最新美国发明专利第2015-10-06期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US09150757B2	Durable ceramic nanocomposite thermal barrier coatings for metals and refractories A coating composition for metal or refractories includes a polysilazane resin; and one or more additives that alter the thermal conductivity and/or the abrasion resistance of the cured polysilazane resin. The coating composition may be applied to a metal or refractory material substrate and heated to form a ceramic layer on the substrate. The ceramic layer exhibits lower thermal conductivity and increased abrasion resistance.
US09150756B2	Sampling device for substance detection instrument A sampling device for a substance detection instrument includes a membrane comprising a porous support having a coating thereon, the coating comprising a carborane polysiloxane or an arylene polysiloxane, the membrane having a front side configured to be placed in contact with a test sample and a back side; a sample line having an inlet proximate to the back side of the membrane and an outlet in fluid communication with a substance detector; and a source of carrier gas in fluid communication with the back side of the membrane and the sample line inlet.
US09150755B2	Silicone composition that can be cross-linked by means of dehydrogenative condensation in the presence of a carbene-type catalyst The invention relates to a silicone composition comprising components bearing ≡SiH/≡SiOH groups, which can be polymerized/cross-linked by means of a dehydrogenative condensation reaction in the presence of a carbene-type catalyst in solution.
US09150748B1	Polyethylene glycol based oligomers for coating nanoparticles, nanoparticles coated therewith, and related methods In a composition aspect of the invention, a nanoparticle coating comprises repeating polyacrylic acid monomers covalently bound together to form an aliphatic chain having a plurality of carboxylic acid functional groups and modified carboxylic acid functional groups extending therefrom. A first portion of the modified carboxylic acid functional groups are modified by a PEG oligomer having a terminal methoxy functional group and a second portion of the modified carboxylic acid functional groups are modified by a PEG oligomer having at least one terminal sulfur moiety.
US09150747B2	Self designed fashion wear and other articles Erasable paintings used to paint a design on the at least one paintable surface of the footwear. The erasable paintings are insoluble in water and thus can withstand any weather conditions. The present invention also provides an erasing solution for completely erasing the erasable from the paintable surface. The present invention also provides an article of footwear having at least one paintable surface and at least one erasable painting. The article of footwear may also include an erasing solvent to erase the at least one erasable painting. The article of footwear may also include a spray and/or liquid to make the painting permanent and/or a painting instrument. The article of footwear may also include various accessories.
US09150742B2	Linear polyester resins and improved lithographic inks The present invention describes a linear polyester resin comprising a di-epoxide monomer and a di-acid monomer useful in energy curable lithographic inks. The linear polyester resin exhibits a number average molecular weight less than 20,000. The present invention also describes an energy curable lithographic ink formulation including the linear polyester resin. The ink exhibits improved print density, print contrast, water window and rheological (total body) characteristics.
US09150738B2	Process for the production of precipitated calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate and uses thereof The present invention relates to a process for the production of precipitated calcium carbonate, comprising the following steps: a) providing a reaction vessel containing an aqueous phase at an initial temperature; b) injecting a carbon dioxide generating compound into the aqueous phase until the pH of the aqueous phase is in the range of around 5 to around 7; and c) subsequently adding a calcium hydroxide slurry at an initial temperature to the reaction vessel while continuing the injection of the carbon dioxide generating compound, in order to obtain an aqueous slurry of the precipitated calcium carbonate. The addition rate of the calcium hydroxide slurry to the reaction vessel in step c) is such that an average electrical conductivity of the reaction contents in the reaction vessel during the reaction is in a range of 100 to 6 000 μS/cm.
US09150737B2	Composition and methods for providing coatings; materials; application techniques; and, resulting coated substrates Techniques and compositions for applying films to a variety of substrates, from water-borne coating compositions, are provided. The techniques involve providing desiccant and applying the desiccant with water-borne film-forming composition, in application to a substrate. The desiccant composition provides for take up of free water in of the film-forming composition, without total reliance on ambient conditions, to advantage. Compositions, methods, techniques and resulting constructions are described. The techniques can be applied in wet thick film applications, but are not limited to such applications.
US09150736B2	Methods of coating an electrically conductive substrate and related electrodepositable compositions Methods are disclosed in which an electrically conductive substrate is immersed into an electrodepositable composition, the substrate serving as an electrode in an electrical circuit comprising the electrode and a counter-electrode immersed in the composition, a coating being applied onto or over at least a portion of the substrate as electric current is passed between the electrodes. The electrodepositable composition comprises: (a) an aqueous medium; (b) an ionic resin; and (c) solid particles.
US09150735B2	Superhydrophilic and water-capturing surfaces A coated substrate includes a substrate and a coating containing a water insoluble polymer and a water soluble polymer, the two polymers, due to different water affinity, forming a nanosegregant on the substrate. Also disclosed are a method of preparing the above-described coated substrate and the use of this coated substrate in a solid-state supercapacitor.
US09150732B2	Aqueous emulsion polymers, their preparation and use The present invention provides aqueous emulsion polymers comprising (A) monomers A (B) at least one (meth)acrylate with olefinically unsaturated side groups (monomers B), and (C) at least one photoinitiator, and also the use thereof in coating materials, more particularly in exterior architectural paints.
US09150730B2	Particulate wax composites and method for the production thereof and the use thereof The invention relates to inorganic-organic composite particles, in particular composite nanoparticles, wherein the composite particles comprise at least one organically based material containing or being made of at least one wax and an inorganically based material, and to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof.
US09150726B2	Heat-stabilized silicone mixture Curable silicone mixture containing an alkenyl-functional silicone, an Si—H functional silicone, an epoxy-functional silicone, a ferrocene, and a hydrosilylation curing catalyst, provide thermally stable silicones which are also adherent. The compositions are particularly useful for embedding power semiconductor devices.
US09150722B2	Method for polymerisation of (meth)acrylic acid in solution, polymer solutions obtained and their uses The present invention relates to a new solvent-free preparation method of a (meth)acrylic acid polymer in solution, where said polymer has a molecular weight less than 8,000 g/mol and a polydispersity IP index between 2 and 3 by radical polymerization, the polymers obtained by this means, and their applications in industry.
US09150719B2	Deformable, rigid polystyrene foam board Provided are methods for producing a high strength, but easily deformed, polystyrene foam board that can endure repeated deformations from its original configuration into more complex curved shapes without damaging the board integrity or substantially reducing its structural strength. Also provided are rigid polystyrene foam boards produced by this method that exhibit improved bending and impact resistance while substantially retaining or improving other properties, for example, the thermal dimensional stability and fire resistance, exhibited by corresponding conventional XPS foam boards. The foamable compositions may incorporate one or more of a variety of polymer processing aids for the purpose of altering the performance of the final foam products, thereby allowing the properties of the final foam product to be customized to some degree.
US09150717B2	Controlled rheology formulations containing high melt strength polypropylene for extrusion coating A process of extruding a blend of an irradiated first propylene polymer and a non-irradiated second propylene polymer, where the first propylene polymer comprises a non-phenolic stabilizer. The irradiation of the first propylene polymer extrudate is conducted in a reduced oxygen environment, and the irradiated first propylene polymer and the non-irradiated second propylene polymer are blended at a temperature below their respective melting points. The blend has a viscosity retention of 20 to 35%.
US09150716B2	Resin foam and foam sealing material There is provided a resin foam excellent in dustproof performance, particularly dustproof performance in a dynamic environment. The resin foam of the present invention has a thickness recovery ratio of 65% or more, wherein the thickness recovery ratio is defined as a ratio of a thickness 1 second after releasing a compressed state to an initial thickness, when the resin foam is compressed for 1 minute in the thickness direction so as to give a thickness equal to 20% of the initial thickness in a 23° C. atmosphere; and then the compressed state is released in a 23° C. atmosphere.
US09150712B2	Rubber composition for tire tread A rubber composition for a tire tread contains styrene-butadiene rubber in a compounding amount of 100 parts by weight, silica in a compounding amount of 90 to 170 parts by weight, and an aromatic modified terpene resin in a compounding amount of 10 to 30 parts by weight. The styrene-butadiene rubber contains 40 to 100% by weight of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR1) and 60 to 0% by weight of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR2), the total content thereof being 100% by weight. The S-SBR1 has a styrene content of 30 to 38% by weight and a vinyl content of 60 to 80% by weight, the total content thereof being 100% by weight, a glass transition temperature of −20 to −5° C., and a weight average molecular weight of 1,000,000 to 1,800,000.
US09150711B2	Flame retardant polyamide compositions Predominately amino terminated phosphonamide oligomers and their use as flame retardant additives in polyamides and copolyamides without detracting from melt processability are described herein. Other important properties such as strength, modulus, dyeing and thermal stability are maintained.
US09150709B2	Epoxy resin compositions comprising a 2-oxo-[1,3] dioxolane derivative Epoxy resin compositions comprising a) epoxy resins and b) at least one 2-oxo-[1,3]dioxolane derivative of the formula I in which one or two of the radicals R1 to R4 are an electron-withdrawing organic group having 1 to 20 C atoms or an electron-withdrawing heteroatom, and the remaining radicals R1 to R4 are independently of one another an H atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 C atoms.
US09150708B2	Adhesive with buffer system An adhesive based on a polychloroprene dispersion is characterized in that a buffer system comprising at least one acid compound and glycerin is included in order to activate and stabilize the adhesive. A freeze-thaw stability of the adhesive is achieved by surprisingly high proportions of glycerin; however, a good initial adhesion is simultaneously ensured. The glycerin proportions range from 8-50 wt. %, preferably 14-40 wt. %, particularly preferably 22-30 wt. %. An organic acid is preferably used as the acid compound.
US09150703B2	Method of stabilizing siloxanes having terminal hydroxy groups Siloxanes having terminal hydroxy groups, and which have a content of cyclic siloxanes of not more than 5% by weight, are stabilized by addition of ammonia in gaseous form or as a solution in a protic or aprotic solvent or in the form of an ammonia-releasing compound in amounts of at least 0.01 ppm by weight and not more than 100 ppm by weight, calculated as ammonia and based on the total weight of the siloxanes having terminal hydroxy groups. Ammonia in gaseous form is preferably used.
US09150702B2	Laser-marking additive This invention relates to a laser-marking additive wherein the laser-marking additive comprises a bismuth containing compound and a functionalized polymer having 0.01 to 50 wt % of functional groups, in which the weight percentage is based on the total amount of functionalized polymer and bismuth containing compound. The invention further relates to a method for preparation of such laser-marking additive, a laser-markable composition comprising such laser-marking additives and preparation thereof and molded parts comprising the laser-markable composition, as well as films made from the laser-markable composition.
US09150695B2	Production method of cyclic polyarylene sulfide There is provided a production method of a cyclic polyarylene sulfide from a reaction mixture including at least a sulfidizing agent (a), a dihalogenated aromatic compound (b) and an organic polar solvent (c). The production method includes: a process 1 of heating the reaction mixture having an arylene unit of not less than 0.80 mol but less than 1.05 mol per 1 mol of the sulfur content in the reaction mixture; and subsequent to the process 1, a process 2 of further causing the reaction to proceed after addition of the dihalogenated aromatic compound (b) to have the arylene unit of not less than 1.05 mol and not greater than 1.50 mol per 1 mol of the sulfur content in the reaction mixture.
US09150691B2	Polyamide, process for preparing same and uses thereof The present invention relates to a novel polyamide synthesized from biosourced monomers. The novel polyamide comprises the repeating unit of formula I below: in which A represents a covalent bond or a divalent hydrocarbon-based group chosen from saturated or unsaturated aliphatics, saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatics, aromatics comprising at least 5 carbon atoms, arylaliphatics and alkylaromatics; X represents a divalent group of formula II or III below: The present invention also relates to the process for preparing the said polyamide, to its uses, and to articles and compositions comprising the said polyamide.
US09150688B2	Copolymer, complex and method for releasing viruses using pH-dependence of the copolymer A method for releasing viruses includes the steps of: preparing a first negatively charged complex, comprising a plurality of viruses, a plurality of polyethyleneimine particles, and a copolymer; transferring the complex to an acidic region, thereby transforming the complex into a positively charged complex to release a portion of the viruses in the acidic region; and transferring the complex to a non-acidic region, thereby transforming the positively charged complex into a negatively charged complex. One embodiment of the copolymer has the following chemical formula: wherein R1 represents aliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, and R2 includes at least one negatively charged group.
US09150686B2	Epoxy compound having alkoxysilyl group, method of preparing the same, composition and cured product comprising the same, and uses thereof Disclosed are an epoxy compound having an alkoxysilyl group, a composite of which exhibits good heat resistant properties and/or a cured product of which exhibits good flame retardant properties, a method of preparing the same, a composition comprising the same, and a cured product and a use of the composition. An alkoxysilylated epoxy compound comprising at least one of Chemical Formula S1 substituent and at least two epoxy groups in a core, a method of preparing the epoxy compound by an allylation, a claisen rearrangement, an epoxidation and an alkoxysilylation, an epoxy composition comprising the epoxy compound, and a cured product and a use of the composition are provided. The composite of the disclosed exhibits improved chemical bonding, good heat resistant properties, a low CTE, a high glass transition temperature or Tg-less. The cured product of the composition exhibits good flame retardant properties.
US09150676B2	Thio-salalen catalyst Catalysts comprising thio-salalen ligands. Also, catalyst systems comprising the catalyst and an activator; methods to prepare the ligands, catalysts and catalyst systems; processes to polymerize olefins using the catalysts and/or catalyst systems; and the olefin polymers prepared according to the processes.
US09150675B2	Comb polymers which can be used in cosmetics and detergents A water-soluble copolymer comprising, by mass relative to the total mass of the copolymer: 1 to 40% of at least one cationic monomer; 59.99 to 98% of at least one nonionic monomer; 0.01 to 10% of at least one monomer of formula (I); in which: R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical; Z is a divalent group —C(═O)—O—, or —C(═O)—NH—; n is an integer between 2 and 200; R2 is a hydrogen atom or a carbon-containing radical which is saturated or unsaturated, optionally aromatic, linear, branched or cyclic, comprising 1 to 30 carbon atoms, and from 0 to 4 heteroatoms chosen from the group comprising O, N and S; the copolymer having a cationic charge density between 0.05 and 3 meq/g.
US09150674B2	Amphiphilic graft copolymers A novel amphiphilic graft copolymer is described. A process to make amphiphilic graft copolymers via grafting either poly(ethylene oxide) or polylactide side chains onto an EVA platform using oxo-anion ring-opening polymerization chemistry is also described. Polyethylene or polypropylene based graft copolymers are prepared starting from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) or maleic anhydride grafted isotactic polypropylene respectively. The amphiphilic character will result from the incorporation of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side-chains. Various applications of the novel amphiphilic graft copolymer are also described including, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, films, fibers, fabrics, gels, breathable packaging materials, additive for biodegradable system, surfactant, antistatic additives, polymer compatibilizers, phase transfer catalysts, solid polymer electrolytes, biocompatible polymers, or incorporation into the materials listed above.
US09150673B2	Process for preparing (meth)acrylic esters The invention relates to a process for preparing (meth)acrylic esters by esterifying (meth)acrylic acid or transesterifying at least one (meth)acrylic ester with at least one compound comprising at least one OH group in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst comprising at least one inorganic salt, wherein the esterification or transesterification is performed in the presence of 300 to 3000 ppm of water based on the total weight of the reaction mixture.
US09150671B2	Metal complex catalysts and polymerization methods employing same A novel class of aminidate complexes can be used as an ingredient of a catalyst system. The catalyst system can be used in polymerizations of ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers.
US09150666B2	Hydrolytically stable, hydrophilic adhesion-promoting monomers and polymers made therefrom Disclosed are compositions that comprise vinylarylalkylene ethers of cyclodextrins optionally containing ether-linked adhesion-promoting groups, in combination with copolymerizable monomer or monomers. The copolymerizable monomer or monomers may include vinylarylalkylene ethers of oligohydroxy compounds (for example, sorbitol divinylbenzyl ether and others). The composition further may include stabilizers (for example, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-(tert)-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene and others), and polymerization initiators (for example, phenylbis[2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl]phosphine oxide and others) and reinforcing materials (for example, imogolite). Methods of preparing the compositions as well as the components of compositions and methods for their use in dental and other applications are also disclosed.
US09150665B2	Cellulose interpolymers and method of oxidation This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents.
US09150662B2	Hybrid light chain mice Genetically modified mice are provided that express human λ variable (hVλ) sequences, including mice that express hVλ sequences from an endogenous mouse λ light chain locus, mice that express hVλ sequences from an endogenous mouse κ light chain locus, and mice that express hVλ sequences from a transgene or an episome wherein the hVλ sequence is linked to a mouse constant sequence. Mice are provided that are a source of somatically mutated human λ variable sequences useful for making antigen-binding proteins. Compositions and methods for making antigen-binding proteins that comprise human λ variable sequences, including human antibodies, are provided.
US09150656B2	Antibodies reactive with B7-H3, immunologically active fragments thereof and uses thereof The present invention relates to antibodies and their fragments that are immunoreactive to the mammalian, and more particularly, the human B7-H3 receptor and to uses thereof, particularly in the treatment of cancer and inflammation. The invention thus particularly concerns humanized B7-H3-reactive antibodies and their immunoreactive fragments that are capable of mediating, and more preferably enhancing the activation of the immune system against cancer cells that are associated with a variety of human cancers.
US09150649B2	Potent conjugates and hydrophilic linkers Linkers for binding drugs to cell binding agents are modified to hydrophilic linkers by incorporating a polyethylene glycol spacer. The potency or the efficacy of the cell-binding agent-drug conjugates is surprisingly enhanced several folds in a variety of cancer cell types, including those expressing a low number of antigens on the cell surface or cancer cells that are resistant to treatment. A method for preparing maytansinoids bearing a thioether moiety and a reactive group which allows the maytansinoid to be linked to a cell-binding agent in essentially a single step is also provided.
US09150648B2	Anti-ASIC1 antibodies and uses thereof The present invention provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to cells expressing acid-sensing ion channel-1 (ASIC1). According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies inhibit acid-induced, ASIC1-mediated ion currents in cells expressing human ASIC1. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of pain, including pain associated with surgical intervention and various diseases and disorders.
US09150644B2	Human monoclonal antibodies that bind insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and II Disclosed herein are human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind both IGF-I and IGF-II with picomolar affinity and potently inhibit the IGF-IR signal transduction function. These antibodies are active in both an IgG and a scFv format. Bispecific forms of these antibodies are also disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, vectors including these nucleic acids, and host cells transformed with these vectors are also disclosed herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions including these antibodies. Methods are provided for treating a subject with cancer and for inhibiting phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor. Methods are also provided for diagnosing cancer.
US09150642B2	Anti-KTPAF50 antibodies and their uses in therapeutic and diagnostic methods Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize the KTPAF50 protein, and compositions comprising thereof are provided. Also provided are uses of the KTPAF50-specific antibodies, in the diagnosis and therapeutic of conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, graft rejection, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes.
US09150640B2	Method for the production of variable domains The present invention provides methods for the expression and/or production of variable domains with a C-terminal extension that can be used for coupling of the variable domain to one or more further groups, residues or moieties. In the method of the invention a yield of at least 80% of variable domains with a cysteine containing C-terminal extension is obtained. Also variable domains are provided and polypeptides comprising one or more variable domains obtainable by the methods of the present invention, as well as compounds that comprise such variable domains and/or polypeptides coupled to one or more groups, residues or moieties.
US09150629B2	Human tear lipocalins which bind PCSK9 and methods of use thereof The present disclosure relates to novel lipocalin muteins which bind to PCSK9. The disclosure also provides corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding lipocalin muteins and methods for producing lipocalin muteins as well as their encoding nucleic acid molecules.
US09150628B2	PARP inhibitors The present invention relates to new inhibitors of the nucleic enzyme poly(adenosine 5′-diphospho-ribose) polymerase [“poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase” or “PARP”, which is also sometimes called “PARS” for poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase]. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of PARP inhibitors to prevent and/or treat tissue damage resulting from cell damage or death due to necrosis or apoptosis; neural tissue damage resulting from ischemia and reperfusion injury; neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases; to prevent or treat vascular stroke; to treat or prevent cardiovascular disorders; to treat other conditions and/or disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, AIDS and other immune senescence diseases, arthritis, atherosclerosis, cachexia, cancer, degenerative diseases of skeletal muscle involving replicative senescence, diabetes, head trauma, immune senescence, inflammatory bowel disorders (such as colitis and Crohn's disease), muscular dystrophy, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, chronic and acute pain (such as neuropathic pain), renal failure, retinal ischemia, septic shock (such as endotoxic shock), and skin aging; to extend the lifespan and proliferative capacity of cells; to alter gene expression of senescent cells; or to radiosensitize hypoxic tumor cells.
US09150625B2	Chloroplast transit peptides and methods of their use Methods and compositions are provided for targeting a polypeptide of interest to a chloroplast. Recombinant polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric chloroplast transit peptide (CTP) operably linked to a heterologous polynucleotide of interest are provided. In specific embodiments, the chimeric CTP comprises an N-terminal domain operably linked to a central domain operably linked to a C-terminal domain of a CTP to form a chimeric chloroplast transit peptide having CTP activity. Recombinant polypeptides encoding the same, as well as, cells, plant cells, plants and seeds are further provided which comprise the recombinant polynucleotides. Methods of use of the various sequences are also provided.
US09150621B2	Mutant bacterial glycoproteins and uses thereof The present invention relates to the use of mutant glycoproteins from pathogenic bacteria lacking one or more phosphorylcholine and/or glycosylation post-translational modifications as immunogens. These post-translational modifications act as masking structures that elicit an immune response which does not confer protection on an infected individual. The removal or modification of these masking structures alters the protein such that it elicits a stronger immune response to the protein and/or the bacterial pathogen. Particular examples are pilin proteins and nitrite reductase glycoproteins of Neisseria bacteria.
US09150616B2	Immunoregulatory peptides and methods of use Peptides for the treatment of inflammation, and therapeutic uses and methods of using the same are disclosed. Peptides including a transducing sequence are effective for inhibiting cytokine activity and TNF-α secretion through interaction with toll-like receptors. Experiments are described illustrating the efficacy of the compounds in treating otitis media.
US09150614B2	Methods for reducing CD36 expression The invention provides a method for treating one or more complications of diabetes in a mammal. The method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide having at least one net positive charge; a minimum of four amino acids; a maximum of about twenty amino acids; a relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges (pm) and the total number of amino acid residues (r) wherein 3 pm is the largest number that is less than or equal to r+1; and a relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges (pt) wherein 2a is the largest number that is less than or equal to pt+1, except that when a is 1, pt may also be 1.
US09150610B2	Method and apparatus to perform hydrogen-deuterium exchange Apparatus and methods to perform hydrogen/deuterium exchange using semipermeable membranes are described. The system has two channels separated by a semipermeable membrane. One channel comprises a flow carrying the analyte of interest, and the second channel comprises a solution comprising a deuterated solvent (e.g. deuterium oxide). The system does not require an external electric field gradient across the membrane to perform the hydrogen-deuterium exchange procedure. The present invention facilitates sample and reagent handling as well as simplifies manufacture of devices and/or instrumentation related to deuterium exchange.Further described is a chemical analyzation device for analyzing chemical compositions and/or compounds, and a method for analyzing chemical compounds and a computer program product for inducing a computer to perform steps in the method. Also described is a method for analyzing interactions between analytes and charged molecules, and calculating binding coefficients of the analytes with respect to the charged molecules.
US09150607B2	Preparation of bile acids and intermediates thereof Synthetic methods for preparing deoxycholic acid and intermediates thereof are provided.
US09150605B2	Compositions comprising alternating 2′-modified nucleosides for use in gene modulation The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one oligomeric compound comprising an alternating motif and further include a region that is complementary to a nucleic acid target. The compositions are useful for targeting selected nucleic acid molecules and modulating the expression of one or more genes. In preferred embodiments the compositions of the present invention hybridize to a portion of a target RNA resulting in loss of normal function of the target RNA. The present invention also provides methods for modulating gene expression.
US09150604B2	Effective treatment of esophogeal adenocarcinoma using triciribine and related compounds The inventors have determined, contrary to the prior art and experience, how to successfully use triciribine to treat esophogeal adenocarcinoma by one or a combination of (i) administering triciribine only to patients which according to a diagnostic test described below, exhibit enhanced sensitivity to the drug; (ii) use of a described dosage level that minimizes the toxicity of the drug but yet still exhibits efficacy; or (iii) use of a described dosage regimen that minimizes the toxicity of the drug.
US09150603B2	2′-cyano substituted nucleoside derivatives and methods of use thereof useful for the treatment of viral diseases The present invention relates to 2′-Cyano Substituted Nucleoside Derivatives of Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein B, X, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one 2′-Cyano Substituted Nucleoside Derivative, and methods of using the 2′-Cyano Substituted Nucleoside Derivatives for treating or preventing HCV infection in a patient.
US09150602B2	Precursor used for labeling hepatorcyte receptor and containing trisaccharide and diamide demercaptide ligand, method for preparing the same, radiotracer and pharmaceutical composition of the same A precursor used for labeling hepatocyte receptors and applied to radiotracers for imaging or pharmaceutical compositions for liver cancers is revealed. The precursor is a bifunctional compound. The bifunctional group includes a trisaccharide structure and a diamide dimercaptide (N2S2) ligand. The trisaccharide has high affinity to asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPR) on surfaces of hepatocytes while N2S2 ligand reacts with radioisotopes to form neutral complexes. Thus the precursor stays on surfaces of hepatocytes to provide radioisotope labeling or treatment effect of liver cancers.
US09150598B2	Masking apertures enabling automation and solution exchange in sessile bilayers Disclosed herein are devices and methods related to the production and measurements of amphiphilic molecule bilayers, which are useful in high throughput electrophysiological screening and ion channel measurement in bilayers. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US09150593B2	Fluoroergoline analogs Provided herein are novel fluoroergoline derivatives and compositions thereof. In other embodiments, provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a variety of medical disorders such as, for example, migraine using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of agonizing receptors such as, for example, the 5-HT1D and/or the 5-HT1B receptor, without agonizing the 5-HT2B receptor using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of antagonizing or inhibiting activity at receptors such as, for example, the adrenergic alpha2A and/or the alpha2B receptors using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein.
US09150589B2	Polymorphous forms III and IV of N-benzoyl—staurosporine The present invention relates to a crystalline form III and a crystalline form IV of N-benzoyl staurosporine. N-benzoyl staurosporine is also known as Midostaurin or PKC412.
US09150588B2	Substituted pyridazin-4(1H)-ones as phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors A compound having PDE inhibitory represented by formula (1), W1-W2 (1), wherein (i) W1 is and W2 is (ii) W1 is and W2 is or (iii) W1 is and W2 is or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a method of treating or preventing schizophrenia.
US09150586B2	Piperidino-dihydrothienopyrimidine sulfoxides and their use for treating COPD and asthma The invention relates to novel piperidino-dihydrothienopyrimidine sulfoxides of formula I, wherein Ring A is a 6-membered aromatic ring which may optionally comprise one or two nitrogen atoms and wherein R is Cl and wherein R may be located either in the para-, meta- or ortho-position of Ring A, wherein S* is a sulphur atom that represents a chiral center, and all pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomers and racemates, hydrates and solvates thereof and the use of these compounds for the treatment of inflammatory or allergic diseases of the respiratory tract such as COPD or asthma.
US09150582B2	Composition and method for neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) antagonists Neuropeptide S receptor antagonists are provided that bind in functional assays to neuropeptide S receptors; methods are provided for use of these antagonists in treatment of conditions or disease states that are ameliorated by blocking of the neuropeptide S receptor, including substance abuse and substance abuse relapse; and for use of neuropeptide S receptor antagonists in the manufacture of therapeutics and pro-drugs for therapeutics useful in disease states and conditions sensitive to binding of the neuropeptide S receptor.
US09150572B2	Substituted naphthyridine and quinoline compounds as MAO inhibitors The invention provides a chemical entity of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, Y, and n have any of the values described herein and compositions comprising such chemical entities; methods of making them; and their use in a wide range of methods, including metabolic and reaction kinetic studies, detection and imaging techniques, and radioactive treatments; and therapies, including inhibiting MAO, and MAO-B selectively, enhancing neuronal plasticity, treating neurological disorders, providing neuroprotection, treating a cognitive impairment associated with a CNS disorder, enhancing the efficiency of cognitive and motor training, providing neurorecovery and neurorehabilitation, enhancing the efficiency of non-human animal training protocols, and treating treating peripheral disorders (including obesity, diabetes, and cardiometabolic disorders) and their associated co-morbidities.
US09150571B2	Crystalline forms of fused amino pyridines as HSP90 inhibitors This invention relates to the discovery of novel forms of Compound 1, including solvates, hydrates, and other crystalline forms. These novel forms of Compound 1 may impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including improved stability and bioavailability.
US09150570B2	Synthesis of heterocyclic compounds Provided herein are intermediates and processes useful for facile synthesis of biologically active molecules.
US09150569B2	Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound having inhibitory effect on production of kynurenine The present invention provides a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having an inhibitory effect on the production of kynurenine, represented by formula (I): (wherein R6 and R7 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or the like, R8, R9, R10, and R11 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or the like, R1 represents lower alkyl which may be substituted with cycloalkyl, or the like, and R3 represents optionally substituted aryl or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group).
US09150566B2	2-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)benzamide and 3-(1,2,3-triazol-2-YL)picolinamide derivatives as orexin receptor antagonists The present invention relates to 2-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)benzamide and 3-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)picolinamide derivatives of formula (I) wherein Ar1, Q, and R1 to R5 are as described in the description, to their preparation, to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and to their use as pharmaceuticals, to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more compounds of formula (I), and especially to their use as orexin receptor antagonists.
US09150565B2	Heteroarylpiperidine and -piperazine derivatives as fungicides Heteroarylpiperidine and -piperazine derivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols A, X, Y, L1, L2, G, Q, p, R1, R2 and R10 are each as defined in the description, and salts, metal complexes and N-oxides of the compounds of the formula (I), and the use thereof for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi and processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I).
US09150561B2	Thiazole derivatives and use thereof The present invention is related to thiazole derivatives of Formula (I) in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neturodegenerative diseases, bacterial or viral infections, kidney diseases, platelet aggregation, cancer, transplantation, graft rejection or lung injuries.
US09150560B2	Inhibitors of histone deacetylase This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, Q, X, Y, Z and have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.
US09150559B2	Anti-proliferative compounds and methods for using the same Disclosed herein are anti-proliferative compounds which find use in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Also provided herein are methods for using these compounds for inhibiting growth of cancer cells. Also provided herein are methods for using these compounds for treating a subject for hyperproliferative conditions, including without limitation the treatment of hematopoietic cancers.
US09150558B2	Nicotine receptor targeted compounds and compositions The invention relates to the design and synthesis of novel anabaseine-based compounds, which are useful in treating or preventing a wide variety of conditions, including nervous system diseases or disorders, such as, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, drug dependence, and substance addiction, and compositions, kits, and methods thereof. The invention also provides novel anabaseine-based compounds, compositions, kits, and methods thereof for treating or preventing non-nerve system diseases or disorders (such as, inflammation and cancer) in a subject identified in need thereof. Certain enantiomeric compounds of the invention exhibited enhanced selectivity toward α7 nAChRs relative to alpha4beta2 nAChRs. Other enantiomeric compounds of the invention exhibited enhanced selectivity for alpha4beta2 nAChRs relative to α7 nAChRs.
US09150556B2	Benzimidazolone chymase inhibitors Disclosed are small molecule inhibitors which are useful in treating various diseases and conditions involving chymase.
US09150553B2	Carboxamide compounds and their use as calpain inhibitors The present invention relates to novel carboxamide compounds of the formula I and their use for the manufacture of a medicament. The carboxamide compounds are prodrugs of inhibitors of calpain (calcium dependant cysteine proteases). The invention therefore also relates to the use of these carboxamide compounds for treating a disorder associated with an elevated calpain activity. R1 is C1-C10-alkyl, C2-C10-alkenyl, C2-C10-alkynyl, C3-C7-cycloalkyl, C3-C7-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, aryl, hetaryl, aryl-C1-C6-alkyl, aryl-C2-C6-alkenyl, hetaryl-C1-C4-alkyl or hetaryl-C2-C6-alkenyl, R2 is C3-C7-cycloalkyl, C3-C7-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, aryl, O-aryl, O—CH2-aryl, hetaryl, aryl-C1-C6-alkyl, aryl-C2-C6-alkenyl, hetaryl-C1-C4-alkyl or hetaryl-C2-C6-alkenyl, R3a and R3b together form a moiety S-Alk-S, O-Alk-S or O-Alk-O, wherein Alk is linear C2-C5-alkandiyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 radicals selected from C1-C4-alkyl or halogen; X is a radical of the formulae C(═O)—O—Rx1, C(═O)—NRx2Rx3, C(═O)—N(Rx4)—(C1-C6-alkylene)-NRx2Rx3, C(═O)—N(Rx4)NRx2Rx3, n is 0, 1 or 2, one of the variables Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is a nitrogen atom, and the remaining variables Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 are CH; Ry is e.g. OH, SH, halogen, NO2, NH2, CN, CF3, CHF2, CH2F, O—CF3, O—CHF2, O—CH2F, COOH, OCH2COOH, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C6-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C6-alkylthio etc. W is a radical of the formulae W1 or W2 which is linked via nitrogen: in which * means the linkage to the 6-membered heteroaromatic ring, and # means the linkage to R2, m is 0, 1 or 2, and Rw is e.g. OH, SH, halogen, NO2, NH2, CN, CF3, CHF2, CH2F, O—CF3, O—CHF2, O—CH2F, COOH, OCH2COOH.
US09150547B2	Process for the preparation of pazopanib using novel intermediate The present invention provides a commercially viable process for preparing pazopanib and its pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof in high yields using novel intermediate. The present invention also provides a process for the purification of pazopanib hydrochloride.
US09150546B2	Triazine derivative and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same The present invention provides a novel P2X3 and/or P2X2/3 receptor antagonist.A compound represented by the formula (I): wherein Ra, Rb and Rc are, (a) Ra and Rb are taken together ═Z; and Rc is a group represented by R1c; or (b) Rb and Rc are taken together to form a bond; and Ra is a group represented by —Y—R1a; R1a and R1c are each independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, etc.; R2 and R3 are each independently substituted or unsubstituted aryl, etc.; R4a and R4b are each independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, etc.; X is —N(R5)—, etc.; R5 is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl, etc.; —Y— is —O—, etc.; ═Z is ═O, etc.; and n is an integer of 0 to 4.
US09150545B2	Carboxamide compounds and their use as calpain inhibitors V The present invention relates to novel carboxamide compounds and their use for the manufacture of a medicament. The carboxamide compounds are inhibitors of calpain (calcium dependant cysteine proteases). The invention therefore also relates to the use of these carboxamide compounds for treating a disorder associated with an elevated calpain activity. The carboxamide compounds are compounds of the general formula (I) in which R1, R2 and n have the meanings mentioned in the claims and the description, Y is a radical of the formulae (Y1) or (Y2) where # indicates the point of attachment of Y to the pyridine ring, R3, R4, R5, Ry and m have the meanings mentioned in the claims and the description, A is (CH2)p with p being 1, 2, 3 or 4, where one or two hydrogen atoms may be replaced by a radical R6, where A is attached to the 3- or 4-position of the pyrazole radical and R6 has the meaning mentioned in the claims and the description; A1 is (CH2)q with q being 0, 1, 2 or 3, where one or two hydrogen atoms may be replaced by halogen or C1-C4-alkyl; and A2 is (CH2)r with r being 0, 1, 2 or 3, where one or two hydrogen atoms may be replaced by halogen or C1-C4-alkyl, provided that that r+q is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; their tautomers, the hydrates thereof, the pharmaceutically suitable salts of the carbox-amide compounds (I), the prodrugs of (I) and the pharmaceutically suitable salts of the prodrugs, tautomers or hydrates of (I).
US09150544B2	Sulphonylaminopyrrolidinone derivatives, their preparation and their therapeutic application The invention relates to new sulphonylaminopyrrolidinone compounds having antithrombotic activity which, in particular, inhibit blood clotting factor IXa and/or factor Xa, to processes for their preparation and to use thereof as drugs.
US09150543B2	Substituted indolyl alkyl amino derivatives as inhibitors of histone deacetylase This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, X and Y have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.
US09150542B2	Process for the preparation of crystalline form I of methanesulfonate salt of dabigatran etexilate The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of crystalline Form I of methanesulfonate salt of dabigatran etexilate. (Formula (I)). The present invention does not require the isolation of the dabigatran etexilate intermediate.
US09150541B2	Tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative or salt thereof To provide a pharmaceutical, in particular a compound which can be used as a therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It was found that a tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative having an amide group at the 4-position or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has an excellent bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonistic action. It is also found that the tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative is highly effective on bowel movement disorders. From the above, the tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative of the present invention is useful as a therapeutic agent for diseases associated with a BB2 receptor, in particular IBS.
US09150538B2	Method for producing 4, 4-difluoro-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline derivatives Provided is a simple and efficient method for the large-scale production of a 4,4-difluoro-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline derivative. In the method for producing a 4,4-difluoro-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline derivative represented by general formula (1): a compound represented by general formula (2): is reacted with hydrogen fluoride.
US09150532B2	Fused cyclopentyl antagonists of CCR2 The present invention comprises processes for preparing compounds of Formula (I). wherein: R0, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and A are as defined in the specification.
US09150531B2	Tricyclic lactones for treatment of cancer The present invention discloses novel compounds useful for the inhibition of IL-6/STAT signaling and/or PI3K/NF-κB signaling in the treatment of associated diseases or conditions, e.g. cancer. A pharmaceutical composition comprising such novel compounds, its use and a method thereof, is also disclosed.
US09150528B2	Compound having detrusor muscle-contracting activity and urethral sphincter muscle-relaxing activity Since a compound represented by formula (I) wherein all of the symbols are the same as defined in the specification, a salt thereof, a solvate thereof, a prodrug thereof, a mixture with a diastereomer thereof in an arbitrary ratio, or a cyclodextrin clathrate thereof have a contracting activity of bladder detrusor and a relaxing activity of urethral sphincter, they can ameliorate bladder contraction dysfunction and/or urethral relaxation dysfunction, and for example, are effective for underactive bladder. Additionally, the compound of the present invention has little risk of side effects on the urinary system, the circulatory system and the digestive system, and exhibits excellent pharmacokinetics, such as oral absorbability etc. Therefore, the compound of the present invention is useful as a superior agent for preventing, treating and/or ameliorating underactive bladder.
US09150527B2	Metalloenzyme inhibitor compounds The instant invention describes compounds having metalloenzyme modulating activity, and methods of treating diseases, disorders or symptoms thereof mediated by such metalloenzymes.
US09150524B2	Pure intermediate The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of Letrozole (I) and its synthetic intermediate 4-[(1-(1,2,4-triazoly)methyl]benzonitrile (III). In particular, it relates to a process to prepare Letrozole and its intermediate (III) substantially free from regioisomeric impurities. The present invention further relates to acid addition salts of 4-[(1-(1,2,4-triazoly)methyl]benzonitrile (III) such as the oxalate salt, and also to Letrozole (I), the intermediate (III) and salts thereof preparable by the processes of the present invention.
US09150523B2	Piperazine derivatives, methods for preparing same, and uses thereof in the treatment of insulin resistance Disclosed herein are compounds and compositions useful in the treatment of pathologies associated with the insulin resistance syndrome (or syndrome X), in particular in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
US09150521B2	Methods of preventing and treating diabetes by inhibiting serotonin synthesis The present invention provides methods and therapeutic agents for lowering serum or plasma serotonin levels in a patient in order to prevent or treat diabetes. In preferred embodiments, the patient is known to have, or to be at risk for, diabetes and the agents are TPH1 inhibitors.
US09150517B2	Bendamustine derivatives and methods of using same The present invention is directed to bendamustine esters and bendamustine amides and their use for the treatment of cancer.
US09150515B2	Imidazolium salts and carbene metal complexes based thereon for use as bioanalytical markers for biomolecules The present invention relates to imidazolium salts, particularly imidazolium salts of the general formula I as well as the respective carbene metal complexes and their utilization as bioanalytical tags for biomolecules.
US09150514B2	Dual-acting antihypertensive agents The invention is directed to methods for treating hypertension or heart failure using compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, Y, Z, Q, W, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In particular embodiments, the invention uses compounds having formula IIIa, IVa, Va: These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity.
US09150512B2	Tricyclic lactam derivatives as 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors Compounds of the formula (I) useful as 11-Beta Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibitors
US09150511B2	Process for preparing saxagliptin and its novel intermediates useful in the synthesis thereof Methods of making saxagliptin, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof and intermediates thereof.
US09150510B2	Amino acid derivative The amino acid derivative of the present invention provides a novel compound that shows excellent analgesic action. The amino acid derivative of the present invention is a novel compound that shows excellent analgesic action to not only a model animal for nociceptive pains but also a model animal for neuropathic pains, so that the amino acid derivative is very useful as a drug for treating various pain diseases.
US09150508B2	Sulfonamide compounds and their use in the modulation retinoid-related orphan receptor The present invention is directed to novel retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) modulators of formula (I), processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these modulators, and their use in the treatment of inflammatory, metabolic and autoimmune diseases mediated by RORγ wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, CF3, halo, C1-3alkyl and C1-3-alkoxy; R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, CF3, halo, CH3 and OCH3; R5 is selected from the group consisting of H, CF3, halo, OH, CH2OH, C1-4alkyl, CH2-cyclopropyl and C1-4alkoxy, wherein C1-4alkyl and C1-4alkoxy, may be optionally substituted with one or two OH substituents; R6 is selected from the group consisting of C3-5alkyl and —CH2—C3-4cycloalkyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of R8 is selected from the group consisting of C1-3alkyl, C1-3alkoxy, CH2CN, CH2OH, OH, CN and halo; R9 is the group —(CHR10)s—(X)t—(CHR10)u—R11; each R10 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH or CH2OH; R11 is an isoxazole, —C(O)OH, or a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group, wherein the isoxazole or the 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group may be optionally substituted with one or two halo, NH2 or CH3 substituents; X is CH2, NH, O; r is 0, 1 or 2; s is 0, 1 or 2; t is 0 or 1;\ u is 0, 1 or 2; with the proviso that no more than two R10 groups represent OH or CH2OH.
US09150506B2	Sulfonated aromatic compounds Described are sulfonated aromatic compounds and methods of making said compounds. The compounds are useful as monomers in a variety of polymers such as polyamides and polyesters, and can impart flame resistant properties.
US09150505B2	Prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diabetes or obesity An object is to provide a CaSR agonist agent that has excellent CaSR agonist effects, and particularly, a pharmaceutical product that can prevent or remedy diabetes or obesity by the effect of CaSR activation. The aforementioned object is achieved by a composition that contains a compound represented by the following General Formula (I) or a salt thereof (refer to the Description for the definitions of the symbols used in the formula).
US09150504B2	Fatty acid guanidine and salicylate guanidine derivatives and their uses The invention relates to fatty acid guanidine or salicylate guanidine derivatives; compositions comprising an effective amount of a fatty acid guanidine or salicylate guanidine derivative; and methods for treating or preventing a metabolic disease comprising the administration of an effective amount of a fatty acid guanidine or salicylate guanidine derivative.
US09150503B2	Crystalline form of γ-aminobutyric acid analog A crystalline form of a γ-aminobutyric acid analog, and methods of preparing same, are provided.
US09150498B2	Process for the preparation of oseltamivir and methyl 3-epi-shikimate The present invention discloses high yielding enantioselective process for synthesis of Oseltamivir from readily available starting material, cis-1,4-butene diol. The process features incorporation of chirality using sharpless asymmetric epoxidation (AE) and diastereoselective Barbier allylation and construction of cyclohexene carboxylic acid ester core through a ring closing metathesis (RCM) reaction. Further also disclosed herein is synthesis of (−)-methyl 3-epi-shikimate.
US09150497B2	Continuous two step flow synthesis of M-amino acetophenone Disclosed herein is a continuous tubular reactor based conversion of acetophenones to amino substituted acetophenones wherein the nitration is carried out at −10 to 10° C. followed by reduction to m-nitrophenone resulting in uniform output of product, said process comprising the steps of: a) Nitrating acetophenone with nitrating agent (nitration mixture or fuming nitric acid) at −10 to 10° C.; b) Isolating m-nitro acetophenone from a mixture of o and m-nitro acetophenone and c) Reducing the m-nitro to obtain m-amino acetophenone.
US09150496B2	Condensed-cyclic compound and organic light-emitting device including the same Embodiments of the invention are directed to a condensed-cyclic compound represented by Formula 1, and to an organic light-emitting device including the condensed-cyclic compound. The organic light-emitting device may include an organic layer containing the condensed-cyclic compound.
US09150495B2	Polyamine transporter selective compounds as anti cancer agents Several aromatic hydrocarbons di-substituted with a polyamine are described according to formulas selected from compounds 4, 7, 10, 15 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The novel dimeric polyamines of the present invention demonstrate enhanced penetration into cells having an upregulated polyamine transport system, such as various types of cancer cells. The disclosed aromatic polyamine dimers provide highly efficient drugs for targeting cancer cells with active polyamine transporters.
US09150493B2	Method for producing aromatic amines in the liquid phase The invention relates to a process for the preparation of aromatic amines in the liquid phase by catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding nitroaromatic compounds in at least two reaction spaces connected in series, wherein at least one reaction space is operated isothermally and at least the reaction space connected downstream thereof is operated adiabatically, and in preferred embodiments the sudden adiabatic temperature change is used for monitoring the reaction.
US09150490B2	Process for preparing diaryl carbonates and polycarbonates The present invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of diaryl carbonates from phosgene and at least one monohydroxy compound (monophenol) in the presence of catalysts, and also the use thereof for preparing polycarbonates. The hydrogen chloride formed in the reaction is converted by electrochemical oxidation into chlorine, with the chlorine being recirculated to the preparation of phosgene. In particular, the process comprises utilization of the hydrogen chloride formed for the process for preparing diphenyl carbonate (DPC process).
US09150489B2	1-(2-fluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-alkyl carboxylic acid derivatives for the therapy of transthyretin amyloidosis Derivatives of 1-(2-fluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-alkyl carboxylic acid are capable of stabilizing the tetrameric native state of transthyretin for the prophylaxis and treatment of amyloidosis.
US09150488B2	Production of acrylic acid and ethanol from carbonaceous materials A process for producing acrylic acid from carbonaceous materials such as biomass. The carbonaceous material, such as biomass, is gasified to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is subjected to a plurality of reactions to produce acrylic acid.
US09150478B2	Process to recover alcohol from an ethyl acetate residue stream Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.
US09150473B2	Method for producing allyl alcohol A method for producing allyl alcohol is disclosed. The method includes steps of feeding allyl acetate and water into a reactive distillation column; performing a reaction in a reaction zone and separating a product containing allyl alcohol, acetic acid and water from the reactive distillation column. Accordingly, the method effectively enhances a conversion rate of hydrolysis for allyl acetate, simplifies the process and reduces energy consumption.
US09150472B2	Method and composition for inhibiting asphaltene deposition in a hydrocarbon mixture A method of inhibiting the deposition of asphaltene in a mixture comprising hydrocarbons, the method comprising contacting the mixture with a composition which comprises at least one poly(hydroxycarboxylic acid) amide salt derivative.
US09150471B2	Methods and apparatuses for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream are provided. The method comprises the steps of contacting the hydrocarbon-containing feed stream comprising C4, C5, C6, and/or C7 hydrocarbons, water, and contaminants with a Linde Type A molecular sieve at dehydration conditions effective to remove water and form a dehydrated feed stream. The contaminants comprise oxygenates, sulfur compounds, or combinations thereof. The dehydrated feed stream is contacted with a sodium faujisite molecular sieve having a silica/alumina molar ratio of from about 2 to about 2.5 at absorption conditions effective to remove the contaminants and form a dehydrated contaminant-depleted feed stream.
US09150469B2	Aromatic alkylation process with reduced byproduct formation Byproduct formation in aromatic alkylation processes is reduced when different polyalkylated aromatic compounds are first fractionated into separate streams enriched in these respective polyalkylated aromatic compounds, and the separate streams are sent to different transalkylation reaction zones, which may or may not be in the same reactor. The different transalkylation reaction zones allow for greater control of the transalkylation of the respective polyalkylated aromatic compounds, such as diisopropylbenzene (DIPB) and triisopropylbenzene (TIPB) that accompany the alkylation of benzene with propylene in a process for cumene production.
US09150466B2	Counter-current fluidized bed reactor for the dehydrogenation of olefins A process and apparatus for the dehydrogenation of paraffins is presented. The process utilizes a reactor that includes a slower flow of catalyst through the reactor, with a counter current flow of gas through the catalyst bed. The catalyst is regenerated and distributed over the top of the catalyst bed, and travels through the bed with the aid of reactor internals to limit backmixing of the catalyst.
US09150464B2	Methods and apparatus for treating a hydrocarbon stream Disclosed is a method for removing water, nitrogen compounds, and unsaturated aliphatic compounds from a hydrocarbon feed stream by passing the hydrocarbon feed stream through a water removal zone, a nitrogen removal zone, and an unsaturated aliphatic compound removal zone. By on aspect, the method includes removing water from the hydrocarbon feed stream, contacting the feed stream with a nitrogen selective adsorbent, and contacting the feed stream with an unsaturated aliphatic compound removal material.
US09150458B2	Method of increasing the hardness of wurtzite crystalline materials The method of increasing the hardness of wurtzite crystalline materials is directed to the production of tool bits and inserts having a hardness approaching that of diamond, while simultaneously providing greater toughness and fracture resistance than diamond. The method includes forming a workpiece of boron nitride having a wurtzite crystal structure (wBN), and optionally combining boron nitride having a cubical crystal structure (cBN) with the wBN material. The workpiece is heat-treated by a defocused laser beam moved across the surface at a rate sufficient to preclude melting or deformation of the workpiece. The heated area is quickly quenched by a water jet, and a gas jet immediately follows the laser path to assure separation of the water from the laser contact area. The result is an increase in hardness of about 88%, from an initial hardness of about 40 GPa to a treated hardness of about 75 GPa.
US09150456B2	Manufacture of articles from fly ash Methods of forming a shaped article having a matrix that contains sintered fly ash are disclosed that include forming a fly ash dough that includes fly ash and water. In one form a superplasticizer is added in the dough. A green article is formed in a desired shape from the fly ash dough that is subsequently fired so that the shaped article is hardened by sintering its fly ash matrix. In one form, the green article is cured under conditions of moderate heating and high humidity. A building element having a matrix of sintered fly ash is also disclosed.
US09150455B2	Utilization of heavy oil ash to produce self-consolidated concrete A heavy oil ash self-compacting concrete can include aggregate, heavy oil ash fines, water, and cement. The heavy oil ash can include more than 90% carbon, by weight. In an embodiment, the heavy oil ash self-compacting concrete can flow under its own weight and yet maintain a stable mixture consistency.
US09150448B2	Dimensionally-stable, damage-resistant, glass sheets Described herein are aluminoborosilicate glass compositions that are substantially alkali-free and exhibit desirable physical and chemical properties for use as substrates in flat panel display devices, such as, active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs). The glass compositions can be formed into glass sheets by, for example, the float process. When used as substrates, the glass sheets exhibit dimensional stability during processing and damage resistance during cutting.
US09150447B2	Silica crucible for pulling silicon single crystal and method of producing the same There is provided a silica crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal, comprising silica glass and having a two-layer structure of an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the inner layer, in a sectional side view of the crucible, has a wavy inner surface shape having mountain parts and valley parts at least between a start position and an end position for the pulling of a silicon single crystal in a silicon melt surface, and when a distance from an upper opening end of the crucible to the start position for the pulling of the silicon single crystal is 100, only a crucible portion from the upper opening end to a position within a range of 40 to 100 is crystalline.
US09150434B2	Electricity-less water disinfection Disinfecting a sample of water includes generating a current using an array of photovoltaic cells, using the current to power an array of light emitting diodes, wherein the array of light emitting diodes emits a germicidal wavelength of radiation, and exposing the sample of water to the radiation. Another method for disinfecting a sample of water includes placing the sample of water within a container, wherein the container includes an array of photovoltaic cells encircling an exterior wall of the container and an array of light emitting diodes encircling an interior wall of the container, placing the container in a location exposed to solar radiation, converting the solar radiation to a current using the array of photovoltaic cells, and powering the array of light emitting diodes using the current, wherein the array of light emitting diodes emits a germicidal wavelength of radiation sufficient to disinfect the sample of water.
US09150433B2	Dynamo powered ultraviolet water purification system A system and method for powering an ultraviolet (UV) water purification system utilizing a dynamo. A dynamo, operably attached to the UV water purification system, generates power from a rotatable crank which is actuated by a user around an axis of the rotatable crank. When the crank is rotated, the dynamo produces an electrical current that activates and powers the UV lamp, which in turn, produces UV light to purify the water. To ensure that the water has been purified appropriately, a microcontroller, employed within the UV water purification system, tracks both the “on” time and the intensity of the UV lamp as the dynamo is cranked. Once the lamp has been “on” at a sufficient intensity and for an appropriate period of time to administer a required dose of UV light, the microcontroller disables the lamp and provides the user with notification that the process has completed.
US09150429B2	Desalination system The solar, water desalination system includes a desalination chamber where fine water droplets are injected upward by an air atomizer towards an air-cooled condenser. Hot saline water is ejected vertically upward to double the contact time between the droplets and the surrounding air. The air is preheated by solar energy in parallel with an auxiliary heater to prevent lowering of the droplet temperature. Pumped air functions as a condensation media and to pull the salt water into the atomizer. This arrangement improves the heat and mass transfer inside the desalination chamber.
US09150424B2	Lithium titanate, method for producing same, electrode active material containing the lithium titanate, and electricity storage device using the electrode active material Disclosed are: a novel lithium titanate; and a method for producing the novel lithium titanate. Specifically disclosed is a compound that has a chemical composition represented by the general formula (1): Li2Ti18O37, or the compound additionally containing copper and/or tin. The compound represented by the general formula (1) is synthesized by causing a lithium compound to react with a compound that has a chemical composition represented by the general formula (2): H2Ti12O25 in a liquid phase so that some of hydrogen ions contained in the compound represented by the general formula (2) are substituted by lithium ions, and then carrying out solid-liquid separation and thermal dehydration. An electricity storage device which uses, as a constituent member, an electrode that contains an electrode active material produced from the compound represented by the general formula (1) has excellent charge and discharge cycle characteristics, especially excellent charge and discharge cycle characteristics at high temperatures, and is expected to have high capacity.
US09150423B2	Ammonia synthesis catalyst and ammonia synthesis method The present invention provides a catalyst substance that is stable and performs well in the synthesis of ammonia, one of the most important chemical substances for fertilizer ingredients and the like. The catalyst substance exhibits catalytic activity under mild synthesis conditions not requiring high pressure, and is also advantageous from a resource perspective. Further provided is a method for producing the same. This catalyst comprises a supported metal catalyst that is supported on a mayenite type compound including conduction electrons of 1015 cm−3 or more and serving as a support for the ammonia synthesis catalyst. The mayenite type compound used as the support may take any form, including that of powder, a porous material, a sintered body, a thin-film, or a single crystal. Use of this catalyst makes it possible to increase the electron donating ability toward a transition metal.
US09150417B2	Process for growth of graphene The present disclosure relates to a process for growth of graphene at a temperature above 1400° C. on a silicon carbide surface by sublimation of silicon from the surface. The process comprises heating under special conditions up to growth temperature which ensured that the surface undergoes the proper modification for allowing homogenous graphene in one or more monolayers.
US09150413B2	Waveguide-integrated plasmonic resonator for integrated SERS measurements A resonator structure is disclosed. In some embodiments, the resonator structure may include a metal-insulator-metal waveguide comprising a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and an insulating layer between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein the insulating layer comprises a resonating cavity. The resonator structure may further include a mirror formed in the resonating cavity, wherein the mirror comprises at least one nanoscale metallic reflector positioned at least partly in the insulating layer.
US09150411B2	Fusing method of substrate layer, manufacturing method of microfluidic chip and fusing apparatus of substrate layer Provided is a fusing method of a substrate layer including: treating a joining surface of a substrate layer formed from a resin using an organic solvent having solubility with respect to the resin; and heating the treated substrate layer at less than a glass transition temperature or a softening point temperature of the resin and crimping the heated substrate layer.
US09150403B2	MEMS microphone device and method for making same The present invention discloses a MEMS microphone device and its manufacturing method. The MEMS microphone device includes: a substrate including a first cavity; a MEMS device region above the substrate, wherein the MEMS device region includes a metal layer, a via layer, an insulating material region and a second cavity; a mask layer above the MEMS device region; a first lid having at least one opening communicating with the second cavity, the first lid being fixed above the mask layer; and a second lid fixed under the substrate.
US09150398B2	Method and filling system for filling containers in a volume and/or quantity controlled manner A filling element includes a channel that forms a delivery opening for delivering filling into a container, a valve arranged in the channel for opening and closing the filling element, the valve being connected by a control valve device to sources for a main and additional component of the filling, and a filling-material section common to the components and forming a space. The element also includes flow meters for measuring volumetric flow of the filling and generating corresponding electrical measurement signals.
US09150391B2	Hoist drive for mining machine A hoist system includes a drum, a motor, and a transmission. The drum includes a hollow shell, a first end, a second end, and an internal web, and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The internal web extends across an interior portion of the shell in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, thereby defining a first portion and a second portion of the shell. The motor is coupled to the first end and includes an output shaft. The transmission is driven by the motor and includes a planetary gear train positioned within the interior portion of the shell. The planetary gear train includes an input gear coupled to the motor output shaft and an output gear coupled to the internal web to rotate the drum about the longitudinal axis. The planetary gear train is positioned in a first portion of the shell.
US09150386B2	Wind energy installation working gantry and wind energy installation The present invention concerns a wind power installation working gallery comprising a working platform and a railing arranged on the working platform, wherein the railing can be closed off by means of a closure element and the closure element is arranged in a transfer region to a lift.The invention concerns in particular a wind power installation having a locking device with a locking mechanism for receiving a first locking element and a second locking element, wherein the first locking element is connected to the lift and the second locking element is connected to the closure element, and the locking mechanism is adapted to release one of the two locking elements by means of the locking of the respective other locking element relative to the locking device.The invention further concerns a locking device, a lift and a wind power installation.
US09150380B2	Rapid deploy guy system A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.
US09150370B2	Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus incorporating same A sheet feeder, which is incorporated in an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet container, a sheet conveying member disposed facing a sheet stack that includes multiple sheet members loaded on the sheet container to separate an uppermost sheet member placed on the sheet stack from the other sheet members and to convey the uppermost sheet member, and a pressing member switchable between a pressing position to press the sheet stack from above and a retracted position to separate from the sheet stack.
US09150368B2	Self releasing holddown for mechanical dock levelers An improved holddown mechanism includes: (a) an elongated member having a pivoting end, a distal end and a nominal diameter and length, (b) an attachment arm having a pivoting end and a distal end, and (c) a tubular, adjustable diameter, wire mesh or Kellems grip having an attachment arm end and a release end wherein its adjustable diameter expands when this grip is put into compression and contracts when it is put into tension, and wherein the elongated member and the grip are configured such that the elongated member's diameter is such that it can fit within the tubular grip when its adjustable diameter is in an expanded state, and wherein the grip is further configured to engage the elongated member when a prescribed tensile force is applied to the tubular grip.
US09150367B2	Vehicle restraints with stop mechanisms Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier.
US09150362B2	Dynamic discharge compensation for a sortation system The discharge accuracy of unit sortation is improved by making real time adjustments to the discharge timing of the carrier based on the determined actual position of each article on respective carriers. The adjustments are applied at the time the discharge command is given.
US09150360B1	Mechanism to deliver fastener vertically A fastener feeder apparatus comprising a feed rail configured to move a first and a second fastener, an actuator including a separating member adjacent the feed rail, the separating member comprising a stopper portion configured to receive the first and second fastener, a first separating portion connected to the stopper portion, the first separating portion having an angled surface configured to contact the first fastener and a top surface configured to contact the second fastener, and an aperture defined in the separating member between the stopper portion and the first separating portion, the aperture structured for receiving the first fastener.
US09150356B2	Roller conveyor curve with round drive belts A curved roller conveyor (1) with a conveyor frame (10) and a plurality of conveyor rollers (20) rotatably supported on the conveyor frame (10), wherein the curved conveyor (1) has a drive system (30) with a drive belt (31) having a round cross-section, wherein several conveyor rollers (20) rest on the drive belt (31) in a floating manner.
US09150355B2	Telescoping mechanism and method of extending and retracting a telescoping mechanism A telescoping mechanism and method of extending and retracting a telescoping mechanism includes a first arm that extends in a particular direction with respect to a base, a second arm that extends in that direction with respect to the first arm, a first drive assembly that extends and retracts the first arm, and a second drive assembly that extends and retracts the second arm. The first drive assembly includes a rotatable drum and a cable. The cable is wrapped at least one turn around the drum. The cable has a first portion attached to one end portion of the first arm and a second end portion to an opposite end portion of the first arm.
US09150352B1	Trash can formed with sidewall engagements A receptacle includes a base panel and a sidewall having first and second sets of opposed side panels. First and second retention assemblies are formed through the first and second sets of side panels, and the first retention assembly is vertically offset from the second retention assembly. The first and second retention assemblies each include a plurality of tiered engagements, which engagements have a hole and a rigid finger projecting downwardly into the hole. Bags are applied to the receptacle and retained by the engagements in a tiered, nested fashion. The receptacle is collapsible from an assembled condition to a disassembled condition or a storage condition.
US09150350B2	Portable spill containment system A portable spill containment system that includes at least one grate that supports a container. The grate includes a plurality of drain holes. The portable spill containment system also includes a flexible bag that contains leakage from the container that passes through the drain holes of the grate. The portable spill containment system also includes a plurality of pedestals that support the at least one grate.
US09150349B2	Storage apparatus having tank with tapered bottom and axle assembly A portable tank assembly that is movable between an operating position and a transport position that includes a tank assembly with a holding tank having an upper section that includes an upper wall and a lower section that includes a lower wall that tapers inwardly from the upper wall to form an orifice, a transport assembly that includes a base portion and an axle assembly. The base portion is affixed to the upper section of the holding tank, and the axle assembly includes wheels for transporting the holding tank along a surface, and a skid assembly that includes a skid plate configured to rest on a horizontal surface when the portable tank assembly is in the operating position and a plurality of legs connecting the skid plate to the holding tank.
US09150348B2	Air cargo container and flexible door for use in such a container An air cargo container comprising a skeleton structure of interconnected frame members to which are arranged face panels forming at least one wall between the frame members. At least one of the walls comprises an opening providing access to the interior of the container, whereby the opening covers substantially the complete surface area of said wall between the outermost of the frame members. Parts of the outermost frame members forming the peripheral edge of the opening are provided with a connector for connecting a stiffening member to the peripheral edge, said stiffening member being provided to link said parts under tension.
US09150347B2	Cartridge containing brewable substance Disclosed is a cartridge for retaining a mass of, for example, ground coffee, that includes a cup, a filter, and a filter support that supports the filter inside the cup.
US09150346B1	Vitamin-dispensing machine The vitamin dispensing machine is constructed of a canister that is divided into a plurality of individual sections. The canister is transparent and divided into individual sections configured to store a plurality of a certain vitamin or pill-shaped object. The canister includes a snap on lid that has a plurality of snap on caps, which correspond to each of the individual sections in order to refill the respective individual section with the certain vitamin. The canister also includes a plurality of dispense knobs that are able to pull outwardly in order to enable a single vitamin to be dispensed along with other selected sections via a wheel.
US09150344B2	Blank for container A blank made of a polymeric material is provided and used to form the body of a drink cup or other container. A floor can be coupled to the body to define an interior region of the cup.
US09150341B2	Unit assembly and method of making same The present invention provides a unit assembly for storing and dispensing a film strip. The unit assembly includes a first and second panel each having a perimetrical edge; wherein the first and second panels are substantially opposed to each other; and at least one gusseted side panel disposed between at least a portion of the panels along a common side thereof, the gusseted side panel configured to facilitate access to at least one film strip which is stored in a perimetrically sealed, substantially planar cavity within the unit assembly.
US09150340B2	Child-resistant container with hinged closure A child-resistant hinged closure coupled to a container wherein the closure, while securely locked, has freedom of axial rotation but limited freedom of radial displacement with respect to the container. The closure can only be unlocked by radially displacing the closure along a singular axis with respect to the container.
US09150338B2	Locking system for enclosures A locking system for an enclosure (10) wherein the enclosure (10) includes a base (12) and a moveable cover (14). The cover (14) is moveable only when a key operated slide (70) is moved by a key (26) inserted into a key slot (24). Once the cover (14) is moved, the key (26) cannot be removed from the key slot (24) until the cover (14) is returned to the closed positioned. A moveable latch (50) holds the cover (14) to the base (12). The key operated slide (70) selectively connects and disconnects from the latch (50) to allow the cover (14) to be moved. The latch (50) cooperates with a clip (94) on the slide (70) which allows the slide (70) to return to the locked position to allow the key (26) to be removed from the key slot (24) only when the cover (14) and the latch (50) are closed. One or two latches can be provided with a corresponding number of key operated slides (70). The key (26) is rotatable to move the slide (70) from an extended and locked position to a retracted and unlocked position.
US09150337B1	Applicator An applicator for applying a substance to a body has a first portion and a second portion. A perforation line extends circumferentially around the applicator and separates the first portion and the second portion. A web is contained within the applicator. The web is attached to the first portion and the second portion, such that when the applicator is ruptured, the web may be used to apply the substance to the body by grasping the first portion and the second portion and manipulating the web on the body.
US09150335B2	Beverage container system with button release for lid A drink bottle with a removable lid includes an inner lid attached to the mouth of the bottle and an outer lid or cover pivotably mounted on the inner lid. The outer lid or cover may be locked into a closed position covering the drinking tube. A push button on the inner lid can be operated to release the locked outer lid, permitting the outer lid to open so as to permit drinking from a drinking tube positioned therein. The push button moves a lid slide that extends to a point on the inner lid generally opposite to the hinge and contains an extension that engages with a notch in the upper lid to hold the upper lid closed. On actuating the push button, the lid slide is pulled in the direction of the push button and the extension located on the other end of the lid slide moves out of engagement of the outer lid, thereby opening the outer lid.
US09150328B2	Container assembly having a heat-sealed metal end, a metal end therefor, and a method for making same A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.
US09150322B2	Bag holder A novel bag holder is provided. In an embodiment, the bag holder includes a retaining bar that is shaped like a rectangular box. The bag holder also includes a wall bracket having a channel portion complementary to the shape of said retaining bar. The wall bracket can be mounted to vertical surface such as a wall. A portion of the rim of a plastic bag can be rolled around the retaining bar. Then, the retaining bar with the bag can be inserted into channel portion thereby securing the bag and facilitating the depositing and withdrawal of articles from the bag opening.
US09150314B2	Headphone ear tip holder A headphone ear tip holder includes a flat panel with a plurality of apertures, which are shaped for holding headphone ear tips securely.
US09150313B2	CubeSat system, method and apparatus A satellite system includes a chassis, an avionics package included within an upper portion of the chassis. The avionics package includes a main system board, a payload interface board, at least one daughter board and a battery board. The main system board, the payload interface board, the at least one daughter board, and the battery board reside in substantially parallel planes. The payload interface board, the at least one daughter board, and the battery board are coupled to the main system board through one or more stackable connectors. A method of operating a satellite is also described.
US09150312B2	Mobile solar power station and coupled solar power stations for space based power generation and transmission A solar sail spacecraft is designed to steer and move in space by using solar radiation pressure as a driving force, therefore allowing fuelless propulsion, station keeping and attitude control.A solar power satellite utilizes thrusters only to stay in an rather stationary orbit. Its purpose is, to collect energy and transfer it to a given location, usually to Earth.The intention of the present invention is to create a hybrid of a solar sail spacecraft and a power satellite for space based power generation and transmission, which is mobile and provides both, fuelless solar sailing and electric thrusters as means of propulsion.The mobile Solar Sail Power Station serves as solar energy collector and can be connected by docking with other power stations and with a transmitter unit for energy transmission, whereby the transmitter features its own fuelless pointing and attitude control devices.
US09150307B2	Method of controlling the wing flaps and horizontal stabilizer of a hybrid helicopter A method of controlling a high speed rotary wing aircraft (1) comprising: a fuselage (2); at least one main rotor (3); at least one variable pitch propulsive propeller (4); at least two half-wings (11, 11′) positioned on either side of said fuselage (2); at least one horizontal stabilizer (20) provided with a movable surface (21, 21′); and at least one power plant driving said main rotor (3) and each propulsive propeller (4) in rotation. Said method serves to adjust the lift of said half-wings (11, 11′) and the lift of the horizontal stabilizer (20) so that the collective pitch of said blades (31) of said main rotor (3) is equal to a setpoint collective pitch, so that the longitudinal cyclic pitch of said blades (31) of said main rotor (3) is equal to a setpoint longitudinal cyclic pitch, and so that the lateral cyclic pitch of said blades (31) of said main rotor (3) is equal to a setpoint lateral cyclic pitch during a stabilized stage of flight.
US09150303B2	Control quadrant An aircraft with a control system having joint control for a throttle and a propeller of an aircraft may be modified to decouple the joint control of a throttle and a propeller. Control of the throttle and propeller may be independent of the other. Exemplary modification of a control system may use new structures, existing structures, repurpose existing structures, or use a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, modification of a control system may provide controls with tactile distinction to a user.
US09150296B2	Large outboard motor for marine vessel application and related methods of making and operating same An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.
US09150291B2	Weight distribution device and method for modifying wake The present invention is a device mounted on a watercraft that creates a method of systematic weight distribution, which modifies a vessel's wake as it travels through water. The device uses systematically moveable ballast object(s) that are supported in a variety of positions along a specified path. As a ballast object is selectively moved towards a specific extremity of a watercraft, it causes that side or end to sink deeper in the water, and raises the opposing side or end, thus controlling or influencing the vessel's relative position on a body of water. When the watercraft is operating at higher speeds, the invention's ability to control the vessels' position allows an operator to selectively control the shape, size and slope of the watercraft's wake, as referenced in the disclosed method.
US09150288B2	Surfboard having interchangeable tail extensions A riding board such as a surfboard extending from a tip or front end longitudinally to a tail or rear end. The rear end terminates at a board interface plate that is incorporated into and as part of the riding board. The board interface plate is adapted to be either the tail section of the riding board or alternatively, a coupling means for connecting a tail block to the rear end of the board. The board interface plate includes a plurality of spaced apart coupling cavities that extend inwardly into the riding board body from the rear end. The surfboard may also be used with an interchangeable tail block having a tail faceplate that interfaces and couples with the interface plate on the surfboard. The tail block may be configured to most any desired tail configuration, size and shape.
US09150287B1	Wet rider watercycle An elongate and tubular body of a watercycle, featuring a fish, for recreation and for exercise in the water, includes two humps on its back serving as saddle for a rider. The seated rider gets wet up to about the waist. The watercycle and the rider are floated by a highly buoyant material located within the upper body of the watercycle. Forward movement is initiated by manipulating the pedals to get the propellers in the body turning.
US09150286B2	Water platform infrastructure and method of making A water habitat platform is created from converted trash and rubbish found within the oceans. A process separates the trash from water to identify the raw materials, which are then converted into building blocks. The blocks are used to create platforms or islands that sustain themselves using power generated from tidal forces. The islands are connected to each other and movable.
US09150284B2	Grabbing apparatus A grabbing apparatus comprises a first arm, a first proximal end, a first distal end, a first anchor arm affixed at the first distal end, a second arm, second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second anchor arm affixed at the second distal end. The second anchor arm is affixed to the first anchor arm, and a flexible attachment member is deformably affixed to the first anchor arm and the second anchor arm. The first arm and second arm are affixed to the base at an affixation point. When a force vector is applied to at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the flexible attachment member deforms, moving the first arm and the second arm towards one another and engages the lock, to connect the grabbing apparatus to a docking location.
US09150281B2	Bicycle rear derailleur A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a cable operated structure, a movable member and a biasing member. The movable member is movably supported to the base member by the cable operated structure to move between a plurality of shift stage positions with respect to the base member. The biasing member is interposed between the first and second link members such that the movable member is biased towards one of a top shift stage position and a low shift stage position. The cable operated structure and the biasing member configured balance an operation energy used for shifting between each of the shift stage positions.
US09150278B2	Pedal torque measurement There is described a method for determining the torque applied to a pedal axle (210) under load. The method comprises measuring the strain experienced by the pedal axle (210) as a result of the load, determining the orientation of the load from the strain measurement, determining the magnitude of the load from the strain measurement and determining torque from the orientation and the magnitude. There is also described a method for determining the orientation of a pedal axle (210) under load. The method comprises measuring the strain experienced by the pedal axle (210) as a result of the load and determining the orientation of the load from the strain measurement.
US09150277B2	Bicycle crank assembly A bicycle crank assembly includes a crank arm and at least one sprocket. The sprocket includes a set of regular teeth and a set of first and second teeth. The first teeth have a first chain engaging tooth width for engaging outer links of a bicycle chain. The second teeth have a second chain engaging tooth width for engaging inner links of the bicycle chain. The first chain engaging tooth width is greater than the second chain engaging tooth width. The regular teeth have a third chain engaging tooth width being smaller than the first chain engaging tooth width. The regular teeth are disposed along at least one of top and bottom dead center areas with respect to the crank arm. The first and second teeth are disposed along at least between the top and bottom dead center areas with respect to the crank arm.
US09150265B2	Grab-rail arrangement structure A rear center cover is disposed in contact with a seat edge portion and a rear end portion of a passenger seat in a tandem seat. A pair of left and right grab rails are disposed overlapping the seat edge portion in a plan view, i.e., disposed overlapping the seat edge portion and the rear center cover from above in such a way as to cover the portion connecting the rear center cover. A rear portion extends to the upper side of a recessed portion. The lower surface of the rear portion is in intimate contact with the upper side. The rear portion covers the portion connecting the rear center cover and the seat edge portion and reinforces the rear center cover.
US09150262B2	Apparatus for variable supporting foot of robot An apparatus for a variable supporting foot of a robot includes a guide groove formed in a foot module of the robot and having an open end. A support plate is disposed in the guide groove and can slide out of the open end of the guide groove. A power conversion unit has one end connected to the support plate. A power generation member is connected to the other end of the power conversion unit, and has a portion at a lower end thereof that extends lower than a lower surface of the foot module. The power generation member generates a driving force as the foot module approaches the ground. The driving force is converted into a rotational motion and is transmitted to the support plate by the power conversion unit to cause the support plate to slide out of the guide groove of the foot module.
US09150258B1	Vehicle body structure and method for assembling same A modular body structure and a method for assembling a body structure in a vehicle includes fitting a pillar having first and second ends between a roof rail and a lower support such that the first end is disposed below a top of the roof rail. The pillar is fastened to the roof rail and the lower support with first threaded fasteners by friction drilling holes through the pillar and the roof rail and the lower support.
US09150251B2	Motor vehicle provided with a release system to uncouple a cross member in the engine compartment in the event of a front crash A motor vehicle has two upper struts, which project forward from a passenger compartment and are arranged above two lower struts, which extend along respective substantially rectilinear axes inclined from the bottom upwards, going forward; the lower struts have respective intermediate portions with such a variation in cross section to define a preferential bending zone; the rear ends of the lower struts are fixed to a cross member connected to the upper struts by means of two connection members, which are substantially vertical and have respective breakable zones designed so as to break when a given load threshold is exceeded; the motor vehicle also has a powertrain connected to the cross member and to the upper struts by means of supports which are distinct from the connection members and are breakable in the event of a front crash.
US09150249B2	Steering assist device There is provided a steering assist device that allows a vehicle to avoid departing from a lane. A basic target current value setting unit sets a basic target current value on the basis of steering torque and a vehicle speed. A current compensation value computation unit computes a current compensation value for compensating the basic target current value on the basis of a lateral deviation and a lateral deviation variation rate such that the lateral deviation and the lateral deviation variation rate get close to zero. A target current value computation unit computes a target current value by subtracting the current compensation value computed by the current compensation value computation unit from the basic target current value set by the basic target current value setting unit.
US09150248B2	Lowboy trailer with steerable rear assembly A steerable rear assembly is disclosed for a lowboy trailer. The assembly includes a lowboy trailer deck and a neck extending partially upwardly rearward and partially horizontally rearward from the deck. A front bogey is positioned beneath the horizontally extending portion of the neck, and the front bogey is connected to the neck by a horizontal pivot between the neck and the front bogey and by a turntable between the neck and the front bogey. A rear bogey is positioned behind the front bogey and is connected to the front bogey by a vertical pivot between the front and rear bogeys.
US09150243B2	Harmonic pinion torque correction A method of controlling an electric power steering system is provided. The method includes: determining a scale factor based on a handwheel position; applying the scale factor to a hand wheel torque value to scale the hand wheel torque value; and generating a corrected handwheel torque signal based on the scaled hand wheel torque value.
US09150240B2	Steering column for a motor vehicle A steering column for a motor vehicle including a steering spindle bearing unit for rotatably supporting a steering spindle of the steering column and a bracket unit for securing the steering column on the motor vehicle. The steering spindle bearing unit is bearing supported by a securement device on at least one bracket part of the bracket unit, wherein the position of the steering spindle bearing unit relative to the bracket unit is secured in position in a closed position of the securement device and, in an open position of the securement device, is displaceable. The securement device includes an operating lever swivellable about a lever swivel axis, by which the operating lever is displaceable between the closed position and the open position. The steering column includes at least one damping element for damping the swivel movement of the operating lever about the lever swivel axis.
US09150232B2	Handling and transport system A slab handling device for facilitating movement of slabs around a facility is presented. The slab handling device includes a base frame disposed horizontally in parallel to a floor surface, wherein a first end of the base frame comprises a projection extending from the base frame. The base frame hosts a second frame disposed vertically on the base frame to form a viewing side and a stacking side. Pluralities of side wheels are coupled to the base frame, wherein the diameter of the plurality of track wheels is greater than the diameter of the plurality of side wheels. A first set of end stoppers are disposed on the base frame and configured to hold a slab in position on the viewing side and a second set of end stoppers are disposed on the base frame and configured to hold multiple slabs in place on the stacking side.
US09150231B2	Maintenance and retrieval cart A maintenance and retrieval cart is provided for use with a push back storage rack having a plurality of nested trays riding on a pair of inclined rails. The maintenance and retrieval cart comprises a base with a safety rail secured thereto. The base is supported on an undercarriage which facilitates movement along the inclined rails. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to move the cart along the inclined rails.
US09150229B2	Systems and method for controlling warnings at vehicle crossings A method includes receiving an absolute time associated with movement of a vehicle system, modifying the absolute time into a relative time, and controlling one or more warning devices using the relative time. A system includes a crossing module configured to receive an absolute time associated with movement of a vehicle system. The crossing module is configured to modify the absolute time into a relative time and to control one or more warning devices using the relative time.
US09150226B2	Mounting ring Mounting rings and methods for mounting structures to shafts are provided. The rings and methods may be used to mount other rings or housings to a shaft. The rings are characterized by having flexible inner diameters that can deflect under a radial load. The radial deflection of the inner diameter permits the rings to deflect and engage an outer diameter of a shaft. The engagement of the rings with a shaft provides at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring and structure. In one aspect, the ring has a closed, hollow, construction, for example, a circular, oval, or polygonal closed, hollow construction. The ring may include a plurality of indentations, such as slots, on the inside diameter of the ring that may relieve at least some of the circumferential stress in the ring. Methods for using the rings to mount a structure to a shaft are also disclosed.
US09150225B2	Safety device for railway vehicles A safety device for railway vehicles is provided, more specifically a safety device that reduces the negative consequences resulting from collisions or pedestrian accidents involving railway vehicles. As such, the railway vehicle safety device consists of a main impact dampening area and at least one secondary support and resistance area, with the safety device being installed on the railway vehicle's front end, so that the main impact dampening area dampens the force of the impact caused by a collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian.
US09150219B2	Hybrid electric vehicle and method of starting engine Two methods may be used to start the engine of a hybrid electric vehicle while the vehicle is moving under electric power. When smoothness is most important, a disconnect clutch is partially engaged to initiate engine rotation and then released as the engine accelerates under its own power toward a motor speed. When rapid starting is most important, the disconnect clutch torque capacity is controlled to decrease the time required for the engine to accelerates to the motor speed. A torque converter bypass clutch is disengaged during the engine restart under either method. Also, the motor torque is adjusted under either method to compensate for the torque provided to the engine.
US09150207B2	Diaphragms for vehicle brakes The vehicle brake-specific diaphragm of the invention includes a vessel-form member and a flange portion formed at a peripheral edge of an opening in the vessel-form member, wherein the vessel-form member and the flange portion are each formed of a rubber body including silicone rubber and a substrate fabric embedded in the rubber body, the substrate fabric including aramid short fibers or polyester fibers, and having a thickness of 0.25 mm or more. Accordingly, the inventive diaphragm does not only have durability during operation in both the high-temperature and the normal-temperature area but also exerts much better durability during operation in the low-temperature area.
US09150206B2	Brake system and actuator control device A brake system includes: (a) a first brake device including a first actuator and a first brake that utilizes an output of the first actuator; (b) a second brake device including a second actuator and a second brake that utilizes an output of the second actuator; (c) a regenerative-electric-energy obtaining device configured to obtain a regenerative electric energy that is returned to a power source device; and (d) an actuator control device configured to reduce a total consumed electric energy, by controlling the first actuator and/or the second actuator in a manner that maintains a state in which a required braking force is satisfied by a braking force of the first brake and/or a braking force of the second brake, such that the total consumed electric energy is made smaller when a regenerative electric energy is small, than when the regenerative electric energy is large.
US09150200B2	Method and apparatus for changing an autonomously travelling motor vehicle to a safe state A method and an apparatus for changing a motor vehicle in an autonomous travel mode to a safe state when the driver of the motor vehicle is not able to monitor the autonomous travel mode and to assume control of the motor vehicle. The vehicle driver is warned using warning signals of increasing intensity; other road users in the area surrounding the motor vehicle are warned using optical and/or acoustic signals; the motor vehicle is braked and/or accelerated repeatedly such that parts of the body of the vehicle driver noticeably move in the direction of travel owing to inertia (the braking and/or acceleration being so brief that the travel speed of the motor vehicle changes relatively little); and the motor vehicle is brought to a standstill or is kept at a standstill by automatic braking in order to change the vehicle to a safe state.
US09150198B2	Method for braking a motor vehicle in critical driving situations A method for braking a motor vehicle in critical driving situations in which the risk exists that the transverse forces acting on the vehicle will become so great in the continued progression of its movement that it rolls over laterally. In order to reduce the risk of a lateral rollover, the vehicle operation is monitored with regard to such critical driving situations and a parking brake is activated automatically if a critical driving situation is detected.
US09150196B2	Heating element and method for manufacturing same The present specification relates to a heating element in which a heating value for each region is controlled or a heating element in which the heating value for each region is controlled and which is inconspicuous, and a method for manufacturing the same.
US09150193B2	Mode detection switch assembly for self-locking dual-mode seat belt retractor A dual-mode retractor for an automotive seat belt webbing is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being one of an ELR mode and an ALR mode, and the second mode being the other one of the ELR mode and the ALR mode. The retractor switches between the first mode and the second mode via a relative movement between a first part and a second part of the retractor. The magnetic field of a permanent magnet mounted on the first part is picked up by a Hall effect sensor. An interrupter plate is mounted on the second part in a position relative to the magnet, in which the interrupter plate, in which the interrupter plate exposes the HED to the original magnetic field in the first mode and to a modified magnetic field in the second mode.
US09150191B2	Through anchor In a through anchor, a side face on a piece side of a groove portion is configured by a piece side inclined face, with the piece side inclined face being inclined in a direction such that an angle formed between the piece side inclined face and a slide face of the piece is an obtuse angle. During molding of a molded portion, an apex portion of a rib of a mold is disposed on or abuts the piece side inclined face of the piece. Movement of the piece in a length direction thereof is accordingly suppressed by the rib of the mold. The molded portion can accordingly be molded with the piece in a well-positioned state by injecting a resin material for the molded portion into the mold in this state.
US09150190B2	Hermetically sealed locking retractor An apparatus and method are provided for hermetically sealing locking components of a retractor wherein the retractor has a spool shaft extending therefrom. An open-ended housing has a base and defines an opening through the base into an interior of the housing. The base of the housing is mounted to the retractor with the spool shaft accessible via the opening. The locking components are arranged within the housing. A sealing member is positioned about the opening to form a hermetic seal between the spool shaft and the opening. A cover is hermetically attached to the open end of the housing.
US09150186B1	Passenger airbag with secondary chamber A vehicle airbag comprises a primary chamber, a secondary chamber affixed to the primary chamber, and a passage between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber. The primary chamber is configured to contact at least two reaction surfaces, and the secondary chamber is configured to contact one and only one of the at least two reaction surfaces, when the airbag is inflated upon detection of an impact.
US09150179B2	Deformation element The deformation element has a profile part and may be of U-shaped profile with legs in cross section or may be of single-shear configuration. The deformation element has at least one side wall formed in the manner of an accordion with z-shaped deformation folds. The predefined deformation folds are provided in a direction transverse to an acting force and are arranged opposed to one another.
US09150178B1	Seatbelt restraint system for reversible vehicle seat A vehicle seat includes a back and a cushion. A mounting assembly supports the cushion and includes a first mounting arm coupled with the back and rotatable with respect to the cushion such that the back is translatable over the cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a first restraint arm coupled with the seat back and operatively coupled with the first mounting arm such that translation of the seat back drives corresponding rotation of the first restraint arm.
US09150176B2	Device and method for triggering passenger protection system in consideration of road grip coefficient A device and a method for triggering passenger protection systems, the passenger protection systems being triggered as a function of a rollover process. A signal which characterizes a road grip coefficient (coefficient of friction) is received via an interface. An evaluation circuit is provided which triggers the passenger protection systems as a function of the signal and a stability factor, the evaluation circuit determining the stability factor as a function of at least one kinematic variable.
US09150168B2	Sliding door wire harness routing structure A wire harness (5) to be bridged between a slide door (3) and a vehicle body (BO) is inserted into a harness guide (6). The harness guide (6) is coupled by a multitude of stepped links (10). Each link (10) is composed of a first coupling portion (11) and a second coupling portion (12) connected to the first coupling portion (11) via a step. Coupling pins (23) projecting in a vertical direction on the second coupling portions (12) are rotatably inserted into insertion holes (14) in the first coupling portions (11) of adjacent stepped links (10), whereby the entire harness guide (6) has a uniform inclination and the wire harness (5) inside is also arranged in a similar inclined posture. Thus, if the harness guide (6) is curved when opening or closing the slide door (3), the wire harness (5) also is curved, but simultaneously twisted, relieving stress.
US09150164B2	Vehicle entertainment system A vehicle entertainment system (1) is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. It has a mounting bracket (2) adapted for coupling to a dashboard of a vehicle, a vehicle seat, its headrest if present, or mounting posts for such a headrest, or into an arm-rest for a vehicle seat. A mounting arm (7) is mounted for rotation relative to the mounting bracket about a main axis (6) arranged in use to extend generally horizontally. A monitor unit (3) has a front side (5) and a rear side (29). The monitor unit has at least one structure enabling access to entertainment for a user. The structure may be at least one of a monitor screen on the front side, controls for an audio system on the front side, controls for an audio system on the rear side, and a slot (30) adapted for a tablet computer to dock therein both physically and electronically with the screen of the tablet computer (35) exposed on the rear side.
US09150162B2	Portable bicycle carrier system for automobiles A removable, portable, carrier system for the transportation of a human powered vehicle on the exterior of a motorized vehicle, said carrier system comprises: a first independent means for releasably securing the handles of the human powered vehicle to the exterior of said motorized vehicle, and a second, independent means for releasably securing the seat of the human powered vehicle to the exterior of said motorized vehicle.
US09150161B2	Vehicular load carrier rack with locking cover Vehicular mounted load carrier racks can include a lock cover to shroud an operator-engageable portion of a clamp device from unauthorized access in an installed and locked position. The operator-engageable portion can secure and release the clamp device to and from a surface such as a vehicle. The locking cover can be mounted in an installed and locked position on the clamp device to shroud the operator-engageable portion of the clamp device from unauthorized access in the installed and locked position. The locking can comprise a cover body and a lock. The cover body can have perimeter walls defining a receiving cavity within which the operator-engageable portion of a respective clamp device is located in the installed and locked position of the cover body on the clamp device. The lock can be coupled to the cover body. The lock can have an engagement portion transitional between locked and unlocked configurations.
US09150153B2	Method of emanating a sound from a vehicle A method of emanating a sound from a vehicle includes detecting a transmission state and a brake state of the vehicle and determining whether a vehicle movement state indicates intent to move the vehicle from a stationary state based on the transmission state and the brake state. The method further includes emanating the sound when the vehicle movement state indicates intent to move the vehicle, and refraining from emanating the sound when the vehicle is in the stationary state and the vehicle movement state fails to indicate intent to move the vehicle.
US09150150B2	Interior illumination lamp for vehicle There is provided an interior illumination lamp for a vehicle. In the interior illumination lamp for a vehicle including a lamp unit having a light source, which is a functional part, and a lens provided inside a vehicle room, which is a decorative part, the lens is engaged with the lamp unit through an inner peripheral edge of an opening in a roof trim, thereby to clamp the roof trim between them and to attach the interior illumination lamp for a vehicle in a state where the roof trim is clamped. The lamp unit is provided with a plurality of positioning projections at a position where the lamp unit is contacted with the roof trim.
US09150149B2	Direction indicating apparatus To provide a direction indicating apparatus that does not detect a break occurring in an indicator but can detect a break occurring in a direction indicating lamp incorporating an LED element with reliability. The direction indicating apparatus includes a pulse signal generating part, a first switching element, a direction indicating switch, first and second direction indicating lamp units, a break detecting part, a lighting state detecting part, an indicator part and an indicator driving part.
US09150148B2	On-board lighting device in a motor vehicle and related method for controlling a light source Disclosed is a lighting device (D′) on a motor vehicle, including: at least one light source (D1, D2, D3, D4) controlled by a pulse-width modulated lighting signal (PWM′); and a body controller module (10) generating the lighting signal (PWM′) linked to the light source and, to at least one sensor (100, 200, 300, 400) detecting the approach and/or contact of the user's hand. The device includes a switching element (S1, S2, S3, S4) located between the detection sensor and the light source. The detection sensor includes: receiving and a processing element (101, 201, 301, 401) of the lighting signal; and a control element (102, 202, 302, 402) of the switching element, linked electrically firstly to the receiving and processing element, and secondly to the light source via the switching element. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the light source.
US09150146B2	Light control apparatus and method for vehicle A light control apparatus for a vehicle may include: an operation unit configured to receive a selection for an auto-light function; a control unit configured to determine whether or not a light operation condition is satisfied based on position information provided from a GPS module and plural pieces of information for operating a light unit, received through a wireless communication module, and output a light operating signal according to the determination result, when the auto-light function is selected through the operation unit; and a light control unit configured to operate a light unit according to the light operating signal provided from the control unit.
US09150142B2	Operating device and method of implementing lighting functions In a method of controlling different lighting functions in a vehicle, activation of another one of the lighting functions is dependent on an actual speed of the vehicle, when manually switching from a currently activated one of the lighting functions to the other one of the lighting functions. In particular, when a low beam is automatically activated and a predefined speed is exceeded, activation of a parking light is barred while the low beam remains activated.
US09150141B2	Coupling device with the option of moving longitudinally A coupling device (1) comprises an attachment (6) capable of varying between an attachment configuration and a release configuration, said coupling device (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a support member (7) designed to vary between an in-use configuration in which it supports the weight of said coupling device (1) while allowing it to move, and secondly a rest position in which it does not support the weight of said coupling device (1), the attachment (6) and the support member (7) being designed to vary between their respective configurations independently of each other.
US09150140B2	Remotely operable cap assembly for a tanker trailer A cap assembly (40) for attachment to an external fixture (44) on a tank (52) of a tanker trailer (50), including: a collar (42) configured to secure the cap assembly to the tank external fixture and defining a collar opening (46) concentrically aligned with an opening (54) of the fixture; a lid (60) that is moveable between a closed position where the lid covers the collar opening and is in sealing engagement with the collar, and an open position where the lid is vertically raised from the collar and pivoted laterally away from the collar opening; and an actuator assembly (72) that is configured to move the lid from the closed position to the open position during a single stroke of the actuator assembly, and which is remotely operable from a location off of the tanker trailer.
US09150138B2	System and method for facilitating well construction A technique is provided to limit the number of vehicles required during a well project involving a plurality of well construction related procedures. The technique utilizes a modular unit, e.g. a vehicle, and a plurality of modules that may be interchanged on the modular unit according to the scheduled well procedure. A separate crane unit can be used to move the modules to and from the vehicle as required for specific phases of well construction.
US09150135B1	Coupling member for side dump trailer Example embodiments disclose a coupling device that includes a support member and a pivot member. The support member may include a first wall, a second wall a third wall, and a fourth wall. The pivot member may be pivotally supported in the support member. In example embodiments, the pivot member may include a first stanchion penetrating the first wall and a second stanchion penetrating the second wall. In example embodiments the support member may further include one of a third stanchion on the third wall and a first aperture in the third wall and one of a fourth stanchion on the fourth wall and a second aperture in the fourth wall.
US09150133B2	Seat cushion inclination adjustment system The invention relates to a seat part of a motor vehicle seat, comprising a base part having a transverse supporting element and an adjustable part.
US09150132B2	Vehicle comfort system with efficient coordination of complementary thermal units An HVAC comfort system operates in a cabin of a vehicle. A plurality of vehicle status parameters are measured including a cabin temperature and a seat occupancy configuration. The method detects whether the vehicle status parameters correspond to a predetermined override state. When the vehicle status parameters correspond to the predetermined override state, then a respective mandated setting is automatically activated. Unless prevented by the mandated setting, one of a plurality of HVAC modes is automatically selected in response to the cabin temperature and other inputs, wherein the HVAC modes include an extremity heating mode and a panel circulation mode. The extremity heating mode is comprised of automatic activation of a touchpoint heated surface and other outputs in response to the seat occupancy configuration. The panel circulation mode is comprised of automatic activation of one or more zones for convective cooling in response to the seat occupancy configuration and may include activating other cooling devices.
US09150130B2	Portable headrest A portable headrest is provided that includes a center plate, a first side plate, a second side plate, the center plate, the first side plate and the second side plate configured to support a human head. The headrest further includes a first hinge mechanism to couple the first side plate to the center plate, the first side plate configured to rotate about the first hinge mechanism relative to the center plate, a second hinge mechanism to couple the second side plate to the center plate, the second side plate configured to rotate about the second hinge mechanism relative to the center plate, an inner rail assembly, the inner rail assembly including a ratchet assembly to couple the inner rail assembly to the center plate such that the inner rail assembly extends angularly from the center plate, the ratchet assembly configured to allow the center plate to rotate relative to the inner rail assembly and an outer rail assembly, the inner rail assembly sized and configured to slide freely within the outer rail assembly.
US09150122B2	Vehicle seat, in particular utility vehicle seat A vehicle seat has a scissor-type stand vibratable and adjustable in height, with a pneumatic spring and cranks, intersecting at a scissor shaft. A control device for level control and for height adjustment of the stand has a control element, a valve device controlled by the control element, for controlling the spring, a switching element movable relative to the control element or the valve device, and a bearing. The control element and valve device are kinematically assigned to different parts of the stand movable relative to one another. The control element is linked to a first crank. The bearing is spaced from the shaft and connected with a second crank. The valve device is connected with the switching element movable relative to the control element.
US09150116B2	Conveyor system comprising an electromagnetic brake A conveyor system has a transport device that can be moved along a substantially vertical path of travel and a linear motor having a primary part arranged on the transport device, and a secondary part arranged along the path of travel, the primary part has a primary winding and at least one permanent magnet, the secondary part has a profile in the direction of the path of travel with alternatingly arranged grooves and teeth, and a brake winding is arranged on the secondary part such that it can generate a braking force by interacting with the permanent magnet to brake the transport device for increasing operational safety.
US09150114B2	Storage system According to one embodiment, a storage system includes storage devices configured to execute communication by using an identifier, a converter configured to convert the identifier of the storage devices, a controller configured to execute communication with the storage devices via the converter by using the identifier converted by the converter, convert a DC power output from the storage devices into a DC power of a predetermined magnitude and output the DC power, and charge the storage devices with the DC power of the predetermined magnitude, an AC/DC converter configured to convert the DC power output from the controller into an AC power, convert an AC power supplied from a distribution system into a DC power and supply the DC power to the controller, and a controller configured to control the controller and the AC/DC converter.
US09150113B2	Vehicle configured to be charged using an external power source A vehicle externally chargeable includes a power storage device, an AC/DC converter, an inlet, a first power line, at least one connector inserted in the first power line, and a second power line. To the inlet, a charging cable can be connected to transfer electric power from an external power source. The first power line is connected to the inlet and the AC/DC converter. The second power line is branched from a path that is located on the first power line and that connects the connector and the AC/DC converter to each other.
US09150109B2	Braking control device A braking control device, includes a regenerative braking control part, a wheel speed differential detection part, and a regenerative restriction part. The regenerative braking control part is configured to carrying out regenerative braking on the drive wheels based on a deceleration request operation. The wheel speed differential detection part is configured to determine a wheel speed differential between the driven wheel speed and the regenerative braking wheel speed. The regenerative restriction part is configured to restrict the regenerative braking amount when the wheel speed differential exceeds a restriction initiation threshold value. The regenerative restriction part, during restriction of the regenerative braking amount, is configured to repeatedly carrying out a restriction in accordance with a large restriction phase in which a decrease in gradient of the regenerative braking amount is large and a restriction in accordance with a small restriction phase in which the decrease in gradient is small.
US09150105B2	Vehicle dashboard provided with a housing for supporting a portable electronic device A vehicle dashboard has a fixed structure and a casing defining a pocket having a substantially rectangular perimeter, which is defined by an upper edge, a lower edge and two side edges so as to house a portable electronic device having a screen which remains visible through a window defined by a front frame of the casing; at one of the aforesaid edges, the casing has an opening which is used to insert/remove the portable electronic device along a sliding direction and is closed by a closing element.
US09150101B2	Fuel-cell vehicle A fuel-cell vehicle includes a vehicle body provided with a vehicle body frame, a fuel cell that is disposed in an inside space of a vehicle body frame and generates electric power using hydrogen as fuel, a fuel tank including a tank main body storing hydrogen fuel to be supplied to the fuel cell and a tank valve, an engine that generates a drive force for a vehicle with the electric power from the fuel cell, and at least one casing that accommodates a required vehicle component and is formed into a box shape with high rigidity.
US09150098B2	Reinforcement structure for a vehicle fuel filler tube A vehicle fuel filler tube comprises: a fuel filler tube configured to fluidly connect a fuel filler adaptor with a fuel reservoir and having an exposed segment; an elastomeric sleeve at least partially circumscribing the exposed segment; and a rigid reinforcement plate at least partially overlaying the sleeve, the plate extending longitudinally along a circumferential portion of the exposed segment and shaped to approximate a contour of the exposed segment.
US09150096B2	Grill shutter structure of vehicle A grill shutter unit comprises a shutter unit provided in back of a traveling-air introductory port formed at a front end of a vehicle body and including shutter members, and a traveling-air guide member including a guide frame portion provided at an outer peripheral edge portion of the shutter unit and a seal portion provided to extend forward continuously from a front end of the guide frame portion and be made from soft synthetic resin having more flexibility than the frame portion, wherein the grill shutter unit is configured such that when the shutter members are closed, a seal portion of the traveling-air guide member is pressed against an outer peripheral wall face of the traveling-air introductory port by pressure of traveling air shut off by the shutter members closed.
US09150085B2	Sliding door assist device A sliding door assist device includes a guided cart attachment structure, a retracting structure and a door support structure. The retracting structure is pivotally coupled to the guided cart attachment structure to move between an extended position and a stowed position with respect to the guided cart attachment structure. The door support structure is coupled to the retracting structure such that the door support structure moves with the retracting structure with respect to the guided cart attachment structure between the extended position and the stowed position. The door support structure is configured to support a sliding door in a prescribed open position with the retracting structure in the extended position.
US09150082B2	Automobile windshield visor An adjustable automobile visor is provided with a cover section to reduce the brightness of or block sunlight or oncoming headlights when the visor is extended and an attachment section to attach and secure the visor to the automobile shade. The visor is made from a single piece of material. The cover section of the visor is in the form of a plate or sheet and the attachment section extends from the cover section. The visor attachment section includes a series of folds or hinges, which aid in securing the visor to the automobile shade and in the rotation of the visor.
US09150081B2	Evaporator phase change thermal siphon An evaporator having a manifold and a plurality of refrigerant tubes extending downward in the direction of gravity from the manifold. The evaporator includes at least one PCM housing engaging the upper portion of the refrigerant tube for storing a phase change material. When operating in a first operating mode, heat is transferred from the phase change material to the refrigerant to freeze and cool the phase change material. When operating in a second operating mode, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the frozen phase change material to condense the refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant falls downwardly through the tubes and receives heat from a flow of air to cool the air and evaporate the refrigerant. The evaporated refrigerant rises upwardly back to the low pressure of the cold manifold.
US09150080B2	Cooling system of battery A cooling system of a battery which efficiently cools a high voltage battery which is mounted in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle so as to maintain battery performance by using a refrigeration cycle of an air-conditioning system, which is provided with an electric compressor, outside heat exchanger, inside heat exchanger, and a control device. A refrigerant path of the air-conditioning system for running refrigerant is provided with a branch path having a heat exchanger which bypasses the inside heat exchanger, a medium path connected to the heat exchanger runs another refrigerant for cooling the battery, control valves are provided which adjust the amounts of the refrigerant which flows to the refrigerant path and the branch path, and, when the control valves run the refrigerant to both the refrigerant path and the branch path, the control device increases the speed of the electric compressor.
US09150079B2	Coupled torsion beam axle type suspension system A coupled torsion beam axle type suspension system may includes trailing arms respectively coupled to opposite ends of a torsion beam, and vehicle body-engaging units, each provided in a front end portion of a respective trailing arm and engaging the respective trailing arm to a vehicle body. Each vehicle body-engaging unit may include a trailing arm bush, a mounting link, a rotation mounting bush, an upper mounting bush, an adapter, and a stay.
US09150077B2	Damper with digital valve A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly that provides a high damping load during a compression stroke and an extension valve assembly that provides a high damping load during an extension stroke. One or more digital valve assemblies is positioned to work in parallel with the compression valve assembly and the extension valve assembly to provide a lower damping load. The lowering of the damping load is based upon the cross sectional area of flow passages provided by the one or more digital valve assemblies.
US09150076B2	Suspension strut for a vehicle A hydraulic strut system that damps vehicle vibration and includes a compressible fluid, a strut, and a valve plate. The strut includes three concentric tubes defining an inner cavity, an intermediary cavity, and an outer reservoir cavity, the inner cavity and intermediary cavity being fluidly coupled, wherein the inner cavity receives a piston that divides the inner cavity into a first volume and a second volume, the piston having an aperture that allows one way flow from the first volume to the second volume. The valve plate is removably coupled to the strut, and includes a first fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the intermediary cavity to the reservoir cavity, the first fluid path including a damping valve that damps fluid flowing therethrough; and a second fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the reservoir cavity to the inner cavity, the second fluid path further including a replenishment valve.
US09150075B2	Methods and apparatus for suspending vehicles A method and apparatus for a shock absorber for a vehicle having a gas spring with first and second gas chambers, wherein the first chamber is utilized during a first travel portion of the shock absorber and the first and second chambers are both utilized during a second portion of travel. In one embodiment, a travel adjustment assembly is configured to selectively communicate a first gas chamber with a negative gas chamber.
US09150074B2	Control apparatus for vehicle A control apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention is configured to control a friction brake by calculating a brake attitude control amount outputted from the friction brake such that the acceleration detected by the vertical acceleration sensor becomes an acceleration corresponding to a target sprung state, and to control a damping force variable shock absorber by calculating a damping force control amount of the damping force variable shock absorber such that the stroke speed detected by the stroke sensor becomes a stroke speed corresponding to the target sprung state and/or a target unsprung state.
US09150069B2	Hybrid aerial and terrestrial vehicle A vehicle capable of both aerial and terrestrial locomotion. The terrestrial and aerial vehicle includes a flying device and a rolling cage connected to the flying device by at least one revolute joint. The rolling cage at least partially surrounds the flying device and is free-rolling and not separately powered.
US09150065B1	Fifth wheel trailer hitch adapter A fifth wheel trailer hitch adapter permitting a fifth-wheel trailer hitch to be mounted outside a truck bed and coupled with a vehicle rear hitch so that neither the adapter nor any portion of a fifth-wheel trailer occupies any portion of the truck bed by including a wheeled L-shaped support frame with a vertical shaft having a telescopic inner shaft therein and a horizontal hitch frame telescopically coupled to the rear hitch, a solid wedge between the vertical shaft and the hitch frame, and a plate attached to the inner shaft by a plurality of braces to ensure structural integrity. The fifth-wheel trailer hitch mounts to a base attached atop the plate.
US09150061B2	Carrier device In order to improve a carrier device for motor vehicles which is designed to support loads such that the loads acting on it can be detected, it is suggested that the carrier device be provided at the least with a first sensor at a first installation point and with a second sensor at a second installation point, that a section of the carrier device be located between the installation points, its deformations caused by a load being detected by the sensors at least in part and that an evaluation unit be provided which records measurement values of the sensors and determines a borne load from them.
US09150059B2	Winch powered tire bead breaker A winch powered tire bead breaker has a static support arm for temporarily mounting the bead breaker to a vehicle mountable winch and bracing there against. The bead breaker further has a moveable arm that is pivotally connected to the static support arm which is moveable relative to the static support arm. A working end of the winch can be releasably secured to the moveable arm and the winch actuated for moving the moveable arm from an open position to its closed position. The sidewalls of a wheel mounted tire, positioned between the moveable and static support arms, are squeezed as the moveable arm is actuated into its closed position for breaking a tire bead.
US09150050B2	Device for improving tire traction A tire traction device which may improve or provide tire traction for various vehicles is described. The tire traction device includes a board having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a curved edge and the second end has a slanted edge. The board may include more than one section. The board includes a rough or grooved top surface, and a plurality of spikes extend from the bottom surface of the board. The tire traction device may also include a flexible component attached to the board. The flexible component is designed so that it may be drawn underneath a spinning tire.
US09150048B2	Tool for holding a wheel bearing or a wheel bearing seal of a vehicle wheel, method of installing or maintaining a set of vehicle wheels and set of wheels using such a tool A tool for holding the wheel bearing or the wheel bearing seal of a vehicle wheel. This tool is useful in the fields of aircraft manufacture and aircraft maintenance. The aircraft wheel is of the kind comprising a rim that has a flange on the hub side and a wheel bearing, mounted on a stub axle. The holding tool comprises a plate bearing a collar that presses against the wheel bearing. An arrangement to lock the tooling onto the rim of the wheel flange brings the pressing collar into locked contact with the wheel bearing.
US09150042B2	Fully automatic coil binding machine A fully automatic coil binding machine includes a main body, a width adjusting device, a paper clamping device, a resting device, a coil driving device, a cutting device and a driving device. The main body has a coil guiding slot and a guiding row of teeth. The width adjusting device may be used to adjust the width of the coil guiding slot. The paper clamping device has a paper slot, in which a stack of paper may be placed. The binding edge of the stack of paper may rest on the resting device, so that its curvature may be adjusted. The coil driving device may move the coil located in the coil guiding slot along the guiding row of teeth into the paper slot and drive the coil to spin through the holes of the stack of paper.
US09150037B2	Individual sheet overlapping mechanism, folding device, and printing apparatus, and individual sheet overlapping method An individual sheet overlapping mechanism includes holding cylinders having paper edge holding mechanisms capable of holding a front edge portion in a conveying direction of a first individual sheet and that are provided rotatably along the conveying direction of the first individual sheet. The holding cylinders are configured to wrap the first individual sheet that has reached the holding cylinders around the holding cylinders by the paper edge holding mechanisms, release the first individual sheet at a timing when a second individual sheet has reached the holding cylinders, and stack the first individual sheet on the second individual sheet.
US09150035B2	Recording apparatus A support member includes first portions. At least one of upstream and downstream guides includes second portions. The first and second portions are arranged in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction. Each of the first and second portions extends in the conveyance direction and includes a support surface for supporting the recording medium. At least one of the first portions is positioned between two second portions of the second portions in the orthogonal direction. The two second portions are adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction. Each of the first portions is at a different position from each of the second portions with respect to the orthogonal direction. Each of the first portions overlaps the second portions with respect to the conveyance direction.
US09150029B1	Liquid ejection device An ink ejection device includes: a head section ejecting a plurality of kinds of inks; and an ink supply section supplying the plurality of kinds of inks to the head section. The ink supply section includes: two outlet ports which are separated from each other in a first direction intersecting with a vertical direction and through which a first kind of ink among the plurality of kinds of inks is supplied toward the head section; and an air-trap chamber in communication with the two outlet ports. The air-trap chamber protrudes to one side of a second direction intersecting with the vertical direction and the first direction relative to the two outlet ports. A portion connecting the two outlet ports of the air-trap chamber has an arc shape in a plane containing the first direction and the second direction or a bent portion of the portion connecting the two outlet ports of the air-trap chamber has an obtuse angle in the plane.
US09150027B2	Liquid supplying device, droplet discharge device, and image forming apparatus A liquid supplying device includes a liquid container detachably mountable to the container mount portion, a liquid supply channel to communicate with both the liquid container mounted in the container mount portion and a liquid supply target, a liquid feeder at a midway of the liquid supply channel to pressurize a liquid in the liquid supply channel to feed the liquid to the liquid supply target by pressurizing the liquid, a bypass channel connected to the liquid supply channel to bypass a portion of the liquid supply channel and communicate with both an upstream side and a downstream side of the liquid feeder in a liquid supply direction of the liquid supply channel, and a first valve in the bypass channel to close when the liquid container is mounted in the container mount portion and to open in response to detachment of the liquid container.
US09150026B1	Liquid jetting apparatus There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus including: a liquid jetting head; a cartridge installation portion; and an electroformed filter provided in a channel between the cartridge installation portion and the liquid jetting head. A lower limit Smin of the area of the filter is expressed as: S min = aL + a 2 ⁢ L 2 + 4 ⁢ ⁢ ab 2 provided that a is a constant expressed as: a = 128 ⁢ ⁢ μ ⁢ ⁢ Q N ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ d 4 ⁢ Δ ⁢ ⁢ P M , b is a constant expressed as: b=αcCVtotal, and L is a thickness of the filter. An upper limit Smax of the area of the filter is expressed as follows, S max = S b · 0.9 X .
US09150025B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus An arrangement path of a tube arranged between an ink tank and a carriage is optimized in a case where the ink tank is arranged in an outer portion or the like of an ink jet printer main body.A liquid ejecting apparatus 1 includes a liquid ejecting apparatus main body 2 that ejects a liquid from a liquid ejecting head which is mounted on a carriage, a liquid accommodating body 110 that is arranged in an external area or the like of the liquid ejecting apparatus main body 2, and liquid supply tubes 120 that are arranged between the liquid accommodating body 110 and the carriage. The liquid ejecting apparatus further includes a paper discharge frame that is arranged along a scanning direction of the liquid ejecting head on a further forward side than the liquid ejecting head. A part of the liquid supply tubes 120 is fixed to a frame member paper discharge frame.
US09150024B2	Liquid containing vessel, liquid containing body, substrate support member, and unit In a liquid containing vessel inserted in a −Y axis direction, a substrate support member includes a first engaging section engaging with the liquid containing vessel from a +Z axis direction side at a position more to the −Y axis direction side than a contact section of a substrate, a second engaging section engaging with a liquid containing section at a position more to a +Y axis direction side than the substrate and is provided more to a −Z axis direction side than the contact section, a first pressed section receiving a first pressing force with a component in the −Z axis direction at a position more to the −Y axis direction side than the contact section, and a second pressed section receiving a second pressing force with a component in the −Z axis direction at a position more to the +Y axis direction side than the contact section.
US09150013B2	Inkjet recording apparatus In an inkjet recording apparatus, when one set of image data is divided in the sub scanning direction into A bands, and nozzles are divided in the main scanning direction into groups each comprising A nozzles, a selector associates, within each of the group, the nozzles in the first to Ath columns with the first to Ath bands with no overlap, and, for a nozzle that is to discharge ink for one pixel or less within one set of image data, makes the nozzle perform preparatory discharge in the band associated with the nozzle by selecting, out of different ink discharge drive waveforms, a first drive waveform (1) corresponding to the minimum gradation.
US09150011B1	Liquid consuming apparatus A liquid consuming apparatus includes a liquid cartridge, a detector, and a controller. The liquid cartridge includes a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber. The detector is configured to output a detection signal based on an amount of liquid which has flowed from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber. The controller is configured to measure, based on the detection signal output from the detector, a physical quantity, based on which a flow rate of liquid flowing from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber can be specified, and is configured to determine whether the physical quantity is within a threshold range.
US09150010B1	Stepped voltage drive for driving capacitive loads A system and method for charging heavy capacitive loads may comprise an n-stage stacked charging circuit wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and wherein the n-stage stacked charging circuit may comprise n−1 capacitors and a voltage supply, each sequentially electrically connected to the capacitive load in an order through a respective first through nth switch during a respective first through nth charging time period; the n−1th capacitors each sequentially electrically connected to the capacitive load in reverse order during a first through n−1th discharging time period through the respective n−1th through first switches. The system and method may comprise an n+1th switch electrically connecting the capacitive load to ground during an nth discharging period. The capacitive load may comprise a piezoelectric element, which may comprise an inkjet printer head inkjet actuator.
US09150008B2	Ink jet head and manufacturing method of the same An ink jet head includes: a vibration plates having a plurality of openings of a first diameter; ink pressure chambers, each arranged on one surface of the corresponding vibration plate; first electrodes, each formed on the other surface of the vibration plate; a plurality of piezoelectric layers, each portion of which is formed on a first electrode such that it surrounds the opening and that, when a driving voltage is applied, deforms the vibration plate to expand or contract the ink pressure chamber; second electrodes formed on each piezoelectric layer; a protective layer which is at least formed on the vibration plate and the second electrode and has a nozzle for ejecting the ink having a diameter smaller than the first diameter extending therethrough and through the opening; and an ink-feeding mechanism that feeds the ink into the ink pressure chambers.
US09150007B2	Reusable printing carrier assembly and method of making and operating the assembly A device for retaining a print medium during printing according to various exemplary embodiments can include a print medium protector pocket having a front sheet, a back sheet, and an opening. The pocket may be adapted to receive therein through the opening a print medium. A plurality of retaining mechanisms may be cut into the back sheet for releasably attaching the print medium and holding the print medium relative to the back sheet during a printing operation. In various embodiments, a device for retaining a print medium during printing can include a reusable carrier assembly and an adhesive retaining mechanism. The adhesive retaining mechanism is temporarily attached to the carrier assembly to temporarily retain the print medium at any position on the carrier assembly during the printing operation.
US09150005B2	Low water-vapor permeable composite film and packaging structure Provided is a low water-vapor permeable composite film, which includes a 3-layered co-extruded biaxial-oriented film formed of polyester films or polypropylene films including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer stacked in sequence. The first layer further includes an anti-block agent. An alternate structure including a plurality of organic protection layers and a plurality of inorganic layers are formed on the 3-layered co-extruded biaxial-oriented film. The plurality of organic protection layers and the plurality of inorganic layers are stacked alternately. The inorganic layers are formed by atom layer deposition.
US09150003B2	Coated article with low-E coating having absorbing layers for low film side reflectance and low visible transmission Absorbing layers of a low-emissivity (low-E) coating are designed to cause the coating to have a reduced film side reflectance which is advantageous for aesthetic purposes. In certain embodiments, the absorbing layers are metallic or substantially metallic (e.g., NiCr or NiCrNx) and are each provided between first and second nitride layers (e.g., silicon nitride based layers) in order to reduce or prevent oxidation of the absorbing layers during optional heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening). Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, other types of windows, etc.
US09150000B2	Method for making transparent conductive element A method for making a transparent conductive element includes providing a carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotube wires in parallel with and spaced from each other and a number of carbon nanotubes in contact with adjacent two of the carbon nanotube wires. The carbon nanotube film is placed on a surface of a softened polymer substrate. The polymer substrate and the carbon nanotube film are stretched. The softened polymer substrate is solidified to maintain the stretched state of the carbon nanotube film.
US09149999B2	Method of repairing, splicing, joining, machining, and stabilizing honeycomb core using pourable structural foam and a structure incorporating the same A method of the present disclosure includes of repairing a core stiffened structure with structural foam. Another method includes splicing core members together using structural foam. Another method includes joining a core member to a structure using structural foam. Another method includes using structural foam to stabilize a core member during a machining process. Another method includes stabilizing a core member with structural foam to prevent the core member from crushing in autoclave pressure. The present disclosure further includes a core stiffened structure have a core member with structural foam therein.
US09149991B2	Bond assembly jig and method The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for forming a composite structure. The apparatus comprises a bond assembly jig having a support plate, an anchor member attached to the support plate, and a block member connected to the anchor member such that the block member is permitted to move in a vertical direction. The bond assembly jig can be arranged within an autoclave and may further comprise a shroud that is arranged to shield the anchor member and the block member from the pressures exerted within the autoclave. The method is accomplished by assembling the anchor member and block member on the support plate, arranging the composite materials, placing a caul component over the composite materials and a shroud over the anchor member and block member, and applying heat and pressure to the bond assembly jig to cure the composite materials.
US09149990B2	Apparatus for the forming of a lay-up of fibre composite material An apparatus for the forming of a lay-up of fiber composite material, in particular in the aerospace sector is provided. In this case, the apparatus has at least one forming tool, which has a surface contour corresponding to a desired geometry of the lay-up after the forming, and a tool carrier, to which the at least one forming tool is releasably fastened. From a further viewpoint, the invention makes available an apparatus with a modular structure, it then being possible for any desired forming tools to be combined with the tool carrier according to requirements. This leads in particular to less laborious handling, since it obviates the need for handling of the comparatively large tool carrier.
US09149986B2	Three-dimensional printing apparatus A three-dimensional printing apparatus including a chassis, a tank, an outer cover and a shielding module is provided. The tank is disposed at the chassis and adapted to be filled with a liquid forming material. The outer cover is pivoted on the chassis. The shielding module includes a pivot and a mask. The pivot is disposed on the chassis and beside the tank. The mask is winding on the pivot and connected with the outer cover. When the outer cover rotates to a first position and covers the tank, the mask is winding on the pivot. When the outer cover rotates to a second and exposes the tank, the outer cover pulls the mask out of the pivot, so that the mask covers the tank in order to shield the liquid forming material filled in the tank.
US09149982B2	Method for forming a heat-reflective blank and container A machine for continuously forming heat-reflective blanks is provided. The heat-reflective blanks each include a blank of sheet material and a thermal film patch coupled to the blank. The machine includes an intake station configured to align a first blank of sheet material and a second blank of sheet material for application of a first thermal film patch and a second thermal film patch, respectively. The intake station is further configured to maintain a spacing between the first blank and the second blank. The intake station includes adjustable hold-down bars for maintaining an alignment and the spacing of the first and second blanks. The machine also includes an applicator station configured to apply the first and second thermal film patches to the first and second blanks, respectively, to form a first heat-reflective blank and a second heat-reflective blank, and an ejection station configured to eject the heat-reflective blanks.
US09149979B2	Method for producing a reagent container assembly and reagent container assembly Embodiments directed to a process for producing a reagent container assembly made of plastic and a reagent container assembly are disclosed. The process may comprise: assembling a group of particular reagent containers, and joining the reagent containers to form the reagent container assembly where at least two of the reagent containers are permanently joined together by at least one welding process.
US09149977B2	Lens manufacturing apparatus A lens manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys a workpiece having a sheet member and a resin base on the sheet member, an unevenness forming unit that moves a cutting blade in a direction different from the conveying direction of the workpiece and that makes a cut in the surface of the resin base to form concave and convex portions, a resin supply unit that includes nozzles supplying a lens resin to areas, in which the concave portions are not formed, between the convex portions formed on the surface of the resin base, and a resin curing unit that cures the supplied lens resin.
US09149970B2	Blow moulding machine with feed line sterilization An apparatus for shaping plastics material pre-forms to form plastics material containers may include a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path, a stressing device which acts upon the containers with a flowable medium in order to expand them, a reservoir for storing the flowable medium, and a supply device which delivers the flowable medium from the reservoir to the container. A valve device controls the supply of the flowable medium into the containers, in order to expand the containers. The apparatus includes a first feed line in order to supply a flowable sterilization medium to the supply line between the reservoir and the container to be treated or in a removal line for the flowable medium, which removes the flowable medium from the containers.
US09149962B2	Transparent resin substrate The transparent resin substrate has a light-transmitting thermoplastic resin underlying sheet 1 and a hard coating formed on one surface of the underlying sheet, wherein the hard coating includes a resin component obtained by curing an urethane acrylate that contains a tri-functional or less functional urethane acrylate and a tetra-functional or more functional urethane acrylate; a silane coupling agent or a hydrolyzed product thereof, a silica sol having a grain size of 5 to 500 nm and a refractive index in a range of 1.44 to 1.5; and a metal chelate compound. A low refractive index layer is formed on the hard coating, the low refractive index layer includes a low refractive index hollow silica sol having a grain size of 10 to 150 nm and a refractive index of not more than 1.44, the silane coupling agent or the hydrolyzed product thereof, and a metal chelate compound.
US09149959B2	Manufacturing of small film strips The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for forming films. In particular, the present invention relates to the formation of films on a substrate via the use of individual pumps to deposit individual wet film products onto a substrate. A method of forming film products includes: providing a reservoir housing a film forming matrix, pumps in association with the reservoir, and orifices; feeding the wet film forming matrix from the reservoir to the pumps; dispensing the film forming matrix from each of the pumps through an orifice; and depositing wet film products onto a substrate. An apparatus for forming film strips includes: (a) a reservoir for housing a film forming matrix; (b) pumps associated with the reservoir; (c) a plurality of orifices, with each orifice being associated with a pump; (d) a substrate; and (e) a means for moving the substrate through the apparatus.
US09149958B2	Stamp for microcontact printing Stamp for microcontact printing. The stamp includes a bulk portion having first and second surfaces, the first surface including a pattern of features to be transferred and the second surface including a different pattern of features. The features on the second surface have a lower stiffness than the features on the first surface. The dual-face stamp design of the invention provides an alternative location for dimensional errors to be absorbed, making microcontact printing a more robust production process.
US09149954B2	Solid face die plate A solid face die plate for an underwater pelletizer includes a carrier or holding plate having a circular slot for holding a hard anti-wear element of highly wear-resistant material through which the extrusion orifices open for extruding polymer. The solid face die plate eliminates the need for insulation or plugging material in the center of the die plate and, by embedding the hard anti-wear element within the carrier, protects the edges of the hard anti-wear element for longer wear life.
US09149953B2	Scribing wheel, method for manufacturing the scribing wheel, and scribing method A scribing wheel for scribing a brittle material-made substrate. Disc-shaped scribing-wheel base material in use is so designed that mid-portion of disc periphery has the largest diameter. Diamond film is formed on the periphery by a CVD method. The periphery is ground in the middle so that a plane including a circle defined by ridge line becomes perpendicular to the central axis of the scribing wheel.
US09149952B2	Devices, systems, and methods for the fabrication of tissue Described herein are bioprinters comprising: one or more printer heads, wherein a printer head comprises a means for receiving and holding at least one cartridge, and wherein said cartridge comprises contents selected from one or more of: bio-ink and support material; a means for calibrating the position of at least one cartridge; and a means for dispensing the contents of at least one cartridge. Further described herein are methods for fabricating a tissue construct, comprising: a computer module receiving input of a visual representation of a desired tissue construct; a computer module generating a series of commands, wherein the commands are based on the visual representation and are readable by a bioprinter; a computer module providing the series of commands to a bioprinter; and the bioprinter depositing bio-ink and support material according to the commands to form a construct with a defined geometry.
US09149947B2	Device and method for forming a spiral shaped opening in a stent An apparatus includes a drive and a blade. The drive is configured to be operatively coupled to a tubular member. The drive is configured to move the tubular member from a first location with respect to the blade to a second location with respect to the blade. The blade is configured to rotate about an outer surface of the tubular member and to cut the tubular member as the drive moves the tubular member from the first location to the second location.
US09149942B2	Shaving apparatus A shaving apparatus has at least one shaving head with at least one cutter, a trimmer, and a drive structure including a motor for driving the cutter or cutters and the trimmer. The trimmer is disengageable from the drive structure. At least a portion of the drive structure may be rotated in reverse directions between a first sense of rotation and a second, opposite, sense of rotation. A unidirectional clutch is arranged between the portion of the drive structure of which the sense of rotation is reversible and the cutter or cutters. When the sense of rotation is reversed from the sense of rotation in which the cutter or cutters is driven, the trimmer may be driven without driving the cutter or cutters.
US09149938B1	Robotic exoskeleton with adaptive viscous user coupling A system for preventing discomfort to a user of a robotic exoskeleton (200) determines the existence of an exoskeleton operating condition which has the potential to cause at least one of a discomfort or an injury to a user (204) when the exoskeleton is being worn by the user. Responsive to the determining, an exoskeleton control system (224) selectively controls at least one viscous coupling (208, 210) disposed at an interface location (201, 203) of the exoskeleton where a physical interaction occurs between a portion of the user and a portion of the exoskeleton when the exoskeleton is in use. The control system selectively varies a viscosity of a fluid (216) comprising the viscous coupling to control the stiffness of the interface.
US09149931B2	Robot system, robot control device and method for controlling robot A robot system includes a robot and a robot control device. The robot has a plurality of joint axes including a redundant axis. The robot control device includes a first command generator, a limit avoidance command generator, a posture optimization command generator, a null space matrix calculator, a second command generator and a controller. The first command generator generates a first joint angular speed command for the robot. The limit avoidance command generator generates a joint angular speed command A for the robot for avoiding a state in which the robot reaches an operating limit. The posture optimization command generator generates a joint angular speed command B for the robot for optimizing a posture of the robot. The null space matrix calculator calculates a null space matrix of a Jacobian matrix related to a control point. The second command generator generates a second joint angular speed command for the robot.
US09149929B2	Methods and systems for inspection sensor placement Methods and systems are provided for positioning a remote sensor within a target object. An articulated robotic system is coupled to the remote sensor. A positioning system determines a position of the target object to be inspected and determines a first position of the remote sensor. A control system calibrates a virtual representation of the target object with respect to the position of the target object, and tracks movement of the remote sensor relative to the target object.
US09149926B2	Collapsible stand A collapsible stand includes a base frame, a first supporting frame pivotally connected to the base frame, a first supporting unit pivotally connected between the base frame and the first supporting frame, a second supporting frame pivotally connected to the first supporting frame, a second supporting unit pivotally connected between the base frame and the second supporting frame. When operating the base frame, the second supporting frame is able to be extended away from the first supporting frame, and it is easily operating the collapsible stand from a collapsed position to an extended position; or the second supporting frame is able to be received toward the first supporting frame to a collapsed position by lifting up the first supporting frame.
US09149925B1	Ergonomic garden tool handle An ergonomic tool handle is designed for “one-handed” use by incorporating a hand grip and a forearm support in a compact arrangement. The tool handle includes a longitudinal shaft with a vertical hand grip formed at one end and a forearm support at the opposing end. The hand grip is essentially U-shaped and oriented such that the “U” is upside-down and attached to the longitudinal shaft at two separate locations (the “top” ends of each leg of the “U”). The forearm support takes the form of an enlarged support area (with respect to the diameter of the shaft) and in one embodiment is V-shaped (with a cross-member attached between the legs of the “V”). Preferably, various tool implements may be removably attached to the longitudinal shaft of the handle (e.g., screw-on, locking pin, etc.).
US09149921B2	Flat-clinch stapler having a buffering device A flat-clinch stapler has a base, a magazine assembly, a handle device, a flat-clinch device and a buffering device. The magazine assembly and the handle device are pivotally connected with the base. The flat-clinch device has a slider and a moving board. The slider is slidably mounted on the base. The moving board is mounted above the slider and is pivotally connected with the base. The buffering device has a protrusion, a block and an elastic member. The protrusion is securely disposed on the moving board. The block is slidably mounted on the base and abuts the protrusion. The elastic member abuts the block and the base. When the moving board is pivoted, the block is driven by the protrusion to move.
US09149918B2	L-shaped torsional wrench An L-shaped torsional wrench is provided. The wrench includes a shell body, an elastic member, an L-shaped rod and a handle. A pushing member is assembled in the shell body and is movable between a first position and a second position along the shell body. The elastic member is compressed by the pushing member when the pushing member is located in the first position for compressing the elastic member. The pushing member is noncompressed by the elastic member when the pushing member is located in the second position so that the elastic member recovers from said compression for slowing the fatigue of the elastic member, extending the durability of the elastic member and keeping the torsional accuracy of the wrench.
US09149908B2	Shot processing method and shot processing device First, a nozzle insertion process in which a nozzle is inserted into a water cooling hole having a small diameter which is provided in a back of a mold is performed. Then, an injection process in which a mixed flow of air having a pressure ranging from 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa with an injection particle is jetted from a leading end of a nozzle to a distal portion of the water cooling hole. As a result, a shot peening process is performed on the distal portion of the water cooling hole.
US09149906B2	Apparatus for CMP pad conditioning A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus is provided that includes a conditioning disc for conditioning a polishing pad of the CMP apparatus. The conditioning disc includes a plurality of portions of subsystem discs. The portions may be regions of the disc that are concentric. Each portion of the disc is operable to rotate at a different angular velocity. In some embodiments, a different applied loading is provided to each of the portions of the disc in addition to or in lieu of the different angular velocities.
US09149904B1	Platen for wafer polishing having diamond-ceramic composites A lapping platen having a working surface and an abrasive coating on the working surface. The abrasive coating comprises a plurality of individual abrasive composites adhered to the working surface with an epoxy, the abrasive composites comprising diamond particles and a ceramic matrix. The diamond particles have an average particle size of 0.1 micrometers to 3 micrometers with no particle larger than 6 micrometers. The abrasive composites have an average particle size of 15 micrometers to 100 micrometers with no particle larger than 150 micrometers.
US09149903B2	Polishing apparatus having substrate holding apparatus A polishing is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish. The polishing apparatus includes a polishing table having a polishing surface, a substrate holding apparatus configured to hold the substrate and to press the substrate against the polishing surface, and a controller. The substrate holding apparatus includes an elastic membrane configured to forma substrate holding surface which is brought into contact with the substrate, a carrier provided above the elastic membrane, at least one pressure chamber formed between the elastic membrane and the carrier, and an infrared light detector configured to measure thermal energy from the elastic membrane. The controller calculates an estimate value of a temperature of the elastic membrane using a measured value of the infrared light detector.
US09149901B2	Method of polishing the diamond-surface A method of polishing the diamond-surfaces generates abraded powder less, enables the polishing member to maintain an extended life and to be easily controlled, makes it possible to obtain the surfaces of a high degree of smoothness, and can be easily applied to polishing rugged three-dimensional surfaces, too. A method of polishing the diamond-surface by using a polishing member that has a metal-surface that easily reacts with carbon or of a carburizing metal, irradiating the diamond-surface with a laser beam prior to polishing the diamond-surface with the polishing member, following the irradiation with the laser beam, the polishing is conducted by rubbing a laser beam-irradiated portion with the polishing member.
US09149898B2	Piston assembling apparatus and piston assembling method A piston assembling apparatus includes a piston holding means including a guide tube portion which contains the piston and guides the piston into the cylinder bore. A guide tube support portion supports the guide tube portion to be displaceable in a radial direction thereof. A moving means moves at least one of the piston holding means and the cylinder block so as to locate them at an insertion preparation position where the guide tube portion and the cylinder bore are coaxial with each other. A pressing means presses the piston contained in the guide tube portion toward the cylinder block to insert the piston into the cylinder bore in a state in which the piston holding means and the cylinder block are located at the insertion preparation position, and the guide tube portion is supported by the guide tube support portion to be displaceable in the radial direction thereof.
US09149897B2	Assembly tool for use in assembling orthopaedic prosthetic components An assembly tool for use in assembling orthopaedic prosthetic components is disclosed. The assembly tool includes a frame, a base plate that includes a mounting bracket configured to engage a first end of an orthopaedic prosthetic component and a mechanical actuator configured to apply a compressive load to the orthopaedic prosthetic component.
US09149895B2	Non-plain carbon steel header for a heat exchanger A heat exchanger, such as an air-to-air after-cooler assembly, having reduced and/or eliminated leakage at the tube/header joint is provided. The assembly comprises a series of tubular members formed from a first metal, each of the tubular members including an end portion and a header formed from a second metal, wherein the first metal and the second metal have similar coefficients of thermal expansions. The header includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough and each of the end portions of the tubular members is mechanically secured within corresponding openings within the header to form an after-cooler assembly. A method for forming the air-to-air after-cooler assembly is also provided.
US09149893B2	Deformation processing apparatus and method for correcting surface runout The clutch hub includes a sheet-metal hub member which has an axial member projected from the center of its plate surface, and also includes an annular armature which is fixed to an outer peripheral portion of the axial member. First mounting the axial member of the clutch hub downward on a support member and thereby elastically supporting the end surface of the armature by the support member; holding the axial member of the clutch hub using a chuck; locating a fixing member just under a portion of a maximum runout portion of an inner hub; contacting a cylindrical end surface of a pressing member with an upper surface of the inner hub using pressure; and plastically deforming the inner hub by a pressing force of the pressing member using the locating portion of the fixing member as a fulcrum, which thereby corrects an inclination of the axial member.
US09149892B2	Welding power supply roll cage with incorporated lift handles A welding power supply unit includes an outer enclosure having a plurality of sides that encompass internal components of the welding power supply unit. The welding power supply unit also includes a roll cage assembly having a plurality of roll bars. Each roll bar is disposed generally parallel with, but not adjacent to, an edge of a side of the outer enclosure and external to the outer enclosure. At least two of the roll bars are associated with handle portions that rotate with respect to the respective roll bar. Each handle portion includes an extruded tubular aluminum bracket or a die cast aluminum bracket disposed around its respective roll bar. In addition, the welding power supply unit includes a plurality of fastening mechanisms attached to the outer enclosure, the fastening mechanisms securing the roll cage assembly to the outer enclosure.
US09149888B2	Machine for joining the ends of steel strips which machine is suited to the induction heat treatment of joining welds A joining machine for joining ends of successive strips in a strip treatment installation includes a device welding a first end of a strip to a second end of another strip, a first pair of symmetrical clamping jaws including a first upper and a first lower clamping jaw gripping the first end of a strip, a second pair of symmetrical clamping jaws including a second upper and a second lower clamping jaw gripping the second end of a strip, the clamping jaws holding and positioning the first end facing the second end for welding the ends together. At least two clamping jaws of the two pairs each include a part for contacting one of the ends to be welded to another end. The part has a geometry and at least one constituent material reducing a strength of eddy currents likely to be created in the clamping jaw by electromagnetic induction.
US09149887B2	Laser processing apparatus A laser processing apparatus includes worktable for loading a workpiece, a laser emitter, a user interface, a detecting unit, and a controller. The user interface allows inputting a thickness value of the workpiece. The detecting unit includes a signal emitter, a signal receiver for receiving signals emitted by the signal emitter, and a lifting unit. The workpiece is positioned between the signal emitter and the signal receiver. The controller controls the lifting device to adjust a height of the signal emitter and signal receiver relative to the worktable to be equal to a sum of the input thickness value and a focal length of the laser emitter. The controller controls the driving device to adjust a height of the laser emitter relative to the worktable if the signal receiver receives the signals and stop to adjust the laser emitter if the signal receiver does not receive the signals.
US09149885B2	Method and apparatus for the production of a welding seam or a three-dimensional structure on a surface of a metallic work piece The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for the production of a welding seam or a three-dimensional structure (26) on a surface of a metallic work piece (14) with the help of a welding torch (7) for carrying out a welding process with a welding wire (9) guided in a welding torch (7), whereby an electric arc (13) is ignited between the welding wire (9) and the work piece (14), and for stabilizing the electric arc (13) a laser (27′) for emitting a laser beam (27) with a maximum power of 2000 W is arranged, with a point of impact being on that position of the work piece (14) where the welding seam or structure (26) is produced. An improvement of the stabilization of the electric arc (13) is obtained if the laser (27′) is connected to a means (28) for the control of the laser (27′), which control means (28) is designed to activate the laser beam (27) prior to the ignition of the electric arc (13).
US09149880B2	Electrical discharge machine and electrical discharge machining method An electrical discharge machine that performs electrical discharge machining on a workpiece by supplying a machining fluid to a machining gap between a machining electrode and the workpiece, the electrical discharge machine including: an air-bubble generation unit that generates air bubbles in the machining fluid; a storage unit that stores therein the machining fluid containing the air bubbles generated by the air-bubble generation unit; and a flow-rate adjustment unit that adjusts a flow rate of the machining fluid that flows in the storage unit, wherein the flow-rate adjustment unit adjusts the flow rate according to a diameter of the air bubbles contained in the machining fluid to be supplied to a machining tank in which the workpiece is placed.
US09149875B2	Device for clamping a workpiece holder to a collet chuck that can be fixed to a machine tool Device for clamping a workpiece holder on a collect chuck that can be fixed to a machine tool, having clamping elements distributed around the circumference of the collet chuck. The clamping elements can be adjusted radially to the axis of the collect chuck from a release to a clamping position and can be pressed against a circumferential surface of the workpiece holder positioned relative to the collet chuck in the clamping position. The clamping elements are designed as rollers having axes aligned nearly tangentially to the collet chuck circumference. A determinable surface pressure thus results in the clamping position as the rollers mutually contact the workpiece holder, a clamping mandrel of the collet chuck, and the collect chuck part. The surface pressure is thereby reduced and the collet chuck can also be used in the range of greater tensile forces.
US09149867B2	Low-carbon steel slab producing method A low-carbon steel slab producing method includes: adding Ti to a molten steel decarbonized to have a carbon concentration of 0.05 mass % or less, and subsequently adding at least one of La and Ce to adjust a constitution, and producing a smelted molten steel; and pouring the smelted molten steel into a casting mold via a tundish; wherein at least one of La and Ce in a total amount of 0.2 to 1.2 times an increased amount of oxygen in the smelted molten steel during contained in the tundish is added to the smelted molten steel in the tundish, so as to obtain a steel slab having inclusions which contain oxides of Ti and at least one of La and Ce as chief components, and so as to make a composition of each of the inclusions have a mass ratio of 0.1 to 0.7, in terms of (La2O3+Ce2O3)÷TiOn (n=1˜2).
US09149858B2	Connector assembly for establishing an electrical connection with wires A connector assembly for connecting a first pair of wires associated with a DC power source to a second pair of wires associated with a DC powered device. The connector assembly includes a run portion having insulation piercing contacts for electrically engaging the first pair of wires. A tap portion of the connector assembly may also include insulation piercing contacts for electrically engaging the second pair of wires. The run portion and the tap portion may be provided in separate housing assemblies that are releasably engageable or may be provided in an integrated housing assembly.
US09149857B2	Method for improved reinforcement baffling and sealing A method for reinforcing, baffling or sealing a vehicle structure, comprising the steps of providing one or more materials having a horizontal axis, at least one terminating edge, and an initial length, forming openings in the one or more materials, and applying the one or more materials to location requiring reinforcement, baffling, sealing or any combination thereof.
US09149856B2	Screw-top bottle-can and method for producing the same A method for producing a screw-top bottle-can and a screw-top bottle-can are provided so that a screw-thread can be formed without damaging an inner coating and a resealing operation can be improved. A shoulder part is formed by reducing a diameter of an opening part of a closed-end cylindrical body, a cylindrical part having an intermediate diameter between a major thread diameter and a minor thread diameter and a tapered part which is tapered from an upper end of the cylindrical part toward an opening-end part are formed above the shoulder part, and forming a screw-thread from the tapered part to the cylindrical part so as to form a starting part of the screw-thread at a middle part of the tapered part.
US09149854B2	Stamping apparatus The present disclosure provides stamping apparatus for stamping a blank. The stamping apparatus includes a first die and a blank-holding ram. The first die includes a forming cavity and a depression positioned outboard of the forming cavity. The depression is defined by a first corner proximate the forming cavity and a second corner distal the forming cavity in the outboard direction from the first corner and the forming cavity. The blank-holding ram includes a bead configured to engage a portion of the blank into the depression when the blank is positioned between the first die and the blank-holding ram. The bead includes a third corner proximate the forming cavity and a fourth corner surface distal the forming cavity in the outboard direction from the third corner. The first corner of the depression includes a radii of curvature greater than a radii of curvature of the second corner of the depression and the radii of curvature of the third and fourth corners of the bead.
US09149853B2	Device for notching and secondary battery manufactured using the same Disclosed is a device for notching, at an interval of a unit electrode, a continuous electrode sheet in which an electrode active material is applied to one or both surfaces thereof, to form a plurality of unit electrodes from the electrode sheet, the device including a press to press notches on the top and the bottom of the electrode sheet at a set position, and a drawing member arranged at the rear of the press based on a feed direction of the electrode sheet, the drawing member drawing and transporting the electrode sheet by one pitch, a size corresponding to the unit electrode according to operation of the press, wherein, when one of the grippers draws and transports the electrode sheet, the remaining grippers move to a position for drawing.
US09149849B2	Straightening device, straightening process and process for setting up a straightening device A straightening arrangement for straightening a chassis frame, having a plurality of bridges (11). Each bridge has a horizontal beam (12) and a vertical beam (13) whose lower end is fixed to the horizontal beam, a floor anchorage which detachably fastens the bridge to the floor, a device (15) arranged horizontally on the beam construction, and a chain attachment fitting (18). The bridge is locked in at least two directions, perpendicular to one another and also to the chassis frame. The horizontal device is arranged, in the straightening of a chassis frame which is bent in the lateral direction, to apply a horizontally directed force. The chain attachment fitting is arranged in the straightening of a chassis frame, which is bent in the vertical direction or is crooked, to secure a chain that is attached to the chassis frame.
US09149841B2	Screen panel A screen panel for mining and quarrying industries adapted to be mounted on a screen deck including a wear section (2) and a reinforcement section (1), said wear section (2) comprising a screening surface made up of materials such as herein described formed on said reinforcement section (1) such as herein described, said wear section being the top portion of said panel and said reinforcement section being the bottom portion of said panel, said wear section and said reinforcement section being separate units and said wear section being adapted (4) to be replaceable from time to time, for ensuring smooth functioning of screening operation.
US09149831B2	Stent holding fixtures Disclosed are stent holding devices having a support mandrel and one or more stent retaining fixtures disposed on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a character identifier to facilitate tracking a stent mounted on the holding device. The retaining fixture may include a conical protrusion and a conical recess to allow any number of retaining fixtures to engage each other and be stacked on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a tubular member having a spiral cut that enables the diameter of the tubular member to be adjusted to allow for a frictional fit on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may have a Z-shaped or T-shaped structure configured to retain a stent. The stent retaining fixture may also have a filament for retaining a stent.
US09149830B2	Liquid replenishment system for a printing apparatus for depositing a liquid composition on a backplane including a dispensing vessel having a self-supporting secondary container A liquid replenishment system includes a dispensing vessel for holding a supply of a liquid that has an outer can and corresponding lid conjoinable to the outer can in an air-tight manner. The dispensing vessel is improved by the provision of a separate self-supporting secondary inner container removably receivable within the outer can. The container is fabricated of a material that is non-reactive with a liquid composition containing an organic semiconductor material, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene material or stainless steel.
US09149828B2	Carbon fiber surface oil changing device A changing device includes a feed component, a winder, a desizing oven, a coating component and a sizing component, and the feed component is provided for supplying a carbon fiber material, and a thermosetting resin oil is covered onto a surface of the carbon fiber material, and a desizing oven is provided for removing the thermosetting resin oil form the surface of the carbon fiber material, and then the coating component coats a surfactant onto the surface of the carbon fiber material, and finally the sizing component is used to coat a thermoplastic resin oil onto a surface of the surfactant to form a carbon fiber product to be wound onto a rewinding part of the winder, so as to produce a carbon fiber product with a thermoplastic resin oil coated onto a surface of the carbon fiber product.
US09149826B2	Mounting system for a shower head A mounting system for a shower head includes a mounting bracket mounted to a pipe passing through a shower wall, wherein the pipe is part of a shower that delivers water to a shower head. A telescoping arm is affixed to the mounting bracket through a multi-directional joint at a first end of the telescoping arm. A shower head holder is affixed to a second end of the telescoping arm by way of an adjustable joint. The multi-directional joint is formed to rotate and pivot relating to the mounting bracket so that the telescoping arm may be rotated and pivot toward and away from the shower wall in three dimensions.
US09149824B2	Multi-component pressure tank assembly for spray coating systems A system includes a pressure vessel configured to receive a pneumatic flow, and to supply pressurized fluid to a spray coating device. The system also includes a first chamber disposed within the pressure vessel, and configured to store a first fluid, and a second chamber disposed within the pressure vessel, and configured to store a second fluid. Furthermore, the system includes a lid removably coupled to the pressure vessel. The system also includes a first fluid pathway extending through the lid, and configured to deliver the first fluid to the first chamber while the lid is coupled to the pressure vessel. In addition, the system includes a second fluid pathway extending through the lid, and configured to deliver the second fluid to the second chamber while the lid is coupled to the pressure vessel.
US09149816B2	Point touch switching mechanism A point touch switching mechanism has a ball head component, a water separation unit, a switching unit, and a swinging block. The water separation unit can swing with respect to the ball head. The switching unit comprises a slide base connected to the water separation unit and a water separation disk fixedly connected to the slide base, so that the water separation disk can rotate forward when sliding with respect to the water separation unit, and water separation switching can be implemented when the water separation disk rotates with respect to the water separation unit. The swinging block can be connected to the water separation unit in a sliding manner, and the sliding of the swinging block and of the slide base form a connection, so that the water separation unit can drive the swinging block and drive the slide base to slide with respect to the water separation unit.
US09149815B2	Lid for closing a centrifuge rotor The present invention relates to a lid for closing a centrifuge rotor, characterized by a form-fitting, rotation-actuated closure mechanism which, pre-positioned on the centrifuge rotor, moves automatically into a closed position by virtue of the intrinsic weight of the lid.
US09149814B2	Composition and method for improvement in froth flotation The invention provides methods and compositions for improving a froth flotation type separation. The method involves adding a hydrocarbon reaction product to slurry to enhance the separation. The method is particularly effective with coal separation because it increases yield without increasing ash content of flotation concentrate.
US09149813B2	Methods and devices for separating particles in a liquid flow Methods and devices for the separation of particles (20, 21, 22) in a compartment (30) of a fluidic microsystem (100) are described, in which the movement of a liquid (10) in which particles (20, 21, 22) are suspended with a predetermined direction of flow through the compartment (30), and the generation of a deflecting potential in which at least a part of the particles (20, 21, 22) is moved relative to the liquid in a direction of deflection are envisaged, whereby further at least one focusing potential is generated, so that at least a part of the particles is moved opposite to the direction of deflection relative to the liquid by dielectrophoresis under the effect of high-frequency electrical fields, and guiding of particles with different electrical, magnetic or geometric properties into different flow areas (11, 12) in the liquid takes place.
US09149812B2	Tramp material indication A method for detecting tramp material in an inertia cone crusher having an outer crushing shell and an inner crushing shell is provided. The inner crushing shell is supported on a crushing head. The crushing head is rotatably connected to an unbalance bushing. The unbalance bushing has an unbalance weight for tilting the unbalance bushing when it is rotated, such that the crushing head will gyrate about a gyration axis, the inner crushing shell thereby approaching the outer crushing shell for crushing material in the crushing chamber formed therebetween. The method includes the steps of measuring at least one of a position and a motion of the crushing head; obtaining, based on the measurement, a gyration value; comparing the gyration value with a gyration reference value; and determining, based on the comparison, whether to issue a tramp material warning signal indicating the presence of tramp material in the crusher.
US09149804B2	Microfluidic device and method for producing a microfluidic device A microfluidic device includes at least two layers arranged one above the other, a membrane which is arranged between the at least two layers, a cavity in one of the at least two layers, and a channel in the other of the at least two layers. The membrane is arranged so as to be expandable between the cavity and the channel. The membrane is expandable into at least one specified displacement volume.
US09149803B2	Fluidics system for sequential delivery of reagents The invention provides a passive fluidics circuit for directing different fluids to a common volume, such as a reaction chamber or flow cell, without intermixing or cross contamination. The direction and rate of flow through junctions, nodes and passages of the fluidics circuit are controlled by the states of upstream valves (e.g. opened or closed), differential fluid pressures at circuit inlets or upstream reservoirs, flow path resistances, and the like. Free diffusion or leakage of fluids from unselected inlets into the common outlet or other inlets at junctions or nodes is prevented by the flow of the selected inlet fluid, a portion of which sweeps by the inlets of unselected fluids and exits the fluidics circuit by waste ports, thereby creating a barrier against undesired intermixing with the outlet flow through leakage or diffusion.
US09149802B2	Flow cell with a temperature-control chamber A flow cell with a temperature-control chamber for holding a fluid, the temperature of which is to be controlled, whose boundary wall is formed at least partially by a thin foil for transferring heat between a temperature-control element and the fluid. The foil has several layers joined with one another, such that the layer that faces the fluid is a plastic layer, and at least one other layer is of a metal.
US09149799B2	Eggshell catalyst consisting of a hollow cylindrical support body and a catalytically active oxide material applied to the outer surface of the support body An eggshell catalyst consisting of a hollow cylindrical support body of length 2 to 10 mm, external diameter 4 to 10 mm and wall thickness 1 to 4 mm, and an eggshell, applied to the outer surface of the support body, of catalytically active oxide material of the general formula I, Mo12V2 to 4W0 to 3Cu0.8 to 1.5X10 to 4X20 to 40On (I) in which the variables are each defined as follows: X1=one or more elements of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals; X2=one or more elements from the group of Si, Al, Ti and Zr; and n=the stoichiometric coefficient of the element oxygen, which is determined by the stoichiometric coefficients of the elements other than oxygen and the charges thereof in I.
US09149795B2	Corrosion resistant catalysts for decomposition of liquid monopropellants Ceramic catalyst carriers that are mechanically, thermally and chemically stable in a ionic salt monopropellant decomposition environment and high temperature catalysts for decomposition of liquid high-energy-density monopropellants are disclosed. The ceramic catalyst carrier has excellent thermal shock resistance, good compatibility with the active metal coating and metal coating deposition processes, melting point above 1800° C., chemical resistance to steam, nitrogen oxides and acids, resistance to sintering to prevent void formation, and the absence of phase transition associated with volumetric changes at temperatures up to and beyond 1800° C.
US09149792B2	Process for preparing ball-type desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity and product thereof The present invention provides a process for preparing ball-type desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity, comprising the following steps: placing initial balls in a rolling equipment; wetting the surface of the initial balls with an aqueous solution of an organic binder; then alternately adding non-crystalline iron oxide hydroxide and the aqueous solution of the organic binder to gradually form small balls of non-crystalline iron oxide hydroxide with high sulfur capacity and different diameters; and adjusting the shape of the small balls and then roasting or naturally drying the small balls. In the desulfurizer prepared by this method, the initial balls constitutes 0.98 wt %-9.03 wt % of the desulfurizer, the non-crystalline iron oxide hydroxide constitutes 90.29 wt %-98.62 wt % of the desulfurizer, and the organic binder constitutes 0.58 wt %-0.89 wt % of the desulfurizer. The present invention solves the problems that the desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity in the prior art has a high binder content and poor water resistance and diffusion performance, and provides a process for preparing a desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity, wherein a desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity and low binder content, good water resistance, good diffusion performance can be prepared.
US09149790B2	Porous body and production method therefor The present invention provides a porous material which has continuous pores and comprises a polymethyl methacrylate as a main component, wherein the continuous pores have a diameter of 0.001 μm to 500 μm and at least one surface of the porous material has a porosity of 10% to 80%; a separation membrane composed of the same; an adsorbent composed of the same; and a method production of the same. A porous material whose surface porosity and pore diameter are each controlled in a specific range can be obtained. The porous material has a fine and uniform porous structure in which the pore diameter can be controlled in the order of nanometers to micrometers; therefore, it can be advantageously used as a separation membrane such as a blood component separation membrane of an artificial kidney or the like or as an adsorbent.
US09149789B2	Dispersions of superabsorbent polymers, processing thereof and articles formed from the dispersions Dispersions of superabsorbent polymers are described comprising blends of polyols and super absorbent polymer. Products comprising deposits formed from such dispersions are also described. Suitable polyols can include, for example, polyethylene glycol. The dispersions can be flowed onto an absorbent sheet to form a deposit (sheeted SAP), which in some embodiments can be along a fraction of the sheet surface. Generally, the deposits are dried through a wicking process in which the polyol is wicked away from the superabsorbent polymer. The sheeted SAP can be incorporated into a final product with the deposit secured within the product. The dispersion allows for selective placement of superabsorbent polymer onto an absorbent sheet and/or in a final product. Embodiments based on coated yarns and the like are also presented.
US09149786B2	Iodine adsorbent and column for water treatment using iodine adsorbent An iodine adsorbent of an embodiment includes: a carrier modified with a functional group represented by a formula (1); and a silver ion supported on the carrier, where R1 is a polyol group.
US09149784B2	Removal of atmospheric pollutants from gas, related apparatus, processes and uses thereof Methods related generally to the removal of atmospheric pollutants from the gas phase, are provided, as well as related apparatus, processes and uses thereof. A single-stage air scrubbing apparatus is provided that includes at least one reaction vessel, at least one introduction duct, and a turbulence component, wherein a residence time is sufficient to allow the conversion of at least one atmospheric pollution compound to at least one other compound, molecule or atom. In some embodiments, the at least one atmospheric pollution compound comprises nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide or a combination thereof. Additionally, methods of removing atmospheric pollution compounds from a waste gas stream are disclosed that include introducing a waste gas stream and at least one additional gas stream, mist stream, liquid stream or combination thereof into a single-stage air scrubbing apparatus at a flow rate sufficient to allow for conversion of the at least one atmospheric pollution compound.
US09149781B2	Reactor with gas distribution system in bottom The invention relates to a reactor for carrying out an exothermic process comprising a reactor shell, inlets for introducing reactants and coolant into the reactor shell, outlets for removing product and coolant from the reactor shell, at least two reactor tubes, a coolant chamber, and a gas distribution system below the coolant chamber, whereby at least two reactor tubes extend through the coolant chamber to enable fluid communication between the space below the coolant chamber and the space above the coolant chamber, said reactor comprising one or more highly porous catalysts, said catalyst(s) having a size of at least 1 mm and comprising a porous body and a catalyst material, whereby the porous body has a porosity within the range of between 50 and 98 volume %.
US09149777B2	Combined field assisted sintering techniques and HTHP sintering techniques for forming polycrystalline diamond compacts and earth-boring tools Methods of forming polycrystalline diamond compacts include employing field assisted sintering techniques with high temperature and high pressure sintering techniques. For example, a particle mixture that includes diamond particles may be sintered by subjecting the particle mixture to a high temperature and high pressure sintering cycle, and pulsing direct electrical current through the particle mixture during at least a portion of the high temperature and high pressure sintering cycle. The polycrystalline diamond compacts may be used to form cutting elements for earth-boring tools. Sintering systems are configured to perform such sintering processes.
US09149773B2	Feed nozzle assembly A feed nozzle assembly for co-currently introducing gas and liquid into a reactor vessel which feed nozzle assembly comprises (a) an inner tube defining a gas conduit and an outer tube arranged around the inner tube, wherein the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube define an annular liquid conduit, and wherein each of the tubes have an inlet end and an opposite outlet end; (b) a first nozzle attached to the outlet end of the inner tube; (c) a second nozzle attached to the outlet end of the outer tube and arranged downstream of the first nozzle, wherein the inner tube contains purging orifices.
US09149772B2	Enhancing flux of a microporous hollow fiber membrane The present invention includes a system and method for improving oil recovery from a liquid source of oil, comprising: a membrane contactor in contact with a liquid source of oil; a heating/cooling device connected to at least one of the liquid source of oil or a collection fluid; and a membrane contactor system having one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein at least one of the first or second surfaces coalesce one or more oils from the liquid source of oil allowing the coalesced oil to be collected on the opposite surface of the membrane, wherein a temperature differential between the liquid source of oil and the collection fluid enhances the oil recovery at the membrane contactor from the liquid source of oil.
US09149771B2	Ceramic porous membrane and ceramic filter There are disclosed a ceramic porous membrane formed with less membrane formation times and having less defects, a small and uniform thickness and a high flux, and a ceramic filter. A silica membrane is formed on a titania UF membrane as an ultrafiltration membrane (a UF membrane) formed on a porous base member which is a microfiltration membrane (also referred to as an MF membrane) and having an average pore diameter smaller than that of the porous base member, and the silica membrane has an average pore diameter smaller than that of the titania UF membrane, and does not substantially permeates the titania UF membrane.
US09149770B2	Hollow fiber capillary membrane and method for the production thereof A hollow fiber membrane made of two coextruded layers A and B, wherein layer B has a non-woven type structure having a mesh size of 0.1 to 10 μm and layer A has a porous structure. A method for producing a membrane according to the invention and the use thereof is also disclosed.
US09149766B2	Compressor impurity-removal system Impurities in exhaust gas from oxyfuel combustor are removed using simple equipment to reduce installation cost. Compressor-based impurity removal system for compressing exhaust gas mainly composed of carbon dioxide from combustor before supply to carbon dioxide liquefier for removal of impurities in exhaust gas has impurity separators with compressors for compressing exhaust gas from combustor stepwisely to target pressure for liquefaction of carbon dioxide and with aftercoolers for cooling exhaust gas compressed by compressors, water condensed by cooling being discharged as drain, and alkaline agent supply unit for supplying alkaline agent to at least upstream side of aftercooler in first impurity separator. Impurities in exhaust gas are discharged through drain including alkaline agent.
US09149763B2	Method for reducing the visible downwind detached plume opacity The invention relates to a method for reducing aerosol emissions from a urea granulation plant with a recovery of the resulting scrubber bleeds, with a granulator producing urea from a concentrated urea solution and an evaporation of the included water, giving urea granulates and an exhaust of dust, ammonia and ammonium cyanate, and a following scrubbing or removing stage for the dust, and a following scrubbing acid stage, resulting in a first stream comprising mainly aerosols and a second stream comprising ammonium salts, and a following aerosol stage with spray and collection devices, releasing a first stream of an exhaust of air, and a second stream of ammonium cyanate and water, and the second stream of the aerosol stage of ammonium cyanate and water is recovered into the urea granulation plant or into a urea fertilizer plant.
US09149754B2	Composition and method for dust suppression wetting agent This disclosure teaches a composition and process which makes it possible to remove floating particulates or prevent the dissemination or particulates, by the misting of a solution that readily captures any particulate material in the air. More specifically, the present disclosure teaches the composition and use of aromatic compounds that are semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) or slow evaporators in water-based carriers with surfactants as the misting/fogging agent for dust suppression. The particulate material is lowered to surfaces and removed by vacuuming, damp-wiping or using a dry cloth with a cationic charge (static cloth). This method can be achieved with neutral air pressure differentials in the work areas.
US09149753B2	Filter member A filter member is movable between a first position and a second position when passage of air through the filter member is obstructed.
US09149751B2	Liquid knockout drum A device for removing moisture from a gas includes an elongated vessel having a gas outlet at a first end, a moisture outlet at a second end and a gas inlet located between the gas outlet and the moisture outlet. The elongated vessel has a first gas flow modifier and a second gas flow modifier each for causing deviation of the flow of gas within the elongated vessel from a flow path extending directly between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The first gas flow modifier is an angled baffle plate extending partly across the elongated vessel for directing the gas flow from the elongated vessel in a direction towards the moisture outlet. The second gas flow modifier has plates extending across the elongated vessel with each plate having elongated slots extending in the same orientation as the elongated slots of one plate extending in a direction rotated 90° from at least one other plate of the second gas flow modifier.
US09149749B2	Pre-coalescing multi-layered filter media Fiber webs that may be used as filter media are provided. In some embodiments, the filter media may include multiple layers. Each layer may be designed to have separate functions in the filter media. For example, a first layer may be provided for improving dust holding capacity, a second layer for improving efficiency, and a third layer for providing support and strength to the media. By designing the layers to have separate functions, each layer may be optimized to enhance its function without negatively impacting the performance of another layer of the media.
US09149748B2	Multi-layered filter media Fiber webs that may be used as filter media are provided. In some embodiments, the filter media may include multiple layers. Each layer may be designed to have separate functions in the filter media. For example, a first layer may be provided for improving dust holding capacity, a second layer for improving efficiency, and a third layer for providing support and strength to the media. By designing the layers to have separate functions, each layer may be optimized to enhance its function without negatively impacting the performance of another layer of the media.
US09149742B1	Multi-segmented tube sheet A method of manufacturing a tube sheet by forming a plurality of separate thin tube sheet segments; forming multiple holes in each sheet in a predetermined pattern, each hole for accommodating a tube sheet filter tube; aligning all of the plurality of tube sheet segments so that the hole pattern of each sheet aligns with the hole pattern in all other sheets of the plurality of tube sheet segments; and securing all of the tube sheet segments together to form a unitary tube sheet. A tube sheet construction that includes a plurality of separate thin tube sheet segments, multiple holes being provided in each sheet in a predetermined pattern, each hole for accommodating a tube sheet filter tube, all of the tube sheet segments being aligning so that the hole pattern of each sheet aligns, and fasteners for securing all of the tube sheet segments together. A media layer is provided between adjacent sheet segments.
US09149740B2	Water and dirt separator A separator (10) comprises a housing (12) and a separator chamber (14) contained within the housing (12), an inlet (16) and outlet (18) to the separator chamber and a dividing member (20) for substantially dividing the separator chamber (14) into a first chamber (22) and a second chamber (24). A flow path is provided between the first and second chambers (22), (24) for allowing flow to circulate between the first and second chambers, and obstruction means (74) is provided in the second chamber (24) for slowing flow through the second chamber (24).
US09149738B2	Chromatography method The present invention is directed to a continuous affinity chromatography method and to an apparatus to be used in such method. The method allows the use of high operational velocity while maintaining high binding capacities.
US09149732B2	Self-contained solar powered mobile art A mobile or stabile has rotatable elements comprising a solar cell, a beam, and an electric motor. The solar cell is electrically connected to the electric motor in the same rotatable element. The rotatable elements are linked by attaching the rotating shaft of the electric motor of one rotatable element to the beam of the rotatable element above. Each rotatable element produces its own movement. When a solar cell receives light it powers the connected electric motor to rotate its rotatable element.
US09149731B2	Vibration-powered floating object A vibration-powered device adapted for flotation and propulsion on an upper surface in a liquid. The device having a body with a top side adapted to be at least partially disposed above the surface of the liquid, and a bottom side adapted to be at least partially submerged below the surface of the liquid. A vibration mechanism is disposed in the body. A propulsion fin is connected to the body. The fin includes a top side adapted to be disposed at least partially above the liquid surface, a bottom side adapted to be disposed at least partially below the surface. The vibration mechanism is adapted to oscillate the free distal end of the propulsion fin upward and downward.
US09149730B1	Action figure display kit An action figure display kit includes a plurality of square shaped display boards having a top surface, a bottom surface, and four equidistant side surfaces, respectively. The kit including a plurality of connection dowels having a first end spaced apart from a second end. A plurality of dowel joints are disposed on each of the display boards. Each dowel joint is configured to removably receive the first, or second end of one of the connection dowels, therein. Three of the dowel joints are disposed on each of the respective side surfaces of each display board. A plurality of the dowel joints are disposed on the top surface of each display board. Each of the dowel joints of the top surface of each respective display board are spaced equidistantly. Each of the dowel joints of each respective side surface of each respective display board are also spaced equidistantly.
US09149726B2	Method, system and computer readable recording medium for providing ranking of game group A ranking method and system for providing a ranking of a game group is disclosed. The method includes creating a game group including a user and at least one member among the user's registered friends who have joined a game service, based on a game group creation request received from a user terminal. The method further comprises calculating a ranking of the user with respect to other members of the created game group based on a ranking inquiry request received from the user terminal, and providing the user terminal with the calculated ranking of the user. The user terminal drives a game service platform associated with a plurality of games and provides the game group creation request information and the ranking inquiry request information through the game service platform.
US09149722B2	Video compression system and method for reducing the effects of packet loss over a communication channel A system and method are described below for reducing the effects of packet loss in a video communication system. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method comprises: logically subdividing each of a sequence of images of a video stream into a plurality of tiles, each of the tiles having a defined position within each of the sequence of images; and packing the tiles into a plurality of data packets to maximize the number of tiles which are aligned with boundaries of each of the data packets; and transmitting the data packets containing the tiles over a communication channel from a server to a client.
US09149719B2	Device and method for generating a representation of a subject's attention level A device and method for generating a representation of a subject's attention level. The device measures brain signals from the subject; extracts temporal features from the brain signals; classifies the extracted temporal features using a classifier to give a score X1; extracts spectral-spatial features from the brain signals; selects spectral-spatial features containing discriminative information between concentration and non-concentration states from the set of extracted spectral-spatial features; classifies the selected spectral-spatial features using a classifier to give a score X2; combines the scores X1 and X2 to give a single score; and presents the score to the subject.
US09149717B2	Dual-range wireless interactive entertainment device A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.
US09149713B2	Wheel bearing assembly A wheel bearing assembly has a wheel bearing with an inner race and outer race for fitting into a hub of a wheel. Bearings are seated between the inner race and the outer race. The inner race has an extension that axially extends inboard beyond the outer race. A spacer sleeve has a cup shaped end for snugly nesting the extension of the inner race. The cup shaped end has an inner radial wall for abutting an end wall of the inner race. The spacer sleeve also has an outer cylindrical wall forming a side wall of the cup shaped end and has an outer diameter sized for being snugly received into the hub of the wheel.
US09149712B2	Roller skate and assembling stand A roller skate is equipped with three or four wheels arranged in one line on the carrier which is joined to the shoe. Each wheel is cushioned independently with a spring system including at least two compression springs. A front wheel can be provided with two springs the longitudinal axes of which are oriented in the extent between the horizontal and vertical directions with the bottom ends of the springs being placed in front of the top ends of the springs or under them. Other wheels may be equipped with four springs having the longitudinal axes of the spring oriented vertically. At least two wheels can be provided with a braking system including clips with brake pads on both sides. The roller skate may be used and maintained on a specially configured assembling stand.
US09149710B2	Toe unit for alpine touring binding An apparatus is provided for holding a footwear toe to a snow travel aid. The apparatus comprises jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of the footwear about the toe in forward and rearward directions and is for use with a heel holder that provides for lateral release. The apparatus comprises one or more resilient elements for biasing the jaws whereby the jaws are biased towards a closed position throughout the operational range of motion of the jaws. Also provided is an apparatus which comprises jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of footwear about the toe, wherein the apparatus is adapted for generally horizontal, forward and rearward translation relative to a longitudinal axis of the snow travel aid, selectively by a user. Also provided is an apparatus comprising jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of footwear about the toe, and a lock for inhibiting opening of the jaws, the lock comprising one or more resilient elements which provide resilience while inhibiting opening of the jaws.
US09149709B1	Hinged articulating catcher leg guard This invention relates generally to a leg guard, an embodiment of which includes use in diamond sports. The leg guard contains an adjustable shin guard, thigh guard, and articulating knee allowing for movement mimicking the natural movement of the knee. The articulating knee opens and closes without gaps in protection, and locks into a standing position preventing the hyperextension of the knee.
US09149706B2	Adaptable training putter head An adaptable training putter head for use in a training putter includes an outer alignment guide, an inner alignment guide, and a sighting bar, all mounted to a conventional style putting head, to which is also attached a hosel, allowing for both right-handed and left-handed operation of a putting club. The adaptable training putter head allows a golf player to visually ensure that a putting club is oriented correctly during a putting swing, and is designed to improve accuracy during practice and recreational golf games. The adaptable training putter head can be used in a regulation conformant mode, with all alignment guides and sighting bar detached. A golf putter training clip-on device can include one or more alignment guides, a bridge, an elongator, and a clip, such that the golf putter clip-on device can be attached to a putter, with the elongator allowing for position and height adjustment.
US09149702B2	Bicycle trainer with variable magnetic resistance to pedaling A bicycle trainer provides variable resistance to pedaling and allows for a rider to simulate a real-world bicycle course. The trainer engages both the front tire and the back tire of the bicycle and adjusts each according to the rider's preferences during a training session. The front tire lifts up and down as the bicycle moves forward and backward on the trainer. The back tire is adjusted by incorporating magnets thereon in the form of magnetic elements on a sleeve or a clip that engages the back tire and/or the back tire rim. The magnets on the back tire may also be attached to the spokes. The trainer includes magnets as well, usually of opposite polarity, and adds resistance to pedaling when the magnetic fields of the magnets interact to resist back tire revolution.
US09149701B1	Training basketball A basketball is disclosed that includes a plurality of indentations formed in the outer surface of the basketball, indicating where the hands of a shooter should be positioned. The indentations are formed with a material having a higher density that the surrounding material to keep the basketball balanced.
US09149697B2	Ball bat with optimized barrel wall spacing and improved end cap A ball bat extending along an axis configured for hitting a ball. The bat including a handle portion, a barrel portion coupled to the handle portion, a tubular sleeve positioned within the barrel portion, and an end cap. The barrel portion includes proximal and distal end regions, and a central region. The end cap is coupled to the sleeve and to the barrel portion by an adhesive. The end cap includes an end wall and an annular wall proximally extending from an inner surface of the end wall. The annular wall is configured to engage an inner surface of a distal end region of the sleeve. The annular wall defines at least one through-wall opening configured for facilitating flow of the adhesive through and about the annular wall during the coupling of the end cap to the barrel portion.
US09149693B2	Golf club and golf club head structures A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a crown that extends over the void.
US09149692B2	Golf club head A head 2 has a face 4. The face 4 has a plurality of score line grooves 8 and a plurality of fine grooves 10. A depth of fine groove 10 is less than 0.03 mm. A width of the fine groove 10 is 0.1 mm or greater and 0.3 mm or less. A pitch of the fine groove 10 is 0.3 mm or greater and 0.8 mm or less. The fine groove 10 has a first direction extending part d1 extending in a first direction and a second direction extending part d2 extending in a second direction. The first direction is a direction directed to a top blade side toward a heel side. The second direction is a direction directed to the top blade side toward a toe side. The score line groove 8 and the fine groove 10 do not cross each other.
US09149682B2	System and method for sharing of athletic performance data A system and method for sharing athletic performance data are described herein. The system and method provide the upload of athletic performance data to a publish/subscribe infrastructure. Sensors coupled to a mobile device track various athletic performance metrics. The mobile device transmits this sensor data to an upload server in the form of athletic performance data. The upload server makes the athletic performance available via a publish/subscribe infrastructure. The publish/subscribe infrastructure allows data servers to subscribe to particular data feeds associated with sets of athletic performance data. The data servers receive the athletic performance data via the data feeds to which they are subscribed, and host the athletic performance data. This data may thus be presented to users in a variety of formats, such as by displaying competitors in an event on a map along with the heart rate, cadence, and other performance indicators.
US09149681B2	Tongue press oral exerciser A therapeutic apparatus for strengthening the tongue. The device is a water-filled unit comprised of clear tube with two bulbs on each end. The exerciser is activated in the mouth by pressing the pressurized bulb with the tongue against the hard palate. A floating indicator in the tube offers visual feedback and elevates as the tube is compressed. The device is adjustable in difficulty. The presenting invention is simple in design and operation. It has limited moving or articulating parts, requires no customization, is non-electrical, can be operated with one hand and is inexpensive to manufacture. The Tongue Press Oral Exerciser is an affordable means of strengthening swallowing and speech intelligibility.
US09149679B2	Elastomeric cord-resistance unit A non-gravity type resistance exercise apparatus that includes a base assembly, a connector strut having a first end pivotally connected to the base assembly, a second end spaced apart from the first end and an intermediate portion, a first pair of sheaves rotatably connected to the connector strut, a selector assembly connected to the connector strut, a body engaging member, a second pair of sheaves rotatably connected to the body engaging member and a resistance assembly for yieldably resisting movement of the body engaging member, the resistance assembly comprising a pair of elastomeric belts entrained about the first and second pairs of sheaves.
US09149674B2	Trampoline arena A trampoline arena includes a framework assembly having a plurality of frame elements defining an outwardly sloping outer wall, and a deck, a plurality of voids being defined between the framework elements. The arena also includes a plurality of trampolines connected to the frame elements along peripheries thereof and extending across the plurality of voids to further define the outwardly sloping outer wall and deck, and a padding assembly including a plurality of pads overlying the frame elements and the peripheries of the trampolines.
US09149673B2	Removal of organic dyes and organic pollutants by titanium peroxide gel The one step process of removal of chromophore/dye/organic pollutant from a solution comprising a polymer free titanium oxide gel i.e. high zeta potential is disclosed. The concentration of the chromophores is removed up to 95-100%.
US09149672B2	Encapsulated fire extinguishing agents The encapsulated fire extinguishing agents include a sealed outer shell containing at least one fire extinguishing agent therein. The shell is formed of material that melts when exposed to extreme heat, as in a fire. One embodiment has a single outer shell with a single fire retardant agent therein. Other embodiments may have a second shell within the outer shell, each shell defining an interior volume containing a separate fire extinguishing agent. The agents may combine to form a more effective fire extinguishing agent when the two shells melt. The shells may be formed to melt at different temperatures. Another embodiment includes an outer shell filled with a large number of smaller capsules, each of the smaller capsules filled with a fire extinguishing agent. The smaller capsules may each contain identical agents, or two or more different agents from one another.
US09149669B2	Respiratory protection device harness assembly A harness assembly for a respiratory protection device is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the harness assembly includes a strap support having an attachment point, a first strap having a first strap attachment element, and a second strap having a second strap attachment element, wherein the first strap attachment element is attachable to the second strap attachment element and attachable to the attachment point of the strap support, and the first and second straps are positionable between the first configuration in which the first strap attachment element is attached only to the second attachment element and a second configuration in which the first attachment element is attached to the second attachment element and the attachment point of the strap support.
US09149662B2	Method for making an emulsified antiperspirant product Methods for making antiperspirant products in the form of emulsions are provided, wherein the emulsion comprises a continuous water-immiscible phase and a disperse aqueous phase comprising an antiperspirant active. The method comprises the steps of providing a water-immiscible liquid, providing an aqueous solution comprising an antiperspirant active, preparing an emulsion comprising a continuous phase including the water-immiscible liquid and a disperse phase including the aqueous solution, heating the emulsion to a temperature between about 60° C. and about 110° C., providing a structurant that is at least partially dissolved, adding the heated emulsion to the at least partially dissolved structurant to form an emulsified antiperspirant composition, and transferring the emulsified antiperspirant into a dispensing container within about 2 hours of initiating the heating step.
US09149659B2	Cosmetic composition for increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis in skin and its use for repairing wrinkles The present invention relates to a skin composition which has an excellent effect on smoothing or repairing wrinkles. The composition comprises Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (Palmitoyl-Lysyl-Dioxymethionyl-Lysine) and Piper nigrum (Pepper) seed Extract which combination has been found to result in a synergistic effect on hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) mRNA expression in human fibroblasts. The hyaluronan synthase is responsible for the synthesis of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) in skin. Hyaluronic acid is a constituent of the extracellular matrix of the skin and responsible for space filling, tissue repair and retention of moisture.
US09149655B2	Controlling a process of monitoring the position of a patient during a radiation treatment The invention is directed to a method for controlling a process of monitoring the position of at least a part of a patient's body (1) during a radiation treatment, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing an energy value which is dependent on the radiation energy applied to the patient's body (1); b) controlling the time at which the monitoring process is performed, in accordance with the energy value.
US09149652B2	Method for transporting radiation, applicator as well as radiation therapy device Among other things, a method for transporting radiation to a body region is described, wherein, in a first step, a canal is formed up to the body region to be irradiated and wherein, in a second step, an applicator (10) which is fitted to the diameter of the canal is introduced into the canal in order to guide a probe tip. Advantageously, applicator (10) is formed for use with a radiation therapy device for producing a defined radiation dose for irradiating a body region, whereby applicator (10) has a base body (11) with a foot region (12) for the uptake of at least one component of a radiation therapy device (30), a cylindrical guide region (13) connecting thereto for the uptake of a probe tip of a radiation therapy device, whereby a transition region (14) is formed between the foot region (12) and the guide region (13), as well as a head region (15), which is formed at the distal end (21) of base body (11). The method can be utilized especially for the treatment of tumors in the vertebral column.
US09149650B2	Non-invasive method for slimming a human body using laser energy of wavelengths shorter than 632 nm A noninvasive method of slimming a patient's body by applying laser energy having a wavelength shorter than 632 nm externally through the skin of the patient. One or more areas of a patient's body, preferably the more fatty regions, such as the abdominal, buttock, lower back, thigh, bust or arm regions, is measured. Objective measurements are made of body criteria, including external dimension, percentage body fat, fat mass, or body mass. Sufficient laser energy, preferably in a range of 0.03-0.1 J/cm2, is applied to one or more of those areas to cause a reduction in the measurement in the lasered areas, as well as overall body slimming. The preferred embodiments use laser light at about 532 nm, 440 nm, or 405 nm. Preferably 18 mW or 25 mW laser diodes are used to apply laser energy at 0.03-0.1 J/cm2 for 15 minutes, every other day for 1-4 weeks, depending on the amount of slimming desired.
US09149649B2	Semiconductor laser blood oxygen therapeutic apparatus A semiconductor laser blood oxygen therapeutic apparatus comprising a host (32); a terminal being an oxygen output terminal, a laser irradiating terminal and an ozone output terminal (48), a laser generator located in a therapeutic terminal (34); the oxygen output terminal includes an oxygen absorbing device (25) and a laser-oxygen two-in-one therapeutic device (27); the laser-oxygen two-in-one therapeutic device (27) is provided with a two-in-one nasal clip (31); the oxygen absorbing device (25) is provided with a detachable atomization pressure decreasing device (24), while the host (32) is provided with a security identifying device which identifies the external atomization pressure decreasing device automatically; and an ozone generating cabin (36) is connected between a relief pressure valve (20) and a humidifying bottle (9).
US09149648B2	Systems, devices, and methods including infection-fighting and monitoring shunts Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable shunt configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent an infection.
US09149646B2	Method and apparatus for controlling a process of injury therapy A method and apparatus for controlling a process of injury therapy includes monitoring a Nitric Oxide level of the injury, generating a controlling signal by comparing the Nitric oxide level with a predefined threshold, and adjusting a dosage of light for the injury therapy according to the controlling signal.
US09149645B2	Methods and devices implementing dual criteria for arrhythmia detection Methods and devices providing multiple criteria for use in arrhythmia identification. Based on inputs including defined rules or parameters, one of a more conservative or more aggressive set of arrhythmia identification parameters can be selected. One or the other of the selectable sets of arrhythmia identification parameters may also be adaptive or modifiable during the use of the system, for example, in response to identified nonsustained episodes, the more conservative set of arrhythmia identification parameters can be modified to become still more conservative. Such modification of arrhythmia identification criteria allows reduced time to therapy when indicated, while allowing more deliberate decisions in other circumstances.
US09149642B2	Method and apparatus for phrenic nerve activation detection with respiration cross-checking The present invention concerns phrenic nerve activation detection algorithms for characterization of phrenic nerve activation and phrenic nerve activation avoidance in cardiac pacing therapy.Various embodiments concern receiving a respiration signal indicative of respiratory activity of the patient, identifying respiratory phases based on the respiration signal, delivering cardiac pacing pulses within each of the identified respiratory phases, receiving a phrenic nerve activation signal indicative of activation of the patient's phrenic nerve, analyzing the phrenic nerve stimulation signal to determine if one or more of the pacing pulses activated the phrenic nerve of the patient, and determining if at least one of the delivered pacing pulses activated the phrenic nerve of the patient based on the phrenic nerve activation signal indicating activation of the patient's phrenic nerve associated with delivery of the at least one cardiac pacing pulse.
US09149638B2	Method and system for controlling pulmonary capillary pressure A method of controlling pulmonary capillary pressure is disclosed which includes increasing the output of a first ventricle (V1) (e.g., a left ventricle) relative to second ventricle (e.g., right ventricle) by increasing the magnitude of a post extrasystolic potentiation (PESP) therapy effect in the first ventricle relative to the magnitude of a PESP therapy effect produced in the second ventricle. In certain embodiments of the invention, this may be accomplished by adjusting the extra-stimulus interval (ESI) in either or both of the left ventricle and the right ventricle, for example.
US09149636B2	System and method for mapping arbitrary electric fields to pre-existing lead electrodes A system for a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes, and a method of providing therapy to a patient using the electrodes implanted within the patient. A target multipole relative to the electrodes is defined. The target multipole is emulated by defining an initial electrical current distribution for the electrodes, such that a first set of active electrodes respectively has electrical current values of a first polarity. Each of the electrical current values of the first polarity is compared to a first threshold value, and at least one of the electrodes in the first active electrode set is zeroed-out based on the comparison. The electrical current value of each of the zeroed-out electrode(s) is redistributed to remaining ones of the electrodes to define a new electrical current distribution for the electrodes. Electrical current is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the new electrical current distribution, thereby providing the therapy.
US09149635B2	Stimulation waveform generator for an implantable medical device This disclosure describes techniques for generating stimulation current pulses that have differing pulse shapes in a medical device. A circuit architecture is described that is configured to charge a capacitor to an initial amount of charge, modulate the amount of charge stored in the capacitor based on a control signal, and generate a stimulation current pulse that has an amplitude based on the amount charge stored in the capacitor. The circuit architecture may be configured to generate complex pulse shapes, such as, e.g., steps, ramps, bursts, and combinations thereof.
US09149624B2	Disinfecting male luer connector caps A system and method for disinfecting an exposed portion of a female luer connector is disclosed. A male luer connector coupled to a male luer connector cap is provided where the male luer connector cap has a chamber containing a disinfectant and a sealing member for sealing the disinfectant in the chamber. The chamber is at least partly opened and the disinfectant exposed by movement of the sealing member. An exposed surface of a female luer connector is caused to come in contact with the disinfecting fluid in the chamber prior to the female luer connector mating with the male luer connector.
US09149623B1	Adapters The present disclosure provides adapters configured to interconnect a device connector of a medical device and a tube connector, the adapter having a first end with a female Luer connector and a second end having a primary Luer male connector, with a secondary female section.
US09149614B2	Systems and methods for treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device comprises a hollow sleeve sized and shaped for positioning within a duodenum of the patient, an anchor coupled to the proximal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit distal migration of the sleeve and a plurality of elastomeric objects coupled to the distal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit proximal migration of the sleeve through a pylorus of the patient. The bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process.
US09149610B2	Method and apparatus for improving delivery of an agent to a kidney Methods for more uniformly delivering drugs or other treatment agents locally to the vasculature of a mammal are disclosed. These methods use one or more strategies to facilitate rapid mixing with the blood flowing past a device or otherwise improve the uniformity of drug delivery. Some of these strategies employ medical devices with diffusion members.
US09149607B2	Bi-directional catheter steering handle A deflectable sheath for use in medical procedures in the vasculature is described. The sheath includes a handle supporting the sheath. Two pull wires run along opposite sides of the sheath to anchors at the deflectable distal end. The handle includes a rotatable member that moves a threaded slider block in a back and forth translational manner. As that translational movement occurs, force is applied to either one or the other of the pull wires to cause deflection of distal end of the sheath in either and upwardly or a downwardly direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.
US09149605B2	Methods and devices for targeted injection of microspheres A “Smart Micro-catheter” (SMC) system comprising a device for controlled particle release and drug delivery into a blood vessel, hepatic artery or any patho-physiological target is disclosed. Methods of using the micro-catheter system for optimal targeted delivery of therapeutic microspheres comprising using subject-specific computer simulations of particle-hemodynamics are further provided.
US09149596B2	Release mechanism for patient interface and method for releasing patient interface A mechanism for releasing a mask from a patient's face includes a frame part including a male connection and a frame engagement portion for engaging a cooperating portion on a frame of the mask. A headgear part includes a female connection that is adapted to receive the male connection when the frame part is inserted into the headgear part, and a headgear engagement portion for engaging a cooperating portion on headgear of the mask. A cord has one end secured to the male connection, such that when the cord is pulled by the patient the male connection disengages from the female connection and consequently the frame part separates from the headgear part releasing the mask from the patient's face. A method of releasing a mask from a patient's face includes pulling a cord away from a frame of the mask to release a latch of the mask frame from a latch receiving portion of a headgear of the mask to release the latch from the latch receiving portion.
US09149593B2	Nasal mask system A mask system includes a frame (20) adapted to attach headgear, a sealing arrangement (40) releasably connectable to the frame, and an elbow (70) provided to the sealing arrangement and adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient. The sealing arrangement defines a breathing chamber and is adapted to form a seal with the patient's face. The sealing arrangement includes structure (50) to establish a positive connection with the frame and with the elbow.
US09149587B2	Sprayer A sprayer includes: a sprayer body; a nozzle extending from the sprayer body; and an irradiation unit disposed on a leading end of the nozzle and emitting light that is oriented and diffuses in a leading end direction of the nozzle. The nozzle includes: an elongated nozzle body extending from the sprayer body and having a curved portion on a leading end side; and a nozzle head disposed on a leading end of the nozzle body. The irradiation unit is arranged inside a curve shape of the curved portion.
US09149585B2	Multi-needle injection device A medical device and a method of treating stress urinary incontinence are provided. The device includes a cannula with a plurality of apertures. A plurality of needles is disposed within a lumen of the cannula. A handle includes a housing and a shifter mechanism to translate the plurality of needles from a first position in which the needles are disposed within the lumen of the cannula, to a second position in which a distal portion of each needle extends out of the lumen through respective apertures. The handle also includes a slot including a transversal track defining a potential range of rotational motion of the shifter mechanism with respect to the housing, and a plurality of longitudinal tracks defining a potential range of translational motion of the shifter mechanism with respect to the housing. The shifter mechanism may also rotate the cannula with respect to the handle.
US09149584B2	Hinged shield assembly and related methods The present hinged shield assembly is configured to shield a needle to prevent needlesticks. The assembly comprises a base including a hinge, a first shield and a second shield. The first shield extends from the base and at least partially surrounds the second shield. The first and second shields are configured to pivot about the hinge. In some embodiments a distal end of the first shield is open. In other embodiments the first and second shields include sidewalls with channels extending therealong. The first and second shields are rotatable with respect to one another such that the channels in each may be aligned. In other embodiments the first and second shields are translatable and rotatable with respect to one another.
US09149577B2	Body-associated receiver and method Receivers, which may be external or implantable, are provided. Aspects of receivers of the invention include the presence of one or more of: a high power-low power module; an intermediary module; a power supply module configured to activate and deactivate one or more power supplies to a high power processing block; a serial peripheral interface bus connecting master and slave blocks; and a multi-purpose connector. Receivers of the invention may be configured to receive a conductively transmitted signal. Also provided are systems that include the receivers, as well as methods of using the same. Additionally systems and methods are disclosed for using a receiver for coordinating with dosage delivery systems.
US09149576B2	Systems and methods for delivering a fluid to a patient with reduced contamination An apparatus includes a cannula assembly, a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing includes an inlet port removably coupled to the cannula assembly and defines an inner volume. The fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the housing and configured to receive and isolate a volume of bodily fluid from a patient. The flow control mechanism is at least partially disposed in the inner volume. The actuator is operably coupled to the flow control mechanism and is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which bodily fluid can flow, via a fluid flow path defined by the flow control mechanism, from the cannula assembly, through the inlet port and into the fluid reservoir, to a second configuration, in which the fluid reservoir is fluidically isolated from the cannula assembly.
US09149574B2	Port needle having needle-prick protection device The present invention relates to a port needle comprising a bearing for resting and fixing the port needle on the patient, a feed, and a needle. This problem is solved according to the invention by a port needle comprising a bearing (1) for resting the port needle on the patient, a feed (6), and a needle (3) having a tip (21), it being possible to bring the needle (3) into at least two positions, a puncture position and a retracted position, characterized by a safety section (7), which shields the tip (21) of the needle (3) at least in the retracted position and thus forms a needle-prick protection device.
US09149571B2	Peritoneal dialysis system The invention relates to a peritoneal dialysis sampling system to be used together with a peritoneal dialysis system which is programmed to deliver fluid to a peritoneal cavity of a patient and to drain the fluid from the cavity, said peritoneal dialysis system comprising a supplying line and supplying means for supplying dialysis fluid to the peritoneal cavity, a draining line and draining means for draining the fluid from the cavity, said peritoneal dialysis sampling system comprising an automatic sampling system which is able to automatically sample volumic fractions of the dialysate contained in the peritoneum of the patient at specific time intervals in order to evaluate the peritoneal membrane characteristics and/or improve the peritoneal dialysis for a given patient.
US09149559B2	Antimicrobial polymer compositions and the use thereof An antimicrobial composition comprising an ionic complex of an anionic polyester with an antimicrobial metal, wherein the anionic polyester has an ion exchange capacity from about 0.19 meq/g to about 1.0 meq/g.
US09149553B2	Liquid sprayer A transducer type liquid sprayer in that mist can be dispersed widely even when the liquid sprayer is dispersed in a relatively low position. The liquid sprayer contains a storage tank for storing spray liquid that can be easily replaced together with a core for soaking up the spray liquid from the storage tank. The liquid sprayer includes a spray liquid storage unit and a main body for supporting the spray liquid storage unit and a power supply unit. A spray hole is formed in the lid member and a transducer is also disposed inside the lid member and electrically connected to the power supply unit. The transducer is in contact with a front side of a tip end portion of the core with the front face of the transducer oriented forward and upward.
US09149551B2	Plasma generating device, plasma generating method, and method for suppressing ozone generation The purpose of the present invention is to minimize ozone production while increasing the production of an active species. The plasma generating device (100) comprises: a pair of electrodes (21, 22) in which dielectric films (21a, 21b) are disposed on at least one opposing face; voltage application means (4) for applying a pulse voltage across the electrodes (21, 22) to bring about a plasma discharger; and fluid circulation holes (21b, 22b) that are disposed in locations corresponding to the electrodes (21, 22), respectively, and that are configured to pass entirely therethrough. The plasma generating device is also configured such that a fluid passing through the fluid circulation holes (21b, 22b) comes into contact with the plasma, generating ions or radicals, wherein the voltage applying means (4) varies the peak value and/or the pulse width of the pulse voltage applied across the electrodes (21, 22).
US09149548B2	Mobile UV sterilization unit with separable sterilization module A UV sterilization unit. A plurality of UV lamps are removably mounted to a portable lamp housing. The portable lamp housing is mounted to a wheeled vehicle and may be used to destroy infectious material located beneath or remotely from the vehicle.
US09149541B2	Tyrosine ligation process A process is provided for preparing a conjugate of Formula (I-A) or (I) comprising a polypeptide containing n number of tyrosine units, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, dispersed within the amino acid chain having and amino terminus end (A1) and an acid terminus end (A2) of the protein or polypeptide and having a weight average molecular weight equal to or greater than 10,000 Daltons (10 kDa), wherein the conjugate comprises a number m of tyrosine conjugates (modified tyrosine residues) as depicted in Formula (I-A) or (I), where m is at least one and is less than or equal to n: where X, Lg, L and R are as defined herein.
US09149540B2	Polymer conjugate of folic acid or folic acid derivative Disclosed is a polymer conjugate of folic acid or a folic acid derivative, wherein an amide bond is not used. The compound has chemical stability and adequate drug release rate in the living organism. Specifically disclosed is a polymer conjugate of folic acid or a folic acid derivative, wherein a substituent represented by formula (I) is bonded to a carboxy group of a block copolymer which is composed of a polyethylene glycol and a polymer having a carboxy group in a side chain, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. [In the formula, A represents a monocyclic or fused aromatic group; G represents an optionally substituted (C1-C6) alkylene group; Y represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; and E represents a residue of folic acid or a folic acid derivative.]
US09149539B1	Crystalline naloxol-PEG conjugate Naloxol-polyethylene glycol conjugates of the formula: are provided in oxalate or phosphate salt forms including crystalline forms. Methods of preparing the salt forms and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the salt forms are also provided.
US09149536B2	Conjugated antimicrobial agents Provided herein are antimicrobial conjugates of two antibiotic agents, exhibiting improved activity also against resistant bacteria, compared to each of the agents separately or their mixture, and having substantially no resistance emerged thereagainst, as well as processes for preparation the same, compositions containing the same, and uses thereof in medical treatments against pathogenic microorganisms. The disclosed antimicrobial conjugates are composed of aminoglycosides and non-ribosomal active antibiotics. Some of the antimicrobial conjugates are prepared via “click” chemistry.
US09149532B2	Pharmaceutical composition To provide pharmaceutical preparation exhibiting satisfactory dissolution property in a wide pH range.The pharmaceutical composition is characterized by containing (A) N1-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-N2-((1S,2R,4S)-4-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl]-2-{[(5-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-2-yl)carbonyl]amino}cyclohexyl)ethanediamide, represented by the following formula (1), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, or a hydrate of any of these, and (B) one or more species selected from the group consisting of a sugar alcohol and a water-swelling additive.
US09149530B2	Compositions and methods for enhancing active agent absorption Compositions and methods for enhancing the absorption of active agents across the mucosa of animal subjects are provided. Methods of administration and appropriate dosage forms are also provided.
US09149526B2	Suppression of cancer growth and metastasis using nordihydroguaiaretic acid derivatives with metabolic modulators Disclosed is a composition comprising a derivative of NDGA and at least one metabolic modulator. The composition can be in a unit dose form or kit. The composition can comprise at least two metabolic modulators. Also disclosed are methods for achieving cytotoxicity, particularly of rapidly dividing cells such as cancer, by administering a composition of the invention. In various embodiments of the invention subjects with cancer achieve prolonged survival and/or diminution in the size of their malignancies and cancer metastasis.
US09149525B2	Delivery of corticosteroids through iontophoresis Disclosed herein are formulations of dexamethasone or a prodrug thereof suitable for delivery by ocular iontophoresis and methods of use thereof.
US09149520B2	Saponin adjuvant compositions and methods relating thereto An adjuvant composition which comprises an anionic macromolecule component particularly an ionic polysaccharide such as DEAE-dextran, and a saponin component, particularly an immunostimulating complex component. Immunogenic compositions comprising an immunogen and this adjuvant composition are also disclosed together with methods of use thereof.
US09149519B2	Chimeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) with enhanced dendritic cell and macrophage tropism comprising the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) minimal Vpx packaging domain The compositions and methods described herein relate to lentiviral vectors that can be used to generate virions/viruses that exhibit enhanced infectivity with respect to monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and dendritic cells (MDDC). Such compositions and methods further relate to production of virions/viruses that can be used as components of vaccines that effectively stimulate innate immune responses. In a particular embodiment, compositions and methods described herein relate to production of virions/viruses that can be used as components of human immunodeficiency-1 (HIV-1) vaccines administered to stimulate innate immune responses to HIV-1.
US09149512B2	Collagen mixture and method of making the same A collagen mixture having a portion of unhydrolyzed eggshell membrane collagen and Avian collagen.
US09149511B2	Procoagulant peptides and their derivatives and uses therefor The present invention is directed to a hemostatic or tissue sealing material having (a) a peptide having a sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid analog sequence thereof, and (b) a scaffold for said peptide or amino acid analog sequence. The scaffold is preferably hemostatic, such as a natural or genetically engineered absorbable polymer, a synthetic absorbable polymer, or combinations thereof. The natural or genetically engineered absorbable polymers can be selected from the group consisting of a protein, a polysaccharide, or combinations thereof.
US09149508B1	Vaccination by circumventing preexistent immunity Methods and compositions are disclosed for improving vaccination in a subject with preexistent antibodies to the antigenic component of the immunizing vaccine. By temporarily sequestering, disabling, and/or suppressing preexistent antibodies and/or Fc-mediated mechanisms according to the various example embodiments, the target antigenic component of a vaccine has an increased opportunity to enter antigen-presenting cells through the same pathway that it would use in seronegative subjects. A balanced immune environment is thereby restored and B cells are properly activated to produce antigen-specific antibodies following vaccination.
US09149507B2	Method of treating coronary artery disease by administering FGF-9 The present invention is directed to a method for treating a human patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering into at least one coronary vessel of said patient a safe and angiogenically effective dose of a recombinant FGF-9 of SEQ ID NO:13, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. The invention is also directed to a method for inducing angiogenesis in the heart of a patient, comprising administering into at least one coronary vessel of a human patient in need of coronary angiogenesis a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant FGF-9 of SEQ ID NO:13, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof.
US09149505B2	Pharmaceutical composition for suppressing angiogenesis, and method for screening active material for suppressing angiogenesis The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for suppressing angiogenesis, containing heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) or a nucleic acid encoding HSP27. In addition, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer, containing HSP27 or a nucleic acid encoding HSP27. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of suppressing the in vitro growth of endothelial cells using HSP27. Further, the present invention provides a method of screening an active material for suppressing angiogenesis or an active material for treating cancer, comprising the following steps: processing endothelial cell lines into samples, respectively; measuring the content of HSP27 in an endothelial cell line; and selecting the sample in which the content of HSP27 in an endothelial cell line is increased compared with a control group.
US09149503B2	Papillomavirus-like particles (VLP) as broad spectrum human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines This invention relates, e.g., to a virus-like particle (VLP) composition assembled from a chimeric polypeptide comprising a papilloma virus (e.g., human papillomavirus, or HPV) L1 major capsid protein, into which is inserted a surface-displayed peptide comprising a neutralizing epitope of a papillomavirus L2 protein. Vaccine compositions comprising the VLP are described, as well as methods for inducing an immune response (e.g., vaccinating) a subject against papilloma virus, using the VLP, and kits comprising the VLP, for carrying out a method of the invention.
US09149497B2	Methods and systems for treating ischemic tissues Methods and systems for regenerating damaged tissue rely on direct injection of selected therapeutic cells into a tissue at or near the site of tissue damage. Direct injection is accomplished using an intravascular catheter having a deployable needle, and injection is usually targeted into the adventitial and peri-adventitial tissues surrounding the blood vessel from which the needle is deployed.
US09149493B2	Compositions for bowel cleansing and use thereof The present invention relates to a dry composition for reconstitution in water comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG), optionally sodium sulphate, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, simethicone, effective for bowel cleansing, in particular of colon, prior to diagnostic, surgical or therapeutical procedures, in particular colonoscopy.
US09149492B2	Method for selectively inhibiting ACAT1 in the treatment of alzheimer's disease The present invention features methods for stimulating clearance of amyloid beta in microglia, decreasing cognitive decline associated with amyloid pathology, and treating Alzheimer's disease by selectively inhibiting the expression or activity of Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 1, but not Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 2.
US09149491B2	Reduced toxicity in alcoholic beverages The present invention relates to reduced toxicity of functional alcoholic beverage composition comprising distilled alcohol, deionized water, 18β-Glycyrrhizin or 18α-Glycyrrhizin and a sugar alcohol or sugars, having pH in the range of 4.0-9.0. More particularly, alcoholic beverage composition comprises distilled alcohol, deionized water, 18β-Glycyrrhizin or 18α-Glycyrrhizin and a sugar alcohol/sugars as hepato-protectants. The present invention provides an alcoholic beverage for reducing hepatotoxicity caused by its consumption and a process to manufacture the said alcoholic beverage.
US09149487B2	Compositions for oral adminstration of zoledronic acid or related compounds for treating Paget's disease of bone Oral dosage forms of bisphosphonate compounds, such as zoledronic acid, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions. The oral bioavailability of zoledronic acid can be enhanced by administering the zoledronic acid in the disodium salt form.
US09149486B2	Method of treating middle ear infections Aqueous suspension formulations containing dexamethasone and ciprofloxacin are disclosed for the treatment of middle ear infections in human patients having an open tympanic membrane.
US09149484B2	Compositions and methods for stimulating hair growth Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth of hair are disclosed wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I wherein the dashed bonds represent the presence or absence of a double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration and A, B, Z, X, R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification and a penetration enhancer. Such compositions are used in stimulating hair growth of human or non-human animals.
US09149483B2	Methods for treatment of diseases The present disclosure relates to methods of treating a range of diseases or conditions. The methods involve administration of a superoxide dismutase mimetic.
US09149480B2	Use of meloxicam for the long-term treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in cats The invention is directed to the use of a formulation comprising meloxicam or a pharmacologically acceptable meloxicam salt of an organic or inorganic base thereof for the long-term treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in cats. No negative effects on renal function occur following a treatment from 10 to 20 months or more.
US09149473B2	Targeted whole genome amplification method for identification of pathogens The methods disclosed herein relate to methods and compositions for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, more specifically, from nucleic acid sequences of pathogens by targeted whole genome amplification.
US09149467B2	Sustained-release composition containing tetrahydropyrido[4,3-b]indole derivatives and preparation of the derivatives The present invention relates to a sustained-release composition containing 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2,8-dimethyl-5-[2-(6-methyl-3-pyridyl)ethyl]-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient, preparation thereof and the compound. The composition is suitable for oral administration by one time per day, and achieves the peak plasma concentration at 1.0 to 3 hours after oral administration. The composition is suitable for manufacturing a medicament for treatment of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or senile dementia.
US09149463B2	Methods and compositions of treating a Flaviviridae family viral infection Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include compounds (e.g., such as Formula II, Formula II-a, and specific compounds shown in Table 1), pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treating a host infected with a virus from the Flaviviridae family of viruses, methods of inhibiting HCV replication in a host, methods of inhibiting the binding of NS4B polypeptide to the 3′UTR of HCV negative strand RNA in a host, methods of treating liver fibrosis in a host, and the like.
US09149461B2	Carbapenem antibacterials with gram-negative activity The present invention provides β-methyl carbapenem compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of bacterial infections and methods for treating such infections using such compounds and/or compositions. The invention includes administering an effective amount of a carbapenem compound or salt and/or prodrug thereof to a host in need of such a treatment.
US09149460B2	Coated particles and pharmaceutical dosage forms The present invention relates to coated particles and pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising the active substances sensitive to environmental influences. The coating of the present invention provides stability and protection of the active substance to environmental influences and in particular from oxidation and/or environmental humidity by coating.
US09149459B2	Sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor modulators and their use to treat muscle inflammation The use of an S1P receptor modulator of the formula (Ia) or (Ib) wherein the meaning of the different residues is that indicated in claim 14, in the preparation of a medicament for preventing, inhibiting or treating an inflammatory condition selected from polymyositis, dermatomyositis and nerve-muscle diseases e.g. muscular dystrophies and inclusion body myositis.
US09149451B1	Apparatus and method of stimulating elevation of glutathione levels in a subject An apparatus configured to provide a beneficial biological effect for a subject, and/or a method of treating the subject using the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured to trigger and maintain the elevation of Glutathione levels within the subject. The apparatus may rely on a non-invasive mechanism to elevate Glutathione levels in the subject. The apparatus may not require a traditional power source such as a battery or wall plug in order to be effective in elevating Glutathione levels in the subject. To trigger and maintain the elevation of Glutathione levels within the subject, the apparatus may transmit communication to the body of the subject that results in increased levels of Glutathione within the subject.
US09149450B2	Ischemia/reperfusion protection compositions and methods of using The invention provides for ischemia/reperfusion protection compositions having one or more ketone bodies and melatonin. The invention also provides for methods of using such compositions to reduce or prevent ischemia/reperfusion injury due to blood loss, stroke or cardiopulmonary arrest or surgery.
US09149448B2	Methods of treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using cysteamine products The disclosure relates, in general, to treatment of fatty liver disorders comprising administering compositions comprising cysteamine products. The disclosure provides administration of enterically coated cysteamine compositions to treat fatty liver disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
US09149444B2	Modulation of synaptic maintenance C1q is shown to be expressed in neurons, where it acts as a signal for synapse elimination. Methods are provided for protecting or treating an individual suffering from adverse effects of synapse loss. These findings have broad implications for a variety of clinical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease.
US09149441B2	Nanospheres encapsulating bioactive material and method for formulation of nanospheres A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.
US09149440B2	Nanoparticles for drug-delivery This invention relates to polymeric nanoparticles useful for drug delivery with target molecules bonded to the surface of the particles and having sizes of up to 1000 nm, preferably 1 nm to 400 nm, more preferably 1 nm to 200 nm, that are dispersed homogeneously in aqueous solution. The target drug/target substance is covalently bonded to the novel polymeric nanoparticles to secure them from outer intervention in vivo or cell culture in vitro until they are exposed at the target site within the cell. This invention also relates to microemulsion polymerization techniques useful for preparing the novel nanoparticles.
US09149439B2	Multi-particulate, modified-release composition A multi-particulate, modified-release pharmaceutical composition for the oral administration of an active ingredient to the colon, wherein said particles comprise: (a) a core comprising an active ingredient or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, and optionally one or more excipients; (b) a first coating applied to the surface of the core, wherein said first coating is insoluble in gastric juice and in intestinal juice below pH 7, but soluble in colonic intestinal juice; and (c) a second coating applied to the surface of the first coating.
US09149438B2	Rapidly disintegrating gelatinous coated tablets The present invention relates to an improved gelatinous coated dosage form having two end regions coated with gelatinous materials and an exposed circumferential band. Openings are provided in at least the exposed band to reveal the core material. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing such gelatinous coated dosage forms.
US09149436B2	Pharmaceutical product comprising a sequestered agent Disclosed in certain embodiments is a dosage form comprising a plurality of extruded particles comprising an adverse agent or antagonist and a layer disposed about the particles.
US09149434B2	Core particle for pharmaceutical preparation The present invention provides a core particle for a pharmaceutical preparation which features the requisite properties of a core particle, and which has enough chemical stability, and in which reactivity with the drug (an active pharmaceutical ingredient) is limited or prevented. More specifically, the present invention relates to a core particle wherein a film containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient can be formed on the surface thereof, and (1) the core particle comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic material, (2) the inorganic material is poorly soluble in water, and (3) pH of a solution of the inorganic material is 5 to 8.
US09149433B2	Method for formation of micro-prilled polymers A method for formation of micro-prilled poloxamer particles is disclosed. The particles find special use in pharmaceutical formulations. The process involves use of atomizing nozzles at higher than normal pressure atomizing gas, high atomizing gas temperature, use of high feed temperatures to reduce the viscosity of the poloxamer and optionally sieving after prill formation in prilling towers. The poloxamer particles are spherical and preferably have an average nominal diameter of less than or equal to 106 microns. The process is very cost effective and rapid.
US09149432B2	Lipid vesicle compositions and methods of use The invention provides delivery systems comprised of stabilized multilamellar vesicles, as well as compositions, methods of synthesis, and methods of use thereof. The stabilized multilamellar vesicles comprise terminal-cysteine-bearing antigens or cysteine-modified antigens, at their surface and/or internally.
US09149423B2	Ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component Ingestible event markers comprising an identifier and an ingestible component are provided. The ingestible component may vary, where ingestible components of interest include osmotic ingestible components, liquid capsules, tablets, multi-layered ingestible component and multi-compartment ingestible components. In some instances, the identifier is mechanically stably associated with the ingestible component. Also provided are systems that include the ingestible event markers, as well as methods of using the ingestible event markers.
US09149422B2	Dermal filler compositions including antioxidants Provided are injectable, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel compositions including conjugated vitamins.
US09149421B1	Liquid adhesive for nail polish A liquid adhesive for nail polish is a topical composition that is used to facilitate the application and removal of nail polish as well as the creation of intricate nail polish designs. The composition features a quantity of rubber latex, a quantity of water, an antiseptic composition of a quantity of ammonium hydroxide and a quantity of thiram, a preserving composition of a quantity of zinc oxide, an aromatic agent, a coloring agent, and a moisturizing agent. The quantity of rubber latex forms a liquid-impermeable coating on the surface of the user's skin or nail once applied. This allows a dried coating of the present invention to be peeled from the skin or nail along with any nail polish applied over the coating. The composition additionally exhibits antimicrobial and antifungal properties as well as a resistance to decomposition and other unwanted chemical and physical changes.
US09149417B2	Tooth whitening products and methods of making the same A dissolving strip for tooth whitening the strip having at least a first tooth contacting layer and a second outer layer. The first tooth contacting layer has a solid tooth whitening active in an amount which reacts within a predetermined time when placed on a tooth. The second outer layer has a blend of polymers having different molecular weights; the blend of polymers being selected to dissolve after the predetermined time has elapsed. The outer layer contains the tooth whitening active on said tooth until the active is substantially used up. A method of forming a dissolving tooth whitening strip is also provided, in which the outer layer is formed on a backing layer followed by the inner layer being formed on the outer layer.
US09149415B2	Inflatable retention system for an enteral feeding device An inflatable retention system for an enteral feeding tube having a base deployed outside the human body and an indwelling retainer which is deployed within a lumen or cavity of the body by insertion through a stoma from outside the body. The retention system includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an external tube diameter, and tube walls defining a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen. The retention system also includes an inflatable balloon located at a distal end of the tube in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the balloon having thin, flexible walls, a predetermined spheroid shape, and a volume at which a fluid in the balloon is under no pressure such that upon inflation with a fluid to pressurize fluid in the balloon, the balloon assumes a stable spheroid shape and exhibits a substantially linear pressure versus volume curve.
US09149413B2	Package A package (1) for containing loose items comprises at least one outer casing (2), at least one inner casing (3) accommodated slidably within the outer casing (2) and capable of motion between a closed configuration, in which an opening (4) presented by the inner casing (3) is concealed completely by the at least one outer casing (2), and an open configuration in which the opening (4) is exposed at least in part. The package (1) further comprises at least one connecting appendage (5) hinged along a first line to a side wall of the outer casing (2), and along a second line to a side wall of the inner casing (3) breasted in sliding contact with the side wall of the outer casing. The outer casing (2) comprises a locking part with a flap (6) folded to act against a corresponding locking part of the inner casing (3) also comprising a flap (7), both flaps (6, 7) in folded state being attached to the outer casing (2) and the inner casing (3), respectively. The two locking parts prevent immediate opening of the package from the closed configuration to the open configuration and wherein said part of the outer casing (2) is thicker than said part of the inner casing (3).
US09149412B2	Human powered mechanical CPR device with optimized waveform characteristics A CPR compression device driven by a cam, in which the cam is shaped to provide a desired compression waveform. The cam controls movement of a compression pad, and has angular regions shaped to provide a compression stroke, a high compression hold, and a release phase of the chest contacting means.
US09149410B2	Roller barre The present disclosure provides an exercise device comprising a base that is attached onto an exercise machine and a rolling rod, which is cradled into the base. The apparatus can be attached either into the jumpboard connection located near the footbar or into the shoulder rests depending on the reformer model. The attachment site allows the user to perform a wide variety of movements or exercises in a manner depending on level or special considerations. Related methods of exercise are also provided. A DVD, instructional manual, or programming exercises may optionally be included.
US09149407B2	Device for therapeutically treating and/or training the lower extremities of a person A device for therapeutically treating and/or training the lower extremities of a person, having driven controllable motion devices connected to a stationary frame and retaining means for attaching to each extremity, that can be displaced independently along walking trajectories. Motion devices provide an outrigger pivotable to various height levels, jointedly connected at a first carriage of a linear guide on one side, and rotationally connected to a retaining means on the other side. A second carriage of the linear guide is disposed ahead of the first carriage and jointedly connected to the outrigger by means of a connecting element. The first carriage has a first linear drive for changing the longitudinal position of each retaining means, the second carriage providing a second linear drive for changing the height level of each retaining means. The outrigger provides a rotary drive for changing the slope of each retaining means.
US09149399B2	Stair climbing vehicle A stair climbing vehicle that is able to stably climb stairs is provided. In order to keep the balance of the stair climbing vehicle at the time of climbing the stairs, the ratio between a gravity center moving control gain for the stair climbing vehicle and a turning control gain for first wheels and second wheels is changed by controlling the rotation of a first motor of each first turning actuator. Thus, it is possible to slightly turn the first wheels and the second wheels based on the posture of an occupant seated on the stair climbing vehicle when the occupant climbs the stairs with the stair climbing vehicle, thereby preventing the posture of the occupant from being unstable. Thus, the stair climbing vehicle is able to stably climb the stairs.
US09149397B2	Wheelchair lift A wheelchair lift includes a platform assembly to receive a wheelchair and a power control assembly to control a movement of the platform assembly between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The platform assembly includes an inner plate and an outer plate, wherein the inner plate is pivotably coupled to a holding arm by a hinge element and the outer plate is pivotably coupled to the inner plate. The wheelchair lift further includes a linkage assembly having a first end coupled to the outer plate and a second end (52), and a fixing element being coupled to the inner plate such that the fixing element is moved with a rotational movement of the inner plate around the hinge element, when the inner plate is moved between the folded and the unfolded configuration, wherein the second end of the linkage assembly is coupled to the fixing element.
US09149395B2	Liner for incontinence A liner for incontinence includes a skin contact side sheet, a non-skin contact side sheet, and an absorbent body arranged between these sheets and including an absorbent material. The absorbent material includes 30 to 70 mass % of SAP. The liner includes a main body and wings in an intermediate region of the main body. An SAP basis weight in the intermediate region is larger than in front and rear regions of the main body. The main body includes a front compressed region which is positioned between the intermediate region and the front region immediately in front of a urinating position (UP) of a wearer when worn, side compressed regions which extend from the intermediate region to the front region and rear region, respectively, and a rear compressed region which extends in the rear region in substantially the width direction. At the compressed regions, the absorbent body is continuous.
US09149392B2	Casting apparatus In a casting apparatus for external skeletal and joint fixation, a plurality of articulated segments may comprise a plurality of cuboid members threaded on a continuous cord having distal ends connected to actuators. The cuboid members may be disposed between guide members threaded on the cord. Actuation of the actuators applies a tension force to the cord, thereby compressing the cuboid members together to form rigid cuboid segments and maintain the casting apparatus in a rigid configuration for skeletal and joint fixation.
US09149388B2	Attenuated RF power for automated capsulorhexis A capsulorhexis apparatus includes a capsulorhexis probe configured for insertion into an eye through an incision and a pulse generator configured to deliver at least one radio-frequency (RF) pulse to the capsulorhexis probe. The delivered RF pulse has a pre-determined attenuation profile such that the power level of the delivered RF pulse is substantially attenuated over the RF pulse's duration. In some embodiments, the pulse generator is configured to deliver a series of two or more RF pulses to the eye, such that the energy of each of the second and subsequent pulses of the series is substantially attenuated relative to the energy of the immediately preceding pulse.
US09149385B2	Urine measuring vessel and hose connection A hose connection for an arrangement for collection of liquid from a patient is disclosed which connection comprises a first tubular member (1) to be in fluid connection with the patient and having one or more protrusions (3) arranged on an outer surface, and an outlet (2), and further comprises a collection bag (24) having an inlet to be connected to the outlet for collection of liquid coming through the first tubular member. The inlet comprises a second tubular member (5) being connected to the bag and adapted to receive and surround at least a part of said first tubular member. The second tubular member has one or more receiving means (6, 11) being engageable with the protrusions for providing a locked, but separable connection between the first and second tubular member.
US09149383B2	Endolumenal esophageal restriction device Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to a novel esophageal device implantable in the patient's body and designed to replicate the restrictive and satiety mechanism associated with gastric banding systems known in the art. The device can be a compliant and tubular-shaped and fixated within the gastro-esophageal lumen using tissue anchors.
US09149382B2	Endoluminal prosthesis having multiple branches or fenestrations and methods of deployment A system for facilitating deployment of an endoluminal prosthesis may include a main tubular graft body including a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, a lumen, and a sidewall. A branch may extend from the sidewall and may include a first end opening, a second end opening, and a lumen. A fenestration may be disposed in the sidewall and positioned distal of the second end opening of the branch. A wire segment may include a proximal portion positioned proximal of the proximal end opening and a distal portion positioned distal of the distal end opening. The wire segment extend through the fenestration and through the lumen of the branch in a preloaded configuration.
US09149379B2	Delivery device A delivery device for deploying an expandable prosthesis and method of use thereof are described. The delivery device comprises an outer catheter that is capable of retracting in a proximal direction and resheathing over the prosthesis in a distal direction. The device comprises a drive pulley that can engage a particular gear set to retract the outer catheter and expose the prosthesis. The drive pulley can also engage another gear set to resheath the outer catheter and recapture the prosthesis between the inner and the outer catheter. A directional switch enables the device to operate between the two modes.
US09149375B2	Radiopaque drug-filled prosthesis and method of making same An implantable prosthesis can comprise a strut having a lumen, and radiopaque particles within the lumen. The radiopaque particles placed within the lumen can improve visualization of the prosthesis during an implantation procedure. The radiopaque particles can be bonded to each other to prevent the radiopaque particles from escaping out of the strut.
US09149372B2	Stent graft adaptor A stent graft adaptor has an outer graft tube and an inner graft tube with the inner graft tube substantially concentric with and within the outer graft tube. A joining member extends between the inner tube and the outer tube. The joining member can be a continuous fold of graft material extending from a proximal end of the outer tube to a proximal end of the inner tube. The inner tube has at least one self expanding stent on an outer surface thereof and the outer graft tube has at least one self expanding stent on an inner surface. The outer surface of the outer tube provides a sealing surface to engage against the wall of a vessel and the inner tube provides a sealing surface to engage with a corresponding sealing surface of a stent graft deployed through it. The outer sealing surface can include barbs.
US09149366B2	Adaptable interbody implant and methods of use An intervertebral fusion implant comprises a body defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end and a second end. The body defines a first wall configured for engaging a first vertebral surface and a second wall configured for engaging a second vertebral surface. The first wall is connected to the second wall. The first wall is movable relative to the second wall such that the body is deformable from a first, initial implanted configuration such that the body is disposed between the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface for fixation thereof and a second configuration such that the body is deformed relative to the first configuration to adapt to an orientation of the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface. Methods of use are disclosed.
US09149362B2	Instrument for preparing an implant support surface and associated method A method and instrument for preparing a surface of a joint is provided. The glenoid surface is adapted for receiving a prosthetic component having a feature closely conforming to the surface. The prosthetic component provides a bearing surface for a head portion of a long bone. The instrument includes a guide having a first feature and a second feature and a tool. The tool is used for cooperation with the first feature for preparing the surface. The first feature is adapted to at least partially control the position of the tool as it prepares the surface. The second feature is adapted to assist in positioning of the guide with respect to the joint.
US09149358B2	Delivery systems for prosthetic heart valves A delivery system for delivery of an implantable stented device to a body lumen, the device having a plurality of structures at its proximal end, wherein the delivery system comprises a first body portion removably attached to a second body portion and wherein the second body portion includes a plurality of attachment components at its distal end for attachment to the plurality of structures at the proximal end of the device.
US09149354B2	Flexor tendon repair device A flexor tendon repair device has a sheet of mesh material of rectangular shape with four edges: two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges perpendicular to the longitudinal edges. Each pair of edges is mutually parallel and spaced apart. Each edge is also folded inwardly for two smooth edges upon which the healing tendon rests and two smooth edges where the sheet mutually joins. Along with the sheet, the invention includes sutures, typically doubled, and one at each lateral edge. The lateral edges generally support the healing tendon while the sheet wraps around the tendon with the longitudinal edges generally parallel to the length of the tendon. A surgeon, during use of the invention, tightens each suture along the longitudinal edges, closing the device, and then upon the laterals to tie the suture. Upon tying, the mesh attains an ovoid shape similar to the natural cross section of a tendon.
US09149340B2	Display for ophthalmic surgical console with user-selectable sectors An ophthalmic surgical system includes a display device and a user interface. The display device generates a display on an image of a patient's eye comprising a plurality of non-overlapping display sectors. Each display sector displays one of a plurality of user-selectable surgical parameters. A user interface receives a user selection of one or more of the user-selectable surgical parameters to be displayed.
US09149339B2	Methods, systems and devices for three dimensional input and control methods and systems based thereon A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.
US09149336B2	System and method for providing a metal sterilization tray The system contains a metal tray formed from a sheet of metal. A plurality of pockets is formed in the metal tray, wherein the plurality of pockets is formed from manipulating the sheet of metal. A cover is formed over the metal tray. Optionally, a base may be engaged with the cover, wherein the metal tray is formed to fit snugly between the cover and the base.
US09149332B2	Reconfigurable handheld laser treatment systems and methods Systems and methods for reconfigurable handheld laser treatment systems are provided. In one embodiment, a reconfigurable handheld laser treatment system comprises: a base unit; a handset that includes a attachment chamber having an attachment aperture, and a laser source arranged to project optical energy into the attachment chamber, the handset coupled to the base unit; an attachment having an adapter interface compatible with insertion into the attachment chamber; a trigger sensor coupled to logic that controls activation of the laser array; and an attachment sensor arranged to detect insertion of the adapted interface into the attachment chamber through the attachment aperture. The logic enables activation of the laser array when the attachment sensor detects an authorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture. The logic disables activation of the laser array when the attachment sensor fails to detect an authorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture.
US09149331B2	Methods and apparatus for reducing sweat production Methods and apparatuses are provided for reducing sweat production via, for example, the removal, disablement, and incapacitation of sweat glands in the epidermis, dermis and subdermal tissue regions of a patient. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient is provided which involves identifying a patient having a condition of excessive sweating, positioning an energy delivery device proximate to a skin tissue of the patient and delivering energy to sweat glands to halt secretion of sweat. The energy delivery device may include microwave delivery devices, RF delivery devices, and cryogenic therapy devices. Some embodiments may include using a cooling element for avoiding destruction of non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize treatment at specific portions of the skin fold.
US09149328B2	Systems, apparatuses, and methods for treating tissue and controlling stenosis Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat to ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue without damaging non-targeted tissue. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The system, delivery devices, and methods can damage tissue and manage scarring and stenosis.
US09149324B2	Surgical instrument comprising an articulatable end effector An electrosurgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector, wherein the end effector can be rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The instrument can further comprise a drive member and the articulation joint can comprise flexible support members which can be configured to support the drive member. The instrument can further comprise supply wires electrically coupled to electrodes in the end effector and a wire tensioning device configured to prevent the supply wires from accumulating slack within the articulation joint. The drive member can comprise a plurality of flexible layers wherein some of the layers can be comprised of an electrically insulative material and other layers can be comprised of an electrically conductive material which is in electrical communication with a cutting member in the end effector and/or electrodes positioned within the end effector.
US09149323B2	Method of fusing biomaterials with radiofrequency energy A method of fusing biomaterial and tissue using radiofrequency energy includes the steps of: providing a vessel sealing instrument having opposing jaw members which are movable relative to one another to compress tissue therebetween. The vessel sealing instrument includes at least one stop member affixed thereto for regulating the distance between the opposing jaw members. The method also includes the steps of: providing a biomaterial; positioning the biomaterial in abutting relation to tissue; approximating the biomaterial and tissue between the jaw members; compressing the biomaterial and tissue between the jaw members under a working pressure within the range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16 kg/cm2; and energizing the jaw members with radiofrequency energy to effectively fuse the biomaterial and the tissue such that the biomaterial and the tissue reform into a single, fused mass.
US09149315B2	Anti-splay apparatus An anti-splay apparatus having a bridge and frangible connection points for use with mechanical fasteners having a shank portion and a receiving member with opposing arms is provided. The bridge may take a number of forms including a ring, a notched ring, a tube, or a notched tube and the connection points join the opposing arms of the receiving member with the bridge. Also provided is the anti-splay apparatus also having tabs connected between frangible connection points.
US09149313B2	Orthopedic plate An orthopedic plate has a portion with a curved bottom surface that is designed to extend longitudinally along the bone and change the inferior curve as it advances proximally along the bone from a shallower to a sharper radius and further spirals downward as the plate advances. The plate includes a set of tabs, offset from the longitudinal axis of the plate to provide for better pullout values. The ears may be located at the terminal portion of the plate or somewhat more intermediate to the terminus of the plate, depending on the intended application. A point in the center of the central screw hole can be used to define the origin of the plate, and the angles of the screw and/or pegs holes can be referenced with Z, Y, and Z coordinates relative to this central hole.
US09149311B2	Cervical plate fixation system A bone fixation assembly comprises a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining at least one bone screw bore, the bore including a circumferential rib situated between the top and bottom surfaces of the plate and at least one scallop interrupting the circumferential rib. A bone engaging fastener is provided for each bore, the fastener having a shank defining bone engaging threads and an enlarged head. The head defines threads for threaded engagement with the circumferential rib, with a lead thread configured to pass through a scallop to allow the threads to engage the circumferential rib.
US09149309B2	Systems and methods for sketching designs in context A method, a system, and a computer program product for graphically representing physical objects in a contextual setting are disclosed. A first data for a predetermined location, at least one distance measurement between at least two location points at the predetermined location, and at least one image of at least one portion of the predetermined location can be received. Based on the receiving and information obtained from at least one publicly available resource, a spatial representation of the predetermined location configured to include at least one existing feature can be generated. Spatial representation of the predetermined location includes a detailed representation of the at least one portion of the predetermined location having the at least one existing feature.
US09149305B2	Spinous process fixation plate and minimally invasive method for placement The invention is directed to a laterally inserted spinous process plating device and a method for installing the device using a minimally invasive procedure. The device includes a partially threaded bolt as well as a contralateral and ipsilateral fixation plates, a deployment nut, a lag nut and a locking nut. Each fixation plate includes a pair of wing portions that are pivotally connected to one another to facilitate installation. The each of the fixation plates includes anchoring elements.
US09149303B2	Posterior spinal prosthesis A posterior spinal prosthesis is configured to cover exposed portions of a spinal column especially, but not necessarily, as a result of a medical spinal procedure and particularly, to provide posterior coverage of an exposed spinal cord, soft tissue, Foramen and/or adipose tissue, associated with one or more vertebrae as a result of the removal the spinous processes and/or the spinous process and laminar hoods from the one or more vertebrae of the spine as a result of a spinal decompression procedure or other reason. A plate forming the prosthesis is connectable to spine rod constructs implanted on lateral sides of the vertebrae and projects in the posterior direction relative to the connection. The plate is generally curved in the superior/inferior direction to provide either a lordotic or kyphotic curvature depending on the portion of the spine to which the prosthesis is utilized. As such, the posterior spinal prosthesis may be used on any portion of the spine such as the cervical vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae and/or the lumbar vertebrae. The present posterior spinal prosthesis also provides posterior stabilization of the associated vertebrae as well as aiding in preventing post operative soft tissue cavitation at the decompression site.
US09149294B2	Hybrid cannula and methods for manufacturing the same A hybrid cannula may comprise a first portion formed from a first material, a second portion formed from a second material overmolded to the first portion, a third portion formed from a third material and a fourth portion formed from a fourth material overmolded to the third material. The third portion is coupled to the first portion. The first portion may prevent the proximal end of the hybrid cannula from being pushed through a portal. The second portion may include a membrane and the fourth portion may include a dam, the dam defining interior spaces thereof between the proximal and distal ends of the hybrid cannula. The membrane and/or dam may prevent liquid from projecting during insertion or removal of instruments. The distal end of the hybrid cannula may comprise a variety of features.
US09149292B2	Probe adapted to treat living tissue and actuation method of device A probe which is configured for a treatment device which is configured to treat a body tissue using ultrasonic vibration, includes a base member which includes a base surface defined by a longitudinal direction and a width direction shorter than the longitudinal direction and which is a vibration-retardation member configured to hardly transmit the ultrasonic vibration, a waveguide main body which has a width smaller than a width of the base surface in a width direction, protrudes with respect to the base surface, and is extended along the longitudinal direction of the base surface, and an end effecter which is provided at a tip end portion of the waveguide main body and which is configured to treat the body tissue by the ultrasonic vibration transmitted through the waveguide main body.
US09149289B2	Medical retrieval devices A medical retrieval device of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a proximal handle, a sheath, and a retrieval assembly. The sheath extends from the handle and includes a lumen and a distal end opposite the handle. The retrieval assembly is moveable relative to the sheath to achieve a collapsed position of the retrieval assembly within the lumen and an expanded position of the retrieval assembly when extended outside the lumen. The retrieval assembly includes a plurality of legs. At least one of the legs includes a wire having an inner core at least partially surrounded by an outer layer.
US09149287B2	Femoral cut guide The present disclosure provides a femoral cut guide for preparing a distal femur to receive a prosthetic femoral component of a knee implant. The prosthetic femoral component includes a central box. The femoral cut guide replicates the size and shape of the prosthetic femoral component, such that the femoral cut guide may serve as a trial or provisional component used to reduce and test the prepared knee joint before implanting the final prosthetic femoral component. The femoral cut guide includes a detachable box cut guide for preparing the distal femur to receive the central box of the prosthetic femoral component.
US09149284B2	Systems and methods for providing a bone milling device A milling tool system for accurately preparing a portion of the tibia preparatory to making femoral resections. The milling tool system provides a minimally invasive procedure to provide an aperture within an exposed surface of the tibia, the aperture then being used as a referencing surface to accurately resect the femur. Once the femur resections have been made, the remaining uncut portions of the tibia are exposed and easily accessible for the tibial resections.
US09149279B2	Occluding device An occluding device is provided for occluding fluid flow through a lumen of a body vessel. The occluding device includes an expandable tubular body having a tubular wall defining a lumen formed therethrough. The tubular wall has a proximal end extending to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. A plurality of longitudinal slits is formed through the tubular wall to define a plurality of flexible strips bound by a proximal non-slit portion and a distal non-slit portion. A plurality of barbs is disposed on the flexible strips. The tubular body is configured to open radially to engage the barbs with the vessel wall defining an expanded state and to collapse along the longitudinal axis to draw the vessel wall radially inward defining a collapsed state. Occluding material is housed within the lumen of the tubular body and the occluding material is configured to move between a collapsed state and an expanded state with the tubular body.
US09149270B2	Endoscopic tissue apposition device and method of use An endoscopic tissue apposition device that includes a vacuum chamber configured to securely hold a portion of tissue therein, the vacuum chamber being defined by a proximal wall and a distal wall opposite to the proximal wall. Working and vacuum channels are provided in communication with the vacuum chamber. A portion of tissue may be held in the vacuum chamber when vacuum is applied in the vacuum chamber through the vacuum channel. A carrier needle is disposed on a proximal side of the vacuum chamber and is longitudinally advanceable into and across the vacuum chamber, while a punch needle is disposed on a distal side of the vacuum chamber and is configured to receive the carrier needle therein. A hold and release mechanism holds and releases the punch needle to facilitate joining portions of tissue together.
US09149261B2	Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed.
US09149257B2	Image guided catheters and methods of use An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single minimally invasive device. The medical device can be in the form of catheters and interventional devices having a tapered distal tip, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive direct introduction into the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be permanently integrated into the device or integrated into an interchangeable ultrasound transducer that may be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use. An ultrasound system can be provided in the device either alone or in combination with fiber optic imaging to provide a range of forward imaging and therapeutic capabilities of the device for direct access to a target site from the skin via an introducer needle.
US09149245B2	Device and method for taking a high energy image The invention relates to a device for taking high energy images, in particular, X-ray images, comprising an input image by means of which data for a medical auxiliary may be inputted into the device. Said medical auxiliaries are preferably stents or contrast agents which can be introduced into the body of a patient. The display unit of the device can thus be correspondingly set for the applied auxiliary.
US09149242B2	Multi-source CT system A multi-source computed tomography system has a first x-ray source and a second x-ray source that are respectively optimized for different imaging procedures and can be used simultaneously in the multi-source CT system. The first x-ray source can be optimized for higher power short-term operation and the second x-ray source can be optimized for lower power, longer term operation.
US09149240B2	X-ray CT apparatus and data transmission method of X-ray CT apparatus According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a data acquiring unit, a data processing unit and a data transmitting unit. The data acquiring unit is configured to expose an X-ray to an object, acquire detection data of the X-ray having transmitted the object and compress the detection data to generate compressed data. The data processing unit is configured to generate X-ray CT image data of the object based on the compressed data transmitted from the data acquiring unit through a transmission line. The data transmitting unit is configured to transmit uncompressed detection data of an X-ray to the data processing unit through the transmission line according to information from an input device.
US09149227B2	Detection and characterization of head impacts Systems and methods are provided for determining an acceleration at a location of interest within one of a user's head and neck. At least one of linear acceleration data, angular acceleration data, angular velocity data, and orientation data is produced using at least one sensing device substantially rigidly attached to an ambient-accessible surface of the user's head. The location of interest is represented relative to a position of the at least one sensing device as a time-varying function. An acceleration at the location of interest is calculated as a function of the data produced at the sensing device and the time-varying function representing the location of interest. The calculated acceleration at the location of interest is provided to at least one of the user and an observer in a human-perceptible form.
US09149224B1	System and method for measuring skin movement and strain and related techniques Described herein are systems and techniques for a motion capture system and a three-dimensional (3D) tracking system used to record body position and/or movements/motions and using the data to measure skin strain (a strain field) all along the body while a joint is in motion (dynamic) as well as in a fixed position (static). The data and technique can be used to quantify strains, calculate 3D contours, and derive patterns believed to reveal skin's properties during natural motions.
US09149217B1	Apparatus monitoring signal in situ For repeatedly measuring signals from a fixed position of a tissue to monitor the blood composition, a subject adaptor is used to secure the subject position and a position fixing device uses a remote sensing tool to detect the subject position. The subject adaptor and the position fixing device are used to guide the moving of the subject relative to a position of the last measurement of a first signal analyzer. The signals can be from an aggregate of the designated composition with the other ingredients of the blood.
US09149214B2	Annoyance judgment system, apparatus, method, and program An annoyance judgment system includes: a biological signal measurement section configured to measure an electroencephalogram signal of a user; a database retaining a plurality of monosyllabic speech sounds such that, for each speech sound, the speech sound and a reference latency of an electroencephalogram negative component corresponding to the speech sound are retained in association; a presented-speech sound determination section configured to determine a monosyllabic speech sound to be presented by referring to the database; and an annoyance judgment section configured to judge annoyance of the output speech sound by comparing a peak latency of a negative component of the electroencephalogram signal in a range from 50 ms to 350 ms from a starting point, the a starting point being a point in time at which the determined speech sound is presented, against the reference latency corresponding to the determined speech sound that is retained in the database.
US09149213B2	Method for calibrating exercise apparatus A procedure for calibrating walking and/or running measurements in an exercise-related apparatus are provided. As a result of a user running and walking a given distance which may be the same or different for running and walking, respective running and walking motion metrics are obtained during a calibration phase. A relation between the obtained running and walking motion metrics are then used to compute a calibration value applied to calibrate one of running and walking measurements during an exercise.
US09149209B2	Interactive virtual care An interactive virtual care system may include a user sensory module to acquire multi-modal user data related to user movement. A data analysis module may compare the multi-modal user data to predetermined historical user data and/or statistical norm data for users to identify an anomaly in the user movement.
US09149207B2	Annuloplasty sizers for minimally invasive procedures A sizing plate for sizing a native valve annulus in a patient's heart for either valve replacement or repair during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is shown and described. The sizing plate is generally shaped such that it corresponds to the shape of the native valve annulus. Additionally, a thickness of the sizing plate is such that it can be inserted through a space between the ribs of the patient during the procedure. The sizing plate includes two keyways extending though the plate separated by a bridge. The keyways are sized and shaped such that they are adapted to be engaged by a minimally invasive surgical tool such as a laparoscopic grasper. The keyways in conjunction with the bridge facilitate manipulation of the sizing plate by the grasper from an external location.
US09149206B2	Tibial prosthesis systems, kits, and methods Tibial prosthesis systems for implantation or use in a knee joint are disclosed. A tibial prosthesis system can include a bearing component, a base component, a shim component, and optionally a spacer component. The shim or spacer component can be inserted between an inferior surface of the bearing component and a superior surface of the base component. The insertion of the shim or spacer component can provide spacing adjustment between the bearing and base components. The shim component can include one or both of a medial edge having a different height than a lateral edge or an anterior edge having a different height than a posterior edge. The differing edge height of the shim component can provide a surgeon with knee joint kinematic insight regarding an angled bone cut before the cut is made, and can allow for sizing of an appropriately permanent prosthesis system using a reduced number of provisional components.
US09149205B2	Breast coil for use in magnetic resonance imaging The present disclosure relates to a receive coil assembly for use in magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue. In certain embodiments the assembly comprises separable parts: a configurable mechanical support and a flexible receive coil array. The adjustability and separability of the receive coil array relative to the mechanical support allows the receive coil array to substantially conform to the breasts of the patient during imaging.
US09149204B2	Flexible passive acoustic driver for magnetic resonance elastography A flexible passive acoustic driver for use in an acoustic driver system which applies an oscillating stress to a subject undergoing a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) examination which includes receiving acoustic pressure waves from an active driver through a tube and imparts pressure waves to a subject of an imaging procedure. In one configuration, the passive driver includes a flexible bag that forms the walls of an acoustic cavity, and a structure filling material located inside the acoustic cavity provides support for the flexible bag. The flexible bag conforms to the shape of the subject and may be held in place by an elastic band. The passive driver can have an integrated or detachable non-active push-on compartment which is rigid or semi-flexible to improve the human-driver mechanical coupling and the driver energy efficiency of converting acoustic pressure to mechanical vibration applied to a subject.
US09149198B2	Multi-array monophasic potential medical device A medical device including a catheter having a shaft with a distal portion; a first plurality of substantially hemispherical electrodes coupled to the distal portion; a second plurality of substantially hemispherical electrodes coupled to the shaft proximal of the first plurality, where the second plurality of electrodes are oriented substantially orthogonal to the first plurality of electrodes; and an additional electrode coupled to the shaft. A console may have a processor in electrical communication with the first and second plurality of electrodes and the reference electrode, the processor programmed to obtaining a monophasic action potential recording from at least one of the first and second plurality of electrodes.
US09149197B2	Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.
US09149195B2	Methods and apparatus for quantifying the risk of cardiac death using exercise induced heart rate recovery metrics Methods and apparatus for assessing cardiac risks based on heart activity data obtained during a recovery stage of an exercise test of a specific patient. An embodiment of a method comprises determining a prognostic period of the heart activity data after a time t0 after a peak heart rate of the exercise test, and ascertaining a risk indicator. The risk indicator is based on (a) the heart rate activity data during the recovery stage only after time t0 and (b) a post-exercise heart rate reserve based on a post-exercise resting heart rate. This embodiment of the method further includes providing an assessment of cardiac risk of a specific patient based on the ascertained risk indicator.
US09149194B2	Electronic sphygmomanometer In a sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure according to a volume compensation method, an upper arm V0 equivalent cuff pressure representing a cuff pressure in a state where an inner pressure and an outer pressure of an artery of an upper arm are in equilibrium is specified based on a cuff pressure signal of the upper arm. For example, the upper arm V0 equivalent cuff pressure is detected as an average blood pressure obtained from the cuff pressure signal of the upper arm. After a control target value and an initial cuff pressure in the volume compensation are detected, a difference between the initial cuff pressure and the upper arm V0 equivalent cuff pressure is calculated as a correction value, and the blood pressure value in the volume compensation method is corrected with the calculated correction value.
US09149187B2	Online monitoring of patient for routine checkups A method, system, and computer program product for performing remote monitoring of a patient during a routine checkup is provided. A local server is adapted for receiving instructions from a medical professional and processing the instructions into commands for remote broadcast. A network device is in remote communication with the local server. At least one modular diagnostic tool is communicable with the network device over a standardized communications link. The at least one modular diagnostic tool is operable by the medical professional based on a second portion of the commands for remote broadcast to obtain the diagnostic information. Upon a communications connection between the modular diagnostic tool and the network device, an automated process is executed to upload the diagnostic information from the modular diagnostic tool to the local server for collection and analysis.
US09149186B2	Configuration of cables for monitoring systems A physical configuration of cables connecting a monitoring apparatus to a human patient, where said patient and his immediate surroundings define a potentially infectious contaminated zone. The configuration provides for the monitor and main trunk cable to lie outside of the contamination zone, and one or more serial cables connect to the trunk cable and enter the contamination zone to provide contact with the patient. This physical configuration prevents contamination of the monitor and trunk cable, so they may be reused on successive patients, while lightweight and inexpensive serial cables contacting the patient and his contamination zone may be disposable. Examples of monitoring various physiological variables are provided to exemplify the universal concept of such physical configuration. Adaptation for wireless transmission is also described.
US09149184B2	Method and system for imaging amyloid beta in the retina of the eye in association with alzheimer's disease The present invention describes methods to image amyloid beta in the retina of the eye in such a way as to diagnose and potentially treat Alzheimer's disease. The preferred apparatus to perform the image and treatment is described. The basic idea is to use an imaging method to characterize the depth location of amyloid beta (hereafter referred to as Aβ) in the retina, to classify and characterize the type of deposit, to quantify the amount present and thereby to diagnose Alzheimer's disease and stage the disease. The methods describe herein include image guided treatment of Aβ deposits in the retina.
US09149180B2	Optical tomographic imaging apparatus An optical tomographic imaging apparatus is provided which includes a low-resolution mode for rough imaging and a high-resolution mode for obtaining detailed images. In particular, an optical tomographic imaging apparatus is provided which enables tomographic imaging during a high-resolution mode to be performed at higher speeds. An imaging apparatus according to the present invention captures an optical interference tomographic image based on a combined beam that combines a return beam from an object irradiated by a measuring beam and a reference beam corresponding to the measuring beam. The imaging apparatus according to the present invention further includes a beam diameter changing unit for changing a beam diameter of the measuring beam. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a detection unit configured to detect the combined beam at a resolution according to the beam diameter.
US09149171B2	Lever-type mop and bucket for the same A lever-type mop has a base, a cleaning unit, a connecting seat and a rod. The cleaning unit is attached on the bottom of the base. The rod is connected pivotally to the base through the connecting seat. The base has notches and the rod has a corresponding limiting protrusion. A bucket operated in coordination with the lever-type mop has an inclined surface and a straining board mounted under the inclined surface. When straining the cleaning unit, the base and the cleaning unit are put on the straining board and the rod is pivoted downward. With the abutting forces from the limiting protrusion and the inclined surface on opposite sides, the cleaning unit is squeezed. Therefore, the mop and the bucket have simple structures to achieve the purpose of squeezing the cleaning unit without touching the cleaning unit directly by the user's hand.
US09149170B2	Navigating autonomous coverage robots A method of navigating an autonomous coverage robot between bounded areas includes positioning a navigation beacon in a gateway between adjoining first and second bounded areas. The beacon configured to transmit a gateway marking emission across the gateway. In some example, the navigation beacon may also transmit a proximity emission laterally about the beacon, where the robot avoids cleaning the migration within the proximity emission. The method also includes placing the coverage robot within the first bounded area. The robot autonomously traverses the first bounded area in a cleaning mode and upon encountering the gateway marking emission in the gateway, the robot remains in the first bounded area, thereby avoiding the robot migration into the second area. Upon termination of the cleaning mode in the first area, the robot autonomously initiates a migration mode to move through the gateway, past the beacon, into the second bounded area.
US09149169B2	Dual suction vacuum apparatuses and methods for use Apparatuses and methods for vacuuming floors and other surfaces can include a vacuum cleaner head having a first chamber in communication with a first inlet positioned on a bottom surface of the vacuum cleaner head and a first outlet connected to a vacuum line, a second chamber in communication with a second inlet positioned on at least one side of the vacuum cleaner head and a second outlet connected to the vacuum line, and a divider separating the first chamber from the second chamber.

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