最新美国发明专利第2015-10-13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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US09157047B2	Soybean cultivar S110132 A soybean cultivar designated S110132 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S110132, to the plants of soybean cultivar S110132, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S110132, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S110132. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110132. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110132, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S110132 with another soybean cultivar.
US09157043B2	Systems and methods for producing substitute natural gas Systems and methods for processing a hydrocarbon are provided. The method can include gasifying a feedstock within a gasifier to provide a raw syngas. The raw syngas can be processed within a purification system to provide a treated syngas. A first portion of the treated syngas can be converted into a first effluent in a first methanator. The first effluent can be mixed with a second portion of the treated syngas to provide a first mixed effluent. The first mixed effluent can be converted into a second effluent in a second methanator. The second effluent can be mixed with a third portion of the treated syngas to provide a second mixed effluent. The second mixed effluent can be converted into a third effluent in a third methanator.
US09157036B2	Hydroprocessing of gas oil boiling range feeds A system and method for producing fuels and lubricant basestocks from gas oil boiling range feeds is provided. Desulfurization and conversion stages are used to form fuel and lubricant products. The product from a desulfurization stage can be fractionated, and a portion of the fractionated bottoms can be used as an input feed for a conversion or hydrocracking stage. The configuration can advantageously allow for reduced amounts of catalyst in the conversion stage.
US09157033B2	Process for recovering metals from a stream rich in hydrocarbons and carbonaceous residues A process for recovering metals from a stream containing hydrocarbons and carbonaceous residues comprising sending the stream for extraction by mixing the stream with a hydrophilizing agent to remove the hydrophobic components of the stream, sending the mixture of the stream and hydrophilizing agent for separation, separating a liquid phase containing most of the hydrophilizing agent and hydrocarbons dissolved from a solid phase, sending the separated solid phase for leaching with an alkaline solution in the presence of air and/or oxygen, sending the leached mixture for separation, and separating the solid residue from the liquor.
US09157029B2	Liquid crystal composition The present application relates to a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal cell, a liquid crystal film, and methods of preparing the same. As an exemplary liquid crystal composition, according to the present application can provide a liquid crystal layer aligned without a special alignment layer. According to the liquid crystal composition, all of the liquid crystal cell, in which the liquid crystal layer is maintained in a non-polymerized state, and the liquid crystal film prepared by polymerizing the liquid crystal layer can be provided.
US09157028B2	Liquid crystal composition The present application relates to a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal cell, a liquid crystal film, and methods of preparing the same. As an exemplary liquid crystal composition, according to the present application can provide a liquid crystal layer aligned without a special alignment layer. According to the liquid crystal composition, all of the liquid crystal cell, in which the liquid crystal layer is maintained in a non-polymerized state, and the liquid crystal film prepared by polymerizing the liquid crystal layer can be provided.
US09157027B2	Compound having four polymerizable groups, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device A compound represented by formula (1), a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal display device are described. In formula (1), for example, the ring A1 and the ring A4 are phenylene or cyclohexylene; Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 are a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 6 carbons; L1 is a single bond; s and t are 0; and P1, P2, P3 and P4 are a polymerizable group.
US09157025B2	Phosphor mixtures comprising europium-doped ortho-silicates The invention relates to novel phosphor mixtures comprising three or more silicate phosphors. The invention furthermore relates to the use of these mixtures in electronic and electro-optical devices, in particular in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting applications. The invention furthermore relates to LEDs comprising the phosphors.
US09157023B2	Light-emitting device with an iridium complex The invention relates to a light-emitting device comprising at least a substrate, an anode, a light-emitting layer and a cathode whereby the light-emitting layer contains an iridium complex IrL3 and whereby at least two ligands L are a dibenzoquinoline. The invention relates in particular to the complexes Ir(dibenzo[f,h]quinoline)2(pentane-2,4-dionate) and Ir(dibenzo[f,h]quinoline)3 which emit light with a wavelength of λmax=545 nm and λmax=595 nm respectively.
US09157014B2	Adhesives including a filler material and related methods Temporary adhesives include a thermoplastic polymer comprising from about 30% by weight to about 80% by weight of the temporary adhesive, a solvent comprising from about 20% by weight to about 70% by weight of the temporary adhesive, and a filler material comprising from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of the temporary adhesive. Methods of processing a semiconductor device wafer include bonding the semiconductor device wafer to a surface of a carrier substrate using a temporary adhesive including a filler material comprising from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of the temporary adhesive, thinning the semiconductor device wafer, and, while the temporary adhesive remains on the surface of the carrier substrate proximate a peripheral edge thereof, subjecting the thinned semiconductor device wafer to one or more back side processing operations. Methods of forming a thinned semiconductor wafer include using such a temporary adhesive.
US09157011B2	Polishing composition A polishing composition contains colloidal silica. The colloidal silica satisfies the expression A×D×E×F≧350,000 where “A” denotes the average aspect ratio (dimensionless) of the colloidal silica, “D” denotes the average particle diameter (units: nm) of the colloidal silica, “E” denotes the standard deviation of the particle size (units: nm) of the colloidal silica, and “F” denotes the volume fraction (units: %) of particles having a diameter of 1 to 300 nm in the colloidal silica. The volume fraction of particles having a diameter of 1 to 300 nm in the colloidal silica is 90% or greater.
US09157009B2	Uses of carbenes in solution as organopolysiloxane polycondensation catalysts The invention relates to the use of novel stable carbenes in solution as organopolysiloxane polycondensation catalysts.
US09157008B2	Anhydride copolymer top coats for orientation control of thin film block copolymers Random copolymer top coats are described that can be spin coated onto block copolymer thin films and used to control the interfacial energy of the top coat-block copolymer interface. The top coats are soluble in aqueous weak base and can change surface energy once they are deposited onto the block copolymer thin film. The use of self-assembled block copolymers to produce advanced lithographic patterns relies on their orientation control in thin films.
US09157000B2	Active energy beam-curable inkjet ink composition The present invention provides an ink composition for use in active energy beam-curable inkjet printing, wherein the ink composition has low viscosity yet exhibits superior curability and superior adhesion to many different substrates, and also exhibits excellent storage stability. An active energy beam-curable inkjet ink composition containing at least polymerizable monomers (A) and a stabilizer (B), and containing essentially no water, the inkjet ink composition containing, as the polymerizable monomers (A), at least a polymerizable monomer (A-1) containing a vinyl ether group and an acryloyl group, and a polymerizable monomer (A-2) containing 2 or more acryloyl groups.
US09156999B2	Liquid inkjettable materials for three-dimensional printing The present disclosure is drawn toward compositions, systems, and methods for printing of three-dimensional objects. In one embodiment, a liquid inkjettable material for 3-dimensional printing can comprise from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of a pigment, from 10 wt % to 90 wt % of a UV-curable polymer, and from 0.1 wt % to 70 wt % of a polymeric filler. Additionally, the liquid inkjettable material can be jettable from piezo electric inkjet printer nozzles and has acceptable decap performance measured by jetting a normal 50 picoliter ink drop within 10 electric firing pulses after the piezo electric inkjet printer nozzles have been fired and have been subsequently rested for 24 hours.
US09156996B2	Powder coloring system A method for coloring powders is provided that includes mixing a base powder and non-incorporated pigments. A colored powder composition having a base powder particle and at least a partial shell of non-incorporated pigments about the base powder particle is also provided. Articles having a coating of the colored powder composition are also provided.
US09156994B2	Coating materials, manufacturing methods thereof, and coated structures Coating materials that include at least one microcapsule containing a sensing agent, the microcapsule being configured to release the sensing agent in response to stress applied to the microcapsule, and a reactive reagent configured to react with the released sensing agent to develop color are described.
US09156990B2	Filler for papermaking process The present invention relates to a filler comprising calcium salt and cellulose derivative having a degree of substitution of net ionic groups up to about 0.65, wherein the filler is substantially free from fibers or fibrils of cellulose or lignocellulose. The invention also relates to a filler comprising calcium salt and a cellulose derivative having a degree of substitution of net ionic groups up to about 0.65, wherein the cellulose derivative contains cationic groups.
US09156986B2	Multisignal labeling reagents and processes and uses therefor Provided are compounds comprising two DNA supramolecular binding molecules covalently joined by a linker group. Also provided are multisignal labeling reagents comprising (i) an oligomer of nucleotides or nucleotide analogs; (ii) a DNA supramolecular binding molecule noncovalently bound to the oligomer; and (iii) a first reactive group or a first partner of a first binding pair covalently bound to the oligomer. Additionally provided are methods of producing multisignal labeling reagents.
US09156984B2	Method for preparing coated binder units and a system for use therein A method for preparing a plurality of coated binder units wherein each of the coated binder units comprises a core of a binder coated with a layer of coating material, which method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a coated binder which comprises a core of a binder coated with a layer of coating material; and (b) dividing the coated binder into the plurality of the coated binder units by means of a system which comprises a first and a second loop that engage over part of their lengths and rotate in opposite directions, the first loop comprising a first repeating sequence of interlinked molds and the second loop comprising a second repeating sequence of interlinked molds, whereby the coated binder units are formed by welding edges of the coating and cutting the extrudate into pieces in a region where the first and the second loops engage. The invention further relates to said system.
US09156982B2	Polyamide-based thermoplastic polymer compositions Polyamide-based thermoplastic polymer compositions that exhibit a good balance among the properties thereof, in particular their mechanical properties, and a high fluidity in the molten state; such compositions contain at least one high-fluidity polyamide and a shock modification agent having functional groups that react with the polyimide.
US09156980B2	Biodegradable composition comprising polymers of natural origin and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters The present invention relates to a biodegradable composition comprising at least one polymer of natural origin and at least one aliphatic-aromatic copolyester obtained starting from mixtures comprising aliphatic diols, polyfunctional aromatic acids, and at least two aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, at least one of which is long chain. Said composition combines improved biodegradability, excellent mechanical properties, a high level of industrial processability, limited environmental impact as well as stability of physical properties under the influence of environmental factors.
US09156977B2	Process for producing protective colloid-stabilized polymers The invention relates to processes for producing protective colloid-stabilized polymers based on (meth)acrylate esters in the form of their aqueous dispersions and water-redispersible polymer powders by means of free-radically initiated emulsion polymerization of one or more monomers from the group consisting of the esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and optionally one or more further monomers which are copolymerizable therewith, in the presence of one or more protective colloids, and optionally drying of the resulting aqueous dispersion, characterized in that the emulsion polymerization is carried out in the presence of one or more fully hydrolysed 1-alkylvinyl ester-vinyl ester copolymers as protective colloid.
US09156976B2	Multi-stage polymer composition and films and polarizer plates made therefrom A multi-stage polymer composition comprising a crosslinked core component, one or more intermediate layer components and an outermost layer component in which the refractive index of each of the crosslinked core, the one or more intermediate layers and the outermost layer are within 2% of the refractive index of each adjacent component; wherein the crosslinked core component comprises from 75 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from at least one first monomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and cycloalkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, optionally from 1 to 20 weight percent of units derived from a second monomer selected from the group consisting vinyl monomers; and from 0.1 to 5 weight percent of units derived from cross-linking monomers, graft-linking monomers, or combination thereof, and has a Tg of from −75 to −35° C.; wherein each of the one or more intermediate layer components comprises from 71 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from a third monomer selected from the group consisting alkyl, aryl and cycloalkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, from 0 to 5 weight percent of units derived from a cross-linking monomer, graft-linking monomer, or combination thereof, optionally from 1 to 10 weight percent of units derived from one or more functional monomers, from 0 to 14 weight percent of vinyl monomers, and has a Tg of from −35 to 100° C.; and wherein the outermost layer component comprises from 90 to 100 weight percent units derived from a fourth monomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl (meth)acrylate having from one to twelve carbon atoms, optionally from 0.5 to 10 weight percent of units derived from one or more functional monomers, and has a Tg of from 80 to 130° C. is provided. Films and polarizer plates made from the compositions are also provided.
US09156972B2	Polypropylene melt-blown sealant films for retort packaging A polypropylene containing resin composition suitable for use in forming films by the air quenched melt-blown film process for use as a sealing layer in a laminate for retort pouches, The resin composition includes from 80 to 98 percent by weight of a coupled impact propylene copolymer and from 2 to 20 percent by weight of a propylene-ethylene copolymer having from 2 to 10 percent by weight units derived from ethylene, wherein the composition has a melt flow rate of from 0.1 to 2.5 grams/10 minutes.
US09156968B2	Rubber composition including a functionalized thermoplastic polymer The present invention relates to a diene rubber composition reinforced with an inorganic filler comprising a thermoplastic polymer bearing, at at least one end, a silanol or silyl ether functional group. The presence of the functional thermoplastic polymer makes it possible to improve the compromise of performances, which are the handling and the grip, of a tire having a tread that is based on such a composition.
US09156967B2	Rigid material for heat-insulation and/or buoyancy for an underwater pipe A rigid material for heat-insulation and/or buoyancy, consisting of a mixture of: (a) a matrix of a uniform cross-linked elastomeric polymer mixture and a liquid insulating plasticizer compound and (b) hollow balls dispersed in the matrix. The insulating plasticizer compound being selected from among compounds from inorganic or vegetable oil, and being a material, the phase of which does not change at a temperature of −10° to +150° C., the weight proportion of the insulating plasticizer compound in the matrix being at least 50%. The hollow balls, dispersed in the matrix are at a volumetric proportion of at least 35% of the total volume of the mixture of the balls with the matrix. The rigid insulating material can be used for the insulation and/or buoyancy of an underwater pipe or underwater-pipe element.
US09156962B2	Material composition with specific segment wavelength matching refractive index A material composition with specific segment wavelength matching refractive index includes (a) resin or a composite thereof to serve as a bonding agent and (b) a medium material of metal oxides or complex metal oxides of specific particle size to serve as an additive for specific segment wavelength matching refractive index. The composition is formed by combining the bonding agent and additive. The composition material uses the wavelength of light emitting from a light-emitting diode (LED) die or excited from a fluorescent agent as the range of a segment to add nanometer particles of D=λ/4n optic thickness as basis for formation of an effective medium layer and thus providing a matching refractive index for wavelength of the specific segment bandwidth. Corresponding to different refractive indexes nx of LED die materials, proper amounts of nanometer particles are selectively added to have the refractive index match the LED die.
US09156959B2	Polyester elastomer foam and foam material There is provided a polyester elastomer which is excellent in compression set characteristics and has a micro cell structure.The polyester elastomer foam is formed by allowing a polyester elastomer composition containing a polyester elastomer having a melting point of 180 to 240° C. and an epoxy-modified polymer to expand. The epoxy-modified polymer is an epoxy-modified polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000 and an epoxy equivalent of 100 to 3000 g/eq.
US09156958B2	Thermoplastic polymer composition containing polyamide The invention relates to a thermoplastic polymer composition that contains polyamide and comprises an excellent compromise of properties, in particular mechanical properties, and a high fluidity at the molten state. The invention particularly relates to a composition containing at least a high-fluidity linear polyamide and optionally fillers such as glass fibers, and to a method for making such a composition.
US09156950B2	Collagen powder and collagen-based thermoplastic composition for preparing conformed articles The invention provides a new collagen based technology. The invention provides a dry collagen powder as a precursor for the preparation of an homogeneous thermoplastic collagen-based composition, which may further comprise additives. The present invention relates also the use of said composition in the manufacturing of solid articles conformed according to plastic technology, and to the articles.
US09156946B2	Amine/thiol curing of benzoxazines Novel oligomers and polymers derived from the reaction of benzoxazine compounds with a mixture of thiol compounds and amine compounds are disclosed. The compositions are useful in coating, sealants, adhesive and many other applications.
US09156943B2	Modified polyesters and processes for manufacturing the same A process for manufacturing a modified polyester, comprising the steps of: obtain a esterification product of diacid, diol, and a branching agent having at least three carboxyl groups , wherein the branching agent is present in an amount of up to 1 mol %, and carrying out a polycondensation reaction of the esterification product and a diamine to obtain the modified polyester, wherein the diamine is present in an amount of about 0.07 to about 0.22 mol %, the diacid comprises a combination of at least one aliphatic diacid and at least one aromatic diacid which is present in an amount no greater than about 10 mol % based upon the total moles of the diacid and the diol. The modified polyester is a thermally induced shape-memory material having an activation temperature of about 40 to 99° C., a percent elongation at break of about 29.9 % to 40.9% and bending modulus of about 40.3 MPa to about 20.1 Mpa.
US09156942B2	Method and device for cleaning an absorptive polyester In a method for cleaning an absorptive polyester, the polymer is dissolved in a first solvent (12) and subsequently the polymer solution is brought into tight contact with a second solvent (41) in a turbulent shear field under the influence of strong shear forces. Here, the second solvent (41) represents a non-solvent for the absorptive polyester and is mixable with the first solvent (12) to an unlimited extent. Subsequently, the polymer suspension resulting from the addition of the second solvent (41) is conveyed onto or into a rotating, cylindrical screen body (71) of a drum shear screen (70) and then the moist polymer mass is removed from the screen body (71) and subsequently dried. The method is suitable for the production of absorptive polyester with a high degree of quality and may be performed in a cost-effective fashion on an industrial scale as well.
US09156941B2	Color in titanium catalyzed polyesters Polyester compositions composed of (a) titanium-catalyzed polyesters containing the residues of terephthalic acid, cyclohexanedimethanol, and ethylene glycol; and (b) at least one chelating phosphorus species and/or reaction products thereof, represented by the structure: The polyester compositions are characterized by having superior color and/or clarity.
US09156940B2	Oxygen scavenging composition An oxygen-scavenging composition is provided that includes an oxygen-scavenging polymer and a catalyst. The oxygen-scavenging polymer, which in preferred embodiments is suitable for use in packaging articles, includes a base polymer having a backbone, and an unsaturated side chain attached to the backbone. In one embodiment, the side chain comprises an unsaturated fatty-acid.
US09156937B2	Block polyisocyanate composition and coating composition containing same Provided is a block polyisocyanate composition comprising at least one block polyisocyanate represented by formula (I): R-(A)x(B)y. In formula (I), R is a residue obtained by removing an isocyanate group from a polyisocyanate composed of one or more polyisocyanates selected from aliphatic polyisocyanates, alicyclic polyisocyanates, and aromatic polyisocyanates and is bonded to a substituent containing A and B; A is a group of one or more keto compounds represented by formula (II) or enol isomers thereof; B is one or more constituent units represented by formula (III); and the sum of x and y is from 2.0 to 20, and x is not 0.
US09156936B2	Ethylene oxide/propylene oxide polyether polyols and polyurethanes made therefrom Copolymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide have an inner block that contains from 65-90 weight percent oxyethylene units and from 10 to 35 weight percent oxypropylene units. This block has a molecular weight of from 150 to 350. The copolymer has an outer block which contains at least 95 weight % oxypropylene units and from 0 to 5% oxyethylene units. The equivalent weight of the copolymer is from 800 to 2000. The copolymers are useful in making polyurethane foams that have unexpectedly high tensile and/or tear strengths.
US09156934B2	Silicone hydrogels comprising n-vinyl amides and hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates or (meth)acrylamides The present invention relates to a process comprising the steps of reacting a reactive mixture comprising at least one silicone-containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one diluent to form an ophthalmic device having an advancing contact angle of less than about 80°; and contacting the ophthalmic device with an aqueous extraction solution at an elevated extraction temperature, wherein said at least one diluent has a boiling point at least about 10° higher than said extraction temperature.
US09156932B2	Method of making a graft copolymer A method of making a graft copolymer, comprising the steps of obtaining a first polymer comprising at least one carbon-carbon double bond, the first polymer derived from at least one first monomer, the at least one first monomer comprising a conjugated diene monomer; obtaining a second polymer, the second polymer capable of exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and comprising a terminal functional group capable of reacting with the carbon-carbon double bond; and reacting the second polymer with the first polymer to form a graft copolymer, the graft copolymer comprising a backbone derived from the first polymer and sidechains derived from the second polymer.
US09156924B2	Polymerization initiating system and method to produce highly reactive olefin functional polymers A method for producing highly reactive olefin polymers wherein at least 50 mol. % of the polymer chains have terminal double bonds, and a novel polymerization initiating system for accomplishing same.
US09156921B2	Organocatalyzed photoredox mediated polymerization using visible light The present invention is directed to method of forming a polymer comprising exposing a mixture comprising an organic pre-polymer, an organic photoredox catalyst, and an organic initiator to a source of visible or near-infrared light under conditions and for a time sufficient to polymerize the organic pre-polymer, and polymers and articles derived therefrom.
US09156919B2	Method of removing alkylene halogenohydrin from cellulose ether In a method of removing alkylene halogenohydrin from a cellulose ether the cellulose ether is provided, water is added to the cellulose ether and subsequently alkylene halogenohydrin and water is removed from the cellulose ether by evaporation. Alternatively steam or a steam mixture can be sparged across or through the cellulose ether to remove halogenohydrin from the cellulose ether.
US09156917B2	CH2 domain template molecules derived from rational grafting of donor loops onto CH2 scaffolds Novel CH2 domain template molecules wherein donor loops from a database of domains are transferred to a CH2 domain scaffold. At least one or up to three loops from a donor are transferred to the CH2 domain. The donor loops may be chosen based on length, e.g., the donor loop may have a length that is similar to that of a structural loop in the CH2 domain scaffold.
US09156911B2	Apelin antigen-binding proteins and uses thereof This disclosure relates to apelin antigen-binding proteins and methods of using the apelin antigen-binding proteins. The antigen-binding protein may comprise an antibody to apelin and can be used to treat pathological conditions involving angiogenesis. The pathological conditions can comprise cancer or retinopathy and/or retinopathy-related complications.
US09156908B2	High affinity, anti-human IgE antibodies The invention relates to high affinity human monoclonal antibodies, particularly those directed against isotypic determinants of immunoglobulin E (IgE), as well as direct equivalents and derivatives of these antibodies. These antibodies bind to their respective target with an affinity at least 100 fold greater than the original parent antibody. These antibodies are useful for diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment of disease.
US09156905B2	Functional heavy chain antibodies, fragments thereof, library thereof and methods of production thereof The present invention relates to functional heavy chain antibodies, functional single domain heavy chain antibodies, functional VH domains, or functional fragments thereof comprising an amino acid which is neither a charged amino acid nor a C at position 45, and comprising an amino acid at position 103 independently chosen from the group consisting of R, G, K, S, Q, L, and P, and optionally an amino acid at position 108 independently chosen from the group consisting of Q, L and R, said positions determined according to the Kabat numbering.
US09156904B2	Thrombomodulin variants and use thereof A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a mutant thrombomodulin is disclosed. The mutant thrombomodulin comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 and has residues corresponding to Ala364 and Ala391 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The mutant thrombomodulin has little or no protein C activation activity, and is effective in promoting wound healing and accelerating closure of an open wound in a diabetic.
US09156901B2	Acylated glucagon analogues The invention provides materials and methods for promoting weight loss or preventing weight gain, and in the treatment of diabetes and associated metabolic disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel acylated glucagon analogue peptides effective in such methods. The peptides may mediate their effect by having increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor as compared to human glucagon.
US09156898B2	Treatment of cancer and compositions The invention discloses a method of identifying a gene associated with stage III primary cancer or lymph node metastasis. The genes so identified include CAV1, CST3, LIMK1, MMP2, MMP15, VEGF, ETV4, MMP9, PIK3C2B, and SERPIN1. Also disclosed are methods for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer. The invention further discloses compositions for preventing and treating diseases.
US09156896B2	Wound healing compositions and treatments This invention concerns improved methods, uses, and kits for treating chronic wounds through the administration of anti-connexin agents, particularly anti-connexin 43 antisense polynucleotides. The methods, uses, and kits of the invention are based on the surprising and unexpected discovery that chronic wounds that do not increase or decrease in size by more than a pre-determined amount during a pre-treatment phase are more amenable to successful treatment than wounds whose size varies outside the target range during the pre-treatment phase.
US09156892B2	Mutated immunoglobulin-binding protein The present invention relates to an immunoglobulin-binding protein, wherein at least one asparagine residue has been mutated to an amino acid other than glutamine or aspartic acid, which mutation confers an increased chemical stability at pH-values of up to about 13-14 compared to the parental molecule. The protein can for example be derived from a protein capable of binding to other regions of the immunoglobulin molecule than the complementarity determining regions (CDR), such as protein A, and preferably the B-domain of Staphylococcal protein A. The invention also relates to a matrix for affinity separation, which comprises an immunoglobulin-binding protein as ligand coupled to a solid support, in which protein ligand at least one asparagine residue has been mutated to an amino acid other than glutamine.
US09156891B2	Vaccines and methods for using the same Improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HCV genotype 1a, including for example, NS4B, NS5A and NS5B. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HCV are disclosed.
US09156890B2	HCV vaccines and methods for using the same Improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HCV genotype 1a/1b NS3 and NS4A. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HCV are disclosed.
US09156889B2	Drug transporter permeating blood-brain barrier, peptide and use thereof A peptide, wherein the peptide comprises an amino acid sequence expressed by the following SEQ ID NO: 1, an amino acid sequence expressed by the following SEQ ID NO: 2, an amino acid sequence expressed by the following SEQ ID NO: 3, an amino acid sequence expressed by the following SEQ ID NO: 4, or any combination thereof: (SEQ ID NO: 1) ALGDSLYGAASLN; (SEQ ID NO: 2) MTVDNPASTTNKDKLFSVWK; (SEQ ID NO; 3) PGAVPEK; and (SEQ ID NO: 4) STKDLTTY.
US09156885B2	Process for preparing eptifibatide The present invention provides processes for preparation of eptifibatide that involve coupling of amino acids in a (2+5), (4+3) and (3+4) sequence method. The invention further provides products produced by the described processes, novel compounds that can be used as synthetic intermediates for the preparation of eptifibatide.
US09156878B2	Treatment of prostate cancer Described herein are compounds, methods of making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and medicaments comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat androgen receptor mediated diseases or conditions. The present invention provides therapies and therapeutic regimens for the treatment of prostate cancer.
US09156875B2	Immune stimulatory oligoribonucleotide analogs containing modified oligophosphate moieties Immunostimulatory oligoribonucleotides (ORN) featuring 5′-triphosphates and various 5′-triphosphate analogs are provided. Also provided are physiologically acceptable salts of the immunostimulatory ORN and pharmaceutical compositions containing the immunostimulatory ORN of the invention. ORN of the invention are useful as adjuvants and can be combined with an antigen to promote an antigen-specific immune response. ORN of the invention are also particularly useful for promoting a Th1-type immune response. Also provided are methods of use of the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention to enhance an immune response in a subject, as well to treat a number of conditions including cancer, infection, allergy, and asthma, and to vaccinate a subject against an antigen.
US09156872B2	2′-azido substituted nucleoside derivatives and methods of use thereof for the treatment of viral diseases The present invention relates to 2′-Azido 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′-Azido Substituted Nucleoside Derivative, and methods of using the 2′-Azido Substituted Nucleoside Derivatives for treating or preventing HCV infection in a patient.
US09156868B2	Aryl-substituted and/or heteroaryl-substituted main group element halides and/or pseudohalides, use of main group element halides and/or pseudohalides, organic semiconducting matrix material, electronic and optoelectronic components The invention relates to aryl- and/or heteroaryl-substituted main group element halides and/or pseudohalides, the use of main group element halides and/or pseudohalides as dopant for the doping of an organic semiconducting matrix material, as charge injection layer, as hole blocker layer, as electrode material, as transport material itself, as memory material in electronic or optoelectronic structural elements.
US09156861B2	Method for preparing trialkoxysilane The present invention relates to a method for preparing SiH(OR3)-type trialkoxysilane (wherein, R is a C1-C3 methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl group), and more specifically, the method comprises the steps of: preventing the oxidation of a silicon surface by pulverizing raw silicon material in a solvent environment without contact with the air so that the initial induction period of the direct synthesis of trialkoxysilane is dramatically reduced; and removing impurities from a reaction environment by continuously selecting a part of the solvent through a membrane filter provided in a reactor body.
US09156859B2	Boron containing vegetable oil based antiwear/antifriction additive and their preparation Chemically-modified fatty acids prepared by reacting epoxidized fatty acids, their esters or triglyceride oils with borate compounds. The fatty acid derivatives produced are of the formula: wherein R is an H, branched or straight chain alkyl or alkenyl group, aromatic-containing group, glycerol, or glyceride, R″ is a C3 to C29 aliphatic chain comprising one or more of the derivatized methylene groups of the formula: wherein m, n, and p are independently selected from 0 and 1; X is selected from O, NH, C(O)O, S, —C≡N, —N═C═O, —N≡C; and a borate of the formula: and R1 is selected from aryl, and straight, branched, cyclic or heterocyclic hydrocarbons or substituted hydrocarbons. These fatty acid derivatives have utility as antiwear/antifriction additives for industrial oils, fuels, and automotive applications.
US09156854B2	Maytansinoid derivatives with sulfoxide linker The invention relates to novel maytansinoid compounds having sulfoxide linkers and more specifically to novel maytansinoid compounds of structural formula (I) and (II). The invention also provides conjugates of the maytansinoid compounds linked to a cell-binding agent. The invention further provides compositions and methods useful for inhibiting abnormal cell growth or treating a proliferative disorder in a mammal using the compounds or conjugates of the invention.
US09156853B2	AKT inhibitor compounds for treatment of cancer The present invention relates to compounds that are useful as inhibitors of the activity of one or more isoforms of the serine/threonine kinase, AKT. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using these compounds in the treatment of cancer and methods of treating cancer.
US09156850B2	Enediyne compounds, conjugates thereof, and uses and methods therefor Enediyne compounds having a structure according to formula (I), where R0, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are defined herein, can be used in chemotherapeutic drugs, especially in conjugates, for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09156848B2	Treating diabetes with dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors The present invention is directed to novel substituted dihydropyrrolopyrazoles of structural Formula I which are inhibitors of the dipeptidyl peptidase-N enzyme and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved, such as diabetes and particularly Type 2 diabetes. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme is involved.
US09156847B2	Processes and intermediates for preparing a medicament Disclosed is a process for the preparation of the following compounds: where R1, R1a and R2a have the definitions in the description, as well as a process to prepare other intermediates that may be useful to synthesize downstream products, especially compounds that are useful as medicaments, for instance Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitors such as ibrutinib. Also disclosed are other processes, other intermediates and compounds per se.
US09156845B2	4-(substituted amino)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d] pyrimidines as LRRK2 inhibitors The present invention provides novel 4,5-disubstituted-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives of Formula I, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the specification. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I and to use of the compounds in the treatment of diseases associated with LRRK2, such as neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease, cancer, Crohn's disease or leprosy.
US09156844B2	Pyrimidine derivatives and their use in the treatment of respiratory diseases such a COPD Compounds of formula (I) are inhibitors of neutrophil elastase, wherein A is C—R1 or N; —X1—X2— is CR15═N— or —NR19—CO—; and R1-R6, R15, R15 and R19 are as defined in the claims.
US09156843B2	Organic electroluminescent device comprising an organic layer containing an indolocarbazole compound Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device (organic EL device) that is improved in luminous efficiency, sufficiently secures driving stability, and has a simple configuration. This organic EL device is constituted of an anode, organic layers comprising a phosphorescent light-emitting layer, and a cathode piled one upon another on a substrate and at least one organic layer selected from a light-emitting layer, an electron-transporting layer, and a hole-blocking layer contains an indolocarbazole compound represented by general formula (1). In the case where the indolocarbazole compound is incorporated in the light-emitting layer containing a phosphorescent dopant and a host material, it is incorporated as the host material. Some of such indolocarbazole compounds are represented by the following formula (2): wherein each of A1 and A2 is an aromatic hydrocarbon group; each of B1 and B2 is an aromatic heterocyclic group; each of R1 to R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group, or an aromatic heterocyclic group; m is an integer of 1 to 3; and n is an integer of 0 to 3.
US09156842B2	Process for preparing 3-[(4S)-8-bromo-1-methyl-6-(2-pyridinyl)-4H-imidazo[1,2-A][1,4]benzodiazepine-4-YL]propionic acid methyl ester or the benzene sulfonate salt thereof, and compounds useful in that process The invention concerns a new process for preparing 3-[(4S)-8-bromo-1-methyl-6-(2-pyridinyl)-4H-imidazo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-4-yl]-propionic acid methyl ester or 3-[(4S)-8-bromo-1-methyl-6-(2-pyridinyl)-4H-imidazo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-4-yl]propionic acid methyl ester benzene sulfonate (P) which comprises reacting 3-[(S)-7-bromo-2-((R and/or S)-2-hydroxy-propylamino)-5-pyridin-2-yl-3H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-3-yl]-propionic acid methyl ester of formula (EM) with an oxidizing agent and optionally treating the reaction product under acidic conditions, such as to produce the compound of formula (F) or the compound (P), and new compounds useful as starting material or as intermediate for performing that process.
US09156840B2	D2 antagonists, methods of synthesis and methods of use Provided are D2 or D3 antagonist compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or isomers thereof, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. The invention further comprises methods for making the compounds of the invention and methods for the treatment of conditions mediated by the dopamine D2 or D3 receptor from the compounds of the invention.
US09156837B2	Heterocyclic compound A heterocyclic compound having an RORγt inhibitory activity, which is a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof is provided. The compound has ring A, which is an optionally substituted cyclic group and is bound to a pyrazole ring though Q. Q is a bond, optionally substituted C1-10 alkylene, optionally substituted C2-10 alkenylene, or optionally substituted C2-10 alkynylene. R1 is a substituent. Ring B is a thiazole ring, an isothiazole ring or a dihydrothiazole ring, each of which is optionally further substituted by a substituent in addition to R2. R2 is an optionally substituted cyclyl-carbonyl-C1-6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted aminocarbonyl-C1-6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted cyclyl-C1-6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted cyclyl-C1-6 alkylamino-carbonyl group, an optionally substituted aminocarbonyl-C2-6 alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkylcarbonylamino-C1-6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted cyclyl-aminocarbonyl group, an optionally substituted cyclyl-carbonyl group or an optionally substituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group.
US09156836B2	Tricyclic triazole compounds that modulate HSP90 activity The present invention relates to substituted tricyclic triazole compounds and compositions comprising substituted tricyclic triazole compounds. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting the activity of Hsp90 in a subject in need thereof and methods for preventing or treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a compound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound.
US09156813B1	Process for the preparation of 3-(3-chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine This disclosure relates to the field of preparation of 3-(3-chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine and intermediates therefrom. These intermediates are useful in the preparation of certain pesticides.
US09156811B2	N-myristoyl transferase inhibitors The present invention relates to N-heterocyclic sulphonamide compounds, in particular pyrazole sulphonamide compounds, and their use as N-myristoyl transferase inhibitors.
US09156809B2	Carboxy ester ketals, methods of manufacture, and uses thereof This disclosure is directed to compound of formula (1): wherein R1 is a C7-18 alkyl, R2 is hydrogen or a C1-3 alkyl, each R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 is independently hydrogen or a C1-6 alkyl, a is 2-3, and b is 0-1, its method of preparation and uses thereof in water-borne coating compositions, cleaning compositions, fragrance, and personal care compositions.
US09156806B2	Process for purifying crude furan 2,5-dicarboxylic acid using hydrogenation A process to produce a dry purified furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is described. After oxidation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (5-HMF), a crude FDCA stream is produced that is fed to a crystallization zone followed by a solid-liquid displacement zone to form a low impurity slurry stream. The solids in the low impurity slurry stream are dissolved in a dissolution zone to produce a hydrogenation feed that is hydrogenated in a hydrogenation reactor to generate a hydrogenated FDCA composition. The hydrogenated FDCA composition is routed to a crystallization zone to form a crystallized produce stream that is separated from liquid in a solid-liquid separation zone to generate a purified wet cake stream containing FDCA that can be dried in a drying zone to generate a dry purified FDCA product stream.
US09156804B2	Nitroxyl donors with improved therapeutic index The disclosed subject matter provides N-substituted hydroxylamine derivative compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, the disclosed subject matter provides methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions for treating heart failure.
US09156803B2	Succinic anhydride from ethylene oxide Continuous flow systems and methods produce succinic anhydride by a double carbonylation of ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and at least one catalyst. In some embodiments, the double carbonylation occurs using a single catalyst. In other embodiments, a first catalyst is used to promote the first carbonylation, and a second catalyst different from the first catalyst is used to promote the second carbonylation. The succinic anhydride is isolated from the product stream by crystallization and the catalyst is recycled to the reaction stream.
US09156796B2	Benzoimidazole-carboxylic acid amide derivatives as APJ receptor modulators The present invention relates to benzoimidazole-carboxylic acid amide compounds of the formula I, in which R′, R″, R′″, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and Z are defined as indicated below. The compounds of the formula I are APJ receptor modulators, and are useful for the treatment of diseases associated with increased blood pressure for example. The invention furthermore relates to the use of compounds of the formula I, in particular as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US09156791B2	Pyrazole compounds acting against allergic, immune and inflammatory conditions The present invention relates to a pyrazole amide derivative, pharmaceutical compositions containing this compound and to its use in therapy.
US09156790B2	Anticancer P21-activated kinase inhibitors Compounds according to formula I: wherein Ar is a fused aryl group, R1 is selected from alkyl and aryl amides, CF3, and CH2OH, and R2 is selected from hydrogen, —C(═O)CH2NH2, and —C(═O)CH2CH2NH2 are described. The compounds are effective for inhibiting p21-activated kinases, and can be used for prevention and treatment of cancer.
US09156781B2	Substituted biaryl sulfonamides and the use thereof Provided herein are substituted biaryl sulfonamide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of their preparation, and methods of their use. The compounds provided herein are useful for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of various disorders, including cancer and proliferative disorders. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein modulate initiation of protein translation. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein are used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, immuno therapy and/or one or more additional anticancer drugs for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of cancer and proliferative disorders.
US09156779B2	Method for producing trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride Disclosed is a method for producing a Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride, which is characterized by that a reaction is conducted while kneading a Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and diphosphorus pentoxide at a temperature that is 40° C. or higher and is lower than 100° C. by using a kneader-type reactor having a maximum power of 1.0 kW or greater per an actual capacity of 100 L and equipped with at least two-shaft blades, that the Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride to be generated is discharged, and that, while the residue in the reactor after the discharge is kneaded at a temperature that is 100° C. or higher and is lower than 140° C., the unreacted Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid is discharged, recovered and reused as the raw material. It is possible by this method to obtain a Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride with a high yield.
US09156778B2	Cross-coupled peptide nucleic acids for detection of nucleic acids of pathogens Disclosed is a method for lowering the detection limit in a method of detecting a nucleic acid comprising (i) contacting a solution comprising a first PNA with a substrate having a second PNA affixed thereto, the second PNA comprising at least one trans-cyclopentane residue, wherein the first PNA has two linker-attached biotins attached thereto and the first and second PNAs being complementary to different portions of a target DNA; (ii) contacting a sample suspected of containing the nucleic acid with the first and second PNAs; and (iii) determining the presence of the reporter molecule on the substrate. Also disclosed are a detection assay and a kit for detecting a target nucleic acid.
US09156777B2	Process for preparing N-acyl amino acid salts Improved processes for making an N-acyl amino acid salt from a fatty alkyl ester or a polyol ester are disclosed. Each process uses a polyol selected from glycerin or propylene glycol in an amount effective to keep the reaction mixture fluid until conversion to the N-acyl amino acid salt reaches the desired level of completion. In one process, a fatty alkyl ester reacts with an amino acid salt in the presence of glycerin or propylene glycol to produce an N-acyl amino acid salt. In another process, a polyol ester reacts with the amino acid salt in the presence of added glycerin or propylene glycol to produce the N-acyl amino acid salt. We surprisingly found that an effective amount of glycerin or propylene glycol minimizes or eliminates reaction mixture solidification or foaming, reduces color, and minimizes the level of di- and tripeptide by-products. In a related process, water is added when conversion of the amino acid salt to the N-acyl amino acid salt is in the range of 50 to 90 mole %. Water addition improves processability, advances conversion without producing excessive soap, and helps to ensure that the N-acyl amino acid salt will have low color and a small proportion of by-products.
US09156774B2	Carboxylic acid ester compound and method for producing same, and fragrance composition The present invention provides a novel carboxylic acid ester compound useful as a fragrance component or a material for a compound fragrance and a method for producing the same, and provides a fragrance composition including the carboxylic acid ester compound. The present invention also provides an acyl fluorides of a 2,4-dimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane compound and the esters thereof, useful as the raw materials (inclusive of the intermediates of organic synthesis), for example, for the medicines, agricultural chemicals, fragrances, functional resins, optical functional materials and electronic functional materials. The carboxylic acid ester compound of the present invention is a compound represented by the general formula (1). (In the formula, one of R1 and R2 is a methyl group and the other of R1 and R2 is —COOR, and R is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.)
US09156765B2	Process for oxidizing alkyl-aromatic compounds A process for oxidizing an alkyl-aromatic compound is described. The process includes contacting the alkyl-aromatic compound, a solvent comprising a precursor of at least one ionic liquid, a bromine source, a catalyst, and an oxidizing agent to produce an oxidation product comprising at least one of an aromatic alcohol, an aromatic aldehyde, an aromatic ketone, and an aromatic carboxylic acid.
US09156763B1	Photocatalyst for selective oxidation of alcohols: a green synthesis approach A photocatalyst comprising silver orthophosphate (Ag3PO4) is used for selective and exhaustive conversion of alcohols into their corresponding carbonyl compounds; namely, benzyl alcohol, 4-methoxy benzyl alcohol and/or cinnamyl alcohol with >99% yield. The reactions were carried out in double distilled water at room temperature and pressure under sunlight-type excitation. Oxidation of alcohols is selective and Ag3PO4 may be active for a variety of other essential oxidation reactions.
US09156762B2	4,4-bis[(ethenyloxy)methyl]cyclohexene and method for producing same A novel substance, 4,4-bis[(ethenyloxy)methyl]cyclohexene having the formula (I), which is low in odor, low in volatility, and low in skin irritability, and therefore, can be used as, for example, a starting material for inks and a starting material for electronic materials, and a method for producing the same are provided:
US09156760B2	Method for production of butanol using extractive fermentation Provided herein are methods for recovering butanol from a fermentation medium. The methods comprise providing a fermentation medium comprising butanol, water, and a recombinant microorganism comprising a butanol biosynthetic pathway, wherein the recombinant microorganism produces butanol; contacting the fermentation medium with a water immiscible organic extractant composition comprising a dry solvent to form a butanol-containing organic phase and an aqueous phase; and recovering the butanol from the butanol-containing organic phase.
US09156750B2	Purification of a hydrocarbon stream A process for producing a purified hydrocarbon stream can include contacting a hydrocarbon stream contaminated with one or more organoaluminum compounds with a chemical agent that is capable of reacting with the one or more organoaluminum compounds.
US09156744B2	Agricultural compositions and methods for making and using the same Soil amendment/foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use are provided. The compositions are aqueous compositions that include a carbon skeleton energy component (CSE); a macronutrient; a vitamin cofactor; a complexing agent; and at least one of exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.
US09156743B2	Carbon component and method for manufacturing the same A carbon component having a hole therein and an outer surface covered with a ceramic coating, and a method for manufacturing the carbon component are provided. The carbon component includes two carbon plate members joined together. The hole is defined by a groove formed on a mating surface of at least one of the carbon plate members and a mating portion of the other of the carbon plate members, which opposes the groove. An inner surface of the hole including a surface of the groove is entirely covered with a ceramic coating.
US09156742B2	Honeycomb structural body In a cross section, perpendicular to an axial direction of a honeycomb structural body having partition walls and cells, a plurality of sections having a different cell density is formed from a central area toward an outer peripheral area, and a partition wall is formed between the sections adjacent to each other. The boundary section has boundary partition walls and plural boundary cells having a polygonal shape different in shape from the cells in the sections formed adjacent to the boundary section. The partition walls in the sections adjacent to the boundary section are connected by the boundary partition walls. A part of the boundary cell is surrounded by at least the boundary partition walls. A relationship of φ1/φ2≧1.25 is satisfied, where φ1 indicates an average hydraulic diameter of the boundary cells and φ2 indicates an average hydraulic diameter of the cells.
US09156737B2	Method for producing phosphated polycondensation products and the use thereof The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a phosphated polycondensate, at least one sulphonic acid being used as catalyst, and to the use of the phosphated polycondensate obtained as an admixture for aqueous suspensions of hydraulic and/or latently hydraulic binders.
US09156730B2	Inorganic fiber and method for manufacturing the same To provide an inorganic fiber that suppresses adverse effects on a human body and living environments, exhibits high biosolubility, and also exhibits excellent heat resistance as a constituent material for a filter material, a sealing material, or the like. The inorganic fiber comprises 30 mass % or more and less than 81 mass % of Al2O3, more than 19 mass % and 65 mass % or less of MgO and 0 mass % to 40 mass % of SiO2, wherein the total content of Al2O3, MgO and SiO2 relative to the entire fiber is 98 mass % or more.
US09156729B2	High refractive index glass composition A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 30.0 to 40.0% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 23.0% by weight, B2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 15.0% by weight, K2O in an amount from 0.0 to 5.0% by weight, La2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 30.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from 0.0 to 3.0% by weight, Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to 4.0% by weight, Nb2O5 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, TiO2 in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight, WO3 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, Y2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 35.0% by weight, and RO (one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO) in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the composition have a refractive index between 1.55 and 1.69.
US09156728B2	Low density and high strength fiber glass for ballistic applications The present invention relates to fabrics, composites, prepregs, laminates, and other products incorporating glass fibers formed from glass compositions. The glass fibers, in some embodiments, are incorporated into composites that can be adapted for use in high energy impact applications such as ballistic or blast resistance applications. Glass fibers formed from some embodiments of the glass compositions can have certain desirable properties that can include, for example, desirable electrical properties (e.g. low Dk) or desirable mechanical properties (e.g., specific strength).
US09156721B2	Method for cutting chemically strengthened glass A method for cutting chemically strengthened glass is provided. The chemically strengthened glass includes a first stress layer, a second stress layer, and a tension layer sandwich between the first stress layer and the second stress layer. The method includes: using a green pulsed laser to cut the first stress layer, wherein the green pulsed laser includes a first green pulsed laser having femtosecond level and a second green pulsed laser having nanosecond level; using a ultraviolet pulsed laser to cut the tension layer, wherein the ultraviolet pulsed laser includes a first ultraviolet pulsed laser having femtosecond level and a second ultraviolet pulsed laser having nanosecond level; and using the green pulse layer to cut the second stress layer.
US09156720B2	Patterned glass cylindrical lens arrays for concentrated photovoltaic systems, and/or methods of making the same Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to patterned glass that can be used as a cylindrical lens array in a concentrated photovoltaic application, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells and/or single-axis tracking systems. That is, in certain example embodiments, lenses in the lens array may be arranged so as to concentrate incident light onto respective strip solar cells, and the entire assembly may be connected to a single-axis tracking system that is programmed to follow the East-West movement of the sun. A low-iron glass may be used in connection with certain example embodiments. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments.
US09156702B2	Graphene membrane repair Technologies described herein are generally related to systems and processes for repairing a graphene membrane on a support. A chamber may receive a layer of graphene on a support. The layer of graphene may include a hole. A first container including an initiator may be effective to apply an initiator through the hole to the support to functionalize the support and produce an initiator layer on the support. A second container including an activator may be effective to apply an activator through the hole to the initiator layer to activate the initiator layer. The application of the activator may further be effective to grow a polymer from the initiator layer. The growth of the polymer may be effective to produce a polymer plug in the hole and effective to repair at least a portion of the layer of graphene.
US09156700B2	Process for producing unitary graphene materials A process for producing a unitary graphene material, comprising: (a) preparing a graphene oxide (GO) gel having GO molecules dissolved in a fluid medium wherein the GO molecules contain higher than 20% by weight of oxygen; (b) dispensing and depositing a layer of GO gel onto a surface of a substrate to form a layer of deposited GO gel thereon, wherein the dispensing and depositing procedure includes shear-induced thinning; (c) removing the fluid medium from the deposited GO gel to form a GO layer having an inter-plane spacing d002 of 0.4 nm to 1.2 nm as determined by X-ray diffraction; and (d) heat treating the GO layer to form the unitary graphene material at a heat treatment temperature higher than 100° C. to an extent that d002 is decreased to a value of 0.3354 nm to 0.4 nm and the oxygen content is decreased to less than 5% by weight.
US09156698B2	Method of purifying carbon nanotubes and applications thereof The present invention relates to a method of preparing purified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) comprising mixing starting CNTs with an organic solvent in the presence of sonication; substantially removing the organic solvent to obtain a CNT composition; and heating the CNT composition at 200° C. or higher to obtain the purified carbon nanotubes. The present invention further relates to the purified CNTs and cohesive CNT assemblies prepared from the method described herein, and articles (e.g. capacitor, energy storage device or capacitive deionization device) comprising the purified CNTs.
US09156697B2	Method for manufacturing carbon nanotube film A method for manufacturing a large-area carbon nanotube film is provided. A helical-shaped substrate having a smoothly curved surface configured for growing carbon nanotube film thereon is provided. The helical-shaped substrate is fixed in a reactor chamber using a supporter. The helical-shaped substrate gradually increases along an axis of the reactor chamber, and the supporter is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reactor chamber. A catalyst layer is formed on the smoothly curved surface of the substrate. A carbon nanotube film is grown on the smoothly curved surface of the helical-shaped substrate by a chemical vapor deposition process.
US09156692B2	Method for producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt, method for producing fluorosulfate, and method for producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide onium salt According to the method for producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt of the present invention, the method for producing fluorosulfate, and the method for producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide onium salt, first, an aqueous solution is prepared by dissolving a mixed liquid containing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide and fluorosulfonic acid in water. Then, the aqueous solution is neutralized with an alkaline compound, producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt and fluorosulfate. In the methods, bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt, fluorosulfate, and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide onium salt can be obtained safely and easily.
US09156691B2	Process for co-producing commercially valuable products from byproducts of heavy oil and bitumen upgrading process The present invention is directed to modifications of bitumen and heavy oil upgrading and refining processes to synthesize synthetic crude oil and other valuable synthesized hydrocarbon products in an efficient manner along with the production of commercially valuable co-products from by-products formed by the upgrading process.
US09156690B2	Hydrogen generation process using partial oxidation/steam reforming Partial oxidation/steam reformers (222) which use heat integrated steam cycles and steam to carbon ratios of at least about 4:1 to enable efficient operation at high pressures suitable for hydrogen purification unit operation such as membrane separation (234) and pressure swing adsorption.
US09156688B2	Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas Systems and methods for thermally decomposing hydrocarbon feedstock may comprise a hydrocarbon feedstock, a non-oxidizing carrier gas, one or more heat exchangers, and a reaction chamber. The carrier gas may be used to transfer heat to the hydrocarbon feedstock. The heat exchanger(s) may be configured to heat the carrier gas. And the reaction chamber may be configured to receive hydrocarbon feedstock and heated carrier gas. Inside the reaction chamber, the hydrocarbon feedstock and the heated carrier gas may mix with one another causing the thermal decomposition reaction. The thermal decomposition reaction occurs in a substantially oxidant-free environment thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the production of carbon oxide byproducts. Hydrogen gas may be separated from a gaseous product stream that is thereafter collected from the reaction chamber. A portion of the gaseous product stream may be thermally coupled to the carrier gas and may thereafter be recycled through the system.
US09156687B2	Water reactive hydrogen generation system and method with separation of waste products from water reactive materials A water reactive hydrogen generation system includes devices and methods to combine reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is used in a fuel cell or other application. The water reactive hydrogen generation system includes a reactant fuel chamber, a reactor chamber (zone), a water solution inlet, a hydrogen output port, and a material delivery device. The material delivery device can include a drive screw and a sliding piston to move the fuel material into the reactor zone when a reaction is initiated. As the reaction takes place, the reaction waste product is removed from the reaction zone to allow additional reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to be introduced and to continue the hydrogen-generating reaction. A reaction waste product created is exchanged for additional reactant fuel material at determined intervals to allow the reaction to continue until the reactant fuel is exhausted.
US09156686B2	Manufacturing method of CNT emitter with density controlled carbon nanotube Provided is a manufacturing method of a CNT emitter with density controlled CNT, comprising: (i) fabricating a CNT paste by dispersing a carbon nanotube (CNT) powder, two kinds or more of inorganic fillers which have a lower melting temperature than the CNT and different oxidation degrees of the CNT, and an organic binder in a solvent; (ii) coating the CNT paste on an electrode formed above a substrate; (iii) sintering the substrate coated with the CNT paste to selectively oxidize the CNT around one kind of inorganic filler among two kinds or more of the inorganic fillers; and (iv) treating the surface of the CNT paste so that the surface of the CNT paste is activated.
US09156682B2	Method of forming oriented block copolymer line patterns, block copolymer line patterns formed thereby, and their use to form patterned articles A block copolymer film having a line pattern with a high degree of long-range order is formed by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate surface with parallel facets, and annealing the block copolymer film to form an annealed block copolymer film having linear microdomains parallel to the substrate surface and orthogonal to the parallel facets of the substrate. The line-patterned block copolymer films are useful for the fabrication of magnetic storage media, polarizing devices, and arrays of nanowires.
US09156678B2	MEMS encapsulation by multilayer film lamination This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a laminated film enclosing an array of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structures. In one aspect, a MEMS apparatus includes a substrate having a device region and an edge region surrounding the device region and an array of MEMS structures on the substrate at the device region. A protective layer is disposed over the array of MEMS structures. A laminated film is disposed over the protective layer and in contact with the substrate to form a seal at the edge region, where the laminated film forms a cavity between the substrate and the laminated film at the device region. The laminated film includes a moisture barrier layer facing away from the array of MEMS structures, and a desiccant layer facing toward the array of MEMS structures.
US09156677B2	Shunt switch at common port to reduce hot switching Pilot switch circuitry grounds a hot node (an injection node) of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch to reduce or eliminate arcing between a cantilever contact and a terminal contact when the MEMS switch is opened or closed. The pilot switch circuitry grounds the hot node prior to, during, and after the cantilever contact and terminal contact of the MEMS come into contact with one another (when the MEMS switch is closed). Additionally, the pilot switch circuitry grounds the hot node prior to, during, and after the cantilever contact and terminal contact of the MEMS disengage from one another (when the MEMS switch is opened).
US09156675B2	Micromechanical component and manufacturing method for a micromechanical component A micromechanical component includes a substrate having a cavern structured into the same, an at least partially conductive diaphragm, which at least partially spans the cavern, and a counter electrode, which is situated on an outer side of the diaphragm oriented away from the substrate so that a clearance is present between the counter electrode and the at least partially conductive diaphragm, the at least partially conductive diaphragm being spanned onto or over at least one electrically insulating material which at least partially covers the functional top side of the substrate, and at least one pressure access being formed on the cavern so that the at least partially conductive diaphragm is bendable into the clearance when a gaseous medium flows from an outer surroundings of the micromechanical component into the cavern. Also described is a manufacturing method for a micromechanical component.
US09156668B1	Bottle cap lifter A bottle cap lifter includes a body with a bottle cap receiving recess and a lever portion pivoted to the body. When moved to the open position, the bottle cap on a bottle is insertable in the recess into a position for engagement by a distal end portion of the lever such that the lever can apply a lifting force to the bottle cap to remove the bottle cap from the bottle.
US09156664B1	Piñata hanging and swinging apparatus The piñata hanging and swinging apparatus includes a boom pipe that pivots about a vertical support via a pivot point. The boom pipe includes a handle such that the boom pipe can be animated to flail a piñata up/down/around the vertical support. The boom pipe includes a handle to enable articulation of the boom pipe, and a pulley is located at an end opposite of the handle through which a string extends to hang said piñata there from. The vertical support is secured to and rotates about a weight block that rests upon the base. An end user stands on the base while articulating the boom pipe in order to animate the piñata hanging from a string.
US09156660B2	Lifting bale What is disclosed is a lifting bale that has at least two side supports, at least two cross support, and at least one center support and ideally configured to fit over the motor of a concrete saw, to provide handles for lifting the saw, and to provide an attachment point for a lifting mechanism to attach to the lifting bale and to lift the concrete saw, or other object the lifting bale is attached to, upward from the single point while maintaining the concrete saw or other object in a generally level position.
US09156656B2	Friction drive lift A stair lift for transporting a load includes a longitudinal guide having a first side running surface and a second side running surface opposing the first side running surface; and a carriage which is transportable along the guide and provided with rollers for guiding the carriage along the guide. The rollers include a first roller having a first roller peripheral friction surface which is in frictional engagement with the first side running surface for guiding the carriage along the guide and a second roller having a second roller peripheral friction surface which is in frictional engagement with the second side running surface for guiding the carriage along the guide. The first roller friction surface is provided with a first roller member, and the first side running surface is provided with a longitudinal first side running surface member which fits complementary with the first roller member.
US09156650B2	Power-assist fire hose reel A fire hose reel assembly comprising, a base, a front left angled bar, a front right angled bar, a rear left angled bar and a rear right angled bar. A top connecting bar connects the front left angled bar, the front right angled bar, the rear left angled bar and the rear right angled bar. A latch is directly attached to the top connecting bar. The fire hose reel assembly further includes a fire hose take-up rod. The fire hose reel assembly includes a fork assembly and a fork upper rod. The fork upper rod has a coupling attached to an upper end of the fork upper rod. The fork upper rod may be retained in the latch. The fork assembly is capable of retaining an end of a fire hose. A manual crank or a battery-operated or electric drill may be connected to the coupling in the upper end of the fork upper rod to provide power-assist to facilitate rolling-up the fire hose. The fire hose reel assembly in an embodiment may be mounted on wheels.
US09156649B1	Knot tying kit and systems Knot tying kit is a teaching and training tool that helps users to learn, improve and keep their knot tying techniques current. The kit is portable and allows users to practice dozens of types of knots.
US09156645B2	Sheet storage apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet storage apparatus for storing sheets including a sheet storage unit including a lower guide configured to guide a lower surface of the conveyed sheet, an upper guide configured to guide an upper surface of the conveyed sheet, and a shutting-off unit provided in one of the lower guide and the upper guide, configured to be movable around a rotational axis and between a shutting-off position at which a downstream end of the conveying direction of the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit is shut off and a retracting position for retracting from the shutting-off position, and a plurality of stages of sheet storage units is vertically stacked and at least a part of the shutting-off unit overlaps the rotational axis of the adjacent sheet storage unit in a vertical direction at the shutting-off position.
US09156643B2	Sheet pressing device and printer A sheet pressing device enables reliably pivoting a presser lever that presses a sheet material to a feed path surface to a pressure position and a released position. The sheet pressing device has a movable-side presser lever configured to pivot between a pressure position where die-cut label paper conveyed over the feed path surface is pressed by a sheet presser part to a flat surface, and a released position where the sheet presser part is separated from the die-cut label paper; and a lever spring respectively urges the movable-side presser lever to the pressure position or the released position from a neutral point between the pressure position and the released position.
US09156640B2	Sheet processing apparatus and color erasing apparatus a sheet processing apparatus comprises a main body side guiding module, a first movable module, a second movable module and a connection module. The main body side guiding module guides a sheet. The first movable module moves to a second position to open the conveyance path through motion from a first position opposite to the main body side guiding module, towards a first direction. The second movable module holds a detachable processing module for carrying out a given processing on the sheet, and moves integrally with the first movable module from the first position to the second position. The connection module connects the second movable module with the first movable module in such a manner that the second movable module can move to a third position to expose the processing module through motion from the second position in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US09156638B2	Apparatus for marking and ordering plate blanks, and load and receiving magazines therefor An apparatus for marking indicia on a plate blank where plate blanks are successively presented from a load magazine and moved to a printing station where the indicia is marked thereon and produce a finished plate. The finished plate is then moved into a receiving magazine where it is added to a stack of previously finished plates in a predetermined order corresponding the order in which the finished plates are produced. Also provided herein as a load magazine for presenting and having dispensed therefrom successive single plate blanks at a load magazine opening and a receiving magazine for receiving and stacking finished plates in a predetermined order.
US09156631B2	Multi-stage solids feeder system and method A system includes a multi-stage solids feeder. The multi-stage solids feeder includes a first solids feeder having a first inlet and a first outlet, a second solids feeder having a second inlet and a second outlet, and a conduit disposed between the first outlet and the second inlet. The second solids feeder is disposed adjacent to the first solids feeder, and the conduit routes a solids flow from the first solids feeder to the second solids feeder.
US09156629B2	Diverting conveyor with bidirectional assist roller A sorting conveyor including a diverting conveyor and a bidirectional assist roller to help sort articles over the side of the diverting conveyor. The diverting conveyor includes, in one version, a conveyor belt with diverting rollers selectively actuated to push articles toward a side of the diverting conveyor. The bidirectional assist roller rotates on an axis parallel to the main conveying direction. As articles to be diverted reach the side of the diverting conveyor, the bidirectional roller rotates in a direction to assist articles over the side of the diverting conveyor and the bidirectional roller and onto an exit conveyor. When the diverting rollers are not actuated, the bidirectional roller rotates in the opposite direction to prevent articles from exiting the side of the diverting conveyor. In some instances, the bidirectional roller can be raised above the level of the diverting rollers to further block articles not selected for sorting from exiting over the side and onto the exit conveyor.
US09156626B2	Work method and work device High precision work is performed on a work target (workpiece) during conveyance, irrespective of the oscillations accompanying conveyance. A work method includes steps of: predicting a predicted oscillation pattern occurring in a workpiece (W) afterwards from the measurement results of oscillation occurring in the workpiece (W) during conveyance by way of a workpiece conveyance device (2); controlling a robot (131) so as to operate at an oscillation according to the predicted oscillation pattern thus predicted; detecting oscillation occurring in the robot (131) during the step of controlling; and comparing the oscillation occurring in the robot (131) with the predicted oscillation pattern, and in the case of differing, adjusting so that the oscillation of the robot (131) matches the predicted oscillation pattern, in which each of these steps is completed before the robot (131) performs work on the workpiece (W).
US09156625B2	Object detecting actuator and object detecting switch An object detecting actuator and an object detecting switch with increased durability. The actuator in one embodiment includes a roller that receives a load of an external force; and a roller lever to which the roller is rotatably attached by means of a rotary shaft, the actuator being a displacement member that is displaced in accordance with the load of the force received by the roller, wherein the roller is constituted by a sintered body of stainless steel material impregnated with lubricating oil, and a density of the sintered body of stainless steel material is in a range of 6.45 to 6.7 g/cm3.
US09156624B2	Grain unloading control system An agricultural device for controlled unloading of grain including an unloader conveyor including an enclosed housing having an inlet end including an opening for receiving grain, and an opposite outlet end including a discharge opening through which the grain can be discharged. An unloader conveyor element extends through the housing between the ends and operable for conveying the grain through the housing from the inlet end and discharging the grain through the discharge opening. The unloader conveyor element includes a substantially vertical unloader conveyor segment connected to a substantially horizontal unloader conveyor segment. An unloader drive selectably operates a portion of the conveyor element associated with the substantially vertical unloader conveyor segment in a disengaged mode in response to a sensed cumulative loading condition of the substantially vertical unloader conveyor segment and the substantially horizontal unloader conveyor segment exceeding a predetermined value.
US09156619B2	Belt conveyor device A belt conveyor for a road-finishing machine or a charger. The belt conveyor includes a conveyor belt in which a displaceably mounted support element abuts the conveyor belt, and a first and a second piston cylinder unit operate to displace the support element. The first and the second hydraulic piston cylinder units can be pressurised independently of each other in order to move the support element into a desired inclined position. If the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor runs laterally away from the support element, the out-of-true running of the conveyor belt can be counteracted by an inclined position of the support element which moves the conveyor belt back into its original position.
US09156612B2	Method and apparatus for handling material in a pneumatic materials handling system Method for handling material in a pneumatic materials handling system, in which material, such as waste material, is input from an input aperture of an input point, such as from an input aperture of a refuse chute or of some other input point, and is handled with a shaping device, arranged in connection with the input point or in the proximity of it, to be more compact and is transferred onwards. The shaping device is a rotary shaper, which includes rotatable handling device, which includes an aperture, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation, and which rotary shaper includes at least one stationary handling device, in which case the material to be handled is conducted into the rotary shaper and/or through it at least partly by means of gravity and/or suction and/or a pressure difference.
US09156611B1	Front loading garbage truck A front loading garbage truck with a unique packing blade that creates a self-cleaning garbage truck without the need for manual clean outs and construction for the accomplishment of same. The packing blade includes a top vertical portion that is in a fixed position and a second bottom vertical portion that is retractable into a horizontal position to allow for repeated pass-throughs to collect all debris prior to emptying the garbage from the truck. Additionally, a unique cab shield sits atop the cab portion that contains a plurality of holes on the sides and along the top sloping face to allow ventilation therethrough and prevent damage to the engine caused by excessive heat.
US09156607B2	Collapsible intermodal flat rack A collapsible intermodal flat rack features a cargo deck with first and second arches pivotally mounted to the cargo deck. Each arch is provided with a crank mechanism including a gearbox having an input shaft and an output shaft. The output shaft is attached to the corresponding arch so that the arch may be moved between a storage position, where a top portion of the arch is located adjacent to the cargo deck, and a use position, where the top portion of the arch is elevated from the cargo deck, by actuation of the input shaft.
US09156604B2	Cigarette packet A cigarette packet substantially having the shape of a parallelepiped and containing a group of cigarettes includes an outer case formed by two larger lateral walls, respectively a front wall and a rear wall, and by two smaller lateral walls or sides, by a lower wall or base and by an upper wall or lid. An inner case is inserted in the outer case. The outer case includes a projection for controlling the lid, the projection being interposed between the front wall of the outer case and a front wall of the inner case and moveable between a first position in which the lid is closed and a second position in which the lid is open. A mechanism is provided for reciprocal engagement of the projection and the inner case for partially extracting the group of cigarettes from the outer case.
US09156601B2	Application material extruding container An application material extruding container has a filling member including a filling area filled with an application material, a piston inward inserted to the filling member in a rear end of the filling area, and a hole portion arranged in the filling member. A front end surface of the piston is arranged in front of a rear end of an opening of the hole portion when the piston is at a backward moving limit, and a part of the application material is flowed out of the filling area while passing through the hole portion. When the piston is assembled in the filling member, the piston is inward inserted to the filling member while securely discharging an air between the application material and the piston out of the filling area via the hole portion, until the application material is flowed out of the filling area via the hole portion.
US09156600B2	Modified polyimides and moisture interactive materials and products including the same Moisture interactive materials and products formed with a polyimide material that includes metal salt (e.g., cobalt salt) portions imbedded therein such that the polyimide material is capable of absorbing, permeating, and desorbing moisture and such that the polyimide material changes in color depending upon how much moisture is currently retained by the polyimide material, the polyimide material being substantially free of oxide.
US09156597B2	Child resistant, tamper evident container Two embodiments of a molded plastic container/closure combination are described. Each can be structured to provide a child resistant opening feature and, optionally, a tamper-evident feature. In both embodiments, the closure has radially extending bayonets arranged around an outer skirt, which bayonets can be rotated into a position underlying semi-annular ribs in a beam molded integrally with the sidewall of the container. Rotation of the closure in the unlocking direction is opposed by a structure which requires depression of a release tab downwardly. In one embodiment, depression of the release tab requires that a frangible element first be fractured and removed from the container sidewall. In the second embodiment, depressing the release tab is made possible by a living hinge formed on one side of the release tab.
US09156592B1	Rapid closing security container A rapid closing security container which is adapted to quickly and efficiently secure various items from theft or tampering. The rapid closing security container generally includes a container having an upper opening which may be closed using a closure assembly. The closure assembly includes a first tube and a second tube which extend parallel to each other. Using a draw cord and a pair of closure cords, the first and second tubes may be drawn toward each other to close the container. A lock may be utilized to secure the draw cord and prevent the container from being opened without disengaging the lock.
US09156591B2	Packaging container that can be ventilated A particularly simple construction is intended for a packaging container for bulk material, in particular a sack or bag made of a plastic film with at least one container wall which encloses the bulk material, which comprises a multilayer venting region extending in the longitudinal direction of the container and consisting of at least one inner layer and one outer layer, wherein the venting region has at least one inner and outer opening, wherein the inner openings are designed as apertures in a strip-shaped surface region of the inner layer of the venting region, wherein the surface region extends over at least a portion of the direction of extent of the venting region, and wherein the at least one outer opening is formed in a joining seam laterally limiting the venting region, wherein a shielding element inside the venting region is associated with the outer opening in the joining seam for the deliberate diversion of at least a partial flow of the air flow passing through the venting region. This is achieved as a result of the venting region having just one chamber in which the shielding element separates the inner and outer openings from each other and the shielding element has a length that is between 10% and 50% of the overall length of the venting region.
US09156589B2	Manually activated reconstituting container The invention relates to single chamber containers with internal indentions upon which flexible seals are placed to form separate compartments. Between these compartments is a contractible section upon which a cutting ring is welded. By applying pressure downward from the top, the contractible area retracts and the cutting ring reaches and pierces the seal. After a quick agitation, the consumer simply opens the discharge end and is ready to enjoy an instantly made beverage.
US09156587B2	Multiple sealed beverage vessels in a case A consumer packaged good includes a case, a plurality of translucent vessels vertically stacked within the case, a beverage stored in each of the plurality of the vessels and a barrier sealed to each vessel for containing the beverage in the respective vessel. The case includes a base wall and at least one side wall extending upwardly from the base wall. The plurality of translucent vessels are surrounded by the sidewall. Each vessel includes an opening for drinking from the vessel and a base surface for supporting the vessel on an associated support surface. The barrier seals to each vessel for covering the opening and containing the beverage in the respective vessel. The barrier is peelable from the vessel without destroying the vessel to provide access to the beverage stored in the vessel.
US09156586B2	Transport system for compressed gas cylinders The invention generally relates to a pallet or other flat platform having one or more, preferably two, perpendicular dividers secured to the surface of the flat platform and each other in a stable manner. Gas cylinder(s) are set in an upright position on the same surface of the flat platform as the divider(s). The cylinder(s) are secured, generally by steel bands or nylon straps, to the divider(s) and/or the flat platform surface.
US09156583B2	Container, chime and assembly of both Container assembly comprising a container and a top chime fixed to each other, the container having a top part and a peripheral side wall, characterized in that the fixation between the chime and the container is situated at the top part of the container and at a distance from said peripheral side wall.
US09156581B2	Sustainable packaging system and method thereof A sustainable packing system is provided comprising a first fiberboard having a substantially flat surface for accepting a first item and at least one scored line for facilitating folding of the first fiberboard, the first fiberboard adapted to form a closed wall; and a second fiberboard adapted to be frictionally secured within the closed wall of the first fiberboard, having a substantially flat surface for accepting a second item and at least one scored line for facilitating folding of the second fiberboard to form a closed wall. A packaging method is also provided comprising the steps of providing a fiberboard having a substantially flat surface; scoring lines in the fiberboard to facilitate folding; wrapping a first item around the fiberboard; and folding the fiberboard forming a closed wall.
US09156576B2	Safety chamber An arrangement is provided to prevent emissions of hydrogen peroxide from a packaging machine forming sealed packaging containers from a packaging material web. The packaging machine has a sterilization portion comprising an inlet chamber, a peroxide bath and an aseptic chamber. The aseptic chamber is held at an overpressure while the inlet chamber is held at an underpressure during normal operation of the packaging machine. The peroxide bath functions as a seal between the inlet chamber and the aseptic chamber. A safety chamber placed in front of the inlet chamber is held at an underpressure to avoid peroxide emissions to the environment. The packaging material web will pass the safety chamber before going into the inlet chamber.
US09156575B2	Bagging, sealing, and labeling system and method A load packaging system includes a bag feeder for pulling a length of bag material, a mechanism for cutting and sealing the bag material to form a bag with a first sealed end, and a gripping device for opening the bag. The system also includes a load pusher for pushing the load into the bag, a package sealer for sealing a second end of the bag, and a labeling device for printing and applying one or more labels onto the load.
US09156568B1	Elastically deployable panel structure solar arrays An elastically deployable three-dimensional panel structure for a solar array that can be collapsed to a flattened state and subsequently rolled, bended, or folded to achieve a compact stowage volume. The panel structure has top facing planar surface region on which one or more photovoltaic modules are attached, and other non-planar regions, located at the structure edges, that increase the deployed stiffness and strength of the structure. The deployable structure may include one or more panel structure modules mechanically interconnected in series and one or more photovoltaic modules electrically interconnected and mechanically adhered to the panel structure surface or tensioned within an openings within in the panel structure. Structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of the one or more panel structures from their stowed state. Deployment control is provided to ensure a known and repeatable deployment path through interlocking strips attached to one or more panel structures.
US09156564B2	Airport capacity from takeoff assist Systems and methods for ground-based aircraft thrust systems are provided. In particular, some embodiments use an electromechanical thrust assembly to accelerate aircraft using ground-based energy for takeoff. The assembly can include one or more sleds, one or more maglev tracks, and/or one or more linear motors. Airplanes are loaded onto a sled (e.g., a saddle-shaped sled) that supports and balances the airplane instead of the landing gear aboard the aircraft. The sled levitates above the ground using high-density permanent magnet arrays. Magnetic levitation forces are varied along the assembly to account for lift provided by airflow over the wings. An aircraft thrust system includes a magnetically levitated saddle-shaped sled with airbags that support an aircraft during takeoff acceleration coupled with a linear motor that spans the length of the distance needed for takeoff.
US09156563B2	Aircraft monitoring system A method and apparatus for monitoring an aircraft. A pilot control input signal is received. A response of a control surface system controlled by a flight control model is identified using the pilot control input signal. An alert is generated when the control surface system reaches a threshold with respect to the control surface system becoming saturated.
US09156562B2	Propulsion and motion-transmission assembly, in particular for a rotary-wing aircraft A propulsion and motion-transmission assembly (1), in particular for a rotary-wing aircraft, the assembly (1) comprising: a first motor-reducer assembly (2); and a second motor-reducer assembly (4), wherein the first and second motor-reducer assemblies (2, 4) are arranged for driving in rotation at least one rotor of a rotary-wing aircraft; and wherein each of said first and second motor-reducer assemblies (2, 4) comprises:—a mechanical differential (6, 24) including a first input shaft (8; 26), a second input shaft (10; 28) and an output shaft (12, 30); and—a first electric motor (14; 32) and a second electric motor (16; 34) connected, respectively, to said first and second input shafts (8, 10; 26, 28), the output shaft of each motor-reducer assembly being arranged for connection in rotation to a rotor of a rotary-wing aircraft.
US09156560B2	Intelligent integrated propulsion control system and method Control systems and methods for an aircraft propulsion system are disclosed in which the propulsion control system is integrated to intelligently control aircraft propulsion and minimize transient effects from the power demands of other aircraft subsystems.
US09156555B2	Desk assembly for positioning board-like electronic device A desk assembly includes a desk top pivotably connected to a seat or the armrest of the seat, and includes an angle adjustment unit and a positioning portion. The desk top is flat and suitable for books or magazines put thereon. A rack is pivotably connected to the desk top and has a positioning unit. The rack is pivoted and positioned relative to the desk top so that the board-like electronic device such as cellular phone or board-like computer can be supported on the rack.
US09156554B2	System component module and method for mounting in an aircraft cabin A system component module (100) to be mounted in an aircraft cabin (22) comprises a support (28), to which a PSU duct (34) as well as an individual air supply system (72) are attached. A fastening device (112) is designed to fasten the system component module (100) to a bottom panel (32) of a luggage compartment (26) in the aircraft cabin (22).
US09156553B1	Aircraft mission equipment having an integrated air caster handling system Aircraft mission equipment (e.g., an electrical equipment cabinet) comprising a base plate equipped on a bottom with a plurality of air casters that provide flotation mobility. When the equipment is being loaded in or unloaded from an aircraft, the actuated air casters provide a plurality of air cushions. The total lift force produced by the air cushions is sufficient to float the equipment above and out of contact with the floor, thereby improving ease of handling and reducing point loads on the floor structure. Portions of the air distribution system that provides pressurized air to the air casters on the bottom of the base plate are structurally integrated into the base plate of the mission equipment.
US09156551B2	Tilt-ball turret with gimbal lock avoidance A turret assembly for attachment on the undersurface of an aircraft that reduces performance limitations due to gimbal lock and reduces the cross section profile of the assembly. The assembly includes a roll actuator including a drive shaft. A yoke having a cross member is coupled to the drive shaft and a pair of prongs. The yoke is rotated via the roll actuator and drive shaft along a roll axis oriented substantially parallel to the body of the aircraft. A turret is mounted on the prongs of the yoke. A tilt actuator is contained within the turret. The tilt actuator tilts the turret on a tilt axis relative to the yoke. The tilt axis is perpendicular to the roll axis.
US09156550B2	Dual channel wing for an aerocar A dual channel wing for an aircraft, comprising an inboard and an outboard portion, wherein each portion comprises a channel wing section. Each channel may include a propulsor and the propulsors of each of the channels may be offset relative to one another in the chordwise direction of the wing. The wing may be foldable upon itself about a chordwise axis such that the inboard and outboard channels overlap. At least one dual channel wing may also be located on an aerocar.
US09156549B2	Aircraft vertical lift device A lift device is disclosed that can be used to provide vertical lift to an aircraft or other vehicle. The lift device can include a fan that produces an airflow and a vane box that can direct the airflow. In one form the fan can be oriented at an angle relative to a reference plane in the aircraft. In another form the vane box can be oriented at an angle. The vane box can be structured to provide a maximum flow area between an aft flow vector and a forward flow vector.
US09156544B2	Hub assembly with centrifugal and radial bearings A rotary system including a yoke having an opening forming a bridge for receiving a spoke extending therethrough. A rotor blade couples to the spoke and a pitch horn positioned outside the opening pitches the rotor blade during flight. A bearing assembly attaches the spoke and the pitch horn to the bridge and control blade forces exerted against the hub assembly during flight.
US09156542B2	System for piloting an aircraft provided with a performance functions server A piloting system including a performance functions server which is linked to all the computers of the piloting system, which hosts all the performance functions of the piloting system and which is able to supply the results of performance functions to at least said computers of the piloting system.
US09156540B2	Hard landing detection and orientation control Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to obtaining, by a device, data associated with an aircraft, processing, by the device, the data, determining, by the device, that the aircraft is likely to impact an object with a probability greater than a threshold within a second threshold amount of time based on the processed data, and causing, by the device, a change in an orientation of the aircraft based on the determination.
US09156539B2	Aircraft window member, method of manufacturing the same, and aircraft window assembly An aircraft window member includes film made of acrylic resin, a conductive mesh, which is formed on the film and in which a conductive material, is formed in a mesh shape so as to have optical transparency for ensuring visibility and to have electromagnetic-wave shielding properties, and a window main body, which is made of acrylic resin, and to which the film on which the conductive mesh is formed is attached.
US09156538B1	Aircraft skin attachment system A method and apparatus for operating an aircraft. The aircraft is flown. A skin panel is held on a support structure. The support structure has flanges on a number of edges of the support structure, the flanges being substantially orthogonal to the edges. The support structure also has openings into the support structure substantially orthogonal to the flanges. First connecting structures on clips are connected to the flanges and positioned such that an opening in each clip is aligned with one of the openings in the support structure. The skin panel is positioned such that the clips are received in holes in the skin panel. Fasteners are attached to the second connecting structures such that the support structure holds the skin panel.
US09156535B2	Vessel propulsion system and vessel including the same A vessel propulsion system includes propulsion apparatuses that are turnably mounted on a stern of a hull in an inclined manner such that a turning center line intersects a hull center line, turning actuators that respectively turn the propulsion apparatuses left and right with respect to the hull, a steering device that outputs a steering command, and a control unit that controls the turning actuators individually according to the steering command. The control unit includes a storage unit that stores a reference angle that the turning center line of each propulsion apparatus defines with respect to the hull center line, and a turning command angle computing unit that determines a turning command angle of each propulsion apparatus. The control unit drives each turning actuator based on each turning command angle.
US09156534B2	Apparatus for moving an outboard motor installed on a boat and boat with foldaway outboard motor An apparatus for moving an outboard motor installed on a watercraft of the type that comprises a transom for the stable coupling of adapted engagement elements that are jointly connected to the motor; the apparatus comprises a panel, which is articulated at least to bottom boards of the watercraft and at least partially superimposed on the transom, for the engagement of the engagement elements of the motor; the panel, by virtue of articulation elements, can move from a first configuration for navigation, in which it is partially superimposed on the transom and rigidly coupled thereto, to a second configuration for housing the watercraft, in which it is rotated substantially at right angles to the transom in the second configuration, the panel is almost parallel to a plane of the bottom boards of the watercraft.
US09156533B2	Control for trimming elements The invention relates to command input means (1) for balance assemblies (22) having a cover housing (15) to be intuitively turned and a rocker (4) as well as a quick button (6), which respectively trigger different lowering functions on the balance assemblies (22) in the bottom or the top rotary speed ranges, respectively, a neutral button (7) which neutralises all functions and causes the balance assemblies (22) to move fully upwards, and enables further functions by means of the controller (9), such as triggering of the adjustment of the balance assemblies (22) as a function of the rotary speed or by means of turning the steering wheel (20) in an automatic manner, and the signals can also be used at the same time for controlling the trim of a stern drive (16).
US09156532B2	Waterproof mask A waterproof mask is provided in this invention. The waterproof mask comprises a frame portion and a leaning portion that is tightly connected to the frame portion. The leaning portion has a plurality of first structures and a plurality of second structures, which are alternately arranged. The first thickness of each of the first structures is thinner than the second thickness of the second structure. Due to the differences in thickness, the leaning portion of the waterproof mask can be adjusted according to the user's face shape for a perfect fit.
US09156530B2	Inflation device mechanism An inflation device mechanism (10) for inflation of an inflatable article comprises a housing (11) for supporting a container (18) of pressurized fluid and a piercing device (16) displaceable from a retracted position to penetrate the container to release pressurized fluid, bias means (22) to move the piercing device to penetrate the container, and actuation means comprising co-operating latching elements (26, 30) which, in an engaged, latched configuration, retain the piercing device retracted, said actuation means being actuable by either a first (35) or a second (36) control member to allow the latching elements to disengage and permit the piercing device to penetrate the container under action of the bias means, the first control member (35) comprising a water sensitive member which surrounds the latching elements and has a strength sufficient normally to support the latching elements in the engaged configuration but to allow the elements to disengage when reduced in strength by exposure to water, and the second control member (36) comprising a member which surrounds the co-operating elements and is removable manually (38) whereby the latching elements are free to disengage.
US09156526B2	Expandable pontoon system An extendable pontoon system is provided. The extendable pontoon system may include a center pontoon, two side pontoons, an adjustable frame and a plurality of actuator arms. The adjustable frame may include a plurality of fixed frame elements and a plurality of slidable elements. The plurality of fixed frame elements may be supported in a traverse relationship to and along the length of the center pontoon. Each elongated slidable element may have a received end and a hinged end. Each fixed frame element may be tubular having two opposing ends, wherein each opposing end may be adapted to slidably receive one received end. The plurality of hinged ends may be pivotably connected to either one of the two side pontoons. Each actuator arm has a fixed end and an extendable end, wherein the plurality of fixed ends are connected to one fixed frame element, and wherein the plurality of extendable ends are connected to the two side pontoons so that the two side pontoons are extendable relative to the center pontoon by shifting the two side pontoons between a contracted position to an expanded position.
US09156523B2	Hydraulic brake adjusting device A hydraulic brake adjusting device is provided. The mechanical advantage may be automatically increased by pressed the handlebar by riders and then increased the angle lead by the leading plate(s). Thereby, it may simplify structure, be easy to operate, and be capable of automatically adjusting mechanical advantage while riding. Furthermore, the distance between the O-ring on the tube and the through hole of the piston may be adjusted by the screw barrel to make the convex portion push against the tube, the piston, and the push rod.
US09156511B2	LED rear lamp, in particular for a bicycle The present invention relates to a LED rear lamp comprising a light guide (1) arranged in or forming part of a housing (10), said light guide (1) having a plate-like shape with a central aperture (2) surrounded by an inner side face (9) of the light guide. One or several LEDs (3) are arranged in the central aperture (2) such that a main emission direction of each LED (3) is aligned towards the inner side face (9) to couple emitted light through the inner side face (9) into the light guide (1). The light guide (1) is designed to guide a first portion (5) of the emitted light to escape through at least two opposing outer side faces (4) of the light guide (1) and to internally reflect or scatter a second portion (6) of the emitted light traveling towards the two outer side faces (4) to escape through a main surface (7) of the light guide (1). With the proposed LED rear lamp a good rear and side visibility is achieved in an efficient manner.
US09156508B2	Vehicle rear spoiler device Provided is a vehicle rear spoiler device to be mounted on a rear side of a roof of a vehicle. The vehicle rear spoiler device includes a wall surface for forming an air flow path between the wall surface and a rear window glass of the vehicle. A part of an air current moving rearward along a roof surface of the roof during traveling is caused to pass through the air flow path as a downward current toward the rear window glass. The wall surface is formed to gradually widen the air flow path in a manner that an outflow width of an outlet on the rear window glass side in the air flow path is larger than an inflow width of an inlet on the roof side in the air flow path.
US09156506B2	Elastically averaged alignment system An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first alignment portion comprising an alignment member and a first plurality of elastically deformable alignment elements. The alignment system also includes a second alignment portion comprising an elastically deformable alignment member configured and disposed to be received by and deformably and matingly engaged with the alignment member and a second plurality of elastically deformable alignment elements configured and disposed to deformably and matingly engage the first plurality of deformable alignment elements, wherein the engagement of the alignment member and deformable member and first plurality of elastically deformable alignment elements and the second plurality of elastically deformable alignment elements elastically average a predetermined position of the second alignment portion relative to the first alignment portion.
US09156501B2	Motor vehicle body with an external reinforcing element for the rear axle connection A motor vehicle body is provided with at least one rear-end side member, on the lower side of which a reinforcing element for the connection of a rear axle arrangement is arranged. The reinforcing element includes, but is not limited to a connecting portion spaced from the side member with at least one through-opening for mounting an axle fastening element. The connecting portion supports itself on the side member via at least one support element penetrating the intermediate space between side member and connecting portion.
US09156494B2	Vehicle steering systems A steering system for a vehicle includes a sector shaft defining a bore therein and rotatable about a central longitudinal axis. The steering system also includes a lash adjuster translatable within the bore along the central longitudinal axis. In addition, the steering system includes an end cap cover abutting the lash adjuster and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a first cavity between the end cap cover and the sector shaft, and a housing abutting the end cap cover and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a second cavity between the housing and the sector shaft. The steering system also includes a seal surrounding and abutting the sector shaft, wherein the seal separates the first cavity from the second cavity.
US09156488B1	Mounting brace assembly for steering column member There is provided in a preferred embodiment a mounting brace assembly for securing a steering column member to a vehicle cross-support member in a position braced against a vehicle cowl top. The assembly includes a cowl top bracket for engaging the vehicle cowl top, and a mounting base arm extending longitudinally along a base axis from a first axial end portion to a second axial end portion. The base arm includes an anchor flange sized for generally upward mated insertion in at least part of a flange receiving slot. The cowl top bracket is coupled to the base arm proximal to a vehicle forward end, and includes a load transfer portion shaped for juxtaposed abutment with a load bearing portion of the vehicle cowl top. Contact between the cowl top bracket and the vehicle cowl top transfers rotational bearing forces from the assembly towards the vehicle cowl top.
US09156487B1	Kneeling wheelbarrow A wheelbarrow that can transition from a conventional wheelbarrow configuration to a loading platform that places a wall of the carrier flat on the ground to facilitate placing an object or objects on it without requiring lifting, and then transition back to conventional Wheelbarrow configuration using mechanical advantage.
US09156485B1	Leverage cart assembly A leverage cart assembly is used to lift and move a load. The leverage cart assembly has a load plate that is coupled to a support framework. The load to be lifted is placed on the lift plate and is strapped to the support framework. A hand truck assemblage is provided that is used to raise and lower the load plate, the support framework, and the attached load. The hand truck assemblage includes a cart framework that is supported on wheels. At least one lift plate extends from the cart framework and engages the load plate with a hinged connection. As the hand truck assemblage is tilted, the lift arm inclines. This elevates the load plate and the load. However, due to the hinge connection, the orientation of the load plate relative the load remains constant as the load plate and load are lifted.
US09156481B1	Locomotive blue light reverser key A locomotive blue light reverser key has a handle portion and a shaft portion that is connected to the handle portion. The handle portion includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a switch, a battery that powers the LED, and a blue tinted lens. The shaft portion is insertable into a reverser of a locomotive. During a blue signal procedure when the train is not permitted to move, a train operator uses the blue light reverser key to indicate the blue signal procedure is in effect. The train operator activates the LED on the handle portion and inserts the blue light reverser key into the reverser. The shaft portion does not engage any locking mechanism within the reverser, and the reverser key prevents the locomotive from moving forward or backward. The blue light emitted from the blue light reverser key also notifies other train operators of the blue signal procedure.
US09156472B2	Economic cruise control Economic cruise control where a response of a cruise control system used to control a powertrain is determined based at least in part on whether a driver of a vehicle system has selected to manage cruise control according to performance or efficient cruise control strategies. The performance strategy corresponding with fulfilling a request to accelerate or otherwise increase energy demands less efficiently, and in some cases more quickly, than if the request were to be fulfilled with the efficient cruise control strategy.
US09156470B2	Control strategy to alter available wheel power in a vehicle A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine for providing propulsion forces to wheels of the vehicle. In an electric-only propulsion mode, the engine is disabled and the electric machine acts as the power source for the wheels. In a hybrid propulsion mode, the engine is activated to act as an additional power source for the wheels. At least one controller along with a plurality of sensors and positional information devices activate an active safety control signal in response to objects surrounding the vehicle that pose a threat to a potential collision event. In response to the active safety control signal, the engine can be either automatically started or stopped to provide additional available power or a reduced available power, respectively.
US09156465B1	Brake-assist-steering system A method of operating a brake-assist-steering system of a vehicle comprises the steps of receiving a signal from a wheel position detector. A theoretical wheel speed for an inside non-steered wheel is computed. A brake operably associated with the inside non-steered wheel is actuated when an actual wheel speed of the inside non-steered wheel is greater than the theoretical wheel speed of the inside non-steered wheel.
US09156464B2	Driver assistance system with hands-off maintaining of steering angle and lane keeping function In a method of steering a vehicle by a steering assistance system, a steering-wheel angle of a steering wheel is set by a driver. The steering assistance system checks whether the set steering-wheel angle is maintained during a predefined time period and checks whether the driver has taken the hands from the steering wheel. The vehicle is then operated according to the set steering-wheel angle, when the driver maintains the set steering-wheel angle during the predefined time period, or the steering assistance system is switched off, when the driver has released the steering wheel.
US09156462B2	Drive control apparatus for vehicle A drive control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a control unit that controls drive force output from an engine in accordance with operation of an accelerator pedal; and a shift mechanism capable of selectively switching a shift position to a driving position or a non-driving position. The shift mechanism transmits the drive force to wheels when the shift position is in the driving position, and interrupts transmission of the drive force when the shift position is in the non-driving position. The control unit executes a drive force restriction process of reducing the drive force when the shift position is switched from the non-driving position to the driving position while the accelerator pedal is in an on state, and, when the switching is from a neutral position, the control unit changes a mode of reducing the drive force in accordance with a continuation time of the neutral position.
US09156458B2	Braking system with non-spring parking brake actuator A braking system is provided that enables application and release of a parking brake with fluid control and that also maintains application of the brake during a loss of fluid pressure—all without using springs and using only a single fluid control conduit. The brake actuator for the system includes a housing defining service and parking chambers. A pushrod in the parking chamber is configured for movement with a diaphragm in the chamber. The parking brake is applied by introducing fluid on one side of the diaphragm. A clutch surrounds the pushrod and includes a tooth configured to engage corresponding teeth on the pushrod to hold the position of the pushrod even during a loss of fluid pressure. The clutch is rotated under fluid control to move the clutch tooth into and out of alignment with the teeth on the pushrod to hold and release the parking brake.
US09156450B2	Method for operating a brake-boosted hydraulic brake system of a vehicle and control device for a brake-boosted hydraulic brake system of a vehicle A method and control device for operating a brake-boosted hydraulic brake system of a vehicle, including ascertaining information relating to an increase or a decrease in an additional braking force exerted on at least one wheel in addition to a hydraulic braking force of the brake system, which increase or decrease is greater than a predefined minimum difference, altering an assistance force to a force introduction element, by a force difference, taking account of the ascertained information, so that the hydraulic braking force is altered to correspond to the increase or decrease in the additional braking force, and displacing a volume of a brake medium of the brake system between at least one accumulator chamber of at least one plunger and/or of at least one two-chamber cylinder and a volume of the brake system outside the accumulator.
US09156449B2	Brake system of a rail vehicle with compensation of fluctuations of the friction conditions A brake system of a rail vehicle, having at least one brake actuator with at least one brake disk and at least one brake lining, which interacts with the brake disk, for generating a braking force. Also disclosed is a sensor device to measure the time profile of at least one variable, representing fluctuations in the friction conditions between the wheel or wheel set assigned to the brake actuator and the rail and/or between the brake disk assigned to the brake actuator and the at least one brake lining, and to output a signal dependent on the measured variable to a control device which adapts the braking force generated by the brake actuator as a function of the deviation of the time profile of the measured variable from a predefined or expected time profile of the variable.
US09156445B2	Straddle-type vehicle A straddle-type vehicle includes an input shaft connected to a rear drive shaft and extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, an output shaft connected to an axle and configured to rotate by receiving a driving force from the input shaft, a brake operator on which an operation is performed to brake the input shaft, a plate group disposed between a wall portion of a housing and a cam member, a cam plate disposed between the cam member and the plate group, an operation shaft extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the input shaft, a first engagement protrusion protruding from the cam plate, a second engagement protrusion protruding from the operation shaft and engaging with the first engagement protrusion, a lever rotatable together with the operation shaft, and an operation cable connected to the brake operator and the lever.
US09156443B2	Disk brake device A cylinder portion formed in a caliper supports a pressure receiving portion and a pressing portion of a piston so as to allow the pressure receiving portion and the pressing section to advance and retreat. The piston is provided with a retraction mechanism. The retraction mechanism includes a reversing member for generating a reversing force when compressed by the pressure receiving portion and the pressing portion. The mechanism further includes a movable element moved in a retreating stroke due to the reversing force, and a first elastic member for generating a restoring force and imparting the restoring force, the first elastic member generating the restoring force when compressed by the movable element and the pressure receiving portion which is moved in an advancing stroke. The mechanism further includes a second elastic member for generating a frictional force for maintaining the compression and deformation of the first elastic member. The reversing member generates the reversing force along with the advance of the pressure receiving portion, the movable element relatively retreats due to the reversing force and compresses the first elastic member, and the generated restoring force returns the pressure receiving portion and the pressing portion along with a decrease in pressure of a brake fluid.
US09156441B2	Vehicle leveling system and method A system and method are disclosed for leveling a vehicle when stationary. The system includes three zones with a first zone at the front end, and the second and third zones on opposite sides of the vehicle. All zones include leveling jacks, each having a blind side and a rod side. At least one leveling jack is located in the first zone, and at least two leveling jacks are located in each of the second and third zones. The blind sides of the jacks in each zone are connected together. The rod sides of all of the jacks are connected to a common fluid line, which typically is at low fluid pressure or pressure-free. The method involves extending all of the jacks from retracted positions to extended positions until they meet the surface upon which the vehicle is located. Fluid is then applied to the blind sides of either the second or third zone leveling jacks to raise the lower of the two sides. If the front end is lower than the rear end, fluid is applied to the blind side of the leveling jack in the first zone. If the front end is higher than the rear, fluid is relived form the blind side of the leveling jack.
US09156439B2	Automatic opening and closing apparatus of opening and closing member for vehicle and structural member included in vehicle An automatic opening and closing apparatus of an opening and closing member for a vehicle includes an opening and closing member driving portion, a receiving portion configured to receive a radio signal transmitted from a radio transmitter and indicating identification information for identifying the vehicle, a non-contact detection sensor including a detection range that is specified to an inner side than an outermost position of the vehicle in a direction towards an outer side of a vehicle interior from the opening and closing member in a state where the opening and closing member is closed, and a control portion configured to control the opening and closing member driving portion in a case where the non-contact detection sensor detects an object in a state where the identification information is correlated to the vehicle on a basis of the radio signal received from the radio transmitter.
US09156438B2	Attack resistant theft deterrent system Systems and methods for theft deterrence of a vehicle are provided. Each of two or more immobilization point devices generate a random number and broadcasts it to all of the other immobilization points devices. Each of the immobilization point devices retains a local copy of its own random number and concatenates the local copy of its own random number with the random numbers of the other of the two or more immobilization point devices from the bus. From the random numbers broadcast on the bus, all of the random numbers are concatenated in a predetermined sequence to form a single challenge, which is transmitted to a remote transponder. Each of the immobilization point devices then compares a single response from the transponder to their local concatenation. When a specific portion of the response from the transponder matches a local concatenation, then enabling the function of the immobilization point device.
US09156436B2	Vehicle immobilizing devices, systems, and methods A vehicle immobilizing device includes a lock, user interface, memory configured to store an unlock code, and processor. The lock has a latch mechanism and the processor controls movement of the latch mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position so that the immobilizing device can be removed from a vehicle. A person installing the immobilizing device on a vehicle utilizes the user interface to enter and store an unlock code and an identification code in the device memory at the time of installation. Upon payment of an outstanding fine, a vehicle owner is provided with an unlock code. To remove the device from the vehicle, an unlock code is entered via the user interface and the processor causes the latch mechanism to move to the unlocked position upon determining that the unlock code input via the user interface matches an unlock code stored in the memory.
US09156434B2	Webbing exit protection boot for a webbing of a seat belt and seat belt system A webbing exit protection boot for a webbing of a vehicle seat belt has an aperture for the webbing, a stiff lower part confining a lower section of the aperture at least in part and a flexible upper part confining an upper section of the aperture.
US09156433B2	Four-point seat belt device A four-point seat belt device includes right and left lap belts to press the hipbone of a passenger sitting in a seat, two shoulder belts to press both shoulders of the passenger, a driving unit to perform winding of the lap belts and the shoulder belts, and a latching detecting unit to detect a state in which the lap belts and the shoulder belts are latched via a buckle. The driving unit controls the lap belts in the case that the latching detecting unit has detected latching.
US09156423B1	Active bolster with active vent formed in attachment bosses An active bolster mounts at an interior trim surface of a passenger compartment in an automotive vehicle. A plastic-molded front wall deploys in a deployment direction toward a passenger in the passenger compartment. A plastic-molded back wall is joined around a substantially sealed perimeter with the front wall to form an inflatable bladder. The back wall includes at least one substantially circumferential pleated baffle and a plurality of attachment towers projecting from a central region disposed within the baffle to join with a reaction surface. An inflator couples an inflation gas into the inflatable bladder in response to a crash event of the vehicle. At least one of the attachment towers includes an elongated notch sunk partially into a surface of the attachment tower to provide a thinned wall section configured to tear open at a predetermined pressure during inflation.
US09156421B2	Method and control unit for controlling an occupant protection means of a vehicle A method is described for controlling an occupant protection arrangement which has at least two levels of protection for an occupant of a vehicle. The method has a step of selecting one of the at least two levels of protection of the occupant protection means as the level of protection to be used in the event of an impact of the vehicle using a yaw direction of the vehicle.
US09156419B2	Bumper attachment structure A bumper attachment structure includes a flange of a bumper fascia provided with a guide portion protruding therefrom and a flange of a fender panel having an insertion hole into which the guide portion can be inserted. The bumper attachment structure also includes an attachment bracket having a groove in which the guide portion can be housed and an insertion fitting portion in which a tip portion of the attachment bracket can fit.
US09156415B2	Wire harness A wire harness includes a relay box having an external shape that is defined by a frame to which one of a mechanical relay cassette and a communication-function-provided relay cassette is replaceably attached, a junction connector having a space in which a communication module is installable, and a junction box having a microcomputer which works a communication function optionally.
US09156413B2	Fixing mount of bicycle carrier A fixing mount of a bicycle carrier contains a support rod of a bicycle carrier, a body, at least one cable tie, a connector, and a retainer. The body includes a large-diameter end, a through hole, and a small-diameter end. The large-diameter end has a first arcuate supporting face, a second arcuate supporting face and a third arcuate supporting face. The small-diameter end has a locking groove, and the body also includes plural locking elements. The connector includes a recess, a convex bottom surface, two coupling tabs, and each coupling tab has a concaved top surface and an aperture. The connector further includes plural first extending pieces, and each first extending piece has a first pore. Between any two adjacent extending blocks is defined a notch. The retainer includes at least one second extending piece and a plurality of pegs, and each extending piece has a second pore.
US09156412B1	Upwardly extensible truck toolbox A toolbox for a truck bed has a box with at least five walls, including a floor and four side-walls rising vertically from the floor. The box has an open top-end. Extension walls fit within the box next to each of the vertical walls of the box. The extension walls are joined together. A cover is attached with a hinge affixed at the top of one of the extension walls and it rotates between a closed position and an open position. The closed position prevents access to the box and the open position enables access to the storage volume in the box. The extension walls are slidably engaged to the box in extensible guide rails so that the extension walls can be moved vertically from a lowered position to an elevated position and vice versa within the box.
US09156411B2	Vehicle roof storage system An apparatus for securing a device to an exterior of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of rail members spaced apart and substantially parallel each other, each rail member has two ends; a first and second pair of mounting brackets configured to be fixedly or detachably attached to a portion of the vehicle, wherein two rail members are in communication with the mounting brackets; a first and second transverse member having two ends, and the ends of the transverse members are in communication with the mounting brackets; a wagon member, having two ends, and the ends, of the wagon member are in communication with the rail members; the wagon member is moveable, and further comprises a cradle; a restraining member having two ends, and the restraining member is in communication with the rail members; the restraining member is stationary, rotatable, and comprises a restraining arm, which contacts the device to prevent movement.
US09156407B1	Vehicular storage assembly and methods of use and manufacture thereof Some embodiments are directed to a storage assembly for use with a vehicle that includes a front instrument panel. The storage assembly can include a housing defining an interior space and a front exterior surface; and an external storage portion disposed adjacent the front exterior surface of the housing. The external storage portion can define an open storage area extending between the front exterior surface of the housing and the front instrument panel. The storage assembly can also include a moveable storage receptacle that defines a movable storage area. The moveable storage receptacle can be configured to move between a closed position in which at least a portion of the moveable storage receptacle is disposed within the interior space of the housing, and an open position in which at least a portion of the moveable storage receptacle is disposed proximate the open storage area.
US09156404B2	Adapter for precise and accurate attachment of a mirror unit to a support arm A tubular frame section directly or indirectly attached to the vehicle and a mirror unit, attached by a clamping connection to the tubular frame section, whereby the mirror unit in interconnection to an adapter is attached to the tubular frame section. The adapter, which is torque-proof, displacement-resistant and coupleable with a fastening section of the mirror unit, can balance the diameter difference between the fastening section of the mirror unit and the tubular frame section. An inner contour of the adapter is designed so that the adapter can be connected in a form lock for the accurate attachment of the mirror unit to the tubular frame section in such a way that a longitudinal movement of the adapter on the tubular frame section is hindered and the degrees of freedom of the adapter are at least limited in the circumferential direction of the tubular frame section.
US09156398B2	Method for operating a motor vehicle and motor vehicle A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle. At least one transport device is rigidly connected to the motor vehicle in an outer region, an object is fastened to the transport device and the motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a sensor. The one transport device in a state in which it is connected to the motor vehicle is partially arranged within a recording range of the sensor. The method includes, but is not limited to determining whether one object is fastened to the transport device takes place based on data determined by the at least one sensor. In the event that it is determined that the object is fastened to the transport device, determining of at least one parameter takes place. The parameter characterizes a possible disconnecting of the one object from the transport device, based on data determined by the sensor.
US09156396B2	Charge port illumination system for electric vehicle A charge port illumination system for a vehicle includes a charge port configured for electrically connecting to a charging source to charge a power source of the vehicle. A pocket assembly is disposed at or proximate to the charge port and includes a base and a bezel at an outer region of the base. At least a portion of the bezel is exposed and viewable when the charge port is accessed to charge the power source. At least one illumination source is disposed at or behind the bezel. The illumination source, responsive to an activating event associated with an electric charging event, is activated to provide backlighting of the bezel. The activated illumination source is automatically deactivated responsive to a deactivating event.
US09156394B2	Suspension system for autonomous transports An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot including a drive section assembly having at least one motor and a pair of drive wheels coupled to the motor, a frame configured to support a payload, a transfer arm connected to the frame and configured for the autonomous transfer of payload to and from the frame, and a suspension system movably connecting the drive section assembly and the frame allowing relative movement between the frame and the drive section assembly.
US09156393B2	Locking rack for storing chain ratchet binders A rack and method for storing tie-down chain ratchet binders on a surface. The rack includes a base that preferably is mounted on a truck wall. A first finger is provided on the base and a first recess is defined therein. The first recess is configured so that the shaft of a chain ratchet binder is receivable therein. The rack further includes a second finger spaced laterally from the first finger and defining a second recess therein that is aligned with the first recess. The shaft of the binder is received in the first and second recesses and is supported by the first and second fingers. The rack is able to store a plurality of chain ratchet binders vertically spaced from each other and may lock the binder to the rack.
US09156390B2	Bulk cooking oil distribution system Systems and methods for supplying fresh cooking oil to fryers and removing used cooking oil from the fryers of facilities. The systems and methods include utilizing one or more portable vehicles to carry fresh and used oil for delivery and collection to and from fryers in remote kitchens, or kitchens where hard piped oil lines are not preferred. Also provided are methods of delivering cooking oil to, and removing cooking oil from, the facility via one or more additional vehicles that travels between the facility and one or more depots. In one embodiment, there is provided a bulk cooking oil distribution system having a bulk fresh cooking oil tank and a bulk used cooking oil tank. The system includes a fresh cooking oil tank and a used cooking oil tank, where these tanks are associated with a portable device for delivery and pickup of cooking oil in a facility.
US09156389B2	Vacuum tank trailer discharge port Disclosed is a port system for facilitating mixed solid/liquid content discharge from a portable tank especially vacuum tank trailer, discharge system. The system provides an enlarged sloped tank outlet system that overcomes the deficiencies of convention systems.
US09156387B2	Coupling structure for pull-cup and armrest assembly A door trim assembly includes an armrest, a pull-cup unit, and an attachment structure. The attachment structure has a first portion with a first flange, a second portion with two second flanges on opposing sides of the first flange, and an attachment member engaged with the at least one first flange and the at least two second flanges. The first and second portions are respectively coupled to one each of the armrest and the pull-cup unit, which may prevent separation during and after a crash event.
US09156386B2	Armrest assembly An armrest assembly may include a base member, an armrest member, and a brake mechanism. The armrest member may be linearly movable relative to the base member between a first position and a second position. The brake mechanism may include first and second brake members. The first brake member may be fixed relative to the base member. The second brake member may be movable with the armrest member relative to the base member and may be movable relative to the first brake member between an engaged position restricting relative movement between the armrest member and the base member and a disengaged position allowing relative movement between the armrest member and the base member. The first and second brake members may be engageable with each other at any of an infinite number of positions between the first and second positions.
US09156385B1	Adjustable arm rest and methods of manufacture and use thereof Some embodiments are directed to an adjustable arm rest attachment mechanism that includes an outer bearing non-rotatably fixed to a seat and defining a first guide groove. An inner bearing is non-rotatably fixed to an arm rest, and defines a second guide groove. The inner bearing is rotatable relative to the outer bearing, and is disposed over the outer bearing. A pin extends through the second guide groove and into the first guide groove. The pin and the first and second guide grooves are configured such that, if the arm rest is rotated downward within an adjustment zone, then wall surfaces of the first guide groove selectively engage and disengage the pin, and simultaneously, wall surfaces of the second guide groove selectively engage and disengage the pin, thereby creating a varying frictional force capable of impeding further rotation of the arm rest.
US09156384B2	Vehicle seat comprising load sensor and side frame having a concave part A vehicle seat includes a load sensor that is configured to measure a load applied from an occupant and that has a rod extending therefrom, a seat cushion frame that includes right and left side frames that extend along a front-rear axis, and a bracket member attaching the load sensor to at least one of the right and left side frames. A lower surface of the at least one side frame has a concave part opening downward. At least a part of the load sensor is lower than the concave part, and the load sensor is closer to a center of the vehicle seat than the concave part.
US09156383B2	Locking unit for a vehicle seat A locking unit (10) for a vehicle seat (1) includes a pivotally mounted rotary latch (20) for locking to a bolt (12), and a detent (30) which secures the locking unit (10) in the locked state in the event of a crash, in which the rotary latch (20) supports itself on a first contact point against the detent (30). The rotary latch (20) also supports itself on a second contact point in the event of a deformation of the latch (20) in the event of a crash. The second contact point is provided on the detent (30).
US09156382B2	Vehicle seat Provided is a vehicle seat having a sufficient strength against an impact load due to collision in a peripheral structure of a side frame and having a reduced size of the peripheral structure of the side frame. The vehicle seat includes a seat back frame having a side portion located on a lateral side, a load input member arranged on the lateral side of the seat back frame so that a load from another member is input thereto, a pressure receiving member coupled to the seat back frame via a joint member and supporting an occupant, and an impact reduction member arranged on at least one side of the side portion, engaging with the joint member, and moving the pressure receiving member rearward by an impact load applied to the pressure receiving member.
US09156379B2	Child safety seat assembly A child safety seat assembly comprises a child seat, a base adapted to assemble with the child seat, wherein the base includes a first portion having an enlarged bottom, and an inclined second portion joined with an upper side of the first portion and provided with a storage pocket, and an abuttal support operable to slide relative to the base between a first position stowed in the storage pocket and a second position deployed outward.
US09156374B2	Vehicle seat In a vehicle seat, left and right first frames extending in a front-rear direction are disposed apart from each other in a lateral direction. Each first frame includes a bottom wall to which a load sensor for measuring a weight of an occupant is attached, and sidewalls extending upward from left and right sides of the bottom wall. One or each of front and rear end portions of the left first frame is connected to a corresponding end portion of the right first frame by a connecting member. The bottom wall of at least one of the left and right first frames includes a connecting portion that is an end portion of the bottom wall to which the connecting member is connected and which extends outward in the front-rear direction farther beyond outer edges of the sidewalls, bending around the connecting member to its outer side in the front-rear direction.
US09156373B2	Vehicle and method of controlling vehicle A vehicle includes a motor generator and an engine generating driving power for running, and an ECU for controlling the motor generator and the engine. If user request power and a vehicle speed are substantially constant when inertial running control is selected by a user, the ECU causes driving power variation operation to be performed on the motor generator and the engine in which the motor generator and the engine are switched between a low output state and a high output state. The vehicle runs with inertial force of the vehicle in the low output state. As a result, energy efficiency during vehicle running can be improved.
US09156370B1	Offboard power supply system having emission level evaluation for an electric vehicle An offboard power supply for a PHEV has an electric motor. A battery pack is coupled to the electric motor. An internal combustion engine (ICE) is coupled to the battery pack. An offboard power supply control module is coupled to the battery pack to direct power stored in the battery pack to an offboard electric power-consuming device coupled to the offboard power supply control module. A sensor module monitors emissions levels around the PHEV and allows for charging of the battery pack by the ICE when the emission levels around the PHEV are at or below a predetermined value.
US09156369B2	BEV life support system and method A battery electric vehicle life support system for a battery electric vehicle. The system may include at least one controller adapted to receive charging station location data; a vehicle battery interfacing with the at least one controller, the at least one controller adapted to receive state of charge data from the vehicle battery; and the at least one controller adapted to determine a probability that the vehicle will reach at least one battery charging station based on the state of charge data and the charging station location data. A battery electric vehicle life support method is also disclosed.
US09156360B2	Battery exchanging-type charging station system for electric vehicle Provided is a battery exchanging type charging station system for an electric vehicle. The battery exchanging type charging station system includes a charging station body formed with a structure in which the electric vehicle freely enters and exits and including a battery loading unit for receiving the battery, a battery replacing robot mounted in the charging station body to perform a battery replacement operation, a charging station control unit to control the battery replacing robot such that the battery replacement operation is performed by controlling the battery replacing robot, an information recognition unit configured to obtain data on an electric vehicle that enters the charging station body and/or data on a type, size, charging state, release date, charging date or the like of the battery, and a charging station control unit that allows a replacement operation of the battery to be performed by controlling the battery replacing robot.
US09156354B2	Driver assistance system having autonomous braking to a standstill A driver assistance system for a vehicle is provided. The driver assistance system includes a detecting device, which is designed to detect driving data that characterize the driving state of the vehicle, and a controller, which is designed to process the driving data detected by the detecting device and, if predetermined driving data are present, trigger a braking device to perform autonomous braking of the vehicle. The controller is also designed such that if driving data that indicate an imminent collision with an obstacle are detected, the function of the detecting device is monitored. If the detecting device no longer provides any driving data or plausible driving data to the controller, a continuation of the autonomous braking is triggered, at least until the vehicle has been decelerated to a specified speed.
US09156350B2	Hydraulic motor unit and hydraulic four-wheel-drive working vehicle A hydraulic motor unit according to the present invention includes an electric motor having an electric motor main body that is electrically controlled, an electric motor case that accommodates the electric motor main body and an electric motor main body output shaft that is rotated around an axis line thereof by the electric motor main body, the electric motor case being detachably mounted to the motor housing, wherein mounting of the electric motor to the motor housing causes the electric motor main body output shaft to be operatively connected to the first end of the control shaft so that the control shaft is rotated around the axis line in accordance with rotation of the electric motor main body output shaft.
US09156349B2	Torque distribution control method for a four-wheel drive motor vehicle and corresponding vehicle A motor vehicle with four drive wheels mounted on first and second axles, including: a transfer shaft connected to the first axle and a controlled coupling that can transfer part of the torque from the transfer shaft to the second axle; a mechanism determining respective speeds of the first and second axles, and a torque distribution control system configured to determine a slip value representative of the speed difference between the first and second axles and to control the coupling. The torque distribution control system is further configured to control the coupling such as to suppress any torque transfer via the coupling when the average slip value over a pre-determined period exceeds a threshold.
US09156348B1	Two axis electric drive An electric drive for a vehicle includes an electric motor and a planetary gear assembly including a sun gear drivingly connected to a rotor of the electric motor. A ring gear of the planetary gear assembly is connected to a brake that can be released to provide the system with a disconnect. A first transfer gear is connected to the planetary carrier. A second transfer gear is drivingly engaged with the first transfer gear and rotatable about a second axis offset from an axis of the electric motor. A differential is drivingly connected to the second transfer gear and provides drive torque to a pair of drive shafts along the second axis.
US09156346B2	Transmission system of four wheel drive hybrid electric vehicle A transmission system for a four wheel drive hybrid electric vehicle includes: an input shaft selectively connected to a front wheel transmission housing while being connected to an output shaft of an engine; a first motor/generator having disposed in the front wheel transmission housing; a second motor/generator having a function of the motor and the generator and connected to a rear wheel output gear disposed in a rear wheel transmission housing; a planetary gear set on the input shaft and including three rotating elements, in which among three rotating elements, a first rotating element is directly connected to the first motor/generator and selectively connected to the input shaft, a second rotating element is directly connected to the input shaft, and a third rotating element is selectively connected to a front wheel output gear; and a connection unit disposed at a selective connection part.
US09156345B2	Transmission for an electric or hybrid drive A transmission which is pre-eminently suitable for an electric and/or hybrid drive has an input which can be connected to an electromotor/generator, and an output which can be connected to a load. The transmission has two parallel transmission paths between the input and output, first coupling means being present in the first transmission path and second coupling means being present in the second transmission path. Furthermore, a gear reduction is present in at least either of the two transmission paths. The first coupling means are arranged such that they are not capable of dissipating significant power and the second coupling means are arranged such that they are capable indeed of dissipating significant power.
US09156344B2	Motor-assisted transmission A powertrain has an engine with a crankshaft. The powertrain includes a planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. The first member is connected for common rotation with an input member. A first clutch is selectively engageable to operatively connect the crankshaft with the input member. A second clutch is selectively engageable to ground the input member with a stationary member. An electric motor/generator has a rotor operatively connected for common rotation with the second member. An output member is provided, with a set of intermeshing gears configured to transfer torque from the third member to the output member. A first gear pair and a second gear pair are operable by engagement of a first synchronizer and a second synchronizer, respectively, to provide two different fixed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US09156343B2	Electrolytic capacitor reformation systems and methods An electrolytic capacitor reformation system for a vehicle includes an electrolytic capacitor, a motor driver module, a switching device, a resistor, and a switching control module. The electrolytic capacitor receives power from a battery of the vehicle. The motor driver module receives power from the electrolytic capacitor and drives an electric motor of the vehicle. The switching device and the resistor are connected in series in a current path between the battery and the electrolytic capacitor. The resistor limits current flow through the current path. The switching control module selectively transitions the switching device to a closed state to reform the electrolytic capacitor.
US09156341B2	Electric work vehicle and battery holding structure thereof A battery holding structure for an electric work vehicle equipped with a battery-driven electric motor includes a plurality of battery cases, a base frame and a plurality of pillars. The battery cases respectively have a bottom wall and front, rear, right and left sidewalls. The battery cases respectively accommodate a plurality of batteries aligned in a lateral direction. The battery cases are stacked in a vertical direction. The battery cases are installed in a rear part of the base frame. The rear sidewalls of respective ones of the battery cases are fixed to the pillars. The pillars are respectively fixed at bottom end portions thereof to a rear end portion of the base frame and extending upwardly.
US09156337B2	Sunroof apparatus for vehicle A sunroof apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable panel, a guide rail, a first sliding member, a second sliding member, the movable panel being configured to be shifted to a tilt-up state in a case where the first sliding member moves in a front direction in a fully closed state of the movable panel and to be opened while being maintained in the tilt-up state in a case where the first sliding member moves in a rear direction after moving further in the front direction, and a holding mechanism configured to stop the second sliding member in a state where the engagement between the first sliding member and the second sliding member is released and to cause the second sliding member to be movable in the engagement state in a case where the first sliding member moves in the rear direction.
US09156330B2	Vehicle cabin heating system A method for controlling a vehicle cabin heating system includes setting a target temperature for a vehicle cabin interior space. The method also includes measuring current temperature within the vehicle cabin interior space at a location spaced apart from a first infrared heater and spaced apart from a target surface within the vehicle cabin interior space, the first infrared heater being aimed to heat the target surface. A surface temperature of the target surface is estimated based the current temperature. The first infrared heater is controlled such that the heater is turned on in response to the estimated surface temperature of the target surface falling below the target temperature by a predetermined amount, and the heater is turned off in response to the estimated surface temperature rising above the target temperature by the predetermined amount.
US09156329B2	Light weight tubular twist beam A tubular twist beam comprises a tubular body 20 including a U-shaped groove 22, tubular end sections 28, and transition sections 26 therebetween. The width w of the U-shaped groove 22 decreases continuously from each transition section 26 to a center point C of the tubular body 20 and is narrowest at the center point C to shift stress from the transition sections 26 to an area around the center point C. The tubular body 20 also includes depressions 24 along side walls 38 of each transition section 26 to direct stress to the underside of the U-shaped groove 22 and further balance the stress levels along the length of the tubular body 20. Thus, the tubular body 20 can be formed with a reduced thickness t and thus a reduced weight without sacrificing performance.
US09156328B2	Vehicle control device and vehicle control method A vehicle control device includes a wheel speed sensor and a controller. The wheel speed sensor detects wheel speed. The controller estimates a sprung mass state based on information in a predetermined frequency region of wheel speed and controls an actuator to bring the estimated sprung mass state to a target sprung mass state. The controller calculates a first wheel speed as a reference wheel speed for individual wheels. The controller calculates a second wheel speed as a reference wheel speed of front and rear wheels. The controller calculates a third wheel speed as a reference wheel speed of all wheels. The controller calculates a reference wheel speed of each wheel. The controller detects that the estimation accuracy has deteriorated when a differential among reference wheel speeds of the wheels is equal to or greater than a prescribed value.
US09156327B2	Suspension device A suspension device includes a partition wall body which partitions the outside of a hollow pipe into a working chamber and a reservoir first chamber, a first piston which partitions the working chamber into an extension-side first chamber and a contraction-side first chamber, a first flow passage which allows communication between the extension-side first chamber and the reservoir first chamber, an extension-side second chamber which communicates with the extension-side first chamber, a second piston which partitions the interior of the hollow pipe into a contraction-side second chamber and a reservoir second chamber, a first damping flow passage which allows communication between an extension-side chamber and a contraction-side chamber, and a second damping flow passage which allows communication between the contraction-side chamber and a reservoir. A cross-sectional area of the extension-side second chamber is larger than that of the hollow pipe.
US09156323B2	Suspension device for a vehicle This invention relates to a suspension particularly for every type of land vehicles and additionally for robotic applications, which can be used in bilateral operations, such as fully automated unmanned vehicles that can be driven on both sides (up and down) or in robots which can be capable of executing multi functional movements.
US09156320B2	Trailer mounted crash attenuator A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is attachable to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on a front end thereof for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on a front end thereof. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.
US09156319B1	Quick change dual purpose draw bar A drawbar apparatus for a cart, wagon or trailer. The drawbar apparatus includes a shaft having a first end suitable for connection to a cart, and a second end including a hitch coupling. The drawbar includes a handle member having a handle first end and a handle second end. The handle first end is pivotally connected to the shaft, and the handle second end includes a grip or gripping region. The handle member is selectively pivotal between a first position and a second position, the hitch coupling extending distally beyond the handle member in the first position, and the handle member extending distally beyond the hitch coupling in the second position. Some embodiments further include a lock configured to selectively secure the handle member when the handle member is in the first position and the second position.
US09156317B2	Pneumatic tire A pneumatic tire wherein a sipe includes protrusions on a first sipe wall face of mutually opposing sipe wall faces and recesses that mate with the protrusions in a second sipe wall face. Additionally, in a projection figure of the protrusions with the sipe wall faces in an expanded state, a relationship between a placement density X of the protrusions in a region that extends up to half of a sipe depth H from an opening of the sipe and a placement density Y of the protrusions in a region that extends up to half of the sipe depth H from a bottom of the sipe is X>Y.
US09156312B1	Drive axle for an agricultural or industrial vehicle A drive axle for an agricultural or industrial vehicle includes a central box-shaped body for containing a differential; two fixed tubular arms fixed by opposite parts to the box-shaped body; two tubular movable arms, each slidingly inserted in a respective fixed arm; two hubs, each connected to a respective movable arm to support respective wheels; two adjustment actuators, each active between a respective fixed arm and the corresponding movable arm to change the distance between hubs between a minimum distance configuration and a maximum distance configuration; an antirotation device active between each fixed arm and each movable arm; the antirotation device being active on opposite sides of fixed arms and movable arms.
US09156304B2	Ink-delivery systems Ink delivery systems to provide ink from a reservoir to an applicator pad for marking a surface. Ink is stored in a reservoir within a marker body. A valve system controls the flow of ink to the applicator pad to prevent puddling of ink on the marking surface. The reservoir is a hollow body with free flowing ink or may contain a fiber reservoir at least partially saturated with ink. The reservoir may also contain capillary channels and ribs to aid in transporting ink to the valve system. The valve system includes a plug and a spring to bias the plug in a closed position. The plug includes at least one contact surface to contact a housing, and thereby control the flow of ink from the reservoir to the applicator pad. The spring may be a coil spring or a compressible foam-like spring.
US09156303B2	File Folder File folders are provided having bent hangers from which a receptacle is suspended so that the top of the receptacle is beneath a rail-engaging portion of the hangers and/or beneath a top of the rail or other supporting structure of office storage equipment. The hangers of the file folder may also be collapsible for use outside the office storage equipment. The hangers may also have a grip, or handle, for removal of the file folder from the office storage equipment.
US09156299B2	Laser-imageable flexographic printing precursors and methods of imaging A laser-engravable composition comprises one or more elastomeric rubbers including at least 10 parts of one or more CLCB EPDM elastomeric rubbers, based on parts per hundred of the total weight of elastomeric rubbers (phr). The laser-engravable composition further comprises 2-30 phr of a near-infrared radiation absorber and either 1-80 phr of an inorganic, non-infrared radiation absorber filler, or a vulcanizing composition that comprises a mixture of at least two peroxides. One first peroxide has a t90 value of 1-6 minutes as measured at 160° C., and a second peroxide has a t90 value of 8-20 minutes as measured at 160° C. This laser-engravable composition can be used to form a laser-engravable layer on a compressible layer that is disposed on a substrate, and to form various flexographic printing precursors. The compressible layer can also be laser-engravable.
US09156297B2	Marking device for marking balls, use of such a marking device, and method for providing such a marking device Marking device (10) having a housing, a stamp pad (13) and an ink reservoir (15), wherein the ink reservoir (15) has a fluid connection to the stamp pad (13) and the ink reservoir (15) is arranged with the stamp pad (13) in a bottom part (11.1) of the housing. The ink reservoir (15) comprises a reservoir region for accommodating an ink and a zone for accommodating the stamp pad (13), which comprises a plurality of outlet holes. In addition, the ink reservoir (15) comprises a plurality of capillary channels, which extend between the reservoir region and the zone, wherein each capillary channel leads to one of the outlet holes, to provide the fluid connection between ink reservoir (15) and the stamp pad (13).
US09156296B2	Image processing device and cover attachment structure An image processing device allows for easy removal of a process medium stuck in the conveyance path while protecting the image processing unit from the outside. In many embodiments, the device includes a conveyance path for conveying process media in a specific conveyance direction, an image processing unit having an ejection surface (process surface) disposed facing the conveyance path, and a first cover and a second cover disposed along the conveyance path and covering the conveyance path. Typically, the first and second covers open and close by pivoting on first and second pivot pins disposed in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction, and the first and second pivot pins are disposed adjacent the conveyance path upstream and downstream of the portion of the conveyance path facing the ejection surface.
US09156293B2	Manufacturing tray with customized inlays for processing different types of articles of manufacture A manufacturing tray for imprinting custom content onto different articles of manufacture includes a tray base and frame, and a plurality of interchangeable different customized inlays for holding different types of articles of manufacture. Each tray includes an identifier which may be associated with a custom processing job for instructing the imprinting system which of a plurality of available pre-treatment, post-treatment, and imprinting processes to perform.
US09156289B2	Recording device The recording device includes an adhesive belt extending across a plurality of rotating bodies configured to support and convey a recording medium, a first sensor configured to detect that the recording medium is separated relative to the adhesive belt in a first range, a second sensor configured to detect that the recording medium P is separated relative to the adhesive belt in a second range within the first range, a take-up unit configured to take up the recording medium, and a control unit configured to control the take-up unit so as to take up the recording medium when the first sensor detects that a separation position of the recording medium is within the first range, and control the rotating body to stop movement of the adhesive belt when the second sensor detects that the separation position of the recording medium is within the second range.
US09156288B2	Printing device for controlling print head based on oblique lines on print medium A printing device includes a print head configured to execute printing on one surface of a long-size medium to be printed, on the other surface of which a plurality of oblique lines of the same angle of obliquity are formed at regular intervals, a conveying section configured to convey the medium to be printed, a sensor configured to detect the oblique lines, and a control section configured to control the print head to execute printing while changing a position of printing on the medium to be printed in accordance with an interval between the oblique lines in a conveying direction of the medium to be printed detected by the sensor.
US09156281B2	Inkjet printing machine A printing machine is providing including a transporter for transporting objects to be printed, a printing station including at least four printing units arranged to project ink on the objects to be printed, a transfer device for transferring an object to be printed from the transporter to the printing station and from the printing station to the transporter. The printing station includes a single mandrel corresponding to the maintenance of an object to be printed, the corresponding mandrel being rotatably movable around its axis so that the printing units project ink onto the object maintained by the corresponding mandrel, the printing station being arranged to print only the objects maintained by the corresponding mandrel.
US09156280B2	Light emitting diode integrated with lens, line printer head, and method of manufacturing the light emitting diode Provided are a light emitting diode unit including a light emitting diode integrated with a lens, a line printer head using the light emitting diode, and a method of manufacturing the light emitting diode. The light emitting diode unit includes the light emitting diode layer bonded to a transparent substrate after removing a growth substrate on which the light emitting layer is grown, and a lens that refracts light emitted from the light emitting diode is formed on the transparent substrate.
US09156279B2	Printing system, printing device, and printing method A first printer 60 has a connection unit that receives print data input from a POS terminal 10, and outputs the print data to and receives the result of printing the output print data from a second printer 20, and a first printer print unit 71 that prints the received print data or data based on the received print data. When the result of printing the print data input to the connection unit is an error, the first printer 60 uses the first printer print unit 71 to print the print data, and outputs the result of printing by the first printer print unit 71 from the connection unit.
US09156277B2	Fluid ejection system and method of controlling ejection of fluid from a fluid ejection nozzle array The invention relates to a fluid ejection system comprising a print head unit including a fluid ejection nozzle array, wherein the fluid ejection nozzle array comprises at least a first set of nozzles having nozzles of a first fluid ejection capacity and a second set of nozzles having nozzles of a second fluid ejection capacity and nozzles of a third fluid ejection capacity, wherein the first fluid ejection capacity, the second fluid ejection capacity and the third fluid ejection capacity are different from one another, and further including a printer controller which, in a first printing mode, selects nozzles of the first and second sets for firing in proportions so that the overall color densities generated by the nozzles of second set when compared to nozzles of the first set are the same in a defined print area.
US09156275B2	Continuous ink supply apparatus, system and method A continuous ink supply (CIS) apparatus, a CIS printer system and a method of CIS employ a one-way valve having a minimum negative activation pressure. The apparatus includes an off-axis ink supply to source liquid ink to a printhead of a printer. The one-way valve is positioned between the off-axis ink supply and the printhead. The minimum negative activation pressure at a printhead side of the one-way valve is at least enough to substantially precludes drooling from the printhead.
US09156273B2	Printer and printing system Control of a printer involves reading a cartridge identification number from a memory in a cartridge and storing such number, generating status information including such number and may further include a calculated ink usage amount, and sending the status information to a data processing apparatus, which may be a server. In some embodiments, the ink usage amount is calculated as a number of discharged ink shots. The server saves the status information. This or another upstream server can reliably determine the number of ink shots used by the printer only for printing from this status information. Such control is embodied in a program stored on a non-transitory controller-readable medium, which program is executed by a controller in the printer.
US09156272B2	Liquid supply apparatus for avoiding erroneous installation of liquid cartridge, printer provided with the same and liquid cartridge for the same A liquid supply apparatus, which supplies a liquid or liquids stored in liquid cartridges of a plurality of types, includes a plurality of cartridge installing sections to which the liquid cartridges of the plurality of types are detachably installable, wherein a plurality of connection ports, which correspond to supply ports formed for the liquid cartridges of the plurality of types respectively, are formed at mutually different positions of the respective cartridge installing sections.
US09156271B2	Liquid jet head A liquid jet apparatus is provided. The liquid jet apparatus includes a first damper chamber and a second damper chamber, a release path operatively associated with both the first damper chamber and the second damper chamber, and a control path connecting the first damper chamber, the second damper chamber, and the release path to each other.
US09156265B2	Manufacturing method of liquid ejecting head A piezoelectric actuator which is provided on the flow path formation substrate, and a protection substrate which is bonded to the flow path formation substrate on the piezoelectric actuator side, the method including: bonding the flow path formation substrate on which the piezoelectric actuator is formed, and the protection substrate to form a bonded body; bonding a sealing member to the protection substrate of the bonded body on the surface side opposite the flow path formation substrate, and disposing a protection material containing a nitro compound in a space between the sealing member and the protection substrate.
US09156263B2	Liquid ejection head and method of producing the same A liquid ejection head includes a recording element substrate for ejecting liquid in response to an externally supplied electrical signal; an electrical wiring board having a first and second part mutually joined via a bent portion, the first part having an electrical joint portion for supplying the signal to the substrate, the second part having an electrical signal input portion into which the signal is input and to which the joint portion is connected; and a housing having first and second surfaces mutually adjoining, the first and second surfaces respectively supporting the first and second parts. The second part is fixed to the second surface at plural first fixing positions around the input portion. The second surface has a depressed portion formed closer to the bent portion than the first fixing positions. The second part is fixed to the housing at a second fixing position inside the depressed portion.
US09156261B2	Piezoelectric unit, liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus and method of manufacturing piezoelectric unit A piezoelectric unit includes a diaphragm made of ceramics, a base portion having a pressure chamber in which the diaphragm is set to a wall and a piezoelectric element having a dielectric layer provided at the opposite side of the base portion with respect to the diaphragm. In the piezoelectric unit, the roughness of a crystal of the outermost interface at the side of the piezoelectric element of the diaphragm is further smoothened than that of a ceramics material which is included in the diaphragm more inside than the interface.
US09156259B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head includes: a pressure generation chamber that communicates with a nozzle opening which ejects liquid; a pressure generation unit that causes a change in pressure in the pressure generation chamber; and a flexible wiring substrate that transmits a control signal from outside and includes a wiring layer which is connected to each individual electrode of a plurality of pressure generation units and also connected to a terminal portion of a common electrode common to the plurality of pressure generation units. In the liquid ejecting head, the wiring layer of the wiring substrate includes slits in an area connected to the terminal portion of the common electrode of the pressure generation unit, while the wiring layer of the wiring substrate and the terminal portion of the pressure generation unit are connected via an anisotropic conductive material.
US09156257B2	Recording method Provided is a recording method for performing recording by ejecting liquid to a recording medium, the recording method including: preparing a liquid ejection head including an ejection orifice array in which multiple ejection orifices for ejecting the liquid are arranged; and ejecting multiple liquid droplets from the multiple ejection orifices while the recording medium and the liquid ejection head are relatively moved at a speed of 40 inch/s or more to fill a predetermined pixel area on the recording medium with the multiple liquid droplets. A relationship A/12≦b≦25−A/5 is satisfied, where A (inch/s) represents the speed of the relative movement and b (pl) represents an amount of a liquid droplet ejected by one ejection.
US09156256B2	Printing process and liquid ink jet ink A process for forming an image on a substrate, comprises depositing ink compositions of at least two colors onto the substrate to form the image, and fixing the image to the substrate, wherein the ink is deposited using an electrostatic printhead, which ejects chargeable marking particles dispersed in a carrier fluid by using an applied electric field to first concentrate and then eject the marking particles, and wherein all of the ink compositions are deposited onto the substrate before the image is fixed. An ink composition suitable for use in the invention comprises: 45-95% by weight of a carrier liquid; 6-40% by weight of insoluble chargeable marking particles; and 0.4-10% by weight of a soluble dispersant, characterized in that the ink does not contain an agent that can fix the marking particles to a substrate.
US09156254B2	Fluid ejection device A fluid ejection device is described. In an example, the fluid ejection device includes a substrate having a chamber formed thereon to contain a fluid. A thin-film stack is formed on the substrate having a resistor formed under the chamber. A transistor is formed in the substrate and coupled to the resistor. A circuit is formed in the substrate coupled to a gate of the transistor to selectively cause the transistor either to supply a firing current to the resistor for ejecting the fluid from the chamber or to dissipate power to warm the device.
US09156247B2	Dry flexographic printing plate cleaner system and method A dry cleaner apparatus for cleaning at least one flexographic printing plate carried on a plate cylinder includes a frame for traveling along a path parallel to the axis of rotation of the plate cylinder, an unwind spindle rotatably attached to the frame, the unwind spindle holding a rolled web of dry cleaning material for turning to dispense new dry cleaning material, a rewind spindle for turning to roll up used dry cleaning material, a motor attached to the frame and coupled to one or both spindles to turn the spindles and thereby dispense new dry cleaning material and rewind used dry cleaning material, a pad assembly including a pad retainer, a pad base, and a dry pad, and a linear actuator attached to the frame and operating on the pad assembly to urge the dry pad toward the flexographic printing to remove ink and debris from the surface thereof.
US09156245B2	Inspection system for inspecting the quality of printed sheets There is described an inspection system (10) for inspecting the quality of printed sheets which are transported by a sheet conveyor system comprising at least one sheet gripper system (3a, 3b) including a plurality of spaced-apart gripper bars (32) for holding the printed sheets by a leading edge thereof. The inspection system (10) comprises an optical quality control apparatus for carrying out inspection of a first side of the printed sheets while the printed sheets are being transported by the sheet gripper system (3b). The optical quality control apparatus includes a line camera (11) for scanning the first side of the printed sheets at an inspection location which is situated at a location proximate to a portion of the sheet gripper system (3b) where the gripper bars (32) transporting the printed sheets undergo a change of direction of displacement while the printed sheets are still being scanned by the line camera (11). The inspection system (10) further comprises a suction roller (50) that is placed in front of the optical path (B) of the line camera (11) along the path (A) of the printed sheets being transported by the sheet gripper system (3b), which suction roller (50) contacts a second side of the printed sheets opposite to the first side which is being scanned by the line camera (11), the suction roller (50) being driven at a selected circumferential speed to drive successive portions of the printed sheets being inspected by the quality control apparatus at a determined and controlled speed past the line camera (11).
US09156243B2	System including a printing press and a foil transfer device A system includes a printing press, a transfer device for transferring foil to a printing material in the printing press, and a storage section for temporarily storing winding cores and foil reels. The temporary storage section is formed by a rail system that extends through and beyond the transfer device.
US09156242B2	Flexographic printing using flexographic printing roll configurations In a flexographic printing system, both the process parameters and equipment setup and configuration may play a role in producing the desired printed pattern. One component of the equipment setup is the printer roller assembly which may comprise a roller and a flexoplate as well as tape. The properties of the flexoplate and the tape as well as the relative dimensions of each in the assembly may affect the geometry and quality of the transferred pattern, as well as the ability of the system to produce a pattern on a repeatable, consistent basis.
US09156241B2	Laser-imageable flexographic printing precursors and methods of relief imaging A laser-engravable composition comprises one or more EPDM elastomeric rubbers, at least one of which comprises at least 8 weight % polyene recurring units. This laser-engravable composition of elastomeric rubbers can be quickly crosslinked using sulfur-containing vulcanizing compositions to provide laser-engravable compositions and layers in flexographic printing plate precursors. These precursors can be laser-engraved to provide relief images for flexographic printing.
US09156240B2	Automated production and installation of patches for reworking structures An area of a composite laminate structure is reworked by scarfing the area, generating a 3-D map of the scarfed area, and installing a rework patch that is built based on the 3-D map.
US09156235B2	Modular production device for integral fiber semifinished products and method for producing endless-fiber composite components made from integral fiber composite semifinished products having a hollow body structure A modular production device for integral fiber semi-finished products and a method for the creation of endless fiber composite components having a hollow body structure after the production of such integral fiber semi-finished products. The modular production device has at least one moveably guided fiber guide tube (100), at least one base element (2, 2′) and a plurality of hollow bodies (7) that are separated from one another in a row by a gap (8) and that can be fastened to an inner wall of the base element (2, 2′). Each hollow body (7) has at least one base (6) at least on one side, wherein the gap (8) has a width that provides a passage for the fiber guide tube (100).
US09156231B2	Steel for machine structure use for surface hardening and steel part for machine structure use Steel for machine structure use for surface hardening containing, by mass %, C: 0.3 to 0.6%, Si: 0.02 to 2.0%, Mn: 1.5% to 3.0%, W: 0.0025 to 0.5%, Al: 0.001 to 0.5%, N: 0.003 to 0.02%, S: 0.0001 to 0.025%, P: 0.0001 to 0.03%, and O: 0.0001 to 0.0050%, having an Mn/S of 70 to 30000, and having a balance of substantially Fe and unavoidable impurities.
US09156230B2	Glass film laminate without adhesive A glass film laminate includes a supporting glass and a glass film peelably laminated to the supporting glass. A contacting surface of the glass film and a contacting surface of the supporting glass directly contact each other without an adhesive therebetween. The contacting surface of the supporting glass includes a first region and a second region with a surface roughness smaller than a surface roughness of the first region. An adhesive force between the supporting glass and the glass film is greater at the second region than at the first region.
US09156227B2	Foam sealing gasket A sealing gasket includes a liner and a polyurethane foam layer disposed on the liner. The polyurethane foam layer can have a density of 50 kg/m3 to 250 kg/m3, a force-to-compress at 25% compression of not greater than 5.0 psi, and an 50% springback parameter of not greater than 2.0 seconds. The polyurethane foam has a thickness in a range of 0.3 mm to 10.0 mm. A surface of the polyurethane foam layer has a skin.
US09156221B2	Arrangement, system and method for handling non-wood plant material A feeding arrangement for feeding plant material to a treatment vessel is disclosed including a plug screw feeder, a force feeding screw for feeding the plant material to the plug screw feeder in which the force feeding screw is arranged essentially perpendicular to the plug screw, and a feeding device for feeding incoming material to the force feeding screw, and in which the plug screw can rotate at variable speed, and the force feeding screw includes when a distance between the last screw thread of the force feeding screw and the outer diameter of the plug screw is up to 90 mm.
US09156220B2	Pore-free tire segmented mold pattern block, segmented mold, and cleaning methods therefor A pore-free tire segmented mold pattern block (100) and a segmented mold are provided. The pore-free tire segmented mold pattern block (100) is used for forming a tire segmented mold. Also disclosed is a cleaning method for the pore-free tire segmented mold pattern block (100) and the segmented mold. When the mold is cleaned, the exhaust channel (20) is used as a cleaning channel, and the axial exhaust holes (27) of the exhaust channel are used as an entrance for a cleaning medium.
US09156218B2	Apparatus for producing pneumatic tyres Along a building line, a green tire is built on a rigid toroidal support having an outer surface substantially conforming in shape to an inner surface of the green tire. The green tire is then transferred to a bead molding and prevulcanization station where each bead of the tire is molded by tightening it between a surface portion of the toroidal support and an annular clamping surface carried by a removable tightening flange. The tightened beads are prevulcanized through a heat supply by means of electric resistors integrated into the tightening flanges. The tire with the prevulcanized and tightened beads is transferred into a molding cavity having an inner wall of a shape substantially conforming to that of the outer surface of the molded tire, to carry out molding of the tire and complete vulcanization of same.
US09156217B2	Container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container A method is provided for making a container having a body and a rim defining an opening for the container, the opening being capable of being closed by a push-on lid, the container being made of a material which is susceptible to deformation when heated.
US09156214B2	Polar thermoplastic ophthalmic lens molds, ophthalmic lenses molded therein, and related methods Ophthalmic lens molds made from one or more thermoplastic polymers with average polarities from about 1% to about 7%, ophthalmic lenses including silicone hydrogel contact lenses molded using these less polar thermoplastic polymers, and related methods are described. When the molds are used to cast mold silicone hydrogel contact lenses, the resulting polymerized lens bodies have ophthalmically acceptably wettable surfaces.
US09156213B2	Atmospheric plasma coating for ophthalmic devices The invention provides a method of coating and thereby affecting the surface properties of a substrate such as a contact lens or other ophthalmic device. The method comprises the steps of generating an atmospheric plasma flow from a working gas and controlling the continuity of the atmospheric plasma flow with a power generator, and, introducing the atmospheric plasma flow to a substrate surface.
US09156212B2	Tire puncture repair kit The invention allows the relaxation of the precision of fitting the inner lid to the cap body while making removal of the inner lid more reliable. In the bottle unit of the tire puncture repair kit that has an extraction cap attached to the mouth portion of the bottle container, the extraction cap is provided with: a first flow channel for taking in compressed air from a compressor into the bottle container; a second flow channel for successively taking out the puncture repair liquid and compressed air from the bottle container; and first and second closing means for closing the first and second flow channels in the pre-coupling state. The extraction cap is provided with a release means for releasing the second closing means and opening the second flow channel when connection occurs.
US09156210B2	Hollow, composite-material rebar fabrication apparatus Apparatus possessing elongate, long-axially aligned componentry for making hollow, composite-material rebar including (a) a hollow mandrel disposed upstream in the apparatus, (b) a hollow pultrusion die circumsurrounding the mandrel for forming a composite-material hollow core in the space between it and the mandrel, and (c) a hollow, continuous-transfer-molding die spaced downstream from the pultrusion die, having a central long axis about which it is rotatable, operable to form, along the length of a core which has been formed in the pultrusion die, (1) an elongate, composite-material, core-circumsurrounding, hollow sleeve having an outer surface, and (2), unitarily with the sleeve, and in a manner distributed along the length of the sleeve's outer surface, an external-purchase-enhancing structure possessing radial-dimensionality.
US09156208B2	Infusion method and flow aid Disclosed is an infusion method for the manufacture of a fiber-reinforced composite component with a flow promoter, wherein the flow velocity of the matrix material in a component to be infiltrated is modified by means of the flow promoter. Also disclosed is a flow promoter, which has an integral body section for the modification of the flow velocity.
US09156202B2	Filament winding method and filament winding apparatus A filament winding method performs a hoop winding step including a first step of fixing an end of a fiber bundle to a liner surface at a starting position of hoop winding, a second step of hoop winding the fiber bundle having the end fixed to the liner surface in the first step, a third step of fixing the fiber bundle hoop wound in the second step to the liner surface at an ending position of hoop winding, and a fourth step of cutting the fiber bundle upstream in a fiber bundle supplying direction of the position where the fiber bundle is fixed in the third step.
US09156190B2	Method for sintering The present invention provides a method for sintering, comprising in the following order the steps of: providing a body in the green state or in the pre-sintered state on a support; providing a load on at least one spacer on the support such that the load is located above said body in the green state or in the pre-sintered state without contacting the body; heat treating the body in the green state or in the pre-sintered state at a temperature above the decomposition temperature of organic components contained in the green body and below the softening temperature or decomposition temperature of the spacer; heat treating the body in the green state or in the pre-sintered state at a temperature above the softening point or decomposition temperature of the spacer and below a sintering temperature such that the load contacts the body, and—sintering the body in the green state or pre-sintered state.
US09156187B2	Methods for mounting an ingot on a wire saw Methods are disclosed for determining mounting locations of ingots on a wire saw machine. The methods include measuring a test surface of a test wafer previously sliced by the wire saw machine from a test ingot to calibrate the system. A magnitude and a direction of an irregularity of the measured test surface of the test wafer is then determined. The mounting location is then determined for another ingot to be mounted on the ingot holder based on at least one of the magnitude and direction of the irregularity of the measured test surface of the test wafer.
US09156186B2	Method for producing concrete formed body A problem is to provide a production method by which a high-strength concrete formed body can be obtained. The problem can be solved by a method for producing a concrete formed body including a defoaming step [1] of holding a concrete composition having a water-cement ratio adjusted to from 14 to 20%, in a reduced pressure atmosphere to obtain a defoamed concrete; a defoaming step [2] of holding a carbon fiber immersed in a cement solution having a water-cement ratio adjusted to 14% or more, in a reduced pressure atmosphere to obtain a defoamed fiber; and a forming step of placing the defoamed concrete and the defoamed fiber within a shuttering, followed by curing to obtain a high-strength concrete formed body.
US09156184B2	Alignment device and method for aligning guide rails for a woodworking tool An alignment utensil includes two guide rails (100A, 100B), an alignment device (10) aligning the guide rails (100A, 100B), and connectors (110A, 110B, 120) fixing the aligned guide rails (100A, 100B) together. The alignment device (10) includes a body (12) having a lateral surface (31) extending across abutting ends of the guide rails (100A, 100B). Each of two clamping pads (70) mounted on the body (12) is moved to press against a first lateral wall (108A) of one of the guide rails (100A, 100B) to abut a second lateral wall (108B) of each guide rail (100A, 100B) against the first lateral surface (31), aligning the first lateral walls (108A) of the guide rails (100A, 100B) and aligning the second lateral walls (108B) of the guide rails (100A, 100B). A method of aligning the guide rails (100A, 100B) uses the alignment device (10) and the connectors (110A, 110B, 120).
US09156172B2	Robot skeletal components A robot skeletal component may be configured to support and power a robot. The skeletal component may include an elongated inner core and a battery coupled to and substantially circumscribing the inner core. The robot skeletal component may be configured to connect to a joint via a quick release flange. A casing may enclose the battery. The casing may be configured to seal punctures. The robot skeletal component may include a heating element to heat the battery. The robot skeletal component may be configured to transport fluid, data, and/or electrical power. The inner core may include a plurality of surface elements to transfer data and/or electrical power. The inner core may include a hollow interior, and the hollow interior may include a plurality of non-interconnected chambers configured to transfer fluid. The inner core may include insulators to insulate the inner core from the surface elements and/or the fluid.
US09156171B2	Gripper A gripper for manipulating tube-shaped specimen cups having a gripper base, at least two gripper fingers each comprising a retaining section for clutching a specimen cup and being arranged to rotate relative to the base about a finger rotation axis. The retaining sections are arranged acentrically relative to the associated finger rotation axis. A first drive twists the fingers. The fingers are coupled to each other so that they are driven by the drive at the same time and with the same rotation speed and direction. A second drive is provided for twisting the base relative to the base body. A control unit controls the drives such that by a movement combination of twisting the fingers relative to the base and twisting the base relative to the base body for each of the retaining sections of the fingers in each case an essentially linear movement relative the base body results.
US09156163B2	Robot system A robot system includes: a robot arm; a robot hand provided on the robot arm; a contact unit provided on the robot hand for rotating a rotation body of a rotation device which includes the rotation body capable of housing a work and a fixed part rotatably supporting the rotation body and which performs a predetermined process on the work; a detection unit configured to detect a detection target part provided on the rotation body; and a first control unit configured to control operation of the robot arm and the robot hand so that the contact unit rotates the rotation body up to a predetermined rotational position according to a result of detecting the detection target part by the detection unit.
US09156162B2	Information processing apparatus and information processing method The positions and orientations of one or more target objects are obtained from the result of measuring a set of target objects by using a first sensor. A robot including a grip unit is controlled to grip one target object as a gripping target object among the target objects by the grip unit. Whether the grip unit has succeeded in gripping the gripping target object is determined from the result of measurement performed by a second sensor for measuring the target object gripped by the grip unit. When the grip unit has been determined to fail in gripping the gripping target object, one target object interacting with the gripping target object is selected among the target objects. The robot is controlled to grip the selected target object by the grip unit.
US09156157B2	Tool box with storage members A tool box includes two pivoted halves and a chamber with a bottom and two opposite walls. A plurality of positioning units formed in the walls each include a positioning cavity located in one direction, a first guide groove located farther from the bottom than the positioning cavity, a first pivot cavity at one end of the first guide groove and located in the one direction, a second pivot cavity formed at another end of the first guide groove and located in another direction, a second guide groove and located between the first pivot and positioning cavities, a third pivot cavity formed at one end of the second guide groove, located in the two directions and disposed between the first pivot and positioning cavities, and a fourth pivot cavity formed at another end of the second guide groove and located between the second pivot cavity and the bottom.
US09156156B2	Tool box with storage members A tool box includes two pivoted halves, at least one of which has a chamber with a bottom and two opposite walls. Plural positioning units are disposed on the walls and each include a straight guide groove, a guide gap and a positioning cavity at two ends of the straight guide groove, a first pivot cavity located closer to the bottom than the positioning cavity, a second pivot cavity between the positioning cavity and a positioning cavity of a neighboring positioning unit, and an arc-shaped guide groove covering the first and second pivot cavities. The arc-shaped guide groove has two arc-shaped ends to connect the first pivot cavity and a straight guide groove of the neighboring positioning unit. The storage member has pivots pivotally disposed in the first pivot cavity and the positioning cavity, or in the first or second pivot cavity of the neighboring positioning unit.
US09156155B2	Support for a series of offset socket keys, and case for offset keys comprising at least two corresponding hinged supports The support for offset socket keys, each key comprising a first arm and a second arm which extend in a plane Q, comprises a body which is provided with a series of openings which extend in a plane P and a retention unit for retaining the series of keys relative to the body (4), the keys being offset vertically relative to each other. The retention unit is laterally offset relative to the plane P and is arranged sloping relative to the body in order to retain the vertically offset keys in the storage and transport position, in parallel planes Q which deviate angularly from the plane P.
US09156154B2	Gimbal assembly for tool support A supporting and orienting apparatus that is angularly agile and can balance the weight of tools, and permits quick tool replacement is disclosed. An inner gimbal portion holds the tool at its center of balance and is rotationally disposed within an outer gimbal portion. The gimbal portion combination is rotationally attached to an articulated arm. The tool with one or both gimbal portions attached can be removed and replaced with another tool, also having gimbal portions attached such that the tool is automatically balanced when inserted into the support apparatus.
US09156153B2	Collet fan for a rotary tool A rotary tool includes a motor having an output shaft, the output shaft defining an axis of rotation. The motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first direction about the axis of rotation. An accessory tool retention mechanism is attached to a distal end portion of the output shaft and configured to releasably retain an accessory tool in alignment with the axis of rotation. A fan mechanism includes a plurality of fan blades attached to the accessory tool retention mechanism and extending radially outwardly therefrom. The plurality of fan blades are configured to move air forwardly in a direction that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation as the accessory tool retention mechanism is rotated in the first direction by the output shaft.
US09156147B2	Quick change bit holder with ring magnet A bit holder assembly for a rotary hand or powered tool, includes a body having a hex shank at its rearward end and a retraction collar slidably disposed on the body. The body has a coaxial hex socket formed therein to allow a tool bit to be inserted thereinto. A coil spring biases the retraction collar forwardly and biases a retaining clip toward the bottom of an angular slot formed in the body. The bit is removed by sliding the retraction collar rearwardly, to compress the coil spring and allow the retaining clip to retract back up the slot. A ring magnet is disposed at the forward end of the retraction collar to magnetize a fastener to retain the fastener to the bit.
US09156145B2	Bidirectional mechanical converting unit The present invention discloses a bidirectional mechanical converting unit, comprising: a main shaft; a driving mechanism, which including a driving means and a reversing means which are coupled to each other; and a rotation means for inputting torque, an rotation axis of the rotation means being coaxial with the main shaft, the rotation means and the driving mechanism being coupled to each other, and the driving mechanism delivering the torque to output at the main shaft at a predetermined direction, no matter in which direction the rotation means rotates; wherein the predetermined direction can be switched via the reversing means. The present invention is simple structured, not only can efficiently utilizes the movements of the rotation means in either way, but also can switch the rotation direction of the output shaft conveniently upon demand, with easy operations.
US09156144B2	Hand tool with stepless locking mechanism A ratchet mechanism contains a chamber defined by at least one gear surface, a rotating member positioned at least partially within the chamber, a gear member positioned at least partially within the chamber, and a stop member engaging the rotating member, such that the rotating member and the stop member rotate in unison. A movable pin engages and rotatably connects the rotating member and the gear member, and the pin is movable to disengage the pin from the rotating member and permit the rotating member to be shifted between different drive configurations. The gear member has a plurality of gear teeth around its outer periphery. At least a portion of the gear teeth engage the gear surface. The gear member can rotate freely in one rotational direction, and the stop member abuts the gear member to prevent rotation of the gear member in an opposed rotational direction.
US09156141B2	Adaptor for wrench device A driving wrench device includes an adaptor for engaging with a non-circular compartment of a wrench member, the adaptor includes a non-circular outer peripheral portion for engaging with the non-circular compartment of the wrench member, and the adaptor includes an upper portion having an upper engaging hole, and a bottom portion having a bottom engaging hole communicating with the upper engaging hole of the adaptor, the engaging holes of the adaptor include an inner diameter different from each other for engaging with the fasteners or tool members of different outer diameters. The adaptor includes an outer notch for engaging with a retaining ring of the wrench member.
US09156131B2	Method of treating surface of mold Provided is a method of treating a surface of a mold to achieve good demoldability and capable of preventing wearing of the mold by avoiding load concentration on one part of the surface of the mold. After a first blasting is performed on the surface of the mold to remove a hardened layer produced on the surface and/or to adjust the surface roughness, a second blasting is performed to create fine irregularities on the surface. Then, an elastic abrasive in which abrasive grains are carried on an elastic body, or a plate-like abrasive having a planar shape with a maximum length that is 1.5 to 100 times the thickness thereof, is ejected onto the surface of the mold at an inclined ejection angle such that the abrasive is caused to slide along the mold surface to flatten peaks of the irregularities created on the mold surface.
US09156127B2	Polishing pad and method for producing same An object of the invention is to provide a polishing pad that achieves a high polishing rate and has high thickness precision so that the break-in time (dummy polishing time) can be shortened, and to provide a method for producing same. The invention is directed to a polishing pad including a base material layer and a polishing layer provided on the base material layer, wherein the polishing layer includes a thermoset polyurethane foam having roughly spherical interconnected cells with an average cell diameter of 35 to 200 μm, and the polishing layer has a storage modulus E′ (40° C.) of 130 to 400 MPa at 40° C., a ratio of storage modulus E′ (30° C.) at 30° C. to storage modulus E′ (60° C.) at 60° C. [E′(30° C.)/E′(60° C.)] of 1 to less than 2.5, and a ratio of storage modulus E′ (30° C.) at 30° C. to storage modulus E′ (90° C.) at 90° C. [E′(30° C.)/E′(90° C.)] of 15 to 130.
US09156126B2	Polishing pad An object of the invention is to provide a polishing pad that is prevented from slurry leaks and has high optical detection accuracy. The present invention relates to a polishing pad comprising a polishing region, a cushion layer, and a support film layered in this order, wherein a light-transmitting region is provided on the support film and in an opening part that passes through the polishing region and the cushion layer; the light-transmitting region has a peripheral part and a recessed part on the surface of a polishing platen-side; the support film is layered on the peripheral part; and the support film is not layered on the recessed part, which remains open.
US09156123B2	Double-side polishing method The present invention is directed to a double-side polishing method including interposing a wafer held by a carrier between upper and lower turn tables to which respective polishing pads are attached, and rotating and revolving the carrier while supplying a polishing agent to polish both surfaces of the wafer at the same time, the method including the steps of: first polishing at a high polishing rate; second polishing at a low polishing rate; measuring flatness of the polished wafer; and determining polishing conditions of the second polishing in a next polishing batch on a basis of the measured flatness. The method can stably improve the flatness of a wafer without being affected by variations in carrier thickness over time.
US09156121B2	Enhanced external cleaning and inspection of tubulars Enhanced methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an external surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing a fluid dispenser and an abrasion assembly on a buggy that travels up and down the length of the tubular as the tubular rotates. The fluid dispenser includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluids onto the tubular's external surface. The abrasion assembly includes a swivel brush and a brush train providing different styles of abrasion cleaning of the tubular's external surface. Preferred embodiments of the buggy also carry a range finding laser and an optical camera generating samples that may be processed in real time into data regarding the surface contours and the diameter variations on the tubular's external surface. Cleaning and inspection variables such as tubular rotational speed, or buggy speed, may be adjusted responsive to measured surface contour data.
US09156113B2	Components and processes of producing components with regions having different grain structures Processes for fabricating components to have two or more regions with different grain structures, and components produced by such processes. The processes entail performing at least one forging step on a preform to produce a profile having at least a first portion corresponding to the first region of the component. The preform is formed of a precipitation-strengthened alloy having a solvus temperature, and the at least one forging step comprises a nonfinal forging step performed at a first strain rate and at a first subsolvus temperature that is below the solvus temperature of the alloy. A subsequent forging step is performed on the profile to produce a final profile comprising the first portion and a second portion corresponding to the second region of the component. The subsequent forging step is performed at a strain rate and at a subsequent subsolvus temperature, wherein at least one of the subsequent strain rate and subsequent subsolvus temperature is either higher or lower than the first strain rate or first subsolvus temperature. A heat treatment is then performed on the final profile to cause grain growth, wherein the first portion of the final profile has a different grain size than the second portion.
US09156111B2	Lead free solder bumps Provided are a lead-free solder, a solder paste, and a semiconductor device, and more particularly, a lead-free solder that includes Cu in a range from about 0.1 wt % to about 0.8 wt %, Pd in a range from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.1 wt %, Al in a range from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.1 wt %, Si in a range from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.1 wt %, and Sn and inevitable impurities as remainder, a solder paste and a semiconductor device including the lead-free solder. The lead-free solder and the solder paste are environment-friendly and have a high high-temperature stability and high reliability.
US09156108B2	Laser machining apparatus A laser machining apparatus includes a chuck table for holding a workpiece, and an irradiation unit which irradiates a laser beam upon the workpiece held on the chuck table. The laser beam irradiation unit includes a condenser which condenses the laser beam and irradiates the condensed laser beam upon the workpiece held on the chuck table. The condenser includes first and second condenser lenses arrayed in series in an advancing direction of the laser beam, a first moving unit having a first driving source for moving the first condenser lens in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the first condenser lens, and a second moving unit having a second driving source for moving the second condenser lens in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US09156107B2	Method and device for structuring the surface of a hard material coated solid body by means of a laser In the method for structuring at least one area of a solid body surface provided with a ta-C coating, a mask in the homogenous spot of the optical system is used in order to shape the beam in the mask projection technique and then a diaphragm in front of the imaging optics. A structure is applied by means of an excimer laser having pulse durations in the nanosecond range, a number of mask and diaphragm combinations being arranged in a exchanger device and the exchanger device being adapted to place both one of the masks and one of the diaphragms in the beam path of the laser independently of each other, the masks and diaphragms being arranged in holders while being displaceable linearly or rotatively and rotatable about themselves. This method allows the rational manufacture of very complex, extremely fraud-resistant authentication features and/or of esthetically attractive, optical diffraction effective colored patterns.
US09156103B2	Modular direct current power source A modular direct current power source is provided. One welding power supply system includes a plurality of hysteretic buck converters coupled in parallel. The hysteretic buck converters are configured to receive a common input and to provide combined output power to a common load based upon the common input.
US09156101B2	Soldering apparatus and manufacturing method of soldered product An excellent soldering apparatus and manufacturing method of soldered product are provided where a workpiece can be efficiently soldered in a short cycle time. The soldering apparatus includes a thermal radiation heater and two coolers for cooling the workpiece which sandwich the heater therebetween. The coolers are movable between a standby position and a cooling position and form a recessed portion in which the heater is placed. The coolers move to the standby position where the coolers are separated from the workpiece and stand by such that the heater is in a state of protruding from the recessed portion while the heater heats the workpiece. The coolers can move from the standby position to the cooling position to cool the workpiece.
US09156099B2	Method for inductive hardening of teeth of gearwheels In a method for manufacturing a gearwheel, a gearwheel blank is clamped in a workholder of a multi-axis machine tool. A milling head is clamped in a tool holder which is rotated by a spindle drive to enable the milling head to mill out tooth spaces of the gearwheel blank to thereby create a gearwheel having teeth. After replacing the milling head in the tool holder with an inductor, the inductor is inserted successively between two adjacent teeth of the gearwheel and supplied with alternating current from a current supply device of the spindle drive to inductively heat at least one of the two adjacent teeth. The inductor in the tool holder is then replaced with a machining tool to remachine the teeth of the gearwheel.
US09156097B2	Reciprocating saw blade clamp A reciprocating saw that includes a spindle including a blade slot configured to receive a saw blade. The saw further includes a blade clamp operable to removably couple the saw blade to the spindle, and the blade clamp includes a first actuator pivotable about the spindle between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a first locking member movable relative to the blade slot between an engaged position and a disengaged position in response to movement of the first actuator between the locked position and the unlocked position. The blade clamp further includes a second actuator pivotable about the spindle between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a second locking member movable relative to the blade slot between an engaged position and a disengaged position in response to movement of the second actuator between the locked position and the unlocked position.
US09156096B2	Tool cutting apparatus and tool cutting method for workpiece A tool cutting apparatus includes a chuck table for holding a workpiece, and rotatable cutting means having a cutting tip for cutting the front side of the workpiece. Pure water and an additive are mixed to prepare a cutting fluid, and a cutting fluid nozzle supplies the cutting fluid to the cutting tip and the workpiece held on the chuck table.
US09156095B2	Cutting tool, cutting tool holder, and a cutting insert therefor A cutting tool holder configured for mounting a cutting insert to form a cutting tool that extends along a central axis and comprises a mounting portion having a seat surface oriented generally perpendicular to the central axis. The tool holder has at least two securing extensions projecting from the seat surface in a direction generally parallel to the central axis. Each of the extensions are formed, at an end remote from the seat surface with a latch portion extending towards the central axis. The latch portion has an under and top surface, both oriented generally transversely to the central axis such that the under surface is disposed between the seat surface and the top surface. Each of the extensions is formed with a side surface extending between the under and side surfaces to form a securing pocket defined between the seat, side, and under surfaces.
US09156094B2	Step drill for wood A wood drill bit has a plurality of step sections where each step section has at least one flute that terminates in a cutting edge. The effective diameter of each of the plurality of step sections is different than the diameter of the other of the plurality of step sections such that a single bit may be used to bore holes in wood of different diameters.
US09156093B2	Collet positioning mechanism for a rotary tool An accessory tool retention assembly for a rotary tool includes a collet having a body defining a collet axis and having a plurality of flexible segments that extend longitudinal along the body generally parallel to the collet axis, each flexible segment including a curved end portion that curves radially outwardly from the collet body. A collet chuck is configured to be coupled to an output shaft of a motor of a rotary tool. The collet chuck defines a collet receiving passage configured to slidably receive the collet. A front wall portion on the collet chuck defines an insertion opening aligned with the passage of the collet chuck. The front wall portion defines a plurality of recesses sized and shaped complementary to the curved end portions of the collet. The plurality of recesses is positioned to receive the curved end portions when the collet is inserted into the collet receiving passage.
US09156089B2	Process for producing a target by thermal spraying Process for producing a target by thermal spraying, especially by plasma spraying, said target comprising at least one compound chosen from refractory metals, resistive oxides and volatile oxides, characterized in that at least one fraction of said compound in the form of a powder composition of said compound is sprayed by thermal spraying, onto at least one surface portion of the target, in a controlled atmosphere and in that powerful cryogenic cooling jets directed onto the target during its construction are used.
US09156088B2	Au—Ag core-shell nanorod particles and method for producing same Disclosed are: Au—Ag core-shell nanorod particles wherein a cationic surfactant such as CTAB is substituted by an other compound; and a method for producing the Au—Ag core-shell nanorod particles. Specifically disclosed are Au—Ag core-shell nanorod particles which are characterized in that each of the nanorod particles comprises a gold nanorod particle that serves as the core, a shell layer that covers the surface of the gold nanorod particle and is formed from silver, and a copolymer that adsorbs on the surface of the shell layer. The Au—Ag core-shell nanorod particles are also characterized in that the copolymer is a block copolymer or graft copolymer that is obtained by polymerizing at least a polymerizable monomer (A) that has a group represented by general formula (I). In the formula, Ra represents an alkylene group having 2-7 carbon atoms.
US09156087B2	Molten metal transfer system and rotor The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
US09156083B2	Energy-saving steel production apparatus and method thereof The present invention relates to a energy-saving steel production apparatus, including an hot-rolling production line and a continuous casting equipment (5) for producing semi-manufactured products or billets (10), said production line and said equipment facing one each other and being connected through fast transport means (7) moving said billets (10). The invention also relates to a method for processing energy-saving steel, comprising the following steps: a. taking the steel to a casting temperature; b. casting said steel in suitable moulds for obtaining a semi-manufactured product (10); c. transferring directly said casted semi-manufactured product (10) towards a rolling mill through fast transport means; d. taking said semi-manufactured product (10) to a value of temperature corresponding to a maximum value of plasticity; e. subjecting said semi-manufactured product (10) to a rolling process.
US09156076B2	Device for the disposal of residual wire In order to simplify leftover wire (3) at the tying machines used in pulp production, a device is used that has an inlet guide (2) for the leftover wire (3) and a bending device (4) to bend the leftover wire running through continuously into a helical or spiral shape.
US09156075B2	Lever bender and related method of use A lever bender includes a first handle pivotally attached to a second handle. The first handle includes a forming mandrel around which a pipe is bent and a stop member for receiving and substantially holding the pipe in place prior to bending. The second handle includes a forming head that engages and bends the pipe around the forming mandrel. The stop member includes a pipe-engaging member that receives a pipe and a locking member adjacent to the pipe-engaging member. The locking member includes a retaining member moveable between a projecting position where the retaining member secures the pipe between the pipe-engaging member and the locking member and a retracted position permitting a pipe to either be received within the pipe-engaging member or removed from the pipe-engaging member.
US09156072B2	Ultrasonic extrusion apparatus for metal material Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic extrusion apparatus which causes resonance of an extrusion die using ultrasonic vibrations, thus reducing friction between the extrusion die and an extrusion material. The ultrasonic extrusion apparatus has an increased number of ultrasonic vibrators provided around the extrusion die in the circumferential direction to increase the vibration output, whereby when extruding a metal material such as a magnesium material, friction between the metal material and the extrusion die can be reduced, thus improving the performance of the extrusion process (preventing a reduction in an extrusion rate, generation of heat, cracking of a product, errors in measurements, etc.).
US09156071B2	Roll nip regulation device and method A compact roll arrangement has a device and method for regulating the roll nip so that intermittently coated films may be calendared precisely. A bearing block is arranged in a bearing jewel, and first lever arms of the clamping latch of the upper roll and the lower roll are connected rigidly to one another. Bearing jewels which lie opposite to one another, of the upper roll and the lower roll are connected to one another via a second actuating element. A controller acts on first and second actuating elements, so that the first actuating elements are moved to adjust the roll nip according to a predetermined thrust and a predetermined linear load, and the second actuating elements are moved to maintain the bearing jewels in a relative rest position which is defined by specified densification of a material web passing the roll nip.
US09156070B2	Cold rolled material manufacturing equipment and cold rolling method Cold rolled material manufacturing equipment comprises: an unwinding device for unwinding a hot rolled coil after acid pickling; joining means, disposed on the exit side of the unwinding device, for joining the tail end of a preceding coil to the leading end of a succeeding coil unwound from the unwinding device; a rolling mill for continuously rolling the coils in one direction; a strip storage device, disposed between the joining means and the rolling mill, for storing a strip to perform continuous rolling during the joining; a strip cutting device for cutting the strip to a desired length; a winding device for winding the rolled coil; transport means for transporting the coil to the unwinding device so that the coil is rolled a plurality of times; and a rolling speed control device for controlling a rolling speed during the joining to a lower speed than a steady rolling speed.
US09156066B2	Aperture cleaning system and methods of use A sensor aperture cleaning system includes a fluid dispensing arm movable between a stowed position in which the fluid dispensing arm is outside a field of view of a sensor aperture and a cleaning position in which the fluid dispensing arm is disposed within the field of view of the sensor aperture. The system further comprises a piston mechanism, a housing sized to slidably receive the piston mechanism, and a biasing member disposed within the housing and configured to bias the piston mechanism. The piston mechanism is coupled to the fluid dispensing arm and is configured to move the fluid dispensing arm from the stowed position to the cleaning position in response to pressure on the piston mechanism from a pressurized fluid.
US09156065B2	Sorting and inspection apparatus and method with determination of product velocity A sorting and inspection apparatus comprising a feed system for delivering a product stream sequentially through an imaging zone and a sorting zone, at least one tight source for illuminating a product at the imaging zone, at least one optical sensor and detector circuit for viewing at least a portion of the illuminated product at the imaging zone, for collecting viewed data, for determining a condition of that at least portion of the illuminated product from the viewed data and then for outputting a signal dependent upon the determined condition of that at least portion of the illuminated product, and at least one ejector for ejecting product at the sorting zone dependent upon the output signal. The imaging zone comprises at least two sensor zones, sequentially arranged one after another in a direction of the product stream. The data collected from the at least two sensor zones is temporally delayed between an earlier one of the sensor zones and a subsequent sensor zone, with the temporal delay being set at a time that would match a sensor output for the said earlier one of the sensor zones with a sensor output for the said subsequent sensor zone for a hypothetical product travelling through the viewing zone at a fixed, predetermined velocity. The apparatus additionally determines the velocity of each product that passes through the sensor zones. The determined velocity, or its difference from the predetermined velocity, used in a determination of a shortened but non-clipped sector of each sensor zone from which to use collected data for basing its defect determination.
US09156063B2	Method and system for presort break sorting of mailpieces The present subject matter relates to techniques and equipment for processing mailpieces. The mailpieces have been manufacture on a mailpiece inserter or directly from a printer The manufactured mailpieces are processed on a mail sorter to produce trays of mail that are grouped by zone improvement program. The mailpieces are sorted without a predefined sort scheme loaded on the mail sorter.
US09156061B2	Injection molded grid for saving screen frames A shaker screen including a composite frame, a removable grid attached to the composite frame, and at least one filtering element attached to the removable grid is disclosed. A method including forming a composite frame, forming a removable grid, attaching at least one filtering element to the removable grid, and attaching the removable grid to the composite frame is disclosed. Additionally, a method for rebuilding a shaker screen, the method including removing a first screen assembly from a composite frame, the screen assembly having a removable grid and at least one filtering element, and attaching a second screen assembly to the composite frame is disclosed.
US09156056B2	Apparatus for producing an integrally laminated three-dimensional object by repeating formation of powder layer and solidified layer An apparatus for producing a laminated object, includes a powder layer forming unit for forming a powder layer of a powdery material, a material supply unit for feeding the powdery material to the powder layer forming unit; and a solidified layer forming unit for forming a solidified layer by irradiating a light beam on a specified portion of the powder layer and sintering or melting the specified portion of the powder layer. The apparatus is configured to produce an integrally laminated three-dimensional object by repeating formation of the powder layer and formation of the solidified layer. The material supply unit includes a cartridge unit charged with the powdery material, the cartridge unit being configured to allow the powdery material to drop downwards.
US09156053B2	Melter A melt system capable of heating hot melt pellets into a liquid includes a melter including a body, a chamber, a collector, channels, and a heater. The thermally conductive body forms an interior with a surface area. The chamber is at an upper end of the body for receiving the pellets. The collector is within the body and located below the chamber for receiving the liquid from the melted pellets. The channels extend between the chamber and the collector to increase the surface area of the interior, and the walls of the channels form heat exchange surfaces. The heater is for transferring heat to the body.
US09156048B2	Laterally actuated device for dispensing a fluid product A fluid dispenser device including a body (10), a reservoir (20), a dispenser head (100), and a dispenser member (30) mounted by a fastener ring (60). The device includes a lateral actuator system (40) secured to the body (10) and having an actuator element (41) movable between a rest position and an actuated position. The lateral actuator system (40) includes a presser element (42) mounted on the body (10) to pivot about an axis (A). The actuator element (41) is mounted on the presser element (42) to pivot about an axis (B) that is substantially parallel to the axis (A). The actuator element (41) co-operates with the presser element (42) by a multi-directional ball joint (400) that enables the actuator element (41) to pivot about the axis (B) and to move relative to the presser element (42) in at least one other direction.
US09156043B2	Arc adjustable rotary sprinkler with automatic matched precipitation A rotary sprinkler is provided herein capable of providing automatic matched precipitation to arc adjustments. Sprinklers herein includes an arc setting assembly or mechanism that enables reversing, part-circle operation or, in some cases, full-circle operation with automatic matched precipitation coupled to the arc setting mechanism operable to effect automatic matched precipitation based on adjustments to the arc of rotation of the nozzle turret.
US09156042B2	Systems and methods for dispensing texture material using dual flow adjustment An aerosol dispensing system for dispensing stored material in a spray comprises a container, a conduit, a valve system, a first adjustment system, and a second adjustment system. The container defines a chamber containing the stored material and pressurized material. The conduit defines a conduit passageway having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. The conduit inlet is arranged within the chamber, and the conduit outlet is arranged outside of the chamber. The valve system is arranged to allow and prevent flow of stored material along the conduit passageway. The first adjustment system is arranged to control flow of stored material along the conduit passageway. The first adjustment system is arranged between the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet. The second adjustment system is arranged to control flow of stored material along the conduit passageway. The second adjustment system is arranged between the first adjustment system and the conduit outlet.
US09156036B2	Method of separating workpieces from chips There is provided a workpiece separation apparatus permitting input of a mixture of workpieces and chips stably within a flow current and separating them accurately and efficiently. The workpiece separation apparatus includes an input cylinder inserted within a separating container, and a fluid supplying means arranged so as to supply fluid to the separating container from a part lower than a lower end of the input cylinder, and configured such that the fluid overflows and flows out of the upper end of the separating container due to a flow current generated within the separating container, and such that the level of the fluid rises up in the input cylinder and the fluid does not flow out of the upper end of the input cylinder, but is maintained substantially in a resting state and at a level above the level of the upper end of the separating container.
US09156034B2	Process for recycling absorbent sanitary products A process for treating used absorbent sanitary products, comprising the steps of providing a rotary cylindrical autoclave having an inner surface and two ends, at least one of which terminates in a hatch that can be opened to enable access to said autoclave and sealably closed to enable pressurization of said autoclave; loading said autoclave with closed absorbent sanitary products; heating and pressurizing the autoclave to a sterilization temperature and at the same time driving the autoclave in rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein said step of heating and pressurizing the autoclave envisages a first temperature regime for the products contained in the autoclave and a second temperature regime, higher than the first temperature regime, for said inner surface.
US09156033B2	Lab On a Chip A Lab On a Chip (LOC) has a Sample Preparation Module (SPM) coupled to a sample inlet, a microchannel coupled to the SPM, and an optic module optically proximate to the microchannel. The optic module holds multiple lenses, each of which has a different effective focal length, such that all fields of focus within the microchannel are covered as objects suspended within the liquid sample pass through the microchannel.
US09156032B2	Apparatus and method for analyzing fluid sample The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.
US09156031B2	Pipette The present invention relates to a pipette having: a rod-shaped handle body in which a drive unit is arranged for a displacement unit having an operating element in the top end, and having a seat for a pipette tip or syringe in the bottom end, wherein the handle body has a front grip surface that is approximately straight in the bottom part of the handle body in a vertical sectional plane through the handle body, and curves across the handle body toward a thumb rest in the top part of the handle body above the area that comes into contact with the surface of the hand, and the operating element actuatable with the thumb is arranged in the thumb rest.
US09156030B2	Pipette tip A pipette tip having the shape of an elongate small tube with a lower opening at the lower end for the passage of liquid, and an upper opening at the upper end, wherein a seat area exists on the inner circumference contiguous to the upper opening, which serves for plugging it onto a standardized conical attachment piece of a pipetting device, wherein the seat area has a retaining area with axially extending ribs projecting radially towards the inside, and below the retaining area a sealing area and is configured such that when the pipette tip is plugged onto the attachment piece with its seat area by a plugging force which ensures retaining and sealing of the pipette tip on the attachment piece, the ribs are partly plastically deformed, and elastic deformation occurs in the seat area outside of the ribs.
US09156028B2	Alkylation process using phosphonium-based ionic liquids A process for making an alkylate is presented. The process includes mixing an isoparaffin stream with an olefin stream in an alkylation reactor. The alkylation reactor includes a catalyst for performing the reaction. The catalyst is an ionic liquid that is a quaternary phosphonium based ionic liquid, and the reaction is performed at or near ambient temperatures.
US09156026B2	Iron-comprising heterogeneous catalyst and process for preparing olefins by reaction of carbon monoxide with hydrogen A process for preparing olefins by reaction of carbon monoxide with hydrogen in the presence of a an iron-comprising heterogeneous catalyst produced by the following steps: thermal decomposition of gaseous iron pentacarbonyl to give carbonyl iron powder having spherical primary particles; treatment of carbonyl iron powder with hydrogen, resulting in the metallic spherical primary particles at least partially forming agglomerates; contacting the agglomerates with iron pentacarbonyl; and thermal decomposition of the iron pentacarbonyl to give at least predominantly pore-free and void-free secondary particles.
US09156025B2	Three-way catalytic converter using nanoparticles The present disclosure relates to a substrate comprising nanomaterials for treatment of gases, washcoats for use in preparing such a substrate, and methods of preparation of the nanomaterials and the substrate comprising the nanomaterials. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a substrate comprising nanomaterial for three-way catalytic converters for treatment of exhaust gases.
US09156023B2	Palladium—rhodium single-layer catalyst A one-layer three-way catalyst is described for the cleaning of the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines with outstanding activity and thermal stability. The catalyst comprises an active aluminum oxide, a first cerium/zirconium mixed oxide and a second cerium/zirconium mixed oxide. The first cerium/zirconium mixed oxide has a higher zirconium oxide content than the second mixed oxide. The first cerium/zirconium mixed oxide is catalytically activated with rhodium and the second cerium/zirconium mixed oxide with palladium.
US09156021B2	Method and nanocomposite for treating wastewater The method and nanocomposite for treating wastewater provides a method of treating aniline-containing wastewater with a magnetic nanocomposite. Nickel nitrate, iron nitrate and citric acid are dissolved in deionized water to form a metal nitrate and citric acid solution, which is then pH balanced. The pH balanced solution is then heated to form a gel, which is then ignited to form powdered NiFe2O4. Nanoparticles of the powdered NiFe2O4 combustion product are then mixed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes to form a magnetic nanocomposite, such that the magnetic nanocomposite includes approximately 75 wt % of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes and approximately 25 wt % of the NiFe2O4. The magnetic nanocomposite may then be mixed into a volume of aniline-containing wastewater for adsorption of the aniline by the nanocomposite. A magnetic field is then applied to the mixture to magnetically separate the magnetic nanocomposite and the adsorbed aniline from the wastewater.
US09156018B2	Vaporisation in oxidation to phthalic anhydride In the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, the ortho-xylene loading is increased without increasing the likelihood of explosion by insulating the system to avoid cold spots to keep the ortho-xylene at a temperature above its dew point; in addition the system may be electrically interconnected and grounded to reduce the risk of spark initiated explosions or deflagrations.
US09156016B2	Apparatus and method for making solid beads An apparatus for making solid beads is provided, the apparatus comprising at least one liquid droplet generator operable to generate droplets comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent, and at least one flow channel for carrying a second liquid, at least one liquid droplet generator and at least one flow channel being spaced relative to one another so that, in use, liquid droplets pass through a gas into a second liquid provided in said flow channel, the solvent being soluble in the second liquid so as to cause the solvent to exit the droplets, thus forming solid beads. A method of preparing solid beads is also provided.
US09156013B2	Solution making system and method A solution making system and apparatus are described. The solution maker mixes a chemical or slurry with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by one or more methods. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.
US09156012B2	Method and device for mixing samples on a support A method for detecting analytes in a liquid is provided in which the liquid is subjected to a mixing treatment on an area of a support which has in particular immobilized reactants, wherein in the mixing treatment the liquid is impinged upon by a stream of gas that sweeps across at least some areas of the support surface in a scanning manner by means of a jet directed towards the support surface. The invention also concerns a method for mixing a liquid sample comprising an analyte and a device for carrying out the method.
US09156010B2	Droplet-based assay system Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing assays. These systems may involve separating sample components by partitioning them into droplets or other partitions, amplifying or otherwise reacting the components within the droplets, detecting the amplified components, or characteristics thereof, and/or analyzing the resulting data, among others.
US09156009B2	Membrane, method for manufacturing the same, and composite membrane including the same Example embodiments relate to a membrane, a method of manufacturing the same, and a composite membrane including the same. The membrane may include a polyacrylonitrile-based copolymer that includes a hydrophobic side chain and/or a hydrophobic repeating unit. The membrane may include a skin layer and a porous layer. A thickness ratio of the skin layer relative to the porous layer may be about 0.01 or less. The skin layer may have a thickness of about 1 μm or less. The membrane may have a relatively high water flux. When using the membrane, a water treatment module having higher energy efficiency may be achieved.
US09156007B2	Seeding method for deposit of thin selective membrane layers A process of producing transition metal-based membranes or other layers on a porous support is provided. The layers are suitable for hydrogen separation, oxygen separation, or protective or decorative purpose sand are produced by pretreating the porous support by coating with a solution of a transition metal salt, drying the seeded support, reducing the transition metal salt to transition metal metal, and electroless plating with a complex of a transition metal (palladium, silver or other) and optionally other metals. The membranes can be tubular with a transition metal layer of 1-10 μm on its outside.
US09156001B2	Method and apparatus for further purifying ultrapure water Disclosed are a method for further purifying ultrapure water, according to which any impurities in ultrapure water can be stably removed to a high degree within a small space over a prolonged period; and an apparatus therefor. Ultrapure water introduced into an ultrapure-water purifying apparatus 10 passes through an ion exchange resin layer 5 in a lower chamber 1a. During this process, metal ions, for example, in the ultrapure water are removed by the ion exchange resin. The ultrapure water then passes through a perforated plate 4, flows into an upper chamber 1b, and permeates an ion exchange filter 6. During this process, metal ions and other impurities remaining unremoved by the ion exchange resin layer 5 are removed. Specifically, metal ions are removed to a certain extent by the ion exchange resin, so that it is enough for the ion exchange filter provided downstream thereof to remove an extremely small amount of metal ions. Consequently, reaching of the ion exchange filter to breakthrough within a short period can be prevented, thereby attaining further purification of ultrapure water over a prolonged period of time.
US09156000B2	Exhaust gas purifier An oxidation catalyst, an ozone injection nozzle, a urea-based fluid injection nozzle, and a selective reduction catalyst are arranged in an exhaust pipe of an engine in this order towards its outlet. An exhaust gas purifier includes an air flow sensor that detects an air intake amount of the engine, a NOx sensor that detects a NOx concentration in the exhaust pipe, and first and second temperature sensors that detect inlet temperatures of the catalysts. An ozone generation device to which the ozone injection nozzle is connected includes a compressor, a dryer that dries compressed air, a flow rate sensor that detects a flow rate of this air, an ozone generator that converts this air into ozone, and an ozone concentration sensor that detects a concentration of the ozone. A controller controls the compressor and the ozone generator based on respective detection outputs of the respective sensors.
US09155992B2	Mass transfer apparatus and method for separation of gases A process and apparatus for separating components of a source gas is provided in which more soluble components of the source gas are dissolved in an aqueous solvent at high pressure. The system can utilize hydrostatic pressure to increase solubility of the components of the source gas. The apparatus includes gas recycle throughout multiple mass transfer stages to improve mass transfer of the targeted components from the liquid to gas phase. Separated components can be recovered for use in a value added application or can be processed for long-term storage, for instance in an underwater reservoir.
US09155990B2	Method and plant for amine emission control A method for eliminating or substantially reducing emission of amines (amineslip) and alkaline degradation products to the atmosphere from a plant for CO2 capture from a flue gas, where the CO2 is captured by counter-current flow to an absorbent in an absorption zone, the absorbent comprising an aqueous solution of one or more amine(s), to give a CO2 lean flue gas that is released into the surroundings, and a CO2 rich absorbent that is regenerated in a regeneration column to give a CO2 rich gas that is treated further, and regenerated absorbent that is recycled to the absorption zone, wherein the CO2 lean flue gas is washed with an acidic aqueous solution to remove or substantially reduce the amount of amine(s) and alkaline degradation products thereof in the gas, is described.
US09155983B2	Method of making a shape memory structure A method of making a shape memory structure includes, commingling elastic material with viscoelastic material, and forming a structure with the commingled materials. Altering a shape of the structure, altering an environment the structure is exposed to, to lock in the altered shape of the structure via hardening of the viscoelastic material until the structure is exposed to another environment that softens the viscoelastic material.
US09155979B2	Method for performing maintenance on a chromatography column A method for performing maintenance on a chromatography column (1; 41) comprising the steps of: a) when maintenance is required, detaching a detachable joint (7; 63) between a bottom plate (5; 53) of the chromatography column and a stand (3; 43) on which the chromatography column is provided; b) attaching an adaptor (15; 59) provided in the chromatography system to any part of the chromatography column (1; 41) making it possible to lift the bottom plate (5; 53) from the stand (3; 43) with the adaptor (15; 59); and c) raising the adaptor (15; 59) and thereby also the bottom plate (5; 53) such that maintenance can be performed under the bottom plate (5; 53).
US09155978B2	Solution separating apparatus A very highly concentrated solution is obtained in a single cycle of operation. In the solution separating apparatus, the solution is atomized into the mists to be mixed with the carrier gas, the carrier gas containing such atomized mists is transferred to the collection unit 3, and the collection unit 3 is so constructed and arranged that a specific target substance is separated and collected from the atomized mist component. The solution separating apparatus allows the mist component, by means of the carrier gas, to be in contact with the molecular sieving adsorbent 4 having a molecularly sieving capability of adsorbing the adsorbable component contained in the mist component so as to be separated from the mist component. The non-adsorbable component which is not adsorbed into the molecular sieving adsorbent 4 is separated from the mist component contained in the carrier gas in which the adsorbable component is separated, so that the target substance is separated from the carrier gas.
US09155975B2	Lamp adapter apparatus for use with powered toy building blocks A lamp adapter apparatus includes a socket mount, a first mechanical connector, and an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) adapter. The socket mount has a mount housing that carries a socket connector. The socket connector is configured to be releasably secured to a bulb receptacle of a lamp and receive AC electrical power from the lamp. The AC/DC adapter is connected between the socket connector and the first mechanical connector and converts the AC electrical power supplied from the lamp into the DC electrical power. A powered toy building block is connectable to the first mechanical connector of the lamp adapter apparatus and thereby receives electrical power from the lamp.
US09155974B2	Play mat and system A play mat is formed from a cushion material enclosed by fabric. A flexible rod-like element with a substantially continuous outer surface may be fixedly coupled to a portion of the mat. A slidable member is slidingly coupled with the rod-like element. In some cases, at least one article is coupled to the slidable member. The article includes a first item coupled to a second item by a length of material. The first item may be resilient so that the article is coupled to the slidable member when the first item is compressed and passed through an opening of the slidable member so that at least a portion of the length of material is positioned within the opening.
US09155971B1	Selective illumination of physical scenery in amusement park rides A selective illumination system for use with amusement park rides and other attractions. The system includes a first light source illuminating a first set of items in a physical set and also includes a second light source illuminating a second set of items in the physical set. The system further includes a first set of optical filters operating in time synchronization with the first light source to pass light from the illuminated first set of items and also includes a second set of optical filters operating in time synchronization with the second light source to pass light from the illuminated first set of items. The optical filters of the first and second sets may be shutter glasses or other filters that are operated at high rates to selectively pass received light, and the first and second light sources are operated in a time multiplexed manner synchronized with the optical filters.
US09155969B2	Video game competition notifications Methods and systems are described for automatically sending a popup or other message to another person's electronic device upon finishing a predetermined goal in a video game. The predetermined goal can be, for example, killing a first boss in under five minutes. The message to the friend can include a link or button enabled such that the friend can begin the game on his device in the same room, mission, scenario, etc. that the first player started out in so that the friend can attempt to duplicate or ‘one up’ the first player's achievement. Friends who are interested in receiving such messages can be determined from existing social networking sites.
US09155966B2	Gaming server and system Described herein are a gaming system, method, computer server, and computer program product that utilise a first gaming table and a predefined number of tokens. The gaming table includes a number of cells that correspond to the number of tokens and each token has an associated value. The tokens are stored in the cells of the gaming table, with one token in each cell, until all of the cells are populated. The gaming system, method, and computer program product of the present disclosure compute a score for a player by utilising the values associated with the tokens.
US09155965B2	Poker communities Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing play areas to communities of players in an online game. One method includes an operation for identifying attributes of players in the online game. A characteristic that is common to a subset of players is determined in the online game, where the characteristic is based on the attributes of players in the online game. The method further includes an operation for creating a playing area in the online game, such that the subset of players are allowed to play in the playing area, but other players in the online game, that are outside the subset of players, are disallowed from playing in the playing area. The subset of players is then enabled to play in the playing area with other players from the subset of players.
US09155964B2	Apparatus for adapting virtual gaming with real world information A server device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a memory and a processor. The processor can identify first and second players present at first and second physical locations, to identify first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations, to map the first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations to a virtual gaming space, to capture first and second position and orientation information for the first and second players, to map the first and second position and orientation information to the virtual gaming space, to generate first and second virtual players corresponding to the first and second players, and to transmit to first goggles information representative of the second virtual player for display superimposed onto a transparent viewing apparatus for viewing of the virtual gaming space. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US09155963B2	Collaborative online ranking A system, method and article for ranking a gaming session between a plurality of independent player game components. A method includes receiving one or more gaming session metrics determined at each of a group of the game components participating in a gaming session; calculating a quality metric for the gaming session based on the one or more gaming session metrics received from the group of game components; and storing the quality metric for ranking the gaming session.
US09155962B2	System and method for compressing video by allocating bits to image tiles based on detected intraframe motion or scene complexity A system and method are described below for encoding interactive low-latency video using interframe coding. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method for performing video compression comprises: logically subdividing each of a sequence of images into a plurality of tiles, each of the tiles having a defined position within each of the sequence of images, the defined position remaining the same between successive images; detecting motion or high scene complexity within the sequence of images occurring at each of the positions of each of the tiles; and encoding each tile within each image of the sequence of images using a specified number of bits, the number of bits selected based on the detected amount of motion at the position of each tile across the sequence of images.
US09155961B2	Mobile agents for manipulating, moving, and/or reorienting components Mobile agents automatically manipulate components such as blocks on a working surface, to perform operations such as construction of generalized structures. The working surface and/or the components can have machine-readable codes to assist the agents in maintaining current knowledge of their respective locations. Agents identify components by type and location, and can move components according to directions; such directions can be provided by a user, or can be based on a pre-programmed directive, or can be determined dynamically based on current conditions or in response to actions of other agents. Agents may cooperate with one another. Agents can also respond to changes in the environment, alterations in works in progress, and/or other conditions, and may be configured to exhibit responses simulating emotional reactions. Different mobile agents can be associated with different character traits, which may be configured to change based on environmental conditions and/or the behavior of other mobile agents.
US09155956B2	Toepiece which releases automatically as a result of twisting A toepiece (10) for a binding device for securing a boot to a gliding board comprises a fixed part (11) which is intended to be secured to the gliding board, and a mobile part (12) which is mounted on the fixed part with a possibility of relative movement (T) with at least one transverse component and on which two jaws (13d, 13g) are mounted so as to pivot about a substantially longitudinal axis (Ag, Ad). The toepiece (10) comprises a lever (16) that is actuable from the outside of the toepiece (10) and takes up a blocking position in which blocking elements (25d, 25g) that are integral with the lever (16) prevent the jaws (13d, 13g) from tilting so as to keep the toepiece (10) in a closed configuration in which the jaws (13d, 13g) retain the boot.
US09155953B2	Photoelectric sensing instant display type golf swing collimation trainer A photoelectric sensing instant display type golf swing collimation trainer comprises a base (1) and a display device (2), two photoelectric sensor mounting supports (3, 3′) are mounted on the base (1), two groups of photoelectric detection devices with transmitters (4) and sensors (5) are mounted on each mounting support (3 or 3′), the distance between the two sensors (5) on each mounting support is matched with the distance of the straight line section at the bottom of a club head of a golf club, when the club head of the golf club passes between the transmitters (4) and the sensors (5), the pulse receiving of the sensors (5) is blocked, and the sensors (5) are used for sending the synchronous state of blocking the pulse receiving of the club head of the golf club to the display device (2) which is electrically connected with the sensors (5) for real-time display.
US09155952B2	Tennis training apparatus A tennis training apparatus is provided with a sheet supporting frame to be installed in a training place; a hit ball receiving sheet supported by the sheet supporting frame rises in an inclination state toward a distal end thereof; and a turning guide portion provided at an upper end of the hit ball receiving sheet in an eave shape curved toward a near side. When a ball hit by a player is received by the hit ball receiving sheet, the ball is turned by the turning guide portion to move downward along the hit ball receiving sheet and fly out of the hit ball receiving sheet as a returning ball. The returning ball bounces to return near the player. The hit ball receiving sheet is provided with a returning hit ball guiding structure where the player can select from one or more preferable hitting-back positions.
US09155950B2	Weighted flag and target apparatus for use in a toss game The present invention relates to a weighted flag for use as an aerodynamic projectile directed to a target, an apparatus for receiving and storing a tossable object, and a toss game set that includes at least one weighted flag and at least one target apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using the weighted flag and target apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention further relates to a method of play that involves using the weighted flag and the target apparatus according to the present invention.
US09155949B2	Golf club measuring system and golf club measuring method A golf club measuring system is designed to dynamically measure physical values of a golf club shaft during its swinging motion. A sensor wiring substrate includes a flexible board (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate material), a connector, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of wires. A plurality of sensors is connected to the sensor wiring substrate via a plurality of couplers. The sensor wiring substrate is helically wound about the golf club shaft such that the flexible board is slightly warped and closely attached to the curved surface of a golf club shaft, thus reducing air resistance occurring on the golf club shaft being swung. An external device (e.g. a strain measuring device) is connected to the connector of the sensor wiring substrate so as to receive signals representing physical values (e.g. strain values), occurring on the golf club shaft being swung, from a plurality of sensors.
US09155948B2	Folding-type luggage panel on golf cart A folding-type luggage panel provided on a main body of a golf cart has a fixed panel and a turnover panel. A fixed support is provided on the fixed panel, the fixed support and the main body of the golf cart are fixed with each other, a rotation shaft is provided on the fixed support and the outer side of the back end surface of the fixed panel, a rotation block is movably sleeved on the rotation shaft and fixed with the turnover panel so that the turnover panel may be rotated around the rotation shaft, and the back end surface of the fixed panel and the front end surface of the turnover panel are matched with each other through a positioning hole and a positioning convex block provided on a joint surface of the bodies of the two panels, so that the bodies are closely engaged with each other.
US09155945B2	Swing-weight-adjustable golf clubs and clubheads Clubs and clubheads are disclosed that allow the swing-weight thereof to be easily changed by attaching or exchanging a “weight-assembly” having a first portion configured as a “weight insert,” a second portion configured as an overcap, and a third portion configured as a drive screw. The drive screw extends through the overcap and into the weight-insert to assemble the weight-assembly, which fits into a weight-receiving cavity on the clubhead. These three components are made of respective materials (having respective densities) that are selected so that each component contributes a desired fraction of the total mass of the weight-assembly to the clubhead to achieve a desired change in swing-weight. By mix-match selection of the components, a wide range of masses of the weight assemblies can be made, with small increments therebetween.
US09155944B2	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.
US09155942B2	Golf club head A head 2 includes a head body h1 and a neck part n1. The head body h1 and the neck part n1 are joined. The head body h1 has a body side joint surface s1 and a first recessed part opened in the body side joint surface s1. A space v1 is formed by the first recessed part r1. The neck part n1 has a neck side joint surface brought into surface contact with the body side joint surface s1 and a shaft hole 14. An abutted boundary surface Pt passes through a vicinity ad1 of a head height lowest point. When a plane perpendicular to an axis line z of the shaft hole 14 is defined as PL, and an angle between the plane PL and the abutted boundary surface Pt is θ degree, the angle θ is a plus value.
US09155941B2	Takraw ball A takraw ball side strip (2) comprising an elongate length of plastics material having one side edge of sinusoidally undulating profile having troughs (7) and peaks (6), wherein the strip (2) is shaped or otherwise constructed to be preferentially flexible in peak regions (20) whereby, when the strip (2) is joined by its ends into a hoop (30), peak regions (20) will bend more readily than other regions of the strip. Also disclosed is A takraw ball woven from side strips as described, a more flexible peak region (20) of one strip (20a) may be positioned to overlie a less flexible strip region (34), located between a peak region (20) and a trough (7), of an underlying strip (20b).
US09155937B2	Multi-layered cores with thermoplastic and thermoset layers for golf balls Multi-piece golf balls containing a multi-layered core structure having layers with different hardness gradients and specific gravities are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity with metal material preferably dispersed in a first thermoset composition. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a second thermoset composition. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin control.
US09155927B2	Self-contained self-actuated modular fire suppression unit A residential fire suppression unit for providing an automated safeguard against a localized fire within a residential space. The unit includes a mounting bracket, pressurized tank of fire retardant, a dispersal nozzle and motorized valve assembly, a smoke detector, and a fire detector. The self-contained self-actuated modular fire suppression unit preferably mounts in the ceiling of a residential space and detects smoke within the space below it and sound an audible alarm. Additionally, the unit detects fire within the space below and actuates a motorized valve assembly allowing the pressurized fire retardant stored in the tank to be expelled.
US09155926B2	Drain nozzle A drain nozzle for fire fighting including a nozzle barrel and bafflehead, a floor grating providing the bafflehead, the nozzle barrel adjustably attached by an adjustment ring to the grating, the nozzle barrel not touching the bafflehead, the grating and bafflehead directing the discharge into an appropriate pattern.
US09155919B2	Information display and control device of powered air purifying respirator An information display and control device of an air purifying respirator comprises: a blower motor; a pulse width modulation drive unit controlling rotation of the blower motor; a temperature sensor; an air flow sensor; an oxygen sensor; a voltage detection unit for a battery; a differential pressure sensor detecting a differential pressure value of a filter; a switch input unit for a user to input predetermined temperature, air flow, and oxygen amount and operation commands; a controller executing a diagnostic mode, calibrating the oxygen sensor, calculating a detected value of the voltage detection unit to determine whether the voltage is low, comparing the detected value of the differential pressure sensor with a reference to determine whether the filter is absent or clogged, and comparing the detected value of the oxygen sensor with a reference to determine whether oxygen is insufficient or excessive; and an alarm output unit outputting an alarm.
US09155917B2	Self-braking descender with panic function A self-braking descender having a panic function and being formed by a body including a channel through which a cord extends in both directions. One end of the body is provided with an actuation lever formed by two projecting sides, a solidly connected appendage and a friction hole through which the cord also extends, and the lever can be folded onto the body. The other end of the body is provided with a head formed by a preferably semi-circular part including two projections and a rear cam with toothing in order to increase the friction in the panic position. An assist element for controlling the sliding of the cord is also included.
US09155913B2	Robotic linac adaptation (RLA) for the in-line MRI-linac configuration An in-line MRI-linac apparatus is provided that includes an MRI magnet of an MRI scanner, where the MRI magnet generates a magnetic field, where the magnetic field has a quasi-uniform fringe field, where the fringe field is proximal to an axis of symmetry of the MRI magnet, and a magnetically unshielded dynamically moveable linac that includes a treatment beam that is aligned with field lines of the fringe field in a quasi axial symmetric configuration, where a position of the linac in the fringe field continuously adapts according to a target position to enable continuous dose delivery to the target.
US09155912B2	Method and system for stereotactic intensity-modulated arc therapy A method of irradiating a target in a patient comprising directing a beam of radiation from an external source of radiation 24 at the target in the patient from numerous directions in a broad solid angle by longitudinally rotating the external source of radiation 24 around a central axis and simultaneously or sequentially, in either order, latitudinally rotating the external source of radiation 24; a globe gantry 21 comprising (i) a front opening ring 22 with its origin on the central axis of the globe gantry 21, (ii) at least one arc-shaped, gantry support arm 23, which has a front end and a rear end and is part of a circle, (iii) an external source of radiation 24, which is mounted on at least one arc-shaped, gantry support arm 23, (iv) a rear rotational axle 25 with an axis along the central axis of the globe gantry 21, (v) a support base 27, and (vi) a rear housing 26 comprising a source of power, mechanisms for moving components of the globe gantry 21, and controllers for controlling the movement of the components of the globe gantry 21 and the irradiation of the target in the patient; a system 20 comprising the globe gantry 21; and a method of irradiating a target in a patient using the system.
US09155908B2	Simultaneous multi-modality inverse optimization for radiotherapy treatment planning When performing multimodal radiotherapy planning, an optimizer (36) concurrently optimizes a combined treatment plan that employs an intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) device (30) and an intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) that respectively generate a photon beam and an ion beam for treating a volume of interest (18) in a patient (34). A simulator (40) iteratively generates multiple variations of a simulation model (44) according to optimization parameters that are varied by the optimizer (36) until the simulation model (44) satisfies user-entered treatment objective criteria (48) (e.g., maximum dose, does placement, etc.)
US09155907B2	Apparatus and method for combining machine limitations information with target motion boundary information A control circuit accesses machine limitations information and target motion boundary information. The control circuit then combines the machine limitations information with the target motion boundary information when acting with respect to a radiation treatment plan. By one approach the control circuit acts with respect to a radiation treatment plan by presenting machine limitation information in combination with target motion boundary information. As another approach, the control circuit acts by combining the foregoing information while developing the radiation treatment plan to use that information to make automatic adjustments to the radiation treatment plan to correct instances where a planned configuration reveals a conflict between the physical limitations of the treatment platform and the target motion boundary.
US09155906B2	LED therapeutic apparatus having thermal radiating function A light-emitting diode (LED) therapeutic apparatus includes a body portion formed of a light-weight resin material into a rectangular housing; a printed circuit board including a plurality of LEDs having different emission colors mounted linearly in a plurality of rows at required intervals; a thermal radiating plate provided with a plurality of thermal radiating studs formed of a light-weight thermally conductive material; and a transparent plate mounted on an opening surface of the body portion. The thermal radiating plate is mounted in tight contact in the body portion, and the printed circuit board is mounted in tight contact with the heat radiating studs. The heat generated by the LEDs is radiated from the surface of the body portion via the thermal radiating plate from the thermal radiating studs. The LEDs may be maintained to a junction allowable temperature or lower so that a long life span without noise is achieved.
US09155903B2	Wearable cardiac defibrillator receiving inputs by being deliberately tapped and methods A wearable defibrillation system includes an output device and a motion sensor. The output device emits a sound or a vibration for the patient, who responds by deliberately tapping the system. The motion sensor registers the tapping, and interprets it as a reply from the patient. The reply can be that the patient is conscious, or convey data that the patient enters by tapping the right number of times, or that the patient wants attention, and so on. Since the patient does not need direct access to the wearable defibrillation system for tapping it, he or she can wear it under their other garments, which helps preserve their dignity and privacy.
US09155899B2	Antenna buffer layer for an electromagnetic control unit A unit for wirelessly transmitting power to an implant unit configured to be located in a subject's body is provided. The unit may include a flexible carrier including an adhesive backing configured for attaching the unit to skin of the subject, an antenna associated with the flexible carrier, the antenna being configured to wirelessly transmit power to the implant unit in response to a signal applied to the antenna, and a buffer layer disposed on the flexible carrier at a position to be between the antenna and the skin of the subject when the carrier is attached to the skin of the subject, the buffer layer being configured to establish an air gap between the skin of the subject and the antenna.
US09155896B2	Method and apparatus for improving cardiac efficiency based on myocardial oxygen consumption Devices and methods for improving cardiac efficiency involve measuring, patient-internally, an oxygen saturation parameter indicative of oxygen usage of myocardial tissue of the heart. A cardiac electrical therapy is adjusted to cause a change of the measured oxygen saturation parameter, and the adjusted cardiac electrical therapy is selected for delivery based on a changed oxygen saturation parameter indicative of an increase in cardiac efficiency.
US09155895B2	Dorsal column stimulation therapy In some examples, the disclosure relates to system, devices, and techniques for delivering dorsal column stimulation. One or more locations for dorsal column stimulation may be identified based on sensed signals evoked by delivery of stimulation to a dorsal root and/or peripheral nerve of a patient. In some examples, an IMD may deliver dorsal column stimulation in combination with dorsal root stimulation to a patient to treat a patient condition.
US09155894B2	Systems and methods for avoiding aspiration during autonomic modulation therapy Some embodiments provide a method comprising delivering neural stimulation for a neural stimulation therapy according to a programmed schedule, detecting a swallow event, and responding to the detected swallow event by overriding the programmed schedule.
US09155893B2	Use of preventative vagal stimulation in treatment of acute myocardial infarction or ischemia The disclosure herein relates generally to methods for treating heart conditions using vagal stimulation, and further to systems and devices for performing such treatment. Such methods may include monitoring physiological parameters of a patient, detecting cardiac conditions, and delivering vagal stimulation (e.g., electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve or neurons having parasympathetic function) to the patient to treat the detected cardiac conditions.
US09155888B2	Cochlear implant systems including magnetic flux redirection means An exemplary cochlear implant system includes a component that houses a circuit board comprising electronic circuitry that generates one or more signals, an induction coil that transmits the one or more signals by generating a telemetry magnetic field, and a telemetry flux guide positioned between and in direct contact with a top surface of the induction coil and a bottom surface of the circuit board.
US09155886B2	Fitting an auditory prosthesis A method and system for fitting and adjusting the operation of an acoustic hearing prosthesis or a hybrid electric and acoustic hearing prosthesis. A graphic user interface allows for the acoustic and electric fitting parameters to be viewed and adjusted in a comparable way. The method further allows for the parameters for acoustic stimulation of the acoustic channels to be adjusted in response to behavioral or objective measurement of responses to known stimuli, so as to achieve a desired response curve.
US09155884B2	Treatment system and actuation method for treatment system A treatment system includes a power source for heat generation which outputs power for heat generation, a grasping member having a heating element which applies the power for heat generation as thermal energy to a grasped living tissue, a storage section storing a power decrease pattern which is a prediction about a change state of the power for heat generation, and a control section which performs pattern control on the power source for heat generation on the basis of the power decrease pattern acquired from the storage section.
US09155883B2	Systems and methods for making and using leads for electrical stimulation systems with improved RF compatibility An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes electrodes and terminals disposed on opposing ends of the lead. A liner extends along a longitudinal length of the lead and has at least two different outer diameters. Conductors are coiled around the liner and electrically-couple the electrodes to the terminals. The conductors include a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor includes alternating first and second coiled regions. The first coiled regions have tighter pitches than the second coiled regions. The second conductor includes alternating third and fourth coiled regions. The third coiled regions have tighter pitches than the fourth coiled regions. The conductors are arranged into repeating adjacent winding geometries disposed along the longitudinal length of the lead. The repeating adjacent winding geometries each include one of the first coiled regions and one of the third coiled regions axially disposed adjacent to one another.
US09155882B2	Implantable medical devices including tine fixation component having hook segment A tine portion of an implantable medical device includes a hook segment and a distal segment extending therefrom, wherein the hook segment is pre-set to extend along a curvature and is elastically deformable therefrom to an open position. The distal segment includes a tooth and an end that surrounds the tooth, wherein the end includes a pair of legs and a distal arch. The legs extend along a length of, and on opposing sides of the tooth, and the distal arch extends between the legs, distal to a tissue-piercing tip of the tooth. When the hook segment is in the open position, and a force is applied along a longitudinal axis of the device, to push the distal arch of the distal segment against tissue, for initial tissue penetration, the legs of the end of the distal segment bend in elastic deformation to expose the tissue-piercing tip to the tissue.
US09155881B2	Non-planar chip assembly A non-planner integrated circuit device comprising a flexible structure and at least one fixture structure bonded to the flexible structure is described. The flexible structure may be curved in a desired deformation. A plurality of contact areas may be included in the flexible structure. Circuitry may be embedded within the flexible structure to perform processing operations. In one embodiment, the fixture structure may be bonded with the fixture structure via the contact areas to provide holding constraints allowing the flexible structure to remain curved. The bonding pads can also be used to connect communications in electrical signals.
US09155880B2	Electrode with movable insertion stopper A cochlear implant electrode includes an electrode carrier having an electrode array with a groove disposed in a longitudinal direction along the electrode carrier, and a stopper positioned around the electrode carrier. The stopper has a protrusion on its inner surface that is configured to be positioned within the groove such that the stopper is movable with respect to the electrode carrier and a skirt disposed on a portion of its outer surface. Another configuration includes an electrode carrier having an electrode array with grooves disposed in a transverse direction along the electrode carrier, and a stopper positioned around the electrode carrier and configured to be positioned within each groove and movable with respect to the electrode carrier. The stopper has a skirt disposed on a portion of its outer surface.
US09155878B2	Device for preparing an implanted medical apparatus for extraction A device for preparing an elongated implanted medical apparatus, such as a cardiac lead, for extraction from the body of a patient. The device includes a first handle and a second handle. At least the first handle has a surface for receiving the implanted apparatus therealong. A wire member having a first end and a second end is positioned to span a distance between the surface of the first handle, and the second handle. The wire member first end is removably engaged with the first handle, and the wire member second end is removably engaged with the second handle. The wire member is sized and arranged to enable the wire member to be wound around a length of the implanted apparatus to facilitate extraction of the apparatus with a lead extraction device.
US09155874B2	Medical elongated body Disclosed herein is a medical elongated body including: a first channel through which a first liquid flows; a second channel through which a second liquid different from the first liquid in liquid composition flows; a mixing section at which the first channel and the second channel join and in which the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed; a gas channel through which a gas flows; a gas mixing-in section adapted to mix the gas into at least one of the first liquid flowing through the first channel and the second liquid flowing through the second channel or into a liquid mixture formed by mixing in the mixing section; a foaming member adapted to convert the liquid containing the gas mixed therein to a foamed material to be discharged; and a discharge port through which the foamed material to be discharged is discharged.
US09155873B2	Reusable intravaginal delivery device, system, and method The present disclosure is directed to a system, device and methods for treating or preventing genital tract infection. The system includes a point-of-use recharge kit having a first reusable intravaginal delivery device (RIDD1) and a second reusable intravaginal delivery device (RIDD2), and a therapeutic agent. Each RIDD includes a permeable wall defining an enclosed interior reservoir. The reservoir is adapted to receive the therapeutic agent. The system enables the point-of-use loading and reloading at least one of the RIDDs with the therapeutic agent by the end user.
US09155872B2	Drug delivery device for ovarian cancer A drug delivery device has been designed to directly deliver an agent to the ovaries through direct contact with the fallopian tubes. The device consists of three main components: a tubular inserter, a cylindrical chamber and a plunger. The device is a single-use applicator designed in a shape similar to a tampon to facilitate its insertion through the vagina and into the uterus. Positioning of the device centrally in the uterus is accomplished through the use of ultrasound. The chamber is inserted into the tubular inserter. Adjusting the length of the chamber inserted into the tubular inserter controls the amount of tubing released from the apertures in the tubular inserter. Ultrasound is used to ensure the proper placement of each tube at the entrance of each fallopian tube. The plunger is inserted into the chamber and adjustment of the plunger controls the amount of the agent released into the tubes.
US09155871B2	Electrically operable, in one possible embodiment programmable hydrocephalus valve An electrically operable, in one possible embodiment programmable hydrocephalus valve. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US09155863B2	Multiple use stretching and non-penetrating blood control valves The current invention relates to infusion devices, specifically to peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters. In particular, the invention relates to peripheral IV catheter assemblies having features to enable selective and reversible activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly. Some implementations of the present invention include various configurations of septum valves having a barrier surface that is stressed to bias the barrier surface and provide a pathway through the septum valve.
US09155861B2	Neural drug delivery system with fluidic threads A neural drug delivery system with fluidic threads implantable into tissue, including: a plurality of fluid delivery conduits configured to transport fluid and having an array of fluid delivery ports through which the fluid is selectively released; a plurality of port gates each including a mesh structure coupled to a corresponding fluid delivery port and coated with an electroactive polymer; a voltage source providing a conductive signal; and an interconnect network that carries the conductive signal to the port gates. In response of the electroactive polymer to the conductive signal, each port gate is selectively operable between a closed mode that prevents transfer of fluid through its corresponding fluid delivery port to the tissue, and an open mode that allows transfer of the fluid through its corresponding fluid delivery port to the tissue.
US09155859B2	Ureteral access sheath A ureteral access sheath adapted for insertion into a urethra includes an elongate tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A handle assembly is disposed at the proximal end and includes enlarged portions which inhibit migration of the sheath into the urethra. The enlarged portions are shaped like the bell of a horn with a concave, distally-facing outer surface and a convex, proximally-facing inner surface. The inner surface functions as a funnel while the outer surface is sized and configured to receive adjacent fingers of a user's hand held in its natural position. In an associated method, this shape of the handle assembly facilitates maintaining the sheath in a stationary position during insertion and removal of instrumentation. The handle assembly can be movable on the tube to facilitate variation of the sheath length.
US09155856B2	Tracheotomy device A tracheotomy device with a disposable flexible sheath furnished with a main channel for insertion of a support carrying endoscopic surgical instruments insertable in a trachea and a secondary channel for insertion of a perforation needle. The sheath has a spout curved in the perforating direction or susceptible of bending and configured as a dilator body having tapered shape so as to enter the hole formed in the trachea and to progressively dilate it.
US09155855B2	Mouthpiece Mouthpiece (1) having vestibular shield (21) overlapping a user's teeth and gums, gases passageway means extending through said vestibular shield allowing for the passage of said gases through mouthpiece and extra oral sealing (25) means associated with gases passageway, said passageway in use causes gases to be diffused (outlets 23, 24) when exiting from gases passageway. Mouth piece may have a noseflap to seal the user's nose or provide a passageway for user's nasal passages. Mouthpiece may have adjustment means to alter distance between said vestibular shield and said extra-oral sealing means.
US09155853B2	Systems and methods of adjusting ventilator modes and settings visually via a touchscreen The systems and methods of the present application provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for adjusting the modes and settings of a patient ventilator. Upon selecting the type of breath setting (mechanical and/or pressure supported), and the target and control parameters for each breath setting, an ideal set of pressure, flow and volume waveforms are displayed on a touch-screen GUI. The user is then able to adjust any of the waveforms using the touch-screen GUI to the desired ventilator settings for that particular patient. The user then confirms the settings and the ventilator operates according to the user-set waveforms.
US09155849B2	Flow modification device A basic air flow device includes a flow passage having opposite ends. The flow passage is divided into a plurality of sequential portions between the ends including an inlet portion extending into the flow passage from an inlet end, an outlet portion disposed at the opposite end of the flow passage from the inlet portion, and at least one intermediate passage portion between the inlet passage portion and the outlet passage portion. Each of a plurality of divider sets are positioned in a different sequential portion of the passage to divide that passage portion into a predetermined number of sub passages, whereby the flow passage is sequentially divided into an increasing number of sub flow passages progressing from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. A larger device can be assembled using a parallel plurality of the basic devices.
US09155847B2	Nebulizers and function units attachable to nebulizer A nebulizer includes a main body unit, an atomization unit, and a breath detection unit, which is a function unit for realizing an additional function of the nebulizer. The main body unit and the atomization unit are separable. The atomization unit includes a storage section for storing the medicinal solution, and an atomizing section for spraying the medicinal solution by atomizing the medicinal solution in the storage section. The main body unit includes a control circuit for performing control to operate the atomizing section. The breath detection unit is attachable between the main body unit and the atomization unit.
US09155844B2	Injection device An injection device for administering a dose of a liquid medicament is disclosed. The device includes a syringe containing the dose and a hollow injection needle. The device includes a stopper translatably disposed within the syringe and a plunger connectable to the stopper and translatable in at least a proximal direction to displace the stopper. The device further includes a releasable noise component capable of, upon release, generating an audible and/or tactile feedback. Proximal displacement of the stopper causes the dose to be expelled through the injection needle. The noise component is released when the plunger reaches a position relative to the syringe in which the stopper is located in proximity of a proximal end of the syringe. The released noise component impacts on at least one component of the injection device to generate the audible and/or tactile feedback indicating the end of the injection.
US09155840B1	Syringe assembly including volume indicating indicia A syringe assembly for the delivery of medications or other liquid contents including an elongated hollow body at least partially formed by transparent material and including an indicia assembly for indicating volume measurement of and/or the existence of a void within the contained liquid. The indicia assembly includes a first indicia section and a second indicia section extending along a common wall portion, wherein a segregating section is disposed between the first and second indicia section and is structured to visually segregate the visual markings of the first and second indicia sections while being sufficiently contrasted in appearance to facilitate the independent viewing thereof. The first and second indicia sections are disposed and structured to be independently viewed along different lines of sight. One or more indicators may also be disposed on the syringe body to facilitate the determination of voids with the body interior.
US09155839B1	Syringe assembly including volume indicating indicia A syringe assembly for the delivery of medications or other liquid compositions including an elongated hollow barrel at least partially formed by transparent material and including an indicia assembly for indicating volume measurement of the contained fluid. The indicia assembly includes a first indicia section and a second indicia section extending along a common wall portion, wherein a segregating section is disposed between the first and second indicia section and is structured to visually segregate the visual markings of the first and second indicia sections while being sufficiently contrasted in appearance to facilitate the independent viewing thereof. The first indicia section is disposed and structured to be viewable through an interior of the barrel, while the second indicia section is disposed and structured to be viewable from an exterior of the barrel in a direction towards an exterior surface of the common wall portion.
US09155836B2	Injection device with a spring for a needle protecting sleeve An injection device including a housing, a needle guard sleeve displaceable relative to the housing, and a spring coupled to the guard sleeve such that the guard sleeve can be moved by the spring distally from a proximal position to an end position, the spring also being coupled to a forward drive element displaceable relative to the housing in a drive direction wherein the spring is tensioned upon a movement of the forward drive element in the forward drive direction.
US09155835B2	Medicament dispensing device A medicament dispensing device capable of managing the effective use period of a medicament preparation-containing syringe by simply and accurately detecting a period of time after the start of use of the preparation. In a medicament dispensing device (1), when a medicament preparation-containing syringe (11) is replaced, a microprocessor (23) detects the time at which the replacement is performed as the time of the start of use of the preparation, and counts the elapsed time after the use of the preparation has started. Then, the microprocessor (23) notifies the result of the counting by a LCD (10), etc. to the user. Also, the microprocessor (23) detects that a syringe needle for dispensing the preparation has been mounted, and after detecting the mounting of the syringe needle, the microprocessor (23) counts the elapsed time after the start of use of the preparation. In a step S12, the microprocessor (23) checks whether or not the elapsed time counted by a timer (21) has exceeded a specified time. When an effective use period has expired, the microprocessor (23) issues a message in a step S17 that the effective period of a medicament has expired.
US09155831B2	Apparatuses and methods for detecting gas contamination In one embodiment, a gas contamination detection apparatus includes a gas analyzer adapted to receive a sample of a gas to be delivered to a patient and to analyze the gas sample to determine whether the gas contains a contaminant, and a gas shut-off valve adapted to automatically prevent the gas from being delivered to the patient if the gas is determined to contain a contaminant.
US09155825B2	Hemodialysis system using sorbent and reservoir A hemodialysis system including (i) a dialyzer; (ii) a blood circuit including a blood pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer; (iii) a dialysate circuit including a dialysate circulation pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer, at least a portion of the dialysate circuit incorporated into a disposable dialysate cassette; (iv) a sorbent cartridge for cleaning used dialysate flowing in the dialysate circuit; (v) a reservoir holding an initial supply of dialysate; (vi) a reservoir pump in fluid communication with the dialysate circuit and the reservoir; (vii) a supply of infusate; and (viii) an infusate pump in fluid communication with the dialysate circuit and the supply of infusate.
US09155818B2	Cartilaginous and osteochondral substitute comprising multilayer structure and use thereof The present invention relates to a multilayer structure (1) including a first upper layer (2) consisting of an organic matrix including collagen and at least a lower layer (3, 4, . . . 10) consisting of a composite matrix including hydroxylapatite and collagen. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cartilaginous substitute including said multilayer structure (1) as well as an osteochondral substitute including said multilayer structure (1). Finally, the present invention relates to the use of said multilayer structure (1) for the preparation of said cartilaginous substitute and said osteochondral substitute for the treatment of cartilaginous defects and osteochondral defects or for the neo-formation of a cartilaginous tissue and/or a subchondral bone tissue.
US09155814B2	Nanostructured material formulated with bone cement for effective antibiotic delivery This invention uses mesoporous silica nanoparticles and other nanostructured materials to formulate polyacrylate-based bone cement for achieving an enhanced and controlled elution of active ingredients such as antibiotics. This invention overcomes the limitation of low antibiotic release from commercial polyacrylate-based bone cements using for example, PMMA. In certain aspects, the formulation enables a sustained release of antibiotics from the bone cement over a period of 80 days and achieves 70% of total drug release, whereas the commercial antibiotic bone cement (e.g., SmartSet GHV) only releases about 5% of the antibiotics on the first day and subsequently an almost negligible amount. In addition, the mechanical properties of our formulated bone cements are well retained. The inventive bone cement exhibits good antibacterial properties and has very low cytotoxicity to mouse fibroblast cells.
US09155810B2	Method for manufacturing a gaseous mixture for treating polluted atmospheres, device for implementing same, and use thereof The present disclosure relates to the field of treating atmospheres that are laden with substances that are nauseating and/or detrimental to human or animal health, specifically to the field of deodorising, perfuming, and/or purifying air at industrial or private sites. For this purpose, there is disclosed a method for enriching, preferably saturating, ordinary atmospheric air with active substances present in the gas phase, to a device for implementing the method, and to the use of the method for the treatment of polluted atmospheres. The method is especially characterized in that it advantageously includes a step of reinjecting a portion of the enriched gaseous mixture (MG) into an enrichment or saturation chamber (7) in order to increase the enrichment rate of the gaseous mixture (MG) or to maintain the mixture at the maximum saturation level thereof.
US09155802B2	Pan-HER antibody composition The present invention is directed to improved therapeutics against receptors within the EGFR/ErbB/HER family that more broadly interfere with multiple members of the HER family (pan-HER inhibition). More particularly, the invention is directed to the use of antibody compositions for human cancer therapy. In vitro studies have shown that the antibody compositions of the invention targeting multiple HER family receptors are superior to antibody compositions targeting only one HER family receptor.
US09155800B2	Antimicrobial fusion compounds and uses thereof A fusion protein comprising at least one Type 1 Ribosome Inactivating Protein, polypeptide B; and at least one polypeptide A capable of viral entry inhibition; and/or at least one Cationic AntiMicrobial Peptide, polypeptide C.
US09155799B2	Cross-linked collagen with at least one bound antimicrobial agent for in vivo release of the agent The disclosure describes collagen constructs comprising antimicrobial agents and related methods.
US09155798B2	Receptor-targeting reagents containing epidermal factor receptor-binding agents and IL-13 receptor-binding agents or IL-4 receptor-binding agents The present disclosure features, inter alia, receptor-targeting reagents (e.g., immunotoxic receptor-targeting reagents), methods of binding a receptor-targeting reagent to a cell and methods for treating a variety of disorders. Also featured are methods, compositions, and kits for selecting an appropriate treatment modality for a subject and/or treating a variety of disorders.
US09155797B2	Oligomer-cannabinoid conjugates The invention relates to (among other things) oligomer-cannabinoid conjugates and related compounds. A conjugate of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits advantages over previously administered un-conjugated cannabinoid compounds.
US09155792B2	RecA inhibitors with antibiotic activity, compositions and methods of use The present invention is directed to the use of RecA inhibitors as antibiotic agents, and provides RecA inhibitors useful in treating infections. Also provided are various compositions and methods associated with RecA inhibition.
US09155788B2	Application of mRNA for use as a therapeutic against tumour diseases The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one mRNA comprising at least one coding region for at least one antigen from a tumor, in combination with an aqueous solvent and preferably a cytokine, e.g. GM-CSF, and a process for the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is used in particular for therapy and/or prophylaxis against cancer.
US09155784B2	Anti-TNF-α therapy for the mucopolysaccharidoses and other lysosomal disorders The present invention relates to methods of treating a subject with a lysosomal disorder, by administering an agent for enzyme replacement therapy and an agent for anti-TNF-α therapy; by administering a pentosan polysulfate therapy; or by administering a substrate reduction therapy and an anti-TNF-α therapy. The invention further relates to a method of reducing inflammatory cytokines in a subject with a lysosomal disorder that is being treated by enzyme replacement therapy, by administering an agent for anti-TNF-α therapy.
US09155782B2	Use of erythropoietin in the treatment of chronic inflammation A novel use of the known protein erythropoietin (EPO), and/or a derivative, and/or a fragment thereof, is disclosed. EPO is used as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of chronic inflammations. A particularly beneficial result is seen in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Significant effects are seen in clinical variables such as morning stiffness, swollen joints, and the like.
US09155781B2	Compositions comprising semaphorins for the treatment of angiogenesis related diseases and methods of selection thereof A method of selecting a semaphorin for treating cancer in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises determining an expression of a semaphorin receptor on tumor cells of a tumor sample of the subject wherein an amount of the semaphorin receptor is indicative of the semaphorin suitable for treating the cancer in the subject. Methods of treating angiogenesis, kits for treating cancer and pharmaceutical compositions comprising semaphorins are also disclosed.
US09155776B2	Low frequency glatiramer acetate therapy A method of alleviating a symptom of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a human patient suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or a patient who has experienced a first clinical episode and is determined to be at high risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the human patient three subcutaneous injections of a therapeutically effective dose of glatiramer acetate over a period of seven days with at least one day between every subcutaneous injection so as to thereby alleviate the symptom of the patient.
US09155773B2	Antiobesity composition The present invention provides an antiobesity composition comprising extract of Melissa as an active ingredient, use of Melissa extract, and a method for suppressing obesity using the composition.
US09155767B2	Essential element management The invention extends the utility of apparatus used to extract medicinal cannabis compounds into an eluate by separating a portion of medicinal cannabis compounds contained within a portion of eluate at a first extraction target level providing enough clean solvent to continue extraction operations. A high efficiency concentrator such as a rotary evaporator or a wiped film evaporator processes eluate from one or more tanks or extraction vessels creating clean solvent when extraction targets are met or when clean solvent is exhausted. This manages eluate concentration levels and limits the quantity of concentrated medicinal cannabis compounds on site at any moment in time. The invention enables a business model for keeping medicinal cannabis compounds within a legal system, and reduces pollution because law enforcement would no longer have to burn large quantities of cannabis plant matter.
US09155765B2	Establishment of patient- or person-specific cardiac myocyte cell lines from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) A composition and method for generating patient- or person-specific proliferative and substantially pure cardiac myocyte cell lines from pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is described herein. The patient-specific cardiac myocyte cell lines of the present invention find applications in research, drug screening and autologous cell-based therapy. The method of the present invention is simple and reproducible and generates cardiac myocyte cells having high purities and proliferating capacities.
US09155762B2	Uses and isolation of stem cells from bone marrow The presently disclosed subject matter provides populations of stem cells that are purified from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and/or other sources. Also provided are methods of using the stem cells for treating tissue and/or organ damage in a subject.
US09155760B2	Method of prophylaxis of bacterial vaginosis Methods of treatment or prophylaxis of bacterial vaginosis, prevention of recurrence of bacterial vaginosis and alleviation or prevention of symptoms or diagnostic criteria of bacterial vaginosis are provided. The methods include administration of an effective amount of a macromolecule comprising a polylysine, polyamidoamine, poly(etherhydroxyamine) or poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer and one or more sulfonic acid containing moieties attached thereto.
US09155756B2	Method for the prevention and treatment of sepsis This invention is in the field of medical treatment, in particular the invention provides a method for the prevention and treatment for sepsis or septic shock. The invention provides a novel use of a known medicament, i.e., pentasaccharide-depleted heparin, for use in the treatment or prevention of sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, severe sepsis or septic shock.
US09155753B2	Treatment of carcinomas with a combination of EGF-pathway and telomerase inhibitors A method and kit for inhibiting the proliferation of carcinoma cells are disclosed, based on a combination of an EGF pathway inhibitor and a telomerase inhibitor. When used in cancer therapy, the two compounds in combination enhance the anti-cancer treatment efficacy obtained with the antibody alone or the telomerase inhibitor alone.
US09155752B2	Liver function-improving agent The present invention provides a liver function-improving agent or an inhibitor of fat accumulation in the liver, which contains maltitol as an active ingredient. The present invention also provides a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of hepatic dysfunction, which contains maltitol as an active ingredient.
US09155746B2	Compositions and methods for treating bone diseases and broken bones Disclosed herein are methods of promoting osteogenesis in a subject, comprising administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one cationic steroid antimicrobial (CSA). Also disclosed herein are methods of promoting osteogenesis in a subject in need of such promotion, comprising administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one CSA. Additionally, disclosed herein are compounds and compositions comprising at least one CSA, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of bone disease or the treatment of broken bones. Kits comprising such compositions and instructions on such methods are also contemplated herein.
US09155741B2	Methods of using a methylxanthine compound The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating various diseases or medical conditions by administering a methylxanthine compound. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods for treating cytochrome oxidase (CcOX) mediated diseases or medical conditions by administering compositions comprising a methyl xanthine compound.
US09155736B2	Inhibition of phosphorylation of PRAS40, GSK3-beta or P70S6K1 as a marker for TOR kinase inhibitory activity Provided herein are methods for treating a cancer treatable by inhibition of phosphorylation of PRAS40, GSK3β or p70S6K1, comprising administering an effective amount of a TOR kinase inhibitor to a patient having a cancer treatable by inhibition of phosphorylation of PRAS40, GSK3β or p70S6K1.
US09155732B2	Pulmonary delivery of a fluoroquinolone A composition for pulmonary administration comprises a fluoroquinolone betaine, such as ciprofloxacin betaine, and an excipient. In one version, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter from about 1 μm to about 5 μm, and the fluoroquinolone has a half life in the lungs of at least 1.5 hours. The composition is useful in treating an endobronchial infection, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and is particularly useful in treating cystic fibrosis.
US09155731B1	Methods of non-gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures using L-hyoscyamine oral formulations Methods of performing non-gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures with concomitant dosing with rapidly disintegrating oral formulations of single active ingredient L-Hyoscyamine rapidly dissolving tablets.
US09155727B2	Chemical compounds The invention concerns compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1 to R5 have any of the meanings defined hereinbefore in the description: processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders.
US09155722B2	Reconstitutable reverse thermal gelling polymers Biodegradable and bioabsorbable block copolymers, which can be in the form of solid powder or powder wax compositions that can be easily reconstituted into an aqueous polymer solution and exhibit reverse thermal gellation properties upon exposure to elevated temperatures, are provided. Methods of making using these copolymers are also provided.
US09155717B2	Pharmaceutical formulation containing irritant Disclosed in certain embodiments is an oral dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a drug susceptible to abuse; and an effective amount of an irritant to impart an irritating sensation to an abuser upon administration of said dosage form after tampering.
US09155710B2	Ropinirole-containing patch and package thereof A ropinirole-containing patch comprises an adhesive agent layer and a support layer, the adhesive agent layer containing ropinirole and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein a content of the ropinirole and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in terms of free ropinirole in the adhesive agent layer is 5 to 13.2% by mass relative to a total mass of the adhesive agent layer.
US09155706B2	Pharmaceutical composition Disclosed are novel pharmaceutical compositions containing N-{3-[3-cyclopropyl-5-(2-fluoro-4-iodo-phenylamino)-6,8-dimethyl-2, 4, 7-trioxo-3, 4, 6, 7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide dimethyl sulfoxide solvate, methods of using the compositions in therapy and processes for preparing the same.
US09155703B2	Method and process for the production of multi-coated recognitive and releasing systems The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems and kits for the controlled delivery of an active agent within a polymeric network upon the binding of a molecule that decreases the structural integrity of the polymeric network at one or more micro- or nanovacuoles.
US09155702B2	Composition and microsphere for controlled-release of exendin, and method preparing the same A controlled-release composition and controlled-release microspheres containing an exendin as an active ingredient, and a method of preparing the same are provided. More specifically, a controlled-release composition containing an exendin as an active ingredient, a biodegradable polymer with a specific viscosity, and coating materials, having high bioavailability and showing sustained release of the active ingredient in an effective concentration for a certain period without an excessive initial burst of the active ingredient; controlled-release microspheres containing a core including an exendin as an active ingredient and a biodegradable polymer, and a coating layer coating the core; and a method of preparing controlled-release microspheres including the steps of mixing an exendin, a biodegradable polymer, and a solvent, removing the solvent from the mixture to prepare hardened microspheres, and coating the hardened microspheres to form a coating layer on the surface of each microsphere, are provided.
US09155698B2	Method and apparatus for minimizing heat, moisture, and shear damage to medicants and other compositions during incorporation of same with edible films A medicant composition is provided. The composition includes a film layer and a powder matrix layer. The powder matrix layer includes a medicant. The powder matrix layer is applied to the film layer by admixing particulate to form a powder matrix and by then applying the powder matrix to the film layer by any desired method. The composition of the powder matrix is varied to alter the dissolution rate of the medicant, the adhesion of the medicant composition, and other physical properties of the powder matrix. The powder matrix layer can be cured.
US09155697B2	Stable liquid compositions for treating stomatitis comprising epidermal growth factor Provided is a liquid composition for treating stomatitis, the liquid composition including: an epidermal growth factor; an adhesive polymer; and at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and salts thereof, histidine, lysine and inorganic acid salts thereof, arginin and inorganic acid salts thereof, and dextran. The liquid composition includes a stabilizer selected from EDTA (or salts thereof) and a certain amino acid (or inorganic acid salts thereof) and thus, physicochemical and biological stability of the epidermal growth factor can be substantially increased. Thus, the liquid composition can be stored and distributed for a long period of time. The stabilized composition includes an adhesive polymer, and thus, when ejected in a spray form in the mouth of a user, the liquid composition can be quickly attached to an inflammation site and exhibits effectiveness for a long period of time.
US09155696B2	Pharmaceutical compositions A liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising a biodegradable polymer, polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of less than 600 Daltons, a pharmaceutically active agent and less than 0.5% of an biologically acceptable organic solvent.
US09155691B2	Composition for reducing skin wrinkles including PDE5 inhibitor Disclosed is a composition effective in reducing skin wrinkles. The composition comprises or uses a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor as an active ingredient. Further disclosed is a method for reducing skin wrinkles using the composition.
US09155684B2	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.
US09155683B2	Medical patient oral hydration system An oral hydration system includes a mounting fitting configured to be mounted to a mounting structure and a holster rotatably coupled to the mounting fitting. A hydration liquid bladder is removably disposed in the holster. A feed tube has a proximal end communicating with the hydration liquid bladder. A backflow-prevention bite valve is coupled to a distal end of the feed tube.
US09155680B2	Modular filling device for an applicator A modular filling device for filling at least a first reservoir (111) of an applicator (100) with a fluid is proposed. The filling device comprises a container holder (310) with a holding area (320) on which a container (330) is held. The applicator is mounted along a securing direction on an applicator holder (200). In order to permit the greatest possible flexibility in the choice of the container, the container holder (310) can be connected to the applicator holder (200) along a connecting direction that runs transversely with respect to the securing direction for the applicator.
US09155679B2	Medical container and syringe A syringe is provided with an inner tube which has at the tip thereof a mouth section through which liquid can enter and exit the inner tube; a bag body which is disposed inside the inner tube and is flexible and reversible; a gasket which is mounted to the tip of the inner tube; and an outer tube in which the inner tube is inserted together with the gasket so as to be movable in the axial direction. The syringe is configured in such a manner that, when liquid enters and exits through the mouth section, the bag body is reversed to change the volume of a containing space surrounded by the inner tube and the bag body.
US09155676B2	Device which permits slimming by improving blood flow in the abdomen area A device that permits slimming by improving blood flow in the skin, with movement by endurance training devices in the fat-burning pulse, with a main body with an attachment in the form of a sleeve for placing around the abdomen, wherein the main body has at least two chamber systems that can be acted on independently by a fluid, is improved by the fact that at least one and preferably two to four chambers of the chamber systems which come to lie on the right-hand side of the body are arranged in a U-shape with upwardly directed arms, whereas at least one and preferably two to four chambers of the chamber systems which come to lie on the left-hand side of the body are arranged in a U-shape with downwardly directed arms. This additionally stimulates peristalsis.
US09155671B2	Wound packing device and methods Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US09155668B2	Packaging unit having improved sealing properties A packaging unit formed from a sheet of material having an inner surface, an outer surface and one folding axis dividing the sheet into a first region and a second region. The inner surface includes an inner edge portion and an outer edge portion, wherein one of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the first region is provided with adhesive, and the other of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the first region is adhesive-free. One of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the second region is provided with adhesive, and the other of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the second region is adhesive-free in a complementary manner to the edge zone of the first region.
US09155666B2	Press and method for producinig absorbent article The present invention relates to a press (100) for manufacturing a tampon, comprising at least three press jaws (6) arranged in a star around a central longitudinal press axis (4) forming a press opening (2), whereby there is provided on a single or separate adjacent press jaws (6): —a penetrating segment, PSLG, (13) configured to penetrate the absorbing material with a longitudinal groove, and —penetrating segments, PSSG, (11) configured to penetrate the absorbing material with a plurality of side grooves that are arranged in the longitudinal direction, wherein the press is configured to: a) load a cylindrical blank (200) in the press opening (2), b) move the press jaws (6) to a closed position to press the cylindrical blank (200) so forming a preform (210), c) move the press jaws (6) to a holding position between the closed position and open position, so that the preform can be removed, d) remove the preform while the jaws (6) are in the holding position, and e) move the press jaws (6) to the open position for loading of a subsequent cylindrical blank. It further relates to a method for manufacture of the tampon.
US09155665B2	Menstrual tampon The disclosure concerns a compressed menstrual tampon including an elongated generally rod-shaped absorption body having an insertion end and a withdrawal end and having a withdrawal string extending from the withdrawal end. The absorption body has at least one wave-shaped compression line extending continuously from the insertion end to the withdrawal end.
US09155664B2	Conveyor apparatus and method of manufacturing absorbent article In a conveyor apparatus (100), a belt (110) is provided with a plurality of suction portions (111) penetrating the belt (110). The belt (110) includes lifting portions (113) each of which is provided between the suction portions (111) adjacent in a cross direction (CD) and lifts from edge portions (112) forming the suction portions (111). The plurality of suction portions (111) adjacent to each other across the lifting portions (113) communicate with each other, when a web (7) is sucked and held on the belt (110). The suction portions (111) located at endmost portions (110A) in the cross direction (CD) of the belt (110) communicate with the outside, when the web (7) is sucked and held on the belt (110).
US09155660B2	Optical microphone for implantable hearing instrument An implanted microphone is provided that allows for isolating an acoustic response of the microphone from vibration induced acceleration responses of the microphone. The present invention measures the relative motion between a microphone diaphragm, which is responsive to pressure variations in overlying media caused by acoustic forces and acceleration forces, and a cancellation element that is compliantly mounted within a housing of the microphone, which moves primarily in response to acceleration forces. When the microphone and cancellation element move substantially in unison to acceleration forces, relative movement between these elements corresponds to the acoustic response of the microphone diaphragm. This relative movement may be directly measured using various optical measuring systems.
US09155659B2	One-card presbyopia treatment laser systems and related methods Methods and systems for correcting presbyopia using a surgical excimer laser include activating the laser once and transmitting a pre-defined three dimensional ablation profile to treat presbyopia based on the single activating step.
US09155655B2	Ocular implants for delivery into the eye An ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye. The implant includes a spine extending along a longitudinal axis of the implant, a plurality of curved supports extending from the spine, each support comprising a first end extending from a first location on a first side of the spine and a second end extending from a second location on a second side of the spine, the second location being proximal to the first location, so that each support forms a portion of a helix, the spine and supports defining a volume having a maximum width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches, the ocular implant being configured to bend preferentially in a preferential bending plane.
US09155653B2	Pressure-driven membrane valve for pressure control system A control valve for a fluidic system is disclosed. The control valve comprises a housing and a flow control membrane is disclosed. The flow control membrane is anchored within the housing to form a reference chamber on a first side of the membrane and a fluid flow channel on a second opposing side of the membrane. The fluid flow channel selectively opens and closes to permit fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet, and the membrane is configured to control flow through the channel from the inlet to the outlet by deflecting in response to pressure differentials of the reference chamber pressure and the fluid flow channel pressure acting across the membrane.
US09155647B2	Methods and apparatus for luminal stenting A stent delivery device includes a first retaining polymer disposed about and retaining a self-expanding stent at a proximal end portion, a second retaining polymer disposed about and retaining the self-expanding stent at a distal end portion, a first resistance member in thermal communication with the first retaining polymer, and a second resistance member in thermal communication with the second retaining polymer. The second retaining polymer and second resistance member are configured to allow release and expansion of the distal end portion of the self-expanding stent without expansion of the proximal end portion of the self-expanding stent.
US09155646B2	Composite stent with bioremovable ceramic flakes A biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable composite stent includes a bioabsorbable ceramic material dispersed and embedded in a biodegradable polymeric material. The bioabsorbable ceramic material is made of flakes that have a thin, flat shape. In one embodiment, the composite stent comprises a body of one or more layers of polymer alone coupled to layers of polymer in which the ceramic flakes are dispersed and embedded and the composite is coiled to form the stent.
US09155643B2	Apparatus and method for manufacturing a single wire stent A mandrel for manufacturing a stent from a single wire includes a cylindrical member having a plurality of pins at a proximal end region, a plurality of pins at a distal end region, and a plurality of indentations between the proximal pins and the distal pins. These indentations form a helical pattern on the outer surface of the cylindrical member. The single wire is wrapped around every proximal pin and distal pin on the mandrel by following the indentations in the mandrel. The single wire is slid through the indentation under any crossing section of wire and over the next crossing section of wire in an under-over pattern.
US09155634B2	Systems and methods of myoelectric prosthesis control Embodiments of the invention provides myoelectric prosthesis control system that include a gel liner that has a plurality of layers and a plurality of leads at least partially positioned between the plurality of layers. In addition, a plurality of electrodes can be coupled to the leads and portions of the electrodes can also be positioned between the plurality of layers. At least some of the electrodes can include an electrode pole that is configured to contract the residual limb to detect electromyographic signals.
US09155633B2	Method and system for performing spinal surgical procedures using natural orifices This disclosure describes devices and methods for performing spinal surgical procedures. In some embodiments, a method may include positioning at least a portion of at least one surgical instrument in at least one naturally occurring orifice of a human by a user. In some embodiments, a method may include accessing an interior space of the human using at least one of the surgical instruments. The method may include performing at least a portion of a spinal surgical procedure using at least one of the surgical instruments positioned in at least one of the naturally occurring orifices of the human. The method may include removing at least one of the surgical instruments from at least one of the naturally occurring orifices upon completion of at least a portion of the spinal surgical procedure.
US09155620B2	Annuloplasty devices and methods of delivery therefor Apparatus is provided, including a tube (421) shaped to define a tube lumen at least one implant (100) reversibly coupled to the tube (421), and configured for implantation within a body of a patient. The apparatus also comprises two or more longitudinal guide members (470) disposed at least in part along a distal portion of the tube (421), the longitudinal guide members (470) having distal portions thereof configured to be reversibly coupled to the implant (100), and arranged such that application of a force to a first one of the longitudinal guide members (470) steers the distal portion of the tube (421) toward a first location along the implant (100), and application of a force to a second one of the longitudinal guide members (470) steers the distal portion of the tube (421) toward a second location along the implant (100). Other embodiments are also described.
US09155602B1	Windowed muzzle system A muzzle formed of a flexible sheet has a top, a bottom, and laterally spaced sides. A central hole in the muzzle is equally spaced from the sides, closer to the bottom than to the top. Two laterally spaced side holes are in the muzzle between the central hole and the sides. A restraint in a generally rectangular configuration has opposed free ends. Fasteners are secured to the restraint adjacent to the free ends. Attachment elements couple the muzzle and the restraint.
US09155599B2	Systems and processes for forming anatomical features in dentures The system of a preferred embodiment uses a process whereby a true replication of the patient's jaw structure is created in a digital three dimensional model. This true replication is then used to precisely locate and/or copy the anatomical landmarks of the patient for use in fabricating a denture base for use in a denture for the individual patient. This system is able to create a denture with precisely located features corresponding to the anatomical landmarks of the patient with little manual intervention.
US09155586B2	Treatment tool for endoscope A treatment tool for endoscope includes a pair of forceps members supported so as to be relatively movable by a rotation shaft, an operation section for performing opening/close operations of the forceps members, and an operation wire for connecting the forceps members to the operation section, wherein the operation section has an operation section main body, a first operation member to which the operation wire is connected and which is slideably attached to the operation section main body, a second operation member which is slideably attached to the first operation member, a force adjustment member which is attached to the second operation member and is compressed by the second operation member is slid to the first operation member.
US09155585B2	Battery-powered electrosurgical forceps with multi-turn selectable-ratio transformer An electrocautery surgical device includes a battery power source and radio-frequency signal generating circuitry electrically coupled to the battery power source and operable to deliver power to an electrosurgical forceps. The radio-frequency signal generating circuitry includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primary winding includes first and second primary sub-windings. At least one switching component is electrically coupled to the first and second primary sub-windings and is operable to switch between engaging the first primary sub-winding and engaging the second primary sub-winding such that a current flows through the first and/or second primary sub-windings. The first and second primary sub-windings have a different number of turns such that the radio-frequency signal generating circuitry produces a different impedance value depending on which one of the first and second primary sub-windings is engaged.
US09155580B2	Multi-threaded cannulated bone anchors A cannulated bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor, and a closure mechanism to fix the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member. The bone anchor includes a distal shaft having a first threaded section distal to a proximal head, a second threaded section distal to and adjacent the first threaded section, and a third threaded section distal to and adjacent the second threaded section. The first threaded section having a constant major and minor diameter. The second threaded section having a tapering major and minor diameter. The third threaded section having a tapering major diameter and a constant minor diameter.
US09155579B2	Polyaxial bone screw The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.
US09155576B2	Bone anchor, orthopaedic device and orthopaedic system A bone anchor, orthopaedic device and orthopaedic system are described. A bone anchor for use in an orthopaedic procedure which comprises a bone fixation portion provided with a plurality of fixation openings, the fixation openings each being adapted to receive a fixation device for fixing the bone fixation portion to a bone of a patient, and a device attachment portion provided with a first attachment opening and a second attachment opening, the first attachment opening and the second attachment opening being connected to each other by a solid stabilizing portion and being adapted to receive an attachment device for attaching the device attachment portion to an orthopaedic device.
US09155575B2	Bone plate fixation system A universal jig is compatible with bone plates of varying size, in which different plate sizes having different hole configurations. For example, a longer bone plate may have a first hole pattern along a given length thereof, while various shorter bone plates may have differing hole patterns along respective corresponding lengths. The universal jig includes a combination of hole groupings to provide a jig hole for each hole in the differing hole patterns of the longer and shorter plates, so that the universal jig is useable with a variety of bone plates having disparate hole patterns. For any given bone plate length and hole configuration, a masking cover may provided to attach to the jig. The masking cover masks off unused jig holes, so that only those jig holes intended for use with a particular bone plate are left exposed.
US09155574B2	Bone fixation device, tools and methods A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a first state in which at least a portion of the body is flexible and a second state in which the body is generally rigid, an actuateable gripper disposed at one or more locations on the elongated body, a hub located on a proximal end of the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the gripper(s) to deploy the gripper(s) from a retracted configuration to an expanded configuration. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprises inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy at least one gripper of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Alternative gripper designs are disclosed that may be used in various combinations.
US09155572B2	Minimally invasive tooling for delivery of interspinous spacer A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.
US09155571B2	Minimally invasive interspinous process spacer implants and methods An interspinous process spacer for implantation in an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a balloon-like body, a first deployable protrusion and a second deployable protrusion. The body has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The spacer is arrangeable in an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The first deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the proximal end and the second deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the distal end. The first and second deployable protrusions are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the unexpanded configuration and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the expanded configuration.
US09155570B2	Interspinous spacer An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.
US09155569B2	Laminoplasty methods using hinge device A vertebra implant is provided that includes an elongate body with a first end configured to mate the first end to a first location on a vertebra, and a second end having at least one fastener configured to mate the second end to a second location on a vertebra. The elongate body also includes a deformable portion extending between the first and second ends that has an unexpanded configuration in which the deformable portion is configured to allow a tool to cut bone extending between the first and second ends when the first and second ends are mated to first and second locations on a vertebra, and an expanded configuration in which the deformable portion is deformed to increase a distance between the first and second ends such that a gap is created in the cut bone. The deformable portion is configured to maintain the first and second ends at a fixed distance apart when the deformable portion is in the expanded configuration. A vertebral implant is also provided that includes an elongate member configured to extend into a vertebra and form a hinge therein using a breakage point located along a length of the elongate member.
US09155565B2	Adjustable-angle spinal fixation element A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another.
US09155564B2	Spine stabilization system and method A stabilization system for the spine that includes an elongated member, preferably an elastic cord, and a plurality of attachment mechanisms, preferably lamina hooks. The stabilization system is configured to extend across a plurality of spinal motion segments to dynamically couple the motion segments in a manner that places the system in tension to apply a compression force to the posterior of the spine. The system and method may have particular application after a laminectomy or laminoplasty procedure.
US09155563B2	Medical device, apparatus, and surgical method A pedicle anchor device is provided and is equipped for being used like a pedicle screw, i.e. for being implanted in the vertebra from dorsal direction (but generally at an angle to the sagittal plane, slightly inward towards the sagittal plane) through the pedicle so that a distal portion of the device protrudes into the vertebral body. The pedicle anchor device includes a pedicle anchor device body with a head portion, a shaft portion and a longitudinal bore that extends from a proximal end of the pedicle anchor device body and has a hole or a plurality of holes from the longitudinal bore outward, for example radially outward.
US09155559B2	External fixator strut The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of an elongated member. The elongated member is coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.

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