Document | Document Title |
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US09163243B2 |
Nucleic acids specifically binding CGRP
The present invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule capable of binding to CGRP, wherein the nucleic acid molecule comprises a central stretch of nucleotides, wherein the central stretch of nucleotides comprises a nucleotide sequence of 5′ HWn1n2YGGAn3An4UMn5n6Yn7n8n9n10n11Kn12Rn13ADn14n15 ARn16Un17Cn18n19Un20n21 3′ [SEQ ID NO: 99], wherein H, W, Y, G, A, U, M, B, K, R, D, C are ribonucleotides, and n1 is R or dG, n2 is U or dT, n3 is K or dG, n4 is C or dC, n5 is M or dC, n6 is B or dU, n7 is N or dG, n8 is Y or dT, n9 is N or dC, n10 is R or dG, n11 is V or dA, n12 is K or dT or dU, n13 is G or dG, n14 is A or dA, n15 is U or dT, n16 is R or dG, n17 is Y or dC, n18 is C or dC, n19 is B or dC, n20 is C or dC, n21 is C or dC, and dG, dT, dC, dA and dU are 2′-deoxyribonucleotides. |
US09163241B2 |
Cell-type specific aptamer-siRNA delivery system for HIV-1 therapy
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for delivery of siRNA to specific cells or tissue. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for cell type-specific delivery of anti-HIV siRNAs via fusion to an anti-gp120 aptamer. |
US09163236B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition comprising NANOG SHRNA, and method of using NANOG SHRNA to treat cancer
The present description relates to an inhibitory RNA molecule, comprising an oligonucleotide that selectively knocks down expression of either Nanog or a Nanog pseudogene, a vector capable of encoding such inhibitory RNA molecule, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said vector, and methods of treating cancer by administration of said pharmaceutical composition. |
US09163234B2 |
Culture method
The invention provides methods of culturing cells, particularly maintaining the differentiation potential of a population of cells with differentiation potential. The methods involve contacting cells with an inhibitor of miRNA-181a* and/or incubation in a serum-free medium. A serum-free medium is also provided. Also provided are progeny stem cells, methods of obtaining them, and uses thereof. |
US09163226B2 |
Storage-stable liquid washing or cleaning agent containing proteases
Phosphonate-containing liquid washing or cleaning agent exhibiting advantageous proteolytic activity and improved storage stability comprising a protease having an amino acid sequence which is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence stated in SEQ ID NO. 1 and which comprises in position 99 in the numbering according to SEQ ID NO. 1 the amino acid glutamic acid (E) or aspartic acid (D) or the amino acid asparagine (N) or glutamine (Q) or the amino acid alanine (A) or glycine (G) or serine (S). |
US09163225B2 |
Methods for purifying insect membrane-bound receptor proteins from recombinant production hosts
The invention is drawn to a method for purifying membrane-bound proteins expressed in recombinant insect cells using N-laurosarcosine. The invention is particularly suited for expressing cadherin-type receptors cloned from Ostrinia nubilalis, European Corn Borer, and expressed in Sf9 insect cells. The method is optionally adapted for use with 6-his tag proteins. |
US09163223B2 |
Polypeptide having acetyl xylan esterase activity and uses thereof
The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a variant polypeptide or variant polynucleotide thereof, wherein the variant polypeptide has at least 82% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or the variant polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide that has at least 82% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention features the full length coding sequence of the novel gene as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional polypeptide and functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to methods for using the polypeptide in industrial processes. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention suitable for producing these proteins. |
US09163221B2 |
Fatty alcohol forming acyl reductases (FARs) and methods of use thereof
The present disclosure provides methods useful for producing fatty alcohol compositions from recombinant host cells. The disclosure further provides variant fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) enzymes, polynucleotides encoding the variant FAR enzymes, and vectors and host cells comprising the same. |
US09163218B2 |
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 Jhdm1a that modify histone. By utilizing 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. |
US09163213B2 |
RNA preparations comprising purified modified RNA for reprogramming cells
The present invention provides compositions and methods for reprogramming somatic cells using purified RNA preparations comprising single-strand mRNA encoding an iPS cell induction factor. The purified RNA preparations are preferably substantially free of RNA contaminant molecules that: i) would activate an immune response in the somatic cells, ii) would decrease expression of the single-stranded mRNA in the somatic cells, and/or iii) active RNA sensors in the somatic cells. In certain embodiments, the purified RNA preparations are substantially free of partial mRNAs, double-stranded RNAs, un-capped RNA molecules, and/or single-stranded run-on mRNAs. |
US09163211B2 |
Animal protein free media for cultivation of cells
The present invention relates to animal protein free cell culture media comprising a combination of non-animal derived peptides derived from soy hydrolysate and yeast hydrolysate. The invention also provides an animal protein free culture process, wherein cells are cultivated, propagated and passaged without animal-derived components. This process is useful for cultivating cells, such as recombinant cells or cells infected with a virus, and for production biological products by cell culture processes under conditions devoid of animal protein components. |
US09163205B2 |
Process for making films from nonwoven webs
A process for making a film from a nonwoven web by converting the nonwoven web into a film and films and unit dose products made therefrom are provided. |
US09163203B2 |
Lipolytic enzyme variant with improved stability and polynucleotides encoding same
The invention provides lipolytic enzyme variants having improved in-detergent stability and polynucleotides encoding same. Lipolytic enzyme variants with improved in-detergent stability are obtained by substituting certain specified amino acid residues in a parent lipolytic enzyme. |
US09163202B2 |
Aqueous cleaning compositions including an alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate
Cleaning compositions and methods of making and using the same are provided. The cleaning compositions of the present invention may include at least one alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and water, optionally including at least one surfactant and one or more additional additives. The cleaning compositions of the present invention, which are non-toxic and environmentally benign, can be useful to remove many types of soils from a range of different substrates in a variety of domestic, industrial, and/or institutional applications. |
US09163200B2 |
Liquid cleaning and/or cleansing composition
The present invention relates to a liquid, cleaning and/or cleansing composition comprising abrasive cleaning particles. |
US09163199B1 |
Linear alkylbenzenes from natural oils and methods of producing
A linear alkyl benzene product and production of linear alkylbenzene from a natural oil are provided. A method comprises the step of deoxygenating the natural oils to form a stream comprising paraffins. The paraffins are dehydrogenated to provide mono-olefins. Then, benzene is alkylated with the mono-olefins under alkylation conditions to provide an alkylation effluent comprising alkylbenzenes and benzene. Thereafter, the alkylbenzenes are isolated to provide the alkylbenzene product. |
US09163197B1 |
Methods of extracting phytochemicals from sorghum bran
A method of extracting phytochemical products from sorghum is achieved by treating a sorghum bran material composed of removed outer portions of whole sorghum seeds. The removed outer portions constitute those portions of the outer 40% or less by weight of the whole sorghum seeds. By utilizing different treatment techniques, phytochemical products of fats and oils, pigments, waxes, and antioxidants can be obtained from the sorghum material. |
US09163192B2 |
Coal processing with added biomass and volatile control
A process for treating input coal includes treating input coal in a pyrolysis step to form coal char. The pyrolysis step includes heating the coal substantially in the absence of oxygen to remove volatile material from the coal. The volatile material evolved from the coal in the pyrolysis step is treated to separate the volatile material into gases and liquids, wherein the liquids contain condensed volatile material. A portion of the liquids is directed to the coal char, and the returned portion of the liquids is mixed with the coal char, thereby returning some of the volatile material to the coal char. |
US09163189B2 |
Balanced unleaded fuel compositions
Balanced unleaded fuel compositions exhibiting: a pump octane rating of greater than 93; a T50 (maximum) of 104.4° C. (220° F.) and a T90 (maximum) of 165.6° C. (330° F.), as required under the CARB Phase 3 model; and, producing a higher average torque and/or higher average power output than commercially available fuels stated to meet the CARB Phase 3 model. |
US09163188B2 |
Separation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen
A process is described for separating a gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) impurities into a hydrogen (H2) rich vapor stream, a carbon dioxide (CO2) stream and an H2S rich vapor stream in an apparatus that comprises a compression and/or cooling system comprising at least one compressor and/or heat exchanger and a gas-liquid separator vessel, and an H2S recovery unit. In examples, the process comprises the steps of: (a) feeding the gas stream to the compression and/or cooling system such that carbon dioxide in the gas stream condenses to form a two-phase stream; (b) passing the two-phase stream either directly or indirectly to a gas-liquid separator vessel and withdrawing a hydrogen rich vapor stream and a liquid CO2 stream containing dissolved H2S impurities from the separator vessel; (c) passing the liquid CO2 stream containing dissolved H2S impurities to an H2S recovery unit comprising an evaporator/condenser in which the CO2 and H2S are vaporized and an H2S absorber in which the gaseous H2S and CO2 are separated, wherein the two phase stream passed to the separator is at a pressure of from 80 bar to 400 bar. In some applications, the pressure of the H2S recovery unit is at least 30 bar. In a preferred example, residual CO2 in the hydrogen rich vapor stream is removed in an optional step by solvent extraction in a CO2 absorber most preferably in a configuration where the H2S and CO2 absorbers share the same (preferably methanol) solvent. |
US09163187B2 |
Gasification of combustible organic materials
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a combustible gas having a lower heating value of at least 1 MJ/Nm3, comprising the reaction of an oxidizing gas comprising steam or oxygen or CO2 with an organic material in contact with a molten silicate bath held in a tank and comprising a heat supply into the molten silicate, said process operating continuously, silicate being regularly drained from the tank and vitrifiable materials being regularly introduced in order to feed the silicate bath. The heat supply is preferably of the submerged combustion type. The invention also relates to a continuous industrial manufacturing process comprising continuous production, in an industrial production unit comprising a gaseous fuel burner that generates combustion gases; continuous production of steam in a boiler; and continuous production of combustible gas in a unit for producing combustible gas comprising the reaction of an oxidizing gas comprising steam with an organic material, the combustion gases being conveyed to the boiler in order to vaporize water and produce steam, the steam produced by the boiler being conveyed to the unit for producing combustible gas in order to react with the organic material, the combustible gas being conveyed to the industrial production unit in order to be burnt therein as a gaseous fuel. |
US09163180B2 |
Process for the conversion of carbon-based material by a hybrid route combining direct liquefaction and indirect liquefaction in the presence of hydrogen resulting from non-fossil resources
A process for the conversion of carbon-based material to fuel bases by a hybrid route combining direct ebullent bed liquefaction and indirect liquefaction by gasification followed by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, including a stage of production of hydrogen resulting from non-fossil resources and a reverse water gas reaction stage. This process makes it possible to limit emissions of greenhouse gases. |
US09163174B2 |
Highly efficient phosphorescent materials
Novel phosphorescent heteroleptic iridium complexes with substituted phenylquinoline ligands are provided. The alkyl substitution on the phenylquinoline ligands together with larger alkyl substituents on the acetylacetone-derived ligands produces complexes with improved properties that are useful when incorporated into OLED devices. |
US09163170B2 |
Epoxy resin composition including silica and core-shell polymer particles
Disclosed is an impact resistant adhesive composition including silica and core-shell polymer particles. The impact resistant adhesive composition includes: (a) a first component including an epoxy resin and a polymeric dispersant, or an epoxy resin-polymeric dispersant prepolymer; (b) a second component including silica and core-shell polymer particles having a particle diameter of 20 to 250 nm; and (c) a third component including a curing agent and an additive mixture. The polymeric dispersant is a flexible polyether monoamine or polyether diamine which includes a mixed form of a lipophilic alkyl oxide chain and a hydrophilic ethylene oxide chain in the main chain, and has a weight average molecular weight of 500 to 4,000. |
US09163169B2 |
Adhesive compositions having a reduced cure time and methods for making and using same
Adhesive compositions having a reduced cure time and methods for making and using same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the adhesive composition can include a mixture of one or more phenolic-aldehyde resins and one or more cure accelerants. The one or more cure accelerants can be selected from the group consisting of: ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, one or more primary amines, one or more secondary amines, one or more tertiary amines, one or more alkanolamines, one or more aromatic amines, one or more polyamines, one or more amides, one or more polyamides, one or more compounds containing at least one amine functional group and at least one sulfur functional group, and any mixture thereof. In one or more embodiments, the adhesive composition can also include one or more hardeners. |
US09163168B2 |
UV-crosslinkable PSAs with UV absorber, methods for producing them and use
The invention provides meltable and UV-crosslinkable pressure-sensitive adhesives, such as acrylate hotmelts or hotmelt formulations, which can be processed by commonplace hotmelt processes and also on customary hotmelt coating lines, without any immediate alteration in the product properties in the event of (unwanted) deviation in the operational parameters. The compositions of the invention are UV-crosslinkable and meltable pressure-sensitive adhesives comprising (i) mixtures of UV-crosslinkable polyacrylate polymers selected from a) mixtures of UV-crosslinkable polymers with at least one photoinitiator bonded covalently to the backbone of the polymers, and b) mixtures of UV-crosslinkable polyacrylate polymers, monomers and at least one photoinitiator, and also (ii) at least one UV stabilizer, and also methods for producing them and the use thereof as bonding agents. |
US09163165B2 |
Primerless removable adhesive systems
This invention relates to a primerless removable or repositionable pressure sensitive tape or label comprises a porous substrate material, and a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition comprising (i) 10 to 90 wt. %, based on the combined weight of parts (i) and (ii), of one or more aqueous adhesive (co)polymer, and (ii) 90 to 10 wt. %, based on the combined weight of parts (i) and (ii), of one of more water-dispersed thermoplastic material, wherein the water-dispersed thermoplastic material is incompatible with the aqueous adhesive (co)polymer. |
US09163162B2 |
Polishing agent, polishing agent set and method for polishing base
A polishing agent according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a liquid medium, an abrasive grain including a hydroxide of a tetravalent metal element, a polymer compound having an aromatic ring and a polyoxyalkylene chain, and a cationic polymer, wherein a weight average molecular weight of the polymer compound is 1000 or more. |
US09163157B2 |
Acrylic resin composition and moldings in which said composition is used
The present invention relates to a multilayer laminated product which at least contains a layer formed of an acrylic resin composition containing an acrylic resin as a main component, and a specific terminally-modified polycarbonate resin. Moreover, the multilayer laminated product of the present invention has an excellent releasability and low frictional properties. |
US09163151B2 |
Coating composition for a food or beverage can
A two component coating composition, suitable for coating onto a metal substrate, especially food and beverage cans, the coating composition comprising: a first component comprising an acrylic latex material; and a second component comprising a functional silane material. |
US09163140B2 |
Polyester compositions
The invention relates to compositions based on polyester, titanium dioxide, and glass fibers, to the use of said compositions for producing short-period-heat-resistant products and also to a process for producing short-period-heat-resistant polyester-based products, in particular polyester-based optoelectronic products. |
US09163139B2 |
Extended film and the manufacturing method thereof
An extended film and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The extended film includes a poly(lactic acid) and a block copolymer, wherein the block polymer includes a first block, a second block and a third block that connected with each other by chemical bonds. The extended film is formed by steps of mixing poly(lactic acid) and the block copolymer to form a mixture, compressing the mixture to form a board body and extending the board body to form an extended film, thereby forming an extended film having properties of high thermal-resistance and high transparency, the film thus obtained is applicable for packaging use. |
US09163131B2 |
Resin composition containing ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer
The present invention provides a resin composition containing (A) an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and (B) an unsaturated aldehyde (B), in which the content of the unsaturated aldehyde (B) with respect to the resin composition containing the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer is 0.01 ppm or more and 100 ppm or less. The unsaturated aldehyde (B) is preferably crotonaldehyde, 2,4-hexadienal, 2,4,6-octatrienal or a combination thereof. In addition, it is preferred that the resin composition further contains a boron compound, and the content of the boron compound is 100 ppm or more and 5,000 ppm or less. Also, it is preferred that the resin composition further contains a conjugated polyene compound, and the content of the conjugated polyene compound is 0.01 ppm or more and 1,000 ppm or less. |
US09163129B2 |
Black pigment, and glaze and paint containing same
Provided is a novel pigment that has the ability to selectively reflect infrared light. The pigment is a black pigment which comprises a (Cr,Fe)2O3 solid solution, wherein the ratio of the Cr and the Fe (molar ratio) is (90-97):(10-3), the solid solution having a non-spinel structure. |
US09163128B2 |
Titanium oxide-containing aluminum oxide particles based on corundum melted in an electric arc furnace from calcined alumina, and a method for the production thereof
Titanium oxide-containing aluminum oxide particles are based on corundum melted in an electric arc furnace from calcined alumina. The particles may have an aluminum oxide content of less than 97.0% by weight, a titanium oxide content ranging from 1.3% by weight to 1.8% by weight, and a zirconium oxide content of ranging from 0.02% by weight to 0.1% by weight. The aluminum oxide particles may have an arithmetic mean compactness of less than 0.8. |
US09163127B2 |
Rubber composition suitable for use as a cap ply in a tire
Disclosed is a rubber composition suitable for use as a cap ply rubber composition. The rubber composition comprises: (a) at least one natural or synthetic rubbery polymer; (b) from 0.1 to 20 phr of at least one hydrazide compound; (c) from 0.1 to 10 phr of at least one methylene donor; (d) from 0.1 to 10 phr of at least one methylene acceptor resin; and (e) from 0.1 to 10 phr of zinc oxide. A method of making the same is also disclosed. |
US09163125B2 |
Method of preparing a transparent polymer material comprising a thermoplastic polycarbonate and surface-modified mineral nanoparticles
A method of preparing a transparent polymer material includes i) obtaining composite nanoparticles having mineral nanoparticles at least partially coated with at least one monomer and/or at least one polymer suitable for promoting physicochemical interactions at the interface between the mineral nanoparticles and a thermoplastic polycarbonate matrix, the mineral nanoparticles being surface-modified by the monomer and/or the polymer, either directly by grafting or directly by adsorption of the monomer and/or polymer onto the surface of the mineral nanoparticles; or via a coupling agent selected from a chlorosilane or an organosilane including a functional group that is capable of reacting by a radical pathway. The composite nanoparticles obtained in step i) are mixed with the thermoplastic polycarbonate matrix in the molten state to obtain the transparent polymer material. |
US09163120B2 |
Initiator
An initiator for cationic polymerization comprises a salt of a protic acid as well as a protic add. The molar ratio of protic acid to salt is in the range from 1:0.01 to 1:2000. The initiator is used for example for cationic homo- or copolymerization of trioxane, and permits stable and flexible operation of the polymerization. |
US09163118B2 |
Poly(amide-imide) block copolymer, article including same, and display device including the article
A poly(amide-imide) block copolymer that includes: a first segment including a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1A, a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1B, a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1C, or a combination thereof; and a second segment including a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2: |
US09163116B2 |
Polycarbonate resin composition
To provide a polycarbonate resin composition excellent in low-birefringence and strength.Disclosed is a polycarbonate resin composition prepared by blending a polycarbonate resin (A) prepared by forming carbonate bonds in a 95-5% by mole of dihydroxy compound represented by formula (1) and a 5-95% by mole of dihydroxy compound represented by formula (2) with a diester carbonate, and a polycarbonate resin (B) prepared by forming carbonate bonds in dihydroxy compound represented by formula (3) with a diester carbonate or phosgene in a 45-85% ratio by weight of (100×(A))/((A)+(B)). (in the formula, R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen atom or methyl respectively.) |
US09163109B2 |
Method for producing hydrophilic, aliphatic polyurethane foams having a low bulk density
The invention relates to a method for producing hydrophilic, aliphatic polyurethane foams having a low bulk density. The invention also relates to a hydrophilic, aliphatic polyurethane foam which can be obtained according to said method and to the use thereof as a wound dressing, incontinence product or as a cosmetic article. |
US09163108B2 |
Photochromic polyurethane laminate
A photochromic polyurethane laminate wherein the photochromic polyurethane layer of the laminate has been crosslinked with a isocyanate-active prepolymer using a crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent is formulated to have at least three functional groups that are reactive with functional groups of the polyurethane or of the isocyanate-active prepolymer. A method of making the photochromic polyurethane laminate includes steps of causing the crosslinking. |
US09163107B2 |
Cationic polymers formed from amino group-bearing monomers and heterocyclic linkers
The present invention is directed to a design of and a method to synthesize polycations for gene (DNA and RNA) delivery. According to this design, the polycations (also said cationic polymers) are formed by polymerization of endogenous monomers bearing sufficient amino groups through degradable bonds with linker molecules. The amino group-bearing monomers are those naturally existing or nontoxic to human body. The linker molecules are those which are not only degradable to nontoxic fragments but also able to release the amino group-bearing monomers in their native state upon degradation. Some examples for the endogenous amino group-bearing monomers are spermine and spermidine (or their derivatives). Examples for the degradable chemical bonds formed between the amino group-bearing monomers are imines. In order to improve degradability or proton sponging effect, low pKa (<8) amino group(s), free amino groups generated by polymer degradation (such as those generated by degradation of imine linkages), or other electron donating group(s) such as imidazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, or even benzene is incorporated in the linker between the two (or three) reactive groups for linking the amino group-bearing monomers. These polycationic carrier systems can be used for nano-encapsulation and transfection of gene materials. |
US09163105B2 |
Conjugated diene based polymer, and polymer composition containing the polymer
The present invention relates to a conjugated diene based polymer comprising a monomer unit derived from at least one conjugated diene selected from 1,3-butadiene and isoprene and a monomer unit derived from a compound having two conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds and one or more non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bond. |
US09163099B2 |
Polybutadiene modified polymer polyols, foams prepared from polybutadiene modified polymer polyols, and processes for the production thereof
This invention relates to polybutadiene modified polymer polyols which comprise one or more base polyols, at least one preformed stabilizer, one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and polybutadiene, in the presence of at least one free radical polymerization catalyst, and optionally, one or more chain transfer agents. The polybutadiene present in these polybutadiene modified polymer polyols may be carried into the polymer polyol through the preformed stabilizer, by a polybutadiene containing component that is added separately from the preformed stabilizer to the polymer polyol, or a combination thereof, with the total amount of polybutadiene ranging from 0.03 to 1.0% by weight of polybutadiene, based on 100% by weight of the polymer polyol. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing these polybutadiene modified polymer polyols, to foams prepared from these polybutadiene modified polymer polyols, and to processes for producing foams from these polybutadiene modified polymer polyols. |
US09163095B2 |
Cellulose powder and processes for its production
The invention relates to a process for producing spherical, non-fibrillar cellulose particles with a particle size in the range of from about 1 μm to about 400 μm from a solution of cellulose in which the solution is cooled down to below its solidification temperature wherein it is flowing freely, the solvent is washed out, the solidified cellulose solution is disintegrated to form cellulose powder comprising particles, and the disintegrated and washed out particles are dried. The invention also relates to the cellulose powder and particles made in accordance with the process of the invention. |
US09163088B2 |
Tumor antigens elicit anti-tumor humoral immune reactions in a subset of patients with polycythemia vera
The invention provides novel antigens, MPD5, PV13, and PV65, which belongs to the group of cryptic antigens without conventional genomic structure and is encoded by a cryptic open reading frame located in the 3′untranslated region (3′UTR) of myotrophin mRNA. The antigens elicit IgG antibody responses in a subset of PV patients, as well as patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and prostate cancer. The translation of MPD5, PV13 and PV65 was mediated by a novel internal ribosome entry site (IRES) upstream of the open reading frame. Eliciting anti-tumor immune response against MPD5, PV13 and/or PV65 antigen in patients with myeloproliferative diseases is a novel immunotherapy. |
US09163083B2 |
Human oncostatin M antibodies
Antibodies and compositions capable of neutralizing oncostatin M biological functions are useful in treating diseases and disorders associated with oncostatin M, such as osteoarthritis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. |
US09163079B2 |
Monospecific polypeptide reagents
The present invention relates to a novel antigen-binding protein construct or “modubody”, which contains at least three functional single domain modules of an antibody. The modubodies contain a domain from the heavy chain variable region of an antibody (VH), a domain from the light chain variable region of an antibody (VL) and bind monospecifically to an antigen. The modubodies further contain a domain from the constant region of antibodies. The modubodies can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. |
US09163076B2 |
Human skin equivalents expressing exogenous polypeptides
The present invention relates generally to compositions for wound healing. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous proteinase inhibitor polypeptides (e.g., TIMP-1 polypeptides) and compositions and methods for making human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of wounds with human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. |
US09163074B2 |
Human T2R nucleic acid sequences
Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G Protein-Coupled Receptors and the genes encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T2R taste G Protein-Coupled Receptors that are believed to be involved in bitter taste sensation, and the genes encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating a novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. |
US09163070B2 |
Designed ankyrin repeat proteins binding to platelet-derived growth factor
New designed ankyrin repeat proteins with binding specificity for PDGF-BB are described, as well as nucleic acids encoding such PDGF binding proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such proteins and the use of such proteins in the treatment of diseases. |
US09163069B2 |
Fusion proteins representing different allergens and a vaccine against allergy to mites
The present invention refers to recombinant DNA molecules encoding fusion peptides from different allergens from Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus having potential usefulness in prevention and treatment of allergies caused by domestic mites. Specifically, the invention discloses fusion proteins comprising different fragments of allergens Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 7, Der p 8, Blo t 5, Blo t 8, Blo t 18, Blo t 12 and Blo t 13 with reduced serum IgE reactivity in allergic and non-allergic individuals. It also discloses methods for production of these molecules in an expression system based on E. coli and purification. The invention refers also to effective and safe vaccines. |
US09163067B2 |
HIV-1 integrase derived stimulatory peptides interfering with integrase—Rev protein binding
Isolated peptides comprising sequences derived from the protein integrase of HIV-1, as well as their analogs, mixtures, conjugates with permeability enhancing moieties, and pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The peptides and compositions are capable of selectively killing HIV-1 infected cells and are used in treatment of HIV infection and AIDS. |
US09163065B2 |
Depsipeptide and uses thereof
The present invention relates generally to novel depsipeptides, to methods for the preparation of these novel depsipeptides, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel depsipeptides; and to methods of using the novel depsipeptides to treat or inhibit various disorders. |
US09163064B1 |
Water buffalo derived monomeric peptides containing proline for antibiotic therapies
The present disclosure relates to antimicrobial agents and methods of using such agents. The disclosure includes antimicrobial agents having broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, nucleic acids and amino acid sequences encoding such antimicrobial agents, as well as methods of using the antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial agents of the disclosure may be used to reduce survival of a microbe, as an antimicrobial therapeutic, in microbial treatment protocols, and in research, as well as other uses related to reducing microbe survival. In addition, the disclosure also includes compositions, as well as articles of manufacture, that comprise a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent. |
US09163062B2 |
Albumin-amyloid peptide conjugates and uses thereof
The invention provides conjugates comprising albumin and a peptide derived from the C-terminal region of amyloid beta peptide, as well as uses thereof for the treatment of diseases characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins and, in particular, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. |
US09163061B2 |
HCV protease inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same. |
US09163057B2 |
Methods of myocardial perfusion imaging
The present invention provides a method of myocardial perfusion imaging using reduced doses of (1-{9-[(4S,2R,3R,5R)3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]-6-aminopurin-2-yl}pyrazol-4-yl)-N-methylcarboxamide. |
US09163055B2 |
Methods for treating glaucoma using uridine diphosphate derivatives
This disclosure relates to prodrugs of uridine diphosphate (UDP) derivatives, compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of those prodrugs of the UDP derivatives and methods of using those prodrugs or compositions in treating disorders that are responsive to ligands, such as agonists, of P2Y6 receptor, e.g., neuronal disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease) and traumatic CNS injury, pain, Down Syndrome (DS), glaucoma, and inflammatory conditions. |
US09163051B2 |
Crystal of spiroketal derivatives and process for preparation of spiroketal derivatives
The present invention provides a process for preparing a spiroketal derivative, via an intermediate represented by Formula (VI): wherein variable groups and numbers are as defined in the specification, which can be produced from dihalobenzene derivatives in one pot reaction. |
US09163046B2 |
Process for producing substituted metallocene compounds for olefin polymerization
A process for producing a substituted metallocene compound comprises reacting a first compound with a transfer-agent, wherein the first compound comprises a complex of a transition metal atom selected from Group 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the Periodic Table of Elements, or a lanthanide metal atom, or actinide metal atom and at least one monocyclic or polycyclic ligand that is pi-bonded to M and is substituted with at least one halogen or sulfonate substituent and the transfer-agent comprises a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, silylcarbyl, or germylcarbyl radical capable of replacing said at least one halogen or sulfonate substituent of said first compound under reaction conditions. |
US09163045B2 |
Process for preparing diketonato-rhodium(I)-carbonyl complexes
The invention relates to a process for preparing diketonato-rhodium(I)-carbonyl complexes, especially diketonato-rhodium(I)-triorganophosphine-carbonyl complexes, for example Rh(CO)(PPh3)acac. The process according to the invention is a “one-pot synthesis” and features a process procedure without intermediate isolation stages. After introduction of an Rh(III) halide precursor into a solvent and sparging with carbon monoxide (CO), a diketo compound of the R′—C(═O)—CH2—C(═O)—R″ type and a base are added, forming the intermediate compound diketonato-Rh(CO)2. After addition of a triorganophosphine of the PR3 type, the reaction mixture is heated and the diketonatocarbonyltriorganophosphine-rhodium(I) complex is removed. The process enables a rapid operation and a high yield. The complex Rh(CO)(PPh3)acac prepared in accordance with the invention, because of its purity, is particularly suitable as a catalyst or precatalyst for homogeneous catalysis, for example for hydroformylation reactions. |
US09163043B2 |
Oxazolidinone derivatives
The present invention relates to novel derivatives of oxazolidinone, a method thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the derivatives for use in an antibiotic. The oxazolidinone derivatives of the present invention show inhibitory activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria and lower toxicity. The prodrugs, prepared by reacting the compound having hydroxyl group with amino acid or phosphate, have an excellent efficiency on solubility thereof against water. Further, the derivatives of the present invention may exert potent antibacterial activity versus various human and animal pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococi, Enterococci and Streptococi, anaerobic microorganisms such as Bacteroides and Clostridia, and acid-resistant microorganisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium. Accordingly, the compositions comprising the oxazolidinone are used in an antibiotic. |
US09163042B2 |
Prodrugs of pyridone amides useful as modulators of sodium channels
The invention relates to prodrug compounds of formula I: wherein R2, R3, R5, R7 and X are as defined herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders, including pain. The compounds of formula I possess advantageous solubility and physicochemical properties. |
US09163037B2 |
Hydrosilylation method, method for producing organosilicon compound, and organosilicon compound
A hydrosilylation method is provided. In this hydrosilylation method, silylation of the carbon atom other than the terminal carbon atom and generation of the by-product isomer by internal migration of the double bond are suppressed without sacrificing the hydrosilylation reactivity, even if an olefin compound having tertiary amine atom which can be a catalyst poison was used. In the hydrosilylation, an olefin compound having carbon-carbon unsaturated bond, and a compound having hydrogensilyl group are reacted in the presence of an acid amide compound, a nitrile compound and an aromatic hydroxyl compound, or an organoamine salt compound, by using catalytic action of platinum and/or its complex compound. |
US09163033B2 |
Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and methods of making the same
The present invention relates to 7-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and methods of making the same. Using a novel aza-[4+3] cycloaddition reaction, the 7-membered heterocyclic compounds are synthesized by reacting a first reactant and a second reactant. Exemplary first reactants and second reactants include α-halohydroxamates and dienes, respectively. |
US09163029B2 |
Substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyrrolo[1,2-d]pyrazines for treating respiratory syncytial virus infections
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) its salts, isomers or prodrugs thereof useful in the treatment of viral infections, in particular respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing the compounds and intermediates used in their preparation. |
US09163026B2 |
Inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase
Disclosed herein are compounds of Formula (D) that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions. |
US09163024B2 |
Tris salts of 8-chloro-3-pentyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione
The present invention relates to a tris salt of 8-chloro-3-pentyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione of Formula (A) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: corresponding pharmaceutical formulations, manufacture processes and uses of the aforementioned compound in therapy, particularly in treatment of diseases where under-activation of the HM74A receptor contributes to the disease or where activation of the receptor will be beneficial. |
US09163022B2 |
Tricyclic compounds as modulators of TNF-α synthesis and as PDE4 inhibitors
The present invention relates to chemical compounds of Formula (I) are as herein defined, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use in the treatment of conditions or disorders mediated by TNF-α or by PDE4, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis. |
US09163021B2 |
Pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine tropomyosin-related kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein the substituents are as described herein, and their use in medicine, in particular as Trk antagonists. |
US09163014B2 |
Crystals of pyrroloquinolinequinone sodium salts
A crystal of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt having peaks at 2θ of 9.1°, 10.3°, 13.8°, 17.7°, 18.3°, 24.0°, 27.4°, 31.2° and 39.5° (±0.2° for each) in powder X-ray diffractometry using Cu Kα radiation, or a crystal of pyrroloquinoline quinone trisodium salt having peaks at 2θ of 6.6°, 11.4°, 13.0°, 22.6°, 26.9°, 27.9°, 37.0°, 38.9° and 43.4° (±0.2° for each) in powder X-ray diffractometry using Cu Kα radiation. |
US09163011B2 |
Oxazine derivatives and their use in the treatment of disease
The invention relates to novel oxazine derivatives of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in which all of the variables are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, combinations thereof, and their use as medicaments, particularly for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease or diabetes via inhibition of BACE-1 or BACE-2. |
US09163010B2 |
Indolinone protein kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to new indolinone compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs for treating and preventing VEGFR related cellular disorders such as cancer. |
US09163008B2 |
Pyrimidines as sodium channel blockers
The present disclosure provides substituted pyrimidine compounds of Formula (I), and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein A1, X, A2, W1, W2, E, Z, and R4 are defined as set forth in the specification. The present disclosure is also directed to the use of compounds of Formula (I) to treat a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels. Compounds of the present disclosure are especially useful for treating pain. |
US09163004B2 |
Organic light-emitting device
A heterocyclic compound represented by Formula 1 below and an organic light-emitting device including the heterocyclic compound: wherein R1 through R9 are defined as in the specification. |
US09162998B2 |
Preparation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from saccharide solutions in the presence of a solvent having a boiling point greater than 60° C. and less than 200° C. (at standard pressure, called low boiler for short)
A process for preparing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which comprises a) feeding solutions (hereinafter called starting solution) comprising one or more saccharides and an organic solvent having a boiling point greater than 200° C. (at standard pressure) (called high boiler for short) and water, and a solvent having a boiling point greater than 60° C. and less than 200° C. (at standard pressure, called low boiler for short) to a reaction vessel, b) effecting a conversion of hexose to HMF in the reaction vessel in the presence of water vapor with simultaneous distillative removal of the HMF and c) obtaining, as the distillate, an aqueous, HMF-comprising solution (hereinafter called distillate). |
US09162993B2 |
Preparation and pharmaceuticals of biphenyl benzamide-derived derivatives
The present invention provides a biphenyl benzamide-derived derivatives, which structure is selected from formula I or formula II and the synthesis and the application thereof. |
US09162992B2 |
Compounds and compositions for treatment of breathing control disorders or diseases
The present invention includes compounds, and compositions comprising the same, that are useful in the treatment of breathing control diseases or disorders in a subject in need thereof. The present invention also includes a method of treating a respiratory disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention. The present invention further includes a method of preventing destabilization or stabilizing breathing rhythm in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention. |
US09162988B2 |
Therapeutic or prophylactic agent for allergic dermatitis
A therapeutic or prophylactic agent for allergic dermatitis is disclosed. The therapeutic or prophylactic agent comprises as an effective ingredient a glycine derivative having a specific structure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for example, the below-described compound [(E)-2-(2,6-dichlorobenzamido)-5-[4-(isopropyl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)phenyl]pent-4-enoic acid]. The therapeutic or prophylactic agent for allergic dermatitis according to the present invention has high therapeutic or prophylactic effect. |
US09162987B2 |
Iodo pyrimidine derivatives useful for the treatment of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-implicated diseases and conditions
Compounds useful for the inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are provided herein, having the Formula (I): wherein A is selected from the group consisting of aromatic or non-aromatic rings, bicyclic rings, polycyclic rings, alkenes or alkynes; B is H, OH, OR, SR, NH2, NHR, or alkyl; R is H or alkyl, and X and Y are independently N or CH, but one of X and Y must be N. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a Formula I compound and methods for the treatment of MIF-implicated diseases or conditions, comprising administering a safe and effective amount of a Formula I compound. |
US09162980B2 |
Anti-depression compounds
This technology relates generally to compounds and methods for stimulating neurogenesis (e.g., post-natal neurogenesis, including post-natal hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenesis) and/or protecting neuronal cell from cell death. Various compounds are disclosed herein. In vivo activity tests suggest that these compounds may have therapeutic benefits in neuropsychiatric and/or neurodegenerative diseases such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, normal aging, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, stroke, radiation therapy, chronic stress, abuse of a neuro-active drug, retinal degeneration, spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, physiological weight loss associated with various conditions, as well as cognitive decline associated with normal aging, chemotherapy, and the like. |
US09162979B2 |
1,5-Diary1-2-alkylpyrrole-3-substituted nitro esters, selective COX-2 inhibitors and nitric oxide donors
1,5-diaryl-2-alkylpyrrole-3-substituted nitro esters, of Formula (I) are provided. Such compounds are potent and selective COX-2 inhibitors which are able to release NO in concentrations that make it possible to counteract the side effects due to selective COX-2 inhibition, without giving rise to hypotensive effects. Formula (I) includes compounds wherein the groups R′ and R″ are: —H, —F, —Cl, —Br, —CH3, —CF3, —OCH3, —SCH3, R1 is methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl and the substituent in position −3 of the pyrrole ring is a chain, where the groups X, Y, Z, W and R2 are: X is a carbonyl or a group —(CHR3)—, Y is an oxygen atom or the group —NR3— and Z is a carbonyl or a group —(CHR3)—, or a [—CH(COOH)—] group, or a group —(NR3)—, W is an aliphatic chain substituted with one or two (—O—NO2) groups, R2 is: —H, —OH, —OCH3, or —NHR3. R3 is: —H, —CH3, —CH2CH3, [—CH2(CH3)2]. R′″ is methylsulphonyl or sulphonamido. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making an using such formulations are also provided. |
US09162976B2 |
Composition containing a dibenzoylmethane screening agent and a hydrophilic or water-soluble merocyanin uv-screening agent; process for photostabilizing the dibenzoylmethane screening agent
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing a combination i) of at least one screening agent of the dibenzoylmethane derivative type and ii) of at least one particular hydrophilic or water-soluble merocyanin UV-screening agent, especially corresponding to one of the formulae (I) or (II) below: in which at least one or two of the radicals contain: either an alkylsulfonate radical in its acid or salified form, or one or two hydroxyl radicals. The invention also relates to a process for the radiation-photostabilization of at least one screening agent of the dibenzoylmethane derivative type with an effective amount of at least one particular hydrophilic or water-soluble merocyanin UV-screening agent, especially corresponding to one of the formulae (I) or (II). |
US09162975B2 |
Phenyl carbamate compounds for use in alleviating or treating pain
A phenyl carbamate compound; a composition for treating and/or alleviating pain containing the phenyl carbamate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient; a method of treating and/or alleviating pain comprising administering the phenyl carbamate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a patient in need of pain treatment; and a use of the phenyl carbamate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in treating and/or alleviating pain, are provided. |
US09162974B2 |
Process for the preparation of vorinostat
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient vorinostat. In particular it relates to a process for preparing vorinostat substantially free from impurities. |
US09162972B2 |
Method for production of hydroxycarboxylic acid amide compounds and novel arylboronic acid compound
A method for production of hydroxycarboxylic acid amide compounds, including performing amide condensation between an α- or β-hydroxycarboxylic acid compound and an amine compound in the presence as a catalyst of an alkylboronic acid represented by R3B(OH)2 (wherein R3 is a primary alkyl group) or an arylboronic acid compound to produce a hydroxycarboxylic acid amide compound, the arylboronic acid compound being represented by Formula (1): (in Formula (1), —(CH2)nNR1R2 is bonded at an ortho position or a para position, n is 1 or 2, R1 is a tertiary alkyl group, R2 is a secondary or tertiary alkyl group, and —NR1R2 may be a ring). |
US09162969B2 |
Nitrooxyesters, their preparation and use
The present invention relates to the novel compounds of the formula (I), as well as to their manufacture and use and compositions comprising them. The invention also relates to a change in oxidation reactions of hydrocarbons admixed to these compounds. Furthermore the invention relates to (bio)diesel fuel comprising such compounds. |
US09162965B2 |
Method for producing a lactic ester from a fermentation juice containing ammonium lactate
The present invention relates to an industrial process for producing a lactic ester containing in total at least seven carbon atoms, from a fermentation liquor containing ammonium lactate in order to avoid the inherent production of gypsum, with a high yield and according to which the loss of lactic ester in the form of lactamide is limited as much as possible. |
US09162964B2 |
Acrylate production process
A process comprising for preparing C1 to C4 alkyl(meth)acrylates, such as butyl acrylate, wherein vaporized reactor contents are fed directly to a column, the aqueous reflux ratio to the column is from 4 to 12, and the level of acrylic acid in the primarily organic phase separated from the overhead condensate of the column is less than 2000 ppm. |
US09162961B2 |
Process for manufacturing succinic acid
A process for the preparation of succinic acid comprising the steps of: a) providing an aqueous medium comprising magnesium succinate by fermentation of a carbohydrate source, in the presence of a magnesium base; b) processing the aqueous medium wherein the magnesium succinate is treated with a monovalent base, prior to or after a crystallization step, to provide a magnesium base and an aqueous solution comprising a monovalent succinate salt; c) adjusting the concentration of the monovalent succinate salt to between 10 and 35 wt. %; d) subjecting the aqueous solution to water-splitting electrodialysis, to produce a first solution comprising monovalent base and a second solution comprising succinic acid and monovalent succinate salt, the electrodialysis causing conversion of 40 to 95 mole %; e) separating the second solution into succinic acid and the monovalent succinate salt by crystallization; f) recycling the monovalent succinate salt solution of step e) to step d). |
US09162960B2 |
Process for the preparation of a benzene derivative
A substituted benzene derivative is prepared in a process, which includes reacting a furan derivative of formula (I): wherein R is an alkyl group, with an olefin of formula (II): R1—CH═CH—R2 (II) wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and independently are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CN, —CHO and —COOR3, wherein R3 is selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group, or R1 and R2 together form a —C(O)—O—(O)C— group, with the proviso that R1 and R2 are not both hydrogen, to produce a bicyclic ether; and dehydrating the bicyclic ether to obtain a benzene derivative. The benzene derivative thus obtained can suitably be converted to a benzene carboxylic acid compound by oxidation. |
US09162951B2 |
Continuous process for conversion of lignin to useful compounds
This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create a slurry comprised of lignin, raise the slurry comprised of lignin to ultra-high pressure, deoxygenate the lignin in a lignin conversion reactor over a catalyst which is not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles. |
US09162945B2 |
Process for preparing 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
Provided is a process for preparing 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, wherein at least one chlorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of chloropropane represented by formula (1): CX3CHClCH2Cl, wherein each X is the same or different and each represents Cl or F, chloropropene represented by formula (2): CClY2CCl═CH2, wherein each Y is the same or different and each represents Cl or F, and chloropropene represented by formula (3): CZ2═CClCH2Cl, wherein each Z is the same or different and each represents Cl or F, is used as a starting compound, and said at least one chlorine-containing compound is reacted with hydrogen fluoride while being heated in a gaseous state in the presence of 50 ppm or more of water relative to the chlorine-containing compound. The process of the present invention makes it possible to produce 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) in a manner that is easily conducted, economically advantageous, and suitable for industrial scale production. |
US09162938B2 |
Conversion of triacylglycerides-containing oils to hydrocarbons
A process for converting triacylglycerides-containing oils into crude oil precursors and/or distillate hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The process may include: reacting a triacylglycerides-containing oil-water-hydrogen mixture at a temperature in the range from about 250° C. to about 525° C. and a pressure greater than about 75 bar to convert at least a portion of the triacylglycerides and recovering a reaction effluent comprising water and one or more of isoolefins, isoparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloparaffins, and aromatics; hydrotreating the reaction effluent to form a hydrotreated effluent. |
US09162934B2 |
Process for producing optically active alcohol
The object of the present invention is to solve the problems in the prior arts, and to find more improved reaction conditions for suppressing the racemization of the product and obtaining an optically active alcohol at a high optical purity. The inventors achieved to solve the above problems by using a solvent system that is capable of resolving both an asymmetric catalyst and a formate salt, allowing the hydrogen source and the asymmetric catalyst to be present in the same phase. |
US09162933B1 |
Auto-ignition composition
An auto ignition composition is provided that contains a sugar and/or carboxylic acid such as DL-tartaric acid as a first fuel; a binder; and an alkali or alkaline earth metal chlorate such as potassium chlorate as a first oxidizer. Alkali metal perchlorates such as potassium perchlorate may also be included as a second oxidizer. The composition(s) is typically contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system. The compositions may also be applied to the insides of military armament. |
US09162931B1 |
Tailored interfaces between two dissimilar nano-materials and method of manufacture
Provided are methods to fabricate bulk quantities at relatively low-cost of isotropic homogeneous nanostructured materials with high interfacial area whose properties are controlled and optimized by tailored interfaces between discrete dissimilar materials. In a preferred embodiment, the material is formed by uniformly and intimately mixing nanoparticles of different composition and then compacting and consolidating them to near theoretical density by a process that minimizes grain growth and controls the structure of the interfacial film-like region. One preferred application of these materials is a fast ion conducting material that can be used as a solid electrolyte in gas electrolyzers, electrochemical pumps, gas sensors, catalytic reactors, and most importantly in fuel cells. |
US09162929B2 |
SiC bodies and process for the fabrication of SiC bodies
Disclosed is a method for the synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) bodies having a relative density of 99% or higher and a SiC body synthesized according to the method. |
US09162926B2 |
Process for manufacturing a hydraulic bonding agent, corresponding additive and its use
The invention relates to a method for producing a hydraulic binder, comprising contacting a composition comprising cement clinker, before, during or after the grinding procedure, with (a) a defoaming agent and (b) 0.0005% to 2% by weight, based on the total composition, of at least one air-introducing compound, the defoaming agent (a) comprising 0.0001% to 0.5% by weight, based on the total composition, of at least one defoaming agent of the formula R10—(CmH2m—O—)x—(CdH2d—O—)c—H and the ratio of (a) to (b) being between 1:1 to 1:200. |
US09162925B2 |
Tailings stream treatment processes
A process for treating a tailings stream comprises (a) contacting (1) a gelling agent and (2) an activator with said tailings stream to produce a gel; (b) entrapping solids including sand and clay, and other solid particles with the gel; and (c) allowing the gel to strengthen and solidify to produce a trafficable deposit; wherein the tailings stream comprises water and solids, which solids comprise sand, clay and other solids particles, and wherein 5% by volume to 100% by volume of the solids have a particle size less than 0.05 mm, based on the total volume of the solids. The process may further comprises spreading the gel produced in step (a) or the trafficable deposit produced in step (c) over a surface. The present invention is particularly useful to treat tailings streams produced in processes to extract bitumen from oil sands ores. |
US09162924B2 |
Moisture wicking mortar with microtubes
A novel mortar mix and mortar formed therewith. The mortar contains sand, lime, cement and microtubes in a mixture thereof. The microtubes assist in wicking moisture directly through a wet mortar compound formed by adding water to the mortar mix. Wicking moisture directly through the mortar decreases the reliance on a continuous, unobstructed cavity behind the masonry wall, as well as prevent cracking from water's freeze-thaw cycle. It also allows water to pass through the mortar in a similar manner as the masonry, creating two in-sync cycles, rather then two disparate cycles for water flow. In various embodiments, the microtubes could be composed of cellulose, fabricated polymer or graphite. |
US09162921B2 |
Method of producing fluorescent material dispersed glass and fluorescent material dispersed glass
A method of manufacturing fluorescent material-dispersed glass, comprising: performing production of a fluorescent material-dispersed gel utilizing sol-gel reaction and acid-base reaction by preparing a fluorescent material-dispersed sol containing silicon alkoxide, metal chloride and/or metal aklkoxide, and fluorescent material, and subsequently gelling the fluorescent material-dispersed sol; and performing production of a fluorescent material-dispersed glass by heating the fluorescent material-dispersed gel. |
US09162920B2 |
Method for manufacturing porous glass, and method for manufacturing optical element
A method for manufacturing a porous glass includes: forming a phase-separated glass by heating at a temperature in a range of 300 to 500 degrees Celsius for 3 to 50 hours for phase separation of a glass body in which the concentration of SiO2 is 50 to 70 percent by weight, the concentration of B2O3 is 15 to 40 percent by weight, the concentration of Li2O is 1.0 to 8.0 percent by weight, the concentration of Na2O is 2.0 to 8.0 percent by weight, the concentration of K2O is 0.3 to 5.0 percent by weight, the total concentration of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O is 3.5 to 15 percent by weight, and the ratio of the concentration of K2O to the total concentration of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O is 0.10 to 0.30; and forming a porous glass by etching the phase-separated glass. |
US09162913B2 |
Mixer assembly for digestion tank
The invention relates to a mixer assembly for agitating material in a digestion tank (1), comprising a drive unit (7, 8, 9) and an output shaft (10) extending from said drive unit, which output shaft is arranged to hang down into said digestion tank (1) rotatably suspended from the drive unit. According to the invention the mixer assembly (6) furthermore comprises a stabilizer (12) comprising a swivel (13) and at least one resilient element (14) connected to said swivel (13), the stabilizer (12) being connected to the lower end of the output shaft (10) of the mixer assembly (6) and being arranged to be connected to a floor (2) of said digestion tank. |
US09162911B2 |
Chemical free and energy efficient desalination system
A desalination system (100) having an intake unit (110) providing seawater to a pre-treatment unit (120) connected to a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination unit (130) and a post treatment unit (150). The desalination system (100) is configured to operate without any external addition of chemicals to simplify logistics and regulation concerns. The units of the system are configured to prevent biofouling, scaling and corrosion by mechanical and biological means including high flow speeds, biological flocculation of colloids, and making the water entering the RO units inhospitable to bacteria and other organisms that cause biofouling, hence preventing their settlement and removing them with the brine. Recovery rate is lowered and energy is recovered to increase the energetic efficiency and minerals that are added to the product water are taken from the brine. |
US09162909B2 |
Method and apparatus for the bio-remediation of aqueous waste compositions
Numerous different types of waste compositions generally in an aqueous environment are bio-remediated under aerobic conditions utilizing highly diverse and multiple microorganisms within a reactor. The process is carried out with the microorganisms attached or bound by a variety of different surface characteristics to packing substrates, located within the reactor, having high surface areas and high porosity in the form of small micropores. Multiple different types of substrates are generally utilized that efficiently dissolve air into the water, as well as to maximize the concentration and diversity of types of microorganisms. Reactors are utilized that desirably have tubes therein containing the multiple types of packings and microorganisms and contain at least one perforated chimney through which air can flow and optimize dissolving oxygen into the aqueous environment of the various bio-remediation stages. |
US09162908B2 |
Separator device for a heating system
A separator device for removing particles from suspension in a fluid comprising: a housing, having a central axis extending between first and second opposing ends; an inlet and an outlet provided in an end of the housing; a separation chamber for separating solid particles from the fluid, including obstruction means to slow the flow of fluid within the chamber. |
US09162904B2 |
Cleaning solution generator
A cleaning solution generator comprising a housing with an interior reservoir and a brine tank, the cleaning solution generator being configured to generate an alkaline solution from a mixed solution and to operably direct the generated alkaline solution to the interior reservoir of the housing. |
US09162903B2 |
Photo-catalyzing fluid mobilizing system and method
A photo-catalyzing fluid mobilizing system and method are disclosed. A chamber has a power source. A fluid mobilizer is mounted in the chamber and connected with the power source to mobilize a fluid through the chamber. The fluid mobilizer includes one or more fan blades that are coated with a photo catalyst. A UV light source is mounted in the chamber proximate the fluid mobilizer and connected with the power source to catalyze the photo catalyst coating the blades to purifier the fluid being mobilized thereover. |
US09162898B2 |
Purification of trichlorosilane
Systems and methods for removing boron-containing contaminants from a composition comprising trichlorosilane to form a purified product comprising trichlorosilane are disclosed. Purification columns and devices, having various locations of inlet and outlet ports, are fluidly connected to each other in order to remove various types of boron species and other impurities present in TCS. |
US09162892B2 |
Carbon nanotube array
A carbon nanotube array suitable for use in labeling is provided. The carbon nanotube array includes at least two different isotope-doped carbon nanotube sub-arrays. Each isotope-doped carbon nanotube sub-array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in different isotope-doped carbon nanotube sub-arrays are composed of different kinds of carbon isotopes. |
US09162891B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing carbon nanostructure and method for manufacturing carbon nanostructure
An apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure and a method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure that can achieve an increase in length and shape stabilization of the carbon nanostructure can be obtained. A manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanostructure includes a catalyst member on which a carbon nanostructure is grown, a source gas supply unit and a source gas supply pipe, a coil, and a heater. The source gas supply unit and the source gas supply pipe supply the catalyst member with carbon for forming the carbon nanotube. The coil applies a gradient magnetic field (e.g., a cusped magnetic field indicated by magnetic flux line whose magnetic field strength gradually increases from one surface of the catalyst member to the other surface opposite to the one surface. The heater heats the catalyst member. |
US09162880B2 |
Mass transfer tool
Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool includes an articulating transfer head assembly, a carrier substrate holder, and an actuator assembly to adjust a spatial relationship between the articulating transfer head assembly and the carrier substrate holder. The articulating transfer head assembly may include an electrostatic voltage source connection and a substrate supporting an array of electrostatic transfer heads. |
US09162878B2 |
Wafer level hermetic bond using metal alloy with raised feature and wetting layer
Systems and methods for forming an encapsulated device include a substantially hermetic seal which seals a device in an environment between two substrates. The substantially hermetic seal is formed by an alloy of two metal layers, one having a lower melting temperature than the other. The metal layers may be deposited two substrates, along with a raised feature formed under at least one of the metal layers. The two metals may form an alloy of a predefined stoichiometry in at least two locations on either side of the midpoint of the raised feature. The formation of the alloy may be improved by the use of an organic wetting layer adjacent to the lower melting temperature metal. Design guidelines are set forth for reducing or eliminating the leakage of molten metal into the areas adjacent to the bondlines. |
US09162875B2 |
Sensors
An inertial sensor is described in which a resonant element is driven by control electronics into resonance. The control electronics includes an oscillator. A circuit is provided for matching the frequency of the oscillator with the frequency of the output of the resonant element such that the time to operation from start up of the sensor is minimized and the requirement of frequency matching a given sensor to the control electronics is removed. |
US09162874B2 |
Semiconductor structure and method forming the same
A semiconductor structure having a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) device is provided. The MEMS device includes a first and a second type electrical terminal, and a semiconductor interconnector. The semiconductor interconnector connects the first type electrical terminal with an external circuitry through a conductor. The conductor serves to electrically connecting the semiconductor interconnector with the first type electrical terminal. The second type electrical terminal surrounds the first type electrical terminal. In addition, the second type electrical terminal is interposed between the semiconductor interconnector and the first type electrical terminal. An isolative layer is provided around the conductor. The isolative layer is positioned under the first type electrical terminal, the second type electrical terminal and the semiconductor interconnector. |
US09162873B2 |
Component and method for producing same
A packaging concept for MEMS components having at least one diaphragm structure formed in the front side of the component is provided, according to which the MEMS component is mounted on a support which at least laterally delimits a cavity adjoining the diaphragm structure. In addition, at least one electrical feedthrough is formed in the support which allows electrical contacting of the MEMS component through the support. To achieve the largest possible rear volume for the diaphragm structure of the MEMS component for a given chip surface area, and also to simplify the processing of the support, according to the invention the electrical feedthroughs are integrated into the wall of the cavity adjoining the diaphragm structure, in that at least one section of such a feedthrough is implemented in the form of an electrically conductive coating of a side wall section of the cavity. |
US09162872B2 |
Pre-molded MEMS device package having conductive column coupled to leadframe and cover
A MEMS lead frame package body encloses a MEMS device enclosed in an internal cavity formed by the mold body and cover. To accommodate a MEMS microphone, an acoustic aperture extends through the mold body. In some embodiments, a conductive column extends through the pre-molded body to allow electrical connection from a partially encapsulated lead frame to the conductive cover. Some embodiments may include a multi-tiered cavity within the mold body for mounting an integrated circuit separated by a gap above the MEMS device. |
US09162871B1 |
Metal mesh lid MEMS package and method
A metal mesh lid MEMS package includes a substrate, a MEMS electronic component coupled to the substrate, and a metal mesh lid coupled to the substrate with a lid adhesive. The metal mesh lid includes a polymeric lid body having a top port formed therein and a metal mesh cap coupled to the lid body. The metal mesh cap covers the top port and serves as both a particulate filter and a continuous conductive shield for EMI/RF interferences. Further, the metal mesh cap provides a locking feature for the lid adhesive to maximize the attach strength of the metal mesh lid to the substrate. |
US09162860B2 |
Hydraulic cylinder
A hydraulic cylinder includes a piston that defines a driving pressure chamber and a cushion pressure chamber within a cylinder tube, an air chamber defined inside a hollow piston rod, an orifice that leads a working fluid in the cushion pressure chamber into the air chamber when the cushion pressure chamber contracts during an extension operation, a check valve that returns a working fluid in the air chamber to the driving pressure chamber when a differential pressure between the air chamber and the driving pressure chamber rises to or above a predetermined value, and a valve housing that houses the check valve. A throttle gap is defined between an outer peripheral surface of the valve housing and an inner peripheral surface of the piston rod, and a working fluid ejected from the orifice during the extension operation flows into the air chamber through the throttle gap. |
US09162858B2 |
Battery-powered forklift
To facilitate loading-unloading operation of a battery even when a large-sized battery is mounted, in a battery-powered forklift which is driven with power of a battery mounted on a vehicle body including a fork which is arranged at a front part of the vehicle body, a counter weight which is arranged at a rear part of the vehicle body, and a top plate which is supported at a position to cover an area above a driver seat via a pair of rear stays 44 extended upward from both sides of the rear part of the vehicle body, post members arranged in a raised manner at both sides of the counter weight guide movement of the battery along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body between the post members. |
US09162857B2 |
Pneumatic jack
An apparatus comprises a base, a top member, and a bladder. The top member defines a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the top member is pivotally coupled to the base. The bladder, in turn, is disposed between the base and the top member. Arranged in this manner, the apparatus is operative to raise the distal end of the top member away from the base as the bladder is inflated. |
US09162852B2 |
Method for controlling a concrete mix casting equipment dismountably attached to a crane and a concrete mix casting equipment dismountably attached to a crane
A concrete mix casting equipment that can be dismountably attached to a crane, and method for controlling the same, by controlling motion of the casting equipment in the horizontal plane by moving the crane, and by controlling a substantially vertical motion of the casting equipment during the operation of the casting equipment by vertically moving the lifting element of the crane such that this engages the upper part of a lower frame of the casting equipment, thereby moving the lower frame of the casting equipment vertically relative to an upper frame of the casting equipment. |
US09162846B2 |
Slip lift core for drums
A package for coiled welding wire includes an outer housing and a slip lift core within the outer housing. The outer housing and the slip lift core form an annular space for coiling a quantity of welding wire. The slip lift core includes a fixed core and a slip core. The slip core is capable of telescopic movement relative to the fixed core from a retracted position to an extended position. At least one of the fixed core and the slip core includes a locking mechanism integrally formed with the at least one of the fixed core and the slip core, and the locking mechanism is configured to hold the slip core in the extended position. A further example of the package for coiled welding wire can include a winding surface for the welding wire to be wound around the slip lift core in a series of turns. |
US09162844B2 |
Image forming system having movable stapler, sheet post-processing apparatus, and control method
An image forming system which is capable of, when a manual stapling process is to be carried out on sheets, reducing waiting time for a user and decreasing power consumption. The image forming system has an image forming apparatus, which forms images on sheets, and a sheet post-processing apparatus. When the sheet post-processing apparatus is to shift into a power-saving state, a movable stapler is moved to a manual stapling position. When it is detected that sheets have been set into a sheet setting unit in a state in which the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus have shifted into the power-saving state, the image forming apparatus is held in the power-saving state, and the sheet post-processing apparatus is returned from the power-saving state. |
US09162842B2 |
Medium receiving cassette and recording apparatus
Provided is a medium receiving cassette that includes a medium receiving portion in which a medium is received, a medium support tray which is pivotally provided on the medium receiving portion and of which a state can be switched, in a pivoting manner, between a received state in which the medium support tray is positioned above the medium receiving portion and a medium support surface for supporting the medium is directed downward and an expanded state in which the medium support surface is directed upward and at least a part of the medium support surface is expanded outside the medium receiving portion, and a drawer portion which is drawn out from the medium receiving portion to extend a length of the medium receiving portion in a medium discharging direction. |
US09162837B2 |
Sheet supply device and image forming apparatus
The first remaining amount holding unit stores the remaining amount of sheet detected by the remaining amount detection unit before a sheet adding operation to the sheet stacking surface. The second remaining amount holding unit stores the remaining amount of sheet detected by the remaining amount detection unit after the sheet adding operation to the sheet stacking surface. The determination unit determines a sheet adding position based on the respective remaining amount of sheet stored in the first remaining amount holding unit and the second remaining amount holding unit. The feeding speed control unit changes a sheet feeding speed of the pickup roller based on the sheet adding position determined by the determination unit and the sheet remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit. |
US09162830B2 |
Plug resistant nozzle for fluidization of particulates
Apparatus, systems, and methods for fluidizing particulates in a fluid/particulate mixture. A nozzle can include a gas entry segment, a gas exit segment, and an access segment. The gas exit segment can be coupled to the gas entry segment, and a longitudinal axis of the gas exit segment can be oriented at an angle of between about 70° and about 110° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the gas entry segment. The access segment can be coupled to the gas entry segment and the gas exit segment, and a longitudinal axis of the access segment can be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the gas exit segment. |
US09162829B2 |
Conveyor
A conveyor, such as a bucket conveyor comprising an endless belt (23), the endless belt having a length along which it is endless and comprising a plurality of generally planar sliding members (1), and a plurality of sliding couplings (6) which couple the sliding members (1) together such that each sliding member (1) can slide in a direction along the length of the endless belt over an adjacent sliding member (1) so as to vary the length of the endless belt. |
US09162825B2 |
Machine for packaging products in rigid or semirigid trays sealed across the top by a thermoplastic film, particularly for producing packs in a modified atmosphere
A machine with a series of three operating stations, of which the first station arranges the full trays in a predetermined pattern while the second station closes the full trays with a film and in which the third station discharges the full trays. The stations are equidistant from each other. A transfer structure has combs that have a length such as to occupy simultaneously two consecutive such stations and that are provided with the teeth that can grasp the trays, lift the groups of trays and then move longitudinally to transfer the groups of trays from one station to the next, then lower the tray to deposit the groups of trays in the new stations. |
US09162824B2 |
Belt conveyor and electromagnetic drive
A belt conveyor having an electromagnetic drive comprising a rotor and a stator sealed in separate nonmagnetic and nonconductive housings. The rotor is mounted to a drive shaft. A drive drum or drive sprockets supported on the shaft have peripheral drive surfaces that engage a conveyor belt. The rotor is coaxial with the peripheral drive surface—either sealed within the drum or sprockets or housed on the shaft axially spaced from the drive surface. The rotor may include conductive rotor bars or permanent magnets. The stator is spaced apart from the rotor across a narrow gap and produces a traveling magnetic flux wave across the gap that causes the rotor and the peripheral drive surface to rotate and drive the conveyor belt. |
US09162823B2 |
Conveying system, conveying element, and guide track
A conveying system includes rolling bodies each with a rolling element cage and rolling elements. The rolling elements are arranged in recesses of the rolling element cage and for the rolling in a guide channel. In each case two or three or more rolling elements form a roller set, and the rolling elements of a roller set roll on one another as well as on the guide channel, and at least one roller set is present per rolling body. The conveying system includes at least two guide channels which run at an essentially constant distance to one another and together form a guide path; and at least two rolling bodies are connected to one other by way of a connection element, into a conveying element, and the conveying element with its at least two rolling bodies is movable in at least two guide channels along the guide path. |
US09162822B2 |
Clamping conveyor having a tensioning apparatus
A clamping conveyor for transporting preforms for plastics containers by at least one clamping belt, the clamping conveyor having at least one tensioning unit with a tensioning roller over which the return strands of the at least one clamping belt are guided, a first force measuring apparatus for a force that acts on the tensioning roller, and a mechanical transmission device arranged within the clamping conveyor. The tensioning roller is operatively connected to the mechanical transmission device at least via a first cable element, the first force measuring apparatus being operatively connected to the mechanical transmission device via a second cable element and being coupled to an adjusting device for setting the force that acts on the tensioning roller. |
US09162819B2 |
Belt having embedded tension members
In a force transmission belt or a conveyor belt, in particular a toothed belt, having a main belt body or a cord embedding zone made of a customary belt elastomer (20), in particular of polyurethane, and having at least one tension member of carbon cord (10; 1, 2) embedded in the elastomer (20), a material (30) is provided, which is enclosed between the strands (1) of the cord (10), and which could have been introduced by applying coatings onto strands (1) of the cord (10), for example. Said filler material (30), which is different from the elastomer (20) in which the carbon cord is embedded, consists of a composition of hydroxyaromates and aldehydes, without any addition of rubber or rubber latex, a hydroxyaromates-aldehyde resin that does not contain rubber, reaction products from hydroxyaromates or hydroxyaromates-aldehyde compositions with isocyanates or isocyanate prepolymers, and/or aromatically or polyaromatically cross-linked polyurethanes, or contains these substances. The elasticity of the carbon cord (10; 1, 2) is thus successfully maintained, good integration in the belt elastomer (20) is ensured, and the service time of the belt is substantially increased. |
US09162813B2 |
Pacifier holder and protector
A pacifier holder and protector for protecting a pacifier from dirt and other contaminants includes a pouch, a clip connected to the pouch that can be used to connect the holder to an infant's clothing or other item, and a ribbon having one end connected to the pouch and a second end that can be connected to a pacifier. An alternative embodiment of the holder and protector includes an animal character, fictional character, or other object having a built-in pacifier nipple protector connected to a clip or article of clothing and an optional ribbon or strap having one end connected to the clip of other article of clothing and a second end that can be connected to a pacifier. |
US09162812B1 |
Aerosol drying agent for oil paints
An aerosol composition for facilitating drying of oil paintings comprises a solvent system, an acrylic binder, one or more drying agents, one or more anti-skinning agents; a UV absorber, a hindered amine light stabilizer, and a propellant. The aerosol composition is sprayed from an aerosol container onto an oil painting to aid in drying the top surface of the paint. |
US09162811B2 |
Knife blade dispenser
A knife blade dispenser including a plurality of knife blades, a frame, a cover coupled the frame to define a storage volume between the cover and the frame for the plurality of knife blades, a spacer assembly positioned within the storage volume to separate the storage volume into a new knife blade region for the plurality of knife blades to be stored and a used knife blade region configured to store a plurality of used knife blades that is in communication with the used blade slot, and a shuttle to dispense at least one of the plurality of knife blades from within the storage volume. |
US09162810B2 |
Device for attaching a figurine onto a beverage bottle, combination of a figurine and a device, and a combination of a figurine and device attached to a beverage bottle
The invention concerns a device for the attachment of a figurine with a cylindrical base part onto a beverage bottle. Furthermore, the invention concerns a combination of such a device and a figurine as well as a beverage bottle made of plastic, which forms a sales unit with such a device and such a figurine. In order to enable the figurine to be joined separably to the beverage bottle to form a sales unit in a simple, aesthetical and sales-promoting manner, the device according to the invention comprises a body having means for separable attachment of the figurine and having a recess for holding a screw cap and/or a neck part provided with an outside thread of the beverage bottle. |
US09162806B2 |
Bag in box cleanable connector system having conical plunger
The system and method discloses a cleanable connector system for a Bag-In-Box (“BIB”) type package having a valve arrangement that prevents the mixing of product within the bag and in the line. Various embodiments provide a connector system including a valve arrangement having a line-side valve and a bag-side valve, wherein the valve arrangement allows connection to a bag and to a line-side connector while preventing the product within the bag and in the line from mixing. The system improves the user experience by only requiring a relatively weak connection force between the line-side valve and the bag-side valve. The system and method improves the shelf life of products within the bag and reduces the risk of contamination of the bag, the line, and the product within the bag by minimizing the risk of introducing biological and other foreign material into the system when connecting the bag and the line. |
US09162805B1 |
Pallet wrap
A reusable wrap for releasable securing laden goods on a pallet. One embodiment of the pallet wrap comprises a flexible wrap having a plurality of pockets adjacent its ends for receiving corresponding rods, and a plurality of hook and loop strap fasteners attached to one end of the wrap for engaging corresponding rings secured to the second end of the wrap to permit the straps to be folded back and attached to themselves to secure the wrap around the goods. Corner webbing members may be attached to the bottom of the wrap to assist in securing the wrap to the pallet itself during use. A hook and loop strap may also be attached to the top of the wrap to extend across the top of the loaded goods. Identification and/or shipping information or materials may be placed in a clear vinyl pocket for easy access and viewing. |
US09162803B2 |
Non-removable tamper resistant lid
The present invention relates to a tamper resistant lid (10) for a container (1). The lid (10) exhibits a center axis (X) and comprises an outer and an inner member (20, 40). The outer and inner members (20, 40) are further adapted to be substantially prevented from displacement along the center axis (X) with respect to each other. At least a part of the inner member (40) comprises threads (48) enabling a threaded connection to the container (1) by means of rotating the outer member (20) in a first direction. The lid (10) further comprises at least one stop member (51, 52, 53, 60) preventing the inner member (40) from rotation with respect to the outer member (20). The at least one stop member (51, 52, 53, 60) is adapted to be controllably disabled with a designated force after said inner member (40) has been connected to the container (1), so that the outer member (20) can be freely rotated with respect to the inner member (40) to thereby prevent removal of the lid from the container (1). The present invention enables the sealing of a container, while substantially preventing the container from being reopened. |
US09162799B2 |
Storage container and identification system
In the present application, a storage container is configured to provide a sealed portion for the storage of identification material. The storage container includes a container for holding various elements and a sleeve coupled to the container. The sleeve has an opening to accept the identification material. The sleeve is configured to be selectively sealed such that the interior of the sleeve is isolated from the interior of the container and the exterior of the container. |
US09162794B2 |
Beverage delivery can
A beverage delivery can may comprise various configurations. Such configurations may comprise various aperture shapes, sizes, and configurations and various shapes, textures, configurations, and dimensions of the lid and surface of the can. A beverage can may comprise various exterior shapes such as a tapered shape, a faceted shape, a pint glass shape and the like. In embodiments, the beverage can may comprise various types of nucleation devices. In embodiments, various external packaging may be used with one or more beverage delivery cans. |
US09162790B2 |
Method for preparing paper cup
A paper cup, including: a cup body including a surface, and a base. A plurality of uneven stiffeners are arranged on the surface of the cup body. A method for preparing the paper cup includes: 1) selecting polyethylene (PE) or polylactic acid (PLA) coated paper as a raw material, the PE or the PLA coated paper including: a coated side, and a printed side; 2) printing a figure on the printed side of the PE or the PLA coated paper; 3) embossing uneven stiffeners on the paper via an embossing device; 4) cutting the paper into a shape of a section as a cup body via a die cutting machine; 5) shaping the cup body and the base into the paper cup via a molding machine; and 6) sterilizing, and packaging the paper cups. |
US09162789B2 |
Card product package assembly having enhanced security
A package for display and sale of a card product including a first portion including a first panel connected to a second panel via a first fold line and a third panel connected to the second panel via a second fold line, the first panel including a first opening, the third panel including a second opening, which, in a folded state where the first panel has been folded to overlap the second panel via the first fold line and the second panel has been folded to overlap the third panel via a second fold line and the fourth panel has been folded to overlap the third panel via the third fold line, the first opening at least partially overlaps the second opening, a second portion foldably connected to the first portion, wherein the second portion displays information about the card product, a first fastener, and a second fastener releasably attached to the first fastener when the first portion and the second portion are in a closed position, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener re-attachably separate from one another when the first portion and the second portion are in an open position. |
US09162787B2 |
Tangential airstream heat shrinking device of plastic film
A tangential airstream heat shrinking device of plastic film has a chassis, a heating chamber, air blowers, and high-temperature airstream ejectors. The heating chamber is mounted on the chassis and the heating channel is under the heating chamber. The air blowers are mounted to a bottom of the chassis. The high-temperature airstream ejectors are respectively fit into the mounting holes of the heating chamber. Heated air is discharged through a high-temperature airstream discharging opening of the air blade section under a respective high-temperature airstream ejector. A high-temperature airstream discharging opening is located inside the heating channel of the heating chamber. Each high-temperature airstream ejector can be rotationally adjusted so that the high-temperature airstreams are supplied along routes defined by different tangents at different angles along the circumference of a film-packaged article. |
US09162783B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing customised containers of cigarettes
Cigarettes are stored in one or more reservoirs at a customer location. A computer receives customer orders and transmits them to a dispenser. Upon receipt of a customer order, a pre-selected number of cigarettes is automatically removed from the reservoir(s) by the dispenser and then automatically packed in a container by a packer comprising a collation mandrel which is movable relative to the dispenser. A preferred type of substantially air-tight, self-sealing container has a lid portion, a body portion and a collar, which is mounted within the body portion. The body portion is provided with one or more upwardly extending protrusions on the upper surface of the base thereof. An air and moisture impermeable membrane is sealed about the upper periphery of the collar. |
US09162777B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring status of satellite
Provided is an apparatus and method for monitoring a status of a satellite, including classifying satellite telemetry information and space weather information and storing the information in a storage unit including respective databases, predicting whether a predetermined type of satellite failure occurs based on the space weather information, and generating satellite control command information to change a status of a predetermined satellite configuration when a satellite failure determining index used to determine a possibility of the satellite failure is beyond a predetermined critical alert range. |
US09162775B2 |
Venting gas from a tank
The present invention provides a tank vent device for venting gas from a tank 10 comprising a gas inlet 107 for receiving gas from a vent outlet of the tank, a gas outlet 109 for discharging the gas received, and a pressure valve 70 connecting the gas inlet and gas outlet, wherein the pressure valve is connected to a control pressure input 108 and is controllable by control pressure supplied at the control pressure input, whereby, in use, the pressure valve is controlled by the control pressure to open and close so as to regulate the flow of gas between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The present invention also provides a vent tank 10, methods of venting gas and refueling an aircraft. |
US09162772B2 |
Tank, a fuel storage system, and an aircraft
A storage tank (25) of a storage system. The storage tank (25) includes a container (30) and a dynamic ventilation line (35) incorporated therein, said dynamic ventilation line (35) being provided with an air-no-fuel valve (45) that shuts off in the presence of fuel, the air-no-fuel valve (45) communicating with an internal space (INT) of the container (30) via an upstream pipe (40) placed inside the container (30), a downstream pipe (50) secured to a wall (31) of the container (30) extending from the air-no-fuel valve (45) and opening out into a dynamic air intake (53) communicating with the outside air (200), said storage tank having at least one communication orifice (300) for communicating with other tanks. |
US09162769B2 |
Occupancy sensor that measures electric current through a heating element
An occupancy sensor has three layers. The bottom layer contains two electrodes, and a resistive element between the electrodes. The middle layer is a spacer. The top layer is a third electrode, divided into two parts. When a person sits on the sensor, both parts of the third layer contact the resistive element. This causes current to flow through all of the electrodes. Accordingly, occupancy can be detected by measuring current flow through the electrodes. The device additionally provides heating via the resistive element. The sensor can be arranged in a vehicle seat. |
US09162767B2 |
Aircraft passenger seat device
An aircraft passenger seat device comprises an aircraft passenger seat with at least one armrest element which is provided for delimiting a seating area of the aircraft passenger seat, and a seat blocking device which is provided for blocking a seating area of the aircraft passenger seat in a mounted state. The seat blocking device is designed to be connected to the at least one armrest element by a toolless form fit. |
US09162765B2 |
Loading system for an aircraft and method for conveying a piece of cargo on a cargo deck
The invention concerns a loading system for an aircraft, wherein the loading system comprises a control computer; a multiplicity of cargo conveying devices for conveying a piece of cargo on a cargo loading deck of the aircraft, wherein to control the cargo conveying devices, the control computer is communicatively connected with the cargo conveying devices; at least one input device which is communicatively connected with the control computer to transfer user inputs to the control computer. An aspect of the invention is that the one input device may be formed as a touchscreen. |
US09162761B2 |
Partially-inflated rigid-structure glider
A partially-inflated rigid-structure glider is a portable or collapsible gliding apparatus that a user can transport in a carrying case. The gliding apparatus includes a rigid yet collapsible frame, tension membranes over both on the wings and tail, and inflatable bladder, a pair of drogue brakes, and a left and right steering mechanism. The pair of drogue brakes is located on opposing sides of the gliding apparatus and create drag on its respective side in order to turn the gliding apparatus either left or right. The user can activate either drogue brake with the left and right steering mechanism, which are control lines attached to each drogue brake. The tension membranes are fitted over the frame so that the gliding apparatus has an airfoil shape in order to create lift with the wings and tail while the gliding apparatus is in flight. |
US09162760B2 |
Radial fluid device with multi-harmonic output
According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device contains a cylinder block mounted for rotation, a first and second plurality of radially extending cylinders, and a first and second cam. The cylinder block contains the first and second plurality of radially extending cylinders, and each radially extending cylinder contains a piston. The cams are disposed about each plurality of radially extending cylinders, and the second cam has at least one more lobe than the first cam. |
US09162755B2 |
Multiple controllable airflow modification devices
An active wing extension includes a body portion substantially parallel to a wing of an aircraft, as if it were an extension of the wing. The body portion is attachable to an aircraft wing and includes multiple controllable airflow modification devices coupled thereto. By virtue of having multiple controllable airflow modification devices, the wing extension is capable of adjusting control surfaces of the multiple controllable airflow modification devices in response to in-flight conditions, to reduce wing loads, improve wing fatigue characteristics, increase range, and/or increase efficiency. |
US09162754B2 |
Method of using an active flow control system for lift enhancement or destruction in a wind turbine blade
A method for actively manipulating a primary fluid flow over a surface using an active flow control system including an active fluid flow device to provide lift enhancement and lift destruction. The method including the disposing of an active fluid flow device in the surface. The active fluid flow device is then operated to generate at least one of a steady blowing secondary fluid flow, a pulsed secondary fluid flow or an oscillating secondary fluid flow. While flowing the primary fluid over the surface to create a primary flow field, a secondary fluid flow is injected in an upstream direction and substantially opposed to the incoming primary fluid flow. The injecting of the secondary fluid flow in this manner provides for influencing of the primary flow field by manipulating a momentum of the secondary fluid flow to influence the incoming primary fluid flow and resultant lift. |
US09162753B1 |
Unmanned aerial vehicle for monitoring infrastructure assets
An unmanned aerial vehicle and associated methods for inspecting infrastructure assets includes a multirotor, electrically driven helicopter apparatus and power supply; a flight computer; positioning and collision avoidance equipment; and at least one sensor such as a camera. The flight computer is programmed for automated travel to and inspection of selected waypoints, at which condition data is collected for further analysis. The method also includes protocols for segmenting the flight path to accomplish sequential inspection of a linear asset such as a power line using limited-range equipment. |
US09162752B2 |
Flight control laws for automatic hover hold
A system and method to control hovering flight of a rotary aircraft. The system including a lateral speed hold loop, a longitudinal loop, a vertical control loop, and a directional loop. The method includes defining a first flight envelope having a first groundspeed threshold; defining a second flight envelope having a second groundspeed threshold, the second flight envelope being defined within the first envelope; engaging a hover hold with a control law hover hold architecture as the aircraft enters the first flight envelope; and engaging a position hold with a control law position hold architecture as the aircraft enters the second flight envelope. |
US09162746B2 |
Latch with a built-in adjustment mechanism
An apparatus comprising a latch body and a plurality of locking mechanisms. The latch body has a plurality of channels that extend through the latch body. The plurality of locking mechanisms is housed within the latch body. A locking mechanism in the plurality of locking mechanisms comprises a plate and a spring mechanism. The plate has an opening positioned relative to a corresponding channel in the plurality of channels. The spring mechanism is configured to hold the plate in a locked position within the latch body. |
US09162740B2 |
Undersea free vehicle and components
A free vehicle suitable to serve as a platform to carry a variety of equipment to the ocean floor, actuate devices at the floor and at intermediate points on the way to and returning from the ocean floor is described. The free vehicle includes standardized power, control electronics, navigation equipment and mechanical release mechanisms that can be used in conjunction with custom experiments. Exemplary experiments include sensors and sampling equipment used for deep-sea exploration. The free vehicle platform provides for scalable designs to meet scientific needs and surface vessel constraints. |
US09162739B2 |
Inflatable portable platform
An inflatable buoyant platform (100) comprising a hollow inflatable enclosure (105) having a top surface (165) and a bottom surface (170), which are being peripherally joined by a flexible curtain (175). A support means (180) being provided inside the enclosure (105), the support means (180) adopts an extended form inside the enclosure (105) to enhance the rigidity of the enclosure (105) when the platform (100) is inflated, the support means (180) adapts a retracted form inside the enclosure (105) when the enclosure (105) is deflated. At least one inflating valve (135) on the enclosure (105) for inflating the enclosure (105) by an external source of compressed gas; at least one deflating valve (145) on the enclosure (105) for deflating the enclosure by the external source of compressed gas; and at least one exit valve (185) on the enclosure (105) for allowing the compressed gas to escape while deflating the enclosure (105). |
US09162738B1 |
Inflatable life raft with detachable accessory pouch
An inflatable life raft having one or more air channels forming a generally rectangular shaped body when the raft is unfolded and inflated. Valves in fluid communication with the air channels for inflating and deflating the life raft. A storage carrier is integrally constructed with the life raft for storing the folded normally deflated life raft so that the raft can be easily carried, transported, and automatically deployed. The inflatable raft includes a waterproof pouch releasably attached to the raft for storing items such as a rope, flare launcher, strobe light, glow sticks, and whistle. A tether couples the life raft to a user, and a plurality of reflectors is attached to the surface of the inflatable life raft. A replaceable gas cylinder, and manual hand pump are operatively coupled to the valves for automatically or manually inflating the life raft. |
US09162732B2 |
Stepped hull
An improved watercraft hull providing stability and maneuverability in turns. The hull may include a longitudinal centerline extending from bow to stern, a first and second transverse air channel that are fluidly isolated from the rest of the hull, the first and second air channels separating the hull into a bow planing portion, a middle planing portion, and a stern planing portion, a first plurality of strakes protruding from the bow planing portion, a second plurality of strakes protruding from the middle planing portion, and a third plurality of strakes protruding from the stern portion. The hull may also include a V-shaped keel portion at the bow portion centerline, and a flattened hull portion at the stern portion centerline having a deadrise angle of 0°, the flattened hull portion being disposed between and directly adjacent to two adjacent longitudinal elements of the third plurality of longitudinal elements. |
US09162727B2 |
Tricycle vehicle having a swivel wheel and a cart
The present invention discloses a tricycle vehicle having a cart. According to the invention the tricycle vehicle includes a riding module (101) having a front wheel (102), a steering assembly (107) and a frame (105) having a rear tube. The tricycle vehicle also includes a cart module (103) having two wheels (104), a body (111) configured to carry a bag, a base having a base frame and a handle (112) configured for steering the tricycle vehicle. |
US09162717B2 |
Truck track drive
A truck track drive can include two rollers. The truck track drive can also include a tread configured to pass over top and bottom of a dual rear wheel assembly on a truck and to be moved by rotation of the dual rear wheels. The track drive can also include a compulsory drive unit. |
US09162715B1 |
Corner closeout member and assembly for pickup truck box
A closeout member is provided which may be disposed within an opening partially defined by a corner member and a rail edge of a side panel adjacent to a tailgate and tail lamp of a pickup truck box. The closeout member may include an outboard side secured to the corner member and shaped to substantially match a curvature of the corner member and a forward side secured at the rail edge such that the closeout member reinforces the curvature of the corner member. The closeout member may also include an inboard edge and an extension member extending at a substantially ninety degree angle downwardly from the inboard edge and may be at least partially secured to the corner member. The side panel and closeout member may be five or six thousand series aluminum. |
US09162708B2 |
Steering hanger assembly for vehicle
A steering hanger assembly for a vehicle, the steering hanger assembly including a beam structure for supporting a steering column. The beam structure includes a first beam that extends from a right front pillar toward the center of the vehicle width, a second beam that extends from a left front pillar toward the center of the vehicle width and that overlaps the front end of the first beam, and left and right beam connection members that connect the front ends of the first and second beams together. The beam structure is connected by vehicle body connection members also to other vehicle body constituting members of the vehicle body, which are different from the left and right front pillars. |
US09162707B2 |
Body component
A motor vehicle column includes an inner shell and an outer shell made from a metal, which are connected to each other in respective flange regions and which enclose a hollow space between them. In the hollow space a reinforcement element having a basic body made from a fiber composite plastic is arranged to strengthen the body component. The reinforcement element includes a metallic insert, which connects the reinforcement element to the inner and/or outer shell. |
US09162704B2 |
PID control system
In a PID control system, a proportionality coefficient multiplication unit multiplies a valve opening degree command value by a proportionality coefficient. A first angle deviation computation unit computes a deviation between an output value from a proportionality coefficient multiplication unit and a detected rotation angle of a valve driving motor. A differential coefficient multiplication unit multiplies the valve opening degree command value by a differential coefficient. A third angle deviation computation unit computes a deviation between an output value from the differential coefficient multiplication unit and the detected rotation angle of the valve driving motor. |
US09162698B2 |
Vehicular input apparatus
An input apparatus disposed on a core unit of a steering wheel has an operable body. The operable body has multiple straining bodies that have a transfer surface part. The transfer surface part has a displacement transfer surface formed thereon, and the displacement transfer surface has a detector for detecting a displacement of the displacement transfer surface according to an operation force applied to an operation surface. The straining bodies and the operable body are arranged such that a portion of the operable body extends towards a rim of the steering wheel from, or across, a line connecting two straining bodies that are positioned closer to the rim than other straining bodies. |
US09162695B2 |
Collapsible three-wheeled all-in-one golf cart
A cart that combines the utilities of a conventional three-wheeled pushcart and golf bag into a single piece of equipment. The cart comprises a collapsible three wheeled configuration and push bar. These collapsible mechanisms enable the cart to be transformed into two positions: folded or extended. The cart is also equipped with 14 individual slots (pipes) for holding a standard set of golf clubs. Two tool belts are also attached to each side of the cart for personal storage. In an extended position, the cart is designed to be used for walking as one would when using a “pushcart and bag combination”. In a folded position, the cart can be mounted securely onto the back of a motorized cart for riding, similar to a conventional golf bag. This compact folded position is also intended for the purpose and convenience of storage. |
US09162693B2 |
Hand truck mounting structure
A mounting structure for a hand truck is described. Embodiments of the present invention include a mounting structure adapted to be secured to a hand truck. Generally, the mounting structure can be implemented to secure a strapping device to the hand truck. The mounting structure can generally include a body, a first member, a second member, and a spring. Typically, the first member can be slidably coupled to the body and the second member can be fixedly coupled to the body. The first member and the second member can include concave faces to interface with a frame of the hand truck. The mounting structure can couple to the hand truck in a variety of locations to ensure that the strapping device is optimally positioned to secure a particular load. |
US09162692B2 |
Game cart device
A convertible game cart including a first wheel rotatable about a first axis, a second wheel rotatable about a second axis, and a pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism couples the first wheel and the second wheel. The pivoting mechanism is configured to pivot the first wheel relative to the second wheel from a first orientation with the first axis and the second axis being generally parallel to a second orientation with the first axis and the second axis being generally perpendicular. |
US09162690B2 |
System and method for controlling movement of vehicles
A method includes determining an operational parameter of a first vehicle traveling with a plurality of vehicles in a transportation network and/or a route in the transportation network, identifying a failure condition of the first vehicle and/or the route based on the operational parameter, obtaining plural different sets of remedial actions that dictate operations to be taken based on the operational parameter, simulating travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network based on implementation of the different sets of remedial actions, determining potential consequences on travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network when the different sets of remedial actions are implemented in the travel that is simulated, and based on the potential consequences, receiving a selection of at least one of the different sets of remedial actions to be implemented in actual travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network. |
US09162688B2 |
Vibrational component acceleration estimation device and vibrational component acceleration estimation method for railway vehicle
A device for estimating the acceleration of a vibrational component acting on a vehicle body in a lateral direction when a railway vehicle having a vehicle body tilting device runs in a curve section includes a sensor for detecting the acceleration acting on the vehicle body in a lateral direction, a calculation unit for acquiring track information at a running point, a running speed, and ON/OFF information of vehicle body tilting operation, and calculating a theoretical excess centrifugal acceleration αL acting on the vehicle body by equations, and a calculation unit for deriving the acceleration of the vibrational component acting on the vehicle body based on the acceleration detected by the sensor and the acceleration αL determined by the calculation unit. Vibration generated in the vehicle body in a lateral direction is suppressed, so that the acceleration of the vibrational component can be estimated. |
US09162687B2 |
Membrane for secondary air suspension of a land or rail vehicle, method of manufacturing same, its suspension and vehicle incorporating same
The present invention relates to a membrane for secondary air suspension of a land or rail vehicle, in particular of heavy truck or passenger wagon type, this secondary suspension incorporating it, such a vehicle which is provided therewith, and the method for manufacturing this membrane.This substantially toroidal membrane (103) comprises two attachment areas (110) and at least one corded layer (106) of fabric and/or metallic threads which is situated between two radially internal (104) and external (105) elastomer layers and which extends between these attachment areas.According to the invention, said at least one corded layer has its or each of its thread(s) individually sheathed by an elastomer sheath compatible with the internal and external layers. |
US09162686B2 |
Drive support device and drive support method
A drive support device that supports driving operation of a vehicle, includes: a vehicle speed sensor that detects a current vehicle speed of the vehicle; a target vehicle speed control unit that calculates a reference target vehicle speed range of the vehicle, that sets an indication upper limit speed on the basis of the current vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor, and determines a target vehicle speed range that is a speed range lower than or equal to the indication upper limit speed on the basis of the reference target vehicle speed range; and a target vehicle speed indicating unit that indicates the target vehicle speed range determined by the target vehicle speed control unit. |
US09162684B2 |
Electronic control unit for vehicle
An electronic control unit includes a threshold acquiring element, a behavior determining element and a storing element. The threshold acquiring element acquires a threshold for defining a determination condition. The threshold is set to correspond to a road condition on which a vehicle travels. The behavior determining element determines whether a vehicle behavior satisfies the determination condition defined by the threshold. The storing element stores predetermined operation data of the vehicle when the behavior determining element determines that the vehicle behavior satisfies the determination condition. |
US09162680B1 |
Method of controlling automatic transmission coasting downshift
A method of controlling a transmission and engine during a coasting downshift is particularly suited to transmission arrangements exhibiting strong inertia coupling. During the inertia phase of the downshift, a third clutch such as a torque converter bypass clutch is modulated to control output torque. Simultaneously, engine torque is modulated to control engine speed. The resulting control scheme is only semi-coupled. |
US09162678B2 |
Method for controlling a means for recovering energy generated by the braking of a motor vehicle
A method for controlling a motor vehicle including driven wheels, a mechanism recovering energy generated by braking, and a torque transmission chain transmitting torque from the driven wheels to the energy recovery mechanism, the method including: a) acquiring a braking instruction and dynamic characteristics of the motor vehicle, b) controlling the energy recovery according to a control set point calculated as a function of the braking instructions and the dynamic characteristics acquired in a), and c) controlling the brakes according to a control set point calculated as a function of the braking instruction and the dynamic characteristics acquired in a). In b), the control set point for energy recovery is calculated by a preventive filter that filters the braking instruction to attenuate amplitude thereof around the resonant frequency of the torque transmission chain. |
US09162676B2 |
Vehicle control device
A control device of a vehicle comprises: an electric motor connected to a drive force transmission path through a first connecting/disconnecting device connecting/interrupting power transmission; and an engine connected to the electric motor through a second connecting/disconnecting device connecting/interrupting power transmission, the control device of a vehicle disconnecting the first connecting/disconnecting device or the second connecting/disconnecting device during running to perform coasting with the engine separated, when performing coasting, a determination whether a vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined determination vehicle speed implemented, the engine separated by disconnecting the second connecting/disconnecting device with the first connecting/disconnecting device kept connected at a low vehicle speed where the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined determination vehicle speed, and the engine separated by disconnecting the first connecting/disconnecting device at a high vehicle speed where the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined determination vehicle speed. |
US09162675B2 |
Control device of hybrid system
The invention relates to a control device of a hybrid system. The control device selectively performs first and second modes for concomitantly using an EV mode for operating the electric motor (12) with the engine operation being stopped and an HV mode for selectively operating the engine and stopping the engine operation with the electric motor being operated by switching the EV and HV modes according to a predetermined switching condition set such that a proportion of an engine operation time in the first mode is smaller than that in the second mode. When an actual acceleration pedal manipulation amount is smaller than a first manipulation amount, an amount of the hybrid system power increased according to the increasing of the actual acceleration pedal manipulation amount in the first mode is made larger than that in the second mode. |
US09162673B2 |
Gear shift control system for automatic transmission
A gear shift control system for vehicles is provided which mathematically calculates a rate of deceleration of the vehicle equipped an automatic transmission upon start of deceleration of the vehicle and inhibits the automatic transmission from upshifting or changes a permissible gear shift range of the automatic transmission as a function of the rate of deceleration of the vehicle, thereby ensuring a desired degree of braking force including an engine braking force while the vehicle is decelerating. |
US09162672B2 |
Method for controlling an exhaust-gas aftertreatment device of a hybrid drive, and hybrid drive
A method for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment device of a vehicle hybrid drive is provided. The method comprises operating the hybrid drive only by a combustion engine, only by a non-combustion motor, or by both, as a function of a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment device, and conducting exhaust gas of the hybrid drive at least partially through the exhaust aftertreatment device, the engine and motor each providing output to power the vehicle. In this way, the aftertreatment device may be operated at an optimal temperature for conversion performance. |
US09162667B2 |
Power transmitting apparatus for vehicle
A power transmitting apparatus includes: an electric supplementary drive unit; a torque converting device including a planetary gear set having a first rotation element connected to the electric supplementary drive unit, a second rotation element connected to an engine, and a third rotation element operated as an output element; an input device including a first input shaft selectively connected to the second rotation element through one clutch and provided with at least one input gear fixedly disposed thereon, and a second input shaft disposed on the same axis as the first input shaft without rotational interference with the first input shaft, directly connected to the third rotation element, selectively connected to the second rotation element through the other clutch, and provide with at least one input gear fixedly disposed thereon; and a speed output device converting torque of the input device and outputting the converted torque. |
US09162666B2 |
Hybrid vehicle and method of braking by controlling an exhaust heat recovery device bypass valve on a hybrid vehicle
A method of braking a vehicle includes determining via a controller a desired braking power for braking the vehicle. Under the method, a bypass valve that controls exhaust gas flow through the exhaust heat recovery device is moved via the controller to a relatively restrictive position to provide at least some of the desired braking power. |
US09162665B2 |
Kick-down shift control device for electric vehicle
By increasing accelerator opening APO from time t1, kick-down shift is started at time t2. While the kick-down shift is carried out by changeover from a release element to an engagement element, a motor torque tTm that is increased as Tmo with an increase in accelerator opening APO is restricted as follows. In a shift initial stage from time t2 to inertia phase start time t3, motor torque tTm is restricted to not exceed upper limit value Tlimit obtained by subtracting an inertia phase progressing torque increment Tip from an inertia phase end outputtable maximum motor torque Tmo2 that is outputtable with motor rotation speed Nmo2 at inertia phase end time t4. During an inertia phase (t3-t4), the motor torque tTm is restricted to a value Tlimit+Tip. |
US09162661B2 |
Vehicle brake system with an electric servomotor and hydraulic reaction piston
A brake system is described with a master cylinder actuated by a control rod connected to a plunger piston and an actuator piston acting directly on the primary piston. A hydraulic reaction piston is housed in the piston so it can be subjected to the pressure of the primary chamber and to the opposing action of a reaction spring. The plunger piston can push the reaction piston directly to push the master cylinder. |
US09162658B2 |
Brake control device for vehicle
There is provided a brake control device for a brake device including a basic fluid pressure generating unit which generates a basic fluid pressure according to an operation to a brake operating member, a hydraulic pump which generates a fluid pressure to generate a differential pressure, a pressure regulating valve which regulates the differential pressure, and a friction brake mechanism which applies a fluid pressure obtained by adding the differential pressure to the basic fluid pressure, to a wheel cylinder. The control device includes a regulating unit which regulates the differential pressure according to an operating amount correlated value and which decreases the differential pressure according to an increase of the basic fluid pressure due to an increase of the operating amount correlated value when the vehicle is stopped and the differential pressure is regulated to a value larger than 0 by an operation to the brake operating member. |
US09162657B2 |
Automotive braking system
An automotive braking system includes a windshield wiper system, a traction wheel, and a non-friction brake system configured to apply a braking force to the traction wheel. The system also includes one or more controllers operatively connected with the windshield wiper system, and configured to, in response to a braking request, command the non-friction brake system to apply the braking force to the traction wheel. The braking force has a magnitude that depends on whether the windshield wiper system is active. |
US09162656B2 |
Active driven wheel lift identification for an automotive vehicle
A roll control system (16) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to actively detect if one of the plurality of the driven wheels (12) is lifted. The system generates a pressure request to determine if the wheel has lifted. By comparing the change in wheel speed of a driven wheel to a change in wheel speed threshold the wheel lift status can be determined. The wheel speed change threshold may be dependent upon various vehicle operating conditions such as powertrain torque, braking torque and/or longitudinal force on the vehicle. |
US09162655B2 |
Brake system for vehicle designed to improve durability and maneuvering feeling
A braking device for a vehicle is provided which includes a braking simulator, thus resulting in improved mountability of the braking device in the vehicle. The braking device is designed to permit component parts of the hydraulic booster to slide on one another in response to a braking effort on a brake pedal, thereby absorbing an undesirable load on the braking device and also ensuring the stability in operating the brake pedal. This results in improved durability and maneuvering feeling of the braking device. |
US09162652B2 |
Car wash spray arch
A shape-changing spray arch for a “touchless” spray washer for automotive vehicles and the like. A transit frame which can change shape is mounted in a fixed arch frame and connected to an actuator which changes the shape of the side and top spray conduits in a reciprocal fashion as vehicles pass through the arch. In addition, the spray conduits, both side and top conduits, can be twisted or reoriented around their respective longitudinal axes to be aimed more toward an approaching vehicle and then reoriented to be aimed more toward a receding vehicle, the change in angular orientation being effected as the vehicle passes through the arch. These features can be used separately or in combination. |
US09162649B2 |
Windshield wiper
The instant disclosure provides a wiper, comprising a wiper connector, a flexible member, a reinforcing member, a rigid frame, a plurality of fastening members and a wiper blade. The flexible member includes a central loading portion and two distal loading portion extending symmetrically from two ends of the central loading portion, where the central loading portion has a zero curvature. The reinforcing member is sleevingly coupled to the flexible member. A front-facing side of the reinforcing member has at least one wind-deflecting rib formed thereon. The rigid frame is arranged on the central loading portion to connect the wiper connector. The fastening member is engaged to the second loading portion. The wiper blade is inserted through the plurality of fastening members. Thus, a better conformity can be achieved between the windshield and the wiper through the wind pressure while driving to provide a better water removal effect. |
US09162639B2 |
In-vehicle electronic control unit and power feeding control method of the same
When a power supply switch is fed with power from a DC power supply and closed, a power supply unit starts power feeding to an opening and closing command generation unit and continues the power feeding by a self-hold command signal from the opening and closing command generation unit. A reverse connection protective element is a field-effect transistor connected in series to the power supply switch and driven to conduct current in an energization direction of an internal parasitic diode when the power supply is connected in proper polarity. Even when a supply fault abnormality is occurring due to fault contact between a positive-side wire of an in-vehicle electrical load connected to the reverse connection protective element and a positive-electrode wire of the DC power supply, the self-hold command signal is cancelled by determining that the power supply switch is opened while the reverse connection protective element is opened. |
US09162632B2 |
Patterned pressure-sensitive adhesive body and producing method thereof
A method for producing a patterned pressure-sensitive adhesive body includes a pattern forming step of cutting a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in a pressure-sensitive adhesive film including a first release film and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer laminated on one surface of the first release film so as to form a first slit in a pattern shape and an outer frame forming step of cutting the first release film and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer so as to form a second slit in an outer frame shape surrounding the pattern shape. The second slit has a discontinuous portion in a cutting direction. |
US09162630B2 |
Adjustable support for electronic device within a cup-holder
A support system for adjustably supporting an object such as an electronic device is provide for use with existing cup-holders, such as those found on automotive vehicles. The system include preferably a rigid yet flexible cup insert, rigid yet flexible extension member, and a fixed and/or adjustable cradle to support the object, where the extension member may be manipulated to permit adjustment of the cradle (and thus the object supported on the cradle) relative to the user and the existing cup-holder. |
US09162622B2 |
Peripheral salient feature enhancement on full-windshield head-up display
A method to selectively project graphical images upon a transparent windscreen head up display of a vehicle based upon visual information present in a peripheral zone of vision includes monitoring a location of visual information corresponding to critical information with respect to the windscreen, and processing the location of the visual information to generate display requirements describing the visual information as present in the peripheral zone of vision. Processing the location includes monitoring an estimated operator gaze location with respect to the windscreen, comparing the estimated operator gaze location to the location of visual information, and generating the display requirements when the estimated operator gaze location is distant from the location of visual information by more than a threshold distance. The method further includes generating the graphical images to be projected based upon the display requirements, and projecting the graphical images upon the transparent windscreen head up display based upon the estimated operator gaze location. |
US09162621B2 |
Parking support apparatus
A parking support apparatus includes: a captured image acquisition unit acquiring a captured image from an image capturing unit which images surrounding scenery of a vehicle; a target destination section setting unit setting a target destination section which is located around the vehicle and at which the vehicle arrives, based on the image; a vertex coordinates calculation unit calculating coordinates of a vertex of the section; an intersection coordinates calculation unit calculating coordinates of the vehicle at an intersection between a parallel line parallel to the vehicle in a width direction and frame lines configuring the section in a top view when the vertex is closer to a center side of the vehicle than the parallel line; and a destination frame superposition unit superposing a destination frame onto the image by linearly connecting positions in the image corresponding to the vertex on a side separated farther from the vehicle than the parallel line among the vertexes, and the intersection. |
US09162613B2 |
Vehicle rear light assembly
A vehicle rear light assembly (VRLA) that is enclosed within an elongated LED display unit that includes a center compartment having a plurality of red LEDs and contiguous left and right compartments each having a plurality of yellow/red LEDs. The VRLA is comprised of an electrical circuit consisting of a function select circuit that is connected to a vehicle and sequentially includes an LED drive circuit, an LED control circuit and a LED activation circuit that is connected, in combination with the LED drive circuit, to the LED display unit. The display unit allows the viewing of left and right blinking turn signals, brake lights and tail lights. |
US09162611B2 |
Solid state steerable light
A light assembly and method for generating a light pattern, the assembly comprising a first light module including a first LED array, the first LED array including at least a first line of LEDs where each LED in the first array generates an LED light pattern and where dark areas occur between adjacent LED light patterns, the first LED array forming a first light pattern including interleaved bright and dark areas and a second light module wherein the first and second light modules are arranged with the first light pattern misaligned with a second light pattern generated by the second light module so that at least a subset of the bright areas in the first light pattern are aligned with dark areas in the second light pattern to generate a combined light pattern. |
US09162608B2 |
Covering element
A covering element for an air inlet opening and/or air outlet opening in a motor vehicle body. A covering element lamella or a design element spans the opening and has a translucent surface in the direction towards the outside of the vehicle at least in a sub-region or the sub-region is designed to be translucent such that light from a light source which lies behind the sub-region and which is arranged in the interior of the lamella or the design element can exit. |
US09162603B2 |
Methods of storing and moving proppant at location adjacent rail line
A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer. |
US09162601B2 |
Transport deck frame with separate tilt and dump pivot connections
A deck for a truck or trailer has a base frame and a deck frame movable relative to the base frame to either one of a tilt position or a dump position. A first pivot connection between the frames defines the pivot axis of the tilt position while a second pivot connection separate and spaced from the first pivot connection defines the pivot axis of the dump position. A common lift mechanism between the frames lifts the deck frame to either one of the tilt or dump positions depending upon the operative condition of the first and second pivot connections. |
US09162600B2 |
Child restraint with cupholder
According to the present disclosure, a child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The juvenile seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom. The juvenile seat further includes a cupholder coupled to the seat bottom. |
US09162599B1 |
Motor vehicle footpad assembly
A vehicle footrest assembly includes a bracket attached to a vehicle body structure and a foam footpad attached to the bracket. At least one fastener attaches a dead pedal to the footpad. The at least one fastener includes a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank includes a threaded portion screwed into the footpad. A collar extends radially outward from the shank and is spaced away from the head to define a clip receiving portion. One of the head and the collar are substantially frustoconical and define a lead-in surface in the clip receiving portion. The dead pedal includes at least one clip spaced apart from a pedal portion of the dead pedal. A portion of the clip is disposed within the clip receiving portion to attach the dead pedal to the footpad. |
US09162597B2 |
Seat armrest frame
An armrest frame including a first portion including a shaft and a single plastic material lining overmolded around the shaft and a second portion including at least one branch attached to the lining. A seat including a backrest and an armrest including such a frame, pivotally connected to the backrest. |
US09162596B2 |
Seat slide apparatus for vehicle
A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes an upper rail, a lower rail, a lock mechanism including a lock lever that includes an engaging portion engageable and disengageable relative to an engaged portion formed at the lower rail, and an unlock operation inhibition apparatus including a mass member arranged at an inner void of the upper rail, a moving axis forming member forming a moving axis of the mass member, and a restriction portion inhibiting a movement of the mass member on the moving axis, the unlock operation inhibition apparatus restricting the engaging portion from moving to disengage from the engaged portion by the movement of the mass member on the moving axis to a position at which the mass member interferes with the lock lever in a case where a collision load greater than a retraining force specified for the restriction portion is input. |
US09162595B2 |
Vehicle seat structure
Provided is a vehicle seat structure that is lighter than a steel vehicle seat structure while providing the same function thereof. For this, the vehicle seat structure includes a seat cushion frame and a seat back frame connected to the seat cushion frame. At least one of components constituting the seat back frame and the seat cushion frame is formed of a magnesium plate produced through a rolling process and that has a texture. |
US09162592B2 |
Fitting for vehicle seat
A fitting for a vehicle seat includes a first fitting part, a second fitting part which is rotatable relative to said first fitting part, a peripheral clamping ring which has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and which is connected to the first fitting part and extends over the second fitting part, and an intermediate ring which has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and which is arranged between the peripheral clamping ring and the second fitting part. A ledge is formed on the second fitting part, which ledge has an end surface and a cylindrical supporting surface. The supporting surface has a diameter which is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the second fitting part, and the cylindrical supporting surface directly or indirectly supports the peripheral clamping ring. |
US09162591B2 |
Power return mechanism for seat back
A seat assembly having a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement between a generally upright seating position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A power return mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back for automatically returning the seat back from the folded position to the seating position. The power return mechanism includes a support bracket for mounting the power return mechanism to the seat assembly, a slider bracket slidably coupled to the support bracket, a cable connected between the seat back and the slider bracket, and a motor and gear assembly for power driving the slider bracket between a home position when the seat back is in the seating position and a full stroke position pulling the cable to pivot the seat back from the folded position to the seating position. |
US09162589B2 |
Longitudinal adjustor for a vehicle seat
A longitudinal adjustor for a vehicle seat has a first seat rail and a second seat rail which engage around one another to form a rail profile and can be moved relative to one another in the longitudinal direction, and a rail locking member which can lock the seat rails to one another, an activation arrangement for activating an unlocking unit, a force-transmitting element which connects the activation arrangement to the unlocking unit. The force-transmitting element and interacts with the unlocking unit within the second seat rail, wherein a positively locking connection is provided between the force-transmitting element and the unlocking unit, and that the force-transmitting element serves simultaneously for mounting the activation arrangement in a pivotable fashion. |
US09162578B2 |
Speed variation transmission device for motor vehicle powertrain and hybrid motor vehicle using same
The present invention relates to a speed variation transmission device for a motor vehicle powertrain comprising an epicyclic gear train (26) with a sun gear (36) and a crown (50) connected to shaft (12) of thermal engine (10) of said vehicle, as well as a planet gear carrier (58) connected by a motion transmission track (102) to drive axle (16) of this vehicle.According to the invention, sun gear (36) and crown (50) are connected each to engine shaft (12) by a controlled coupling (28, 30) and to a fixed part (48a, 48b) of the vehicle powertrain by a one-way coupling (32, 34). |
US09162576B2 |
Power switching apparatus
A power switching apparatus, configured to switch a power supply source that is configured to supply an electric power to an air conditioner that is mounted on a vehicle that can receive a power supply from a plurality of power sources, includes: a selecting unit configured to select the power supply source during execution of pre-air conditioning in which an operation of the air conditioner is started before start of running of the vehicle; and a setting unit configured to set a power supply to be supplied from the power supply source that is selected by the selecting unit, to the air conditioner. |
US09162572B2 |
Interactive attentiveness enhancement
A method for interactive attentiveness enhancement of a vehicle driver includes steps of determining that a driver assistance function for semiautomatic control of the motor vehicle is active, detecting a stimulus which may be experienced by the vehicle driver upon an observation of the surroundings of the motor vehicle, detecting an input of the vehicle driver in response to the stimulus, determining a game result based on the input and the stimulus, and outputting a notice concerning the game result. |
US09162569B2 |
Method of controlling a differential lock
A method of controlling a differential lock. The method may include determining a target point for disengaging the differential lock and disengaging the differential lock when the vehicle reaches the target point. |
US09162566B2 |
PTO with integrated retarder
A power take-off unit (“PTO”) may include a retarder to reduce noise while the transmission PTO output gear is operating at low torque. The retarder may variably load the PTO based on the PTO output load, while disengaging from the PTO while the PTO is not operational. The retarder may also serve as a primary retarder function to slow a vehicle's speed. The retarder may be controlled by a vehicle operator or by a processor. |
US09162563B2 |
Exhaust gas guide for a road milling machine
The present invention relates to the exhaust gas guiding of a road milling machine. The road milling machine comprises an internal combustion engine, an engine air inlet, via which the engine air flows from the outside to the internal combustion engine, an engine air outlet, via which the engine air is conducted out of the road milling machine, a device for generating a flow movement of the engine air from the engine air inlet to the engine air outlet, and an exhaust system which is implemented for discharging the exhaust gases occurring during operation of the internal combustion engine from the internal combustion engine out of the road milling machine, having an exhaust gas outlet. The engine air is used to cool the exhaust gas. |
US09162559B2 |
Fuel cell system and vehicle
A fuel-cell-system providing structure is provided which is capable of preventing a collision of a fuel cell with a related apparatus of the fuel cell while suppressing the increase in weight of a vehicle. A fuel cell system provided in a vehicle includes: a fuel cell unit in which a fuel cell is contained; and a related apparatus that is electrically connected to the fuel cell and that is located adjacent to the fuel cell unit. The related apparatus is arranged at a position closer to an outer surface of the vehicle than the fuel cell unit. |
US09162557B2 |
Drive unit for a vehicle wheel
The drive unit (19) according to the invention for light vehicles, in particular bicycles, comprises a wheel unit (20) and a motor unit (21). The wheel unit (20) includes a gear ring (27) and at least one, preferably two support tracks (31, 35) on which the motor unit (21), which is movably supported but circumferentially fixed to the frame (11), runs. In this way, a wheel-support arrangement for the motor unit (21) is provided. As a result, also with extreme light-weight designs as used in connection with bicycles even in sport applications, a correct engagement between the wheel mounted gear ring (27) and drive pinion (45) is achieved. |
US09162553B2 |
Shade device for car side window
A side window shade device for a vehicle. The shade device includes a bottom edge for sliding into the gap formed between the side door and the side door window. Compressive force between the side door and the side door window holds the shade device in place. Extending upward from the bottom edge is a shade device body. The body is of sufficient size to block sun rays from contacting the arm of someone sitting in a seat next to the side door. In a preferred embodiment the side door is the driver's side door of an automobile and the shade device blocks sun rays from hitting the arm of the driver. Also, the shade device is curved inward to cover the arm of the driver and provide effective viewing out of the side of the car. |
US09162549B2 |
Evaporation cycle heat exchange system for vehicle
An evaporation cycle heat exchange system for a vehicle cools vehicle electronic components, a fuel cell stack, an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission, a turbocharger, etc. using an evaporative heat exchanger, thus improving cooling efficiency and reducing the size of components such as a radiator. The evaporation cycle heat exchange system cools coolant circulating through a vehicle cooling system by employing an evaporative heat exchanger in which a working fluid flows by a pressure difference caused by volume expansion and capillary phenomenon. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the entire cooling system, reduce the size of components to comply with pedestrian protection regulations, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure the stability of the system. |
US09162542B2 |
Tire air pressure transmission device and tire air pressure monitor system
A tire air pressure transmission device is provided that is configured to set a sampling period or cycle based on a centrifugal acceleration of a wheel in the centrifugal direction, and to detect the value of the gravitational acceleration component of the centrifugal acceleration at each set sampling period. |
US09162540B2 |
Apparatus for tire pressure monitoring, information transmissing method thereof and integrated receiver system
Provided are a tire pressure monitoring device, an information transmitting method thereof, and an integrated receiver system. A tire pressure monitoring device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first sensing unit sensing a pressure of a tire, a second sensing unit detecting whether a vehicle is driving by sensing at least one of acceleration, motion, and shock, and a calculation unit transmitting, to an integrated system of the vehicle, pressure information of the tire at a first data transfer rate corresponding to a data transfer rate of a body control module or a smart key system when the second sensing unit detects that the vehicle is not driving. |
US09162538B2 |
Composition, method and system for balancing a rotary system
A composition for balancing a rotary system, comprising an amount of a thixotropic balancing substance; characterized by an amount of hydrophobic particles distributed in said amount of said thixotropic balancing substance. A corresponding method and system. |
US09162536B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A wear indicator provided on a tread surface is constituted of seven sipes of an uppermost sipe a lowermost sipe and an intermediate sipe each extending in a lateral direction; and an upper-left sipe an upper-right sipe a lower-left sipe and a lower-right sipe each extending in a longitudinal direction. The sipe uses a combination of an indication part used to indicate a character and a non-indication part having a narrower groove width and not used to indicate a character in a depth direction of the sipe. Single numeral is indicated by the combination of the indication parts in the seven sipes and the combination of the indication parts is changed in the depth direction of the sipe such that the numeral stepwise changes in the depth direction of the sipe. |
US09162535B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes sipes extending in a tire width direction on a road contact surface of blocks, the sipes having at least one end open to a circumferential main groove. The sipes are positioned at an edge portion of the blocks, and have a first sipe portion open to the circumferential main groove and a second sipe portion positioned at a center portion of the blocks. The first sipe portion has a linear form when viewed as a cross-section from a direction perpendicular to a sipe length direction, and has a pair of mutually mating, opposing first sipe wall faces with a protrusion and a recess respectively disposed thereon. The second sipe portion has a form bent in the sipe width direction when viewed as a cross-section from a direction perpendicular to the sipe length direction, and has a pair of mating mutually opposing second sipe wall faces. |
US09162534B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire with a designated rotational direction comprises a tread portion, a pair of center circumferential main grooves extending on both sides of a tire equatorial plane, a center land portion between the center circumferential main grooves, a ripe provided with the center land portion, a plurality of V-shaped grooves each provided separately in the center land portion, each V-shaped groove having a peak located in a middle area of the center land portion, the first inclined portion extending from the peak to one side edge of the center land portion, and the second inclined portion extending from the peak to the other side edge of the center land portion, and a first inclined sub-groove and a second inclined sub-groove provided between a pair of V-shaped grooves, the first inclined sub-groove and the second inclined sub-groove being provided separately in the circumferential direction of the tire. |
US09162532B2 |
Tire
The tire includes a tread portion to come into contact with a road surface. A lateral groove portion extending in a direction intersecting with a tire circumferential direction, and a land portion partitioned by the lateral groove portion are formed in the tread portion. The land portion includes: a ground-contact face to come into contact with the road surface; a side face formed on an outer side in a tread width direction of the land portion; a lateral groove face constituting a groove wall of the lateral groove portion formed on one end in the tire circumferential direction of the land portion; and a tapered face which meets the ground-contact face, the side face, and the lateral groove face in a corner portion formed by the ground-contact face, the side face, and the lateral groove face. |
US09162531B2 |
Motorcycle tire
A motorcycle tire comprises a tread portion provided with a plurality of inner inclined grooves and inclined narrow grooves in both sides of a tire equator, wherein each inner inclined groove extends from an axially inner end to the outer end with an angle of 0-20 degrees with respect to a tire circumferential direction, the inner end of the inner inclined groove is located in a developed length within 5% of a tread half developed-width from the tire equator, each inner inclined groove has a circumferential length of 70-85% of a first pitch, each inclined narrow groove with a groove width of 0.5-2.0 mm is provided between circumferentially adjacent inner inclined grooves and has an angle with respect to a circumferential direction of the tire larger than that of the inner inclined groove. |
US09162530B2 |
Tire with rubber tread containing precipitated silica and functionalized carbon nanotubes
This invention relates to a tire having a rubber tread containing functionalized carbon nanotubes and particulate reinforcement comprised of precipitated silica. |
US09162529B2 |
Caster
A lightweight caster is described that is resistant to ingress of debris into a caster bearing. The caster has a monolithic fork having an annular wheel-supporting portion and a chair-supporting portion. The wheel-supporting portion has a pass-through aperture for receiving a retainer. A rotational bearing is supported on the wheel-supporting portion, which supports a wheel rim such that the wheel rotates in the vertical plane. The rim has a pass-through aperture aligned with the pass-through aperture of the fork, and a ring at an inside edge of the bearing to retain the bearing between the rim and the fork and to inhibit debris from contacting the bearing. A retainer retains the rim on the fork and has an aperture aligned with the fork pass-through aperture. The retainer also has a bearing-retaining portion at an outside edge of the bearing to retain the bearing and to inhibit debris from migrating inwardly. |
US09162528B2 |
Caster mounting interface for industrial cart
An industrial cart has a caster interface which allows for the quick changing of wheel casters on the cart without the use of tools. The caster interface forms a three-sided pocket into which a wheeled caster seats. A plate of the caster seats within the pocket through an open end of the pocket. A locking mechanism is used to quickly and easily secure the caster into the pocket. |
US09162524B2 |
Bicycle wheel rim
A bicycle wheel rim having a circular base portion including a proximal surface and a distal surface, and a pair of integral sidewalls extending generally radially outward from an intersection region of the proximal surface and the distal surface. The distal surface of the rim has a central hump, a trough contiguous with the central hump extending axially outward from the hump, and a flat shelf immediately adjacent, contiguous with, and extending axially outward from the trough. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bicycle wheel including the embodied rim, a plurality a spokes engaged at respective ends thereof with the rim and a hub engaged with the plurality of spoke members at opposite ends thereof. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bicycle wheel assembly comprising the embodied wheel and a tube and/or tire mounted on the rim. |
US09162522B1 |
Keyable braces for canvas stretcher frames
A keyable brace system for stretched canvases provides for keying-out the stretcher bars of a stretcher frame when needed, using interchangeable brace components that can be used face-up or face-down. The braces are of low profile, suitable even for stretcher frames of nominal ¾ inch depth, about ½ inch at inner side of the stretcher bar. Instead of relying on a tongue at the end of each brace to extend into a groove in the side of the frame's stretcher bar, the brace end and the side of the stretcher bar are both grooved and a tapered key is relied on to engage with both the brace and bar grooves to hold the brace in place. |
US09162521B2 |
Painting carrier with multiple width tracks
A carrier for painting panels includes a box-like container including first and second opposing side walls, front and rear walls, and a floor closing the lower end of the container. A stepped track extends along each of the side walls, each stepped track including at least first and second channels for engaging first edges of first and second panels, respectively. The first and second channels are spaced from the corresponding side wall by first and second distances, respectively. The second distance exceeds the first distance by at least 0.25 inch, and preferably by 0.50 inch or by 1.0 inch. Preferably, each stepped track includes a third channel for engaging an edge of a third panel; the third channel is spaced from the corresponding side wall by a third distance which exceeds the second distance by at least 0.25 inch, preferably by 0.50 inch or by 1.0 inch. |
US09162520B2 |
Method and elements for forming a building facade
A facade is formed on an upright supporting surface using a plurality of facade elements formed of plastic material having a flat rear side and a decorative front side protruding from the rear side. The flat rear side of the elements can be abutted directly against the upright supporting surface with the elements in spaced relation with one another and secured thereon using nails from an air driven nailer. Grouting in the form of mortar repair or caulking can be used to fill the gaps between adjacent elements on the supporting surface to complete the appearance of a natural stone facade on a building wall. |
US09162517B2 |
Safety tack
A safety tack has a pin that is extended from a head of the tack in one state and retracted into the head in another state. The pin retracts and extends into and from the head by using a turning mechanism similar to the mechanism that allows a bolt to turn into and out of a complementary component (e.g. a nut). By having the retracted state, the tack can be handled without injury; and by having the extended configuration, the tack can be used to tack one object to another. |
US09162516B2 |
Display board assembly
A display board assembly includes a display board having a planar surface and an edge extending along at least a portion of the planar surface. The display board assembly also includes a mounting member coupled to the display board. The mounting member defines a first gap adjacent the planar surface of the display board and a second gap adjacent the edge of the display board. The display board assembly further includes a display board accessory including a projection. The display board accessory is removably coupled to the mounting member in one of a first position, in which the projection is received in the first gap, and a second position, in which the projection is received in the second gap. |
US09162512B2 |
Convertible bookstand cover
The convertible bookstand cover a pair of inner covers and a pair of outer covers pivotable with respect to the inner covers. A pair of first and second hinges couples each outer cover to the respective inner cover to facilitate pivotable, unfolding movement of the outer covers. Each outer cover desirably unfolds to about 90 degrees from the folded position to form a vertical bookstand support. A pair of third hinges permits the inner covers to pivot between a closed and unfolded position. When unfolded, the inner covers also form a bookstand support in concert with the outer covers. Each inner and outer cover can be provided with magnets to securely latch an outer cover to the respective inner cover and prevent inadvertent unfolding thereof. |
US09162509B1 |
System for detecting inoperative inkjets in printheads ejecting clear ink using thermal substrates
An apparatus detects inoperative inkjets during printing. The apparatus operates the printhead or printheads in the printer to form test pattern on a thermal substrate. The heat of the materials used to form the test pattern change the optical density of the areas where the materials land. The area where the test pattern is formed is imaged and the image data are analyzed to identify inoperative inkjets. |
US09162504B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a carriage that is movable in a reciprocating manner with a recording head being mounted on the carriage, a tube that is capable of supplying ink to the recording head in a curved state and is capable of being deformed in curvature in response to a reciprocating motion of the carriage, an arm that is swingably movable about a swing shaft which extends in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the curved tube and is capable of supporting the tube, and a connecting section that has a holding section which holds the tube and is configured to support the tube by the arm, wherein the connecting section is movable relative to the arm in response to the reciprocating motion of the carriage. |
US09162502B2 |
Inkjet printer and method for acquiring gap information
An inkjet printer is provided that is configured to store a plurality of pieces of gap information respectively corresponding to a plurality of examined sections discretely arranged along a head moving direction on a recording sheet, each of the plurality of examined sections including a corresponding one portion of top portions and bottom portions on the recording sheet, and calculate interpolation gap information to be interpolated over a whole width in the head moving direction of at least one of a plurality of segments, each of which has a width in the head moving direction defined by two adjacent sections of the plurality of examined sections, based on the stored gap information. |
US09162501B2 |
Printer having a plurality of paper rolls each having a sensor
A printing apparatus has a mounting unit configured to support a plurality of roll papers at a plurality of mounting positions, an obtaining unit configured to obtain information of individual roll paper supported by the mounting unit, and a printing unit configured to print an image on a sheet selectively pulled out from the plurality of roll of papers. In the case that another roll paper is mounted at one of the plurality of mounting positions while the printing unit prints the image on one of the plurality of roll papers supported by the mounting unit, the obtaining unit obtains information of the another roll paper. |
US09162495B2 |
Printer apparatus
A printer apparatus comprises a paper conveyance path configured to pull out wound paper and connect the paper with a paper discharge port, a conveyance unit configured to convey the paper in the paper conveyance path; a printing section configured to print on the paper; a cutter configured to cut the paper on which a given printing operation is carried out by the printing section; a curved paper intrusion section configured to be arranged between the cutter and the paper discharge port to accommodate curved paper the front end of which is not conveyed; and a paper detection section configured to detect the paper intruding into the curved paper intrusion section. |
US09162492B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus configured to record images on both sides of a sheet includes a corrugate mechanism configured to form a sheet into a continuous corrugated shaped in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction and parallel to a recording surface of the sheet. |
US09162490B2 |
Sheet supply apparatus and printing apparatus
A sheet supply apparatus includes a supply unit capable of loading a plurality of continuous sheets, a reading unit for reading sheet information that a continuous sheet has, and a control unit that, when the continuous sheet is loaded on the supply unit, enables the reading unit to read the sheet information in a first state and provides a notification to prompt an input of the sheet information in a second state, the first state being the state in which the reading of the sheet information by the reading unit is available, the second state being the state in which the reading of the sheet information by the reading unit is unavailable. |
US09162486B2 |
Three-dimensional printer, three-dimensional image forming method, and three-dimensional image
When a heat capacity of a recording medium having a base material coated with a foamable resin layer is larger than a normal heat capacity, to form a raised amount equal to that with the normal case with a normal heating quantity, a turned mirror image of the image is generated. The image is transferred onto the front face of the recording medium and fixed. The recording medium is reversed, and conveyed again to the transfer part. The turned mirror image is transferred onto the rear face of the recording medium and fixed. The recording medium is heated with the heat quantity equal to that in the normal case, and combination of heat absorbed by the turned minor image and heat absorbed by the image is transmitted to the foamable resin layer to expand the foamable resin layer. |
US09162483B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a medium supporting section that supports a recording medium, a recording section that performs a recording on the recording medium, and a medium path that has a first face and a second face facing each other, and that transports the recording medium through between the first face and the second face. The first face has a shape which is convex toward the second face. A plurality of rollers which are lined up in a transport direction of the recording medium are arranged on the first face. |
US09162477B2 |
Image processing apparatus, printing apparatus, and image processing method
Area information is obtained with respect to a specified color and nozzle position having color unevenness. Then, coordinate information indicating a nozzle position corresponding to the above area information is obtained in a printing head or nozzle array corresponding to an ink color relating to the specified color information. Next, the number of candidate correction values or candidate patches is obtained on the basis of nozzle coordinates obtained corresponding to the area, by referring to a table. In this table, for example, the number of candidate correction values is small at a nozzle position where an effect due to the variations of nozzle ejection characteristics such as a nozzle ejection volume is small and a change direction is constant, and the number of candidate correction values is large at a nozzle position where an effect due to variations of nozzle ejection characteristics is large. |
US09162475B1 |
Reducing registration errors using registration error model
A method for correcting color registration errors for a color printer that prints color image data on a continuous web of media. A color registration error model is used to predict a color registration error value for a particular in-track position as a function of ink coverage characteristics for an image region including the particular in-track position, wherein the color registration error model is a parametric model having one or more parameters. An image plane correction value is determined based on the predicted color registration error, and the color image data for the particular in-track position is printed using the determined image data correction values. |
US09162473B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus including a head section which discharges a color ink which is cured due to irradiation of light and a clear ink which is cured due to the irradiation of light, an irradiation section which irradiates the light, and a storage section which stores a relationship between a total amount of color duty which is an amount of the color ink which is discharged per unit region and clear duty which is an amount of the clear ink which is discharged per unit region, and glossiness of an image which is printed using the color ink and the clear ink which have been discharged, wherein, according to the color duty in a certain region in the image, the clear duty in the region is determined based on the relationship so that the glossiness of the image is a predetermined value. |
US09162463B2 |
Liquid jetting apparatus and method for cleaning wiper
There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus including: a liquid jetting head including a liquid jetting surface; a wiper including first and second wiping portions; a moving mechanism; a liquid discharge mechanism; and a controller configured to perform: controlling the moving mechanism to cause the first wiping portion to wipe the liquid jetting surface in a state that the first wiping portion is brought into contact with the liquid jetting surface; controlling the moving mechanism to cause the second wiping portion to wipe the liquid jetting surface in a state that the second wiping portion is brought into contact with the liquid jetting surface; and controlling the liquid jetting head to jet the liquid from the nozzles such that the liquid makes a contact with the second wiping portion to clean the second wiping portion. |
US09162458B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a support member having a plurality of ribs and supporting the sheet; a head disposed above the support member and ejecting ink to the sheet supported by the support member; and at least one contact portion disposed upstream of the head and configured to come in contact with the sheet so as to make the sheet a waved shape. The support member includes a first support portion comprising at least one first guide portions disposed corresponding to the at least one contact portion, and a plurality of second guide portions disposed corresponding to the plurality of ribs and disposed above the plurality of first guide portions. The support member further comprises a second support portion comprising a third guide portion disposed downstream of the first support portion. |
US09162454B2 |
Printhead including acoustic dampening structure
A printhead includes a plurality of liquid channels and a nozzle plate. The nozzle plate includes a plurality of nozzles and an acoustic dampening structure. The acoustic dampening structure includes a plurality of sets of air pockets and liquid flow restrictors. Each set of air pockets and liquid flow restrictors is in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of nozzles. Each liquid channel is in fluid communication with the respective one of the plurality of nozzles through the associated liquid flow restrictor. A common liquid supply manifold is in fluid communication with the plurality of liquid chambers. |
US09162449B2 |
Apparatus for spraying and patterning using electrostatic force
There is disclosed an apparatus for spraying and patterning, using an electrostatic force, includes a nozzle to which a voltage is applied to exhaust ink, a droplet circulation chamber provided in one end of the nozzle, with a hole provided in one end to spray the ink exhausted from the nozzle based on a particle size of the droplet and to temporarily collect the not-sprayed ink, and a substrate for impacting the ink sprayed from the hole thereon by forming an electric field between the nozzle and the substrate. |
US09162447B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: and a unit that electrically shuts off a pressure generating unit corresponding to a nozzle ejecting no droplet, from a drive waveform generating unit for a period of a time Tb satisfying a relation Tb≧T2, and that applies, at a time after the shutoff, a voltage of a potential V1 to the pressure generating unit, where a potential serving as a reference for the drive waveform is denoted as V1, a minimum potential difference from the potential V1 required to displace a pressure generating unit to vibrate a meniscus with ejecting no liquid droplet from a nozzle is denoted as ΔV2, a time required for a potential to drop by the potential difference ΔV2 due to self-discharge after a pressure generating unit is charged to a predetermined potential is denoted as T2. |
US09162446B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording apparatus control method
A recording apparatus includes a head unit, which includes a driver, and a recording data transmitter that transfers recording data to the head unit via a signal line. The recording apparatus further includes a switching unit in the head unit that switches a driving signal applied to the driver between conductive and nonconductive states based on the transferred recording data, a partition signal output unit in the recording data transmitter that outputs a partition signal that partitions a data signal of the recording data to the head unit in response to switching by the switching unit, and a data selector in the head unit that selects data to be discarded from the transferred recording data based on the partition signal. |
US09162444B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a position detection unit which includes an optical element, a light source and a light receiving element, radiates light from the light source toward the printing surface, causes diffused reflection light of reflection light which is reflected by the printing surface to be incident to the light receiving element through the optical element and outputs positional information relating to a position of the printing surface at which the light from the light source reflects, from the light receiving element, and a controller which causes movement of the carriage to stop when lifting up of the printing medium is detected on a basis of the positional information output from the light receiving element, in which a virtual plane which contains the optical element and the light receiving element is in a state of being inclined in relation to a normal line of the printing surface. |
US09162443B2 |
Ink jet recording device and short circuit protection method for ink jet recording device
An ink jet recording device comprises: an ink jet recording head for discharging an ink droplet; and a recording control part for outputting a drive signal to cause the ink jet recording head to discharge an ink droplet, wherein the recording control part includes a current amplifier circuit for amplifying a drive signal by active elements connected in multi-stages, and the current amplifier circuit includes a current interruption element connected to an input side of the active element of the current amplifier circuit on a power source side, the current interruption element being for preventing damage of the active element due to an overcurrent from occurring when a short circuit of the drive signal is generated. |
US09162441B1 |
Inkjet printer and method
An inkjet printer includes an inkjet head including nozzles arranged in a first direction, a head scanning mechanism moving the inkjet head along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a feeding mechanism feeding the recording medium along the first direction, and a storage device storing upstream correction information and downstream correction information. A controller performs a first determination process for determining a correction value for a specific scanning operation by using the upstream correction information when an image is printed on an upstream area adjacent to a specific area corresponding to the specific scanning operation and when no image is printed on a downstream area adjacent to the specific area, and a second determination process for determining the correction value by using the downstream correction information when no image is printed on the upstream area and when an image be printed on the downstream area. |
US09162433B2 |
Method of producing flow passage device and flow passage device
A flow passage device includes a first base body having a first hole and a second base body having a second hole connected to the first hole to form a flow passage. A first portion formed around the first hole has a specified shape for holding an adhesive. The second base body has a high-wettability surface around the second hole with a low-wettability surface disposed proximate the high-wettability surface, and at least part of the high-wettability surface has a shape matching at least part of the specified shape. The first and second base body are bonded to each other with the adhesive to form the flow passage by aligning the at least part of the first portion with the at least part of the high-wettability surface with positions of the first and the second holes aligned with each other. |
US09162432B2 |
Method of separating a discrete portion from a web
A method of separating a discrete portion from a first web. The discrete portion can be bonded to a second web which may be moving at the same or different speed. The discrete portion can be incorporated into an absorbent article. |
US09162427B2 |
Method for manufacturing surface-modified fluororesin film, method for manufacturing rubber composite, and rubber product
There are provided a method for manufacturing a surface-modified fluororesin film capable of long-term inventory storage, a method for manufacturing a rubber composite composed of the surface-modified fluororesin film and rubber bonded together, and a rubber product for medical use made of the rubber composite. The method for manufacturing a surface-modified fluororesin film comprises the step of performing surface roughening on a fluororesin film RF by applying an ion beam from an anode layer ion source to the surface of the fluororesin film RF. A rubber is placed over the roughened surface of the thusly produced surface-modified fluororesin film, and, through vulcanization molding process, the surface-modified fluororesin film and the tuber can be firmly bonded to each other. |
US09162425B2 |
Solar control glass and solar control double glass
A heat-ray shielding glass products (e.g., solar control double glass) which have excellent heat-ray shielding property, especially thermal insulation property and enhanced durability under the condition of existence of moisture (under high humidity), and which can be prepared in low cost is provided. The solar control double glass 40 comprises a solar control glass 30 having a glass plate 21 and a heat-ray reflection layer 24 comprising an electrically-conductive polymer provided thereon and another glass plate 37, the solar control glass and the another glass being arranged at an interval such that the heat-ray reflection layer faces the another glass and the interval forming a hollow layer 38, and the heat-ray reflection layer 24 has a surface resistivity of not more than 10,000Ω/□. |
US09162422B2 |
High-strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, high-strength alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet excellent in bake hardenability, and manufacturing method thereof
Steel contains each of C, Si, Mn, P, S, Al, N, O, at a range from ⅛ thickness centered around a ¼ sheet thickness from a surface to ⅜ thickness centered around the ¼ sheet thickness from the surface at a base steel sheet, a structure of the base steel sheet contains, in volume fraction, 3% or more of a retained austenite phase, 50% or less of a ferrite phase, and 40% or more of a hard phase, average dislocation density is 5×1013/m2 or more, solid-solution C amount contained in the retained austenite phase is in mass % 0.70 to 1.00%, X-ray random intensity ratio of FCC iron in an texture of the retained austenite phase is 3.0 or less, ratio between a grain diameter relative to a rolling direction and a grain diameter relative to a sheet width direction of the retained austenite phase is 0.75 to 1.33. |
US09162420B2 |
Multilayer laminated material with inherently latent protection against deformation under thermal action for compensating the bimetallic effect
A solvent-free multilayer laminated material comprises a lower substrate layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of thermoplastic polymers, an intermediate layer arranged thereon and comprising a flexible material, a further fibrous intermediate layer comprising plastic, which is provided with an adhesive material and an upper layer comprising metal, comprising plastic or comprising wood or wood-like materials. It does surprisingly not show any deformation even under exposure to temperatures of about 80° C. over a period of up to 40 days and can be used for the production of articles of furniture, floor coverings, wall panels or shaped articles for the electrical, construction or automotive industry. |
US09162418B2 |
Method of making a barbed surface for receiving a thermal spray coating and the surface made by the method
A method is disclosed for preparing a surface for mechanically securing a spray coating to a surface. A first series of grooves formed in the surface are intersected with a second series of grooves formed in the surface. A plurality of barbs are formed at the intersections. The spray coating is mechanically secured to the barbs that overhang the first series of grooves. The surface includes the first series of grooves and the second series of groves that intersect the first series of groves. The second series of groves form an undercut portion, or barb, at the intersections of the grooves that mechanically anchor the spray coating. |
US09162413B2 |
Polymer packaging systems and methods
A rotary knife assembly includes a rotatable core and a plurality of knife blades extending from the rotatable core. A heating element is coupled with the plurality of knife blades, and the heating element is configured to heat the knife blades. One or more package guides are interposed between each of the plurality of knife blades configured to engage along one or more deformable packages as the rotatable core is rotated. In another example, a discharge assembly includes a conveyor belt including inner and outer belt surfaces, and a plurality of belt rows extending along a belt length. A plurality of package spacing ridges each include outer engaging edges, and one package spacing ridge of the plurality is positioned between each of the plurality of belt rows. The outer belt surface is recessed from the outer engaging edges. |
US09162412B2 |
Briquetting machine control device
The quality of the briquettes granulated by a briquetting machine is improved. A briquetting machine control device samples the briquette that have been produced to measure an apparent density and a crush strength of the sampled briquette (step S10), and controls each operation set value adjusting unit (4, 6, 7) of the briquetting machine so that the actual measurement values come closer to predefined briquette quality target values (step S20 to step S60). |
US09162411B2 |
Screw separator
A screw separator for separating solids out of suspensions, having at least one housing and at least one feed pipe for the suspension, at least one discharge pipe for liquids, and at least one outlet for the at least partially dewatered solids. At least one strainer basket is provided in the housing in which a screw is rotatably mounted, and the screw vanes terminate in a replaceable wearing ring mounted downstream of the strainer basket. |
US09162410B2 |
Compression of a water-saturated medium
A method and device for compressing a gas-phase medium, particularly hydrogen or natural gas, wherein the medium may have a water content up to total saturation with water and wherein the medium is compressed in a single or multiple stages in at least one liquid-filled chamber. The liquid(s) that is/are used are an ionic liquid that is not susceptible to attack by the water contained in the medium to be compressed and/or a liquid with low vapor pressure that is not susceptible to attack by the water contained in the medium to be compressed, and the compressed medium undergoes a water separation stage. |
US09162408B2 |
Tire for motorcycle and method of manufacturing the same
It is an object to provide a tire for a motorcycle which does not damage a stability in a transition between straight running and cornering but is excellent in various performances. A tire (2) includes a tread (4). The tread (4) is divided into (2N−1) parts (N is a natural number which is equal to or greater than four). The tread (4) is divided into a first region (20) positioned on a center region and a second region (22) to an Nth region in order from the center region toward a shoulder region. The second region (22) to the Nth region make a pair of regions which are symmetrical with respect to an equator plane of the tire. The first region (20) to the Nth region are formed by crosslinked rubber compositions respectively and materials of the respective regions are different from each other. In the first region (20) to the Nth region, a rubber hardness of the region on the adjacent center side is equal to or higher than a rubber hardness of the region on the shoulder side. A rubber hardness of the first region (20) is set to be higher than a rubber hardness of the Nth region. |
US09162407B2 |
Systems and methods for forming non-pneumatic tires
A reservoir for catching a portion of overflow of molding material from a non-pneumatic tire mold during molding includes a tubular portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and a flange associated with the proximal end of the tubular portion. The flange is configured to be associated with a surface of the tire mold, such that the tubular portion extends substantially perpendicular to the surface of the tire mold. The reservoir further includes a reservoir portion configured to be removably mounted around the tubular portion. The reservoir portion includes a base having an aperture configured to receive the tubular portion, and a wall configured such that molding material flowing from the distal end of the tubular portion is received in the reservoir portion. |
US09162406B2 |
Feedblock for manufacturing multilayer polymeric films
A feedblock including a first packet creator that forms a first packet including a first plurality of polymeric layers, the first plurality of layers including at least four first individual polymeric layers; and a second packet creator that forms a second packet including a second plurality of polymeric layers, the second plurality of layers including at least four second individual polymeric layers, wherein the first and second packet creators are configured such that, for each packet creator, respective individual polymeric layers of the plurality of polymeric layers are formed at approximately the same time. The feedblock may include a packet combiner that receives and combines the first and second primary packets to form a multilayer stream. In some examples, at least one of the first and second primary packets may be spread in the cross-web direction prior to being combined with one another. |
US09162398B2 |
Nanoparticle pultrusion processing aide
The use of nanoparticles, including surface-modified silica and calcite nanoparticles, as processing aides for pultrusion is described. The methods include combining a resin system containing a resin and the nanoparticles with continuous fibers, pultruding this combination, and at least partially curing the resin. The methods are suitable for use with a wide variety of resins and fibers, and may be used to reduce the pull-force at a fixed fiber volume loading, increase the fiber volume loading, or both. Pultruded parts made by these methods and pultruded parts with high volume loadings of fibers are also described. |
US09162397B2 |
Fiber reinforced resin, manufacturing method for fiber reinforced resin, and manufacturing system for fiber reinforced resin
A first process in which a fiber reinforced base is placed in a cavity of a molding die and then resin is injected into the cavity of the molding die in a state where the molding die is opened by a sum of a distance X1 and a distance at the time of completion of molding; a second process in which the molding die is closed to a state where the molding die is opened by a sum of a distance X2 and the distance at the time of completion of molding while resin in the cavity is being drained; and a third process in which the drain of the resin from the cavity is stopped and then the molding die is closed to the distance at the time of completion of molding while a die clamping pressure is maintained at a predetermined value to cure the resin, are carried out sequentially. |
US09162389B2 |
Device for hot embossing of a polymer layer
A device for hot embossing of a magnetic nanoparticle (N)-containing polymer layer. The device includes an embossing die, a pressure application means and a magnetic field generating means. The embossing die and the pressure application means are made from materials that do not respond thermally to a magnetic field. |
US09162383B1 |
Method and apparatus for injection molding elongated objects
Injection molding apparatus includes: a mold structure having a main axis and a mold cavity; a core in the mold cavity, defining a mold envelope bounded by an inner sidewall, an inner endwall at one end of the inner sidewall, an outer sidewall spaced apart from the inner sidewall, and an outer endwall spaced apart from the inner endwall; a nozzle at an end of the cavity, including an interior channel communicating with the mold envelope; a pin in the nozzle, moveable between a closed position forming a part of the outer endwall and blocking flow between the interior channel and the mold envelope, and an open position permitting fluid flow; and a locking pin within the core and moveable between a retracted position free of the outer endwall, and an extended position received within the outer endwall, preventing relative lateral movement of the core and the mold cavity. |
US09162381B2 |
Method, device and a computer program for manufacturing a pre-insulated skeleton framing segment
A method, a device and a computer program for manufacturing a pre-insulated skeleton framing segment (1) for a building to be constructed, wherein an assembly (2) with a hollow space (14) is provided, to which a data carrier (40) is fitted including data from which a quantity of raw materials required for forming a foam insulation layer of a thickness (15) in the hollow space (14) can be determined, which quantity is calculated, and which raw materials are inserted in the hollow space (14), and foam and harden there during a period (T). |
US09162380B2 |
Forming highly contoured composite parts
A method of forming a flat composite charge into a contoured composite part reduces wrinkles in the part as the charge is being formed. Dies are used to form a portion of charge to the steepest contour of the part, while tension is maintained on the charge as the remaining portions of the charge are formed. |
US09162378B1 |
Soap consolidation assembly
A soap consolidation assembly includes a mold that may receive fragments of soap. A housing is provided that may insertably receive the mold. A heating element is coupled to the housing so the heating element may heat the mold. A processor is coupled to the housing and the processor is operationally coupled to the heating element. An actuator is coupled to the housing. The actuator is operationally coupled to the processor so the actuator may selectively actuate the processor. |
US09162375B2 |
Mould drum and cleaning apparatus for a mould drum
The present invention relates to a mold drum for molding products from a mass of food starting material. The mold drum comprises one or more cavities with a mold cavity wall having at least partially a porous structure, whereas each cavity is connected to a passage. The present invention further relates to a cleaning apparatus for the inventive mold drum with supporting means for supporting the axis of the drum. Additionally, the present invention relates to a process for cleaning the inventive drum. |
US09162374B2 |
Plant and method for the recycling of plastics, preferably pet
A plant and a method for the recycling of plastics, preferably PET, including a switching device for switching between a first process line for a first production process for the production of a first recycling product, in particular pellets, and a second process line for a production process for the production of a second recycling product, in particular flakes, so as to render the recycling process more flexible. |
US09162373B2 |
Heating system and method of heating a body of a preform
The invention describes a heating system (13) for heating a body (1) of a preform having a material thickness bounded by a first surface (2) and a second surface (4). The heating system (13) comprises at least a light source arrangement (12) which is arranged to emit a number of directed light beams (17) and a coupling arrangement (15, 21) realized to deliberately couple light from the light source arrangement (12) in a specific direction into the body (1) during at least a certain minimum period such that the light is essentially guided along a longer path (19) between the first (2) and second surface (4). Furthermore, the invention concerns a method of heating a body (1) of a preform. |
US09162371B2 |
Drill bit
An object is to provide a drill bit with improved strength of joint between a bit tip and a bit shaft without diminishing dust suction performance of the drill bit. A drill bit 1 includes: a bit tip 3 including at least three cutting edge portions arranged at the distal end of the bit tip 3 such that they are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, each cutting edge portion 3c having a rake face 3s and a relief face 3e forming a joint ridge L1 serving as a cutting edge; and a bit shaft 2 having a distal end face 2F welded to a proximal end face of the bit tip 3 such that the bit shaft 2 rotates integrally with the bit tip 3. The bit shaft 2 includes a dust suction passage 4 extending in the longitudinal direction of the bit shaft 2, such that the distal end of the dust suction passage 4 extends to a distal end portion of the bit shaft. A dust suction auxiliary passage 6 is formed at the distal end portion of the bit shaft 2, such that the dust suction auxiliary passage 6 extends from the dust suction passage 4 orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the dust suction passage 4, and a radially outer end 6t of the dust suction auxiliary passage 6 is open at an outer peripheral face 1F of the bit shaft 2. A proximal end portion 3b of the bit tip 3 is integrally attached to the distal end face of the bit shaft 2. |
US09162365B2 |
Method for cascading and molding LED filament support based on support flitch
The invention relates to a method for cascading and molding an LED filament support based on a support flitch. A plurality of supports may be separated apart from the support flitch as a whole body, thus reducing welded amount and increasing efficiency. The support flitch comprises a group of supports arranged in parallel and numbered as a first support, a second support, a third support, and so on, till an n-th support one after another. According to three different cutting ways, an inner extension section, an outer extension section, an inner connection side, and a middle connection side at the upper side of the support, as well as the inner extension section, the outer extension section, the inner connection side, and the middle connection side at the lower side of the support are cut out respectively, one group or two groups of the cascaded LED filament supports may be obtained. |
US09162363B2 |
Cutter with a slider that can be pushed from two directions and slider for the same
A cutter with a slider that can be pushed from two directions has a housing, a blade holder, a slider, and a blade. The slider is mounted moveably on the housing, is connected to the blade holder, and has an upper sliding element, a lower sliding element, and a resilient tab engaging at least one tooth formed on the blade holder. The upper sliding element has an L-shaped cross section to form a top wall and a side wall corresponding respectively to a top wall and a side wall of the housing. A guiding recess is defined by the side wall of the upper sliding element to slidably receive a portion of the side wall of the housing that forms an edge of a guiding channel. Accordingly, the cutter is convenient in use. |
US09162362B2 |
Manipulator mechanism
A manipulator mechanism according to the present invention comprises an arm 1 having a tip mechanism 3 attached to its tip part, and an arm paying out device 2 to which the base end part of the arm 1 is coupled for winding and paying out the arm 1. The arm 1 comprises a tape aggregate 4 formed by bundling a plurality of elastic tapes 41, and a plurality of bundling members 5 attached to the tape aggregate 4 with spaces therebetween in a longitudinal direction of the tape aggregate 4. The bundling member 5 is provided with a guiding groove 51, through which the plurality of tapes 41 pass, to keep the relative position of the plurality of tapes 41 constant. |
US09162361B2 |
Gap and height difference measurement system for vehicle and control method of the same
A gap/height difference measurement system for a vehicle may include a reflection light sensing unit on a the transportation conveyor line and sensing reflection light reflected from the vehicle body transported depending on illuminance of an illumination, a measurement robot measuring the gap and the height difference between the vehicle body and each panel that move while being installed at both sides of the transportation conveyor line in a width direction of the vehicle body at one side spaced from the reflection light sensing unit in a movement direction of the vehicle body, and a controller receiving a signal sensed by the reflection light sensing unit and comparing the received signal with a predetermined value to control the illuminance of the illumination and outputting a specification depending on a vehicle type of the vehicle body transported to the measurement robot to control the measurement robot. |
US09162360B2 |
Proximity sensing method, proximity sensing apparatus and mobile platform using the same
A proximity sensing apparatus is provided. The proximity sensing apparatus includes an encoded signal transmission unit, an interference signal transmission unit and a reception unit. The encoded signal transmission unit transmits an encoded signal, and the interference signal transmission unit transmits an interference signal. The interference signal interferes with the encoded signal to generate an interfered signal. The reception unit receives a sensing signal and outputs the sensing signal to a signal processing unit. The sensing signal is either the interfered signal or the encoded signal. The signal processing unit is electrically connected to the reception unit, and determines whether the sensing signal matches the encoded signal. The signal processing unit further outputs a proximity signal when the sensing signal does not match the encoded signal. |
US09162355B2 |
Mobile robot and travelling method for the same
This mobile unit suppresses lateral vibration produced when the mobile unit passes over a step. A stabilizer according to the present invention predicts contact timing at which the mobile unit makes contact with a step, which may be a bump or pit, using sensor information or map information, shifts the center of gravity of the mobile unit laterally by controlling actuators, and shifts the center of gravity laterally for the next step after detecting that the mobile unit has passed over the previous step. |
US09162354B1 |
Handle cover structure
A handle cover structure includes two casings and a connecting element, and the two casings are engaged with each other to form a sleeve having a hollow inner side and at least one open end for sheathing on a handle. Each casing has an external surface facing an outer side of the sleeve, an internal surface facing an inner side of the sleeve, a first recess formed on the external surface of each casing, and a through hole penetrating into the internal surface of the casing; and the connecting element is flexible and disposed on the external surfaces of the two casings, and both ends of the connecting element are passed into the through holes from the first recesses of the casings, extended into the inner side of the sleeve, and fixed onto the internal surfaces of the casings respectively. |
US09162353B2 |
Hydraulic tool having interchangeable heads
In a hydraulic tool such as a crimping or cutting tool used by electric utility workers, interchangeability of heads and interchangeability of power units is afforded by connecting a cylinder on the power unit to a receiver on the head. Interlocking lugs allow the head to be secured to the power unit at any selected one of a plurality of rotational positions. A piston and a movable die in the head also have interlocking lugs. To enable the lugs on the piston and movable die to engage simultaneously with the engagement of the lugs on the cylinder and receiver, the piston is secured against rotation by a slotted guide the slots of which receive inwardly protruding pins fixed to the piston. For increased versatility, plural pressure relief valves can be selected by means of a manual selection valve to set the maximum force exerted by the tool. |
US09162350B2 |
Robust nose torque-limiting device
A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, an inclined face, and a flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank with multiple washers interposed between the lower shaft and spring. In some instances, there is a round square drive with arched catches having preselected radii to assure operation over certain cycles at selected torque and to reduced nose cone damage and breakage at a predetermined inch pounds of torque. |
US09162349B2 |
Torque limiter for a power tool
A grinder as a power tool has a torque limiter. The torque limiter includes a second bevel gear; a spindle; a flange to which the rotation of the second bevel gear is transmitted, and a plurality of balls which are disposed between the second bevel gear and the flange. The ball is positioned at a first region and the second bevel gear, the ball and the flange rotate integrally thereby the rotation is transmitted to the flange. In a state that a torque exerted on the spindle exceeding the predetermined threshold, a relative rotation between the second bevel gear and the flange is occurred and the ball moves from the first region to the second region while rolling by means of the relative rotation. Therefore, the transmission of the rotation from the second bevel gear to the flange is regulated, and the torque exerted on the spindle is regulated. |
US09162348B2 |
Steering and positioning structure of a ratchet screwdriver
A steering and positioning structure of a ratchet screwdriver has a main body, ratchet assembly, radial holding tank, two upper snapping blocks in multi-tooth meshed pattern and two downward abutting pieces, as well as an elastic abutting member, revolving drum and revolving drum split positioning member. The upper snapping blocks are activated in tune with the downward abutting pieces, such that the upper snapping blocks can be formed by means of powder metallurgy and demolding. Multiple snapping teeth could be formed on the snapping blocks. As the snapping teeth can mated with the ratchets of the ratchet assembly in multi-tooth meshing pattern, the structure can meet the multi-tooth meshing structural demands for convenient forming, and also improve substantially the torsion of the ratchet screwdriver, enhance the ease-of-operation and mass production for higher economic benefits. |
US09162341B2 |
Chemical-mechanical planarization pad including patterned structural domains
An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a chemical mechanical planarization pad including a first domain and a second continuous domain wherein the first domain includes discrete elements regularly spaced within the second continuous domain. The pad may be formed by forming a plurality of openings for a first domain within a second continuous domain of the pad, wherein the openings are regularly spaced within the second domain, and forming the first domain within the plurality of openings in second continuous domain. In addition, the pad may be used in polishing a substrate with a polishing slurry. |
US09162339B2 |
Adaptive uniform polishing system
An adaptive uniform polishing system is equipped with feedback control to apply localized adjustments during a polishing operation. The adaptive uniform polishing system disclosed has particular application to the semiconductor industry. Such an adaptive uniform polishing system includes a rotatable head that holds a semiconductor wafer, and a processing unit structured to be placed in contact with an exposed surface of the wafer. The processing unit includes a rotatable macro-pad and a plurality of rotatable micro-pads that can polish different portions of the exposed surface at different rotation speeds and pressures. Thus, uniformity across the exposed surface can be enhanced by applying customized treatments to different areas. Customized treatments can include the use of different pad materials and geometries. Parameters of the adaptive uniform polishing system are programmable, based on in-situ data or data from other operations in a fabrication process, using advanced process control. |
US09162333B2 |
Bus control for a domestic appliance
A domestic appliance (1) with a bus (2) is disclosed. A plurality of modules (3) are connected to the bus, each controlling an operational component (4). Initial programming of the modules may take place from a single connection point (61). The modules may be configured to control the domestic appliance jointly and non-hierarchically. Suitably, all modules are identical up to content of a data memory provided therein. |
US09162324B2 |
Solder paste and solder joint
The invention provides a solder paste which has a solidus temperature of 255° C. or above and is improved in the wettability between Bi and Cu or Ag electrode to attain approximately equivalent wettability to those of Pb-containing high-temperature solders even in low-temperature soldering. The solder paste comprises a metal powder component consisting of Bi or a Bi alloy, a solidus temperature lowering metal for Bi, and a solid-phase metal capable of forming an intermetallic compound with the solidus temperature lowering metal, and a flux component. |
US09162323B2 |
Aluminum deoxidizing welding wire
Provided is a welding method and electrodes (wires) with aluminum as a primary deoxidizer and a basic flux system for joining a workpieces with weld metal of comparable strengths and enhanced toughness. For instance, provided is a welding wire, comprising an aluminum content configured to act as a primary deoxidizer, and an overall composition configured to produce a weld deposit comprising a basic slag over a weld bead, wherein the aluminum content is configured to kill the oxygen in the weld pool, and wherein the oxygen comprises oxygen provided by a shielding gas or produced by heating of welding filler materials. Further provided is a welding method comprising arc welding a workpiece using an electrode having aluminum as a primary deoxidizer under a gas shield to produce a bead of weld deposit and a basic slag over the weld bead. |
US09162315B2 |
Electrical conduction mechanism
An electrical conduction mechanism is provided to prevent dust or from adhering to the inside of an electrical-conduction portion main body, so that electrical conduction efficiency cannot be reduced. The electrical conduction mechanism comprises an electrical-conduction portion main body in the center of which a first through-hole to be inserted through by a shaft is formed and in which a second through-hole communicating with the first through-hole is formed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first through-hole is formed. The electrical-conduction element is disposed in the second through-hole. The electrical-conduction element is configured to include an electrical-conduction chip abutting on the shaft, and a coil spring biasing the electrical-conduction chip toward the shaft, so that current is supplied to the shaft through the electrical-conduction chip to conduct electricity to the bit. |
US09162313B2 |
Wire feeder wire drive design
A system and method of feeding wire is provided using at least one roller which is biased towards the wire. The at least one roller is permitted to deflect a limited amount during the wire feeding operation. The roller is permitted to deflect 50% or less than the wire diameter during feeding to prevent tangling. |
US09162310B2 |
Enhanced power factor correction for welding and cutting power supplies
Enhanced power factor correction for a welding-based power supply includes a controller that tracks a rectified input voltage waveform and detects zero-crossing events therein. The controller generates an ideal sinusoidal current reference signal synchronized by expected zero-crossings in the supplied power. The reference signal is used in a current control loop within the controller to control the power electronics such that the waveform of the current drawn by the power supply matches the waveform of the input voltage. The frequency of the supplied power may be calculated using the expected zero-crossings and used to adjust the expected zero-crossings. |
US09162307B2 |
Alternating-current welding method and alternating-current welding device
If arc interruption occurs during AC arc welding, a first AC frequency predetermined for normal welding is switched to a second AC frequency higher than the first AC frequency. This allows the arc to be reignited without applying a high frequency high voltage, thereby preventing the damage of the surface of the weld bead or communication failure due to the high frequency high voltage. |
US09162302B2 |
Manufacturing method of electrode for honeycomb structure forming die
By providing a manufacturing method of an electrode for a honeycomb structure forming die including: arranging a plurality of processing electrodes 161 having a shape which is complementary to that of the flow-through cells, at positions corresponding to the plurality of flow-through cells in the one surface 107B of the electrode base body 102B; discharging electricity from the plurality of processing electrodes 161 toward the one surface 107B of the electrode base body 102B to carve the electrode base body 102B, so that a plurality of electrode cells having a shape which is analogous to that of the flow-through cells are formed in the electrode base body 102B; whereby obtaining a honeycomb electrode where a plurality of electrode cells partitioned by electrode partition walls appear on the one surface. |
US09162301B2 |
Electrochemical machining tools and methods
An electrochemical machining tool and method capable of rounding sharp edges that may be prone to cracking, for example, edge regions of cooling slots within dovetail slots of turbine wheels. The electrochemical machining tool includes an electrode and is secured to the component. The electrode of the electrochemical machining tool is inserted into a first slot, an electrolyte solution is applied between the electrode of the electrochemical machining tool and a second slot that intersects the first slot, an electrical potential is applied to the electrode and the turbine wheel to create a potential gradient between the electrode and the edge of the second slot, and material is removed from the edge of the second slot by displacing the electrode about and along the edge. |
US09162299B2 |
Saw blade for sawing hollow profiles and form profiles
A saw blade (1) serves for sawing hollow profiles and form profiles. The saw blade (1) is especially designed as saw band, and it includes a base body (2) and a plurality of teeth (10). The teeth (10) are formed by protrusions (3) and inserts (4). The teeth (10) are arranged in a group being repeated along the saw blade (1). The group includes at least three unset chamfered teeth (10). The group includes a first tooth (C1) having two chamfers (FC11, FC12) being symmetric to the longitudinal center plane (9) of the saw blade (1), a second tooth (C2) having two chamfers (FC21, FC22) being non-symmetric to the longitudinal center plane (9) and a third tooth (C3) having two chamfers (FC31, FC32) being non-symmetric to the longitudinal center plane (9). |
US09162294B2 |
Apparatus and method for delamination reduction of composite materials
The present invention provides a drilling apparatus and a method thereof capable of providing an adjustable active backup force to a composite workpiece to effectively reduce the delamination of the workpiece during drilling such that the application of the active backup force in terms of its force magnitude and its application location on the workpiece can adjustably counter the drill thrust force to retard the onset of delamination growth and reduce delamination damage at the drill exit in the workpiece, in particular in situation where large feed rate with short cycle time is desired for drilling of composite materials. A critical drill thrust force of the drilling apparatus and the method of the present invention is advantageously obtained in relation to said active backup force and the application of the active backup force to reduce the crack propagation of the delamination occurred in the composite workpiece. |
US09162291B2 |
Tool head for use in machine tools
A tool head for use in machine tools, has a main body which can be rotated around an axis of rotation. The tool head has a slide. The slide can be moved by means of a pull rod axially oriented in the main body. The slide can be fitted with at least one tool or one tool holder. At least one adjustable toothed plate is fixedly arranged on the slide. The toothed plate has a helical gearing functioning as a gear means for engaging with a helical gearing of the pull rod which is complementary thereto. The slide has an adjustment unit for moving the at least one toothed plate and the helical gearing thereof into the complementary helical gearing of the pull rod. |
US09162290B2 |
Center spacer between workpiece and dead center of machine tool
A machine tool for supporting and rotating a workpiece includes a first machine center supporting a first workpiece end of the workpiece. A dead center defines a second machine center of the machine tool. A center spacer has a first spacer end rotatably supported on the second machine center and a second spacer end supporting a second workpiece end of the workpiece. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the workpiece and, during rotation of the workpiece, the center spacer is configured to rotate with the workpiece about the second machine center. The second workpiece end includes a first material and the center spacer includes a second material that is different than the first material. |
US09162282B2 |
Casting apparatus
Provided is a compact casting apparatus capable of producing a high-quality casted product. While the internal pressures of a mold and a hopper are directly reduced by depressurizing means through a pipe and a branch pipe, the mold and the hopper are gradually tilted to fill the mold with a molten metal accommodated in the hopper. After the filling is completed, an open-close gate closes a runner. The molten metal is solidified with only the mold being directly pressured by pressurizing means through the pipe. |
US09162281B2 |
Continuous casting method and continuous casting device for titanium ingots and titanium alloy ingots
The continuous casting device according to the present invention enables at least some of a plurality of hearths (3) to be converted between being hearths (13) used for titanium, which are used during the continuous casting of titanium ingots, and being hearths (23) used for titanium alloy, which are used during the continuous casting of titanium alloy ingots. The number of hearths (23) used for titanium alloy is greater than the number of hearths (13) used for titanium. Also, the total capacity of the hearths (23) used for titanium alloy is greater than the total capacity of the hearths (13) used for titanium. Thus, titanium ingots and titanium alloy ingots can each be continuously cast by means of a single piece of equipment. |
US09162280B2 |
Hybrid ceramic/sand core for casting metal engine parts with passages or holes having a cross section too small for sand casting
A hybrid ceramic/sand casting method of manufacturing a metal part. The method is especially suitable for manufacturing engine cylinder blocks or cylinder head, which have very small internal passages or other very small internal features. These parts are formed using a hybrid core having at least one ceramic section and at least one sand section, with the ceramic section being used to create the internal feature. A mold cavity is created for the part, and the hybrid core is positioned in the mold. Molten metal is introduced into the mold, and after the metal cools, the core is removed, thereby forming the part with the internal feature. |
US09162278B2 |
Hand-held rivet nut tool with a replaceable mandrel-driving device
A hand-held rivet nut tool has a body having a base; two handles connected pivotally to the base; two pairs of links connected pivotally and respectively to the handles; a driven member connected pivotally to the pairs of the links; and a mandrel mounted rotatably through the driven member and the base. A push-and-pull mandrel-driving device or a rotational mandrel-driving device is mounted detachably and hence replaceably on the driven member, and is capable of driving the mandrel, the bushing and the threaded shaft. A user is allowed to choose either the push-and-pull mandrel-driving device or the rotational mandrel-driving device according to different working spaces or personal practices. |
US09162276B2 |
System and method of manufacturing a structure
The system and method of the present application can include machining complex part features in a flat metal sheet, and subsequently forming the machined flat metal sheet to have the desired shape and contours. Prior to the step of machining the complex part features, the method can include calculating a scaled location of the complex part features so that the subsequent forming step acts to translate and deform the complex part features into a desired location. |
US09162275B2 |
Flaring device for a tubular member
A flaring device for flaring a hollow malleable tubular member is provided. A hydraulically powered assembly includes a main body having a cylinder, a lever and a piston member which is received in the cylinder. The main body has an axis and opposing first end and second end. The lever is pivoted on the first end of the main body and operable to drive the piston member to move along the axis. One end of the piston member is formed with a conical expander. The die set is disposed at the second end of the main body and has a plurality of die elements arranged around the axis. The conical expander of the piston member is actuated to move axially and outwardly so as to radially drive the die elements to flare the hollow malleable tubular member. |
US09162274B2 |
Dual double-action can body maker
A dual double-action can body maker characterized in that a can body maker of the opposite way double-action structure is formed by way of a structural design of using two identical ram drive mechanisms and a design scheme of sharing one crankshaft. Two ram drive mechanisms share one crankshaft, and are arranged symmetrically to balance the inertial force of such parts as a swing lever. A slide yoke and a ram in motion and the reaction force generated in the can body redrawing and ironing process to reduce the load of the support bearing of the crankshaft and extend the service life. |
US09162271B2 |
Deck leverage anchor with spaced-apart body portions
A deck anchor assembly for anchoring a frame loading member to a frame deck according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a deck leverage anchor and a coupler. The deck leverage anchor is configured to engage the frame deck, the deck leverage anchor including a locking mechanism configured to lock the deck leverage anchor relative to the frame deck. The coupler is configured to couple the frame loading member to the deck leverage anchor and is independently moveable relative to the locking mechanism. |
US09162270B2 |
Method for modifying the distance between the rollers of a leveling machine, leveling machine, and apparatus for implementing said method
A machine for leveling a strip of material includes a fixed supporting frame; an upper leveling device and a lower leveling device, each leveling device forming a cassette with a plurality of separated rollers, rotatably mounted on a frame of a device for rotating the rollers connected to at least some of the rollers by an extender, each extender having one end provided with a removable coupling member with one end for rotating the roller, and a device for locking each removable coupling member by clamping. The clamping locking device includes a device configure for translating the removable coupling members in the direction of travel of the material, and in the opposite direction. |
US09162269B2 |
Coil forming apparatus and method
An apparatus is disclosed for receiving a helical formation of rings free falling from the delivery end of a conveyor, and for gathering the rings into a coil. The apparatus comprises a vertically disposed mandrel having an upper end positioned for encirclement by the free falling rings. A vertically disposed support column is positioned adjacent to the mandrel. Upper and lower coil plate assemblies are carried by and vertically adjustable on the support column. A drive system vertically adjusts the coil plate assemblies in a descending manner in which the free falling rings encircling the mandrel are initially accumulated on the upper coil plate assembly before being transferred onto the lower coil plate assembly. |
US09162267B2 |
Extrusion die for forming hollow material
An extrusion die is provided with a male die through which a billet is extruded from an upstream side to a downstream side and, the male die adapted for forming an inside shape of a hollow material; and a female die for holding the male die and forming an outside shape of the hollow material. The male die is formed of a spider and a holder for holding the spider. The spider is formed of a mandrel and a plurality of bridge parts for supporting the mandrel, and enabling a distal-end outer peripheral surface to engage with a bridge-holding surface. The distal-end outer peripheral surface of each of the bridge parts and the bridge-holding surface of the holder are joined by shrink-fitting. |
US09162266B2 |
Installation part and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to an installation part for mounting an upper support roll in a roll stand. The installation part has, on its cambered side, a lubricant receiving space, from which at least one lubricant drain hole (130) extends, in the lower region of the installation part, in the direction of the drain side of the installation part. In order to be able to reduce the width in the lower region of the installation part and while guaranteeing the stability of the installation part, it is proposed according to the invention that the distance d from the center point of the lubricant drain hole (130) to the vertical longitudinal center plane LM of the installation part is ≦half of the diameter of the main hole and that—in the vertical longitudinal center plane—the vertical minimum distance s from the counter-surface of a ring seal (400) in the lower region of the installation part to the horizontal tangential plane (500) at the top edge of the lubricant drain hole is not below a specified minimum clearance threshold value. |
US09162262B2 |
Automated detection and control system and method for high pressure water wash application and collection applied to aero compressor washing
The present invention relates to a system and method for washing gas turbine engines comprising a manifold comprising one or more tubes; a pumping system for providing pressurized washing liquid to the manifold, the pumping system comprising a pump, and one or more valves; and a control unit for regulating the pumping system according to washing parameters associated to a particular engine. |
US09162261B1 |
Systems and methods for controlling silica dust during hydraulic fracturing operations
A system for controlling silica dust generated during the transfer of frac sand from a storage container through a conveyor system includes a system of conduits having a plurality of inlets for collecting silica dust generated at selected points along the conveyor system. An air system pneumatically coupled to the system of conduits generates a negative pressure at each of the inlets to induce the collection of silica dust at the selected points along the conveyor. |
US09162258B1 |
Wasted material separating device
The present invention provides a wasted material separating device comprising: a base station for placing a panel thereon, wherein a wasted material to be separated is on the panel; a support frame; a first guide rail mounted on one side of the support frame away from the base station and extending in a direction toward the base station; a support member slidably mounted on the first guide rail, and a first drive device connected with the support member, the first drive device being arranged to drive the support member to slide along the first guide rail; a first vacuum adsorption plate for adsorbing the wasted material, one end of which is mounted on the support member via a bearing, and the other end is lapped and connected with the support member when the first vacuum adsorption plate is horizontally placed; and a second drive device connected with the first vacuum adsorption plate and arranged to drive the first vacuum adsorption plate to rotate about the bearing. Thus, the wasted material can be easily and quickly removed from the panel and residual of the wasted material is avoided. |
US09162254B2 |
Method and apparatus for applying a coating on a substrate
A method for applying a coating (4) on a substrate (1), includes: —scanning a laser beam (2) along a line on the surface of said substrate. The method also includes supplying a coating forming material from a supply system (3), the system moving along the same line as the laser beam but coming up behind the laser beam, so that the coating forming material is deposited on a spot which has previously been heated by the laser beam to a temperature above the melting temperature of the coating forming material. Substantially no physical contact occurs between the laser beam and the coating forming material. Preferably, the method further includes a second step of scanning the surface a second time with the laser beam, without adding coating forming material during the second step. |
US09162252B2 |
Film forming method
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of forming a polyimide film on a substrate is disclosed. Such method can be easily controlled and form a polyimide film applicable as an insulation film. While a wafer is heated at a temperature at which a polyimide film is formed, a cycle, in which the wafer is sequentially supplied with a first processing gas, for example, containing a PMDA-based first monomer, and a second processing gas containing a non-aromatic monomer, for example, an HMDA-based second monomer, is performed for a predetermined number of times. When the processing gases are switched, a replacement gas is supplied into a reaction tube so that the monomers are not mixed together under the atmosphere in the reaction tube. |
US09162251B2 |
Lamination and method for manufacturing lamination
A lamination includes a substrate formed of a metal or alloy, an intermediate layer formed on a surface of the substrate and is formed of a metal or alloy that is softer than the substrate, and a metal film deposited by accelerating a powder material of a metal or alloy together with a gas heated to a temperature lower than the melting point of the powder material and spraying it onto the intermediate layer while keeping it in a solid phase. |
US09162248B2 |
Backpressure injection foot
A backpressure injection foot is provided. The backpressure injection foot includes an injection nozzle for applying an adhesive flowing therethrough onto a planar object having a core structure; and a backpressure foot attached to a distal end of the injection nozzle, wherein the backpressure foot is configured to cover a portion of a plurality of cores disposed within the planar object to facilitate application of the adhesive from a proximal surface of the planar object through to a distal surface of the planar object. |
US09162246B2 |
Coating liquid filling method, slit nozzle, discharge outlet closing member, and slit nozzle unit
A filling method exhausts gas from inside a slit nozzle that applies coating liquid onto a substrate surface while filling the slit nozzle with the coating liquid. The slit nozzle includes a coating liquid supply opening, a coating liquid discharge outlet, a manifold that is connected to the supply opening and holds the coating liquid inside the slit nozzle, a liquid channel that is connected to the manifold and supplies the coating liquid to the discharge outlet of the slit nozzle, and a ventilation hole for exhausting gas from inside the manifold. The filling method includes: a discharge outlet closing process that closes the discharge outlet while the coating liquid is being fed from the supply opening into the slit nozzle; and a ventilation hole opening process that opens the ventilation hole. |
US09162245B1 |
Powder coating conveyor support
A powder coating system including a powder coating conveyor, a work piece; the powder coating conveyor including a hang hole tool having a conveyor portion and a work piece engaging portion. The work piece engaging portion is structured to engage a conveyor member supported by the conveyor structure. The work piece engaging portion has an outwardly extending shaft portion extending distally outward from an expanded portion. The work piece has a recess therein, the recess being shaped and sized to receive the work piece engaging portion in close fitting relation and the recess having a first inside dimension at a greatest depth of the recess and a second inside dimension at a least depth of the recess. The second inside dimension is greater than the first inside dimension. |
US09162242B2 |
Sprinkler assembly system
A sprinkler system having a sprinkler assembly with at least one sprinkler head having a removable top coupled thereto by an attachment means. A female inlet removably couples the sprinkler head to a swing joint, which is buried below the sprinkler head and connects the sprinkler head to the irrigation feed. The removable top has a plurality of openings for exporting water from the irrigation feed outwardly therefrom. A top surface of the sprinkler head includes crushed stone for stabilizing the sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler system further includes a control system in electronic communication with a valve and control box connected to the sprinkler assembly. |
US09162241B2 |
Metering dispenser
For the straightforward, easy-to-assemble construction of a metering dispenser (1) for dispensing a substance consisting of a number of components, having at least two containers (6a, 6b) in an outer sleeve (8) for accommodating the components of the substance, and having a pumping unit (2a, 2b) on each of the containers (6a, 6b), and having an adjusting device (3), which makes it possible to adjust the quantity ratio of the components in relation to one another, and having a movable actuating device (4) for the pumping units (2a, 2b) and/or containers (6a, 6b), and having a dispenser element (5) for the substance which is to be dispensed by the metering dispenser (1), it is proposed to provide a force-transmission element (7), in particular in the form of an intermediate wall, which, with the actuating device (4) activated, can be displaced relative to the outer sleeve (8) and in the axial direction (A) of the metering dispenser (1). |
US09162238B1 |
Oscillating pressurized spray tip protection assembly
The oscillating pressurized spray tip protection assembly is comprised of a tip guard and a lock plate that lock together via securing means over an oscillating spray tip in order to protect against wear when said spray tip is penetrating ground. The spray tip protection assembly utilizes a material that is strong, and more durable than the spray tip enclosed therein such that the life of the spray tip is increased. The tip guard has a cavity contoured to an exterior surface of the oscillating spray tip with an opening at a front end of the tip guard thereby enabling pressurized water to exit from both the oscillating spray tip as well as the tip guard. |
US09162236B2 |
Proportional and uniform controlled gas flow delivery for dry plasma etch apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention relate to method and apparatus for providing processing gases to a process chamber with improved uniformity. One embodiment of the present invention provides a gas injection assembly. The gas injection assembly includes an inlet hub, a nozzle having a plurality of injection passages disposed against the inlet hub, and a distribution insert disposed between the nozzle and the inlet hub. The distribution insert has one or more gas distribution passages configured to connect the inlet hub to the plurality of the injection passages the nozzle. Each of the one or more gas distribution passages has one inlet connecting with a plurality of outlets, and distances between the inlet and each of the plurality of outlets are substantially equal. |
US09162233B2 |
Separator having a lubrication system for a belt driven short spindle drive
A separator including a rotatable centrifugal drum having a vertical axis of rotation and an inflow line for a material to be processed by the separator. Also included is a drive spindle for the drum rotatably mounted via a mounting to a housing supported elastically on a machine stand section. A drive device includes an electric drive motor having a stator and a rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle. A lubricant system is configured to lubricate the mounting and the lubricant system includes a lubricant circuit to convey lubricant and has a lubricant collecting container. |
US09162231B2 |
Systems and methods for producing engineered fuel feed stocks from waste material
Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a waste stream at a multi-material processing platform and separating the waste stream to remove non-processable waste and marketable recyclables. The method further includes conveying processable materials to a material classification system and incorporating additives to produce an engineered fuel from the constituents of the waste stream. |
US09162229B2 |
Multi-directional sorting with reduced contamination in a flow cytometer
Disclosed is a collection sled for collecting a waste droplet stream 122 in a waste stream catcher that is located below sample collectors. Contamination of collected samples is reduced by collecting the waste droplet stream at a position that is below the sample collectors. A waste trough is provided that gets progressively larger in a downward direction, which prevents backsplash of waste fluid from the collection cavity. Standard sample collector tubes, as well as 8-well strips and microscope slides can be used with the collection sled to collect sample particles. |
US09162228B2 |
Interlocking cap and receptacle for automated processes
System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle. |
US09162226B2 |
Foldable microfluidic devices using double-sided tape
A method and system for a folding microfluidic device comprises creating at least one folding line in a material, forming a plurality of layers of a microfluidic device in said material, and folding the material at the fold lines to create a self-aligned multilayered microfluidic device. The material can comprise a carrier material with an adhesive layer on the top and bottom surfaces. |
US09162219B2 |
Fenton reaction catalyst produced using reducing organic substance as raw material
To develop a Fenton reaction catalyst that can maintain divalent iron stably for a long period of time, can utilize trivalent iron or metallic iron, which is an inexpensive iron-supplying source, by converting into divalent iron, and is harmless to the human body and the environment, provided is a Fenton reaction catalyst, including, as an active component, a reaction product obtained by mixing a specific reducing organic substance (e.g., ascorbic acid, a polyphenol-containing plant component, or a plant dry distillation liquid component) with an iron-supplying source at a predetermined ratio in the presence of water. Also provided are a sterilization method, a pollutant degradation method, and a luminescence method based on chemiluminescence, which involve using the Fenton reaction catalyst. |
US09162212B2 |
Supported catalyst systems and method of making biodiesel products using such catalysts
A heterogeneous catalyst system, a method of preparing the catalyst system and a method of forming a biodiesel product via transesterification reactions using the catalyst system is disclosed. The catalyst system according to one aspect of the present disclosure represents a class of supported mixed metal oxides that include at least calcium oxide and another metal oxide deposited on a lanthanum oxide or cerium oxide support. Preferably, the catalysts include CaO—CeO2ZLa2O3 or CaO—La2O3/CeO2. Optionally, the catalyst may further include additional metal oxides, such as CaO—La2O3—GdOxZLa2O3. |
US09162208B2 |
Process and system for producing synthetic crude oil from offshore produced fluids containing high CO2 content
A system and process for producing synthetic crude oil from produced fluids of an oil well is disclosed. The system comprises a separation plant for producing an associated gas stream from produced fluids a membrane unit comprising a plurality of polymer membranes to provide a CO2 enriched permeate stream and a CO2 depleted product gas stream, a gas conversion plant for converting the CO2 depleted product gas stream into a synthetic crude oil and a heat exchanger adding heat to the associated gas stream so that the membrane unit operates at a temperature of at least 80° C. during separation of the associated gas stream using the membrane unit. A process using the aforementioned components, including separation of the associated gas stream using the membrane unit at a temperature >80° C., into a CO2 enriched stream and a CO2 depleted product stream, is also described. |
US09162205B2 |
Apparatuses for distributing fluids in fluidized bed reactors
A fluid distribution apparatus is disposed in a fluidized bed reactor and includes a distributor pipe configured to carry a fluid and a centerpipe fluidly connected to the distributor pipe and enclosing an annular space for receiving the fluid from the distributor pipe. The annular space is defined by an interior radius including a cylindrical plug disposed concentrically within the centerpipe, an exterior radius including the centerpipe, an upper end including an upper circular plate, and a lower end including a lower circular plate. The fluid distribution apparatus further includes a plurality of inlet nozzles fluidly connected to the annular space and disposed through the centerpipe for distributing the fluid from the annular space to a bed of the fluidized bed reactor. |
US09162203B1 |
Hydrogen generator
A hydrogen generator into which a mixed gas is run and out of which a reformed gas including hydrogen is discharged, which can reliably control the hydrogen concentration in the reformed gas to a desired concentration. The hydrogen generator is provided with an upstream side oxidation unit and a downstream side decomposition unit, burns part of the compound in the mixed gas in the oxidation unit using the oxygen in the mixed gas so as to generate heat of combustion, and uses the heat of combustion to break down another part of the compound in the mixed gas in the decomposition unit so as to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generator is provided with a first temperature sensor controller. |
US09162199B2 |
Two-component mixing container including piston using spring engagement
Provided is a two-component mixing container in which a piston member may be capable of a rotation motion operation and a linear motion operation without the need for a complex guide groove. Two or more spring structure portions are provided at the piston member. The two or more spring structure portions impart a pressing force on an inner wall surface of the third cylindrical portion. Two or more fitting grooves are formed in the third cylindrical portion. In this fitting state, the piston member and a second-component containing member rotate together without contact portions getting out of the fitting grooves. When a force of a predetermined level or higher toward a third bottom wall portion is applied to an operating rod portion with a second-component containing chamber and a mixing chamber being communicable with each other, the contact portions get out of the fitting grooves. |
US09162197B2 |
Mixing and metering device for mixing and metering chemicals
A mixing and metering device for mixing and metering liquid chemicals comprises a circulation pump having a suction port and a pressure port, a pipe coil, the contents volume of which is dimensioned such that the chemicals metered into the device have a residence time sufficient for the chemical reaction, a choke tube which guides the circulation stream exiting from the pipe coil, with formation of a choke point, from the outlet of the pipe coil to a metering conduit which is arranged between the choke tube and the suction port of the circulation pump and at least two metering valves, and also a falling tube which is connected to the choke tube and has a vacuum flange for connection of the mixing and metering device to a vacuum device. |
US09162195B2 |
Linear motion mixer
A linear motion mixer having a reciprocating drive assembly of the Scotch yoke type, wherein the yoke assembly is mounted on first and second column bearing shafts (i.e., Thomson shafts) by two or more contoured bearing shaft rollers. The way shafts of the yoke assembly are preferably mounted for rotation about their longitudinal axis so as to accommodate misalignment of the roller wheel of the crank assembly which drivingly interacts therewith. A cylinder rod end alignment coupler is preferably interconnected between the yoke assembly and the downstream components of the drive assembly to substantially prevent unbalanced tortional and shear forces from being transmitted into the yoke assembly from the mixing shaft. These and other improvements are disclosed, all of which reduce production costs, lost energy, excessive wear and binding or racking of a reciprocating drive assembly incorporating same. |
US09162194B2 |
Blender jug and lid
A lid and a jug for a blender. The lid and jug cooperate, wherein the lid is a relatively tight fitting polymeric lid having an outer edge and an upper surface. A pull tab being integral with the lid. The pull tab forms a ring above the upper surface of the lid that defines an at least finger-sized opening located adjacent to the outer edge of the lid, the opening having a central axis of symmetry that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the jug. |
US09162193B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating an improved fill for frameless furniture and the like
A fill material which includes first and second types of polymers which are mixed together to be used for filling frameless furniture or the like as well as the method and apparatus for making the fill material and supplying the fill material to a frameless furniture sheath. |
US09162191B2 |
Imidazole-containing polymer membranes and methods of use
Imidazole-containing polymer membranes are described herein. Methods of their preparation and use are also described herein. The methods of using the membranes include capturing and reducing volatile compounds from gas streams. |
US09162189B1 |
Membrane comprising self-assembled block copolymer and process for producing the same by spin coating (Ia)
Disclosed are membranes formed from self-assembling diblock copolymers of the formula (I): wherein R1 is C1-C22 alkyl, R2 is C6-C20 aryl or heteroaryl, one of R3 and R4 is a C6-C14 aryl and the other is C1-C22 alkoxy, and n and m are independently about 10 to about 2000, which find use in preparing nanoporous membranes. Embodiments of the membranes contain the diblock copolymer that self-assembles into a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a membrane which involves spin coating a polymer solution containing the diblock copolymer to obtain a thin film, followed by annealing the thin film in a solvent vapor and/or soaking in a solvent or mixture of solvents to form a nanoporous membrane. |
US09162188B2 |
Methods for cleaning membranes used for filtering chemicals
A method includes performing a first cleaning step to clean a membrane, wherein during the first cleaning step, a first solvent passes through the membrane. After the first cleaning step, a second cleaning step is performed to clean the membrane. During the second cleaning step, a second solvent passes through the membrane. The first solvent and the second solvent are in different groups among three solvent groups, wherein the three solvent groups include a non-polar solvent group, a polar aprotic solvent group, and a polar protic solvent group. |
US09162184B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purification system includes a feedforward controller 47, a feedback controller 49 outputting a correcting variable for achieving a target temperature of DPF 7, and a variable adding unit 51 that adds the correcting variable output from the feedback controller 49 to a basic variable output from the feedforward controller 47 to compute a manipulated variable. The system further includes either one of an integrator resetter 55 that resets the integral value of an integrator that forms the feedback controller 49 when the amount of exhaust gas has suddenly dropped, and a basic variable calculating unit that calculates the basic variable to be output from the feedforward controller based on a signal representing the flow rate of exhaust gas. |
US09162174B2 |
Air cleaner assemblies with filter element and method for installing the filter element
According to the present disclosure, air cleaner assemblies, components, features and methods are described. A filter cartridge is characterized, that can be conveniently used as part of the system ensuring that a proper cartridge is installed in the housing, in a proper radial orientation and in a manner such that cartridge rotation is inhibited, in spite of the use of a radial seal. The cartridge can be configured to also be used with a housing that includes a utility conduit in an exterior surface thereof. Advantageous features and methods of assembly and use are described. |
US09162172B2 |
Air filter having fluted filter media
An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes tilting the filter element against a tilt surface in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing. The filter element can have a handle to assist in servicing of the air cleaner. The housing can have a window to allow visual inspection of the internal component of the housing and to determine visually whether a filter element is installed therein. |
US09162170B2 |
Synthesis reaction system for hydrocarbon compound, and method of removing powdered catalyst particles
A synthesis reaction system is provided with: a reactor which synthesizes a hydrocarbon compound by a chemical reaction of a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide as main components, and a slurry having solid catalyst particles suspended in liquid; a separator which separates the hydrocarbon compound from the slurry; and a filtering device which filters the hydrocarbon compound extracted from the separator to trap powdered catalyst particles. |
US09162169B1 |
Flexible filter hand bags for catch basins
Various embodiments of a modular catch basin for implementation in a high performance bioswale are disclosed. The modular catch basin containing bio-media in bio-media filters to treat urban run-off. Method of installing and maintaining the modular catch basin are also disclosed. |
US09162165B2 |
Self-cleaning filter and filtration system for lubricants
The disclosed self-cleaning filtration system and self-cleaning filter solves various problems by replacing a standard filter cartridge with an adapter screwed in place of the cartridge, a filter of limited size with a motor for rotating an inlet cover plate and an outlet cover plate over a body with a plurality of longitudinal channels inside of a circumferential filtration media where the different parts of the media are used alternately in forward and backward flow. In another embodiment, instead of entry and drain openings, the oil is placed directly in contact with each longitudinal channel with the exception of the channel in fluidic communication with the drain opening. The self-filtration system includes a self-cleaning filter used in tandem with an adapter, a decanter, and a series of hoses. In yet another embodiment, the self-cleaning filter includes either in replacement of the rotating shaft or in addition to the shaft a body with an expandable chamber for storage of oil used as driving force of a back flushing valve. |
US09162161B2 |
Filler for affinity chromatography
Provided is a filler for affinity chromatography having a high dynamic binding capacity for proteins and having excellent alkali resistance and storage stability. The filler for affinity chromatography of the present invention comprises a porous particle consisting of a copolymer of 40 parts to 99.5 parts by mass of (M-1) a methacryloyl group-containing vinyl monomer that contains a hydroxyl group and does not contain an epoxy group, 0.5 parts to 30 parts by mass of (M-2) an epoxy group-containing vinyl monomer, 0 parts to 59.5 parts by mass of (M-3) a methacryloyl group-containing vinyl monomer which is other than the monomers (M-1) and (M-2), and 0 parts to 25 parts by mass of (M-4) a vinyl monomer other than the monomers (M-1), (M-2) and (M-3) (with the proviso that the total amount of the contents of (M-1), (M-2), (M-3) and (M-4) is 100 parts by mass); ring-opened epoxy group obtainable by ring-opening of epoxy group that is contained in the copolymer; and ligand that is bound to the porous particle. |
US09162159B2 |
Water vapor collection bottles
A water vapor collector bottle consists of a transparent cover, a top box, a water supplier, an optional insulator, an optional bottom cover, and a bottom box. The transparent cover allows sun rays to evaporate some water to the top box which confines and collect the vapor condensate. The condensates will drop into a container in the bottom box. A wind operated knocker and an insert to increase the water condensation surfaces are also introduced. |
US09162154B2 |
Autonomous vehicle system
An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load. |
US09162153B1 |
Toy vehicle with an adjustable DC-DC switch
In one embodiment there is a toy vehicle having a low inductance motor powered by a high frequency switched voltage at a frequency high enough to create continuous conduction. The vehicle further includes an H-bridge circuit configured to control a direction of the motor and an adjustable high frequency DC-DC switch configured to convert a supply voltage to an output voltage, lower than the supply voltage, for use by the H-bridge circuit to power the low inductance motor in a forward or reverse direction. In addition, a processor is included and has instructions configured to change the output voltage from the DC-DC switch from a first voltage to a second voltage. |
US09162152B2 |
Stuffed animal with storage pouch for plastic bags or the like
A storage pouch is adapted for use with an animal body comprising a trunk having a waist and a shoulder. The storage pouch comprises a generally tubular shape garment comprising a continuous fabric panel defining an interior storage space having a top end opening and a bottom end opening. A zippered opening in the panel provides selective access to the storage space. A circular waistband is at the top end opening and is receivable on the trunk waist. First and second straps each have opposite ends secured to a front and a back of the waistband to suspend the garment from the animal body shoulder. A circular cuff is at the bottom end opening. A pair of semi-circular fabric pieces is secured to the cuff to provide a slot opening into the storage space. Articles to be stored can be inserted through the zippered opening and withdrawn through the slotted opening. |
US09162149B2 |
Interactive entertainment systems and methods
Methods are described for selling, loaning, renting, or otherwise providing a retail product, such as an interactive product, that allows a consumer to participate in one or more venues. The retail product is capable of interfacing with interactive devices in the venues that are capable of producing sensory effects based on communication from and/or to the retail product. Furthermore, the retail product preferably has an independent or intrinsic value apart from the use of the product in the venues, and may include, for example, a toy wand or like toy device, apparel, and/or jewelry. In certain examples, the retail methods include tracking the consumer's use of the retail product in the venue(s). Such tracking information may be used to customize the experience of the user during a subsequent visit to the same venue or another venue. |
US09162148B2 |
Wireless entertainment device, system, and method
Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique play experience carried out utilizing an interactive “wand” and/or other seemingly magical actuation/tracking device. The wand or other actuation device allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment(s), thereby giving play participants the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering “real” magic. Optionally, multiple play participants, each provided with a suitable “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device, may play and interact together, either within or outside one or more compatible play environments, to achieve desired goals, master certain magical spells and/or produce desired seemingly magical effects within the play environment. |
US09162132B2 |
Virtual golf simulation apparatus and sensing device and method used for the same
Disclosed are a virtual golf simulation apparatus in which any position of a hitting mat, on which a user places a ball, is recognized to easily and accurately find the position of the ball even when a slope is realized with respect to a swing plate and the swing plate is sloped at a predetermined angle, and it is possible to accurately sense when hitting has been performed by the user using a relatively inexpensive sensing device without an additional trigger sensor, thereby reducing costs and improving sensing accuracy and reliability, and a sensing device and method used for the same. |
US09162131B1 |
Golf visual training aid and feedback device
A visual reference and feedback device for use with a golf club is presented. The visual reference and feedback device includes a clubface reference head and a neck that connects a supporting body to the clubface reference head. The supporting body includes three supporting members having a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a third supporting member. C-clip fasteners may be formed at distal ends of the first supporting member and second supporting member. A sternum guide may be formed as a rectangular structure at the outer portion of the first supporting member and proximate to the neck of the visual aid and feedback device. |
US09162128B2 |
Receptacle for catching a disc
A method of operating a disc golf course having a receptacle for each hole, each receptacle including a substantially vertically extending sidewall presenting an upper edge, lower edge, inner surface, and outer surface having an upper portion that extends to the upper edge; and a floor connected to the sidewall at an outer edge of the floor, the floor and the inner surface defining an open-topped interior chamber; installing the receptacles in the playing surfaces such that a player attempts a first throw of the disc into the interior chamber by throwing, skipping, or bouncing the disc higher than the upper edge or rolling the disc over the upper edge and attempts a second throw of the disc into the interior chamber by throwing, skipping, or bouncing the disc higher than the upper edge or rolling the disc over the upper edge if the first throw was unsuccessful. |
US09162124B1 |
Golf tee bag device
A golf tee bag device includes a main body constructed from a single piece of fabric material having a front surface, a back surface and a plurality of edges. The device includes a main pocket area, a horizontal pocket and a pair of connectors for engaging the back surface of the main body in order to attach the device to a belt. |
US09162106B1 |
Ankle and foot exercise apparatus
An apparatus useful for performing foot and ankle exercises as part of a strengthening or rehabilitation program includes a foot platform positioned between an upper horizontal bar connected through a vertical assembly to a base frame adapted to sit in a stable position on a floor. The foot platform has an upper side to receive the user's foot and a lower side that pivotably engages through a fixed ball joint with the base frame to allow the user of the apparatus to exercise his or her ankle in all six movement directions without moving the leg. Resistance bands connect the foot platform to various points on the apparatus to provide a mechanism for resistance during exercise. The apparatus may be associated with a sensor on the foot platform that senses the position or movement of the foot in use and produces data regarding the exercise that is communicated to the user. |
US09162105B2 |
Fitness apparatus
A fitness apparatus includes a chassis, two linkages, two handlebars, two cranks and two joint bars. Each of the linkage includes a first linking-up part and second linking-up part transversally. The first linking-up parts are pivotably attached to the cranks for revolution of the cranks relatively to the chassis. Each of the handlebars includes a lower portion pivotably attached to the second linking-up portion, and an upper portion which can be held by the user to move along a closed elliptical trajectory. Each of the joint bars includes a rear and portion pivotably attached between the upper portions and the lower portions, and a front end portion pivotably attached to the chassis. In this way, the user's arms can take exercise effectively along an elliptical trajectory to further prevent the user from suffering sports injury resulting from incorrect posture. |
US09162103B2 |
Gymnastic machine
Regulating group for adjusting the initial operating position of an interface associated with a gymnastic machine comprising a frame; a load group connected to the interface through a respective transmission device; a support group designed to carry the interface movable relative to the frame; the regulating group comprising a return device suitable, in use, to define, at the initial operating position, a stop for the movement of the interface relative to the frame; wherein the return device can be connected, in use, to the transmission device through a given coupling, so that to each variation in the initial operating position actuated through the return device corresponds a respective given variation in the operating configuration of the transmission device. |
US09162101B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for exercising the arm
In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus for exercising an arm includes a lever adapted to attach to a wheel of a wheelchair, a forearm support pivotally mounted to the lever that is adapted to support a forearm of a wheelchair user during exercise, and a resilient member attached to the lever that is adapted to resist movement of the lever by the user. |
US09162097B2 |
Extinguisher identifying method and extinguisher identifying device
An extinguisher identifying device. The device comprises an extinguisher identifying device and an activation device, and a communications module. The extinguisher identifying device reads an identifying element on an extinguisher to obtain identifying data of the extinguisher. The activation device is configured to activate the extinguisher identifying device in response to a predetermined event. The communications module is configured to transmit the extinguisher identifying data to a management device. |
US09162096B2 |
Automatic fire extinguisher capable of discharging fire-extinguishing agent to fire site
The present invention relates to an automatic fire extinguisher capable of automatically discharging a fire-extinguishing agent upon the occurrence of a fire. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automatic fire extinguisher which is capable of automatically discharging a fire-extinguishing agent to a fire site without using power upon the occurrence of a fire to thus efficiently extinguish the fire, and which is also capable of sounding an alarm at an early stage upon the occurrence of a fire, to thus enable people to take swift action. The automatic fire extinguisher of the present invention may ultimately serve as a sprinkler, and can be reused after operation. |
US09162092B2 |
Horizontal lifeline traversing device
A horizontal lifeline traversing device is capable of traversing intermediate lifeline supports without detachment from the lifeline but is easily attached to or detached from the lifeline. A paddle wheel having a plurality of radially spaced apart paddles prevents the device from vertical movement. The paddles are made of first and second sets of paddles rotatable about the same axle. The first set is substantially fixed on the axle but the second set is movable axially between a first position where it is axially spaced from the first set and a second position where it is in substantial axial alignment with the first set. A spiral spring biases the second set into the first position. By rotating the second set of paddles slightly, it can be moved axially into the second position where the device can be attached to or detached from a horizontal lifeline. |
US09162091B2 |
Safety harness
The present invention generally relates to a safety restraint suitable for restraining the hunter to a tree in a deer stand. The safety harness of the invention comprises a iii) user member for connecting to the user, iv) an anchor member for attachment to a tree or other suitable generally vertical stand mounting member and iii) a connecting member which cooperatively connects the user and anchor members, wherein connected to said anchor member is a round and/or oval shaped ring sewn into the anchor strap material. The connecting member which is attached to the user member is connected to the D-ring or round and/or oval shaped ring attached to said anchor member. |
US09162089B2 |
Restraint and extraction harness with associated release mechanism
Disclosed is a harness system that can be used in both restraining and extracting a wearer. The harness takes the form of webbing that may be integrated into a crewmember worn vest. The webbing includes extraction loops for use in hoisting the crewmember and a release mechanism for releasably coupling the harness to an external restraint, such as an overhead reel. The system can be used within a vehicle, such as a land based vehicle, a water going vessel, or an aircraft. |
US09162085B2 |
Personal cleansing compositions with increased deposition of polyacrylate microcapsules
A personal cleansing composition that increases the deposition and retention of benefit agent containing polyacrylate microcapsules onto hair and/or skin. The personal cleansing composition is based on the combination of anionic charged polyacrylate microcapsules, cationic deposition polymers, detersive surfactant, and a carrier. |
US09162081B2 |
Beam monitor system and particle beam irradiation system
A beam monitor system having a simple configuration for improving a measurement precision specifying a position and the width. A beam monitor system, comprising collection electrodes that include a plurality of groups each having a plurality of adjacent wire electrodes, and detect an ionized particle beam passing therethrough, a first signal processing device that sets one wire electrode in the groups of the collection electrodes as a typical wire electrode, receives a detection signal output from the typical wire electrode to process the signal and a beam monitor controller that obtains a beam position of the ionized particle beam that has passed through the wire electrodes on the basis of a processed signal from the first signal processing device. |
US09162080B2 |
Device for X-ray brachytherapy, and method for positioning a probe introduced into a body for X-ray brachytherapy
In a system and method for x-ray brachytherapy, a probe is introduced into the body of a subject, the probe carrying an x-ray source that radiates x-rays into an exposure area outside of the probe within the body of the subject. A number of markers are located in or on the probe, that are detectable in an image generated by an imaging device. The markers are located in or on the probe in a known spatial relation to the exposure area, so that the position of the exposure area can be determined by identifying the markers in the displayed image. |
US09162079B2 |
Activatable particles, preparations and uses
The present invention relates to novel activatable particles which can be used in the health sector. The invention more particularly relates to composite particles which can generate free radicals or heat when excited by X rays, and to the uses thereof in health, particularly human. The inventive particles comprise an inorganic-based, and optionally organic-based, nucleus and can be activated in vivo, in order to label or alter cells, tissues or organs. The invention also relates to methods for the production of said particles, and to pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions containing same. |
US09162073B2 |
Method for treating erectile dysfunction
A method for treating erectile dysfunction in a subject includes providing an expandable support member for engaging a wall of a blood vessel. The expandable support member includes at least one electrode connected with the expandable support member and arranged to selectively deliver electric current to modulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The expandable support member includes and an insulative material attached to at least a portion of the expandable support member for isolating blood flowing through the vessel from the electric current delivered by the at least one electrode. The expandable support member is implanted intravascularly so that at least a portion of the expandable support member is positioned substantially adjacent a desired location where modulation of the ANS is effective to improve erectile function. After implanting the expandable support member, electric current is delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the ANS. |
US09162071B2 |
Method for controlling telemetry in an implantable medical device based on power source capacity
An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end. The case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials. |
US09162069B2 |
Test method for cochlear implant stimulation strategies
An arrangement and method for hearing implant signal processing is described. A hearing implant signal processor converts a speech signal input into multi-channel electrical stimulation signals for a cochlear implant electrode array. A feature adjustment module adjusts feature resolution of the electrical stimulation signals to produce a corresponding sequence of cochlear stimulation feature vectors. A speech recognition vector pre-processor maps the cochlear stimulation feature vectors into corresponding speech recognition feature vectors. A speech recognition engine evaluates the speech recognition features vectors with probabilistic state sequence models to produce speech recognition outputs corresponding to the speech signal input. |
US09162068B2 |
Energy efficient resonant driving circuit for magnetically coupled telemetry
A driving circuit useful in a magnetic inductive coupling wireless communication system is disclosed. The circuit includes an inductor (coil; L) and capacitor (C) in series selectively coupled to a power source such as a rechargeable battery. The LC circuit is made to resonate in accordance with a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) or other protocol. Such resonance produces a voltage across the inductor. This voltage is used to create a first voltage either by tapping into the coil, or by providing a transformer. The first voltage is coupled to the rechargeable battery by a diode. When the circuit resonates, and when the first voltage exceeds the voltage of the power source, the diode turns on, thus shunting excess current back to recharge the rechargeable battery. By use of this circuit, energy is conserved. Additionally, oscillations can be quickly dampened so as to allow the circuit to transmit at high data rates. |
US09162064B2 |
Neural stimulation devices and systems for treatment of chronic inflammation
A system for treating chronic inflammation may include an implantable microstimulator, a wearable charger, and optionally an external controller. The implantable microstimulator may be implemented as a leadless neurostimulator implantable in communication with a cervical region of a vagus nerve. The microstimulator can address several types of stimulation including regular dose delivery. The wearable charger may be worn around the subject's neck to rapidly (<10 minutes per week) charge an implanted microstimulator. The external controller may be configured as a prescription pad that controls the dosing and activity of the microstimulator. |
US09162060B2 |
Active retinal implant
An active retinal implant (10) to be implanted into an eye has an array (16) of stimulation elements (17) that emit stimulation signals to cells of the retina, wherein the stimulation elements (17) are designed as radiation-emitting elements. |
US09162059B1 |
Method for facial nerve stimulation of aging or dysfunctional muscles
A method for stimulating facial nerves in a subject includes providing an electrode having a plurality of contacts, stimulating a central part of a facial nerve with the plurality of contacts in order to improve at least some muscle volume and/or strength in a facial region, and stimulating one or more of the plurality of contacts in order to maintain the muscle volume and/or strength in a desired facial muscle. Another method for stimulating facial nerves in a subject includes providing an electrode having a plurality of contacts in an ear of the subject, stimulating one or more of the plurality of contacts separately in order to determine which contacts activate which facial muscles, identifying one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts that cause one or more nerve branches to activate a desired facial muscle, and selecting the identified contacts to stimulate the one or more nerve branches. |
US09162058B2 |
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. |
US09162055B2 |
Systems and methods for making and using electrode configurations for paddle leads
A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The paddle body includes a plurality of electrodes disposed into at least four columns extending parallel with the longitudinal axis. The at least four columns include two lateral columns and at least two medial columns disposed therebetween. The electrodes of the at least two medial columns are arranged into rows aligned along the transverse axis. The electrodes of the two lateral columns are each longitudinally offset from the rows of electrodes of the at least two medial columns. An array of terminals are disposed on each of at least one lead body coupled to the paddle body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the electrodes to at least one terminal of the terminal arrays. |
US09162053B2 |
Directional lead assembly
Leads having directional electrodes thereon. Also provided are leads having directional electrodes as well as retention ledges to secure the electrodes to the leads. Also provided are leads with directional electrodes where all the electrodes have the same surface area. Methods of manufacturing leads and methods of treating conditions and selectively stimulating regions of the nervous system are also provided. |
US09162052B2 |
Treatment of language, behavior and social disorders
Methods of treating language, behavioral and social disorders are described, including methods of treating language disorders associated with electrographic abnormalities in the primary or associative language cortex of persons with autism spectrum disorders, pervasive developmental delay or acquired epileptic aphasia. A language, behavioral and social disorder may be treated by detecting epileptiform activity or an electrographic seizure for a subject's brain and applying neurostimulation to a language cortical region of the subject's brain (e.g., a primary or associative language cortical region). Detection of epileptiform activity or an electrographic seizure and stimulation of language cortex may be performed by a sensing and/or stimulation electrode that is inserted into a subject's brain and connected to one or more neurostimulation devices for monitoring and/or stimulating the language cortex. |
US09162051B2 |
Treatment of language, behavior and social disorders
Methods of treating language, behavioral and social disorders are described, including methods of treating language disorders associated with electrographic abnormalities in the primary or associative language cortex of persons with autism spectrum disorders, pervasive developmental delay or acquired epileptic aphasia. A language, behavioral and social disorder may be treated by detecting epileptiform activity or an electrographic seizure for a subject's brain and applying neurostimulation to a language cortical region of the subject's brain (e.g., a primary or associative language cortical region). Detection of epileptiform activity or an electrographic seizure and stimulation of language cortex may be performed by a sensing and/or stimulation electrode that is inserted into a subject's brain and connected to one or more neurostimulation devices for monitoring and/or stimulating the language cortex. |
US09162050B2 |
Reinforced sensing and stimulation leads and use in detection systems
A reinforced medical electrical lead for neurological applications has a reinforced construction for resisting the detachment of electrodes and lead connection terminals, thereby improving the robustness of the lead and extending the life of the lead by reducing the likelihood that a further surgical procedure will be required to remove the lead for repair or replacement thereof. The present reinforced lead construction maintains the integrity of the electrical connection between the conductor and the respective electrode and lead connection terminal by incorporating several reinforcing features in the lead construction in contrast to conventional lead constructions where it is possible to pull the electrodes and lead connection terminals away from their contact points with relatively little force. |
US09162045B2 |
Biomedical electrode
An electrode and electrodes for a biomedical system is provided. The electrode includes a backing pad with top and bottom surfaces. A conductive element is attached to the bottom surface of the backing pad, and a conductive gel layer covers at least part of the bottom surface of the conductive element. A bonding layer is disposed at least in part between the conductive element and the conductive gel layer. The electrode can include a leadwire with a stripped end length, and at least a portion of the stripped end length is disposed between the conductive element and at least one of the bonding layer and the conductive gel layer. |
US09162042B2 |
Inflation cuff with transient-resistant over-pressure preventor
A catheter system (10) with a valve assembly (12) that expels excess inflation fluid when a cuff or balloon (16) of the catheter system is overinflated. The valve assembly includes a luer-activated spool (34) biased toward a sealed condition, a precision relief/check valve (56) biased toward a scaled condition, a primary valve body outlet (22), a valve body feedback inlet (24), and a secondary valve body outlet (26). An inflation lumen (48) is in fluid communication with the primary valve body outlet and an interior of the cuff or balloon. A feedback lumen (54) is in fluid communication with the interior of the cuff or balloon and the valve body feedback inlet. When feedback fluid builds up pressure in excess of the restoring force of the relief spring, the relief/check valve opens, unsealing an expulsion pathway and relieving excess fluid from the cuff or balloon. |
US09162041B2 |
Nucleus augmentation delivery device and technique
A method of performing a procedure on an intervertebral disc includes inserting a cannulated delivery tube through an opening in an annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, positioning an expandable portion of the tube within the opening in the annulus fibrosus, expanding the expandable portion into contact with the annulus fibrosus about the opening to create a seal between the expandable portion and the annulus fibrosus, performing a procedure through the cannulated delivery tube within the annulus fibrosis, removing the tube, and closing the opening in the annulus fibrosus. |
US09162038B2 |
Needle and guidewire holder
Device and method for puncturing blood vessels while using fluoroscopy. The disclosed device enables improved needle orientation control and avoids direct exposure of the clinician's hand to X-ray during the puncturing procedure. |
US09162033B2 |
Dilator for performing a percutaneous medical procedure
A dilator (100) for performing a percutaneous medical procedure, said dilator (100) comprising a proximal shaft portion (112) near a proximal end (114) thereof and a distal portion having a general tapering shape towards a distal end (120) of said dilator (100), said distal portion being adapted for dilation of body tissue.To provide a dilator which can shorten time of procedure a region of an outer surface of said distal portion is provided with a pattern of depressions having a depth in the interval of 0.1 to 3 mm. |
US09162030B2 |
Safety pen needle assembly having shielding for patient and non-patient ends
A safety pen needle assembly is provided herein which includes a hub and a needle fixed to the hub. Further, a first shield is provided, along with a second shield which has a biasing element disposed to urge the second shield proximally towards a proximal end of the needle. The assembly further includes a releasable retaining assembly for releasably retaining the second shield in an initial position against the force of the biasing element. A predetermined extent of movement of the first shield causes the retaining assembly to release the second shield. With the second shield being released, the second shield is urged proximally by the biasing element to a second position where the second shield covers the proximal end of the needle. Advantageously, an assembly is provided which allows for passive activation of a shield on a non-patient end of a pen needle assembly by a patient-end shield. |
US09162028B2 |
Syringe for treating facial wrinkles and operation method using the same
The present invention relates to a syringe for treating facial wrinkles having a syringe cylinder, a needle body detachably mounted at the front end portion of the syringe cylinder and having a syringe needle disposed thereon, and a piston rod disposed inside the syringe cylinder for operating a piston, the syringe including: the syringe cylinder formed of a substantially thin tube having an inside diameter in a range of 2.0 mm to 7.0 mm; and an inflow check valve disposed at one side of the front end portion of the syringe cylinder so as to supply a predetermined quantity of gas to the interior of the syringe cylinder, wherein the predetermined quantity of gas supplied through the inflow check valve to the interior of the syringe cylinder and a predetermined quantity of liquid filled into the syringe cylinder are injected in turn into the dermis of the skin, which is repeatedly carried out. |
US09162027B2 |
Infusion pump assembly
A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and an external infusion set configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user. A fluid delivery system is configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to the external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly, and a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the volume sensor assembly. The volume sensor assembly is configured to determine the volume of at least a portion of the quantity of fluid. The fluid delivery system further includes a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, and a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the volume sensor assembly from the external infusion set. |
US09162026B2 |
Injector system
The present disclosure relates to a pump injector containing a processor, a pump or a motor with advance for a piston which is suitable for driving liquid out of a container or a cartridge, a data storage device, and a device for data transfer, wherein the processor is electronically connected to the data storage device, to a control unit for the pump or motor, and to the device for data transfer. The injector is suitable for being connected to a container or a cartridge for fluid transfer, which contains a multiplicity of doses of a parenteral solution and has an additional data storage device fixedly connected thereto. The device for data transfer is suitable for reading out information from the additional data storage device on the container including at least one specification in respect to the identity of the product stored in the container or in the cartridge is stored in the container, a maximum dose per patient, and a maximum usage period after opening the container. |
US09162025B2 |
Collapsible reservoir for use with a delivery device
Disclosed is a therapeutic fluid reservoir to be used with an ambulatory portable infusion device. The reservoir includes a pliable shell defining a varying inner volume that varies based on the volume of therapeutic fluid held inside the reservoir, the varying inner volume having a predetermined maximum volume for containing a corresponding volume of therapeutic fluid and an outlet port for communicating fluid from the reservoir to a patient, the varying inner volume decreasing upon therapeutic fluid being communicated through the outlet port. Upon the reservoir reaching the predetermined maximum volume when being filled with therapeutic fluid, any therapeutic fluid in excess of the predetermined maximum volume driven into the reservoir causes a substantially corresponding amount of therapeutic fluid to exit out of the reservoir via the outlet port and/or at least one other port provided in the pliable shell. |
US09162024B2 |
Drug-delivery pumps and methods of manufacture
Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a drug reservoir, a cannula fluidly coupled to the reservoir, a pumping mechanism for forcing liquid from the reservoir through the cannula, control circuitry for operating the pumping mechanism, and a power source comprising primary and auxiliary batteries in a stacked configuration, only the main battery being operatively coupled to the control circuitry during normal operation, the control circuitry operatively coupling the back-up battery upon detection of an electrical fault. The pump may further include a hermetic enclosure containing the control circuitry and the power source. |
US09162023B2 |
Automated pressure limit setting method and apparatus
A method of infusing a fluid includes receiving values of one or more infusion parameters for an infusion of a fluid. Based on the received infusion parameter values, an occlusion pressure threshold for the infusion of the fluid is automatically calculated. During the infusion, a fluid pressure value is sensed. An indication is provided responsive to whether a value of the sensed fluid pressure is greater than the occlusion pressure threshold. |
US09162022B2 |
Oxygenator with integrated arterial filter including filter frame
An oxygenator combines, in a single structure, a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger, an arterial filter, and a filter frame. Such an oxygenator permits fewer fluid connections and thus may simplify an extracorporeal blood circuit, including a heart-lung machine and a blood reservoir, in which it is used. In some embodiments, the oxygenator may be configured to include multiple purge ports for purging bubbles both before and after filtering the blood. |
US09162019B2 |
Two-stage rotodynamic blood pump
A pump includes a housing, a stator supported in the housing, and a rotor assembly including a rotor supported in the housing for rotation relative to the stator about an axis. The stator includes a stator core, a first lamination wound around an axial portion of the stator core, and a second lamination wound around a second axial portion of the stator core. The first and second laminations are spaced from each other along the length of the stator core. The rotor includes a rotor core, a first magnet assembly that extends around an axial portion of the rotor core, and a second magnet assembly that extends around a second axial portion of the rotor core. The first and second magnet assemblies are spaced from each other along the length of the rotor. |
US09162017B2 |
Expandable vascular pump
A pump for inducing flow within a vascular system comprises a cannula having a first configuration for deployment within the vascular system and a second configuration for directing the fluid flow within the vascular system, where the second configuration has a greater diameter than the first configuration. An impeller is configured to induce the fluid flow by rotation about an axis. The impeller has a first radius in the first configuration and a second radius in the second configuration, where the second radius is greater than the first radius. |
US09162016B2 |
Breastpump with irregular milk expression sequences
The present invention is directed to a breastpump that can be operated to generate milk expression sequences or curves with some irregularity or randomness in the course of a session. |
US09162014B2 |
Method and an insertable medical device for delivering one or more pro-healing agents to a target site within a blood vessel post-deployment of a stent
The invention discloses an insertable medical device for delivering one or more pro-healing agents to a site of deployment of a stent in a blood vessel. The surface of the insertable medical device is coated with nano-carriers that include the one or more pro-healing agents encapsulated with one or more biological agents. The nano-carriers are released when the insertable medical device is expanded at the site. The nano-carriers thus released penetrate tissues at the site resulting in dissolution of the one or more biological agents. Thereafter, the one or more pro-healing agents are released from the nano-carriers at the site. Thus, an in-tissue release of the one or more pro-healing agents at the site is achieved thereby improving endothealization, extracellular matrix formation and healing at the site post deployment of the stent in the blood vessel. |
US09162013B2 |
Substance with an antimicrobial effect
A method reducing microbial growth uses an inorganic substance consisting of MoO2 and/or MoO3 which causes the formation of hydrogen cations when in contact with an aqueous medium to achieve an antimicrobial effect. The substance is present as a layer or a component of a layer, and is present in combination with one or more materials as a composite material. The composite material has a polymer matrix, and the substance is incorporated at 3 to 50% by weight into the composite material. |
US09162009B2 |
Drug delivery using a sacrificial host
Implantable drug-doped component, e.g., a cochlear implant, including host material, a host-embedded drug, a sacrificial material integrated with the host. Sacrificial material facilitates release of drug from the component. Sacrificial material facilitates release through creation of voids in the host upon dissolution of sacrificial material upon contact with a solvent, e.g., perilymph fluid upon implant. Host can be polysiloxane, or silicone rubber. Drug can be anti-inflammatory, growth factor, antibody, anti-oxidant, antibiotic, corticosteroid. Sacrificial material can be: glucose monomer, sugar, cyclodextrin, dissolvable or resorbable at implant site, a salt, bioresorbable material, hyaluronic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid. Sacrificial material can be the host, and can facilitate release of drug through changing a property of sacrificial material, e.g., by exposing component to ethanol wash. For a cochlear implant, drug doped material can be applied to a non-stimulating surface of the electrode array, and can be a physical feature of stimulating medical device, e.g., soft tip, ridge, spine. For a cochlear implant the drug-doped material can excluded from the basal side of the most basal electrode contact. |
US09162008B2 |
Ceramic manufactures
Prosthetic implant or component therefor of a magnesium oxide stabilized transformation toughened zirconia (Mg-TTZ) ceramic can be made by providing a bisqued initial green body by compressing powder through a cold isostatic press and heating to a bisque stage. Then, without embedding it in an embedding mass, the bisque is machined to have a shape of the same proportions as the shape of, but larger than, the ceramic portion of a fired prosthetic implant or component product. Firing can provide the fired Mg-TTZ ceramic body product. |
US09161998B2 |
Method and kit for preparing a radiopharmaceutical
The invention relates to a method and a kit for preparing a radiopharmaceutical, the method comprising the steps: elution of a 68Ge/68Ga-Generator using hydrochloric acid as an eluent for obtaining a generator eluate comprising 68Gallium, feeding the generator eluate through a cation exchange cartridge, which collects the 68Gallium, separating the used eluent, eluting the 68Gallium from the cation exchange cartridge using a solution comprising sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid and feeding the resulting eluate into an aqueous precursor mixture comprising at least a labelling precursor thereby forming a reaction solution. |
US09161997B2 |
Contrast agents for myocardial perfusion imaging
The present disclosure is directed, in part, to compounds and methods for imaging myocardial perfusion, comprising administering to a patient a contrast agent which comprises a compound that binds MC-1, and an imaging moiety, and scanning the patient using diagnostic imaging. |
US09161995B2 |
Methods and compositions for alteration of a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene
Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for alteration of a CFTR gene and generation of cells and animal models. |
US09161993B2 |
Charge triggering of self-organized nanoparticles
The present application discloses a nanoparticle comprising compounds of the formula A-B-C(-D), wherein A designates an anchoring moiety having self-organizing properties in relation to the nanoparticle; B designates a cleavable linker; C designates an anionic moiety having a net charge of at least −2 at pH 6.0; and D, which is optional, designates a polymer moiety which induces long circulating properties of the nanoparticle in mammalian tissue; and wherein the average net charge of the compounds is at least −1 at pH 6.0. The application also discloses the individual compounds of the formula A-B-C(-D) as well as a drug delivery system comprising the self-organized nanoparticle having included in the interior thereof one or more pharmaceutically active agents and/or diagnostically relevant species, and a method of treating a cancerous or inflammatory condition in a mammal, involving the administration of the drug delivery system to the mammal. |
US09161990B2 |
Hydrochloride salts of a glycopeptide-cephalosporin antbiotic compond
The present invention relates to a compound of formula I: wherein x is in the range of from about 1 to about 2. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds; processes for preparing such compounds; and methods of using such compounds to, for example, treat a bacterial infection. |
US09161989B2 |
Cupredoxin derived transport agents and methods of use thereof
The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer. |
US09161987B2 |
Carboxymethylcellulose polyethylene glycol compositions for medical uses
Compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Additional embodiments include PEG/CMC compositions where the PEG is a multi-branch PEG and/or a multi-arm PEG. PEG/CMC compositions can be made with desired viscoelastic properties, and such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles or lubrication of tissues and medical instruments. |
US09161978B2 |
Methods of treatment of pterygium using an anti-VEGF agent
Methods for treating pterygium recurrence following pterygiectomy, and for treating keloid recurrence, following surgical removal of the keloid, are disclosed. The methods include administering an anti-VEGF agent (e.g., antibody (e.g., bevacizumab) or small molecule inhibitor of VEGF signaling), or a combination therapy that includes co-administering an anti-VEGF agent, with an anti-inflammatory steroid and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to a subject. |
US09161977B2 |
Anti-FGFR3 antibodies and methods using same
The invention provides FGFR3 antibodies, and compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies. |
US09161972B2 |
Modified live flavobacterium strains, stabilized vaccines comprising same, and methods of making and use thereof
The present invention provides attenuated F. columnare strains that elicit an immune response in an animal, particularly a fish, against virulent F. columnare compositions comprising said strains, methods of vaccination against F. columnare, and kits for use with such methods and compositions. The invention further relates to a stabilization buffer, which allows the attenuated compositions to remain storage stable at ambient temperatures for extended periods of time. |
US09161971B2 |
Method for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CC)
The present invention relates generally to the treatment of PML by infusion of activated and expanded autologous lymphocytes. |
US09161965B2 |
Treatment for epilepsy
The invention provides methods of treating a patient having epilepsy in which an effective regime of an agent that inhibits specific binding of PSD-95 to an NMDA receptor is administered to a patient. |
US09161964B2 |
Uses of an immunomodulatory protein (GMI) from Ganoderma microsporum
The invention provides a method for inhibiting EGF receptor activity comprising contacting an EGF receptor with an immunomodulatory protein (GMI) from Ganoderma microsporum, or a recombinant thereof. Also provided is a method for treating invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, comprising administering an effective amount of an immunomodulatory protein (GMI) from Ganoderma microsporum, or a recombinant thereof, to a subject in need of such treatment. |
US09161963B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising cyclosporin
The invention relates to liquid pharmaceutical compositions containing: a) a therapeutically effective dose of a cyclosporin; b) an aqueous carrier liquid; c) a first solubilizing substance selected among the group of phospholipids; and d) a second solubilizing substance selected among the group of non-ionic surfactants. Preferably, the cyclosporin is liposome solubilized. The inventive composition is suitable for oral, parenteral, nasal, mucosal, topical, and particularly pulmonary application in the form of an aerosol. |
US09161962B2 |
Targeted therapeutic nanoparticles
Disclosure of methods and compositions related to chemical conjugations to nanoparticles of polysaccharides cross-linked to poloxamers as well as nano-sized colloids comprised of polysaccharides and poloxamers. The nanoparticles may be produced by various methods including inverse miniemulsion polymerization processes which create nanogels of desired size, shape, and stability for controlled therapeutic drug delivery, imaging, and theragnostic applications. |
US09161959B2 |
Use of a vegetable drug composition in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of portal hypertension caused by hepatocirrhosis
Use of a vegetable drug composition in the manufacturing of a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of portal hypertension caused by hepatocirrhosis, said preparation comprises 25-38% of extract of radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, 20-25% of extract of herb Gynostemmae Pentaphylli, 1-6% of alcoholic extract of fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, 19-26% of extract of Cordyceps, 6-8% of extract of pollen Pini, 6-10% of extract of semen Persicae. Said preparation can improve hepatic cell degeneration, necrosis, intraheptic hemorrhage, fiber proliferation, and reduce pressure of portal vein in mammal. A preparation method of said preparation is disclosed. |
US09161958B2 |
Methods of treating cellulite
Provided are methods of treating cellulite, the methods comprising applying to skin in need of cellulite treatment a composition comprising paulownin or an extract of Paulownia wood. |
US09161957B2 |
Compositions and methods for reducing blood alcohol content
Disclosed are compositions and methods for reducing blood alcohol content following alcohol consumption. The inventive compositions and methods rapidly reduce blood alcohol content and alleviate symptoms of intoxication in a subject having an elevated blood alcohol content due to alcohol consumption. |
US09161956B2 |
Amniotic membrane preparations and purified compositions and anti-inflammation methods
Compositions having a combination of specific biological components have been found to exert a number of useful effects in mammalian cells, including modulating TGF β signaling, apoptosis, and proliferation of mammalian cells, as well as decreasing inflammation in mice. These components can be obtained commercially, or can be prepared from biological tissues such as placental tissues. Placental amniotic membrane (AM) preparations described herein include AM pieces, AM extracts, AM jelly, AM stroma, and mixtures of these compositions with additional components. The compositions can be used to treat various diseases, such as wound healing, inflammation and angiogenesis-related diseases. |
US09161955B2 |
Amniotic membrane preparations and purified compositions and therapy for scar reversal and inhibition
Compositions having a combination of specific biological components have been found to exert a number of useful effects in mammalian cells, including modulating TGF β signaling, apoptosis, and proliferation of mammalian cells, as well as decreasing inflammation in mice. These components can be obtained commercially, or can be prepared from biological tissues such as placental tissues. Placental amniotic membrane (AM) preparations described herein include AM pieces, AM extracts, AM jelly, AM stroma, and mixtures of these compositions with additional components. The compositions can be used to treat various diseases, such as wound healing, inflammation and angiogenesis-related diseases. |
US09161952B2 |
Method for treatment of cardiovascular disorders
Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising concomitant administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the ECM based compositions include an ECM material derived from a mammalian source. |
US09161949B2 |
Method for attenuating free radical formation resulting from a bodily insult
A method is provided for attenuating free radical formation resulting from a bodily insult. The method includes administering bicarbonate to the body of a subject at a dosage ranging from 1.5 mEq/kg of body weight to 5.0 mEq/kg of body weight within a 24-hour period. |
US09161942B2 |
Methods and products for increasing the rate of healing of tissue wounds
Disclosed are methods for increasing the rate of healing of a tissue wound by administering a composition including a therapeutically effective amount of at least one cationic steroid antimicrobial (CSA). Also disclosed herein are methods of promoting wound healing in a subject in need of such promotion, comprising administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one CSA. Additionally, disclosed herein are compounds and compositions comprising at least one CSA, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of a tissue wound. Kits comprising such compositions and instructions on such methods are also contemplated herein. |
US09161939B2 |
Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine compounds
Described herein is pyrrolo{2,3-d}pyrimidine compounds, their use as Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing this compounds, and methods for the preparation of these compounds. |
US09161933B2 |
Solid pharmaceutical composition comprising amlodipine and losartan and process for producing same
The present invention relates to a solid pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating cardiovascular disorders comprising amlodipine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and losartan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which exhibits high dissolution rates of amlodipine and losartan even under a low pH condition and improved storage stability. |
US09161928B2 |
Use of derivatives of polyunsaturated fatty acids as medicaments
Use of polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives as medicaments or functional foods. The present invention relates to the use of 1,2-fatty acid derivatives in the treatment or prevention of common diseases whose etiology is based on alterations (of any type) of the cell membrane lipids, for example, changes in levels, in the composition or in the structure of these lipids. In addition, for diseases in which the regulation of lipid composition and of the structure of the membranes (or proteins that interact with membranes) causes the reversion of pathological state. |
US09161923B2 |
Composition for prevention and treatment of contact lens papillary conjunctivitis and allergic eye disease
The invention provides a use of panthenol or dexpanthenol in the prevention and/or treatment of contact lens papillary conjunctivitis in a subject. A contact lens care solution containing 0.001 to 10% by dry weight dexpanthenol is also provided. |
US09161920B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions for the coordinated delivery of NSAIDs
The present invention is directed to drug dosage forms that release an agent that raises the pH of a patient's gastrointestinal tract, followed by a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The dosage form is designed so that the NSAID is not released until the intragastric pH has been raised to a safe level. The invention also encompasses methods of treating patients by administering this coordinated release, gastroprotective, antiarthritic/analgesic combination unit dosage form to achieve pain and symptom relief with a reduced risk of developing gastrointestinal damage such as ulcers, erosions and hemorrhages. |
US09161918B2 |
Timed, pulsatile release systems
A unit multiparticulate dosage form for delivering one or more basic, active pharmaceutical ingredients into the body in need of such medications to achieve target PK (pharmacokinetics) profiles is described. The dosage form comprises one or more multicoated drug particles (beads, pellets, mini-/micro-tablets) having a barrier coating and a lag-time coating. Each Timed Pulsatile Release (TPR) bead population exhibits pre-determined lag-time followed by differing release characteristics. The composition and thickness of the barrier coating, composition and thickness of the lag-time coating, ratio of IR beads to one or more TPR bead populations and total dose may be varied depending on the alkalinity, pH-dependent solubility and elimination half-life of the active ingredients to achieve target PK profiles (suitable for a once or twice daily dosing regimen) in patients in need of such medications. |
US09161914B2 |
Topical compositions and methods for making and using same
The present invention relates to improved topical gel compositions comprising an active agent, and uses thereof. |
US09161909B2 |
Adhesive compositions for the treatment of xerostomia
Compositions for the treatment of xerostomia, and methods of making and using thereof are disclosed herein. The compositions are typically in the form of a film or tablet, such as a double layer sticker tablet. The compositions adhere to a buccal surface or mucosal surface in the oral cavity for at least 15 minutes, preferably for at least 30 minutes. The compositions themselves are able to increase the levels of saliva in the mouth without the need for active agents, such sialogogic agents. The compositions optionally contain a non-lipid lubricant, a flavoring agent, and/or a buffering agent. The composition is generally effective at treating or ameliorating the effects of xerostomia for a time period ranging from at least 30 minutes up to eight hours following administration to the buccal or oral mucosa. |
US09161908B2 |
Pouch containing nicotine in free salt form
The invention relates to a product for oral delivery of nicotine containing a core comprising a powder of at least one free nicotine salt, at least one pH adjusting agent and at least one filler, and a water insoluble pouch, wherein said pouch is permeable for saliva and therein dissolved parts of the powder, wherein said product upon contact with purified water gives a pH of at least 6. The invention also relates to a method to manufacture such a product. |
US09161906B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulations based on apolar and polar lipids for ophthalmic use
The present invention refers to pharmaceutical formulations based on lipids for ophthalmic use comprising a phospholipid component composed of zwitterionic phospholipids of natural origin and an oily component composed of oils of natural origin emulsified in water. In particular, the invention refers to ophthalmic formulations useful, for example, for transporting drugs to the eye and in the treatment of ocular dryness, capable of restoring the lipid layer of the tear film. In particular, in a non-transitory but pathological situation such as the dry eye syndrome, such formulations also succeed in reducing the often-present inflammatory component. |
US09161905B2 |
Dry eye treatment
This invention relates to an emulsion composition for the formation of an artificial tear film over the ocular surface of the eye capable of providing mechanical lubrication for the ocular surface while reducing evaporation of fluid therefrom. The emulsion is desirably in the form of a meta stable emulsion and is characterized by the use of a surfactant comprising a combination of a primary and secondary surfactant where the primary surfactant permits formation of the emulsion and the secondary surfactant permits autoclaving of the surfactant. The invention also includes a method for the formation of such an emulsion. |
US09161893B2 |
Use, as antidandruff agent, of (ethoxyhydroxyphenyl) alkyl ketone or ethoxyhydroxyalkylphenol compounds
The present invention relates to the use, as an antidandruff agent, of a compound of formula: in which: R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon-based radical; R′ represents a C1-C18 hydrocarbon-based radical, optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group; C—X represents C═O or CH—OH. |
US09161887B2 |
Infant feeding system
A method of collecting expressed breast milk for later feeding to an infant includes providing a spout pouch, coupling the spout of the spout pouch to a breast pump, and operating the breast pump to express breast milk into the spout pouch, so that the spout pouch collects the expressed breast milk. A method of feeding a liquid to an infant includes providing the liquid in a spout pouch, and coupling a nipple to the spout of the spout pouch. A nipple for such use includes a connector having an axial bore that is coupled to an orifice in the nipple and the connector forms a liquid tight seal with the spout of the spout pouch. Other systems, methods, and components are also provided. |
US09161882B2 |
Therapeutic shower and method of using the shower for weight reduction
A therapeutic shower assembly for weight reduction contemplates a generally horizontal support for an individual's body in a horizontal position on their back or stomach and a shower enclosure that accommodates the support. The shower enclosure also includes a source of pressurized water or a pump, a water heater for providing heated water and a horizontal serpentine pipe including a plurality of upwardly directed small openings. The assembly also includes two valves for stopping the flow of water to a portion of the pipe and the second valve for totally stopping the flow of water. The upwardly directed heated water falls gently on the individual. A mechanism raises and lowers the serpentine pipe to allow access to the support and to bring the pipe within about a foot or two of the individual. Finally, a timer and alarm warn an individual that the treatment is over. |
US09161878B1 |
Method for building a dynamic compression garment
A method to form a compression garment apparatus for a body part of a human and/or animal. The method includes forming a segmented flex frame and installing a shape memory alloy on struts of the segmented flex frame. The method further includes connecting the shape memory alloy to first and second terminals on the frame creating a mechanical and electrical connection. The method includes installing a controller that applies current to the shape memory alloy at intervals using and executing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy using the controller by creating at least one heating phase causing the shape memory alloy to reach a target transition temperature to either lengthen or shorten and at least one cooling phase causing the length of the shape memory alloy at the target transition temperature to lengthen or shorten opposite of the length change caused by the heating phase. |
US09161872B2 |
Gait rehabilitation machine and method of using the same
A gait rehabilitation machine and a method of using the same for lower-limb rehabilitation. The gait rehabilitation machine includes: a frame; a rear supporting member provided at the frame so that the back side of a human body can lean against the rear supporting member; a thigh supporting member corresponding to a thigh of the human body and pivotally connected to the frame; a shank supporting member corresponding to the corresponding shank of the human body, pivotally connected to the thigh supporting member, and having a pedal to be stepped on by the human body; a knee supporting member corresponding to the corresponding knee of the human body and provided at the thigh supporting member or the shank supporting member; and a transmission device for driving the shank supporting member to move. Thus, a patient can do lower-limb gait rehabilitation exercise without using a suspension system. |
US09161867B2 |
Wearing article
A wearing article including a region in which the wearer's skin is not seen-through other than the existence region of the absorbent structure even when an area of the absorbent structure is relatively small so that the existence region of the absorbent structure may be un noticeable from the outside. A region of the absorbent structure of a diaper overlapping with the first waist region has a dimension in the transverse direction corresponding to 20 to 30% of a dimension in the transverse direction of the first waist region, the first waist region is disposed with a hardly see-through panel overlapping with the absorbent structure and includes a first region in which the chassis, the absorbent structure and the hardly see-through panel are laminated, second regions adjacent on both outsides in the transverse direction of the first region, in which the chassis and the hardly see-through panel are laminated and third regions adjacent on both outsides in the transverse direction of the respective second regions and only the chassis is included; and a differential total luminous transmittance between the first region and the second regions is smaller than a differential total luminous transmittance between the second region and the third region. |
US09161864B2 |
Absorbent article having a multi-component visual signal
An absorbent article comprising a first layer comprising a nonwoven having a first colored region that includes at least one of a central colored region, an intermediate colored region, and an outer colored region; and a second layer comprising a polymer film having a second colored region that includes at least one of a central colored region, an intermediate colored region, and an outer colored region; wherein the first colored region differs from the second colored region. The article may further comprise a background region. The background region may be visually distinguishable from at least one of the first colored region and the second colored region. |
US09161863B2 |
Absorbent article comprising a shaped element and a method of making such
An absorbent article, which comprises a fastening element for the absorbent article for fastening the absorbent article to underpants or a stiffening element for providing a relatively stiff region of the absorbent article and for defining a collapse prone portion of the absorbent article to shape the absorbent article as desired. The element defines a Y- or X-shape and comprises a first piece of material defining a bend and a second piece of material defining a bend, wherein the first and second pieces of material and their bends together define the Y or X shape of the element. The first and second pieces define a generally V- or U-shape so that each of the first and second pieces has first and second legs extending from a point of the V-shape or a bight of the U-shape, wherein the second legs respectively provide first and second arms of the Y- or X-shape of the element, and wherein the first legs either together provide a third arm of the Y-shape or respectively provide third and fourth arms of the X-shape. |
US09161862B2 |
Assembly for taking up menstrual fluid
The invention relates to an assembly for taking up menstrual fluid. The assembly comprises a fluid absorbing module and a cord of which a first end is connected to the fluid absorbing module and of which a second end is free. The cord further comprises a string and a covering with an open and a closed end which, before use of the assembly, substantially surrounds the string. The closed end of the covering is fixed to the string adjacent the first end of the cord. |
US09161855B2 |
Tissue supporting device and method
A tissue supporting device is provided and method of use. The device includes an anchor element having a plate-like element and first and second side walls extending upwardly therefrom. The plate-like element is defined by front and rear edges, and first and second side edges, with the rear edge being longer than the front edge. The first and second side walls are aligned substantially along at least a portion of the first and second side edges of the plate-like element such that a distance between the first and second side walls at a front side is less than a distance between the first and second side walls at a rear side. The device also includes a soft tissue supporting element adapted for engaging and supporting soft tissue. The soft tissue supporting element is coupled to the plate-like element and extends outwardly from the anchor element. |
US09161850B2 |
Introducer for endovascular implants
An introducer assembly for introducing a stent-graft or other device into a vessel of a patient is provided with a dilator tip which is naturally curved, preferably to be substantially a U-shape. The dilator tip is flexible so as to be able to become substantially straight with a guide wire therein and yet to be able to curve back towards its natural curvature during deployment of an implant. The curvature of the dilator tip can ensure that the dilator tip does not cause damage to the vessel wall during deployment of an implant carried thereon, as can occur with straight dilator tips. |
US09161843B2 |
Surgical method for implanting a stemless humeral component to the humerus of a patient
A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed. |
US09161841B2 |
Interbody fusion device and associated methods
A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An interbody fusion device has a first piece that is a load bearing device designed to bear the axial loading from the end plates of adjacent vertebrae. A second piece of the interbody fusion device is a retention component whose primary functions are to prevent migration of the load bearing device and loss or migration of graft material from within the load bearing device. A secondary function of the retention component is to address fixation of fasteners when the surgeon is confronted with a challenging access to adequate boney structures due to excessive curvature/angulation of the vertebrae column, minimal invasive surgery techniques, danger to surrounding vascular or neurological tissues, poor bone quality, or similar surgical complications. A tertiary function of the retention component is to provide better alignment and stabilization of misaligned vertebrae when spondylolisthesis is a significant factor. One or more fasteners secure the retention component to each of the vertebrae above and below the load bearing device. The fasteners cause the end plates of the vertebrae to compress the end plates to the load bearing device to facilitate proper fusion. |
US09161839B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing the interior of a hip joint, including the provision and use of a novel telescoping access cannula and a novel telescoping obturator
A telescoping access cannula including an outer tube; an inner tube carried by the outer tube, the inner tube being coaxial with the outer tube and longitudinally movable relative to the outer tube; and a rotatable member carried by the outer tube and connected to the inner tube, wherein rotation of the rotatable member causes longitudinal movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. |
US09161837B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for treating a regurgitant heart valve
An apparatus for treating regurgitation of blood through a diseased heart valve having at least two leaflets includes a lollipop-shaped body member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the end portions. The intermediate portion includes an expandable occluding member having an adjustable diameter so that, during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle, at least one of the heart leaflet coapts with a portion of the occluding member to mitigate or prevent regurgitation of blood through the diseased heart valve. The proximal end portion is physically connected to the occluding member and includes a connecting mechanism for operably mating with an adjustment member for adjusting the position and diameter of the occluding member within the diseased heart valve. The distal end portion includes an anchoring member for securing the apparatus in a heart chamber containing the diseased heart valve. |
US09161833B1 |
Blink actuation mechanism for a prosthetic eye
The invention relates to a mechanism that can be integrated with silicon facial prostheses used to recapitulate a natural facial appearance through biomimetic actuation. The prosthetic eye comprises a servo motor, microcontroller, battery, rotational shaft, and customized stainless steel tarsus. The tarsus mimics the natural eyelid and reinforces the silicon lid for rotational blink motion. A stainless steel clip holds the device together and polyurethane foam encases the device to allow proper fitting in the orbital cavity. The present invention fits within a model orbital cavity and the generated blink motion is tunable to match the position profile of an in vivo blink. |
US09161832B2 |
Flipping-type graft fixation device and method with low flipping distance
A graft retention device has an elongated body with a first and second ends and a midpoint therebetween. A pair of elongated slots formed through the body defines a tang therebetween. A graft retention loop is disposed over the tang and is slidable therealong. A trailing line connects to the body adjacent the slots and extends therefrom through the graft retention loop toward the first end. Tension applied to the trailing line thus tends to urge the graft retention loop away from the first end and toward the midpoint. |
US09161829B2 |
Implantable medical device and methods of delivering the implantable medical device
In one general aspect, a medical device can include a first elongate member made of a material and having a proximal end portion configured to be attached to a first portion of a bodily portion within a body of a patient where the first elongate member has a distal end portion. The medical device can include a second elongate member made of the material and having a proximal end portion configured to be attached to a second portion of the bodily portion where the first elongate member has a distal end portion. The medical device can also include a third elongate member having a proximal end portion in contact with and coupled to the distal end portion of the first elongate member and in contact with and coupled to the distal end portion of the second elongate member. |
US09161826B2 |
Production of a negative mould for use in producing of a dental prosthesis, a temporary or permanent crown or bridge
For producing a mother matrix mould of a full or partial dental prosthesis or of a temporary crown or bridge or of a permanent crown or bridge, the data of a digitalised virtual model reflecting the status of the jaw is used to generate a data set of the digital tooth set-up of the full or partial dental prosthesis or of the temporary crown or bridge or of the permanent crown or bridge, based on which a rapid manufacturing or rapid prototyping method is used to produce a functional model of the full or partial dental prosthesis or of the temporary crown or bridge or of the permanent crown or bridge that is then invested in a curable elastic impression material from which the mother matrix mould is produced after curing the elastic impression material. |
US09161823B2 |
Orthodontic systems and methods including parametric attachments
Orthodontic systems and related methods are disclosed for designing and providing improved or more effective tooth moving systems for eliciting a desired tooth movement and/or repositioning teeth into a desired arrangement. Methods and orthodontic systems of the invention include tooth attachments having improved or optimized parameters selected or modified for more optimal and/or effective application of forces for a desired/selected orthodontic movement. Attachments of the present invention can be customized to a particular patient (e.g., patient-customized), a particular movement, and/or a sub-group or sub-set of patients, and configured to engage an orthodontic tooth positioning appliance worn by a patient, where engagement between the attachment and orthodontic appliance results in application of a repositioning force or series/system of forces to the tooth having the attachment and will generally elicit a tooth movement. |
US09161820B2 |
Surgical access assembly and method of using same
An illuminating ring assembly is disclosed. The illuminating ring configured to be used with a surgical access element. The illuminating ring assembly comprises a housing defined by a cover and a wall member extending from the cover, wherein the cover and wall member cooperate to define a cavity therein, a light element configured to be disposed with the cavity, and an attachment mechanism configured to selectively attach the housing to a surgical access element. Wherein the cover and the light element both include an opening therethrough. |
US09161819B2 |
Adjustable support apparatus and method of using same
An adjustable support apparatus used to support a person in a specific position over an extended period of time, and method of using the same. The apparatus has a base, an adjustable plate clamp assembly with upper and lower plates, a pivot within the apertures of the plates and adjustably retained between the plates, and a support member attached to the pivot and adapted to support a load. The adjustable plate clamp assembly has upper and lower plates. The upper plate has a central upper aperture, a first end pivotally attached to the base, and a second end. The lower plate has a central lower aperture, a first end, and a second end pivotally attached to the second end of the upper plate. The first end of the lower plate bears against the base, the plates together form an acute angle, and the apertures are aligned with one another. |
US09161817B2 |
Robotic catheter system
A robotic system for manipulating a catheter with a plurality of steering wires longitudinally situated within a length of the catheter includes a user interface configured to display a view of an anatomical model and to receive one or more user inputs; a catheter manipulator assembly configured to linearly actuate one or more control members of a catheter; and a robotic controller configured to provide a view of an anatomical model to the user interface; accept one or more user inputs from the user interface; register the one or more user inputs to a coordinate system associated with the anatomical model; compute one or more actuator commands from the one or more registered inputs; and cause the catheter manipulator assembly to linearly actuate one or more control members of a catheter in accordance with the computed actuator commands. |
US09161816B2 |
Fluoroscopy C-arm drape clip, drape clip assembly and method of clipping a sterile drape to a fluoroscopy C-arm
A fluoroscopy C-arm drape clip for attaching a sterile drape to a C-arm of a fluoroscopy C-arm imaging unit and method of providing a sterile outer surface on a C-arm of a fluoroscopy C-arm imaging unit is provided. The drape clip includes a generally U-shaped band having a pair of legs and an arm. Each of the legs has a first end attached to the arm and a second end spaced from the arm. The legs extend away from the arm in non-parallel, laterally spaced relation with one another and have inner surfaces facing one another and an outer surfaces facing away from one another. Further, an elastic pad is attached to the inner surface of each of the legs adjacent the second ends. |
US09161812B2 |
Finger-mountable ablation device
A surgical device is disclosed, and includes a pair of finger-mountable annular members, each having an electrode disposed thereon. An optical member is disposed on at least one of the pair of finger-mountable annular members and has a first set of light transmitting properties corresponding to a first set of physical parameters of at least one of the finger-mountable annular members. At least one finger-mountable annular member is configured to transition to a second set of physical parameters being different from the first set of physical parameters. The optical member is configured to transition from a first set of light transmitting properties to a second set of light transmitting properties, the second set of light transmitting properties corresponding to the second set of physical parameters, the second set of light transmitting properties being different from the first set of light transmitting properties. |
US09161811B2 |
Radiation applicator for microwave medical treatment
A radiation applicator with a dielectric body (2) surrounding the antenna. The dielectric body (2) is comprised of three sections (3, 4 and 5) with different dielectric constants to provide broad-band matching of the applicator to surrounding material. Washers (10) and (11) are mounted on the antenna to act as reflectors. |
US09161807B2 |
Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure
An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure. A link assembly includes two or more links that are operably coupled to each other and the drive structure. The two or more links are operably coupled to respective ones of the first and second jaw members. |
US09161806B2 |
Vessel sealing instrument with reduced thermal spread and method of manufacture therefor
An electrosurgical vessel sealing instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes a jaw housing, a seal plate having a tissue contacting surface and a side wall, and an insulating region disposed on the side wall of the seal plate. The instrument includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The insulating region enables precision overmolding of the jaw housing to the seal plate, while advantageously reducing thermal spread and edge cutting during vessel sealing procedures. |
US09161805B2 |
Surgical devices and mechanisms
An instrument for use in a medical procedure that includes a proximal end, a distal end, a handle adjacent to the proximal end of the instrument, a flexible elongated neck extending distally from a distal end of the handle, a jaw power screw extending from a distal end of the neck, a pair of moveable jaws operatively connected to the jaw power screw, and a handle power screw assembly operatively connected to a proximal end of the flexible neck within the handle, wherein manipulation of the handle will control movement of the jaws. |
US09161804B2 |
Treatment instrument for endoscope
This treatment instrument (1) for an endoscope is provided with a treatment section (2) for treatment, an operation wire (2) connected with the treatment section (2), a coil sheath (9) into which the operation wire (3) is inserted, an insulating tube (10) into which the coil sheath (9) is inserted, and an operation section (4) for operating the treatment section (2). The operation section (4) comprises a slider (15) rotatably connected with the operation wire (3), a body (13) to which the slider (15) is mounted movably forward and backward, and a rotational operation section (14) which is so mounted as to be rotatable with respect to the body (13) and has the coil sheath (9) so mounted thereto as to be not rotatable. The distal end of the insulating tube (10) is mounted rotatably and movably forward and backward to the distal end of the coil sheath (9). The proximal end side of the insulating tube (10) is separated in a manner so that the proximal end side is relatively movable in an axial direction with respect to the coil sheath (9) and covered with the operation section (4) so as not to be exposed even when the coil sheath (9) curves. |
US09161803B2 |
Motor driven electrosurgical device with mechanical and electrical feedback
An electrosurgical device comprises an end effector, a cutting member, and en electromechanical driver. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws that clamp tissue. The jaws include electrodes that deliver RF energy to clamped tissue. The cutting member cuts tissue clamped between the jaws. The electromechanical driver drives the cutting member. A control module commands the electromechanical driver, and regulates the delivery of RF energy to the electrodes, based on a combination of user input and feedback signals from the electrodes and from the electromechanical driver. The device may provide tactile feedback to the user through the user input feature, based on a load encountered by the cutting member. The device may alert the user when the exterior of end effector makes incidental contact with tissue, to avoid inadvertently burning the tissue. The device may include a removable battery pack to power the electromechanical driver and the electrodes. |
US09161800B2 |
Robotic arms
A device for treating fractures of a bone comprises a plurality of arms, each extending from a proximal end to a distal end and movable in a three-dimensional space, the proximal end of each arm coupled to a frame and a plurality of couplings, each of the couplings coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of arms, the coupling lockingly receiving a bone fixation element secured to a corresponding bone fragment such that each of the arms is coupled to a corresponding fragment of the bone in combination with a mechanical unit moving each of the arms relative to the frame and a controller receiving data corresponding to a desired final position of the fragments relative to one another and controlling the mechanical unit to move the arms relative to one another to achieve the desired final position of the bone fragments relative to one another. |
US09161797B2 |
Bone treatment systems and methods
Systems and methods for treating bone, such as vertebral compression fractures are disclosed. A method includes controllably applying energy to a bone cement volume outside of a patient's body to selectively accelerate the polymerization rate of the bone fill material volume prior to introduction into a bone. The method further includes sequentially introducing a plurality of cement carrying structures with the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement volume into the bone. A system for use in the method includes at least one elongated cement-carrying structure sized to carry a bone cement volume therein and an energy source operatively coupleable to the cement-carrying structure. The energy source applies energy to the bone cement volume to selectively accelerate a polymerization rate thereof. An elongated injector insertable into the bone has a passageway that removably receives the elongated cement-carrying structure to allow delivery of the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement into the bone. |
US09161791B2 |
Bone Plate
A bone plate includes an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and at least one hole extending through the upper and bone contacting surfaces for receiving a bone screw. The at least one hole includes a first portion and a second portion that overlap one another. The first portion defines a substantially circular outer periphery and the second portion defines an elongated outer periphery that is elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The first portion may have threads configured to engage threads on the head of a bone screw, and the second portion may be configured to cooperate with the head of a different bone screw to provide compression to the fracture. |
US09161790B2 |
Adjustable length orthopedic device
An adjustable length orthopedic device and system. According to one embodiment, the adjustable length orthopedic device or system comprises an elongated shaft with a longitudinal axis, and an adjustable portion extending from a proximal end of the elongated shaft along the longitudinal axis. The adjustable length orthopedic device further comprises at least one hole in a distal end portion of the device, where the hole is adapted for insertion of a pin through the device and into the bone in order to anchor the device to the bone. According to another embodiment is a lag screw extending from a proximal end of the elongated shaft at an angle oblique to the longitudinal axis, the lag screw comprising a lag screw shaft segment, and an adjustable segment that extends from the proximal end of the shaft segment. According to another embodiment is an adjustable length locking screw. |
US09161788B2 |
Rod reducer apparatus for spinal corrective surgery
Spinal rod reduction apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided. In various examples, a rod reduction apparatus includes a first threaded member (130, 210, 330) including an engagement feature (138A, 138B, 220, 332, 334) configured to selectively anchor the first threaded member to the implantable screw assembly. A second threaded member (110, 230, 310) is configured to threadably engage with the first threaded member. The second threaded member is axially movable with respect to the first threaded member with rotation of the second threaded member. A spinal rod urging member (120, 240, 320) is axially movable with the second threaded member. The urging member includes a bearing surface (126, 242, 320) that is configured to selectively abut the spinal rod and selectively urge the spinal rod toward the implantable screw assembly with rotation of the second threaded member in a first rotational direction. |
US09161786B2 |
Methods and devices for minimally invasive spinal fixation element placement
Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors. |
US09161782B2 |
Bone anchor assemblies and methods of manufacturing and use thereof
A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a proximal head and a distal shaft configured to engage bone, a receiver member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor, an insert positioned in the proximal end of the receiver member having a pair of spaced apart insert arms defining a recess therebetween, and a closure mechanism positionable between and engaging the insert arms to capture a spinal fixation element within the recess of the insert and fix the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member. |
US09161781B2 |
Minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw and slotted rod assembly
A pedicle screw and rod assembly that has particular application for minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation. The assembly includes pedicle screws having ball-shaped heads that are threaded through pedicles of adjacent vertebra into the vertebral body. The assembly also includes two cannulated posts that extend above a cannulated pedicle screw to allow placement over a K-wire. A head portion accepts the head of the pedicle screw in a secure and multi-axial engagement. The assembly further includes a tube portion that is coupled to the head portion and extends above the patient's skin. The assembly also includes a lordotic slotted rod that is slid down the tube portions to be positioned on top of the head portions of the posts so that the portions are locked within the slot. Bolts are then slid down the tube portions and are threaded to a threaded portion on the portion. |
US09161779B2 |
Minimally invasive retractor and methods of use
A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The retractor is removed by pulling it out of the wound whereby the retractor is deformed to pass over the pedicle screw head. The retractor is intended to be made of a stiff plastic material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed. |
US09161777B2 |
Trans-septal sheath with splitting dilating needle and method for its use
A device useful for accessing the left atrium is provided. The device comprises an elongated tubular body and a dilating tip. The tubular body has an axis, a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen longitudinally extending therethrough. The dilating tip is slidably mounted on the distal end of the tubular body. The dilating tip comprises a segmented surface that is generally transverse to the axis of the tubular body, and a generally rigid tube extending distally from the segmented surface and having a sharp distal end. Distal movement of the tubular body relative to the dilating tip exerts a force on the segmented surface to thereby open the segmented surface. |
US09161775B1 |
Tunneling tool for deliberate placement of an ILR
A tunneling tool for implanting a medical device into body tissue is described. The tunneling tool comprises a first leg and a second leg. An intermediate portion of the second leg is shaped to nest a medical device therein. A hub connects the first and second distal leg ends together. A sheath providing a lumen extends from the hub to an open end distal of the first and second legs. The first and second legs are manipulatable to separate the hub and the sheath into two portions, a first split portion connected to the first leg and a second split portion connected to the second leg. When a medical device is nested in the tunneling tool, breaking the tunneling tool apart enables the first and second split portions to be removed from body tissue, leaving the implanted medical device behind. |
US09161773B2 |
Tissue removal tools and methods of use
Discectomy or disc preparation system that includes a guide member that is changeable from a deployment configuration for insertion into an intervertebral disc space to a deployed configuration upon being deployed into the intervertebral disc. The system also includes at least one tissue manipulator, such as cutting, scraping and extraction elements, that can be moved or tracked longitudinally along the guide member into and through the intervertebral disc space. |
US09161772B2 |
Surgical instrument and medical manipulator
A surgical instrument for performing treatment to a treatment target portion includes a cylindrical elongated member; a treatment part, and a connection part. The connection part includes a first turning axis part provided to the elongated member, a second turning axis part provided to the treatment part, a first rolling guide part that is provided to the elongated member and includes a circular-arc-shaped part coaxial with the first turning axis part, a second rolling guide part that is provided to the treatment part and includes a rolling guide part including a circular-arc-shaped part coaxial with the second turning axis part, the rolling guide part rollingly contacting the first rolling guide part, and an engaging part that brings the treatment part and the elongated member into an engaging state. The connection part is detachable between the first turning axis part and the second turning axis part. |
US09161771B2 |
Medical instrument with snake wrist structure
A medical instrument includes a snake wrist structure further including: a first joint disk having a first rim having a first tooth slot and a first toothed gear with the first tooth slot opposite the first toothed gear along the first rim; and a first strut having a first slot bearing and a first hole bearing connected by a first connection strut with the first slot bearing in the first tooth slot. |