Document Document Title
US09120644B2 Braking device
A braking device for an elevator is disclosed. The device may include a motor, a braking system, a first switch, and a second switch. The motor may be capable of generating a counter-electromotive force. The braking system may move to a disengaged position upon being energized and may move to an engaged position upon being de-energized. The first and second switches may have an open state. In the open state, the switches electrically couple the motor to the braking system so that the counter-electromotive force of the motor may energize the braking system.
US09120636B2 Method for moving a reel of packaging material from a storage station to a supply station of a packaging unit for producing sealed packages of food product, and clamping unit for clamping such reel
A method for moving a reel of packaging material from a storage station to a supply station of a packaging unit involves clamping a peripheral edge of reel by using a pair of clamping elements of a clamping unit, rotating clamping elements relative to the reel, and supporting the reel on the pair of clamping elements by interacting with a portion of reel radially inner with respect to circumferential edge.
US09120635B2 Turning mechanism
A turning mechanism for turning over workpieces includes a supporting bracket, a turning assembly, and a suction assembly. The turning assembly includes a first driving member mounted on the supporting bracket and a turning member connected to the first driving member. The suction assembly includes a plurality of suction members and a second driving member connected to the plurality of suction members. The plurality of suction members is separately mounted on the turning member. The second driving member is mounted on the supporting bracket and is capable of generating negative air pressure in the plurality of suction members to enable the plurality of suction members to suction adhere to the workpiece, thereby holding the workpiece on the turning member. The first driving member is capable of rotating the turning member to turn over the workpiece.
US09120634B1 Media guiding system using bernoulli force roller
A media-guiding system includes a media-guiding roller having a roller axis and an exterior surface having one or more grooves formed around the exterior surface. A media travels along a transport path past the media-guiding roller with a first side of the media facing the exterior surface of the web-guiding roller. An air source provides an air flow into one or more of the grooves, the air flow being directed between the first side of the media and the exterior surface of the media-guiding roller thereby producing a Bernoulli force to draw the media toward the exterior surface of the media-guiding roller and providing an increased traction between the media and the media-guiding roller.
US09120630B1 Pallet stacker conveyor
A carriage has a pivot frame which receives individual pallets. When full, a latch is released and the frame is pivoted on a base by springs into a position parallel to inclined roller tracks. An operator pushes the carriage along the tracks to an unload station, where a stack of pallets is engaged by ramps leading to elevated roller tracks. Forward movement discharges the stack to the elevated tracks, and the carriage is drawn back to the starting position, where a latch is released to allow the pivot frame to return to its original orientation against the resistance of an air cylinder. A foot latch retains the carriage within the unload station during loading.
US09120629B2 System and method for weighing containers
A system for weighing containers includes a movable member having a peripheral edge in which a recess forms a seat for drawing a container, the movable member being activatable in a first movement direction such that a first wall of the seat abuts and draws the container; a container-weighing cell comprising a support plane for receiving and supporting the container; a container guide. The weighing cell, the movable member and the guide are reciprocally arranged such that when the container is drawn by the movable member the container can slide on the support plane and be guided by guide externally of the seat. The movable member is further activatable in a second, opposed, movement direction to detach the seat from the container and leave the container on the support plane for weighing.
US09120628B2 Curved belt conveyor and retaining element with rollers for a curved belt conveyor
A curved belt conveyor has a conveying belt (3). The conveyor includes an application element (8) guided by a plurality of rollers (20) arranged in pairs. Each pair of rollers (20) is arranged on a retaining element (10). The retaining element (10) has a U-shaped profile with a base (11) and two limbs (12, 13). Rollers (20) are fastened on the opposite limbs (12, 13) of the U-shaped profile via associated roller holders (25).
US09120627B2 Guide device for hard workpiece transfer
A guide device for hard workpiece transfer is provided, comprising a buffer belt for carrying the hard workpiece, a pilot wheel for driving the buffer belt to move, and a drive device for controlling the pilot wheel to rotate, with the buffer belt being made of elastic materials. With the buffer belt made of elastic materials carrying such hard workpieces as glass to be transferred, when the guide device is in contact with the hard workpiece to be transferred, the buffer belt is pressed to deform, which can reduce the pressure produced during the contact of the guide device with the hard workpiece, and prevent the contact portion from being broken or worn because of the pressure, not only preventing loss of the hard workpiece to be transferred, but also reducing use consumption of the guide device, thereby reducing the material cost.
US09120625B2 Tool for handling and grouping together products and method for adjusting said tool
A tool for handling and grouping products aligned one behind another and separated by a given spacing. The tool has a row of supports, each able to carry a grasping element for grasping a product, the supports mounted to move on a rail, each support connected to an adjacent support by an attachment. The attachment includes a rod that connects two adjacent supports and a member for locking the position of at least one of the two adjacent supports on the rod. The locking member can be deactivated to adjust the distance between two supports to the distance between two products. The mechanism for grouping together includes at least one cylinder, the cylinder including a body fixed on a support and a rod.
US09120623B2 Storage shelf system for storing storage goods
The invention relates to a storage shelf system (10) for storing storage goods, comprising at least one service opening (18) for introducing and for removing storage goods, at least one revolving storage shelf unit (20, 30) having a plurality of storage locations and at least one storage shelf unit (40) which has at least one shelving column having storage locations disposed one above the other. The invention further relates to a transfer device (60) for transporting the storage goods (12) from a storage location in the storage shelf unit (40) to a storage location in the revolving storage shelf unit (20, 30) and vice versa.
US09120620B2 Flexible bulk container and detachable support structure therefor
A flexible bulk container includes side walls coupled to a bottom wall. The side walls and the bottom wall generally enclose an interior space that is accessible through a top of the flexible bulk container for loading materials therein. A support structure includes elongate frame elements. Each of the frame elements may be attached to at least one of the side walls and is configured to support the at least one of the side walls generally upright so that the flexible bulk container is maintained in a generally open position. Each of the frame elements may be detachable from the respective at least one of the side walls. The flexible bulk containers and the support structures may be used in a waste management system for loading and sorting of bulk waste materials.
US09120619B2 Modular above-ground tank
A modular tank comprises a plurality of panels positioned on the ground or another surface to form sides of a containment wall. Each panel comprises: i) a side wall section having a trapezoidal shape; and ii) a frame assembly connected to the side wall section and configured to support the side wall section such that a first base of the trapezoid shape is disposed proximate a base of the containment wall and a second base of the trapezoid shape is supported in an elevated position to form part of an upper perimeter of the containment wall. The modular tank also includes a liner configured to be disposed on at least one of the containment wall and the ground surface to thereby form a barrier for containing fluid in the modular tank. Depending on whether the first base of a panel is wider or narrower than the second base, panels may be aligned to form straight walls or curved walls, thereby enabling the modular tank to assume different shapes.
US09120615B2 Storage device for granular material
A groove inclined path for diagonally downwardly delivering hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets loaded through a loading port is provided in a storage hopper for storing the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets. The groove inclined path is defined by a plurality of groove-inclined-path members each having an inclined plate and side plates to define a groove structure, the groove-inclined-path members being vertically disposed so that flow directions of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets become opposite. The vertically adjacent ones of the groove-inclined-path members are disposed so that the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets dropped from upper one of the groove-inclined-path members are brought into contact with the plate member of immediately lower one of the groove-inclined-path members to reverse a flow direction thereof, thereby reducing a flow speed of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets.
US09120612B2 Folded dispensing unit and blank
A folded dispensing unit and a blank therefore, wherein the blank is adapted to be glued and shipped in a folded condition and erected and further folded at a point of sale, and a method of erecting the glued and folded blank. The dispensing unit includes an interior slot adapted to receive a carton including a plurality of individual products to be dispensed.
US09120610B2 Dispensing device for edible goods and/or novelties
A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.
US09120608B2 Sustainable packaging system for shipping liquid or viscous products
The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a packaging assembly for holding liquids, viscous material, or particulate material. The packaging assembly includes a carton having side and bottom walls. The packaging assembly also includes a self-supporting plastic liner that fits inside of the carton for containing liquids, viscous material, or particulate material. The liner has either a substantially circular or substantially oval cylindrical side wall, a closed bottom end characterized by a bottom wall formed integral with said side wall, and an open top end having an outwardly-projecting rim. The rim has a radially-extending flange portion, and a dependent skirt portion, wherein when the self-supporting plastic liner is inside of the carton, the radially extending flange portion supports the liner on at least a portion of the carton. A lidding material is provided to seal the plastic liner.
US09120607B2 Sealable secondary packaging for pharmaceutical product blister pack
A pharmaceutical product supply is disclosed in the form of a container, a pharmaceutical product receiver, pharmaceutical product, an adhesive, and at least one release liner. The pharmaceutical product receiver includes a plurality of receptacles for pharmaceutical product. The container is initially disposed in a first configuration where all of the pharmaceutical product receiver receptacles may be accessible. The container is thereafter disposable in a second configuration where no covering for any of the pharmaceutical product receiver receptacles is accessible through any openable access incorporated by the container. One or more release liners may be moved to expose adhesive for disposing and retaining the container in its second configuration. The noted second configuration of the container facilitates disposal of the pharmaceutical product supply (e.g., now being in a form that should reduce the potential for gaining access to any remaining pharmaceutical product still enclosed within the pharmaceutical product receiver).
US09120598B2 Stackable container system
The present invention is directed to a stackable container system that includes containers and lids that are configured to allow any of the lids to be used on any of the containers. The bottom of each container interlocks with the top of each lid to allow the containers to be stacked. A handle may also be included that is configured to attach to any of the lids to form a handle for carrying a stack of the interlocked containers. The stackable container system may also include a storage container, such as a beverage bottle, for storing a stack of interlocked containers. Accordingly, each container can be used to store ingredients that are to be later combined in the storage container for consumption. The lids can be configured to be heated or cooled to provide heating or cooling to contents of the container or to the storage container in general.
US09120595B2 Tamper-evident food container
A tamper-evident food container includes a container body and a cover respectively having a coupling flange with sealing structure, and the cover has an enlarged surface, a frangible score line, and a pull tab on at least one end of the frangible score line. when the cover fastens to the container body, the plurality of the male engaging members are fixed into the female engaging members and the downward hem is inserted into the recessed portion; when opening the cover, upward pulling the pull tab to tear the frangible score line for detaching the cover from the second enlarged surface. Thus, the present invention ensures the integrity, security, and the ability to maintain high quality the food reserved in the tamper-evident food container.
US09120588B2 Beverage bottle or container labeling device with a cutting unit and cutting unit for a beverage bottle or container labeling device
A beverage bottle or container labeling device with a cutting unit and cutting unit for a beverage bottle or container labeling device.
US09120586B1 Apparatus and method for baling paper and cardboard
An apparatus and method for stacking and binding flattened cardboard or cellulose material into a bale is disclosed. The apparatus disclosed is anticipated for use in recycling paper and cardboard. The apparatus uses a post or a sleeve with a piercing element for perforating the cardboard sheets and holding them in a stack as they accumulate. Cord is routed through the stack of papers, cardboard, or other cellulose materials fastens the stack by with the help of anchoring elements attached to the ends of the cord. The apparatus uses a ram for facilitating the process of forcing the pieces down the post or the sleeve. Additionally, the apparatus is mounted on a stand adapted to match with the type of materials being baled and the stand can be mounted on a surface such as a wall.
US09120585B2 Device for the transfer of a medium
The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine (2) and at least one transfer element (3) for transfer of said medium, said transfer element (3) comprising a duct (45) for transfer of said medium provided at one end with a needle (31), a septum (32), and a maneuvering unit (33) of said needle (31), said transfer element (3) also comprising means for locking (61, 65) adapted to cooperate with complementary locking means (15) of said magazine (2) to lock said needle (31) in a waiting position, said locking means (61, 62, 65) belonging to said maneuvering unit (33) and cooperating with said complementary locking means (15) at a location of said magazine (2) distinct from the location through which said duct (45) issues from the cavity (20), at the opposite end from the needle (31).
US09120584B2 Folding unit for pourable food product packaging machines
A folding unit for producing packages of pourable food products from sealed packs having a longitudinal first axis and comprising at least one end tab to be folded and projecting in the direction of longitudinal first axis; unit comprises a conveying member fed with a plurality of packs and which feeds the pack along a forming path, and folding device interacting with each pack along forming path to fold first end tab pack; folding device comprises a plurality of surfaces carried by conveying member and cooperating with a central zone of end tab of a pack, and movable between a first position and a second position with respect to pack with which it cooperates; folding device comprises a plurality of cams carried by conveying member and each cooperating, with a surface for moving it between first and second positions.
US09120580B2 Ejector-driven fuel stabilization system
A fuel stabilization unit includes a fuel inlet and outlet, an oxygen permeable membrane and a vacuum source. The vacuum source employs an ejector and a high pressure fluid to generate an oxygen partial pressure differential across the membrane. A fuel deoxygenation system includes a fuel stabilization unit and a vacuum source. The fuel stabilization unit has a fuel flow path, a vacuum chamber and an oxygen permeable membrane separating the fuel flow path and the vacuum chamber. The vacuum source employs an ejector and a high pressure fluid to reduce pressure in the vacuum chamber to generate an oxygen partial pressure differential across the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for deoxygenating a fuel includes delivering a high pressure fluid to an ejector, generating an oxygen partial pressure differential across an oxygen permeable membrane using only the ejector and removing oxygen from the fuel using the oxygen partial pressure differential.
US09120579B2 Unmanned aircraft with failsafe system
An unmanned aircraft configured to fall or crash in a controlled and safe manner. The unmanned aircraft includes a drive system to thrust the unmanned aircraft during a flight, and a reverse thrust system to reverse thrust the unmanned aircraft during a landing. The unmanned aircraft further includes a controller operationally coupled to the reverse thrust system, and a detector to detect and notify to the controller that the unmanned aircraft is in an uncontrolled situation during the flight. The controller is adapted to activate the reverse thrust system in order to reverse thrust the unmanned aircraft in-flight upon notification from the detector that the unmanned aircraft is in an uncontrolled situation.
US09120570B2 Precision aerial delivery system
A system and methods for deployment operations from an airborne vehicle are presented. A designated location of a target is received at a flight control system coupled to a location tracking guided container comprising an agent. The location tracking guided container is ejected at an ejection point from the airborne vehicle approximately above the designated location of the target to descend at a descent rate and a descent angle. A calculated path to the designated location is calculated based on the designated location and a current location of the location tracking guided container. The location tracking guided container is aerodynamically guided by a glide control structure to fly along the calculated path from the ejection point to a load release altitude near the designated location of the target. The agent is delivered to the designated location of the target by releasing the agent at the load release altitude near the designated location.
US09120562B2 Aircraft winglet design having a compound curve profile
An improved winglet design is presented for aircraft wherein the winglet configuration is well suited for aircraft wings having moderate to no aft swept, or wings having forward swept. The winglets (302) are located at the outer end of each wing (300) and curve upwardly as they extend outwardly from their intersection (304) with the wings (300). The curvature profile (303) of the winglets (302) when viewed from the rear (or front) of the aircraft at least approximates a specified curve profile made up of more than one curved section, e.g. the winglet trailing edge profile (305) having a perpendicular projection onto a plane normal to the winglet inner or root chord (342), said projection creating a winglet profile curve approximating a compound curve composed of two arc segment (306, 307). The two arc segments are tangent to each other at there point of connection (306b, 307a) wherein the arc segment (306) at the lower portion of the winglet connects to the outer end of the wing (300) and is tangent with the wing's reference plane (331). This lower arc segment (306) of the winglet profile connects to and is tangent with a second and arc segment (307) forming the profile of the upper portion of the winglet (302). A unique design specification for the plan form or developed shape of the winglet that is suitable for wings having nominal (less than 15 degrees) aft sweep, or have neutral, or forward sweep is also provided.
US09120561B2 Load carrier for aircraft
A load carrier for aligning a load of an aircraft is provided. The load carrier includes a carrier unit for mounting the load carrier on the aircraft, a load unit for mounting the load and a bearing unit for pivoting the load unit with respect to the carrier unit. The bearing unit has at least one curved rail element and at least one car element, which is displaceable along the rail element.
US09120559B2 Propeller blade pitch actuation system
A propeller blade pitch actuation system includes a propeller control module (PCM), a PCM drain line, a first drain line, a drain line restriction, a second drain line, and a valve. The PCM drain line connects to the PCM to drain hydraulic fluid. The first drain line is downstream of the PCM drain line and the drain line restriction is downstream of the first drain line. The second drain line is downstream of the PCM drain line. The valve includes a first valve position and a second valve position. The first valve position connects the PCM drain line to the first drain line and the second valve position connects the PCM drain line to the second drain line. Hydraulic pressure of the first drain line between the valve and the drain line restriction is greater than hydraulic pressure of the second drain line.
US09120558B2 Electrical power transmitting telescopic strut
A telescopic strut comprises a plurality of hollow members arranged to slide one within another between a retracted and an extended position. Adjacent hollow members are arranged to be electrically connected by one or more electrical connector assemblies as the hollow members move between the retracted and extended positions. Each electrical connector assembly includes an electrically conductive pad on one of the hollow members which is in sliding contact with an electrically conductive strip on the other of the hollow members. The telescopic strut may be used to electrically connect a moveable control surface to a fixed aerofoil structure in an aircraft.
US09120552B2 Fuselage and method for reducing drag
Aircraft engineering applicable for improving aerodynamic quality of helicopters, airplanes, including big airbuses and amphibian airplanes, aerodynamic ground-effect and air-cushion vehicles, by reducing contact area between the external fuselage tail section surface and a high-speed air flow, area of contact is reduced by increasing surface area of holes in the fuselage tail section. To increase lifting force without increasing pressure resistance, the aerodynamic channel bottom is convex upwards, for example, curved upwards according to the shape of the airfoil convex side. The upper hole for the aerodynamic channel in the fuselage skin may be located along the fin middle portion divided lengthwise by the fin to right and left, in two. The aerodynamic channel is made through and may be open. The upper front edge aligned hole of the aerodynamic channel has a greater surface area than the rear hole aligned with the fuselage end.
US09120551B1 Balloon launch tower
Aspects of the disclosure relate to launching high-altitude balloons. For example, a launching system may include a tower having a tubular portion and a top portion. The tubular portion may include an interior space for launching the balloon and the top portion may be configured to allow the balloon to pass into to a space outside of the tower. The tubular portion may also include a plurality of openings configured to redirect air from outside of the tower and into the interior space in order to cause a cyclone of air from the opening towards the top portion. A covering device may be positioned within the tower in order to control airflow from the outside of the tower through the plurality of openings and to cause the cyclone of air.
US09120549B2 Engine, outboard motor, and watercraft
An engine includes a cylinder block including a plurality of cylinders disposed along a V-shaped line, a pair of exhaust manifolds disposed inside the V-shaped line, and an exhaust pipe disposed inside the V-shaped line. Each of the pair of exhaust manifolds includes a first passage that includes a plurality of inflow ports into which exhaust gases from the cylinders flow, a collecting portion at which exhaust gases are collected, and an exhaust port from which exhaust gases are discharged. The exhaust pipe includes a connection passage that includes a pair of intermediate inflow ports that are connected to the exhaust ports, at least one intermediate exhaust port from which exhaust gases are discharged. The connection passage is arranged to connect the pair of intermediate inflow ports and the at least one intermediate exhaust port.
US09120546B1 Actively controlled curvature robotic pectoral fin
A robotic mechanical fin, having a motor housing containing a plurality of rib rotation motors, rib spars, and a plurality of ribs, mechanically movable and communicatively coupled to the plurality of rib rotation motors and shafts, where the plurality of ribs are rotationally coupled to and actuated by the plurality of rib rotation motors and shafts. The mechanical fin further includes a flexible fin casing, within which the ribs reside, forming the complete actively controlled curvature robotic propulsion and steering apparatus. The mechanical fin is connected to a plurality of control electronics circuits and a computer processor programmed with actuation code that when executed by the computer processor causes automated actuation of simultaneous propulsion and steering maneuverability of the actively controlled curvature, robotic, mechanical fin.
US09120542B2 Annular buoyant body
The invention relates to the field of buoyant bodies, and more particularly to an annular buoyant body (1) including a central moonpool (2), configured such that, in water, with swell of a period substantially equal to a natural period of the buoyant body (1) while it is moving with heave motion, vertical forces exerted on the buoyant body (1) by a mass of water oscillating in the central moonpool (2) in phase opposition relative to the swell, compensate at least partially for the vertical excitation forces exerted on the buoyant body (1) by the swell. The invention also relates to a method of at least partially extinguishing heave motion of the buoyant body (1) at a natural period of the buoyant body (1).
US09120536B2 Apparatus for mounting accessories to a personal watercraft
An apparatus for mounting an accessory to a personal watercraft includes an accessory mounting assembly and a cooperating bracket.
US09120535B1 Wake enhancing method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for emptying liquid from a flexible, portable bladder that enhances the wake of a boat, including locating a submersible pump within the bladder and activating the pump to evacuate liquid from the bladder.
US09120532B2 Driving device, electromechnical actuator, and clutch driver thereof
A driving apparatus, an electromechnical actuator and a clutch driver are disclosed. A variable-speed gear disk module and an electric driving component are linked, and a one-way bearing is installed between the variable-speed gear disk and a pedal driving module, such that a user can selectively use the electric driving component to drive a gear disk in order to drive a bicycle body to move forward, without driving a pedal module by a feed-back link. When the pedal module is used to drive the bicycle body to move forward, the electric driving component will not be driven by the feed-back link, so as to prevent accidents caused by the pedal module that is rotated with the gear disk at a high speed.
US09120531B2 Motor driving control apparatus
This motor driving control apparatus includes: a smoothing processing unit that executes smoothing processing using values of pedal input torque at plural points to calculate a first smoothed torque value; an insufficiency output unit that obtains a rate of points at which input of the pedal input torque is insufficient among the plural points; an assist torque calculating unit that performs calculation processing of mixing the first torque value calculated by the smoothing processing unit and the pedal input torque in accordance with output of the insufficient output unit to calculate assist torque; and a driving processing unit that performs processing to drive a motor using the assist torque calculated by the assist torque calculating unit.
US09120530B2 Bicycle derailleur with chain guide locking
A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle, a movable member, a linkage mechanism coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member, and a chain guide coupled to the movable member for movement relative to the movable member. A position-fixing member selectively fixes a position of the movable member relative to the chain guide.
US09120526B2 Front fork
A front fork includes a fork body having an outer tube and an inner tube relatively movably inserted into the outer tube in an axial direction, a damper housed in the fork body to dampen relative movement between the outer and inner tubes, a biasing member that biases the fork body in an expansion direction at all times, an annular dust seal that is held in the outer tube and makes sliding contact with an outer circumference of the inner tube, an annular oil seal that is held in the outer tube inside the fork body to be inner than the dust seal and makes sliding contact with the outer circumference of the inner tube, and a C-shaped scraper that is provided between the dust seal and the oil seal and makes sliding contact with the outer circumference of the inner tube.
US09120523B2 Foldable frame for two-wheel vehicle
A foldable frame for bicycle is provided in the present invention. The foldable frame can be folded up in three simple steps because of the application of two releasable locking systems: (1) release a front locking system; (2) release a rear locking system;(3) fold up a pair of rear forks hinge joint with a crossbar towards the front wheel. Other parts such as seat tube and pedal bar which are hinge joint with the crossbar can be folded up towards the crossbar. To reduce weight of the frame, a single-tube suspension system is also employed at the front of the foldable frame. The foldable frame of the present invention is easy to fold, non-bulky, lightweight and affordable to strong force as compared to any conventional foldable bicycles. The present invention can be applied to bicycle or any two-wheel vehicles such as electricity-driven or petroleum-driven motorcycle.
US09120522B1 Bicycle hydraulic operating device and bicycle hydraulic device assembly
A bicycle hydraulic operating device comprises a bracket and a hydraulic unit. The bracket is configured to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar and includes a mounting surface contactable with the bicycle handlebar. The hydraulic unit is provided at the bracket to at least partially protrude from the mounting surface toward the bicycle handlebar in a state where the bracket is mounted to the bicycle handlebar.
US09120519B2 Aero seat post mounting device
An aerodynamically shaped seat post fabricated from carbon fiber is mountable to a seat tube by placing left and right bushings within the hollow center of the seat post. These bushings are accessible and engageable to left and right bolts when the desired height of the seat post is reached. In particular, the left and right bolts are fed through left and right holes formed in the seat tube. The seat post has left and right elongate slots which provide access to the bushings, and more particularly, to the threaded holes of the bushings so that the left and right bolts may engage those threaded holes and clamp the left and right sidewalls of the seat post and the left and right sidewalls of the seat tube together, respectively. This seat post mount eliminates stress concentrations to the seat post. Moreover, the seat post is not clamped down with opposed forces placed on the left and right sidewalls of the seat post.
US09120516B2 Circumferential movement device
The invention relates to circumferential movement field, including all circumferential movement devices such as transport vehicle, toy vehicle, space vehicle, blender etc, especially for energy-saving vehicles utilizing force of gravity. The energy-saving vehicle utilizes force of gravity as driving force, the vehicle body connects with the wheel by swing structure method or eccentric swing structure to utilize force of gravity more efficiently. The invention also provides solutions about two-wheel gravitational vehicle and multi-wheel vehicle and train connected by integrated vehicles or two-wheel vehicles.
US09120510B1 Cargo bed system for a vehicle
A cargo bed system for a motor vehicle includes a bed frame, a side frame member, a storage module and a non-storage module. The bed frame has a floor, a forward wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls and a bed frame connection member formed on the bed frame. The side frame member has a side frame connection member that is configured to selectively mate with the bed frame connection member in an installed position. The bed frame is configured to selectively and alternatively receive (i) the side frame member and the storage module in a storage configuration or (ii) the side frame member and the non-storage module in a non-storage configuration.
US09120508B2 Cross member of a motor vehicle body
A cross member of a motor vehicle body is provided. The cross member is designed for forming a load-transmitting connection between two side members of the body and can be structurally connected to these. The cross member includes at least one floor portion that is depressed relative to a marginal rim, which together with at least one side wall adjoining thereon forms at least one stowage space for receiving items.
US09120507B1 System for orienting front wheel of vehicle during offset frontal impact
A bumper assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting platform for being fixed relative to a frame of the vehicle. A bumper beam is coupled to the mounting platform. An arm is fixed to the mounting platform at a pivot point and is pivotable about the pivot point to a deflected position for turning a wheel of the vehicle inboard during a small offset frontal impact of the vehicle. The arm orients the wheel with the front portion of the wheel being positioned inboard during the small offset frontal impact. This orientation of the wheel minimizes the magnitude of load transferred to a backup structure of the vehicle and minimizes the possibility of intrusion of the wheel into the floor or dash of the vehicle. In this orientation, the wheel can detach from the vehicle to minimize the possibility of intrusion of the wheel into the floor or dash.
US09120501B2 Divided steering gear housing having an exposed tooth rack
A rack-and-pinion steering system and a method for producing the same including a pinion, a toothed rack, and a bearing point for the toothed rack, wherein the toothed rack includes a toothed first part and a non-toothed second part, wherein at least the first part and the pinion form a steering gear, and the steering gear is enclosed by a steering gear housing, and wherein the bearing point is enclosed by a bearing housing ensuring permanent lubrication. The second part of the toothed rack is exposed in at least one section between the steering gear housing and the bearing housing.
US09120492B2 Control valve assembly for load carrying vehicles
A control valve assembly for a load carrying vehicle that includes a dumping mechanism. The control valve assembly including a housing, a valve, and a biasing device. The valve is movable between a dumping position, and a closing position. The biasing device including a biasing device housing and a piston moveable between a first piston position and a second piston position relative to the biasing device housing. A biasing element is arranged between the biasing device housing and the piston to bias the piston toward the first piston position. The biasing device directly contacts the valve when in the first piston position to inhibit movement of the valve, and the biasing element is calibrated to allow the piston to move to the second piston position when air provided by an air compressor reaches a predetermined pressure, thereby not inhibiting movement of the valve.
US09120489B2 Systems and methods for an engine
Various methods and systems for an engine are provided. In one example, an engine system includes an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas is configured to flow from the engine, and a turbocharger with a turbine positioned in the exhaust passage. The engine system further includes an exhaust gas treatment system disposed in the exhaust passage upstream of the turbine, the exhaust gas treatment system including at least one exhaust gas treatment device and a bypass with a bypass valve, the bypass valve configured to be adjusted to reduce exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas treatment system in response to a transient engine operating condition.
US09120482B2 Control device
A control device for a vehicle drive configured with a power transfer path that includes a first engagement device, a rotary electric machine, and a second engagement device. These elements being arranged in this order from an input member coupled to an engine to an output member that is coupled to the wheels of the vehicle. The control device is configured with an control section that controls output torque of the rotary electric machine such that a rotational speed becomes closer to a target rotational speed with both the first and second engagement devices brought into a slip engagement state and with the rotary electric machine generating electric power. The control section maintains control in which at least one of a temperature of the rotary electric machine and a temperature of an inverter is monitored as a monitoring target temperature.
US09120478B2 Transitory torque modifications using skip fire control
Methods and devices are described that utilize skip fire techniques to rapidly meet requests for transitory changes in the output of an engine. Specifically, the fraction or percentage of the working cycles that are fired can be changed during a transitory event so that the engine delivers the desired transitory engine output. Once the transitory event is over, normal engine operation may be restored. The described techniques are useful in a variety of applications that require a relatively quick, but transitory, reduction in engine output to meet vehicle control requirements. One particularly useful application is during transmission shift events. Other representative applications include: loss of traction events, stability control events, wheel hop prevention events, etc.
US09120475B2 Oil replacement apparatus
An oil replacement apparatus has a housing, an oil replenishing assembly and a controlling assembly. The oil replenishing assembly has a base, a vacuum pump, an oil tank and multiple control cylinders. The base has a canal set formed inside the base. The vacuum pump and the oil tank are mounted on the base and communicate with the canal set. The control cylinders are mounted on the base to close the canal set and can selectively open or close holes of the canal set. The controlling assembly is connected with the oil replenishing assembly. Accordingly, the oil replacement apparatus can automatically drain or inject oil in a hydraulic brake assembly.
US09120474B2 Mechanical bypass valve for regenerative air brake module
An air braking system for a vehicle blends regenerative and foundation braking during low deceleration conditions in an effective and controlled manner. The braking system also includes a mechanical override that bypasses system electronics in response to an aggressive brake request such that treadle circuit pressure is sent directly to a brake relay circuit to actuate vehicle brakes.
US09120472B2 Braking device
A braking device comprises: a master cylinder; an electrical pressure adjusting unit; a reaction force generating unit, which forms a reaction force chamber and which generate a reaction hydraulic pressure in the reaction force chamber; a reservoir for brake fluid; an inter-chamber brake fluid path; a reservoir path that connects the reservoir and the inter-chamber brake fluid path; and a normally-closed control valve, wherein the electrical pressure adjusting unit includes an electrical pump which is directly connected with the driving hydraulic pressure chamber to supply the brake fluid to the driving hydraulic pressure chamber, and wherein at least one of electromagnetic valves provided in the electrical pressure adjusting unit and the reaction force generating unit is a normally-opened electromagnetic valve, which is provided in the inter-chamber brake fluid path and is configured to communicate the inter-chamber brake fluid path in a non-conduction state.
US09120471B2 Oil pipe connection device for a hydraulic brake
An oil pipe connection device has a base, an oil pipe, a pipe connector and a securing nut. The base has a connection hole and an abutting shoulder. The pipe connector is mounted in the connection hole and has a tapered head, an insertion segment, a pressing collar and an engaging recess. The tapered head abuts with the abutting shoulder. The insertion segment is inserted tightly into an end of the oil pipe. The pressing collar is around the insertion segment and has an inclined guiding surface. The engaging recess is formed between the pressing collar and the insertion segment and holds the end of the oil pipe inside. The securing nut is mounted around the oil pipe, is connected with the connection hole in a threaded manner and has an inclined guiding surface abutting with the inclined guiding surface on the pressing collar.
US09120468B2 Auxiliary braking device of vehicle
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary braking device of a vehicle which obtains braking force corresponding to the amount of pressing of an accelerator pedal even during an operation of the auxiliary braking device and prevents frequent repetition of the acceleration and deceleration, to attain a fuel saving operation. Therefore, in the present invention, a vehicle electronic control unit (10) and other electronic control units (20, 30) are provided, the vehicle electronic control unit (10) and the other electronic control units are connected with each other by an in-vehicle communication system (L123), and an auxiliary brake switch position detection device (5S) that detects a switch position of an auxiliary brake switch (5) and an accelerator pedal pressing amount measurement device (4S) that measures the amount of pressing of the accelerator pedal (4) are provided.
US09120467B2 Electro-hydraulic brake and control method thereof
Disclosed herein are an electro-hydraulic brake and a control method thereof which provide hydraulic braking force to transfer a stable pedal feel and provide regenerative braking to improve fuel efficiency. The electro-hydraulic brake includes a master cylinder, a housing including a booster chamber and a base chamber, an oil reservoir, a hydraulic control unit connected to the oil reservoir, a simulation unit, and a pedal displacement sensor. The hydraulic control unit includes an accumulator, a pump to absorb oil from the oil reservoir and to discharge the oil to the accumulator, a motor to drive the pump, a normal cut valve, a simulation control valve, two control valves to control the pressure in the booster chamber, pressure sensors to sense the pressures in the base chamber, the accumulator and the booster chamber, and a controller to control the motor and the valves based on pressure information and pedal displacement information.
US09120465B2 Vehicle fluid filling arrangement, an assembly comprising such a filling arrangement and a vehicle with such a filling arrangement
A vehicle fluid filling arrangement comprises a fluid receiving part and a fluid conveying arrangement adapted to convey a vehicle fluid supplied on the fluid receiving part into a fluid reservoir of a vehicle. The fluid receiving part comprises a fluid receiving surface which is adapted to directly receive the supplied fluid and to direct the fluid to the fluid conveying arrangement, wherein the fluid receiving part has a first retracted position where supply of fluid on the fluid receiving surface is not possible and a second extracted position where supply of fluid on the fluid receiving surface is possible. The disclosure also relates to an assembly for filling vehicle fluid comprising at least two of said fluid filling arrangements and also to a vehicle comprising said fluid filling arrangement.
US09120461B2 Hood latch and striker system for pedestrian protection
A system for releasing and lifting an automobile hood includes a sensor located proximate a front location of an automobile that detects impact with an object. Also included is a hood having a striker pin operably connected to the hood for engaging a rotatable latch, wherein such engagement places the hood in the secured position. Further included is a releasing mechanism operably connected to one of the striker and the latch for lifting a front region of the hood in response to a signal from the sensor.
US09120459B2 Safety device with elastic membrane
A safety device is provided, comprising an elastic membrane, which partially or completely delimits a hollow space, which is provided for the accident-initiated filling subject to elastic expansion of the membrane, and a gas generator with a filling fluid source communicating with the hollow space, wherein between the filling fluid source and a surface of the membrane facing the hollow space and/or in the membrane at least one heat protection means is arranged, which is provided for the protection of the membrane from a thermal impact through filling fluid of the filling fluid source.
US09120458B2 Airbag with adjustable safety valve
Airbag with adjustable safety valve comprising a vent aperture made in the fabric of the airbag, at least one membrane of an elastic material attached to said fabric at a union area, said membrane being stretched across the width of said vent aperture and defining a variable area with an orifice that is smaller than the vent aperture, the orifice being deformed and growing with the pressure increase in the airbag, characterized in that between the variable area and the union areas, the membrane has a reinforcement area in the form of a containment ring with a greater thickness than that of the variable area, which controls the maximum aperture of the orifice.
US09120455B2 Airbag and airbag device
Provided are an airbag and an airbag device that are capable of reducing impact on an occupant at an out of position while providing restraining ability with respect to the occupant in a normally seated state. An airbag device includes an airbag 2 that is normally folded and accommodated in a seat 11 of a vehicle and that is inflated and deployed in an emergency, and an inflator 3 that supplies gas to the airbag 2. The airbag 2 includes a bag member 21 that is formed of a base cloth 2a, and a plurality of pleats 22 that are formed at the bag member 21. The pleats 22 have a crease portion 23 in a front-back direction of the vehicle to allow the gas to escape to the crease portion 23 upon loading from the front-back direction of the vehicle when the bag member 21 is inflated and deployed.
US09120454B2 Vehicle and an instrument panel for the vehicle
A vehicle is disclosed. A wall includes a first portion disposed adjacent to a first end, a second portion disposed adjacent to a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first and second portions. A panel includes a first panel portion disposed along the first portion, a second panel portion disposed along the second portion and a middle panel portion disposed along the middle portion. The panel extends outwardly away from the wall a distal surface to define a cavity. An airbag device is attached to the second portion and disposed inside the cavity. A beam is coupled to one of the first portion and the middle portion inside the cavity. The beam extends into the cavity from the first end of the wall along an axis such that the beam is spaced from the second panel portion and the second portion along the axis.
US09120453B2 Vibration reducing structure for steering wheel
Since an airbag module is supported in an interior of a steering wheel via an elastic body so as to be capable of vibrating, the airbag module vibrates while deforming the elastic body to thus function as a dynamic damper, thereby enabling vibration of the steering wheel to be suppressed. Since the elastic body is formed from a support pin itself, which supports the airbag module on the frame of the steering wheel, compared with a case in which the support pin and the elastic body are formed from separate members, it is possible to reduce the number of components and the number of assembly steps. A part of the support pin may form the elastic body, and the entirety of the support pin may form the elastic body.
US09120451B2 Anti-theft device
An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle includes a pedal engaging member (105), a first locking mechanism (215) and a second locking mechanism (210). The pedal engaging member (105) is movable between a first position and a second position, the first position for engaging a pedal of the motor vehicle and the second position for enabling the pedal to move freely. The first locking mechanism (215) is operatively connected to the pedal engaging member (105), for locking the pedal engaging member (105) at the first position. The second locking mechanism (210) is operatively connected to the pedal engaging member (105), for locking the pedal engaging member (105) at the second position.
US09120447B1 Safety system for backing-up a vehicle
A safety system is provided that will (i) operate automatically, regardless of distraction or error by the driver or the backover victim; (ii) operate unaffected by the blindspots that block the driver's view or background noise that block audible alarms for the driver or the backover victim; (iii) operate through an external activation, intentional or unintentional, by the potential backover victim or passerby; and/or (iv) remove driver discretion by causing the vehicle to stop upon activation of the safety system by the potential backover victim or passerby.
US09120445B2 In-vehicle protection system using multiple processing units and/or using mobile phone module to send positioning information
An in-vehicle protection system includes a signal input interface and a vehicle protection circuit. The signal input interface is arranged to receive at least an indication signal indicative of a status of a vehicle. The vehicle protection circuit includes a first processing unit, a second processing unit, and a controller. Each of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is capable of performing vehicle protection upon the vehicle, where computing power of the first processing unit is different from computing power of the second processing unit. The controller is used for receiving the indication signal, outputting the received indication signal to the first processing unit for further processing when the in-vehicle protection system operates under a first operational state, and outputting the received indication signal to the second processing unit for further processing when the in-vehicle protection system operates under a second operational state.
US09120442B2 Acoustic and thermal cover assembly
An internal combustion engine having an engine body and an acoustic and thermal cover assembly are provided. The engine body includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipe extending therefrom and the acoustic and thermal cover assembly is positioned adjacent to the engine body. The acoustic and thermal cover assembly includes a first section and a second section extending along the engine body. The assembly further includes an acoustic and thermal shield extending along the first section, a plastic shell extending along the second section, the acoustic and thermal shield and plastic shell forming a cover, and an insulating layer positioned between the cover and the engine body.
US09120439B2 Method and system for controlling the management of the electric power supply of a vehicle after the power unit has stopped
A method for controlling electric power supply of a motor vehicle including a power unit and an electric power supply battery, the vehicle including at least one autonomous computer, at least one master computer, and at least one slave computer, the computers connected by a data network, the autonomous computers each configured to carry out at least one task after the power unit has stopped, and the power supply to the computers being maintained for a first period of time. The control method includes: reporting absence of the autonomous computer to the master computer; interrupting the power supply of each slave computer; interrupting the power supply of the master computer; maintaining the power supply of the autonomous computer beyond the first period of time; interrupting the power supply of each autonomous computer once it has finished its task.
US09120438B2 Apparatus carrier with pivot arm and suction foot
In an apparatus carrier for supporting cell phones and similar apparatus, including a suction foot on which a pivot arm is pivotally supported at one end thereof and provided with than apparatus holder at the opposite end and the suction foot has a housing with a suction membrane extending across a housing opening, the suction membrane is operatively connected to the pivot arm so as to be movable, by pivoting of the operating arm between a release position in which the suction membrane extends straight across the housing opening and a suction position in which the suction membrane is arched into the suction housing opening.
US09120437B2 Vehicle component control
Described embodiments provide a device controlling at least one of components of a vehicle in response to a control command from user equipment. The device may be configured to assign a first control level and a control state to each component of the vehicle, to assign a second control level to user equipment, and to allow the user equipment to control a target component of the vehicle when a first control level of the target component is equivalent to a second control level of the user equipment and a control state of the target component is equivalent to a state of the vehicle.
US09120434B2 High-voltage cable routing structure for electrically driven vehicle
The present invention is a high-voltage cable routing structure for an electrically driven vehicle, comprising a battery supported on a vehicle body, a high-voltage equipment including an inverter, and multiple high-voltage cables connecting connection terminals of the battery and connection terminals of the equipment to each other. The battery, equipment, and cables are mounted on the vehicle. Regarding the structure, in a mounting space in the body, the battery and the equipment are disposed at such positions as to overlap each other vertically. The terminals of the equipment positioned at the top are provided on an upper portion thereof. The cables connected to the battery and the equipment are arranged to lead out in a direction along a vehicle width direction and to curve in such a way that middle portions thereof are located away from a lateral wall surface of the equipment in a front and rear direction.
US09120430B2 System for utilizing bracket assembly
The present invention is a support and carry system for use with slow moving vehicles having an existing slow moving vehicle support bracket; an extension bar constructed and arranged to be placed in said existing support bracket; an upper support bracket assembly, said upper support bracket dependent on said extension bar, said upper bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive signage indicating a slow moving vehicle.
US09120424B2 Trailer signal converter
A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal is a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter is configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signals.
US09120423B2 Lighting device for vehicles
The invention relates to a lighting device for vehicles, particularly for tractors and trailers, with a housing to which light sources of differing light generating types can be exchangeably fastened in an installed state, wherein the light sources of differing light generating types are assigned at least one optic element for the formation of a light module, which is detachably connectable to a carrier frame of the housing, and which generated a defined light function, and wherein a single lens is placed in front of the light modules of differing light generating types in the installed state and the carrier frame.
US09120418B2 Vehicle lamp with vibrator
A vehicle lamp includes a light source, a front cover made of a transparent material to transmit light emitted by the light source, a lamp body forming a lamp housing together with the front cover, and a vibrator configured to vibrate the front cover to generate a vibration sound. The vibrator is supported by the lamp housing such that the vibrator contacts the front cover at a location where, when the vehicle lamp is mounted on a vehicle, the vibrator is not visible from an outside of the vehicle lamp.
US09120417B2 Method for transporting a curved wind turbine blade and associated transportation device
A method of transporting a wind turbine blade with a curved central longitudinal axis includes loading the wind turbine blade onto a transportation device including first and second support bearings. The wind turbine blade is loaded in a first orientation in which the curved central longitudinal axis is located in a generally vertical plane. When the transportation device is preparing to turn, the wind turbine blade is rotated to a second orientation before or during turning such that the curved central longitudinal axis is located in a generally horizontal plane and bends around the turn. As a result, the curved wind turbine blade and transportation device can traverse tighter curves and turns during travel to an assembly site or quayside.
US09120416B2 Conveyance vehicle
A loading platform is capable of tilting on a vehicle body. In accordance with a position of an operating lever for operating a hoist cylinder for tilting the loading platform and ON/OFF of a limit change switch operated by an operator, a running speed of the vehicle body is limited. If the loading platform is not seated and the limit change switch is OFF, the running speed is limited to a first speed limit or less which is low speed running. If the loading platform is not seated and the limit change switch is ON, when the operating lever is at a lowering position or a floating position, change of the speed limit to a second speed limit faster than the first speed limit is allowed. When the operating lever is at a raising or holding position, the change of the speed limit from the first speed limit is prohibited.
US09120413B2 Tonneau positioning system
A tonneau cover system is provided for a cargo box of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover system includes a framework system being positionable over the cargo box of the pickup truck. The system further includes a tonneau cover positioning system having a first positioner mount that is coupled or joined to the framework system. The first positioner mount has at least one downwardly-extending leg member extending from a main body portion to define a cross-sectional profile engageable with the cargo box of the pickup truck to inhibiting movement of the framework system relative to the cargo box of the pickup truck in vehicle fore and/or aft directions. In some embodiments, movement of the framework system can be inhibited in the vehicle fore and/or aft directions and also the cross vehicle direction. A bed rail extender clip is also provided.
US09120412B2 Carrying autonomous vehicle system and methods
A carrying autonomous vehicle system, comprising: a carrying autonomous vehicle and at least one carried autonomous vehicle. The carrying autonomous vehicle has a main frame and at least one flipper. The carried autonomous vehicle uses at least one flipper to load and/or unload at least one carried autonomous vehicle on the main frame.
US09120410B2 Seat suspension
A seat suspension for boats and other vehicles having a seat support, a base and a suspension assembly positioned between the seat support and the base and permits relative movement between the seat support and the base. The suspension assembly has a first fluid container, a second fluid container, and an orifice member positioned between the first and second fluid containers. The orifice member includes a first orifice in fluid communication with the first and second fluid containers. A piston is positioned within the second fluid container and movable by fluid flowing through the first orifice.
US09120409B2 Horizontal seat adjustment means with setting member
The invention relates to a seat for a vehicle, in particular for all-terrain vehicles, with at least one seat area extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle and in the width-wise direction (Y) of the vehicle for receiving a person, a backrest for supporting the back of the person and a holding device connected in the vertical direction (Z) under the seat area and to the latter for keeping the seat area at a distance from a coupling region for coupling the seat to the vehicle, wherein the holding device has at least one spring device for the movable arrangement at least for a time of at least the seat area with respect to the coupling region in the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle and/or in the width-wise direction (Y) of the vehicle.
US09120393B2 Apparatus for energy transfer using converter and method of manufacturing same
According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.
US09120389B1 Integrated motor assembly with compliantly mounted power inverter
An integrated drive assembly for an electric vehicle, where the power inverter enclosure is separate from the motor and the transmission, and where the power inverter enclosure is coupled to, and separated from, the motor via a plurality of inverter support members. Each of the inverter support members is rigidly coupled to the transmission enclosure and compliantly coupled to the power inverter enclosure using a plurality of flexible bushings.
US09120384B2 Nano-energetic activated steam generator
A method and system for generating high pressure superheated steam on demand that uses nano-sized aluminum particles to allow oxidation and heat generation using photonic initiation. This invention uses the unique properties of nano-sized aluminum either alone or with other energetics to provide the needed heat to quickly vaporize and superheat water directly in either a flowing water or static water environment to produce steam as needed. Due to its compact design it can be used in new or existing steam applications. This steam use may be any application that needs an on demand high pressure steam supply. Applications include steam catapults, boost steam for turbines, steam cleaners, surge power for powerplant turbines and any other use.
US09120380B2 Display control device
In an adjustment mode, a control unit of a display control device displays, on a display, frame bodies imitating shapes of measuring instruments, and changes the display positions or/and the shapes at which or in which the frame bodies are displayed on the basis of input operation received by the input unit, and stores, to the parameter storage unit, the determined display positions or/and the determined shapes of the frame bodies as parameters of the display positions or/and the shapes of the measuring instruments.
US09120379B2 Adaptive instrument display using eye tracking
An adaptive instrument display includes an instrument cluster displaying a plurality of gauges. A steering wheel has at least one sensor, and there is at least one camera. A processor collects data from the at least one camera and steering wheel sensor and determines a steering wheel position and an occupant's line of sight. An obstructed portion of the instrument cluster is determined based on the steering wheel position and the occupant's line of sight, and the gauges on the instrument cluster are altered based on the obstructed portion.
US09120376B2 System and method for operating a large single engine sweeper
A system and method for operating a large single engine sweeper includes a two-mode transfer case assembly inserted into the chassis drive train of the vehicle on which a package of sweeping equipment is mounted. In road mode operation, power from the chassis engine passes through a chassis automatic transmission, through a two-mode transfer case assembly to the differential and real wheel assembly. In sweep mode, power passes from a propel hydraulic motor into the two-mode transfer case assembly and then to the differential and real wheel assembly.
US09120375B2 Sudden acceleration preventing electronic accelerator pedal and method thereof
Embodiments relate to a pedal module including an accelerator pedal; a pedal sensing unit; a pedal monitoring unit; and a control unit. The pedal monitoring unit determines whether an accelerating state of a vehicle is in an abnormal sudden acceleration state using abnormal sudden acceleration determination information transmitted from the pedal sensing unit, and transmits an accelerator pedal output signal to the control unit. The accelerator pedal output signal is based on the rotation angle of the accelerator pedal when the accelerating state of the vehicle is not in the abnormal sudden accelerating state. The accelerator pedal output signal is a controlled accelerator pedal output signal when the accelerating state of the vehicle is in the abnormal sudden accelerating state. The control unit controls the vehicle according to the accelerator pedal output signal. The abnormal sudden acceleration determination information includes information on the force applied to the accelerator pedal.
US09120374B2 PTU cantilever ring gear disconnect
A power transfer unit assembly for a vehicle. The power transfer unit includes a cantilevered ring gear assembly configured on a housing cover. The housing cover is configured to mate to a main housing that may be configured in a vehicle drivetrain. The power transfer unit may include at least one engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the cantilevered ring gear assembly.
US09120367B2 Modular door beam assembly and method of assembly
A modular beam assembly for installation on an automobile panel is provided. The modular beam assembly has an elongate beam inserted through a plurality of collars forming a slip fit and a retaining cap inserted on at least one end of the elongate beam to retain the elongate beam within the collars. A heat-curable adhesive material may be applied to the collars, the elongate beam, and the retaining cap. The assembly allows displacement of the elongate beam within the collars until the adhesive material is cured.
US09120366B2 Monitoring air filter status in automotive HVAC system
A system and methods are provided for monitoring for a clogged or unclogged state of an air filter in an automotive HVAC system. The HVAC system includes a blower having a blower motor providing a driven airflow. A plurality of outlet registers is controllable to provide a plurality of circulation modes. An evaporator selectably cools the driven airflow, and the air filter passes the driven airflow. The method enters a baseline condition, wherein the baseline condition includes applying a moisture purge to the evaporator and selection of a predetermined circulation mode. The blower motor is controlled to maintain a testing speed. An energization of the blower motor is quantified while maintaining the testing speed. The energization is compared to a base value derived according to the baseline condition with the air filter in an unclogged state. A replacement action is triggered when the energization is greater than the base value.
US09120365B2 Automatic temperature override pattern recognition system
Each vehicle in a fleet comprises a climate controller having an auto mode. The auto mode controls climate actuators in response to a model relating sensed climate conditions to respective settings for the actuators. The vehicle has a buffer memory periodically storing sample vectors comprised of actuator/operation settings and sensed climate conditions. A user interface in the vehicle is responsive to a user override commands to modify respective operation settings while in auto mode. Each vehicle has a wireless communication system for sending data packages to a remote server when the user generates the override. Each data package is comprised of a plurality of stored sample vectors and an identification of the override command A central database associated with the remote server receives the data packages from the fleet vehicles in order to identify patterns within the received vectors that are associated with any given override command
US09120362B2 Bypass for a suspension damper
A vehicle suspension damper comprises a cylinder and a piston assembly including a damping piston along with working fluid within the cylinder. A bypass permits fluid to avoid dampening resistance of the damping piston. A fluid path through the bypass is controlled by a valve that is shifted by a piston surface when the contents of at least one predetermined volume is injected against the piston surface which acts upon the valve. In one embodiment, the bypass is remotely operable.
US09120360B2 Amphibious vehicle
The invention concerns an amphibious vehicle (100) comprising: a chassis (102) having a housing (106a) having an opening (202) having edges, for said housing (106a), a handling device (108a) having a fixed part (210) fixed to the chassis (102) and a movable part (104a) mounted so as to be able to move on the fixed part (210) and comprising among other things a wheel (104a), the movable part (104a) being able to move between a running position wherein the wheel (104a) is outside the housing (106a), and a retracted position wherein the wheel (104a) is in the housing (106a), and a hatch system (204) having a hatch (206), designed to adopt alternately an open position in which it does not close off the opening (202) or a closed position in which it comes into abutment against the edges of the opening (202) and closes it off at least partly, the movable part (104a) being designed to be moved into a locking position in which a locking element (104a) of the movable part (104a) locks the hatch (206) in the closed position by abutment thereof against the hatch (206).
US09120358B2 Hitch ball angle sensor
A hitch ball assembly includes a hitch ball supported on a housing, a bore within the hitch ball and housing, and a pin rotatable with respect to the hitch ball and housing. The pin is configured to engage a trailer coupler and rotate therewith. An angle sensor measures rotation of the pin to determine rotational movement of the trailer.
US09120352B2 Pneumatic tire
An angle of elevation (α) of an intersection point (A), formed between a line (q) connecting intersection points (A, B) and a reference line (n) traversing a center of curvature (C) of an arc and parallel to the tire rotation axis, is from 40° to 60°, where a curve tracing the innermost region in the tire radial direction is approximated by the arc with the method of least squares, the intersection point (A) is an intersection point of the ply main body (6a) with a normal line (m) from the center of curvature (C) of the arc to a part of the ply main body (6a) convex outward in the tire width direction, and the intersection point (B) is an intersection point of the ply main body (6a) with the reference line (n). A radius of curvature of the arc is from 5 mm to 80 mm.
US09120350B2 Device for limiting swivel of a wheel
A device for limiting swivel of a wheel includes a fixed seat, a positioning groove, a driving member, and a limiting member. The fixed seat permits a fork to be connected pivotally thereto, and permits a frame to be connected fixedly thereto. The driving member is connected rotatably to the fixed seat. The limiting member is mounted extendably and retractably on the fixed seat. The positioning groove is disposed to the fork. The limiting member is extendable from the fixed seat to engage the positioning groove so as to prevent rotation of the fork, and is retractable into the fixed seat to remove from the positioning groove to allow for rotation of the fork. The driving member has a caroming surface rotatable to drive extension and retraction of the limiting member.
US09120348B1 Press system with embossing foil free to expand for nano-imprinting of recording media
A press system including a first die and a second die. The press system further includes a mandrel extending along a longitudinal mandrel axis through the first die. A rod portion of the mandrel to receive a magnetic recording disk to be pressed. The press system further includes a foil holder coupled to the first die. The foil holder to clamp a first portion of an embossing foil to the first die and allow the clamped foil portion to move in a radial direction relative to the foil holder.
US09120345B2 Printer for automatic packing machine and method of controlling the same
The present disclosure provides a printer for an automatic packing machine, which employs a ribbon cartridge to facilitate replacement of a ribbon tape and allows a thermal print head to be lifted or lowered to further facilitate replacement of the ribbon tape. The present disclosure also provides an automatic packing machine including the same. The printer is configured to print medicine data on a surface of a wrapping paper using a thermal print head and a ribbon tape. The printer includes a stationary plate secured to a lower portion of a body of the automatic packing machine, a movable plate disposed to be movable with respect to the stationary plate, and a ribbon cartridge receiving a ribbon tape and detachably mounted to the movable plate.
US09120341B2 Inkjet printer and method for acquiring gap information of the inkjet printer
An inkjet printer, including an inkjet head, a conveyer unit to convey a recording medium in a conveying direction, a position detecting unit to detect a position of the recording medium along the conveying direction, a wave shape generating mechanism to deform the recording medium into a predetermined wave shape along a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction, a gap information storing device to store gap information related to a gap between an ink discharging surface of the inkjet head and the recording medium, and a correcting device to correct the gap information according to a position of the recording medium along the conveying direction, is provided.
US09120339B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, plural rollers, and a roller supporting mechanism. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet carried in a predetermined carrying direction and extends in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the predetermined carrying direction. The plural rollers are arranged opposite the image forming unit with a carrying path of the sheet arranged in-between and are arranged in a plural number next to each other in the orthogonal direction. The roller supporting mechanism, while pressing the sheet toward the image forming unit, supports the plural rollers in such a way that each roller independently moves, between a carrying position where the sheet is carried in the carrying direction and a separation position where the sheet is separated from the image forming unit.
US09120338B2 Liquid ejection device
A liquid ejection device includes a first rolled medium accommodation unit, a second rolled medium accommodation unit and a liquid ejection head. The first rolled medium accommodation unit is configured to accommodate a rolled medium. The second rolled medium accommodation unit is configured to accommodate the rolled medium, the second rolled medium accommodation unit being movable. The liquid ejection head is configured to eject an ink as a liquid onto a medium supplied by unwound from the rolled medium accommodated in one of the first rolled medium accommodation unit and the second rolled medium accommodation unit.
US09120337B2 Printer reducing tilting of guide members in roll storage part
A printer comprising a roll storage part, a feeder, a printing head, a first guide member, a second guide member, and a driving gear. The first and second guide members guide a print-receiving medium in a width direction and provided in an advanceable and retreatable manner. The driving gear makes the first and second guide members advance and retreat. The roll storage part comprises a first through-hole for guiding the first guide member in the width direction, and a second through-hole for guiding the second guide member in the width direction. The first guide member comprises a first driven part configured to mesh with the driving gear, and a first sandwiching part holding the first guide member. The second guide member comprises a second driven part configured to mesh with the driving gear, and a second sandwiching part holding the second guide member.
US09120336B2 Ink jet printing apparatus and control method thereof
When it is decided that the PE sensor installed upstream of the conveying roller has detected paper, the motor driving the recovery operation is stopped. This prevents paper jamming that may be caused by the reverse rotation of the motor during the recovery operation. That is, when print paper happens to remain on a conveying path for some reason, at a position where it can be driven simultaneously by both of the intermediate and the conveying rollers, the activation of the recovery operation, which is powered by the same motor that drives these rollers, can result in paper jamming because the recovery operation causes the conveying roller to rotate in a direction reverse to that of the intermediate roller. The paper jamming can, however, be prevented by stopping the conveying of the paper before it reaches a position where it is driven by the two rollers at the same time.
US09120335B2 Pattern printing apparatus, pattern printing method, and test apparatus
A pattern printing apparatus comprising an ink output section including a nozzle that drops ink and a heating section that heats a preheating target region; a driving section that moves the substrate relative to the ink output section; and a control section that controls the driving section. The control section causes the substrate to move relative to the ink output section such that the preheating target region is positioned in a progression path of the drawing target region and causes a pattern formed by the ink to be drawn, and when switching an extension direction of the pattern being drawn, the control section causes the preheating target region to move to an end portion of the pattern drawn before the switching and causing the preheating target region to be heated.
US09120332B2 Target transporting device and liquid ejecting apparatus
A target transporting device includes a pair of transport rollers that applies a transport force to a continuous-form sheet toward a downstream side from an upstream side while pinching the continuous-form sheet; a guide member that applies a tension force to the continuous-form sheet being pinched by the pair of transport rollers toward the upstream side in a transport direction of the continuous-form sheet; and an image capturing unit that is disposed at a location upstream of the pair of transport rollers on a transport path of the continuous-form sheet so as to detect a transport amount of the continuous-form sheet to which the tension force is being applied by the guide member without contact.
US09120327B2 Tape drive and method of operating a tape drive
A tape drive for transferring tape between a first spool and a second spool, the tape comprising at least one marker indicative of a property of the tape, the tape drive having: two spool supports, each of which is suitable for supporting a spool of tape, and a tape control system which includes: two motors and a controller for controlling the operation of the motors, each motor driving a respective one of the spool supports, and a detector that is operable, in use, to detect the presence of one or more markers on a portion of a tape, the tape control system being operable to identify a property of the tape according to the detected marker or markers.
US09120326B2 Automatic sublimated product customization system and process
An automatic product sublimation process is disclosed allowing for point-of-sale customization of sublimation parameters in a retail environment. A dye sublimation transfer printing system is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the media onto a substrate. A selected product is positioned on top of the media. The system is configured to automatically determine, by a processor, one or more of a temperature and duration of a single thermal cycle to sublimate the one or more images onto the selected product. The determination may be based on properties of the product, characteristics of the images, or both. One or more heating platens engage the transfer media to sublimate the product in a single thermal cycle, wherein at least one of the cycle's temperature and duration match the determined values. The disclosed process improves the quality of the sublimation technique, yet requires no substantive operator training.
US09120325B2 Ejection inspection method and liquid ejection device
An ejection inspection method includes: preparing a liquid ejection nozzle for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium; irradiating a pattern formed by the liquid ejected onto the recording medium with light; and conducting ejection inspection of the liquid ejection nozzle based on results of observing or recognizing reflected light or transmitted light of the light from the recording medium. The recording medium includes an ink absorption layer having light transmittance where a great number of void cells having a particle diameter smaller than wavelength of the light are dispersed into a joining material, and an ejection amount of the liquid is adjusted such that a region where the liquid is sufficiently filled in the void cells and a region where substantially no liquid is filled exist in a thickness direction and a horizontal direction in planar view of the ink absorption layer.
US09120323B2 Liquid droplet ejecting apparatus
The present invention provides a liquid droplet ejecting apparatus that may cool, with a simple configuration, drive sections of piezoelectric elements. Namely, the liquid droplet ejecting apparatus has head modules that use piezoelectric elements to eject ink droplets, driver ICs that drive the piezoelectric elements, a ventilation unit that delivers dry air to the environs of the piezoelectric elements via a gas delivery passage disposed therein in order to dehumidify the environs of the piezoelectric elements, a branch tube that branches from the gas delivery passage and blows onto the driver ICs some of the air that has been delivered, and a duckbill valve that is disposed in the branch tube. Here, the ventilation unit that delivers the dry air in order to dehumidify the environs of the piezoelectric elements also cools the driver ICs, so the driver ICs can be cooled with a simple configuration.
US09120319B2 Liquid discharge head and image forming apparatus
A liquid discharge head includes nozzles configured to discharge liquid droplets; individual flow paths to which the nozzles are connected; a liquid injection unit connected to the individual flow paths; a common liquid room configured to supply liquid to the individual flow paths; and a filter unit configured to filter the liquid. The filter unit is provided between the common liquid room and the liquid injection unit. The filter unit includes a reinforcement area for dividing the filter unit into filter areas each corresponding to two or more of the individual flow paths. A partition wall is provided corresponding to the reinforcement area of the filter unit, on the liquid injection unit side. A width in a nozzle arrangement direction of the partition wall is wider than a width in the nozzle arrangement direction of the reinforcement area.
US09120316B2 Variable force wiper for maintenance station of imaging device
A wiper for a maintenance station of an imaging device includes a foundational body and a flexible blade. The body rigidly attaches to the maintenance station. The blade attaches to the body. The blade scrapes fluid and debris from a printhead during use. The blade comprises a flexible material having terminal sections intervened by a central section. Each terminal section connects to the body with a thicker expanse of flexible material, whereas the central section connects to the body with a thinner expanse. The connection provides the terminal sections with a higher wiping force and a shorter effective beam length for wiping an encapsulant of the printhead and gives while the central section a lower wiping force and a longer effective beam length for wiping a nozzle plate of the printhead. The embodiments note curved surfaces with variable radiuses where the expanses of flexible material connect to the body.
US09120309B2 Ink composition and recording method
An ink composition has a viscosity of 25 mPa·s to 35 mPa·s at 20° C., wherein a, b, and c are 800 or more, 7.4 to 14, and 0.16 to 0.22, respectively, when a cylindrical portion is formed by expanding the ink composition so as to have a free surface parallel to the expanding direction of the ink composition, the rate of change in width of the cylindrical portion with time is measured in the expanding direction thereof, and the rate of change in width of the cylindrical portion with time is fit to a quadratic function given by the following equation: S=−at2−bt+c  (1) where S is the rate of change in width of the cylindrical portion and t is the time in seconds.
US09120305B2 Image recording apparatus, image recording method, and storage medium
The number of recording-permitted pixels in an increment in each of multiple mask patterns is a relatively small number, and the number of recording-permitted pixels in an increment in each of multiple logical sum patterns is a relatively large number.
US09120304B2 Image processing apparatus, inkjet printing apparatus, and inkjet printing method
In a color mode, the image quality improving liquid is set to the same rate of 20% for all input signal values. Meanwhile, in a monochrome mode, the image quality improving liquid is set to a rate of 30% in the highlight region, and the ink rate gradually decreases starting from the intermediate tones and proceeding towards the high-density region. Thus, the optimal printing method and usage rate for image quality improving liquid can be adjusted in accordance with the image quality characteristics of the color mode and the monochrome mode. As a result, it is possible to reduce color change in specular light while maintaining at least a certain level of image clarity in both modes, and thus favorably print both color images and monochrome images.
US09120302B2 Bridge sleeves with diametrically expandable stabilizers
A bridge sleeve has at each extreme end of the bridge sleeve, a multi-component stabilizer. One component of each stabilizer includes an inner cylindrical contacting surface having a diameter that changes as this respective component of the stabilizer moves axially relative to at least one other component of the respective stabilizer.
US09120296B2 Method of customizing an article and apparatus
A method of applying graphics to a set of articles with a graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The method includes a step of selecting an article from a set of articles comprising different types of articles. After selecting a last that may be associated with the article, the last may be attached to a last assembly of the graphic transfer assembly. With the article attached to the graphic transfer assembly, a deformable membrane may apply graphics to curved portions of the article.
US09120295B2 Chitosan films treated with organic polyhydroxyalkyl compounds and laminates made therefrom
Chitosan films that have been treated with a polyhydroxyalkyl compound and washed, and laminates made from the films are provided. This treatment lessens the film shrinkage. The films and laminates can be used to make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.
US09120292B2 Manufacturing method of vehicle tailgate inner panel
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an inner panel of a vehicle tailgate, which is formed in a bending plate shape and to which reinforcing members are coupled to improve rigidity, including: temporarily coupling a plurality of sub-blanks to a main blank by spot welding; forming the main blank into an inner panel and the plurality of sub-blanks into a plurality of reinforcing members, using a forming mold; and permanently coupling the plurality of reinforcing members to the inner panel.
US09120290B2 Flexible screen backed with rigid ribs
A device is disclosed that includes one or more ribs that allow a flexible device, such as an OLED display, to flex in a first direction but resist flexing in a second direction. The ribs may have stiffening elements attached to them that may lessen flexing in the first direction. Sensors may also be incorporated that signal the stiffening elements. The ribs and stiffening elements have application to a variety of display types such as cell phones, TVs, and movie screens.
US09120289B2 Sealing film with hidden tab
A sealing film with a hidden tab includes a bottom layer and a top layer. The bottom layer includes a heat sealing layer, an aluminum foil layer, and a polypropylene layer. The top layer includes a nylon layer and a polyethylene terephthalate layer, and is defined with a connection portion and a tab portion. The nylon layer in the connection portion is adhered to the polypropylene layer by an adhesive. At least a contact is disposed between the nylon layer in the tab portion and the polypropylene layer. Due to physical properties of the material of which the nylon layer in the tab portion is made, the sealing film is likely to sever but easy to peel off. The contact not only prevents the tab portion of the top layer from warping but also enables a user to determine whether the sealing film has ever been used before.
US09120288B2 Pattern forming method, actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film, method for preparing electronic device, and electronic device
The pattern forming method of the invention includes (i) forming a film using an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition containing a resin (P) having a repeating unit (a) represented by the following general formula (I), a compound (B) capable of generating an organic acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, and a nitrogen-containing organic compound (NA) having a group capable of leaving by the action of an acid, (ii) exposing the film, and (iii) developing the film after the exposure using a developer including an organic solvent to form a negative type pattern, in the general formula (I), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and each of R1, R2, and R3 independently represents a linear or branched alkyl group.
US09120280B2 Tire uniformity through identification of process signatures
A system and related method for improving tire uniformity includes providing a number (n) of test tires manufactured in a known order and identifying at least one candidate cyclic process effect with a corresponding frequency of introduction (f). A given uniformity parameter, such as radial or lateral run-out, balance, mass variation, radial lateral or tangential force variation, is measured for each tire in the test set, and measured data points are combined into a concatenated composite waveform. At least one process harmonic associated with each identified cyclic process effect is separated from the tire harmonics, for example, by Fourier transformation with identification of the process harmonics as positive integer multiples of the mth harmonic of the measured uniformity parameter where m=n/f. Once the process harmonics are extracted, filtered uniformity measurements can be provided or new tires can be built with the process effect minimized.
US09120275B2 Composite layer forming system
A method and apparatus for forming a stack of composite layers into a desired shape is present. The stack of composite layers may be positioned on a tool and a number of compressible supports such that the stack of composite layers may be substantially flat on the tool and the stack of composite layers may be substantially flat on the number of compressible supports. A flexible sheet may be placed on top of the stack of composite layers. A vacuum load may be applied on the stack of composite layers on the tool and the number of compressible supports using the flexible sheet such that consolidation of the stack of composite layers occurs to form a desired shape on the tool and the number of compressible supports compress during forming of the desired shape.
US09120271B2 Reliability centred maintenance
A maintenance method and apparatus based on reliability centered maintenance, applied for example to a military aircraft, include the following steps performed in a feedback manner: i) performing RCM; ii) feeding outcomes derived from performing the RCM to an update process; iii) performing the update process to provide update data for performing the RCM; and iv) inputting the update data into the performing of the RCM. The method can carry out a maintenance action selected by and/or or at a time and/or extent specified by the performing of the RCM; the outcomes that are fed to the update process including outcomes from the maintenance action that is carried out. The maintenance method thereby can provide a continuously updating RCM process.
US09120266B2 Apparatus and method of fabricating flat plate display
A fabricating apparatus and a method of a flat plate display are disclosed. A fabricating apparatus of a flat plate display includes a stage on which a substrate having liquid resin formed thereon is seated, a imprinting mold bonded with the liquid resin of the substrate to form a thin film pattern on the substrate, the imprinting mold comprises projections and grooves, and a planarization layer formed between the stage and the substrate to planarize a surface of the stage.
US09120265B2 Nanoimprint resist, nanoimprint mold and nanoimprint lithography
A nanoimprint lithography method includes the following steps. First, a first sacrifice layer, a second sacrifice layer and a nanoimprint resist are formed on a substrate. The nanoimprint resist includes a hyperbranched polyurethane oligomer, a perfluoropolyether; a methylmethacrylate, and a diluent solvent. Second, a master stamp with a first nanopattern formed by a number of projecting portions and gaps is provided, and the first nanopattern is pressed into the nanoimprint resist to form a second nanopattern in the nanoimprint resist. Third, the second nanopattern is transferred to the substrate.
US09120264B2 Injection molding machine
A disclosed injection molding machine includes an ejector rod that is used to protrude a molding product from a mold, a driving source that moves the ejector rod in an axial direction of the ejector rod, a controller that controls the driving source, a position detector that detects the position of the ejector rod, and an operations unit that receives an input operation input by a user, wherein the controller sets up a current position of the ejector rod, which is detected by the position detector when the operations unit receives a first button operation operated by the user, to be a waiting position of the ejector rod after protruding the ejector rod or to be a protruding position of the ejector rod.
US09120263B2 Clamping device of injection molding machine
An adaptor plate is provided between a platen and a mold to measure a temperature of each of divided regions obtained by dividing the adaptor plate into a plurality of regions and adjust a temperature for each of the regions. By doing so, it is possible to adjust the temperature at points closer to the center of the mold than tie bars. Further, by adjusting the temperature of the adaptor plate provided between the platen and the mold, it is possible to precisely adjust a tie bar balance and a platen parallelism even during molding.
US09120255B2 Composite core and method of making same
A method of wrapping a plurality of mandrels with a composite material can include rotating each mandrel at a rotational speed; translating each mandrel at a translation speed; positioning each mandrel back to back such that an aft face of a preceding mandrel is approximate to a forward face of a trailing mandrel; and sequentially wrapping each mandrel with the composite material in a helical orientation.
US09120252B2 Molded article and method for production thereof
A shaped article including a modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C), wherein the modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) is a product obtained by modifying an unmodified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) with an epoxy compound (B) having a double bond and has a degree of modification with the epoxy compound (B) of 0.1 to 10 mol % based on the monomer units of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A), and at least a part of the modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) is crosslinked, and the gel fraction of the shaped article is 3% by weight or more. Thereby, a shaped article which contains almost no harmful crosslinking agent and which is excellent in hot water resistance, heat resistance and a gas barrier property is provided.
US09120249B2 Implant device release agents and methods of using same
Medical implant devices are prepared from a polymeric material and a release agent, where the device is a molded, reservoir implant, and the release agent has a molecular weight (MW) of at least 1000. The release agent may be a non-ionic surfactant such as Brij 35, polyoxyetheylene(20)sorbitan trioleate, Tween 20, Tween 80, vitamin E TPGS, and a mixture of any two or more thereof. Hydrated implants may have a surface area of about 500 mm2 or greater.
US09120236B2 Combination folding tool and method of handle deployment
A combination folding tool includes opposable handles that move from an adjacent position during storage to an extended perpendicular position, and a tool head that is axially positioned during use and is stored between the opposable handles during storage.
US09120231B2 Reconfigurable robot end-effector assembly
A reconfigurable end-effector assembly includes a master boom, a limb, and branches. The branches extend radially outward from the limb. Tandem branch joint assemblies connect the branches to the limb, and include a first and a second branch joint each having a cam lock. Tool modules mounted to the branches are translatable and rotatable with respect to the branches. The joint assemblies rotate and slide with respect to the longitudinal axis of the limb only when the cam lock is released. A configuration tool has an actuator and fingers. The branch joints define openings that are engaged via the fingers. The tool includes a latch which engages the cam lock, and clamps and unclamps the cam lock. A flexible dress package is mountable to the limb and configured to route lengths of conduit to each of the tool modules.
US09120229B2 Robot arm
The invention is concerning a robotic arm that features several consecutive mobile links and motors associated with axes relative to one another for the moving of the links. At least one of the links is selectively mountable in at least two configurations relative to its adjacent links.
US09120224B2 Framework and method for controlling a robotic system using a distributed computer network
A robotic system for performing an autonomous task includes a humanoid robot having a plurality of compliant robotic joints, actuators, and other integrated system devices that are controllable in response to control data from various control points, and having sensors for measuring feedback data at the control points. The system includes a multi-level distributed control framework (DCF) for controlling the integrated system components over multiple high-speed communication networks. The DCF has a plurality of first controllers each embedded in a respective one of the integrated system components, e.g., the robotic joints, a second controller coordinating the components via the first controllers, and a third controller for transmitting a signal commanding performance of the autonomous task to the second controller. The DCF virtually centralizes all of the control data and the feedback data in a single location to facilitate control of the robot across the multiple communication networks.
US09120223B2 Method of controlling seven-axis articulated robot, control program, and robot control device
Provided is a method of controlling a seven-axis articulated robot including seven joints sequentially arranged from a proximal end of the robot to a distal end of the robot, the seven joints including rotational axes each causing a next joint to turn and rotational axes each causing a next joint to pivot, such that the rotational axes causing turning and the rotational axes causing pivoting are arranged alternately, the seven-axis articulated robot being configured such that rotational axes of three proximal end side joints of the robot do not intersect with each other at one point. The method includes performing inverse transformation using, as a constraint condition, such a joint angle of a middle joint among the three joints as to cause an assumed elbow angle to be constant in a case where a rotational axis of the middle joint is assumed as a shoulder.
US09120219B1 Tool case and tool box for receiving the same
A tool case includes a case, a cover, and a buckle plate. The case has a bottom, a front, a rear, and two side walls. A positioning fringe is formed on an inner face of the rear wall. The cover is pivotally disposed on the case and has a combination recess near the rear wall. The combination recess has a blocking fringe and two lateral fringes. The buckle plate is slidably disposed on the two lateral fringes. The buckle plate has a abutting margin near the blocking fringe and a positioning margin near the positioning fringe. Two slots are formed on the abutting margin to define a resilient portion whose free end has buckle element to buckle to the blocking fringe. Thus, the buckle plate tends to move toward the rear wall to make the positioning fringe buckle to the positioning margin.
US09120217B2 Snow rake with telescoping pole
A telescoping pole and blade to form a snow rake. The pole has a plurality of segments selectively axially movable relative to one another. The pole segments are keyed to one another to prevent relative rotation between adjacent pole segments. A lock device is associated with adjacent pairs of pole segments to selectively fix the relative axial positions of the pairs of pole segments.
US09120214B2 Fastener, installation tool and related method of use
A fastener installation tool and related method are provided for installing fasteners in boards. The tool can include a feed mechanism that automatically and sequentially feeds collated fasteners to a nose assembly. The nose assembly can include a guide having an alignment projection extending downwardly from the guide, and configured to engage a board corner and/or side surface, so as to align an angled bore through which fasteners are guided with the board corner and or side surface. The nose assembly can include a magnetic element located adjacent a path on which the collated fasteners are advanced. The magnetic element can exert a magnetic force on an individual fastener, aligning it for precise entry into the angled bore. The nose assembly can include a guide pocket to positively constrain a fastener as it rotates to ensure a desired advancement trajectory. A related method of installation is provided.
US09120202B2 Shield assembly for a power tool
The present invention is directed toward a shield assembly for a handheld tool device such as an angle grinder. The shield assembly is selectively repositionable with respect to the cutting tool. A lock mechanism secures the shield assembly in discrete rotational positions relative to the cutting tool. The shield assembly includes a guard member and a bumper member, and an alignment feature configured to align the relative positions of guard member and the bumper member, thereby positing the members in a predetermined relative orientation. With this configuration, the shield assembly is selectively repositionable via a “hands-free” mechanism that permits a user to adjust the position of the shield assembly by simply contacting the shield assembly against a work surface.
US09120201B2 Platen and adapter assemblies for facilitating silicon electrode polishing
A process is provided for polishing a silicon electrode utilizing a polishing turntable and a dual function electrode platen secured to the polishing, which can comprise a plurality of electrode mounts arranged to project from an electrode engaging face of the dual function electrode platen. The electrode mounts and mount receptacles can be configured to permit non-destructive engagement and disengagement of the electrode engaging face of the electrode platen and the platen engaging face of the silicon electrode. The silicon electrode can be polished by (i) engaging the electrode engaging face of the electrode platen and the platen engaging face of the silicon electrode via the electrode mounts and mount receptacles, (ii) utilizing the polishing turntable to impart rotary, and (iii) contacting an exposed face of the silicon electrode with a polishing surface as the silicon electrode. Additional embodiments are contemplated, disclosed and claimed.
US09120199B2 Polishing liquid composition
A polishing liquid composition that makes it possible to provide a polished substrate surface on which scratches and/or waviness are reduced, without impairing productivity, is provided, and further, a method for manufacturing and polishing a substrate using this polishing liquid composition is provided. The polishing liquid composition contains an abrasive, a water-soluble polymer, and water, wherein the water-soluble polymer has a sulfonic acid group, and has an aromatic ring in each of a main chain and a side chain. The method for manufacturing a substrate, and the method for polishing a substrate, include performing polishing by supplying the above-described polishing liquid composition to a surface to be polished of a substrate to be polished, bringing a polishing pad into contact with the surface to be polished, and moving the polishing pad and/or the substrate to be polished.
US09120192B2 Dual-spindle machining apparatus
A machining apparatus has a frame defining first and second upper machining stations horizontally offset from each other and first and second lower transfer stations underneath the first and second upper machining stations. First and second spindles have respective workpiece grabs and are displaceable vertically on the frame between upper positions in the respective machining stations and lower positions in the respective transfer stations. A workpiece conveyor extending through the transfer stations can transport workpieces into and out of the transfer stations. A holder carrying tools is displaceable horizontally on the frame between the machining stations. A chip deflector has first and second parts movable between catch positions underneath the respective first and second machining stations and parked positions not underneath the respective first and second machining stations.
US09120191B2 Manufacturing apparatus for flattened tube fins
A flattened tube fin manufacturing apparatus includes a press apparatus equipped with a mold apparatus forming cutaway portions into which flattened tubes are inserted to produce metal strips; an inter-row slit apparatus cutting the metal strip, in which the cutaway portions have been formed, into predetermined widths to form a plurality of metal strips of a product width arranged in the width direction; and a cutoff apparatus cutting each metal strip of the product width formed by the inter-row slit apparatus into predetermined lengths. The metal strips of the product width outputted from the inter-row slit apparatus advance into the cutoff apparatus after entering a downwardly sagging state. A support portion that contacts and supports lower surfaces of the metal strips of product width in the downwardly sagging state is also provided.
US09120189B2 Method of making a piece of metal reinforcement
The invention provides a method of making a piece of metal reinforcement for mounting on the leading or trailing edge of a composite turbine engine blade, the method comprising the steps consisting in positioning two metal sheets (1) on either side of a core (2), in shaping the sheets (1) on the core (2) by hot isostatic compression, and in cutting the sheets (1) in order to separate the reinforcement along at least one line of cut and in order to release the core. The core (2) has projecting sacrificial zones (13), with the sheets (1) being cut along the sacrificial zones (13) without degrading the remainder of the core (2).
US09120188B2 Apparatus and method for inserting a component through the surface of a workpiece
A rotary tool (11) for use with a rotary driving unit (12) for inserting a component (14,14′,14″) through a surface of a workpiece made of a material showing friction-induced plasticity such as aluminum, includes a tool body (22) having a working end (24) defining a shoulder portion (26) and a securing device (28,28′) for selectively engaging the component to impart rotation thereof in a first direction while applying an axial force of a sufficient magnitude onto the component to produce insertion thereof by plasticizing the material through friction. The shoulder portion is provided with a deburring device (34) capable of being displaced from an inoperative position upon rotation of the tool body (22) in the first rotation direction (30), to an operative position whenever the tool body is caused to rotate in an opposite direction (30′), to provide deburring of the workpiece surface.
US09120187B2 Multilayer 3D glass window with embedded functions
A method for the manufacturing of thin 3D glass window is described. The method includes layering a plurality of thin films. The plurality of thin films includes at least one glass film. The method also includes molding the plurality of thin films to form a three dimensional shape and laminating the plurality of thin films in the three dimensional shape. The 3D glass window and apparatus including the 3D glass window are also described.
US09120185B2 Workpiece support apparatus
A workpiece support apparatus is provided with a plurality of support members. The support members support a workpiece. Each support member moves along a moving path to a machining position while the support member is held at a first holding position for supporting the workpiece or a second holding position which is spaced apart from the first holding position. At least one support member is displaced from the first holding position to the second holding position or from the second holding position to the first holding position along a machining trajectory, before the support member arrives at the machining position whenever each support member is moved to the machining position.
US09120184B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing vehicle power transmission device
A method for manufacturing a vehicle power transmission device having a case and a ring gear fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the case to transmit drive power from a drive source. The method includes: a welding step in which an annular flange is provided on the case or the ring gear and butt welding is performed by lapping a weld bead along the contact portion of one side surface of the annular flange and the case or the ring gear; a measurement step in which the outline of the other side surface of the annular flange placed in close proximity to the one side surface are measured; and an evaluation step in which a weld condition is evaluated based on part of the outline, which is determined in the measurement step, of a portion corresponding to the lapping portion of the weld bead.
US09120177B2 Laser machining apparatus
A laser machining apparatus includes a main control unit executing NC program; a laser oscillator oscillating laser light according to instruction from the main control unit; a distance sensor measuring distance L between a nozzle and a workpiece; a sensor-data processing unit sampling a measured value of the distance sensor; and a copying control unit moving a machining head to maintain the distance constant based the measured value, wherein the sensor-data processing unit samples the measured value with an operation period shorter than that of the main control unit and, when a portion corresponding to the through hole in the workpiece comes off and the distance becomes larger than a predetermined value during the inner hole machining, causes oscillation of laser light to be stopped by outputting a stop signal to the laser oscillator.
US09120176B2 Laser processing machine and laser processing method
A laser processing machine includes a work head, a plate-like work working table for processing a plate-like work, a rod-like work working table including a rod-like work holder for processing a rod-like work, and a work area in which the work head is movably provided. The plate-like work working table is provided movably from one side of the work area into the work area. The rod-like work working table is provided movably from another side of the work area into the work area that is opposite side of the one side. According to the laser processing machine, when switching over between a processing of a plate-like work and a processing of a rod-like work, it is needed only to move/evacuate the plate-like work working table and the rod-like work working table to/from the work area, so that the switching-over operation can be easily done.
US09120173B2 Bonding of metal components
A method of bonding a first component (10) comprising a titanium-containing alloy to a second metal component (12), wherein a coating layer (14,16) is applied to each of the first and second components in the region to be bonded. The coating layers (14,16) comprise a precious metal. An intermediate metallic layer (18) is interposed between the coating layer (14) of the first component and the coating layer (16) of the second component. The respective coating layers are held in contact with the intermediate layer (18) and the coating layers and the intermediate layer are heated to initiate melting of at least one of said layers so as to form a bond between the first and second components by brazing.
US09120172B2 Systems and methods providing controlled AC arc welding processes
Systems and methods for providing controlled AC arc welding processes. In arc welding power source embodiments, configurations of main and auxiliary bridge circuits allow for the directional switching of the output welding current through the welding output circuit path and selectively provide one or more high impedance paths to rapidly decay the arc current. The high impedance path aids in the low spatter transfer of molten metal balls from a consumable electrode to a workpiece and further aids in the maintaining or the re-establishing of an arc between the consumable electrode and the workpiece when a molten metal ball is transferred.
US09120168B2 Electrode for honeycomb structure forming die
By providing a honeycomb electrode, i.e., an electrode for a honeycomb structure forming die including a thick plate-like electrode base body made of an electricity discharging material and having two main surfaces, only one surface of two main surfaces of the electrode base body is provided with a plurality of electrode cells partitioned by electrode partition walls, and a shape of the electrode cells in the one surface is analogous to that of flow-through cells of the honeycomb structure.
US09120165B2 Robust method for skiving and corresponding apparatus comprising a skiving tool
Method and an apparatus for setting up and plunging a skiving tool with respect to a work piece, on which a rotational-symmetric, periodic structure is to be manufactured with application of the skiving tool, wherein a radial feed motion in the direction of the work piece is performed, so to bring the skiving tool in contact with the work piece for the first time, and the skiving tool is plunged from the moment of the first contact down to a predetermined depth in a radial plunging movement, before the proper skiving of the rotation-symmetric, periodic structure is carried out.
US09120164B2 Cutting tool having a tool coupling with offset peripheral and central coupling threads and method of assembly thereof
A cutting tool includes first and second components, configured for differential coupling with each other. The first and second components each include peripheral and central coupling threads which each extend in a helical direction about a component axis of the respective component. Each component's peripheral and central coupling threads are axially offset with respect to each other. The first and second components each include a radial stop surface located at the respective peripheral coupling thread. In an assembled position of the cutting tool, the radial stop surfaces abut each other and the peripheral and central coupling threads of the first component threadingly engage the peripheral and central coupling threads of the second component, respectively, forming a differential tool coupling between the first and second components.
US09120161B2 Center hole machining method for shaft blank and center hole machining apparatus
A center hole machining method includes first to fifth steps. The first step includes obtaining outer peripheral shape data of a plurality of portions of the shaft blank in an axial direction. The second step includes obtaining a center axis by comparing measured data of the portions of the shaft blank with design data. The third step includes calculating a minimum distance from the center axis to the outer periphery in each of the portions of the shaft blank. The fourth step includes shifting the center axis in a direction of making the minimum distance greater than the machining dimension and repeatedly executing the third step when the minimum distance is less than or equal to the machining dimension. The fifth step includes boring the center hole in an end surface of the shaft blank at a position arranged on a line extended from the center axis.
US09120156B2 Rhombus-shaped indexable cutting insert and cutting tool
A rhombus-shaped cutting insert has opposing upper and lower surfaces, and a peripheral side surface extending therebetween having alternating obtuse and acute corner surfaces separated by four relief surfaces. The cutting insert is removably secured in an insert receiving pocket of a tool holder and indexable about a central axis. A nose cutting edge is formed at the intersection of one of the upper and lower surfaces with each of the two acute corner surfaces. One of the upper and lower surfaces has an engagement surface having a single primary and four secondary engagement elements. The primary and secondary engagement elements or portions thereof, exhibit mirror symmetry about primary and secondary engagement planes. The primary engagement plane contains the central axis and intersects each nose cutting edge, and each secondary engagement plane does not contain the central axis and forms an acute engagement angle with the primary engagement plane.
US09120155B2 Tool holder having a tool body and top clamp for retaining a cutting insert
A cutting tool includes a cutting insert releasably retained therein. The cutting insert has top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral surface extending therebetween. The cutting insert does not include any clamping bore for receiving a clamping component therein. The cutting insert may having unitary, one-piece construction and be formed of a superabrasive material. The cutting insert may have a two-headed arrow shape, or similar shapes, such that the body of the cutting insert is small relative to the cutting regions thereof. The cutting tool includes a top clamp for clamping the cutting insert in an insert pocket. The top clamp has an asymmetrical shape and engages the cutting insert in one engagement region on the top surface, and in one engagement region on the peripheral surface. The cutting insert engages the insert pocket at the bottom surface, and in three spaced apart engagement regions on the peripheral surface.
US09120154B2 Single-sided square-shaped indexable cutting insert and cutting tool
A single-sided, square-shaped indexable cutting insert has opposing square-shaped upper and lower surfaces and a peripheral side surface extending therebetween having four corner surfaces alternating with four relief surfaces. A corner cutting edge is formed at the intersection of the upper surface with each of the four corner surfaces. The lower surface includes a base surface from which a central boss and exactly four engagement ridges protrude. Each engagement ridge extends from the central boss to intersect with one of the four corner surfaces, and the base surface is divided into four base sub-surfaces. The insert may be clamped against a seating surface of a tool holder pocket solely by the engagement ridge located closest to the operative corner cutting edge making contact with a corresponding single engagement groove, and the two of the four base sub-surfaces making contact with two coplanar raised support surfaces.
US09120151B2 Methods for manufacturing titanium aluminide components from articles formed by consolidation processes
Substantially defect-free titanium aluminide components and methods are provided for manufacturing the same from articles formed by consolidation processes. The method includes providing an intermediate article comprised of a titanium aluminide alloy and formed by a consolidation process. The intermediate article is encapsulated with an aluminum-containing encapsulation layer. The intermediate article is compacted after the encapsulation step. A substantially defect-free titanium aluminide component comprises a compacted three-dimensional article comprised of titanium aluminide and formed by a consolidation process and an aluminum-containing encapsulation layer on at least one surface of the compacted three-dimensional article. The aluminum-containing encapsulation layer comprises an aluminide material, MCrAlY wherein M is cobalt, nickel, or a combination of cobalt and nickel, or TiAlCr.
US09120150B2 Endplate for hot isostatic pressing canister, hot isostatic pressing canister, and hot isostatic pressing method
An endplate for a hot isostatic pressing canister comprises a central region, and a main region extending radially from the central region and terminating in a corner about a periphery of the endplate. The thickness of the endplate increases along the main region, from the central region to the corner, defining a taper angle. The corner includes an inner surface comprising a radiused portion by which the main region smoothly transitions into the lip. A hot isostatic pressing canister including at least one of the endplates also is disclosed, along with a method of hot isostatic pressing a metallurgical powder using the hot isostatic canister.
US09120148B2 Submerged entry nozzle
A pour tube for casting molten metal is adapted to reduce turbulence and mold disturbances, thereby producing a more stable, uniform outflow. The pour tube includes a bore having a body in communication with an enlarged outlet portion. Exit ports in communication with the outlet portion have an offset design in which at least one wall of the exit port is tangent to a circle having a larger radius than the body of the bore.
US09120147B2 Strip casting apparatus for rapid set and change of casting rolls
An apparatus and method for continuously casting thin steel strip include a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls in a roll cassette laterally positioned to form a nip there between through which thin cast strip can be cast, adapted to support a casting pool of molten metal on the casting surfaces, an enclosure to support a protective atmosphere immediately beneath the casting rolls in the casting position, and an upper cover positioned below the casting rolls to move between a closed position covering the upper portion of the enclosure maintaining the protective atmosphere in the enclosure in the closed position and a retracted position enabling cast strip to be cast into the enclosure. A scrap receptacle positioned beneath the casting position movable in either direction to a discharge stations. Further, a movable tundish adapted to be transferred from a heating station to the casting position.
US09120145B2 Oil type release agent for metal casting, spray method, and electrostatic spray apparatus
There is disclosed an oil type release agent for metal casting includes 0-7.5% by mass of water consisting of one or two kinds of water selected from distilled water, ion-exchange kinds of water, tap water and water includes any one of aforementioned kinds of water and electrolyte(s) dissolved in any one of aforementioned kinds of water, and 0.3-30% by mass of a solubilizing agent, a spray method using the oil type release agent, and an electrostatic spray apparatus.
US09120144B2 Casting core for twisted gas turbine engine airfoil having a twisted rib
A casting core (200) for a twisted gas turbine engine blade, including: an airfoil portion (202) having: an airfoil base end (208), an airfoil tip end (210), a concave side exterior surface (212), a convex side exterior surface (214), a leading edge (204), and a trailing edge (206). The airfoil portion is twisted in a radial direction from the airfoil base end to the airfoil tip end. The airfoil portion includes a first void (220) between the concave side exterior surface and the convex side exterior surface and extending radially to define the shape of a rib of an airfoil to be cast around the core. A first leading edge surface and a first trailing edge surface of the void are twisted from the airfoil base end to the airfoil tip end.
US09120143B2 Cut-off end surface improvement
A method of improving the surface finish of a sheared end face of a cylindrical blank in a progressive forming machine comprising deforming the end face out of its original as sheared transverse plane into a first shape concentric with the axis of the blank that slightly departs from the original plane a distance that increases with proximity to the axis of the blank, thereafter deforming the end face from the first shape into a second shape in a direction opposite a direction the first shape was displaced from the original shear plane, the second shape slightly departing from a transverse plane a distance that increases with proximity to the axis of the blank.
US09120141B2 Fastener dispensing apparatus
A fastener dispensing apparatus includes a body that defines a punch path and at least partially surrounds a punch that includes forward and rearward portions. The punch reciprocates between retracted and advanced positions in which the tip of the forward portion extends from an end of the punch path to drive a fastener towards the workpiece. A fastener feed path extends transverse to the punch path and is defined by a surface of the body, the fastener feed path receives an elongate carrier of fasteners. A fastener feeding device sequentially feeds fasteners along the fastener feed path and into alignment with the end of the punch path. An actuator is drivable by the reciprocal movement of the rearward portion of the punch. An engagement member engages the carrier and is moveable relative to the body.
US09120130B2 Sorting apparatus
A sorting apparatus comprising a frame, a sorting surface assembly, a roller control assembly, a first movable cam surface adjustment assembly and a drive assembly. The sorting apparatus is configured, through adjustment of the sorting surface by the roller control assembly, to separate small particles and articles, such as fruit berries, based on the relative size thereof.
US09120129B2 Vibrating screen modules
The present invention is a circular screen panel for a vibratory screen separator including a plurality of pie shaped screen modules assembled together to form a circular screen panel. Each screen panel includes a module frame which includes two radial arms and a curved portion, the radial arms connected together at one end and connected to the curved portion at the other end. Each of the radial arms includes a horizontal and vertical position, the horizontal portion for receiving the screen thereon. The vertical portion includes a channel for receiving a portion of a gasket such that abutting surfaces of the vertical portion of the L shaped member of adjacent screen modules make contact in an assembled position.
US09120128B2 Screen module, processing apparatus and processing plant for mineral material
A screen module for mineral material includes support structures such as cross beams or longitudinal beams for fixing the screen module to a body of a mineral material processing apparatus, and for fixing an upper screening means above the support structures, and lower longitudinal supports which are fixed below the support structures for supporting a lower screening means below the lower longitudinal supports. A processing apparatus and a processing plant.
US09120127B2 Ultrasonic transducer structure, ultrasonic transducer, and method of manufacturing ultrasonic transducer
An ultrasonic transducer structure, an ultrasonic transducer, and a method of manufacturing the ultrasonic transducer are provided. The ultrasonic transducer structure includes a driving wafer that includes a driving circuit; and an ultrasonic transducer wafer that is disposed on the driving wafer and includes a first wafer in which a via-hole is formed, a first insulating layer formed on the first wafer, a second wafer spaced apart from the first insulating layer, and a cavity formed between the first insulating layer and the second wafer.
US09120126B2 Electro-acoustic transducer and method of manufacturing the same
Electro-acoustic transducers and methods of manufacturing the electro-acoustic transducer are provided. An electro-acoustic transducer includes: a first wafer including a first substrate in which a plurality of electro-acoustic transducer cells are formed; and a second wafer disposed in a lower portion of the first wafer, and including a second substrate in which a plurality of through wafer vias are formed. A method of manufacturing an electro-acoustic transducer includes: forming a plurality of electro-acoustic transducer cells in a first substrate of a first wafer; forming a plurality of through wafer vias in a second substrate of a second wafer; and bonding the first and second wafers to each other.
US09120122B2 Roll coatings sol-gel precursors
A roll coater with a recirculation loop is disclosed. Waste coating material form the roll coater is treated in an agitator unit containing, for example, one or more ultrasonic transducers, and optionally a filtration unit and/or temperature control unit to produce reconditioned coating solution, such as a reconditioned sol-gel precursor solution. Also disclosed is preventative maintenance module comprising a cleaning unit that is designed to engage and clean the applicator and/or metering rolls in a roll coater.
US09120121B2 Liquid composite compositions using non-volatile liquids and nanoparticles and uses thereof
A solvent composition comprising an organic solvent; dispersed nanoparticles; and a non-volatile electrolyte is provided. A method of forming a liquid composite composition is provided.
US09120119B2 Redox processes for contact lens modification
Medical devices having a wettable, biocompatible surface are described herein. Processes for producing such devices are also described.
US09120117B2 Polylactide/silicon-containing block copolymers for nanolithography
A diblock copolymer system that self-assembles at very low molecular weights to form very small features is described. One polymer in the block copolymer contains silicon, and the other polymer is a polylactide. The block copolymer may be synthesized by a combination of anionic and ring opening polymerization reactions. This block copolymer may form nanoporous materials that can be used as etch masks in lithographic patterning.
US09120116B2 Dispenser and method of dispensing and controlling with a flow meter
A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.
US09120115B2 Dispensing systems and methods for monitoring actuation signals for diagnostics
A dispensing system includes a hot melt unit delivering heated adhesive through a hose to at least one dispenser gun, which is actuated by an outside source of gun actuation. Rather than directly connecting the source of gun actuation to the dispenser gun, the source of gun actuation is connected to the hot melt unit and then to the dispenser gun. For example, the gun actuation signals may be terminated at a terminal block in the hot melt unit, which enables the hot melt unit to monitor the gun actuation signals. The dispensing system is operable to perform various diagnostics pertaining to the dispenser gun and the system as a whole based on these monitored gun actuation signals.
US09120114B2 Deposition apparatus
A deposition apparatus includes a substrate supporting pin that is fixed to a supporting plate through an autoalignment control unit to prevent the substrate supporting pin from being broken when loading or unloading a substrate, thereby preventing damaging the substrate and also preventing decreased yield that may result due to the breakage of the substrate supporting pin.
US09120113B2 Surface treating apparatus
A tank body 100 includes a liquid receiving part 2 for receiving processing solution Q applied to a plate-like work 10 and a liquid retaining part 4 for retaining liquids to be applied to the plate-like work 10 and a liquid outflowing part 6 for causing a flow of the processing solution Q which is spilled out of the liquid retaining part 4 and traveled down toward the plate-like work 10, wherein a tip 6a of the liquid outflowing part 6 is projected from a connecting part 5 connecting to the liquid retaining part 4 (or the liquid receiving part 2).
US09120112B2 Metered liquid dispensing bottle
A fluid dispensing container is provided having a telescoping reservoir where compressing the reservoir drives fluid from the container and through a tube, where it empties into another reservoir. The other reservoir is moveable where the opening at the top of the tube can be moved relative to the bottom of the other reservoir. When the compression is removed, fluid is pulled back down through the tube and stops when the fluid level in the other reservoir reaches the top of the tube.
US09120110B2 Liquid spray dispenser suction tube deflector
Systems, methods, and apparatus for deflecting an angle of a flexible suction tube of a spray dispenser (or bottle). In particular, an insert can be located between a cap and a neck of the spray dispenser to deflect, at an angle, the flexible suction tube makes as it descends into a body of the spray dispenser. The angle can be such that the flexible suction tube is directed toward an off-center portion of the bottom of the spray dispenser or to a bottom corner or rim of the spray dispenser. As such, the spray dispenser, as modified by the insert, can siphon the last remnants of liquid in the dispenser, which are often not accessible via traditional spray dispensers (e.g., when used in a tilted fashion) where the flexible suction tube is directed toward a bottom center of the dispenser.
US09120103B2 Chipping or grinding device and method of manufacturing the same
A grinding or chipping device and a method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. A chipping or grinding device generally includes a base having a plurality of U-shaped, I-shaped, or C-shaped metal plates and/or beams, an engine on the base, the engine transmitting drive power to a blade plate at a back portion of the base, and a cover over the blade plate. The chipping or grinding machine advantageously provides improved operation by minimizing and/or eliminating chipped or ground pieces and/or material from becoming stuck or jammed in the device.
US09120102B2 Method and system for reusing material and/or products by pulsed power
A method for reusing material by pulsed power, according to which a series of electrical discharges are generated between at least two electrodes in a reactor receiving an ambient liquid as well as the materials to be reused. The series of said electrical discharges produce, as a result of the energy, the frequency of the electrical discharges, the voltage between the electrodes and the switching time, a mechanical shockwave which propagates over the materials to be processed in the reactor. The ambient liquid is cooled by a continuous or carousel cooling system, to enable the production of nanoparticles.
US09120099B2 Shredder for producing particles from a sheet material
A shredder for producing particles from a sheet material is disclosed herein. The shredder can have a longitudinal cutting device with a first cutting roller and a second cutting roller. A transverse cutting device can be positioned after the longitudinal cutting device. The first cutting roller and the second cutting roller can each have special profiles.
US09120095B2 Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating a component of a fluid
A system for separating and concentrating a component of a whole material is disclosed. The whole material can include a material that has more than one component, such as whole blood that can include at least red blood cells, monocytes, and plasma. The system can include a substantially single container including a separation section and a concentration section wherein a component can be moved from the separation section, after a separation, to the concentration section to be concentrated. The concentrated component can then be withdrawn from the separation and concentration container for a selected procedure.
US09120093B2 Hybrid anion exchanger impregnated with hydrated zirconium oxide for selective removal of contaminating ligand and methods of manufacture and use thereof
Polymeric anion exchanger are used as host materials in which sub-micron sized hydrated Zr(IV) oxides (HZrO) particles are irreversibly dispersed within the ion exchange medium, such as beads or fibers. The HZrO can be impregnated into the pore structure of resin by mixing the parent anion exchange resin with zirconium solution prepared by pre-calcined zirconium oxide dissolved in concentrated mixture of alcohol and acid, and then followed by precipitation of HZrO particles within the resin by using alkaline solution. Since the anion exchangers have positively charged such as quaternary ammonium functional groups, anionic ligands such as arsenate, fluoride can transport in and out of the gel phase without subjected to the Donnan exclusion effect. Consequently, anion exchanger-supported HZrO submicron particles exhibit significantly greater capacity to remove arsenic and fluoride in comparison with parent anon exchange resins. Known cation exchange resins as support materials do not offer high arsenic or fluoride removal capacity.
US09120092B1 Regeneration of an acidic catalyst by silane addition
A method of regenerating an acidic catalyst is described. A silane compound is contacted with an acidic catalyst that contains conjunct polymer, which releases the conjunct polymer from the acidic catalyst. The acidic catalyst can then be re-activated with acid. The conjunct polymer can be separated from the silane compound, and the silane compound can be recycled.
US09120091B2 Nanoparticle positioning technique
Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a method for disposing nanoparticles on a substrate. In one embodiment, a substrate having a plurality of recesses is provided. In this embodiment, a plurality of nanoparticles is also provided. The nanoparticles include a catalyst material coupled to one or more ligands, and these nanoparticles are disposed within respective recesses of the substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate is processed to form nanostructures, such as nanotubes or nanowires, within the recesses. Devices and systems having such nanostructures are also disclosed.
US09120090B2 Modified zeolite catalyst
A modified zeolite catalyst derived from a zeolite of a structural type which consists of a one-dimensional micropore structure of channels made from rings containing between 8 and 12 silicon/aluminum atoms is disclosed. It consists substantially of a plurality of crystallites having additional mesoporosity whose volume is in the range 0.09 to 0.25 cc/g as mentioned by nitrogen adsorption at 77° K and calculated by the BJH method. The mesoporosity may be introduced into the crystallites by e.g. treatment with aqueous sodium hydroxide at a pH at 25° C. in excess of 8 for an extended period at elevated temperature. The catalyst shows improved resistance to catalyst deactivation and greater selectivity to higher hydrocarbons when used to e.g. oligomerize light alkenes e.g. propene or the butenes.
US09120089B2 Catalyst support used for olefin polymerization and preparing method and application thereof
An inorganic/organic composite support includes an inert inorganic material, a complex compound composed of a polylol and a magnesium halide, and an organic polymer containing a polar functional group. Said complex compound loaded with the organic polymer is deposited on the inert inorganic material. When the inorganic/organic composite support used as a polyolefin catalyst carrier is applied to ethene or propylene polymerization, the fusion-flow ratio of the obtained polymerisate is remarkably increased and its processing performance is improved. When the catalyst is applied to ethene polymerization, the fusion-flow ratio of the polymerisate can be adjusted by changing the content of hydrogen. When the catalyst is applied to ethene or propylene polymerization, the catalyst activity is high.
US09120088B2 Heavily doped metal oxides and methods for making the same
A method of making a doped metal oxide includes heating a first doped metal oxide by rapid thermal annealing, to form a second doped metal oxide. The crystal structure of the second doped metal oxide is different from the crystal structure of the first doped metal oxide. The method may provide a doped titanium oxide, where the atomic ratio of dopant nonmetal to titanium is from 2% to 20%, and at least 10% of the doped titanium oxide is in the rutile phase. The method also can provide a doped tin oxide, where the atomic ratio of dopant nonmetal to tin is from 2% to 20%, and at least 50% of 900 the doped tin oxide is in the rutile phase.
US09120086B2 Copper Chromite hydrogenation catalysts for production of fatty alcohols
Provided are hydrogenation catalysts for processing esters into fatty alcohols. More particularly, the catalysts are for vapor-phase hydrogenation of methyl esters to fatty alcohols under fixed-bed conditions, where conditions are typically in a temperature range of 200 to 250° C. and a pressure range of 30 to 50 bar. Methods of making and using the same are also provided. These catalysts comprise a copper chromite, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal component, and an inorganic matrix component, which are processed together to form the catalyst. The alkali metal component can comprise sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs), or combinations thereof. The alkaline earth metal can comprise magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), or combinations thereof.
US09120083B2 Porous inorganic/organic hybrid particles having high organic content and enhanced pore geometry for chromatographic separations
Novel particles and materials for chromatographic separations, processes for preparation and separations devices containing the chromatographic particles and materials are provided by the instant invention. In particular, the invention provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 0 molar % to not more than about 49 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered. The invention also provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 25 molar % to not more than about 50 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered and wherein the particle has a chromatographically enhancing pore geometry (CEPG). Methods for producing the hybrid particles, separations devices comprising the hybrid particles and kits are also provided.
US09120076B2 Additives for transmission oils
The subject of the disclosure concerns microcapsules including a core containing one or more alkali metal borates, optionally hydrated, dispersed in one or more lubricating base oils of mineral, synthetic or natural origin, and a polymer shell. Another subject of the disclosure is a lubricating oil including microcapsules. A further subject of the disclosure is the use of microcapsules according to the disclosure as anti-wear and/or extreme pressure additive for lubricant compositions. A further subject of the disclosure is a method for preparing microcapsules by interface polymerization.
US09120075B2 UV assisted polymer modification and in situ exhaust cleaning
Apparatus for the removal of exhaust gases are provided herein. In some embodiments, an exhaust apparatus may include a housing defining an inner volume, an inlet and an outlet formed in the housing to facilitate flow of an exhaust gas through the inner volume, wherein the inlet is configured to be coupled to an exhaust outlet of a semiconductor process chamber to receive the exhaust gas therefrom, and wherein the exhaust gas can flow through the inner volume substantially free from obstruction, an ultraviolet light source to provide ultraviolet energy to the exhaust gas present the inner volume during use, wherein the ultraviolet light source provides sufficient energy to at least partially decompose the exhaust gas, and a conduit coupled to the outlet and configured allow at least some ultraviolet energy provided from the ultraviolet light source to travel directly along an axial length of the conduit.
US09120074B2 Laminate paper treated with inorganic pigments having improved dispersability
The disclosure provides a laminate paper comprising a treated inorganic core particle, in particular treated titanium dioxide (TiO2) particle, having improved dispersability, prepared by a process comprising: (a) heating a slurry comprising porous silica treated inorganic core particle and water at a temperature of at least about 90° C.; and (b) adding a soluble alumina source to the slurry from step (a) while maintaining the pH at about 8.0 to 9.5 to form an alumina treatment on the porous silica treated inorganic core particle; wherein the treated inorganic core particle does not comprise dense silica or alumina treatments, and has silica present in the amount of about 7% to about 14% and alumina present in the amount of about 4.0% to about 8.0%; and wherein the particle to particle surface treatments are substantially homogeneous.
US09120073B2 Distributed dielectric barrier discharge reactor
A plasma reactor consisting of a plurality of elements placed between two or more plasma generating electrodes is presented. Said elements consisting of surfaces, conducting, and/or dielectric which allow for the dielectric isolation of the electrodes from each other and creating a plurality of dielectrically isolated spaces for plasma generation. This plasma reactor achieves a high surface area, with low capacitance allowing simplified construction and is suitable for high frequency operation.
US09120069B2 Process and reactor system for the preparation of an olefinic product
A process and a reactor system for the preparation of an olefinic product by reacting an oxygenate feedstock in the presence of an oxygenate conversion catalyst within a reactor system under oxygenate-to-olefin conversion conditions, to obtain the olefinic product, wherein the reactor system has a contact surface coming in contact with oxygenates and wherein at least part of the contact surface is an material of the formula MX wherein: M is a metal and X is C, or M is a metal or Si and X is N.
US09120068B2 Isothermal chemical reactor with plate heat exchanger
A chemical isothermal reactor (1) with internal plate heat exchanger (10) having heat-exchange radial plates (11), and radial ducts (14, 15) parallel to sides (13i, 13s) of the plates (11) for distributing and collecting a heat exchange fluid, said radial ducts having a portion with a smaller cross section near the inner converging ends (14c, 15c).
US09120064B2 Distributor tray for offshore gas/liquid contact column
The invention is a distributor tray for a column (1) for heat and/or material exchange between a gas (G) and a liquid (L), comprising at least one means providing passage of the gas through the tray (2). The means has at least one chimney (4), defining on the surface of the tray (2) compartments (8) of substantially identical surface areas. Each compartment comprises at least one means (5) allowing passage of the liquid through the tray (2). The invention also has application to a gas/liquid contact column, a gas treatment unit, a CO2 capture unit, a distillation unit, an offshore floating barge comprising such a distributor tray and a method of manufacturing the tray.
US09120062B2 High performance positively charged composite membranes and their use in nanofiltration processes
The present invention is directed to positively charged nanofiltration (NF) membranes comprising a substrate layer (S) based on a sulfonated polymer and a positively charged film layer (F) on top of said substrate, and to a method for their preparation. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to nanofiltration processes making use of said composite membrane.
US09120057B2 Method for operating exhaust gas purification systems
The invention relates to a method for purifying exhaust gas in vehicles with internal combustion engines. The method is characterized in that exhaust gas coming from the engine (1) is then led past the catalyst(s) (4) near the engine when the engine of the vehicle is not performing positive work.
US09120056B2 Catalyst assembly for treating engine exhaust
According to one aspect of the present invention, a catalyst assembly is provided for treating an exhaust from an engine. In one embodiment, the catalyst assembly includes a first catalyst material catalytically active at a first temperature and loaded at a first catalyst material loading, the first catalyst material including a first base metal loading, and a second catalyst material catalytically active at a second temperature lower than the first temperature and loaded at a second catalyst material loading, the second catalyst material including a second base metal loading, wherein the second base metal loading is higher than the first base metal loading.
US09120048B2 Adsorber with horizontal axial bed and clearing system of packing
Installation for treating a fluid comprising, in a section of a horizontal shell ring (1) a first particulate material filling a volume (V2), a deflector comprising 2 volumes V3 delimited by the internal shell of the shell ring and on the other hand by lower surfaces S3a and S3b making with a horizontal plane an angle (α) greater than the angle of repose of the first particulate material, a volume (V4) formed of a membrane backing up against the two volumes (V3) of the deflector over the entire length of the section of the shell ring, and of a second particulate material with which the volume (V2) is filled; the second particulate material being contained in the space formed by the membrane and the internal shell of the shell ring, the volumes V3 and V4 being situated in the upper half of the cross section of the horizontal shell ring.
US09120047B2 Air filter arrangement; assembly; and, methods
An air filter media construction or arrangement is disclosed. The air filter media construction or arrangement includes strips of media comprising corrugated sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. Blocked stacked arrangements and slanted stacked arrangements are shown. Such stacked media is provided with molded end pieces to secure and seal opposite side edges of the media strips. Also described are serviceable filter cartridges and air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US09120046B2 Filter media and filter device comprised thereof
This disclosure describes examples of a filter media for use in filter devices, e.g., pulse filter cartridges found in power generating systems. Embodiments of the filter media include a base media and a membrane, which partially covers one or both sides of the base media. In one embodiment, the membrane covers a membrane area of at least one side of the base media, wherein the membrane area is less than a total area of the side on which the membrane is disposed.
US09120040B2 Anti-fouling materials based on poly(β-peptoid)s
Poly(β-peptoid)s selected from the group consisting of poly(N-methyl-β-alanine)s (PMeA) and poly(N-ethyl-β-alanine)s (PEtA) and polyl(methyl-β-alanine-co-ethyl-β-alanine) copolymers (P(MeA-co-EtA) are found to be good anti-fouling materials in that they resist protein adsorption. A process for protecting a surface of an object from protein adsorption comprises the steps of binding such poly(β-peptoid)s to the surface. A medical implant is coated with such poly(β-peptoid)s. A medical drug delivery device is coated with such poly(β-peptoid)s. A filtration device has pores coated with such poly(β-peptoid)s, and an object placed in freshwater or saltwater and having a surface in contact with the freshwater or saltwater has that surface coated with such poly(β-peptoid)s.
US09120037B2 Stackable planar adsorptive devices
Adsorptive bed devices include a scaffold in housing having a stress absorbing rigid structure and open cells filled with adsorptive beads. The scaffold restricts movement of the plurality of adsorptive beads, absorbs compressive stress induced by a hydraulic pressure gradient along a direction of liquid flow and transfers a portion of the induced compressive stress to the housing. In one embodiment the adsorptive bed in packed into a chromatography column, and in another embodiment the adsorptive bed is sealed in a monolithic block.
US09120035B2 Defoamer formulations comprising organopolysiloxanes
A mixture of unique organopolysiloxane, filler, and additional components are effective defoamers and may be used neat, or in the form of a powder or emulsion.
US09120034B1 Self-adjusting gravity separator and a method of using
A method of and a device for separating oil from water, or a lighter fluid floating on a heavier fluid or denser fluid. The device includes floating arms in V-shape formation that gather the fluids into a collecting channel which device thickens the layer of the lighter fluid to separate the lighter fluid using a drain where a self-adjusting float sits above the heavier fluid and below the lighter fluid. The lighter fluid is gravity discharged through a conduit into container to be later pumped out from the container or directly pumped from the drain.
US09120032B2 Microchip, microchip device, and evaporation operation method using the microchip
Provided is a microchip capable of integrating liquid evaporation as an operation on the microchip. In the microchip 10 having a gas flow path 13 inside, liquid is dispersed by capillary action and pooled in a pool portion 12 at a bottom of the gas flow path 13, and at least a part of the liquid pooled in the pool portion 12 is evaporated. As the capillary action is used, the liquid can be dispersed and pooled in the pool portion 12 at the bottom of the gas flow path 13 inside the microchip 10. Besides, the liquid pooled in the pool portion 12 remains in the pool portion by a surface tension even if gas is made to flow in the gas flow path 13 or the gas flow path is evacuated for evaporation. This enables highly efficient evaporation inside the microchip 10.
US09120031B2 Compositions of particulate coformulation
Embodiments of the invention provide a composition of a particulate coformulation which includes particles containing an active substance and an additive, wherein each particle contains a relative additive concentration increasing radially outwards from a particle center to a particle surface along a finite gradient. In one example, the particle surface is an additive-rich surface without a distinct physical boundary between the particle center and the particle surface. The relative additive concentration may have a continuous rate of change across the finite gradient. In some examples, an active substance: additive ratio of the particle surface is sufficiently low to form a protective surface layer around the active substance. Generally, the particle surface is free of the active substance.
US09120029B2 Building elements for building three-dimensional structures, and methods for assembling the building elements
This invention describes a set of building elements comprising a uniting plate (1) and a base plate (19). The uniting plate (1) comprises two plates (3) defined in a single plane, said two plates (3) are connected in a connection line (9), and a slot (5) is placed at said connection line; said slot (5) may engage with a slot on another uniting plate (1) to obtain uniting plates with their plates (3) in different planes. The base plate (19) being substantially planar having three parallel plates, which is placed in two planes, where the first (117) and third plate (119) is placed in one plane, are arranged on either side of the second plate (121), which is placed in the second plane, and where the two parallel planes define a space between the two planes to obtain one of the plates (3) of the uniting plate (1). The base plate (19) comprises locking means for interacting with one of the plates (3) of the uniting plate (1); said locking means comprises at least two parts, where the at least two parts are at the first and third plate, respectively and where one of the plates (3) of the uniting plate (1) can be placed between the two planes. The set of building elements may be used in areas like toys, furniture and decorative arts to obtain three-dimensional structures.
US09120027B2 Toy controller for providing input to a computing device
A toy for providing input to a computing device includes a main body sized and shaped to fit within a grasp of a user of the toy. The toy also includes input switches mounted to the main body. Each of the input switches can switch between a first position and a second position responsive to an action performed on the input switch. The toy also includes a removable outer covering that is configured to substantially encapsulate the main body. A top surface of the covering includes openings sized and shaped to receive a portion of each of the input switches. The toy includes a programmable processing circuit enclosed within the main body. The circuit includes input ports coupled to the input switches. The circuit includes an output port coupled to a communications port to transmit output signals and programmable processing circuitry configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes.
US09120024B2 Water based amusement structure
A water based amusement structure includes: a ring shaped base; a dome like structure fixed on the ring shaped base, wherein the ring shaped base and dome like structure define an amusement area; a plurality of water carrying lines, wherein each water carrying line includes at least one opening for providing a splashing path; a plurality of lighting means for illuminating the amusement area; a plurality of at least one of the following: disco lights, beam lights, strip lights, laser beam lights, disco floor, ceiling lights, mounted fountains, entrance fog effect water jets, and sprinklers; a music system fixed inside the amusement area; a support structure having a base and an elongated portion fixed on the base, wherein the ring shaped base rests on the elongated structure; at least one ladder like structure; and a temperature control system with a fan provided in different locations for a cyclonic effect.
US09120023B1 Human flying apparatus
The lever, wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, screw, and inclined plane are the six Simple Machines of the Classical era. Over 2000 years ago a man from Syracuse used them to create a way to move water against the pull of gravity. The Archimedes' screw is still a standard for simple efficiency. In homage to those early machines and the dreamers who built them, the Human Flying Apparatus provides a carriage, wheels and an axle, a harness, and a braking and steering system and, in specific embodiments, thrusters, all suspended from a single rail, which allows a human being to soar in simulated flight that is safe, sustained, and suitable for all skill levels.“For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you long to return.” -Leonardo Da Vinci
US09120018B2 System and method for self-evident multiuser content
Systems and methods are provided to implement a technique for generating interactive events in a simulation, such as creating encounters in an online computer game. In one implementation, encounters are created based on the players and the environment and allow for interaction that is different for different players. Players can select encounters for interaction and choose how to handle the encounter. Encounters may have one or more objectives for participating players to resolve. The objectives for the same encounter may be different for different characters depending on the characteristics of the player characters. If multiple player characters interact with the same encounter, they may each be presented with different objectives, some or all of which may be competing. In addition, the objectives for an encounter may change depending on how other objectives are resolved.
US09120016B2 Interactive guitar game designed for learning to play the guitar
An interactive game designed for learning to play a guitar. A guitar may be connected to a computer or other platform, capable of loading music and displaying notes and chords and other feedback and visual learning aids on a display screen, allowing a user to read music and play along. The goal of the software or interactive game engine is for players to learn how to play a guitar. Users may operate the game in a number of modes with different goals, playing mini-games throughout the levels of the game. The game provides feedback and statistics to help users learn how to play the guitar.
US09120015B2 Portable electronic device
An electronic device (1) has hold parts (1R, 1L) constituting respective right and left side parts of the electronic device 1 and being available to be held by a user. Operating sticks (3R, 3L) are provided on the respective hold parts (1R, 1L). A rear touch panel (21) is provided on the rear surface of the electronic device (1). The rear touch panel (21) is provided in at least an area located further upward than a positions P opposite from the operation sticks (3R, 3L). This layout of the rear touch panel (21) allows a user to smoothly operate the rear touch panel (21) while holding the hold parts of the electronic device.
US09120013B1 System and method of interactive advertising using a game of chance
The present invention relates generally to interactive advertising and more specifically to computer games allowing advertisers to market their products, prize giveaways, coupons and the like using a game of chance in an interactive manner. To play the game, a gamer may use for example a mobile device's image capturing means for scanning at least one coded advertising image within a coded frame for which an interactive game application animates a dynamic array of game frames and randomly selects a game frame from the dynamic array for display. The randomly selected game frame may comprise of multimedia content for vouchers, prizes, giveaways, that may be redeemed for cash or other prizes.
US09120010B2 Touchscreen game allowing simultaneous movement of multiple rows and/or columns
An electronic game playable in an amusement device having a display with a touchscreen configured to receive a plurality of touch inputs simultaneously includes a playing area having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns which form a grid having a plurality of gaming spaces and game objects disposed within each gaming space. The player is permitted to select and move a plurality of game objects each in different rows or columns simultaneously. A match is achieved when a predefined number of game objects having a same first identifier selected from a predetermined set of first identifiers are in adjacent gaming spaces within a row or column.
US09120005B2 Device for limiting rotation of a wheel
A device for limiting rotation of a wheel, such as a wheel on a skateboard, comprising a physical stop secured against one wheel of the skateboard. Multiple physical locks may be used, each secured against single wheel. The physical stop may comprise a block of resilient material placed in a semi-compressed state into the gap between the skateboard deck and the wheel such that the block exerts pressure on the wheel sufficient to prevent the wheel from freely rotating. Alternately, the physical stop may comprise a holder at least partially surrounding the wheel and at least one protrusion from the holder adjacent a rolling surface of the wheel, where the protrusion is capable of functioning as a chock and substantially preventing the wheel from rolling against a surface.
US09120002B2 Front unit of a sliding board binding and sliding board binding
The present invention provides a front unit (100; 200) of a sliding board binding, comprising: a holding device which is set up so as to engage a sliding board boot (20) and to hold it on the sliding board binding (10) pivotably about a transverse axis extending transverse to a sliding board longitudinal axis, the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable between a closed position, in which the holding device is raised in a configuration ready for operation so as to hold a sliding board boot (20) pivotably engaged, and an open position, in which the holding device releases the sliding board boot (20), the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable into a passive position, which is different from the open position and the closed position and in which the holding device is adjusted towards the sliding board (12) into a flat configuration.
US09120001B2 Swiftly-assembling collapsible goal and swiftly-assembling collapsible portable frame
A swiftly-assembling collapsible goal and a portable frame are provided. The goal includes a plurality of poles engaged together to form a frame of the goal. Engaged poles are associated with each other with a hinge disposed at a corner region therebetween. One of two engaged poles is provided with a tenon protruding from a first end thereof and the other pole of the two engaged poles is provided with a mortise slot at a second end of the other pole facing toward the first end. The tenon defines a wedge-shaped slot along an axis of the pole. An insert pin is engaged to the tenon with a wedge-shaped rib engaged in the wedge-shaped slot. The insert pin has two tabs laterally extending from two side surfaces thereof. The pole with mortise slot defines two slits in two sidewalls which define the mortise slot, for respectively receiving the two ribs therein. The tenon and the insert pin are received in the mortise slot.
US09120000B2 Catching apparatus and method
A catching apparatus has a bent steel frame and a mesh work mounted to the frame. The catching apparatus has an upper portion that defines the target or gathering zone, and a lower portion that defines a pouch or sling into which objects caught in the upper portion collect. The apparatus has side openings permitting objects caught therein to be retrieved.
US09119994B2 Golf club
A club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6 and a grip 8. A club length L1 is 45 inches or greater and 48 inches or less. A ratio (Wh/Wc) of a head weight Wh to a club weight Wc is equal to or greater than 0.71. A moment of inertia Ix about an axis of a swing is equal to or less than 6.90×103 (kg·cm2). However, when the club weight is defined as Wc (kg); an axial-directional distance between a grip end and a center of gravity of the club is defined as Lc (cm); and a moment of inertia about the center of gravity of the club is defined as Ic (kg·cm2), the moment of inertia Ix (kg·cm2) is calculated by the following formula (1). Ix=Wcx(Lc+60)2+Ic  (1)
US09119988B2 Training machine providing adjustable handrail space
According to an embodiment of this invention, a treadmill is disclosed with a conveyor belt, two assistance devices, and at least a first control member. The two assistance devices are respectively arranged at a side of the conveyor belt with each assistance device comprising a handrail and two supporting bars, and each supporting bar couples to the handrail via a connecting assembly. The first control member is used to lock or release the connecting assembly, so as to adjust the distance between the two handles of the two assistance devices.
US09119986B2 Resistance training apparatus
A resistance training apparatus includes a resistance member, and a handle assembly arranged to reciprocate between proximal and distal positions against the resistance of the resistance member. The handle assembly includes a yoke. The yoke includes a first arm and an opposed second arm. The first arm has a first inner end and an opposed first outer end, and the second arm has a second inner end an opposed second outer end. A first handle is carried by the first end of the first arm, a second handle is carried by the second end of the second arm, and a third handle is connected between the first and second arms. The third handle extends between the first and second arms and is located between, on the one hand, the first and second handles and, on the other hand, the first and second inner ends of the first and second arms.
US09119980B2 Fire protected steel structure and removable panels for fire protection of steel structures
A fire protected steel structure with at least one fire protection panel covering the steel structure. The panel includes a perforated metal plate (14) and an inner expanding fire protecting layer (12) with a thickness (t1) on an inside of the perforated metal plate (14) and an outer expanding fire protecting layer (13) with a thickness (t2) on an outside of the perforated metal plate (14). The fire protecting layers extend through the perforated metal plate (14). Releasable mechanical fasteners for removable attachment of the at least one fire protection panel to the steel structure is provided. Furthermore, the invention concerns a panel for fire protection of a steel structure.
US09119978B1 Safety lowering device
A U-shaped frame supporting three bars of circular cross section movable along the arms of the rod, enlarged abutments on the free ends of the rod preventing removal of the bars, and the first bar being attached to a handle so that the bar may be moved up/down the arms by holding/releasing the handle.
US09119977B2 Oxygen breathing device with mass flow control
The present invention relates to an oxygen breathing device, in particular for providing oxygen to passengers or crew of an aircraft, the device comprising an oxygen source for providing pressurized oxygen, a valve connected to the oxygen source via a pressure line, a control unit for controlling said valve, and at least one nozzle for dispensing the oxygen passing through said valve. In particular, the present invention relates to an oxygen breathing device comprising a measuring unit for determining the mass flow rate of oxygen passing through said nozzle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for supplying oxygen to a person, in particular a flight passenger, using an oxygen breathing device.
US09119975B2 Respirator waist belt
A wearable belt for supporting a respiratory component is disclosed. The belt includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an interface portion that includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a rigid attachment element in contact with the inner layer and the outer layer. The rigid attachment element is configured to mate with a corresponding feature of a respiratory component.
US09119972B2 Compositions and method for thermal protection of hair
This invention details a method for providing thermal protection to human hair by applying an aerosolized polymer system to the hair before heat treatment. It has been found that acrylate polymers provide good protection from the damaging affects of curling irons and straightening irons and afford improvements in the look and feel of the treated hair.
US09119971B2 Automated external defibrillator configuration
Systems and techniques for configuring Automated External Defibrillators are described herein. In certain embodiments, a defibrillator may include a memory configured to store a protocol comprising multiple configurations. The defibrillator may also include a computing device configured to send, to a remote database that includes records associated with automated external defibrillator protocols, a request for available protocols for configuring the automated external defibrillator, receive information about one or more available protocols, send, to the remote database, a request to download a particular one of the available protocols, receive from the remote database, configuration information to automatically configure the automated external defibrillator based on the selected protocol, store the received protocol in the memory, and/or configure the automated external defibrillator to operate according to the protocol stored in the memory.
US09119967B2 Systems and methods for reducing electromagnetic field-induced heating from an implantable pulse generator
An implantable control module for an implantable electrical stimulation system includes a housing with at least a portion of the exterior forming a metallic structure and at least a portion of the interior defining a sealed compartment. The control module further includes an electronic subassembly disposed in the sealed compartment; a connector assembly coupled to the housing and defining a port for receiving a lead; connector contacts disposed in the port to electrically couple with terminals of the lead; feedthrough interconnects extending from the connector assembly into the sealed compartment and coupling the connector contacts to the electronic subassembly; and a coil disposed within or on the housing and configured and arranged to be shorted when an external electromagnetic field is applied in order to resist generation of an eddy current in the metallic structure of the exterior of the sealed housing in response to the external electromagnetic field.
US09119961B2 Hadron treatment planning with adequate biological weighting
Treatment planning methods are provided that determine the variability of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) along a beam line and calculate, among other things, what intensity of hadron beam such as a proton or a carbon ion beam should be applied to achieve a desired biological dose at treatment site of a patient afflicted with a medical condition. Typically, three or four RBE values at three or four corresponding spacially-dispersed intervals along the beam line are calculated. In one embodiment, two RBE values for the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) region of the treatment site; one for the proximal section and one for the declining distal section is calculated. A third and different RBE value may be determined for the distal edge region of the SOBP. A fourth value may also be calculated for a pre-SOBP region.
US09119959B2 Tine fixation components for implantable medical devices
A tine portion for an implantable medical device includes a hook segment and a distal segment terminated by a tissue-piercing tip, wherein the distal segment extends from the hook segment to the tip. The hook segment, which is elastically deformable from a pre-set curvature, has one of: a round cross-section and an elliptical cross-section, while the distal segment has a flattened, or approximately rectangular cross-section. One or a pair of the tine portions may be integrally formed, with a base portion, from a superelastic wire, wherein the base portion is configured to fixedly attach to the device, for example, being captured between insulative members of a fixation subassembly.
US09119955B2 System and method for focusing of high intensity focused ultrasound based on magnetic resonance—acoustic radiation force imaging feedback
A system and method for focusing ultrasound into a target tissue is disclosed. The method calculates a pressure field for an array of transducer elements to generate an unaberrated pressure field matrix and causes the transducer elements to apply focused ultrasound to generate a respective aberrated pressure field at a focus location in a target tissue and surrounding volume. MR-ARFI images are acquired of the focus location and surrounding volume, a magnitude of the aberrated pressure field is measured that is generated by the applied focused ultrasound at respective focus locations in the target tissue and surrounding volume based on the MR-ARFI images, an aberration for the transducer elements is determined from the pressure field matrix and the MR-ARFI images of the focus location and the surrounding volume using a magnitude least-squares method, and a corrective phase/amplitude adjustment is applied to the transducer elements based on the determined aberrations.
US09119954B2 Ultrasound device for treatment of a tumor in a region of intervertebral disc tissue
An ultrasound device and method for the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue for remediation of back pain. An applicator comprises a catheter and/or needle with a distal tip including one or more ultrasound transducer crystals. The crystals produce high-powered ultrasound energy that is transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. The resulting temperature elevation of the disc tissue shrinks the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue, and/or destroying small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and can provide increased structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
US09119947B2 Cluster-type fluid-conducting pipe connecting device
A cluster-type fluid-conducting pipe connecting device includes a base section; a retaining ring fitted to a front of the base section and turnable from a closed position to an open position; the retaining ring and the base section being correspondingly provided at a front end with fixing slots and connection slots, respectively, and a sideward locating slot being formed at a rear end of each fixing slot; a reset structure enabling the retaining ring to automatically return from the open position to the closed position; and a connector having a forward pipe engaging section for fluid-conducting pipes to connect thereto, and a rearward plug section for inserting into the base section and externally provided with stubs that slide into the connection and fixing slots while the retaining ring is in the open position and are locked in the locating slots while the retaining ring is in the closed position.
US09119942B1 Guidewire manipulation device
A guidewire manipulation device includes a housing sized to be supported by a hand of a user, the housing having a distal end and a proximal end; a rotation member rotationally disposed within the housing; a locking assembly coupled to the rotation member, the locking assembly configured to selectively transfer rotational movement of the rotation member to rotational movement of a guidewire; a handle coupled to the housing and configured to be operable by the hand of the user; and a drive system coupled to the handle, the drive system configured to apply alternating clockwise motion and counter-clockwise motion to the guidewire by causing the rotation member to rotate.
US09119941B2 Method and apparatus for manipulating a surgical guidewire
A method and apparatus for manipulating a surgical guidewire. The apparatus comprises a chuck for selectively coupling motive force to a surgical guidewire and an actuator, coupled to the chuck, for imparting an axial motive force to the chuck. Embodiments of the invention further comprise a method of using the apparatus.
US09119940B2 Slitter with adjustable shroud
A slitter for slitting a guide catheter has a handle and a blade assembly coupled to the handle. The blade assembly includes a shroud for receiving an elongated body of a medical device and a slitting blade having an exposed cutting edge to slit the guide catheter. The blade assembly includes a user-deflectable portion coupled to the shroud for causing the shroud to flex in response to deflection of the user-deflectable portion. The handle and the blade assembly may be assembled from piece parts in a manufacturing method.
US09119937B2 Puncturable catheter
A catheter provided with a guidewire catheter lumen having a thin covering that is easily punctured by a guidewire at virtually any desired point along the catheter length. The thin covering may be integral with the catheter shaft, or may be a separate component that covers only the portion of the catheter shaft immediately adjacent the outer portion of the guidewire lumen, or may be a thin tubular construct that surrounds the entire catheter shaft. The covering is preferably relatively translucent, allowing for good visualization of the location of the end of the guidewire to enable puncturing of the covering at the desired location along the length of the catheter shaft. The covering is also preferably tear resistant at puncture sites. The catheter shaft is preferably made of a material having a color that provides good visibility against an operating field, and more preferably is phosphorescent either entirely or in part. Materials suitable for the catheter shaft are polymeric materials well known in the art; the catheter shaft may optionally be provided with metallic stiffening components such as wires or hypotubes along all or part of the catheter length.
US09119933B2 Respiratory system
A modular respiratory system to which different parts can be added in a convenient way enabling such upgraded respiratory system to deliver the most comfortable respiratory conditions at an acceptable cost of ownership.
US09119927B1 Apparatus and method for intubating humans and non-human animals
The present invention provides an apparatus and a corresponding method for intubating a human or non-human animal patient. In some embodiments, the present invention is used in the field of anesthesia and emergency medicine. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an intubation tube that includes an integrated Blaine Bafflex System having a plurality of blaines for sealing the trachea, wherein the intubation tube is formed from a single material. In some embodiments, the shape and outer circumference of each blaine of the system is selected according to the desired use of the intubation tube (e.g., for intubating a pediatric patient or an adult patient or for intubating a small animal or a large animal). In some embodiments, the distance between successive blaines is selected such that, when the intubation tube is inserted into the patient and the blaines bend, none of the blaines overlap with their nearest neighbor.
US09119926B2 Subglottic suctioning system
A subglottic suctioning system with a tracheal tube having a ventilation lumen, a cuff inflation lumen, and a suction lumen are disclosed which may help reduce the incidence of ventilator associated (or acquired) pneumonia. The suction lumen communicates with the space in the trachea above the cuff where secretions accumulate. The suction lumen has a valve on the proximal end for connection to a source of vacuum. The valve is adapted to interrupt the supply of vacuum to the suction lumen to allow for the introduction of a rinsing fluid in its place and to automatically re-establish the connection to the source of vacuum upon completion of rinsing. The rinsing fluid aids in maintaining an open suction lumen and may include medicaments and mucolytic agents to enhance or promote healing or to alter the properties of the mucus to make removal easier. The user may easily and repeatedly alternate suction and rinsing fluid through the suction lumen, i.e., the user may “pulse” the line to loosen, break up and remove secretions and deposits that may partially or completely block or clog the suction lumen.
US09119922B2 Apparatus and method for identifying a tubing system for an extracorporeal blood treatment device
The invention relates to an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a device for detecting a tubing system to be placed in the blood treatment apparatus and a method for detecting a tubing system to be placed in an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. The tubing system is detected on the basis of the dependency of the flow rate Q, at which the fluid is delivered by at least one pump of the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus in a tubing section of the tubing system, on the speed n at which the at least one pump is operated, and on the inner diameter d of the tube of the tubing section. Because the dependency of the flow rate on the pump speed and the tube cross section is known, a conclusion can be drawn as to whether a particular tubing system has been placed in the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus.
US09119918B2 Probablistic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling
The subject matter disclosed herein provides a response to a dose of a substance and/or controls the administration of the dose. In one aspect, there is provided a system. The system may include a processor and at least one memory configured to provide a response determinator. The response determinator may receive therapeutic and wellness data. Moreover, the response determinator may determine a response based on the received therapeutic and wellness data. The response may represent a reaction to a substance integrated with an ingestible event marker. The determined response may be provided to, for example, a therapy controller. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.
US09119917B2 Systems and methods to address air, leaks and occlusions in an insulin pump system
A system and method for adjusting insulin infusion volume based on air in an infusion set tube includes inputting at least one location and length of an air bubble along the infusion set tube. An air bubble volume is determined in the infusion set tube. An insulin infusion volume is determined based on a desired insulin infusion. A determination is then made whether the desired insulin infusion would include the air bubble volume based on the inputted location and length of the air bubble. The air bubble volume is added to the insulin infusion volume to make an adjusted insulin infusion volume if the insulin infusion volume includes the air bubble.
US09119910B2 Holographic occlusion detection system for infusion pumps
A holographic occlusion detection system has a holographic label placed onto a sensing portion of a pressure sensor connected to infusion tubing. The sensor at the sensing portion can have a relatively thin wall section and may be wider and flatter than a normal cross section of the tubing. The label is then illuminated by a polychromatic light source, and the light reflected off the holographic label is then received by a photodetector. Pressure changes within the tubing cause a change in orientation of the holographic label, thereby resulting in a shift in the peak wavelength of the light sensed by the photodetector. This wavelength shift can then be calibrated to the swelling of the sensing portion so that pressure within the line can be calculated. In another variation, monochromatic light is reflected off a holographic label, and pressure changes are detected by measuring the amplitude of the reflected light.
US09119909B1 IV holder
An IV holder includes a base for supporting the IV holder on a floor. A first end of a post extends from the base and a distal second end area of the post has an IV bag hook. The IV bag hook is positioned substantially over a center of gravity of the IV holder when the base is positioned on the floor. The post has an offset area so that the post doesn't interfere with an IV bag suspended from the IV bag hook.
US09119908B2 Synchronization control system
The various embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for controlling the operation of a pulsatile heart assist device in a patient. The systems and methods include utilizing sounds and electrical signals produced by the heart to control the operation of the heart assist device.
US09119906B2 In-vivo biodegradable medical implant
In-vivo biodegradable medical implants, containing at least in part at least partially fine-grained metallic materials that are strong, tough, stiff and lightweight, are disclosed The in-vivo biodegradable implants are used in a number of stent applications, for fracture fixation, sutures and the like. The in-vivo biodegradable medical implants enable the reduction of implant size and weight and consequently result in reducing the release of implant degradation products into the body.
US09119902B2 Semi-crystalline absorbable microspheres
The present invention is directed to absorbable microspheres comprising a copolymer formed from greater than 88 to about 99 mole percent ε-caprolactone or p-dioxanone, and about 1 to less than 12 mole percent of a different second monomer selected from the group consisting of glycolide, p-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate and the lactides and combinations thereof, said microspheres having a particle size ranging from about 5 to 2,000 microns. Also described herein are a method for making such microspheres and formulations comprising such absorbable microspheres.
US09119898B2 Medical implant including a 3D mesh of oxidized cellulose and a collagen sponge
The present invention relates to A bioresorbable implant comprising: a bioresorbable porous layer including a biopolymer foam and defining first pores, a bioresorbable porous three-dimensional mesh made from a microbial cellulose and defining second pores, wherein the bioresorbable porous layer is disposed in the bioresorbable porous three-dimensional mesh. The invention also relates to a method of making a bioresorbable implant.
US09119897B2 Dry powder fibrin sealant
A fibrin sealant comprises a mixture of first microparticles that comprise fibrinogen, second microparticles that comprise thrombin, and additive material. The additive material may be particulate, and may be, for instance, a biocompatible, water-absorbent, material, a biocompatible, water-swellable material, a biocompatible, water-insoluble material, a polysaccharide or silica.
US09119893B2 Method and apparatus for securing an object to bone, including the provision and use of a novel suture assembly for securing an object to bone
A suture assembly comprising: a first suture having a generally O-shaped configuration comprising a first arm, a second arm, a first bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, and a second bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, the first bridge opposing the second bridge so that the first suture comprises a closed loop; a second suture comprising a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm; the first arm of the second suture being wrapped around the first arm of the first suture in a first direction, and the second arm of the second suture being wrapped around the second arm of the first suture in a second, opposite direction; the suture assembly being capable of assuming (i) a longitudinally-extended, radially-contracted first configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded second configuration.
US09119889B2 Compact system for sterilization by bombardment of electrons
System for sterilization of objects (B) by electron bombardment comprising a chamber (2) provided with an inlet (4) and an outlet (6) through which objects (B) are input and output, said system between the inlet (4) and the outlet (6) comprising a treatment zone (II), a routing zone (I) upstream from the treatment zone (II) and an evacuation zone (III) downstream from the treatment zone (II), and means of conveying objects (B) from the inlet (4) to the outlet (6), the treatment zone (II) comprising at least one electron accelerator and a conveyor (9), the routing zone (I) and the evacuation zone (III) each including at least one radiation shielding wall (16) protecting against ionizing radiation and means allowing objects (B) to pass over the radiation shielding wall (16) passing over the top of said radiation shielding wall (16).
US09119886B2 Immunoconjugates for the treatment of tumours
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a conjugate of a cytokine and a tumor targeting moiety (TTM) and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the cytokine is present in an amount which does not induce a negative feedback mechanism.
US09119881B2 Method of synergistically enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and safety of medication through a combination therapy
The present invention provides combinations, for treatment of subjects suffering from or at high risk of developing diseases and disorders involving expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR). The combinations include abscisic acid and one other bioactive agent, which together provide synergistic effects toward treatment or blocking of development of the disease or disorder. In exemplary embodiments, a combination of abscisic acid and a thiazolidinedione (TZD) is provided for increased insulin sensitivity and improved (i.e., reduced) obesity-induced inflammation.
US09119876B1 Epinephrine formulations
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising epinephrine, methods of administration, and methods of making the same. Compositions may comprise at least one of an active agent, a pH raising agent, an antioxidant, a transition metal complexing agent, a pH lowering agent, a tonicity regulating agent, optionally a preservative, and optionally a solvent.
US09119872B2 Garlic formulation and a process for preparing the same for treatment of diabetes
The present invention relates to a garlic formulation enriched with sulphur containing amino acids and a process for enriching sulphur containing amino acids in garlic. The sulphur containing amino acids includes S-allylcysteine, S-methylcysteine, and S-allylmercaptocysteine. The percentage of enriched garlic concentrate after processing is in the range of 7.5-9.5%. The garlic formulation is useful in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and prevention of tissue and organ damage that occurs frequently in diabetic patients.
US09119868B2 Therapeutic methods
The present invention features a method for the treatment of Hepatitis C in a human in need thereof comprising administering a compound of Formulas (II) or (IIB) described herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with one or more alternative Hepatitis C therapeutic agents.
US09119866B2 Glycan-based drugs, therapies and biomarkers
The present disclosure discloses simple and efficient glycan- or carbohydrate-based processes or methods for the rapid identification of biological markers and therapeutic targets especially glycan-related targets of infectious diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflammation, toxicity, obesity and/or other disorders of humans, animals, plants and other organisms. Therefore, novel methods and products for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such diseases obtainable based on these therapeutic targets can be developed.
US09119863B2 Viscous budesonide for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Provided herein are methods for preventing or alleviating the symptoms of and inflammation associated with inflammatory diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, those involving the esophagus. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions useful for the methods of the present invention.
US09119858B2 Compositions and methods for treating or preventing anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity
The invention features methods and compositions feature lapatinib and/or rapamycin for treating or preventing a cardiac condition induced by anthracycline treatment.
US09119857B2 Small molecule activators of HsIV protease for development of novel antimicrobials
HslVU is the proteasome-related system composed of HslV peptidase and HslU chaperone. It is involved in intracellular proteolysis. The presence of HslVU homologs in pathogenic microbes and its absence in human makes it an antimicrobial drug target. The functional HslVU complex forms when HslV dodecamer is flanked at both ends by HslU hexamers. In the HslVU complex, intercalation of C-termini residues of HslU subunits into the clefts between adjacent HslV subunits results in allosteric activation of HslV. We identified small molecules capable of activating HslV peptidase in the absence of its natural activator HslU. Quinazoline and chromone derivatives were suggested by ligand docking to bind at the HslU C-termini intercalation pockets in the HslV. This was confirmed by HslV activation assays with these compounds that gave ED50 in sub-micromolar range. The results showed that small, extracellular non-peptidic molecules can activate the HslV peptidase which in turn would initiate intracellular proteolysis.
US09119854B2 Methods for treating cancer using combination therapy
Provided herein are methods for treating or preventing a cancer, comprising administering an effective amount of a substituted quinazolinone compound and an effective amount of N-(3-(5-fluoro-2-(4-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylamino)pyrimidin-4-ylamino)phenyl)acrylamide to a patient having a cancer.
US09119844B2 Use of quaternary pyridinium salts as vasoprotective agents
The invention relates to the use of quaternary pyridinium salts of formula (I), wherein R is NH2, CH3, or N(H)CH2OH group, and X is pharmaceutically acceptable counterion, for the preparation of vasoprotective agent for the treatment or prevention of conditions or diseases associated with dysfunction of vascular endothelium, oxidative stress, and/or insufficient production of endothelial prostacyclin PGI2, in particular but not exclusively if the above coincides with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia or low HDL level.
US09119841B2 Compositions and methods for preventing cardiac arrhythmia
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing cardiac arrhythmia in a subject.
US09119839B2 Cancer treatment
The present invention relates to methods of treating cancer, such as melanoma, by administering a CTLA4 antagonist to a subject with a serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) concentration that is less than or equal to some amount. The invention further relates to methods of treating cancer by determining the level of serum CRP concentration in a subject, and then administering a CTLA4 antagonist if the CRP concentration is less than or equal to a certain amount. The invention further relates to, among other things, the use of serum CRP concentration as a predictive factor for a subject's response to a cancer treatment.
US09119838B2 Non-digestible oligosaccharides for oral induction of tolerance against dietary proteins
Compositions and methods for providing infant nutrition with partially hydrolysed proteins and non-digestible oligosaccharides for use in induction of oral tolerance against native dietary proteins.
US09119835B2 Methods and compositions for the sustained release of chromium
Provided herein are compositions for the administration of chromium that include at least two components: a hydrophilic chromium complex and a lipophilic chromium complex, and methods of using the same. Also provided are compositions for the administration of chromium that include a first “fast-acting” chromium complex and a second “slow-acting” chromium complex, wherein the first chromium complex is absorbed more quickly than the slow-acting chromium complex, and methods of using the same. Also provided herein are methods for treating, preventing, and improving conditions associated with cardiometabolic syndrome, by identifying a subject in need of treatment, prevention, or improvement of a condition associated with cardiometabolic syndrome, and providing a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a fast-acting chromium complex and a slow-acting chromium complex, to the individual.
US09119834B2 Non-pathogenic serotype 4 fowl adenovirus (fadv-4) and viral vector thereof
A high level replication fowl adenovirus (FAdV) isolate capable of reaching a viral titer of at least 3 log 10 is described. Said FAdV is a non-pathogenic strain of fowl adenovirus serotype 4, identified as FAdV-4 ON1. Additionally, the present disclosure also provides a viral vector comprising the fowl adenovirus, which has inserted an exogenous nucleotide sequence coding for at least one antigenic site of a disease of concern, as well as a method for obtaining said viral vector and an immunogenic composition comprising the same.
US09119828B2 Antibodies with simultaneous subsite specificities to protein and lipid epitopes
Antibodies and method of making antibodies, either monoclonal or polyclonal wherein said antibodies have dual or multi-specific binding capacity to more than one type of antigenic epitope. The antibodies have simultaneous or independent recognition subsites to each of the epitopes. Antigenic epitopes include lipids, peptides, proteins, amino acid sequences, sugars and carbohydrates. Monoclonal antibodies and a method of making monoclonal antibodies of the invention include monoclonal antibodies that are broadly neutralizing to HIV-1 or other envelop viruses wherein the monoclonal antibody has subsites that simultaneously recognize protein and lipid epitopes from the virus.
US09119826B2 Omega 3 fatty acid for use as a prescription medical food and omega 3 fatty acid diagniostic assay for the dietary management of cardiovascular patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who are deficient in blood EPA and DHA levels
The present invention provides a kit for the dietary management of cardiovascular patients with cardiovascular disease who are deficient in blood Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels, the kit including a diagnostic assay for determining blood levels of EPA, DHA and Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and a pharmaceutical grade prescription medical food omega-3 fatty acid formulation containing about 90% or more omega 3 fatty acids by weight including a combination of EPA, DPA and DHA in a weight ratio of EPA:DHA of from 5.7 to 6.3, wherein the sum of the EPA, DHA and DPA are about 82% by weight of the total formulation and about 92% of the total omega 3 fatty acid content of the composition. The kit may further contain instructions for use of its components.
US09119823B2 Nitrite formulations and their use as nitric oxide prodrugs
Compositions comprising from about 40 weight parts to about 1000 weight parts of a botanical nitrate source; from about 20 weight parts to about 500 weight parts of a botanical source of nitrite reduction activity; and from about 4 weight parts to about 100 weight parts of a nitrite salt. Use of said composition in methods of reducing triglycerides or reducing C-reactive protein levels are also provided.
US09119818B2 Use of angiogenin or angiogenin agonists for treating diseases and disorders
The invention provides a method of treating a disorder characterized by elevated or dysregulated myostatin, disorders where the interaction between follistatin and angiogenin can be used to improve function in tissues, neurological diseases or disorders, spinal injuries or diseases, bone diseases or disorders, diseases involving glucose homeostasis, wound healing, neuroprotection, nervous system functional support or managing metabolic diseases, the method comprising administering an effective amount of angiogenin or an angiogenin agonist. Compositions and neutraceuticals comprising angiogenin are also provided.
US09119813B2 Vaccine against RSV
Provided is a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), comprising a recombinant human adenovirus of serotype that comprises nucleic acid encoding a RSV F protein or immunologically active part thereof.
US09119812B2 Influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants
Polypeptides, polynucleotides, reassortant viruses, immunogenic compositions and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants and method using thereof are provided.
US09119810B2 Compositions and vaccines against influenza A and influenza B infections
Novel models of interactions of the Nonstructural Protein of influenza A and influenza B viruses (NS1A and NS1B, respectively) with dsRNA are presented. On the basis of the models, novel recombinant viruses and vaccines against influenza A and influenza B viruses are provided.
US09119806B2 Culturing circular ssDNA viruses for the production of vaccines
The present invention relates to the use of interferon in the in vitro cultivation of animal circular ssDNA virus such as Porcine Circovirus 2 or human TT virus in an animal cell line. Increased titres of animal circular ssDNA virus are obtained by addition of interferons or agents which ensure the production of endogenous interferons by said cell line and/or by the reduction of endosomal-lysosomal system acidification.
US09119805B2 Therapy and prevention of problem drinking
The present invention provides methods for the therapy and prevention of problem drinking in alcohol-dependent and non-dependent subjects and those at risk of developing problem drinking behavior, and compositions of matter comprising oxytocin or an analog or derivative thereof or an agonist or partial agonist of an oxytocin receptor that are useful in preventing or treating problem drinking.
US09119803B2 Carious tooth vaccine and preparation method
The present invention provides a vaccine composition for dental caries caused by S. mutans infection, where the vaccine composition comprises an antigen derived from a surface protein PAc of S. mutans and an adjuvant derived from flagellin. The present invention further provides methods for preparing the vaccine composition. The present invention also provides methods for preventing or curing dental caries caused by S. mutans by administrating to a subject the vaccine composition.
US09119802B2 E. coli LpfA antigen for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases
The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The disclosure includes administration of an effective amount of an E. coli LpfA antigen to enhance the immune system to prevent infections that cause, e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases, bovine mastitis and metritis. The disclosure also includes methods for diagnosing microbial infection and conditions associated with microbial infection by detecting an E. coli LpfA polypeptide or nucleic acid.
US09119801B2 Cancer vaccine composition
A cancer vaccine composition for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0206-positive persons, comprising a protein product of the tumor suppressor gene WT1 or a partial peptide thereof.
US09119798B2 Combination of a light ray with a cytochrome C oxidase substrate particularly for improving the appearance of the skin and/or hair
The invention relates to the combination of a light ray with a cytochrome C oxidase substrate for improving the appearance of the skin and/or the hair.
US09119795B2 Tooth-bleaching preparations
The present invention relates to a tooth bleaching preparation comprising an adduct formulated from starting materials comprising peroxide, urea and an alkali metal polyphosphate, the adduct being provided in the preparation in aqueous conditions and the preparation having a pH in aqueous solution which rises on dilution of the solution.
US09119793B1 Gastroretentive dosage forms for doxycycline
The present disclosure relates to dosage forms, e.g., swell, float and bioadhesive, and methods that enhance the absorption of doxycycline in the gastrointestinal tract. The oral dosage forms control the spatial and temporal delivery of doxycycline in the gastrointestinal tract. This controlled spatial and temporal delivery provides a site and rate of release, respectively, of the doxycycline into the gastrointestinal tract that enhances the amount of the doxycycline absorbed into the bloodstream.
US09119791B2 Modified release preparations containing oxcarbazepine and derivatives thereof
Controlled-release preparations of oxcarbazepine and derivatives thereof for once-a-day administration are disclosed. The inventive compositions comprise solubility- and/or release enhancing agents to provide tailored drug release profiles, preferably sigmoidal release profiles. Methods of treatment comprising the inventive compositions are also disclosed.
US09119789B2 Stable aqueous G-CSF formulations
The invention relates to stable glutamate-buffered G-CSF formulations having a pH of from 3.5 to 4.8. The invention further concerns lyophilisates and powders obtainable from such formulations, and to pharmaceutical kits containing such lyophilisates and powders.
US09119786B2 Crystalline N-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-N-methyl-2-[4-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]acetamide mono mesylate monohydrate having a specific particle size distribution range and a specific surface area range for use in pharmaceutical formulations
The present invention relates to the crystalline mono mesylate monohydrate salt of N-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-N-methyl-2-[4-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]acetamide in a definite particle size range, particle size distribution and a specific surface area range, which has demonstrated increased long term stability and release kinetics from pharmaceutical compositions, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions containing said crystalline N-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-N-methyl-2-[4-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]acetamide mono mesylate monohydrate having the afore-mentioned particle size range, particle size distribution and specific surface area range. Moreover, the present invention relates to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vivo profiles of the resultant free base of N-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-N-methyl-2-[4-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]-acetamide after administration of the afore-mentioned crystalline N-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-N-methyl-2-[4-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]-acetamide mono mesylate monohydrate salt to a subject in need thereof.
US09119783B2 Method of treating pulmonary disorders with liposomal amikacin formulations
Disclosed herein are methods of treating pulmonary disorders comprising administering to the patient an effective dose of a nebulized liposomal amikacin formulation for at least one treatment cycle, wherein: the treatment cycle comprises an administration period of 15 to 75 days, followed by an off period of 15 to 75 days; and the effective dose comprises 100 to 2500 mg of amikacin daily during the administration period.
US09119782B2 Drug delivery means
The invention broadly comprises a chemical composition including a plurality of cholesteryl esters arranged to form a vesicle. In several embodiments, all of the plurality of cholesteryl esters have a same molecular length, which in some embodiments provides a vesicle having a generally smooth outer surface, while in other embodiments, a portion of the plurality of cholesteryl esters have different molecular lengths, which in some embodiments provides a vesicle having a generally irregular outer surface. In yet further embodiments, a shape of the vesicle is selected from the group consisting of spherical, oval, disc-like, tubular and polyhedral shapes, and in yet other embodiments, a wall of the vesicle is selected from the group consisting of a monolayer and a bilayer. In still further embodiments, the chemical composition further includes a polyethylene glycol coat of mixed polymer size. In some embodiments, the plurality of cholesteryl esters include at least two different cholesteryl esters, and in some of these embodiments, the at least two different cholesteryl esters are selected from the group consisting of: cholesteryl myristate, cholesteryl laurate, cholesteryl dodeconate, cholesteryl palmitate, cholesteryl arachidonate, cholesteryl behenate, cholesteryl linoleate, cholesteryl linolenate, cholesteryl oleate and cholesteryl stearate.
US09119775B2 Use of pilocarpine for hypoptyalism treatment
A method of treating hypoptyalism in a subject is provided. The method includes administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition that includes pilocarpine and a bioadhesive polymer. The composition dissolves sublingually in the mouth of the subject and adheres to mucous tissues in the buccopharyngeal cavity. The pilocarpine then dissolves and binds to muscarine receptors present in cells of the subject's salivary glands, endobuccal submucous glands and submaxillary glands, is then absorbed by the cells thereby stimulating the glands to produce saliva.
US09119767B2 Manual CPR or CCC continuous chest compression assist device
The invention is a manual CPR or CCC continuous chest compression assist device for use on a person suffering cardiac arrest. The assist device has a compressible body structure and an audible signal element, visual signal assembly or both. The audio signal element is interposed in the body structure to announce or generate an audible sound or “click” at a predetermined deflection of the compressible portions. The visual signal assembly is interposed in the body structure to announce or generate a visible light at a predetermined deflection of the compressible portions. The activation of the visual or audio signal corresponds to a predetermined deflection of the compressible portions pressing against the breastbone and alerts the person administering to initiate decompressing to relax the body structure for the next compression, upon relaxation the device decompresses and a second audible or visual signal or both indicates a reset of the device.
US09119761B2 Methods and system for performing remote ischemic preconditioning
A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration.
US09119760B2 Compression device in combination with lower limb protection
The present invention relates to a support for a body part including a compression device in combination with a lower leg protection system. The compression device can be integral with the outer support at a position received over the lower leg. One or more valves can extend from a compression bladder for attachment to a pneumatic device. Inflation of the compression bladder positioner adjacent the lower leg also displaces air in the outer support toward the foot which causes simultaneous massaging of the foot. The pneumatic device can be adjusted to provide either sequential or intermittent therapies.
US09119759B2 System for performing remote ischemic preconditioning
A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration.
US09119755B2 Low profile rolling support assembly
Disclosed is a low profile rolling support assembly useful for supporting loads above a supporting surface where at least one end of the rolling support assembly is positionable beneath a structure having minimal clearance above the supporting surface. The rolling support assembly includes a load bearing member and a caster assembly containing a wheel where the load bearing member extends laterally away from the caster assembly at substantially the same height or less as the caster assembly.
US09119744B2 Hand-held ear vacuum with camera and video display
An ear speculum that includes a body having an ear-contacting tip with an opening; a light providing member; a viewing member; and a vacuum intake port, wherein the members and intake port are provided within the ear speculum with the vacuum intake port occupying a larger portion of the of the cross-sectional area of the ear speculum opening than the light providing or viewing members to facilitate removal of material from an ear canal. Also, an otoscope that includes a head; an ear speculum as described herein in operative association with the head; an image detector in image communication with the viewing member; a suction source in vacuum communication with the vacuum intake port; and a light source in illumination communication with the light providing member. Also, a system and method for removing material or debris from an ear canal using the otoscope described herein.
US09119738B2 Method and apparatus for the endoluminal delivery of intravascular devices
A dual-balloon delivery catheter system includes a carrier segment that is a lead/carrier balloon or mandrel at a distal portion of a catheter. The carrier segment is sequentially arrayed with a more proximally positioned delivery segment, wherein the delivery segment is a delivery balloon or mandrel. The first carrier segment expands the stent-valve a sufficient amount to receive the delivery segment after the carrier segment is moved away from the sent-valve. The delivery segment is then positioned at the target site and the stent-valve is then deployed.
US09119737B2 Twisting bifurcation delivery system
A catheter system comprises a catheter having an elongate catheter shaft such that a portion of the catheter shaft proximal a stent retaining region defines at least one bend that is bent around the longitudinal axis of a vessel. The catheter also has a side branch guidewire housing, defining a side branch guidewire lumen, and a side branch guidewire that extends through the side branch guidewire lumen.
US09119736B2 Hollow drug-filled stent and method of forming hollow drug-filled stent
A stent is formed from a wire that in cross-section includes an outer member having a lumen and a radiopaque core member partially filling the lumen. A substance for elution through openings formed through the outer member fills the portion of the lumen not filled by the radiopaque core member. In a method of forming the stent, a composite wire including an outer member and a dual core member is shaped into a stent pattern. The dual core member includes a first core member and a second, radiopaque core member. The shaped composite wire is processed to remove the first core member from the outer member without adversely affecting the outer member and the second core member. The portion of the lumen that was occupied by the first core member may be filled with a substance for elution through openings from through the outer member to the lumen.
US09119732B2 Method and implant system for sacroiliac joint fixation and fusion
An improved method of implanting a bone graft in a joint and tools for accomplishing the same is disclosed. The present invention relates generally to tools and methods useful for treating a sacroiliac joint. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method including the steps of: creating a first incision in the patient's skin proximal to the patient's sacroiliac joint; creating an incision in the patient's skin over the patient's ilium; inserting a first working channel into said first incision and spreading said sacroiliac joint with an inserted end of said first working channel; inserting a second working channel into said second incision and forming a hole in said ilium; creating a void in said sacroiliac joint; inserting a graft into said void; and inserting a joint fusing device into said ilium and said sacrum.
US09119717B2 Retainers for transcatheter heart valve delivery systems
A delivery device for an implantable medical device having at least one retention member at an end thereof includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, an elongated sheath surrounding a longitudinal portion of the shaft, a compartment defined inside of the sheath and adapted to receive the medical device in an assembled condition, a retainer positioned at one end of the compartment, and at least one acceptance in the retainer adapted to receive the retention member of the medical device in the assembled condition. The sheath is slidable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction to uncover and deploy the medical device. The retainer may be rotatable relative to the shaft to reduce torsional forces in the medical device during delivery and deployment. The retainer may have at least one recess facing the compartment for receiving a strut at an end of a stent of the medical device.
US09119716B2 Delivery systems for prosthetic heart valve
Described herein are systems and methods from delivering prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, through the body and into the heart for implantation therein. The prosthetic devices delivered with the delivery systems disclosed herein are, for example, radially expandable from a radially compressed state mounted on the delivery system to a radially expanded state for implantation using an inflatable balloon of the delivery system. Exemplary delivery routes through the body and into the heart include transfemoral routes, transapical routes, and transaortic routes, among others.
US09119714B2 Shape memory polymer prosthetic medical device
A prosthetic medical device is formed by the combination of a biological tissue a shape memory polymer structure. The biological tissue provides an in-situ physiological function of the device. The shape memory polymer provides a capability for minimizing the device profile during insertion and then deploying after placement into a memory shape that achieves suitable mechanical structure and stability within an anatomical lumen or cavity. This configuration may be applied to form various prosthetic devices including aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves in the heart; venous valves; anti-reflux valves for the lower esophageal sphincter; and other biological valve structures. Alternatively, an entirely non-biologic implementation using only shape memory polymer-based structures may be used as a prosthetic valve device.
US09119712B2 Medical devices, systems, and kits for the medialization of a vocal cord
Medical devices, systems, methods, and kits for the medialization of a vocal cord are described. An embodiment of a medical device comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate body extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The elongate body defines a thread extending from the proximal portion and the distal portion.
US09119708B2 Devices to dilate nasal airways for various applications involving: activities using goggles with a helmet or goggles alone; swimming with goggles, without or with a swim cap; sleep; sleep with a CPAP mask; and for physical activities
Medical devices are disclosed as providing nasal airway dilation in subjects in need thereof whose nasal airways are partially or completely blocked, such as for sleep; with CPAP masks; for exercise; wearing goggles alone or with helmets; and for swimming. In an aspect, the devices with a group of application provide nasal dilation to overcome obstruction caused by nasal valve dysfunction. Methods of employing the same to dilate nasal airways are further disclosed.
US09119706B2 Intravascular filter and method
A filter disposed at the distal end of an elongate guidewire. Catheters are provided for delivering the filter to, and retrieving the filter from, a treatment site. The catheters can be over-the-wire or single operator exchange. The catheters include a housing for receiving the filter therein. The housing has an atraumatic distal end.
US09119702B2 Steerable laser probe
A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, a flexible tube, an optic fiber, and a wire having a pre-formed curve. The flexible tube may be disposed within the housing tube wherein a distal end of the flexible tube projects out from a distal end of the housing tube. The optic fiber may be disposed within an inner bore of the handle, the housing tube, and the flexible tube. The wire may be disposed within the housing tube.
US09119700B2 Graphical user interface system and method for representing and controlling surgical parameters
Graphical user interface system and method for displaying and controlling a surgical device, such as a device used in phacoemulsfication procedures. A graphical user interface is displayed on a display screen and includes one or more representations of operating parameters, such as aspiration rate, vacuum, and power that are used to control the surgical device. A parameter is adjusted by moving a portion of a representation from a first location on the display screen to a second location on the display screen to change the operating parameter and control the surgical device.
US09119698B2 Wall prosthesis that can be implanted in the center of a wound to reinforce abdominal wall closure
The invention relates to a prosthesis that can be implanted in the center of wall wound scarring. The inventive prosthesis, which is intended for use in abdominal surgery, is provided with a geometric shape in the form of sheets that converge in dihedral angles. The sheets or planes are made from a synthetic biotolerated material in porous form with large pores. One of the planes is inserted into the center of the scarring between the two aponeurotic surfaces to be joined. The other plane(s) of the prosthesis, which is perpendicular to the aforementioned plane, is arranged so as to overlap the aponeurotic edges of the edge of the section. The proliferation obtained around the prosthesis, in the scarring center and close thereto, provides stress resistance greater than that obtained in standard closures, thereby greatly reducing the risk of hernias caused by a badly healed wound.
US09119697B2 Device for sealing and drainage of a natural or artificial intestinal outlet
The invention relates to a device for sealing and draining an intestinal outlet, the device comprising an inflatable balloon of a generally toroidal structure, whose two ends extend one inside the other, creating a sealed-off volume inside the balloon, whereby the filling of the volume can be adjusted from outside and a draining lumen radially inside the inner layer of the balloon, the outer layer of the tube comprising a radially expanded intra-rectal device which is placed inside the rectum or the intestine of a patient during use, and comprising a trans-anal device which extends through the anus of the patient or his abdominal wall, and a stiffening sleeve element positioned inside the draining lumen of the device, keeping the lumen open and facilitating the uptake and passage of feces through the intra-rectal segment of the draining lumen.
US09119693B2 Dynamic bracket system
This invention is an adjustable orthodontic bracket system which allows brackets to be adjusted for the particular angulations required for each individual tooth of any patient, while continuously attached to the tooth surface. The orthodontist manually adjusts the relationship of the bracket component with the frame and bracket base during treatment eliminating the necessity of repositioning bracket components due to erroneous positioning. The bracket component is positioned such that it can move completely in all directions to achieve the proper angulation for tooth repositioning. The base of the bracket component and the interior surface of the bracket compartment are textured to provide friction and secure the components once positioned for proper tooth movement. The exterior of the bracket component is also textured to provide more secure attachment to the surface of the tooth. This system will lead to lower treatment cost and quicker adjustments of the orthodontic bracket system.
US09119690B2 Fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element
A fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element is disclosed, having a connecting device for connecting the handheld element to a fluid source so that a first impeller can be induced to rotate by a fluid stream to cause a tool to execute a driving motion, a fluid conducting device arranged between the connecting device and the first impeller for conveying a fluid stream away from or toward the first impeller, and a generator for generating electric power. The generator includes a second rotatable impeller that can be driven by at least a substream of the fluid stream conveyable in the first fluid conducting device. One result is more constant generation and output of power by the generator independent of the rotational speed of the first impeller, thereby insuring a more constant power supply to a power consuming device connected to the generator.
US09119688B2 Holding device for dental implant
A holding device for retaining and transporting a dental implant, particularly a dental implant stored in an ampule having preserving fluid, is provided. The holding device has a securing section, which has a force transmission element for rotationally securing the dental implant and an attachment element having one or more resilient arms formed integrally with and distally of the force transmission element, for longitudinally retaining the dental implant. The resilient arms do not extend beyond the radial perimeter of the force transmission element. The resilient arms can be transformed between a first operative configuration and a second compressed configuration under forces during operation, to allow a radially enlarged end of the arms to releasably engage an undercut of the dental implant.
US09119683B2 Interspinous implant with overlapping arms
Spinal implants and methods of inserting the implants into an interspinous space and into engagement with spinous processes. The implants may include first and second arms that are separately inserted into the patient. The arms may be attached together within the patient in an overlapping arrangement and pivotally connected at a joint. The arms may be moved about the joint with first ends of each of the arms on a first side of the joint contacting against opposing lateral sides of a first spinous process and second ends of each of the arms on a second side of the joint contacting against opposing lateral sides of a second spinous process. A securing member may contact against the arms and secure the orientation of the arms.
US09119679B2 Angled washer polyaxial connection for dynamic spine prosthesis
A dynamic spine prosthesis (such as a facet joint prosthesis having an articulation surface configured to articulate with a corresponding facet joint element) that has a fixation element with an elongated bone entry portion defining a longitudinal axis and a dynamic spine prosthesis component connected to the fixation element at a connection location by an adjustable connection. The adjustable connection has first and second washers each rotatably supported by the fixation element and each having an angled contact surface in a plane not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixation element, with the connection location being between the bone entry portion and the first and second washers.
US09119676B2 Bone screw fixation
Various methods and devices are provided for bone screw fixation. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide a bone fixation device that includes a receiving head having a recess adapted to seat a spinal rod therein and a shank extending distally from the receiving head. An anti-rotation mechanism can be located distal of a distal end of the receiving head and around a proximal portion of the shank, and it can be configured to interact with bone to prevent rotation of at least a portion of the bone fixation device relative to the bone.
US09119673B2 Spinal correction system with multi-stage locking mechanism
In a rod fixation system of the type used to treat various spinal conditions, the same fastener is used to lock both a polyaxial screw and a rod in position. A spinal correction device according to the invention, adapted for use with a rod and a polyaxial screw having a ball-shaped head and a threaded end, comprises a head-body and a cap. The head-body includes a lower internal cavity to receive the ball-shaped head of the screw, an upper bore to receive a fixation rod therethrough, and an upper end configured to receive the cap. The head-body and the cap are configured such that a first rotation of the cap locks the polyaxial screw in position, and a second rotation of the cap locks the rod in position. In the preferred embodiment, the head-body includes one or more gaps to facilitate flexion of the head-body as a rotational torque is placed on the cap. The gap or gaps may be horizontal, vertical or other angles relative to the axis of the entrapped rod.
US09119667B2 Device and method for attaching a tag to a tool
An identification device adapted to be attached to a tool comprising a holder formed as a curved stratum having a C-shaped cross-section, the stratum having at least one opening thereon, and the internal surface of the holder being micro-etched; an identification tag placed within the holder; and hardening material for fixing the identification tag within the holder.The identification device is created from a holder, shaped as a curved stratum having a C-shaped cross-section and at least one opening thereon, micro-etching the internal surface of the holder; and fixing an identification tag within the holder by a hardening material. Fixing the tag within the holder may comprise placing the holder within a container; filling the holder to about half the height with a hardening material; placing the identification tag within the holder; filling the holder with the hardening material; and hardening the hardening material.
US09119663B2 Hybrid cannula and methods for manufacturing the same
A hybrid cannula may comprise a rigid portion overmolded with a flexible portion. The rigid portion at its proximal end may comprise a rigid flange for preventing the proximal end of the hybrid cannula from being pushed through the portal. The flexible portion may comprise a dam within the passage of the hybrid cannula, the dam defining interior spaces thereof between the proximal and distal ends of the hybrid cannula. The flexible portion's distal end may comprise a variety of features extending therefrom, including a flange and/or a cannulated tip. The flexible portion's proximal end may further comprise a membrane to prevent liquid from projecting during insertion of a tool into the dam and/or removal of the tool from the dam. The hybrid cannula can be useful in minimally invasive surgical procedures, including arthroscopic and endoscopic surgeries.
US09119662B2 Material removal device and method of use
A catheter having a tubular body and a rotatable shaft disposed within a lumen of the tubular body. A cutting element is coupled to the rotatable shaft, the cutting element having a cutting edge, the cutting element and rotatable shaft being longitudinally moveable within the tubular body between a stored position in which the cutting element is positioned distal of a side opening and a cutting position in which the cutting element is contained within the lumen of the tubular body and longitudinally aligned with the side opening. The cutting element is configured to extend through the side opening and to cut material from the wall of a vessel at a treatment site as the catheter is pulled proximally through the treatment site. The catheter may optionally have a rotating distal tip with an abrasive surface. The catheter includes a collection chamber positioned proximally of the cutting window.
US09119661B2 Rotational atherectomy device with electric motor
An atherectomy device is disclosed, which is rotationally driven by an electric motor. In some designs, the device includes features unavailable on gas turbine-driven systems, such as the storing in memory of low/medium/high preset rotation speeds for particular models of handle, calculations of the amount of saline left in the IV and associated warnings when it gets sufficiently low, and automatic adjustment of the IV pump rate to a predetermined or calculated level when the rotational speed of the motor is changed. The electric motor has far more rotational inertia than a comparable gas turbine, so the system includes a control mechanism that helps prevent damage from excessive torque being applied to the distal end of the drive shaft. When an obstruction at the distal end is detected, by a drop in the motor rotational speed, the motor is released and is allowed to spin freely as a flywheel. The freely-spinning motor allows the large angular momentum of the system to dissipate rapidly and safely, without excessive torque to the drive shaft.
US09119657B2 Rotary actuatable closure arrangement for surgical end effector
A surgical instrument may include an end effector, an input drive shaft, a closure drive, and/or a firing drive. The end effector may comprise a jaw assembly including a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The end effector may comprise an I-beam member axially translated between a proximal position and a distal position within the end effector. In one embodiment, the input drive shaft may selectively engage the firing drive and/or the closure drive. In one configuration, the closure drive is threadedly engaged with the firing drive allowing the input drive shaft, during a firing stroke, to simultaneously move the closure drive and the firing drive until the closure drive is disengaged from the firing drive. On a reverse stroke, the closure drive may be reengaged with the firing drive.
US09119654B2 Stabilizer for robotic beating-heart surgery
Surgical methods and devices allow closed-chest surgery to be performed on a heart of a patient while the heart is beating. A region of the heart is stabilized by engaging a surface of the heart with a stabilizer without having to stop the heart. Motion of the target tissues is inhibited sufficiently to treat the target tissues with robotic surgical tools which move in response to inputs of a robotic system operator. A stabilizing surface of the stabilizer is coupled to a drive system to position the surface from outside the patient, preferably by actuators of the robotic servomechanism. Exemplary stabilizers includes a suture or other flexible tension member spanning between a pair of jointed bodies, allowing the member to occlude a coronary blood vessel and/or help stabilize the target region between the stabilizing surfaces.
US09119653B2 Robotic system for laparoscopic surgery
It comprises a supporting structure in which at least one arm is slidably attached. Each arm comprises first and second members hinged to each other. The first member is rotatably hinged to the supporting structure and it can be rotated about a longitudinal axis and the second member may receive a joint having at least two degrees of freedom for attaching a tool. The longitudinal axis of the first member is substantially perpendicular to an axis joining the first member and the second member to each other. A simplified architecture is obtained allowing for accurate and efficient spatial movement of the tool holding arm.
US09119648B2 System and method for treating tissue using an expandable antenna
An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending therethrough. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. One of the inner conductor and the outer conductor is movable relative to the other to cause at least a portion of the outer conductor to expand radially relative to the longitudinal axis.
US09119646B2 Subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of the joint
Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, while preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.
US09119645B2 Pedicle drill guide for spinal surgery
A Pedicle Drill Guide is a radiolucent device which allows preliminary positioning of a needle/trochar near the pedicle in the AP view and adjusting the final position of the lateral view without changing the initial position of the AP position. This guide allows simultaneous alignment of both AP and Lateral views for ultimate ideal or perfect pathway for the pedicle cannulization.
US09119642B2 Joint replacement spacers
Devices and methods are disclosed for joint replacement.
US09119639B2 Articulated cavity creator
Disclosed herein are devices for use through a cannula to create cavities within interior body regions. When deployed, the distal end of several such devices extend beyond the distal end of the catheter and can then be selectively curved into a shaped compression surface that, when articulated, creates a void within the interior body. This compression surface may then be withdrawn back into the cannula for removal and to make way for bone cement that, in certain instances, may be introduced through the same cannula.
US09119631B1 Dual-bladed surgical saw and methods of use
A dual-bladed surgical saw and methods of use are described. A preferred embodiment of the dual-bladed surgical saw include a saw body having a blade assembly attached thereto, the blade assembly being positioned about a rotational axis. A first blade is radially spaced about the rotational axis, extending outwardly from the blade assembly substantially parallel to the rotational axis, and terminating at a first cutting surface. A second blade is radially spaced about the rotational axis, extending outwardly from the blade assembly parallel to the rotational axis, and terminating at a second cutting surface. An oscillator mechanism is coupled to the first and second blades for simultaneously reciprocating the first and second blades. The first blade is independently rotatable relative to the second blade about the rotational axis for defining a predetermined cutting angle between the first blade and second blade.
US09119630B2 Surgical forceps
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame a disposable jaw housing and an elastomeric ring member. The disposable jaw housing is releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.
US09119629B2 Applicator instruments for dispensing surgical fasteners during open repair procedures
An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, a firing system disposed in the housing and being moveable in distal and proximal directions along a first axis, and an elongated shaft extending from the housing, the elongated shaft having a proximal section and a distal section that is oriented at an angle relative to the proximal section. A plurality of surgical fasteners are disposed in the elongated shaft. The applicator instrument has a handle that extends upwardly from the housing along a second axis that defines an acute angle with the first axis. A trigger is mounted on the handle, and a linkage couples the trigger with the handle and the firing system. When the trigger is squeezed, the linkage guides the trigger along a linear path of movement relative to the handle.
US09119627B2 Apparatus and methods for occluding a hollow anatomical structure
A method of occluding an appendage of the heart with a clamp including at least first and second elongate clamping portions, the first and second elongate clamping portions including tissue engaging surfaces that promote tissue ingrowth. The method includes implanting the clamp by positioning the first and second elongate clamping portions on opposite sides of the appendage. At least one of the first or second elongate clamping portions is biased toward the other of the first and second elongate clamping portions to place the clamp into a clamping position on the appendage. Tissue ingrowth into the tissue engaging surfaces retains the clamp in place on the appendage.
US09119623B2 Electrosurgical generator apparatus
An electrosurgical generator apparatus controls a variable output signal to electrodes. The generator apparatus operates in a cut mode, a coagulation mode or a stimulate mode. The generator apparatus comprises a DC power supply that provides regulated low voltage and high voltage outputs and a radio frequency (RF) waveform generator circuit that provides pulse duration modulation (PDM) of a carrier signal. The carrier signal directly affects the variable output signal to the electrodes. A control circuit controls a variable output signal to electrodes used in electrosurgical procedures. The control circuit comprises a DC power supply circuit that provides regulated low voltage and high voltage outputs and an RF waveform generator circuit that provides pulse duration modulation of a carrier signal. The carrier signal directly affects the variable output signal to the electrodes.
US09119622B2 Methods and apparatuses for reshaping the esophagus and other body lumens
Described are methods and systems for treating a patient to modify a body passage of the patient. The methods may involve removing tissue from a luminal surface of a body passage such as the esophagus or stomach, for the purpose of inducing a healing response that will result in a reshaping of the body passage.
US09119621B2 Stapler for mucosectomy
The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body (1) wherein an internal goblet-shaped body (2) is concentrically and slidingly located, at the edge of which a circular blade (3) is fixed. The internal goblet-shaped body (2) is provided with a central hole (5) wherein a rod (6) is slidingly inserted, at the end (7) of which an anvil (8; 8′) is fixed. One or more annular grooves (11), which are parallel and suitably spaced one from the other, are formed on the lateral surface of the rod (6) perpendicularly to the axis thereof. Said grooves (11) are intended to receive a portion of mucosa (9a) which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod (6). By retracting the rod (6) in the central hole (5) of the stem (2a) of the internal goblet-shaped body (2) the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal goblet-shaped body (2). The anvil (8; 8′) and the circular blade (3) are moved closer one to the other, by suitable means, in order to cut the tissues when the stapler is in a closed position.
US09119620B2 Elastic strip
The disclosed elastic strip includes an elastic substrate and an overlying carrier. The elastic strip allows for controlled stretch of the elastic substrate. After stretching and applying to skin, the elastic strip can pull portions of the adhered skin. Therefore, the elastic strip can be used as a wound closure or as a nasal dilator, for example.
US09119619B2 Treatment system and actuation method for treatment system
A treatment system includes a power source for heat generation which outputs power for heat generation, a grasping member having a heating element which applies the power for heat generation as thermal energy to a grasped living tissue and is disposed at a grasping surface, and a control section which repeats a first control mode of performing control such that the heating element reaches a first temperature and a second control mode of performing control such that the heating element becomes lower than the first temperature, and controls the power source for heat generation according to a temperature change parameter based on change in temperature of the heating element in the first control mode or the second control mode so as to end application of the thermal energy.
US09119617B2 Clamping devices for dispensing surgical fasteners into soft media
A clamping device for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a lower arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, and an upper arm pivotally connected with the lower arm. An actuator is coupled with the upper and lower arms for moving the distal ends of the arms toward one another for closing the clamping device. A surgical fastener dispenser is secured to the distal end of the lower arm. The dispenser includes a cartridge body having a top surface with a surgical fastener dispenser opening. A pad is pivotally connected to the distal end of the upper arm. When the clamping device is closed, a bottom surface of the pad applies a clamping force upon the top surface of the cartridge body for dispensing one of the surgical fasteners at an angle that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
US09119609B2 Rotating cell collection device
A medical device for collecting cells includes a rotatable drive wire having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an offset portion of the distal portion, and a head member attached to the offset portion. The drive wire is coupled to an axially translatable rack member via a rotation mechanism that converts axial translation of the rack member into rotation of the drive wire. The offset portion of the drive will rotate eccentrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive wire to increase the diameter of the rotation of the head portion. The head portion can contact an inner surface of the body cavity to collect cells, and the eccentric rotation of the head member can limit trauma experienced by the patient relative to traditional scraping of a cell collection brush.
US09119605B2 Synthetic polymer adhesives and methods for making, using and delivering the same
A synthetic polymer based adhesive formulation that has properties substantially simulating selected properties of fibrin glue, and methods of making and using the same. The adhesive formulation includes a discrete acid solution and discrete base solution that when combined form a synthetic polymer based adhesive that substantially simulates selected properties of fibrin glue. The discrete acid solution includes a polymer and a cross-linking agent precursor. The discrete base solution includes a polymer and a base.
US09119601B2 Modular taper assembly device
A kit for use in joint arthroplasty that includes a first component of a prosthesis, a second component of the prosthesis, and an assembly tool for assembling the first component to the second component. The tool includes a housing for contact with the first component and an internal component connected to the second component. The internal component includes an actuating device and an actuator rod. The actuating device has at least one scissor arm. The housing and the internal component are adapted to provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis. The internal component is adapted to provide relative motion of the internal component with respect to the housing when the at least one scissor arm is moved relative to the housing, the relative motion of the internal component with respect to the housing being utilized to effect the relative motion of the first component with respect to the second component to urge the second component into engagement with the first component.
US09119598B2 Methods and systems for determining physiological information using reference waveforms
A physiological monitoring system may process a physiological signal such a photoplethysmograph signal from a subject. The system may determine physiological information, such as a physiological rate, from the physiological signal. The system may use search techniques and qualification techniques to determine one or more initialization parameters. The initialization parameters may be used to calculate and qualify a physiological rate. The system may use signal conditioning to reduce noise in the physiological signal and to improve the determination of physiological information. The system may use qualification techniques to confirm determined physiological parameters. The system may also use autocorrelation techniques, cross-correlation techniques, fast start techniques, and/or reference waveforms when processing the physiological signal.
US09119597B2 Systems and methods for determining respiration information from a photoplethysmograph
A signal representing physiological information may include information related to respiration. A patient monitoring system may generate a plurality of autocorrelation sequences from the signal and combine the autocorrelation sequences to generate a combined autocorrelation sequence. The combined autocorrelation sequence may be analyzed to identify one or more peaks that may correspond to respiration information. Respiration information such as respiration rate may be determined based on the one or more peaks.
US09119596B2 Sensing vector selection in a cardiac stimulus device with postural assessment
Methods, implantable medical devices and systems configured to perform analysis of captured signals from implanted electrodes to identify cardiac arrhythmias. In an illustrative embodiment, signals captured from two or more sensing vectors are analyzed, where the signals are captured with a patient in at least first and second body positions. Analysis is performed to identify primary or default sensing vectors and/or templates for event detection.
US09119590B2 Method for thoracic vertebral bone density measurement by thoracic quantitative computed tomography
A technique for measuring thoracic vertebral bone density (BMD) and coronary calcium score (CCS). Representatively, BMD was measured and averaged at three consecutive thoracic spines (3T) starting from the left main coronary artery caudally and averaging the results of the measurements at the first, second and third spine regions to obtain a thoracic trabecular bone mineral density measurement. The “reference”, as the 3T BMD value of 30 year old and the piBMD (predicted individual BMD (piBMD) were developed. Based on the “reference”, and piBMD, T and Z score of 3T formula were derived in both genders. The new calibration phantom of TQCT and LQCT was designed. The ratios of CTHU/mg/cc were obtained with varying scanners, which were used to translate the CTHU to density units (mg/cc) in BMD and CCS mass measurement. A processor capable of quantitating both BMD and CCS burden was designed. In image without a calibration phantom, formulas were created to quantitate BMD with a high precision.
US09119589B2 Method and system for spectral computed tomography (CT) with sparse photon counting detectors
Photon counting detectors are sparsely placed at predetermined positions in the fourth-generation geometry around an object to be scanned in spectral Computer Tomography (CT). Optionally, integrating detectors are placed between the two adjacent ones of the sparsely placed photon counting detectors in the fourth-generation geometry. Furthermore, the integrating detectors are placed in the third-generation in combination to the sparsely placed photon counting detectors at predetermined positions in the fourth-generation geometry.
US09119581B2 Tape magazine for a hand-held device
The present invention concerns a tape magazine especially for a hand-held device for analyzing a body fluid with a test tape that can be unwound from a storage unit and wound onto a waste unit where the waste unit can be driven in order to wind forward the test tape. The invention provides that a lock which keeps the test tape under tension is integrated in the tape magazine at least on the storage unit. The present invention also concerns a hand-held device with such a tape magazine. The present invention also concerns a hand-held device with a mechanical drive for the test tape and a disposable hand-held device with polymer-based electronic components.
US09119580B2 Detection device for detection a blood picture parameter
A detection device for detecting a blood count parameter in a blood vessel, comprising a transmitter to inject a first transmit signal of a first frequency into the blood vessel and a second transmit signal of a second frequency into the blood vessel, a receiver to receive a first receive signal at the first frequency and a second receive signal at the second frequency, a loss detector to determine a first loss value on the basis of the first transmit signal and the first receive signal at the first frequency, and to determine a second loss value on the basis of the second transmit signal and the second receive signal at the second frequency, and a processor to determine a first frequency shift of the first loss value relative to a first reference loss value, determine a second frequency shift of the second loss value relative to a second reference loss value, and determine the blood count parameter on the basis of the first frequency shift and the second frequency shift.
US09119579B2 Microdialysis probe and method for the production thereof
A microdialysis probe including a probe body, a supply line and a discharge line for a perfusion solution and a dialysis membrane, wherein a probe needle for introduction into a tissue is provided by a generally elongate frame. The frame has at least one recess at least partially open for receiving at least a portion of the supply and discharge lines. The invention encompasses a method for making such a probe, wherein the method includes arranging a dialysis membrane on a shaping device, shaping the dialysis membrane in a selected shape, applying an adhesive agent to the dialysis membrane to keep the membrane in the selected shape, and separating the dialysis membrane and the shaping devices after the adhesive agent has been applied.
US09119578B2 Plasma or serum production and removal of fluids under reduced pressure
In some embodiments, the present invention generally relates to the separation of blood within a device to form plasma or serum. In some embodiments, the present invention generally relates to the removal of fluids, such as blood, contained within a device. For example, a device may be applied to the skin of a subject to receive blood from the subject and pass the blood through a separation membrane, which separates the blood into plasma and a portion concentrated in blood cells. As another example, blood or plasma may be allowed to clot within the device and serum (the unclotted portion of the blood) may be withdrawn from the device. The device may contain, in some cases, a vacuum source such as a pre-packaged vacuum to facilitate receiving of blood and/or passage of the blood through the separation membrane to produce plasma or serum.
US09119576B2 Ophthalmic device
There is provided an ophthalmic device that includes a plurality of light sources including at least a light source for obtaining a return light of which aberration has been corrected with a correction unit from an eye under examination; and a control unit configured to control measurement lights from the plurality of light sources such that the measurement lights enter the eye under examination in a predetermined order when a photography of a second eye is started after a photography of a first eye has been completed.
US09119575B2 Panoramic tomography X-ray apparatus and image processing device
A panoramic tomography X-ray apparatus including an image information processing part, a display part, and a position setting part. The image information processing part retrieves a frame image information from a storage part and superimposes overlapped portions of images along a tomographic plane corresponding to a dental arch to generate a panoramic tomographic image. The display part displays the panoramic tomographic image generated by the image information processing part. The position setting part sets, in a median portion including a median line of an object, the position of the tomographic plane regarding depth direction of the object.
US09119574B2 Hearing screening application for mobile devices
A computer-implemented method is provided for conducting a hearing assessment of a patient. The method includes: presenting a plurality of objects on a display of a computing device, where each object produces an audio output in response to a stimuli from the patient and the audio output by the objects varies in frequency and intensity amongst the plurality of objects; prompting a patient with a visual cue to classify objects producing sound; receiving an input from the patient for each object in the plurality of objects, where the input indicates whether the audio output by a given object was perceptible to the patient; and generating an audiogram for the patient using the input received from the patient.
US09119571B2 Ophthalmologic apparatus
An ophthalmologic apparatus comprises a light source 12, an optical measurement system 13 that radiates first light from the light source to inside an eye to be examined and guides first reflected light from the eye, an optical reference system (24, 22) that radiates second light from the light source to a reference surface and guides second reflected light from the reference surface, a photo detector 26 that detects interfering light between the first reflected light from the optical measurement system and the second reflected light from the optical reference system, and a processor that determines a position of a measuring portion of the inside of the eye based on the detected interfering light. The optical measurement system comprises an incident angle changing member 46 that changes an incident angle of the first light radiated to the eye within a predetermined angular range relative to an axis of vision of the eye.
US09119569B2 Method and apparatus for calibrating a motion tracking system
Methods and apparatus are provided for calibrating a motion tracking system (100) including a plurality of orientation sensors (102a-103h) attached to a plurality of body segments (104a-105h) of a user (9101). The methods and apparatus receive a first set of orientation signals from a first set of the orientation sensors (102a-102g). The first set of orientation signals associated with a first pair of the body segments (102a, 102f) matching a first set of predetermined positions. The skeleton dimension of the user and the mapping between the body segments and the corresponding attached sensors (102a-103h) are calibrated based on the first set of orientation signals. A first template including the first set of predetermined positions may be used, and the first pair of the body segments (104a, 104f) include the feet of the user. Receiving the first set of orientation signals includes receiving an orientation signal from each of the first set of sensors 102a-102g as the feet of the user (101) are placed on each of the first set of predetermined positions of the template.
US09119567B2 Methods and apparatus for detecting a fall of user
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting a fall of a user, especially to methods and apparatus for detecting a fall of a user by using pressure sensors. This invention discloses an apparatus for detecting a fall of a user, and the apparatus comprises first and second pressure sensors configured to obtain first and second data values of atmosphere pressure and intended to be worn on the body of the user, and a processor configured to derive a third data value of atmosphere pressure for determining whether a fall occurs or not from the first and second data values of atmosphere pressure. The first and second pressure sensors are configured in a way such that preset orientations of the first and second pressure sensors are opposite to each other. In this way, the weight of measuring elements comprised in the first and second pressure sensors have opposite effects on the measured atmosphere pressure, and thus (?) the measurement error caused by pressure sensor orientation variation can be reduced or even eliminated.
US09119565B2 Intraocular lens alignment
A method for generating a radial alignment guide for an eye includes collecting preoperative alignment data relative to a pupil from an eye that is not dilated. The method also includes locating a pupil center of the eye while dilated. The method further includes displaying the alignment data on an image of the dilated eye relative to the pupil center. In particular embodiments, software embodied in a computer-readable medium is executable by a processor to perform the steps of such a method.
US09119564B2 Method of sizing internal body structure, and mechanism and system for same
Sizing an internal body structure in a patient includes guiding a sizing mechanism via a wire guide to a target location within the internal body structure, inflating a balloon of the sizing mechanism at the target location, and injecting a contrast fluid into the internal body structure. The inflated balloon blocks a flow of the injected contrast fluid to indicate that a size of the inflated balloon is accordant with a size of the body structure. Related apparatus is also disclosed.
US09119563B2 Optical systems for whole eye imaging and biometry
Scanning optical beam imaging systems for imaging extended structures of an eye and providing biometry of an eye are provided. The systems include a focal system for shifting the focus of the scanning system from the front to the back of the eye. The systems provide for converging rays that can scan through the pupil of the eye, enabling scanning of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye using a common objective and a fixed working distance.
US09119562B2 Imaging control apparatus, ophthalmic imaging apparatus, imaging control method, and program
An imaging control apparatus capable of causing a first imaging unit to capture a fundus image of a subject's eye and causing a second imaging unit to capture a tomographic image of the subject's eye includes a control unit configured to cause the first imaging unit to capture an image of the fundus of the subject's eye in a limited area smaller than the fundus image, a detection unit configured to detect a positional deviation of the fundus of the subject's eye based on an image of the area acquired according to the control, and a correction unit configured to correct an image capturing position of the tomographic image captured by the second imaging unit based on the detected positional deviation.
US09119560B2 X-ray CT apparatus
An X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention includes an image reconstruction unit that, according to scanning conditions, acquires an irradiated X-ray image which is the distribution of the irradiation intensity of X-rays irradiated to an object by an X-ray irradiation unit, performs projection conversion of the irradiated X-ray image and a reconstructed image, and generates an exposure dose image, which is an image showing the distribution of an exposure dose of the object, and also calculates the exposure dose using the projection-converted reconstructed image and an irradiated X-ray image corresponding to a generation region of the reconstructed image.
US09119557B2 Ultrasonic image processing method and device, and ultrasonic image processing program
An ultrasonic image processing method and device, and an ultrasonic image processing program which can correspond to analytical methods different depending on a region or the purpose of a diagnosis or treatment. The ultrasonic image processing method comprises an image data creation step which stores a detection result obtained by irradiating a subject with ultrasonic waves by an irradiating section and detecting an ultrasonic signal from the subject by a detecting section and creates at least two-frame image data different in detection timing on the basis of the stored detection result, a motion vector distribution image creation step which creates a motion vector distribution image on the basis of a predetermined motion vector analysis through the use of a plurality frames of the image data, and a conversion step which converts a vector distribution image to a scalar distribution image on the basis of a plurality of established regions of interest (ROI).
US09119556B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can measure a time difference of motion between a plurality of sites of a cardiac muscle for the heart of a fetus is provided. On a tomographic image of the heart, a user sets a plurality of observation points. Each observation point is tracked, and a plurality of displacement waveforms representing a temporal displacement of the plurality of observation points are generated. A time difference between a plurality of representative points is calculated between the plurality of displacement waveforms. Such a time difference is displayed as a numerical value or as a graph. The representative point is a peak point, a zero-cross point, an inflection point, or the like. The plurality of observation points are set along conduction pathways in the heart for the electric signal.
US09119553B2 Fluorescence endoscope device
Provided is a fluorescence endoscope device including a light source that irradiates with excitation light and white light; an image generator that acquires a fluorescence image by capturing fluorescence generated in a subject irradiated with the excitation light and that acquires a white-light image by capturing return light from the subject irradiated with the white light; an image corrector that corrects the fluorescence image by using the white-light image so as to generate a corrected fluorescence image; a threshold-value setting unit that sets a threshold value on the basis of an average value of gradation values of pixels in the corrected fluorescence image; an image adjuster that increases the contrast in the corrected fluorescence image between an area having gradation values larger than the threshold value, and an area having gradation values smaller than the threshold value; and a monitor that displays the corrected fluorescence image whose contrast is increased.
US09119551B2 Endovascular navigation system and method
An endovascular navigation and positioning system including a transducer on a distal end of an endovascular instrument, a control system connected to the transducer, the control system being configured to generate and receive at least one acoustic signal using the transducer, a pre-processor containing computer-readable instructions for manipulating the acoustic signal input to extract information related to desired parameters, a processor configured to evaluate the parameters to generate an output related to guidance of the instrument, and an output device for displaying an indication of the output generated by the processor. The processor may evaluate the information using artificial intelligence including inference rules related to navigation state, comparisons to information in a database, and probabilities, among others. The system may use an electrical signal as a confirmation input. Further disclosed is a method of navigating and positioning an endovascular device in a vasculature.
US09119545B2 Arrhythmia classification
An implantable medical device, is designed to collect a signal representative of the electric activity of the heart and determine a cardiogenic impedance signal for at least a portion of the heart. An R-wave detector of the IMD detects the timing of an R-wave during a cardiac cycle based on the signal representative of the electric activity. A minimum detector detects the timing of a cardiogenic impedance minimum in the cardiogenic impedance signal and within a systolic time window of the cardiac cycle. A detected arrhythmia is then classified by the IMD based on the timing of the R-wave detected by the R-wave detector and the timing of the cardiogenic impedance minimum detected by the minimum detector.
US09119538B2 Electronic sphygmomanometer
A CPU of a sphygmomanometer includes a first control unit that, during measurement, controls a change in the internal pressure of a measurement air bladder by controlling the driving of a pump and/or a valve. The CPU further includes a second control unit that controls a change in the internal pressure of a compressing air bladder by controlling the driving of a pump and/or a valve. During measurement, the second control unit carries out control so that the internal pressure of the compressing air bladder is a predetermined ratio to the internal pressure of the measurement air bladder controlled by the first control unit.
US09119537B2 Blood pressure measuring apparatus and blood pressure measuring method
A blood pressure measuring apparatus which measures a blood pressure in a step of gradually changing a cuff pressure adapted to press an artery, includes: a pulse wave detecting unit; a pulse wave interval measuring unit; a waveform information storing unit; a change trend calculating unit; a waveform information comparing unit; and a determining unit which, when first two of the pulse waves, which are successively detected at different cuff pressures, satisfy a predetermined condition: that a magnitude relationship between the amplitudes of the first two of the pulse waves is consistent with the change trend of the first two of the pulse waves; that the pulse wave interval between the first two of the pulse waves is within a predetermined range; and that the waveform information of the first two of the pulse waves approximately coincide with each other, determines that the amplitude of latter one of the first two of the pulse waves is to be used for calculating the blood pressure value.
US09119536B2 Pressure gauge, blood pressure gauge, method of determining pressure values, method of calibrating a pressure gauge, and computer program
A pressure gauge for determining at least one pressure value describing a pressure of a fluid flowing in a pulsating manner in a phase of the pulsating flow, includes a pulse wave characterizer. The pulse wave characterizer is configured to obtain transmit time information of a pulse wave, and amplitude information of the pulse wave. The pressure gauge additionally includes a pressure value determiner configured to obtain a first pressure value describing a pressure of the fluid in a first phase, on the basis of the transmit time information and while using a mapping. The pressure value determiner is further configured to obtain a second pressure value describing a pressure of the fluid in a second phase, on the basis of the first pressure value and the amplitude information while using a mapping.
US09119531B2 Visualization catheter periscope
The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of methods and apparatuses for periscope devices that couple to a viewing end of a visualization catheter or endoscope to extend the viewing range and accessory range of the endoscope or visualization catheter so as to provide for greater viewing and reach into multiple areas of the anatomy.
US09119529B2 Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently monitoring a host's glycemic condition after an alert is triggered
Systems and methods for providing sensitive and specific alarms indicative of glycemic condition are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method of processing sensor data by a continuous analyte sensor includes: evaluating sensor data using a first function to determine whether a real time glucose value meets a first threshold; evaluating sensor data using a second function to determine whether a predicted glucose value meets a second threshold; activating a hypoglycemic indicator if either the first threshold is met or if the second threshold is predicted to be met; and providing an output based on the activated hypoglycemic indicator.
US09119525B2 Apparatus for cleaning a screen and method for storing the same
An apparatus for cleaning the touch screen of any personal electronic device, including but not limited to smart phones and personal computing tablets. The apparatus comprises a wet portion and a dry portion in a substantially horizontal figure “8” configuration. The apparatus may also comprise a reservoir for storing a volume of conventional cleaning fluid. When not in use, the apparatus is slid into a case which is configured to house the wet and dry portions of the apparatus in separate housing compartments. A method is also provided for storing the apparatus when not in use so as to prolong its effective lifespan and improve its overall performance.
US09119521B2 Spray assembly for a dishwasher
A dishwasher includes a spray assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray assembly includes a spray arm that is driven by an input shaft. The input shaft is operable to both drive the spray arm and selectively divert wash fluid to the fluid nozzles associated with the wings of the spray arm.
US09119519B2 Dishwasher sump member
A dishwasher comprises a wash chamber, a water circulation system for passing water into and out of the wash chamber, and a water-collecting sump member (12) which is fastened in a water-tight manner to an opening (14) in a lower end portion of the wash chamber. The sump member is a self-contained molded plastic unit comprising an upper portion which constitutes an interface for connecting the sump member in a water-tight manner to said opening (14), and a lower portion comprising a water collecting receptacle, wherein said upper portion comprises at least one integral fitting for connecting the sump member to a water inlet conduit and/or a drain conduit of the dishwasher.
US09119515B2 Dishwasher with unitary wash module
An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.
US09119508B2 Integral child training toilet
An integral training potty comprised of a child safety seat and waste collection apparatus, allowing a small child to evacuate his or her bowel or bladder. The waste collection apparatus being removable, without disturbing or removing the seated child. The waste collection apparatus optionally having a liner for the waste collection bowl. Alternately, the present invention is an integral training potty comprised of a child's stroller and a waste collection apparatus.
US09119506B2 Aerodynamic device for use in organizing and holding food and liquid substances and eating utensils and for subsequent recreational use
An aerodynamic device includes a plate having a generally circular periphery, a central portion, and a plurality of compartments for holding food substances during a dining activity. Each compartment is bounded by curved ribs, each rib extending continuously from the central portion along an arcuate path to the periphery. All of the ribs are aerodynamically shaped to provide lift during a subsequent recreational activity in which the device is thrown through the air. An insert is mounted in the central portion for holding a dining item, e.g., a drink container, for use during the dining activity, and a different recreational item for use during the recreational activity.
US09119505B2 Coffee brewer and a corresponding network-based method and apparatus
A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.
US09119504B2 Delivery assembly for machines for preparing liquid products via cartridges
A delivery assembly for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using cartridges includes: an injector device, capable of introducing into the cartridge water and/or steam under pressure, an infusion chamber facing the injector device and capable to receive the cartridge, an actuation system, designed to cause displacements of the infusion chamber between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device, a loading arrangement that includes an inlet passage and retention means, switchable between a retention condition and a release condition of the cartridge by means of displacements of the infusion chamber with respect to the injector device. The delivery assembly further includes ejector means, functionally distinct from the retention means and capable of pushing the cartridge towards the outside of the infusion chamber in function of the displacement of the infusion chamber towards its spaced position from the injector device.
US09119497B2 Window treatment mounting assembly
The present invention relates to a window treatment mounting assembly, and a kit which includes a window treatment mounting assembly and a window treatment or modular fabric components thereof. In one preferred aspect, a window treatment mounting assembly for mounting a window treatment over a window is provided, where the mounting assembly comprises a longitudinally elongated channel beam for releasably retaining the window treatment; a resiliently compressible retention member for releasably coupling the window treatment to the channel beam in a friction fit; and at least one mounting bracket for supporting the channel beam in a mounting position adjacent the window.
US09119494B2 Apparatus for wearing socks
Apparatus for donning or wearing socks, and method of using such apparatus. The apparatus includes: a substantially horizontal base; an elongated U-shaped, semi-cylindrical caddy on which a sock positioned inside out is fittable and into an interior of which a foot is insertable; and a tilt unit coupled to the caddy and pivotally connected to a head portion of the base. The base is T-shaped and is configurable by an elongated main portion and two spaced, forwardly positioned head portions. The tilt unit is insertable within an interspace between the two head portions. The tilt unit is pivotally connected to the two head portions by at least one coupled horizontally disposed pin which is substantially perpendicular to the main portion. The tilt unit and the caddy are able to be tilted about a horizontal axis during a sock donning operation.
US09119491B2 Cup holder with more and less flexible portions and recessed movable handle
A cup holder sidewall includes a recess adapted to receive at least part of a handle having upper and lower socket engaging portions received in sockets in upper and lower flanges defining the recesses. The socket engaging portions permit the handle to be displaced from the sidewall recesses to a position projecting outward from the sidewall to permit the handle to be grasped in one hand. The sidewall includes at least one flexible segment extending through the sidewall from the inner surface to the outer surface, which may also extend from the upper margin to the lower margin. Each flexible segment renders the sidewall sufficiently flexible to allow the sidewall to adjust to receive cups of varying sizes and shapes.
US09119487B2 Display system
A display fixture has a convertible rack fixture and an extendable frame assembly. The convertible rack fixture has a base with a top surface, two uprights extending from the top surface, two bottom crossbars extending between the two uprights, and two top crossbars extending between tops of the two uprights. The extendable frame assembly is located between the two bottom crossbars and between the two top crossbars and has a base frame and a telescoping frame that telescopes out of the base frame. The base frame has two substantially vertical legs that rest on the top surface of the base of the convertible rack and a lateral support that extends between the two substantially vertical legs separate from the top surface of the base.
US09119486B2 Pedestals
Display pedestals comprise at least one generally planar horizontal support member which is hollow, and at least one vertical column. The top surface and/or the bottom surface of the support member has least one depression or at least one projection, and at least one vertical column fits to the depression or projection. The interior volume of the hollow support member is filled with air or with a foamed polymeric or metallic material.
US09119485B1 Football wall mount assembly
A wall mount assembly for suspending a football near a wall to provide the illusion that the football is floating without support. The wall mount assembly having a lace engagement component for engaging with the laces of the football to hold the football to a wall engagement portion of the wall mount assembly. Lace engagement components can be selected to rotate the position of the laces from the top of the mounted football to closer to the wall behind the football if desired to display a signature on a football panel not adjacent to the laces.
US09119484B2 Travel lap seat for a child and a method for its use
A travel lap seat is disclosed, having a harness and a lap portion. The harness has a first portion that secures the lap seat to an adult, and a second portion that secures a child to the lap seat so that the child sits upon the lap portion when the adult is seated. The harness can also be used as a child carrier. The lap portion may be detachable or stowable, and may be attached to a back portion. The back portion and lap portion may form a single, monolithic unit.
US09119482B2 Automatic baby carrier rocking device
The present invention describes a baby carrier rocking device. In one embodiment, the device includes a housing with an imbedded motor, MP3 player, and related components. The housing may feature various shapes and designs, and comprises an aperture at the top portion thereof. The aperture is adapted to hold a first end of an elongated arm therein. The second end of the elongated arm is adapted to rock a baby carrier. In operation, the motor actuates the elongated arm so that it extends upward at a regular interval, contacting a baby carrier and thereby pushing the same in a rocking motion. Each time the elongated arm is extended upward, it falls back down via gravity. In this way, the present invention provides parents or caregivers with a hands-free way to rock a baby carrier.
US09119480B1 Pressure variable thermal adaptive microclimate surface and thermoelectric cells for microclimate surface
A pressure variable thermal adaptive microclimate surface is provided. The microclimate surface may be a pad, pillow, mattress or the like. The microclimate surface is especially suitable for providing optimal heating and/or cooling of a person. The heating or cooling is provided through heating or cooling delivery system located in the sculpted polyurethane foam microclimate surface. The microclimate surface has a plurality of independently moving pillars which is optimal in reducing pressure ulcers on the skin of a person caused by the person spending extended periods of time on a typical surface, such as a hospital mattress. The heating or cooling delivery system may be provided through three possible configurations.
US09119479B2 Adjustable-firmness body support and method
The present invention provides a body support assembly comprising a layer having a passage, a pump positioned to create a flow of fluid through the passage, a sensor that detects a parameter and produces a signal, and a controller coupled to the sensor and programmed to control the flow of fluid based on the signal. Preferably, the layer comprises visco-elastic foam. In one embodiment, the parameter corresponds with a firmness of the layer (e.g., a temperature of the layer). A heat exchanger can be used to alter (e.g., heat or cool) a temperature of the fluid. The present invention further provides a method of controlling a firmness of a body support comprising sensing a sensed value of a parameter (e.g., temperature) of the body support, establishing a desired value of the parameter, comparing the sensed parameter to the desired value, and adjusting the parameter.
US09119477B1 Seat pad tie down apparatus and method of using same
A seat tie apparatus and method of using same, the apparatus including a cushion material contained within an enclosure. A first strap is connected at each end thereof to the enclosure and extends across a first back corner of the enclosure. A second strap, spaced apart from the first strap, is connected at each end thereof to the enclosure and extends across a second back corner of the enclosure. First and second ties are slidably coupled to the first and second straps, respectively. Each of the first and second ties is constructed of at fabric strip coupled to itself about a central portion thereof to form a loop. The straps are arranged to extend through the loops and allow the ties to slide there along.
US09119475B1 Convertible furniture frame assembly
A convertible furniture frame assembly includes a base frame assembly having one or more support members attached to the base frame assembly which are disposed to maintain the convertible furniture frame assembly in an operative position, such as, relative to an underlying floor surface. A cushion support assembly is interconnected to the base frame assembly and is disposable between an upright seated configuration and an extended horizontal configuration. A biasing assembly having a simple and compact construction is interconnected between the base frame assembly and the cushion support assembly to facilitate disposition of the cushion support assembly between the upright seated configuration and the extended horizontal configuration.
US09119474B2 Height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform
A bench with a height adjustable top assembly that functions both as a massage platform when in the raised position and a bench for seating when in the lowered position and is designed with the aesthetic characteristics of furniture that can be left in place when not in use as a massage platform. The massage platform is raised into position by lifting the ends of the massage platform top assembly. The manual power assist assembly provides assistance when raising the top assembly. When not in use as a massage platform the top assembly can be lowered to rest on the base assembly and can be used for seating. Further, a portion of the top assembly massage platform can be raised providing a back rest with multiple reclining positions.
US09119471B2 Support bracket
A shelving system includes a support post having a mounting surface and a plurality of vertically spaced retention members extending from the mounting surface. A shelf includes a bracket member configured for coupling to a first of the vertically spaced retention members. A support bracket includes an attachment portion configured for coupling to a second of the vertically spaced retention members adjacent the first vertically spaced retention member and a support portion configured for coupling to the bracket member.
US09119468B2 Drawer with front door provided with locking-regulating apparatus of said front door
A drawer has a front door and a locking-regulating apparatus of the front door. The apparatus has a first locking-regulating device of the door with respect to the drawer according to the “X” horizontal axis and to the “Y” vertical axis.
US09119465B2 Collapsible table
A collapsible table structure comprises a tabletop and a plurality of folding leg assemblies pivotally attached thereto. Each leg assembly comprises a first leg and a second leg connected to each other at a pivot coupling defining an unintruding common axis for movement between an open condition generally resembling an X-shaped configuration and a closed condition wherein the legs, as well as the tabletop, are generally parallelly disposed in a common plane. Each leg is formed by at least two telescopically connected leg sections freely movable through and transversely of the unintruding common axis in moving between extended and retracted positions relative to each other. Each leg includes a locking mechanism for retaining a lower leg section in an extended position. The table structure further includes means for releasing the locking mechanism to facilitate collapsing of the table to its closed condition.
US09119464B2 Brush cleaning system
A brush cleaning system comprising: a plate comprising at least one of silicon nitride (SixNy) or silicon oxide (SiaOb), wherein the plate has a static charge on a surface thereof; and a machine configured to rotate a brush in contact with the static charged surface of the plate.
US09119461B2 High stiffness, anti-slip scrubber brush assembly, high-stiffness mandrel, subassemblies, and assembly methods
In one aspect, a scrubber brush assembly is provided. The scrubber brush assembly includes a scrubber brush having a body of open-cell foam including an interior surface, a sleeve received in contact with the scrubber brush, the sleeve including peripherally-spaced, longitudinal walls and reinforcing segments interconnecting adjacent ones of the longitudinal walls and forming elongated pockets along the length, the sleeve having raised ribs extending along the length, and a mandrel having recesses formed on an outer surface, the mandrel being coupled to the sleeve by receiving the raised ribs within the recesses. Scrubber brush subassemblies, high stiffness mandrels, and methods of assembly are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
US09119460B2 Backpack frame extender
One embodiment of a backpack frame extender for augmenting the length of an external backpack frame to provide longitudinally elevated connection fittings for a backpack frame load lifter straps. The backpack frame extender includes a plurality of stays and straps for attachment to a backpack frame, with a means for releasably connecting the backpack frame load lifter straps to the backpack frame extender. The attachment straps allow the backpack frame extender to be releasably attached to the backpack frame and positioned at various heights as determined by a user's torso length and personal preference. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US09119458B2 Portable, wearable display device
The present invention relates to a portable informational display device capable of being worn by a user. The device comprises a body-mounted band, wherein said band has a first outwardly facing surface and a second inwardly facing surface and a substrate having a first end and a second end whereby said first end depends from said second inwardly facing surface, wherein said substrate contains an informational display.
US09119457B2 Collector-type applicator implement
A collector-type applicator implement includes: a barrel body having a front barrel and a main barrel on a rear side of the front barrel, the main barrel being fitted with the front barrel; a collector having comb-like fins and arranged in a front part of the barrel body; and, a storage space defined in a rear part of the barrel body for storing an application liquid. The collector is covered by front barrel and the main barrel and configured to be held inside the barrel body.
US09119452B1 Handle structure for a draw bar of a luggage case
A handle structure for a draw bar of a luggage case includes a handle, a handle casing, a push member, and a connecting device. The handle includes two control members each having a movable member pivoted to a stationary member. The movable member includes a press portion and a reaction portion at two sides of the pivot point. The handle casing is fixed around the handle to hold the press portion. The push member has a head portion disposed in the handle casing and connected to the reaction portions, and a shaft portion extending out of the handle casing. The connecting device is fixed to the rod portion, and the shaft portion is inserted in the connecting device. When the press portion is subjected to a force in a direction, the reaction portion is moved toward that direction, the reaction portion moves the shaft portion toward the rod portion.
US09119451B2 Paper plate and plastic sandwich bag insert and combination
A combination in accordance with the present invention comprises two elements; an insert and a sealable plastic bag. In the preferred embodiment, the insert comprises an outer perimeter; a plurality of primary folds formed within the outer perimeter; a plurality of side supports extending outwardly from the plurality of primary folds; and a plurality of secondary corner folds at the outer perimeter. The insert is used with a pliable and portable food item, such as a sandwich, and placed within the sealable plastic bag. The insert further comprises elements to tent or protect the food item during transport of the insert and food item within the bag.
US09119448B1 Carrying bags and backpacks with expandable retainer to contain and securely carry large objects
The present invention is a carrying bag such as a gym bag or backpack which includes at least a pocket formed on the outside of the bag or backpack which contains a nylon mesh or other expansion type retainer sewn into the interior of the pocket which is closed by closing means such as a zipper. When the pocket is opened, the expansion retainer means can be unfolded and a large object such as a basketball, football, or objects such as wet clothes can be placed in the expansion retainer. The object within the expansion retainer is securely retained by a drawstring with a locking retainer to be sure the expansion retainer is closed and thereafter a clip or D-ring connects the top of the expansion retainer to a portion of the gym bag or backpack so that it is securely retained to assure that the objects will not fall out and will hang off the side of the gym bag or backpack so as not to put a strain on the carrier's back.
US09119446B1 Snap pin
The preferred embodiment of my pin is a simple two part pin that consists of a pin assembly and a decorative cover plate. The pin assembly consists of a pin having a loop on top of the pin and a stabilizing post that intersects the upper region of the leg of the pin away from the point or bottom of the pin. Two bumps placed at the ends of the post for alignment and slippage. The decorative cover plate being any non-solid or solid shape, and having two snap-in clamps and a guard that directly correspond with both arms of the post and the point of the pin. Thus by creating 3 points of contact the back of the cover plate and supporting more of the cover plate when attached than a pin alone will support and creating more stability for both pin and material. The pin supports other jewelry ornamentation and fabrics to give a designer look to any fabric or like material whether that is clothing, arts crafts or home décor.
US09119445B2 Buckle assemblies with lift latches and associated methods and systems
Buckle assemblies with lift latches and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a buckle assembly is configured to detachably engage at least one latch plate. The buckle assembly includes a cover, a load plate connected to the cover and formed with a plurality of openings, a shaft passing through the cover, a lift latch being operably rotated around the shaft in the operation space, and pawls selectively locking corresponding latch plates inserted in the openings in response to the rotation of the lift latch.
US09119444B2 Versatile hook-and-loop fastener system
An improved hook and loop fastener system enables fastening to each other of two objects each provided solely with respective pluralities of flexible loops via an intermediate connection element that has two faces each provided solely with flexible hooks and is sandwiched between the two objects. The intermediate connection element can be easily removed and washed separately as needed, for example when either or both of the objects are to be washed with other fibrous objects, to eliminate the likelihood of the hooks inadvertently engaging with and ripping off any ambient fibers that could then clog the hooks and diminish their future performance. Selective retention of the intermediate connection element in engagement with only one of the two objects leaves the other object free of hooks and thus safely contactable by ambient objects that contain frangible fibers.
US09119436B1 Fast transition running shoe
A running shoe design focused on the heel section of running shoes used in, for example, T2 transition phase of the sport of triathlon. The heel reclines to facilitate the insertion of the foot without use of hands or need to bend in any way. Straps partially on the heel sides, kept at bay from premature contact with attachment pads on the forward portion of the running shoe, are kept away, and may also be kept later from premature contact by wire guides. Upon foot insertion, these straps, one on each side of the foot, are guided and securely affixed into place, for example, by a pressure movement of the opposite foot of the athlete.
US09119433B2 Helmet system
A protective helmet for successive impacts includes a head cap adapted to surround and move with a wearer's head and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner predominantly comprised of radially oriented foam columns is attached to both the head cap and outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move linearly and angularly relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.
US09119430B1 Assembly for neck and arm clothing
An assembly for neck and arm clothing, the assembly incorporating a flexible sheet having a foot end, a head end, and a longitudinal dimension extending from the foot end to the head end, the flexible sheet being oblongated in the direction of its longitudinal dimension; the assembly further incorporating a button hook, the button hook being formed wholly with the flexible sheet's head end; the assembly further incorporating pairs of chamfered edges positioned at opposite ends of the flexible sheet; the assembly further incorporating a dress shirt having collar stay pockets fitted for receiving the flexible sheet, wherein the dress shirt has button fastened sleeve plackets whose buttons may be engaged by the button hook and may be thereby drawn through the placket's buttonhole.
US09119429B2 Garment with watertight closable ventilation opening
The invention relates to a garment, comprising an outer fabric extending over at least a part of the garment and provided with a closable ventilation opening, a closing means for the opening comprising an orientation closing the opening and an orientation leaving clear the opening, a material extending at least over the ventilation opening and provided with at least one ventilation hole, a water barrier at least partly enclosing the at least one ventilation hole, wherein the water barrier lies against the closing means with a bias in the orientation of the closing means closing the opening.
US09119427B2 Supporting and protecting article for the human torso
A piece of apparel or wearable equipment is provided for wave surfers. The purpose of the apparel is to distribute pressure on a surfer's chest during the ‘paddling’ operation, where the surfer lies belly down upon the surfboard and paddles out to sea. The apparel consists of a supporting article encircling the torso, having cushioning members embedded therein that absorb the pressure of the surfers body upon the board.
US09119423B2 Ergonomic baby swaddling blanket
A swaddling blanket for maintaining a baby in an ergonomic position. One embodiment can include features for positioning the baby's arms in pockets in first and second arm wings and wrapping the arm wings. An embodiment may also include features for positioning the baby's hips in a hip positioning portion and bringing a hip positioning flap into a position to encourage the baby's legs to an ergonomic position.
US09119418B2 Smoking article
A smoking article (1) in which a patch of web material (7) such as paper containing an adsorbent material therein, such as activated carbon, is positioned towards the mouth end of the smoking article (1) to achieve a flatter puff profile compared to a conventional cigarette by decreasing the smoke constituents in the final few puffs. Characteristics of the smoking articles may be changed to increase the delivery of smoke constituents in the first few puffs in order to maintain a constant ISO NFDPM yield. The adsorbent-containing paper extends over only a portion of the smoking article towards the mouth end and does not comprise a flavorant therein.
US09119415B2 Fermented food products containing probiotic strains, and their preparation process
The invention concerns mainly a non-solid fermented food product containing ferments comprising about 5·107, in particular more than about 108 bifidobacteria per gram of food product fermented for a shelf lifetime of at least 30 days, in particular of at least 35 days.
US09119414B2 Bifidobacterium for dust mite allergy
A composition comprising Bifidobacterium breve for use in improving lung function in human subjects suffering from dust mite allergy.
US09119413B2 Edible energy composition
An energy composition includes a methylated xanthine, a choline derivative, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy composition palatable. The energy composition may also include vitamins, amino acids, preservatives, and the like.
US09119412B2 Reduced heavy cream substitutes and methods of making and using same
Cream products formed by dispersing gum and lactose in water prior to the addition of butter and dry ingredients, subjecting the mixture of ingredients to heating, followed by rapid cooling and shear forces, provides a stable product. The cream products may replace traditional liquid cream-based products, and instead use dry cream up to about 7.5 weight percent mixed with butter up to about 30 weight percent, gum at about 0.75 weight percent, lactose, and water forming the balance of the product. The product may form a reduced heavy cream replacer with a fat content of up to about 35 weight percent. The product includes at least one of a flavor, appearance, and texture substantially similar to that of a traditional reduced heavy cream but withstands stresses and abuses that are not tolerated by the traditional reduced heavy cream.
US09119410B2 Filled, baked crispy snack having a high moisture content
A shelf-stable, filled, baked crispy snack which possesses a crispy textured casing and a moist, soft textured filling over a prolonged period of time is obtained by formulating a casing which when baked has a high glass temperature (Tg) at a high moisture content. Increasing the degree of starch gelatinization to increase the Tg may be achieved during baking and by the addition of a pregelatinized starch. The high Tg baked casing permits the use of a high moisture content filler in high amounts to provide a shelf-stable substantial textural dichotomy in the filled, baked, crispy snack. The filled, baked snack exhibits an unexpectedly high resistance to deformation or peak force at high baked casing moisture contents. The baked snack is ready-to-eat out of the packaging and does not have to be toasted, microwaved or further baked, cooked, or heated for consumption, or to achieve a crisp textured casing.
US09119409B2 Water soluble nutritional supplement for ruminants
A water soluble nutritional supplement for ruminants is provided that comprises a highly soluble calcium component, a phosphorous component, a potassium component, a copper component, a vitamin C component, and a complete vitamin B complex. The nutritional supplement can be produced in a solid form and be readily dissolved in water. The ingestion of the nutritional supplement in liquid form ensures maximal intestinal absorbability of the vitamins and minerals by the ruminant. The contents of the nutritional supplement are optimized in order to enhance overall ruminant health, antler growth, and milk production.
US09119405B2 Water-in-oil emulsion comprising omega-3 fatty acids and process for the manufacture of same
The present invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion comprising 15-90 wt. % of a fat phase having a solid fat content at 20° C. (N20) of at least 10%; and 10-85 wt. % of aqueous phase, said fat phase comprising: •60-85% by weight of the fat phase of glycerides selected from triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, phospholipids and combinations thereof, including at least 70% of triglycerides by weight of said glycerides •15-40% by weight of said fat phase of phytosterol esters selected from sterol esters, stanol esters and combinations thereof; wherein ω-3 fatty acids selected from EPA, DHA and combinations thereof represent 4-70% by weight of the fatty acids contained in the emulsion. Despite the high levels of EPA and DHA contained in the emulsion, off-flavor development as a result of oxidation of these ω3-fatty acids is minimized due to the presence of sterol esters.
US09119398B2 Plant growth regulating compounds
The present invention relates to novel strigolactam derivatives, to processes and intermediates for preparing them, to plant growth regulator compositions comprising them and to methods of using them for controlling the growth of plants and/or promoting the germination of seeds.
US09119397B2 Herbicidal compositions comprising 4-amino-3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and microtubule inhibiting herbicides
Provided herein are synergistic herbicidal compositions containing (a) a compound of or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof and (b) microtubule inhibiting herbicide, e.g., dimethenamid, S-dimethenamid, and propyzamide, or derivatives thereof. The methods and compositions provided herein provide control of undesirable vegetation, e.g., in direct-seeded, water-seeded and transplanted rice, cereals, wheat, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, corn or maize, sugarcane, sunflower, oilseed rape, canola, sugar beet, soybean, cotton, pineapple, pastures, grasslands, rangelands, fallowland, turf, tree and vine orchards, aquatics, plantation crops, vegetables, industrial vegetation management and rights-of-way.
US09119396B2 Method for promoting plant growth
Disclosed is a method for promoting the growth of a plant, comprising treating the plant with an effective amount of a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein any one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 represents a trifluoromethyl group, the others represent a hydrogen atom, and R5 represents a methyl group or an ethyl group.
US09119390B1 Caged rodent trap assembly
A caged rodent trap assembly catches a rodent by placing bait within a cage to make it harder for the rodent to escape. The assembly includes a platform. A jaw is pivotally coupled to the platform and pivotable between an open position and a closed position. A biasing member is coupled to the jaw and configured to bias the jaw toward a front edge of the platform such that the jaw is forced downwardly against an animal to be caught. A hold-down bar is mechanically coupled to the jaw and configured to retain the jaw in the open position. A trigger plate is positioned above the top surface and configured for receiving bait thereon. The jaw is pivoted onto the animal when pressure is applied to the trigger plate. A cage is coupled to the trigger plate and configured to inhibit the animal's access to the bait.
US09119389B2 Methods and systems for humane capture, maintenance, and release of wildlife
A method for humane capture, maintenance, and release of wildlife includes capturing, by a wildlife capture unit, a wild animal in a wildlife containment unit. The method includes transmitting, by the wildlife capture unit, to a remote communications device, a notification of the capture of the wild animal. The method includes modifying, by the wildlife capture unit, an environmental condition of a wildlife containment unit to sustain the wild animal.
US09119382B2 Portable basket colony for growing and transport and method of use
A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing.
US09119376B2 System for locating a lost pet and method thereof
A system for locating a lost pet includes: a tag configured to be worn on the pet; a handheld device configured to be connected with the tag wirelessly; a remote server configured to store information that corresponds to the pet wearing the tag; and an application installed on the handheld device and configured to provide a user interface and establish a connection with the remote server. The tag includes wireless communication means and a unique identification code for distinguishing the tag among a plurality of tags, and is configured to broadcast the unique identification code wirelessly. The handheld device is configured to establish a connection with the tag within a predetermined range, receive the broadcasted unique identification code from the tag, and trigger a predetermined routine if the connection with the tag is terminated. A method for locating a lost pet is also provided.
US09119375B2 Breakable down folding pet crate
A pet crate having a top, a bottom, and a cage between the top and bottom. The cage can be engaged to and disengaged from each of the top and bottom. When engaged to the top and bottom, or when disengaged from either one or both of the top and bottom, the cage is endless and can safely hold a pet therein. When disengaged from the top and bottom, the cage is foldable into a closed, endless and flat configuration such that the cage can be stored between the top and bottom such that the crate as a whole in such stored configuration is generally flat. When disengaged from the top and bottom, the cage is foldable out into a fence configuration by disconnecting two ends of the cage.
US09119374B2 Animal litter composition
There is provided an absorbent composition for water-based liquids, wherein dusting normally associated with handling of powdered absorbent materials is significantly reduced. The composition can be an animal litter, such as cat litter. The composition is formed by mixing a filler with a de-dusting agent and spraying an aqueous slurry of a deodorizing agent onto the mixture. The mixture is then added to a water absorbing material such as clay to uniformly mix the deodorizing agent with the water absorbing material.
US09119371B2 Lactuca sativa cultivar prima forest
According to the invention, there is provided a novel romaine lettuce cultivar, designated Prima Forest. ‘Prima Forest’ is described as a vigorous romaine cultivar recommended for the main lettuce growing regions of California and Arizona. It has light plant weight, small core diameter, short plant height and also has resistance to lettuce downy mildew. This invention thus relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar Prima Forest, to the plants of lettuce cultivar Prima Forest, to plant parts of lettuce cultivar Prima Forest, to methods for producing a lettuce cultivar by crossing the lettuce cultivar Prima Forest with another lettuce cultivar, and to methods for producing a lettuce cultivar containing in its genetic material one or more backcross conversion traits or transgenes and to the backcross conversion lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods.
US09119370B2 Lettuce variety 79-99 RZ, solagon
The present invention relates to Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-99 RZ, which exhibits resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel.) races Bl:1 to Bl:28, lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) and currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) and which has deeply red, deeply-incised, nicely-filled leaves. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-99 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-99 RZ.
US09119363B1 Maize hybrid X05D977
A novel maize variety designated X05D977 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X05D977 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05D977 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05D977, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05D977. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05D977.
US09119362B1 Maize hybrid X08D493XR
A novel maize variety designated X08D493XR and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08D493XR with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08D493XR through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08D493XR, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08D493XR. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08D493XR.
US09119359B2 Soybean cultivar WN1013689-2
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety WN1013689-2 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety WN1013689-2 and its progeny, and methods of making WN1013689-2.
US09119358B1 Soybean variety XB54S12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB54S12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB54S12, cells from soybean variety XB54S12, plants of soybean XB54S12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB54S12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB54S12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB54S12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB54S12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB54S12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB54S12 are further provided.
US09119356B1 Soybean variety XBP08004
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP08004 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP08004, cells from soybean variety XBP08004, plants of soybean XBP08004, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP08004. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP08004 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP08004, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP08004, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP08004. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP08004 are further provided.
US09119355B2 Irrigation system having an applicant dispersal assembly
An applicant dispersal assembly is described that couples to an irrigation system. It is contemplated that the irrigation system may be a center pivot irrigation system, a linear move irrigation system, or the like. The applicant dispersal assembly is configured to receive an applicant and selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. In an implementation, the applicant dispersal assembly includes a pump assembly configured to couple to an irrigation conduit. The irrigation conduit is configured to provide an applicant to the pump assembly for dispersing over a cultivation area. The pump assembly is configured to pump the applicant and to selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. The applicant dispersal assembly also includes an applicant dispersal device that is coupled to the pump assembly. The applicant dispersal device is configured to disperse the applicant.
US09119344B2 Reel mower having quick change grooming attachments
A reel mower has a drive and mounting system for easily and quickly installing a turf grooming attachment. A pair of bearing supports on opposite sides of the reel mower frame provides laterally spaced stub shafts between which the through shaft of the attachment can be nested. A pair of identical clamps releasably couples the opposite ends of the through shaft of the attachment to the adjacent stub shafts. Installation and removal of the clamps is sufficient to install or remove the attachment without requiring disassembly or lateral movement of the bearing supports or of the stub shafts rotatably journalled therein.
US09119343B1 Rail-mounted automated grass cutter
The automated grass cutter is a sickle mower that is driven along a rail in order to autonomously cut grass. The automated grass cutter places a rail of an undefined length or track, which is supported via fence posts. A drive wheel system is engaged onto the rail in order to drive the sickle grass mower along the rail. The fence posts may include a fence rail spanning between consecutive fence posts. The sickle grass mower extends laterally from the rail, and relies on a drive motor to drive the drive wheel system and sickle mower along the rail. The sickle mower includes a reciprocating blade that reciprocates back and forth via movement of guide wheels.
US09119342B2 Methods for improving the robustness of an automated unloading system
System utilizes stereo cameras to sense the position of a tractor-drawn grain cart relative to a combine during the unloading (on-the-go) process. The sensing system also detects the fill level of grain in the cart and adjusts the relative position of the tractor to the combine to achieve an even fill to the desired fill level.
US09119341B2 Robotic garden tool following wires at a distance using multiple signals
The present invention relates to a method (300) and a system (100) for guiding a robotic garden tool to a predetermined position. The robotic garden tool includes a control unit (104) and a sensor unit (102) to detect signals. The sensor unit (102) detects a first signal (110) from a first signal source (106) and the robotic garden tool follows the first signal (110) at a varying distance from the first signal source (106) that is less than or equal to a maximum distance to the first signal source, towards the predetermined position. Wherein, the varying distance is a function of the strength of the detected first signal (110). While detecting the first signal (110), the sensor unit may also detect a second signal (112) from a second signal source (108). The robotic garden tool follows the first signal (110) at a varying distance that is less than or equal to the maximum distance to the first signal source, wherein the maximum distance, at least in part, is now set based on the strength of the detected second signal (112), to reach a predetermined position.
US09119337B2 Foldable multipurpose apparatus
A foldable multipurpose apparatus including a tool, a gripping mechanism, and a connecting element, extending along a first axis between the tool and the gripping mechanism, the tool being articulated at one end of the connecting element around a second axis transversal to the first axis, the gripping mechanism being articulated at an opposite end of the connecting element around a third axis separated from the second axis and transversal to the first axis. The second transversal axis and the third transversal axis are perpendicular to each other.
US09125336B2 Method of inspecting board
A method of establishing a tip location of a terminal includes establishing a virtual tip line by measuring a height of a board, on which a component having a terminal and a body is mounted, and comparing the measured measurement height with a predetermined reference height, establishing a central line with respect to a width direction of the terminal along a longitudinal direction of the terminal, and establishing a tip location of the terminal by using the measurement height along the central line from an intersection point of the virtual tip line and the central line. Thus, a tip location of a terminal may be more correctly acquired.
US09125334B2 Method for manufacturing multilayer printed circuit board
In a method for manufacturing multilayer PCBs having n circuit layers, a double-sided flexible substrate strip is provided. The strip comprises a number of PCB units, each comprising m segments, wherein m=n/2 if n represents an even integer, and m=(n+1)/2 if n represents an odd integer. Each segment includes two foil portions. In a reel to reel process, the strip is treated to form n−2 foil portions of each PCB unit into traces, further remove one foil portion if n represents an odd integer. The other two foil portions are left untreated. Then the strip is cut to separate the PCB units from each other. The PCB unit is folded in such a manner that the traces are arranged between the other two foil portions. The folded PCB unit is laminated to form a multilayer substrate and traces are formed in the two foil portions.
US09125333B2 Electrical barrier layers
Barrier layers for use in electrical applications. In some embodiments the barrier layer is a laminated barrier layer. In some embodiments the barrier layer includes a graded barrier layer.
US09125332B2 Filp chip interconnection structure with bump on partial pad and method thereof
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die with a plurality of solder bumps formed on bump pads. A substrate has a plurality of contact pads each with an exposed sidewall. A solder resist is disposed opening over at least a portion of each contact pad. The solder bumps are reflowed to metallurgically and electrically connect to the contact pads. Each contact pad is sized according to a design rule defined by SRO+2*SRR−2X, where SRO is the solder resist opening, SRR is a solder registration for the manufacturing process, and X is a function of a thickness of the exposed sidewall of the contact pad. The value of X ranges from 5 to 20 microns. The solder bump wets the exposed sidewall of the contact pad and substantially fills an area adjacent to the exposed sidewall. The contact pad can be made circular, rectangular, or donut-shaped.
US09125329B2 Electronic component mounting line and electronic component mounting method
Disclosed is an electronic component mounting line on which a substrate undergoes solder paste printing, electronic component placements, and then reflow, while being moved from upstream to downstream. The line includes: a substrate feeding machine for feeding the substrate; a screen printing machine for applying solder paste to the substrate; a first electronic component placement machine for placing a first electronic component on the substrate; a resin dispensing machine for dispensing a thermosetting resin onto at least one reinforcement position arranged on the substrate; a second electronic component placement machine for placing a second electronic component on the substrate, such that its peripheral edge portion comes in contact with the thermosetting resin; and a reflow machine for bonding the first and second electronic components to the substrate, by heating and cooling the resultant. The second electronic component placement machine is arranged adjacent to and downstream of the resin dispensing machine.
US09125319B2 Rack server system
A rack server system controlled by a remote controller includes a number of server units and a middle plane board. Each of the server units includes a baseboard management controller (BMC), a server-end connector, and a server-end switch, coupled to the BMC and the server-end connector for regulating communication operation therebetween. The middle plane board includes an integrated connector and a plane-end switch, coupled to the server-end switches of each of the server units and the integrated connector for regulating communication operation thereamong. The remote controller is coupled to the rack server system via one of the integrated connector and the server-end connectors and manages the communication operation of the server units.
US09125316B2 Chip card holder for electronic device
A chip card holder includes a single tray, a first latching member, and a second latching member and can accommodate two chip cards. The tray defines a receiving groove and includes a first latching end, a second latching end and two limiting plates. The first latching member and the second latching member are slidably engaged with the tray. When the first latching member abuts against the first latching end and the second latching member abuts against the second latching end, the first latching member, the second latching member and the two limiting plates are configured for positioning two chip cards. The first latching member and the second latching member can be slid relative to the tray to abut against the limiting plates also positioning and holding a single chip card.
US09125312B2 Electrical power supply systems including non-freestanding accessories and methods for using same
An electrical power supply system includes a freestanding primary electrical unit, a non-freestanding accessory unit, and an accessory unit support system. The primary electrical unit includes a freestanding cabinet containing a primary electrical component. The accessory unit includes a non-freestanding accessory cabinet containing an accessory electrical component. The accessory unit support system is configured to couple the accessory cabinet to the primary cabinet such that the accessory unit is thereby structurally supported by the primary electrical unit. The accessory cabinet can be selectively decoupled from the primary cabinet and alternatively structurally supported using the accessory support system.
US09125310B2 Electrostatic dissipative composites
The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic electrostatic dissipative (ESD) composites. The disclosed composites comprise a thermoplastic resin phase and a plurality of intermediate modulus carbon fibers dispersed within the thermoplastic resin phase. Also disclosed herein are methods for the manufacture and/or use of the disclosed ESD composites as well as articles formed from such composites.
US09125309B2 Epoxy resin, curable resin composition and cured product thereof, and printed wiring board
Provided is an epoxy resin allowing a cured product that is less changed in terms of heat resistance due to thermal history and has low thermal expansion, the epoxy resin having high solvent solubility. The epoxy resin is a polyglycidyl ether of a naphthol-novolac resin including, at predetermined proportions, a trimer and a dimer that have specific structures.
US09125308B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing thereof
A semiconductor device includes a first printed circuit board, a flat cable having electrical wires and a coating film which covers the electrical wires except for both ends, one end of each of the electrical wires is connected to the first printed circuit board, and a second printed circuit board connected to other end of each of the electrical wires. The flat cable is bent in such a manner that the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board face each other. A flat surface is formed in a portion of the coating film.
US09125305B2 Devices with pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical components
Method and devices are provided that integrate various internal channels and inlet and outlet ports, configured to operate with air or fluidics, with electrical circuitry. The devices comprise internal channels and outlet/inlet ports that are integrated into multiple layers of printed circuit boards. A multi-layer printed circuit board assembly is produced by laminating the plurality of layers together. The multi-layer printed circuit board assembly can accommodate a variety of off-the-shelf components, as well as electrical circuits and electronic components.
US09125304B2 Circuit board having via and manufacturing method thereof
The disclosure provides a manufacturing method for a circuit board having a via and including a substrate, a ground conductor, a floated conductor and a signal conductor. The substrate includes a second sheet layer, a second ground layer, a core layer, a first ground layer and a first sheet layer that are stacked in sequence from bottom to top. The ground conductor penetrates through the core layer and is electrically coupled to the first ground layer and the second ground layer. The floated conductor penetrates through the core layer and is electrically insulated from the first ground layer, the second ground layer and the ground conductor. The signal conductor penetrates through the substrate, being located between the ground conductor and the floated conductor, and insulated from the first ground layer, the second ground layer, the ground conductor and the floated conductor.
US09125302B2 Electronic equipment enclosures and methods related thereto
Electronic equipment enclosures of the present disclosure are configured to house electronic equipment. The enclosures generally include vent opening configured to allow air to flow into and out of the enclosures, and fans configured to circulate the air within the enclosures around the electronic equipment housed therein. The enclosures also include backflow assemblies located between the vent openings and the fans, and configured to inhibit movement of unwanted materials through the enclosures between the vent openings and the fans. In addition, the backflow assemblies may include multiple vanes disposed adjacent the vent openings and arranged to block straight paths from the vent openings into the enclosures past the multiple vanes. The multiple vanes may be operable both to inhibit the movement of the unwanted materials through the enclosures and to allow air to flow out of the vent openings from the enclosures without moving.
US09125300B2 Electronic device with heat sink structure
An electronic device includes a housing and a chip. The housing includes a main body and a supporting portion. The main body has an inner surface and an outer surface, and an opening disposed on the outer surface. The supporting portion is disposed on the inner surface, and has a heat dissipating chamber that communicates with the opening. The chip is disposed on the supporting portion, and the heat generated by the chip is transmitted via the housing.
US09125294B2 Shield
A printed circuit board shield (100) is provided. The shield comprises a sealing surface (120) and a shielding surface (110). The sealing surface is configured to cooperate with, and be connectable to, a sealing region of a printed circuit board (80) upon assembly therewith. The shielding surface is substantially parallel to but offset from, the sealing surface. A concave cover for receiving at least part of the printed circuit board is thereby defined. The shielding surface comprises an array of perforations (130) formed therethrough. The array of perforations is configured to correspond to a location of an electronic component mounted on the printed circuit board.
US09125288B2 Ion-mode plasma containment
For ion-mode plasma containment, a toroidal vacuum vessel (322) has a major radius (208) and a minor radius (212). The toroidal vacuum vessel (322) is filled with a gas (391) having an initial particle density. An ionizing device (341) ionizes the gas (391) into a plasma (400). A transformer inductively (326) drives a toroidal particle current (332) comprising an ion current and an electron current about a toroidal axis. The toroidal particle current (322) heats the plasma (400) and generates a poloidal magnetic field (373). Field coils (414) wound poloidally about the toroidal vacuum vessel (322) generate a toroidal magnetic field (371). The toroidal magnetic field (371) at a wall of the toroidal vacuum vessel (322) is adjusted to satisfy a boundary condition for a minimum-energy. The plasma (400) is contained by the radial electric field, the poloidal magnetic field (373), and the toroidal magnetic field (371) within the toroidal vacuum vessel (322) in the minimum-energy state.
US09125286B2 X-ray dose estimation technique
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to projection-based volumetric dose estimation for X-ray systems, such as X-ray imaging systems. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray system is capable of estimating an X-ray dose based on an energy interaction of the X-rays with respective portions of an object. In another embodiment, the X-ray dose estimate may be provided on a per voxel, per region, and/or per organ basis.
US09125281B2 Method for controlling a voltage transformer for overvoltage protection, voltage transformer and operating device having a voltage transformer
A method for controlling a voltage transformer for operating a switchable load having at least one inductance and a switch, which is activated by a digital control device. When the switch is closed, a magnetizing current flows through the inductance. When the switch is open, a demagnetizing current flows through the inductance. The method comprises the steps of measuring the demagnetizing time of the inductance and, when a maximum value of the demagnetizing time of the inductance is exceeded, storing such an occurrence as a fault. The load is disconnected by the control device when a predetermined maximum frequency of faults is exceeded.
US09125277B2 Retrofit lamp
A retrofit lamp includes at least one series circuit having a multiplicity of LEDs having a circuit arrangement. The at least one series circuit including is coupled between a first rectifier output connection and a second rectifier output connection. A breakdown apparatus is coupled between a third connection terminal and a fourth connection terminal. The breakdown apparatus may have the following properties: up to a first threshold value of the voltage drop across said breakdown apparatus during operation, the breakdown apparatus is nonconducting. If the first threshold value is exceeded, the breakdown apparatus becomes conducting. The breakdown apparatus remains conducting as long as current is supplied to it which is above a second threshold value. As soon as the current falls below the second threshold value, the breakdown apparatus becomes nonconducting again. In the conducting state, the breakdown apparatus has a forward voltage which is below a third threshold value.
US09125276B2 Backlight unit including first and second driving currents and display apparatus using the same
A backlight unit and a display apparatus are provided. The display apparatus includes a driving unit which applies a driving current using a duty cycle controlling to the light emitting unit; and a controller which controls a first driving current to be applied to the light emitting unit in a section of a plurality of frame sections, and a second driving current to be applied to the light emitting unit in another section of the plurality of frame sections. Therefore, luminance representation of backlight in a low grayscale region can be improved.
US09125272B2 Light color and intensity adjustable LED
A lighting apparatus includes a board, a first light-emitting diode (LED) bank disposed on the board, a second LED bank disposed on the board, a light detector coupled to the first LED bank, and a driver coupled to the light detector and to each of the first and second LED banks. The first LED bank includes a plurality of first LEDs. The second LED bank includes a plurality of second LEDs, and is electrically coupled to the first LED bank. The light detector is configured to detect an output decay of light from each of the first LEDs. The second LEDs in the second LED bank are initially deactivated and are subsequently activated in response to light output decay of the first LEDs.
US09125271B2 Three-way lamp with programmable output levels
A lamp including a lamp base having at least three electrical contacts, an optical housing with an LED light source distal from the lamp base, a capper assembly including two or more bias switches accessible by a user located between the lamp base and optical housing, electronic circuitry located within the capper assembly, the electronic circuitry electrically coupled to the three electrical contacts and the LED light source, the electronic circuitry configured to provide a drive current to the LED light source, and the two or more bias switches are user-settable to set the drive current. The electronic circuitry provides at least two different levels of drive current to the LED light source, where the two or more bias switches are configured to control multiple levels of LED light intensity to an individual level.
US09125269B2 Controllers for solid state light bulb assemblies
Controllers for driver circuits of solid state light bulb assemblies including light emitting diodes comprise a power converter, a data storage unit operable to store data items relating to an operating behavior of the light bulb assembly, a temperature sensor operable to determine a chip temperature of the controller, and a data processing unit operable to receive the chip temperature, to retrieve the stored data items from the data storage unit, to generate a control signal in dependence upon the chip temperature and the retrieved data items, and to output the control signal to the power converter for operation of the light source.
US09125268B2 Power supply for LED illumination
An LED illumination system includes: a load including an LED lamp; and a power supply device, the LED lamp configured to be physically mounted on and demounted from the power supply device, the power supply device comprising: a current feedback control unit; a first voltage comparison unit configured to determine whether the load is in a mounted state; a voltage feedback control unit configured to decrease the voltage of the power supply device to a safe voltage when demounting, and to increase the voltage of the power supply device to perform the constant current control when mounting; and a semiconductor switch element connected in series between the load and the detection resistor, wherein the mounted and demounted states of the load is detected by a voltage of a main electrode of a high potential side of the semiconductor switch element.
US09125267B2 LED arrayuminaires with max power applied to LEDs based on the lighting requirements for the LED in a dynamic lighting plan
The present invention provides LED array systems with improved methods of powering LED in the array by monitoring the relationship between temperature and driving power to predict how much power can be safely applied to the LEDs. The present invention also provides for a control system for LED arrays that allows for display of images or light patterns across and array of luminairs over a low bandwidth control protocol. The present invention also provides for a LED array luminair with reduced color fringing, light spill reduction and beam angle control.
US09125266B2 LED driver operating in boundary condition mode
An LED driver for controlling a current supplied to an LED fixture, the LED driver including a switched mode power supply (SMPS) for providing the current to the LED array and a control unit for controlling a switch of the SMPS. The control unit includes an input terminal connected to a current sensing circuit and the switch is connected to the LED fixture at a node downstream of the LED fixture. The current sensing circuit of the LED driver provides a feedback signal to the input terminal of the control unit; the current sensing circuit including a current sensor arranged to provide, when the switch is closed, the feedback signal representing a level of the current supplied to the LED fixture; the current sensing circuit further providing the feedback signal indicating a zero-crossing of the current supplied to the LED fixture when the switch is open.
US09125264B2 Lighting device
A lighting device includes a rectifier circuit for rectifying an AC voltage, a power-factor correction circuit for inputting the rectified voltage from the rectifier circuit to generate a first DC voltage, a capacitor for smoothing the rectified voltage to generate a second DC voltage, a first lighting power supply, and a second lighting power supply. The first lighting power supply, of which input power supply is the first DC voltage, supplies lighting power to a first light source including one or more light emitting devices. The second lighting power supply, of which input power supply is the second DC voltage, supplies lighting power to a second light source including one or more light emitting devices. An output voltage of the second lighting power supply is lower than an output voltage of the first lighting power supply.
US09125260B1 Control system for feedback controlled LED driving circuit
A control system for a feedback controlled LED driving circuit, which includes a valley detect regulator unit and a control and feedback unit. The valley detect regulator unit detects a sine-like DC voltage input by a rectification unit, and stores the electric energy in the storage capacitor when the input voltage is lower than a preset valley voltage. The stored electric energy converted into the system required voltage by a system power supply unit. The control and feedback unit electrically connect to the feedback controlled LED driving circuit, providing PFC, step dimming or color temperature adjustment for driving the LED light-emitting element and detecting a feedback signal of the LED driver circuit for controlling an output current of the LED driver circuit or providing protective measures.
US09125259B1 Constant current drive circuit for multi-channel LED lighting
An LED driver circuit is provided for driving a multi-channel LED string with constant and balanced current. The driver circuit includes a half-bridge inverter and a resonant tank circuit in a power stage. An isolating (first) transformer includes a primary winding coupled between a resonant tank output and circuit ground and a plurality of secondary windings, while a balancing (second) transformer includes a plurality of balancing windings. A plurality of output stages each provide an output power to a respective load, and each of the output stages further includes one of the balancing windings of the balancing transformer and one of the secondary windings of the isolating transformer coupled in series, and a rectifier circuit coupled to an output end of the series coupled windings. In an embodiment, an impedance value of the balancing transformer is further configured to be greater than three times a maximum load impedance value.
US09125258B2 Light source driving apparatus, light source device including the same and light source driving method of the light source driving apparatus
Provided are a light source driving apparatus, a light source device including the same, and a light source driving method. The light source driving apparatus includes: a first external input terminal and a second external input terminal; a thermistor with an end connected to the first external input terminal; a discharge resistor with an end connected to the second external input terminal; and a switch which selectively connects, according to a control signal, another end of the discharge resistor to another end of the thermistor or the first external input terminal to the other end of the thermistor.
US09125256B2 Illumination device
In general, according to one embodiment, an illumination device includes a light emitting unit, a connection unit, a containing unit, and a second sealing unit. The light emitting unit includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an organic electroluminescent element, and a first sealing unit. The organic electroluminescent element is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first sealing unit seals circumferential edge portions between the first substrate and the second substrate. The connection unit supplies power to the organic electroluminescent element. The containing unit has a space being airtight in an interior of the containing unit. The containing unit contains the light emitting unit inside the space. The second sealing unit is provided in the containing unit. The second sealing unit seals between a portion of the unit extending outside the containing unit and the containing unit.
US09125254B2 Lighting fixtures and methods of commissioning lighting fixtures
In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for commissioning improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to send and receive signals and control the LED light bars, and network connectivity to other fixtures.
US09125252B1 Power line communication system and method for control of lamp dimming
A power line communication system and signaling protocol is usable for quick dimming of an electronic ballast. An encoding circuit transmits message frames having encoded control signals across a AC power line. Each of a first set of frames includes a bit pattern corresponding to a lighting zone, and a second set of frames includes hamming-encoded bit patterns corresponding to respective hexadecimal digits of a dimming level for the lighting zone. A ballast in a first (quick-dim) configuration detects the second set of frames, decodes the hamming-encoded digits and immediately adjusts the ballast output to the desired power level. The ballast in a second (normal) configuration determines the desired power level based on a pattern density in the first set of frames, and adjusts the output current of the ballast accordingly. If the ballast of the first configuration fails to detect the second set of frames, it defaults to pattern density recognition.
US09125250B1 Constant current control based on indirect current sensing for critical conduction mode buck converter
A light fixture includes a converter operable to drive a light source of the light fixture. The buck converter is operable to provide a predetermined average current to the light source or load. A switch of the buck converter is located in the low side of the buck converter such that a controller of the buck converter may drive the switch directly without the use of an isolation transformer. The buck converter controls operation of the switch based on current through the switch and current through the primary inductor of the buck converter.
US09125248B2 Intelligent LED drive power
An intelligent LED drive power has an EMI filter, two AC/DC constant current units, a microcontroller, a switch unit, two state detect circuits and an assistant power. The input and output of the constant current units are alternatively connected to the output of the EMI filter and the LED light source through the switch unit. The inputs of each state detect circuits are separately connected to the output of one of the constant current units. The outputs of each state detect circuit are separately connected to the microcontroller input; the microcontroller output is connected to the switch unit input; the assistant power input is connected to the EMI filter output. The assistant power output is connected to the microcontroller. The switch controls the two AC/DC constant current units by detecting the mains supply input voltage and the AC/DC constant current unit output voltage and current.
US09125247B2 Electrical connections for film insert molded windows
A plastic window including a transparent plastic substrate having first and second sides. Bonded to the first side of the substrate is a plastic film, the film being thinner than the substrate. An electrically conductive grid, including at least one conductive connector location, is encapsulated between the substrate and the film. Extending into the substrate, at least one electrical connector is positioned in electrical contact with the conductive mounting so that an electrical voltage supply can be connected to the conductive mounting and an electrical current can be caused to flow through the conductive grid.
US09125243B2 System for electromagnetic pulse surface treatment
A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.
US09125242B2 Selectable resonant frequency transcutaneous energy transfer system
An inductive power transfer system includes a number of controllable reactive components (3, 6, 12, 13, 16) that allow the resonant frequency of a primary and/or secondary resonant circuit to be controllably varied to thereby control power available to a load (10).
US09125239B2 Circuit switched domain services with long term evolution/system architecture evolution access
An apparatus and method including attaching a user equipment to a long term evolution system and simultaneously registering the user equipment attached to the long term evolution system to a circuit switched domain, is disclosed. The user equipment is simultaneously registered based on an interface between a mobility management entity and a mobile switching center server. For a mobile originated call from the user equipment attached to the long term evolution system, an enhanced call control is carried via the mobility management entity to the mobile switching center server. For a mobile terminated call, an enhanced call control is carried via the mobility management entity to the mobile switching center server, after the mobile switching center server pages the user equipment. The user equipment is offered existing circuit switched domain services while connected to the long term evolution system.
US09125238B2 Wireless communication device, wireless communication method
A wireless communication device constitutes a wireless network which includes plural wireless communication devices and which is for performing communications between the plural wireless communication devices. The wireless communication device has a base station index based on which the wireless communication device functions as a base station of the wireless network. The base station index expresses a degree to which the wireless communication device functions as the base station. The wireless communication device includes a base station transfer unit configured to perform a transfer process of transferring a function of the base station of the wireless network from a first wireless communication device functioning as the base station of the wireless network already formed to a second wireless communication device that is newly joining the wireless network, when the base station index of the second wireless communication device is higher than that of the first wireless communication device.
US09125237B2 Communication apparatus, control method of communication apparatus, computer program, and storage medium
A communication apparatus connectable to a communication network notifies the presence of the communication apparatus using a communication channel assigned to the communication apparatus, then sets one communication channel different from the assigned communication channel of those available in the communication network, and searches for a communication partner apparatus which functions as a providing apparatus that provides communication parameters using the set communication channel. The communication apparatus repetitively executes the notification processing and the search processing, and changes a communication channel used in the search processing every time the repetition is executed one or a plurality of number of times.
US09125235B2 Wireless communication signaling for aggregate data units
Systems and techniques relating to wireless communications are described. A described technique includes obtaining data for transmission to a wireless communication device, the device being configured to process incoming transmissions based on an aggregate data unit format that specifies signaling for aggregating multiple medium access control (MAC) protocol data units (MPDUs); generating, based on the data and the aggregate data unit format, an aggregate MPDU (A-MPDU) that includes a single MPDU having a length greater than zero, the single MPDU residing in a subframe of the A-MPDU; setting a delimiter of the subframe to indicate that the single MPDU is the only MPDU within the A-MPDU that has a length greater than zero, and to cause the device to accept the A-MPDU without a corresponding block acknowledgement agreement; including, in a physical (PHY) frame, the A-MPDU; and transmitting the PHY frame to the device.
US09125231B2 Methods to enable simultaneous use of multiple radio access technologies
A method for communication is provided. The method comprises receiving, by at least one instantiation of a supervisory interface installed on a telecommunications component, a plurality of data streams associated with an application. The method further comprises associating, by the at least one instantiation of the supervisory interface, a first data stream with a first RAT available on the component and a second data stream with a second RAT available on the component.
US09125228B2 Communications path selection in user equipment
Architecture that allows a user to control the way a connection is made to a destination. A destination can be tagged with an attribute that defines how the connection to that destination should be routed. For example, a phone address book allows the user to not only enter the usual call recipient information such as name and telephone number, but also to add an attribute in the form of a network identifier associated with a network that should be used when connecting to the destination. Where multiple networks are associated with the destination, the phone subsystem, recognizing that the destination now has multiple network IDs for connecting the call, can prompt the user to select the desired network pathway. The user can also tag the destination with a protocol that should be employed. Thus, not only will the phone be connected according to the network, but according to the protocol.