| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09163239B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating apolipoprotein C-III expression
Provided herein are oligomeric compounds with conjugate groups targeting apoplipoprotein C-III (ApoCIII). In certain embodiments, the ApoCIII targeting oligomeric compounds are conjugated to N-Acetylgalactosamine. Also disclosed herein are conjugated oligomeric compounds targeting ApoCIII for use in decreasing ApoCIII to treat, prevent, or ameliorate diseases, disorders or conditions related to ApoCIII. Certain diseases, disorders or conditions related to ApoCIII include inflammatory, cardiovascular and/or metabolic diseases, disorders or conditions. The conjugated oligomeric compounds disclosed herein can be used to treat such diseases, disorders or conditions in an individual in need thereof. |
| US09163238B2 |
Repressor on IFN-λ promoter and siRNA against ZEB1 and BLIMP-1 to increase IFN-λ gene activity
The present invention is directed to the identification of a novel repressor located between ˜1.2 kb to ˜1.6 kb from the translation start site of the IFN-λ1 promoter. The present invention provides a method of using siRNAs against ZEB1 (binds to the repressor region) and BLIMP-1 (binds outside the repressor region) and increases the promoter activity of IFN-λ1 (i.e., increases the production of IFN-λ1 protein). siRNAs against ZEB1 mRNA or BLIMP-1 mRNA increase IFN-λ1 gene activity. There is provided a therapeutic application of siRNAs against ZEB1 and BLIMP-1 mRNAs in treating a mammal (including a human) by increasing the production of IFN-λ1 protein that promotes an anti-viral response as well as treats asthma diseases. |
| US09163237B2 |
Replication deficient recombinant viruses expressing antigens regulated by transcriptional control elements comprising multiple elements
The present invention relates to a replication deficient recombinant virus encoding at least one antigen and/or antigenic epitope, wherein expression of said antigen and/or antigenic epitope is regulated by a transcriptional control element comprising at least two elements driving early expression of said antigen and/or antigenic epitope and the use of said replication deficient recombinant virus as medicament or vaccine. |
| US09163233B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating expression of gene products
Compositions and methods for modulating expression of gene products are provided. Compositions comprise suppression cassettes that comprise a convergent promoter pair operably linked to a silencing element that, upon expression, is capable of decreasing the expression of one or more target polynucleotides of interest. Compositions of the invention also include transformed plants, plant cells, plant tissues, and plant seeds. Methods of transformation and regeneration of plants comprising the novel constructs are provided. The methods find use in regulating gene expression, particularly genes associated with agronomic traits of interest. Further provided are promoter sequences, cells, plants, and vectors comprising these promoter sequences and methods of their use. |
| US09163231B2 |
Random RNAi libraries, methods of generating same, and screening methods utilizing same
This invention provides expression vectors for a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule comprising a double-stranded region of random sequence, sets and libraries of same, methods of generating same, and methods for identifying an RNA therapeutic or RNA molecule that has an ability to affect a biological parameter, for identifying a drug target for a disease or disorder of interest, and for identifying a variant of an RNA molecule that has an altered ability to affect a biological parameter of interest. |
| US09163229B2 |
Compositions, methods and kits for isolating nucleic acids from body fluids using anion exchange media
This invention provides compositions and methods for rapid isolation and purification of nucleopolymers from biological samples using anionic exchange media. The method of this invention can utilize commercially available anion exchanger materials with selected solutions of known ionic strength for absorption and elution. The medium/nucleoprotein bound complex may be optionally stored or transported, and is subsequently treated with eluents to remove undesirable proteins and inorganic salts. The partially purified complex may also be stored or transported. This method is particularly advantageous since it allows rapid isolation and purification of soluble nucleic acids from a large volume of biological fluids with easy handling and storage, stabilizing the samples against degradation prior to analysis. It also permits the purification and identification of shorter fragments of nucleic acids from bodily fluids which, until now, had not been identified. The method is widely useful to prepare samples formats that are convenient in diagnostic analytical methods. |
| US09163227B2 |
Anti-diabetic compounds
The present invention provides a composition of the formula: [FGF21-1st Linker]-[Ab]-[2nd-Linker-Ex4]; wherein FGF21 is an FGF21 homologue; and Ex4 is an Exendin4 homologue; and Ab is an aldolase catalytic antibody or antigen binding portion thereof; and the 1st linker is covalently attached to the side chain of a protein-linking residue in FGF21 and to a combining site of the antibody, and the 2nd linker is covalently attached to the side chain of a peptide-linking residue in Ex4 and to a combining site of the antibody, and wherein the first and second linker are the same or different. Various uses of the compounds are provided, including methods to prevent or treat diabetes or diabetes-related conditions. |
| US09163222B2 |
Mutations in OAS1 genes
Modified amino acid sequences of OAS1 proteins in non-human primates, and genes related thereto, are provided. |
| US09163220B2 |
Dehydrogenase variants and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants. |
| US09163219B2 |
Single expression vector for generation of a virus with a segmented genome
The present invention encompasses an expression vector that is capable of generating a virus from a segmented genome. In particular, a single expression vector may be utilized to produce influenza virus in cultured cells. The expression vector can be delivered in a purified DNA form or by a suitably designed bacterial carrier to cells in culture or to animals. This invention increases the virus generation efficiency, which benefits vaccine development. The bacterial carrier harboring such a plasmid encoding an attenuated virus may be used as a vaccine against corresponding viral disease. |
| US09163217B2 |
Method for increasing the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells by utilizing genes Jhdm1b and Jhdm1a that modify histone. By utilizing Jhdm1b, Jhdm1a, and a stem cell inducing factor, the present invention increases the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells and increases the quality of induced pluripotent stem cells. The stem cell inducing factor is a combination of Oct4 and Klf4, or a combination of Sox2, Oct4, and Klf4, or a combination of Oct4 and Sox2, and Oct4 alone. The method further comprises exposing the cells to vitamin C, which further increases the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells as compared with the case where no vitamin C is used. By using less stem cell reducing factors, the method of the present invention reduces the potential carcinogenicity, obtains a high inducing efficiency, and provides high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells capable of germ-line transmission. |
| US09163216B1 |
Method for culturing skeletal muscle for tissue engineering
The invention provides a nutrient medium composition and associated methods for lengthening the useful life of a culture of muscle cells. Disclosed is a method of culturing mammalian muscle cells, including preparing one or more carriers coated with a covalently bonded monolayer of trimethoxy-silylpropyl-diethylenetriamine (DETA); verifying DETA monolayer formation by one or more associated optical parameters; suspending isolated fetal rat skeletal muscle cells in serum-free medium according to medium composition 1; plating the suspended cells onto the prepared carriers at a predetermined density; leaving the carriers undisturbed for cells to adhere to the DETA monolayer; covering the carriers with a mixture of medium 1 and medium 2; and incubating. A cell nutrient medium composition includes Neurobasal, an antibiotic-antimycotic composition, cholesterol, human TNF-alpha, PDGF BB, vasoactive intestinal peptides, insulin-like growth factor 1, NAP, r-Apolipoprotein E2, purified mouse Laminin, beta amyloid, human tenascin-C protein, rr-Sonic hedgehog Shh N-terminal, and rr-Agrin C terminal. |
| US09163215B2 |
Generation of lineage-restricted progenitor cells from differentiated cells
Method for reprogramming differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells is provided. The method may include contacting differentiated cells with inhibitors of tyrosine phosphatases and apoptosis to de-differentiate differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells. |
| US09163214B2 |
Method for culturing stem cells
In the field of biological technology, a stem cell culture method is provided. The method includes preparing an amniotic epithelial cell feeder layer that is not treated to lose the division ability; and seeding the stem cells onto the amniotic epithelial cell feeder layer, and culturing in a culture medium. The stem cell culture method according to the present invention does not require the treatment of the feeder layer cells to lose the division ability, and is thus simple and safe, thereby effectively solving the problem of contamination caused by animal-derived ingredients in culture of human stem cells at present, greatly reducing the culture cost of the stem cells, and providing a safe, effective, and inexpensive stem cell culture method for the industrialization of the stem cells in the future. |
| US09163212B2 |
Osteogenic cell delivery matrix
Compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) within a matrix provided. By adding calcium and/or phosphate ions to the matrix, one may foster greater bone regeneration. |
| US09163210B2 |
Method of double-coating lactic acid bacteria
The present disclosure relates to production of double-coated lactic acid bacteria using peptides and polysaccharide. Double-coated lactic acid bacteria show improved heat-resistance, acid-resistance, bile-resistance, storage stability and excellent survival rate when reaching intestine. |
| US09163209B2 |
Pipette member and cell isolation instrument
A pipette member to be attachable to a container capable of accommodating a tissue and a liquid, is used for isolating cells from the tissue by stirring, and includes: a cylinder member which includes a first opening that is to be accommodated in the container, and a second opening that is to be connected to a cell isolation apparatus, and in which a passage for communicating the first opening with the second opening is defined; and a filter member which is disposed inside the cylinder member, and which separates the passage into a first part that includes the first opening, and a second part that includes the second opening. |
| US09163208B2 |
Method and system for bioreaction
Novel bioreactor systems, adapted to provide continuous batch incubation of microbes, especially bacteria, are provided. Bioreactor bags are preloaded with inert microbes prior to being shipped to the user. The inert microbes may be substantially dry or in other inert forms, and are stored in soluble containers within the bioreactor bags. Multiple sterile, preloaded, disposable bioreactor bags are used in a self-contained housing. The bags are automatically incubated in the housing and dispensed, preferably into an irrigation system. The system provides serial batch production of useful microbes for a week or more, without further supervision or intervention. Methods of manufacture, methods of use, methods of sales, and methods of farming are also provided. |
| US09163206B2 |
Culture apparatus and method of replacing culture medium
There is provided a culture apparatus including: a first pipe having a discharge channel formed at one end thereof; a second pipe having a suction channel formed at one end thereof; and a connection channel connecting the first and second pipes. |
| US09163201B2 |
Liquid detergent composition with abrasive particles
A composition comprising abrasive particles derived from inorganic-based foam, wherein said abrasive particles are non-spherical having a form factor from 0.1 to 0.6 and a solidity from 0.3 to 0.9, and wherein said abrasive particles comprise one or more inorganic materials and have a MOHs hardness of from 1 to 4. |
| US09163198B2 |
Process for purification of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) ethyl ester from fish oil
Disclosed is a process for extracting and purifying EPA (Eicosapentanoic acid) ethyl ester from a crude fish oil feedstock using a combination of novel esterification and simulated moving bed (SMB) techniques. Crude fish oil diluted in non-polar solvent is esterified with an acid and then transesterified with a base. Following washing, the non-polar phase is directly passed to an SMB zone, comprising a normal phase separation with a hydrophilic stationary phase agent and a non-polar/organic polar mobile phase desorbent to provide an enhanced omega-3 product, comprising EPA. In a further embodiment, the enhanced omega-3 product is passed to a second and third SMB zones operating in reverse phase using a hydrophobic stationary phase and a polar mobile phase desorbent. The process is useful for producing high purity EPA at purities in excess of 97 wt-% which are not economically recoverable by conventional distillation methods combined with conventional SMB configurations. |
| US09163196B2 |
Stabilized blends containing friction modifiers
The present invention relates to functional fluid compositions containing friction modifiers, and specifically stable compositions containing friction modifiers with limited solubility in and/or limited compatibility with the functional fluids with which they are used. In particular the present invention deals with functional fluids used in internal combustion engines, such as engine oils, and friction modifiers derived from hydroxy-carboxylic acids, where the friction modifier is present in the functional fluid composition at levels that would otherwise cause the composition to be unstable and/or hazy. |
| US09163194B2 |
Copolymers for use as paraffin behavior modifiers
Lactone/alkylene oxide polymers are useful as additives to inhibit or prevent the deposition of paraffin in hydrocarbon fluids, particularly crude oil produced from a subterranean formation. These polymers are random or block polymers made from addition reactions of a hydroxyl- and/or amine-containing base compound with at least one lactone monomer and at least one alkylene oxide monomer. In one non-limiting embodiment the lactone monomer is optional. |
| US09163185B2 |
Gasification of a carbonaceous material
The invention provides methods and apparatus ultimately for converting a carbonaceous material to liquid hydrocarbons suitable for use, for example, as transportation fuels. In a first step the carbonaceous material is converted to a syngas product, and in subsequent steps the syngas product is converted to the desired liquid hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, coal and methane are converted to syngas, and the syngas product is converted to hydrocarbons through a methanol intermediate. An example use for the methods and apparatus of the invention is in the preparation of aviation fuels. |
| US09163184B2 |
Process for pre-generative reforming of gasolines, comprising recycling at least a portion of the effluent from the catalyst reduction phase
The present invention describes a process for regenerative reforming of gasolines, characterized by recycling at least a portion of the effluent from the catalyst reduction zone to the head of the last or penultimate reactor of the reaction zone. This arrangement can significantly improve the hydrogen balance of the unit and the production of reformate. |
| US09163183B2 |
Removal of solubilized metals from Fischer-Tropsch products
The present disclosure is directed to a method and system of removing solubilized metals from a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reactor product. The FT reactor product is contacted with a chelating agent to form metal complexes. The FT reactor product containing metal complexes are subjected to centrifugal separation to form a heavy phase and a light phase containing less than 500 wppb solubilized metals. |
| US09163181B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for deoxygenating biomass-derived pyrolysis oil
Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for deoxygenating a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil are provided. In one example, a method comprises the steps of separating a low-oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil effluent into a low-oxygen-pyoil organic phase stream and an aqueous phase stream. Phenolic compounds are removed from the aqueous phase stream to form a phenolic-rich diluent recycle stream. A biomass-derived pyrolysis oil stream is diluted and heated with the phenolic-rich diluent recycle stream to form a heated diluted pyoil feed stream. The heated diluted pyoil feed stream is contacted with a deoxygenating catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to deoxygenate the heated diluted pyoil feed stream. |
| US09163173B2 |
Wellbore servicing compositions and methods of making and using same
A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising cement, an aqueous fluid, and a cyclodextrin, a cyclodextrin derivative, or combination thereof; placing the wellbore servicing fluid in the wellbore and allowing the fluid to set. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising cement, aqueous fluid, and a cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin derivative, or combination thereof. |
| US09163172B2 |
Deicing composition
The present invention relates to a deicing composition comprising (i) a deicing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium acetate, sodium acetate, sodium formate, potassium formate, (ii) a native protein, and (iii) a molasses. It furthermore relates to a process for preparing said deicing composition and to a process for deicing a surface using said deicing composition. |
| US09163166B2 |
Adhesive composition, optical member, and surface protective sheet
An adhesive composition includes a copolymer (A), the copolymer (A) being a copolymer of: a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylamide (a1), the hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylamide (a1) including at least one of a hydroxyl group-containing acrylamide and a hydroxyl group-containing methacrylamide, and a (meth)acrylate (a2), the (meth)acrylate (a2) including at least one of an acrylic ester and a methacrylic ester; and an antistatic agent (B), the antistatic agent (B) including an ionic compound. |
| US09163164B2 |
Support film for tape and tape
A support film for tape which is used for a tape includes a film-shaped support formed of polyurethane, a barrier layer which includes polyvinyl alcohol and a layered inorganic compound and is formed on a surface of the support, and an undercoat layer which is disposed between the support and the barrier layer, and which causes the support and the barrier layer to adhere to each other. |
| US09163163B2 |
Multilayer film, method for manufacture thereof and articles including the same
A multilayer film is provided. The multilayer film includes a barrier layer and an adhesive layer underlying the barrier layer. The adhesive layer contains a block copolymer that can phase separate into two or more different domains. The multilayer film has good gas and moisture barrier properties and is highly flexible. Therefore, the multilayer film can be effectively used in manufacturing encapsulation structures for electronic devices. In addition, the multilayer film is suitable for use as a substrate for a device. Further provided are a method for producing the multilayer film and an encapsulation structure including the multilayer film. |
| US09163161B2 |
Polyurethane aqueous dispersion, formed film obtained from same, and glove
Provided is a polyurethane aqueous dispersion characterized in having practical utility in terms of processing suitability when a formed film is produced by salt coagulation method, and characterized in that a formed film obtained from the same has practical utility in terms of resistance against ethanol water. A polyurethane aqueous dispersion for a formed film, the formed film being obtained by using the polyurethane aqueous dispersion and a coagulant liquid in combination, is obtained by: neutralizing an isocyanate group-terminated prepolymer obtained by reaction of a polyisocyanate (A) composed of diphenylmethane diisocyanate and alicyclic diisocyanate, a random copolymer (B) of ethylene oxide and tetrahydrofuran, a polyol (C) having a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 5000, a polyhydric alcohol-based chain extender (D) having a number average molecular weight of 400 or less, and a diol compound (E) having a carboxyl group; and dispersing the obtained neutralized substance in water, and thereafter causing a chain extension reaction using an amine-based chain extender (F). |
| US09163160B2 |
Aqueous ink for inkjet, ink cartridge, and inkjet recording device
Aqueous ink for inkjet contains water; a hydrosoluble organic solvent; a pigment; and a resin, wherein the hydrosoluble organic solvent contains 2,3-butane diol having meso-2,3-butane diol in an amount of 50% by weight or more in 2,3-butane diol and 2,3-butane diol accounts for 5% by weight to 40% by weight of the entire of the aqueous ink. |
| US09163159B2 |
Crosslinking agent for adhesion to plastic
The present disclosure relates to an isocyanate terminated saturated hydrocarbon polymer that can be used as a crosslinking agent in a coating composition. The coating composition can provide a composition that adheres well to resinous substrates. Also provided are coating composition comprising the crosslinking agent and methods for producing the adherent coating composition. |
| US09163155B2 |
Luminescent lanthanide complex, and articles and inks containing the luminescent complex
Luminescent lanthanide complex and inks containing the complex as well as its method of production and article including the complex, wherein the complex includes the formula: wherein M is chosen from the alkali cations Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+ and mixtures thereof and is present to neutralize charge of the complex; wherein Ln is chosen from the trivalent rare-earth cations of Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb and mixtures thereof; wherein R is a C5 to C6 heteroaryl: wherein Y is an optionally substituted C3-C8 heterocycloalkyl moiety linked to R by an N atom; wherein n is an integer of 3 or 5; and wherein x is an integer of 0 or 1. |
| US09163148B2 |
Ceramic honeycomb structure skin coating
A porous ceramic (honeycomb) structure skin coating and a method of producing a porous ceramic structure skin coating which provides a hardshell, strong, acid- and alkali-resistant, chip-resistant ceramic honeycomb structure coating which resists pollution control catalyst from being absorbed into the skin coating. |
| US09163146B2 |
Thiophene azo carboxylate dyes and laundry care compositions containing the same
This application relates to thiophene azo carboxylate dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such dyes that may serve as hueing agents, processes for making such dyes and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The aforementioned dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. Such dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. Such dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions. |
| US09163143B2 |
Golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball which is excellent in abrasion-resistance and durability. The golf ball of the present invention comprises a cover using a cover composition containing thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and a polyisocyanate mixture (B) in which a urethane prepolymer (b-1a) having at least two isocyanate groups or a polyisocyanate (b-1b) having at least three isocyanate groups is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin (b-2) which does not substantially react with the isocyanate groups. |
| US09163138B2 |
Halogen-containing resin composition, production process therefor and molded article therefrom
The present invention provides a halogen-containing resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a halogen-containing resin; 0.01 to 2.5 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol having a saponification degree of from 60 to 99.9 mol % and a viscosity-average polymerization degree of from 100 to 1,000; 0.01 to 2.5 parts by weight of a polyol having a molecular weight of 2,000 or less and a hydroxyl content of 10% by weight or more; and 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of a zinc compound. |
| US09163136B2 |
Nitrile rubber composition and cross-linked rubber
A nitrile rubber composition containing a carboxyl group-containing nitrile rubber and an allylamine-based polymer which contains units expressed by the following general formula (1) is provided. (In the general formula (1), R1, R2, and R3 respectively independently are one selected from a group including a hydrogen atom, alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have substituents, aryl group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have substituents, and halogen atom.). |
| US09163134B2 |
Highly functional additive for polymerization and method for preparing vinyl chloride seeds using the same
Disclosed is a method for preparing a vinyl chloride seed, comprising adding a vinyl chloride monomer, an emulsifier and a polymerization initiator to an aqueous medium, homogenizing droplets using a homogenizer pump, and polymerizing the homogenized droplets. The method provides a more stable latex by minimizing residual monomers by performing polymerization after adding a higher aliphatic alcohol serving as a monomer absorption enhancer and then performing homogenization, and additionally, improves productivity and reduces amount of scale generated by increasing the efficiency of monomer consumption during polymerization. Further, by applying the vinyl chloride-based seed to seed emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride resins, polymer reactivity is improved, the reaction time of the seed emulsion polymerization is effectively reduced, the sizes of small and large particles are controlled and the particle diameter of the vinyl chloride resin is thus controlled. |
| US09163133B2 |
Method of converting a polymerizable composition into thermoplastic polyurethane of improved yellowness index and article obtained by this method
Method of producing a thermoplastic polyurethane having a light stabilization useful for ophthalmic applications, comprising combining precursors of a polyurethane and at least one antioxidant, and incorporating therein, either before, during or after polymerization, at least one light stabilizer, said method being characterized in that the antioxidant is benzenepropanoic acid, 3(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,1′-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy-2,1-ethanediyl)]ester and the light stabilizer is bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)-[[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methyl]butylmalonate together with at least one additional component chosen from among phenol, 2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl and 2,2′-methylenebis(6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol). |
| US09163132B2 |
Nitrile rubber composition, cross-linkable nitrile rubber composition and cross-linked rubber
Disclosed herein are a nitrile rubber composition comprising a nitrile rubber (a) including an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer unit and having iodine value of 100 or less, an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid metallic salt (b), and silane-treated fumed silica and/or calcinated wet silica (c); a cross-linkable nitrile rubber composition comprising the above nitrile rubber composition and a crosslinking agent (d); and a cross-linked rubber obtained by crosslinking the cross-linkable nitrile rubber composition. The present invention can provide a nitrile rubber composition and a cross-linkable nitrile rubber composition, capable of giving a highly-saturated cross-linked nitrile rubber having high tensile stress and excellent heat resistance, and a cross-linked rubber thereof. |
| US09163130B2 |
Method for the production of ZnS particles having a metal oxide coating and a cobalt content, products obtained thereby, and use of said products
Co/metal oxide/ZnS composite particles include a ZnS core and a metal oxide coating surrounding the core, the coating having a content of cobalt from 1 to 150 ppm, based on the total weight of the composite particles, wherein the metal oxide is SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3 or mixtures thereof. |
| US09163126B2 |
Silica-rich rubber compositions and methods of making same
The invention includes a silica-rich rubber composition, which exhibits good processing characteristics and improved wet traction characteristics, a method for making and a tire having a tread component including the same. In one embodiment, a rubber composition includes at least one elastomer, from about 30 phr to about 120 phr silica reinforcing filler, from about 0 phr to about 30 phr carbon black reinforcing filler, from about 3 phr to about 10 phr of rosin acid, and from about phr to about 7 phr of zinc oxide, provided that no free stearic acid is separately included in the rubber composition. |
| US09163123B2 |
Chemical modification of lignin and lignin derivatives
A method for producing a trans-esterified hydroxypropyl lignin (HPL) is provided in one example embodiment and includes precipitating a lignin, dissolving the precipitated lignin in a solution, adding a reagent to the solution, adjusting the pH of the solution, allowing reactions in the solution to occur for a predetermined amount of time, precipitating the solution to produce a precipitate, and washing, filtering, and drying the precipitate to produce the trans-esterified HPL. In one example, a thermoplastic may be added to produce a trans-esterified HPL/thermoplastic blend. |
| US09163121B2 |
Polycarbonate and polysiloxane block copolymer and flame retardant resin composition
There is disclosed a polycarbonate and polysiloxane block copolymer includes 1 to 50 percent by mass of a siloxane portion derived from a polysiloxane block represented by the following formula (I) and 50 to 99 percent by mass of a carbonate portion derived from a polycarbonate block represented by the following formula (II). There can be provided a novel polycarbonate and polysiloxane block copolymer capable of readily imparting excellent flame retardance, and a flame retardant resin composition. |
| US09163119B2 |
Method for preparing polyarylene sulfide with reduced free iodine content
The present invention relates to a method for preparing polyarylene sulfide with a reduced free iodine content. More specifically, the method for preparing polyarylene sulfide includes: (a) polymerizing reactants including a diiodo aromatic compound and a sulfur compound to form a polyarylene sulfide; and (b) maintaining the polyarylene sulfide product at 100 to 260° C. for heat-setting. The preparation method of the present invention effectively reduces the free iodine content of the polyarylene sulfide to prevent potential corrosion of facilities for the subsequent process and improves the properties of the polyarylene sulfide product such as thermal stability, so the method can be usefully applied to industrial fields in regard to the preparation of polyarylene sulfide. |
| US09163115B2 |
Polycarbonate, production method for same and optical film comprising same
A polycarbonate of the present invention includes repeating units represented by, Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3, respectively, and thus, may have excellent scratch resistance, chemical resistance and impact property. |
| US09163114B2 |
Biodegradable shape memory polymer
A shape-memory polymers comprising at least one monomer subunit represented by the following structural formula (1). |
| US09163113B2 |
Cyclic olefin compound having photoreactive group and photoreactive polymer
Disclosed herein is a novel cyclic olefin compound having a photoreactive group and a novel photoreactive polymer. The cyclic olefin compound is applicable to various photoreactions, such as of liquid crystal alignment films and can be preferably used as a precursor of different organic compounds or polymers. |
| US09163112B2 |
Reactive polymer catalysts for 2-component epoxy resin systems
An oligomeric condensation product can be obtained from at least one (hydroxymethyl)phenol of general formula (I), in which R1 is hydrogen or —CH3, R2 is —CH2OH, and R3 is hydrogen or —CH3, at least one polyamine, and optionally at least one phenol compound having two centers reactive by means of a reaction with the methylol groups of the (hydroxymethyl)phenol. |
| US09163111B2 |
Aqueous radiation curable polyurethane compositions
The present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising from 5 to 90% by weight of a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated water dispersible polyurethane (A) and from 1 to 60% by weight relative to the weight of polyurethane (A) of a least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated compound (B) having a water solubility at 25° C. of less than 50 g/l, and it use for making high gloss coatings as well as wood stains. |
| US09163110B2 |
Granule coated with urethane resin
A coated granule is obtained by coating a bioactive substance-containing granule with a urethane resin obtained by reaction of an aromatic diisocyanate with a polyol mixture containing a polyesterpolyol and a C2-C8 polymethylene glycol, wherein the molar ratio of the polyesterpolyol to the polymethylene glycol is 1:20 to 20:1. The granule is capable of controlling elution of the bioactive substance appropriately, and the urethane resin forming the coating film shows degradability in soil. |
| US09163104B2 |
Preparation of functional polymers using phosphide initiators
A method of preparing a polymer, the method comprising: metalating an organophosphine compound in the substantial absence of monomer to form a metalated organophosphine; and introducing the metalated organophosphine to monomer including conjugated diene monomer to form a reactive polymer. |
| US09163102B2 |
Soluble branched polymers
Branched polymers are prepared from at least (A) at least one monomer having an electron donor moiety, (B) at least one monomer having an electron acceptor moiety, and (C) at least one multifunctional branching agent comprising a urea moiety and at least two N-vinyl groups. The branched polymers are least 20% (by weight) soluble in a solvent for which the corresponding polymer of equal molecular weight made without said multifunctional branching agent is at least 20% (by weight) soluble. Due in part to the wide range of chemistries and solubility and rheological properties, the branched polymers find application in personal care, pharmaceutical/nutritional, and performance chemicals compositions. |
| US09163101B2 |
Rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention is directed to a rubber composition comprising: a functionalized elastomer comprising: a polymeric backbone chain derived from a monomer comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and optionally at least one vinyl aromatic monomer; and a functional group bonded to the backbone chain, the functional group comprising a multidentate ligand capable of complexing with a metal ion; and a metal ion.The invention is further directed to a pneumatic tire comprising the rubber composition. |
| US09163098B2 |
Processes for preparing metallocene-based catalyst systems
Methods for preparing single and dual metallocene catalyst systems containing an activator-support are disclosed. These methods can include precontacting of the activator-support and an organoaluminum compound, as well as sequential contacting of two different metallocene compounds to form a dual metallocene catalyst system. |
| US09163089B2 |
Enhancement of protein production yield mediated by a fast shuttling CDC42 GTPase
The present invention relates to a cell for producing a secreted protein comprising a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a fast cycling cdc42 mutant and a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a secreted protein. It also relates to a method for producing said cell and to a method for producing a secreted protein using said cell. |
| US09163085B2 |
Anti-OX40 antibodies and methods of treating cancer
Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, both humanized and chimeric, which specifically bind to human OX40 are disclosed. Preferred antibodies have high affinity for OX40 receptor and activate the receptor in vitro and in vivo. The antibody can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, are useful for modulating receptor activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which OX40 activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies are provided, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also provided. |
| US09163084B2 |
Antibodies which bind human CXCR3
Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that bind human CXCR3 are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the antibodies are human. Nucleic acids and vectors encoding the antibodies or portions thereof, recombinant cells that contain the nucleic acids, and compositions comprising the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments are also disclosed. The invention also provides therapeutic and diagnostic methods which employ the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments. |
| US09163082B2 |
Methods for the treatment of IL-1β related diseases
Disclosed are methods for the treatment and/or prevention of Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and disease states and conditions characterized by insulin resistance, obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and Type 1 diabetes, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof. |
| US09163081B2 |
Antibody recognizing C-domain of midkine
It is intended to provide an antibody which inhibits the function of midkine. An antibody which recognizes an epitope consisting of amino acid residues 62 to 104 of midkine or a fragment thereof; DNA encoding the antibody or a fragment thereof; a recombinant vector which contains the DNA; a transformant which has the vector or a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a method for producing the antibody by allowing the transformant or hybridoma to produce the antibody or a fragment thereof and collecting the resulting antibody or fragment thereof; a pharmaceutical composition containing the antibody or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient; and a diagnostic agent containing the antibody or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient. |
| US09163078B2 |
Regulators of NFAT
Disclosed are methods of identifying an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein. One such method comprises contacting at least one test agent with a recombinant cell comprising at least one NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, assessing the effect of the test agent on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, and identifying the test agent that has an effect on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, whereby the identified test agent is characterized as an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein. Methods of identifying an agent that modulates intracellular calcium, methods to screen for an agent that modulates NFAT regulator function, methods to diagnose unexplained immunodeficiency in a subject, and methods for identifying an agent for treating or preventing a disease or disorder associated with a NFAT regulator protein or calcium signaling are also disclosed. |
| US09163077B2 |
RhoC-based immunotherapy
The present invention relates generally to the field of prophylaxis and therapy of metastatic cancer. In particular there is provided a protein; Ras Homology gene family, member C (RhoC) or peptide fragments thereof that are capable of eliciting anti-cancer immune responses. Specifically, the invention relates to use of RhoC or peptides derived thereof or RhoC specific T-cells for treatment of metastatic cancer. Hence, the invention in one aspect relates to RhoC specific T-cells adoptively transferred or induced in vivo by vaccination as a treatment of cancer. Also the use of RhoC and immunogenic peptide fragments hereof in cancer treatment, diagnosis and prognosis is provided. |
| US09163075B2 |
Isolated polynucleotide that encodes an ActRIIa-Fc fusion polypeptide
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density. |
| US09163071B2 |
POP2: NKκB-inhibiting polypeptides, nucleic acids and methods of use
This invention provides a novel pyrin-only protein (POP2), polypeptides, and nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them. POP2 is a 294 nt single exon gene located on human chromosome 3 encoding a 97 amino acid protein with sequence and predicted structural similarity to other pyrin domains. Highly similar to pyrin domains in CATERPILLER (CLR, NLR, NALP) family proteins, POP2 is less like the prototypic Pyrin and ASC pyrin domains. POP2 is expressed principally in peripheral blood leukocytes and displays both cytoplasmic and nuclear expression patterns in transfected cells. TNFα-stimulated and p65 (RelA) induced NF-κB-dependent gene transcription is inhibited by POP2 in vitro by a mechanism involving changes in NF-κB nuclear import or distribution. While colocalizing with ASC in perinuclear specks, POP2 also inhibits the formation of specks by the CLR protein CIAS1/NALP3. POP2 is a negative regulator of NF-κB activity that may influence the assembly of pyrin-domain dependent complexes. |
| US09163066B2 |
Antimicrobial lytic peptides
This invention relates to novel lytic peptides which are effective in treating citrus plant diseases including canker and greening. The invention also relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising lytic peptides and the use of such compositions in methods for treating diseases of citrus plants. |
| US09163060B2 |
Tubulin inhibitors
The present invention relates to novel tubulin binding molecules of formula (I) and their use for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. |
| US09163059B2 |
Methods for preparing 17-alkynyl-7-hydroxy steroids and related compounds-2
The invention relates to processes for preparing 17-alkynyl-7-hydroxy-steroids, such as 17-Ethynyl-10R,13S-dimethyl 2,3,4,7,8R,9S,10,11,12,13,14S,15,16,17-hexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3R,7R,17S-triol (also referred to as 17α-ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol), that are essentially free of process impurities having binding activity at nuclear estrogen receptors. |
| US09163056B2 |
5-position modified pyrimidines and their use
The present disclosure relates to the field of nucleic acid chemistry, specifically to 5-position modified uridines as well as phosphoramidite and triphosphate derivatives thereof. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making and using the same. |
| US09163053B2 |
Nucleotide analogs
The invention generally relates to nucleotide analogs and methods of their use in sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a nucleotide analog including a detectable label attached to a nitrogenous base portion of a nucleotide analog by a cleavable linker, in which contact of the analog with at least one activating agent results in cleavage of the label and elimination of the linker, thereby producing a natural nucleotide, a 9-deaza-G, 9-deaza-A, or ψ-uridine. |
| US09163052B2 |
Crystalline forms of an antiviral benzimidazole compound
The invention relates to crystalline forms of 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-β-L-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, processes for preparing the same, and their use in medical therapy. |
| US09163048B2 |
Multi-functional nucleic acid-based anti-cancer drug capable of targeting and therapy, method for preparing same and anti-cancer composition comprising same
The present invention relates to a multi-functional nucleic acid-based anti-cancer drug in which the anti-cancer drug is physically bound to a linear nucleic acid having a thiol group at 5′ terminal thereof and then gold nanoparticles and aptamers are chemically bound. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the anti-cancer drug and to an anti-cancer composition comprising the anti-cancer drug. The multi-functional nucleic acid-based anti-cancer drug according to the present invention uses A10 aptamer to achieve high targeting properties, and uses high-concentration anti-cancer drugs and gold nanoparticles to enable dual therapy of thermal therapy/chemical therapy, and may have less side effects and be more effective in anti-cancer therapy compared to existing anti-cancer drugs. |
| US09163047B2 |
Saccharide structures and methods of making and using such structures
Described are oligosaccharides having a protecting group at two, a plurality, a majority of, or each position in the oligosaccharide which is amenable to derivatization. Collections, libraries and methods of making and using such oligosaccharides are also described. |
| US09163044B2 |
Carbon monoxide releasing molecules and uses thereof
Provided herein are novel carbon-monoxide releasing molecules (CO-RMs) of the Formula (I): and esters, amides, salts, solvates and hydrates thereof; wherein R1 and R2 are as described herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of their preparation, and their use in the treatment of liver disease and inflammation. |
| US09163040B2 |
Substituted bisphenyl butanoic phosphonic acid derivatives as NEP inhibitors
The present invention provides a compound of formula I; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of the invention and a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a compound of the invention. |
| US09163038B2 |
Process for synthesis of chiral 3-substituted tetrahydroquinoline derivatives
The present invention relates to novel and concise process for the construction of chiral 3-substituted tetrahyroquinoline derivatives based on proline catalyzed asymmetric α-functionalization of aldehyde, followed by in situ reductive cyclization of nitro group under catalytic hydrogenation condition with high optical purities. Further the invention relates to conversion of derived chiral 3-substituted tetrahydroquinoline derivatives into therapeutic agents namely (−)-sumanirole (96% ee) and 1-[(S)-3-(di-methylamino)-3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethoxy-quinolin-1(2H)-yl]propanone[(S)-903] (92% ee). |
| US09163035B2 |
Melonine bisindole compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, preparation method and use thereof
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical technical field, to melonine bisindole compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and preparation methods thereof. Specifically, the present invention relates to melonine bisindole compounds of Formula I, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The present invention further relates to method for preparing the melonine bisindole compounds of Formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and the use of the melonine bisindole compounds of Formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of cancers. |
| US09163031B2 |
High-fluidity non-caking dianhydrohexitol pellets
Dianhydrohexitol pellets, whose fluidity is preserved even after lengthy storage, include between 90% and 100%, preferably between 95% and 100%, and more preferentially between 97% and 100% of dianhydrohexitols by weight, on a dry weight basis, and have the particularity of not being subject to caking. A process for preparing the dianhydrohexitol pellets is also described. |
| US09163027B2 |
Substituted triazolo-pyrimidine compounds for modulating cell proliferation differentiation and survival
Disclosed herein are erythropoietin-mimetic compounds of Formula I, which modulate the survival, function, or differentiation of, for example, kidney cells, neurons, erythroid cells, or other erythropoietin-responsive cells. The present invention also relates to compounds and methods that preferentially modulate cells expressing the tissue-protective erythropoietin receptor. The compounds of the invention are useful in preventing and treating diseases, such as anemia, organ injury, and diseases of the central nervous system, and as an adjunct to cellular treatments, such as stem cell therapies. |
| US09163025B2 |
Stable complexes of an alkaline earth metal salt of N5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid and a polyol
Complexes between an alkaline earth metal salt of (6RS)— or (6S)—N5-methyl-(5,6,7,8)-tetrahydrofolic acid and a polyol were prepared by lyophilization or spray-drying. These products were found to be stable compared with the active ingredient alone or the mixture of the same components prepared by means of other methodologies. |
| US09163023B2 |
Compounds and methods for treating HIV
Provided are compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their pharmaceutical compositions, their methods of preparation, and their use for treating viral infections mediated by a member of the retrovirus family of viruses such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). |
| US09163020B2 |
Azaindole compounds, synthesis thereof, and methods of using the same
The invention provides compounds of formula (I) and methods of treating a Mycobacterium infection or tuberculosis, or inhibiting DprE1 with the same. |
| US09163019B2 |
Inhibitor compounds of phosphodiesterase type 10A
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I, the N-oxides, tautomers, the prodrugs and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: In formula I the variables Het, A, X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Q are as defined in the claims.The compounds of the formula I, the N-oxides, tautomers, the prodrugs and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 10A. Thus, the invention also relates to the use of the compounds of the formula I, the N-oxides, tautomers, the prodrugs and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the manufacture of a medicament and which thus are suitable for treating or controlling of medical disorders selected from neurological disorders and psychiatric disorders, for ameliorating the symptoms associated with such disorders and for reducing the risk of such disorders. |
| US09163018B2 |
Method of treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
The present invention relates generally to the field of treatment and prophylaxis of retinal degenerative diseases. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for preventing, reducing the risk of development of, or otherwise treating or ameliorating the symptoms of, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or related retinal conditions in mammals and in particular humans. The present invention further provides therapeutic compositions enabling dose-dependent or dose-specific administration of agents useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of age-related macular degeneration or related retinal degenerative conditions. |
| US09163017B2 |
Anti-viral compounds
Compounds effective in inhibiting replication of Hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) are described. This invention also relates to processes of making such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat HCV infection. |
| US09163005B2 |
Salts of 4-methyl-N-[3-(4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl)-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-benzamide
Salts of 4-methyl-N-[3-(4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl)-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-benzamide are prepared by various processes. |
| US09163003B2 |
4-piperidinyl compounds for use as tankyrase inhibitors
The present invention provides for compounds of formula (I): wherein R1-R4 and n are defined herein. The present invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising a compound of formula (I) as well as for the use of such compounds as tankyrase inhibitors and in the treatment of Wnt signaling and tankyrase 1 and 2 signaling related disorders which include, but are not limited to, cancer. |
| US09163002B2 |
Methodology for the synthesis of xanthones
Methods are provided for forming a xanthone derivative via reacting a 2-substituted benzaldehyde with a phenol derivative to form the xanthone derivative. |
| US09162999B2 |
Catalytic conversion of cellulose to fuels and chemicals using boronic acids
Methods and catalyst compositions for formation of furans from carbohydrates. A carbohydrate substrate is heating in the presence of a 2-substituted phenylboronic acid (or salt or hydrate thereof) and optionally a magnesium or calcium halide salt. The reaction is carried out in a polar aprotic solvent other than an ionic liquid, an ionic liquid or a mixture thereof. Additional of a selected amount of water to the reaction can enhance the yield of furans. |
| US09162995B2 |
Formation of higher molecular weight cyclic polyamine compounds from cyclic polyamine compounds
The present invention provides strategies for making higher weight, cyclic polyamines from lower molecular weight, cyclic polyamine starting compounds via transamination. The higher molecular weight, cyclic polyamines are structurally similar to the lower molecular weight, cyclic polyamine starting compounds. The reactants used in the present invention include a cyclic polyamine component that comprises at least two amine groups separated from one another by at least a binary carbon atom spacing, and that can be transaminated to form a higher molecular weight, cyclic polyamine compound. The higher molecular weight, cyclic polyamine has at least two cyclic rings joined to one another through a nitrogen-containing hydrocarbyl group. Each of the cyclic rings contains two amine groups separated from one another by binary carbon atom spacing. |
| US09162991B2 |
Cinnamoyl inhibitors of transglutaminase
A compound of Formula I or Formula II: |
| US09162990B2 |
Heterocyclic compound, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, lighting device, and organic compound
Provided is a novel heterocyclic compound which can be used in a light-emitting layer of a light-emitting element as a host material in which a light-emitting material is dispersed, i.e., a heterocyclic compound represented by a general formula (G1). Any one of R1 to R10 represents a substituent represented by a general formula (G1-1); another one of R1 to R10 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted biphenyl group, or a substituent represented by a general formula (G1-2); and the others separately represent hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted biphenyl group. |
| US09162983B2 |
Reactivators of organophosphorous inhibited acetylcholinesterase
The present invention relates to organophosphate-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators with central nervous system (CNS) bioavailability and their associated methods of preparation including their use for treatment of exposure to AChE inhibitors such as an organophosphate (OP) insecticides and nerve agents. |
| US09162982B2 |
4-[2-(2-fluorophenoxy methyl)phenyl]piperidine compounds
The invention relates to compounds of formula I: where a, R1, and R3-6 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of formula I are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds. |
| US09162978B2 |
Retinal derivatives and methods for the use thereof for the treatment of visual disorders
Compositions of and methods for using synthetic retinal derivatives as retinoid replacements and opsin agonists are provided. |
| US09162977B2 |
Synthetic ion channels
Provided herein are self-assembling compounds that can form ion channels in lipid bilayers or cell membranes and ion-channel-forming compositions comprising the self-assembling compounds. Also provided are methods of making and using the ion channels formed from a plurality of molecules of the self-assembling compounds. Further, provided are methods of treating or preventing conditions and diseases that are related to the dysfunction of ion channels, including chloride channels. |
| US09162971B2 |
Methods for producing bicyclic compounds via claisen rearrangements
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for producing a compound having excellent activity as an α2δ ligand. The solution thereto is a method for producing a compound represented by the general formula (VI) or a salt thereof using rearrangement reaction: [in the formula, R1: a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group] |
| US09162968B2 |
Cyclohexane-1,3-diones for use in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The present invention relates to the identification of provided cyclohexane-1,3-diones (CHD compounds) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for treating subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. The invention also provides methods of preparing the provided CHD compounds. |
| US09162967B2 |
Sulfonium salt, polymer, resist composition, and patterning process
A sulfonium salt comprising (a) a polymerizable substituent, (b) a sulfonium cation, and (c) a sulfonate anion within a common molecule is capable of generating a sulfonic acid in response to high-energy radiation or heat. A resist composition comprising the sulfonium salt as base resin has high resolution and is suited for precise micropatterning by ArF immersion, EB or EUV lithography. |
| US09162966B2 |
Azole derivatives, methods for producing the same, intermediate thereof, agro-horticultural agents
A method of producing an azole derivative according to the invention represented by Formula (XI) wherein R1 denotes a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C2-C6 alkenyl group or a C2-C6 alkynyl group; R2 denotes a C1-C4 alkyl group; each Y denotes a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group, a C1-C4 haloalkyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a C1-C4 haloalkoxy group, a phenyl group, a cyano group or a nitro group; and m denotes 0 to 5; when m is 2 or more, each Y may be the same or different. As a result, an azole derivative contained as an active ingredient in an agro-horticultural agent having an excellent controlling effect on diseases can be provided. |
| US09162963B2 |
Phenylglyoxylic acid derivatives and their preparation and use
The invention provides novel phenylglyoxylic acid derivatives, which may be useful as intermediates for preparing stereoisomerically enriched drug compounds. The invention also provides methods of making phenylglyoxylic acid derivatives, and uses of phenylglyoxylic acid derivatives. |
| US09162962B2 |
Process for reclaiming methacrylic acid from a high-boiler phase and an aqueous phase
The invention relates to a process for reclaiming methacrylic acid from a high-boiler phase in a heterogeneously catalysed gas phase oxidation of a C4-compound to methacrylic acid comprising the following steps a) Providing a high-boiler phase from a heterogeneously catalysed gas phase oxidation of a C4-compound to methacrylic acid b) Providing an aqueous phase, preferably organically loaded, from a heterogeneously catalysed gas phase oxidation of a C4-compound to methacrylic acid c) Mixing of components a) and b) optionally followed by filtration or centrifugation d) Adding an extraction media to the mixture from c) e) Subjecting the multiple-phase mixture from d) to at least one mixer-settler extraction process f) Recycling the organic phase from the last mixer-settler process back into the C4-process |
| US09162956B2 |
Process and device for preparing cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone by cyclohexane oxidation
A process for preparing cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone by cyclohexane oxidation includes steps of: non-catalyticly oxidizing cyclohexane with molecular oxygen in the air to obtain an oxidation mixture containing CHHP as a main product; performing a homogenous catalytic decomposition of the CHHP to obtain cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone; and rectifying to obtain products of the cyclohexanol and the cyclohexanone, wherein the step of performing the homogenous catalytic decomposition involves a homogeneous catalytic decomposition reaction and distillation vessel which removes water via azeotropic rectification to reduce a water content of a decomposition liquid to be below 100 ppm. A device therefor includes the homogeneous catalytic decomposition reaction and distillation vessel for performing the homogenous catalytic decomposition of the CHHP. The homogeneous catalytic decomposition reaction and distillation vessel and pipelines thereof are free from scale formation, which elongates a production cycle to be over one year. |
| US09162955B2 |
Process for pyrolysis of a coal feed
A process for pyrolyzing a coal feed is described. A coal feed is pyrolyzed into a coal tar stream and a coke stream in a pyrolysis zone. The coal tar stream is separated into at least a pitch stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons. The pitch stream is reacted in a reaction zone to add at least one functional group to an aromatic ring of the aromatic hydrocarbons in the pitch stream. The functionalized pitch stream is recycled to the pyrolysis zone. |
| US09162954B2 |
Catalyst and process for preparing acrolein and/or acrylic acid by dehydration reaction of glycerin
A catalyst composition comprising at least an heteropolyacid deposited on a porous titania carrier.A catalyst composition comprising at least an heteropolyacid in which protons in the heteropolyacid may be partially exchanged by at least one cation selected from elements belonging to Group 1 to Group 16 of the Periodic Table of Elements that have been deposited on a porous titania carrier.A method for preparing the catalyst composition, comprising impregnating a titania carrier with a solution of at least one metal selected from elements belonging to the Group 1 to Group 16 of the Periodic Table of Elements or onium, drying and firing the resulting solid mixture, secondly impregnating the resulting solid mixture with a solution of heteropolyacid, drying, and firing the resulting solid mixture.A process for preparing acrolein and acrylic acid by dehydration of glycerin, carried out in the presence of the catalyst. |
| US09162953B2 |
Iron-copper co-catalyzed process for carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonding
The present invention relates to a process for creating a Carbon-Carbon bond (C—C) or a Carbon-Heteroatom bond (C-HE) by reacting a compound carrying a leaving group with a nucleophilic compound carrying a carbon atom or a heteroatom (HE) that can substitute for the leaving group, creating a C—C or C-HE bond, wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of an effective quantity of a catalytic system comprising iron and copper. |
| US09162952B2 |
Process for purifying products from coal tar
A process for purifying at least one product from coal tar is described. The process involves separating a coal tar fraction having a boiling point in the range of about 180° C. to about 230° C. into an acidic portion and a non-acidic portion by contacting the fraction with a caustic compound. The acidic portion is separated into a cresol portion and a xylenol portion, and the non-acidic portion is separated into a naphthalene portion and a naphthalene co-boiler portion. The acidic portion and the non-acidic portions are separated by contacting with an adsorbent comprising small, discrete crystallites, the adsorbent having less than 10 wt % amorphous binder component. The various portions can be separated in a similar manner. |
| US09162948B2 |
Process for the preparation of 2, 3, 3, 3-tetrafluoropropene
The invention provides a process for the preparation of 1234yf comprising (a) contacting 1,1,2,3,3,3 hexafluoropropene (1216) with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to produce 1,1,2,3,3,3 hexafluoropropane (236ea); (b) dehydrofluorinating 236ea to produce 1,2,3,3,3 -pentafluoropropene (1225ye); (c) contacting 1225 ye with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to produce 1,2,3,3,3 -pentafluoropropane (245eb); and (d) dehydrofluorinating (245eb) to produce (1234yf). |
| US09162947B2 |
High temperature isomerization of (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to (Z)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
Disclosed are processes for a high temperature isomerization reaction converting (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to (Z)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene. In certain aspects of the invention, such a process includes contacting a feed stream with a heated surface, where the feed stream includes (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene or mixture of (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with (Z)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene. The resulting product stream includes (Z)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, where the ratio of (Z) isomer to (E) isomer in the product stream is higher than the ratio feed stream. The (E) and (Z) isomers in the product stream may be separated from one another. |
| US09162942B2 |
Catalyst regeneration process
This disclosure relates to a process for regenerating a catalyst composition to improve the aging rate in subsequent cycles. |
| US09162936B2 |
Method for manufacturing hydrocarbon
It is to provide a method for manufacturing a hydrocarbon, with which a hydrocarbon is produced at a high yield even under the condition of an ordinary temperature and an ordinary pressure.A method for manufacturing a hydrocarbon, in which carbon dioxide is reduced to produce the hydrocarbon, the method includes a step of producing the hydrocarbon by bringing magnesium or a magnesium compound such as magnesium oxide into contact with water and the carbon dioxide and reducing the carbon dioxide. Examples of the magnesium compound include magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, and basic magnesium carbonate. |
| US09162935B2 |
Compact FT combined with micro-fibrous supported nano-catalyst
A Fischer Tropsch (“FT”) unit includes at least one FT reactor tube. The FT reactor tube is configured to convert syngas into one or more hydrocarbon products. Inside the tube is a nano-sized catalyst particles dispersed in a micro-fibrous substrate. The FT reactor tube may be positioned within a cooling block that may be made of aluminum or another metal. The cooling block includes an aperture, wherein the FT reactor tube is housed within the aperture. At least one cooling channel is located on the cooling block. The cooling channel houses at least one cooling tube that is designed to dissipate the heat produced by the FT reaction. |
| US09162928B2 |
Method for producing sintered ferrite magnet, and sintered ferrite magnet
A sintered ferrite magnet comprising (a) a ferrite phase having a hexagonal M-type magnetoplumbite structure comprising Ca, an element R which is at least one of rare earth elements and indispensably includes La, an element A which is Ba and/or Sr, Fe, and Co as indispensable elements, the composition of metal elements of Ca, R, A, Fe and Co being represented by the general formula of Ca1-x-yRxAyFe2n-zCoz, wherein the atomic ratios (1-x-y), x, y and z of these elements and the molar ratio n meet the relations of 0.3≦(1-x-y) ≦0.65, 0.2≦x≦0.65, 0≦y≦0.2, 0.03≦z≦0.65, and 4≦n≦7, and (b) a grain boundary phase indispensably containing Si, the amount of Si being more than 1% by mass and 1.8% or less by mass (calculated as SiO2) based on the entire sintered ferrite magnet, and its production method. |
| US09162927B2 |
Process for producing metallic or ceramic shaped bodies
A process for producing a metallic or ceramic shaped body from a thermoplastic material comprising A) 40 to 65% inorganic sinterable powder A B) 35 to 60% binder B1) 50 to 95% polyoxymethylene homo- or copolymers; B2) 5 to 50% of a polymer dissolved or dispersed in B1) with a particle size of less than 1 μm, and C) 0 to 5% by volume of a dispersing aid, by injection molding or extrusion to give a green body, removing the binder and sintering, which comprises removing the binder by a) treating the molding with a solvent which extracts the binder component B2) from the molding and in which the binder component B1) is insoluble, b) removing the solvent from the molding by drying, and c) treating the molding in an acid-containing atmosphere is described. |
| US09162918B2 |
Method and apparatus for clamping a spinning preform and reducing the vibration of twisted optical fiber from a spinning preform
An apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber is provided. The apparatus includes a spindle having a bore for receiving a preform of the optical fiber along a longitudinal axis defined by the spindle. A plurality of work holding devices are positioned apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the spindle and configured to secure the preform against the spindle at two or more distinct positions when the preform is spinning. The plurality of work holding devices comprises any combination of chucks, collets, cams, set screws, or shims. A position of at least one of the work holding device is adjustable to shift the preform away from the longitudinal axis. |
| US09162917B2 |
Rare-earth-doped amplifying optical fiber
An amplifying optical fiber includes an inner core, an inner cladding, a depressed trench, and an outer cladding (e.g., an outer optical cladding). Typically, the inner core includes a main matrix (e.g., silica-based) doped with at least one rare earth element. The depressed trench typically has a volume integral V13 of between about −2200×10−3 μm2 and −1600×10−3 μm2. Exemplary embodiments of the amplifying optical fiber are suitable for use in a compact configuration and high power applications. |
| US09162916B2 |
Disk roll and base material thereof
A base material for a disk roll including ceramic fibers, an inorganic binder and scaly silica. |
| US09162914B1 |
System and method for the capture and storage of waste
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods that absorb waste into a metal-organic framework (MOF), and applying pressure to the MOF material's framework to crystallize or make amorphous the MOF material thereby changing the MOF's pore structure and sorption characteristics without collapsing the MOF framework. |
| US09162912B2 |
Water purifier
The present invention relates to a water purifier having a non-drinkable water inlet (I) and a drinkable water outlet (O1), and comprising at least a boiler (8) having a water inlet and a steam outlet, a fluids separating filter (5) operating by flow and float, having an inlet and an outlet, and a heat exchanger (4) adapted to exchange heat between a first and a second separated fluid flows, having an inlet and an outlet for a first water flow to be heated as well as an inlet and an outlet for a second water flow to be cooled; the non-drinkable water inlet (I) is coupled to the first flow inlet of the heat exchanger (4), the first flow outlet of the heat exchanger (4) is coupled to the inlet of the fluids separating filter (5), the outlet of the fluids separating filter (5) is coupled to the inlet of the boiler (8), the outlet of the boiler (8) is coupled to the second flow inlet of the heat exchanger (4), the second flow outlet of the heat exchanger (4) is coupled to the drinkable water outlet (O1). |
| US09162901B2 |
Electrolytic production of metal oxides
Disclosed is a method of producing metal oxides, comprising electrodepositing a metal oxide from an electrolyte solution onto a substrate to coat at least a portion of the substrate, whereby metal oxide seed particles are released into the solution, and precipitating metal oxide particles from the solution. The precipitated metal oxide particles have a maximum particle size of less than 1 micron. |
| US09162894B2 |
Method for preparing graphene
The present invention provides a method for preparing graphene, including reacting graphite in an acid solution in which an oxidant is present so as to obtain a graphene. Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention reside in that, the graphene prepared by the method of the present invention has excellent quality and substantially increased yield and production rate, as compared with mechanical stripping, epitaxial growth, and chemical vapor deposition; and the graphene prepared by the method of the present invention has significantly improved quality, substantially reduced structural defects, and significantly increased conductivity, as compared with oxidation-reduction preparation in the solution-phase; besides, the method is also advantageous for a simple process, mild conditions, low cost, and very easy for scale production. The graphene prepared by the present invention has very broad prospects in the fields of lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, functional composite materials, transparent conductive films, and microelectronic devices, etc. |
| US09162893B2 |
Method for making carbon nanotube composite preform
A method for making a carbon nanotube composite preform includes following steps. A substrate is provided. Carbon nanotubes are formed on the substrate. The carbon nanotubes and the substrate are placed in a solvent for a predetermined time. The carbon nanotubes and the substrate are drawn from the solvent. The carbon nanotubes and the substrate are dried. |
| US09162887B2 |
Reformer reactor and method for converting hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen rich gas
A reformer reactor is provided for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen rich gas by auto-thermal reaction process having a cylindrically shaped and double walled, housing with two side faces forming a reaction chamber of the reformer. Additionally, a fuel inlet is provided in one of the two side faces for providing hydrocarbon fuels into the reaction chamber, wherein further a fuel preheating means is provided which preheats the hydrocarbon fuel before the hydrocarbon fuel enters the reaction chamber. |
| US09162886B2 |
Process for reforming hydrocarbons
The invention relates to a process for the production of synthesis gas by the use of autothermal reforming in which tail gas from downstream Fischer-Tropsh synthesis is hydrogenated and then added to the autothermal reforming stage. |
| US09162881B2 |
Physical realizations of a universal adiabatic quantum computer
Devices, methods and articles advantageously allow communications between qubits to provide an architecture for universal adiabatic quantum computation. The architecture includes a first coupled basis A1B1 and a second coupled basis A2B2 that does not commute with the first basis A1B1. |
| US09162870B2 |
Linear fluidic actuator
A linear fluidic actuator comprising an upper actuation deformable surface suitable to induce a displacement in an actuation direction L and a wall delimiting an internal cavity wherein the shape of the actuator is a pillar; the wall, the cavity and the upper surface of a base form the lower part of said pillar, where h1 is the highest dimension of the internal cavity at rest according to the actuation direction L; a part forms the upper part of said pillar where the upper surface of said upper part is the upper actuation deformable surface, the bottom surface of said upper part closes the upper part of the cavity so as to form an upper surface of said cavity and where h2 is the distance at rest from the top of the upper surface of the internal cavity to the upper actuation deformable surface; the height ratio h1/h2 is comprised between 0.2 and 10; a fluidic inlet is provided and suitable for introducing a fluid in the internal cavity. |
| US09162862B2 |
Device and method for treating at least one container
A device for treating at least one container, preferably for filling at least one container with a fill product and/or for reshaping a container, comprising an isolator chamber containing a defined atmosphere, in which the treatment of the container is carried out, and at least one container channel for conveying the container into the isolator chamber or for conveying the container out of the isolator chamber, and a suction device for sucking air out of the container channel and out of the isolator chamber, and a supply air preparation unit for preparing the air to be fed to the isolator chamber, wherein the suction device is connected with the supply air preparation unit in such a manner that at least a portion of the air sucked out of the container channel and/or the isolator chamber is fed to the supply air preparation unit for renewed preparation. |
| US09162851B2 |
Comb plate—comb plate carrier assembly and combination construction of the assembly with lifting tool
A comb plate-comb plate carrier assembly for an escalator is disposed on an upper and lower head and mounted to the truss of the escalator. A comb plate and a pair of comb plate carriers for carrying the comb plate are included. The assembly is provided with at least one of: a guide rail bracket fastened to the comb plate carrier and used to fix a guide rail for the handrail belt; a supporting bracket fastened to the comb plate carrier and used to support an end of a handrail return-sheave curve fastened to the truss; a comb plate height adjuster; a monitoring device for monitoring the horizontal displacement and upward displacement of the comb plate. A combination structure includes a lifting tool and the assembly in an assembled condition, the lifting tool includes a traverse rod and a longitudinal suspending member. |
| US09162849B2 |
Elevator rope
In an elevator rope, a plurality of steel outer layer strands are twisted together on an outer circumference of an inner layer rope. The inner layer rope has: a fiber core; a plurality of steel inner layer strands that are twisted together directly onto an outer circumference of the fiber core; and a resin inner layer rope coating body that is coated onto the outer circumference. A diameter of the inner layer strands is smaller than a diameter of the outer layer strands. The inner layer strands are greater in number than the outer layer strands. |
| US09162848B2 |
Vacuum brake
A set of four brake assemblies are arranged to grasp a guide railing in a pneumatic vacuum elevator cylinder. The brake assemblies are each attached to a seal of the cabin or vehicular compartment traveling within the cylinder and to a structural support member within the vehicle. Additionally, each set has a pair of brakes utilizing a spring actuated shaft indirectly connected to the cabin seal through a lever attached to the brake back plate. This lever acts on a rod device directly connected to the cabin seal in order to take advantage of a pressure differential for the opening and closing of the individual brakes. |
| US09162843B2 |
Adhesive tape cutting device
A portable adhesive tape cutting device includes a main body, a cutting unit fixedly on the main body, a handle pivotally connected to two side walls of the main body, and a cover pivotally connected to the handle. The present invention can be used quickly and conveniently for cutting a desired length of adhesive tape. The portable adhesive tape cutting device is provided with the handle for the user to change the position of the portable adhesive tape cutting device conveniently. |
| US09162841B2 |
Method and apparatus for combining one or more of tamping a stack of substrates, laterally offsetting a substrate, and actuating other mechanisms useful in printing in an image forming device
An approach is provided to cause an operation comprising one or more of a substrate tamping process, a substrate offset process, and a mechanism actuation process. The approach involves determining an instruction to cause the operation. The approach also involves causing a movement of one or more of a slide element and a shaft based on the instruction. The slide element and the shaft are configured to move in a first direction and a second direction along a length of the shaft. The movement in the first direction and the second direction of one or more of the slide element and the shaft corresponds to the operation. |
| US09162840B1 |
Sheet conveying device
A sheet conveying device includes: a conveyor; a stacking surface configured to support a sheet to be discharged by a discharge roller, and a movable member, which is provided downstream from the discharge roller in the discharge direction, is supported so as to be swingable on a swinging shaft, wherein the movable member has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is inclined at a first inclined angle relative to the stacking surface so that the first guide surface is inclined towards the stacking surface, wherein the second surface is inclined at a second inclined angle relative to the stacking surface so that the second surface is inclined towards the stacking surface, and wherein the second inclined angle is smaller than the first inclined angle. |
| US09162839B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system
A sheet processing apparatus includes: a loading tray on which a sheet is loaded; a pair of ejection rollers that eject the sheet to the loading tray and in which a pair or roller members are configured to be able to contact with and separate from each other; a pair of shift rollers that is provided upstream of the pair of ejection rollers in a sheet conveyance direction, are movable in a sheet width direction that is a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, convey the sheet towards the loading tray, and performs a shift operation of shifting the sheet to a different position in the sheet width direction; and a control unit that performs control to change, based on sheet information, a shift operation timing of the sheet by the pair of shift rollers and a contacting and separating timing of the pair of ejection rollers. |
| US09162836B2 |
Driving force transmission device, medium transport device, image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
A driving force transmission device includes a first rotating portion having a first facing portion, and a second rotating portion having a second facing portion. The second rotating portion has an operation range partially overlapping with that of the first facing portion. A cushioning member is provided between the first facing portion and the second facing portion. The cushioning member is deformed by being applied with a pressure. The first rotating portion and the second rotating portion transmit a driving force in a state where the cushioning member is deformed by application of the pressure. |
| US09162833B2 |
Medium feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A medium feeding apparatus includes an apparatus main body, and a medium cassette removably inserted into the apparatus main body. The medium cassette is configured to store a medium. The medium cassette includes a medium positioning unit for determining a position of the medium, and a locking unit that locks a movement of the medium positioning unit when the medium cassette is inserted into the apparatus main body and before the medium cassette reaches a predetermined position in the apparatus main body. |
| US09162832B2 |
Vehicle-actuated weather barrier apparatus
Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include rear edge seals to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, the rear edge seal is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle's side surface is the outward facing surface of the vehicle's swung-open door. In some examples, the vehicle backing against the edge seal is what deploys the side seal. Some example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include an upper seal member and two side seal members, where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners of a cargo opening of the vehicle. In some examples, one or more seal members lengthen in response to the size and position of the vehicle. |
| US09162828B2 |
Mail sorter with output container exchange
Mail processing systems, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes assigning first and second delivery points to a single output at the same time. The method includes sorting a first mail piece sorted to the first delivery point and a second mail piece sorted to the second delivery point. The method includes placing both first and second output containers, associated with the first and second delivery points, into a position proximate to the output. The method includes moving the first output container into a position to receive the mail pieces sorted to the first delivery point from the output and to moving the second output container into a position to receive the mail pieces sorted to the second delivery point from the output. |
| US09162827B2 |
Scraping device for a transporting belt and corresponding manufacturing method
A device including a supporting structure, at least one scraping member upwardly and downwardly delimited by upstream and downstream sides, and an elastic material that is overmolded on the scraping member and connecting the scraping member to the supporting structure, the upstream side of the scraping member being covered with the overmolded elastic material. |
| US09162818B2 |
Modular conveyor mat and conveyor provided with a modular conveyor mat
Modular conveyor mat (1), comprising a number of rows (2) of modules (3), successive in the conveying direction (P) of the conveyor mat, which modules are provided with a body part (4) from plastic extending transversely to the conveying direction, which is provided with an upper surface (5), and which is provided, viewed in conveying direction, at the front (8) and rear (9) with a series of coupling elements (11) spaced apart with mutual interspaces (10). Coupling elements and interspaces of modules successive in conveying direction interdigitate, and are hingedly coupled with the aid of pins (12). The conveyor mat is provided with reinforcing strips (14) included in the body parts of the modules, spaced apart at a mutual intermediate distance transversely to the conveying direction, which extend in conveying direction between successive hinge pins, and which are provided adjacent their ends (15) with recesses (16) in which the hinge pins successive in conveying direction are received. The reinforcing strips extend at least locally through the upper surface of the modules and form a grid (20) of discharge contacts (18). The reinforcing strips and the hinge pins are manufactured from electrically conductive material, and form an electrically frame for carrying off electrostatic charge. |
| US09162817B2 |
Conveyor system, storage and retrieval device and logistics system
A conveyor system for conveying unit loads, comprising at least one conveyor element, said conveyor element comprising a conveyor for transporting at least two unit loads in a conveying direction, the at least two unit loads being arranged side-by-side in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and to a storage and retrieval device comprising at least one carrier and a load bearing module, wherein the load bearing module has at least two carriages. A logistics system for storage, retrieval and collation of unit loads, comprising at least a store for storing unit loads, and at least one conveyor system. Moreover, a method of operating a logistics system with at least one storage and retrieval device and/or a conveyor system is disclosed, wherein at the storage and retrieval device and/or the conveyor system at least two unit loads are operated at the same time. |
| US09162815B2 |
Capsule for the preparation of a coffee extract having a structure facilitating perforation for injection of water
A capsule for the preparation of a coffee extract from coffee contained therein and hot water injected under pressure in the capsule by a water injection device. The capsule has a frusto-conical body with a rim, sidewall, and an inlet wall and a lower delivery wall sealed to the rim and contains a predosed amount of coffee. The inlet wall may have a flat or convex portion and a structure in relief or in recess arranged for facilitating penetration of blades belonging to the injection device and extending on a substantially circular path of predetermined radius R1 equal to the radius R2 of the circular path along which the blades of the injection device extend. |
| US09162797B1 |
Pallet with tray stacking structure
A pallet comprises a deck having an upper support surface; a plurality of support members depending from the deck; pallet stacking structure for retaining a second pallet stacked on the pallet, and tray retaining and stacking structure for retaining a tray on the pallet. The pallet stacking structure includes a plurality of first recessed regions formed in the upper support surface for receiving support members of a second pallet stacked on the first pallet. The tray retaining and stacking structure includes a plurality of second recessed regions formed in the upper support surface of the pallet for receiving the legs of a tray when the tray is supported on the pallet. The second recessed regions are formed within the outer boundaries of the first recessed regions and are deeper than the first recessed regions. The depths of the second recessed regions are slightly less than a length of the tray legs such that the bottoms of the tray legs touch the floors of the second recessed regions to transfer the weight of the trays downwardly through the tray legs and to the pallet rather than through the upper support surfaces of the tray. |
| US09162796B2 |
Lid of a container
The invention relates to a lid (8) of a container, especially a beverage can, comprising a substantially flat lid surface (9) and a preferably folded edge area, with at least one re-closeable pouring opening (10) being provided on the lid surface (9), and a substantially integral closure means (1) provided on the bottom side of the lid surface (9), which closure means is associated with the pouring opening (10) and is attached entirely to the bottom side of the lid surface (9) in a twist-proof manner, and an actuating means (6) which is in connection with the closure means (1), penetrates the lid surface (9) and is arranged accessibly from the outside on the upper side of the lid surface (9), with the closure means (1) being movable from a closed position to an open position through actuation of the actuating means (6), and with the actuating means (6) comprising a support element (12, 12′, 14, 15) which cooperates with the lid surface (9) when the closure means (1) is in the open position, with the closure means (1) being movable to the open position from the closed position substantially perpendicularly to the lid surface (9) and the actuating means (6) covering the pouring opening (10) in the closed position. |
| US09162793B2 |
Carton
The present application and the resultant patent provide a carton for a number of articles. The carton may include a top wall, a pair of sidewalls, a rear wall, and a dispenser section. The dispenser section may extend along a top wall portion of the top wall, a side wall portion of each of the pair of sidewalls, and the rear wall. |
| US09162792B2 |
Shipping and display tray and blank for forming the same
A blank for forming a tray for shipping and displaying at least one product is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, a pair of opposed side panels connected to the bottom panel, and at least one divider panel assembly connected to the bottom panel and one of the side panels. The at least one divider panel assembly includes a plurality of support slots configured to receive a portion of at least one of the containers to secure the container to the tray, to display the containers within the tray, and to enable individual access to each of the containers within the tray. |
| US09162788B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for automatic unwrapping of bundles
A system for automatic positioning, wrapper and strap cutting, wrapper removal, wrapper and strap takeaway, and debundled stack positioning and delivery of bound mail pieces, magazines, catalogs, brochures and other similar flat items (collectively “bundles”) for subsequent sorting and processing, all without damaging the contents within the bundle. Incoming bundles are supported on two supporting plates configured to move horizontally toward and away from each other, and spaced to expose a portion of the bottom surface of the bundle. A cutting device cuts the wrapping and straps on the exposed bottom portion of the bundle, and the supporting plates are moved away from each other to increase the spacing. As the spacing is increased gripping devices atop both supporting plates grab and pull the cat edges of the wrapping, until the bundle falls through to a holding device. |
| US09162786B2 |
Flexible, stackable container and method and system for manufacturing the same
A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. |
| US09162781B2 |
Easy-open protective package for aseptic presentation
The present disclosure describes a procedure for wrapping an item to be sterilized with a protective sheet in such a way as to allow a rapid unwrapping of the item for use. This procedure saves time in unwrapping and reduces the risk of loss of sterility of the item and stress on medical personnel. |
| US09162780B2 |
Preparing a sealing surface of a container
A method of preparing a sealing surface of a container for application of a seal. A lip of the container may be heated, rinsed, and dried to establish the sealing surface. Then the seal may be applied to the sealing surface. |
| US09162779B2 |
Packaging apparatus and method
A method and apparatus are shown for securing a top for a cardboard carton where the carton has a bottom wall and integral sidewalls, an initially open interior and initially open top flaps with outwardly extending ears. The top flaps are folded to a carton closing position which closes off the initially open interior of the cardboard carton. The ears are also folded to a position in contact with the sidewalls of the carton. A set of punches are aligned with the folded ears of the carton and are actuated to force a first layer of cardboard from a respective top flap through an underlying region of the carton sidewall. A set of platens are located so as to underlie and reinforce the sidewalls of the carton as the punching operation takes place. |
| US09162776B2 |
Aircraft safety and configuration monitoring system and method
An aircraft safety and configuration monitoring system includes a plurality of RFID equipped items, a plurality of RFID interrogators communicating with the plurality of RFID equipped items, a processor communicating with the plurality of RFID interrogators and adapted to determine an issue with respect to any of the plurality of RFID equipped items and an indicating mechanism communicating with the processor and adapted to indicate the issue. |
| US09162774B2 |
Fluid transport system for preventing electrical discharge
A method and apparatus for reducing an intensity of an electrical discharge that occurs within a fluid transport system in an aerospace vehicle. The aerospace vehicle is operated. The fluid transport system in the aerospace vehicle is comprised of materials selected such that the fluid transport system has an electrical configuration. The intensity of the electrical discharge that occurs within the fluid transport system during operation of the aerospace vehicle is reduced to within selected tolerances by the electrical configuration of the fluid transport system. |
| US09162773B2 |
Aircraft comprising a reversible rotary electrical machine
The invention concerns an aircraft comprising a reversible rotary electrical machine 30), a wheel (35) for imparting movement to a stream of air, linked to said machine (30), a first ventilation duct (10, 15) configured to supply said wheel (35) with air, an electricity distribution network (70), a reversible power converter (40) connected to said machine (30) and to said network (70), and a control circuit (50) configured to control said converter (40) for, in a motor operating mode of said machine (30), taking a supply current from said network (70) to supply said machine (30) and drive said wheel (35), and, in an alternator operating mode of said machine (30), in which a stream of air flows in said first ventilation duct (15) and imparts movement to said wheel (35), to provide supply power to said network (70) which is generated by said machine (30) driven by said wheel (35). |
| US09162771B2 |
Hybrid power supply architecture for supplying mechanical power to a rotor and managed from the on-board network of a rotorcraft
An architecture for a hybrid power plant for driving a rotorcraft rotor (1). The rotorcraft is fitted with an electrical energy distribution network (17) for distributing electrical energy from a management network (20) that is interposed between the distribution network (17) and electrical energy sources (4, 9, 10). A management computer (21) takes account of information about the working of a combustion engine (3) for driving the rotor (1), about the working of the electrical energy sources (4, 9, 10) fitted to the rotorcraft and including an energy store (9), a reversible electric machine (4), and an electricity generator (10) engaged with the combustion engine, and about the electrical energy needs of the electricity distribution network (17). Electrical energy is distributed selectively by the management computer (21) via the management circuit (20) and to the distribution circuit (17) depending on priorities of maintaining safe flight of the rotorcraft and providing drive assistance to the engine (3) as produced by the reversible electric machine (4). |
| US09162770B2 |
Electric drive device for an aircraft
The invention relates to a drive device for an aircraft, at least comprising a battery for storing electrical energy, an electric motor for driving a propeller, a conducting means for transferring the electrical energy from the battery to the electric motor, and a first control means for controlling the electric motor. The invention is characterized in that: the battery is a lithium-air battery; the electric motor is a high-temperature superconductor motor; at least one store is provided for a coolant and a cooling system which is connected to the store for cooling the high-temperature superconductor motor, the cooling system comprising a second control means for controlling the cooling system; a first means is provided for variably arranging the lithium-air battery and/or a second means is provided for variably arranging the store in the aircraft; and a third control means is provided for controlling the first and/or the second means. |
| US09162768B2 |
Aircraft seating arrangement
Seating arrangements for seats configurable between an upright and lie-flat position are presented. A three-seat grouping can include a lower aft-facing seating assembly, an upper seating assembly, and a lower fore-facing seating assembly in which the lower seating assemblies underlap the upper seating assembly when in a lie-flat position. Lower seats can be aligned or angled with respect to an upper seat in a manner that conserves space. A six-seat grouping can include 3-seat groupings in which lower seats are aligned with upper seats, or are angled with respect to them. Support structures can be shared by adjacent seats. A six-seat grouping can be embodied as a hybrid arrangement in which footspace is narrower for a lower opposing seat than for a lower seat facing the same direction as an upper seat. In an example embodiment, footspace can be divided between an upper seat and a lower opposing seat. |
| US09162766B2 |
Optimised aircraft cabin layout
A layout for a cabin in a passenger transport vehicle, that includes at least one longitudinal aisle and seats for passengers arranged in rows, each accessible by a longitudinal aisle. At least one row of at least two seats is arranged so as to be inclined relative to a longitudinal aisle. The seats of the row are arranged side by side and oriented perpendicularly to the row and to the aisle enabling access to the row. |
| US09162764B2 |
Craft and method for assembling craft with controlled spin
This invention relates to a craft designed to move through or on a surface of a fluid. It is believed to be principally of use in relation to airborne craft and missiles but the theory behind the invention is equally applicable for example to submarines. |
| US09162762B1 |
System and method for controlling a remote aerial device for up-close inspection
The method and system may be used to control the movement of a remote aerial device in an incremental step manner during a close inspection of an object or other subject matter. At the inspection location, a control module “stabilizes” the remote aerial device in a maintained, consistent hover while maintaining a close distance to the desired object. The control module may retrieve proximal sensor data that indicates possible nearby obstructions to the remote aerial device and may transmit the data to a remote control client. The remote control module may determine and display the possible one or more non-obstructed directions that the remote aerial device is capable of moving by an incremental distance. In response to receiving a selection of one of the directions, the remote control module may transmit the selection to the remote aerial device to indicate the next movement for the remote aerial device. |
| US09162759B2 |
Twist mechanism for twisting a rotor blade for a rotorcraft, and a blade
A twist mechanism for twisting a rotary-wing blade (2). A twist member (8) is movable by an actuator (11) of the centrifugal force type, which twist member has at least one flyweight (14) for driving a rotary member (13) about a pivot axis (A). The flyweight (14) is radially movable on the rotary member (13) by movement means. The centrifugal force FC to which the flyweight (14) is subjected as a result of the blade (2) being caused to rotate induces drive torque CM for causing the rotary member (13) to pivot, thereby causing the twist member (8) to be moved. The twist member (8) is in engagement with the blade (2) at its free end and is connected to the rotary member (13) via remote mechanical transmission means (12). |
| US09162756B2 |
Landing gear
A landing gear (10), including: a bogie beam (12); an axle (14) pivotally connected to the bogie beam (12); a locking member (40) coupled to the axle (14) such that movement of the axle (14) invokes movement of the locking member (40), said movement of the locking member (40) defining a swept volume; and a locking mechanism (60) coupled to the bogie beam (12) and including first (65a) and second glide members, (65a, 65b) the locking mechanism (60) being arranged to move the glide members (65a, 65b) between locking positions, where glide members (65a, 65b) are within the swept volume on opposing sides of the locking member (40) and in which position the locking mechanism (60) is arranged to lock the locking member (40) in a predetermined position, and non-locking positions, where the locking mechanism (60) is arranged permit movement of the locking member (40). |
| US09162750B2 |
Aircraft propeller blade
An aircraft propeller blade including an airfoil-profile structure. The airfoil-profile structure includes at least one fiber reinforcement obtained by three-dimensional weaving of yarns and densified by a matrix, and a shaping part made of cellular rigid material of determined shape, the reinforcement including at least two halves linked together by continuous weaving in the leading edge of the propeller blade, the two halves fitting tightly around the shaping part. |
| US09162747B2 |
Method for manufacturing a sound attenuation panel
The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a sound attenuation panel having a first cellular core structure and a second cellular core structure joined in a junction area (J). The method includes: a) a joining edge of the first cellular core structure is joined to a corresponding joining edge of the second cellular core structure, thereby forming the junction area; b) the first cellular core structure and the second cellular core structure are placed between an inner skin and an outer skin of the panel.In particular, the method further has a step prior to step a), in which one junction reinforcement is inserted between the joining edge of the first cellular core structure and the corresponding joining edge of the second cellular core structure in the junction area. |
| US09162745B2 |
Aircraft with an integrated energy-absorbing deformation structure and aircraft with such a fuselage
An aircraft fuselage has an integrated energy-absorbing deformation structure. The fuselage includes annular frames, longitudinal fuselage beams interconnecting the annular frames, and a covering forming a fuselage skin. A lower floor structure is disposed in an interior of the fuselage. The lower floor structure includes a plurality of transverse beams connected to an assigned frame and longitudinal floor beams which interconnect said transverse beams. The deformation structure is formed in a lower fuselage region disposed below the lower floor structure. The deformation structure includes a first inelastically deformable central region and, on a left-hand side and a right-hand side, respective second inelastically deformable regions of greater stiffness in the vertical direction than the central region. |
| US09162736B2 |
Apparatus for performing overhead work using air-propelled vessel with articulating member
A wide, flat-bottom, buoyant, amphibious hull with a powered articulating member mounted on the deck. The hull has a shallow draft and distributes its weight over a large area and is propelled by at least one engine-driven propeller rotating above the hull. These features cooperatively provide a vehicle capable of performing overhead work, such as installing or servicing power transmission poles, towers, or other structures located in environmentally sensitive wetlands, swamps, marshes, shallow water, or terrain which is not efficiently accessible by other means. |
| US09162735B2 |
Inflatable evacuation slide
An inflatable evacuation slide includes a base, one or more top tubes, a first lateral side, including a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames, each frame being coupled to neighboring frames in the series, a first common side of the base and at least one of said top tubes, and a second lateral side including a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames, each frame being coupled to neighboring frames in the series, a second common side of the base and at least one of said top tubes. The first common side of the base is opposite the second common side of the base so that the slide is generally triangular in cross-section, and the angles of the triangular frames combine to form an upwardly directed arcuate bend in the uninflated slide which straightens under the weight of the slide when inflated and deployed. |
| US09162731B2 |
Snowmobile
A snowmobile (100) has a frame (106) comprising a tunnel (108) and an engine cradle (110) containing an engine (114). A drive track (126) is operatively connected to the tunnel. A front drive axle (127) connected to the engine engages the drive track. A front (102) of the snowmobile comprises a hull connected to the frame and to front telescopic suspension struts (112). The snowmobile also comprises front skis (116) connected at attachment points (150) to the front telescopic suspension struts. The drive track has a front portion (125) defining a track angle (B) between 20 and 40 degrees from horizontal. A horizontal distance (C) between the attachment points and the front drive axle is between 600 mm and 900 mm. The hull has a bottom surface (160) wherein at least a portion has an average hull angle (A) between 10 and 30 degrees from horizontal. |
| US09162730B2 |
Motor driving control apparatus
A motor drive control apparatus for performing motor control that is stable and has a good efficiency includes: a speed processing unit that generates a first value by converting a second value corresponding to a current speed into a duty ratio; a torque processing unit that generates a third value by converting a fourth value corresponding to a target torque into the duty ratio; and a drive unit that controls switching by a switch included in a complementary switching amplifier by an average duty ratio corresponding to a sum of the first value and the third value to drive a motor connected to the complementary switching amplifier. |
| US09162729B2 |
Right crank arm assembly for a bicycle and crank arm thereof
A right crank arm assembly for a bicycle, comprises a right crank arm, a first annular element directly coupled with said crank arm at at least one first coupling portion of said first annular element and at least one second annular element coupled with said crank arm and of a smaller size than said first annular element. The first annular element comprises a toothing that extends radially towards the outside along a primitive circumference having a predetermined diameter. Said at least one first coupling portion is entirely contained in a first area extending radially towards the outside starting from an ideal circumference having a diameter at least equal to ⅔ of said predetermined diameter. Such an annular element constitutes the front sprocket of the crank arm assembly of the present invention and consists of a simple toothed band. Such a front sprocket is particularly light in weight. |
| US09162728B2 |
Saddle type vehicle
A saddle type vehicle includes a frame, an engine supported by the frame, a swing-arm swingably supported on the frame, a rear wheel supported on the swing-arm, a rear suspension arranged between the engine and the rear wheel, an air cleaner arranged in an intake passage, and an exhaust chamber arranged in an exhaust passage. At least a portion of the air cleaner is arranged above the rear suspension. At least a portion of the exhaust chamber is arranged below the rear suspension. The rear suspension extends in a direction intersecting with a vertical direction when viewed from a side of the saddle type vehicle. The rear suspension is coupled to the engine and the swing-arm. A height of the rear suspension in the vertical direction is smaller than a length of the rear suspension in a front-back direction. |
| US09162722B1 |
Vibration alarm device for a bicycle
An alarm device for a bicycle includes a locking block and an alarm assembly connected with the locking block. The alarm assembly includes a base, a mounting seat, an alarm unit, a top cover, and a bottom cover. The alarm unit includes a circuit board, at least one sensor, at least one buzzer, a control switch button, at least one storage battery, an indication lamp, and at least one socket hole. When the alarm unit is started, the alarm unit detects vibration or shaking of the locking block or the alarm assembly due to an external force and transmits an alarm signal so as to achieve a burglar-proof effect. |
| US09162720B2 |
Robot action based on human demonstration
Embodiments of the invention provide an approach for reproducing a human action with a robot. The approach includes receiving data representing motions and contact forces of the human as the human performs the action. The approach further includes approximating, based on the motions and contact forces data, the center of mass (CoM) trajectory of the human in performing the action. Finally, the approach includes generating a planned robot action for emulating the designated action by solving an inverse kinematics problem having the approximated human CoM trajectory as a hard constraint and the motion capture data as a soft constraint. |
| US09162719B2 |
Limbed vehicles, systems and methods using same, and post networks on which limbed vehicles travel
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems including a limbed vehicle having a plurality of controllably movable limbs (e.g., a limbed machine, limbed robot, etc.), a plurality of spaced posts that the limbed vehicle may travel on using the limbs, and at least one logistical-support unit associated with at least one of the posts and configured to provide logistical support to the limbed vehicle. As non-limiting examples, such disclosed embodiments of systems may be used to service an agriculture field, to enable travel over an environmentally-sensitive area or an area impassable by a conventional wheeled or tracked vehicle, and may be used in many other different applications. Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to limbed vehicles configured to receive logistical support from a logistical-support unit, methods of providing logistical support to such limbed vehicles, post networks, and posts. |
| US09162716B2 |
Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag
An air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag comprises at least two air deflection elements each coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to any rear door that the vehicle may have. The air deflection elements are displaceable, preferably in unison, between a retracted position and at least one deployed position, and may be deployed and retracted manually, or remotely with powered assistance, or under microprocessor control. The air deflection elements are preferably arranged above, below and on either side of the rear-facing door of the vehicle, with at least the latter two air deflection elements having matching configurations. Vehicles equipped with the apparatus, and methods of reducing vehicular air drag using the apparatus, are also disclosed. |
| US09162711B2 |
Vehicle body side section structure
A vehicle body side section structure provided with a bracket that is disposed on a connection section between a roof side rail and a center pillar. The bracket includes a rail side member that is joined to the roof side rail and forms a rail closed section in the gap with the roof side rail, a pillar side member that is joined to the center pillar and forms a pillar closed section in the gap with the center pillar, and a linking member that links the rail side member and the pillar side member on the forward side of a forward end wall section. |
| US09162706B2 |
Self-tracking system for the rear axles of trucks
A steering system for a vehicle, the vehicle defining a vertical direction, a forward direction and a reverse direction, the steering system including: an axle assembly defining a central axis comprising an axle and a bearing sleeve circumferentially surrounding the axle; a wheel assembly; and axle-to-wheel connection hardware set defining a caster axis with the caster angle being the angle between the caster axis and the vertical direction; and a caster angle adjustment assembly; wherein: the axle-to-wheel connection hardware mechanically connects the axle assembly to the wheel assembly so that the wheel assembly can rotate about the caster axis with respect to the axle assembly; and the caster angle adjustment assembly is structured, connected and/or located to actuate at least the axle-to-wheel connection hardware set to change the caster angle between at least a first angle and a second angle during operation of the vehicle. |
| US09162701B2 |
Steering column energy absorbing rake lock
A rake lock assembly for a steering column assembly includes a component operatively associated with a rake bracket, the component including a trigger element, and a locking cam configured to be disposed within the rake bracket and to rotate about a rotational axis. The locking cam includes a first contact surface configured to interact with the trigger element, and a second contact surface having a plurality of teeth configured to interact with rake teeth. When an impact force acts on the steering column assembly and a rake bolt is shuttled in a first direction, the trigger element is configured to contact the first contact surface and rotate the locking cam about the rotational axis such that the second contact surface plurality of teeth and the rake teeth are disposed in interlocking meshing engagement to facilitate preventing a vehicle steering column from raking movement in a second direction. |
| US09162700B2 |
Multi purpose friction plate assembly
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a friction plate assembly is provided. The assembly includes a locking member having a toothed portion, a bolt extending through the locking member, and a friction plate configured for frictional engagement with the locking member. The friction plate receives the bolt therethrough and includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the bolt and the locking member in a first direction. When a predetermined force acts on the at least one biasing member, the friction plate is configured to force the locking member toothed portion into engagement with an object to facilitate preventing movement of the bolt in a second direction. |
| US09162697B2 |
Dolly for connection to child car seat to form a stroller
A dolly that connects to a child car seat to form a stroller. A connection axle includes a connection mechanism that connects the connection axle to preexisting features on the child car seat. Two wheels are rotatably connected to the connection axle. A handle attachment piece is rigidly connected to the connection axle. A handle is connected to the handle attachment piece. In a preferred embodiment the child car seat is slip fit onto the connection axle. |
| US09162694B1 |
Clean street can system
An apparatus to provide a specially designed assembly system for garbage and recycling containers having an effective means for joining trash receptacles to a wheeled carrier via a securement means so that they are not easily turned over by gusts of wind or animals. This device also provides a tethering mechanism between a container and a wheeled carrier so they remain joined if tipped during especially high gusts of wind or very aggressive animals. |
| US09162685B2 |
Detection method for operating gestures
A method for operating a function in a motor vehicle employs a sensor arrangement with at least two spaced sensors for detecting operations caused by a user. Signals of a first sensor are monitored until a first characteristic signal answer is detected. A user-carried identification device is queried to verify authorization to access the requested function. Signals of a second sensor are monitored to determine an operation caused by approaching the second sensor. Signals from the first and second sensors are monitored for a predetermined time period t1. If the signals indicate a continued operation of the two sensors during t1, an expiration of t1 is signaled to the user. Signals of the first sensor are monitored for a predetermined time period t2. If the signal of the first sensor indicates a cancellation of the operation within t2, the function of the motor vehicle is triggered. |
| US09162683B2 |
Method and system for starting engine during failure of starter motor of hybrid electric vehicle
A method of starting an engine when a starter motor of a hybrid electric vehicle has a failure includes identifying a request for starting the engine in a state where the starter motor has the failure. When the request for starting the engine is made in the state where the starter motor has the failure, a torque or a load of an engine clutch and a pressure of the engine clutch are determined. A torque of a driving motor is set to a smaller torque between a driving motor demanded torque and a torque obtained by subtracting the torque of the engine clutch from a maximum torque of the driving motor. The engine starts with the set torque of the driving motor while controlling the engine clutch. |
| US09162681B2 |
Information processing system and information processing device
An information processing system which includes a center server and a movable body performing a communication with the center server, includes a fuel efficiency information obtainment unit which obtains information on fuel efficiency when the movable body moves in a first direction heading toward the other direction from one direction in a predetermined section and obtains information on fuel efficiency when the movable body moves in a second direction heading toward one direction from the other direction in the section; a comparison unit which compares the fuel efficiency in the first direction with the fuel efficiency in the second direction; and a slope estimation unit which estimates a slope of the section based on a difference between the fuel efficiency in the first direction and the fuel efficiency in the second direction. |
| US09162679B2 |
System and method of vehicle operating condition management
A vehicle operating condition profile can be determined over a given route while also considering imposed constraints such as deviation from time targets, deviation from maximum governed speed limits, etc. Given current vehicle speed, engine state and transmission state, the present disclosure optimally manages the engine map and transmission to provide a recommended vehicle operating condition that optimizes fuel consumption in transitioning from one vehicle state to a target state. Exemplary embodiments provide for offline and online optimizations relative to fuel consumption. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability. |
| US09162671B2 |
Hybrid vehicle control unit
A hybrid vehicle control unit (HV-ECU) sets a sub-battery voltage during an engine non-operation time to be lower than a sub-battery voltage during the normal time, which decreases a charge amount to the sub-battery relative to an amount during the normal time. The HV-ECU sets the sub-battery voltage during an engine operation time to be higher than the sub-battery voltage during the engine non-operation time, which increases the charge amount to the sub-battery relative to an amount during the engine non-operation time. A SOC control according to the above-described scheme prevents a SOC decrease of the sub-battery SOC in comparison to the conventional SOC control scheme, thereby preventing charging of the sub-battery when the main battery SOC is lower than a certain threshold. Therefore, a run-down of the sub-battery is prevented. |
| US09162670B2 |
Vehicle and method of controlling vehicle
A vehicle includes an engine and a motor generator generating driving power for running, and an ECU for controlling the engine and the motor generator. If user requested power and a vehicle speed are substantially constant when inertial running control is selected by a user, the ECU causes continuous driving power operation to be performed on the engine in which the engine is driven to continuously generate constant driving power, and causes driving power variation operation to be performed on the motor generator in which the motor generator is alternately switched between a low output state and a high output state in terms of driving power, thereby running the vehicle. As a result, energy efficiency during vehicle running can be improved. |
| US09162668B2 |
Hybrid vehicle drive controller
A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism which are selectively connected to each other through a clutch, and one of the rotary components of the first and second differential mechanisms which are selectively connected to each other through the clutch is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises: a clutch engagement control portion configured to place the clutch in an engaged state when a warm-up operation of the hybrid vehicle is required. |
| US09162646B2 |
Knee protection airbag apparatus
A knee protection airbag apparatus includes an airbag and a front panel. The front panel includes a lower panel portion and an upper panel portion. When the airbag inflates, the airbag causes the upper panel portion to move to the front, and deploys in a space on a rear surface-side of the moving upper panel portion. The upper panel portion includes a general portion of an upper portion and a ceiling wall portion of a lower portion. The lower panel portion is separate from the upper panel portion, and covers a rear side of the folded airbag. The upper panel portion includes a pressure receiving portion facing the folded airbag. The upper panel portion has the vicinity of the fixation portion of the general portion as a bending deformation portion that bends when the upper panel portion moves to the front along with the inflation of the airbag. |
| US09162645B2 |
High pressure airbag for oblique impact modes
A vehicle includes a dash panel and an airbag module disposed behind the dash panel. The airbag module includes an airbag assembly that defines, upon inflation in a presence of a passenger, a primary chamber adjacent to a passenger side of the vehicle and configured to cushion the passenger upon impact, and a secondary chamber attached to the primary chamber, arranged adjacent to a center of the vehicle, and configured to catch the passenger after impact. The secondary chamber has an end portion disposed adjacent to the passenger and a base opposite and wider than the end portion arranged to sit against the dash panel to orient the airbag assembly relative to the passenger. |
| US09162644B2 |
Hatch protection system
A hatch protection system and method protect personnel against blunt force trauma caused by contact with a hatch. In an embodiment, a hatch protection system for a hatch on a vehicle includes a hatch pad. The hatch pad is attached to the hatch. In addition, the hatch pad comprises a protective padding. Further, the hatch pad is adapted to be raised, lowered, or any combinations thereof. The hatch protection system also includes a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets is secured to the vehicle and to the hatch pad. |
| US09162642B2 |
Method and system for determining a primary direction of force resulting from a vehicle collision
A vehicle comprises an acceleration sensing module and a crash direction-computing module. The acceleration-sensing module is configured for generating acceleration information resulting from a vehicle collision event. The acceleration information includes a first direction acceleration value and a second direction acceleration value. The crash direction-computing module is coupled to the acceleration-sensing module for receiving the acceleration information therefrom and is configured for determining impact direction information resulting from the vehicle collision event. Generating the impact direction information includes deriving a first direction delta velocity value from the first direction acceleration value, deriving a second direction delta velocity value from the second direction acceleration value, determining a first delta velocity threshold value based on a delta velocity threshold angle and the first direction delta velocity value, and determining an impact zone based on the first delta velocity threshold value and the second direction delta velocity value. |
| US09162638B2 |
Automotive electric power supply system
The main electric power source is connected to a lower-voltage side of a DC/DC converter by a first switch, and an electrical double-layer capacitor and a regulator circuit is connected to a higher-voltage side of the DC/DC converter. In addition, permanent magnets are disposed on a rotor so as to generate a magnetic field that is in a reverse direction to excitation by a field coil inside a claw-shaped magnetic pole portion of the rotor. A power supply control circuit controls opening and closing of the first switch so as to be in an open state when the engine is at rest, and so as to be set to a connected state after the regulator circuit is operated to make the alternator generate electric power to precharge the electrical double-layer capacitor after the engine is started. |
| US09162637B2 |
Method for packaging and connecting ultracapacitors for energy storage purposes
An ultracapacitor energy storage system and in particular a system for packaging and connecting ultracapacitors (15) for energy storage purposes is described which is applicable in automotive and stationary applications. The ultracapacitors (15) in the system can be in series or parallel or a combination of both. A controller, relays, voltage monitoring and isolation fault detection are used to regulate the system. The mechanical construction of frame and different pluggable modules (2 and 7) lead to an easy in- and de-installation of the different parts. The different constructions are designed with a safe handling by the operator in mind. |
| US09162635B2 |
Vehicle door
The present invention relates to a vehicle door which is mounted via a hinge (14) to an upper edge portion of a door opening portion (12) that is formed on a vehicle body and which is pivotable in an up-down direction and which includes a door body (15) formed of metal, a decorative member (18) that is attached to a vehicle outer side of a lower portion of the door body (15), an outer plate portion (30) which is mounted on the decorative member (18) and disposed to be spaced apart from a vehicle outer side surface of the door body (15) and which has a predetermined width in the up-down direction and extends over a substantially overall width in a door width direction, a bottom plate portion (31) which is mounted on the decorative member (18) and extends from a lower end of the outer plate portion (30) to a vehicle inner side so as to be directed to a position lower than a lower end of the door body (15), and a protruding plate portion (32) which is provided on the decorative member (18) and protrudes upward from a position close to a vehicle inner side tip of the bottom plate portion (31), the protruding plate portion having an upper end extending further upward than the lower end of the door body (15) and being continuously formed in a direction from a position close to a first end portion to a position close to a second end portion of the outer plate portion (30) in the door width direction, the protruding plate portion being in contact with the vehicle outer side surface of a lower end portion of the door body (15). |
| US09162627B2 |
Snug-fit item holder
An item holder for a vehicle interior includes first and second retention members which are operable between at-rest and recessed positions relative to one another. The first and second retention members have edge portions which are generally arranged in a parallel relationship and define a spacing therebetween for the insertion of an item in use. An item stored in the item holder is retained by the first and second retention members in that the first and second retention members are biased towards the at-rest position for engagement of an item therebetween. The item holder provides ready access to personal items as stored therein by a vehicle occupant. |
| US09162626B1 |
Outdoor cooking assembly
An outdoor cooking assembly includes a pickup truck including a box that has a basal wall and an exterior wall that is attached to and extends vertically from the basal wall. A gate has a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The gate is selectively positionable in a closed position to close the opening. The gate is selectively positionable in an open position to expose the opening and has the top wall in a generally horizontal orientation. The top wall has a cooking aperture extending therethrough. A pan is positioned within the interior of the gate and is accessible through the cooking aperture. A burner is positioned in the pan. A control valve is in fluid communication with the burner and the control valve is configured to be fluidly coupled to a fuel supply for supplying fuel to the burner. |
| US09162625B2 |
Structure for vehicle body lateral section
A vehicle body includes a side sill connected by overlapping a plurality of plates. In an area of the side sill positioned in a door opening, a step garnish covers at least a portion of such area. The step garnish is formed of a hard resin garnish main body and a soft resin garnish end part. The garnish main body covers from the upper surface of the side sill through a lateral surface that includes a sealing contact part. The garnish end part is integrally formed with an end of the garnish main body, and covers at least the sealing contact part. The thickness of the garnish end part gradually decreases from a proximal end formed integrally with the garnish main body towards the distal end. Such arrangement improves appearance of the door opening and sealing characteristics of the area surrounding the door opening. |
| US09162623B1 |
Wide view mirror for commercial trucks and other large vehicles
A wide view mirror expands the field of view for drivers of commercial trucks and other large vehicles. The wide view mirror comprises a single piece of material formed into a planar surface immediately adjacent to an inner contoured surface and an outer contoured surface. The inner contoured surface is formed with a first arc having a first constant radius of curvature and a first width. The outer contoured surface is formed with a second arc having a second constant radius of curvature and a second width. The second radius is greater than the first radius; and the second width is greater than the first width creating an expanded field of view. |
| US09162617B2 |
Pivot bin assembly
A pivot bin assembly configured to receive luggage and be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The pivot bin assembly includes an upper housing that includes a strongback and first and second side panels, a bucket that cooperates with the upper housing to define a bin interior, a first pivot mechanism operatively associated with the first side panel and the bucket, and a second pivot mechanism operatively associated with the second side panel and the bucket. The first and second pivot mechanisms are axially aligned along and are rotatable about a pivot axis such that the bucket pivots about the pivot axis with respect to the upper housing between an open position and a closed position. |
| US09162614B1 |
Illuminated running board for vehicle
An illuminated running board for a vehicle includes a running board body and at least one light-emitting device installed in the running board body. The running board body includes two lateral ends and an outer end portion extending between the lateral ends. The light-emitting device includes a light guide bar and at least one illuminant. The light guide bar is held inside the outer end portion and includes a plane facing the outer end portion for development of a luminous surface. The illuminant is adjacent to an end face of the light guide bar and projects light rays which are guided into the light guide bar through the end face and emitted from the outer end portion, so that the running board can be clearly observed by passengers and other vehicle drivers for better security of the running board in service. |
| US09162612B2 |
Brake testing device
A brake testing device include a remote operated control module which is installed on a towing vehicle to remotely actuate the brake and turn signal lights for testing purposes. When installed on a truck with air brakes and a connection to air brakes on a connected trailer, auxiliary valves are installed on the truck brake pneumatic control line and the trailer brake pneumatic control line which are controlled remotely through the control module to test activation of the air brakes on the truck and trailer respectively. |
| US09162610B2 |
Method for operating a headlight of a motor vehicle
A headlight of a motor vehicle includes several light emitting devices which are arranged next to each other in at least one direction of the extent of the headlight. When the headlight is switched on, the light emitting devices along at least one direction of the headlight are switched on sequentially. |
| US09162609B2 |
Vehicle headlight
A vehicle headlight can form a variable light distribution pattern with a simple structure including a favorable fail-safe. The headlight can include a movable mirror facing a light source unit, a static mirror between the movable mirror and the light source unit and a controller to emit light from the light source unit and to scan the light toward the static mirror using the movable mirror having a default position, where receives the light at a position substantially perpendicular thereto. The controller can enable the headlight to provide various light distribution patterns by varying a scanning method and the movable mirror is configured to return the light toward the light source unit even if it fails to operate properly. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can provide a vehicle headlight that can form various light distribution patterns in accordance with surroundings and can have the simple structure including the favorable fail-safe. |
| US09162606B2 |
Multi-vehicle surveillance system
A multi-vehicle surveillance system includes vehicles that sense alarm-triggering events and activate various surveillance devices that can best capture data relating to the alarm-triggering events. The surveillance devices are activated based on the location and other information relating to the vehicle where the alarm-triggering event is sensed. |
| US09162602B2 |
Apparatus configurable into ramp or barrier
A first barrier and a second barrier that, in a C-shape configuration, lay one on top of the other and engage each other and that, in an arched configuration, lay separate and disengaged from each other. In the C-shape configuration, the barriers can close off the bed of a pickup truck such as when the tailgate of the pickup truck is laid out and open. In the arched configuration, the barriers can serve as a four wheel vehicle ramp that extends from the ground up to the open, horizontally extending tailgate. |
| US09162594B2 |
Vehicle seat
Provided is a vehicle seat by which an impact of rear end collision is reduced and of which peripheral structure of a side frame is simplified. A vehicle seat includes: a seat back frame which includes side portions positioned at the sides thereof, a pressure receiving member which is jointed to the seat back frame through joint members and supports an occupant, and an impact reduction member which is disposed on at least one of the side portions to engage with the joint member and to move by a predetermined amount of impact load applied to the pressure receiving member so that the pressure receiving member is caused to move rearward; in which the side portion includes a convex portion protruding in the movement range of the impact reduction member, and the impact reduction member abuts against the convex portion so that the movement of the impact reduction member is prevented. |
| US09162593B2 |
Infant carrier and car safety seat with no-rethread harness adjustment
A vehicle safety seat and infant carrier system allowing height adjustment of a shoulder harness strap without rethreading the harness strap through the seat. A positioning member is normally biased out of engagement with a toothed rail, allowing a harness strap carried by the positioning member to be adjusted up or down to fit the size of a child. As the harness strap is pulled tight, the positioning member is brought into engagement with the toothed rail, fixing the position of the strap relative to the seat. |
| US09162590B2 |
Seat slide apparatus for vehicle
A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a second unlock mechanism rotating an unlock lever in a direction that unlocks a lock mechanism by pushing the unlock lever in accordance with a predetermined seat operation, an unlocked state retaining lever retaining the lock mechanism in an unlocked state cooperating with the second unlock mechanism by operating in conjunction with the second unlock mechanism, a first unlocked state release mechanism moving the unlocked state retaining lever to a position where the lock mechanism is released from the unlocked state by making contact with an operation body in accordance with movement of an upper rail relative to an lower rail, and a second unlocked state release mechanism moving the unlocked state retaining lever to a position where the lock mechanism is released from the unlocked state by pushing the unlocked state retaining lever in accordance with the operational input. |
| US09162585B2 |
Rechargeable energy storage system management for vehicles
Methods and systems are provided for vehicles having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A first sensor is configured to measure an ambient temperature for the vehicle. A second sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the RESS. The processor is coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, and is configured to at least facilitate taking an action based on an expected degradation of the RESS after vehicle key-off based at least in part on the ambient temperature and the RESS temperature. |
| US09162584B2 |
Charging control apparatus and method, charging system, correlation method, and computer program
A charging control apparatus (310) controls wireless charging between one charging apparatus (10) and a vehicle (20) which communicates with the one charging apparatus via a communication relay apparatus (30). The charging control apparatus is provided with: an outputting device (320, 330) for transmitting a first signal which is a signal for designating a signal outputted from the one charging apparatuses, to of the one charging apparatuses; a detecting device (320, 330) for detecting a third signal which is transmitted by wireless communication from the vehicle and which is a signal corresponding to a second signal which is a signal outputted from the one charging apparatus due to the transmitted first signal; and a distinguishing device (310) for correlating the one charging apparatus with the vehicle on the basis of the transmitted first signal and the detected third signal. |
| US09162583B2 |
Power control device and power control method
A power control device that controls electric power supplied from an external power supply to a vehicle includes: a switching unit that switches a supply voltage value of the external power supply; and a control unit that generates a signal, indicating an allowable current value of the external power supply, to transmit the signal to the vehicle, and that controls the switching unit to thereby control the supply voltage value, wherein the control unit changes the signal and the supply voltage value on the basis of a given electric power command value. |
| US09162581B2 |
Vehicle, electric device, and power transmission/reception system
A vehicle includes: a reception device receives power for running the vehicle in a non-contact manner using electromagnetic field resonance; and a transmission device transmits power supplied to a device inside the vehicle in a non-contact manner using the electromagnetic field resonance. An electromagnetic field frequency used by the reception device setting a different electromagnetic field frequency used to transmit power. To set the electromagnetic field frequency used by the reception device to receive power and the electromagnetic field frequency used by the transmission device to transmit power such that the electromagnetic field frequency used to receive power is lower than the electromagnetic field frequency used by the transmission device to transmit power. The power received by the reception device in a non-contact manner from an external transmission device outside the vehicle to be larger than the power transmitted by the transmission device in a non-contact manner. |
| US09162579B2 |
Driver circuit for an electric vehicle and a diagnostic method for determining when a first voltage driver is shorted to a low voltage and a second voltage driver is shorted to a high voltage
A driver circuit and a diagnostic method are provided. The driver circuit includes a first voltage driver, a second voltage driver, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor generates a first pulse width modulated signal to induce the first voltage driver to output a second pulse width modulated signal to energize a contactor coil. The microprocessor sets a first diagnostic flag equal to a first value if a first filtered voltage value is less than a first threshold value. The microprocessor sets a second diagnostic flag equal to a second value if a second filtered voltage value is greater than a second threshold value. The microprocessor stops generating the first pulse width modulated signal to de-energize the contactor coil if the first and second diagnostic flags are set equal to the first and second values, respectively. |
| US09162577B2 |
System adapted for one or more electrically propellable vehicles (contact means)
The present invention has its application to a vehicle-related arm-shaped contact means ((4)) related to a contact means arrangement as a current collector or system (“S”) for propelling an electrically, i.a. by batteries (“II”, B), propellable vehicle (1) along a roadway (2) comprising “a” a plurality of roadway portions (2a, 2a1), wherein said road portions are allotted at least one track or slit (51, 52), having introduced therein current supplyable conductors (4a, 4b), and “b” one or more powerable vehicles (1), with each vehicle exhibiting a control circuit (100, “R1”) adapted for necessary distribution of power, wherein said vehicle (1) is on its underneath side provided with a displaceable contact means ((4)) as said current collectors. Said current collector (41,41′) is shaped as a main portion (141), made of an electrically insulating material, and having a lower surface (142) facing towards the contact surface (4a′) being shaped flat, and having a lower contact surface (144) consisting of an electrically conductive material (160). The electrically conductive material (160) is adapted to extend through the main portion (141) for forming one or more upper contact surfaces (146a) and/or connecting conductors (146b). |
| US09162573B2 |
Electronic throttle control
An electronic throttle control (ETC) system is disclosed for use on a recreational or a utility vehicle. The ETC system includes a drive mode selection device for selecting between a plurality of drive modes. The ETC system provides an adjustable engine idle speed and an engine power limiting feature. |
| US09162565B2 |
Liquid natural gas storage tank mounting system
A fuel tank mounting system for movable machine is disclosed. The mounting system may include a fuel tank connected to a frame of the movable machine in such a manner as to allow vertical motion of the tank relative to the frame. The fuel tank may be mounted to the frame using a spring and/or a shock absorber. The fuel tank may be a cryogenic fuel tank for storage of liquid natural gas. The shock absorbers may be tunable so that the level of dampening provided by the shock absorber is tailored to the type of machine and the specific mode of operation of the machine. |
| US09162564B2 |
Fuel tank
A fuel tank comprises an upper-half tank body (7) and a lower-half tank body (8) which are made of bowl-shaped steel plates and which integrally include a flange (7f) and a flange (8f) in their peripheral edges, respectively, the flanges (7f, 8f) being superposed on and liquid-tightly connected to each other. The flanges (7f, 8f) are connected together by crimping into a roll shape to form an annular thick-walled connection (12), and an annular reinforcing rib (7r, 8r) leading to the connection (12) is formed at least in one of the upper-half and lower-half tank bodies (7, 8). Thus, it is possible to provide a fuel tank in which a sufficient strength can be imparted to portions around a flange connection, without particularly increasing the thickness of a steel plate. |
| US09162560B2 |
Flywheel assembly for a powertrain
A powertrain for a machine may include a flywheel and a drivetrain having multiple configurations to permit the flywheel to be mechanically connected both upstream and downstream of a transmission. A bypass clutch may be used to selectively couple the flywheel directly to the engine, while a flywheel clutch may be used to selectively couple the flywheel directly to a lower powertrain. In both upsteam and downstream modes of operation, the transmission is bypassed to increase flywheel energy storage and use, as well as expanding the functionality of the flywheel. |
| US09162554B2 |
Vehicle rear door structure
To obtain a vehicle rear door structure that can improve a fitting performance of a rear door. A pair of connecting beads, that connect a lock mechanism placement portion with regions positioned at vehicle transverse direction outer sides with respect to a lateral bead, are formed at a rear door inner panel. Upper end portions of the connecting beads are disposed at positions apart from the lateral bead and are connected to an annular bead, and have outer side wall portions and inner side wall portions, that stand erect in a door thickness direction of a rear door. The outer side wall portions and the inner side wall portions both extend in a direction orthogonal to an extension line of the lateral bead as seen in a door elevation view. Further, the outer side wall portions are made integral with an inner peripheral wall portion of the annular bead. |
| US09162552B2 |
Self-locating water-soluble glass support
An installation system, and method, for installing a transparent pane into a frame. The system includes a base member defining an elongate recess for receipt of the transparent pane, and a magnet is embedded within the base member for magnetically securing the base member to the frame, wherein the base member is formed from a water-soluble material. |
| US09162551B2 |
Register
A register has a narrow and long air blow outlet long in the longitudinal direction and short in the shorter-side direction, and is provided with a front movable louver along the longitudinal direction inside the air blow outlet. The front movable louver has one vertical fin having an annular fin portion at the center. The annular fin portion is formed so as to have a substantially rectangular opening in an air blowing direction in a front view, and has flat plate portions on both side portions. Upper shaft portions are provided on both end portions of the annular fin portion via upper fin portions, and lower shaft portions are provided via lower fin portions. The upper shaft portions and lower shaft portions are supported turnably on bearing portions of fixed walls. |
| US09162548B1 |
Vehicle and a suspension assembly for a vehicle
A vehicle and a suspension assembly for a vehicle are disclosed. A shock absorber includes a distal end and a proximal end spaced from each other along a central axis. A first spring and a second spring each encircle the shock absorber. The first and second springs align with each other along the central axis between the distal and proximal ends. An actuator includes a movable portion which is movable relative to the shock absorber between a first position wherein the first spring and the second spring are both compressible to define a first total spring rate, and a second position wherein the first spring is incompressible and the second spring is compressible to define a second total spring rate different from the first total spring rate. |
| US09162547B2 |
Method for configuring an electronic control unit of a motor vehicle trailer
The invention relates to a method of configuring an electronic control unit (140) of a motor vehicle trailer using specific data for the chassis systems and/or chassis components which are installed on the motor vehicle trailer. It is provided that a chassis system (131) and/or at least one chassis component are/is equipped with at least one machine-readable data carrier (160) in which data which can be used for configuring the control unit (140) is stored, wherein, in order to configure the control unit (140), this data carrier (160) is read out and the data stored therein is transferred to the control unit (140). The invention also relates to a chassis system, a chassis component and a motor vehicle trailer. |
| US09162546B2 |
Multilink rear axle for a motor vehicle
A multilink rear axle comprises a wheel carrier, a leaf spring, a first lower control arm, an upper control arm, and at least one member. The wheel carrier can rotatably support a wheel of the vehicle. The leaf spring can extend in a width direction of the vehicle that is transverse to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first lower control arm can extend in the width direction and is pivotably coupled to the wheel carrier at a rear half thereof. The upper control arm can extend in the width direction and can be pivotably coupled to the wheel carrier at an attachment point that is offset from the rotation axis of the supported wheel in the longitudinal direction by less than or equal to 100 mm. The at least one member can pivotably couple the leaf spring to the upper control arm. |
| US09162544B2 |
Tire changing machine with bead loosener arm
A wheel servicing machine has a bead loosener arm powered by an actuator attached to a machine base. The actuator includes a moveable actuator rod coupled to the bead loosener arm at a pivoting joint. The pivoting joint includes a joint having two or more angular degrees of freedom, such as a ball joint, in some embodiments. The pivoting joint allows the actuator rod end to pivot both in a major plane of rotation substantially parallel to the movement of the bead loosener arm as well as in one or more minor vertical planes. In some embodiments, the pivoting joint includes a socket positioned around a ball, forming a ball joint. The socket is coupled to the actuator rod, and a pin is disposed through a passage in the ball to pivotally secure the ball joint to the bead loosener arm. |
| US09162541B2 |
Method for detecting leakage of a vehicle tire
In order to avoid the risk of false alarms by supplementing the pressure and temperature measurements with a particular monitoring of their change over time, there is proposed a method which includes: converting referenced pressure measurements (ΔP) into values of a magnitude calibrated in temperature called converted pressure (ΔPT); monitoring for at least two sampling periods (n1, n2) multiples of a measurement period, the change in a difference called significant (ΔQ) at each measurement moment between the values of the converted pressure (ΔPT) and a referenced temperature (ΔT). The slope (p(n)) of these variations is monitored and signifies either an absence of leakage or an air leakage at a fast or slow rate. |
| US09162537B2 |
Tire bead for heavy civil engineering vehicle
Technique for improving the endurance of beads of a radial tire for a heavy vehicle of the civil engineering type, by blocking the cracks that are initiated in the carcass reinforcement upturn end zone and that are propagated in the surrounding polymer materials, causing the deterioration of the bead over time. A binding element (23), having at least two layers of binding including reinforcement elements made of textile material, is in continuous contact with the carcass reinforcement upturn (211) between a first point of contact (A2) on the axially inner face (211a) of carcass reinforcement upturn, corresponding to a first end (I2) of the binding element, and a last point of contact (B2) on the axially outer face (211b) of the carcass reinforcement upturn. |
| US09162533B2 |
Directional tire tread with modified incisions
Directional tire tread having a rolling surface, this tread being provided with a plurality of incisions bounded by mutually opposing walls, each of said walls entering the rolling surface in such a way as to form an edge called the leading edge of an element of material, corresponding to the edge that enters the contact patch first, and an edge called the trailing edge of the same element of material, corresponding to the edge that enters the contact patch after the leading edge, each incision comprising at least one segment bounded by mutually opposing walls that make, with a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface passing through the intersection of the incision with the rolling surface, a negative average angle α whose absolute value is less than 55°, this tread being characterized in that this segment of negative angle α exits the rolling surface via an enlarged end portion bounded by mutually opposing first and second faces, the angles of the first face and second face being positive and not equal to each other. |
| US09162527B1 |
Mechanically interlocked wheel
A mechanically interlocked wheel assembly including a rigid core formed from aluminum integrally bound to an elastomeric infill by passing the infill material through a plurality of slots defined in the core rim during the molding process is provided. A ground-engaging tread is attached to the infill to form a structurally superior wheel assembly capable of carrying heavy loads in extreme environments for an extended period of time without the need to replace the wheel components. A method of manufacturing a mechanically interlocked wheel assembly is also included herein. |
| US09162523B2 |
Aerodynamic cover cap for use in two-wheeled vehicles
An attachment for two-wheeled vehicles and a wheel for a two-wheeled vehicle having these attachments are provided. The wheel includes a hub, a rim and separate spokes connecting the hub and the rim. Portions of the spoke nipples protruding radially inwardly from the rim are covered by cover caps. The cover cap is configured small in structure and aerodynamic in shape. To this end, the length in the peripheral direction is larger than the width. |
| US09162519B2 |
Decorative surface structure of synthetic resin molded article, method for producing the same and automobile interior part
Provided are a decorative surface structure of a synthetic resin molded article which has excellent wear resistance, design and texture, a method for producing the same, and a synthetic resin molded decorative article. Specifically provided are a decorative surface structure of an automobile interior part, which is capable of various design representations having an excellent three-dimensional appearance, while ensuring antidazzling property, and does not spoil glossy finish, a method for producing the same, and an automobile interior part. The decorative surface structure is comprised of a base coating region formed on a surface of a synthetic resin molded article by a coating layer and one or more convex portion formed on the base coating member. |
| US09162518B2 |
Method for producing microparticles
Silicon microcarriers suitable for fluorescent assays as a well as a method of producing such microcarriers are provided. The method includes the steps of providing a SOI wafer having a bottom layer of monocristalline silicone, an insulator layer and a bottom layer of monocristalline silicon, delineating microparticles, etching away the insulator layer and then depositing an oxide layer on the wafer still holding the microparticles before finally lifting-off the microparticles. |
| US09162506B2 |
Printing apparatus and method of controlling printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes an ejection unit including a piezoelectric element that is displaced according to a driving signal, and a nozzle capable of ejecting the liquid; a driving signal supply unit that supplies the driving signal; a detection unit that detects change of an electromotive force of the piezoelectric element; a determination unit that determines an ejection state of the liquid in the ejection unit based on the detection result of the detection unit; and a decision unit that is capable of performing a first process of deciding a waveform of the driving signal for inspection such that the liquid is not ejected from the nozzle when the driving signal for inspection is supplied to the piezoelectric element and a second process of correcting the waveform decided in the first process and deciding the corrected waveform as a waveform of the driving signal for inspection. |
| US09162505B2 |
Printer
There is provided a printer including: an ink-jet head; a first rotatable body; a first attaching mechanism attaching a printing medium to the first rotatable body; a separating mechanism separating the printing medium from the first rotatable body; and a control mechanism. In the printer, first to forth routes are formed. In transporting the printing medium, the control mechanism causes the printing medium having been subjected to printing on a first surface by the ink-jet head to pass through the first route, next to pass through the second route and the third route at least once, thereafter to separate from the first rotatable body, and further to pass through the fourth route to be reversed. |
| US09162499B2 |
Tape cassette
A tape cassette that includes a generally rectangular box-like housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall defining a periphery of the housing, a first and second cavities extending from the bottom wall and disposed between a tape containing area and the periphery at opposite ends of a diagonal of the generally rectangular box-like housing, at least one tape wound and mounted within the housing in the tape containing area, the at least one tape including a first tape disposed in a first area, the first tape having a hole at a center of winding, and the first area being one of two areas formed by dividing the housing with respect to a line connecting the first and second cavities, and a third cavity that extends in the hole of the first tape from the bottom wall. |
| US09162498B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and image processing apparatus
An ink jet printing apparatus and an image processing apparatus capable of stably outputting an image with no joint streak even in the case where printing conditions, such as the kind of ink and the kind of printing medium, change in a variety of ways are provided. For this purpose, correction processing is performed on image data corresponding to an eject port group located at one end part of an eject port column in a first printing scan and on image data corresponding to an eject port group located at the other end part in a second printing scan. At this time, the number of eject ports included in a first eject port group and the number of eject ports included in a second eject port group are adjusted in accordance with printing conditions. |
| US09162496B2 |
Printing method and printing apparatus
A printing method and apparatus can achieve both of highly reliable detection of a mark and suppression of a sheet consumption amount when a continuous sheet is cut on an image basis after a plurality of images has been printed on the continuous sheet. For this purpose, at the time of arranging a non-image area including a cut mark between two images to be successively printed, the length of the non-image area in a conveyance direction is set on the basis of the length of a precedently conveyed image in the conveyance direction and image data in a rear end part of the image. |
| US09162488B2 |
Media guide
In one example, a media guide for use with a print bar includes a plate suspended over the print bar to guide a leading edge of print media away from printheads on the print bar during printing when the print bar is installed in a printer. |
| US09162484B2 |
Liquid discharging apparatus
A liquid discharging apparatus includes: a head which discharges liquid on a medium; a transportation section which transports the medium in a transportation direction; a creasing section which performs creasing on the medium; and a clamping section which clamps the medium between the head and the creasing section in the transportation direction. |
| US09162480B2 |
Image erasing apparatus and image erasing method
A method for uniformly erasing an image recorded on a thermo-reversible recording medium. The image erasing apparatus includes an LD array, which emits a laser light whose cross section has a line shape; optics which include at least one cylindrical lens which converts, into a converging light which converges in a width direction, a line-shaped laser light which is emitted from the LD array and emits the converging light; and a mono-axial galvano mirror which deflects the laser light emitted from the optics in the width direction to scan the deflected laser light onto the thermo-reversible recording medium. |
| US09162476B2 |
Inkjet printer
Upon determination that a paper to be printed is a first type of paper, a controller deletes pixels at least in one line from one side end of a pattern image forming a black information code in an information recording direction, and drives a printing unit to eject an ink of at least one color other than black in addition to an ink of black to pixels at least in one line at each of two side ends in the information recording direction of the pattern image with the pixels at least in the one line being deleted such that the pattern image is printed with a same width in the information recording direction as a width of the black information code included in an image data. |
| US09162471B2 |
Ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording method
An ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording apparatus includes a head for discharging an ink composition for an ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording, an ink flow path supplying the ink composition for the ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording to the head, and a gear pump for circulating the ink composition for the ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording to the ink flow path, in which the ink composition for the ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording contains a hindered amine compound. |
| US09162470B2 |
Remanufactured inkjet printer cartridge, system and process
Systems, methods and structures for remanufacturing inkjet printer cartridges and inkjet printer print heads by removing the print head and adhesive holding the print head to a used inkjet printer cartridge, preparing the cartridge housing for a new print head by routing out the used print head and used adhesive to create a new mounting surface for new adhesive and a new print head, placing the adhesive and new print head on the new mounting surface, curing the adhesive and assembling a re-manufactured cartridge from the cartridge housing having a new print head positioned thereon. |
| US09162469B2 |
Flexible substrate with integrated circuit
Example circuits and methods are described involving a flexible substrate for a fluid cartridge, comprising an integrated circuit connected to the flexible substrate, and electrical connector pads arranged on the flexible substrate for connection to the integrated circuit. |
| US09162467B2 |
Ink cartridge for inkjet printers
An ink cartridge (1) for inserting into an inkjet printer, with an outer housing (2) and an ink container (4) located inside, wherein the ink contained comprises an ink outlet piece (5) through which the ink container (4) can be contacted from the outside in a fluid-conductive manner, wherein on the outer housing (2) of the ink cartridge (1) guiding means (136) are provided in order to align the outer housing (2) on inserting the ink cartridge (1) in the inkjet printer relative to puncturing means, arranged in the inkjet printer in a fixed location, the outer housing (2) of the ink cartridge (1) at least for the greatest part is of a cellulose material and the guiding means are formed as a component that is separate from the outer housing (2) and fixed to the latter, and the component comprises a material that differs from the material of the outer housing. |
| US09162465B1 |
Method and apparatus to clean printheads in an inkjet printer
An inkjet printer is configured to purge printheads in the printer and clean the purged ink from the printheads. The inkjet printer includes a purge tray configured with a wiper to remove a substantial portion of the purged ink from the faces of the printheads without contacting the printheads. A wiper module rotates wipers through a reservoir of cleaning fluid prior to contacting the printheads to facilitate removal of the remaining purged ink from the printheads as the printheads move past the wiper module to return to a printing position. |
| US09162461B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus and recording method
There is provided an ink jet recording apparatus including a recording head in which nozzle arrays are configured by lining up a plurality of nozzles which discharge identical inks and the nozzle arrays are arranged in a plurality of lines, and which discharges a plurality of types of ink, and a cap member which covers the plurality of the nozzle arrays in which out of a plurality of nozzle arrays which are accommodated in one cap member in a capping operation, a nozzle array in an end side region of the cap member discharges ink with the lowest solid content concentration and a nozzle array in a central region of the cap member discharges ink with highest solid content concentration. |
| US09162460B2 |
Inkjet printer and method for determining ink discharging timing
An inkjet printer is configured to acquire gap variation information related to a variation of a gap between a specific portion of an ink discharging surface and a recording sheet as a function of an inkjet head position, the specific portion located within a usage nozzle disposed area where usage nozzle rows to be actually used are disposed, determine representative gap variation information related to a variation, as a function of the inkjet head position, of a representative gap representing actual gaps between the usage nozzle rows and the recording sheet, by multiplying the gap variation information by a correction coefficient dependent on a width of the usage nozzle disposed area in a head moving direction and a wavelength of a wave shape of the recording sheet, and determine ink discharging timing based on the representative gap variation information, assuming that the actual gaps are equal to the representative gap. |
| US09162456B2 |
Process of manufacturing fluid dispensing subassembly with polymer layer
A method of manufacturing a fluid dispensing subassembly includes forming a body pressure chamber from a body plate or a set of plates including a body plate, and adhesively bonding a diaphragm plate to at least the body plate of the fluid dispensing subassembly, with an adhesive layer having a polymer core and thin adhesive layers on each side of the polymer core, wherein the diaphragm plate is bonded to one of the thin adhesive layers on a first side of the core and the body plate is bonded to the thin adhesive layer on a second side of the core. |
| US09162453B2 |
Printhead including integrated circuit die cooling
One example provides a printhead including a substrate and a fluidics structure attached to the substrate. The fluidics structure includes actuators for ejecting ink from the printhead. The printhead includes an integrated circuit die attached to the substrate. The integrated circuit die is for driving the actuators. The integrated circuit die is cooled by a coolant contacting the integrated circuit die and flowing through the substrate. |
| US09162451B2 |
Image forming apparatus, program, and image forming system
An image forming apparatus which reads a test pattern formed by ejecting liquid droplets onto a recording medium to adjust an ejection timing of the liquid droplets is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a reading unit including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit; a sensitivity adjusting unit; a relative movement unit; a first correction unit which detects a position of the test pattern; a second correction unit which detects the position of the test pattern; and a correction method selecting unit which selects the first correction unit or the second correction unit based on adjusting results of sensitivity adjusted by the sensitivity adjusting unit. |
| US09162450B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit which acquires first image data indicating a first gray-scale value of an image having a first attribute and a second image data indicating a second gray-scale value of an image having a second attribute that is different from the first attribute, a correcting unit which corrects the first gray-scale value and the second gray-scale value acquired by the acquiring unit on basis of information on an ejection characteristic of a discharge head to different extents, the discharge head ejecting liquid to be used for forming the first image and the second image on a recording medium with dots. |
| US09162442B2 |
Image forming system and methods thereof
An image forming system and methods are disclosed. The methods include detecting an ambient temperature of an image forming system by a first thermal sense resistor disposed in a first printhead to obtain a first detected ambient temperature, detecting the ambient temperature of the image forming system by a second thermal sense resistor disposed in a second printhead to obtain a second detected ambient temperature, and determining a temperature difference between the first detected ambient temperature and the second detected ambient temperature of the image forming system by a temperature variation module. |
| US09162439B2 |
Printing assembly
A printing assembly including a clamping annulus having a tiered circumferential end, an axial end and an oppositely axial end, the clamping annulus's axial and oppositely axial ends having outside diameters, the axial end outside diameter having with respect to said oppositely axial end outside diameter an excess dimension defining a guide sleeve receiving space within the clamping annulus; a matching cylinder annularly overlying the clamping annulus; a plurality of magnet recesses, each recess among the plurality of magnet recesses extending radially into the cylinder, and each recess among the plurality of magnet receiving recesses opening radially outwardly from the cylinder's outer surface; and a multiplicity of magnets, each magnet among the multiplicity of magnets being embedded within one of the recesses among the plurality of magnet receiving recesses. |
| US09162437B2 |
Frame assembly for supporting printing screens, a frame support mechanism for supporting the same, and a method of mounting printing screens in a screen printing machine
A frame assembly for supporting a printing screen, the frame assembly comprising: a frame unit to which a printing screen is in use supported; and a screen loading mechanism for loading a printing screen into and unloading a printing screen from the frame unit, wherein the screen loading mechanism comprises a screen loading member which is movably coupled to the frame unit between a screen-receiving position in which a printing screen can be loaded into or removed from the screen loading member and a loaded position in which the printing screen is loaded into the frame unit, and at least one actuator element which is coupled to the screen loading member and actuatable to move the screen loading member between the screen-receiving and loaded positions. |
| US09162435B2 |
Peel-off apparatus, peel-off system, peel-off method and computer storage medium
Disclosed is a peel-off apparatus comprising: a first holding unit configured to hold a first substrate of a superimposed substrate; a second holding unit configured to hold a second substrate of the superimposed substrate; and a moving unit configured to move a part of outer periphery of the first holding unit to be separated from the second holding unit. The first holding unit includes: a plate type elastic member connected to the moving unit; and a plurality of adsorbing units provided in the elastic member to adsorb the first substrate. An outer periphery adsorbing unit which becomes a peel-off beginning point includes: a pad member whose adsorbing surface of the first substrate is open to form a hollow portion; and a support member fitted into the hollow portion of the pad member having a hardness higher than that of the pad member. |
| US09162431B2 |
Laminate film
Provided is a gas-barrier laminate film that has a layer containing a one-pack adhesive coating material layer having good adhesiveness to various substrates and containing a polyamine resin. The laminate film has at least a substrate, an adhesive coating material layer and a sealant layer laminated in this order, wherein the adhesive coating material to form the adhesive coating material layer contains a polyamine resin, the polyamine resin contains a skeletal structure represented by the following formula (1) in an amount of at least 40% by mass, and the polyamine resin contains a metal atom in an amount of from 2.0 to 20 mol % relative to the nitrogen atom contained in the polyamine resin: |
| US09162430B2 |
Coated substrates and packages prepared therefrom
The invention provides a coated substrate comprising at least the following: i) a first layer formed from a first composition that has a melting point, Tm1, and comprising at least one ethylene-based interpolymer; ii) a second layer formed from a second composition comprising the following: a) at least one propylene-based polymer, and b) at least one ethylene-based polymer, and iii) a woven web formed from at least one olefin-based polymer with a melting point of Tm2a and/a or nonwoven web formed from at least one olefin-based polymer with a melting point of Tm2b; and wherein and Tm1 is less than, or equal to, “Tm2a −20° C.”, and/or less than, or equal to, “Tm2b −20° C.” The invention also provides a coated substrate comprising at least the following: i) a first layer is formed from a first composition that has a melting point, Tm1; and ii) a woven web formed from at least one olefin-based polymer with a melting point of Tm2a and/or a nonwoven web formed from at least one olefin-based polymer with a melting point of Tm2b; and wherein and the first composition comprises at least one propylene-based polymer with a MFR from 15 to 35 g/10 min, and wherein Tm1 is less than, or equal to, “Tm2a −20° C.”, and/or less than, or equal to, “Tm2b −20° C.” |
| US09162428B2 |
Susceptor structure
A microwave energy interactive structure includes a first susceptor film including a first layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film, a moisture-containing layer joined to the first layer of microwave energy interactive material, an adjoining layer joined to the moisture-containing layer such that the moisture-containing layer is disposed between the susceptor film and the adjoining layer, and a second layer of microwave energy interactive material on a side of the adjoining layer opposite the moisture-containing layer. The adjoining layer may be joined to the moisture-containing layer by a discontinuous adhesive layer. |
| US09162426B2 |
Transparent armor systems, methods for making and methods for using
There is a transparent armor system. The system comprises a transparent front region comprising a strike-face layer. The front region includes a mass of a type of material characterized by having sufficient energy absorption capacity and energy dissipation properties to reduce radial tensile stresses and hoop tensile stresses caused by an impact at the strike face to a set reduced level. The impact has impact energy caused by an impact projectile having a mass hitting the strike-face layer. The system further comprises a transparent back region comprising a potassium-sodium exchanged glass characterized by having a surface compression of at least about 50,000 psi and a compression case depth of at least about 200 microns. The potassium-sodium exchanged glass is present in one of a layer and a plurality of layers in the back region. There are also associated methods of making and methods of using. |
| US09162423B2 |
Multilayered bearing shell
The invention relates to a multilayered bearing shell (2) comprising a back metal layer (3) as a carrier element for the layer structure and at least one further bearing layer joined to the back metal layer (3), wherein the back metal layer (3) is made from a bronze. The back metal layer (3) contains in addition to copper, which forms the matrix of the bronze, tin in a proportion selected from a range with a lower limit of 1.25 wt. % and an upper limit of 12 wt. %, zinc in a proportion selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.25 wt. % and an upper limit of 6 wt. % and phosphorus in a proportion selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.01 wt. % and an upper limit of 0.5 wt. %. |
| US09162421B2 |
Film with compostable heat seal layer
A multi-layer bio-based composite film with a bio-based heat seal layer. The compostable bio-based film can comprise a crystalline bio-based heat seal layer and an amorphous bio-based barrier web layer. The heat seal layer has a second heat melting temperature which is lower than its first heat melting temperature. |
| US09162416B1 |
Basal plane reinforced microlattice
A three-dimensional microlattice structure includes a series of interconnected struts extending along at least three different directions, a series of intermediate nodes defined at intersections between the struts, and a basal plane structure extending laterally between and interconnecting at least two of the nodes. The basal plane structure may be configured to transversely and rotationally constrain the nodes to increase the overall compressive strength and stiffness of the microlattice structure. In one embodiment, the interconnected struts are arranged into an array of ordered unit cells. |
| US09162414B2 |
Method for preparing a scored flexible structure, and method for making a flexible packaging structure having a built-in open and reclose feature
A method for preparing a scored flexible structure that has utility in the construction of packaging structures, including steps of: (i) providing a structure as a web of flexible material; (ii) enhancing a thickness of the structure in a discrete region thereof by applying a substantially all-solids electron-beam-curable polymer material in fluid form onto the discrete region, the discrete region occupying a minor percentage of a total surface area of the structure; (iii) curing the polymer material by irradiating the polymer material with an electron beam, thereby forming an EB-cured polymer region; and (iv) forming a score line through a thickness of the EB-cured polymer region and through the thickness of the structure. |
| US09162409B2 |
Screw press
A screw press includes a drive with at least one spindle nut which is vertically adjustable at a threaded spindle and to which is fastened an upper press part or the like. A guide column is connected at the underside of the upper press part at one end, and the guide column is loaded in tension by the drive during the pressing process. |
| US09162403B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing and processing pre-stretch films having strips of increased thickness
A method for maximizing a width of a pre-stretch film includes providing polymer being suitable for producing the pre-stretch film. A pre-stretch film having strips of increased thickness is produced. The method includes coordinating a thickness of the strips of increased thickness with a formation of edge thickening caused by neck-in during stretching of the pre-stretch film. |
| US09162401B2 |
Devices and processes for performing degassing operations
A preferred process for degassing a mold piece includes inserting the mold piece into an internal volume within a canister, sealing the internal volume, drawing a vacuum in the internal volume, and introducing into the internal volume a gaseous fluid suitable for degassing the mold piece. |
| US09162399B2 |
Hollow, composite-material rebar structure, associated components, and fabrication apparatus and methodology
Elongate, composite-material, hollow rebar structure, along with associated components, related fabrication apparatus, and apparatus-implemented, rebar-structure-making methodology. The rebar structure has a long axis, and includes (a) an elongate, hollow core centered on that long axis, (b) an elongate, hollow sleeve having inner and outer surfaces, circumsurrounding the core along the core's length, with the sleeve's inner surface bonded to the core's outer surface along the length thereof, and (c) longitudinally distributed, radial-dimensionality, external-purchase-enhancing structure formed unitarily with the sleeve's outer surface along the length thereof. The bond existing between the core and the sleeve takes the form of a single-cure, reverse-temperature-gradient-cure, plastic-material, molecular bond. |
| US09162396B2 |
Method for forming fuselage stringers
A composite part, such as a stiffener is formed in place. A composite charge is placed on a tool spanning a mold cavity, with the centerline of the charge offset from the centerline of the mold cavity. Opposite sides of the charge are held against the tool as the charge is formed into the mold cavity. One side of the charge is held against movement on the tool while the other side of the charge is allowed to slip over the tool toward the mold cavity. |
| US09162394B2 |
Method and device for producing three-dimensional objects
The invention concerns a method for producing three-dimensional objects (3) layer by layer using a powdery material (5) which can be solidified by irradiating it with a high-energy beam. |
| US09162393B2 |
Method and device for producing three-dimensional objects
The invention concerns a method for producing three-dimensional objects (3) layer by layer using a powdery material (5) which can be solidified by irradiating it with a high-energy beam. |
| US09162392B2 |
Apparatus for avoiding deposits on optical components in the laser sintering process
The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects, wherein material vapors formed during processing in the construction chamber are prevented from deposition on apparatus components by exposing the gases to deposition surfaces where the materials condense and deposit. |
| US09162384B2 |
Injection nozzle with multi-piece tip portion
A hot runner nozzle assembly includes a nozzle heater, a hot runner nozzle, a nozzle tip, a nozzle tip seal surrounding the nozzle tip and a connecting element positioned to removably couple the tip seal to the nozzle tip and to create a first contact seal between the nozzle tip and the tip seal and a second annular contact seal between the tip seal and a mold component. The nozzle tip is made or shaped via a sintering process from a metal matrix composite (MMC) material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The tip seal is made or shaped from a ceramic based powder material, having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. In operation this hot runner nozzle assembly provides an improved heat profile and a reduced leakage at the tip area under a wider operating processing window. |
| US09162382B2 |
Lacrosse head pocket and related method of manufacture
A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided. The pocket can be a molded pocket including individual molded strings, combined strings, shooting strings and support rails extending around a perimeter of the pocket. Certain pocket elements can include transition parts to smoothly transition components having different cross sections. The pocket can include a pre-formed ball channel and hole units having broadsides for connection to a head or other component. The pocket can be attached to a pocket frame, and optionally constructed from a mesh or other synthetic material that is tensioned with the pocket frame. A mold and related molding method are also provided. |
| US09162377B2 |
Sink assembly
A sink assembly includes a basin including one or more sidewalls having interior and exterior surfaces, the one or more sidewalls defining an interior and a top opening; a layer of bonding material provided on the exterior surfaces of the one or more sidewalls and extending about the top opening; and a mounting flange coupled to the layer of bonding material and extending about the top opening of the basin. |
| US09162376B2 |
Food product forming apparatus and process
Food product-forming apparatus, with a movable form-body, in which the food product is formed, and a knock out cup, which executes a knock-out-movement, that removes the food product from the form-body or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the knock out cup comprises a reservoir with compressed fluid, preferably essentially air. |
| US09162370B2 |
Concrete mixing-and-transport truck with a rotary sealed feed-in/feed-out port of mixing drum
A concrete mixing-and-transport truck is provided, which comprises a stirring cylinder with a rotary sealed feeding/discharging opening. A annularity sealed cavity is formed between the outer wall of a rotary inner cylinder (15), the inner wall of a fixed outer cylinder (6-2), the back end face of a rotary flange support base (6-1) and the front end face of a sealing end cover (7). At least one sealing belt (13) is set in the annularity rotary sealed cavity. The back end face of the last end sealing belt (13) is contacted tightly with the front end face of the sealing end cover (7). The stirring cylinder and the feeding/discharging opening are connected rotationally by reliable rotary sealing so as to make the stirring cylinder keep rotating when feeding, and reduce the center of gravity of the carrier vehicle. The truck improves driving safety, eliminates concrete de-mixing problem and improves the quality of concrete and architecture quality. |
| US09162369B2 |
Embossed monolayer particleboards and methods of preparation thereof
There is provided an embossed particleboard, which can be used, for example, as a siding. The particleboard comprises a monolayer embossed particleboard including wood particles having an average size of less than 4 mm, a resin, and optionally a sizing agent. There is also provided a method of manufacturing a wood-based product such as a siding. The method comprises embossing and pressing in a single step a monolayer mat comprising wood particles having an average size of less than 4 mm and a resin, so as to obtain an embossed monolayer particleboard siding. |
| US09162364B2 |
Device for making lacerations in a surface and method thereof
The present invention relates to a device for making lacerations in a surface of a product without removing the surface. The device includes a power-driven hand tool; a disc member connectable to the power-driven hand tool, wherein when connected to the power-driven hand tool, the disc member can be rotated by the power-driven hand tool in a circular motion; and a plurality of pointed lacerating elements secured to and extending perpendicular from a face of the disc member, where the plurality of lacerating elements form a pattern on the face, and where when the disc member is rotated in a circular motion by the power-driven hand tool, the lacerating elements lacerate the surface of the product without removing the surface. The present invention also relates to a method for lacerating a surface of a product without removing the surface. |
| US09162358B2 |
Robotic device for assisting handling having a variable force increase ratio
A robotic device for providing assistance in manipulation, including a base having a movable segment mounted thereon in association with a motor-drive mechanism connected to a control unit. The segment having an end portion provided with a member for holding an element to be manipulated and a handle for enabling the end portion to be manipulated by an operator. The control unit is connected to a detection mechanism for detecting an external force applied on the end portion and arranged to control the motor-drive mechanism as a function of an amplification factor for amplifying the detected force and servo-control gains. The control unit is connected to a pressure sensor mounted on the handle to detect the force with which the operator grips the handle and is arranged to modify the amplification factor and the servo-control gains as a function of the detected grip force. |
| US09162356B2 |
Method for controlling two arms of a robot
A method of controlling two arms of a robot including: a finding-out step of finding out position differences in axial directions of an end of one arm and an end of the other arm; a generating step of generating a virtual force at the end of the other arm based on the position differences that have been found out; and a converting step of converting the generated virtual force into a driving torque for joints of the other arm, using a Jacobian matrix. |
| US09162352B2 |
Hand-guided apparatus with an operating lever
A hand-guided apparatus may include an operating lever, a switch, and an intermediate lever. The operating lever may actuate a function of the hand-guided apparatus, be constructed in an elongated manner and be pivotably attached to a housing of the apparatus. The switch actuates the function and is arranged in the housing. The intermediate lever mechanically actuates the switch. The operating lever includes a safety element enabled to be pretensioned and shifted along a longitudinal axis of the operating lever. The operating lever and the intermediate lever are enabled to be mechanically coupled by shifting the safety element into a pretensioned state to enable actuation of the switch by pivoting of the operating lever. The operating lever and the intermediate lever are enabled to be mechanically decoupled by shifting the safety element into a relaxed state to prevent actuation of the switch by pivoting of the operating lever. |
| US09162351B2 |
Multi-function tool
A multi-function tool includes a shank body, a pry bar, at least one clutch, a foot hold, and a fine adjustment mechanism. The shank body includes a plurality of located grooves. The pry bar includes a first receptacle adapted for the shank body inserted therethrough. The foot hold is mounted on the shank body. The fine adjustment mechanism for fine adjusting the pry bar is mounted on the shank body and engaged with the pry bar and includes at least one second receptacle. Furthermore, the at least one clutch is disposed in the at least one second receptacle and alternatively engaged with a selective one of the plurality of located grooves of the shank body Furthermore, the pry bar is adapted to be fine adjustably moved through a distance smaller than a pitch between two adjacent located grooves. |
| US09162347B2 |
Adjustable wrench
An adjustable wrench includes a handle including a notch defined therein. A driving head is pivotally fixed to the handle for engaging an object that is driven by the adjustable wrench. The driving head and the handle include first and second springs engaged therebetween. The first and second springs each include a first end abutting against the handle and a second end abutted against the driving head, respectively. The notch receives the first and second springs. Coils of the second spring are disposed within a space delimited by the coils of the first spring. One of the first and second springs is coiled clockwise from the first end to the second end thereof, and the other of the first and second springs is coiled counterclockwise from the first end to the second end thereof. |
| US09162345B2 |
Drilling or abrading tool having a working surface with an array of blind apertures plugged with super-abrasive material
A substrate includes a surface having blind apertures formed therein. The blind apertures formed in the surface are preferably arranged in a regular and repeating pattern, such as with an array. A super-abrasive material fills each of the blind apertures. Each apertures hole has an opening with a cross-sectional dimension in the range of 1 mm to 15 mm. The super-abrasive material filling each of the plurality of blind apertures may be a polycrystalline diamond compact or an impregnated diamond material (such as formed by fused tungsten carbide impregnating randomly distributed diamond particles). The blind apertures may be formed in the substrate using electrical discharge machining. |
| US09162342B2 |
Carrier head and carrier head unit
Provided are a carrier head and a carrier head unit for sucking and securely supporting a substrate during a chemical mechanical polishing process. The carrier head using sucking force to fix a substrate includes a head main body that includes a receiving space in a central portion thereof, the receiving space being opened downward to receive the substrate, a housing part in an edge thereof to surround a side portion of the receiving space, a main passage passing through the head main body to communicate with the receiving space, and a plurality of connecting holes vertically passing through the housing part to communicate with the main passage, a retaining ring coupled to a bottom surface of the housing part of the head main body to close lower portions of the connecting holes, and a cover coupled to a top surface of the head main body to close upper portions of the connecting holes. |
| US09162337B2 |
Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus includes: a pure water supply line configured to supply deaerated pure water into the polishing apparatus; a gas dissolving unit coupled to the pure water supply line and configured to dissolve a gas in the deaerated pure water to produce gas-dissolved pure water; a gas-dissolved pure water delivery line coupled to the gas dissolving unit and configured to deliver the gas-dissolved pure water; an ultrasonic cleaning unit coupled to the gas-dissolved pure water delivery line and configured to impart an ultrasonic vibration energy to the gas-dissolved pure water, which has been delivered through the gas-dissolved pure water delivery line, and then eject the gas-dissolved pure water onto an object to be cleaned; and a controller configured to control the gas dissolving unit and the ultrasonic cleaning unit. |
| US09162336B2 |
Machine tool provied with table having wiper for removing chips deposited on movable cover
The machine tool includes a saddle, a table which moves relative to the saddle, a telescopic cover fixed to the saddle, and a wiper fixed to the table. The telescopic cover protects a guide member which supports the saddle in such a manner as to be capable of moving with respect to the bed. When chips generated by the working of a workpiece placed on the table have deposited on the surface of the telescopic cover, the wiper fixed to the table removes the chips by the movement of the table and causes the chips to fall. |
| US09162335B2 |
Auto changer spindle mounting assembly
An apparatus and method for machining is provided. A mounting assembly for use with a spindle, a CNC machine, an auto changer device and an air supply line, can include a mounting collar and a mounting block. The mounting collar can have a collar body and a collar arm, where the collar body defines a collar opening and one or more grooves circumscribing the collar opening, where the one or more grooves each have a sealing element positioned therein, and wherein the collar arm has a collar inlet, a collar outlet and a collar channel to provide fluid communication between the collar inlet and the collar outlet. The mounting block can be connected to the CNC machine and can have a block inlet connected to the air supply line, a block outlet, and a block channel to provide fluid communication between the block inlet and the block outlet. |
| US09162334B2 |
A-axis machining apparatus
A machining apparatus has a machine frame having a vertical front wall and a pair of vertical side walls extending generally perpendicularly rearwardly from the front wall and a cross slide vertically displaceable on the front wall. A first holder is horizontally displaceable on the cross slide, and respective carriages horizontally displaceable generally perpendicular to the front wall on the side walls carry a mount between and pivotal in the carriages about a horizontal axis generally parallel to the front wall. A second holder is carried on the mount. One of the holders is adapted to hold and rotate a workpiece and the other of the holders to hold a tool. A drive is connected to both of the carriages for synchronously displacing same and thereby aligning the workpiece in the one holder with the tool in the other holder. |
| US09162330B1 |
Connection and elbow in a gas appliance
A connection is provided whereby a first tube, which may be bent into an elbow, has at least one end flow drilled. During the flow drilling process the first end is shortened, reduced in thickness, and most importantly, the inner diameter is increased to accept a second tube. Before connecting the second tube, the first end is preferably tapped with threads which can receive a nut and the nut captures an end of the second tube, preferably entrapping one of at least one bead and a ferrel to provide a connection. |
| US09162329B2 |
Method for removing an inner casing from a machine
The method for removing an inner casing from a machine includes removing a top part of the outer casing, removing a top part of the inner casing, removing the bottom part of the inner casing, before removing the bottom part of the inner casing connecting the bottom part of the inner casing to the rotor, such that the bottom part of the inner casing is supported by the rotor, then rotating the rotor around the longitudinal axis to make the bottom part of the inner casing accessible. |
| US09162326B2 |
Incubation system with low temperature enclosure
An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure. |
| US09162325B2 |
Welding apparatus
Provided is a welding apparatus by which a worker can work in a comfortable posture, with which a space can be effectively utilized at a low cost, and which can reliably weld workpieces. Specifically, a pair of jigs are circumferentially provided on the upper surface of a circular rotating table around its outer circumference at intervals, and positions workpieces such that orientations of the workpieces are changeable. A welding robot is provided in a workpiece welded region. A control board outputs an operation signal to the rotating table such that the jigs respectively move into a workpiece set region and the workpiece welded region, and outputs an operation signal to the respective jigs such that the jig in the workpiece set region is inclined toward a side closer to the worker and the jig in the workpiece welded region is inclined according to welded parts of the workpieces. |
| US09162321B2 |
Laser welding method and laser welding apparatus
A laser welding apparatus includes laser generator, arc generator, wire feeder, filler feeder, filler-feeding-abnormality detector, and controller. Controller stops welding immediately upon receiving a filler-feeding-abnormality signal from filler-feeding-abnormality detector. This can stop welding before the formation of a defective weld bead, and can also prevent the breakage of the welding apparatus. |
| US09162320B2 |
Bonding device
A chip attraction passage 23 is provided extending through a housing 5A, a tool base 13, and a bonding tool 14. When the chip attraction passage 23 is attracted by the vacuum source 32, a semiconductor chip 3 can be attracted to and held on the lower surface of the bonding tool 14. The tool base 13 is configured by laminating transmitting members 11 and 12. A connection passage 29, which is a main part of the chip attraction passage 23, is configured by a groove 12B formed on the upper surface of the transmitting member 12 and a through-hole 12A in the center of the transmitting member 12. When the semiconductor chip 3 is heated by laser beams L and bonded to a substrate 2, even if flux or the like adhering to bumps 35 transpires and adheres in the connection passage 29. |
| US09162319B2 |
Method and device for the removal of material by means of laser pulses
The invention relates to a method for removing material by means of a laser, wherein a sequence of laser pulses is generated and an area of material to be machined is irradiated with the sequence of laser pulses. Methods of this kind are used to cut a number of different materials. One problem with this method is that thermal or mechanical damage occurs in the surroundings of the area being machined and causes impairment of areas of material that are not being machined. The invention solves this problem by the pulse energy of a single pulse in the sequence of laser pulses being lower than the laser pulse energy required to produce material removal using an isolated laser pulse in the region irradiated with the single laser pulse of the sequence of laser pulses. |
| US09162318B2 |
Friction stir processing apparatus and friction stir processing method
A friction stir processing apparatus comprises a tool, a processing head retaining the tool, a support table retaining the workpiece, and a cylinder unit biasing the support table toward the tool. The tool having a probe projecting from a shoulder surface, for performing friction stir processing on a workpiece made of a metal material. The processing head is pressing the tool against the workpiece so as to relatively shift the tool in a processing direction. The friction stir processing apparatus comprises load control means for controlling to constantly keep the bias force of the cylinder unit so as to constantly keep pressurizing force of the tool pressing the workpiece. It is thus possible to perform friction stir processing with excellent quality even when the workpiece has a different thickness or is made of a different material. |
| US09162314B2 |
Plasma cutter with disconnectable torch and work assemblies
Systems and methods relating to securing a torch assembly and a work lead assembly to a plasma cutting power supply are provided. The present disclosure relates to a system and method that allows the torch assembly and the work lead assembly to be readily replaced by the user since the power supply unit need not be opened or disassembled for removal. The present disclosure provides methods and systems for removably securing both the torch assembly and the work lead assembly to the plasma cutting power supply. In one embodiment, the torch assembly and the work lead assembly may be communicatively coupled to the plasma cutting power supply unit via a single cable and a single connector. The connection between the first connector and the first port may be of the quick disconnectable type. The connection between the second connector and the second port may be of the twist lock type, such as a dinse style connector. |
| US09162311B2 |
Method and system for a remote wire feeder where standby power and system control are provided via weld cables
The present invention is directed to a remotely controlled welding machine that uses serializing and modulating circuits to transfer modulated data packets to a welding power source across a weld cable. A transmitter transmits the data packets of desired welding operational parameters to a receiver disposed in the power source across a weld cable also designed to carry welding power from the power source to the wire feeder. The transmitter and other electronics of the wire feeder are constructed to use only a small amount of power which, preferably, is supplied by a DC power supply external to the wire feeder. The DC power supply is designed to provide power to the electronics of the wire feeder when the wire feeder is in a standby mode of operation. |
| US09162306B2 |
Method and system for reducing oversized holes on turbine components
A system is disclosed for reducing an internal diameter of a hole in a metal substrate. The system includes an electrospark device having an electrospark torch and an electrode holder rotatable about an axis. An electrode is removably supported in the electrode holder. The electrospark device configured to apply a coating of a material of which the electrode is formed, to the substrate on an inner wall of the hole when the electrode is rotated within the hole. |
| US09162305B2 |
Method of welding a wear layer onto a parent material using a plurality of flux-cored wire electrodes, metal powder and welding powder
A method of welding a wear layer onto a parent material, wherein a welding current is applied to a first wire electrode and to at least one second wire electrode. The first wire electrode and at least one second wire electrode are continuously fed to the parent material for producing a common weld pool. Metal powder and welding powder are fed to the weld pool. The wire electrodes are flux-cored wire electrodes, having a core and a covered electrode. The flux-cored wire electrodes have a higher alloy than a weld deposit analysis of the wear layer to be welded on the parent material. The covered electrode of the flux-cored wire electrodes includes an alloy, which has magnetization properties suitable for adhesion of the metal powder. |
| US09162304B2 |
Method for the induction brazing of parts having complex shapes, and single or multiple brazing station for implementing same
A method for brazing parts having complex profiles, while enabling reproducible implementation conditions to be defined. The method adjusts a heat cycle during brazing by controlling and mapping heat, while taking emissivity coefficient of the material to be brazed into account. Further, a brazing station includes a power generator configured to supply a predetermined voltage to a transformer connected to a circuit forming a shape inductor, the circuit having an overall shape of the parts to be brazed. A pressure mechanism exerts a load on the parts to be brazed. A camera establishes a heat map. A laser-sighted infrared pyrometer measures the brazing temperature by radiation after parameterizing an emissivity coefficient, other parameters being fixed. A controller supplies a set power to the generator on the basis of the measured temperature. |
| US09162297B2 |
Hydraulic device for hydraulic cylinders
A method of operating a dual acting hydraulic cylinder comprising the steps of returning a hydraulic fluid from a rod-side chamber to a piston-side chamber of the cylinder during a start phase of cylinder extraction with a speed component and increasing pressure of the fluid during end phase of cylinder extraction with a booster component and permitting the fluid to flow from the rod-side chamber to a reservoir. A hydraulic device for operating a dual acting hydraulic cylinder comprising a speed component arranged to return a hydraulic fluid from a rod-side chamber to a piston-side chamber of the cylinder at a start phase of cylinder extraction and a booster component arranged to increase the pressure of the fluid at an end phase of cylinder extraction. |
| US09162295B2 |
Rotatable tool for chip removing machining as well as a loose top and a basic body therefor
A rotatable tool for chip removing machining, including a basic body having front and rear ends between which there extends a first geometrical center axis, and a loose top having front and rear ends between which a second geometrical center axis extends. The front end of the basic body includes a jaw, which is delimited by two drivers and an intermediate bottom and in which a part of the loose top is received. A centering pin protrudes axially rearward from the loose top and is inserted in an axial center hole, which mouths in the bottom of the jaw and in which a threaded hole mouths for a screw co-operating with the center pin. The center hole includes a cylindrical support surface, which is concentric with the center axis of the basic body and against which the centering pin of the loose top is pressed by the screw. |
| US09162293B2 |
Release mechanism for a rotary tool
A rotary tool includes a housing defining at least one slot and a motor including an output shaft supported within the housing. A collet chuck is coupled to the output shaft that is configured to slidably receive a collet. The collet chuck includes at least one lever arm configured to apply a clamping force to the collet. A wedge is configured to move into and out of engagement with the at least one lever arm to generate the clamping force. A bearing is attached to the wedge, and a yoke member is attached to the bearing. The yoke member includes at least one lever structure that projects outwardly from the yoke member through the slot in the housing. |
| US09162292B2 |
Sliding block, tool holder and tool carrier
A sliding block 31, a tool carrier 1 and a tool holder 3 are presented, providing a high-precision interface that is also adjustable. As a result, very exact positioning of the tool arranged in the tool holder 3 in relation to the tool carrier can be achieved. The repeat accuracies lie below five micrometers. |
| US09162288B2 |
Metal powder production method, metal powder produced thereby, conductive paste and multilayer ceramic electronic component
Fine, highly-crystallized metal powder is produced at low cost and high efficiency by a method involving: ejecting raw material powder composed of one or more kinds of thermally decomposable metal compound powders into a reaction vessel through a nozzle together with a carrier gas and producing a metal powder by heating the raw material powder at a temperature T2 which is higher than the decomposition temperature of the raw material powder and not lower than (Tm−200°) C. where Tm is the melting point (° C.) of the metal to be produced, while allowing the raw material powder to pass through the reaction vessel in a state where the raw material powder is dispersed in a gas phase at a concentration of 10 g/liter or less, wherein an ambient temperature T1 of a nozzle opening part is set to a temperature of 400° C. or higher and lower than (Tm−200°) C. |
| US09162287B2 |
Biocompatible confeito-like gold nanoparticles, method for making the same, and their biomedical applications
The present invention provides a method for producing gold nanoparticles using hydroxyl peroxide in an aqueous alkaline condition in the presence of a biocompatible protecting agent. The method of the invention does not involve toxic reagents and therefore are environmentally friendly. The gold nanoparticles thus produced can be used in biomedical applications including cancer therapy and drug delivery without purification. |
| US09162286B2 |
Glass substrate film sputtering target and preparing method thereof
A preparing method of a glass substrate film sputtering target is disclosed, which comprises the following steps of: weighing an alloy material for forming the glass substrate film sputtering target; adding the alloy material weighed into a plasma pressure compaction sintering cavity and sintering the alloy material to obtain a sintered target, wherein the sintering temperature is 500° C.˜1600° C. and the sintering time is 5˜20 minutes; and post-processing the sintered target. A glass substrate film sputtering target prepared by the preparing method is further disclosed. Because the plasma pressure compaction for quick sintering is adopted for the glass substrate film sputtering target and the preparing method thereof of the present disclosure, quality of the target can be improved and the time necessary for preparing the target can be shortened. |
| US09162285B2 |
Powder metal compositions for wear and temperature resistance applications and method of producing same
A powder metal composition for high wear and temperature applications is made by atomizing a melted iron based alloy including 3.0 to 7.0 wt. % carbon; 10.0 to 25.0 wt. % chromium; 1.0 to 5.0 wt. % tungsten; 3.5 to 7.0 wt. % vanadium; 1.0 to 5.0 wt. % molybdenum; not greater than 0.5 wt. % oxygen; and at least 40.0 wt. % iron. The high carbon content reduces the solubility of oxygen in the melt and thus lowers the oxygen content to a level below which would cause the carbide-forming elements to oxidize during atomization. The powder metal composition includes metal carbides in an amount of at least 15 vol. %. The microhardness of the powder metal composition increases with increasing amounts of carbon and is typically about 800 to 1,500 Hv50. |
| US09162284B2 |
Casting nozzle
Nozzle for guiding molten metal flowing from a vessel into a mold, the nozzle having a conduit which is elongate along an axis which is orientated vertically during use. The nozzle has at least one upper inlet and at least two lower outlets with a flow divider disposed therebeween. Opposite sides of the flow divider define a lower wall of each lower outlet, and a recessed channel is provided in each of the opposite sides of the flow divider so as to produce fluid flow which closely follows the shape of the lower outlets. |
| US09162279B1 |
Solid to gas phase change material for additive manufacturing
The present disclosure relates to a system for fabricating a mold positive via additive manufacturing to form a casting mold. The mold positive material may have a first portion that undergoes a solid to gas phase transformation at a first temperature and a second portion that undergoes a solid to gas phase transformation at a second temperature. The first portion may be formed within the second portion, and the first temperature may be low relative to the second temperature. The first portion of the mold positive may thermally decompose at a lower temperature than the second portion, which may create voids within the mold positive so that during the higher temperature combustion of the second portion of the material, the second portion may expand into the newly empty spaces instead of into a ceramic casting mold. This may greatly reduce stress on the casting mold. |
| US09162277B2 |
Indexing self-piercing die riveter
A self-piercing die riveter having an indexable die table on the nose of its frame. The die table has a number of dies disposed thereon. The frame defines a first passage and a second passage in communication with and diverging from the first passage. An actuator for indexing the die table is located on the riveter outside of the nose of the frame and is connected to the die table through either shafts or belts disposed within the first and second passages. The die table has a number of detents that cooperate with a locating arm to hinder indexing of the die table and position the dies in-line with the path of a reciprocating punch. |
| US09162273B1 |
Pipe bender
A pipe bender includes an actuating handle having an actuating element movably installed at the actuating handle and controllable to move in order to extend in an axial direction of the actuating handle, and a support arm transversally spanned over the actuating handle and having a support device disposed at both ends of the actuating handle separately and slidable along the support arm. Each support device includes a base with a grip portion, and a grip space formed in the grip portion, and the base is sheathed from the grip space on the support arm through the grip portion, and the support device includes a positioning mechanism for sliding and moving the support device to a selected position and then positioning the support device on the support arm. |
| US09162272B2 |
Closed structure parts, method and press forming apparatus for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a closed structure part has a closed section using a blank made from a metal plate by pressing the blank using a press forming die and fixing a pair of joint ends of the blank to each other, the method including a pre-forming step of processing the blank into an interim part having a closed section corresponding to the closed structure part, a closing step of, after the pre-forming step is completed, moving the joint ends of the interim part toward each other and urging, against one of the joint ends, a concave flange processing portion formed on one of a pair of press forming surfaces of the press forming die at the edge end adjacent to the other press forming surface, and a press joining step of, after the closing step is completed, further moving the press forming die in a pressing direction, bending the one of the joint ends using a pressing force applied from the flange processing portion so that the joint end overlaps the outer surface of the other join end and a latch flange portion for latching the other joint end is formed and, simultaneously, pressing the blank using the pair of press forming surfaces and press-forming outer portions of the pair of the joint ends of the blank into predetermined shapes. |
| US09162268B2 |
Electric-resistance-welded pipe welding apparatus
An electric-resistance-welded pipe welding apparatus includes: an impeder that is disposed in the inner portion of a metal strip which is bent into the cylindrical shape, and is disposed spanning over from the upstream to the downstream of a position in which the induction coil is present when viewed along a traveling direction of the metal strip; and a metallic shield plate that is disposed further upstream than an upstream end of the impeder and is disposed in a position which is further downstream than the rolls when viewed along the traveling direction, the metallic shield plate including a hole portion through which the metal strip bent into the cylindrical shape passes, and the metallic shield plate shielding a magnetic flux generated in the induction coil. |
| US09162265B2 |
Method and apparatus for making a collar to the end of a pipe
A method and apparatus for making a collar to the end of a pipe. The apparatus comprises an attachment clamp surrounding the pipe and a body part, connected by hinging to a pivoting cradle having a forming cone, which can enter the end of the pipe. In the method, the forming cone is moved axially and obliquely to the central axis of the pipe, inside the pipe until it contacts the inner surface of the pipe, the forming cone being loaded with the desired load pressure against the inner surface. The forming cone is then pivoted using a pivoting cradle outwards from the central axis of the pipe, around the inner edge of the attachment clamp, and the forming cone and pipe are simultaneously rotated with respect to each other around the central axis of the pipe until the desired collar has formed. |
| US09162263B2 |
Barge system for hydraulic spreading of aquatic capping material
A barge system for hydraulic spreading of aquatic capping material is provided. The barge system includes a barge, a piping system, a spreader, a system for moving the barge and a controller. The barge has a deck extending between a front end and a rear end and two opposing sides. The piping system is mounted on the deck and used for the transmission of capping material slurry that includes a capping material. The piping system has a first end and a second end. A source of capping material slurry is connected to the first end and fed through the piping system to the spreader. The spreader has an inlet end in communication with the second end of the piping system and a discharge end. The spreader evenly distributes the capping material slurry from the end of the barge. The controller positions the barge based on the flow rate and density of the slurry. The barge system is used to deposit a predetermined thickness of the capping material on the bottom of the body of water. |
| US09162260B2 |
Cleaning mechanism for a computer using cooling fan airflow output
A cleaning mechanism includes: an airflow control chamber for receiving exhaust air from a cooling fan; a cleaning outlet for outputting the exhaust air to be used for cleaning; a flexible pipe having one end in communication with the cleaning outlet and one free end directable by a user for cleaning; and an activation component for activating a cleaning operation in which the exhaust air is directed through the flexible pipe. The activation component may include a switching mechanism for switching the direction of airflow in the airflow control chamber between the cleaning outlet and an exit out of the computer. The cleaning mechanism may include an airflow accelerator for increasing the airflow to the cleaning outlet. |
| US09162256B2 |
Method for classifying a ground material-fluid mixture and mill classifier
In order to improve the grinding and classification process, the subsequent dust separation, and to optimize the energy situation of a grinding plant, with the aid of a guiding apparatus and a displacement body, the fine material-fluid low leaving the dynamic classifier part with angular momentum, besides a swirl reduction or swirl elimination, is made uniform in a classifier outlet housing and deflected into a virtually linear flow. The fixed guiding apparatus arranged coaxially with the classifier axis in the classifier outlet housing and the displacement body can be formed as one unit and the guide elements of the guiding apparatus can be arranged on the displacement body and extending into the vicinity of the inner wall of the classifier outlet housing. |
| US09162255B1 |
Tunable ultrasound transmitter
The use of power-efficient transmitters to establish acoustic wave energy having low undesirable harmonics is achieved by adjusting the transmitter output waveform to minimize the undesirable harmonics. In one embodiment, both the timing and slope of the waveform edges are adjusted to produce the desired output waveform having little or no second harmonics. In the embodiment, output waveform timing adjustments on the order of fractions of the system clock interval are provided. This then allows for very fine control of a coarsely produced waveform. In one embodiment, the user can select the fine tuning to match the transmitter output signal to a particular load transducer. |
| US09162244B2 |
Sprinkler body insertable check valve to prevent downhill drainage
A check valve for a sprinkler in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a valve body adapted to be positioned at an inlet of the sprinkler, wherein the valve body includes a central opening through which water flows into the sprinkler, a rib extending downwardly from the valve body at a location beyond the margin of the central opening, a valve member configured to cooperate with the central opening to open and close the valve. The valve member includes a valve stem extending downwardly from the valve member, and positioned and configured to be movably supported in a guide ring formed at a lower end of the rib, wherein the valve stem is movable vertically to move the valve member to its open and closed positions. The check valve further include a resilient member biasing the valve stem such that the valve member remains in the closed position until water pressure pushing against the valve member overcomes the bias of the resilient member. |
| US09162227B2 |
Sample processing cartridge and method of processing and/or analysing a sample under centrifugal force
A sample processing cartridge for carrying out processing under centrifugal force acting in at least two directions as the orientation of cartridge relative to centrifugal force is changed, the cartridge comprising: a first cavity adapted to contain a sample; and a second cavity in fluid communication with the first cavity, wherein the first and second cavities are arranged such that the sample in the first cavity is moved therefrom to the second cavity as a centrifugal force acting on the cartridge is changed from a first direction to a second direction, the first cavity is elongated perpendicular to the centrifugal force acting in the first direction, and the second cavity is more shallow than the first cavity and more extended in the direction of the centrifugal force acting in the second direction than the first cavity is extended in the direction of the centrifugal force acting in the first direction. |
| US09162223B2 |
Alkaline-stable chromatographic resins
This invention is directed to the production of improved chromatographic resins and method of making and using such resins. |
| US09162222B2 |
Method for tuning surface structure of metallic nano-catalyst and preparation method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a surface structure control and preparation process for a metal nanocatalyst involving a metal nanocatalyst. The present disclosure provides a surface structure control and continuous preparation system for a metal nanocatalyst, a metal nanocatalyst having an open surface structure and high surface energy, and a surface structure control and a preparation process thereof. The system is provided with a nucleation electrolytic cell, a distribution valve, at least two growth electrolytic cells, with two ends of the distribution valve being connected to an output port of the nucleation electrolytic cell and to input port of all the growth electrolytic cells, respectively. The metal nanocatalyst having an open surface structure is a single metal nanoscale crystal and has a high density of terrace atoms or active sites on the surface thereof. The precursor reaction solution is injected into the nucleation electrolytic cell, and a nucleation programmed potential is applied to one pair of electrodes in the nucleation electrolytic cell to obtain a nucleation reaction solution having the metal crystal nucleus formed, which is conveyed to the growth electrolytic cell through the distribution valve, a growth programmed potential is applied to one pair of electrodes in the growth electrolytic cell to obtain a metal nanoscale crystal having an open surface structure; controlling the growth time to obtain a reaction solution, and collecting a product by centrifugation. |
| US09162221B1 |
Heterogeneous liquid phase catalytic process for the dehydration of monoethanolamine to ethylenimine
A novel heterogeneous liquid phase catalytic process for dehydration of monoethanolamine to ethylenimine and water has been discovered. The process utilizes a novel catalyst made by modifying a cation exchange resin in the hydrogen ion form. The process using the catalyst is performed in a solution of monoethanolamine in a solvent. |
| US09162220B2 |
Catalyst support material comprising polyazole, electrochemical catalyst, and the preparation of a gas diffusion electrode and a membrane-electrode assembly therefrom
A process for preparing a catalyst material comprising an electrically conducting support material, a proton-conducting, polyazole-based polymer and a catalytically active material. A catalyst material prepared by the process of the invention. A catalyst ink comprising a catalyst material of the invention and a solvent. A catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane and also catalytically active layers comprising a catalyst material of the present invention. A gas diffusion electrode (GDE) comprising a gas diffusion layer and a catalytically active layer comprising a catalyst material of the invention. A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane, catalytically active layers comprising a catalyst material of the invention, and gas diffusion layers. And a fuel cell comprising a membrane-electrode assembly of the present invention. |
| US09162216B2 |
Catalyst for direct decomposition of nitric oxide and method of manufacturing the catalyst
The oxide catalyst for the direct NO decomposition to N2 and 02 is deposited on the austenitic acid-proof steel substrate and contains the phase with aFe203 structure and the phase with spinel structure and the lattice parameters close to the lattice parameters of NiFe204. Those phases form the micro-crystallites that additionally contain Cr and Mn and eventually Si. The catalyst according to the invention is manufactured by the at least twice heating of the austenitc acid-proof steel substrate in the atmosphere containing oxygen, up to the temperature from the 600-850° C. range, with the rate of 2-6° C./min, followed by the annealing at that temperature for 2-6 hours. |
| US09162214B2 |
Substantially nonporous substrate supported noble metal- and lanthanide-containing catalysts for hydrogenation reactions
Aspects of the invention relate to hydrogenation catalysts, and hydrogenation processes using these catalysts, having particular characteristics, in terms of the amount and type of metal hydrogenation component (or catalytic constituent), as well as the support or substrate. The catalyst compositions, comprising both a noble metal and a lanthanide element on a substantially non-porous substrate, provide advantageous performance characteristics, including conversion, selectivity, and activity stability, as demanded in industrial hydrogenation and selective hydrogenation applications. |
| US09162210B2 |
SCC with improvied mobility of material to be removed
A SCC (Spinning Cone Column) includes a housing having a rotation axis, a supply part of at least one reactant formed inside of the housing, at least two spinning cones that are installed so as to have a constant gradient from the upper part to the lower part to the rotation axis, move reactants supplied through the reactant supply part, and rotate around the rotation axis, a fixed cone that is fixed and formed on the inner side of the housing, and provides a pathway for sequentially moving reactant from a spinning cone at the upper part to a spinning cone at the lower part, a product collection part for collecting reactants moved through the spinning cone and the fixed cone, and a driving part for rotating the spinning cone. |
| US09162209B2 |
Sequential cascading of reaction volumes as a chemical reuse strategy
A substrate processing system includes one or more processing chambers defining N reaction volumes. N-1 first valves are arranged between the N reaction volumes. A controller communicates with the N-1 first valves and is configured to pressurize a first one of the N reaction volumes with precursor gas to a first target pressure, wait a first predetermined soak period, evacuate a second one of the N reaction volumes to a second target pressure that is lower than the first target pressure, and open one of the N-1 first valves between the first one of the N reaction volumes and a second one of the N reaction volumes. |
| US09162206B2 |
Reactor bed component for securing rigid assemblies
Reactor bed component includes a foundation grate, a rigid structure and a fastener. The foundation grate has support plates spaced apart from each other by a distance and having a height with each support plate disposed at an angle. The rigid structure has first structure plates spaced apart by a multiple of the distance and disposed at the angle, and second structure plates secured to and disposed at an opposing angle. Each second structure plate has a horizontal extent to engage an upper edge of a corresponding support plate, and a number of the first structure plates have a length extending below the horizontal extent in overlapping relation with adjacent support plates to prevent horizontal movement of the rigid structure relative the foundation grate in a first direction. The fastener is disposed to secure the rigid structure to the grate against movement in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US09162201B2 |
Hydrogen generator having liquid delivery member
A hydrogen generator is provided for generating hydrogen gas for a fuel cell stack. The hydrogen generator includes container, and a first reactant storage area configured to contain a liquid first reactant. The hydrogen generator also includes a reaction area and a solid second reactant within the reaction area, and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen generator further includes a flexible liquid delivery member extending into the reaction area and configured to deliver liquid reactant from the first reactant storage area to the reaction area. The flexible liquid delivery member includes a flexible portion that flexes to allow the delivery member to move with the solid second reactant as the second reactant is consumed. |
| US09162200B2 |
Method of injecting and reacting super-critical phase carbon dioxide without pressure loss
Disclosed is provided a method of injecting and reacting super-critical phase CO2 without pressure loss. The method includes preparing gas phase CO2, producing liquid phase CO2 by pressurizing the prepared gas phase CO2, producing super-critical phase CO2 by adjusting a temperature of the produced liquid phase CO2, filling incompressible fluid in a reactor and an injection line from an injection unit and pressurizing the incompressible fluid, injecting the produced super-critical phase CO2 into the reactor, and controlling a pressure of the injected super-critical phase CO2 by a pressure regulating unit. |
| US09162198B2 |
Method and device for mixing compressed air and reducing agent and motor vehicle having the device
A device for providing a mixture of compressed air and liquid reducing agent includes a first inflow duct for reducing agent, a second inflow duct for compressed air, an outlet duct for the mixture, a mixing point at which compressed air and reducing agent are merged, and a mixing duct which adjoins the mixing point and which connects the mixing point and the outlet duct. The first inflow duct opens into the mixing point in an axial direction. The second inflow duct is connected to the mixing point through at least one injection duct. The at least one injection duct opens into the mixing point in a tangential direction. A method for mixing liquid reducing agent and compressed air to form a mixture and a motor vehicle having the device, are also provided. |
| US09162190B2 |
Composite ionomeric membrane
A composite ionomeric membrane comprising a layer or film of a porous inert material on which a (per) fluorinated sulphonic ionomer is deposited wherein the sulphonic groups are at the end of short side chains (SSC), said ionomer having: equivalent weight comprised between 280 and 1,700 g/eq; side chains of formula: —O—CF2—CF2—S03−M+, wherein M is hydrogen or an alkaline metal; said membrane having in each of the two orthogonal directions xy of the plane, after dipping in demineralized water at 100° C. for 30 minutes and preliminary drying at 105° C. under vacuum for one hour, the following size variations: in one direction, size variation lower than 25%; in the other direction, size variation lower than 20%. |
| US09162185B2 |
Ion-exchange membrane
An ion-exchange membrane including a porous unstretched polyethylene sheet in which fine pores are piercing, the pores being filled with an ion-exchange resin.The ion-exchange membrane exhibits excellent concentration property. |
| US09162183B2 |
System and method to manage SCR catalyst NO2/NOX ratio
Systems and methods are provided for determining and controlling an NO2 to NOx ratio reference target in an exhaust conduit between a first SCR catalyst and a second SCR catalyst. The method includes determining a present NO2 to NOx ratio in the exhaust conduit between the first SCR catalyst and the second SCR catalyst, and providing a reductant doser command in response to a deviation of the present NO2 to NOx ratio from the NO2 to NOx ratio reference target. |
| US09162182B2 |
Catalytic converter arrangement for an exhaust-gas cleaning device of an internal combustion engine
An exhaust-gas cleaning device for an internal combustion engine has a catalytic converter arrangement. The catalytic converter arrangement includes, along the flow direction, a plurality of catalytically active regions which are, in particular, independent of one another. A heat dissipation device includes a heat absorbing device and one heat sink. The heat absorbing device is provided between at least two catalytically active regions. The heat absorbing device is connected to the heat sink. The exhaust-gas cleaning device includes a plurality of catalytic converter arrangements, an, in particular tubular, inner housing with a housing cover, and an outer housing which encloses the inner housing. The inner housing has a longitudinal axis, and the catalytic converter arrangements are arranged separately from one another on the housing cover of the inner housing. |
| US09162181B1 |
Probe assembly
A probe assembly for processing an outlet gas from a gas analyzer. The probe assembly has a thermowell and a heating element mounted in the thermowell connecting to a power connection, wherein the heating element heats the thermowell. The probe assembly has a one piece non-sintered metal probe with an end cap smaller than a tubular body inner diameter, a plurality of upper longitudinal outer grooves and a plurality of longitudinal slots, or a plurality of perforations. The probe assembly has a street tee with an inlet port to receive outlet gas from the gas analyzer and a sintered metal outer housing, through a catalyst cartridge for reaction. This reaction produces water vapor and carbon dioxide while simultaneously allowing ambient air to enter the catalyst cartridge while exhausting water vapor and carbon dioxide at a continuous flow rate. |
| US09162180B1 |
Industrial waste heat recovery and concurrent pollution control through the unique application of an underground limestone mine
Systems and method for utilizing a generally unused and sealed off portion of an underground limestone mine, generally which is still elsewhere in use, to become a portion of a pollution mitigation system for the exhaust gases of a limestone kiln or other co-located industrial process. |
| US09162179B2 |
Apparatus for decomposing perfluorocarbon and harmful gas using high-density confined plasma source
The present invention relates to an apparatus for decomposing perfluorocarbons and harmful gas using a high-density confined plasma source that includes: a reactor having inlet and outlet ports formed in the top and bottom sides thereof for receiving and discharging perfluorocarbons and harmful gas, a chamber having an internal passage, a ferrite core formed outside of the chamber and connected to an antenna, and a permanent magnet arranged around the ferrite core; a gas supply portion for supplying a gas for decomposing the perfluorocarbons and harmful gas into the reactor; and a generator and a controller for supplying electric power for the antenna of the reactor. |
| US09162178B2 |
Composition for formation of carbon dioxide separation membrane, carbon dioxide separation membrane and process for production thereof, and carbon dioxide separation apparatus
A composition for forming a carbon dioxide separation membrane, which includes a water-absorbing polymer, a carbon dioxide carrier, and a polysaccharide, is disclosed. |
| US09162176B2 |
Apparatus and method for affecting air
An apparatus for affecting air includes a housing. The apparatus includes a treatment layer disposed in the housing for treating air. The apparatus includes a fan. The apparatus includes a gas powered motor mechanically engaged with the fan to operate the fan which forces the air through the treatment layer. The apparatus includes a compressed gas tank in fluid connection with the gas powered motor to provide gas to the motor to power the motor. A method for affecting air. |
| US09162168B2 |
Filter device and filter element provided therefor
A filter device, in particular for fluids polluted with admixtures of water, such as diesel oil, includes a filter housing (1) having a fluid inlet (43), a fluid outlet (44) and a filter element (9). During the filtering process, the fluid can flow through the filter medium (11) of the filter element from the unfiltered side (14) to the filtered side (13) of the filter medium and into its inner filter cavity (17). On at least one side of the filter medium (11), a water-separating system (23) has a separating region (25) for separated water. The water separating system is connected via at least one water opening (35) that is open toward the separating region (25) to a water collecting chamber (45). The filter element (9) has a passage (29) forming a fluid connection to the inner filter cavity (17) and can be connected to an element receptacle (47) of the filter housing (1). A fluid-conveying system (41) forms fluid paths separated from each other. The first fluid path (59/69) leads from the fluid inlet (43) of the housing (1) to the unfiltered side (14) of the filter element (9). The second fluid path (57) connects the respective water opening (35) to the water collecting chamber (45). |
| US09162167B2 |
Simplified filter
A filter includes a structurally rigid adsorptive filtering medium formed as a sintered porous material chosen to remove targeted contaminant(s). The adsorptive filtering medium forms a hollow chamber sized to receive a mechanical filtering medium which is sized to press outward against the adsorptive filtering medium which supports the mechanical filtering medium thus eliminating a cage and a core to support the mechanical filtering medium and leading to a simplified construction. The fluid enters the filter through substantially the entire face of the adsorptive filtering structure and proceeds through the mechanical filtering medium which is a pleated paper filter. The hollow chamber may be capped at each end such that the caps effectively seal the filter and direct the fluid through the adsorptive filter medium and the mechanical filter medium. |
| US09162164B2 |
Joint support system for hydrocyclone liner
A system includes a hydrocyclone liner. The hydrocyclone liner includes a head section having a fluid inlet and an overflow outlet. The hydrocyclone liner also includes a separation section having an underflow outlet and a first sidewall. A diameter of the separation section of an outer surface of the first sidewall is constant along a length of the outer surface of the first sidewall. The head section and the separation section are joined together via a bond at an interface between the head section and the separation section. The hydrocyclone liner includes a sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the head section, the separation section, and the interface. The sleeve is configured to hold the head section and the separation section together if the bond fails. |
| US09162160B2 |
Process for making crystals
A process for preparing crystalline particles of an active principal in the presence of ultrasonic irradiation that comprises contacting a solution of a solute in a solvent in a first flowing stream with an anti-solvent in a second flowing stream causing the mixing thereof, wherein the flow rate ratio of the anti-solvent: solvent is higher than 20:1, and collecting crystals that are generated. |
| US09162157B2 |
Magnetic hoop apparatus
A magnetic hoop apparatus includes a hollow tube, at least one magnet, a coupling, at least one counterweight, an ornamental tape, and a protective tape. A first end and a second end of the hollow tube are either attached or connected to each other by the coupling creating a circular shape hoop. The at least one magnet and the at least one counterweight are positioned within the hoop, where radial movement of the magnet and the counterweight are restricted by at least one rivet. The ornamental tape is wrapped around the hoop, and the protective tape is wrapped around the ornamental tape adjacent to the at least one magnet. The magnets within multiple magnetic hoops attach with each other in order to create a system of hoop while the counterweights within the multiple magnetic hoops balance the system of hoop. |
| US09162155B2 |
Device for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling racing vehicles
A device for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling racing vehicles on a preferably multi-lane racetrack, having at least one sensor unit which is arranged countersunk under the surface of a carriageway. The at least one sensor unit is mounted on a guide element which can be inserted into a receptacle space under the carriageway in the transverse direction with respect to the carriageway, from the lateral edge of the carriageway. In this context, cables, lines or the like can be pre-assembled in a complete state with the at least one sensor unit and can be inserted under the carriageway from the side together with the guide element, with the result that there is no need for any separate laying of cables or even for a cable connection once the sensor is in position. |
| US09162150B2 |
Pivotable passenger carrier
An amusement ride vehicle for transporting multiple passengers is provided. The vehicle includes a movable base, a support, a lift arm and a carrier. The support is mounted on the movable base. The lift arm is pivotably connected to the support at one end and pivotably connected to the carrier at its opposite end. The carrier is provided with multiple passenger seats and includes a restraining device adapted to restrain each individual passenger in a seat. The vehicle is further provided with a first actuator for pivoting the lift arm relative to the support, and thus for lifting and lowering the carrier relative to the movable base while the movable base rides over the substructure, and a second actuator for pivoting the carrier relative to the lift arm, and thus for adjusting the pitch of the carrier relative to the movable base while the movable base rides over the substructure. |
| US09162147B2 |
Game information consolidation system
A game playing information integration system is provided which is capable of objectively performing selection and/or settings according to preference of a player, and is capable of effectively making entry into market, based on a result of logical analysis of a gaming machine invoking demands of a player and a manger in gaming facility in a well-balanced manner. The system includes a plurality of gaming machine units and a server connected to enable communication with each of the gaming machine units. Each of the gaming machine units includes player identification information reading means, number-of-consumptions data output means, and number-of-payouts data output means. Gaming machine unit identification information is individually assigned to each of the gaming machine units. The server stores data storage means for storing each of number-of-consumptions data and number-of-payouts data in association with reception time data, player identification information, and gaming machine unit identification information. |
| US09162145B2 |
Unified game scripting language with multi-platform interpreter
A method is provided for a unified game scripting language with a multi-platform interpreter. By providing a script editor that creates a unified game logic script, and by processing the unified game logic script through platform conversion modules, game designers can easily specify game logic without coding for a specific platform or making a distinction between server and client. As only a single unified game logic script needs to be maintained, consistency errors from manually maintaining parallel and mirrored code bases is completely eliminated. Moreover, game designers are freed from having to manually weigh the considerations of client side versus server side, low end hardware versus high end hardware, bandwidth limited networks versus bandwidth unlimited networks, specific hardware architectures, specific programming languages, and other technical details. Since platforms are defined by sets of rules, support for additional platforms is readily implemented by creating an associated platform conversion module. |
| US09162143B2 |
System and method for presenting a view of a virtual lobby environment to a user
A system is configured to present representations of game environments to users within views of lobby environments that facilitate intuitive and engaging browsing of the game environments by the users. The representations of the game environments may include environment information related to game session being held in the game environments. The representations may present the environment information in an intuitive and/or engaging manner. The game environments and/or the representations thereof may be organized into environments sets. Within the views of the lobby environments, the users may browse the game environments according to environment set. |
| US09162140B2 |
Interactive baseball simulation between remote team managers
A method for simulating a game of baseball via a computer network is playable by opposing managers running game application logic at remote computers communicating with an event outcome server. The server executes steps for receiving selected pitcher data and a pitcher control value from a first remote computer, and receiving, for an engagement with the selected pitcher data, selected batter data from a second remote computer. The server optionally modifies the pitcher control value according to the batter data, and generates a first random number for comparison to the pitcher control value. Based on the comparison, the server selects a set of probabilities representing possible outcomes of the engagement, where one selectable set favors the pitcher and another selectable set favors the batter. The server generates a second random number, determines an outcome of the engagement by comparing the second random number to the selected set of probabilities, and transmits instructions to the remote computers for updating status of the game on a visual display according to the outcome of the engagement. Pitcher data, control value, batter data, and probabilities are derived from historical statistics resulting from human performance in major league baseball. |
| US09162139B2 |
Cube puzzle
A puzzle game includes a first and a second group of several pieces each. Several assemblies of pieces may be selected of the two groups. Three pieces of the first group are different from each other by the piece shape. Each of the pieces of the second group of pieces are different in shape from each of the pieces of the first group. Each of the assemblies forms an object, which objects are externally the same. Each of the different assemblies includes at least one piece of the first group and at least one piece of the second group. The formed objects are two or three dimensional objects. Preferably, each of the formed objects consists of identical cells. For example, the first and second groups consist of respectively three and six pieces. Each of three assemblies includes one piece and two pieces of the respective first and second groups. |
| US09162137B2 |
Method and apparatus for conducting a comparing-card game belonging to a Finnish 27 family of table-card games
A method and apparatus for conducting a comparing-card game belonging to the Finnish 27 family of table-card games is disclosed. Source codes of various software applications are disclosed. Said software applications provide a software means for making a set of game rules. Given a set of game rules, said software applications enable users to do the following. Find the basic strategy. Calculate an estimate of the house edge. Conduct high-speed game simulations. Identify betting, card-counting and/or playing strategies that skilled players might use to beat the game. Apply counter measures against said strategies. Test the game for vulnerability to said strategies with or without the application of said counter measures. Source codes of various software prototypes are disclosed. Each software prototype enables the user to play an optional embodiment of a comparing-card game belonging to the Finnish 27 family of table-card games in real time. |
| US09162135B2 |
Multifunctional play tent
A play tent has a tent body, a roof, and a game device board. The tent body has a ball opening. The roof is connected with the tent body and has a ball end moveable relative to the tent body to correspond to the top of the tent body or the ball opening. The game device board is mounted on the tent body. When the ball end is moved to a position corresponding to the ball opening, a child can pitch a ball towards the game device board, and then the ball rolls to the ball opening, such that the child can pitch the ball again. When the ball end is moved to a position corresponding to the top of the tent body, the child can be engaged in other activities inside the tent body. Therefore, the play tent can provide multiple functions for use. |
| US09162133B2 |
Golf divot simulator apparatus
The golf divot simulator apparatus for simulating the making of the divot associated with striking a golf ball with a golf club, when the golf ball is resting on natural grass turf, incorporates a pivoting structure. The pivoting structure, which includes complementary pivot points, allows the apparatus to rotate away from the path of a swinging golf club that makes contact with the apparatus. The pivoting structure comprises a calculated center of gravity for resetting the apparatus to a ready position via the force of gravity. Thus, subsequent to golf-club-induced rotation of the apparatus, gravity-induced counter rotation resets the apparatus for continued use. The apparatus also incorporates a turf covering for blanketing the pivoting structure. The apparatus further incorporates a fastening mechanism for securing the turf covering to the pivoting structure. The result of the apparatus is a self-resetting practice device that simulates the making of a golf divot. |
| US09162130B2 |
Swing analyzing device, swing analyzing program, and recording medium
A swing analyzing device includes at least an angular velocity sensor, a data acquiring unit, and a motion detecting unit. The angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities generated about a plurality of axes by a swing. The data acquiring unit acquires detection data of the angular velocity sensor. The motion detecting unit detects at least one of motions of the swing. Particularly, the motion detecting unit includes an angular velocity calculating unit which calculates the sum of the magnitudes of the angular velocities generated about the plurality of respective axes using the acquired detection data. |
| US09162121B2 |
Multiple material putter
A golf club putter having a low head center of gravity and a high MOI is disclosed herein. The putter has a metal body comprising a face and a hosel, a low density dampening layer affixed to the body, and a high density rear weight affixed to the dampening layer, and the dampening layer has a first surface that forms an angle with an opposing second surface that is inversely proportional to the distance of the hosel from a heel side of the body. |
| US09162117B2 |
Golf club head with improved aerodynamic characteristics
Designs and methods of improving aerodynamic performance of golf club heads are disclosed herein. In particular, the designs and methods of the present invention address airflow behavior modification at or immediately adjacent to the counter or edge of the striking face to reduce club head drag while minimizing any adverse effect on the impact performance of the face. The designs and methods of the present invention also address airflow behavior over the crown of the golf club head. |
| US09162116B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head has a striking face with a plurality of scorelines including a first scoreline and a second scoreline adjacent thereto. The striking face also has a plurality of auxiliary grooves each spaced from the scorelines. In a first imaginary vertical plane, a first path is formed by a first intersection between the first imaginary vertical plane and the striking face, and the auxiliary grooves have a first concentration no less than 0.17 measured between the first and second scorelines. A second imaginary vertical plane is horizontally spaced from the first imaginary plane. A second path is formed in the second imaginary vertical plane by a second intersection between the second imaginary vertical plane and the striking face. The auxiliary grooves in the second imaginary vertical plane have a second concentration that is different from the first concentration measured between the first and second scorelines. |
| US09162113B2 |
Golf ball with degradation-preventable core
A golf ball has a strong durability against the hit by a golf club by preventing the degradation caused by ozone, and has the core having a good elasticity. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the core compositions including a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, a filler, an antioxidant, a degradation preventing agent, and a cross-linking reaction initiator, wherein the degradation preventing agent which includes a substituted or unsubstituted paraphenylenediamine derivative represented by Formula 1. And, the core composition maybe comprises a micro crystalline wax with the ozone degradation preventing agent additionally, that has a strong durability against the heat, rubbing and ozone. |
| US09162111B2 |
Golf ball resin composition and golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition containing an ionomer resin with an excellent resilience and fluidity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball using an ionomer resin for an intermediate layer, with an excellent shot feeling, durability and resilience. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition comprising (A) an ionomer resin consisting of a metal ion-neutralized product of a ternary copolymer composed of an olefin, an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester; (B) a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a ternary copolymer composed of an olefin, an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, and (C) a zinc compound, wherein a content ratio ((A)/(B)) of (A) component to (B) component ranges from 50/50 to 80/20 in a mass ratio and a content of (C) component ranges from 0.1 part to 20 parts with respect to 100 parts by mass of a sum of (A) component and (B) component, and the golf ball resin composition has a melt flow rate (190° C., 2.16 kg) of 5 g/10 min or more. |
| US09162107B2 |
Crowd sourced discovery of music for improving performance
Media components can be ranked based on their influence on athletic performance. A score can be computed for a media component based on an individual's athletic performance during output of that media item in comparison with the individual's athletic performance during the output of different media items, or in the absence of any media items. The score can be used to establish an overall total score for the media component by comparing the score to one or more scores received from other individuals for the same media component. The overall total score can be used to compute a ranking for the media component by comparing the media component's overall total score with the overall total score for one or more other media components. |
| US09162102B1 |
Fitness machine with weight selection and weight indicator
A means and method for automatically selecting an amount of weight to be connected to a cable system in a fitness machine. When a dial is rotated to select a weight, a connected computer receives the rotational position information, operates a program to determine the amount of each weight to attach to the cable system and actuates solenoids accordingly to attach the weight to the cable by inserting pins fully into weight stacks to connect weights to a rod connected to a cable. The computer also displays the selected weight on the dial. When the new weight is selected, one or more retracting solenoids draw any inserted pins partially out before any new pins are fully inserted to connect the weights to the rod. This ensures that the system is cleared before attaching any weights to the cable. |
| US09162100B2 |
Athletic training device
An athletic training device capable of providing elastic resistance and associated methods of use for training a user to maintain optimal positioning of the user's hands during certain athletic activities. The device includes a wrist strap, a foot strap, and a thigh strap and an elastic tether of an adjustable length with the thigh strap configured to freely move along and about the elastic tether. |
| US09162098B2 |
Liquid gel concentrate compositions and methods of use
Certain aspects of the invention are drawn to formulations and methods of making a liquid gel concentrate composition. Such liquid gel concentrates are formed by admixing an alkali-swellable polymer with an alkaline swelling agent in an oil-based suspending agent. The invention also provides for gelled water fire suppressants produced by mixing a liquid gel concentrate composition with water and methods of using such fire suppressants for combating fires. |
| US09162095B2 |
Temperature-based fire detection
A fire detection device and method therefore are able to provide automatic activation so as to extinguish a fire. The fire detection can be rapid and temperature-based. In one embodiment, a heat collector can be provided to enhance thermal responsiveness. Activation of the fire detection device can be electrically induced to release an extinguishing agent at the fire. The activation can be protected such that it is durable and unaffected by vibrations. |
| US09162086B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling rope
A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar assembly. The bar assembly is pivotably connected to a first side portion of the main part for rotation between a first position in which the bar assembly is not in contact a second side portion of the main part and a second position in which the bar notch receives the second side portion. The bar assembly is arranged in the first position to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within a central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is arranged in the second position such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part. |
| US09162083B2 |
Linoleic and Linolenic acid esters of resveratrol and cosmetic compositions
Linoleic or Linolenic acid esters of resveratrol and topical compositions containing the esters. |
| US09162082B2 |
Circular accelerator and particle beam therapy apparatus
One embodiment of a particle circular accelerator 1 includes: a beam deflector for beam injections, bending electromagnets that causes the beam injected from the beam deflector for beam injections to circulate so as to form a circulation orbit, orbit adjusting electromagnets for injected beams that shift the position of each injected beam relative to the center of the circulation orbit of the beam, quadrupole electromagnets and sextupole electromagnets that adjust their respective quantities of magnetic excitation at the time of a beam extraction so as to extract a beam in a resonant region off a stable reason of beams and a beam deflector for beam extractions that takes out the beam extracted from the resonant region to the outside. The circular accelerator 1 injects beams from the inner side thereof and emits beams to the outer side thereof. |
| US09162077B2 |
Wide spectrum LED components
An LED component and the use thereof. The component comprises a light output spectrum with at least one peak intensity between 600-800 nm wavelength range with a full width at half maximum at least 50 nm; second optional optical light output peak at 200-500 nm wavelength range; and third optional output peak at 700-1000 nm wavelength range. It can be used for therapeutic, photosynthesis and photomorphogenetic applications. |
| US09162076B2 |
Method for tissue regeneration or degeneration in human and an apparatus therefore
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for tissue regeneration or degeneration in human by applying rotational field narrow focused quantum magnetic resonance on the required area. The apparatus consists of a plurality of guns for delivery the quantum magnetic resonance, a traveling platform for carrying the person under treatment, an electronic switching system for controlling the guns, said electronic switching system being controlled by a main computer through an on board microprocessor and means for cooling and dispersing the heat generated during the operation. |
| US09162075B2 |
Use of pulsed radio frequency
The invention relates to a method for medical treatment of a mammal, preferably a human, by applying pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation intravascularly. More particularly, said method has as effect that it boosts the immune system and/or that it relieves pain. In a preferred embodiment, the disease or condition to be treated is caused or accompanied by immunodeficiency, more preferably the disease or condition is selected from the group of cancer, infectious diseases, immunosuppression or otherwise caused immunodeficiencies. Also auto-immune diseases and conditions associated with allostatic load are preferred for treatment with the method of the invention. In an also preferred embodiment, the PRF stimulation is applied together with vaccination. |
| US09162074B2 |
Methods and devices for accurately classifying cardiac activity
Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, captured data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data. New methods for organizing the use of morphology and rate analysis in an overall architecture for rhythm classification and cardiac signal analysis are also discussed. |
| US09162070B2 |
Electrical stimulation system and control method of electrical stimulation system
Provided is an electrical system including an intelligent learning terminal to analyze biometric information associated with a user and calculate an intensity of electrical stimulation for the user based on a result of the analyzing, and at least one wireless electrical stimulator to provide electrical stimulation to the user based on the calculated intensity of electrical stimulation, wherein the intelligent learning terminal is connected to the at least one wireless electrical stimulator based on wired or wireless communication. |
| US09162063B2 |
Control of neural modulation therapy using cervical impedance
An implantable apparatus can comprise an electrical test energy delivery circuit configured to provide an electrical test signal to a cervical location in a patient body. A detector circuit can use the electrical test signal to detect cervical impedance and generate a cervical impedance signal representing fluctuations in the detected cervical impedance. The implantable apparatus can comprise a therapy delivery circuit, such as configured to provide electrical neural modulation therapy using a neural modulation timing parameter, and a processor circuit that can be coupled to the electrical test energy delivery circuit, the detector circuit, and the therapy delivery circuit. The processor circuit can be configured to determine a pulsatile signal or pulse pressure signal, such as using the cervical impedance signal, identify a characteristic of the pulsatile signal or pulse pressure signal, and control a neural modulation therapy using the timing parameter and the identified pulse pressure signal characteristic. |
| US09162062B2 |
Controlled vagal blockage therapy
A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder. |
| US09162057B2 |
Systems configured to power at least one device disposed in a living subject, and related apparatuses and methods
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to power at least one device disposed in a living subject, apparatuses configured to be disposed in a living subject and export power stored in an energy-storage device, and related methods of powering at least one device disposed in the living subject. |
| US09162056B2 |
Paddle lead with indicia and related methods of use
An implantable paddle lead includes a paddle body, configured and arranged for implantation in a patient's body, having a first face and a second face opposing the first face. The paddle lead also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the paddle body and configured and arranged for stimulating patient tissue adjacent the paddle body. The paddle lead further includes at least one indicium, independent of the plurality of electrodes, disposed on, or formed by, the paddle body. The at least one indicium is configured and arranged such that, when the paddle body is inserted within the patient's body and viewed under fluoroscopy, the at least one indicium identifies a facing orientation of the paddle body within the patient's body. |
| US09162054B2 |
Implantable component interface
An implantable medical device, comprising a first implantable component having a first interface surface and a second implantable component. The second implantable component has a second interface surface comprising one or more integrated protrusions extending therefrom configured to mate with the first interface surface and to provide a desired spacing between the first and second implantable components. |
| US09162048B2 |
Systems and methods for making and using tip electrodes for leads of electrical stimulation systems
An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body, electrodes disposed along a distal end of the lead body, terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body, and conductors coupling the terminals to the electrodes. The electrodes include a tip electrode having an electrode body with an outer stimulating surface. An internal lumen is defined in the electrode body and extends inwardly from an opening in a proximal end of the electrode body. Side apertures are formed between the outer stimulating surface and the internal lumen. A portion of the lead body is disposed within the internal lumen and side apertures through the opening in the proximal end of the electrode body. That portion of the lead body facilitates retention of the tip electrode on a distal tip of the lead body. |
| US09162047B2 |
Crimp terminations for conductors in implantable medical lead and method of making same
A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. |
| US09162046B2 |
Deflectable medical devices
Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may be a deflectable medical device that includes a catheter shaft having a distal end. An ablation electrode may be disposed at the distal end. A deflection mechanism may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The deflection mechanism may include a deflection body and a pull wire coupled to the deflection body. The deflection body may have a longitudinally-extending furrow formed therein. A flex member may be disposed adjacent to the deflection mechanism. |
| US09162044B2 |
Clamp for a flexible tube, pump equipped with means for opening such a clamp, and perfusion set equipped with such a clamp
A clamp (10) for a flexible tube, in particular an infusion tube, composed of a substantially U-shaped plastic band, the free end (111) of the first branch (11′) of the U being bent over to form the clamp head (11), to the free end (121) of the second branch, or back (12), so that, when closed, the back's free end (121) rests under the head's free end (111), and when opened, the back's free end (121) is at a distance above the head's free end (1110. The clamp has openings (114, 134) for extending a flexible tube and two opposite projections (113, 123) for obturating the flexible tube by compressing it when the clamp is closed. Locking means (112, 122) prevent the head end (111) from moving away from the back end (121) when the clamp (10) is in the closed position. |
| US09162043B2 |
Safety device
The present invention provides for a safety device and methods of using a safety device for use with a medical implement having a body with an inlet end portion, the safety device comprises a bracket for mounting on the body of the medical implement; a cap supported by the bracket and sized to fit over and seal the inlet end portion of the medical implement in a safety position wherein the cap covers the medical implement; an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being secured to the cap and being slidably and pivotally supported by the bracket so that the cap can be raised away from the inlet end portion of the medical implement and be pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the shaft away from the inlet end portion; and a biasing means for biasing the cap to the safety position. |
| US09162040B2 |
Balloon catheter and method of use
A balloon catheter includes an elongate support member defining first and second openings therein, open proximal and distal ends, and an axial lumen; and a balloon disposed on the elongate support member, the balloon defining a balloon interior through which the support member extends, where the balloon interior has a proximal end region, a middle region, and a distal end region, with the first opening located in the middle region, and the second opening located in the distal end region, such that the support member lumen is in communication with the balloon interior through each of the first and second openings, and such that a pressurized liquid introduced through the open proximal end of the support member will enter the balloon interior through the first opening, and subsequently exit the balloon interior through the second opening, back into the lumen, and out the open distal end of the support member. |
| US09162037B2 |
Intravenous catheter insertion device and method of use
An intravenous catheter insertion device and method of use are described. The insertion device coordinates movement of an access needle, a coaxial intravenous catheter and a flexible safety guidewire. A vein is punctured with the access needle, then an actuation member on the insertion device is used to advance the safety guidewire into the vein. The safety guidewire allows the access needle and the intravenous catheter to be safely advanced into the vein. Then, the actuation member is actuated to simultaneously withdraw the access needle and the safety guidewire, leaving only the intravenous catheter in the vein. The intravenous catheter is then disconnected from the insertion device and connected to a source of intravenous fluid, medication, etc. |
| US09162035B2 |
Recognition system for an apparatus that delivers breathable gas to a patient
An adapter for use with a flow generator includes a conduit attachable to the outlet of the flow generator and an identifying element supported by the conduit and providing an identifying feature unique to a specific peripheral component attachable to the flow generator. The identifying feature is communicatable to the flow generator so that appropriate operating parameters of the flow generator may be automatically selected by the flow generator to coordinate with the specific peripheral component. |
| US09162032B2 |
Systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders
A method for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders with a sleep therapy auto-titrator for in-home use by the patient includes the step of collecting, recording and analyzing sleep data in real time with the auto-titrator. Corrective action is provided in real time to the patient to mitigate sleep events based upon the collected sleep data. The collected sleep data is transmitted, via a global computer information system, to a remote server for storage. The stored sleep data is analyzed by a computer programmed with an algorithm to monitor therapy effectiveness daily and for identifying one or more therapy intervention recommendations. An alert is provided to at least one of the patient or a sleep therapy professional associated with the patient communicating the one or more intervention recommendations. |
| US09162029B2 |
Tailless needleless valve system
A valve for a needleless valve system. The valve includes a body configured to be disposed in the needleless valve system and controlling fluid flow through the needleless valve system and wherein the body is tail-less. The body includes a continuous top surface, and a compression feature configured to control how the body is compressed to allow fluid flow through the needleless valve system. |
| US09162021B2 |
Integrated water testing system and method for ultra-low total chlorine detection
A system and method for determining a concentration of total chlorine in dialysis water are provided. The system comprises a main unit housing an iodide/water sample chamber and a reducing agent chamber. An electrode pair bridges the two chambers and generates tri-iodide proportional to the amount of total chlorine in the dialysis water. The electrode pair detects the amount of tri-iodide generated in proportion to the amount of active chloride in the dialysis water. The system is suitable for use in connection with, or for incorporation into, a water purification system for generating dialysis fluid, and may include a display that alerts the user to stop or prevent a hemodialysis treatment if the total chlorine level exceeds a predetermined level. |
| US09162011B2 |
Flowable matrix compositions and methods
Flowable matrix compositions and methods of their use and manufacture are provided. Exemplary compositions may include a flowable, syringeable, putty-like form of acellular human dermal matrix. In some cases, compositions may include a moldable acellular collagen extracellular matrix. In use, the matrix compositions can be used to fill or treat skin voids, channel wounds, and other soft tissue deficiencies. |
| US09162010B2 |
Drug eluting cochlear implants
Drug delivery systems and biocompatible coatings for use with implantable stimulation devices such as cochlear implants have been developed. These drug delivery systems and coatings comprise polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers and copolymers. The drug delivery systems may be used to deliver pharmacologically active substances, for example, directly from a cochlear implant to the inner ear. The coatings can impart lubricity to cochlear devices for ease of insertion of the electrodes. In the preferred embodiment, the drug delivery system comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, and in the most preferred embodiment, the PHA polymer comprises poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(4HB)) or copolymer thereof. A particularly preferred embodiment is where the silicone sheath of the cochlear implant electrodes has been surface modified, and coated with P(4HB), and the P(4HB) either contains a pharmacologically active substance or has been coated with such a substance. |
| US09162007B2 |
Superabsorbent polymer composite comprising a superabsorbent polymer and cellulosic nanofibrils
A superabsorbent polymer composite including superabsorbent polymers and cellulosic nanofibrils having a diameter equal to or less than 100 nm. The composite may be in the form of particles or a foam. Methods for producing the composite and absorbent articles including the superabsorbent polymer composite are also provided. |
| US09162006B2 |
Hemostatic sponge
The present invention provides a hemostatic porous sponge comprising a matrix of a fibrous biomaterial and particles of a fluid absorbing, particulate material adhered to said matrix material, a method of producing these sponges and their use for wound healing. |
| US09162004B1 |
Removable cartridge for liquid diffusion device and cartridge insert thereof
An insert of a cartridge for use with a liquid diffusing device is provided. The insert includes a body, an inlet provided in the body to receive diffused liquid generated within the cartridge during operation of the liquid diffusing device, an outlet zone defined at least in part by the body through which to discharge the diffused liquid toward an external environment, and a tortuous passage extending between the inlet and the outlet zone to aid in further reducing an average particle size of the diffused liquid as the diffused liquid moves through the tortuous passage. Removable cartridges for use with a diffusion device are also provided which include such an insert. |
| US09162003B2 |
Air purification device for vehicle
The invention relates to an air purification device for a vehicle and has an object to provide a DOR (Direct Ozone Reduction) system that can improve durability of activated carbon as an ozone purifier. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a fin of FIG. 2. FIG. 3(a) is a partial enlarged view of the fin in a front side, and FIG. 3(b) is a partially enlarged view of the fin in a rear side. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), in a louver, a coat amount of activated carbon is adjusted so as to gradually increase from a front side toward a rear side. Thereby, durability as the radiator can be improved, while oxidation degradation of the activated carbon by active oxygen is allowed to some degree. |
| US09162002B2 |
Cationic fibers hosting reactive peroxygenated radicals, and methods of making and using them
Disclosed are reactive fibers having a polycationic exterior surface to which multivalent peroxy anions are bound. The use of such fibers, mats of such fibers, and filters of such fibers, as well as methods of treating fluid streams, and rejuvenating such fibers, mats and filters are also disclosed. |
| US09161994B1 |
Cost model analysis and breakdown for cost buildup
One embodiment of the invention includes a method and system to obtain data for fees and surcharges charged by multiple providers for multiple services based on prior interactions with the service providers, and provide an estimate for fees and surcharges to be charged by one of the service providers for one of the services based on the prior interactions with the service providers. In one embodiment, the fee data is extracted from one of electronic publishing of fees, billings for services rendered, and employee expense reports. In one embodiment, the estimated fees and surcharges include restricted access to a first subset of data to a first predetermined group. |
| US09161991B2 |
Anticancer fusion protein comprising TRAIL and interferon
A fusion protein comprising domain (a) which is a functional fragment of hTRAIL protein sequence, which fragment begins with an amino acid at a position not lower than hTRAIL95, or a homolog of said functional fragment having at least 70% sequence identity; and domain (b) which is a sequence of an immunostimulating effector peptide, wherein the sequence of domain (b) is attached at the C-terminus or N-terminus of domain (a). The fusion protein can be used for the treatment of cancer diseases. |
| US09161985B2 |
5α-androstane (alkyl)-3β, 5, 6β-triol injection and preparation method therefor
A 5α-androstane-3β,5,6β-triol injection and its preparation are disclosed. The injection uses hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin as a solubilizing agent and the active ingredient is present at a weight ratio of 1-20:40-500 to the hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. The injection may also comprise, by weight, 1-100 parts of at least one isotonic adjusting agent, 0-200 parts of at least one freeze drying filler, and 0-2000 parts of at least one solvent. The preparation method comprises dissolving hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin solution, 5α-androstane-3β,5,6β-triol and at least one additional soluble excipient in water for injection in sequence to obtain a raw injection solution, and subjecting the raw injection solution to decolorization, depyrogenation, filtration and sterilization to obtain the injection, Drying the filtrate yields a solid for injection. |
| US09161984B2 |
Formulations and methods of use for alpha connexin C-terminal (ACT) peptides
This invention relates to a topical gel drug product preparation containing a composition comprising an isolated polypeptide having a carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha connexin (ACT peptide), peptide stabilizers, excipients, buffering agents, and the like. A formulation and preparation steps are disclosed for the manufacturing of a stable, elegant, and pourable topical gel. The resulting formulation possesses long term stability suitable for aesthetic as well as therapeutic applications including the prevention of scaring and accelerated healing of wounds. Methods for treatment of chronic wounds, including chronic ulcers, are also provided. |
| US09161982B2 |
Sanitizer compositions comprising alcohol and an antimicrobial efficacy enhancer
The present invention provides alcohol-based sanitizers containing an efficacy enhancer for improved antimicrobial effectiveness. The present invention further provides skin sanitization methods comprising contacting skin having microbial contamination with an antimicrobial composition comprising an alcohol and an efficacy enhancer to achieve a minimum 3 log10 reduction in skin pathogen contamination after one application. |
| US09161980B2 |
Medical solution, a method for producing said medical solution and use thereof
The present invention relates to a medical solution, a method for producing said medical solution, a multi-compartment bag containing the medical solution as well as use of said medical solution. According to the invention the medical solution comprises a first single solution comprising bicarbonate and carbonate in such proportions that the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, CO2, in the first single solution is of the same order of magnitude as the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, CO2, of the atmosphere. The medical solution further comprises a second single solution comprising an acid. Said first and second single solutions are, after terminal sterilization and up on use, to be mixed to form a final solution. Said second single solution has a pH of 1.0-1.5, and said final solution has a pH of 7.0-7.6. |
| US09161975B2 |
Immunogenic composition
The present invention relates to the use of a immunogenic or immunostimulatory composition comprising a Shigella outer membrane protein (OMP) and Shigella LPS molecule in medicine and methods for preparing the composition. |
| US09161973B2 |
Compositions and methods for vaccinating against HSV-2
This invention relates to therapeutic polynucleotide compositions and methods for systemic immune activation which are effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in mammals. The polynucleotide compositions are particularly effective for protecting mammals from herpes simplex virus (HSV), such as HSV gD2 polypeptides. |
| US09161968B2 |
Methods of neuroprotection involving macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor agonists
The present invention provides methods for preventing, attenuating neuronal damage or stimulating neuronal repair prior or following central nervous system injury. |
| US09161966B2 |
GDF15 mutein polypeptides
Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder and/or a body weight disorder, and compositions associated therewith, are provided. |
| US09161961B2 |
Therapeutic compositions
The present invention discloses a non-irritating tea tree oil (TTO)-based topical therapeutic composition useful for both veterinary and human dermatology. The composition comprises a homogeneous mixture of TTO, 0.05 to 1.0% (wt/wt); at least one hypertonic composition providing the said TTO-based composition to 1700 to 2500 mOsm/L, 10 to 60% (wt/wt); and inorganic salts, 0.01% to 0.50% (wt/wt) and it is characterized by an effective, rapid & wide spectrum of action while being non-irritant to patient skin. |
| US09161960B2 |
Horse feed dietary supplement composition derived from chia seed composition
A horse feed dietary supplement composition increases the energy and improves the health and coat of a horse and is formed as a partially defatted seed meal composition that may be supplemented to a horse feed. The composition includes a shelf stable, partially defatted supercritical CO2 fluid solvent extracted whole grain flour that is derived from Salvia hispanica L. whole ground seed and that is free of cyanogenic glycosides, vitamin antagonists, and gluten. The flour includes minerals, protein, insoluble fiber and from 1-25% wt/wt of about 3.0-3.3:1 mixture of ALA to LA native seed oil. |
| US09161951B2 |
Parenteral nutrition composition containing iron
Bioavailable iron-containing parenteral nutrition compositions are provided that are physico-chemically stable. Iron is present in the form of soluble ferric pyrophosphate. Methods of preparation and use of the compositions are provide, as well as kits. |
| US09161946B2 |
Dosing methods for treating disease
The invention relates to a method for treating disease such as viral infections, tumors, and cancers, comprising administering a TLR7 agonist or TLR7 agonist prodrug according to a cyclical dosing schedule having a dosing period and a resting period. For example, the method encompasses treating disease with: 5-amino-3-(2′-O-acetyl-3′-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-3H-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-one Tosylate according to a dosing schedule of every-other-day or a dosing schedule of three consecutive days of dosing followed by four consecutive days of not dosing. |
| US09161945B2 |
4-isopropyl-6-methoxyphenyl glucitol compound
A compound, which inhibits SGLT1 (sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1) activity to suppress absorption of glucose or the like, thereby suppressing abnormal glucose tolerance or postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes, is provided. Specifically, a 4-isopropyl-6-methoxyphenyl glucitol compound represented by the following formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is provided: |
| US09161944B2 |
Method for preventing cancer metastasis
The present invention relates to the use of a specific family of glycerolipid compounds of formula (I) described in the detailed description or the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or for the treatment of cancer metastasis. |
| US09161941B2 |
Therapeutic and method of use
The present invention is a compound comprising an NSAID portion and at least one of a progestin portion and a progesterone portion. The compound may take for instance the form of a pill or pellet (for oral internal use or for subdermal implantation), an injectable solution, or a suppository. The compound is intended for use in treating subjects having or being at increased risk—especially genetically determined risk—of developing endometriosis. The compound may also be used for treating other disorders or as a contraceptive. |
| US09161937B2 |
Abuse-resistant controlled-release opioid dosage form
Abuse-resistant, controlled release opioid tablets are a combination containing an opioid antagonist such as naloxone at a level above that needed to suppress the euphoric effect of the opioid, if the combination were crushed to break the controlled release properties causing the opioid and opioid antagonist to be released as a immediate release product as a single dose. The controlled release nature of the table prevents the accumulation of orally effective amounts of opioid antagonist when taken normally. The opioid antagonist is contained in a controlled-release matrix and released, over time, with the opioid. |
| US09161936B2 |
Laquinimod for treatment of GABA mediated disorders
This invention provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a GABA related disorder comprising periodically administering to the subject an effective amount of laquinimod or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount effective to treat the subject. |
| US09161934B2 |
Derivatives of purine or deazapurine useful for the treatment of (inter alia) viral infections
The present application includes novel modulators of TLRs, compositions containing such compounds, therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds. |
| US09161929B2 |
Solvent cast film sustained release latanoprost implant
The present invention provides a sustained release latanoprost implant in the form of a thin film comprising latanoprost incorporated in a biodegradable polymer matrix. Preferably, said implant is an intraocular implant comprising a thin film comprising latanoprost incorporated in a biodegradable polymer matrix wherein said implant is configured as a disc or a rolled film that can be inserted into the eye and unrolls to provide a film having a high surface area to volume ratio. |
| US09161925B2 |
Therapeutic uses of beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist derivatives in particular to modulate apoptosis
The present invention relates to the new therapeutic uses of beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist derivatives in particular to inhibit apoptosis and treat and/or prevent apoptosis-related diseases and disorders. |
| US09161921B2 |
Colloidal carrier system with penetration properties for encapsulating lipophilic active agents and oils for topical use
The invention relates to a colloidal carrier system in the form of a nanocapsule, comprising at least the following components: a liquid lipid core, a continuous shell surrounding the core, containing at least one membrane-forming, natural anionic emulsifier and at least one single-chain, natural non-ionic co-emulsifier selected from the group of diglyceryl-monooleates, diglyceryl-monolinoleates, polyglyceryl-monooleates, polyglyceryl-monolinoleates. |
| US09161915B2 |
Delivery of ibuprofen and other compounds
The present invention generally relates to the transdermal delivery of various compositions. In some aspects, the transdermal delivery may be facilitated by the use of a hostile biophysical environment. One set of embodiments provides a composition for topical delivery comprising ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen salt, a nitric oxide donor, and optionally, a hostile biophysical environment. In some cases, the composition may be stabilized using a stabilization polymer such as xanthan gum, KELTROL® BT and/or KELTROL® RD; propylene glycol; and a polysorbate surfactant such as Polysorbate 20, which unexpectedly provides temperature stability to the composition, e.g., at elevated temperatures such as at least 40° C. (at least about 104° F.), as compared to compositions lacking one or more of these. |
| US09161912B2 |
Inhalation devices and related methods for administration of sedative hypnotic compounds
An inhalation device for administering one or more sedatives via pulmonary inhalation for treating a sleep disturbance. |
| US09161910B2 |
Method and pharmaceutical compositions for trans-buccal mucosa treatment of postprandial hyperglycaemia in type II diabetes
A method and a pharmaceutical composition in the form of a hydroalcoholic solution in which at least one hypoglycemia-inducing/insulinotropic active principle is dissolved in a stable and complete manner at a dosage that is reduced by 30% to 50% compared with the usual oral unit dosage, for its trans-buccal mucosal application in the spot treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia in type II diabetes in man or animals. Also, disclosed is a method of preparing said formulation and to its specific use in the spot treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG) in the context of type II diabetes. |
| US09161907B2 |
Modified release compositions comprising tacrolimus
A modified release composition comprising tacrolimus which is useful for the treatment or prevention of rejection reactions by transplantation of organs or tissues. |
| US09161903B2 |
Flowable composition that hardens on delivery to a target tissue site beneath the skin
Flowable compositions and methods are provided for delivering a therapeutic agent at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient, the flowable composition comprising (i) a solvent and (ii) an effective amount of the therapeutic agent, the flowable composition being capable of hardening to form a drug depot at a physiological temperature or as solvent contacts bodily fluid at or near the target tissue site, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing the therapeutic agent over a period of at least one day and the target tissue site comprises at least one muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, spinal disc, spinal foraminal space near the spinal nerve root, facet or synovial joint, or spinal canal. In some embodiments, an implantable drug depot for delivering a therapeutic agent is provided, the implantable drug depot comprising (i) a chamber; and (ii) a flowable composition comprising an effective amount of a therapeutic agent disposed within the chamber of the drug depot, the flowable composition capable of hardening when the drug depot is delivered at or near the target tissue site. |
| US09161899B2 |
Compositions for delivering perfume to the skin
A body wash composition comprising a surfactant, at least about 25% water, a cyclodextrin complex comprising a perfume, wherein 80% of the plurality of perfume raw materials comprise a FDV of at least 0.69. |
| US09161898B2 |
Compositions for colouring keratin fibres
The present specification provides for a cosmetic agent for coloring keratinic fibers. The agent includes, in a cosmetic carrier at least one color imparting compound and at least one modified starch. The modified starch is modified by propylene oxide, has an average molecular weight between 50 and 2500 kiloDaltons (kDa), and has a propylene oxide content between 0.1 and 20.0 wt % based on the weight of the modified starch. |
| US09161897B2 |
Compositions for colouring keratinous fibres
An active agent combination of (a) at least one water-soluble polymer comprising at least one *—Si(OR)x(R′)3-x residue, in which R and R′, independently of one another, denote a (C1 to C4)alkyl group, and x denotes 1, 2 or 3, and (b) at least one polar alkoxysilane compound of formula (SI), in which G denotes a (C1 to C3)alkylene group, K″ denotes a connectivity selected from a covalent bond or from a molecular fragment having two free valences, R1 denotes a molecular fragment comprising at least one polar substituent selected from the group consisting of quaternized nitrogen atoms, amino groups, anionic residues, and combinations thereof, x denotes 1, 2 or 3, R and R′, independently of one another, denote a (C1 to C4)alkyl group, is suitable for improving synthetic colorings of coloring compounds on keratin-containing fibers. |
| US09161896B2 |
Cosmetic
A cosmetic comprising the following components (A), (B), (C) and (D): (A) 0.001 to 50% by weight of an organic acid represented by a general formula (1), wherein R1 denotes a residue derived from a natural sterin having one hydroxy group or a hydrogenated product thereof, or a residue derived from bile acid in which the hydroxyl hydrogen atom is removed; R2 denotes a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms; and M denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkanolammonium having 2 to 9 carbon atoms in total, alkylammonium or alkenylammonium having 1 to 22 carbon atoms in total, a pyridinium substituted with an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, or a basic amino acid; (B) 0.001 to 20% by weight of a base; (C) 0.0001 to 50% by weight of a ceramide; and (D) water, and comprising, as a component (E), an acid other than the component (A) in a content satisfying a relationship: 0≦(E)/(A)<0.2, and having pH of 6 to 11. |
| US09161895B1 |
Compositions and methods for improving overall tooth health and appearance
Disclosed are oral care compositions comprising selected surface-active organophosphate compounds and methods of use to provide protection of teeth from erosion caused by the action of chemicals, such as harsh abrasives and acids. The surface-active organophosphate compounds are substantive to teeth, the phosphate groups binding the calcium in teeth and thus preventing loss of calcium from dissolution when contacted with acids. The organophosphate compound may also deposit a protective surface coating that prevents contact of teeth with erosive challenges. Selected organophosphate compounds contain one or more phosphate groups and are combined in the oral care composition with one or more of a fluoride ion agent, an antimicrobial agent preferably selected from quaternary ammonium compounds and polyvalent metal salts, an anticalculus agent and additional surfactant, to provide benefits including superior anti-erosion, anticaries, antiplaque and anti-staining as demonstrated by enhanced fluoride uptake, remineralization, resistance to acid demineralization and antimicrobial activities, resulting in improved overall tooth health, structural integrity and appearance. |
| US09161894B2 |
Use of N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-amine and related compounds
This invention provides methods for treating diseases or conditions wherein the inhibition of Kit protein kinase may be beneficial, using pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions comprising N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-amine (FPL-62064) and related compounds. This invention also relates to the treatment of skin disorders, such as hyperpigmentation and cutaneous mastocytosis, and to cosmetic uses such as skin lightening. |
| US09161892B2 |
Mouthwash
The invention provides mouthwash formulations having improved taste, coupled with good whitening efficacy, which comprise a whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide together with a combination of a first acid such as citric acid and a second acid such as phosphoric acid. In further embodiments, the mouthwashes may comprise a sucralose and saccharin combination, an acidic polymer, one or more anticalculus agents, e.g., alkali pyrophosphate salts, copolymers of maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether and other ingredients. |
| US09161891B2 |
Gelatin encapsulated oral care composition containing dental occlusion actives, hydrophobic viscosity modifier and oil carrier
A oral care composition includes: (a) a guanidine active; (b) a film-forming polymer; (c) a hydrophobic viscosity modifier in an amount sufficient to provide the oral care composition with a particle settling time greater than 20 minutes; and (d) an oil carrier. The guanidine active is preferably L-arginine. The film-forming polymer is preferably GANTREZ. The hydrophobic viscosity modifier is preferably a gelled mineral oil. The oil carrier is preferably a vegetable oil. A method of cleaning teeth includes applying to the teeth the oral care composition such that the oral care composition cleans the teeth. A oral care implement includes: a handle; a head mounted to the handle, the head having an outer surface and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly from the outer surface; and a gelatin capsule containing the oral care composition positioned on the head. |
| US09161886B2 |
Feeding apparatus
Colic can be a particular problem for babies feeding on liquid feed from a feeder bottle. The colic can be formed by air from various sources in the liquid feed. Typically, there is less air in the liquid feed towards the bottom of the liquid feed container in the feeding position than towards the top of the liquid feed. The present invention provides apparatus for drawing milk from the bottom of the feeding apparatus chamber when the feeder is held in the operating position. This is achieved by positioning a flow restrictor for allowing the passage of liquid feed from a main chamber into a flexible feeding teat at a suitable location. The present invention also provides a resiliently-biased cartridge to assist in priming and/or draining of the flexible feeding teat. The present invention also provides a construction in which the flow restrictor is always provided in the correct position regardless of the relative angular orientation of the elements of the feeder. The present invention also provides feeding apparatus that can be easily disassembled to facilitate cleaning. |
| US09161885B1 |
Self learning medication storage device
Compartments of a medication storage device are fitted with sensors to detect the presence of medication and the opening of compartment lids or doors. A controller monitors the sensor signals and sounds an alarm if medication is not removed from a compartment within a variance range about a target time. |
| US09161883B1 |
Adjustable return fitting
An adjustable return fitting, includes a return fitting housing having a housing interior; a water jet adjustment dial rotatably carried by the return fitting housing, the water jet adjustment dial having a dial interior accommodating the return fitting housing; and a peg slot in the dial interior of the dial body, the peg slot disposed in angular relationship to a rotational axis of the water adjustment dial; and a baffle including a baffle stem in the housing interior of the return fitting housing, a baffle tab carried by the baffle stem and a baffle tab peg carried by the baffle stem in offset relationship to the baffle stem, the baffle tab peg engaging the peg slot; and a baffle disk carried by the baffle stem in the housing interior of the return fitting housing. |
| US09161881B2 |
Tapping device for producing beautiful skin
In the tapping device for producing beautiful skin, a Head contacts with skin. A Tapping mechanism pats the skin facing the Head with a Pad. The Tapping mechanism is equipped with the Pad at one end, and has a Shaft from which the Head projects and rolls back by piston actions. A Biasing member biases the Shaft toward one side of the piston actions. A Wire rod empowers the Shaft towards the direction resisting the biasing power of the Biasing member when tension is provided. An Actuator provides tension intermittently in a Wire rod, the tension of the wire rod and biasing of the bias member providing piston actions. |
| US09161880B2 |
Walking assist device
In a walking assist device having leg links each connected to a support member through a first joint and having a first link and second link connected to the first link through a second joint, and actuators to be operated to displace the first and second links relative to each other to produce assist forces that assist part of user's body weight to assist the user to walk, it is configured such that a forward protruding amount of the second joint to be protruded with change of an angle between the first and second links about the second joint is changed. With this, it becomes possible to decrease the forward protruding amount to be protruded from the trunk of the user with change of the angle about the second joint, thereby decreasing the inertia force about the vertical axis, while mitigating the unnatural impression of the appearance. |
| US09161877B2 |
Reinforced connector
A connector for attaching at least one flexible tube to a fluid passage of another object includes a body and at least one connector port on the body. At least one tube port projects from the body and is adapted for fluid communication with the connector port. A portion of the body at least partially surrounds the tube port and defines an interior space containing at least a portion of the tube port. The tube port is sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube. A tube retainer is at least partially disposed in the interior space defined by the portion of the body and has an engaging portion disposed in relation to the tube port to restrain the flexible tube from lateral movement with respect to the tube port. |
| US09161874B2 |
Medical waste disposal apparatus
A trolley (10) for a medical waste container (12) is provided for use in a medical treatment facility such as an operating theatre or other hospital or medical environment. A cart (100) is provided for transporting a collection of medical waste containers (12) throughout a medical treatment facility. |
| US09161873B2 |
System and method for extricating a victim
A system is provided for extricating a patient from a position from which extrication is desired. The system includes a first hoist unit, a second hoist unit, a patient lifting pad and a portable lift stand. |
| US09161871B2 |
Multiple function patient handling devices and methods
Devices and methods for moving a person having a support base, a linear vertical movement assembly, a linear horizontal movement assembly, and a body support for the person, such that the linear movement assemblies operate independently and can be separately commanded by a user. |
| US09161869B2 |
Absorbent articles with decolorizing agents
A feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer and decolorizing agents positioned on at least one decolorizing agent-containing layer, adjacent the article side edges, with the decolorizing agent-containing layer extending laterally beyond the lateral side edges of the absorbent core layer and being noncontinuous over at least a portion of the article in the article transverse direction. |
| US09161859B2 |
Multilayer wound dressing with conductive regions
Provided is a wound dressing including a wound pad of absorbent material having a first side and a second side opposite thereto, a backing layer covering the wound pad on the first side thereof an adhesive layer for attaching the dressing to skin. The backing layer has at least one conductive region and consists of plastic film. |
| US09161858B2 |
Guide for tear-off eyewear lens strips
A novel removable lens strip system suitable for use with goggles and helmets is disclosed, wherein lens strips may be easily removed from the goggle lens or helmet shield as the strips become soiled, and thus obstructing the user's vision. More specifically, a guide piece is employed that shields underlying removable lens strips from being inadvertently removed. |
| US09161857B2 |
Presbyopic vision correction with controlled 3-D patterned mechanical weakening of scleral tissue
Treatments to improve ocular conditions such as presbyopia are provided. Structural (mechanical) weakening of the sclera is accomplished through the formation of a 3-D pattern of laser foci in the sclera resulting in an increase in the range of ocular accommodation. |
| US09161854B2 |
Postpartum abdominal support
An abdominal support article is disclosed for providing support to a user's abdomen. The abdominal support article includes a continuous tubular support band which encircles a user's abdomen, at least one left-front attachment component and at least one right-front attachment component on the continuous tubular support band, and a plurality of left support straps and right support straps which are to be wrapped around a user and attached to the attachment components of the continuous tubular support band. The at least one left-front attachment component and at least one right-front attachment component are specifically placed such that, in use, the abdominal support article is properly positioned to effectively simulate the bodily support normally provided by the transverse abdominis muscle. The abdominal support article may be incorporated into various support garments such as postpartum and post-surgical support garments and undergarments. |
| US09161853B2 |
Delivery system for a self-expanding implant
The present disclosure provides a delivery system for a self-expanding implant (31) which includes a sheath (41, 42) which surrounds and constrains the implant prior to delivery and a confining element (80) which surrounds the sheath during storage. The confining element preferably includes elongate members (81) running axially along the sheath, which compress the sheath and the stent to reduce hoop stress in the system without promoting undesired adhesion between layers of the sheath. |
| US09161849B1 |
Longitudinally flexible stent
An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in curved arterial portion. The stent retains longitudinal flexibility after expansion. The stent is formed of intertwined meander patterns forming triangular cells. The cells are adapted to provide radial support, and also provide longitudinal flexibility after expansion. The cells also provide increase coverage of a vessel wall. Loops in the stent are disposed and adapted to cooperate, so that after expansion of said stent within a curved lumen, the stent is curved and cells on the outside of the curve open in length, but narrow in width, whereas cells on the inside of the curve shorten in length, but thicken in width to maintain a density of the stent element area which is much more constant than otherwise between the inside and outside of the curve. The stent also minimizes flaring out by eliminating free loops of the radially supporting circumferential bands of loops. The stent includes widened struts, wherein one or more of the widened struts have at least one reservoir for the delivery of an agent to a vessel site. The reservoir may be a fenestration or a recess that opens towards either the vessel wall or the lumen. |
| US09161848B2 |
Systems and methods for prosthetic suspension system
A prosthetic device includes an inner socket assembly including an upper interface member having a generally cylindrical outer periphery, the outer periphery defining a diameter and a length, the diameter being substantially greater than the length, and an outer socket assembly including a lower interface member having a recess correspondingly-shaped to the outer periphery of the upper interface member. At least a portion of the upper interface member is received within the recess of the lower interface member to secure the inner socket assembly to the outer socket assembly. |
| US09161845B2 |
Machine for forming a cast of an end portion of an amputated limb
A machine for forming a negative cast of an end portion of an amputated limb has an outer rigid tubular body; an elastically deformable tubular membrane housed within the rigid tubular body and having its opposite annular end portions fluid-tightly connected to the rigid tubular body, to define a through-duct through which the limb passes and, with the rigid tubular body, a fluid-tight elongated annular chamber with variable volume surrounding the limb; a reference membrane for positioning of the limb within the duct being provided at the outlet of the duct. |
| US09161844B2 |
Method of using a trial acetabular cup for insertion of an acetabular prosthesis
A trial acetabular cup having a signal generating device located thereon. |
| US09161842B2 |
System and method for an interbody spinal fusion assembly
An interbody spinal fusion assembly includes an interbody cage, planar metal pins and bone fasteners. The interbody cage includes a metal cage and a PEEK insert. The PEEK insert is inserted into a slot of the metal cage and is secured to the metal cage with a pin. The assembled interbody cage is inserted in the space between two adjacent vertebras and is secured in placed with the planar metal pins and the bone fasteners. |
| US09161840B2 |
Modular prosthetic component with improved body shape
An improved body element for use in a modular prosthetic stem component of the sort comprising a body element and at least one other element, wherein the body element and the at least one other element are joined together by at least one modular connection, wherein the improved body element comprises an anterior wall and a posterior wall, at least one of the anterior wall and the posterior wall converging toward the other on the medial side of the body element and diverging away from the other on the lateral side of the body element, whereby the body element approximates a general wedge shape. |
| US09161834B2 |
Expandable member for deploying a prosthetic device
An apparatus and method for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon. |
| US09161828B2 |
Apparatus for light-curing a dental object
The invention relates to an apparatus for irradiating an object, in particular for light-curing a dental object by means of a first radiation, the apparatus comprising at least one radiation source for emitting the first radiation, the apparatus further comprising at least one radiation sensor for measuring at least a second radiation, and the apparatus further comprising a housing. The second radiation is the first radiation reelected by the object. |
| US09161824B2 |
Computer automated development of an orthodontic treatment plan and appliance
A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which the teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions. |
| US09161822B2 |
Conformance model
Among various methods, systems, and apparatuses, a number of methods are provided for forming a 3D conformance model of a particular portion of a subject's anatomy using 3D digitized imaging data and a rapid prototyping technique. One such a method includes distinguishing at least one particular structural feature associated with the exterior of the particular portion from at least one particular structural feature associated with the interior of the particular portion. Such a method can include using the conformance model to test suitability of an appliance to participate in performing an intended function that includes penetrating the interior of the particular portion through the exterior of the particular portion. |
| US09161815B2 |
Dermatological laser system and Method for Skin Resurfacing
A dermatological laser apparatus for irradiating human tissue with optical pulses includes a laser source (2) producing an optical output, a pulse shaper (4) coupled to the laser source for converting the optical output into optical pulses having desired shapes, and an optical delivery tool (8) coupled to the pulse shaper for applying the optical pulses sequentially to a multiplicity of sites on the human tissue with consecutively irradiated sites being non-adjacent. |
| US09161808B2 |
Apparatus for endobronchial ablation of a tumor
An apparatus for endobronchial ablation of a tumor is provided. The apparatus has an ablation catheter and a guide facility to be inserted into the bronchial system, a sheath defining a guide channel for the ablation catheter, a closing apparatus for a bronchial arm, and an aperture allowing airtight insertion of the ablation catheter into a bronchial arm blocked by the closing apparatus. The ablation catheter and/or the guide facility have a suction apparatus for sucking air out of a bronchial arm blocked off by the closing apparatus. |
| US09161798B2 |
Bone treatment systems and methods
Systems and methods for treating vertebral compression fractures are provided. A kit can include at least one body containing a bone cement precursor to be mixed with at least one other bone cement precursor to form a bone cement. The body or a package containing the body can include at least one sensor. In some embodiments the sensor can be a temperature sensor. In some methods, data from the sensor can be used to determine certain parameters related to a treatment interval involving the bone cement. |
| US09161796B2 |
Medical devices for use during ankle fusion surgery
The present invention is directed to devices and methods that can be used in ankle surgery, especially ankle fusion surgery. |
| US09161794B2 |
Expanding spinal anchor
An anchor for a pedicle screw having an anchor body comprising a proximal end, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a distal end, and a through-hole through the anchor body from the proximal end to the distal end. The through-hole defines a long axis of the anchor, and is provided with undersized female threads in the proximal portion and a reduced inner diameter in the distal portion. The reduced inner diameter causes expansion of at least the distal portion of the anchor body when a screw is inserted into the through-hole. The anchor is further provided with a plurality of ridges on an exterior surface of the anchor body, the ridges configured to reduce the likelihood of pullout when the anchor is inserted into a vertebra and a screw is inserted into the through-hole. |
| US09161792B2 |
Surgical assembly
A surgical assembly has a first section having a first hole with a smallest diameter and a second section having a threaded second hole with a minor thread diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the first hole. The first hole encloses a center axis of the second hole and a clearance is provided between the first section and the second section. The assembly includes a screw member having a length for engaging the first hole and the second hole so as to bridge the clearance. The screw member has a first portion with a largest outer diameter smaller than or equal to the smallest diameter of the first hole, and a threaded second portion axially spaced from the first portion and configured to threadedly engage the second hole. A major thread diameter of the second portion is larger than the smallest diameter of the first hole. |
| US09161789B2 |
Osteosynthesis device
A method for fusing a joint, which includes the step of inserting a first anchoring zone of an arthrodesis device being in a first closed position into a first opening within a first bone. The first anchoring zone includes a first pair of legs. Each leg is capable of transitioning between the first closed position and a first open position for internally gripping the first opening. Also, included in the method is the step of inserting a second anchoring zone of the arthrodesis device being in a second closed position into a second opening within a second bone. The second anchoring zone includes a second pair of legs. Each leg is capable of transitioning between the second closed position and a second open position for internally gripping the second opening. |
| US09161787B2 |
Vertebral body reduction instrument and methods related thereto
Featured is a reduction instrument being configured and arranged to allow correction of vertebral translation and applying distraction across a segment in an independent fashion. Such a reduction instrument embodies one or more identical modules that are configured as needed for correcting the deformity. In more particular embodiments, each of the one or more modules has two degrees of freedom (DOF) with uncoupled orthogonal translations. Such a reduction instrument allows the reorientation of the vertebral segment as needed via uncoupled orthogonal translations. Such a reduction instrument also is usable in combination with a plurality of vertebral anchors, such vertebral anchors being any such vertebral anchors as are know to those skilled in the art (e.g., conventional spinal pedicle screw instrumentation) or hereinafter developed so as to form a spinal implant system. Also featured are treatment methods utilizing such a reduction instrument. |
| US09161778B2 |
System and method for transapical access and closure
Embodiments are described for creating and closing tissue access ports, such as transapical access ports, which involve placement of an introducer across the subject tissue structure, and deployment of a controllable port closure device assembly configured to remain in place with a ratcheting mechanism, and to hold the tissue surrounding the previous access port location closed against a sealing disc with proximal and distal strut assemblies, after the introducer has been removed. |
| US09161776B2 |
Dermatome blade assembly
A dermatome having a blade assembly, where the blade assembly includes a blade and a blade mount. The blade may include a blade edge, a reference edge and at least one hole or receiver positioned between the blade edge and the reference edge. The blade mount may include a base, a blade locator extending from the base and at least one reference fence abutting the reference edge of the blade. The blade locator may include a protrusion for inserting into the hole or receiver of the blade. The blade and blade mount of the blade assembly may self align and provide for a simple and permanent connection. |
| US09161774B2 |
Rotatable cutting instrument
A surgical instrument includes a first member having an inner surface defining a first passageway. A second member is disposable within the first passageway and movable relative to the first member. The second member defines a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end configured to engage tissue. The second end includes a first surface configured for a non-penetrating engagement with the tissue and a second surface including at least two spaced apart cutting members extending axially from the first surface. The cutting members are rotatable to excise a portion of the tissue. |
| US09161769B2 |
Endoscopic instrument
An endoscopic instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft assembly includes inner and outer shaft members. The inner and outer shaft members are removably coupled to the housing and the outer shaft member is movable with respect to the inner shaft member. An end effector is operably supported at the distal end of the outer shaft member and includes a pair of jaw members configured for treating tissue. A bushing operably couples to the inner and outer shaft members of the shaft assembly and selectively and releasably couples to the housing. The bushing includes one or more mechanical interfaces configured to engage one or more slots defined through the inner shaft member and one or more slots defined through the outer shaft member to release the inner and outer shaft members from the housing. |
| US09161765B2 |
Thrombectomy catheter deployment system
A thrombectomy catheter deployment for operation of a thrombectomy catheter includes a stand alone drive unit and a disposable pump/catheter assembly which is manually placed into a carriage assembly in the drive unit. The pump/catheter assembly has a plurality of preconnected components including tubular structure and a thrombectomy catheter connected thereto and is transported into or out of the interior of the drive unit for automatic high pressure pump piston head engagement or disengagement with a reciprocating linear actuator and for automatic engagement of disengagement of an effluent waste tube with a roller pump. A barcode reader senses specific operational data pertaining to an individual pump and provides an interface for operation of the reciprocating linear actuator. |
| US09161757B2 |
Hub for positioning annular structure on a surgical device
An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device having a cartridge assembly; and an anvil assembly having a shaft extending therefrom and a connection feature on the shaft. The apparatus further including a hub having a connection portion selectively attachable to the connection feature of the shaft, the connection portion defining a lumen for receiving the shaft; and an annular structure operatively connected to the hub and extending radially outwardly therefrom, the hub being arranged for locating the annular structure between the adjacent intestinal sections when connected to the shaft. |
| US09161754B2 |
Apparatus and method for concurrently forming a gastroesophageal valve and tightening the lower esophageal sphincter
An apparatus enables concurrent restoration of a gastroesophageal valve and tightening of the lower esophageal sphincter. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal member having a distal end arranged to be received within a stomach, a tissue shaper at the distal end of the longitudinal member that forms a gastroesophageal valve from stomach tissue, and a tissue gatherer that gathers fundus tissue at or aboral to the gastroesophageal junction to reduce an esophageal opening into the stomach and tighten the lower esophageal sphincter. A fastener deployer then deploys at least one fastener pair to maintain both the restored gastroesophageal valve and the tightened lower esophageal sphincter. |
| US09161753B2 |
Buttress fixation for a circular stapler
A stapling apparatus has a buttress material removably attached to a staple cartridge of the stapling apparatus by at least one anchor releasable retained within a notch defined in the staple cartridge. The stapling apparatus has a staple pusher including a plurality of fingers for ejecting staples out of the staple cartridge, and at least one of the fingers includes a protrusion for pushing the at least one anchor out from the notch and releasing the buttress material. |
| US09161752B2 |
Rhenium tungsten wire, method of manufacturing the wire and medical needle using the wire
The present invention provides a rhenium tungsten wire comprising 10 to 30 mass % of rhenium and balance of tungsten, and having a wire diameter D of 0.10-0.40 mm, wherein a tensile strength T (N/mm2) of the rhenium tungsten wire exists within a range specified by an equation (1). 6314.6×D2−7869.3×D+4516.3≦T≦5047.4×D2−7206.4×D+5129.2 (1). In a case where the medical needle is manufactured from the above rhenium tungsten wire, crack and breakage hardly occur at a time of performing a pressing work or a bending work, so that a production yield and durability of the resultant products can be greatly improved. |
| US09161751B2 |
Suture system and assembly
A suture system configured to place suture in tissue includes a tool and a suture assembly. The tool includes a proximal portion, a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat, and a needle that is movable through a needle exit port formed in the proximal portion of the tool to a cavity formed in the distal end of the tool. The suture assembly includes a leader that is insertable into the cavity. The leader has a distal end attached to a length of suture and a band having at least two prongs extending from a proximal edge of the band. The prongs are configured to engage with the needle to allow the needle to extract the leader from the cavity and deliver it to the needle exit port. |
| US09161750B2 |
Suture management system
Assemblies, devices and methods are provided for suture management associated with surgical procedures for anchoring suture to bone. Suture elements mounted to suture anchors are terminated in suture loops or tags, and associated stop members that in combination with visual coding provide suture identification, prevent accidental unmounting of suture from suture anchors, and reduce the number of suture legs requiring active management during complex arthroscopic repairs. The present invention also provides exemplary drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art. |
| US09161748B2 |
Bone anchors for use in attaching soft tissue to bone
Bone anchors for attaching soft tissue to bone include an anchor body having a bore that opens at a proximal end and a suture attachment site in communication with the bore for slidably receiving a suture thereon. In one embodiment, three suture attachment sites are provided by two transverse pins placed within the bore. The bone anchors can be fully threaded and, in one embodiment, can have fine and coarse threads for engaging cortical and cancellous bone tissue, respectively. |
| US09161742B2 |
Ultrasound imaging apparatus
An ultrasound imaging apparatus including a processing unit configured to produce an ultrasound image of the target region by applying position/orientation data representative of the position and/or orientation of an ultrasound transducer on the first side of a surface during each collection cycle to echo data representative of reflected ultrasound energy received by the ultrasound transducer during each collection cycle so as to coherently focus the echo data at a plurality of points distributed within the target region. |
| US09161740B2 |
Probe with an adaptive bending section
When transesophageal echocardiography is used to obtain a transgastric short axis view of the left ventricle of the heart, the best place to position the transducer is in the fundus of the stomach, aimed up through the left ventricle. The probes disclosed herein facilitate placement of the transducer in the optimum position within the fundus, despite wide variations in the distance between the lower esophageal sphincter and the fundus among different subjects. In one preferred embodiment, the ultrasound probe uses a bending section with a series of vertebrae and stiffening that is more flexible proximally and less flexible distally, which causes the probe to bend relatively sharply at the point where the probe exits the lower esophageal sphincter. The flexibility of the proximal-most portion of the bending section is preferably greater than or equal to the flexibility of the interface between the bending section and the shaft. |
| US09161738B2 |
Ultrasonic probe device and system and methods of generating ultrasonic images
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe device comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, where the body has a channel that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. A cord passes through the channel and is extendable and retractable relative to the distal end of the elongated body. An ultrasonic probe head is connected to the cord and has a proximal end adjacent the distal end of the elongated body. The proximal end of the probe head is detachably connected to the distal end of the elongated body. The present invention is also directed to an ultrasound imaging system and a method of generating an ultrasonic image. |
| US09161736B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and elasticity image display method
Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with: an ultrasonic probe which transmits/receives ultrasonic waves to/from an object while being in contact with the object; a transmission/reception unit which, in a process in which pressing force applied to the object by the ultrasonic probe is changed and the tomographic position at which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted/received to/from the object is moved in a short axis direction, periodically transmits/receives the ultrasonic waves to/from the object, performs reception processing on a reflection echo signal from the object, and measures RF signal frame data at the tomographic position; a displacement measurement unit which, on the basis of two pieces of RF signal frame data, between which the difference in measurement time falls within a set range, selected from among multiple pieces of RF signal frame data sequentially measured by the transmission/reception unit, finds the displacement of a living tissue at the tomographic position and sequentially generates displacement frame data; an elasticity information calculation unit which on the basis of the displacement frame data sequentially generated by the displacement measurement unit, finds elasticity information relating to the living tissue at the tomographic position, and sequentially generates elasticity frame data; and an elasticity image construction unit which on the basis of the elasticity frame data sequentially generated by the elasticity information calculation unit, sequentially constructs elasticity images. |
| US09161735B2 |
Systems, compositions, and methods for local imaging and treatment of pain
Pain factors are labeled with targeted agents or markers delivered into the body. The labeled pain factors are imaged with appropriate imaging tools in a manner allowing selective identification and localization of areas of pain source or transmission. The labeled pain factors allow spatial differentiation in the imaging sufficient to specify the location of the pain so as to drive therapeutic decisions and techniques in order to treat the pain. Pain factors labeled and imaged in this manner may include one or more of nerve factors, blood vessel factors, cellular factors, and inflammation factors. Labeled markers may include for example radioactive materials (e.g. tritiated or iodinated molecules) or other materials such as metal (e.g. gold) nanoparticles. |
| US09161731B2 |
Supply unit for a movable gantry
An imaging device has a gantry designed to movie along the floor of a room in which the imaging device is installed. The imaging device has a supply unit that includes a transfer arrangement to transfer power and/or data and/or coolant between a stationary supply source and the movable gantry. The supply unit is arranged in or on the floor. |
| US09161730B2 |
Apparatus for detecting X-ray, method of manufacturing the same, and method of repairing the same
An X-ray detection apparatus including a case; a circuit board disposed in the case; a connection circuit unit disposed in the case, where the connection circuit unit is electrically connected with the circuit board and includes an integrated circuit (“IC”) chip; a detection panel configured to be inserted into and ejected from the case, where the detection panel is electrically connected to the connection circuit unit; and a contact support unit disposed in the case, wherein the contact support unit allows the connection circuit unit and the detection panel to contact each other by applying a force on the connection circuit unit. |
| US09161726B2 |
Imaging system subject support motion algorithm(s)
An imaging system (400) includes a subject support (412) configured to carry a subject being imaged in an examination region of the imaging system and a subject support controller (418) that positions the subject support and hence the subject in the examination region for scanning the subject based on a motion algorithm which reduces subject support vibration during scanning relative to a trapezoidal or s-curve motion algorithm, for a given translation duration and a given translation distance. |
| US09161723B2 |
Methods and systems for qualifying calculated values based on multiple difference signals
A physiological monitoring system may determine physiological information, such as physiological rate information, from a physiological signal. The system may receive a calculated value indicative of a physiological rate. The system may generate and sort multiple difference signals based on the physiological signal. The system may analyze a first sorted difference signal and a second sorted difference signal to determine at least one first metric, and analyze a third sorted difference signal and a fourth sorted difference signal to determine at least one second metric. The system may qualify or disqualify the calculated value based on the at least one first and second metrics. The segments used to generate the third and fourth sorted difference signals may, for example, be subsets of the segments used to generate the first and second sorted difference signals. |
| US09161722B2 |
Technique for remanufacturing a medical sensor
Remanufactured medical sensors and methods for remanufacturing used medical sensors are provided. Such a remanufactured sensor may include certain components from a used medical sensor and certain new components. For example, a remanufactured regional oximetry sensor may include a padding layer, an emitter and a pair of detectors, a flexible circuit coupled to the emitter and detectors, and a patient-contacting adhesive layer. The flexible circuit, the emitter, the first detector, the second detector, or any combination thereof, are from a used medical sensor, and the padding layer, the patient-contacting adhesive layer, or a combination thereof, are new. |
| US09161721B2 |
Electronic device and method of using the same
An electronic device includes an upper layer made of a non-conductive material; a lower layer made of a non-conductive material, wherein at least one of the upper layer and the lower layer is made of a resilient material having a sufficient elasticity such that it will return to an original shape after being deformed, wherein the upper layer comprises an upper conductor and the lower layer comprises a lower conductor and a space is provided between the upper conductor and the lower conductor such that the upper conductor and the lower conductor are not in contact until a force is applied to deform at least one of the upper layer and the lower layer. A sensor device for human body testing connected with the lower conductor, or the lower conductor is configured to function as part of a sensor device for human body testing. |
| US09161720B2 |
System and method for evaluation of disease burden
A sensitive method of assessing treatment using molecular and anatomical imaging scans provides automatic tumor identification and quantification within anatomical zones based on treatment criteria. Absolute or comparative measures of tumors in pre- and/or post-scans are thereby isolated from other tissue to accentuate the progress of the treatment when multiple scattered disease lesions are present. |
| US09161719B2 |
Sleep evaluation device
A sleep evaluation device includes an obtainment unit configured to obtain audio and a determination unit configured to determine a snoring level in the audio obtained by the obtainment unit based on an amount of time for which the audio occurred. The determination unit is configured to determine a snoring level based on a ratio of a cumulative time in which the obtainment unit obtains the audio to a number of times the audio is obtained by the obtainment unit. |