最新美国发明专利第2015-09-29期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US09144972B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric element, and manufacturing method thereof There is provided a liquid ejecting head including: a flow path formation substrate on which a pressure generation chamber communicating with nozzle openings for discharging liquid is provided; and a piezoelectric element which is provided on the flow path formation substrate and includes a piezoelectric layer, an electrode, and a wiring layer connected to the electrode, in which the wiring layer includes an adhesion layer which is provided on the electrode side and contains at least titanium and tungsten, and a conductive layer containing copper which is provided on a side of the adhesion layer opposite the electrode.
US09144969B2	Laminate constructs for micro-fluid ejection devices A micro-fluid ejection head has an ejection chip to expel fluid. It connects to a laminate construct. The construct has vertically configured wiring layers interspersed with non-conductive layers, such as carbon fiber layers. An upper of the wiring layers electrically connects to the ejection chip. The upper layer may also support a planar undersurface of the chip directly on a surface or in a recessed pocket. The two can connect with a die bond, such as one having silica or boron nitride. Fluid connections exist between ink feed slots of the chip and the laminate construct. A silicon tile or other material may also fluidly interconnect with the two. A plastic manifold optionally supports the laminate construct and may fluidly connect to it. The wiring layers of the laminate contemplate ground, power, and various bond pads. Other construct layers contemplate prepreg or core FR4 layers.
US09144968B2	Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method An inkjet recording apparatus includes an inkjet recording head including a first nozzle having a discharge port, a pressure chamber having therein an element, and a flow path, a second nozzle having a flow resistance lower than that of the first nozzle, and a supply port configured to, after discharge of an ink droplet from at least one of the first nozzle and the second nozzle, supply ink to the nozzle, a storage unit storing a rank value depending on a size of a portion relating to the flow resistance, a reading unit configured to read the rank value, a determination unit configured to determine a number of discharges per unit time of each nozzle based on the rank value read by the reading unit, and a control unit configured to control each nozzle to discharge the ink droplet based on the number of discharges determined by the determination unit.
US09144964B2	Process for making lithographic printing plate A process for making a lithographic printing plate enables a one-bath processable lithographic printing plate having excellent printing durability, ink laydown and resistance to staining during printing. The process includes a step of producing a negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor having, above a support, a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer containing a vinylcarbazole compound-derived monomer unit-containing acrylic polymer and/or a urethane-acrylic hybrid polymer, a step of image-wise exposing the negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor, and a step of developing the exposed negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor by means of a developer having a pH of 4 to 10, comprising (Component A) a compound represented by Formula (I) and/or Formula (II) below and (Component B) water, and having an organic solvent content of less than 5 mass %. The process does not comprise a washing step or a gumming step before or after the development step.
US09144962B2	Graphene-polymer layered composite and process for preparing the same A graphene-polymer layered composite and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. A graphene-polymer layered composite includes polymer layers surrounding a graphene sheet, and may include numerous polymer layers and graphene sheets in an alternating stacked configuration. The graphene-polymer layered composite has the characteristics of a polymer in that it provides flexibility, ease of manufacturing, low manufacturing costs, and low thermal conductivity. The graphene-polymer layered composite also has the characteristics of graphene in that it has a high electrical conductivity. Due to the low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity, the graphene-polymer layered composite may be useful for electrodes, electric devices, and thermoelectric materials.
US09144961B2	Orientation of interfacing projections A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of elongate projections on a bond surface of the component, each projection having a centerline, a tip, and a base. The centerline at the tip of each projection is oriented at an angle with respect to the normal to the bond surface at its base, and the angular orientation of the tip centerlines varies across the array of projections. Next, the first component and a flexible layer are brought together so as to embed the projections in the flexible layer before hardening the flexible layer to form the second component. Also, a joint so formed.
US09144960B2	Laminate compaction using magnetic force A device uses magnetic force generated by a magnet to intensify compaction pressure applied to a composite laminate.
US09144957B2	Insert sheet for an automobile interior material, and a production method for the same Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an insert sheet for an automobile interior material. The method includes: forming a surface treatment layer on a carrier film; forming a pattern-printed layer by printing a heat-resistant and light-resistant resin on the surface treatment layer to a thickness of 2 to 5 microns; forming an adhesive layer by laminating an acrylic adhesive on the pattern-printed layer to a thickness of 1 to 3 microns; laminating the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer is placed on the surface of a base layer to which a transparent ABS sheet is applied, and heating the adhesive layer to combine the adhesive layer with the base layer; and removing the carrier film.
US09144956B2	Bead foam compression molding method with in situ steam generation for low density product Disclosed is a method for molding a foamed article, such as a midsole or outsole for footwear, in which first water, then a desired amount of thermoplastic polyurethane foam beads are placed in a compression mold in the shape of the article and the mold is brought to a peak temperature of from about 130° C. to about 180° C. over a period of from about 300 to about 1500 seconds, then cooled to from about 5° C. to about 80° C. over a period of from about 300 to about 1500 seconds within about 30 seconds after the peak temperature is reached. The foamed article made by the method has a density of from about 0.1 to about 0.45 g/cm3.
US09144954B2	Anti-skid roof underlayment Anti-skid roof underlayment and methods of making are provided. A first layer is applied to a second layer to at least partially melt the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are embossed and laminated to a substrate, where the first layer and the second layer form an embossed layer on the substrate. The embossed layer has an anti-skid surface thereon.
US09144953B2	Folded sheet pressing device, sheet processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus A folded sheet pressing device including: a folded sheet pressing unit configured to enhance a folded edge of a sheet subjected to a folding process; and a curving unit configured to curve the sheet in a sheet conveying direction when the sheet is supplied to the folded sheet pressing unit.
US09144943B2	Fiber mold filling system and method A fiber filling box divided into compartments by slotted divider walls, preferably comb-like divider fences with vertical tines extending downwardly from a top frame, is lowered onto an air-permeable conveyor over at least one vacuum box in a fiber filling station. A multi-axis controlled nozzle blows fiber material to different depths and/or densities in the individual compartments. The divider fences allow continuous intertwining of fibers between adjacent compartments, but sufficiently contain the fibers to maintain well-defined boundaries between different fiber depths and/or densities in the individual compartments. Hold-down plates are lowered onto the fiber material, the fiber filling box is lifted away, and then the hold-down plates are lifted to release a shaped fiber mass, which is then heated and compacted in a heating station to form a fiber preform. The hot fiber preform is then molded, compressed and cooled in a molding station to produce a molded fiber component.
US09144942B2	Method for producing fiber-reinforced plastic molding, preform and method for producing same, and adhesive film The present invention is a method for producing a fiber-reinforced plastic molding including, in the following order, the steps of: forming a preform laminate fixed to a molding die by laminating a plurality of preforms each including a dry fiber fabric and a fixing resin, the preforms being laminated through the fixing resin formed on a surface of the dry fiber fabric and including a partially-cured thermosetting resin exhibiting tackiness at a room temperature; impregnating the dry fiber fabric, provided in the preform laminate fixed to the molding die, with a liquid thermosetting resin; curing the liquid thermosetting resin and the fixing resin to form a fiber-reinforced plastic molding; and demolding the fiber-reinforced plastic molding from the molding die.
US09144940B2	Method for printing 3D parts and support structures with electrophotography-based additive manufacturing A method for printing a three-dimensional part and a support structure with an electrophotography-based additive manufacturing system. The method includes developing a support layer of the support structure from a soluble support material with a first electrophotography engine, and transferring the developed support layer from the first electrophotography engine to a transfer medium. The method also includes developing a part layer of the three-dimensional part from an ABS part material with a second electrophotography engine, and transferring the developed part layer from the second electrophotography engine to the transfer medium. The method further includes moving the attracted part and support layers to a layer transfusion assembly with the transfer medium, and transfusing the moved part and support layers together to previously-printed layers with the layer transfusion assembly.
US09144938B2	Methods for attaching structures using ultraviolet and visible light curing adhesive An electronic device may be provided with electronic device structures such as housing structures and structures associated with electrical components. The electronic device structures may be attached to each other using ultraviolet and visible light curable adhesive. A layer of adhesive may be interposed between electronic device structures. A light source may generate ultraviolet light. The structures may include an ultraviolet-light-transparent structure through which the ultraviolet light passes to illuminate and cure the adhesive. The ultraviolet-light-transparent structure may form one of multiple shots of injection molded plastic in a device structure, may be formed using a plastic that is opaque at visible wavelengths, or may have a coating such as a metal coating to help reflect ultraviolet radiation onto the adhesive. Perforations in the coating may be used to pass ultraviolet radiation to the adhesive.
US09144937B2	Ultrasonic press using servo motor with delayed motion An ultrasonic welding system includes a motion control system that is coupled to and that causes controlled movement of an ultrasonic welding stack, in accordance with control inputs that are based on one or more control signals that are received from one or more sensors. The motion control system initiates a welding operation, subsequent to which an initial motion delay occurs until a predetermined condition is satisfied. Subsequently, in response to the predetermined condition being satisfied, the ultrasonic welding stack is caused to move in accordance with a weld profile. Subsequently, in response to an occurrence of a predetermined delay initiating condition, the ultrasonic welding stack is caused to stop motion and to maintain a stationary position. Subsequently, in response to an occurrence of a predetermined delay terminating condition, motion of the ultrasonic welding stack is resumed in accordance with the weld profile.
US09144935B2	Method for producing stretched film, method for producing film, and film A film stretched uniaxially in the transverse direction selectively is obtained by preventing a phenomenon that the film is stretched also in the longitudinal direction in stretching the film in a direction transverse to the conveying direction.A film F is stretched in the transverse direction while being gripped with clips 2 each having a corrugated upper teeth part (holding member piece) 12 and a corrugated lower teeth part (holding member piece) 11. Furthermore, the film F is shaped into a wavy form using corrugated gripping members 6a and 6b and stretched in the transverse direction while being held with the clips 2 having the holding members.
US09144934B2	Method of heating a preform, a driving arrangement, a preform heating system and a computer program The invention describes a method of heating a preform (1) characterized by a radius (R), a material thickness (t), and a material absorption spectrum, which method comprises the steps of selecting, depending on a desired temperature profile, a desired effective absorption coefficient for the preform (1) on the basis of the preform radius (R) and material thickness (t); generating a laser radiation beam (L) comprising radiation with a wavelength spectrum compiled on the basis of absorption coefficients of the absorption spectrum to satisfy the effective absorption coefficient and directing the laser radiation beam (L) at the preform (1) to heat the preform (1). The invention further describes a driving arrangement (7) for controlling a laser radiation generating unit (9) of a preform heating system (10), a preform heating system (10), and a computer program.
US09144933B2	Receptacle for attaching to a product having a curved wall There is provided a receptacle for connecting to a curved wall of a container. The receptacle has a pair of spaced-apart flanges that extend about the container. The receptacle includes an outer wall member configured to be spaced-apart from the curved wall of the container. The receptacle includes an open back opposite the outer wall member of the receptacle. The receptacle includes a pair of spaced-apart ends that connect the flanges of the receptacle to the outer wall member of the receptacle. The receptacle includes a bottom that connects to and extends between the ends of the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle has an outer edge connecting with the outer wall member of the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle has a curved inner edge configured to abut with and partially extend about the container.
US09144930B2	Heater and thermocouple assembly A heater and thermocouple assembly for use with a hot runner nozzle with an elongated heater body, said heater body having at least one first heating section, which in operation is positioned adjacent to the front end portion of the hot runner nozzle, and at least one second heating section which in operation is positioned adjacent to a nozzle head of the hot runner nozzle and has an at least partly annular distance section with a wall which is arranged between the first and second heating sections.
US09144928B2	Shut off nozzle system and methods for making and using the same In one embodiment, a tool, comprising: a tool stationary portion comprising a nozzle and a film gate; and a tool movable portion comprising a shut off pin opposite the nozzle and the film gate; wherein the shut off pin prevents polymer melt in the nozzle from leaking into a cavity of the tool after injection of polymer into the tool.
US09144927B2	Method of rotating mold or other articles A mold rotator with a first section and a second section that are engaged approximately perpendicularly to each other to produce a base and an L-shaped platform for receiving the article. The base of the article rotator may have a curved section at the intersection of the first section and the second section and the article rotator may rotate on its curved section between a first position wherein the article rotator is supported on its first section and a second position wherein the article rotator is supported on its second section. Further, the article rotator allows an article to be safely rotated simply by lowering the article onto the article rotator so that the article rotator automatically rotates approximately 90° from a first position and a second, rotated position. The article rotator may include a stabilizing system.
US09144925B2	Shape memory polyphenylene sulfide manufacturing, process, and composition Disclosed is a process for making shape memory polyphenylene sulfide, comprising: curing polyphenylene sulfide to produce cured polyphenylene sulfide; comminuting the cured polyphenylene sulfide to form cured polyphenylene sulfide particles; disposing the cured polyphenylene sulfide particles in a mold; heating the mold for flowing the cured polyphenylene sulfide; compressing, by applying a compressive force, the cured polyphenylene sulfide; cooling the cured polyphenylene sulfide; relieving the compressive force; and de-molding the cured polyphenylene sulfide to produce the shape memory polyphenylene sulfide.
US09144919B2	Power tool having depth adjustment mechanism A power tool having a depth adjustment mechanism includes a motor housing, a support base for supporting the motor housing, and a depth adjustment member coupled to the support base and movable between two positions. The depth adjustment member in a first position contacts a surface portion of the motor housing and in a second position is distanced from the surface portion of the motor housing such that the movement of the depth adjustment member from the first position to the second position is in a direction parallel to a plane that is substantially tangent to the surface portion of the motor housing.
US09144916B2	System and method of removing beads from tires A system and method for removes steel beads from large diameter tires by making a series of overlapping punched cuts in a circumferential pattern in the sidewall of the tire around the beads. The punching mechanism is hydraulically operated and remains stationary while a powered roller advances the tire after each successive punching motion until the beads have completely severed from both sidewalls of the OTR tire. The machine is capable of either simultaneously or individually removing both rubber-encased inner beads from the tire.
US09144914B2	Razor cartridge with reduced part count and expanded range of motion A shaving razor having a cartridge containing a razor blade coupled to a monolithic yoke. The yoke is formed from a single piece of material possibly by injection molding. The yoke has a bridge and a pair of cross pieces each coupled to the bridge by a living hinge. The cartridge is coupled to the cross pieces and spans between the cross pieces.
US09144912B2	Shaving apparatus A shaver includes an improved locking mechanism for securing a shaving head to the shaver while allowing for simple and convenient removal thereof. The shaver further includes an adjustable shaver head that effectively follows the contours of the face or body. The shaver can be extended to use with a backshaver that has a first handle portion connected to a second handle portion by a joint assembly that allows the handle portions to be adjusted to varying angles and locked at a desired angle.
US09144908B2	Manipulator device A manipulator device has an arm portion and a hand portion The hand portion includes one or more finger portions that manipulate a target object. Each finger portion includes a slip sensor and multiple contact sensors, with at least one contact sensor at a position proximate to the slip sensor and at least another contact sensor at a position remote from the slip sensor. When the contact sensors at the positions remote from the slip sensor detect contact of the target object and the contact sensors arranged at the positions proximate to the slip sensors do not detect contact, a position of the finger portion is moved by a distance corresponding to the distance between the contact sensors detecting contact of the target object and the contact sensors arranged at the positions proximate to the slip such that a detecting position of the slip sensor is coincident with a position of the target object.
US09144907B2	Control synchronization for high-latency teleoperation Robotic system (100) includes a processing device (512) and a plurality of robot actuators (501) to cause a specified motion of the robot (102). The processing device (512) responds to one or more user robot commands (115) initiated by a control operator input at a remote control console (108). A user robot command will specify a first movement of the robot from a first position to a second position. The processing device will compare a current pose of the robot to an earlier pose of the robot to determine a difference between the current pose and the earlier pose. Based on this comparing, the processing device will selectively transform the user robot command to a latency-corrected robot command which specifies a second movement for the robot which is different from the first movement.
US09144906B2	Anti-intrusion method in an automated system with robot A method for making use of an automated system with a robot, including the following steps: (i) a management controller (12) authorizes the extraction of a pallet (2) and communicates information to a safety controller (11) concerning the extraction authorization, (ii) a series of presence detectors (7) sends initial height information (HLP) for a pallet (2) on which products (10) are arranged to the safety controller (11), (iii) the safety controller (11) generates reference information based on the initial information received, (iv) the presence detectors (7) send current height information for the pallet (2) to the safety controller (11), and the safety controller (11) compares the current height information to the reference information. If the current information does not correspond to the reference information, then a robot (5) is stopped and/or the safety measures of the enclosure (1) are applied.
US09144905B1	Device and method to identify functional parts of tools for robotic manipulation Described is system for identifying functional elements of objects for robotic manipulation. The system causes a robot to manipulate an object, the robot having an audio sensor and touch sensors. A three-dimensional (3D) location of each audio event that produces a response during manipulation of the object is recorded. Additionally, a 3D location of each tactile event that produces a response during manipulation of the object is recorded. A 3D location of each audio and tactile event in 3D space is then determined. A 3D audio point cloud and a 3D tactile point cloud are generated. Then, the 3D audio point cloud and the 3D tactile point cloud are registered with a 3D model point cloud of the object. Finally, an annotated 3D model point cloud of the object is generated, which encodes the location of a functional element of the object.
US09144904B2	Method and system for automatically preventing deadlock in multi-robot systems A system and method for controlling avoiding collisions and deadlocks in a workcell containing multiple robots automatically determines the potential deadlock conditions and identifies a way to avoid these conditions. Deadlock conditions are eliminated by determining the deadlock-free motion statements prior to execution of the motions that have potential deadlock conditions. This determination of deadlock-free motion statements can be done offline, outside normal execution, or it can be done during normal production execution. If there is sufficient CPU processing time available, the determination during normal production execution provides the most flexibility to respond to dynamic conditions such as changes in I/O timing or the timing of external events or sequences. For minimal CPU impact the determination is done offline where many permutations of programming sequences can be analyzed and an optimized sequence of execution may be found.
US09144900B2	Hand tool A pocket hand tool comprises a tubular shank (1) with a hexagonal bore, the proximal end (1c) being provided with an aperture (3) and a slot (6) for receiving a bit retainer clip (4) and a coin (8)/door key (8′) respectively. The clip thus serves a dual function and the slot enables the torque applied by the tool to be increased by using the coin as a handle.
US09144899B2	Roll claw The roll claw is a complementary tool with a purpose of using less stress force to do work. The roll claw is configured with a rounded head and a claw end. The roll claw has a square portal that accepts a ratchet or pull handle of various sizes, and a round portal that accepts a chain link of any make where a tension strap with a hook can be attached. The roll claw uses leverage to reduce the stress force to perform certain work.
US09144898B1	Faucet seat and spring inserter A plumbing device includes a housing that fits over a rod according to examples of the present disclosure. The rod is movably positioned in the housing. A pin connected to the rod is contained within an elongate opening in the outer surface of the housing. The pin serves as a stop for the rod in an extended position and retracted position.
US09144893B2	Reinforced drive tool A socket includes a hole having a hexagonal cross section and defining six abutting sides and an included angle between any of the two adjacent abutting sides. Any of the two opposite abutting sides spaced at a first distance. Any of the two opposite included angles spaced at a second distance. The socket has first, second, and third sections having first, second and third external diameters, respectively. The second external diameter is smaller than the first external diameter and the third external diameter is smaller than the second external diameter, respectively. A difference between the second and third external diameters is not less than a difference between the first and second distances. A drive bit is mounted to the second end of the socket.
US09144892B2	Rotatably engaged socket set The rotatably engaged socket set includes a plurality of differently sized sockets that are collectively connected at a center such that the differently sized sockets each extend radially from the center. The differently sized sockets are able to rotate through armatures forming the U-shaped member in order to select a desired socket for use. The U-shaped member includes a square drive at a distal end of the U-shaped member such that the rotatably engaged socket set is configured to attach to an existing socket drive, which may involve an impact wrench or pry bar or ratchet. Upon attachment of the existing socket drive to the square drive of the U-shaped member, a selected socket is longitudinally aligned and configured for use in tightening or loosening a nut or head of a bolt.
US09144889B2	Clamping assembly A clamping assembly is provided. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a base portion and an extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a piston that is adapted to move first and second guide members toward the base portion to move first and second wedge members, respectively, in first and second directions, respectively, on the extension portion to lift a wedge coupling member relative to the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member that is further coupled to a clamping arm.
US09144888B2	Clamping assembly A clamping assembly is provided. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a base portion and an extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a piston that is adapted to move first and second cam fingers toward the base portion to induce first and second pins, respectively, to move first and second wedge members, respectively, in first and second directions, respectively, on the extension portion to lift a wedge coupling member relative to the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member that is further coupled to a clamping arm.
US09144887B2	Submicron alpha alumina high temperature bonded abrasives A high temperature bonded abrasive includes alumina abrasive grits, and a vitreous bond matrix in which the alumina abrasive grits are distributed, the vitreous bond matrix having a cure temperature not less than 1000° C. The alumina abrasive grits include polycrystalline alpha alumina having a fine crystalline microstructure characterized by an alpha alumina average domain size not greater than 500 nm, and the alumina abrasive grits further include a pinning agent that is a dispersed phase in the polycrystalline alpha alumina.
US09144886B1	Protective leaching cups, leaching trays, and methods for processing superabrasive elements using protective leaching cups and leaching trays An exemplary method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element includes positioning the polycrystalline diamond element within a protective leaching cup. The protective leaching cup includes a seal region contacting a portion of a side surface of the polycrystalline diamond element adjacent a cutting face of the polycrystalline diamond element. The protective leaching cup also includes an encapsulating region surrounding a rear face and a portion of the side surface of the polycrystalline diamond element adjacent the rear face. The method includes exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element to a leaching agent. A length of a side wall of the protective leaching cup exceeds a length of the side surface of the polycrystalline diamond element.
US09144882B2	Identifying liquid jet cutting system components A consumable component of a liquid jet cutting system is provided. The consumable component includes a body defining a conduit for a liquid jet and a signal device located on or within the body for transmitting a signal associated with the consumable component to a reader.
US09144880B2	Soft and conditionable chemical mechanical polishing pad A chemical mechanical polishing pad for polishing a substrate selected from at least one of a magnetic substrate, an optical substrate and a semiconductor substrate is provided containing a polishing layer, wherein the polishing layer comprises the reaction product of raw material ingredients, including: a polyfunctional isocyanate; and, a curative package; wherein the curative package contains an amine initiated polyol curative and a high molecular weight polyol curative; wherein the polishing layer exhibits a density of greater than 0.6 g/cm3; a Shore D hardness of 5 to 40; an elongation to break of 100 to 450%; and, a cut rate of 25 to 150 μm/hr; and, wherein the polishing layer has a polishing surface adapted for polishing the substrate. Also provide are methods of making and using the chemical mechanical polishing pad.
US09144875B2	Handheld power tool device The invention is based on a handheld power tool device, having at least one safety mechanism, which intervenes in an uncontrolled blocking situation, and which has a sensor unit. It is proposed that the sensor unit is provided for directly detecting at least one orientation parameter of a handheld power tool.
US09144874B2	Machine tool having a rotary transmitter for data The invention relates to a machine tool having a machine frame, a motor-driven machine spindle rotatably mounted on the machine frame, and at least one exchangeable processing head on the machine spindle. The processing head comprises a coupling element compatible with a receiving portion of the machine spindle. Furthermore, a rotary transmitter for data transfer between a stator fixed to the frame and a rotor fixed to the spindle is provided. The invention is characterized in that the machine spindle comprises a plurality of function modules on the spindle side as well as a line system forming a component of a spindle bus to which the function modules on the spindle side are connected to form subscriber stations of the spindle bus and wherein the spindle bus communicates via the rotary transmission path with a field bus fixed to the frame.
US09144871B2	Lance unit and spindle comprising the same A spindle which can be used by using the two-channel minimal quantity lubrication. The feeding of the lubricating oil is done by way of a central oil tube which is rotationally fixedly joined to a fixed base piece and which is radially supported on the revolving spindle in the radial direction by way of at least one pivot bearing.
US09144869B2	Machine motion trajectory measuring device, numerically controlled machine tool, and machine motion trajectory measuring method A machine motion trajectory measuring device for measuring the motion trajectory of a machine used in an apparatus which controls the position of the machine by feeding back a detected position obtained by converting the rotation angles of motors for a plurality of movable axes and then driving the motors such that the detected position follows a commanded position is provided. The machine motion trajectory measuring device includes accelerometers for measuring the acceleration of the machine; and a motion trajectory measuring unit that measures the motion trajectory of the machine by obtaining the position of the machine by integrating the acceleration twice and correcting the position of the machine such that the profile of the position of the machine coincides with the profile of the detected position or the profile of an estimated position estimated using a model for simulating the response of the position of the machine to the commanded position.
US09144868B2	Auto-centering apparatus of a steady rest An auto-centering apparatus of a steady rest has: a base part; a main support part installed on the top of the base part, and a loading unit installed on the top of the main support part; at least one side support part installed on the top of the base part and located at least one side of the main support part, and a loading unit installed on the top of the side support part; a lift-up module installed in the base part and coupled to the main support part; and a connecting unit installed between the main support part and the side support part.
US09144864B2	Toe clamp, and related manufacturing method, clamping arrangement, and fixture Toe clamps generally shaped like hollow cylinder sectors or ring segments, methods of manufacturing such toe clamps, a toe clamping arrangement including such toe clamps, and a fixture for use in manufacturing such toe clamps.
US09144860B2	Robotic weld gun orientation normalization A method for controlling a welding robot having a servo gun with a movable tip and a fixed tip includes the steps of separately contacting a surface of a part with the movable tip to measure a base test point and an at least two additional test points displaced from the base test point. Two non-collinear vectors are calculated from the at least two additional test points. A normal vector is calculated from the two non-collinear vectors. An angle between the original servo gun orientation and the normal vector is determined. An orientation of the servo gun may be corrected, for example, if the angle is within user specified tolerances.
US09144857B2	Welding torch with a torch housing and drive for welding rod transport A welding torch includes a torch housing and, preferably, a tube bend fastenable thereto. A drive unit for feeding a welding wire is arranged in the torch housing and is formed by at least a drive roller and a pressure roller, as well as a drive motor. Part of the torch housing is designed as a component of the drive unit. A rotor, in particular a motor shaft, of the drive motor is fastened to the torch housing via a bearing or bearings to stabilize and position the rotor. A welding wire feed drive motor includes bearings, a rotor, in particular a motor shaft and a rotor winding or rotor magnets, and a stator pack, in particular stator winding or stator magnets. At least a part of the motor shaft, in particular the retention zone of a drive roller, is electrically insulated from the stator housing or base body.
US09144855B2	Mould for soldering, arrangement of moulds, a method and a component The use of pre-sintered soldering plates, referred to as PSPs, frequently proceeds without a continuous, cohesive soldering connection between individual grains in the sinter material and between the sinter and base material. A process soldering of prefabricated, perforated, porous or drilled plates or porous, spongy, laminar material that, can be laid full-surfaced on a base element as a plurality of tiles or as individual porous, drilled or perforated inlay elements designed contour-close on a recess in the base material is provided. To this end, the selected plate materials can be mechanically equal to the base material or otherwise set off for the particular requirements of the component insert. The solder can be offset by specific diffusible, melting-point-lowering components. A mold that has an open, continuous porosity so that melted or fluid solder can flow through from the one surface to the other surface is also provided.
US09144849B2	Cutting tool holding a plurality of types of cutting inserts A toolholder for holding a plurality of types of removable cutting inserts is provided. The toolholder includes a toolholder body having an insert-receiving recess. The recess includes an insert abutment surface for abutting a corresponding insert supporting surface of an insert. The insert abutment surface includes a first portion that abuts a first insert supporting surface of a first type of cutting insert and a second portion abuts a second insert supporting surface of a second type of cutting insert.
US09144845B1	Cutting tools with textured surfaces A cutting tool comprising first and second surfaces that intersect at an edge, wherein the first surface (e.g., a rake face, a flank surface or a margin) has a textured region comprising a multiplicity of recesses each having a length greater than its width. The recesses are distributed in a pattern comprising rows of recesses arranged lengthwise along respective lines with spaces between neighboring recesses. The recesses of one row are offset from the recesses of the next row. Each recess of the one row having one end portion that overlaps with an end portion of one recess in the next row and another end portion that overlaps with an end portion of another recess in the next row. The recesses are generally parallel to the edge.
US09144842B2	Unidirectional solidification process and apparatus and single-crystal seed therefor A single-crystal seed, apparatus and process for producing a casting having a single-crystal (SX) microstructure. The seed has a geometry that includes a vertex capable of destabilizing an oxide film that forms at the interface between the seed and a molten metal during the casting process, and thereby promotes a continuous single-crystal grain growth and reduces grain misorientation defects that can initiate from the seed/metal interface.
US09144840B2	Electromagnetic stirrer and continuous casting method The present invention provides an electromagnetic stirrer uniformly applying an electromagnetic force to each casting mold. The electromagnetic stirrer of the present invention includes a pair of electromagnetic coils including a casting mold(s) between them, wherein an inner winding is applied to outside of each of two of tooth provided to a core of each of the pair of electromagnetic coils, an outer winding is applied to outside of the inner windings, ways of applying current to be applied to the windings are changed depending on the distance of the electromagnetic coils, and the number of the casting molds n, the external size φ, and the width of each of the electromagnetic coils W are defined as n×φ
US09144839B2	Method for producing microalloyed tubular steel in combined casting-rolling installation and microalloyed tubular steel A method produces microalloyed tubular steel from a steel melt having a chemical composition of 0.04-0.05% C, 1.3-1.5% Mn, 0.035-0.05% Nb, 0.035-0.06% V, 0.2-0.4% Cr, 0.2-0.3% Si, >0.015% Al and <0.008% N in percent by weight, the remainder consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities. The method includes roughening an uncut thin slab strand formed from the steel melt to form a rough strip, reheating the rough strip to produce a reheated rough strip, and finish-rolling the descaled rough strip in a first group of rolling stands and in a second group of the rolling stands.
US09144833B2	Dual-phase hot extrusion of metals The present disclosure provides a method of dual-phase hot metal extrusion comprising (i) providing a load carrier made of a first metal material, wherein the load carrier comprises one or more load chambers containing a second metal material, wherein the melting point of the second metal material is lower than the melting point of the first metal material, (ii) heating the load carrier to a temperature above the melting point of the second metal material and suitable for extrusion of the load carrier, and (iii) extruding the load carrier to form an extruded product. The present disclosure also provides apparatuses for accomplishing the dual-phase hot extrusion of metals and products resulting from such processes.
US09144831B2	Method and system for removing retentate from filters A cleaning system and method of cleaning filters that removes the ash in the plugged regions is disclosed. The filter is subjected to vibrations, which serve to loosen trapped and packed retentate from the filter. The loosened retentate is then captured by a collection bin. The cleaning system can be integral with the intended application, such as within an automobile. In another embodiment, the cleaning system is a separate cleaning station, where the filter is removing from its intended application, cleaned, and then reinstalled.
US09144829B2	Organizing pathology assets A technique for organizing pathology samples includes sorting the samples into bins defined at different physical locations of a sorting apparatus, based on a set of designations applied to the samples. With such an arrangement, unorganized pathology samples may be grouped so that all the same accession numbers are grouped together for efficient filing or re-filing with reduced error. An apparatus suitable for use according to this technique includes a support structure and multiple dividers defining multiple sets of bins on the apparatus. A different set of bins is provided on the apparatus for each of the set of designations applied to the samples.
US09144827B2	Postal sorting method with user processing information being recovered between sorting passes A postal sorting method in which mailpieces are subjected to at least two sorting passes in a machine so as to be sequenced in sorting outlets of the machine, and user processing information (PF) is available in the machine during a first sorting pass in relation to at least a certain mailpiece, is characterized in that it includes a step consisting, in a memory, in associating said user processing information with a graphical signature of the mailpiece that is representative of an image of the mailpiece, and in recovering (32, 33), during the second machine sorting pass of said certain mailpiece, said user processing information that is associated with it on the basis of matching of graphical signatures using a certain resemblance criterion.
US09144824B2	Atmospheric pressure plasma-induced graft polymerization A method of modifying a polymeric, inorganic, or organic-functionalized substrate surface is provided. In one embodiment, an atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma stream is directed at a substrate surface, leading to the formation of surface-bound active sites that function as polymerization initiators. When contacted with a monomer or monomer solution, the active sites facilitate formation of a dense array of graft polymers covalently bound to the substrate surface. In another embodiment, an inorganic substrate is cleaned, conditioned in a humidity chamber, treated with an AP plasma, and contacted with a monomer or monomer solution to facilitate formation and growth of graft polymers on the substrate surface.
US09144820B2	Ejection amount correction method and coating apparatus Provided is an ejection amount correction method and an applying apparatus, which can correctly measure the amount of an applied droplet and accurately correct the ejection amount. In an ejection amount correction method for measuring the amount of a liquid material ejected from a nozzle and correcting the ejection amount of the liquid material, a mirror is set near an application target surface at a predetermined angle with respect to the application target surface, an image of a droplet formed on the application target surface is picked up from a side through the mirror, the volume of the droplet is calculated based on the picked-up image of the droplet, and the ejection amount is corrected based on the calculated volume. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
US09144819B1	Apparatus, method, and system for applying liquid coating to elongated members including arrow shafts An apparatus, method and system for applying a liquid coating on an elongated work piece. One example is an arrow shaft. The apparatus comprises a body with a wiper on or in the body. A mounting interface allows the body to be mounted on a support, which in one example is the top of a can holding the liquid to be applied. An excess amount of liquid is applied to the work piece (e.g. by dipping an end or other application of the liquid to a location along the work piece, and the work piece is then moved past the wiper such that the wiper wipes the liquid on the work piece but gathers excess liquid for substantially even coating of the liquid along the work piece.
US09144815B2	Digital device and method for controlling the same A digital device including a scent emitting unit and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The digital device includes a display unit for displaying a first image including a first object having a first scent property and a second object having a second scent property, a sensor unit for sensing a distance from a specific body part of a user, a scent emitting unit, and a processor. The processor controls the scent emitting unit to emit any one of a first scent, a second scent or a mixture of the first scent and the second scent according to the distance from the specific body part of the user, and a mixture ratio of the first scent to the second scent in the mixture is changed according to a predetermined condition.
US09144813B2	Pump-type cosmetics container A pump-type cosmetics container is not subject to the risk of a foreign substance entering into a nozzle, due to a moving path through which content is discharged during use that is selectively open by means of an opening/closing bracket, and to the risk of change in quality of the content inside the moving path, by means of a counteraction of a control protrusion pressing a locking protrusion thereby re-aspirating the content remaining inside the moving path, after pumping using a double spring.
US09144811B2	Electrostatic liquid spray nozzle having a removable and re-settable electrode cap An electrostatic sprayer for spraying a liquid includes a nozzle formed from a nozzle body that has an inlet for receiving a liquid and a liquid tip having an outlet for ejection of the liquid to form a liquid spray. The nozzle also includes an electrode disposed around the outlet of the liquid tip for charging the liquid. The electrode is captive in a removable cap that is that is detachably secured, e.g., via threaded connection, to the sprayer, so that the cap is removable for servicing, cleaning or replacement of nozzle components such as the liquid tip. The nozzle includes a calibratable stop mechanism for controlling a position of the electrode with respect to the outlet of the liquid tip when the cap is installed. The stop mechanism may be provided by a locking ring around a barrel of the sprayer that stops rotation of the cap.
US09144810B2	Atomizing nozzle assembly for pneumatically operated cleaning equipment An atomizing nozzle assembly (1) for pneumatically operated cleaning equipment with a nozzle body (2), in which a nozzle pipe (12) can rotate in bearings, is improved with regard to safe function and long service life to the effect that a disc section (24) of a stop element (23) arranged on the inlet side of the nozzle pipe (12) has a smaller outer diameter (26) than the inner diameter (27) of the inlet end (4) of nozzle housing (2) so that an annular gap (28) remains between disc section (24) and nozzle housing (2) through which compressed air (14) can flow and compressed air (15) passes through two bearings (9, 10) for the rotary nozzle pipe (12) helping to remove dirt from the bearings.
US09144809B2	Impingement sprinkler An impingement sprinkler has a main body, a rotation guiding mechanism, a slant adjustment mechanism, a turning control component and a rotation limiting mechanism. The rotation limiting mechanism has a first limiting piece and a second limiting piece. The main body has a frame portion and a sprinkler head. The rotation guiding mechanism includes a torsional spring and a swinging piece. The swinging piece has a first contacting portion. The turning control component has a second contacting piece and a poking rod portion. The poking rod portion always contacts the stopping portions such that the first and second limiting pieces interfere with the poking rod portion.
US09144804B2	Comminuting device comprising a comminuting rotor having a continuous knife A comminuting device for waste products and/or production waste is described that includes a driving device that drives at least one comminuting rotor presenting on the periphery thereof a number of comminuting tools that are fixed to the comminuting rotor, for forming at least one knife bank extending in the axial direction with one directional component The comminuting tools cooperates with at least one counterknife arrangement adapted in its form to the rotation surface of the comminuting rotor equipped with said tools, for disintegrating the material to be processed. Neighboring comminuting tools within a knife bank are arranged adjacent to each other at respectively associated lateral faces and offset to each other on the periphery of the rotor, such that equivalent cutting edges of neighboring comminuting tools have the same distance to the rotor axis and each lie in a plane that runs parallel to the rotor axis.
US09144801B2	Sample tube racks having retention bars Sample tube racks having retention bars to retain sample tubes in the racks during processing of the contents of the sample tubes are described. An example rack for holding sample tubes includes a sample tube carrier having an elongated body and walls defining apertures. Each of the apertures is configured to receive a respective one of the sample tubes. The walls define elongated openings, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the sample tubes and extends along at least a portion of a length of the respective sample tube, and the elongated openings enable viewing of information on the outer surfaces of the sample tubes. The example rack also includes an elongated retention bar to be pivotally coupled to one end of the sample tube carrier. The retention bar has openings, each of which is positioned over a respective one of the apertures, and the openings are dimensioned to prevent removal of the sample tubes from the sample tube carrier through the retention bar.
US09144800B2	Thermal cycler and thermal cycle method A thermal cycler (1) includes a holder (11) that holds a biotip (100) filled with a reaction mixture and liquid having a smaller specific gravity than the reaction mixture and being immiscible with the reaction mixture, the biotip (100) including a channel (110) in which the reaction mixture moves, a heating unit (12) that heats a first portion (111) of the channel when the biotip (100) is in the holder (11), and a driving unit (20) that disposes the holder (11) and the heating unit (12) by making a switch between a first disposition and a second disposition, the first disposition being such that the first portion (111) is in a lowest part of the channel (110) with respect to a gravitational force direction when the biotip (100) is in the holder (11), the second disposition being such that a second portion (112) that is a different portion from the first portion (111) relative to a moving direction of the reaction mixture is in the lowest part of the channel (110) with respect to the gravitational force direction when the biotip (100) is in the holder (11).
US09144799B2	Modular microfluidic system for biological sample preparation A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system for preparation of a biological sample including a series of reconfigurable modules for automated sample preparation adapted to selectively include a) a microfluidic acoustic focusing filter module, b) a dielectrophoresis bacteria filter module, c) a dielectrophoresis virus filter module, d) an isotachophoresis nucleic acid filter module, e) a lyses module, and f) an isotachophoresis-based nucleic acid filter.
US09144797B2	Regeneration of catalyst for hydrogenation of sugars A process for regenerating catalysts that have been deactivated or poisoned during hydrogenation of biomass, sugars and polysaccharides is described, in which polymerized species that have agglomerated to catalyst surfaces can be removed by means of washing the catalyst with hot water at subcritical temperatures. A feature of the process regenerates the catalysts in situ, which allows the process to be adapted for used in continuous throughput reactor systems. Also described is a continuous hydrogenation process that incorporated the present regeneration process.
US09144796B1	Method of applying washcoat to monolithic substrate A method of coating substrate monoliths is disclosed. The method comprises locating a containment means on top of the first end face of the monolith; and dosing a predetermined quantity of washcoat composition comprising a liquid phase, at least one polysaccharide rheology modifier and at least one of (i) a suspension of metal oxide particles into the containment means; and (ii) at least one metal salt solute in the liquid phase. The locating step may occur before or after the dosing step. Pressure is applied to the washcoat composition to generate shear stress and to transfer an entirety of washcoat composition into the channels of the monolith by plug flow. Substantially all of the predetermined quantity is retained within the monolith. The part-coated monolith is then rotated so that the second end face is located at the top, and the first three steps are repeated without drying the part-coated monolith.
US09144792B2	Hydroalkylating process Disclosed are a catalyst comprising (A) an aluminosilicate molecular sieve comprising a ferrierite phase and (B) a hydrogenation metal component, and a hydroalkylation process using the catalyst. The catalyst and the hydroalkylation process can be used in the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene hydroalkylation.
US09144789B2	Diesel exhaust gas purification catalyst and diesel exhaust gas purification system A diesel exhaust gas purification catalyst contains a substrate, and a catalyst layer formed on the substrate. The catalyst layer contains a carrier, a noble metal and/or an oxide thereof supported by the carrier, and a composite oxide of cerium and one or more Group III and/or Group IV elements. The diesel exhaust gas purification catalyst when in use is disposed on an upstream side of an exhaust gas stream with respect to a denitration catalyst.
US09144781B2	Fuel processing device Provided is a fuel processing device including: a combustion unit equipped with a heat source; a desulfurization unit for extracting a sulfur component from the source gas; a reforming unit for generating, from the desulfurized source gas, a hydrogen-containing gas having hydrogen as a main component thereof; and a low-temperature conversion unit equipped with an exothermic catalyst for reducing the impurity concentration in the hydrogen-containing gas. The reforming unit and the desulfurization unit are configured so as to surround the combustion unit, and are disposed concentrically in the given order facing outwards from the combustion unit. The present invention further includes a preheating passage which is connected to the desulfurization unit, and which is provided to a bottom part of the combustion unit via a heat insulation material, such that the source gas is preheated by heat from the combustion unit.
US09144773B2	Method for manipulating a membrane element within a pressure vessel Provided is a method for manipulating a membrane element within a pressure vessel including a central axis, a distal end, a proximal end and an inlet disposed at the proximal end. The membrane element has a membrane element front face with at least one fluid opening and a membrane element rear face. The membrane element is received within the pressure vessel such that the membrane element front face faces the proximal end, with a possibility to be moved along the central axis by an axial force applied to the membrane element front face. The method includes disposing a fluid-tight element in the pressure vessel to form a fluid chamber at the proximal end between the inlet and the fluid-tight element, and introducing fluid into the fluid chamber to displace the membrane element along the central axis in the direction towards the distal end of the pressure vessel.
US09144772B2	Method for monitoring an SCR catalyst In a method for monitoring an SCR catalyst, in particular for monitoring the storage capacity of the SCR catalyst for ammonia, superstoichiometric metering (69) of reducing agents into the SCR catalyst is performed for diagnostic purposes, and the storage capacity of the SCR catalyst is inferred in accordance with at least one characteristic value, which is dependent on the nitrogen oxide conversion rate of the SCR catalyst. In this method, a conditioning phase (67) for setting a specifiable operating point (68) is carried out before the superstoichiometric metering (69) of reducing agents.
US09144767B2	Gas separation device A simple and inexpensive gas separation device is provided. The gas separation device (100) includes: an adsorption tower (110) having an adsorbent (120) that adsorbs oxygen in a prescribed pressure and temperature environment, with at least one section thereof being exposed to a higher temperature atmosphere than a normal temperature; a first feed passage (132) connected to the adsorption tower for guiding into the adsorption tower air that has been blown from a blower device (130); a second feed passage (136) for guiding air, at a lower flow rate than the first feed passage, into the adsorption tower; a separated gas discharge path (140) connected to the adsorption tower for discharging a separated gas; a first heat exchanging unit (150) for exchanging heat between the separated gas discharged from the adsorption tower and the air guided into the adsorption tower from the first feed passage; an oxygen discharge unit (160) for reducing a pressure inside the adsorption tower, causing oxygen to desorb from the adsorption agent, and discharging oxygen from the adsorption tower; and a second heat exchanging unit (170) for exchanging heat between oxygen and the air guided into the adsorption tower from the second feed passage.
US09144766B2	Method and apparatus for rapid adsorption-desorption CO2 capture A method of capturing and sequestering a gas species from a fossil fuel-fired power plant flue gas is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing an apparatus having a vessel adapted to be pressurized and a hollow fiber membrane contained in the vessel and having a sorbent embedded therein. The method further includes the steps of subjecting the hollow fiber membrane to a flow of flue gas, removing one or more gas species from the flue gas with the hollow fiber membrane, and regenerating the sorbent contained in the hollow fiber membrane.
US09144765B2	Reactor system, an absorbent and a process for reacting a feed Reactor systems are provided that comprise a purification zone comprising an absorbent which comprises silver, an alkali or alkaline earth metal, and a support material having a surface area of more than 20 m2/g, and a reaction zone comprising a catalyst, which reaction zone is positioned downstream from the purification zone.
US09144764B2	Systems and methods for removing particulate matter from a gas stream Horizontal duct scrubbing systems for removing particulate matter from a gas are disclosed. The horizontal scrubbing systems may receive a particulate-containing gas stream (e.g., containing PM10 and/or PM2.5 particulate matter), and remove at least some of such particulates by spraying liquid droplets co-current to the flow of the gas stream, where the liquid droplets have a volume median droplet diameter (DV0.5) of from 240 microns to 600 microns. The scrubbing system may be substantially free of flow deflection members between a liquid inlet manifold and a demister. The system may be remove at least 50 wt. % PM10 and/or PM2.5 particulate matter from the gas stream.
US09144759B2	Separatorless pleated fluid filter A fluid filter media including a first media layer, a second media layer, a filter layer disposed between the first media layer and the second media layer, and a plurality of spaced apart weld points that couple the first media layer, the filter layer, and the second media layer together, where the weld points distort the surface of the first media layer and the second media layer, the fluid filter media is folded back on itself to form a plurality of pleats, and the surface distortions permit fluid flow through the fluid filter media when adjacent surfaces of the fluid filter media touch.
US09144752B2	Selective two-stage hydroprocessing system and method Aromatic extraction and hydrocracking processes are integrated to optimize the hydrocracking units design and/or performance. By processing aromatic-rich and aromatic-lean fractions separately, the hydrocracking operating severity and or catalyst reactor volume requirement decreases.
US09144747B2	Constructible playhouse A constructible playhouse may include interchangeable floors, ceilings, posts, and walls. The floors and ceilings may be a plurality of identical plates that may be connected together or stacked in a variety of ways using the posts. The plates may further include channel grooves in which additional accessories and add-ons may connect. The present invention may be easily assembled and disassembled for easy storage and portability.
US09144744B2	Locating and orienting device in space Example apparatus and methods concern an improved immersive experience for a video gamer that is provided by controlling a game based on the three dimensional location and orientation of a control and display device held by or otherwise associated with the gamer. The location is determined from data comprising a three dimensional position and an orientation of a portion of a player in a three dimensional space associated with a computerized game. The facing and rotation of the device is determined as a function of both the location of the device and the orientation of the device. The orientation may be determined by data from motion sensors in or on the device. Example apparatus and methods control the computerized game based, at least in part, on the position of the device, the facing of the device, and the rotation of the device.
US09144738B2	Information processing system, computer-readable storage medium having information processing program stored therein, and information processing method Subject-data-to-be-collected representing an element to be collected is generated or selected, when a server and any one of a plurality of hand-held information terminals cooperate with each other to perform predetermined information processing by using data transmitted and received between the server and the one of the plurality of hand-held information terminals. Each of the plurality of hand-held information terminals transmits to and receives from another one of the plurality of hand-held information terminals, the subject-data-to-be-collected. Thus, pleasure of collecting the subject-data-to-be-collected by communication among the hand-held information terminals, is provided.
US09144728B1	Golf swing training aid A golf swing training aid for training the golfer to swing a club such that the club's shaft stays in the same plane as the golfer's trailing forearm during the initial and final portion of the swing generally comprises a band for attachment to the golfer's trailing forearm and front and rear guide rods projecting downward from the band such thatthere is a gap between the rod's distal ends such that the shaft of the golf club can be swung into and out of the gap for guidance during the swing. The distal ends of the guide rods include a visual distinction that is seen peripherally by the golfer.
US09144726B2	Bat swing training device A bat swing training device for enabling the diagnosis and correction of an individual batter's swing. The training device includes a conventional bat modified to receive a training aid at its distal. The training aid provides a snapping sound if an individual swings the bat at greater than a predetermined speed such that inertial forces overcome magnetic forces acting on a paramagnetic slider and the slider accelerates from a first stop to a second stop producing a snap. The position of the batter's hands at the time of the snap indicates whether the batter's swing is correct.
US09144725B2	Putter face insert A putter-type golf club head having a face insert comprising a metal sheet and a urethane backing is disclosed herein. The metal sheet, which makes contact with a golf ball during use, includes a plurality of oval-shaped holes extending through the entire thickness of the sheet and having a specific size and spacing, and the urethane backing has a hardness that optimizes performance of the face insert, and thus the putter.
US09144720B1	Golf club adjustable hosel assembly An adjustable assembly includes a shaft, a club head having a hosel portion, a hosel insert, a shaft adapter, and a fastener. The hosel insert is secured to the hosel portion and includes a plurality of inwardly projecting teeth. Each tooth includes leading and surfaces. The adapter extends about a first longitudinal axis and includes at least one outwardly extending flexible or biased element aligned with the teeth. The leading surfaces are shaped to enable rotational movement of the adapter about the axis with respect to the hosel insert in a first rotational direction. The trailing surfaces are shaped to selectively engage the element to inhibit rotational movement of the adapter in a second rotation direction, opposite the first rotational direction. The assembly is adjustable between several locked positions. Each of the locked positions defines a separate loft and/or lie position of the head with respect to the shaft.
US09144711B2	Via ferrata safety system The present invention relates to a via ferrata safety system that improves user safety by increasing the reliable activation of the energy absorption system. The via ferrata system includes a harness coupling member, two fixed cable coupling members, and an energy absorption system. The energy absorption system is coupled to both the harness coupling member and the two fixed cable coupling members. The two fixed cable coupling members are independently coupled to the energy absorption system and to one another. The coupling between the two fixed cable coupling members is proportionally weaker than the independent coupling between the two fixed cable coupling members and the energy absorption system. This proportional weakness of the coupling between the fixed cable coupling members allows each of the fixed cable coupling members to act independently in the event that one of the cable coupling members is coupled to a point between the user and the energy absorption system.
US09144710B1	Climbing device A climbing device for a removable attachment to a column member, such as a tree, includes a body having a pair of spaced contact surfaces. The body also includes a pair of spaced and elongated retention apertures that are configured to receive a flexible retention member, such as a strap, therethrough. The retention member initially retains the climbing device to the column member, such that the contact surfaces are urged against the column member. In addition, the retention members are spaced apart such that their top portions are spaced further apart than their bottom portions. Thus, as the climbing body is forced downward along the column member, the distance between the spaced retention apertures increases, causing the circumferential distance traversed by the retention member to increase, thus drawing the retention member taut.
US09144709B2	Adaptive motor resistance video game exercise apparatus and method of use thereof The invention comprises a method and/or an apparatus using computer configured exercise equipment and an electric motor provided physical resistance in conjunction with a game system, such as a video game system, where the exercise system provides real physical resistance to a user interface. Results of user interaction with the user interface are integrated into a video game, such as running on a game console. The resistance system comprises: a subject interface, software control, a controller, an electric servo assist/resist motor, an actuator, and/or a subject sensor. The system provides actual physical interaction with a resistance device as input to the game console and game run thereon.
US09144707B2	Exercisers with smart manage system and methods using the same The present invention relates to exercisers having information management system comprising a main frame of the exerciser, a measuring module, a signal processing module and an identifier generating module. The measuring module measures the movement of the exerciser and/or the physical status of the user and collects signals from the equipment and/or user. The signal processing module processes the signals received and then generates fitness information and/or physical information. The identifier generating module converts the information into an identifier and displays on a monitor. The user can easily obtain the identifier by using mobile devices, without printing, for him or her to save, manage and utilize the information.
US09144706B1	Exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right rocker linkages may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and rocker linkages in such a manner that the force receiving members move through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.
US09144705B1	Exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus comprising: a foot support, a user interface that includes a visual display, the foot support being movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to a selection device that enables the user to select any one of the plurality of arc segments, one or more detectors adapted to detect one or more of force, energy or power exerted by the user over time on the foot support or distance or velocity of travel of the foot support or resistance assembly during the course of the user's performance of all or a portion of an exercise cycle, the visual display displaying a visually recognizable format of one or more of the force, energy, power, distance, time or velocity.
US09144696B2	Prosthetic appliance transfer kit and method A kit and method is disclosed to facilitate the transferring of a prosthetic appliance to the skin of a wearer. The kit includes first and second transfer portions, which may be provided in combined form. The first transfer portion includes a prosthetic appliance and a release film. The second transfer portion includes a transfer substrate, an adhesive layer and a release coat therebetween. The second transfer portion may include a seal layer disposed between the adhesive layer and the release coat. The kit may include a package portion which may non-adhesively restrain the other components so as to protect and display the prosthetic while enabling the package portion to be opened without causing damage to the remainder of the kit. A method for producing the kit is disclosed and involves the use of a cavity mold and respective retainer plate to produce the requisite transfer portions.
US09144695B2	Antiperspirant compositions An antiperspirant composition may include an aqueous carrier; and at least 4 to 7 weight percent of an aluminum and/or aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant active containing at least a Peak 4 specie. An antiperspirant composition may also include an aqueous carrier; and an aluminum and/or aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant active containing at least a Peak 4 specie, wherein the antiperspirant active contains less than 3 area percent Peak 1 and/or Peak 2 species from an HPLC chromatograph of the antiperspirant composition.
US09144683B2	Post-shock treatment in a subcutaneous device A power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib and using a lead system that does not directly contact a patient's heart or reside in the intrathoracic blood vessels and for providing anti-bradycardia pacing energy to the heart, comprising a capacitor subsystem for storing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy for delivery to the patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy to the capacitor subsystem.
US09144682B2	Method and system of stimulation of nerve tissue with a sequence of spatially distributed resonant sub-threshold electrical stimuli The present invention provides a method of stimulating an excitable tissue (e.g., in vitro, in vivo) with a primary electrical stimulus through a primary electrode at a primary stimulation frequency, to produce a propagating action potential in the excitable tissue. The invention is carried out by concurrently stimulating the excitable tissue with a secondary electrical stimulus through at least one secondary electrode at a secondary stimulation frequency. The primary and secondary stimulation frequencies are preferably different from one another. The secondary electrical stimulus preferably has an amplitude not more than one third that of the primary electrical stimulus. Preferably, propagation of the action potential in the excitable tissue is enhanced (e.g., when propagation of action potentials in the tissue is otherwise unstable, partially blocked, or fully blocked). Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.
US09144675B2	Systems and methods for coupling conductors to conductive contacts of electrical stimulation systems An electrical stimulation lead includes a plurality of conductive contacts disposed at a distal end and a proximal end of a lead body. The plurality of conductive contacts includes a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of terminals. At least one of the conductive contacts is a first conductive contact that includes at least one adhesive aperture defined between an inner surface and an outer surface of the at least one conductive contact. A plurality of conductors each electrically couple at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. Each first conductive contact has a conductor associated with, and electrically coupled to that first conductive contact. The adhesive is disposed in proximity to the at least one adhesive aperture of at least one first conductive contact to adhesively couple that first conductive contact to the at least one associated conductor.
US09144672B2	Needleless connector with compressible valve Needleless connectors are described. An example needleless connector includes a housing and a compressible valve. The housing may define an internal cavity and may include a body section having a first port and one or more internal contact tabs and a base section having a valve mount and a second port. The compressible valve may be disposed within at least a portion of the internal cavity and be movably retained within the housing. The compressible valve may include a flange portion for securing the compressible valve within the housing. A central longitudinal axis of the housing may be defined by a coaxial arrangement of the first and second port. The one or more internal contact tabs may be arranged to contact an outer side surface of the flange portion such that a radial force substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis is provided for securement.
US09144671B2	Transdermal adhesive patch assembly with removable microneedle array and method of using same A transdermal adhesive patch assembly and method of using same. The assembly can include a backing, and an adhesive and a matrix coupled to the backing. The matrix can include an active ingredient. The assembly can further include a microneedle array in at least partially overlapping relationship with the matrix; and a carrier that couples the microneedle array to the matrix opposite the backing, wherein the carrier and the microneedle array form a skin treatment assembly that, along with the matrix, can be located on a flap. The method can include adhering at least a portion of the adhesive to skin to form an anchor; applying pressure adjacent the microneedle array to treat an area of the skin; moving the flap away from the skin; removing the skin treatment assembly to expose the matrix; and replacing the flap to position the matrix over the treated area of the skin.
US09144668B1	Expandable device for independently inflating, deflating, supplying contrast media to and monitoring up to two balloon catheters for angioplasty An expandable inflation device for up to two balloon catheters for angioplasty includes a plurality of three port valves controlling flow to two fluid channels each coupled at an outlet to a balloon catheter for angioplasty. In line pressure gauges, which may be removable, monitor pressure of each channel. Each balloon catheter may be inflated and deflated, sequentially inflated, simultaneously inflated, sequentially deflated, simultaneously deflated, inflated to the same pressures, inflated to different pressures, partially deflated, and fully deflated.
US09144663B2	Methods and devices for repairing and/or preventing paravalvular leakage post-implantation of a valve prosthesis Devices and methods for delivering a sealing element post-implantation of valve prosthesis that functions to occlude or fill gaps present between the valve prosthesis and the native valve tissue, thereby reducing, minimizing, or eliminating leaks there through. In a first method, an injectable material is placed within a native valve sinus to form a sealing element that presses native valve leaflets against an outer surface of a heart valve prosthesis. In a second method, an injectable sealing material or a preformed annular sealing component is positioned between the outer surface or perimeter of a heart valve prosthesis and native heart valve tissue. In a third method, a preformed sealing element or component is placed within a heart valve prosthesis to press the prosthesis against native valve tissue.
US09144662B2	Boosting catheter and related systems and methods The various embodiments herein relate to a boosting catheter for positioning through a conventional guiding catheter into the vasculature of a patient, the boosting catheter having a distal tubular member and a proximal elongated shaft coupled to the distal tubular member.
US09144659B2	Catheter assembly A catheter assembly (1) comprising a catheter (8) having a proximal end (10) adapted to be inserted into a bodily cavity and a distal end (11) having a drainage outlet (13), a catheter package (2) having a cavity for accommodating the catheter and an opening for withdrawing the catheter from the package, and extracting means (17) that are coupled to the catheter for extracting the distal end of the catheter out of the package.
US09144658B2	Minimizing imposed expiratory resistance of mechanical ventilator by optimizing exhalation valve control This disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling an exhalation valve based on pressure and/or flow measurements during exhalation. The disclosure describes novel exhalation valve controls for ventilating a patient.
US09144655B2	Mask A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.
US09144653B2	Passive gas regulating valve for a respiratory system The invention relates to a gas regulating valve (1) for a respiratory system comprising: —a main path between an inlet (2) and an outlet (3), and —an evacuation path between the outlet (3) and an evacuation orifice (4), characterized in that: —the main path is provided with at least a non-return valve for preventing gas to circulate from the outlet (3) to the inlet (2), and —the evacuation path is provided with an obstructing membrane (10) arranged and designed for being deformed by gas from the inlet (2) to partially or fully obstruct the evacuation path. The invention also relates to a mask integrating such gas regulating valve, and to a respiratory system also comprising such gas regulating valve.
US09144652B2	Powder delivery devices A nasal delivery device for delivering substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a substance supply unit for supplying a dose of substance to be delivered to the nasal cavity of the subject, the substance supply unit including an inlet and an outlet; a nosepiece unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nasal cavity of the subject and being in fluid communication with the outlet of the substance supply unit; and a mouthpiece unit including a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet of the substance supply unit and through which the subject in use exhales such as to entrain substance from the container chamber and deliver the same through the nosepiece, and at least one temperature modifier for reducing a temperature of the exhaled air flow such as to reduce the absolute humidity thereof.
US09144651B2	Dose counter Described are a dose counter (200) for use with an inhaler (5), and an actuator (20) for use with or as part of a dispenser. Further described is a dispenser containing a dose counter.
US09144645B2	One piece sealing reservoir for an insulin infusion pump A novel one-piece fluid reservoir assembly for use in conjunction with an insulin infusion pump. The single piece fluid reservoir assembly includes a barrel body, a male luer fitting integral with the barrel body, a sealing surface integral with the barrel body, the sealing surface for sealing against the pump housing when the fluid reservoir assembly is inserted into the pump housing. Further, the barrel includes, as part of the one-piece fluid reservoir assembly, threads for engagement with threads on an opening in the fluid pump so that the fluid assembly can be inserted into the fluid pump, engage the threads and rotation therewith will locate the fluid reservoir assembly within the pump. Thereafter, a piston in the pump may be incrementally advanced to act upon a plunger in the barrel assembly to force a fluid within the barrel assembly through the male luer fitting and through a conduit engaged therewith to a remote infusion set.
US09144644B2	Infusion pump with independently controllable valves and low power operation and methods thereof An infusion pump, including: a specially programmed microprocessor; a drip chamber for connection to a source of fluid and to an output tubing; a pumping section including a plurality of fingers and a first actuator, controllable using the microprocessor, for sequentially displacing the plurality of finger to compress a first portion of the output tubing to displace fluid from the drip chamber through the output tubing; an inlet valve disposed between the drip chamber and the pumping section and arranged to compress the output tubing to restrict or block flow through the output tubing; and a second actuator, controllable using the microprocessor, for opening or closing the inlet valve independent of the displacement of the plurality of fingers; or for operating the inlet valve to control a rate of flow of fluid from the drip chamber to the portion of the output tubing.
US09144643B2	Liquid injector displaying input injection condition as image The preset invention provides a liquid injector in which, when an injection time period and an injection rate are entered as an injection condition, a condition image having a horizontal width corresponding to the injection time period and including the injection rate as text data is displayed in a condition screen with its vertical axis representing the injection rate and its horizontal axis representing the injection time period at a vertical position in association with the injection rate and a horizontal position in association with the injection time period. The operator easily understands instinctively the injection condition from the horizontal width and the position of the condition image, and since the condition image includes the injection rate as text data, the operator can check quickly the numerical values. Thus, the liquid injector can be provided which allows simple entry and review of the injection condition.
US09144642B2	Shipping container integrating a sharps disposal container with a new product storage container A shipping container integrates a sharps disposal container with a new product storage container for shipping. The storage container stores new product. A sharps disposal container receives used sharps. One of the storage container and the sharps disposal container is disposed within the other of the storage container and the sharps disposal container for shipping. A lid is adapted to be connected to the outermost container of the sharps disposal container and the storage container for shipping and to a top of the sharps disposal container for receiving used sharps.
US09144636B2	Self-cleaning surgical suction device with interchangeable tips A surgical suction device is disclosed that includes a suction tube having a first longitudinal axis, a proximal opening, and a distal opening; a guide tube that is substantially coextensive with and parallel to the suction tube, and has a second longitudinal axis, a proximal opening, and a distal opening; a stylet having a proximal end and a distal end; and a junction conduit having a proximal opening and a distal opening; wherein the stylet is disposed along the second longitudinal axis and encircled by the guide tube, and the proximal opening of the junction conduit is in contact with the distal opening of the suction tube and the distal opening of the guide tube such that the distal opening of the junction conduit is in fluid communication with the suction tube, and urging the stylet through the guide tube along the second longitudinal axis through the junction conduit translates the distal end of the stylet to the distal opening of the junction conduit.
US09144633B2	Implantable devices coated with insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds and methods thereof The present invention discloses vanadium-based insulin-mimetic agent composite coatings, application of these coatings onto implantable devices, and use of the implantable devices for accelerating osseous healing. The invention also encompasses methods of manufacturing implantable devices coated with vanadium-based insulin-mimetic agent composite coatings and the implantable devices so manufactured. The implantable devices have wide applications, including but not limited to treating bone fracture, bone trauma, arthrodesis, and other bone deficit conditions, as well as bone injuries incurred in military and sports activities.
US09144630B2	Composite and its use The present invention relates to a composite comprising a structural part, a porous part, and at least two interconnecting parts arranged at a distance from each other and extending from the structural part to the porous part, thus connecting them to each other. The implant is characterized in that each interconnecting part is in the form of a band having a length, a width and a height, the width and the height both being independently at most 20% of the length of the band, and in that at least one of the interconnecting parts is at least partially embedded into the structural and porous parts.
US09144629B2	Ionically crosslinked materials and methods for production Compositions including crosslinked collagen and bioactive glass having an average pore size of at least 100 microns and methods of preparation thereof.
US09144627B2	Methods for improving the bioactivity characteristics of a surface and objects with surfaces improved thereby The invention provides for a method of improving bioactivity of a surface of an implantable object. The invention also provides for a method of improving bioactivity of a surface of biological laboratory ware. The invention further provides a method of attaching cells to an object. The invention even further provides for a method of preparing an object for medical implantation. The invention also provides for an article with attached cell, and for an article for medical implantation. Improvements result from the application of gas-cluster ion beam technology and from the application of neutral beam technology, wherein neutral beams are derived from accelerated gas-cluster ion beams.
US09144618B2	Sanitizing surfaces associated with seating Sanitizing seat surfaces in a location being related to seating, such as a transportation vehicle includes a passenger area of the location. There are multiple rows of seats. A sanitization device includes a mobile body configured to travel along the aisle of the passenger area. An arm extends from the sanitization device laterally from the mobile body across the seats, and a source of UV radiation mounted on the sanitization device is directed across the seats exposing surfaces in the passenger area to UV radiation.
US09144612B2	Dermatological compositions containing an association of peroxide lipids and zinc, and uses thereof in particular in the treatment of labial and/or genital herpes A dermatological composition containing an association of peroxidized lipids; and zinc in mineral form or zinc compound compatible with dermatological use, formulated for topical application on the skin or the mucous membranes, is disclosed compatible with dermatological use. The composition may be used as a medical device to assist in healing and/or reconstitution of a damaged epidermis and/or to act as an analgesic agent on the skin or the mucous membranes, in particular in the treatment of the symptoms of herpes, pruritus, itching, irritations, eczema, burns, and most particularly in the treatment of labial or genital herpes.
US09144611B2	Hydrogel implants with varying degrees of crosslinking The present disclosure relates to a hydrogel composition and methods of using the same. The hydrogel composition may include precursors that react with each other upon contact as well as precursors that react upon contact with an initiator. In embodiments, the resulting hydrogels may have varying levels of crosslinking with both denser and less dense regions.
US09144609B2	Aqueous liquid preparation containing 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid An aqueous liquid preparation of the present invention containing 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt or a hydrate thereof, an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol type polymer such as tyloxapol, or a polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester such as polyethylene glycol monostearate is stable. An embodiment of said liquid preparation does not include any preservative. Said aqueous liquid preparation in the form of an eye drop is useful for the treatment of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, scleritis, and postoperative inflammation. Also, the aqueous liquid preparation of the present invention in the form of a nasal drop is useful for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and inflammatory rhinitis (e.g. chronic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal polyp, etc.).
US09144607B2	Functional influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) Recombinant influenza virus proteins, including influenza capsomers, subviral particles, virus-like particles (VLP), VLP complexes, and/or any portions of thereof, are provided as a vaccine for influenza viruses. The invention is based on the combination of two vaccine technologies: (1) intrinsically safe recombinant vaccine technology, and (2) highly immunogenic, self-assembled protein macromolecules embedded in plasma membranes and comprised of multiple copies of influenza virus structural proteins exhibiting neutralizing epitopes in native conformations. More specifically, this invention relates to the design and production of functional homotypic and heterotypic recombinant influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprised of recombinant structural proteins of human influenza virus type A/Sydney/5/94 (H3N2) and/or avian influenza virus type A/Hong Kong/1073/99 (H9N2) in baculovirus-infected insect cells and their application as a vaccine in the prevention of influenza infections and as a laboratory reagent for virus structural studies and clinical diagnostics.
US09144605B2	Recombinant rift valley fever virus encoding a dominant-negative inhibitor of DSRNA-dependent protein kinase in the NSS region Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and compositions comprising a Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) wherein a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a dsRNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) inhibitor is inserted into the NSs region of the virus.
US09144603B2	Cell capable of expressing exogenous GITR ligand Disclosed are: a cell capable of expressing an exogenous GITRL or an exogenous GITRL derivative; a method for producing the cell; a therapeutic or prophylactic agent comprising the cell as an active ingredient; use of the cell in the manufacture of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent; a method comprising a step of administering the cell to a subject; a viral vector carrying a gene encoding a GITRL or a GITRL derivative; a therapeutic or prophylactic agent comprising the viral vector as an active ingredient; use of the viral vector in the manufacture of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent; and a method comprising a step of administering the viral vector to a subject.
US09144600B2	Methods for treatment of incontinence associated with sexual activity The invention provides compositions and methods for treating incontinence associated with sexual activity.
US09144596B2	Compositions and methods of treating neoplasia The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for the treatment of neoplasia by reducing base excision repair (BER). Such compositions are useful, for example, for enhancing the efficacy of known chemotherapeutics, such as DNA alkylating agents. In particular, the invention features agents that mimic the interaction of APC with pol-β. Such agents reduce the activity of long patch- and single nucleotide-base extension repair pathways.
US09144595B2	APLs for treating arthritis One embodiment of a therapeutic composition comprises one or more APLs, e.g., APL A12, for treating diseases or disorders related to arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. Another embodiment includes a method of inducing a Th2-type cytokine secretion profile in a mammal, including administering a therapeutic amount of A12 analog peptide. Another embodiment includes a method for generating functional T regulatory cells, the method including administering a therapeutic amount of APL A12 to a RA patient.
US09144593B2	Pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating Th17-mediated disease comprising poly-gamma-glutamic acid Provided are a pharmaceutical use of poly-gamma-glutamic acid used for preventing or treating Th17-mediated diseases, a composition for preventing or treating Th17-mediated diseases comprising poly-gamma-glutamic acid as an active ingredient, and a method of preventing or treating Th17-mediated diseases using the same. The pharmaceutical composition is effective in inhibiting the differentiation of Th17 cells while promoting Treg cells, and, thus, can be useful in preventing or treating Th17-mediated diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and the like.
US09144591B2	Transcription modulator compositions Disclosed herein is a method for treating an androgen-stimulated disease in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject a composition containing an effective amount of an inhibitor of IκB kinase subunit α activity. The composition can also be administered to a subject at high risk for prostate cancer as a method for reducing the subject's risk thereof. A further method relates to identifying a modulator of transcriptional activity regulated by IκB kinase subunit α. Still another method relates to determining the IκB kinase subunit α-regulated transcriptional activity regulated by in a non-human mammalian test subject.
US09144588B2	Bacillus subtilis isolate from corn Biologically pure cultures of Bacillus subtilis were isolated from the pericarp of nixtamalized corn. The Bacillus microorganisms were characterized and found to produce novel peptides which have antimicrobial activity. The Bacillus microorganisms are active against Gram-positive bacteria and may be used as an agent to prevent spoilage in foods. The Bacillus microorganisms may be included in probiotic food compositions to help maintain healthy gastrointestinal flora and modulate animal digestion.
US09144587B2	Treating pancreatic carcinoma with a whole, leech saliva extract Methods are also provided for isolating and using a whole-saliva leech extract in the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma. The methods can include feeding a phagostimulatory agent to a leech; inducing a regurgitation in the leech, the inducing including placing the leech in an environment having a temperature of less than about 0° C.; and, collecting an unrefined, whole saliva in the regurgitation of the cooled leech. The methods can include revitalizing the leech by warming it at a temperature ranging from about 5° C. to about 40° C. Stable, lyophilized, whole-saliva extracts of a leech are also provided, the extract having a stable activity when stored for use at a temperature below about −20° C., the extract maintaining at least 70% of the activity for at least 6 months. The extracts can be used to treat solid tumors, treat liquid tumors, treat diabetes, treat a viral disease, treat a parasitic disease, treat an antibacterial disease, or serve as an anti-oxidant.
US09144584B2	Adipose tissue-derived stem cells for veterinary use The invention provides for compositions and methods for making and using adipose-derived stem cells for treating non-human mammals for various medical conditions.
US09144581B2	Compositions and methods for producing stable negative oxidation reduction potential in consumable materials Compositions of reducing agents and carriers for producing a stable negative oxidation reduction potential in consumable materials are disclosed and claimed. Compositions of the invention find use in enhancing the hydration and anti-oxidant value of consumable materials such as foods, beverages and cosmetics, for example. Compositions of the invention also find use in water treatment, agricultural and scientific research applications. Methods for using and making the compositions are also within the scope of the invention.
US09144579B2	Polyesters and methods of use thereof The invention provides polymers and methods for the treatment of pain and inflammation.
US09144578B2	Fixed-dose association of phytate and zinc The invention relates to a fixed-dose association of phytate and zinc in synergic proportions for use in the treatment of crystallization of hydroxyapatite. Advantageously, said association is in a molar ratio between the phytate and the zinc exceeding 4:1. The invention also relates to the use of said association for manufacturing a drug for the treatment, prophylaxis and/or prevention crystallization of hydroxyapatite in humans.
US09144576B2	Topical antiviral formulations The disclosure provides antiviral pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antiviral compounds and 2-deoxy-D-glucose in the form of lip-balms, creams and ointments. A specific embodiment discloses a lip-balm composition comprising acyclovir and 2-deoxy-D-glucose.
US09144574B2	Compositions and methods for reducing body fat The present invention relates to compositions, such as bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost, and methods to reduce fat in the body of an individual, for example, by topical administration, injection, and/or implantation of such compositions.
US09144573B2	Prostaglandin transporter inhibitors The present invention generally relates to prostaglandin transport. More specifically, the invention is directed to compounds that inhibit prostaglandin transport and subsequent COX-2 induction, and methods relating thereto.
US09144566B2	Composition and method for treating dry eye syndrome The present invention provides for compositions, medicaments, and methods for treating or alleviating the symptoms of dry eye syndrome or chronic dry eye. More specifically, the present embodiments provide for medicaments consisting of tocopherol or tocotrienol eyedrops. A single topical administration of tocopherol or tocotrienol eyedrops in the eyes of a subject suffering from dry eye alleviates symptoms for at least one day. In particular, the eyedrop medicament consists of α-tocopheryl acetate; α-tocopheryl acetate and about 0.5% aqueous component; or α-tocopheryl acetate, about 2.5% tocopherol emulsifier, and about 20% to about 30% aqueous excipient.
US09144562B2	Omega-3 diglyceride emulsions The present invention relates to omega-3 diglyceride emulsions characterized in that the lipid phase comprises at least about 40 wt.-% of diglycerides. Preferably about 70 wt.-% of the acyl-groups of said diglycerides are eicoapentaenoic acid (EPA) groups and/or docasahexaenoic (DHA) groups. The invention further relates to methods of treatment using the omega-3 diglyceride emulsions.
US09144561B2	Pharmaceutical compositions having desirable bioavailability The present invention is directed to the provision of pharmaceutical compositions. The compositions include a therapeutic agent and a relatively low amount of surfactant for providing higher bioavailability of the therapeutic agent. The compositions are particularly desirable as ophthalmic compositions in which the therapeutic agent is a prostaglandin such as travoprost and the surfactant is a vegetable oil such as castor oil.
US09144559B2	Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing pregabalin A solid pharmaceutical composition containing pregabalin is described. The composition includes a matrix forming agent and a swelling agent and is suitable for once daily oral administration. Exemplary matrix forming agents include mixtures of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinylpyrrolidone, and exemplary swelling agents include cross-linked polymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone.
US09144557B2	Hematopoietic growth factor mimetic small molecule compounds and their uses The present embodiments relate to compounds with physiological effects, such as the activation of hematopoietic growth factor receptors. The present embodiments also relate to use of the compounds to treat a variety of conditions, diseases and ailments such as hematopoietic conditions and disorders.
US09144553B2	Compositions and methods for transdermal delivery of hormones and other medicinal agents The invention provides transdermal delivery systems, medical kits, and methods for using the transdermal delivery systems and kits for medical applications, such as delivery of contraceptive agents to control fertility.
US09144552B2	Rapidly dissolving film for delivery of an active agent A rapidly dissolving film is provided for delivery of an active agent to a moist body surface, e.g., mucosal tissue. The film comprises a film-forming binder, a rapidly dissolving polymeric material, and an active agent.
US09144551B2	Drug formulations having reduced abuse potential Drug formulations having reduced abuse potential which contain one or more of (1) a bittering agent, (2) a bright deterrent/indicator dye and (3) fine insoluble particulate matter. The bittering agent and dye are in a form which does not affect proper administration of the drug, but the bittering agent creates a bitter side effect when the dosage form is crushed or chemically extracted and nasally, orally, buccally or sublingually administered and the dye produces a bright color when crushed and contacted. The fine insoluble particulate matter hinders extraction of the drug from the dosage form and, when crushed, can deter intravenous injection because of the presence of the insoluble particles or hinder injection by blocking an intravenous needle. The bright color of the dye, when extracted, also has a psychologically deterrent effect on intravenous abusers.
US09144544B1	Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Pimpinella anisum seeds The synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Pimpinella anisum L seeds includes providing a silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution, providing an extract of Pimpinella anisum L. plant seeds, and combining the silver nitrate solution with the extract of the Pimpinella anisum L. plant seeds to produce silver nanoparticles. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Pimpinella anisum L. seeds does not require toxic chemical solvents.
US09144543B2	Sustained release intraocular implants and methods for preventing retinal dysfunction Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to prevent the occurrence of one or more ocular conditions, or to reduce one or more symptoms of an ocular condition, such as an ocular neurosensory disorder and the like.
US09144542B2	Composition to promote hair growth in humans A composition for promoting hair growth in humans can include at least three of the following ingredients: Pygeum Africanum, Serenoa Repens, Ganoderma Lucidum, Piper Methysticum, and Zinc. The amount by weight of the identified ingredients in a particular formulation may range from at least 5% to no more than 50% of the formulation.
US09144540B2	Structured aqueous surfactant systems The invention provides a structured aqueous surfactant system comprising: a) at least 0.1 wt % nonionic surfactant which is a polyoxyethylene nonionic surfactant having a hydrophilic head group with at least four oxyethylene units; b) from 0.5 to 5 wt % dispersed modified cellulose biopolymer, wherein the modification consists of the cellulose having its C6 primary alcohols oxidized to carboxyl moieties (acid/COOH—) on 10 to 70% of the glucose units and substantially all the remainder of the C6 positions occupied by unmodified primary alcohols; c) from 0 to 10 wt % non-surfactant electrolyte, and d) water.
US09144539B2	Methioninase inhibitor and composition and food or drink containing the same The invention provides a methioninase inhibitor to suppress the production of methyl mercaptan that is a causative substance of a bad smell by inhibiting methioninase originated from bacteria, as well as a composition and a food or drink containing the same, wherein the methioninase inhibitor contains an extract obtained from a plant of the family Myrsinaceae, genus Myrsine, preferably Myrsine seguinii as an active ingredient; and further provides a methioninase inhibitor, as well as a composition and a food or drink containing the same, wherein the methioninase inhibitor contains as an active ingredient one or more selected from the group consisting of myrsinoic acid A, myrsinoic acid B, myrsinoic acid C, myrsinoic acid E and myrsinoic acid F; preferably the myrsinoic acid A, myrsinoic acid B, myrsinoic acid C, myrsinoic acid E and myrsinoic acid F are obtained from a plant of the family Myrsinaceae, genus Myrsine, preferably Myrsine seguinii.
US09144537B1	Methods for fixing hair and skin Compositions, kits, and methods for repairing bonds, for example, disulfide bonds, in hair or on the skin are disclosed. The compositions provide improved conditioning benefit for dry hair or moisturize the skin. The compositions also provide a long lasting moisturized feel and smooth feel to the skin or hair, without feeling greasy. The compositions contain one or more compounds that covalently bind at least two thiol groups in the hair or on the skin. Use of the binding compositions prevents reversion of the repaired bonds to their free thiol state, for at least one week or one month, or more, after a single application of the composition. Improved methods of styling hair, for example permanent hair waving, hair curling, hair coloring or highlighting, and hair straightening, are also provided.
US09144535B1	Particulate zinc oxide with manganese ion dopant A particulate metal oxide is provided that includes a cationic portion containing a zinc portion, a first manganese dopant portion and a second dopant portion selected from the group consisting of iron and aluminum, wherein the zinc portion is about 99% by weight or more of the cationic portion and the manganese dopant portion and second dopant portion are present in a weight ratio of from about 5:1 to 1:5.
US09144532B1	Inflatable baby pacifier with method An inflatable baby pacifier and a method of operating same, the inflatable baby pacifier comprising a two-sided skin contacting plate that supports a gas pump, a valve, and an adjustable pneumatic nipple; the gas pump being supported on one side of the two-sided skin plate; the adjustable pneumatic nipple forming a hollow interior, the adjustable pneumatic nipple being supported on an other side of the two-sided skin plate; the valve connects the gas pump to the hollow interior; wherein the gas pump is capable of sending a gas through the valve into the hollow interior.
US09144525B2	Motion assistance system for wheelchairs The presently disclosure describes a motion assistance system for a wheelchair, for example, a powered drive wheel system that can continually drive a wheelchair in a circular or elliptical path. The motion assistance system comprises a mounting mechanism attachable to one or more structural elements of the wheelchair, and a drive linkage pivotable with respect to the mounting mechanism. A drive wheel can be mounted to an end of the drive linkage such that the drive wheel contacts the ground when installed on the wheelchair. The drive wheel comprises a plurality of lateral rollers positioned radially about the circumference of the power drive wheel. The lateral rollers can rotate about an axis tangential to the circumference of the drive wheel in order to facilitate driving the wheelchair in a radial direction.
US09144524B2	Disposable absorbent article with unitary topsheet and unitary absorbent article The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and sweat pads. According to the present invention the absorbent article in the region designated for liquid deposition on its wearer facing surface has a single layer topsheet onto which liquid to be absorbed is provided during use of the article. The absorbent article includes a backsheet forming the liquid barrier surface and a unitary absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. Importantly the unitary core provides improved liquid handling to the absorbent article and increases the masking, i.e. ability to hide stains due to absorbed liquid, of the article. This is particularly beneficial in the context of articles for absorption of liquids with high color intensity, such as menstrual liquid or urine of older adults.
US09144523B2	Absorbent product and method of manufacturing absorbent product In a disposable diaper in a developed state where a front cover sheet and a rear cover sheet are separated from each other to be developed, as distance in a left-right direction from an absorbent body increases, a lower edge of the rear cover sheet goes away from an upper edge of the rear cover sheet and then goes toward the upper edge. A leg elastic member is bonded on the rear cover sheet along its lower edge, in left and right of the absorbent body. As above, the lower end portion of the rear cover sheet is convex downward in each of left and right of the absorbent body, and lower portions of hips of a wearer are wrapped with the lower end portions. It is therefore possible to suppress leakage of excrement from the lower portions of hips of the wearer.
US09144521B2	Disposable wearing article with central and side curving portions A disposable diaper has a central slit formed along the lengthwise direction L so that the absorber can be curved to be convex in the inward direction, and a pair of side slits formed along the lengthwise direction L so that the absorber can be curved to be convex in the outward direction. An average total weight of a water absorbent polymer at the central portion CT and the side edge portion SL, SR is smaller than an average total weight of the water absorbent polymer at the middle portion ML, MR.
US09144518B2	Apparatus for a sleep mask An apparatus comprises a gauze layer comprising a gauze material, a first area, a gauze first side and a gauze second side. The gauze first side is configured to at least contact and cover a user's eyelid area where the gauze material mitigates irritation of the user's skin. A paper layer comprises a paper material, a paper first side and a paper second side. The paper first side comprises an adhesive area being configured to extend beyond the first area for removably joining to the user's skin. A tape layer comprises an opaque flexible material, a third area, a tape first side and a tape second side. The tape first side comprises an adhesive. The third area is at least as large as the first area. The gauze layer, the paper layer and the tape layer are combined to form a sleep mask.
US09144513B2	Stye care kit and method A stye treatment device for concurrent application of temperature and moisture to a stye. The device features a moisture component positioned in a central cavity formed in a sealing edge extending from the rear surface of an eyecup. A temperature component is positioned in the cavity rearward of the moisture component in a position to contact a stye when the device is biased by a strap to the face of the user. The device, when worn by the user, may impart either heat or cold temperature treatments and humidity or moisture treatment concurrently. Excessive pressure against the user's stye and eye is prevented by forming the moisture component of material adapted to collapse should the temperature component contact the face of the user under too much pressure which might otherwise cause pain.
US09144498B2	Modular knee prosthesis system for use with different load requirements A modular orthopaedic implant system has first, second and third implant components. Two of the components have bores and the third component has a post. The third component can be assembled with either the first or second components with the post received in the respective bore of the other component. When assembled, the length of the post received within the bore of one of the components is greater than the length of the post received within the bore of the other component. The fatigue strength of the assembly with a greater length of the post received within the bore is greater, and this assembly can be used where such greater fatigue strength is needed and the other assembly can be used where a lesser fatigue strength is needed. Since the third component that is used in both assemblies may be the same, inventory may be reduced.
US09144496B2	Inserter connection member An apparatus can include an acetabular cup, and a connection member that can be mounted to the acetabular cup such as near a rim edge of the acetabular cup. The connection member can include an attachment section that can be configured to receive an attachment from an inserter. The attachment section can be configured to permit the inserter to be attached to the connection member in two or more different orientations relative to the connection member.
US09144494B2	Delivery catheter system with micro and macro movement control A prosthetic valve delivery system that is improved in controllability by way of a proximal handle system. Such a handle system of the present invention advantageously permits a controlled fine or micro movement or adjustment of a distal sheath for uncovering a plunger that is to be loaded with a prosthetic valve for deployment thereof. The delivery system of the present invention permits a trigger-release for a gross or macro movement to the sheath relative to the plunger. Also, the control handle of the delivery system is shaped and contoured for ease in manipulation of the micro-control actuator.
US09144491B2	Method for modifying the refractive index of an optical material A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical polymeric material. The method comprises continuously irradiating predetermined regions of an optical, polymeric material with femtosecond laser pulses to form a gradient index refractive structure within the material. An optical device includes an optical, polymeric lens material having an anterior surface and posterior surface and an optical axis intersecting the surfaces and at least one laser-modified, GRIN layer disposed between the anterior surface and the posterior surface and arranged along a first axis 45° to 90° to the optical axis, and further characterized by a variation in index of refraction across at least one of at least a portion of the adjacent segments and along each segment.
US09144489B2	Breast implant with covering, analyte sensors and internal power source Breast implants including sensor modules and related methods are described herein. Breast implants include those with: a shell configured to be substantially filled with a viscous material; at least one fluid-permeable cover, the cover completely enveloping the shell; a plurality of sensor modules attached to the shell, the sensor modules oriented to detect one or more analytes in a fluid between the shell and the cover, the sensor modules positioned at a distance from each other, wherein each of the plurality of sensor modules includes a unique identifier; and at least one power source operably attached to the plurality of sensor modules.
US09144488B2	Breast implant with analyte sensors responsive to external power source Breast implants including sensor modules and related methods are described herein. Breast implants include those with: a shell configured to be substantially filled with a viscous material; and a plurality of sensor modules attached to the shell and positioned at a distance from each other, each of the plurality of sensor modules oriented to detect one or more analytes in a fluid adjacent to the shell, wherein each of the plurality of sensor modules includes a unique identifier and is configured to utilize energy transmitted from an external source.
US09144487B2	Polymer-bioceramic composite medical devices with bioceramic particles having grafted polymers Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.
US09144485B2	Method and assembly for distal embolic protection Methods and assemblies are described for capturing embolic material in a blood vessel or other body cavity during cardiovascular or valve replacement and repair surgery, wherein access is provided through the apical area of the patient's heart. The distal embolic protection assembly generally comprises a sleeve having a lumen, an actuating member having proximal and distal ends, wherein the actuating member is movably disposed within the lumen, and a filter assembly coupled to the distal end of the actuating member. The filter assembly generally comprises a porous bag having an open proximal end, a collapsible and expandable frame that is coupled to the open proximal end of the porous bag, and at least one support spine disposed at least a part of the longitudinal axis of the porous bag. The porous bag is configured such that it permits blood to perfuse freely through while capturing embolic material and other debris.
US09144479B2	Light curing system and method A method for light-curing polymerizable materials to form a dental device is provided. A light-curing apparatus having at least one integrated lighting and heating source, a curing volume, and a temperature controller, preferably a fan, is used in the method. The light source and temperature controller are used to heat a first polymerizable material to temperatures within a first temperature range. A second polymerizable material is applied on or adjacent to the first polymerizable material. The light source and temperature controller are used to heat the second polymerizable material to temperatures within a second temperature range. The first temperature range has a first midpoint and the second temperature range has a second midpoint. The first midpoint temperature is at least 10° C. apart from the second midpoint temperature. The system is particularly suitable for making dental devices such as full dentures, removable partial dentures, relines of full and partial dentures, nightguards, and occlusal splints.
US09144475B2	Curable composition and cured product for dental use The present invention provides a curable composition allowing a cured product having high aesthetic quality, strength and durability along with having high surface lubricating property. A curable composition in the present invention comprises: an inorganic powder and a polymerizable monomer, wherein the inorganic powder contains a spherical composite powder, the spherical composite powder has a complex of silicon dioxide and at least one of alumina and zirconia, and an amorphous part and a crystalline part are mixed in the spherical composite powder. A refractive index difference is not more than 0.05 between the spherical composite powder and a cured product obtained by curing only a compound excluded the spherical composite powder.
US09144474B2	Telescopic orthodontic appliance An orthodontic appliance includes a telescopic assembly with an end tube and a telescopic member. A distal connector secured to the end tube at a generally distal end of the telescopic assembly. An end cap engages the distal end of the end tube. A spring is secured to the end cap and extends coaxially within the cover and the end tube. The spring is configured to impart a biasing force against the distal end of the telescopic member.
US09144471B2	Prophy angle and adapter with guard A dental system comprises a dental prophy angle and an adjustable angle adapter. The prophy angle includes a housing and a guard with a concave inner surface. The adapter is configured to drive the prophy angle and the adapter includes a body, a nose, and an outer joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The outer joint includes a ball portion connected to the nose, and a ball receiver positioned on the body. The ball receiver includes a first portion coupled to a first end of the body and a second portion attachable to the first portion. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration. The concave inner surface of the guard engages a convex outer surface of the ball receiver.
US09144464B2	Composite for packaging a medical device and method of forming the same A composite for packaging a medical device has a first layer including an aromatic polyether polyurethane and a second layer. The first layer forms a base that has a plurality of walls extending therefrom to define a cavity for receiving the medical device. The second layer is disposed on the first layer opposite the cavity. The composite is formed from a method that includes the step of disposing the first layer on the second layer. The composite may also be included with a container to form a packaging system.
US09144463B2	Treatment of cellulite and adipose tissue with mid-infrared radiation A handpiece and method of use for laser-assisted liposuction for melting, disrupting, and removing cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively melt or disrupt cellulite and adipose tissue and ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue, while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.
US09144455B2	Low power tissue sealing device and method A surgical system and associated method for sealing the passageway of a fluid-carrying vessel with a diameter up to 5 millimeters comprises an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a pair of end effectors disposed at a distal end of the surgical instrument. The system also includes a power control circuit for controlling the delivery of radio frequency energy to the vessel through the end effectors, wherein the delivery of the radio frequency energy to the vessel comprises, raising the output current to a range below 1.75 Amperes RMS and the output voltage to a range below 135 Volts RMS. Radio frequency energy is applied to the vessel for a period of time while the power is held approximately constant. The flow of radio frequency energy is terminated when the impedance of the vessel being sealed reaches a predetermined level.
US09144453B2	Multi-mode electrosurgical apparatus A multi-mode electrosurgical apparatus for use in cold plasma applications, electrosurgical cutting, electrosurgical coagulation and mechanical cutting is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a passage extending therethrough, an electrically conducting tube being disposed in the passage of the housing; an insulating outer tube disposed around the electrically conducting tube coupled to the housing, the electrically conducting tube being movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing and outer tube; an electrically conducting blade coupled to the distal end of the electrically conducting tube, and a transformer assembly disposed on a proximal end of the housing, the transformer assembly including a first transformer and a first switch for selectively coupling the first transformer and an external second transformer to the electrically conducting tube for providing electrosurgical energy thereto.
US09144450B2	Fluid sealant compositions and various medical applications pertaining to the same The present description relates to fluid sealant compositions that increase in viscosity upon administration to a subject, to medical procedures employing such compositions, to methods for administering such compositions, and to products containing such compositions including medical devices, medical device components and kits, among other aspects.
US09144438B2	Adjustable rod devices and methods of using the same A medical device includes a first elongate member defining an interior region and configured to be coupled to a first anatomical structure within a body and a second elongate member configured to be coupled to a second anatomical structure within the body. A portion of the second elongate member is configured to be disposed within the interior region. The first and second elongate members collectively have a first configuration in which they collectively have a first length when the portion of the second elongate member is disposed within the interior region of the first elongate member. When coupled to the first and second anatomical structures, the first and second elongate members can be moved to a second configuration in which they collectively have a second length different than the first length.
US09144430B2	Surgical forceps A surgical forceps includes: an insertion portion including, an internal space formed along a longitudinal axis, a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion; a grasping portion provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion; an operation rod having one end and the other end and arranged in the internal space of the insertion portion, the one end being connected to the grasping portion; an operation portion provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and connected to the other end of the operation rod, the operation portion being configured to operate a movement of the grasping portion; and a portion to be operated provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and connected to the operation rod such that the operation rod is movable according to an operation by an external force.
US09144429B2	Dynamic orthoscopic sensing A dynamic sensing method and apparatus employs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) surgical sensors for gathering and reporting surgical parameters pertaining to a drive mechanism of a surgical device, such as speed, rotation, torque and other characteristics of the surgical device. The surgical device employs or affixes the surgical sensor on or about a surgical device for detecting electromechanical characteristics during the surgical procedure. The surgical procedure disposes the medical device in the surgical field responsive to the drive mechanism of a shaver or other endoscopic instrument inserted in a surgical field defined by the surgical procedure.
US09144426B2	Surgical articles and methods for treating pelvic conditions A pelvic implant assembly (100) comprising a support portion (128) and an extension portion (124), a self-fixating tip (10, 120) connected to the extension portion, the self-fixating tip comprising a base (12) comprising a proximal base end (14) and a distal base end (16), the proximal base end being connected to the extension portion, the base comprising an internal channel (18) extending from the proximal base end and at least partially along a length of the base toward the distal base end, a fixed lateral extension (20) extending from the base.
US09144422B2	Surgical access assembly and method of use therefor A surgical access assembly includes an access port, a seal anchor and a sealing adapter. The access port includes proximal and distal rings and a sleeve defining a passage therethrough. The sleeve extends between the proximal and distal rings. The seal anchor is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the access port. The sealing adapter includes proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion is configured and dimensioned to engage the seal anchor in a sealing relation therewith. The proximal end portion is configured and dimensioned to engage a least a portion of the distal ring of the access port in a sealing relation therewith, wherein the sealing adapter is transitionable between a first state in which the sealing adapter has a first diameter and a second state in which the sealing adapter has a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter.
US09144421B1	Optimization of acoustic window and target depth for transabdominal ultrasound treatment or imaging of the uterus A method and apparatus for treating uterine tissue with ultrasound energy. The method manipulates the position of the patient's uterus to decrease its distance from an ultrasound therapy transducer while simultaneously engaging a partially filled bladder such that the bladder is compressed to force any bowel tissue out of an acoustic window between the patient's abdominal wall and uterus. Ultrasound energy is then applied to the uterine tissue.
US09144419B2	Sample injection port for laminated devices Contemplated diagnostic test containers and methods include an adapter configured to sealingly receive and retain a positive displacement pipette tip to so form a fluid-tight seal for the container during at least part of the diagnostic test. Most preferably, the entire container is flexible and the container and adapter are single-use disposable and are usable with known commercially available positive displacement pipette tips.
US09144415B2	Carotid-artery-plaque ultrasound-imaging method and evaluating device The carotid artery plaque properties are quantitatively determined by a carotid artery echo whereby predicting incidence of cerebral infarction or myocardial infarct. A method includes obtaining, coloring, and displaying steps. In the obtaining step, the integrated amounts per unit time of echo signals corresponding to pixels of an echo image of carotid artery plaque are obtained. The signals are obtained when the image is obtained by an IBS method. In the coloring step, the relationship between ranges and colors is referenced. The available full range of the integrated amount is previously divided into the ranges. The colors are assigned to the ranges. The pixels are classified into the ranges in accordance with the integrated amounts corresponding to the pixels. The pixels of the image are colored in colors corresponding to the ranges of the pixels. In the displaying step, the colored echo image is displayed on a display portion 30.
US09144406B2	Configuration and method for tomosynthetic fluoroscopy A configuration and an associated operating method for tomosynthetic fluoroscopy utilize an x-ray emitter and with an x-ray detector. The configuration further contains a mounting device, which is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis and about which the x-ray emitter is arranged such that the optical axis of the x-ray emitter is directed to the x-ray detector and that, in the case of a rotation of the mounting device, the focus of the x-ray emitter describes a circular path. An advantage offered by the invention lies in ensuring robust tomosynthetic fluoroscopy.
US09144404B2	Managing body composition Among other things, at least two different independent providers of body composition management services are enabled to have online access through respective graphical user interfaces to body composition information and plans that are associated with respective clients of the providers and that are stored on the server. The graphical user interfaces are different for different independent providers. At least some of the information and plans associated with the clients of the different independent providers are stored in a common format in a common database maintained by the server.
US09144399B2	Medication recording device A device and method for recording medication to be introduced into a body.
US09144390B2	Electrocardiogram identification A defibrillating system includes a processor coupled to a memory. The processor and the memory are configured to identify a treatment event associated with treatment of a victim with the defibrillating system, and transmit a representation of a portion of an ECG signal associated with the identified treatment event. In some cases, the processor and the memory are configured to identify the portion of the ECG signal associated with the identified treatment event. In some cases, the portion of the ECG signal is of a predetermined length of time having a start time and an end time based on a time associated with the identified treatment event.
US09144389B2	System for vehicle security, personalization and cardiac activity monitoring of a driver The present invention provides a system for vehicle security, personalization, and cardiac activity monitoring of a driver wherein electrocardiography of a driver is monitored and registered which is used for identification of a person entering in the vehicle and personalization of vehicle based on user preferences thereby act as intruder detection towards vehicle security. In addition to registration the present invention also monitors cardiac activity of driver in a continuous and real time fashion without any intrusion to driver with the facility of generation of alert and making emergency call.
US09144387B2	Electrode for measuring bio potential, method of manufacturing the electrode, and system for measuring physiological signal An electrode for measuring a bio potential includes a conductive adhesive having one side configured to have at least two metal electrodes attached thereto while the electrode is being used, and another side configured to be attached to a living body while the electrode is being used, the conductive adhesive having a predetermined area and a predetermined thickness; and a supporting element configured to support the conductive adhesive while the conductive adhesive is attached to the living body; wherein an impedance is formed between the at least two metal electrodes while the at least two metal electrodes are attached to the side of the conductive adhesive, the impedance depending on a thickness of the conductive adhesive and having a value that prevents the at least two metal electrodes from being shorted together.
US09144382B2	Non-invasive methods and systems for producing cardiac electrogram characteristic maps for use with catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia A non-invasive method of producing a three-dimensional cardiac electrogram characteristic map for use in catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia includes receiving left ventricle three-dimensional image data of a patient's heart; segmenting a left ventricle image of the patient's heart based on the left ventricle three-dimensional image data into scar tissue, normal myocardium tissue and left ventricle cavity regions; determining scar tissue thickness and normal myocardium tissue thickness for a plurality of portions of the left ventricle image of the patient's heart; receiving predetermined data that associate a value of at least one electrogram characteristic to each scar tissue thickness and each normal myocardium tissue thickness for the plurality of portions of said left ventricle image of said patient's heart; and generating the three-dimensional cardiac electrogram characteristic map of the at least one electrogram characteristic corresponding to the left ventricle image of the patient's heart based on the predetermined data.
US09144381B2	Mobile self-management compliance and notification method, system and computer program product A remote interactive method, system and computer program product is provided for self-managing a person's regular lifestyle needs through controlled notification and feedback. The invention provides a simple, cost effective and flexible self-management and compliance scheme that does not require third party intervention or treatment options typical with immediate-response or alert-based systems. The invention also provides for long term management and analysis for the benefit of the individual. In implementing the invention in a healthcare environment, the individual will gain a better understanding of managing their lifestyle and behaviour. A related business model is also disclosed.
US09144380B2	Adaptive optical apparatus, image obtaining apparatus, method for controlling adaptive optical apparatus, and storage medium An adaptive optical apparatus comprising: a shielding unit configured to shield diffracted light that is generated at an aberration correction unit that is irradiated with returning light, wherein the returning light returns from an object to be examined that is irradiated with light; a detection unit configured to detect an aberration of the returning light through an aperture of the shielding unit; and a control unit configured to control the aberration correction unit based on a detection result of the detection unit.
US09144378B2	Optical coherence tomography apparatus, optical coherence tomography method, ophthalmic apparatus, method of controlling ophthalmic apparatus, and storage medium An optical coherence tomography apparatus which acquires a tomogram of a target object based on a light intensity detected for each wavelength by combining return light of measurement light from the target object with reference light corresponding to the measurement light, the apparatus comprising: a normalization unit adapted to normalize the light intensity detected for the each wavelength based on a transfer function corresponding to the wavelength resolution; and an image formation unit adapted to form a tomogram of the target object from the light intensities normalized by the normalization unit.
US09144371B2	Drainage tube insertion tool A drainage tube insertion tool for use in an endoscope, comprising: a drainage tube configured to slidably fit on an outer surface of an insertion portion of the endoscope, and a pusher tube configured to slidably fit on the outer surface of the insertion portion of the endoscope and which pushes the drainage tube, wherein a notch is formed in a side wall portion of the pusher tube along a longitudinal axis direction, and the pusher tube is fitted on the outer surface of the insertion portion upon making a side surface of the insertion portion extend through the notch, and the drainage tube is inserted into a predetermined lumen of a body cavity by pushing the drainage tube out of a distal end of the insertion portion with the pusher tube.
US09144367B2	Laminate cleaning sheet A cleaning sheet for attachment to a mop for cleaning a floor. The cleaning sheet is a laminate comprising a lower layer of fibrous material for contacting the floor, an intermediate layer attached to the lower layer and having a top surface comprising release material, and an upper layer releasably attached to the intermediate layer. The upper layer has a bottom surface comprising adhesive material on at least a central portion thereof. After the lower layer is used to clean a floor, the lower and intermediate layers are removed from the upper layer to expose the adhesive material. The upper layer can then be used to pick up remaining dirt and particulate material. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning a floor using the above sheet.
US09144365B1	Dishwashing system A system for feeding washing racks to an entrance of a washer, comprising: a directionally alternating transfer conveyor positioned at, and able to communicate said washing racks with, said entrance of said washer; said conveyor having a first receiving mode, a second receiving mode, and a discharge mode; and a pre-wash enclosure substantially surrounding said conveyor and including a first and second door, said first and said second door each actuable between an open position and a closed position; and a pre-wash selective water flow interior of said pre-wash enclosure and directed generally toward said conveyor.
US09144364B2	Cleaning tool and cleaning sheet In a wet sheet, hydrophobic outer layer sheets are disposed on both sides of the hydrophilic inner layer sheet impregnated with cleaning solution. Each of intermediate layer sheets is folded over so as to form a space having an opening. End portions of the inner layer sheet are inserted into the spaces of the intermediate layer sheets. The inner layer sheet can come in contact with the outer layer sheet via a space between the intermediate layer sheets. With such a construction, sufficiently high frictional force acts between the inner layer sheet and the outer layer sheet.
US09144361B2	Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby, enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.
US09144354B2	Lift-off hinge with attached hinge cover A lift-off toilet seat includes a hinge body for pivotably supporting a toilet seat and a mounting block having a slot therethrough for enabling positionable attachment of the block to a toilet seat via a bolt. A buckle extends from the hinge body and slidably engages sides of the block with the block having a top opening for enabling both the bolt to pass therethrough and positioning of the block on the toilet bowl together with the hinge body and toilet seat. A cover, hinged to the buckle is provided for covering the buckle and locking the buckle to the block.
US09144353B2	Waterless air suction toilet A toilet that does not require water but suctioned air for use. Which may preferably be operated by two 12 VDC batteries which may be used at home or which may be used at campers, parks, rental facilities, civilian or military vehicles on land, sea or air, etc. Having an air suction device and biodegradable bags for catching such human waste and a method for disposing of said bags. Such toilet has an air suction device that can be attached or detached from body of toilet.
US09144351B2	Vacuum prime foam pumps, refill units and dispensers Exemplary embodiments of foam pumps, refill units and dispenser systems are disclosed herein. Some embodiments have a foam pump that includes a chamber having a liquid inlet, a vacuum outlet, a pressurized air inlet and a liquid air mixture outlet. An exemplary foam pump includes a liquid inlet valve to allow liquid to enter the chamber and to prevent liquid from exiting the chamber through the liquid inlet. Vacuum pressure applied to the vacuum outlet causes fluid to flow through the liquid inlet, past the liquid inlet valve and into the chamber. Pressurized air flows through the pressurized air inlet and mixes with the liquid and the liquid air mixture is forced out of the liquid air mixture outlet. The foam pump includes a mix media. The liquid air mixture flows through the mix media and flows through an outlet to be dispensed as a foam.
US09144348B2	Food processor The invention refers to a mechanical food treatment processor comprising a driving block topped by a bowl unit. The driving block comprises a motor connected to a rotation driving device configured to move a food treatment tool. The bowl unit comprises a functional element electrically supplied via an electric circuit connecting the bowl unit and the driving block. The electric circuit comprises at least two contacts between the bowl unit and the driving block. At least one of the contacts is achieved by the contact of two electrical contact surfaces, respectively located on an external surface of the bowl unit and on an external surface of the driving block. Each of the two electrical contact surfaces is substantially leveled with the external surface of the bowl unit or of the driving block. Such a configuration facilitates the cleaning of the external surfaces of the processor.
US09144347B2	Food baking machine A food baking machine includes a heating device. The heating device includes a lower hot plate on a lower side of the heating device, a rotatable and vertically slidable upper hot plate on an upper side of the heating device, a rotatable connecting member for connecting the lower hot plate and the upper hot plate and a sliding member. The upper hot plate is slidably connected to the connecting member and fixes its position thereunto by the sliding member. The upper hot plate is rotatable connected with the sliding member. The upper hot plate and the lower hot plate are connected to power supply separately. The connecting member includes a first connecting segment, a second connecting segment and an axle. The second connecting segment is rotatable connected to the first connecting segment by the axle.
US09144344B2	Method for automatically producing milk froth Provided are methods for automatically producing milk froth in a milk-frothing apparatus, and also a milk-frothing apparatus for automatically producing milk froth. The milk-frothing apparatus has at least one hollow space, a steam-inlet channel for introducing steam into the hollow space, a milk-inlet channel for introducing milk into the hollow space, an air-inlet channel for introducing air into the hollow space, and an outlet channel for discharging milk froth from the milk-frothing apparatus, wherein the respective channels each issue directly or indirectly into the hollow space. With the aim of specifying a method and a milk-frothing apparatus by means of which an organoleptic milk froth of which the taste is optimized can be automatically produced, the invention makes provision for steam, preferably steam from water, to be introduced into the steam-inlet channel in order to allow milk and air to flow into the hollow space and in order to mix said milk, air and steam to form a milk/air/steam mixture, and to then output the milk/air/steam mixture into the outlet channel, wherein a sweetening means is provided in a region of the milk-frothing apparatus through which at least the milk/air/steam mixture flows.
US09144342B2	Pod disposal system A pod disposal system has a pod holder for holding a coffee pod; a moveable chamber including an engaging member for engaging with the coffee pod, and an ejector operably connected to the engager for disengaging the coffee pod from the engager, An actuator moves the moveable chamber between an engaging position, in which the engager engages with the coffee pod, an intermediate position, in which the moveable chamber moves the coffee pod out of the pod holder, and a disengaging position, in which the ejector disengages the coffee pod from the engager, thereby disposing the coffee pod.
US09144341B2	Device for preparing a beverage Two chamber parts are pressed against each other in a sealing manner in order to receive a capsule. In an open position, the capsule can be held in an intermediate position between the chamber parts by a positioning unit having mutually opposite guide sections for guiding the capsule on mutually diametrically opposite sections of the capsule collar in order to hold the capsule in the intermediate position. The insertion section is formed as a hinged guide and the opposite guide section as a release guide. The release guide has a recess formed in such a way that the capsule can be rotated out of the intermediate position around the hinge guide and can be released from the release guide. Before reaching the closed position, the capsule is freed from the release guide in first and second movement phases by being acted on by one of the chamber parts.
US09144338B1	Bra dressing assist device A strap shaped coiled mandrel of resilient material, which mandrel is expanded against the connected elastic base (connected bra straps) of a bra whereby the mandrel with bra held thereon can be slid down over a females shoulder to position the bra on the breasts, and wherein releasable stop means are provided on the mandrel for adjusting and temporarily maintaining the circumferential dimension of the coiled mandrel and bra base thereon.
US09144337B2	Spill proof container A spill proof container assembly having a receptacle, a non-spill lid and a handle assembly. The handle assembly including a cover disposed at a first end and a sleeve disposed at a second end. The cover and handle pivot about a sleeve connection between an open position and a closed position.
US09144335B2	Self-powered logo cup A vessel with powered display portion, powered by heat differential from a liquid in the vessel, and a thermoelectric generator. Heat from the liquid is used to generate electricity using a thermoelectric generator in thermal contact with the liquid, and a heat sink or radiator. Cold liquid in the vessel can also be used to generate electricity, by the difference in temperature outside the vessel. The powered display may be made of flexible material and can include LEDs, OLEDS, LCD, luminous tubing, fiber optics, or other light emitting structures.
US09144329B1	Adjustable filler bracket assembly for sneeze guards A filler bracket assembly for closing gaps in new or existing sneeze guard assemblies is disclosed. The filler bracket assembly includes dual housings which fit together to provide a cylindrical housing central aperture having an internal diameter sized to receive and affix to a sneeze guard elongated support member. A cap portion is sized to fit on top of the slotted cylindrical housing, and together with gaskets and the filler sneeze guard panel, be affixed thereto by at least one fastener. The split cylindrical housing components allow for easy retro-fit adaptation of a filler bracket assembly to existing, installed sneeze guard assemblies.
US09144325B1	Foldable playard The folding playard consists of a frame and a fabric enclosure mounted on the frame. The frame is composed of an array of scissoring tube pairs making up the sides of the structure. The fabric enclosure has the same number of sides as the frame and an integral bottom floor. To lock the playard in the “in use” position, a plastic hook clip, which is connected to the bottom floor fabric and the top of the structure is engaged. This strap ensures the tubes are locked in the “in use” position and the structure cannot collapse.
US09144322B2	Systems and methods for infant stabilization Embodiments disclose a secondary, supplemental, extra, etc. support system to help a parent secure an infant to the parent, wherein the supplemental support system is designed for comfort and flexibility. While a plurality of potential hazardous situations may arise while a parent is holding an infant, such as dropping, choking, circulation impairment etc., embodiments may limit, reduce, or eliminate the hazards and injuries to the infant and/or parent.
US09144316B1	Programmer's chair A chair for supporting a person above a floor surface and used with a split-keyboard includes a base, a seat, a backrest, and a pair of opposed armrests. Each armrest is vertically adjustable and includes a malleable upper arm support cushion and a rigid support beam. A distal end of the arm support cushion terminates at a wrist support such that the person's wrist height relative to their elbow height when seated may be adjusted. Each wrist support terminates in a keyboard rest and may be tilted so that the angle of the person's wrist when resting on the arm support cushion may be adjusted as well as the curvature of the arm support cushion. The keyboard rest is further adjustable with respect to the arm rest in terms of relative height, lateral and longitudinal distance, roll angle, tilt angle, and yaw angle.
US09144312B2	Portable, collapsible stool with a swivel seat A portable collapsible stool has at least three legs including separable upper and lower parts releasably formed together by telescopic joint connections and biased into connected engagement by elastomeric cords. Each of the legs is connected to another of the legs intermediate for mutual pivotal movement between a collapsed condition wherein the legs are disposed in generally parallel relation to each other and a set-up condition wherein the legs are spread apart at the upper and lower ends thereof and cross each other intermediate the ends. A seat member with a pivotal upper portion mounted on the upper ends of the legs is disposed in a seating position when the stool is in its set-up condition, and a panel assembly connected to the legs proximate the lower ends thereof provides lateral, anti-splay reinforcement for the legs to increase the carrying capacity of the stool.
US09144309B2	Foot for molded plastic furniture A foot for molded plastic furniture has a pad portion made of a first plastic or thermoplastic rubber and an anchor portion made of a second harder plastic or metal. The anchor has a base with a substantially flat surface that is bonded to a substantially flat top surface of the pad. Preferably the anchor portion and pad portion are co-extruded. A projection having at least one rib extends from the base of the anchor and is inserted into a cavity in a furniture leg creating a reliable mechanical fit which resists removal of the foot from the leg.
US09144308B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: a first unit including an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material; a first supporting portion for supporting the first unit at three points consisting of a first foot provided adjacent to a side of a bottom of the first unit, a second foot, and a third foot provided adjacent to an opposite side of the bottom; a second unit provided below the first unit; a second supporting portion, provided at a bottom of the second unit, for supporting the second unit by at least four foots; and a connecting portion for connecting the first unit and the second unit with respect to an up-down direction so that the opposite side of the bottom of the first unit is inclined depending on inclination of the side of the bottom of the first unit with respect to a horizontal surface.
US09144307B1	Concealed slide module A concealed slide module is formed by installing an inner plate, at least one first ball plate, a middle plate, at least one second ball plate and an outer plate sequentially and installed between a bottom side of a drawer and a cupboard. The middle plate covers the exterior of the first ball plate and has an inner sidewall facing the inner plate and having a roof portion protruded horizontally outward from the top side of the middle plate, and a sliding section bent inwardly from a lower edge of the sidewall, and the sliding section is parallel to the platform, and a guide wheel is protruded from an outer sidewall at an end of the middle plate, and the middle plate slides with respect to the inner plate through the first ball plate.
US09144306B2	Tool hanger A tool hanger has a rail and multiple hanging blocks. The rail is an elongated bar and has at least one hole. The hanging blocks are mounted slidably on the rail and are adjustable in distances between the hanging blocks on the rail. Each hanging block has a hanging body, an arm, a hook and an escaping recess. The hanging body has a sliding slot being slidably mounted on the rail. The arm protrudes from the hanging body and has a cylinder. The hook is attached to the arm. The hook is attached to the arm. The escaping recess is formed in the bottom surface at the free end of the hook to form an escaping segment on the free end of the hook and having a depth smaller than that of a segment of the hook opposite to the free end.
US09144305B1	Portable food display device having multiple rodent-proof sealed compartments and wheels The storage assembly includes a lower housing that is positionable on a support surface. The lower housing insertably receives a shelving unit. The shelving unit stands within the lower housing. An upper housing is positionable on the lower housing. The upper housing encompasses the shelving unit. The upper housing is open so the shelving unit is accessible. A door is operationally coupled to the upper housing. The door closes the upper housing.
US09144304B2	Bookcase system A bookcase system is provided. The bookcase system includes at least adjacently arranged two bookcase units. Each of the bookcase units further includes a first RFID reader having an antenna and placed on a first lateral side of the bookcase unit. The bookcase unit further includes a separating structure placed between two of the adjacently arranged bookcase units. The separating structure may further include at least three metal plates forming a three-layer stacked structure, and a lateral side of each of the metal plates is larger than half of a wavelength of an operating frequency of the antenna. And books are placed along a direction parallel to the lateral side.
US09144301B2	Lifting column, preferably for height adjustable tables A lifting column preferably, for height adjustable tables, includes a guide (5) and a drive unit (9), the guide (5) including at least a first member (5a) and a second member (5b), the members (5a, 5b, 5c) being arranged mutually telescopically relative to each other. At the end of the first member (5a) from which the second member (5b) can be displaced sliders are arranged on an internal side thereof. At the end of the second member (5b) extending into the first member (5a) sliders are likewise arranged on the outside thereof. In a first plane the sliders have a first, a large, prestressing between the first member (5a) and the second member (5b), while the sliders in the second plane have a second, a small, prestressing between the first (5a) and second member (5b). Thus, a good dampening of vibrations of the table is achieved in case of exposure to horizontal forces.
US09144300B2	Application pertaining to an article that can be selectively tilted and rolled An article of furniture has a main body, a floor-engagement frame, a plurality of non-rolling floor-engagement members connected to the floor-engagement frame, and a plurality of rollers that are also connected to the floor-engagement frame. These rollers do not engage the floor when the article of furniture rests upon the floor in an ordinary state of usage but do engage the floor when the article of furniture is tilted at least fifteen degrees. The article can further comprise a pedestal that pivotally couples to the floor-engagement frame and that supports a table surface. A user interface can control a latch that holds the table surface perpendicular to the pedestal. Another user interface can control a latch that holds the table surface at a present vertical height when latched.
US09144298B2	Oral care fluid delivery system An oral care implement having a fluid dispensing system for dispensing an oral care fluid. In one embodiment, the oral care implement may be a toothbrush including a handle, a neck and a head containing a plurality of tooth cleaning elements. Embodiments of the toothbrush further include a removable container or reservoir including a collapsible bladder that holds the oral care fluid. The bladder is in fluid communication with one or more fluid dispensing outlets disposed in the head. A manually actuated pump disposed in the handle provides the motive force for dispensing the fluid.
US09144296B2	Color-changing cosmetic instrument A cosmetic instrument for applying a product to a surface includes a handle and an applicator. At least a portion of the cosmetic instrument may change from a first color to a second color in response to occurrence of a condition, such as exposure to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., ultraviolet light or infrared light) or when a temperature of the cosmetic instrument is within a predetermined temperature range. For example, one or more portions of the handle and/or applicator of the cosmetic instrument may be configured to change color in response to the occurrence of the condition.
US09144295B2	Interchangeable decorative panel system for shoes, apparel, and accessories A system for removably attaching a decorative element to a garment or other accessory, including a panel bearing a graphic design, and a pair of mounting pads to which the panel can be attached. First and second pin members are disposed at opposing edges of the panel, each pin member having a pin extending for a length parallel to that edge. The mounting pads are attachable to a garment or accessory item. Each mounting pad has a longitudinal tunnel suitable to accommodate one of the pins. The mounting pads may be attached on the outside of an article, or on the interior of an article so that only the tunnel is exposed at the exterior of the article, in a recessed manner. The system allows a decorative panel to be interchangeably facilitates their attachment to a wide range of apparel and accessory items.
US09144289B2	Wrinkle-removing tape The present invention relates to a wrinkle-removing apparatus. When the wrinkle removing apparatus of the present invention adopting a vacuum suction system is tightly applied to the shallow wrinkles on a forehead or to deep wrinkles, a vacuum is created by means of the elasticity of the wrinkle-removing apparatus, in order to strongly suck and pull wrinkles outwardly from the skin. Repeated use of the apparatus with the above-described condition enables a substance such as subcutaneous fat or collagen to replace the wrinkles at the back surface of the wrinkled skin when wrinkles are pulled outwardly from the skin, and finally, skin wrinkles are removed even when the apparatus is no longer used.
US09144285B2	Hair accessories and methods for their manufacture Hair accessories include (a) a substrate having a hair-holding surface configured for holding hair, and a structural surface; and (b) a layer provided on at least a portion of the hair-holding surface, wherein the layer contains a plurality of flocked fibers. Methods of manufacturing hair accessories are described.
US09144284B2	Multi-strand braiding device and method A device and method for braiding hair or other flexible filaments is disclosed herein. The device comprises a set of gears comprising sector gears and elliptical gears, the elliptical gears having a hollow center portion for receiving the hair or other flexible material. The device further comprises a controller, a motor, a power source, and a user interface. The user interface allows the user to select a variety of weaving patterns. The device and method of the present disclosure may be employed to weave four or more strands of material into a braid.
US09144283B2	Air jet hair rollers A hair roller includes a tubular body having a generally cylindrical outer wall and defining a hollow chamber therewithin, first and second generally circular end closures respectively sealing first and second longitudinal ends of the tubular body to prevent air flow therethrough, and an annular adapter. The outer wall has a first hole and a plurality of vent openings formed therethrough. The first hole is configured to receivably engage a first open end of the adapter. A second open end of the adapter is configured to interconnect with a first end of a conduit such that, upon the first hole receivably engaging the first open end of the adapter, the adapter facilitates a flow of air being delivered from the conduit through the outer wall into the hollow chamber via the first hole and out of the hollow chamber through the outer wall via the vent openings.
US09144275B1	Shoe for canes and crutches A shoe for the sticks canes and crutches having a base member with four outwardly extending pads and a central flat portion. A frustoconical top member mounted above the base member is joined to a cup member for receiving the distal end of a cane or crutch member. The junction between the top member and the cup member define a waist portion that is flexible and resilient mimicking the movement of a human ankle when a person walks. Irregularities on the bottom of the pads 24 and underside 22 enhance the traction.
US09144274B2	Anti-theft ring assembly and method of using the same An anti-theft assembly for deterring theft of a ring is provided. The anti-theft assembly includes a base that can be used to support an electronic article surveillance marker; a product engagement member including a support member that supports the ring during use and a locking member that secures the support member to the base; and an attachment member for securing the ring to the support member. In one embodiment, the support member and the locking member are a single, unitary member. In another embodiment, the support member and the locking member are separate members. Once assembled, upon applying a twisting force to the ring the engagement member rotates within the opening so that the attachment member is not broken.
US09144270B2	Strap latching device A latching device configured to secure a strap to a piece of sports equipment or other wearable equipment. The latching device includes a locking buckle and clasp assembly. The locking buckle has a main body portion and a release mechanism. The release mechanism has locking pawls with claw members. The locking pawls engage the clasp assembly to releasably retain the locking buckle on the clasp assembly.
US09144268B2	Strand-wound bladder An article of footwear or another product may incorporate a pressure chamber that includes (a) a bladder at least partially formed from a polymer material that is sealed to enclose a pressurized fluid and (b) a strand wound around the bladder and secured to the bladder. In manufacturing the pressure chamber, a bladder with an elongate configuration may be formed. A strand is wound around the bladder, and the strand is secured to the bladder. When incorporated to a sole structure of the article of footwear, for example, a portion of the bladder that includes the strands may be exposed at an outer surface of the sole structure.
US09144266B2	Article of footwear having an adjustable ride An article of footwear has an upper and a sole. The sole has an upper sole member, a lower sole member, and at least one inflatable bladder disposed between the upper sole member and the lower sole member. The at least one inflatable bladder has an inflated state and a deflated state. A distance between the upper sole member and the lower sole member is greater in the inflated state than the deflated state. Varying the inflation of the inflatable bladder varies the amount of cushioning in the sole and the thickness of the sole so that the shoe can serve as a multipurpose shoe for activities requiring different amounts of cushioning.
US09144264B2	Sole with projections and article of footwear A sole for an article of footwear includes a base having an outer edge defining a perimeter, the base having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion; and a plurality of resilient projections extending from the base, wherein the plurality of projections includes a plurality of projections extending non-orthogonally from the base about the perimeter of the base and a plurality of projections extending substantially orthogonally from the base within the non-orthogonal projections.
US09144255B1	System for attaching accessories to tactical gear Designs and methods are provided for a reversible, textile-based tactical article. In one embodiment the tactical article comprises a textile based panel perforated with an array of slots arranged in vertical and horizontal, spaced apart rows. The panel may be adapted for attaching accessories to either side by lacing a strap through a row of the slots and through webbing loops on the accessory positioned between the slots. One side of the panel may have a first appearance, and the other side a second appearance that is different from the first appearance.
US09144254B2	Glove with interior grasping element for inversion An invertible glove includes a hand portion having at least two digit portions configured to cover at least two digits of a hand of a wearer of the glove and a palm portion configured to cover a palm of the hand of the wearer of the glove. The hand portion includes an exterior surface for handling an object and an interior surface for abutting the hand of the wearer of the glove. The hand portion further includes a grasping element that extends from the interior surface of at least one of the digit portions and is configured to be grasped by a digit of the hand of the wearer of the glove for facilitating inversion of the glove when the hand is removed from the glove. A glove is inverted by pulling on the grasping element as the hand is removed from the glove.
US09144244B1	Grease shield smoke assembly A grease shield smoke assembly provides smoke to flavor food grilled in a gas grill. The assembly includes a shield having a pair of planar side portions to replace the existing grease shield of the gas grill. Proximal edges of the side portions are coupled together defining an apex of the shield. Distal edges of the side portions relative to the apex are positioned in spaced relationship. Each of a pair of rails is coupled to and extends from an associated one of the side portions. The rails are positioned in alignment extending along the shield between the side portions. A rack is provided having lateral edges. The lateral edges of the rack are supported on the rails wherein the rack is supported between the side portions of the shield. Briquettes to produce smoke may be positioned on the rack.
US09144243B2	Method and system for making a snack product using a dough agglomerate A method for making a snack product includes the step of mixing ingredients for the dough with water in a low shear environment using a low shear mixing apparatus to form a dough agglomerate. The ingredients can include a major ingredient, such as potato flakes, corn or grain, and minor ingredients including emulsifier, sugar, salt, leavening and a modified starch having a high affinity for water. During the mixing step the dough agglomerate forms with wetted areas of the major ingredient which are surrounded by wetted high water affinity starch and minor ingredients. The method also includes the step of chopping the dough agglomerate into clumps of a desired size, sheeting the dough agglomerate into a dough sheet, forming the dough sheet into snack pieces, and then cooking the snack pieces.
US09144242B2	Titanium dioxide photocatalytic compositions and uses thereof Provided is a photocatalytic composition comprising zinc (Zn) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, wherein the ratio of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to zinc is from about 5 to about 150. The photocatalytic composition absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, and the absorbance of light of wavelengths longer than about 450 nm is less than 50% the absorbance of light of wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm. Further provided is a method for treating or preventing microbial diseases and infestations in a plant and a method for increasing crop yield of a plant by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to the surface of a plant. Also provided is a method for treating microbial diseases on a surface by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to a surface illuminated by artificial light.
US09144239B2	Macrocyclic picolinamides as fungicides The invention relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides.
US09144227B2	Control leash A leash that allows any individual to control a pulling dog without risking injury or walking in an unsafe manner. The disclosed leash maximizes body mechanics and basic pulley/lever principles to achieve more strength. The leash comprises a cuff that preferably wraps around a user's arm above the elbow. Attached to the cuff are a few feet of leash material that freely runs through an O-ring and ends in a handle. Attached to the O-ring are another few feet of leash ending with a clip that can go to a dog collar. When the dog pulls, the user pulls the handle. The resulting force goes through the O-ring, which acts as a pulley and on to the arm cuff and back of the arm, utilizing stronger shoulder and back muscles. Therefore the user is able to pull back with a lot more force than is obtainable with a typical leash.
US09144220B1	Non-dehiscent sesame IND variety Sesaco 37 Non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (IND) designated Sesaco 37 (S37) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S37 suitable for mechanized harvesting and for selection for sesame crop growth in most geographical locations.
US09144217B1	Wheat variety W030578B1 A wheat variety designated W030578B1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W030578B1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W030578B1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W030578B1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W030578B1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W030578B1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09144212B1	Wheat variety W040082H1 A wheat variety designated W040082H1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W040082H1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W040082H1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W040082H1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W040082H1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W040082H1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09144211B1	Maize hybrid X13D093 A novel maize variety designated X13D093 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 X13D093 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13D093 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13D093, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13D093. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13D093.
US09144206B1	Soil-free cultivation system A cultivation system made up of multiple units, with each unit having an upper root compartment, a lower solution compartment, and a base. A growing solution is conducted into each unit via a supply conduit in the base and sprayed into the root compartment, after which it is drained into the solution compartment and then into drain conduits in the base.
US09144205B2	Hydroponics applications and ancillary modifications to a polyphasic pressurized homogenizer Ancillary embodiments and modifications to a homogenizer unit (“PPH”), and methods of use directed to hydroponics. The apparatus includes a homogenizer body, one or more nutrient stream inlets, one or more water inlets, a mixing zone where the water stream is commingled with the nutrient stream, and a venturi within the body immediately downstream from the mixing zone such that the commingled streams are pulled into the venturi resulting in homogenization. The PPH components are insulated to maintain the aqueous nutrient solution at a cooled, below ambient temperature. Because the prepared aqueous nutrient solution is cooled, it may also have oxygen and/or nitrogen gas dissolved therein (e.g., introduced into one of the streams introduced into the PPH). The resulting aqueous nutrient solution can be conveyed in its cooled state to roots of hydroponically grown plants to provide nutrients for the growth of the plants.
US09144200B2	Pitched profile pre-cutter tine A pre-cutter tine has a relatively wide working face which is pitched or canted relative to a plane extending vertically to an axis of rotation of a pre-cutter rotor carrying a plurality of the tines arranged helically about the axis. The pitched working face of adjacent tines acts to support the crop being cut as the pitched working faces advance the crop toward the pre-cutter knives which are spaced such that the working faces of adjacent tines pass on opposite sides of a given knife. The working faces of the tines may be pitched such as to cause the engaged crop to be conveyed inwardly as well as to the rear by the tines.
US09144195B2	Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring yield and vehicle weight Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.
US09144192B2	Drop nozzle The application is generally directed towards a drop nozzle for an agricultural sprayer. The drop nozzle can be used to reduce spray drift as liquids are deposited by the sprayer. The drop nozzle includes a valve assembly including a shutoff valve, a tube operably connected to the valve assembly, and an airfoil connected to the tube. The shutoff valve selectively prevents fluid flow from the valve assembly to the tube and the airfoil directs airflow around one or more portions of the drop nozzle.

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