus for printing containers in several colors on an outer container surface with an imprint formed by a print image includes printing head units, a pair of transport systems for moving the head units along a first direction on a closed path, container receptacles, a second transport system moving the receptacles between a feed and a discharge. The transport systems form a printing section between the feed and discharge. One of the transport systems causes controlled and independent motion of the printing head units or receptacles along a motion path thereof. |
US09096070B2 |
Colorant transfer systems
Colorant transfer, involving a colorant supply, and impeding colorant from exiting the colorant supply, a motion device, and providing a passage out of the colorant supply. |
US09096068B2 |
Fluid container
A container for holding a volume of fluid includes a housing defining an interior for retaining the volume of fluid, a vent system disposed at an upper portion of the interior adjacent to a fluid chamber to vent air to atmosphere. The vent system includes an air chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber through an air inlet and disposed within the interior. The air chamber includes a bottom surface angling from the air inlet towards a distal end of the air chamber. |
US09096067B2 |
Priming system for inkjet printheads
Disclosed is a priming system for inkjet printheads that includes at least one inkjet printhead. Each inkjet printhead includes one or more single color inkjet chips. Further, the priming system includes at least one ink supply unit. Each ink supply unit is fluidly coupled to a corresponding single color inkjet chip for supplying ink to the corresponding single color inkjet chip. Furthermore, the priming system includes a pumping member that includes at least one pumping head. A pumping head is fluidly coupled to the corresponding single color inkjet chip to receive the ink from the corresponding single color inkjet chip, and to a corresponding ink supply unit to pump the ink back into the corresponding ink supply unit. |
US09096064B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus, print head recovery device and print head recovery method
In an ink jet printing apparatus prints an image by employing a print head capable of ejecting ink from ejection ports, a suction unit draws ink from the ejection ports into an interior of the cap by applying a suction force to the interior of a cap that is covering the ejection ports. An atmosphere communication unit exposes to the atmosphere the interior of the cap that is covering the ejection ports, and a pressure increase unit increases a pressure in an internal of the print head. A control unit permits the suction unit to apply the suction force to the interior of the cap, and permits the pressure increase unit to increase the pressure in the internal of the print head before the atmosphere communication unit exposes the interior of the cap to the atmosphere in a state where the ejection ports is covered with the cap. |
US09096059B2 |
Substrate for inkjet head, inkjet head, and inkjet printing apparatus
There are provided a substrate for an inkjet head, an inkjet head, and an inkjet printing apparatus wherein in a case where current is carried through a protection layer for heating resistors, electrical connection to its periphery is prevented without fail. The substrate for the inkjet head includes a first protection layer disposed to cover a heating resistor layer and having an insulation property and a second protection layer disposed to contact the first protection layer and having conductivity. The second protection layer includes a plurality of individual sections provided to correspond to the plurality of heating resistors, a common section connecting the plurality of individual sections, and fuse sections connecting the individual sections and the common section, the fuse sections being formed to be thinner than the individual sections. |
US09096056B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring drop volume
A computer-based apparatus, including: a memory element storing computer readable instructions; a processor; and a source element to expel a first plurality of drops of a substance with a known density through a medium, and under a set of conditions. The processor executes the computer readable instructions to calculate uncalibrated volumes for the first plurality of drops using respective images of drops in the first plurality of drops. The source element expels a second plurality of drops of the first substance through the medium, and under the first conditions. The processor executes the computer readable instructions to: calculate, using a weight for the second plurality of drops and the known density, actual volumes for the second plurality of drops; and generate, using uncalibrated volumes and the actual volumes, an equation to modify the uncalibrated volumes to match the actual volumes. |
US09096055B2 |
Systems and methods for ink-based digital printing
An ink-based digital printing system for variable data lithographic printing includes an imaging member and a dampening fluid/carrier patterning system. An inkjet-type device of the patterning system jets material onto an imaging member. The as-jetted material includes dampening fluid and carrier component such as a wax jetted in a single phase. Upon contact with a surface of an imaging member, the jetted material cools and phase separation occurs, the dampening fluid leaching to a surface of the solid component on the imaging member surface, dampening the solid component, which forms an image according to image data input to the patterning system. |
US09096053B2 |
Method for sorting mail pieces on a printing press
A method includes creating a stream of uniquely-addressed mail pieces on a web offset press by printing on sections of a web, separating the sections of the web, and printing unique address information on each section of the press-printed material. The unique address is printed by a variable printer according to a mail file of intended recipients. The stream of uniquely-addressed mail pieces is conveyed in a shingled formation. An on-press conversion of the stream of uniquely-addressed mail pieces into a plurality of batches of stacked mail pieces is performed, each batch containing only mail pieces belonging to a common mail delivery group. The on-press conversion includes controlling via the controller the creation of batch separation points among the mail pieces according to the mail file, conveying the stream of mail pieces in the shingled formation into a stacking device, and stacking the mail pieces with the stacking device. |
US09096051B1 |
Forming printed patterns of multiple print materials
A multilayer structure having at least two different print materials pattern is formed on a receiver element using an elastomeric relief element having a relief pattern. Multiple different printable material compositions are sequentially applied only to the uppermost relief surface of the elastomeric relief element and at least at least 50 weight % of a carrier liquid is removed from each printable material composition. During contact of the multilayer structure on the uppermost relief surface and the receiver element, the elastomeric relief element is compressed by at least 10 μm of its original thickness. The elastomeric relief element is then separated from the receiver element to leave a pattern of the multilayer structure on the receiver element, wherein at least 70 weight % of the multiple print materials is transferred to the receiver element. |
US09096049B2 |
Metal-clad laminate and method for production thereof
A metal-clad laminate excellent in isotropy, appearance, bondability between a TLC polymer film and a metallic sheet, and dimensional stability is provided less costly with a first step of thermally compressing the film with the metallic sheet by passing them through a nipping region between heating rolls, and a second step of heat-treating the resultant metal-clad laminate at a temperature not higher than the melting point of the film, wherein the film has thermal expansion coefficient αL satisfying αL=βT+γ with thickness T, thickness coefficient β and anisotropy coefficient γ of the film; wherein the coefficient β is within the range of −0.08 to −0.01; the coefficient γ is within the range of αM+6≦γ≦αM+10 with thermal expansion coefficient αM of the metallic sheet; and thermal expansion coefficient αT of the film is within αM−2≦αT≦αM+3 with the coefficient αM. |
US09096047B2 |
Method to produce a textile product and a textile product resulting from the same
A method for manufacturing a textile product includes the steps of providing an intermediate product formed by a backing having a front surface and a back surface, and yarns applied into the backing, the yarns extending from the front surface of the backing material, feeding the intermediate product along a body having a heated surface, the back surface being pressed against the heated surface, to at least partly melt the yarns present in the intermediate product to form the textile product, wherein the part of the back surface that is pressed against the heated surface has a relative speed with respect to the heated surface, and a device enabling applications of this method and to a floor covering incorporating such a textile product connected to a dimensionally stable carrier sheet using thermo reversible covalent interactions. |
US09096046B2 |
Direct heating type card lamination apparatus
Provided is a direct heating type card lamination apparatus, and more particularly, to a direct heating type card lamination apparatus with a concise and simple structure that performs low power lamination by applying heat directly on a card and performs lamination conveniently and quickly without a waiting time. The direct heating type card lamination apparatus does not perform lamination by a heated roller after heating the roller with a heating element according to a conventional method but performs lamination by directly applying heat on a card by a momentarily heated lamination head. Accordingly, the direct heating type card lamination apparatus quickly and conveniently performs lamination with low power without energy loss or a waiting time. |
US09096045B2 |
Recyclable surface covering and method and system for manufacturing a recyclable surface covering
A process and system for making a laminated surface covering and the surface covering itself are described. The covering includes several layers bonded to each other. The system performs the process. One example of the process includes passing a first material across a first conveyor, passing a second material across a second conveyor, passing a bonding material across a third conveyor, contacting the first material and the second material to the bonding material, and heating at least one of the first material and the second material. The process also includes introducing the first material, the second material, and the bonding material into a pressure zone such that the bonding material is introduced between a bottom surface of the first material and a top surface of the second material. The process applies pressure to bond the first material and second material together via the bonding material to produce a laminated material. |
US09096043B2 |
Collapsible mandrel employing reinforced fluoroelastomeric bladder
Methods of forming a collapsible mandrel are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes forming a layup on a substrate by providing a first layer of rubber, positioning a reinforcement strip on the first layer of rubber, providing first and second release films in spaced apart from each other adjacent the reinforcement strip to expose a portion of the reinforcement strip, providing a second layer of rubber overlying the exposed portion of the reinforcement strip, and laminating the first and second layers of rubber to the reinforcement strip. The release films to prevent the first and second layers of rubber from adhering to each other and the reinforcement strip such that non-adhered ends of the first and second layers of rubber and the reinforcement strip define flaps. The method includes placing the layup in a cavity of a mold forming part of a tool assembly, consolidating the layup when the layup is in the cavity of the mold, and curing the layup to form the collapsible mandrel. |
US09096040B2 |
Plastic film and infusion bag
The present invention relates to a plastic film (10) formed by a co-extrusion method, and an infusion bag formed thereof. The plastic film (10) includes at least three layers having: a first layer (1) constituted by a polyamide obtained by a ring-opening polymerization of a lactam having 11 or more carbon atoms or by polycondensing of an ω-amino acid having 11 or more carbon atoms, or a polyamide obtained by copolycondensing a dicarboxylic acid having 10 or more carbon atoms and a diamine having 6 or more carbon atoms; a second layer (2) containing a copolymer of an α-olefin and an anhydride monomer of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid as the major component; and a sealing layer (3) containing a polyethylene as the major component. |
US09096036B2 |
System and method for constructing composite building boards using thermoplastic films
Disclosed are building board manufacturing techniques that minimize the build-up of slurry on associated forming equipment and also produce panels with enhanced physical properties. The methods involve applying a dissolvable film laminate to one or more fiber mats at the outset of the forming process. In the un-dissolved state, the film acts as a containment envelope for the gypsum slurry and any free floating glass fibers. During subsequent curing, the film is dissolved by vaporized water. In its dissolved state, the film is liquefied and coats the fibers of the underlying mat. This results in a building board with improved physical properties. |
US09096035B2 |
Corrosion resistant magnesium article method of making
The corrosion resistance of formed and shaped sheet magnesium alloy articles may be improved by applying to the article a substantially crack- and pore-free ductile metal layer on at least selected surfaces and cut or sheared edges. An exemplary ductile metal may be aluminum or its alloys. Two methods of applying such a ductile metal layer are described. One method is suitable for extended areas of the magnesium alloy surface, and is applied prior to stamping the article while a second method, suitable for cut or sheared edges, is intended for application after the article is fully formed. The incorporation of both embodiments into conventional sheet metal stamping processes to form the corrosion resistant formed magnesium article is described. |
US09096031B2 |
Thermally broken hollow polycarbonate sheet window glazing
A thermally broken hollow polycarbonate sheet or vessel for day-lighting or sky-lighting applications. The hollow polycarbonate sheet comprises of an internal cavity walls that are thermally broken by thermal breaks and, or, a continuous thermal break component. The hollow polycarbonate sheet is a two sheet component. The two sheets are connected by means of the thermal break or breaks. In another embodiment of the invention, the hollow sheet is a one part sheet. Panels can be connected in series. |
US09096030B2 |
Sealing and cutting unit
Disclosed is a sealing and cutting unit with a sealing device and a cutting device. The latter is assigned with hold-down means positioned downstream of the cutting device in the direction of transport of a film to be sealed and to be detached. |
US09096024B2 |
UV curable resin embossing apparatus and method for roll to roll alignment
A UV forming apparatus and method for roll to roll alignment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an unrolling mechanism (101), a coating mechanism (102), a UV forming mechanism (100), a stripping mechanism (107) and a withdraw roll mechanism (110); wherein the apparatus further comprises an adjusting alignment mechanism (10) comprising a flat mold supporting apparatus (116) and an alignment probe (108), the flat mold supporting apparatus (116) is capable of adjusting the position of the flat mold at three degrees of freedom including horizontal, vertical, and angle; the mold (112) is disposed on the flat mold supporting apparatus, the UV forming mechanism (100) and the adjusting alignment mechanism (10) are fixed to the forming apparatus. The present disclosure eliminates the influence of the cumulative error and the bubbles to patterns in the alignment procedure during production. |
US09096019B2 |
Prepregs for use in building lay-ups of composite materials
A scrim-reinforced prepreg assembly for use in building low-porosity lay-ups. The assembly includes a prepreg that is composed of a fibrous reinforcement and a heat-curable resin mixture, the prepreg having suitable viscosity and sufficient tackiness to hold a scrim which is adhered to the prepreg by applying light pressure. The scrim is impressed onto the prepreg to such a degree, that less than half of the circumference of the scrim strands becomes coated by the heat-curable resin mixture. |
US09096012B2 |
Surface texturing using engineered structures
Active texturing systems adapted for selectively and reversibly modifying the texture of a surface utilizing a plurality of discrete mechanisms in communication with the reconfigurable structure. |
US09096006B2 |
Self-locking mold including a force-limiting means
Segmented mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire of given diameter, having shells and segments collaborating to withstand the internal pressure and remain in the closed position without assistance from additional components, having at its lateral edges a projection extending radially inwards, equipped with a lip extending axially towards the inside of the mold, having a frustoconical surface inclined at an angle α wherein extensions of the line of each frustoconical surface intersect on the radially internal side of the segment, each shell having a projection extending radially outwards and a lip having a frustoconical surface inclined by the same angle α, and containing force-limiting element having a stop and a housing positioned respectively in the radial extension of each of the projections and each having a bearing surface, to come into contact with one another when internal pressure in the mold exceeds a given threshold. |
US09096000B2 |
Thermoplastic prepreg containing continuous and long fibers
A prepreg that contains a plurality of unidirectionally aligned continuous fibers embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix is provided. In addition to continuous fibers, the prepreg also contains a plurality of long fibers that are combined with the continuous fibers so that they are randomly distributed within the thermoplastic matrix. As a result, at least a portion of the long fibers become oriented at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the direction of the continuous fibers. Through such orientation, the long fibers can substantially increase the mechanical properties of the prepreg in the transverse direction (e.g., strength) and thus achieve a more isotropic material. Although unique isotropic prepregs are one aspect of the present invention, it should be understood that this is not a requirement. In fact, one notable feature of the present invention is the ability to tailor the mechanical properties of the prepreg for an intended application by selectively controlling certain process parameters, such as the type of long fibers employed, the type of continuous fibers employed, the concentration of the long fibers, the concentration of the continuous fibers, the thermoplastic resin(s) employed, etc. |
US09095997B2 |
Multi-layer polyester container and method of producing the same
A multi-layer polyester container comprising inner and outer layers of a polyester resin and at least one intermediate layer of a functional resin or a functional resin composition, wherein a difference of tan δ of the inner polyester layer at 80° C. and 60° C. is 0.035 or less in the measurement of the dynamic viscoelasticity (DMS) thereof at 0.5 Hz. Even when the functional resin or the functional resin composition having a large draw stress is used as an intermediate layer, therefore, excellent transparency is obtained while effectively exhibiting the function such as barrier property possessed by the functional resin or the functional resin composition. |
US09095995B2 |
Method of forming multiple patterning spacer structures
Disclosed herein is a method of forming a structure, comprising forming a mandrel layer over a substrate, masking the mandrel layer with a first mask and performing a first etch on the mandrel layer, the first etch forming a first opening exposing a first portion of the substrate. The mandrel layer is masked with a second mask and a second etch is performed on the mandrel layer. The second etch forms a second opening exposing a second portion of the substrate, and also forms a protective layer on the first portion of the substrate and in the first opening. |
US09095994B2 |
Method for applying variable magnetic properties to a induction heated tool face and manufacturing parts using the tool
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a tool comprises applying at least one ferro-magnetic material to at least a portion of a tool face of a different material. The method produces a tool face with varying magnetic properties facilitating substantially uniform induction heating of the tool face. |
US09095993B2 |
Extrusion molding apparatus and manufacturing method for green honeycomb molded body using same
The extrusion-molding device of the invention is for producing a green honeycomb molded body with a cell structure, and the device includes a housing, a screw, a die with slits, a resistance tube and a fragmenting board having through-passages through which a raw material composition passes from the upstream end side to the downstream end side. The through-passages of the fragmenting board have upstream channels composed of a plurality of flow passages extending downstream from the upstream end side, and downstream channels extending up to the downstream end side and having flow passage cross-sectional shapes different from those of the upstream channels. |
US09095992B2 |
Portable water tank assembly for a dust emitting construction machine
A portable water tank assembly for a dust emitting construction machine, such as a machine for cutting concrete, stone, ceramic materials and the like, said assembly comprising a water container (1) and an electric pump (2) powered by a battery for pumping water from the container (1) through an outlet to the construction machine. To provide a portable water tank assembly which provides a long service life without changing battery, is easy to handle and carry and that is robust and reliable, the pump is a low pressure pump (2), of 0.1-1.5 bar, preferably of 0.3-1.2 bar, that is preferably submersible and placed inside the water container (1); and said assembly has at least 5 liter capacity. Preferably the hood member (3) has a first compartment (5) for a battery for delivering power to the pump (2) and a battery (6) located in the compartment (5), and it may have a second compartment (11) for a battery charger (12) and a third compartment (13) for a spare battery. |
US09095991B2 |
Concrete vibrator head
A concrete vibrator head includes an elongated body having a front end and a back end. The back end of the vibrator head is attached to a rotating shaft which causes the vibrator head to vibrate at a desired vibration frequency. The elongated body is tapered from the front end to approximately halfway towards the back end. This taper may be defined by a continuous straight line slope of the outer surface of the elongated body, or a stepped slope formed from a series of interconnected cylindrical portions of the elongated body which increase in diameter from the front end to approximately midway on the elongated body of the vibrator head. |
US09095985B2 |
Versatile knife with removable blade
A knife is described having a handle that at least partially conforms to the palm of a user and includes an arcuate surface opposite the palm portion of the handle that may be utilized by the user to provide additional leverage and force to a blade cutting edge. The handle also includes finger holds formed in the handle between the palm portion and arcuate portions of the handle. An embodiment further includes an interchangeable blade extending out of the handle from the arcuate surface and may also include an actuable blade lock that fixes a portion of an interchangeable blade within the handle. |
US09095983B2 |
Auto-release vacuum device
A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway. |
US09095978B2 |
Planning a grasp approach, position, and pre-grasp pose for a robotic grasper based on object, grasper, and environmental constraint data
A system including a memory having instructions causing a processor to perform operations, for planning a grasping-device approach to an object by a grasping device, a pre-grasp device position, and a pre-grasp device pose. The operations comprise obtaining input data including grasping-device data, object data, and environmental-constraint data, determining, based on the grasping-device data, a grasp volume model, determining a test approach vector, and determining, using the vector, the constraint data, and the model, whether approach vector modification is needed. The operations also include modifying, if modification is needed, the test approach, yielding a resulting approach vector, and determining, if modification is not needed, that the test approach is the resulting approach vector. And the operations include determining a virtual floor indicating a position below which the grasping device cannot move, and determining, based on the resulting vector, virtual floor, model, and object data, the device approach, position, and pose. |
US09095977B2 |
Object gripping apparatus, control method for object gripping apparatus, and storage medium
An object gripping apparatus comprises an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a plurality of workpieces; a workpiece state estimation unit configured to estimate positions and orientations of the plurality of workpieces from the captured image; a pickup-target workpiece selection unit configured to select a pickup-target workpiece from among the plurality of workpieces based on a result of the estimation of the workpiece state estimation unit; a workpiece pickup unit configured to grip and pick up the pickup-target workpiece in accordance with an operation path associated with a position of the pickup-target workpiece; and a path setting unit configured to determine an evacuation path along which the workpiece pickup unit that has gripped the pickup-target workpiece evacuates to the outside of an imaging range of the imaging unit based on an estimated moving time required for the evacuation. |
US09095967B2 |
Wood chisel and blade for a wood chisel
A tool, in particular a wood chisel, includes a first profiled part (100; 1), a second profiled part (103; 10, 14) and a removable blade (106; 20). The second profiled part (103; 10, 14) is pushed into the first profiled part such that the removable blade can be inserted between the first and second profiled parts (100; 1; 103; 10, 14) and be held therein by friction. |
US09095961B1 |
Wrench extension with magnetic arm
A wrenching tool extension for attaching to a wrenching handle includes a shaft having a drive end adapted for attachment to a wrenching handle and a head receiving end defining an axial bore and further adapted to receive interchangeable heads. A magnetic arm includes a rod and a magnet affixed to one end of the rod. The magnetic arm is axially received in the axial bore and oriented such that the magnet is positioned at the head receiving end of the shaft and is axially translatable in the bore. A side adjustment feature is positioned on an external intermediate surface of the shaft and is mechanically interfaced with the magnetic arm to axially translate the magnetic arm with respect to the shaft. |
US09095959B1 |
Adjustable soldering hold down
A tool for holding a work piece being soldered, welded or glued, the tool being made up of a weight with three or more legs that protrude from said weight, each leg having an end such that the ends of three of the legs define a triangle. Typically, the legs extend completely through the weight. The legs are preferably rotatable about their longitudinal axes, and are longitudinally adjustable along their length with respect to the weight. One or more of the legs may be bent at the end. Generally, the legs are held in place by the effect of gravity and a precision fit of the legs within the weight. Each of the legs is moveable along its longitudinal axis through the weight, and one of the legs is bent at an end to an angle ranging from greater than 0 to less than 180 degrees. |
US09095958B2 |
Self centering dual direction clamping vise
A vise assembly has a pair of moveable jaws mounted on guideways for movement toward and away from each other. The moveable jaws are driven by a vise screw on the vise body through head members of a pair of jaw nuts. The head members fit into cavities on the underside of the moveable jaws and have projections on first ends that have surfaces engaging mating recessed surfaces formed on one end of the cavities. Adjustable plungers are mounted on the head members and are extendable outwardly from a second end of the head members to engage and drive against surfaces of the cavities in a second direction. The adjustable plungers are adjustable in length so they can be retracted into mounting bores in the head members so the moveable jaws can be mounted on and removed from the head members, and extended so driving surfaces of projections on the head members and of the plungers are both in engagement with surfaces of the cavities. |
US09095957B2 |
Rotary actuated axial clamp
Disclosed is a rotary actuated axial clamp that includes a primary fixture, having a rotatable primary clamp, having primary clamp fingers that engage secondary clamp fingers on a stationary secondary clamp. The primary fixture is attached to a positioner, while the secondary fixture is attached to the work piece. Different secondary fixtures can be utilized to fit the shape and size of the work piece, while maintaining a secondary clamp that is able to engage the primary clamp of the primary fixture. The primary fixture can consequently be utilized with numerous different work pieces having different shapes and sizes by simply modifying a secondary fixture to adapt to the size and shape of the work piece. Roller engagement of the primary clamp and secondary clamp reduces the force required to clamp and unclamp the primary and secondary fixtures. This reduces problems associated with attaching a work piece to a positioner. |
US09095956B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming carbon dioxide particles into a block
A block former comprises a portable device for compression forming of carbon dioxide particles into a non-homogenous block of carbon dioxide. The formed non-homogenous block can be used with carbon dioxide blasters that shave the formed block, and then eject the carbon dioxide shavings into a pneumatic jet as a blast media for cleaning surfaces. The block former further comprises a control system comprising a logic system of switches, valves, and timers to perform a timed sequence of events to form loose carbon dioxide particles into a non-homogenous block, to release compression on the block, and to eject the formed block from the block former. A single compression surface is provided to compress the carbon dioxide particles block, to release pressure on the block, and to eject the block from the block former device. The carbon dioxide particles used to form the non-homogeneous block can vary in size from snow to chunks or pellets. |
US09095952B2 |
Reflectivity measurements during polishing using a camera
A substrate polishing system includes a platen to support a polishing surface, a carrier head configured to hold a substrate against the polishing surface during polishing, a light source configured to direct a light beam onto a surface of the substrate, a detector including an array of detection elements, and a controller. The detector is configured to detect reflections of the light beam from an area of the surface, and is configured to generate an image having pixels representing regions on the substrate having a length less than 0.1 mm. The controller is configured to receive the image and to detect clearance of a metal layer from an underlying layer on the substrate based on the image. |
US09095950B2 |
Motor-driven angle grinder
A motor driven angle grinder is described and which includes an electric motor; a transmission coupled to the electric motor and which includes a motor shaft and a tool spindle; a crown wheel in the form of a hat is provided and which forms a recess that receives the tool spindle and a bearing, and wherein the crown wheel defines toothing which surrounds the recess, and wherein the transmission housing and the angle grinder have low relative height profiles which permits the angle grinder to be used in restricted or tight space working environments. |
US09095949B2 |
Sharpening device for cutting blade
A sharpening device for cutting blades includes a support shell, at least two rollers rotatably mounted to the shell for rotating about respective substantially parallel first rotation axes and offset along a first substantially radial center-to-center direction, the rollers having respective contiguous grinding peripheral surfaces delimiting a working zone designed to receive a blade to be sharpened, the grinding surfaces being elastically yieldable to conform to the profile of the blade. |
US09095947B1 |
Sensing tip reamer
A system for preventing the performance of an out-of-sequence reaming operation during the machining of holes in a lamination of fiber-reinforced plastic material. The system automatically stops or inhibits a reaming operation if a sensing tip of the reamer encounters an incompletely drilled pre-hole or blank material (i.e., no pre-hole) instead of a fully drilled pre-hole. The system does not require any human intervention to inhibit the reaming operation. In one embodiment, the human or operator cannot re-start the reaming process until the machine tool or reaming equipment is reset. In some cases the reset may require manual intervention. |
US09095946B2 |
Modular tooling apparatus having serrated teeth for orbital and linear adjustment
A modular tooling apparatus includes a first coupler portion, a second coupler portion, a locking member, and a friction member. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion are rotationally adjustable with respect to one another. The locking member is moveable to a locked position wherein the locking member engages the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion to restrain the first coupler portion from rotating with respect to the second coupler portion. The friction member engages the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion to resist rotation of the first coupler portion with respect to the second coupler portion when the locking member is not in the locked position. |
US09095941B2 |
Graphene nanoplatelet metal matrix
A metal matrix composite is disclosed that includes graphene nanoplatelets dispersed in a metal matrix. The composite provides for improved thermal conductivity. The composite may be formed into heat spreaders or other thermal management devices to provide improved cooling to electronic and electrical equipment and semiconductor devices. |
US09095939B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing magnetic drawing board
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic drawing board having a plurality of areas, each of which is designated with a specific color, with clear border between adjacent areas of different color. The present invention makes use of magnetic force to ensure that magnetic particles of a specific color will be filled into cells designated for that specific color. As a result, the present invention is capable of manufacturing a magnetic drawing board with a clear division of areas of different colors. There is no longer any limitation on the size and shape of the areas of different colors in the present invention. |
US09095938B2 |
Apparatus and method of manufacturing a display and optical element combination
A new arrangement of a display and optical element and method for manufacturing the same are provided. In the context of a method, a method is provided that includes providing first and second layers, wherein an extended portion of the first layer extends at least partially beyond a first edge of the second layer. The method further includes positioning an optical element in alignment with a translucent portion of the extended portion of the first layer. The method may also include modifying one or more portions of the extended portion of the first layer to be translucent. |
US09095936B2 |
Variable melting point solders
The present invention relates to variable melting point solder formulations. The solder is comprised of at least one base metal or base metal alloy, preferably alloyed with at least one melting point depressant metal, such that the solidus point of the solder composition is reduced to an initial solidus temperature. Said base metal or base metal alloy, alloyed with at least one melting point depressant metal is mixed with at least one additive metal or additive metal alloy. When heated to a process temperature above said initial solidus temperature, a reaction occurs between the melting point depressant metal, and the additive metal, such that solidification occurs at the process temperature via the formation of intermetallic phases, effectively increasing the solidus of the base metal, and of the overall solder. |
US09095933B2 |
Composition of a solder, and method of manufacturing a solder connection
The solder composition comprises particles of a thermodynamically metastable alloy. One of the elements of the alloy will form an intermetallic compound with a metal surface. The solder composition is particularly suitable for use in bumping of semiconductor devices. |
US09095931B2 |
Laser processing method and laser processing apparatus
A laser processed hole is formed in a workpiece. The workpiece has a first member formed of a first material bonded to a second member formed of a second material. The laser processed hole extends through the first member to the second member. The wavelength of plasma light generated by applying a pulsed laser beam to the first member and the second member is detected. Application of the laser beam is continued at a first power until the plasma light intensity generated from only the first member is decreased to reach a predetermined value. The laser beam is applied at a second power which is lower than the first power so as to not generate cracks in the first member when the plasma light intensity has reached the predetermined value. Application of the plasma laser beam stops when plasma light generated from the second member is detected. |
US09095928B2 |
Method and system for heating consumable during hot wire
A system and method for use in brazing, cladding, building up, filling, overlaying, welding, and joining applications is provided. The system includes a first laser beam system which directs a first laser beam at a surface of at least one workpiece to create a molten puddle on the surface and a wire feeder which advances a consumable to the molten puddle so that the consumable contacts the molten puddle. The system also includes a power supply which outputs a heating signal and the heating signal is directed to the consumable to heat the consumable prior to the consumable entering the puddle. The system further includes a second laser beam system which directs a second laser beam at the consumable prior to the consumable entering the puddle and a controller which controls an output of each of the power supply and the second laser beam system. |
US09095926B2 |
Friction stir spot welding device and friction stir spot welding method
A tool driving section of a friction stir spot welding device is configured to advance and retract each of a pin member and a shoulder member. A tool driving control section is configured to control the tool driving section such that an absolute value of a tool average position Tx defined by a following equation: Ap·Pp+As·Ps=Tx, where Ap is a cross-section area of a front end surface of the pin member, As is a cross-section area of a front end surface of the shoulder member, Pp is a press-fit depth of the pin member press-fitted from a front surface of an object to be welded, and Ps is a press-fit depth of the shoulder member press-fitted from the front surface of the object to be welded, is small. |
US09095925B2 |
Earth electrode apparatus
In an earth electrode apparatus, a cradle having first, second, and third shanks to which first, second, and third earth electrodes can be attached respectively is coupled to a shaft supported by a base. The cradle is coupled thereto in a tiltable manner. If the surface of a workpiece is irregular or inclined, the cradle tilts for balancing with the workpiece to ensure equal contact pressure for the contact of the first, second, and third earth electrodes with the workpiece, thereby offering stable contact irrespective of surface irregularity or inclination. Since a welding current is split to flow into the first, second, and third earth electrodes through respective points of contact thereof with the workpiece, it is possible to reduce current density at each of the points of contact and to avoid heat generation ascribable to conductive resistance at each of the points of contact. |
US09095919B2 |
Stick electrode
A stick electrode for depositing an high strength weld metal bead on a workpiece where the yield strength of the weld metal is between 85 ksi and 125 ksi irrespective of the cooling rate. The electrode deposits weld metal having 0.80-1.85% by weight manganese, 0.25-0.50% by weight molybdenum, 1.25-2.50% by weight nickel, and less than 0.07% by weight carbon, wherein the ratios of the carbon, manganese and molybdenum are adjusted to provide a carbon equivalent in deposited weld metal in the range of 0.17 to 0.30 and preferably less than 0.22. |
US09095918B2 |
Cutter structures, inserts comprising same and method for making same
A method of making a cutter structure comprising super-hard material defining a rake face topology is provided. The method includes providing a pre-sinter assembly comprising a substrate body having a formation surface defining a topology complementary to the rake face topology, and an aggregation comprising a plurality of super-hard grains, the aggregation disposed adjacent the formation surface of the substrate body, the substrate body comprising a source of catalyst or binder material capable of promoting the sintering of the super-hard grains at a pressure and temperature at which the super-hard material is thermodynamically stable; subjecting the pre-sinter assembly to the pressure and temperature to provide a sintered polycrystalline super-hard structure joined to the formation surface of the substrate body at a first major boundary of the super-hard structure and having a second major boundary surface opposite the formation surface; removing the substrate body to expose the first major boundary of the super-hard structure defining the rake face topology. Cutter inserts and machine tools are also provided. |
US09095913B2 |
Cutting inserts
A cutting insert for use in a chipforming material removal operation that includes a cutting insert body, which has a seating surface, a flank face, and a corner cutting region at the intersection of a peripheral edge and the flank adjacent corresponding corners thereof. The cutting insert body contains a central aperture. The seating surface contains a coolant delivery trough, which has a radial orientation toward a corresponding corner cutting region. The coolant delivery trough has a radial outward end terminating at the peripheral edge and a radial inward end opening into the central aperture. There are a pair of lateral topographic regions wherein the one lateral topographic region is along one side of the coolant delivery trough and the other lateral topographic region is along other side of the coolant delivery trough. |
US09095911B2 |
Power operated chuck
A power-operated chuck for machine tools, the chuck having a base body attachable to the machine tool, at least two clamping jaws held moveably in the base body are synchronously controlled and moved radially onto a workpiece to be clamped by one wedge rod each, and an actuating element is held in an axially movable arrangement in the base body and is connected in a force-locking arrangement with each of the wedge rods and is held coaxially in the base body in relation to its longitudinal axis, there being play between the actuating element and the base body, the chuck permitting central positioning of the workpiece to be clamped in relation to the longitudinal axis of the chuck and, the chuck permitting the centering adjustment to be undertaken throughout the machining process. |
US09095910B2 |
Cutting insert with symmetrical, radiused cutting edges
A cutting insert includes a top surface, an edge surface and a cutting edge between the top and edge surfaces. The cutting edge is symmetrical about a centerline. The cutting edge has a first edge radius at a first point at the centerline of the cutting edge and a different, second edge radius at second points on opposite sides of and remote from the centerline of the cutting edge. The first edge radius is larger than the second edge radius. The top surface includes a land surface between the cutting edge and a remaining portion of the top surface. The land surface defines a surface that is distinct from the remaining portion of the top surface. A width of the land surface behind the cutting edge at the first point at the center of the cutting edge is different than the width of the land surface behind the second points. |
US09095904B2 |
Titanium metal powder produced from titanium tetrachloride using an ionic liquid and high-shear mixing
Titanium tetrahalide (preferably titanium tetrachloride) is reduced to titanium metal particles by reaction with an alkali metal dispersed in a non-aqueous, organic ionic liquid. The dispersion is enhanced using high-shear mixing. By-product alkali metal chloride salt(s) is dissolved in the ionic liquid. Precipitated titanium metal powder is readily separated from the ionic liquid solution as a product. And the separated solution may be subjected to electrolysis to recover chlorine gas, electrodeposited alkali metal, and the ionic liquid. Other metal halides may be added with the titanium halide to form titanium-based alloys or other titanium based products. |
US09095903B2 |
Nanowire ring preparation methods, compositions, and articles
Methods and compositions are disclosed for preparation of both open and closed nanowire metal rings. Such rings may be used in conductive layers of electronic devices. |
US09095898B2 |
Stabilized metal nanoparticles and methods for production thereof
Processes for synthesizing metal nanoparticles, particularly copper nanoparticles, are described. The processes can involve reacting an insoluble complex of a metal salt with a reducing agent in a reaction mixture containing a primary amine first surfactant, a secondary amine second surfactant, and a diamine chelating agent third surfactant. More specifically, processes for forming copper nanoparticles can involve forming a first solution containing a copper salt, a primary amine first surfactant, a secondary amine second surfactant, and a diamine chelating agent third surfactant; allowing an insoluble complex of the copper salt to form from the first solution; combining a second solution containing a reducing agent with the insoluble complex; and forming copper nanoparticles from the insoluble complex. Such copper nanoparticles can be about 10 nm or smaller in size, more particularly about 3 nm to about 6 nm in size, and have a fusion temperature of about 200° C. or lower. |
US09095890B2 |
Metallic glass fastening screw
A metallic glass fastening screw that is not susceptible to loosening, and is capable of implementing fastening with high strength and reliability. In processing a screw thread and a screw groove of a screw, amorphous bulk metallic glass is form-rolled at glass transition temperature or less of the bulk metallic glass serving as a member to be processed. The bulk metallic glass has a plastic strain property introduced by plastic working such as form rolling, to improve ductility. A relationship of d>0.022×D is set so that a depth from a bottom of the screw groove in the region where the plastic strain is introduced is d and an outside diameter of the screw is D, to relax stress concentration of tensile stress generated in a region at the bottom of the screw groove due to tension (axial force) applied to the screw in fastening. |
US09095889B2 |
Thermoelectric-enhanced air and liquid cooling of an electronic system
Thermoelectric-enhanced air and liquid cooling of an electronic system is facilitated by providing a cooling apparatus which includes a liquid-cooled structure in thermal communication with an electronic component(s), and liquid-to-liquid and air-to-liquid heat exchangers coupled in series fluid communication via a coolant loop, which includes first and second loop portions coupled in parallel. The liquid-cooled structure is supplied coolant via the first loop portion, and a thermoelectric array is disposed with the first and second loop portions in thermal contact with first and second sides of the array. The thermoelectric array operates to transfer heat from coolant passing through the first loop portion to coolant passing through the second loop portion, and cools coolant passing through the first loop portion before the coolant passes through the liquid-cooled structure. Coolant passing through the first and second loop portions passes through the series-coupled heat exchangers, one of which functions as heat sink. |
US09095888B2 |
Can processing machine with cantilever design
A machine arrangement that operates on a plurality of articles includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner to form a machine arrangement. Each machine includes a modular base, a transfer star wheel, and a turret mechanism configured to perform a working operation on an article. The turret mechanism includes a turret star wheel. A central axis of the transfer star wheel is approximately 45 degrees below horizontal relative to a central axis of the turret star wheel. The turret mechanism includes a cantilevered portion overhanging a portion of the base. |
US09095887B2 |
Roller hemming device
A compact roller hemming device which can perform a hemming process with respect to various works. The roller hemming device for hemming a work includes rotary shafts rotating on axes thereof, and first lower dies and second lower dies on which the corresponding work is placed. The first lower dies and the second lower dies are arranged on outer circumferential parts of the rotary shafts at predetermined intervals. The rotary shafts rotate so that one each of the first lower dies and the second lower dies is selected depending on a type of the work to be hemmed. |
US09095883B2 |
Inline jet-sonde
A sonde, inline sonde, or inline sonde and carrier, configuration for use in troubleshooting a pipe and providing precise location of the problem includes a sonde carrier having a first end adapted to attach to a line and a second opposite end adapted to attach to a troubleshooting device. A sonde transmitter having a hollow core is mounted over a line or hose or inline with the sonde carrier between the first and second ends. The sonde carrier includes means for coupling first and second body portions of the carrier together and to a high pressure water line and cleaning nozzle. |
US09095882B2 |
Piezoelectric device, dust removing apparatus, and imaging apparatus
A piezoelectric device includes an elastic member, an electrical-mechanical energy conversion element fixed to the elastic member, configured to cause the elastic member to generate vibration, and a supporting member that supports the elastic member. The electrical-mechanical energy conversion element is formed of a piezoelectric material in which, in a usage temperature range of the piezoelectric device, a piezoelectric constant decreases along with temperature rise. A supporting member that supports the elastic member is formed of a material in which, in the usage temperature range of the piezoelectric device, Q value increases along with temperature rise. |
US09095878B2 |
Coating compositions and methods of applying the same
One aspect of the present invention is a coating system for use in a wet on wet coating application process. The coating system includes a first coating composition, a second coating composition, and a boundary layer. The first coating composition includes a first bulk polymer resin and a first reactive component selected from the group consisting of a part A and a part B reactive component. The second coating composition includes a second bulk polymer resin and a second reactive component comprised of the other reactive component of the part A and the part B reactive component group. The boundary is formed upon applying a first layer of the first coating composition to a second layer of the second coating composition. The boundary layer includes the reaction product of the part A and the part B reactive component and is situated between the first layer and the second layer. |
US09095870B2 |
Conductive roll
The object of the present invention is to provide a conductive roll having high resistance to permanent set and high resistance to adhesion. The conductive roll 1 has a rubber elastic portion formed of a rubber material including a carbon-carbon double bond and exhibiting electric conductivity. The surface of the rubber elastic portion is exposed as the surface of the roll. An organic group including one or more groups selected from silicone groups and fluorine-containing groups is bonded through an isocyanuric acid skeleton to the surface of the rubber elastic portion. The organic group may be a group derived from an organic compound including one or more groups selected from silicone groups and fluorine-containing groups and having a carbon-carbon double bond. |
US09095868B2 |
Glue dispenser
A glue dispenser comprises a container accommodating glue, a glue dispensing head and a glue dispensing ring. The glue dispensing head is connected with the container, the glue dispensing head is substantially cylindrical and includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, the top surface is arranged inside the container, the bottom surface is exposed outside the container, the glue dispensing head has a plurality of through holes extending from the top surface towards the bottom surface to ensure the steady extrusion of glue in small quantities from multiple small outlets arranged in a circle. |
US09095867B2 |
Spray texture material compositions and dispensing systems and methods
A system for coating a target surface employs a bottle for containing the texture material and a spray pump assembly. A resilient member is supported by a pump housing to define an outlet opening. A collar member is supported by the pump housing. The resilient member is normally in an undeformed configuration in which the outlet opening defines a first cross-sectional area. Moving the collar member relative to the pump housing causes the collar member to act on the resilient member to deform the resilient member from the undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration in which the outlet opening defines a second cross-sectional area, where the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area. |
US09095858B2 |
Cold-spray nozzle and cold-spray device using cold-spray nozzle
An object of the present invention is to provide a cold-spray nozzle that can be continuously used for a long time without causing clogging up of the nozzle compared to a conventional case to effectively obtain a high-quality film by a cold-spray method. To achieve the object, the cold-spray nozzle that is a convergent-divergent type cold-spray nozzle comprising a convergent part, a throat part, and a divergent part sequentially arranged in this order for constituting a working gas flow path along a working gas flow direction from an inlet side to an outlet side is employed. The inner peripheral surface of the divergent part has a conical shape and at least a part of the inner peripheral surface is constituted by a glass material. |
US09095857B2 |
Paint spray-gun even-pressure diverting housing structure
The present invention is to provide a paint spray-gun even-pressure diverting housing structure formed by an inter housing and an outer housing, and the assembly is slotted into the paint spray-gun head cavity wherein the centers of both housings are respectively installed with holes for paint spray-gun nozzle cross-assembled into a set. The inner housing and the outer housing are installed using with two independent guiding gas channels for sending spraying paint airflow and atomization airflow, and the gaps of each guiding gas channel are cross-positioned in conduction. As the inner housing and outer housing are combined the channels of the two housing maintain the crossing relationship, thereby the spitted airflow and the atomization airflow spitted present circulating stream in the two guiding gas channels in both housings delay the time staying in the nozzle cavity, further to achieve even-exiting air effect and improve painting quality. |
US09095853B2 |
Apparatus and process for recycling absorbent sanitary products
An apparatus for treating used absorbent sanitary products includes a rotary cylindrical autoclave having a side wall and two ends, at least one of which terminates in a hatch that can be opened to enable access to the autoclave and sealably closed to enable pressurization of the autoclave; a circuit for heating and pressurizing the autoclave for heating the absorbent sanitary products to a sterilization temperature; and a plurality of cutting nozzles supplied by pressurized fluid, which are arranged for directing respective jets of pressurized fluid inside the autoclave. |
US09095851B2 |
Apparatus and method of detecting and controlling fluid in microfluidic device
A fluid control apparatus including a detecting unit including a light source for irradiating light toward a microfluidic device, and a photodetector for detecting light reflected from the microfluidic device, a transporting unit for moving the detecting unit; and a determining unit for controlling a transporting operation by the transporting unit, where determining a state of a fluid at a particular position relative to the microfluidic device is based on light reflected from the microfluidic device, and method of using same. |
US09095850B2 |
System for treating liquids
A system for treating liquids comprising: a fluidics unit having at least one functional unit; at least one liquid storage unit of the first type; at least one liquid storage unit of second type; a first liquid line; and a second liquid line, wherein a flow of liquid through the first liquid line directed from the fluidics unit to the liquid storage unit of first type is blocked, at least at times, by means of a first valve and a flow of liquid through the second liquid line in the direction from the liquid storage unit of second type to the fluidics unit is blocked, at least at times, by means of a second valve. |
US09095845B2 |
Catalyst support material comprising polyazole salt, electrochemical catalyst, and the preparation of a gas diffusion electrode and a membrane-electrode assembly therefrom
A catalyst material comprising an electrically conducting support material, a proton-conducting, acid-doped polymer based on a polyazole salt, and a catalytically active material. A process for preparing the catalyst material. A catalyst material prepared by the process of the invention. A catalyst ink comprising the catalyst material of the invention and a solvent. A catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane and also catalytically active layers comprising a catalyst material of the present invention. A gas diffusion electrode (GDE) comprising a gas diffusion layer and a catalytically active layer comprising a catalyst material of the invention. A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane, catalytically active layers comprising a catalyst material of the invention, and gas diffusion layers. And a fuel cell comprising a membrane-electrode assembly of the present invention. |
US09095843B2 |
Carrier treatment to improve catalytic performance of an ethylene oxide catalyst
A method for lowering the sodium content of different carriers which may have different physical properties as well as varying degrees of sodium is provided. The method, which lowers the sodium content from the surface, subsurface as well as the binding layer of the carrier, includes contacting a carrier with water. A rinse solution is recovered from the contacting. The rinse solution includes leached sodium from the carrier. The sodium content in the rinse solution is then determined. The contacting, recovering and determining are repeated until a steady state in the sodium content is achieved. |
US09095842B2 |
Diatomaceous earth filter aid containing a low crystalline silica content
A diatomaceous earth product with low crystalline silica content after at least one calcination step of between about 927° C. (1700° F.) and about 1149° C. (2100° F.) is disclosed. The product comprises natural diatomaceous earth and at least one binding agent comprising potassium silicate. Further the product comprises no more than about 4.0 wt % of crystalline silica and has a permeability in the range of about 0.3 darcy to greater than about 20 darcy. A process for making such diatomaceous earth product with a low crystalline silica content is disclosed. Moreover, a diatomaceous earth filter aid comprising such a diatomaceous earth product is disclosed. |
US09095839B2 |
Confinement of nanosized metal organic framework in nano carbon morphologies
A hybrid composite of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF) encapsulated in nanocarbon material, wherein the MOFs are grown inside or outside or both side of nano carbon morphologies of the hybrid composite. Such composites may be prepared by a. dissolving and mixing a salt of the metal and a ligand in the ratio ranging between 1:1 to 1:4 (by w/w ratio) by sonicating them to form a precursor mixture; b. adding non-functionalized or functionalized nano-carbon material to the precursor mixture of step (a); c. sonicating the mixture of step (b) followed by heating; d. keeping the slurry obtained at elevated temperature followed by centrifugation. |
US09095832B2 |
Method and apparatus for preparing polymer beads of uniform particle size by suspension polymerisation
Monomer solution and liquid solution immiscible with the monomers in the monomer solution are cocurrently jetted upwardly in a pulsating manner in a reaction vessel. Monomer droplets are allowed to rise up in a controlled and smooth manner under the dynamic forces exerted by differential flow rate and differential pressure between the monomer and liquid solutions and the differential densities between the monomer and liquid solutions without causing coalescence, agglomeration and breakup of the monomer droplets and to stabilize by partial polymerization of the droplets at 50-60° C. The monomer droplets flow out horizontally into a polymerization reactor and get polymerized in the polymerization reactor under agitation at 80-85° C. The polymer beads are dried at 80-100° C. and sieved. |
US09095828B2 |
Container having flexible walls with connecting piece for mixer shaft and coupling piece for drive device fixed magnetically to opposite inner and outer surfaces of container wall
A container has flexible walls defining an interior. A mixer is arranged in the interior of the container and includes a mixer shaft with opposite first and second ends. A mixing element is mounted to the first end of the mixer shaft. The second end of the mixer shaft is fixed magnetically to a coupling piece disposed on the exterior of the flexible wall of the container. The coupling piece is connected operatively to a force introducing device that generates movement of the mixer. |
US09095827B2 |
Exhaust gas flow mixer
A mixer for mixing an exhaust flow with a fluid injected into an exhaust pipe includes a tubular housing having a reduced size center portion positioned between first and second ends. The housing includes circumferentially spaced apart apertures extending through the center portion. A first mixing element includes a first peripheral portion positioned within one of the apertures and a second peripheral portion positioned within another one of the apertures. A second mixing element includes third and fourth peripheral portions positioned within other apertures of the housing. |
US09095826B2 |
Apparatus and process for wastewater treatment and biological nutrient removal in activated sludge systems
An apparatus (100) and process (400) for the treatment of wastewater and biological nutrient removal in activated sludge systems. The process uses substantially vertically downwardly presented inlet jets for delivering the incoming wastewater and recycled activated sludge into the body of liquid in a reactor, in a vertically downward direction and at a location just below the surface of the body of liquid. An effective circulating flow pattern of liquid is thereby established, along with optional concomitant entraining, dispersion or dissolving a fluid throughout the volume of the liquid body, facilitating a universal apparatus for mixing of anaerobic, anoxic, aerobic and oxic reactors or accommodating alternating said process conditions in one reactor. When an oxygen containing gas is entrained for aerobic fermentation, optimum gas bubble size is generated for efficient reaction with the digestion bacteria throughout the volume of the liquid body. Efficient mixing and maximum utilization of the bacteria suspended in the body of liquid is thereby approached, whether the digestion is conducted aerobically, anaerobically or anoxically. |
US09095823B2 |
Tunable layered membrane configuration for filtration and selective isolation and recovery devices
A tunable membrane configuration for a filtration or selective fluidic isolation and recovery device includes a housing having an inlet at one end and an outlet at an opposite end with an opening extending from the inlet to the outlet. An internal support structure is maintained in the opening, and layered filtration media is carried by the internal support structure, the media separating feed received at the inlet into at least three separate output flows. |
US09095822B2 |
Split flow EDI apparatus for treating second pass RO permeate water with high flow rate
We report an electro-deionization (EDI) device having split flow arrangement for the purification of second pass RO permeate water with high flow rate in which the feed water is fed through the center port and is diverted into each section of dilute chamber with equal flow rate, producing two product streams. The EDI device has concentrate chambers adjacent to dilute chambers in two sections of the stack, allowing independent flow through the separate sections. The split flow design reduces resin bed depth requirement for processing of second pass RO permeate water. This results in higher flow rate through the stack, elimination of the pressure drop limitation, and reduction of power consumption per unit volume of water. |
US09095818B2 |
Method of filtering platelets to remove antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents
The present invention relates to methods for removing antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants from a platelet preparation. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of flowing the platelet preparation through a filtering tube comprising a filtering membrane and separating the antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants from the platelet preparation by tangential flow filtration. In another embodiment, the method includes the step of passing the platelet preparation through porous material that specifically binds to the antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. |
US09095816B2 |
Catalyst for removing nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas of diesel engines
The invention relates to a catalyst for removal of nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas of diesel engines, and to a process for reducing the level of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas of diesel engines. The catalyst consists of a support body of length L and of a catalytically active coating which in turn may be formed from one or more material zones. The material zones comprise selectively catalytically reductive (SCR-active) mixed oxide consisting of cerium oxide, zirconium oxide, rare earth sesquioxide and niobium oxide and optionally tungsten oxide. In addition, the material zones comprise at least one compound selected from the group consisting of barium oxide, barium hydroxide, barium carbonate, strontium oxide, strontium hydroxide, strontium carbonate, praseodymium oxide, lanthanum oxide, magnesium oxide, mixed magnesium/aluminum oxide, alkali metal oxide, alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal carbonate and mixtures thereof. Noble metal may optionally also be present in the catalyst. |
US09095812B2 |
Scrubber system for treating exhaust gas in a marine vessel and method of treating exhaust gas in scrubber system of a marine vessel
A scrubber system for treating exhaust gas in a marine vessel with a water based solution includes a first scrubber unit and a second scrubber unit, an exhaust gas inlet in the first scrubber unit and an exhaust gas outlet in the second scrubber unit and a second conduit section connecting the first scrubber unit to the second scrubber unit, a first scrubbing medium circuit and a second scrubbing medium circuit. The first scrubber medium circuit is provided with a source of scrubbing solution having a first connection to an outside of a hull of the vessel beneath the water line of the vessel and the second scrubber medium circuit is provided with a source of scrubbing solution having a source of fresh water in the vessel. |
US09095810B2 |
Filtering device, in particular for the air to be supplied to a fuel cell
A filtering device features a carrier medium and activated carbon as adsorbent which is immobilized due to the addition of adhesive. |
US09095807B2 |
Centrifugal separator and method for producing a centrifugal separator
A centrifugal separator for separating particles from a fluid has a housing with a structural element provided with an opening. A cyclone cell having an inflow opening and an outflow opening is provided and is adapted to produce a swirl in a fluid that is flowing in through the inflow opening and exits through the outflow opening. The cyclone cell is secured in the opening of the structural element by being form-fittingly embedded by injection molding in the structural element. In a method for producing the centrifugal separator, at least one cyclone cell is provided and is embedded by injection molding so as to form the structural element that secures at least one cyclone cell in the housing. |
US09095806B2 |
Filter device
A filter housing (10) having a raw-side inlet (12) and a clean-side outlet (14) for media to be filtered and a forward-mounted part designed as a cyclone pre-separator (20) including at least one fastening region (32) of a first part (30) made substantially of plastic is fastened to the raw side, and a second part (40) braced between the first part (30) and the filter housing (10). The fastening region (32) of the first part (30) is screwed to the filter housing (10) using metal fastening elements (50, 54, 56, 60), and—at the upper side facing away from the filter housing (10) it has at least one pressing contour (70) for compensating for at least one dimension tolerance of the elements fastened together. The contour is substantially plastic material, which can be deformed by means of applying a force generated by the screwing together of the metal fastening elements (50, 52, 56, 60), in particular which can be melted. |
US09095804B2 |
Lamellar separator with catch basin
The invention relates to a lamellar separator for separating liquid droplets from a liquid-charged fluid, having at least two essentially vertically oriented lamellar profiles, which are spaced apart from one another, and which form a flow channel between them for conducting through the liquid-charged fluid and on the wall surfaces of which the liquid droplets are separated, and having a catch basin situated below the lamellar profiles for receiving the liquid separated from the liquid-charged fluid, the catch basin having at least one partition wall, which divides the catch basin into multiple areas. |
US09095802B2 |
Biosafety cabinets with air filters accessible through the work chamber
A biosafety cabinet includes one or more air filters below the work surface and a system for holding, sealing, replacing and disposing the air filters through the work access opening of the biosafety cabinet. The air filters under the work surface of the biosafety cabinet capture particulates entering the cabinet from the exterior environment and the particulates within the cabinet's work chamber. Instead of a mechanical clamp, the perimeter of the air filters are sealed using a gasket and a tape, eliminating the accumulation of the contaminants around mechanical clamps. The air filters may be accessed through the work access opening of the biosafety cabinet, packaged for disposal and removed from the biosafety cabinet without being exposed to the exterior environment. A filter cover with an adhesive surface is used to cover and lift the used, contaminated air filter within the biosafety cabinet. |
US09095801B2 |
Filter device test apparatus, filter integrity testing method and computer program product
An apparatus automatically carries out an integrity test on a filter device having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a venting port. The apparatus includes a filter integrity testing device having a pressure sensor and/or a flowmeter. An inlet connector is connectable to the fluid inlet, is connected via a wetting liquid supply valve to a wetting liquid supply, and is connected via a drainage valve to a first drain. An outlet connector is connectable to the fluid outlet and via an outlet valve to the first or a second drain. A venting port connector is connectable to the venting port and via a measurement valve to the pressure sensor and/or flowmeter. The venting port connector also is connected via a venting valve to a venting pipe, and via a measurement gas valve to a measurement gas source. The valves are controlled by the filter integrity testing device. |
US09095800B2 |
Low profile frame for a filter incorporating a negative pressure check mechanism
A low-profile filter frame is disclosed for maintaining an open filter plenum configuration during normal operation, and for enabling quick and reliable negative pressure testing. The frame has upper and lower halves. A breathing tube in the lower half connects to a respirator port. The upper and lower halves snap together to maintain the structure in an assembled configuration. The halves also include features that bias the halves apart when the device is in the assembled configuration, thereby maintaining the breathing tube open. To perform a fit test, a force is applied to an outer surface of the upper half, which moves the halves together, in opposition to the bias, so that the upper half seals against the breathing tube. The frame can be provide in as a single-piece, with a living hinge connecting upper and lower halves, or the upper and lower halves can be separate pieces. |
US09095798B2 |
Centrifuge separation method and apparatus using a medium density fluid
The centrifugation vessel includes an outer wall containing an interior space. A dam defines a barrier which divides the interior space into at least two regions including a catch basin defining a higher gee region and a reservoir defining a lower gee region. These regions are joined together over the dam. The dam includes a face which is preferably tapered to enable optimization of speed of separation of a sample placed within the vessel. The vessel is usable in a biological sample processing method by having the higher gee region of the vessel configured to have an elongate form and the volume optimized for collection of a higher density fraction of the sample. Supply and withdrawal tubes extend into the regions for reliable extraction and separate collection of differing density fractions after separation by centrifugation. A medium density fluid is used within the vessel to further isolate constituents of differing densities. |
US09095795B2 |
Anti-drainback valve with position positive locking for spin-on oil and fuel filters
An anti-drainback valve contains a locking mechanism for securing the valve into to a filter assembly. The locking mechanism is made up of at least two keys that extend from the valve into beyond a cap of the filter assembly in order to secure the valve within the filter assembly. When multiple keys are employed, such keys may be equally spaced around the circumference of the cap. Manufacturing costs are kept minimal as minimal material is required and a two part mold may be employed during manufacturing. |
US09095792B2 |
Chromatography of polyolefin polymers
The invention provides methods for chromatography of a polyolefin polymer, comprising introducing a solution of the polyolefin polymer into a liquid flowing through a liquid chromatography stationary phase, the liquid chromatography stationary phase comprising graphitic carbon. The invention also provides an apparatus for polyolefin polymer chromatography, comprising a liquid chromatography stationary phase, the liquid chromatography stationary phase comprising graphitic carbon and at least one inert filler. |
US09095786B1 |
Method and apparatus for separation of fluids within a single vessel
A process wherein a combination of two separation principles are combined into one space saving machine with portability to separate two distinct and different fluids one lighter in specific gravity than the other, including the steps of primary separation of fluids allowing for free and suspended solids along with free oil and grease to be removed in the primary separation chamber; utilizing parallel corrugated plates in the separation defining the distance of rise for a given oil droplet based on Stokes Law to remove the remaining large droplets of free oil and solids; and providing an induced gas flotation process which provides a finely dispersed bubble in the liquid to accelerate the lift necessary for separation of fine oil droplets, emulsified oil droplet, and suspended solids to meet a government discharge regulation. This combined technique can be configured in a single vessel without pumps or other methods of liquid movement. |
US09095785B2 |
Method of optimizing product output rate of packed columns
A product output rate for a packed column is optimized by setting a desired product output rate from the distillation column, calculating a fraction of flood point of the distillation column at a reflux ratio, and determining a pressure drop value within the distillation column at the fraction of flood point. The step of determining the pressure drop employs the method of producing a plot of pressure drop as a function of fraction of flood point at any liquid flow rate, or producing a mathematical expression thereof. The method of optimizing a product output rate from a distillation column then includes calculating a pressure at a point in the distillation column for a pressure at a different point in the distillation column, calculating the pressure drop within the distillation column of a given length, calculating a temperature corresponding to the calculated pressure at a point in the distillation column, and adjusting the desired product output rate or the reflux ratio or the pressure at a different point in the distillation column. |
US09095783B2 |
Arrangement and method for producing high-purity crystals
An arrangement and a method for producing high-purity crystals, such as temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical agents, in a countercurrent crystallization process. The arrangement comprises a plurality of crystallizers, mother liquor lines, each of which has a shut-off valve, and crystallization product lines, each of which has a shut-off valve, so that a mother liquor flow can be generated which is directed from a crystallizer to the second-next crystallizer in the direction of decreasing purity, and a crystallization product flow can be generated which is directed from a to dissolved crystallization product that is about to crystallize to the next crystallizer in the direction of higher purity. |
US09095780B2 |
Rotating water amusement ride
A rotating water amusement ride is described in which the passengers can in a simpler manner walk to their seats in the water vessels while keeping their feet dry. This is principally achieved by a water amusement ride, with at least one water vessel which is preferably movable in the body of water, and having a float body which is borne by the water and which has seats for accommodating passengers, wherein a platform is provided which, in a rest state of the water amusement ride, protrudes out of the water surface. |
US09095779B2 |
Gaming application state transfer amongst user profiles
At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method of sharing application states across different user profiles. The method can include: receiving a request from a first computing device associated with a first user profile to load an application state of a game application, wherein the application state is owned by a second user profile; verifying permission for the first user profile to load the application state owned by the second user profile; configuring a sharing instance of the application state of the game application by accessing gameplay state data of the application state associated with the second user profile in a storage service; and sending the sharing instance to be loaded onto the first computing device. |
US09095775B2 |
User interface and method of user interaction
A method of user interaction with an entertainment device comprises generating an audio-visual output for use with audio-visual reproduction equipment, initiating an audio-visual event as part of the generated audio-visual output, receiving input data from one or more game control devices associated with the entertainment device, analyzing the received input data to evaluate an involuntary physical response by a user interacting with the or each game control device occurring within a predetermined period associated with the initiation of the audio-visual event, and adjusting subsequently generated audio-visual output responsive to the evaluation of the user's involuntary physical response. |
US09095773B2 |
Gaming system and method of gaming
The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a game controller arranged to generate a skill outcome in response to an input from a player and that is at least partially dependent on a skill of the player. The game controller is arranged to generate an artificial outcome that is controlled by the game controller. The gaming system also includes a game outcome controller arranged to generate a game outcome based on a criterion such that, if the criterion is met, the game outcome is at least partially determined by one of the skill outcome and the artificial outcome and, if the criterion is not met, the game outcome is at least partially determined by the other one of the skill outcome and the artificial outcome. A reward allocator is arranged to allocate a reward that is at least partially dependent on the game outcome. |
US09095768B1 |
Board game
The board game includes a game board, various game pieces and a predetermined number of cards. The game is played in teams or singles, wherein each team or player represents a tribe of lemurs or monkeys trying to collect fruit. Upon determination of a game apparatus and a random selection device, a number of cards and board game gold nuggets are provided to a number of players. An objective in winning the board game is to obtain a predetermined number of matching cards or a highest winning sum total, based on the numeric value of board game points obtained by a player or team in comparison to other players and with consideration to the operations and/or instructions of other game pieces. |
US09095762B2 |
System for light signalling to supply a moving light reference to an athlete
System for light signalling to supply a moving light reference (60) to an athlete, said system (10) including a plurality of lighting elements (20), in particular light emitting diodes, arranged along an athlete path, controlling means (11, 19) adapted to control said plurality of lighting elements (20) according to a lighting sequence adapted to generate said moving light reference (60) and to impart to said moving light reference (60) a displacement speed along said plurality of lighting elements (20) which is settable through said controlling means (11, 19). According to the invention, said system (10) further comprises a plurality of microcontrollers (23) arranged in a cascaded connection with respect to command signals (42) pertaining lighting parameters sent by said controlling means (11, 19) and arranged along said athlete path, said microcontrollers (23) being connected to respective sets of lighting elements in said plurality of lighting elements (20) to command their lighting state on the basis of said command signals (42). |
US09095758B2 |
Golf swing wrist condition training device
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a golf swing training device which is uniquely configured to maintain a desirable bent wrist condition through the entirety of the downswing (including golf ball impact) and follow-though or finish of the golf swing. The training device allows the wearer to start the golf swing with the right wrist in its natural, generally flattened condition at address. Once the backswing of the golf stroke is initiated, the training device allows the wearer to bend the right wrist back naturally, and at different amounts so as to represent the different amounts of right wrist bend a golfer may employ for shorter and longer strokes. Once the right wrist has achieved its full amount of bend at the time of the downswing, the training device effectively maintains such bend throughout the entirety of the downswing and follow-through or finish of, the golf swing. |
US09095754B2 |
Ball game apparatus and method
A back-stop for a team sport includes a generally flat, rectangular shaped base having a positioning element on an upper surface for receiving a goal pin, and a backboard. The backboard is attached to a rear edge of the base and is movable between a stored position, lying flat on the base, and an operative position, extending upwardly at approximately a 90° angle. A free-standing elongated goal pin is positionable on the positioning element and has an upper end extending approximately the height of the backstop. The goal pin has a weighted element at a bottom end for biasing the goal pin in an upstanding position. |
US09095753B2 |
Golf club having removable weight
A golf club head comprising a weight mount including a weight recess and a stud, wherein the weight mount is disposed on at least one of the sole, the crown and the skirt, and wherein at least a portion of the stud comprises external threads, a weight member comprising a non-circular shape, wherein a majority of the weight member is configured to reside in the weight recess of the weight mount, wherein the weight member includes a weight bore formed through the weight member, a nut including an internally threaded bore, the internally threaded bore configured to engage the stud of the weight mount, wherein at least a portion of the nut resides within the weight bore of the weight member, wherein the nut is rotatably coupled to the weight member, wherein the weight member comprises a snap ring groove. |
US09095752B2 |
Golf clubs and golf club heads
Golf clubs and/or golf club heads include a club head body defining an interior chamber, structure for engaging a shaft with the body, and/or a shaft engaged with the body. The club head body may have an overall length of at least 4.5 inches and an overall breadth of at least 4.2 inches. In other examples, the club head body may have an overall length of at least 4.6 inches and a ratio of the overall breadth dimension to the overall length dimension of 1 or less. If desired, the ratio of the head breadth to head length dimensions may be in a range from at least 0.94 to 1 or less. |
US09095748B2 |
Multi-layered cores for golf balls containing polyamide and ionomer layers
Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one of the core layers comprises a thermoplastic ionomer composition, preferably a highly neutralized ethylene acid copolymer. And, at least one of the core layers comprises a thermoplastic polyamide composition. The ionomer composition is preferably used to form the inner core and the polyamide composition is preferably used to form the outer core layer. More preferably, the ionomer composition has a flex modulus of 80,000 psi or less and the polyamide composition has a flex modulus of 90,000 psi or greater. The resulting ball has high resiliency and rebounding properties. |
US09095742B2 |
Modular squat stand system
The modular squat stand system may include a plurality of upright members, each including a plurality of upright member holes. The modular squat stand system may further include a base including a plurality of upright member sockets, each the plurality of upright member sockets including first, second, and third sides. The first and third sides may be connected by the second side. The first and third sides may be parallel relative to each other, and perpendicular relative to said second side. The first and third sides may each include a plurality of upright member socket holes. At least one of the first and third sides may include an integrated gusset. The plurality of upright member sockets may be configured to removably accept the plurality of upright members by receiving fastening members through the plurality of upright member socket holes and the plurality of upright member holes. |
US09095740B2 |
Tilting and folding device for a treadmill
A tilting and folding device of a treadmill includes a base and a track bed is pivotably connected to the base by an arm, a support device and an actuator. The arm is pivotably connected between the base and the track bed. The actuator is pivotably connected between the base and a pivotal portion located between the first and second pivotal ends. The support device is pivotably connected to the base and the track bed. When the arm is pivoted about the second pivotal end and driven by the actuator, the front end of the track bed is lifted and stopped after being traveled to a pre-set stroke. When the actuator continuously drives the arm, the rear end of the track bed is supported by the support device and pivoted until the track bed is located upright. |
US09095738B2 |
Exercise apparatus
The present disclosure concerns an exercise device, and more particularly a combination balance and stability training and resistance training exercise device, comprising a platform and a balance element. The exercise device can also comprise one or more resilient, elongate resistance training elements for resistance training. The exercise device can be provided with a stabilizing device. When removed from the stabilizing device, the exercise device can be used in a manner similar to a conventional balance board. When mounted on the stabilizing device, the exercise device is supported in a stable orientation for performing exercises requiring a stable and balanced support surface. |
US09095734B2 |
Nitric oxide releasing multifunctional polymers
A molecule for stabilizing a bioactive chemical group capable of releasing nitric oxide in vivo is described. The molecule possesses multi-functionality, enabling the delivery of multiple nitric oxide precursors on a single molecule. In some embodiments, a tissue or prosthetic bonding group is attached to one of the functional arms of the molecule making the molecule of the present invention localizing to tissue or an implant. |
US09095733B2 |
Compositions for improving the health and appearance of skin
Provided herein are microalgal skin care compositions and methods of improving the health and appearance of skin. Also provided are methods of using polysaccharides for applications such as topical personal care products, cosmetics, and wrinkle reduction compositions. The invention also provides novel decolorized microalgal compositions useful for improving the health and appearance of skin. The invention also includes insoluble polysaccharide particles for application to human skin. |
US09095732B2 |
Powdery emulsifying composition of alkyl polyglycosides, use thereof for preparing cosmetic emulsions, and method for preparing same
A powdery composition C1 contains for 100% of the mass: 5 to 70 mass % and more particularly 10 to 50 mass % of at least one compound of formula (I): R—O-(G)x-H, wherein R is a linear saturated aliphatic radical including 12 to 22 carbon atoms, G is the remainder of a reducing sugar selected from the group including glucose, xylose and arabinose, and x is a decimal number greater than or equal to 1 and lower than or equal to 10; 95 to 30 mass % and more particularly 90 to 50 mass % of one or more alcohols of formula (II): R′—OH, wherein R′ is a linear saturated aliphatic radical including 12 to 22 carbon atoms identical to or different from R as defined in formula (I), wherein at least 90 vol % of the particles have a diameter lower than or equal to 250 micrometers, more particularly a diameter lower than or equal to 150 micrometers. |
US09095728B2 |
Electrical contact for implantable medical device
A one-piece electrical contact ring for use in a lead receptacle of an implantable medical device includes (i) a tubular body defining a cavity extending through the body and (ii) a plurality of resiliently deflectable elements extending from the tubular body into the cavity. The deflectable elements have a lead contacting portion configured to contact the lead when received by the cavity. The lead contacting portions of the deflectable elements in a relaxed state are located in a plane that intersects the tubular body and are configured to deflect along the plane towards the tubular body as the lead is inserted in the contact ring. The contact ring may further include a plurality of stops, each configured to (i) engage a stop portion of the elements when the elements are sufficiently outwardly deflected and (ii) inhibit further outward deflection of the elements when the stops engage the stop portions. |
US09095727B2 |
Implantable medical device which may be controlled from central station
An implantable medical device (IMD) comprises a transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for transmitting medical data sensed from a patient to, and for receiving control signals from, a medical expert (a human medical professional and/or a computerized expert system) at a remote location; an electronic medical treatment device for treating the patient in response to control signals applied thereto; and a sensor circuit, having a sensor circuit output, for producing sensor circuit output signal(s) representing medical data sensed from the patient. The IMD also includes a logic device (processor) which analyzes the sensor circuit output signal(s) to detect a medical abnormality and, upon detecting an abnormality, either sends a notification signal representing a medical state of said patient to the medical expert at the remote location or sends a local treatment device control signal to the medical treatment device, or does both. The medical expert can transmit an external treatment control signal to the IMD to effect patient treatment, if treatment is warranted. To ensure that the medical expert is authorized to provide such treatment, data which identify one or more authorized medical experts is stored in an IMD memory and compared with identification data transmitted from the putative authorized medical expert along with the external treatment control signal. Only if the identification data received from the putative authorized medical expert matches the pre-stored identification data of an originally authorized medical expert does the IMD effect treatment. |
US09095724B2 |
Neuromodulation system with dual telemetry system
An implantable neuromodulation device includes a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes; analog output circuitry configured for delivering electrical modulation energy to the electrical terminals in accordance with programming data from a first external control device; a low-speed telemetry system configured for receiving the programming data; a high-speed telemetry system configured for receiving non-programming data from a second external control device; and memory configured for storing the programming data and the non-programming data. The low-speed telemetry system has a data transfer rate in the range of 2-800 kbits/sec, and the high-speed telemetry system has a data transfer rate in the range of 1-50 Mbits/sec. The high-speed telemetry system may have a greater telemetry range than the low-speed telemetry system. |
US09095723B2 |
Systems and methods for treatment of dry eye
A stimulation system stimulates anatomical targets in a patient for treatment of dry eye. The system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The controller may be implemented externally to or internally within the microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a controller signal and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. The microstimulator may not have any intelligence or logic to shape or modify a signal. The microstimulator may be a passive device configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller. The microstimulator may shape or modify a signal. Waveforms having different frequency, amplitude and period characteristics may stimulate different anatomical targets in a patient. |
US09095721B2 |
Unipolar pacing in the presence of electromagnetic interference
An implantable medical system may include an implantable medical lead including at least one electrode and an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device comprises an electromagnetic interference (EMI) detection module that monitors for one or more particular characteristics of EMI. A control module is configured to control a therapy module to generate single stimulation pulses while operating the IMD in a first operating mode. In response to detecting the condition indicative of the presence of EMI, the control module switches the IMD from the first operating mode to a second operating mode and generates at least one group of two or more stimulation pulses in close proximity to one another in place of a single stimulation pulse while operating the IMD in the second operating mode. |
US09095719B2 |
Implantable device with responsive vascular and cardiac controllers
Exemplary methods are described for providing responsive vascular control with or without cardiac pacing. An implantable device with responsive vascular and cardiac controllers interprets physiological conditions and responds with an appropriate degree of vascular therapy applied as electrical pulses to a sympathetic nerve. In one implementation, an implantable device is programmed to deliver the vascular therapy in response to low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension. The device may stimulate the greater splanchnic nerve, to effect therapeutic vasoconstriction. The vascular therapy is dynamically adjusted as the condition improves. In one implementation to benefit impaired physical mobility, vascular therapy comprises vasoconstriction and is timed to coincide with a recurring segment of the cardiac cycle. The vasoconstriction assists circulation and venous return in the lower limbs of inactive and bedridden individuals. In various implementations, cardiac pacing therapy that is synergistic with the vascular therapy may be added to augment treatment. |
US09095715B2 |
Implanted device data to guide ablation therapy
A medical device system and associated method for guiding ablation therapy sense cardiac signals using implantable electrodes and detect spontaneous cardiac events from the sensed cardiac signals. Pacing pulses are delivered in response to detecting a spontaneous cardiac event and a return cycle length is measured. The spontaneous cardiac event is clustered with a previously detected cardiac event in response to the measured return cycle length. Data corresponding to the clustered cardiac events is displayed to guide an ablation therapy. |
US09095714B2 |
System and method for independently operating multiple neurostimulation channels
A multi-channel neurostimulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes, stimulation output circuitry including electrical source circuitry of the same polarity configured for generating a plurality of pulsed electrical waveforms in a plurality of timing channels, and control circuitry configured for instructing the stimulation output circuitry to serially couple the electrical source circuitry to different sets of the electrodes when pulses of the respective pulsed electrical waveforms do not temporally overlap each other, and for instructing the stimulation output circuitry to couple the electrical source circuitry to a union of the different electrode sets when pulses of the respective pulsed electrical waveforms temporally overlap each other. |
US09095713B2 |
Methods and systems for treating autism by decreasing neural activity within the brain
Methods of treating autism include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulus is configured to decrease neural activity within at least a portion of the brain to treat autism. Systems for treating autism include a stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulus is configured to decrease neural activity within at least a portion of the brain to treat autism. |
US09095712B2 |
Electrical stimulation method for modulation on sensory information around dorsal root ganglia
A method of treating a patient with an ailment, comprises delivering first energy to a dorsal root ganglia (DRG), thereby modulating the DRG, and delivering second energy to at least one of a central neural axon extending from the DRG and a peripheral neural axon extending from the DRG, thereby modulating the at least one of the central neural axon and the peripheral neural axon. |
US09095703B2 |
Self-dissolving electrode or probe implant
The present disclosure relates to permanently implantable electrode structures or probes of the type used, in particular, in cardiac pacemakers, ICDs, CRT-Ds and/or neurostimulators. Such electrode structures or probes include at least one control element, the physical-chemical state of which can be specifically manipulated using external excitation, such that local degradation or dissolution of a part of the implant or the entire implant takes place in this region. As a result of this partial dissolution, for example, the electrode structure or at least a portion thereof is modified such that the conditions for explantation are improved and/or parts of an implanted electrode structure that remain in the body are functionally deactivated. |
US09095697B2 |
Methods for preheating tissue for cosmetic treatment of the face and body
Methods for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy are disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Methods of lifting sagging tissue on a face and/or neck are described. Pretreatment with heat is provided in several embodiments. |
US09095696B2 |
Apparatus for magnetic field therapy
The invention relates to a device for magnetic field therapy which is preferably adapted for producing nuclear magnetic resonances in the tissue to be treated. The device comprises a base and two side parts having coils integrated therein. |
US09095692B2 |
Method for treating poison ivy and similar poison plant induced rashes
A method for treating poison ivy and similar poison plant induced rashes utilizes a sealed pouch containing a mixture of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-oxidant property ingredients. The pouch is placed in a container filled with boiling water. The ingredients in the pouch permeate through the water. A metal applicator has a spoon-shaped section with a curved lower surface and a handle. The spoon-shaped section is inserted into the boiled herbal water mixture. The bottom surface of the curved lower surface of the spoon-shaped section is then momentarily placed on the pustule or red bump of the poison ivy. The applicator is then lifted up away from the area. Usually two or three touches with the applicator on the effected area will completely remove the itching and the itching and pustule will be entirely eliminated within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. |
US09095689B2 |
Non-compliant multilayered balloon for a catheter
Balloon catheter comprises an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal section, a distal section, and an inflation lumen, and a multilayer balloon on the distal section of the shaft. The multilayer balloon comprises a first layer made of a first polymer material having a first Shore durometer hardness, a second layer made of a second polymer material having a second Shore durometer hardness lower than the first shore durometer hardness, wherein the second layer is an inner layer relative to the first layer, and an outer-most layer made of a third polymer material having a third Shore durometer hardness lower than the second Shore durometer hardness. |
US09095685B2 |
Sensor mounted flexible guidewire
A medical device comprising a corewire, sensor core, and coupler is presented. A portion of the corewire is disposed within a first end of the coupler, and a portion of the sensor core is disposed within a second end. Alternatively, the device comprises a corewire and a sensor assembly comprising a sensor core having first and second ends and a bore in the first end. A portion of the corewire is disposed within the bore. A method of manufacture comprises providing a corewire, sensor core, and coupler. The method further comprises inserting a portion of the corewire into a first end of the coupler, and a portion of the sensor core into a second end. Alternatively, the method comprises providing a sensor core having first and second ends, and a corewire. The method further comprises forming a bore in the first end, and inserting the corewire into the bore. |
US09095680B2 |
Guide wire fixation
The present invention concerns an assembly for inserting a catheter into a body lumen, the assembly comprising a introduction, an elongate fixing element, wherein with its distal end the fixing element is securable to the introduction device, and wherein at the proximal end of the fixing element a clamping device is provided for securing a guide wire in relation to the introduction device. Further, the assembly comprises a catheter comprising means for releasably engaging the clamping unit, wherein by engagement of the means of the catheter with the clamping unit the guide wire is movable through the introduction device and wherein, upon disengagement of the means of the catheter from the clamping unit, the guide wire is non-movably secured relative to the introduction device. |
US09095676B2 |
Nebuliser for ventilation machines and a ventilation machine comprising such a nebuliser
Atomizer for a ventilation machine with a ventilator, including a body with a first connection for connecting the atomizer to a ventilator and a second connection for connecting the atomizer to a line leading to a patient, wherein the body forms a flow channel from the first connection to the second connection; and an atomizing device for atomizing a fluid; wherein the atomizing device is disposed between the first connection and the second connection in the flow channel and adapted so that the fluid can be atomized substantially parallel to, and preferably in, the flow direction from the first connection to the second connection. |
US09095673B2 |
Unobtrusive nasal mask
A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a sealing portion (210) including a nose tip engagement portion (212) adapted to form a seal with the patient's nose tip, an upper lip engagement portion (213) adapted to form a seal with the patient's upper lip and/or base of the patient's nares, and nostril engagement flaps (214) adapted to form a seal with the patient's nares. The nose tip engagement portion (212), the upper lip engagement portion (213), and the nostril engagement flaps (214) are all structured to extend or curve outwardly from a supporting wall defining an air path. |
US09095669B2 |
System for heated gas insufflation in patients
A system includes an insufflator provided with a gas inlet, a valve that regulates the flow to be supplied, an adjustable heater for the gas to be supplied, a sensor that detects the temperature of the heated gas, an outlet for supplying the gas, and a mechanism for propelling the gas toward the supply outlet. A disposable supply duct can be coupled to the gas outlet for the insufflator in order to convey the heated gas into the patient and a return duct for the gas is connected to a distal area of the supply duct and to an inlet of the heater, wherein the gas supply duct and the gas return duct form a continuous recirculation circuit for heated gas. |
US09095659B2 |
Insertion head with a handle
An insertion head for medical or pharmaceutical applications includes a base having a lower side which can be positioned on organic tissue; an insertion means movably mounted by the base and insertable into the tissue; where the insertion means is movable relative to the base from a protective position in which a free end of the insertion means is short of the lower side of the base, into an insertion position in which the free end protrudes beyond the lower side; a handle which projects from the base and includes a first handle component and a second handle component movable relative to the base and the first handle component; and a coupling that transmits a movement of the second handle component into a movement of the insertion means. |
US09095657B2 |
Self-administration medicament delivery device
A medicament delivery device has a housing for a medicament container; a dose setting member rotatable in relation to the housing; a plunger rod acting on a stopper inside the medicament container; a driver that converts rotation of the dose setting member into translation of the plunger rod; a transversal clock spring connected to the dose setting member and to a drive member connected to the plunger rod, such that rotating the dose setting member tensions the spring; a spring hold and release member releasably connected to the drive member; and an activator having a distal end protruding through a distal passage of the dose setting member and connected to the hold and release member. Pushing the activator proximally moves the hold and release member proximally, releasing the spring from its tensioned state and forcing the drive member to rotate. |
US09095654B2 |
Syringe for mixing and dispensing adipose tissue
A device is provided for introducing into a patient a combination of adipose tissue and an additive, for example, a hydrogel additive. The device includes a fat cartridge, an additive cartridge containing an additive, and a housing configured to receive, in a side-by-side manner, the fat cartridge and additive cartridge. A mixing tip may be included for causing mixing of the cartridge components prior to extrusion from a needle or cannula. |
US09095650B2 |
Precision fluid delivery systems
A precision syringe (10) can comprise an annular fluid pathway (16) and annular plunger (12) sealing received within the annular fluid pathway. Various precision pumps (50, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) are configured for discrete displacement of precise volumes of fluid. The precision pumps can operate by reciprocating movement to expand and contract a cavity (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904, 1040, 1104, 1204, 1304, 1404, 1504, 1604, 1704). Fluid can be introduced by movement along an axis or rotation about an axis of one or members forming, in whole or in part, the cavity. Associated methods are also disclosed. |
US09095649B2 |
Methods, devices and systems for counterpulsation of blood flow to and from the circulatory system
Counterpulsation methods and systems for assisting the heart of a patient involve, for example, coordinating the operation of a pulsatile pump to suction blood from an artery through a blood flow conduit while the heart is in systole and expel the blood into the blood flow conduit and the artery while the heart is in diastole. |
US09095645B2 |
Nasal rinse tip
A device for nasal lavage is described. The device ejects a gentle flow of fluid under pressure. The fluid stream provides a high quantity of fluid at low pressure. The low pressure fluid stream is more comfortable for a user than a high pressure fluid stream that are delivered by various types of pressurized cans of solution. |
US09095643B2 |
Composition preventing tissue adhesion and preparation method thereof
Provided is a composition preventing tissue adhesion and a method for preparing the same, and, more particularly, a composition preventing tissue adhesion which further contains a drug selectively inhibiting inflammatory response and a method for preparing the composition, in which the composition is produced through a chemical reaction by adding a cross-linking agent to an aqueous solution which contains a block copolymer containing a polyethyleneoxide block having the ability to suppress tissue adhesion, and a polymer with 10,000 to 1,000,000 g/mol of molecular weight which can be mixed with the copolymer; the composition is characterized in that the difference of viscosity, absorbance of visible rays region, and stability between the upper and lower liquid layers are within 10% when centrifuging the composition; and also the method for preparing the composition enhances cross-linking homogenization and viscosity stability through simultaneous spraying and stirring methods without a reaction retardant. |
US09095639B2 |
Aligned carbon nanotube-polymer materials, systems and methods
The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nanostructures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within polymers or other flexible materials to provide a flexible skin-like material, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a carbon nanotube/polymer composite material having a plurality of carbon nanotubes formed into a predetermined architecture, with each of the plurality of nanotubes having a desired width and length. The architecture of the plurality of nanotubes defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanotubes, and also defines the approximate spacing between nanotubes and/or groups of nanotubes. The carbon nanotube architecture is at least partially embedded with a polymer matrix in a manner that the architecture is stabilized in the predetermined architecture. The polymer matrix may also be formed to have a desired predetermined thickness. |
US09095630B2 |
Vectorization of dsRNA by cationic particles and use of same on a skin model
The present invention relates to vectorization of double stranded RNA oligonucleotides by cationic particles chosen from among surfactant micelles, block or non-block polymer micelles, cationic liposomes and niosomes, cationic oleosomes and cationic nanoemulsions, as well as from among cationic organic or inorganic particles and nanocapsules, and to the use of compositions comprising the association of at least one dsRNA and at least one cationic particle on skin models. |
US09095629B2 |
Magnetic nanostructures as theranostic agents
The present invention relates to magnetic nanostructures as theranostic agents, which provide dual function as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions comprising magnetic nanostructures and their use as targeted therapeutic agents for cancers (e.g., medulloblastoma) and Alzheimer's disease and related diseases and conditions. |
US09095627B2 |
Opioid prodrugs with heterocyclic linkers
The embodiments provide prodrug compounds of Formulae I-XV. The present disclosure also provides compositions, and their methods of use, where the compositions comprise a prodrug compound of Formulae I-XV that provides controlled release of an opioid. Such compositions can optionally provide a trypsin inhibitor that interacts with the enzyme that mediates the controlled release of an opioid from the prodrug so as to attenuate enzymatic cleavage of the prodrug. |
US09095625B2 |
Graft-copolymer stabilized metal nanoparticles
There is provided a method of preparing nanoparticles and novel nanoparticles. The nanoparticle preparation comprises the generation of a mixture comprising a plurality of metal-containing compounds and a copolymer of a polyethylene glycol and an amine-containing polyamino acid such as polylysine where a metal core and polymer shell nanoparticle is formed. The novel nanoparticles have a metallic core and a graft copolymer shell of polyethylene glycol and an amine-containing polyamino acid where the shell least partially surrounds the metallic core and is non-ionically bound to the metallic core via metal-amine bonds. |
US09095624B2 |
Modular transport platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents
The invention relates to a modular transport platform (MTP) configured to penetrate a target cell, deliver the MTP into the target cell, provide a pH dependent membrane disruption activity, direct intracellular transport into a target subcellular compartment of the target cell, and couple the active agent within the modular platform. The modular transport platform includes: (1) a ligand module to target a specific receptor on the surface of the target cell; (2) an endosomolytic module that provides pH-dependent membrane disruption activity within the target cell; (3) an intracellular transport module to cause delivery of the MTP to a particular subcellular compartment; (4) a module for intracellular retention; (5) a module for subcellular recognition; (6) a substance to be transported by the MTP; and (7) a carrier module for unifying the modules and coupling the modules with the transported substance. |
US09095623B2 |
Terminally-functionalized conjugates and uses thereof
The present disclosure provides inter alia conjugates of formula (I): wherein n, R1, R2, Rx, Z, X, Y and Z are as defined herein. A conjugate of formula (I) can also be converted to a conjugate of formulae (II) or (III) as described herein. Without limitation, the conjugates can be used to make controlled release materials and chemical sensors. |
US09095620B2 |
Reagents
Oligomeric reagents are provided comprising a moiety of atoms arranged in a specific order, wherein the moiety is positioned between a water-soluble, non-peptidic oligomer and a pharmaceutically active agent. The oligomeric reagents are useful for, among other things, forming oligomer active agent conjugates. Related methods, compositions, preparations, and so forth are also provided. |
US09095617B2 |
Surgical adjuvant composition and associated methods of use
Disclosed herein are surgical adjuvant compositions for ameliorating tissue and cellular necrosis and/or apoptosis. In addition, surgical methods are described which include the use of the adjuvant of the composition to reduce tissue and cellular necrosis and/or apoptosis. |
US09095611B1 |
Synthesis of hyperbranched amphiphilic polyester and theranostic nanoparticles thereof
A method of making a hyperbranched amphiphilic polyester compound includes drying under vacuum a mixture of 2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-malonic acid and p-toluene sulphonic acid as catalyst. The vacuum is then released with a dry inert gas after drying. The dried mixture is heated under the inert gas at a temperature sufficient for polymerization. The inert gas is evacuated while continuing to heat the mixture. The formed polymer is then dissolved in dimethylformamide and precipitated out by adding methanol. Modifications of the method yield nanoparticles of polyesters having properties suited for coencapsulating fluorescent dyes together with therapeutic drugs, resulting in theranostic nanoparticles, that is, nanoparticles useful in both therapeutic treatments and diagnostic methods. |
US09095603B2 |
Anti-allergy compositions
The present invention relates to particles of glucans, particularly oxidized cellulosed for use in medicine. The invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases or disorders associated with or mediated by allergens. |
US09095602B2 |
Chemo- and radiation-sensitization of cancer by antisense TRPM-2 oligodeoxynucleotides
Administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) targeted against the testosterone-repressed prostate message-2 (TRPM-2) gene can reduce the amount of TRPM-2 in renal cell cancer (RCC) cells and other cancer cells, and as a result enhance chemosensitivity of these cells to chemotherapy agents and radiation. Thus, for example, the sensitivity of renal cell cancer cells to a chemotherapeutic agent can be increased by exposing renal cell cancer cells to a chemotherapeutic agent and an agent which reduces the amount of TRPM-2 in the renal cell cancer cells. This provides an improved method for treatment of renal cell cancer, which is generally resistant to treatment with known chemotherapy agents. |
US09095594B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising beta-lactam antibiotic, sulbactam and beta-lactamase inhibitor
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating or preventing bacterial infections are disclosed. The pharmaceutical compositions typically comprise pharmaceutically effective amount of: (a) at least one beta-lactam antibiotic or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (b) sulbactam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (c) at least one beta-lactamase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with the provision that the beta-lactamase inhibitor is not sulbactam. |
US09095590B2 |
Anti-infective agents and uses thereof
This invention relates to: (a) compounds and salts thereof that, inter alia, inhibit HCV; (b) intermediates useful for the preparation of such compounds and salts; (c) compositions comprising such compounds and salts; (d) methods for preparing such intermediates, compounds, salts, and compositions; (e) methods of use of such compounds, salts, and compositions; and (f) kits comprising such compounds, salts, and compositions. |
US09095585B2 |
Bioavailable compositions of amorphous piperidinyl compounds
This invention relates to solid amorphous dispersions comprising Compound I having the formula (formula I), or stereoisomers thereof, and one or more polymers. More particularly, this invention relates to bioavailable amorphous solid dispersions of Compound I that are unexpectedly stable in suspension and in the solid state for extended periods of time that may be used for tabletting. |
US09095584B2 |
Method to predict response to pharmacological chaperone treatment of diseases
The present invention provides methods to determine whether a patient with a lysosomal storage disorder win benefit from treatment with a specific pharmacological chaperone. The present invention exemplifies an in vitro method for determining α-galactosidase A responsiveness to a pharmacological chaperone such as 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin in a cell line expressing a mutant from of α-galactosidase A. The invention also provides a method for diagnosing Fabry disease in patients suspected of having Fabry disease. |
US09095580B2 |
Compositions and methods for regulating angiogenesis
In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targeting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation. |
US09095579B2 |
Protection and treatment against influenza infection
Method and composition for protection and treatment against influenza viral infection by modulating the activity of at least one essential host signaling pathways, including the Hedgehog (Hh), the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), the Notch (N) signaling pathways or combinations thereof, which activity is altered by the viral protein NS1. The method and composition comprise use of a compound that modulates at least one of these essential host signaling pathways for preventing or controlling symptoms associated with influenza viral infection. The method or composition can also be used either alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents for treating or protecting against influenza infection, and associated syndromes. |
US09095576B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising 4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-3H-imidazole derivatives for treating retinal diseases
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, containing 4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole, (S) 4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole or (S) [3-(1-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl)-2-methylphenyl]methanol, their use as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of retinal diseases, for retinal neuroprotection and vision enhancement. |
US09095570B2 |
Lactoferrin and gut neuronal health in adults and/or elderly
The present invention relates generally to the field of neuronal health and neuronal protection. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a composition that can be used for the protection of the enteric nervous system from neurodegeneration. Disorders linked to an impaired enteric nervous system can be treated or prevented by the administration of lactoferrin containing compositions according to the present invention. |
US09095565B2 |
Methods for treating blood disorders
Methods of treating blood disorders are described. |
US09095560B2 |
Method of enhancing transdermal absorption using a composition comprising POE octyl dodecyl ether and squalane
An object of the present invention is to provide a transdermal absorption enhancer by which various active ingredients are transdermally absorbed. In accordance with a transdermal absorption enhancer of the present invention which effective ingredient is lyotropic liquid crystal which has been utilized as a basic material for pharmaceutical preparations for external application and for cosmetics, transdermal absorption of a macromolecular substance and a water-soluble substance was able to be improved. |
US09095556B2 |
Method for inducing protein aggregation using a polypeptide with an aggregation region
The invention belongs to the field of functional proteomics and, more particularly, to the field of protein aggregation. Described are methods for interfering with the function of a target protein and uses a non-naturally, user-designed molecule, designated as interferor, that has a specificity for a target protein and that induces aggregation upon contact with the target protein. The invention also discloses such interferer molecules and their use in therapeutic applications. |
US09095553B2 |
Solvent/polymer solutions as suspension vehicles
A nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle that is capable of suspending an active agent. The nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle includes at least one solvent and at least one polymer and is formulated to exhibit phase separation upon contact with an aqueous environment. The at least one solvent may be selected from the group consisting of benzyl benzoate, decanol, ethyl hexyl lactate, and mixtures thereof and the at least one polymer may be selected from the group consisting of a polyester, pyrrolidone, ester of an unsaturated alcohol, ether of an unsaturated alcohol, polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one solvent is benzyl benzoate and the at least one polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone. A stable, nonaqueous suspension formulation that includes the nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle and an active agent, and a method of forming the same, are also disclosed. |
US09095551B2 |
Combined preparation for treating joint diseases
An object of the present invention is to enable the repair and regeneration of articular cartilage, which could not be achieved by conventional therapies, and to provide a safe and inexpensive agent that is effective for the treatment of joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. According to the present invention, a combined formulation for simultaneously, separately, or sequentially administering a hyaluronic acid and an animal mucin-type glycoprotein for the treatment of joint diseases is provided. |
US09095550B2 |
Methods for treating diabetic wounds
The present invention relates to a method of treating chronic wounds using calreticulin. In particular, the invention relates to the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds using topical application of calreticulin to a patient in need of such treatment. |
US09095545B2 |
Methods for treating gastrointestinal disorders associated with Parkinson's disease, autism, diabetic gastroparesis
There is disclosed herein a composition for treating gastrointestinal or neurological disorders, constipation, functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, travelers' diarrhea, chronic idiopathic nausea, IBD-associated constipation and diarrhea, pseudo-obstruction, diabetic gastroparesis, cyclic vomiting, reflux oesophagitis, autism enteropathy, flatulence, halitosis, chronic fatigue, bloating, proctalgia fugax, Parkinson's disease, MS, Alzheimer's Disease, Motor Neurone Disease or autism, the composition comprising: (i) at least two anti-Clostridial agents selected from the group consisting of: vancomycin, vancomycin derivatives, a multi-valent polymer of vancomycin, aminoglycosides, nitroimidazoles, ansamysins, nifuroxazide, colchicine, prucalopride, prokinetic agent and 5-aminosalicylic acid; or (ii) at least one anti-Clostridial agent selected from the above combined with an opioid blocking agent. There is also disclosed herein a method of treating various gastrointestinal or neurological disorders, constipation, functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, travelers' diarrhea, chronic idiopathic nausea, IBD-associated constipation and diarrhea, pseudo-obstruction, diabetic gastroparesis, cyclic vomiting, reflux oesophagitis, autism enteropathy, flatulence, halitosis, chronic fatigue, bloating, proctalgia fugax, Parkinson's disease, MS, Alzheimer's Disease, Motor Neurone Disease or autism, the method comprising administering orally, via enema or by suppository: (i) a composition of the invention; (ii) at least two anti-Clostridial agents selected from the group consisting of: vancomycin, vancomycin derivatives, a multi-valent polymer of vancomycin, aminoglycosides, nitroimidazoles, ansamysins, nifuroxazide, colchicine, prucalopride, prokinetic agent and 5-aminosalicylic acid; or (iii) at least one anti-Clostridial agent selected from the above and an opioid blocking agent to a patient in need of such treatment. |
US09095543B2 |
Cosmetic compositions comprising cyanodiphenylacrylates
A topical composition comprising at least one α-cyanodiphenylacrylate and dimethicone silylate. |
US09095541B2 |
Brain tumor targeting peptides and methods
A method of diagnosing and treating a human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumor in a subject is disclosed. The method includes administering to the subject, an effective amount of composition having a peptide 12-20 amino acid residues in length and selected for its ability to bind preferentially to a subtype of human GBM cells identified as brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) or highly invasive glioma cells (HIGCs). |
US09095540B2 |
Methods and compositions involving protective staphylococcal antigens
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, particularly infection by a Staphylococcus bacterium. The invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response against the bacteria. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions involve a non-toxigenic Protein A (SpA) variant. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions involve SdrD, ClfA, and/or FnbpB polypeptides. |
US09095537B2 |
Therapy of cancer based on targeting adaptive, innate and/or regulatory component of the immune response
The invention relates to a kit of parts, suitable for use in a therapy of cancer, wherein said kit comprises:(i) a recombinant protein comprising one or several polypeptides bearing one or several epitopes of one or several tumor-associated antigens, said polypeptides being inserted in the same or different permissive sites of an adenylate cyclase (CyaA) protein or of a fragment thereof, wherein said CyaA fragment retains the property of said adenylate cyclase protein to target Antigen Presenting Cells or a mixture of such recombinant proteins wherein at least one of said epitopes, or tumor associated antigens, or insertion sites of CyaA protein, or fragment of said CyaA protein is different between the various recombinant proteins in the mixture; and said kit of parts further comprises at least one of the following compounds; (ii) an agent, suitable for modulating a regulatory immune response in a patient ad optionally; (iii) an adjuvant component suitable for activating the innate immune response in a patient. |
US09095536B2 |
Aβ immunogenic peptide carrier conjugates and methods of producing same
The present invention is directed to methods of producing conjugates of Aβ peptide immunogens with protein/polypeptide carrier molecules, which are useful as immunogens, wherein peptide immunogens are conjugated to protein carriers via activated functional groups on amino acid residues of the carrier or of the optionally attached linker molecule, and wherein any unconjugated reactive functional groups on amino acid residues are inactivated via capping, thus retaining the immunological functionality of the carrier molecule, but reducing the propensity for undesirable reactions that could render the conjugate less safe or effective. Furthermore, the invention also relates to such immunogenic products and immunogenic compositions containing such immunogenic products made by such methods. |
US09095530B2 |
Oral and personal care compositions
Described herein are films comprising a zinc-containing compound and a film-stabilizing ingredient, for use in oral and personal care compositions. |
US09095529B2 |
Product for temporarily shaping keratin fibers on the basis of a combination of specific film-forming polymers
A cosmetic agent, containing in a cosmetically acceptable carrier a) at least one copolymer (A) of allyl methacrylate with one or more monomers selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid esters and methacrylic acid esters, b) at least one polymeric quaternary ammonium compound (B) from the group of vinylpyrrolidone copolymers, is provided for temporarily deforming keratinic fibers. |
US09095527B2 |
Compositions containing acrylic thickener
The invention relates to a composition, especially a cosmetic composition, comprising at least one acrylic thickener having a high viscosity and a low solids content, as well as to methods of using such compositions. |
US09095524B2 |
Customized compositions and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a customized composition comprising three-dimensional (3D) nanofiber webbing. The present invention further relates to the process of producing the composition comprising 3D nanofiber webbing and uses thereof such as treatment of age-related macular degeneration or regeneration/repair of tissue. |
US09095522B2 |
High SPF transparent or translucent, cytoprotective, biodegradable, UV radiation resistant compositions
A composition comprising purified water using ozonation, ionization, or distillation or any combination thereof wherein alcohol may be substituted for, or combined with water at least one emollient including but not limited to chitosan, and aloe vera gel, individually or in any combination; an oil component with spf boosting agents including but not limited to; ethyl macadamiate, non-toxic silicone oil and essential oils, butter milk, waxes impregnated with inorganic sun-block or sunscreen agent and organic/inorganic micronized particles, wood powder and bentonite clay, keratin, either individually or in any combination; at least one inorganic sun-block or sunscreen agent including any metal oxide, glass microsphere, silica and silica compound, and optionally metal oxide pigments with particles that are micronized, submicronized, nanoparticle sized, or otherwise individually or in any combination that can be homogenized in either a water phase, a water-aloe phase, an oil phase or any phase of said composition; at least one emulsifier wherein said emulsifier includes but is not limited to a phospholipid and/or liposome or an aloe vera gel or an ester of coconut oil individually or in any combination, for emulsifying the water, water-aloe, or oil phase in combination with an homogenizer; where any of components are preferably mixed with an homogenizer and where an appropriate thickening agent including but not limited to xanthan gum, carageenan, either individually or in any combination is added as required. |
US09095517B2 |
Compositions for improving the oral health of animals, methods using the same, and pet treats incorporating the same
Described herein are dental compositions, articles of manufacture including such dental compositions, and methods of using such dental compositions. In some embodiments, the dental compositions include a combination of ascorbic acid with at least one of a hexametaphosphate and a beta glucans. In some instances, the dental compositions are included within an edible article, a chew, or an edible chew. Administration of the dental compositions to the oral cavity of a subject may reduce the gingival, plaque, and/or calculus scores of the subject over a defined time period. |
US09095513B2 |
Enteric coated granule and method for preparing the same
The present invention is an enteric coated granule having controlled dissolution in water even at a small coating amount; and a preparation method thereof. More specifically, provided are an enteric coated granule comprising a raw granule or a granule comprising a raw granule and at least one layer covering the raw granule, a first enteric layer covering the raw granule or the granule, and a second enteric layer formed over the first enteric layer, wherein the first and the second enteric layers comprise a first and a second hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose acetate succinates (HPMCASs) different in solubility pH, respectively, and the solubility pH value of the second HPMCAS of the second enteric layer is lower than that of the first enteric layer; and a preparation method comprising steps of covering a raw granule or a granule comprising a raw granule and at least one layer covering the raw granule with an enteric coating agent comprising a first HPMCAS to form a first enteric layer; and forming, over the first enteric layer, a second coating layer by using a second enteric coating agent comprising a second HPMCAS having a lower solubility pH value than that of the first HPMCAS. |
US09095509B2 |
Sachet formulation for amine polymers
A powder formulation comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable anionic stabilizer and an aliphatic amine polymer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof mixed with the anionic stabilizer. The powder formulation is conveniently packaged in a container, such as a sachet. A method of treating a subject with hyperphosphotemia with the powder formulation is also disclosed. |
US09095505B2 |
Pyrethroids for treatment of ocular movement disorders
The present invention relates to the use of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pyrethroid compound for inhibiting unwanted eye movement and for treating eye movement disorders, such as, but not limited to, nystagmus. The invention is directed to methods for treating unwanted eye movement and eye movement disorders by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pyrethroid compound that is lambda cyhalothrin or an analog thereof, through topical administration of the composition or incorporation of the composition into a contact lens or an ocular device for implantation into the eye. It further provides for pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of eye movement disorders and methods of preparing them. |
US09095502B2 |
Low profile G-J feeding tube
A gastro-jejunal (G-J) feeding device includes a gastro-jejunal body and an integral feeding tube. The gastro-jejunal body includes a gastric port, a jejunal port and a balloon port. The integral feeding tube includes a proximal end and a distal end and further includes a gastric lumen, a jejunal lumen and a balloon lumen. The proximal end is configured to be located outside of a patient's body. The distal end is configured to be inserted into a patient's body and has a deformable portion with a default shape having a width larger than a diameter of a tubular portion. A capsule is configured to be placed on the distal end so as to enclose and deform the deformable portion. The capsule is configured to dissolve upon contact with bodily fluid. The deformable portion is configured to return to the default shape upon dissolution of the capsule. |
US09095499B2 |
Bag having flow equalization
The subject matter of the invention is a container system having an inner container for receiving ready-to-use liquid, in particular dialysis liquid, and an outer container surrounding the inner container to receive spent liquid such that the inner container has through-openings which establish a fluidic connection for the liquid in the outer container. |
US09095496B2 |
Formulation of indomethacin
The present invention relates to methods for producing particles of indomethacin using dry milling processes as well as compositions comprising indomethacin, medicaments produced using indomethacin in particulate form and/or compositions, and to methods of treatment of an animal, including man, using a therapeutically effective amount of indomethacin administered by way of said medicaments. |
US09095494B2 |
Fluid exchange methods and devices
Methods and devices for exchanging therapeutic agents, such as cells, from one liquid medium to another liquid medium are provided. Aspects of embodiments of the methods include transferring a therapeutic agent from a first medium, such as a freezing, storage or shipping buffer, into a second medium, such as a sterile physiologically compatible buffer. In certain aspects, the transfer of the therapeutic agent from a first medium to a second medium involves the use of acoustic-focusing, or acoustophoresis. Embodiments of the subject methods may facilitate the transfer of a therapeutic agent from a storage medium to an infusion medium, and in certain embodiments include administering the therapeutic agent contained in the infusion medium to the subject. Also provided by the present disclosure are devices for practicing the subject methods. |
US09095490B2 |
Palm massager
The present invention relates to a massage device, and provides a palm massager comprising a plurality of air bags corresponding to each part of the palm, an air pump, a plurality of electromagnetic valves for controlling the air charging and air discharging of the plurality of air bags, a main control module and a plurality of load driving modules. The palm massager according to this invention includes a plurality of air bags corresponding to each part of the palm, an air pump, a plurality of electromagnetic valves for controlling the air charging and air discharging of the plurality of air bags and a main control module, by controlling the air charging and air discharging of the air bags by means of the plurality of electromagnetic valves controlled by the main control module, the massage on each part of the palm can be carried out, and the massage on each part of the palm with various strength and at different time can be achieved, thus the massage in this way confirms to the massage principle of the traditional Chinese medicine, and may promote the blood circulation of the palm better. |
US09095486B2 |
Infant incubator
An infant incubator including: a bed of an infant; a first supporting-shaft disposed obliquely above the bed, extends substantially horizontally, and rotatable back and forth at a predetermined extent around an axis; a rotation stay fixed to and rotated with the first supporting-shaft; a second supporting-shaft provided with the rotation stay and parallel to the first supporting-shaft; and a heater disposed obliquely above the bed, attached to the rotation stay rotatably back and forth at a predetermined extent around the second supporting-shaft, and configured to emit a heat ray obliquely to an upper surface of the bed, wherein a position of the heater can be varied between a heating position for emitting the heat ray and a folding position for moving away from above the bed; and at the heating position, an emission angle of the heat ray from the heater is further varied. |
US09095483B2 |
Full perineal wash system with removable seat
Apparatus for a perineal wash system includes a seat with a pair of pads spaced apart front to back to define a gap. The pads and frame define front and rear access areas dimensioned to allow a caregiver to access the perineal area of a seated person. In various embodiments at least one pad is movable sideways and may include a biasing spring, an operating handle, and/or a latch. The seat is suitable for a shower chair, a wall-mounted chair, and a bathtub chair. A gas spring optionally lifts one end of the seat. In one embodiment a perineal washer is supported adjacent the seat. The washer receives a nozzle of a sprayer and redirects the spray through a movable conduit to direct liquid upward to the perineum. In one embodiment a commode pot below the seat has a gap sufficient to avoid pinching dangling body parts. |
US09095480B2 |
Rear fastening absorbent garment
An absorbent garment including a shell having a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel and the rear panel both having an exterior-facing surface and an interior-facing surface; a fastening system coupled to the shell, the fastening system including a waist strap having a first end portion and a second end portion configured such that the first end portion and the second end portion can be overlapped over the rear panel; and a buckle strap coupled to the exterior surface of the rear panel and configured to extend over the waist strap and to be attached to the interior surface of the rear panel. |
US09095477B2 |
Non-woven sheet, manufacturing method thereof and absorbent article
A nonwoven sheet for use in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers which is capable of reducing the range of surface diffusion of, and reducing re-adhesion to the skin of, highly viscous fluid excretion. The nonwoven sheet has mutually perpendicular longitudinal, transverse and thickness directions, and has in the aforementioned thickness direction a front surface and a back surface opposite thereof. Ridges and grooves are formed alternately so as to extend in parallel in the aforementioned longitudinal direction and so as to form repeated undulations in the aforementioned transverse direction. The nonwoven sheet has a bottom surface which, when the aforementioned nonwoven sheet is placed on a horizontal surface with the back surface (opposite of the front surface in contact with the skin of the wearer) down, is the surface that contacts the aforementioned horizontal surface. On the back surface of the aforementioned grooves are formed in the aforementioned longitudinal direction alternately areas where the height from the bottom surface is relatively high and parts corresponding to the bottom surface. Openings are formed at least in the areas where the height from the bottom surface is relatively high, and a space is provided below said openings. |
US09095475B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing a tampon
An apparatus for manufacturing a tampon which includes an absorbent body, an accommodating member and a pushing member, includes: an orienting mechanism; a first inserting mechanism that inserts the pushing member into the accommodating member; and a second inserting mechanism that inserts the absorbent body into the accommodating member in which the pushing member is inserted. The orienting mechanism has an opening through which the accommodating member is inputted; a pair of first protruded parts; and a pair of second protruded parts located on other-end side in the longitudinal direction of the opening and protruding inwardly in an opposing manner into the opening, a gap between the pair of first protruded parts, and a gap between the pair of second protruded parts being greater than the external diameter of the minor diameter part and smaller than the external diameter of the major diameter part. |
US09095469B2 |
Method and apparatus to remove cast from an individual
A method for installing a fiberglass cast on and removing the cast from an individual includes an open ended pliable thin-walled polymer guide track and cutting tool designed to track along said guide track to cut the cast and to prevent, while a cast is being removed, injury to the individual. |
US09095468B2 |
Reduced-pressure dressing assemblies for use in applying a closing force
A closing dressing bolster and assembly for use with a system for treating a linear wound on a patient includes a bolster body formed from a flexible closing bolster material having closing members that are operable to develop an inward closing force when the closing dressing bolster is placed under reduced pressure. In one aspect, when the closing dressing bolster is under reduced pressure, the system, dressing, or assembly develops an inward force realized at the linear wound and a compression force. A wicking-material holder and wicking material may be used as well. The member components may all be see-through to allow visual inspection of the wound without requiring removal of the dressing. |
US09095465B2 |
Stent deployment device and methods for use
A stent deployment device and methods for use, where the device comprises: (a) an outer sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, (b) a pull apparatus at least partially disposed within the outer sheath, where a portion of the pull apparatus is sized and shaped to receive a stent or a stent graft, (c) a push apparatus, where a portion of the push apparatus is sized to fit within a portion of the pull apparatus, and (d) a push-pull drive mechanism in mechanical communication with the pull and push apparatuses, where the push-pull drive mechanism includes at least a push and a pull gear or a push and a pull reel sized and shaped based on a stent ratio. |
US09095464B2 |
Slotted pusher rod for flexible delivery system
A delivery system for an intraluminal medical device comprises an elongate tubular sheath 20 and an elongate tubular pusher 50 slidably disposed within a lumen of the sheath and having a flexible configuration due to circumferentially-extending fins 154 along its exterior surface. The spacing and/or the size of the fins 154 may vary along the pusher 50. Different regions of the pusher 50 may be of materials with different flexibility. |
US09095453B2 |
Position adjustable trial systems for prosthetic implants
A trial system for an implantable joint replacement includes a guide assembly having a baseplate and a guide plate, the guide plate rotatable relative to the base plate about a rotation axis extending through the guide plate and the baseplate while directly connected to the baseplate. An adjustment mechanism is actuable to selectively control the rotational juxtaposition of the guide plate relative to the baseplate. The rotation axis may be medially offset from the center of the guide assembly. A single instrument may be used to rotate the guide plate relative to the base plate and lock the plates in the selected juxtaposition. The guide plate provides in situ positionable cutting guidance for implantation of prosthetic joint components. The system may further include an articulating insert trial mounted on the guide assembly to determine preferred joint alignment and/or optimal positioning of the guide plate. |
US09095450B2 |
Insertion instrument for anteriorly inserting intervertebral spinal implants
An implant inserter for use in ALIF spine surgery, wherein the inserter has a flexible bracket, biased closed, onto which two long blades can be removably attached. |
US09095448B2 |
Method of using an alignment guide
A method of aligning an alignment guide relative to a reamed acetabulum of a patient is provided. The method includes the step of manipulating an alignment guide comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a guide arm having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion attached to the shaft and configured to be rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second portion extending from the first portion at a first predetermined angle along a second axis, and the third portion extending from the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The guide arm is rotated about the first axis relative to the shaft. A cup or trial is attached to the distal end of the shaft and positioned to contact the reamed acetabulum. The third portion of the guide arm is then oriented with respect to the long axis of the patient and the surface of the table on which the patient is positioned. |
US09095438B1 |
Surgical implant for ostectomy procedures
In one instance, the disclosure is a moldable, biocompatible, bioactive, and resorbable hip implant made to be implanted after femoral head ostectomy. The hip implant can be configured so that a portion of the implant can fit into the femoral canal after the femoral head is excised, and another portion can fit into the joint space. The hip implant can be configured to have a honeycomb structure capable of receiving and retaining materials such as antibiotics, stem cells, and platelet rich plasma for treatment after femoral head ostectomy. The resorbable material comprising the hip implant can degrade or dissolve over time and be resorbed by the body while scar tissue forms a pseudoarthrosis in place of the resorbed hip implant. |
US09095435B2 |
Implantation device
The invention relates to an implantation device (10a-d) comprising at least one medical implant (12a-d) and at least one implantation aid (14a-d) comprising at least one expansion element (16a-d). It is provided that the expansion element (16a-d) can be inserted into at least one cavity (18a-d) of the implant (12a-d), and the at least one cavity (18a-d) can be expanded using the expansion element (16a-d), and, in the end state, the expansion element (16a-d) is disposed at least partially in the at least one cavity (18a-d), wherein the expansion element (16a-d) is designed as a solid body (20a-d). |
US09095433B2 |
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. |
US09095430B2 |
Biomaterials with enhanced properties and devices made therefrom
Biomaterials with enhanced properties such as improved strength, flexibility, durability and reduced thickness are useful in the fabrication of biomedical devices, particularly those subjected to continuous or non-continuous loads where repeated flexibility and long-term durability are required. These enhanced properties can be attributed to elevated levels of elastin, altered collagen types, and other biochemical changes which contribute to these enhanced properties. Examples of devices which would be improved by use of such tissue include heart valves, including percutaneous heart valves, and vascular grafts, patches and the like. Such enhanced materials can be sourced from specific populations of animals, such as neonatal calves, or in range-fed adult cattle, or can be fabricated or created from cell populations exhibiting such properties. In one embodiment, glutaraldehyde-fixed neonatal pericardial tissue is used to create leaflets in a percutaneous heart valve, and may be used without chemical fixation, with or without processes to remove residual cellular membranes, and utilized as a scaffold material for tissue engineering. |
US09095428B2 |
Artificial heart system
An artificial heart with a centrifugal pump is disclosed. In one embodiment, the artificial heart includes an impeller disposed in a housing. The impeller is configured to rotate to circulate blood through the housing. The impeller may include a set of blades on a first side of the impeller and a set of vanes on a second side opposite the first. The blades on the first side and the vanes on the second side allow blood circulation from both the first and the second sides of the impeller. The artificial heart may also or instead include a diffuser with adjustable vanes that enable variation in the output characteristics of the artificial heart pump. Various other artificial hearts, pumps, systems, and methods, including control systems and methods, are also disclosed. |
US09095427B2 |
Device in the form of a tracheal cannula or a prosthesis for restoring the voice, to be inserted in a tracheostoma
A device for insertion in a tracheostoma which includes a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, a flexible flange which is provided on an outer surface of the device body and has unfolded configuration which it extends essentially from the outer surface of the body to the outside and has a folded configuration in which it is folded in the direction towards the longitudinal axis of the device body, as well as a pin-shaped insertion aid having a means for retaining the flange in its folded orientation, wherein the flange is formed by at least two wings each of which have a recess proximate a tip of the wing, in which the retaining means is removably introduced, and the wings have a shape memory that orients the wings, when unrestrained, away from the longitudinal axis of the device body. |
US09095420B2 |
Endovascular stent
An intravascular stent is provided for treatment of an aneurysm in a vessel wall of a cranial blood vessel. The stent includes at least one a flow-shaping member including a flow-facing surface that protrudes from an inner surface of the stent and is configured to control at least one of the direction, velocity and secondary flow characteristics of the blood flow within the aneurysm. |
US09095418B2 |
Anti-twist mechanism for a mechanical advantage tensioning device on an orthosis
An orthosis is provided having a mechanical advantage tensioning device with an anti-twist mechanism. The anti-twist mechanism includes first and second anti-twist members which have a reduced degree of pliability to resist twisting of the orthosis about the mechanical advantage tensioning device. |
US09095417B2 |
Adjustable orthosis for electrical stimulation of a limb
Systems, devices and methods for treating a targeted body tissue (e.g., bone, soft tissue, muscle, ligaments, etc.) by stimulating the body tissue with an electric current are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first orthosis member that includes a first electrode. The first orthosis member is configured to be disposed about a first portion of a limb of a user of the apparatus such that the first electrode is in contact with the first portion of the limb. The apparatus includes a second orthosis member that includes a second electrode. The second orthosis member is configured to be disposed about a second portion of the limb such that the second electrode is in contact with the second portion of the limb. A connector is configured to couple the second orthosis member to the first orthosis member and the connector has a selectively adjustable length. |
US09095414B2 |
Nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy (NLO-PDT) of the cornea
The embodiments include method of nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy of tissue including the steps of providing pulsed infrared laser light for two-photon excited fluorescence tissue exposure, and selectively focusing the pulsed infrared laser light within the tissue at a focal plane to activate a photosensitizing agent to generate free radicals within a highly resolved axial and lateral spatial domain in the tissue. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for performing nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy of tissue including a pulsed infrared laser for providing two-photon excited fluorescence beam tissue exposure, a scanner for selectively and controllably moving the tissue and the beam relative to each other, and optics for selectively focusing the pulsed infrared laser light within the tissue at a point in a focal plane to activate a photosensitizing agent to generate free radicals within a highly resolved axial and lateral spatial domain in the tissue. |
US09095413B2 |
Intraocular shunt manufacture
An intraocular shunt can be manufactured using a system that includes a liquid bath and a wire, which is moved through the bath. When moved through the bath, the wire is coated with a material, such as gelatin. For example, the liquid bath can have a top layer, including water, and a bottom layer, including gelatin. The coated wire passes through an aperture formed in a plate component of the system. The gelatin can be dried on the wire in a humidity-controlled space, thereby forming the shunt. |
US09095412B2 |
Ocular delivery systems and methods
Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described. |
US09095411B2 |
Devices for deploying intraocular shunts
The present invention generally relates to devices for deploying intraocular shunts without the use of an optical apparatus that contacts an eye, such as a goniolens. In certain embodiments, devices of the invention include a housing including a proximal portion and a distal portion, in which the distal portion is movable within the proximal portion, a deployment mechanism at least partially disposed within the housing, and a hollow shaft coupled to the deployment mechanism, in which the shaft is configured to hold an intraocular shunt. |
US09095410B2 |
Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size
Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. In some instances, the cutting port size may be adjusted by altering a position of a stroke limiter via a pancake motor. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. |
US09095409B2 |
Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size
Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation. |
US09095407B2 |
Magnetic incontinence treatment device
An incontinence treatment device includes a band attached to a pendant. The band is implantable around a portion of a urethra and has a first magnet connected to a first end portion of the band and a second magnet connected to a second end portion of the band. The pendant is connected to and extends from the band. The pendant has a shape that configures the pendant to be implantable into a scrotum and a thickness that configures the pendant to be implantable into a labia. The pendant encloses a switch and a power source that are electrically coupled to the first magnet and the second magnet. The switch has an on position to constrict the band around the urethra and an off position in which substantially zero current is provided to decouple the first magnet from the second magnet. |
US09095405B2 |
Space-filling intragastric implants with fluid flow
A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Also, certain devices slow gastric emptying by blocking or otherwise impeding flow through the pyloric sphincter. A number of devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse. |
US09095401B2 |
Support system and method for viewer-dependent positioning and alignment of a display unit
A support system (10) and method for the viewer-dependent positioning and alignment of a monitor (20) is disclosed. The support system (10) comprises a central support column (14), a first arm (16) having an adjustable length L, wherein the first arm (16) is rotatably connected at its proximal end to the central support column (14) and is pivotally connected at its distal end to the monitor (20), a second arm (18), wherein the second arm (18) is connected at its distal end to a camera (50), and control means for positioning and aligning the monitor (20) such that irrespective of the angular position of the viewer (i) the monitor (20) is positioned along the line of sight of the viewer pointing towards a reference position, (ii) the distance from the monitor (20) to the viewer (40) is held constant, and (iii) the monitor (20) is at a right angle with respect to the line of sight of the viewer (40) pointing towards a reference position. |
US09095396B2 |
Porous implant with non-porous threads
A dental implant can include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and having an apical end, a coronal end, and an exterior surface. A portion of the exterior surface can include a porous material. The dental implant can include at least one thread, including a non-porous material, having an interior surface and a bone-engaging surface. The interior surface can engage and wind around the exterior surface of the shaft and the bone-engaging surface can extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the shaft. The shaft can include one or more channels configured to communicate a flowable material, stored within the shaft, to the exterior surface. Each channel can include an opening at the exterior surface to release the flowable material. At least one channel can extend between a cavity of the shaft and the exterior surface and can optionally be angled toward the apical end. |
US09095392B2 |
Bone cement delivery system
A bone cement delivery unit having a rigid support structure with a first portion configured to engage and retain a bone cement reservoir against its casing, a second portion supporting a transmission system and a third portion supporting and guiding a slidable push rod along the injection direction. The delivery system may include a control unit sliding the push rod opposite to the injection direction before stopping the push rod if the quantity of the bone cement pushed out of the reservoir has reached at least a predetermined minimum value, such as to eliminate residual flow. Also, the delivery system may include an adaptor including members electrically connected to the control unit, with the cement reservoir including a sensor for monitoring curing of the bone cement in electrical contact with the members of the adaptor. |
US09095384B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatuses for torsional stabilization
Methods, systems and apparatuses are provided for torsionally stabilizing a spinal motion segment. One or more implants are placed between two vertebrae to provide torsional stabilization. In particular, one or more implants may be fixed between a superior vertebral body, such as at the spinous process, and an inferior vertebral body. The implants may be connected to the superior vertebral body using a fixation device such as a turnbuckle, an outrigger, a thimble, an endobutton, a suture plug or combinations thereof. The implant may also be connected to the inferior vertebral body using various types of hardware, including staples, screws and anchors. The implant may be kept in tension to provide torsional stabilization and may be comprised of one or more sutures. A multi-functional instrument having one or more arms having holes can be used to clamp onto the superior vertebral body and guide one or more implants to various locations for fixation in accordance with the methods described herein. |
US09095383B2 |
Bone-derived spacer assembly
An allograft interspinous spacer for implantation into an interspinous space located between spinous process of adjacent vertebrae. The spacer preferably includes a body, a core and a plurality of deployable retainers. The body may be operatively associated with the plurality of deployable retainers. In use, after the body has been inserted into the interspinous space, the plurality of retainers is deployed so that they prevent migration of the spacer. The core is preferably sized and configured to be inserted and/or moved into operatively engagement with the body to deploy the plurality of retainers. |
US09095377B2 |
Distraction device
A device, kit, and method are provided for distracting bone. The device can comprise a bar and at least one connection interface. For example, the bar can comprise a first connection interface configured for releasable connection of the bar to at least one fixture inserted in a bone portion to be distracted. A second connection interface can be configured to connect the bar to a level adjustment device for distracting the bone portion. |
US09095376B2 |
Device for fastening a marker device to a bone
A device for fastening a marker device to a bone, comprising a fixing element including a mounting for the marker device, comprising a spring designed to contact an abutment for exerting a force between the abutment and the fixing element in the direction of the bone. |
US09095374B2 |
Catheter with deflectable tip
A catheter having a distal balloon and a deformable guidewire shaft of the catheter. The deformable guidewire shaft is adjacent to and external to the balloon. Inflation of the balloon bends the deformable guidewire shaft in order to orient or deflect a distal tip of the deformable guidewire shaft in a desired direction to guide and direct a guidewire extending through the deformable guidewire shaft towards a specific endovascular region. For example, it may be desired to orient the distal tip of the guidewire shaft towards a target vessel of a bifurcation or the balloon catheter may be used to bypass a Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO). |
US09095373B2 |
Scrub brush
A scrub brush for cleaning arms, hands, and fingernails includes a reservoir for applying an antiseptic or cleaning composition and first and second groups of bristles having different relative flexibilities. The reservoir can be an absorbent open-foam material capable of absorbing and holding a liquid cleaning composition. The first bristles are designed to gently cleanse skin surfaces without scratching, gouging, scraping or otherwise damaging skin. The second bristles are more rigid than the first bristles to more aggressively scrub dirt, microbes or other foreign debris from gaps underneath fingernails. A finger alignment guide adjacent to the stiffer bristles maintains proper alignment between fingernails and the stiffer bristles so that the bristles enter gaps underneath the fingernails when the fingers are moved in a back and forth motion. |
US09095370B2 |
System and method for dilating and adjusting flexibility in a guiding device
This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing a guiding device having a dilatable, drilling tip. The tip is formed by wound helical members such that resistance to rotation in an unwinding direction dilates the tip. The helical members are configured so that the dilatable tip increases in stiffness when the helical members are tensioned by a resistance to rotation in the winding direction. In some embodiments, application of relative force between coaxial inner and outer tubular members is used to control the dilation, stiffness and drilling of the guiding member. |
US09095368B2 |
Follicular unit extraction device
A follicular unit extraction device comprises a handpiece for holding a follicle punch at its distal end which extends from the handpiece and terminates distally in a cutting edge. The punch is releasably coupled to a motor-driven drive shaft within the handpiece for rotation therewith. A portion of the driveshaft is tubular, and houses a piston that can move towards and away from the punch. An ejector pin is also supported within the tubular portion of the driveshaft distally of the ejector piston and is positioned to move towards the cutting edge of the punch when pushed by the piston. The handpiece and driveshaft have respective fluid inlet ports. The clearance between the piston and driveshaft interior, and the clearance between the ejector pin and punch interior, define a fluid path for conducting fluid entering the handpiece and drive shaft via inlet ports so that the fluid exits the punch at its cutting edge. The clearances limit the quantity of fluid exiting the punch to the small amount needed to protect the follicle to be extracted. Means are provided for selectively increasing the flow rate of the fluid entering the handpiece beyond the limit imposed by said clearances to thereby increase the fluid pressure within the driveshaft, moving the piston distally and, consequently, moving the pin towards the cutting edge of the punch to eject impacted graft or debris. Bias means returns the piston proximally when the flow rate is reduced below the level required to overcome the bias means. |
US09095366B2 |
Tissue cutter with differential hardness
Disclosed is a tubular cutting element for axial reciprocal movement within an outer tubular sleeve. The cutting element has an elongate tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting tip. The tubular body is formed in a drawing operation and the cutting tip is formed in a milling operation. The tubular body may have a Rockwell C hardness of no more than about 40, and the cutting tip may have a Rockwell C hardness of at least about 50. |
US09095363B2 |
Remote pericardial hemostasis for ventricular access and reconstruction or other organ therapies
Embodiments described herein provide devices, systems, and methods that reduce the distance between two locations in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure. For example, an anchor of an implant system may, when the implant system is fully deployed, reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the ventricular septum. The anchor may be deployed into the heart through a working lumen of a minimally invasive access tool. The minimally invasive access tool may have a plurality of grippers near a distal end of the working lumen. The grippers may engage epicardial tissue of the heart and may be moved radially inwardly relative so as to provide stabilization of the epicardial tissue and/or hemostasis near an access site where the anchor is inserted through the epicardium. The minimally invasive access tool may minimize blood loss from the access site and improve anchor implant processes. |
US09095361B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for fluoro-less or near fluoro-less percutaneous surgery access
A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method can include selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target. |
US09095360B2 |
Feeding structure for dual slot microwave ablation probe
A dual slot microwave probe for tissue ablation provides axially spaced slots producing an improved heating pattern with reduced axial extent. Degradation in this heating pattern caused by the addition of ceramic support elements and/or fluid cooling is realized through a feeding structure delivering separate sources of microwave energy to the different slots of the probe aligned with the slots of the probe. |
US09095356B2 |
Tibial trial instruments and method of using same
An orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly includes a tibial base trial adapted to be positioned on a surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia, an intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument engaged with a lower surface of the tibial base trial, and a fastener configured to pivot relative to the tibial base trial. The fastener is configured to engage with the intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument to removably couple the intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument to the tibial base trial. |
US09095353B2 |
Surgical tools facilitating increased accuracy, speed and simplicity in performing joint arthroplasty
Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. |
US09095351B2 |
Apparatus and methods to modulate bladder function
Apparatus and methods are provided to concentrate energy delivery in non-superficial target tissue within a trigone region of a human bladder wall to modulate bladder function. |
US09095335B2 |
Apparatus and method for joining similar or dissimilar suture products
An apparatus, system and method for joining a first length of suture with a second length of suture are provided. The apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical body have a first end and a second end, a first cavity formed in the first end for receiving an end of the first length of suture, and a second cavity formed in the second end for receiving an end of the second length of suture, wherein the ends of the first and second lengths of sutures are welded within respective first and second cavities. The first and second lengths of suture may include the same or different diameters. The first and second cavities may be separated by a divider, or instead, may be continuous. The end of the first length of suture may abut the end of the second length of suture within the cylindrical body. |
US09095325B2 |
Tissue cutting member for a biopsy device
The invention is directed to tissue cutting members and biopsy devices with such tissue cutting member for separating a tissue specimen from a patient's body at a target site. The tissue cutting member is slidably disposed within an inner lumen of an elongated probe member of the biopsy device to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of an outer cannula of the biopsy device through a tissue receiving aperture in the probe. The tissue cutting member has a tubular distal portion with a distal tip having an outer tissue cutting edge, an inner tissue receiving aperture, and a longitudinally oriented opening with a closed proximal end and open distal end which opens to the inner tissue receiving aperture to facilitate flaring of the distal tubular portion. The cutting member has at least one opening in a wall of the tubular portion to maintain a vacuum during use. |
US09095321B2 |
Cryotherapeutic devices having integral multi-helical balloons and methods of making the same
A cryotherapeutic device having an integral multi-helical balloon section and methods of making the same. A method of forming the cryotherapeutic device can include forming an extruded integral shaft having first and second substantially parallel lumens. The method can further include twisting a distal section of the shaft such that the first and second lumens form intertwined helical portions. The first and second helical portions can be plastically enlarged to form an inflatable body configured to deliver therapeutically effective cryogenic cooling to a treatment site. |
US09095319B2 |
Suturing device and method for sealing an opening in a blood vessel or other biological structure
A suturing device includes a handle, an elongated body, at least one suture snag, at least one pair of needles, and at least one suture pair. The suture snag is moveable between a deployed position in which two distal arm portions thereof radially extend away from the elongated body and a retracted position in which the two distal arm portions are disposed within the elongated body. The suture pair is slidingly disposed through the needle pair. The suturing device deploys the suture snag within a vessel adjacent to an arteriotomy, extends the needle pair through a vessel wall around the arteriotomy and through the deployed suture snag, extends the suture pair beyond the distal ends of the needle pair, and then utilizes the suture snag to capture the extended suture pair by retracting the suture snag to pull first or distal ends of the sutures back into the suturing device. |
US09095316B2 |
System for generating alarms based on alarm patterns
An alarm system can include one or more processors. Such processors can receive physiological parameter data associated with a patient. The one or more processors can also select an alarm pattern based at least in part on an indicator of an attribute of the patient. The alarm pattern can include a plurality of different thresholds and corresponding periods of time. Further, the one or more processors can generate an alarm when a value associated with the physiological parameter data satisfies at least one threshold of the plurality of thresholds for the period of time corresponding to the at least one threshold. |
US09095315B2 |
Method and apparatus integrating clinical data with the review of medical images
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in order to integrate clinical data with the medical images reviewed by radiologists or other healthcare providers. In the context of a method, one or more findings related to a respective risk profile of a patient are identified. The method also includes concurrently presenting both one or more medical images of the patient and a visual representation of at least a portion of the patient's body with respect to visual indications of the one or more findings. The method also includes providing information regarding a respective finding upon selection of the visual indication associated with the respective finding. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided. |
US09095313B2 |
Accounting for non-uniform longitudinal motion during movement of an endoluminal imaging probe
Apparatus and methods are provided including, while an endoluminal data-acquisition device is being moved through a lumen of a subject, acquiring a plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen using the endoluminal data-acquisition device. At at least one location it is determined that an event occurred, the event causing the endoluminal data-acquisition device not to acquire a single endoluminal data point at the location. The endoluminal data points are displayed in a stack, in which the endoluminal data points are positioned at locations corresponding to relative locations within the lumen at which the endoluminal data points were acquired, and in which the event is accounted for. Other applications are also described. |
US09095312B2 |
Method and system for measuring pyruvate
A body-mountable pyruvate sensing device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a reagent localized near the working electrode that selectively reacts with pyruvate. Application of a voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode causes a current related to a concentration of pyruvate in a fluid to which the electrochemical sensor is exposed; the current is measured by the body-mountable device and wirelessly communicated. |
US09095311B2 |
Band and electronic instrument
The band is provided with a first band member and a second band member attached to an instrument main body, and a linking member. Each of the band members is provided with an expanding section that expands along a band extension direction, the expanding section having pliability, and having first slits having a pair of slits lying along the width direction and a slit lying along the band extension direction, and a pair of second slits lying along the width direction to communicate with the outside of the expanding section. A linking member is provided with a fixed member; a sliding member capable of sliding along the band extension direction of the first band member and provided with a linking section (projecting rod) for linking with the second band member; and an urging member for urging the sliding member in the opposite direction from the band extension direction. |
US09095310B2 |
Radiographic apparatus
Disclosed is a radiographic apparatus including a detachable manipulation panel which includes a capturing device to generate X-rays and to irradiate the X-rays to a subject so as to capture the subject, a controller connected to the capturing device to control the capturing device, and a manipulation device mounted to the capturing device to allow an inspector to input commands to control the capturing device, wherein the manipulation device is detachably mounted to the capturing device and, in a state in which the manipulation device is separated from the capturing device, is connected to the controller using a wireless interface to control the capturing device. |
US09095309B2 |
Method and apparatus for quantifying the behavior of an administered contrast agent
An apparatus for quantifying contrast agent behavior of an administrated contrast agent within a region of interest, comprises an imaging device configured to acquire images of a subject and processing structure communicating with the imaging device. The processing structure is configured to process image data of the acquired images to yield a time sequence of images, I(t), at a location (I) outside of the region of interest that detect contrast agent concentration before the contrast agent enters the region of interest and to yield a time sequence of images, J(t), at a location (J) within the region of interest that detect the contrast agent concentration as the contrast agent perfuses the region of interest. The processing structure is further configured to deconvolve I(t) from J(t) to determine a vector describing the time estimate of the impulse response function, R′(t), for the region of interest, where the shape of the vector is constrained using physiologic and physical considerations and I(t)R′(t) is the maximum likelihood estimate of J(t), where denotes convolution, and configured to determine the behaviour of the contrast agent in the region of interest based on the determined vector. |
US09095308B2 |
Vascular roadmapping
Cardiac roadmapping consists in correctly overlaying a vessel map sequence derived from an angiogram acquisition onto a fluoroscopy sequence used during PTCA intervention. This enhanced fluoroscopy sequence however suffers from several drawbacks such as breathing motion, high noise level, and most of all suboptimal contrast-enhanced mask due to segmentation defaults. This invention proposes to reverse the process and to locally overlay the intervention device as seen in fluoroscopy onto an optimal contrast-enhanced image of a corresponding cycle. This drastically reduces or suppresses the breathing motion, it provides the high image quality standard of angiograms, and avoids segmentation defaults. This proposal could lead to a brand new navigation practice in PCI procedures. |
US09095307B2 |
Methods for detection of respiratory effort and sleep apnea monitoring devices
A sleep apnea diagnostic system includes a housing that is configured to be attached to near the nose of a patient's face to sense physiological information of a patient. The housing includes sensors to sense the physiological information. The physiological information may be, for example, air flow through the nose or the mouth or both. The physiological information further may be, for example, blood volume. The sleep apnea diagnostic system includes at least one processor in the housing or external to the housing or both to analyze the physiological information to determine whether the patient has experienced irregular or abnormal respiratory activity and to detect respiratory effort. The analysis may be real time or delayed. |
US09095305B2 |
Method and apparatus for indicating the emergence of a pre-ulcer and its progression
A method of monitoring a patient's foot provides an open platform for receiving at least one foot. The platform has at least one temperature sensor for generating a plurality of temperature data values after receipt of the at least one foot. The method then forms a thermogram of the sole of the at least one foot from the temperature data, and determines whether the thermogram presents at least one of a plurality of prescribed patterns. Next, the method produces output information indicating the emergence of a pre-ulcer or progression of a known pre-ulcer in the at least one foot as a function of whether the thermogram is determined to present the at least one pattern. |
US09095301B2 |
Minimal incision maximal access MIS spine instrumentation and method
A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable work space exposure within the incision along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the width of the working tube. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing retractors depending from a bi-hinged frame having internal or external controls to control the angle and separation of the retractors. Interchangeable retractor blades can be attached to the frame. Both retractor blades are independently controlled as to displacement and angle. |
US09095299B2 |
Surgical sleeve suction retractor
A hollow disposable sleeve suction retractor. The sleeve suction retractor is an ergonomically shaped combination suction/retractor instrument for holding and retracting tissues, suctioning tissue pieces, blood and fluids and a surgical smoke plume from an electrosurgery device all at the same time. The suction sleeve retractor is comfortable to hold securely and allows a surgeon a clear line of sight on an area of tissue dissection. It can be used without the need for having another hand (e.g., surgeon's or an assistant, etc.) sponge or separate suction devices in a wound. It is economical to purchase and does not have to be sterilized or autoclaved since it disposable. |
US09095298B2 |
Adjustable display mechanism and method
A laryngoscope includes a laryngoscope blade; a laryngoscope handle coupled to the laryngoscope blade; an electronic display; and an adjustable display mechanism that adjustably couples the electronic display to the laryngoscope handle. The adjustable display mechanism provides relative rotation of the electronic display relative to the laryngoscope handle about a first axis and a separate second axis different than the first axis. |
US09095295B2 |
Device and method for measuring information processing speed of the brain
A device is disclosed which comprises a display adapted to display a sequence of rapidly alternating images, and a keypad electrically coupled to the display, for entering a perceived sequence by a user. The device is configured to compare a perceived sequence input by the user to the displayed sequence, and to measure the speed of visual perception of the user. Also disclosed are methods of visually, non-invasively assessing an individual's speed of visual perception (visual window of integration), or detecting any changes that have occurred in the individual's speed of visual perception. |
US09095293B2 |
Lancing device and lancet
A lancing device and lancet are provided with depth-control, lancet ejection, and/or guidance mechanisms. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted at a distal end of the housing of the lancing device, the dial being coupled to a linkage whereby rotation of the dial imparts translational movement to a stop surface of the linkage to limit the stroke of the lancet and thereby control lancing penetration depth. The ejection mechanism includes an ejector that is advanced into contact with a transversely flared flange of the lancet to discharge the lancet from the lancing device. The guidance mechanism includes an inner guidance housing for restricting out-of-axis movement of a lancet carrier. |
US09095289B2 |
Dental x-ray aiming device with marginal ridge indexing
The present invention is a device for aiming a dental x-ray beam to be centered parallel to the area of contact between two adjacent teeth so that the resultant bite wing radiographic image is one that shows at least those two teeth as distinct and not superimposed images. The device, comprising a marginal ridge angulation locator that indexes into the substantially v-shaped groove on the biting surfaces between two adjacent teeth, locates and indicates an aiming vector centered over and parallel to the area of contact between those two teeth for the purpose of aiming an x-ray beam then exposing the radiographic image desired. |
US09095288B2 |
Safety blood collection assembly with indicator
A needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly includes a housing having a flash chamber, and having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with a specimen collection container. The assembly includes a cannula having a patient end, a non-patient end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a cannula interior. The patient end of the cannula projects at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the cannula interior is in fluid communication with the flash chamber. The assembly further includes a shield restrainably engaged with a portion of the housing and axially transitionable over the patient cannula from a retracted position in which the patient end is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the shield, wherein at least a portion of the flash chamber is visible in the retracted position. |
US09095285B2 |
Portable biometric identification device using a dorsal hand vein pattern
A portable device for personal identification using a dorsal hand vein-pattern in preferable configuration is disclosed. The mobile device utilizes an on-board camera operating in both visible and near infrared range, a memory unit, a processor and Speeded-Up Robust Features algorithm for image acquisition, processing and comparison against the existing database of hand vein-pattern images. The matching criterion between the images to be used for the person's authentication. Device can optionally use wireless connection for image transferring and processing. |
US09095282B2 |
System and method for treating dysphagia
Dysphagia of a subject (12) is treated. The treatment of dysphagia may include providing cues to the subject (12) that prompt the subject to swallow, and monitoring the response of the subject (12) to the cues. The swallowing function of the subject (12) may be analyzed over a single therapy session and/or over time to evaluate the general progress of the subject (12). A pressurized flow of breathable gas may be provided to the airway of the subject (12) during the therapy. The pressurized flow of breathable gas may remove certain discomfort associated with the dysphagia of the subject (12), such as shortness of breath, and also provides a therapy to improve the coordination of breathing and swallowing in the subject (12). |
US09095281B2 |
Segmentation and enhanced visualization techniques for full-range fourier domain optical coherence tomography
Presented here are new processing techniques for optical coherence tomography (OCT) data that allow for improved visualization and use of full-range OCT images. These techniques minimize the central line artifact and the complex conjugate artifact without requiring additional system hardware or significantly increasing post-processing time. The central line artifact is minimized by normalizing each A-scan to account for ripples at the zero-delay position. The complex conjugate artifact is minimized by segmentation of a layer or layers that cross the zero-delay position, and in some embodiments by further segmentation of other surfaces based on the segmentation of the initial layer or layers. The segmentation information is then used to selectively attenuate the complex conjugate image. It may also be used for other purposes, such as dewarping. |
US09095280B2 |
Apparatus and method to obtain clinical ophthalmic high order optical aberrations
An apparatus and method to improve the prescribing of customized ophthalmic corrections which contain higher order aberration. The apparatus enables the subjective measurement of higher order aberrations such as spherical aberration which can be used as part of the prescription for customized ophthalmic corrections. |
US09095279B2 |
Diagnostic, prescriptive, and data-gathering system and method for macular pigment deficits and other eye disorders
A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data. |
US09095276B2 |
Breath end-tidal gas monitor
An improved apparatus and method for capturing and analyzing the end-tidal portion of an exhalation. The CO2 level of air drawn into the system (10) is monitored to distinguish inhalation and exhalation of breath. Upon detection of a decrease in the CO2 level in the air drawn into the system (10), indicating a transition between exhalation and inhalation a pair of flow selector valves (26, 28) are operated to capture the end-tidal volume of air drawn into the system (10) immediately prior to the detection of the decrease in the CO2 level. Incoming air is diverted around the captured volume of air, and the CO2 levels are continually monitored to ensure that the captured volume of air corresponds to the end-tidal portion of an exhalation. Once the captured volume of air is positively identified as the end-tidal portion of an exhalation, the captured volume is routed through a gas analyzer (44) for analysis of one or more predetermined gas levels. |
US09095274B2 |
Real time medical data analysis system
A medical data analysis system utilizing a cloud computing resource. Exemplary embodiments provide real time medical testing data to a cloud computing resource via middleware. Exemplary middleware may condition the data for use by the cloud computing resource and the middleware may appropriately format the results of the analysis provided by the cloud for display on a user interface device. |
US09095271B2 |
Dynamically variable filter
A method of processing a signal pertaining to at least one electrical property of an organ of a subject is disclosed. The method comprises determining a physiological condition of the subject, selecting a frequency band, filtering the signal according to the frequency band, and dynamically adapting the frequency band in response to a change in the physiological condition. |
US09095262B2 |
Guided ablation devices, systems, and methods
An embodiment of the invention includes a system for the guidance of a catheter to different regions of tissue (e.g., cardiac tissue) for therapy (e.g., ablation therapy). A plurality of electrodes, such as an array of electrodes, may be configured to perform various tasks. First, some electrodes may measure cardiac polarization. Second, some electrodes may function as magnets (e.g., electromagnets) that guide a separate ablation catheter towards the electromagnetic electrodes. These electromagnetic electrodes may be positioned adjacent tissue that is now recognized (possibly due to the electrodes that measure cardiac polarization) as being in need of ablation therapy. Thus, the electromagnetic electrodes may cooperate with an ablation catheter to render a system with magnetic guidance capabilities using intracardiac magnetic field generation. The system may control electromagnetic forces from the array of electrodes to guide the ablation catheter tip to the desired therapy location. Other embodiments are described herein. |
US09095256B2 |
Ophthalmologic imaging apparatus
Provided is an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus required by the position adjustment of a fixation lamp to be turned on, by a simple operation which includes: a scanning unit; an irradiation unit for irradiating an eye to be inspected with a measuring beam through the scanning unit; a fixation lamp; a lighting position changing unit for changing a lighting position of the fixation lamp; an optical path length difference changing unit for changing an optical path length difference between the measuring beam and a reference beam corresponding to the measuring beam based on the lighting position of the fixation lamp which is changed by the lighting position changing unit; and an acquisition unit for acquiring a tomographic image of the eye to be inspected based on a beam obtained by superimposing, on the reference beam, a return beam from the eye to be inspected, which is irradiated with the measuring beam. |
US09095254B2 |
Endoscope apparatus and bending control method of endoscope apparatus
Provided is an endoscope apparatus that includes: a bending portion that bends in at least one direction; bending wires that are each connected to the bending portion; actuators that are connected to proximal ends of the bending wires, respectively, and that contract or expand by means of air pressure; electromagnetic valves that are provided between the actuators and a gas supply source that supplies air, respectively, and that adjust pressures applied to the actuators; and a control section that controls the electromagnetic valves. Each bending wire has slack therein when the actuators are in an atmospheric pressure state. The control section controls the electromagnetic valves so as to subject the actuators to initial pressurization until the slack of each bending wire disappears. |
US09095251B2 |
Circuits, systems, and methods for monitoring and coaching a person's sideways spacing foot placement and roll, shoe life, and other running/walking characteristics
A foot monitoring system includes a measurement circuit and an alert circuit. The measurement circuit measures sideways roll of a person's foot while the person is walking/running. The alert circuit determines that the person should change sideways spacing between the person's feet to change further measured values of the sideways roll of the person's foot toward preferred sideways roll values, and generates a notification that indicates to the person to change the sideways spacing between the feet. The foot measurement circuit may determine how much shoe cushioning life remains for a shoe worn by the person in response to comparison of values a peak pulse segment of impact measurements to another segment of the impact measurements that is outside the peak pulse segment. |
US09095250B2 |
Endoscope apparatus with particular illumination, illumination control and image processing
The endoscope apparatus includes a wavelength switching unit for switching emission wavelengths of a first illumination light including at least broadband light and a second illumination light including only plural kinds of narrowband light, an imaging unit for capturing an image of a subject by the first illumination light or the second illumination light having the switched emission wavelength in each imaging frame, an acquisition unit for acquiring biological information relating to form and/or function of a biological object serving as the subject and a mode switching unit for switching at least two diagnosis modes based on the biological information. The number of imaging frames by the imaging unit in which the emission wavelengths of the first and second illumination light are switched varies depending on the diagnosis mode. |
US09095244B2 |
Dust indicator for a vacuum cleaner
This invention relates to a dust indicator in a vacuum cleaner, which dust indicator (200) is arranged in a wall (102) at least partly defining a space of the vacuum cleaner that is set under negative pressure with respect to the outside of the wall during operation of the vacuum cleaner. The dust indicator comprises an air channel (211) having an air inlet (212) arranged at an outer side of the wall, and an air outlet (213) arranged at an inner side of the wall, such that an airflow is directed into the space during operation of the vacuum cleaner due to the negative pressure. The dust indicator further comprises a sensor (220) arranged for detecting dust by means of sending and/or receiving an electromagnetic signal which is transmitted through the space. The air channel is arranged such that the airflow prevents dust from sticking in an area of the path of the electromagnetic signal of the sensor. The sensor is arranged behind a transparent window (232) such that it is shielded from dust and debris within said space. |
US09095242B2 |
Transmission module of a toilet seat sanitation paper dispenser
A transmission module of a toilet seat sanitation paper dispenser includes a housing, a gear assembly and a lever assembly. The housing has a plurality of sets of positioning holes, a set of first central holes and a set of second central holes. The gear assembly has a front gear, an intermediate gear unit and a rear gear unit. The front gear and the rear gear unit are coupled to the plurality of sets of positioning holes. The intermediate gear unit is capable of being optionally coupled with the set of first or second central holes. The front gear is engaged with the intermediate gear unit, and the intermediate gear unit is engaged with the rear gear unit. The lever assembly is connected to the front gear to drive the front gear to rotate. |
US09095233B2 |
Travel container having drinking orifice and vent aperture
A container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a drink seal for a drinking opening and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger translates in a straight line transverse to a longitudinal axis of the container body during the entire movement of the trigger to define a straight-line actuation stroke. The vent opening is initially opened during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger, and the drink opening is initially opened during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger. |
US09095229B2 |
Dispenser for containers
A dispenser for containers is disclosed, consisting of a rail, a front retainer and a pusher coil secured within a pusher. The rail serves to suspend the containers held by their lip, while the pusher, secured within the rail, continuously pushes forward onto the containers. Meanwhile, the front retainer comprises of two abutment protrusions which serve as a barrier to prevent the containers from going too far forward. An individual wishing to remove a container simply has to pull forward on the container such that it makes its way past the barrier created by the abutment protrusions of the front retainer. |
US09095226B1 |
Crib bumper assembly
A crib bumper assembly protects an infant from injury by bars spaced on the side of a crib. The assembly includes an elongated member having a first side and a second side. A plurality of flexible panels is coupled to the first side of the elongated member. Each flexible panel has a perimeter edge coupled to the elongated member wherein each flexible panel forms a chamber extending from the first side of the elongated member. A plurality of attachment members is coupled in spaced arrangement to the second side of the elongated member. Thus, the elongated member is configured for being coupled to spaced bars in a side of a crib. |
US09095225B2 |
Infant changing board
An improved infant changing board utilizes a shaped support board enclosed in a washable cover and a safety strap in order to provide a relatively rigid surface upon which a caregiver can place an infant in order to change his or her diaper. The infant changing board is shaped so as to fit within most infant carriers and can transition from an upright position to an infant changing configuration. In the upright configuration, the apparatus is stored mainly behind the back of the infant, between him or her and the back support of the infant carrier. In the infant changing configuration, the apparatus is pulled forward and out to rest in an approximately horizontal position, yet securely braced within the carrier. In this configuration, the caregiver can place the infant on the changing board and have easy access to the diaper and the infant's groin area for changing. |
US09095221B1 |
Convertible furniture with selectively expandable mattress cushion section(s)
A cushion, mattress or mattress section for a convertible furniture article defines a plurality of apertures, such as slits or slots or recesses, extending into or through the cushion or mattress section that are cut in a direction at an angle to the first length of the mattress section. The cushion or mattress section expands from its first length to a second length that is longer than the first length upon applying a stretching force to the cushion or mattress section and thereby positioning the mattress section into the open or sleeping configuration. Expansion is due to resilience of the material forming the mattress or mattress section in combination with opening of the apertures. The sleeping surface of the mattress or mattress section may remain substantially planar in both the open (sleeping) position and closed (seating) position. |
US09095220B1 |
Infant seat covering system
An infant seat covering system comprises a cover, two elastic side straps having hooks at the ends thereof, a plurality of ovoid clasps and cooperating eyelets for engaging an infant seat, two retraction hooks for engaging a series of retraction eyelets disposed longitudinally along a back portion of the cover, the retraction hooks being disposed near an upper portion of the cover on a front portion of the cover whereby the cover can be retracted to one or more retracted positions according to the refraction eyelets. |
US09095217B2 |
Chair
A chair in which a biasing force acting on a back can be changed even if the stroke of a moving member is small, thereby enabling the device to be compact, and the biasing force can be steplessly adjusted with light force. A biasing force transmission member (41) reverses the biasing force of a biasing mechanism acting on a tip portion of the biasing force transmission member (41) which is a point of effort (Q) with a point abutting a fulcrum member (49) working as a fulcrum (P) for a lever, transmits the biasing force to a base end of the biasing force transmission member (41) which is a point load (R) to bias the back in an upright direction, and moves the fulcrum member (49) along a side edge of the biasing force transmission member (41) on a pressure receiving side to be able to adjust the biasing force. |
US09095216B2 |
Always level folding chair
A chair is provided that is configurable to provide a substantially horizontal seating surface when the chair is disposed on an angled ground surface. The chair comprises a back frame having a pair of telescoping back legs including an upper back leg tube and a lower back leg tube slidingly disposed within the upper back leg tube. The chair additionally includes a pair of locking mechanisms comprising a locking key that includes a locking aperture through which the respective lower back leg tube extends. Each locking mechanism is structured and operable to selectively position the respective locking key in an engaged position that binds the lower back leg tube such that the lower back leg tube cannot slide into the upper back leg tube, and a disengaged position that allows the lower back leg tube to freely slide within the upper back leg tube. |
US09095207B2 |
Adjustable tray assembly for a fixture, such as a tripod or other multi-legged device
A tray assembly adapted to be removably connected to a fixture, e.g. a tripod, ladder, chair, a rigid fixture or other single or multi-legged device, the assembly including a tray adapted to support objects, a securing mechanism for operatively attaching the tray to the fixture and optionally a support leg for maintaining the tray at a desired position in relation to the fixture. Methods for securing a tray assembly to a fixture and using the assembly are disclosed. |
US09095203B2 |
Unitary composite backpack frame with upper stays
Resin-impregnated sandwich composite backpack frames are disclosed. The frames may, for example, be made of a carbon fiber twill with a foam core. The frames have an upper portion that includes upwardly-extending, elongate stays to support a backpack and mechanically decouple its load from the wearer. Open, generally vertically extending tracks in the upper portion provide points of attachment for shoulder strap assemblies. The lower portion is contoured to follow the typical lumbar-sacral curvature of the human back and terminates in a generally U-shaped tongue. Openings and unreinforced areas in the frame are provided to reduce weight and increase flexibility. |
US09095200B2 |
Applicator device with a stripping means which is adjustable by way of a crumple zone
An applicator device (10) for storing and applying a substance (20) to be applied, in particular a cosmetic substance, comprising: a container (30) for the substance having a container opening (32), an applicator implement (40), an adjustable stripping element (50) for the applicator implement, which is arranged at least partially in the region of the container opening, and an adjusting device for the action of the stripping means. The adjusting device (70) is formed by an actuating element (60) movable with respect to the stripping element for reversibly changing the stripping element, wherein the position of the actuating element is adjustable with respect to the stripping element by way of the adjusting device, and a crumple zone (34) in the container, by way of which the length of the container can be reversibly changed in the longitudinal direction, wherein the position of the actuating element is adjustable with respect to the stripping element by the change in length. The container substantially comprises an inner container casing (36) and an outer container casing (38), wherein the outer container casing (38) has the crumple zone (34) which is between a first outer container casing end (38a) and an open second outer container casing end (38b). |
US09095198B2 |
Loose powder compact with compressible platform
Disclosed is a compact for containing a loose powder, such as cosmetic finishing powder, including a base, a cover, a sifter, and a platform compressible against the sifter. The platform may comprise an inner portion flexibly coupled to an outer portion via a gasket disposed on at least a portion of a bottom surface of the inner portion. The compact may have an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the cover may apply a downward force on the inner portion, compressing the gasket against the sifter and creating a seal to isolate the loose powder. |
US09095196B2 |
Hair styling apparatus
A hair styling apparatus includes first and second handle members adapted for movement between an open position for receiving hair therebetween and a closed condition adjacent the hair, a heating element associated with at least one of said first and second handle members and a cartridge mountable to said first handle member and having a hair treatment agent for dispensing and treating hair disposed between the first and second handle members. The treatment agent may include a conditioning, strengthening, repairing or revitalizing fluid. An ultrasonic transducer may be associated with said cartridge. The transducer is actuable to heat the treatment agent to affect at least partial vaporization thereof for release adjacent the heating elements and application to the hair. |
US09095191B2 |
Stockfit assembly fixture for shoe production
A stock fit assembly fixture is provided for aligning and holding into place various portions of a shoe, such as an upper portion, an outsole, and a midsole, while the shoe portions are being assembled. The upper portion of a shoe may be secured to a shoe last, which in turn, may be secured to a top portion of the stock fit assembly fixture. The top portion may be movable such that the upper portion of the shoe can be moved toward the outsole and midsole portions, thus allowing for a securement of the upper portion to the outsole and midsole portions. The movement of the top portion may be by way of a compression mechanism allowing the top portion to be forced to be moved toward a bottom portion of the stock fit assembly fixture. |
US09095190B2 |
Sole structure configured to allow relative heel/forefoot motion
Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described. |
US09095185B1 |
Shoes with interchangeable decorative Appliqués
Shoes having receptacles for the placement therein of replaceable decorative appliqués whereby the style of the shoe can be changed as desired by the user. The shoe and top, side and rear covers have corresponding fasteners for releasably fixing the decorative appliqué to the shoe whereby the removable appliqué can be swapped with different colors and textures to create interesting new looks using the same base shoe. Integral interior magnets also apply magnetic therapy to the foot within each shoe. |
US09095179B2 |
Shear reduction mechanism
Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer. |
US09095178B1 |
Smart surfing suit
A smart surfing suit includes an elastic garment which is impermeable to water, a reservoir to provide drinking fluid to a surfer via a flexible tube, protective pads, interior pockets, and exterior sealable pockets. The reservoir has internal vertical channels connected at the bottom by a horizontal channel. In an embodiment, light reflectors are attached to the garment to help identify the surfer in a rescue operation. In various embodiments, the suit covers the hands and legs of the surfer and is made of different colored materials. |
US09095171B2 |
Patty-forming apparatus with top feed and rotary pump
The food product machine with a food supply, a rotary food pump connected to the food supply, a molding mechanism having a mold plate and a knockout drive, and a mold plate reciprocating between a fill and a discharge position. The knockout drive reciprocates a knockout plunger to discharge molded food products from the mold plate, the mold plate being reciprocated between a cavity fill position and a cavity discharge position. The machine includes a manifold connected an outlet of the food pump and having an outlet passageway connected to an inlet of the molding mechanism for filling the cavity of the mold plate. The machine can further include a fill plunger system for increasing the fill pressure of the food mass prior to filling the mold cavities. Plungers extend into the manifold to displace food mass volume and increase the pressure in the manifold. |
US09095165B2 |
Prophylactic/ameliorating agent for adult diseases comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid, derivative of 5-aminolevulinic acid, or salt of 5-aminolevulinic acid or the derivative of 5-aminolevulinic acid as active ingredient
It is to provide a pharmaceutical composition which is different from an existing therapeutic agent of an adult disease, of a biochemical reaction-inhibiting type, and which action mechanism is to improve the basal metabolism, wherein the composition has no side effects, and does not generate drug resistance against adult disease; and a method for preventing/treating an adult disease by using the same. It is to provide a composition for preventing/ameliorating an adult disease such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, impaired liver function, renal failure, adiposity, erectile dysfunction, menopausal disorder, shoulder discomfort, and low back pain, comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), its derivative, or salt thereof, preferably comprising ALA, its derivative, or salt thereof, and an iron compound such as sodium ferrous citrate, iron sodium citrate and iron ammonium citrate; a food or food material for preventing/ameliorating an adult disease comprising the composition; and a method for using the composition for preparing an agent for preventing/ameliorating an adult disease. |
US09095163B2 |
Packed soy sauce-containing liquid seasoning
The present invention provides the packed soy sauce-containing liquid seasoning, containing the following (A), (B), (C), and (D): (A) sodium 2.7 to 5.1% by mass (B) potassium 0.8 to 4% by mass (C) proline0.28 to 1% by mass (D) isoleucine 0.2 to 1% by mass. |
US09095162B2 |
Method of separating fat, oil or grease from a liquid body surface
The defatting method pertains to a simple and practical removal of fat, oil or grease from a broth surface during cooking or right before eating, in order to consume broth without the floating oil, fat or grease for a better health. The embodiment of my method is to adopt a blower (28) generating air stream (22) and aiming at a specific area on the surface of broth (24) in a container (20), blowing out a certain area free or minimal of floating fat, oil or grease (26) on the broth surface. Then scoop out from this defatted area to extract broth (32) free or minimal of fat, oil or grease (26). Another embodiment of the defatting method is to tilt container (20) and level the liquid surface to the tip of the laid down side of container (20), divert forward air stream direction from the rear of container (20), continuously divert forward air stream direction to drive fat, oil or grease (26) until they completely overflow out of container (20), thereby leaving behind the fat free broth (24). |
US09095160B2 |
Probiotic preparation for the prevention or treatment of canine gastrointestinal disorders
The present invention relates to a probiotic preparation for preventing and treating canine gastrointestinal disorders containing at least two dog-specific strains of lactic acid bacteria belonging to genus Lactobacillus, a calcium source in an amount of 20-99 weight-% expressed as CaCO3 of the dry weight of the preparation, and at least one prebiotic, and optionally additional dog-specific strains of lactic acid bacteria, excipients and carriers. The invention further relates to a process for the manufacture of the probiotic preparation, to dog food comprising the probiotic preparation, and to the use of the probiotic preparation for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical product or a dog food product for preventing and treating canine gastrointestinal disorders. |
US09095158B2 |
Packaged food product and a process for its production
A packaged food product comprising a tray (2) containing an edible composition having a layered structure, comprising: —at least one composite layer (24) comprising puffed cereal grains (G) embedded in a matrix of edible material (22); and —at least one edible coating layer (26) deposited on said composite layer (24) and preferably including chocolate. The matrix of edible material (22) has, in a temperature range of between 20° C. and 40° C., and preferably also in the range of from 0° C. to 40° C., a pasty consistency such as to maintain its own shape in unconfined conditions. |
US09095157B2 |
Sweet confectionery products
The present invention relates to sweet confectionery products, in particular sweet confectionery products—with reduced content of sugar and calories. The present invention furthermore relates to methods for producing such products, the present invention relates to gelled low calories sweet confectionery products comprising at least one intensive sweetener, at least one texture giving agent, and two or more low calorie bulking agents. |
US09095155B2 |
Low fluid volume antimicrobial mold reduction system and method
A system for treating a food product with a mold inhibitor via spray application in suspended form includes a conveyor for moving the food product as well as at least one upper spray nozzle above the conveyor and at least one lower spray nozzle located below the conveyor. In an embodiment of the invention, one or more end spray nozzles are provided to spray one or more vertical end surfaces of the food product. A fluid supply system for supplies pressurized fluid to the spray nozzles. In an embodiment of the invention, the fluid supply system includes a recirculating reservoir for maintaining the mold inhibitor in suspension. The spray guns are controlled via pulse width modulation such that the instantaneous flow rate and the time averaged flow rate are equal to respective predetermined allowable flow rates. |
US09095154B2 |
Device for producing and dispensing beverages mixed from milk with liquid flavoring agents
A device for producing and dispensing different beverages, which are mixed from milk and different flavoring agents. A mixing chamber (3) is provided, having a milk feed line (2) and a line (8) for discharging the milk-flavoring agent mixture. The device further has at least one reservoir (5) for receiving the flavoring agent (S2, S2, S3, Sn), wherein each reservoir (5) is connected with a supply line (7) via a metering device or delivery pump (4) and a feed line (6) to the mixing chamber (3) of each flavoring agent (S1, S2, S3, Sn) such that the flavoring agent (S1 . . . Sn), which can be delivered into the mixing chamber (3) in a metered manner by means of the delivery pump (4), can be mixed therein with the milk, wherein the mixed beverage can be dispensed via the dispensing line (8). |
US09095152B2 |
Method for disinfecting, sanitizing, and packaging ready-to-eat produce
This invention generally relates to a method for efficiently disinfecting, sterilizing, and packaging produce so that it is Ready-To-Eat by a consumer. The claimed method removes dirt, soil, pathogens, and renders produce with a longer shelf life. The claimed method is a multi-step sanitizing process that is designed to not cause bruising or other physical harm to produce. Ultimately, this method yields produce disinfected, packaged, and ready-for-sale on the market shelf. |
US09095150B1 |
Fish skinning device
Techniques and devices are described for preparing a fish fillet. The techniques and devices facilitate the removal of the skin and/or rib bones of the fish from the meat that forms the fillet. In embodiments, the techniques employ a fish skinning device that includes a roller and a blade. The roller is configured to contact the skin included on a fillet so that rotation of the roller causes the fillet to be directed toward the blade. The roller and blade are configured so the skin passes between the roller and blade and is generally separated and directed away from the meat. A blade float assembly permits the blade to float with respect to the blade during use to receive the skin or rib bones of the fish fillet between the roller and the blade. |
US09095149B2 |
System for washing, deveining and peeling shrimp
A shrimp processing system to wash, peel and devein the shrimp includes a housing, a conveyor system affixed to the housing and having a pathway to receive the shrimp, a motor connected to the conveyor system to transport the shrimp through the pathway, a pair of blades affixed to the housing on opposing sides of the pathway to score the shell proximate the tail portion of the shrimp, a cutter affixed to the housing to slice the shrimp to expose the vein, a high-pressure washing station connected to the housing to direct water at the shrimp to wash out the vein and loosen the shell, and a pair of cylindrical brushes connected to the motor and secured to the housing on opposing sides of the pathway to enable the removal of the shell from the shrimp. |
US09095146B2 |
Meat inspection system
A meat inspection and sorting line comprising supply means, a radiation inspection facility, a cutting facility and a reject facility. Meat parts are brought together and fed into the radiation inspection facility by means of a conveyor in a layer of meat parts. An undesired object is detected by the radiation inspection facility by means of e.g. an X-ray technique and a part of the layer of meat parts containing the undesired object is identified and separated from the layer of meat parts by the cutting facility. The identified and separated part of the layer of meat parts containing the undesired object is rejected by the reject facility from the layer of meat parts. |
US09095145B2 |
Method and system for the direct injection of asparaginase into a food process
A method and system for the direct injection of a concentrated additive is disclosed. In one aspect, the concentrated additive comprises asparaginase. Because dilution of asparaginase in chlorinated drinking water can reduce the activity of the enzyme thereby making the enzyme less effective the direct injection of the enzyme into a dough can increase the acrylamide reduction in food products. |
US09095144B1 |
Weighing apparatus and conveyors systems incorporating a weighing apparatus
A weighing apparatus comprising a weigh deck, one or more load cells, and two staging bars. The weighing apparatus is configured to be installed in an existing conveyor system having a frame and a conveyor belt so that the weigh deck is generally flush with the frame and the weigh deck and the staging bars are positioned underneath the conveyor belt. The staging bars are positioned to mitigate weight measurement variations produced by the conveyor belt. In many cases, the staging bars are vertically adjustable. One or more weigh bridges can be incorporated into a production line or conveyor system. |
US09095140B2 |
Use of dithiine-tetracarboximides for controlling phytopathogenic fungi
The present invention relates to the use of novel and of known dithiine-tetracarboximides for controlling phytopathogenic fungi, and to methods of controlling phytopathogenic fungi in plant protection, and to plant protection compositions comprising these dithiine-tetracarboximides. |
US09095138B2 |
Isoxazoline insecticides
Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein A is a 6-membered aromatic ring containing carbon atoms and 0-3 nitrogen atoms as ring members, said ring optionally substituted with 1-5 substituents independently selected from R2; R1 is C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C4-C7 alkylcycloalkyl or C4-C7 cycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from R21; R21 is independently H, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 haloalkoxy, C1-C6 alkylthio, C1-C6 haloalkylthio, C1-C6 alkylsulfinyl, C1-C6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C1-C6 alkylsulfonyl, C1-C6 haloalkylsulfonyl, CN or NO2; and Q is as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention. |
US09095136B2 |
2-IODO imidazole-derivatives
The present invention relates to novel 2-iodoimidazole derivatives, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds and to their use as biologically active compounds, in particular for controlling harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators. |
US09095134B2 |
Antimicrobial compositions containing cationic active ingredients and quaternary sugar derived surfactants
The antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a cationic active ingredient, a quaternized sugar-derived surfactant, and an optional foam boosting surfactant. The present antimicrobial compositions are free of the antimicrobial agent triclosan (i.e., 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′hydroxy-diphenylether), have a high cidal activity in a short amount of time, provide stable copious foam and exhibit enhanced tissue (e.g. skin) compatibility as defined by an in vitro whole toxicology assessment method. |
US09095131B2 |
Insect repelling and area cooling apparatus
The present invention concerns an apparatus for generating a variable or rotating air disturbance with the use of a plurality of filaments controlled by actuators. The filaments are configured to create a movable air disruption that does not require extensive infrastructure to operate and is sufficiently small as to be portable by an individual. The present invention incorporates computer controlled actuators and nozzles to generate programmable air disturbance patterns. |
US09095129B2 |
Spool brake device for dual-bearing reel
A spool brake device is configured to brake a spool capable of winding thereabout a fishing line having a terminal tackle. The spool brake device includes a spool braking part, a spool controlling part, a rotational speed detecting part, and a water landing determining part. The spool braking part is configured to electrically brake the spool in releasing the fishing line. The rotational speed detecting part is configured to detect a rotational speed of the spool. The water landing determining part configured to brake the spool in a predetermined timing after starting of casting with a braking force greater than a predetermined braking force, and to determine whether or not the terminal tackle is in a water landing state in accordance with a detection result of the rotational speed after releasing of braking. The water landing state indicating that the terminal tackle is in water. |
US09095128B2 |
Fishing lure system and kit having replaceable features and construction
A flexible fishing lure is provided that includes a outer shape having a transverse opening for receiving a plurality of alternatively formed lure fin members allowing a user to change the action of a lure by fin selection without replacing the lure. Multiple internal channels within the lure are adaptively provided for receiving a variety of scent sticks, sound generators, light generators, flavor generating means. Flow internal channels extend from a front opening to gill openings allowing a water flow along an inserted scent or flavor stick member to pass through the lure body and exit proximate fin, nair, belly, or other locations simulating an injured or wounded fish leaking bodily fluids or blood. Other features to simulate wounded features. Replacement fins and weighting constructions allow a user to tailor a weight and action enabling a circling or injured motion during retrieval. The lure includes a flexible holographic-type attractive film and physical shape having a level-maintaining physical shape. |
US09095127B2 |
Selectively bendable remote gripping tool
A selectively bendable remote access gripping tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of jaws or nets movable relative to each other between clamped and opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member that is bendable, and a cord extending through the hollow bendable member that connects the jaw portion and the handle portion. |
US09095115B1 |
Animal house having ammonia control apparatus
An animal house has ammonia control apparatus. The animal house is a building structured for housing one or more animals. Apparatus is positioned inside the animal house for removing ammonia from air, and then returning the air inside the animal house. A method for removing ammonia from air in an animal house includes removing ammonia from air with an apparatus positioned inside the animal house, and then returning the air with ammonia removed inside the animal house. |
US09095114B2 |
Method of and device for generating an attention indication for a dairy animal
The invention provides a method and device for generating an attention indication for a dairy animal that is kept in an environment with a freely accessible robotic milking system, including measuring a plurality of visit intervals, milking intervals, respectively of said dairy animal, determining a value of a statistical parameter regarding the measured plurality of intervals from the measured intervals, generating the attention indication, in particular a mastitis alarm signal, if the value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Precious information can be derived from the spread of or change in the values. |
US09095111B1 |
Hybrid corn variety 1104200
The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 1104200. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 1104200, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 1104200 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 1104200. |
US09095108B2 |
Soybean cultivar BN1110075
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety BN1110075 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety BN1110075 and its progeny, and methods of making BN1110075. |
US09095105B2 |
Methods and compositions for selecting corn plants resistant to diplodia ear rot
The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing quantitative trait loci that are associated with diplodia ear rot (DER), a fungal disease associated with Stenocarpella spp. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program for resistance to DER. |
US09095098B2 |
Work apparatus
A handheld work apparatus such as a bed redefiner or edger has a handle for guiding the work apparatus over the ground. The apparatus also includes a drive motor which drives a tool in rotation. During operation, the apparatus is moved over the ground by the operator in a direction of movement. The tool is covered at least partially by a protective hood and a sliding skid is arranged on that end of the protective hood located at the front in the direction of movement. The sliding skid has an abutment surface for a flexible spray guard fixed to the protective hood. The spray guard is fastened to the protective hood in its fastening region located at the front viewed in the direction of movement. The spray guard is movable in its protective region located at the rear viewed in the direction of movement. |
US09095094B2 |
Pickup for an agricultural machine
An agricultural machine having a frame carrying a crop pickup mechanism and supported on the ground by means of two support wheels. Each support wheel is rotatably mounted on a carrier that is connected to the frame of the pickup for rotation about a caster axis. Each wheel carrier is connected by a respective spring to a point fixed relative to the frame of the pickup. The spring biases the carrier to cause the support wheel to park in a predetermined direction relative to the frame of the pickup. |
US09095090B2 |
Pressure-based control system for an agricultural implement
A control system for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a ground-engaging tool and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is coupled to the ground-engaging tool. The control system includes a location-determining receiver. The location-determining receiver is configured for receiving positioning signals. A correction receiver is in communication with the location-determining receiver and configured for receiving correction signals and determining a corrected geographic location of the ground-engaging tool. A data storage device is configured for storing operating pressure data referenced to geographic location data of the ground-engaging tool. An electronic data processor is in communication with the correction receiver and the data storage device and configured for receiving the corrected geographic location, correlating the corrected geographic location with the operating pressure data, and controlling the adjustment device to provide operating pressure to the ground-engaging tool. |
US09095089B2 |
Tractor control/display systems
A tractor control/display system includes a display means (28) for displaying to a tractor operator tractor performance parameters and receiving operator's inputs. Sensors (30, 34, 37) are also provided to determine various operating conditions of the tractor (10), and a processing unit (27) for receiving the sensor signals and operator's inputs and processing these signals and inputs to provide selected performance parameters for display on the display means (28). The processing means (27) also provides a simulation mode in which the operator can enter proposed changes in operating conditions of the tractor (10) and the processing means (28) can indicate on the display means (27) the effect of these proposed changes on selected tractor performance parameters. |
US09101079B2 |
Cooling unit and electronic equipment
A cooling unit includes a radiator, a rigid supply pipe connected to the radiator, and a refrigerant that is air-cooled by the radiator flows, a plurality of open nozzles provided at the supply pipe to correspond to the respective plurality of heat-generating components, a plurality of heat receiving units that are mounted to the respective plurality of heat-generating components and connected to the respective open nozzles, and allow a refrigerant supplied from the open nozzles to flow through internal channels, and a plurality of return pipes each of which is provided for each of the heat receiving units and joined to the heat receiving unit, and returns the refrigerant discharged from the heat receiving unit to the radiator, wherein the respective heat receiving units are connected to the supply pipe to be relatively displaceable, and the respective return pipes are connected to one another in series and relatively displaceably. |
US09101077B2 |
Electronic component package with a heat conductor
An electronic component package includes a support and heat conductor. The heat conductor has a protuberance and the support has a socket arranged to be able to receive the protuberance so that the movement of heat conductor relative to the support during the assembly process is reduced. |
US09101074B2 |
Capacitor and multilayer circuit board using same
A capacitor includes a first patterned conductive layer, a second patterned conductive layer and a first patterned dielectric layer. The first patterned conductive layer resembles a comb with internal teeth, and the second patterned conductive layer resembles a comb with external teeth, the internal and the external teeth being interlaced in one plane. A thin first patterned dielectric layer within the same plane is shaped and arranged to infill all the gaps between the teeth. The first patterned conductive layer, the second patterned conductive layer, and the first patterned dielectric layer create a single coplanar layer, and a number of such interconnected coplanar layers are stacked within and contained by a multilayer circuit board. |
US09101070B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer printed wiring board
A multilayer printed wiring board includes a core substrate, a resin insulation layer laminated on the core substrate and a capacitor section coupled to the resin insulating layer. The capacitor section includes a first electrode including a first metal and configured to be charged by a negative charge, and a second electrode including a second metal and opposing the first electrode, the second electrode configured to be charged by a positive charge. A dielectric layer is interposed between the first electrode and second electrode, and an ionization tendency of the first metal is larger than and ionization tendency of the second metal. |
US09101068B2 |
Two-stage power delivery architecture
A two-stage power delivery network includes a voltage regulator and an interposer. The interposer includes a packaging substrate having an embedded inductor. The embedded inductor includes a set of traces and a set of through substrate vias at opposing ends of the traces. The interposer is coupled to the voltage regulator. The two-stage power delivery network also includes a semiconductor die supported by the packaging substrate. The two-stage power delivery network also includes a capacitor that is supported by the packaging substrate. The capacitor is operable to provide a decoupling capacitance associated with the semiconductor die and a capacitance to reduce a switching noise of the voltage regulator. |
US09101065B2 |
Ceramic circuit board and process for producing same
According to one embodiment, a ceramic circuit board includes a ceramic substrate, a copper circuit plate and a brazing material protrudent part. The copper circuit plate is bonded to at least one surface of the ceramic substrate through a brazing material layer including Ag, Cu, and Ti. The brazing material protrudent part includes a Ti phase and a TiN phase by 3% by mass or more in total, which is different from the total amount of a Ti phase and a TiN phase in the brazing material layer that is interposed between the ceramic substrate and the copper circuit plate. The number of voids each having an area of 200 μm2 or less in the brazing material protrudent part is one or less (including zero). |
US09101059B2 |
Conductive film having oxide layer and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a conductive film and a method of manufacturing the same. The conductive film includes a substrate, a first conductive layer formed on the substrate, and a patterned second conductive layer formed on the first conductive layer. Here, oxide layers are formed on top and side surfaces of the second conductive layer. The conductive film may prevent defects of the conductive layer caused by rapid oxidation or damage to the substrate, and increase emission uniformity. |
US09101052B2 |
Sliding mechanism and electronic apparatus having same
An electronic apparatus includes a base, a sliding member and a sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism includes a first magnet disposed in the sliding member, and a first electromagnet disposed in the base opposite to the first magnet. The first magnet and the first electromagnet are capable of producing a first repulsive force and a first attracting force, the sliding member alternately slides back and forth between the different locations of the base driven by the first repulsive force and the first attracting force. |
US09101050B2 |
Circuit module having electrical shield
A circuit module includes a circuit substrate, a mount component, a sealing body, and a shield. The circuit substrate includes a mount surface. The mount component is mounted on the mount surface. The sealing body is formed on the mount surface, covers the mount component and has a trench formed from a main surface of the sealing body to the mount surface. The trench includes side walls configured of a first side wall at a mount surface side and a second side wall at a main surface side. A straight line connecting the first point and the second point has a second slope gentler than the first slope against the mount surface. The shield covers the sealing body and has an inner shield section formed within the trench and an outer shield section disposed on the main surface and the inner shield. |
US09101035B2 |
Luminescent element, its preparation method thereof and luminescene method
A luminescent element includes a luminescent substrate; and a metal layer with a metal microstructure formed on a surface of the luminescent substrate; wherein the luminescent substrate has a luminescent material with a chemical composition: Y2O3:Eu. A preparation method of a luminescent element and a luminescence method are also provided. The luminescent element has good luminescence homogeneity, high luminescence efficiency, good luminescence stability and simple structure, and can be used in luminescent device with ultrahigh brightness. |
US09101034B2 |
Organic light emitting device and light adjusting method thereof
An organic light emitting device includes, a first organic light emitting diode unit, a second light emitting diode unit, and an optical component. The first organic light emitting diode unit is connected with the second organic light emitting diode unit, and an internal angle is formed between the two organic light emitting diode units. The first organic light emitting diode unit, the second organic light emitting diode unit, and the optical component are connected together to form a triangle structure. A first light emitting region of the first organic light emitting diode unit and a second light emitting region of the second organic light emitting diode unit are overlapped on the optical component and forming a third light emitting region. A uniform light can be obtained by adjusting the first organic light emitting diode unit and the second organic light emitting diode unit respectively. |
US09101033B2 |
Short protection control circuits and related control methods
Short protection control circuits and related control methods are disclosed. A disclosed short protection control circuit is adapted for controlling a short protection mechanism providing short protection to several LED chains. The disclosed short protection control circuit has a detection circuit, a first logic circuit and a timer. Coupled to the LED chains, the detection circuit asserts an indication signal when one of the node voltages of the LED chains is lower than an under-current reference. When the indication signal is enabled, the first logic circuit starts blocking the short protection mechanism. The timer times to provide a result when the short protection mechanism is blocked. When the result indicates that the short protection mechanism has been blocked for at least a predetermined time period, the first logic circuit resumes the short protection mechanism. |
US09101029B2 |
LED light-emitting device and indicator provided with the LED light emitting device
A first LED emits visible light of an emission color such that with respect to a CIE(1976)L*u*v* color space chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity is exterior to a prescribed white light region wherein the absolute value of a deviation duv from the blackbody radiation locus is at most 0.02 and the color temperature is within a range of from 2,500K to 10,000K, and the deviation duv from the blackbody radiation locus is larger than 0.02, and a second LED emits visible light of an emission color such that with respect to the above chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity is exterior to the prescribed white light region, and the deviation duv from the blackbody radiation locus is smaller than −0.02. |
US09101028B2 |
Powering and/or controlling LEDs using a network infrastructure
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for controlling and power lighting units connected to a network controller. In one aspect there is provided a method that may include receiving at a first input power from a power supply; receiving at a second input one or more illumination control packets from a data processing device via one or more network connections; transmitting from a first output power to one or more lighting units; and powering from a second output an illumination level of one or more colors associated with the one or more lighting units in accordance with the one or more illumination control packets via the one or more network connections. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
US09101027B2 |
LED replacement kit for high intensity discharge light fixtures
Disclosed is a kit for converting an existing high discharge light unit to an LED based light unit, with the option of including a networked capability among a group of LED light units. The kit includes a drop-in component mounting plate on which are mounted an LED light source, sensors including a thermal sensor, a control unit, a DC power supply, a heat sink, and a dimmer unit. A wired or wireless transceiver allows the LED light units to operate as a network, with two way flow of information from the LED light units to a control unit. |
US09101025B2 |
Systems and methods for driving light emitting diodes
System and methods are provided for driving one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to reduce audible noise. An example system includes a switching component, a system controller, and a current generator. The switching component is configured to receive a dimming signal with a predetermined dimming frequency and configured to switch on or off the one or more LEDs in response to the dimming signal, the predetermined dimming frequency being outside a frequency band of the audible noise. The system controller is configured to receive a feedback signal related to a LED current that flows through the one or more LEDs and configured to generate a drive signal. Additionally, the current generator is configured to receive the drive signal, to generate a charging current to store energy during a charging period and to generate the LED current during a discharging period. |
US09101017B2 |
Lighting module
A lighting module includes a power line for receiving a power supply current and a ground line, a segmentation point for cutting the lighting module into two parts, a first set of light sources upstream of the segmentation point, a second set of light sources downstream of the segmentation point, wherein the first and second sets of light sources are connected in series, and a resistive element connected to the intermediate point between the first and the second set of light sources, and the ground line, which is configured in such a way that: when the lighting module has not been cut, the resistive element has a resistance which is greater than the resistance of the portion of the lighting module downstream of the segmentation point, and when the lighting module has been cut, the resistive element has a resistance which is less than the resistance thereof. |
US09101015B2 |
Adaptive bipolar junction transistor gain detection
A power converter that controls a collector current of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) by controlling the base current to the BJT after having determined the gain of the BJT. A gain detection block determines a gain of the BJT during a first mode. A current calculation block generates a current setting for the base current based on the gain of the BJT determined by the gain detection block during a second mode distinct from the first mode. In some embodiments, the power converter may be included in a LED lamp system. |
US09101010B2 |
High-efficiency lighting devices having dimmer and/or load condition measurement
A circuit for powering high-efficiency lighting devices from a thyristor-controlled dimmer includes a power converter for powering the high-efficiency lighting devices from input terminals of the circuit. The circuit also includes a control circuit that controls the input current drawn by the input terminals at least while the power converter transfers energy to the lighting devices. The circuit also includes a sensing circuit that determines or measures at least one attach current characteristic at the input terminals and stores an indication of the characteristic for subsequent operation of the control circuit. |
US09101006B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device display and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a light emitting device. More specifically, disclosed are an organic electroluminescent device display and a method for manufacturing the same. The organic electroluminescent device display includes a substrate, an organic electroluminescent device disposed on the substrate, a sealing cap for sealing the organic electroluminescent device, and a getter disposed inside the sealing cap, the getter comprising a graphene layer. |
US09101005B2 |
Package of environmental sensitive element
A package of an environmental sensitive element including a flexible substrate, an environmental sensitive element, a flexible sacrificial layer and a packaging structure is provided. The environmental sensitive element is disposed on the flexible substrate. The flexible sacrificial layer is disposed on the environmental sensitive element, wherein the environmental sensitive element includes a plurality of first thin films and the flexible sacrificial layer includes a plurality of second thin films. The bonding strength between two adjacent second thin films is substantially equal to or lower than the bonding strength between two adjacent first thin films. Further, the packaging structure covers the environmental sensitive element and the flexible sacrificial layer. |
US09101004B2 |
Street lamp system including a renewable energy device coupled to a power line through a switch
A public lighting system includes at least one street lamp (1) of the type including a lighting device (3), a device for converting renewable energy into electric energy (4), and a post switch (6) for alternately connecting either the lighting device (3) or the generator (4) to a power line (5). The lighting system further includes a line switch (70) that switches between a first position, in which the power line (5) is connected to a power grid (8), and a second position, in which the power line (5) is connected to an inverter (71) interposed between the line switch (70) and the power grid (8). |
US09101003B2 |
Wireless intelligent lamp control method and system, wall switch base, and remote switch handset
A wireless intelligent lamp control method is to be implemented by a remote switch handset for wireless communication with a wall switch base, and includes: receiving an ON signal set including at least one ON signal sent from a user-selected command key unit, and determining at least one of a number and a duration of the at least one ON signal; transmitting a wireless signal indicating the user-selected command key unit to the wall switch base for establishing a matching relation when the ON signal set includes only one ON signal and the duration thereof is longer than an ON threshold time; and wirelessly receiving the matching relation from the wall switch base, and storing the matching relation. |
US09101000B2 |
Dimmable LED illuminating system
A dimmable LED illumination system includes a power converting circuit and a lamp. The power converting circuit is electrically connected to a power source to convert electric power of the power source into a voltage signal. The lamp includes a DC/DC converter and a LED module, wherein the DC/DC converter is electrically connected to the power converting circuit to convert the voltage signal into a corresponding current signal. The LED module is electrically connected to the DC/DC converter to be driven by the current signal to emit light. By adjusting a voltage provided by the power converting circuit, a current provided by the DC/DC converter could be adjusted as well, which changes a luminance of the LED module. |
US09100999B2 |
Swimming pool LED lighting system and method using proprietary frequency-shift keying over 2-wire power cord
A system for controlling a lamp comprises a central controller having a waveform converter capable of modulating a control signal at more than one frequency over a two wire power cable. The control signal is capable of modifying a property of the lamp. The central controller also has a load current sensor capable of identifying the configuration of the lamp. The system further comprises a lighting control unit coupled to the lamp. The lighting control unit is powered via the two wire power cable and is capable of demodulating the control signal. |
US09100998B2 |
Light emitting apparatus, electronic equipment and method of driving pixel circuit that suppress light emission
A light emitting apparatus includes: a first transistor having a first end a second end, and a first control electrode; a light emitting device having a first electrode and a second electrode; a second transistor having a third end connected to the first end and a fourth end connected to the first electrode; a third transistor having a fifth end connected to the first electrode and a sixth end connected to an first power supply line; a fourth transistor having a seventh end connected to the first control electrode and a eighth end connected to the first end; a capacitive device which has a third electrode connected to first control electrode and a fourth electrode; and a fifth transistor having a ninth end connected to the fourth electrode and a tenth end connected to a data line. |
US09100996B2 |
Transparent panel having a heatable coating
A transparent pane with a conductive coating is described. The transparent pane is electrically connected to an electrically heatable coating that extends at least over a part of the area of the pane and to at least two first electrodes provided for electrical connection to the two terminals of a voltage source. The heating field of the transparent pane includes at least one coating-free zone. The transparent pane also has at least one second electrode provided for electric connection to one terminal of the voltage source. The supply section of the transparent pane consists of at least two supply parts separated from each other, and a coupling section, which is electrically connected to the heatable coating. A method for manufacturing the transparent pane is also described. |
US09100982B1 |
Proximity-based device switching
A method, system and medium are provided for automatically routing an incoming call to one active wireless-telecommunications device of a set of devices associated with a single wireless-telecommunications-network subscriber. A proximity-based relationship is created between a primary device and a nonprimary device. Upon receiving an indication that the primary device is within a threshold proximity of the nonprimary device, a request is communicated to the network to associate a set of user credentials of the primary device and a set of hardware credentials of the primary device with the nonprimary device. The nonprimary device is thereby activated so that it can receive an incoming call. The primary device is deactivated so that the subscriber can only receive an incoming call on one device at a time. |
US09100981B2 |
Resource block candidate selection technique employing packet scheduling in wireless communication systems
A method of transmitting data packets over a plurality of dynamically allocated resource blocks in at least one or a combination of a time, code or frequency domain on a shared channel of a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of selecting a number of resource block candidates for potential transmission of data packets destined for a receiver and transmitting the data packet to the receiver using at least one allocated resource block from the selected resource block candidates. The invention also relates to a corresponding method of decoding data packets, a transmitter, receiver and communication system. |
US09100980B2 |
Method, network element and system for scheduling communication link
Provided is a method for scheduling a communication link, wherein the communication link is adapted for connecting two network elements, wherein a first carrier and a second carrier are assigned to the communication link, wherein each carrier includes frames divided into timeslots, and a predefined number of timeslots is allocated for downlink communication and a predefined number of timeslots is allocated for uplink communication. The method includes scheduling the communication link for offsetting the start of the frames of the first carrier in respect to the start of the frames of the second carrier. Also provided are a network element adapted for carrying out the method and a system including the network element. |
US09100979B2 |
Hidden node interference issue in a type II relay network
Devices and methods are provided for managing hidden node interference. A communications session between a client node and an access node is affected by interference generated by a hidden relay node. The victim client node and the aggravator relay node are identified by the access node. The access node generates a set of scheduling instructions, which are then provided to the client node. The client node then uses the scheduling instructions to avoid further interference. |
US09100974B2 |
System for continuously improving the performance of wireless networks with mobile users
A system and method is provided for performing an automated a site survey process for adjusting radiation patterns of access point antennas in a wireless network. The system and method utilize wireless mobile devices in their normal process of carrying about ordinary traffic to measure network performance. Further, such information is utilizes to configure the radiation patterns of the access point antennas to tailor coverage areas of the antennas to current network conditions. |
US09100966B2 |
Sharing network capacity with another device
There is provided an apparatus caused to at least cause a reception of information from a second device, wherein the information indicates a need to utilize the network capacity of the apparatus by the second device; detect an identifier of the second device in order to enable identification of the second device; determine whether or not to allow the second device to utilize the network capacity on the basis of the identification; upon deciding to allow the second device to utilize the network capacity of the apparatus, apply an optimal SIM among a plurality of SIMs in accessing a network to be shared, wherein the apparatus comprises the plurality of SIMs and the optimal SIM is selected among the plurality of SIMs on the basis of predetermined criteria; and cause transfer of data between the second device and the accessed network. |
US09100962B2 |
Communication method
A method for a node to transmit data in a telecommunications network is disclosed. In one method aspect, it comprises, selecting a time slot j in a window having a plurality of time slots and preceding a transmission period, listening to time slots preceding the time slot j, wherein the transmission period presents a plurality of transmission channels. Furthermore, the method comprises counting a number of time-slot transmissions during the time slots preceding the time slot j wherein when the number of time-slot transmissions is greater than a threshold, the data transmission is postponed or cancelled. Furthermore, when the number of time-slot transmissions is less than or equal to the threshold, a transmission is made during the time slot j, and one of the transmission channels is determined as a function of the number of time-slot transmissions. |
US09100959B2 |
Carrier selection
The invention relates generally to mobile communication networks. More particularly, the invention relates to interference management and carrier selection for transmitting data. There is provided a solution for improved selection of a cell-specific base carrier, the solution utilizing a timing framework for the carrier selection. The solution includes determining a maximum allowed time duration, and performing within the determined maximum allowed time duration: obtaining information related to one or more selected carriers from at least one neighboring base station, selecting the at least one cell-specific base carrier for data transmission on the basis of the obtained information, and informing the at least one neighboring base station of the selected cell specific base carrier. |
US09100957B2 |
Downlink control information set switching when using carrier aggregation
A method and apparatus for reconfiguring a user equipment configured for multi-carrier operation from a first downlink control information set to a second downlink control information set while carrier aggregation is being used, including receiving a physical downlink control channel with downlink control information formats containing a carrier indicator field. |
US09100953B2 |
System and method for semi-persistent resource scheduling
A component in a telecommunications system is provided. The component includes one or more processors configured to promote semi-persistent scheduling of a resource and to send a release message. The release message informing the user equipment to cease attempting to process data from the downlink portion. Also provided is user equipment comprising one or more processors configured to promote providing an indication that a request for an uplink resource is related to a voice over Internet Protocol call. |
US09100951B2 |
Simultaneous transmission of different types of feedback information in a wireless environment
Technology for concurrent transmission of various types of feedback information is disclosed. Different types of feedback information are processed according to a predetermined regime that can allow the various types of feedback information to be separated after combination and transmission to the receiving end of a communication link. Some predetermined regimes may include use of orthogonal carrier codes/sequences, mapping to I and Q branches in a dual branch architecture, and concatenation according to a predefined scheme. Consideration is also made for reducing transmission power levels while insuring transmission of important types of feedback information with respect to the various types of feedback information. |
US09100948B2 |
Communication system and resource control method
A resource used by a wireless terminal device to communicate with a terminal device in an internal network is appropriately managed. In a communication system 201, an internal network connection device 102 allocates, to a wireless terminal device 150, 151, its own resource for communicating with a terminal device 161 in an internal network 51, transmits data received from the wireless terminal device 150, 151 via the wireless base station device 101, to the terminal device 161, and transmits data received from the terminal device 161, to the wireless terminal device 150, 151 via the wireless base station device 101. The internal network connection device 102 or the wireless base station device 101 determines whether or not the allocation of the resource to the wireless terminal device 150, 151 should be maintained. Upon receiving a determination that the allocation of the resource should not be maintained, the internal network connection device 102 cancels the allocation of the resource. |
US09100946B2 |
Scheduling information of overlapping co-scheduled users in an OFDMA-MU-MIMO system
A user equipment (UE) used in a multi-user (MU)-multiple input multiple output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system is disclosed. The UE includes a receiving unit to receive from a base station an indication of an estimate of or an upper-bound on the total number of MU-MIMO user equipments (|S|) that are scheduled on a sub-band by the base station, wherein the sub-band includes one or more resource units, a calculation unit to calculate channel quality based on the indication of the estimate of or the upper-bound on the total number of MU-MIMO user equipments, and a transmission unit to transmit to the base station an indication of the channel quality. Other methods and apparatuses also are disclosed. |
US09100945B2 |
Communication node apparatus, communication system, and method for selecting destination reception interface used therefor
Provided is a communication node apparatus that can attempt optimal utilization of a communication resource of a communication interface mounted on each node apparatus. A communication node apparatus (transmission node apparatus 101) includes a plurality communication interfaces (transmission interfaces 201-1 and 201-2 and reception interfaces 202-1 and 202-2), enables communication that uses a plurality of communication paths with an opposing apparatus, and includes a means (reception interface aggregate calculation unit 204) for changing an aggregation of reception interfaces addressable as destinations for data to be transferred to the opposing apparatus via each of the plurality of transmission interfaces so as to maximize the communication performance using the plurality of communication paths simultaneously in response to a change in communication performance of each of the transmission interface and the reception interface. |
US09100944B2 |
Wireless connecting mobile devices and wearable devices
The various aspects provide for wirelessly connecting mobile devices and wearable devices, which may enhance battery life and user experience. The embodiments may determine whether the mobile device is streaming audio data to a wirelessly connected peripheral audio device. Requests from the mobile device to wirelessly connect to the wearable device may be deferred while the mobile device is streaming audio data to the peripheral audio device using the same communication protocol as the wireless connection to be made between the mobile device and the wearable device. The mobile device may determine when streaming of audio data to the peripheral audio device has stopped. The mobile device may send a request to wirelessly connect to the wearable device when the mobile device is not streaming audio data to the peripheral audio device using the same communication protocol. |
US09100943B2 |
Device auto pairing without touch and tap
A device-to-device (D2D) pairing assembly comprises: a first and a second device detecting and communicating (DDC) component communicatively coupled to each other and to a microprocessor that executes a device pairing parameter exchange (DPPE) utility, which configures the D2D pairing assembly to: detect a communicative coupling of a first user device to the first DDC component; receive from the first user device at least one first pairing parameter, which first pairing parameter enables another device to connect to and participate in a pairing session with the first user device; detect a communicative coupling of a second user device to the second DDC component; and communicate the at least one first pairing parameter to the second user device, via the second DDC component, to trigger the second user device to connect to and participate in a pairing session with the first user device via a direct device-to-device communication channel. |
US09100939B2 |
Wireless base station and wireless communication terminal and wireless communication system
Provided is a wireless communication system transmitting information to a communication terminal moving through a spot wireless area. In an integrated base station, an external information communication section controls communication with a server. A contents memory section stores contents received from the server. A wireless LAN communication section communicates with the communication terminal. A control section establishes connection with the communication terminal using a first connection not requiring an authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal, or using a second connection requiring the authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal. An access control (restriction) section permits access from the communication terminal to the contents memory section and prohibits access to the server when a type of connection with the communication terminal is the first connection, and permits access from the communication terminal to the contents memory section and to the server in the case of the second connection. |
US09100938B2 |
Digital relay for out of network devices
In one example of digital relay for out of network devices, a communications device includes a detecting component configured to detect that one or more communication endpoints is within communication range, a message receiving component configured to receive a digital message from a first communication endpoint, and a message relaying component configured to transmit the digital message to the second communication endpoint, wherein the first communication endpoint and the second communication endpoint are not communicatively coupled to each other. |
US09100937B2 |
Method and apparatus of scanning channels in wireless local area network
A method and apparatus of scanning channels of a white space zone in a wireless local area network is provided. A beacon frame includes a white space map including information about whether each white space channel in the white space zone is occupied by an incumbent user. Channels of the white space zone are scanned based on the white space map. |
US09100932B2 |
Broadcast signal transmitting apparatus and broadcast signal transmitting method in broadcast signal transmitting apparatus
Disclosed are a broadcast signal transmitting apparatus, a broadcast signal receiving apparatus, and a broadcast signal transceiving method in the broadcast signal transmitting and receiving apparatuses. The broadcast signal transmitting method comprises the steps of: compressing headers of data packets which are included in an Internet protocol (IP) stream identified by access information, wherein the compressed data packets include a first packet containing both static information and dynamic information in the header thereof, and a second packet containing dynamic information in the header thereof; splitting the static information from the header of the first packet and diverting the remaining part thereof into the second packet; outputting an IP stream, which includes the second packet, via a data physical layer pipe (PLP); outputting, via a common PLP, a common stream, which includes the static information of the header of the first packet split in the previous step, compression information and IP-PLP mapping information for linking the IP stream and the data PLP; generating a signal frame on the basis of the data from the data PLP and the data of the common PLP; and transmitting a broadcast signal which includes the signal frame. |
US09100927B2 |
Software feed forward strategy to avoid hand-shaking delays between software and firmware
Methods for enabling a mobile device to efficiently resolve coexistence issues in a DSDA configuration by utilizing a feed forward strategy to avoid hand-shaking between software-implemented operations and firmware. The mobile device may employ a dual subscription, dual active (or “DSDA”) configuration in which two or more subscriptions may be associated with concurrently active communications, such as voice or data calls. The mobile device may be configured to predict activity associated with the concurrently active subscriptions, such as determining operations likely to be performed in a future time period. Such predicted activity information, as well as predefined actions and priority information, may be provided to a library common to both subscriptions. Firmware of the subscriptions may use the common library to detect current conflicts, such as desense, as well as actions to perform to resolve coexistence issues, such as blanking operations. |
US09100926B2 |
Methods and apparatus to determine a base station location
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to determine a base station location. A disclosed example method includes identifying first signals comprising a same first signal identifier, identifying second signals comprising a same second signal identifier; identifying a first location associated with one of the first signals having a highest signal quality value and a second location associated with one of the second signals having a highest signal quality value; and determining that the first signals and the second signals are transmitted from a first base station if a distance between the first location and the second location satisfies a threshold. |
US09100923B2 |
Radio base station and communication control method
A first radio base station (1A) calculates a traffic amount ratio in the first radio base station (1A). Further, when the traffic amount ratio is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the first radio base station (1A) controls to transmit interference information. Under this control, the first radio base station (1A) performs a measurement of interference power, a generation of the interference information and the transmission of the interference information to a second radio base station (1B). On the other hand, when the traffic amount ratio is less than the threshold value, the first radio base station (1A) controls to halt the transmission of the interference information. Under this control, the first radio base station (1A) performs none of the measurement of interference power, the generation of the interference information and the transmission of the interference information to the second radio base station (1B). |
US09100921B2 |
Transmit power measurement and control methods and apparatus
Embodiments include methods and apparatus for performing transmit power control. A gain application element receives a sequence of digital input samples and a digital gain signal, and combines the digital gain signal with the digital input samples to generate a sequence of gain-compensated digital samples. A power amplifier receives and amplifies an analog version of the gain-compensated digital samples in order to generate an antenna output signal. A feedback path generates an analog feedback signal from the antenna output signal, produces a sequence of digital feedback samples from the analog feedback signal, and generates difference values based on the digital feedback samples. When a specified type of constant modulus symbol is represented in the antenna output symbol, the feedback path accumulates the difference values into an accumulated error value, and produces the digital gain signal from the accumulated error value. |
US09100919B2 |
Wireless communication device power reduction method and apparatus
A wireless communications power saving method and apparatus is provided. The method includes, when no reverse link traffic exists and no forward link traffic has been received for a predetermined amount of time, establishing, at a terminal, a reverse link transmission pilot signal duty cycle, and boosting overhead channel signal transmission power during ON slots and gating overhead channel and pilot signal transmission power during OFF slots. The design further includes estimating, at the terminal, an available data transmission rate, determining an actual data transmission rate, setting a terminal transmission duty cycle for a next period based on the estimated available data transmission rate, the actual data transmission rate, and a margin of error, and transmitting data from the terminal according to the terminal transmission duty cycle. |