最新美国发明专利第2015-11-03期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US09175011B2	Morpholino substituted urea or carbamate derivatives as MTOR inhibitors The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein m, n, R1, T0 and T1 have the meaning as cited in the description and the claims. The compounds are useful as inhibitors of mTOR for the treatment or prophylaxis of mTOR related diseases and disorders. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including said compounds as well as methods of treating mTOR related diseases.
US09175008B1	Prodrugs of anti-platelet agents The invention relates to the compounds of formula I, formula II, formula Ia, formula IIb or its pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of compounds of formula I, formula II, formula Ia, formula IIb and methods for treating or preventing atherothrombosis may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment or management of ischemia, stroke, cerebral thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, thrombotic cerebrovascular, cardiovascular diseases and blood clots.
US09175005B2	Crystalline hydrochloride salt of darunavir The present invention provides novel crystalline hydrochloride salt of darunavir, process for its preparation and to pharmaceutical composition comprising it. The present invention also provides novel process for preparation of darunavir amorphous form and pharmaceutical composition comprising it.
US09175003B2	Substituted azoanthracene derivatives and intermediates for preparation thereof The present invention relates to substituted azoanthracene derivatives and intermediates for the preparation thereof. The substituted azoanthracene derivatives and associated intermediates may be useful for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions wherein modulation of the human GLP-1 receptor is beneficial.
US09174999B2	Methods and compositions for studying, imaging, and treating pain Saxitoxin analog compounds, compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of synthesis of saxitoxin analogs, methods of imaging, methods of treatment, including methods of treating pain, are provided. Saxitoxin (STX), gonyautoxin (GTX), and zetekitoxin, and variant STX compounds bind to sodium channels and are effective to reduce or block flow of sodium ions through such channels. Such channel block affects nerve and muscle action, and may be effective to reduce or block pain sensations, relax muscles, reduce muscle spasm, and reduce wrinkles. STX analog binding to sodium channels may also be useful to locate, image, or mark sodium channels, and so be useful in studying sodium channels and sodium channel disorders, and in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from sodium channel disorders. In embodiments, the variant STX compounds include conjugates having increased serum half-life as compared to STX when administered to a subject.In embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for alleviating pain in a subject in need of treatment, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a saxitoxin analog compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, isomer, tautomer or prodrug thereof, whereby pain in said subject is alleviated.
US09174996B2	Protein kinase inhibitors The present invention relates to compounds of Formula VIII with absolute configuration R or S: as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof, wherein the variables are described herein. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise the compounds of Formula VIII, and to methods for inhibiting protein kinase and methods of treating diseases, such as cancers, inflammation.
US09174995B2	Pyrrolotriazinone derivatives Compounds of the formula I in which X, R1 and Y have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are inhibitors of Tankyrase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system injury and different forms of inflammation.
US09174993B2	N-[4-(1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrazin-6-yl)-phenyl]-sulfonamides and their use as pharmaceuticals The present invention relates to N-[4-(1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrazin-6-yl)-phenyl]-sulfonamides of the formula (I), (R2)n wherein Ar, R1, R2 and n have the meanings indicated in the claims. The compounds of the formula (I) are valuable pharmacologically active compounds which modulate protein kinase activity, specifically the activity of serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase (SGK), in particular of serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase isoform 1 (SGK-1, SGK1), and are suitable for the treatment of diseases in which SGK activity is inappropriate, for example degenerative joint disorders or inflammatory processes such as osteoarthritis or rheumatism. The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of the compounds of the formula (I), their use as pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US09174992B2	Heterobicyclic compounds Heterobicyclic compounds of Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, tautomer, or stereoisomer thereof, as defined in the specification, and compositions containing them, and processes for preparing such compounds. Provided herein also are methods of treating disorders or diseases treatable by inhibition of PDE10, such as obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Huntington's Disease, and the like.
US09174985B2	Salts of 7-(2,3-di-p-tolyl-7,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-5(6H)-yl)heptanoic acid as IP receptor agonists The invention relates to salts of (7-(2,3-di-p-tolyl-7,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-5(6H)-yl)heptanoic acid which are useful for treating diseases affected by the activation of the IP receptor, pharmaceutical compositions that contain the salts and processes for preparing the salts are also described.
US09174977B2	2-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane derivatives as orexin receptor antagonists for the treatment of certain disorders The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) including stereoisomers or a racemate or a mixture or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein X is NH, or O; Q is 5-6 membered heteroaryl group, which may be substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from a group consisting of: C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, halo C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, CN; A is phenyl or a 5-6 heteroaryl group, which may be substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from a group consisting of: C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, halo C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, CN; B may assume different meanings from A and is phenyl or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl group, which may be substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from a group consisting of: C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, halo C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, CN; and processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as dual antagonists of the Orexin 1 and Orexin 2 receptors.
US09174975B2	Remedy for integration dysfunction syndrome The present invention provides a novel method for treatment of schizophrenia which can improve wide-ranging symptoms of schizophrenia, especially positive symptoms and negative symptoms without being accompanied by extrapyramidal symptoms, which comprises orally administering as an active compound (1R,2S,3R,4S)—N-[(1R,2R)-2-[4-(1,2-benzoisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinylmethyl]-1-cyclohexylmethyl]-2,3-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanedicarboxyimide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (e.g., hydrochloride) at a daily dose of 5 mg to 120 mg once a day to a patient with schizophrenia, and a therapeutic agent to be used in the method.
US09174968B2	Pyrimidinone compounds for use in the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by LP-PLA2 The present invention relates to novel compounds that inhibit Lp-PLA2 activity, processes for their preparation, to compositions containing them and to their use in the treatment of diseases associated with the activity of Lp-PLA2, for example atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and/or diabetic macular edema.
US09174964B2	AMPK-activating piperidinyloxy-substituted 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-1-amine compounds and pharmaceutical compositions including the same Disclosed are carboxamide, sulfonamide and amine compounds including certain AMPK-activating piperidinylxoy-substituted 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-1-amine compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions including them. One embodiment is a compound having the structure in which R1, R3,R4,R5,R14,R15,R17, G, Q, k, v, x and y are as described herein. In certain embodiments, a compound disclosed herein activates the AMPK pathway, and can be used to treat metabolism-related disorders and conditions.
US09174959B2	Process for preparation of dronedarone by N-butylation The invention relates to a novel process for preparation of dronedarone (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof where the compound of formula (II) or salt thereof is reacted with a compound of formula L-(CH2)3—CH3 (III), where L is a leaving group, and isolating the obtained product and, if desired, converting it into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also relates to some novel intermediary compounds and the preparation thereof.
US09174955B2	Manufacture of an epoxyethyl carboxylate or glycidyl carboxylate The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an epoxyethyl carboxylate or glycidyl carboxylate, including reacting a vinyl carboxylate or an allyl carboxylate using an oxidant and a water-soluble manganese complex in an aqueous reaction medium, and the water-soluble manganese complex comprises an oxidation catalyst, characterized in that the water-soluble manganese complex is a mononuclear species of the general formula (I) [LMnX3]Y (I), or a binuclear species of the general formula (II): [LMn(μ-X)3MnL]Yn (II), wherein Mn is a manganese; L is a ligand and each L is independently a polydentate ligand, each X is independently a coordinating species and each μ-X is independently a bridging coordinating species, Y is a non-coordinating counter ion, and wherein the epoxidation is carried out at a pH in the range of from 1.0 to 7.0.
US09174954B2	3,7-diamino-10H-phenothiazine salts and their use Described are methods of preparing reduced 3,7-diamino-10H-phenothiazine (DAPTZ) compounds of formula: wherein: R1 and R9 are independently selected from: —H; C1-4alkyl; C2-4alkenyl; and halogenated C1-4alkyl; each of R3NA and R3NB is independently selected from: —H; C1-4alkyl; C2-4alkenyl; and halogenated C1-4alkyl; each of R7NA and R7NB is independently selected from: —H; C1-4alkyl; C2-4alkenyl; and halogenated C1-4alkyl; each of HX1 and HX2 is independently a protic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof. These methods are particularly useful for producing stable reduced forms, and with high purity. The stability and purity are especially relevant for pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disease. The compounds are useful for treatment of e.g. tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease, and also as prodrugs for the corresponding oxidized thioninium drugs.
US09174951B2	Glucose transporter inhibitors Thiazolidinedione compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are described. The compounds can be used in methods of treating cancer in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the compound. The compounds can also be used in methods of inhibiting glucose uptake in a cell by contacting the cell with the compound.
US09174950B2	Compounds, compositions, and methods for preventing metastasis of cancer cells Disclosed are methods for preventing metastasis of cancer cells. The disclosed compounds can be used to prevent the spread of tumor or other types of cancer cells.
US09174948B2	Desferrithiocin polyether analogues A relatively non-toxic desazadesferrithiocin analog having the formula: wherein: R1, R2, R4 and R5 may be the same or different and may be H, straight or branched chain alkyl having up to 14 carbon atoms, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl, or arylalkyl wherein the aryl portion is hydrocarbyl and the alkyl portion is straight or branched chain, the arylalkyl group having up to 14 carbon atoms, R2 optionally being alkoxy having up to 14 carbon atoms; R3 is [(CH2)n—O]x—[(CH2)n—O]y-alkyl; n is, independently, an integer from 1 to 8; x is an integer from 1 to 8; y is an integer from 0 to 8, and R3O may occupy any position on the phenyl ring except the 4-position, or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof; and methods and compositions for treating the effects of trivalent metal, i.e., iron, overload.
US09174945B2	Rosuvastatin zinc salt The present invention is related to rosuvastatin zinc salt of the Formula (I), process for preparation thereof and medicinal products containing said salt. Rosuvastatin zinc salt according to the present invention is prepared by reacting rosuvastatin with a zinc alcoholate, zinc enolate or an inorganic or organic zinc salt and isolating the thus obtained rosuvastatin zinc salt (2:1).
US09174937B2	Crystal form of glycopyrronium chloride A new crystal form of threo glycopyrronium chloride is useful in pharmaceutical applications.
US09174935B2	Transition metal complexes of bis[thiohydrazide amide] compounds The present invention is directed to a compound comprising a bis[thiohydrazide amide] or a deprotonated form thereof, complexed to a transition metal cation, wherein the bis[thiohydrazide amide] is represented by Structural Formula (I), or a prodrug, isomer, ester, salt, hydrate, solvate, polymorph or a deprotonated form thereof. In one embodiment, the compound is represented by Structural Formula (II), or a prodrug, isomer, ester, salt, hydrate, solvate or polymorph thereof. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of the invention and method of use thereof.
US09174934B2	Aryl tetrafluorosulfanyl compounds The invention provides compounds of the Formula (I), methods of making the compounds, and devices comprising the compounds.
US09174932B2	CaSR agonists By searching various kinds of compounds having CaSR agonistic activity, the present invention provides CaSR agonistic agents, pharmaceutical compositions, preventive or therapeutic agents for diarrhea and kokumi-imparting agents each of which comprise the compound. More specifically, the present invention provides CaSR agonistic agents, pharmaceutical compositions, preventive or therapeutic agents for diarrhea and kokumi-imparting agents each of which comprise a glutamic acid derivative having CaSR agonistic activity or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US09174931B2	Compositions for the treatment of diabetes and pre-diabetes The invention relates to the compositions of formula I or its pharmaceutical acceptable polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprises a salt of metformin and the methods for treating or preventing metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and diabetes may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity, lipid disorders, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.
US09174929B2	Dispersant composition The present invention relates to a composition containing a particulate solid, a non-polar organic medium, and a compound obtained/obtainable by reacting an aromatic amine with hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent, wherein the hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent is selected from the group consisting of an oligomer or polymer from condensation polymerization of a hydroxy-substituted C10-30 carboxylic acid into a polyester, an optionally hydroxy-substituted C10-30 carboxylic acid, a C10-30-hydrocarbyl substituted acylating agent, and a polyolefin-substituted maleic anhydride. The invention further provides compositions for inks, thermoplastics, plasticizers, plastisols, crude grinding and flush.
US09174927B2	Stilbene derivatives, light-emitting element, display device, and electronic device A novel stilbene derivative is provided with motivation of providing a blue emissive material showing excellent color purity. The use of the stilbene derivative of the present invention allows the fabrication of a blue-emissive light-emitting element with excellent color purity. The invention also includes an electronic device equipped with a display portion in which the stilbene derivative is employed. The stilbene derivative of the present invention is represented by formula (1), in which Ar1 and Ar2 may form a 5-membered ring by being directly bonded to each other. In formula (1), A11 represents any one of substituents represented by general formulas (1-1) to (1-3). The variables shown in formula (1) and (1-1) to (1-3) are as defined in the specification.
US09174925B2	Phorbol type diterpene compound, pharmaceutical composition for treatment or prevention of viral infectious diseases including same The present invention relates to a diterpene compound derived from Aleurites fordii, and a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing viral infectious diseases, a health functional food for preventing or ameliorating viral infectious diseases and a composition for enhancing the production of interferon-gamma, which comprise the diterpene compound. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for preventing or treating viral infectious diseases including administering the composition to a subject having a viral infectious disease occurrence or a risk thereof with a therapeutically effective dose.
US09174919B2	Process for preparing biodegradable lubricant base oils The invention discloses an improved process for preparing fatty acid esters with 100 mol % selectivity suitable as biodegradable lubricant base oils, comprising contacting a fatty compound with an alcohol in presence of a solid, phosphonate catalyst having molecular formula: M(X)2-nYn.mH2O where X refers to phenyl phosphonate, Y refers to HPO42− or HPO32−, M refers to a metal or metalloid ion preferably taken from the group consisting of Zr, Zn, Cd, Al, Sn, La and Ce, the value of n varies from 0.2 to 1.8 and the value of m varies from 0 to 5, wherein the fatty compound is a fatty acid or fatty acid methyl or ethyl ester or vegetable oil or animal fat or their mixture thereof and alcohol is a monohydric alcohol with 6 to 22 carbon atoms or a polyol with at least two hydroxyl groups.
US09174917B2	Bexarotene analogs The present invention relates to analogs of bexarotene and methods of use thereof.
US09174914B2	Nanoscale β-nucleating agent for polypropylene The invention relates to a method for producing a dispersion of nanoscale dicarboxylic acid salts, to the use of these dispersions for producing a compound, and to the use for producing films. The invention further relates to the use of the compounds for producing films.
US09174912B2	Polylactic acid decomposition method A primary object of the present invention is to provide a polylactic acid decomposition method that efficiently decomposes polylactic acid so that the polylactic acid can readily undergo degradation by a biological treatment such as methane fermentation. Specifically, the present invention provides a polylactic acid decomposition method involving a step of impregnating a polylactic acid-containing organic material with a treatment solution containing an organic acid salt and/or inorganic acid salt of an amine compound.
US09174908B2	Process for separating methylcyclopentanone from cyclohexanone In a process for separating methylcyclopentanone from a mixture comprising methylcyclopentanone and cyclohexanone, a feedstock comprising cyclohexanone, methylcyclopentanone, water at a concentration of at least 0.10 wt %, and optionally phenol is fed into a fractionation distillation column, where a lower effluent rich in cyclohexanone and an upper effluent rich in methylcyclopentanone are produced. Due to the inclusion of water at a relatively high concentration in the feedstock, efficient separation of methylcyclopentanone is achieved. In certain particularly desirable embodiments, the lower effluent is substantially free of methylcyclopentanone. The thus produced cyclohexanone may be used to make, e.g., high-purity caprolactam, which, in turn, may be used for fabricating, e.g., high-performance nylon-6 material.
US09174906B2	Process for producing optically active secondary alcohol Methods are provided for producing an optically active secondary alcohol at a high optical purity by hydrogenating a substrate carbonyl compound at a high efficiency using as a catalyst a ruthenium complex bearing as a ligand certain optically active diphosphine compound and a readily synthesized amine compound. For example, aromatic ketones and heteroaromatic ketones are reacted with hydrogen and/or a hydrogen donating compound in the presence of the ruthenium complex.
US09174905B2	Process for telomerization of butadiene using a mono-orthoalkoxy substituted catalyst A process for the telomerization of butadiene comprises reacting 1,3-butadiene and an alkanol, in the presence of a catalyst promoter and an alkoxydimerization catalyst comprising a Group VIII transition metal and a triarylphosphine ligand, which includes one phenyl that is mono-ortho-alkoxy substituted and at least one other phenyl including at least one substituent that withdraws electrons from the phosphorus atom. The product includes an alkoxy-substituted octadiene, which may then be used to produce 1-octene. The catalyst shows improved stability, activity and selectivity toward the alkoxy-substituted octadiene.
US09174902B2	Removal of organic salts from bio-derived glycol products of polyol hydrogenolysis A method for reducing contaminants in the production of a bio-derived glycol product of polyol hydrogenolysis is described. The method involves subjecting an aqueous, polyol product mixture (from the hydrogenolysis conversion of biologically-derived carbohydrate feedstock) to ion-exclusion chromatography to separate and reduce impurities from an eluant fraction containing a desired product, and distilling the eluant fraction to yield the desired product (e.g., propylene glycol or ethylene glycol). The reaction product mixture can be introduced into a continuous ion-exclusion chromatography system to reduce the impurities and produce in a high-throughput manner a finished otherwise commercially acceptable glycol product.
US09174897B2	Method for purifying trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene Disclosed is a method for purifying a trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, in which a composition containing trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and at least one impurity selected from the group consisting of C2H3ClF2, CF3CH2CHClF, CF3CH2CHF2, CHF2CH═CF2, CF3CH═CHCl, CF3CH═CH2, CF3C≡CH, and cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene is brought into contact with a solid adsorbent to reduce an impurity content thereof. By this method, it is possible to remove the impurity in trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene by a simple operation.
US09174888B2	Gas generating composition A gas generating composition exhibiting good slag forming ability is provided.The gas generating composition includes a fuel ranging from 10 to 60% by mass, an oxidizing agent ranging from 10 to 70% by mass, and a cooling agent (other than iron oxide) ranging from 1 to 20% by mass. The cooling agent has a volume mean diameter (D50) of 10 to 70 μm and a volume mean diameter at cumulative of 10% (D10) of equal to or greater than 5 μm. The cooling agent acts to decrease the combustion temperature and improve slag forming ability.
US09174887B1	Method for the preparation of heavy ANFO using high density ammonium nitrate and gassed bulk emulsion A method of preparing heavy ANFO including loading high density ammonium nitrate into a hopper; feeding the high density ammonium nitrate into a mixing chamber; during the feeding step, injecting fuel into a high density ammonium nitrate feeding pipe, thereby obtaining ANFO; loading bulk emulsion into a hopper; gassing the bulk emulsion; feeding the gassed bulk emulsion into a same mixing chamber as the ANFO; and mixing the gassed bulk emulsion and the ANFO, thereby obtaining heavy ANFO.
US09174881B2	Ready mixed setting type joint compound and set initiator in chambered pouch A dosage size multi-chambered, container having separate sealed compartments is provided and includes constituent materials for forming a wallboard joint compound. The container includes a first compartment containing a first mixture including calcined gypsum, a set preventer and water, and a second compartment sealed from the first compartment with a seal and containing a second mixture including a set initiator and water, wherein upon breaking of the seal, the first and second mixtures are combinable by kneading action to provide a dose of the wallboard joint compound.
US09174880B2	Honeycomb structure, manufacturing method thereof, and catalyst carrying honeycomb structure There is disclosed a honeycomb structure onto which a large amount of catalyst can be carried while suppressing an increase in pressure drop. In a honeycomb structure comprising porous partition walls by which a plurality of cells that become through channels of a fluid are partitioned and in which a plurality of pores are formed. In each of the partition walls, pores having pore diameters larger than a thickness of the partition wall in a section thereof which is perpendicular to an extending direction of the cells are formed so as to occupy 4 to 11% of the total volume of the pores formed in the partition walls.
US09174878B2	Porous carbon product and method for the production thereof A known method for producing a porous carbon product comprises producing a monolithic template from inorganic matrix material having pores connected to each other, infiltrating the pores of the template with carbon or a carbon precursor substance forming a green body framework containing carbon surrounded by matrix material and calcining the green body framework forming the porous carbon product. In order to provide a method proceeding herefrom which permits cost-effective production of a product from porous carbon, according to the invention the production of the template comprises a soot separation process in which a hydrolyzable or oxidable starting compound of the matrix material is supplied to a reaction zone, therein converted to matrix material particles by hydrolysis or pyrolysis, the matrix material particles are agglomerated or aggregated and formed to the template.
US09174875B2	Inorganic fibrous molded refractory article, method for producing inorganic fibrous molded refractory article, and inorganic fibrous unshaped refractory composition An inorganic fibrous shaped refractory article having a high bio-solubility which is capable of exhibiting a desired heat resistance without containing expensive ceramic fibers, alumina powder and silica powder can be provided at a low production cost and with a low product price. An inorganic fibrous shaped refractory article includes 2 to 95 mass % of rock wool, 2 to 95 mass % of inorganic powder having a needle-like crystal structure and 3 to 32 mass % of a binder. Preferably, in the an inorganic fibrous shaped refractory article, the inorganic powder having a needle-like crystal structure has an average length of 1 to 3000 μm and an aspect ratio of 1 to 1000, and more preferably the inorganic powder having a needle-like crystal structure is wollostonite powder or sepiolite powder.
US09174872B2	Sulphur cement products A sulphur cement product comprising sulphur, filler, sand having a surface area of greater than 0.5 m2/g, and an organosilane having at least one amino functional group is disclosed. Further, a process for the preparation of such cement sulphur product is disclosed.
US09174870B2	Plaster-based material including an agent capable of trapping formaldehyde The present invention relates to a plaster-based material which includes an agent capable of trapping formaldehyde, in particular a plasterboard intended for the interior fittings of residential buildings.The agent capable of trapping formaldehyde is chosen from ethylene urea and its derivatives, compounds comprising active methylene(s), sulphites, tannins and their mixtures.Another subject-matter of the invention is the use of the said material for reducing the amount of formaldehyde present in the atmosphere inside residential buildings.
US09174869B2	Accelerated drying concrete compositions and methods of manufacturing thereof Cementitious compositions and processes for preparing and using the cementitious compositions are provided. The cementitious compositions are characterized by the property of a reduced or an attenuated water vapor emission from a cementitious mix and a concrete formed therefrom. Certain cementitious compositions are characterized by the property of accelerated drying while still maintaining good workability. Methods of improving water retention and surface drying of concrete, including lightweight concrete are provided. A water soluble ionic salt may be used to sequester water within the pores and capillaries of the cement paste and/or porous lightweight aggregate. In some examples, the salt may be added directly to concrete or aggregates may be infused with a water-salt solution to provide treated porous aggregates having improved water saturation and water retention.
US09174868B2	Sizing composition for mineral wool based on maltitol and insulating products obtained A sizing composition for insulating products based on mineral wool, in particular of rock or of glass, includes: a hydrogenated sugar or a mixture of hydrogenated sugars comprising at least 25% by weight of maltitol, calculated on the basis of the dry matter of hydrogenated sugar(s), and at least one polyfunctional crosslinking agent. Another subject matter of the present invention is the insulating products based on mineral fibers thus obtained.
US09174864B2	Bacteria of the genus pseudoxanthomonas that are capable of degrading methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) into a solution in effluent This invention relates to bacteria of the genus Pseudoxanthomonas and in particular the strain deposited on Jul. 12, 2012 at the Pasteur Institute (CNCM, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, F-75724 PARIS Cedex 15, France) under No. CNCM 1-4657, capable of degrading MTBE and/or TBA.The invention also relates to a process for treatment of an effluent comprising MTBE and optionally TBA using such bacteria.
US09174860B2	Stimulant sensitive flocculation and consolidation The present invention relates to methods for the separation of materials from heterogeneous fluids and provides a means of effecting stimulant-sensitive flocculation and consolidation of solid suspensions within a liquid medium. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of controlling the state of a suspension of solid particles in a liquid, including applying to the suspension a stimulus adapted to control inter-particle forces between the solid particles. The stimulus is reversibly operable to control attraction and/or repulsion. Means of consolidating a sediment bed and of separating the resultant liquids-rich and solids-rich phases are also within the ambit of the invention.
US09174857B2	Process for obtaining an adsorbent from avocado waste and use of the adsorbent A procedure of obtaining adsorbent from a waste material and its use are disclosed. This invention provides a natural waste material, specifically avocado seed, its preparation and use for the filling of columns used in the elimination of contaminants present in wastewater. The particles have an irregular shape and variable size for filling columns of different diameter and length. The adsorbent has sufficient hardness for avoiding a particle collapse. The material does not rot, is re-generable and ecological. In the present invention the preparation of the adsorbent, its pre-activation, carbonization and application to eliminate the color of textile wastewater is disclosed.The color elimination from textile wastewater, as well as decrease of salts, total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC), is carried out passing the textile wastewater through a column filled with the prepared adsorbent. In batch systems metals dissolved in water can be eliminated.
US09174848B2	Processes and systems for purifying silane Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams and, in particular, for purifying silane-containing streams that also contain ethylene are disclosed. The processes and systems may be arranged such that one or more ethylene reactors are downstream of light-end distillation operations.
US09174845B2	Ozonated liquid dispensing unit A ozonated liquid dispensing unit is described. The unit produces and dispenses an ozonated liquid that may be used to clean and sanitize a variety of articles or used in conjunction with cleaning processes and other apparatus. The unit includes a liquid input port to receive liquid into the unit. The unit includes a first dielectric cell for producing ozone gas from ambient air and a second dielectric cell for producing ozone gas. The first dielectric cell is in supply communication with the second dielectric cell for supplying the second dielectric cell with a supply gas containing the ozone gas generated from the ambient air. The second dielectric cell produces ozone gas from the supply gas. An injector is in fluidic communication with the liquid input port. The injector in supply communication with the second dielectric cell for receiving the ozone gas from the second dielectric cell, and the injector mixes the ozone gas from the second dielectric cell with the liquid from the liquid input port to produce an ozonated liquid. A liquid output port discharges the ozonated liquid from the unit. A faucet or spray may be used to control the discharge of the ozonated liquid from the unit.
US09174843B2	Valve having concentric fluid paths A valve assembly is provided with concentric fluid paths and may be used on a hydrogen generator to transport liquid reactant to the hydrogen generator and hydrogen gas. The valve assembly includes a housing defining first and second fluid paths, a first valve member disposed in the first fluid path, and a second valve member disposed in the second fluid path. The assembly includes a connector including a first elongated member configured to engage the first valve member to open the first valve member to allow a first fluid to flow through the first fluid path, and a second fluid port including a second elongated member configured to allow fluid to flow through the second fluid path. The valve assembly is concentric in that the second fluid path surrounds at least a portion of the first fluid path.
US09174842B2	Single-walled metal oxide and metal sulphide nanotubes/polymer composites The present invention discloses a nanocomposite material having single-walled aluminosilicate nanotube in polymer, a membrane comprising such nanocomposite material, and the method of making the nanocomposite material, in which the composite material has high volume fraction of well-dispersed nanotubes. A gel-phased single-walled aluminosilicate nanotube is first prepared and then mixed with a polymer matrix to yield the composite material.
US09174840B2	Josephson AC/DC converter systems and method One embodiment describes an AC/DC converter system. The system includes a flux-shuttle loop that is inductively coupled with an AC input signal. The system also includes a plurality of Josephson junctions spaced about the flux shuttle loop that are configured to sequentially trigger in response to the AC input signal and to provide a single-flux quantum (SFQ) pulse that moves sequentially around the flux-shuttle loop that results in a DC output signal being provided through an output inductor.
US09174839B2	Methods and compositions for wound healing The present invention relates to methods and compositions for wound healing. In particular, the present invention relates to promoting and enhancing wound healing by utilizing cross-linker covalent modification molecules to attach and deliver wound active agents to a wound. In addition, the present invention provides methods and compositions utilizing oppositely charged polyelectrolytes to form a polyelectrolyte layer on a wound surface. The invention further relates to incorporating wound active agents into a polyelectrolyte layer for delivery to a wound.
US09174838B2	Distributed MEMS devices time synchronization methods and system A method for fabricating a multiple MEMS device. A semiconductor substrate having a first and second MEMS device, and an encapsulation wafer with a first cavity and a second cavity, which includes at least one channel, can be provided. The first MEMS can be encapsulated within the first cavity and the second MEMS device can be encapsulated within the second cavity. These devices can be encapsulated within a provided first encapsulation environment at a first air pressure, encapsulating the first MEMS device within the first cavity at the first air pressure. The second MEMS device within the second cavity can then be subjected to a provided second encapsulating environment at a second air pressure via the channel of the second cavity.
US09174837B2	System and method for detecting surface charges of a MEMS device A method for measuring retained surface charges within a MEMS device includes performing an initial voltage sweep on the MEMS device, and recording the capacitance between a first and second electrode of the MEMS device. The method may then (1) apply a stress signal to the MEMS device that causes a first and/or second electrode within the MEMS device to retain a surface charge, and (2) perform at least one additional voltage sweep on the MEMS device. The method may record the capacitance during the additional voltage sweep(s), and calculate a C-V center voltage shift based upon the data obtained during the initial voltage sweep and additional voltage sweep. The voltage shift is representative of the retained surface charge.
US09174836B2	Integrated bondline spacers for wafer level packaged circuit devices A method of forming a wafer level packaged circuit device includes forming a device wafer, the device wafer including a first group of one or more material layers left remaining in a first region of a substrate of the device wafer; and forming a cap wafer configured to be attached to the device wafer, the cap wafer including a second group of one or more material layers left remaining in a second region of a substrate of the cap wafer; wherein a combined thickness of the first and second groups of one or more material layers defines an integrated bond gap control structure upon bonding of the device wafer and the cap wafer.
US09174833B2	Front room beverage dispense apparatus The invention relates to a beverage dispense apparatus that maintains syrup containers in a housing, thereby eliminating plumbing required by prior art Bag-in-Box dispensers.
US09174832B2	Capping apparatus and capping system for bottle filling device A capping apparatus for a bottle filling device with a capping head main body; a first slide body is located on the capping head main body and can slide up and down; a capping door mechanism is hinged with the capping head main body and the first slide body; a cap sucking head can slide up and down; a middle slide body is arranged between the cap sucking head and the first slide body and can slide up and down; a first spring and a second spring; and a cap inlet chute. A capping system is equipped with a plurality of capping apparatus, the number of the capping apparatus is equal to that of columns of filled bottles, and the cap sucking heads of the capping apparatus are connected together through a connection structure with a mechanism that actuates the cap sucking heads to rise up and fall down.
US09174829B2	Adjustable wheel rack In one embodiment, a wheel rack includes a locking frame plate having a first L-shaped plate, a second L-shaped plate, and a stopper plate. A ball seat is fixed to the locking frame plate, and a rod has a first end with a sphere attached thereto. The locking frame plate is configured to be fixed to a jamb of a vehicle lift. In another embodiment, a wheel rack includes a locking frame plate having a first L-shaped plate, a second L-shaped plate, and a stopper plate. A ball seat is fixed to the locking frame plate. The wheel rack also includes a locking seat and a rod that has an end with a sphere attached thereto. The locking frame plate is configured to be fixed to a jamb of a vehicle lift.
US09174827B2	Power assist device, method of controlling power assist device, and program of power assist device A power assist device includes: holder holding a workpiece; a pair of wires each having one end connected to the holder to suspend the holder; a pair of wind-up wheels winding up respective other ends of the wires; a pair of motors rotationally driving the respective wind-up wheels; a pair of rotation detectors detecting rotation information of the respective motors; a pair of torque detectors detecting drive torque in the respective motors; and controller controlling drive of the motors. The controller calculates operating force to the workpiece based on the rotation information detected by the rotation detectors and the drive torque of the motors detected by the torque detectors, and controls the motors to assist the operating force that is calculated, to move up and down the holder.
US09174826B1	Wall panel A wall panel system that is adapted to be attached over an existing vertical substrate, such as a wall or stripped interior of an elevator cab. Panel assemblies, base assemblies and frieze assemblies are provided. There are several versions of hangers that are first attached to the vertical substrate onto which the panels, base and frieze are hung. The back of the panel assemblies have a series of apertures on each vertical edge that engage into the hangers that allow for some lateral movement of the panels to achieve uniform reveal gaps between multiple panels in a particular installation.
US09174823B2	Elevator system which selects a group controller from a plurality of group controllers A personal authentication device provided in a destination call registration device adapted to obtain authentication information from a user. The device includes an access control device adapted to, when the personal authentication device obtains the authentication information, obtain verification information including a plurality of pieces of permitted floor information corresponding to the authentication information and position information of the destination call registration device; and a supervisory controller adapted to determine, based on the verification information, whether a destination floor inputted into the destination call registration device is a permitted floor, and, based on the registration, control an elevator car.
US09174819B2	Sheet stacking apparatus, control method of sheet stacking apparatus, and storage medium A sheet stacking apparatus includes a lowering control unit to lower a sheet stacking portion, a determination unit, an acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a notification unit. The determination unit determines that the sheet stacking portion cannot be lowered by the lowering control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a position of the sheet stacking portion at which the determination unit determines that the sheet stacking portion cannot be lowered. The identification unit identifies an amount of sheets stackable on the sheet stacking portion without removing an obstacle placed under the sheet stacking portion based on the position acquired by the acquisition unit. The notification unit notifies the amount of sheets identified by the identification unit and an amount of sheets stackable on the sheet stacking portion after removal of the obstacle placed under the sheet stacking portion.
US09174818B1	Marine engines and exhaust systems for marine engines having a catalyst for treating exhaust Marine engine includes a cylinder block having first and second banks of cylinders that are disposed along a longitudinal axis and extend transversely with respect to each other in a V-shape so as to define a valley therebetween. A catalyst receptacle is disposed at least partially in the valley and contains at least one catalyst that treats exhaust gas from the marine engine. A conduit conveys the exhaust gas from the marine engine to the catalyst receptacle. The conduit receives the exhaust gas from the first and second banks of cylinders and conveys the exhaust gas to the catalyst receptacle. The conduit reverses direction only once with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US09174814B2	Post-processing apparatus and image forming system A post-processing apparatus includes a support member that supports a center-folded booklet by being inserted into the booklet along a fold of the booklet, a pair of clamp members that are disposed so as to face outer surfaces of the booklet supported by the support member and that clamp the booklet by moving closer to each other, and a post-processing mechanism that performs a post-processing operation on the booklet clamped by the pair of clamp members. The pair of clamp members clamp the booklet while moving relative to the booklet in a direction (up-down direction in the figure) so as to move away from the fold of the booklet, the direction being perpendicular to both of a clamp direction of the booklet and a direction in which the fold of the booklet extends.
US09174812B2	System for delivering solid particulate matter for loading An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A transfer conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the transfer conduit is connected to a vacuum source, whereby a slight vacuum is created at the discharge opening. A separate dust removal conduit is secured immediately adjacent to the discharge nozzle for removal of the dust particles away from the discharge nozzle. The dust particles are collected in a separate vessel, which is mounted in a flow of air from the dust collection conduit and an exhaust fan. Mesh sleeves suspended in the vessel, capturing the dust particles on exterior surface thereof. Periodically, the dust particles are dislodged from the sleeves by blowing air through the sleeves. The dislodged dust particles are collected for disposal or recycling.
US09174808B2	Device and method for forming packaging units A container-bundler includes a transporter having an alignment section with infinitely revolving single-station conveyor elements drivable in the transport direction with a controllable rotation element. An actuatable adjustment element is arranged in an alignment section. The controllable rotation element interacts with the adjustment element. A partitioning and/or compressing unit is downstream of the alignment section.
US09174806B2	Transfer conveyor and a conveying system A transfer conveyor for transferring articles from a first conveyor to a second conveyor comprises an input for receiving articles from the first conveyor and an output for transporting articles to the second conveyor, a first contact member and a second contact member having first and second contact surfaces, respectively, extending upwardly and facing each other for clamping articles between said contact surfaces when travelling from the input to the output and a curved transport path between the input and the output, and a counter member for holding up an article and/or at least one of the first and second contact members in vertical direction when an article is clamped by the contact members. At least one of the first contact member, the second contact member and the counter member is drivable for transporting articles from the input to the output.
US09174804B2	Conveyor hood assembly A hood assembly is provided for a conveyor having a housing with an inlet opening, a belt or auger for transporting particulate material through the housing from the inlet end to the outlet end. The hood assembly includes a hood pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a closed position substantially closing the inlet end and an open position substantially exposing the inlet end. When the hood is opened, the inlet end of the conveyor housing can be visually inspected and physically cleaned to remove particulate material remnants remaining in the inlet end after the conveyor is shut off. A hopper is provided on the hood to facilitate introduction of material into the conveyor.
US09174801B2	Conveyor system A conveyor system is provided including a rail having a starting block at a first end and a stopper at a second end. A coaster assembly is configured to travel along the rail. The coaster assembly includes an upper bearing that engages a top of the rail and a side bearing that engages a side of the rail. A parts delivery device is attached to the coaster assembly.
US09174799B2	Beverage container holder A beverage container holder having a receptacle, gripping members, and a membrane is disclosed. The membrane is disposed in openings located between a sidewall of the receptacle and the gripping members. Living hinges are integrated into the gripping members, which allow the gripping members to flex and provide a gripping force on a beverage container that has been placed into the beverage container holder in order to provide a more stable and secure placement of the container. The receptacle and gripping members are manufactured in one step process, preferably an injection molding process, and are composed of a material having a low coefficient of friction, preferably a hard plastic, which allows for the easy placement or retrieval of a beverage container. The membrane is overmolded onto the receptacle and gripping members and is preferably composed of a flexible material such as a soft plastic or rubber.
US09174795B1	Tea bag pumper infusion apparatus with multi-purpose header attachments and waterproof apparatus handling and disposal container The present invention delivers a portable and disposable infused beverage experience that is an improvement over prior art. The invention enables users to be able to realize faster and stronger permeable contents infusion, realize multiple servings of strong flavored beverages from one disposable serving, improve the cleanliness and efficiency of saturated beverage bag handling and disposal and provides a means to deliver other experience enhancing products and/or information. The invention components work together to provide an attractive, streamlined design that enables beverage creators to cleanly and efficiently increase liquid flow velocity and duration through a tea bag which improves the speed and intensity of infusion. Cleaner saturated tea bag handling and disposal benefits are delivered with specialized invention handling functionality and in combination with the apparatus packaging that provides a waterproof handling container. The invention provides the ability to add specialized header attachments to the top of the apparatus that deliver multiple types of additional products and/or information to beverage consumers. The header attachment provides the ability for new “game changing” methods to be executed that will enable current infused beverage Customers to be acquired and retained and new Customers to be developed and retained.
US09174789B2	Container with heating features A container formed from a blank comprising a base layer and a lamination layer. The container has a bottom wall, a side wall, and a rolled edge extending from the side wall. The container includes features for helping to direct moisture from an interior surface of the bottom wall of the container to the side wall. The features comprise a plurality of embossed features and linear features extending in at least a portion of the container and defining respective grooves in an interior surface of the container defined by the bottom wall and the side wall.
US09174788B2	Buffering cushion with suspending layer hung between inward-bent air columns A buffering cushion with a suspending layer hung between inward-bent air columns is provided. The quick-inflatable buffering cushion includes a first buffering member, a second buffering member, a third buffering member, a pair of vertical walls and a suspending layer. The second and third buffering members are bent to form a rectangular casing that has one pend end and a U-like sectional shape. A hammock-like suspending layer is integratedly extended from ends of the vertical walls for carrying an external object while providing buffering protection. The vertical walls form together with the second and third buffering member dual lateral buffering protection, respectively. The suspending layer is a non-inflatable piece, and thus is unlikely to be punctured by a sharp portion of the external object. Thereby, the external object is well protected in all directions by the buffering cushion and secured from damage during transport.
US09174787B2	Inflatable, reusable and leak-resistant carrier A protective carrier (10) for portable objects has an interior layer (30) and an exterior layer (20) welded together to form a compartment (2) that is surrounded by inflatable air chambers (3). The compartment (2) has an opening in one end (62) through which objects are inserted. The open end (62) may be closed with a fluid-resistant seal (65) that rolls and is secured by buckles (40, 70), making the compartment (2) leak-resistant. The air chambers (3) may be inflated and deflated through a valve (100).
US09174784B2	Carton and blank therefor An arrangement for locking together two panels (50, 60) the arrangement comprising a first and second male tabs (39a, 39b) and a first and second female tabs (43) wherein the first and second male tabs are hinged to a first panel by a first and second hinged connection (41) respectively, and the first female tabs are hinged to a second panel by a third hinged connection the first and second hinged connections being divergent with respect to one another.
US09174776B1	Methods and devices for improved materials storage A plug device is disclosed for snugly sealing material within a container. The plug device has a flexible, foldable, deformable plug body sized to be positioned within the container. The plug device also has a plug handle section with handles for facilitating insertion and removal of the plug body and for deforming the plug body out of an unfolded state. A first handle is attached to the plug body at both its beginning and end and along a radial axis of the plug body. A second handle, offset from the first handle, is also attached to the plug body at both its beginning and end and along the radial axis. The handles may be manipulated to deform the plug body out of an unfolded state. The manipulation, which may be twisting, squeezing, or using a tool, facilitates insertion of the plug body into the container and removal from the container.
US09174771B2	Packaging system for preserving a nonoxygenated hemoglobin based oxygen therapeutic product The present invention relates generally to a packaging system for preserving a nonoxygenated hemoglobin based oxygen therapeutic agent. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transparent overwrap packaging system comprising a primary product contacting package, a secondary package comprising a multilayer high barrier oxygen overwrap.
US09174770B2	Container with bend resistant grippable dome A plastic container having improved structural stability characteristics when gripped includes a finish and a main body having a sidewall. The main body has a lower portion and an upper dome that is separated from the lower portion by a waist. The upper dome includes an upper brow portion having a first maximum width and that has a concave recess defined therein. A gripping recess may be defined in the sidewall beneath the upper brow portion, which has a second minimum width that is less than the first maximum width. A portion of the sidewall that defines the gripping recess may have a substantially vertically oriented reinforcing element defined therein. In addition, a portion of the sidewall that defines the gripping recess may have U-shaped groove defined therein.
US09174768B2	Apparatus for fabrication of a structural member and related fabrication methods A fabrication machine is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the fabrication machine includes a brake adapted to mechanically cooperate with a wrapper to impart a longitudinal tension to the wrapper by controlling the force required to advance the wrapper, the wrapper comprised of a cellulose-based material. The brake is adjustable to allow selection of longitudinal tension in the wrapper, in various aspects. Various aspects may include a wrapper roll in mechanical cooperation with the brake, the wrapper being drawn from the wrapper roll as the wrapper is advanced. The fabrication machine secures the wrapper at the selected tension about the core to form a structural member, in various aspects. Methods of use of the fabrication machine are disclosed herein. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.
US09174765B2	Carton with pressure control feature A carton may include a linter. The liner may include one or more pressure control features for automatically relieving pressure from within an area enclosed by the liner. A pressure control feature may be in the form of one or more vent passageways extending through the liner.
US09174764B2	External supporting cover for user device An external cover of a user device includes: an upper cover; a lower cover; and a hinge connecting the upper and lower covers for pivoting the upper cover and lower cover over a front surface and a rear surface of the user device, wherein the upper cover opens and closes a front surface of the user device and comprises at least two or more folding lines along a longitudinal direction of the upper cover such that the upper cover is divided into at least three supports when folded along each of the at least two or more folding lines, and wherein the lower cover holds the user device on an inside surface, and slip preventing units are provided on at least two end surfaces of an outside surface of the second cover for providing enhanced friction between the second cover and a flat location so that the lower cover maintains a stable state in various holding mode of the lower cover facing the hinge, respectively, so that the lower cover maintains a holding state in various holding modes.
US09174760B2	Bottle crate A bottle crate (10) is provided that is configured to hold a plurality of bottles in a generally upright orientation, and is particularly designed to hold bottles having a variable diameter. The bottle crate can include at least one tray and a plurality of fingers (601) elastically arranged on the tray, such that the fingers are configured to move in response to insertion or removal of a bottle.
US09174756B2	Label paper waste removing method and apparatus A waste removing method capable of easily carrying out a waste removing operation to peel a label sheet waste off a base sheet. A label sheet 4b of label paper 4 being conveyed along a path of label paper conveyance 1 is formed with a cut line 4h for peeling-off; an upstream side portion 4i of label sheet bordered and starting with the cut line 4h is peeled off a base sheet 4a, and the portion of label sheet 4b peeled off is carried to and wound onto a waste take-up member 20 whereby winding the peeled-off portion of label sheet 4b onto the waste take-up member 20 causes a label sheet waste 4g of succeeding label paper 4 to be peeled off the base sheet 4a and taken up onto the waste take-up member. The waste removing operation can be carried out automatically.
US09174755B2	Means for emptying packages The invention relates to a sack cutting means (10) for offshore emptying of content from a package, comprising a means (11) for cutting up the package, means (21) for separating the package from its content and means (20) for removing the emptied package from the cutting means, said means (21) for separating the content at least from the package comprising means (13) for ripping the package open, one or more transporting means and a rotating drum (21) provided with openings through which the content separated from the package is allowed to leave the drum (18). Further, the sack cutting screw (11) is separated from the drum (18) and that below both the sack cutting screw (11) and the drum (17), a means (20) for collecting and transporting away the content of the sacks is arranged, said means being configured in such way that the content of the package is removed at one end, while the waste package is removed at the other end of said sack cutting means (10).
US09174754B2	Induction sealing device for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages of pourable food products An induction sealing device for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages of pourable food products and fed in a first direction, the sealing device having an inductor device which interacts with the packaging material by at least one active surface; a supporting body made of heat-conducting material and housing the inductor device; an insert made of magnetic flux-concentrating material and housed in the supporting body; and a member made of plastic material, and having at least a first portion interposed, in the first direction, between the supporting body and the insert so as to be at least partly surrounded by the supporting body.
US09174753B2	Packaging machine with phased split-pitch barrel loader A phased split-pitch barrel loader for a packaging machine has a leading loader arm assembly and a trailing loader arm assembly. Each loader arm assembly has a loader arm that carries a loader face on one end and the loader arm is extendable and retractable on guide rails. One loader arm is driven in a downstream direction by a first set of endless chains and the other is driven by a second set of endless chains. One of the endless chains can be advanced or retarded in phase relative to the other to move the loader arms further apart or closer together as they move in the downstream direction. This moves the loader faces further apart or closer together and the loader faces have fingers that interleave when the loader faces are brought together. Thus, a composite loader face having a predetermined area can be formed by moving the loader arm assemblies closer together or farther apart. The composite loader face is sized in each case to correspond to groups of articles such as beverage cans of different sizes and/or different configurations.
US09174747B2	Smart helipad for supporting landing of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, system including the smart helipad, and method of providing the smart helipad Provided is a method of providing a smart helipad configured to support landing of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the method including adaptively displaying an imaged marker recognizable by a camera mounted to the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft; obtaining tilting information about a ground surface and a sea surface using a gyro sensor; and adjusting a landing pad connected to a display unit on which the marker is displayed to be in parallel with a horizontal line based on the tilting information, using a motion platform having change responsiveness to all of the directions.
US09174746B1	Visual aid generating system, device, and method Present novel and non-trivial system, device and method for generating visual aid image data are disclosed. In one embodiment, an image generator receives navigation data representative of at least one surface of interest (e.g., runway of intended landing) and aircraft position; retrieves navigation reference data representative of surface information; creates zone data representative of a lighting awareness zone for each surface of interest; receives first image data from a first source; and generates second image data as a function of the first image data and the zone data, thereby generating a visual aid to increase situational awareness of a pilot by enhancing his or her ability to detect or recognize the runway environment as presented by an enhanced image. In an additional embodiment, the image generator receives and includes third image data in the function for generating the second data.
US09174745B1	Performance-based method and system for checking the fuel quantity of a vehicle A system and method for checking the fuel quantity of a vehicle based on vehicle performance includes predicting vehicle performance based from a number of vehicle related input parameters including assumed fuel quantity to provide predicted vehicle performance data. Actual vehicle performance is measured from a number of vehicle sensor systems to provide measured actual vehicle performance data. The predicted vehicle performance data is compared with the measured actual vehicle performance data to provide an indication as to whether the vehicle is operating within a selected tolerance of the prediction. An alert message is provided if the vehicle is determined to be operating outside of the selected tolerance of prediction.
US09174744B2	Method and system for aiding the navigation of an aircraft A system including at least one global navigation database including data for aerial navigation and airport navigation of the aircraft and data mentioned on navigation maps, a central unit for carrying out a contextualized filtering of data intended for a display and received, at least in part, from said navigation database, and a display device for carrying out the display on one and the same screen, said display being based on information from said contextualized filtering.
US09174737B2	Aircraft seat with translating seatback linkage pivot An aircraft passenger seat configured to recline and including a seatpan pivotally attached to a seatback, a spreader defining a non-linear guide path controlling the seatpan angle as the seat reclines, translating seatback linkage defining a non-linear guide path controlling the seatback angle as the seat reclines, and a drive link arranged to translate horizontally relative to the spreader to drive seat recline motion.
US09174729B2	Rotor assembly A rotor assembly for helicopter vehicles for providing an easy way of controlling pitch, roll and lift of the aircraft by respective servo actuators. The rotor assembly has a rotor shaft, at least two rotor blades, a rotor head, and a non-rotating swash plate. The rotor assembly also includes a pitch hinge for each rotor blade connecting each rotor blade to the rotor head. The rotor assembly also includes a guide member for each rotor blade. As the rotor assembly rotates, the guide members are in substantial contact with an upper surface of the non-rotating swash plate. Forces such as magnetic and/or an aerodynamic forces are applied on the rotor blades and are sufficiently strong to create a valve effect on the pitch hinge, which in turn maintains contact between the guide members and the non-rotating swash plate.
US09174728B2	Electrical powered tail rotor of a helicopter The invention is related to an electrical powered tail rotor (1) of a helicopter comprising a housing (2) around the tail rotor (1), and at least one permanent magnet energized synchronous motor with a stator (6, 7) with an increased number of poles (9). Said at least one synchronous motor is integrated as a torus (8) around an opening of the housing (2) encompassing the tail rotor (1). Blades (4) of the tail rotor (1) are fixed to at least one rotating component (10, 11) of said at least one synchronous motor. Supply means provide for electric energy to said at least one synchronous motor. Blade pitch control means are provided at the torus (8).
US09174724B2	Deployment mechanism The invention provides a deployment mechanism 60 for deploying an auxiliary wing surface device 30 from an aircraft wing body 20, the deployment mechanism providing a first connector portion 75, 576 for connecting the deployment mechanism to the aircraft wing body, a second connector portion 65 for connecting the deployment mechanism to the auxiliary wing surface device, and a telescopic rod 61 linking the first and second connector portions, the telescopic rod comprising an inner rod 64 extendable from inside of an outer rod 63 to increase the length of the telescopic rod, such that the distance between the first and second connector portions can be increased. The invention also provides an aircraft wing 10, 510, an aircraft and a method of operating an aircraft.
US09174718B1	Internal toroid balloon A balloon having a balloon envelope that is fillable with a first lifting gas, a top plate arranged at a top of the balloon envelope, an outlet port that provides a passageway from an inside of the balloon envelope to the atmosphere, an inner bladder positioned within the balloon envelope and positioned at the top of the balloon envelope and coupled to the top plate, wherein the inner bladder is fillable with a second lifting gas, wherein the outlet port is configured to vent the first lifting gas to the atmosphere while keeping the second lifting gas in the inner bladder.
US09174714B2	Portable water cycle A portable, human-powered, catamaran styled water cycle that can be used by users of all ages. The water cycle contains a left pontoon, a right pontoon, a steering mechanism, a propelling mechanism, a seat, a left wheel, and a right wheel. The steering mechanism has a rudder which is controlled with the use of a steering handle. The propelling mechanism has a propeller which is powered by pedaling. The left pontoon and the right pontoon are both foldable such that the water cycle can be extended or collapsed conveniently. The seat is cushioned and also includes a back rest which can be used as a second seat when required. The left wheel is mounted onto the left pontoon and the right wheel is mounted onto the right pontoon. Therefore, the water cycle can be dragged with the use of the wheels for storing purposes.
US09174709B2	Arrangements for windsurfing Tills disclosure relates to a windsurfing board kit (100) for assembling windsurfing boards of different types. In light winds a relatively large windsurfing board is suitable, whereas in strong wind conditions a smaller windsurfing board is suitable, in addition, in fight winds a relatively large sail is suitable, whereas a relatively small sail is suitable in strong wind conditions, in light winds a relatively large board with a centerboard fin is suitable, whereas in strong wind conditions a smaller board without a centerboard fin is suitable. This disclosure enables assembling windsurfing boards of different sizes and different types. In addition, the disclosure enables adjusting the sail area of a sail for lire type of windsurfing board.
US09174704B1	Interactive water shield for rafts or boats in water rides A passenger boat configured for interactively shielding passengers from incoming water. The boat includes a hull with seats for receiving passengers and a rider interactive assembly with an input element for receiving input from the passengers. The boat also includes a water shield supported on the hull and an actuation system operating in response to the input from the passengers to move the water shield from a first position to a second position relative to the seats. In some cases, the water shield is mounted on the hull to travel within a channel extending about a perimeter of the hull located on an outboard side of the seats. Then, the water shield may include a wall that extends substantially vertically from the channel.
US09174701B2	Bicycle pedal with automatic attachment and detachment A bicycle pedal with automatic attachment and detachment, the pedal having a body (2) rotating on a spindle (3) with a front stop (4) suitable for engaging with a mating stop surface (5) located on a cleat (6) fixed to the sole of the shoe of the user, and a retaining member (9) rotating about a hinge axis parallel to the pedal axis and able to be applied by an elastic return to the cleat to lock the cleat to the pedal. The elastic return means comprises a flexing element (B, 18), one end of which is housed in the pedal body, and the other end of which bears against the retaining member (9).
US09174700B2	Control device for a bicycle derailleur A control device for a derailleur of a bicycle is described, comprising a support body, a cable-winding bush supported for rotation with respect to the support body, an indexer mechanism housed in the support body and suitable for controlling the angular position of the cable-winding bush, and a single manual actuation lever, the indexer mechanism comprising a toothed wheel integral in rotation with the cable-winding bush and having a first and a second plurality of slanting teeth, a first pawl integral with a driven arm of the lever and brought into thrusting engagement upon the first teeth while the lever is manually moved in a first direction beyond a predetermined rotation threshold, and a second pawl driven out of retention engagement with the second teeth by the driven arm of the lever while the lever is manually moved in the first direction up to the predetermined rotation threshold.
US09174697B2	Bicycle operating device A bicycle operating device comprises an operating unit, a mounting member, and a positioning structure. The operating unit includes a first portion. The mounting member includes a second portion configured to be connected with the first portion of the operating unit. The positioning structure is configured to adjustably position the first portion with respect to the second portion in a first direction and a second direction. The positioning structure comprises an abutment member and a fixing member. The abutment member is arranged opposite to the first portion with respect to the second portion. The fixing member is configured to fix the second portion with respect to the first portion by sandwiching the second portion between the first portion and the abutment member.
US09174688B2	Segmented track A segmented track made of a plurality of elastomeric track segments is provided. Each track segment is made of reinforced elastomeric material and is provided, at each end thereof, with a joint element adapted to be connected to the joint element of adjacent track segments. Each track segment comprises longitudinally extending reinforcing elements which are embedded into the elastomeric material and which are extending between and coupled to both joint elements.
US09174687B2	Link apparatus of variable rear spoiler for vehicle A link apparatus of a variable rear spoiler for a vehicle, may include an outer linkage coupled to a motorized rotating drive shaft, a base bracket affixed to a vehicle body and a spoiler bracket connected to a rear spoiler, wherein the outer linkage determines a withdrawal height of the rear spoiler at a fully open state of the rear spoiler, and an inner linkage positioned inside of the outer linkage and coupled to the drive shaft, the base bracket, and the spoiler bracket, wherein the inner linkage determines a withdrawal angle of the rear spoiler at the fully open state of the rear spoiler.
US09174684B1	Multi-position endgate cable An endgate cable mechanism includes an outer housing defining a longitudinal tunnel and an inner fitting slidably disposed within the longitudinal tunnel. A first transverse hole is in the outer housing. A second transverse hole, which is spaced longitudinally from the first transverse hole, is also defined in the outer housing. A plunger is selectively extendable from the inner fitting to engage with one of the first transverse hole and the second transverse hole. The endgate cable mechanism has a first effective length when the plunger is engaged with the first transverse hole and has a second effective length when the plunger is engaged with the second transverse hole.
US09174681B2	Vehicle body front section structure In a vehicle body front section structure according to the present invention, as well as a pair of left and right front side support portions and a pair of left and right rear side support portions that support a suspension member from the vehicle body, the suspension member is also coupled to a dash panel by coupling members. The coupling members are provided in the vehicle front-rear direction between the pair of left and right front side support portions and the pair of left and right rear side support portions, and provided in the vehicle width direction between the front side support portion and rear side support portion on the vehicle left side and the front side support portion and rear side support portion on the vehicle right side.
US09174675B2	Steering apparatus and control method thereof A steering apparatus includes a history holding unit recording a zero point maximum value and a zero point minimum value of a steering angle of a steering wheel, a precursor determination unit, and a characteristic variation determination unit. The history holding unit cancels the recorded zero point maximum value and the recorded zero point minimum value respectively, when a predetermined period elapses following the update of the recorded value. When the precursor determination unit determines that the system is in a precursory condition to characteristic variation, the characteristic variation determination unit determines whether or not characteristic variation has occurred in the steering transmission system on the basis of at least one of an amount of increase in the zero point maximum value and an amount of decrease in the zero point minimum value following a point at which the system is determined to be in the precursory condition.
US09174674B2	Parking assisting apparatus The present invention relates to a parking assist apparatus 10 used for a vehicle which has a four-wheel steering mode in which front wheels and rear wheels can be steered independently, comprising: traveling path calculation means for calculating a traveling path for guiding the vehicle to a target position; and assist means for assisting traveling of the vehicle to the target position, based on the traveling path calculated by the traveling path calculation means. In the four-wheel steering mode, the traveling path calculated by the traveling path calculation means includes a traveling path in which the front wheels and the rear wheels are steered in reverse directions, and said traveling path includes a section in which a constant point, which is an intersection of a center line of the vehicle in a back-and-forth direction and a line perpendicular to the center line from a turning center, creates a trajectory of a clothoid curve.
US09174673B2	Method for determining a steering rock force for a steering device in a vehicle, steering device and open-loop and/or closed-loop control device for a steering device A method for determining a steering rack force (FR) for a steering system of a vehicle, in which a first steering rack force (RFD) is ascertained as a function of at least one force that occurs in the steering system or at least one torque (tor_RA) that occurs in the steering system. So as to provide less strong feedback on the force conditions in the steering system for reasons of driving comfort, in particular when this is currently not required, it is proposed to ascertain a second steering rack force (RFC) as a function of at least one vehicle variable (v, ang_RA), which characterizes the state of movement of the vehicle, and to generate a resulting steering rack force (FR) based on the first steering rack force (RFD) and the second steering rack force (RFC).
US09174670B2	Hydraulic steering and method for detecting a valve position The invention concerns a hydraulic steering (1) comprising a supply connection arrangement, a steering motor (2), a high pressure supply (P), and a steering unit (3) arranged between the supply connection arrangement (S) and the steering motor (2), the supply connection arrangement comprising a steering valve (9), and a valve arrangement (27). The task of the hydraulic steering is to improve the safety and faults detection over the state of the art. For this purpose, the steering valve (9) is only deflectable if the valve arrangement (27) is deflected.
US09174669B2	Control apparatus for hydraulic power steering system In a control apparatus for a hydraulic power steering system including multiple electric pumps, a first ECU determines that start-up of a first motor is completed when a first current value, which is a value of current flowing to a first electric pump, has been within a prescribed current range continuously for a prescribed period of time or longer. An upper limit of the prescribed current range is set to be less than to a limit value provided as an upper limit of a current supplied simultaneously to the first and second electric pumps after completion of start-up. A lower limit of the prescribed current range is set to a minimum value of a current indicating that the first electric pump is in an energized state. After start-up of the first motor is determined to be completed, a second ECU starts electric power supply to the second electric pump.
US09174668B2	Electric power steering system In an electric power steering system, an ECU calculates a steering angle of a steering wheel based on an output of a rotation angle sensor and an EPS gear ratio. The ECU calculates a correction amount for canceling a steering deviation caused due to a temperature change, based on a temperature of a rack shaft detected by a temperature sensor and a map stored in a memory, and corrects the correction amount by adding the correction amount to the calculated steering angle.
US09174667B2	Electric power steering A steering force assisting device that includes an electric motor and includes independent two sets of motor driving circuit and control unit, and the electric motor includes coils having the same polarity and different motor characteristics, the coils being wound around each of teeth of a stator of the electric motor. The motor characteristics are a high speed/low torque characteristic and a low speed/high torque characteristic, and may be selected on the basis of the running condition of a vehicle.
US09174658B2	Collapsible wheelbarrow A collapsible wheelbarrow has a barrow formed of a plurality of panels that are hinged together to transition between an erected state in which the panels are configured to define the operative barrow and a collapsed state in which most or all of the panels are not folded together and the barrow is relatively flattened out extending over a greater ground area than when in the erected state so that the barrow in the collapsed, flattened state can function as a ground sheet, having an enlarged surface area. For a gardener this makes it much better for collecting leaves, grass or other garden cuttings or materials, which may be swept or raked directly onto the flattened but floor area-expanded barrow before then raising/erecting the barrow to its operative wheelbarrow state to be wheeled off to a compost heap or other location.
US09174654B2	Drive having axle-mounted transmission for high speeds A bogie for locomotives is provided. Two wheelsets, each including a drive unit, are disposed in a bogie frame, wherein the wheelsets each include a wheelset shaft and two wheels. The drive unit comprises a motor unit and a transmission disposed to ride on an axle, and each motor unit is suspended at three points, namely at a main pivot point on the transverse beam of the bogie frame and two mounting points on a head beam of the bogie frame. Further, the motor unit is transversally elastically suspended; the transmission is mounted pivotally about the wheelset shaft but not displaceable along the wheelset shaft. The transmission is further connected to the motor unit by a transmission torque support, and the drive unit comprises a clutch by which the motor unit has a driving connection to the wheelset by the transmission.
US09174653B2	Method for providing vehicle configurations A method for providing vehicle configurations, the providing of at least one vehicle configuration is a function of a local position of the vehicle.
US09174648B2	System for using short text messaging for remote diagnostic A system incorporated in a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a communication system including a text messaging communication hardware to receive a message via a text messaging service. The message includes a command. The system also includes a microcontroller, coupled to the communication system and a machine control system, to execute the command through the machine control system. The machine control system is configured to control components of the vehicle. The microcontroller is configured to determine if a configuration allows execution of the received command and to return a response to the communication system.
US09174643B2	Vehicle control device, vehicle control method, and vehicle control system When a preceding vehicle in front of a host vehicle reduces speed, other vehicles between the preceding vehicle and a system-mounted vehicle successively reduces speed. An ECU and an ACC control the traveling of the system-mounted vehicle on the basis of prediction information of speed reduction propagation when the system-mounted vehicle reduces speed such that the system-mounted vehicle and an ordinary vehicle immediately in front of the system-mounted vehicle have a predetermined relative positional relationship. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the speed reduction propagation between the preceding vehicle and the system-mounted vehicle in advance, making it possible to more effectively suppress congestion.
US09174638B2	Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a drive mode control portion and a battery degradation determination portion. The chive mode control portion sets the drive mode to a CD mode after the charging of a battery by a battery charger ends as the state of charge of the battery reaches a first predetermined range. The drive mode control portion switches the drive mode to a CS mode if, after the hybrid vehicle starts driving in the CD mode, the state of charge of the battery declines to a second predetermined range that is lower than the first predetermined range. The battery degradation determination portion performs determination regarding degradation of the battery on the basis of data collected while the vehicle is driving.
US09174635B2	Method for actuating the cruise control function in a vehicle equipped with hybrid driving, especially an industrial or commercial vehicle The present invention describes a method for actuating the cruise control function in a vehicle equipped with hybrid driving, comprising at least a primary driving and an electric driving. The method comprises the steps of: —cyclic check of the possibility of activation of the cruise control function; if positive—activation of the electric driving of the type “electric cruise-control” (ElCC), and deactivation of the primary driving, if a cyclic check of the conditions of activation of the electric driving is positive; otherwise—activation of the primary driving of the type “engine cruise-cruise control” (EnCC), and deactivation of the electric driving.
US09174634B2	Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle configured to control the hybrid vehicle provided with: an engine; a flywheel with a variable inertial mass; a rotary electric machine; a regenerating device; and an electricity storage device which is charged by regenerative power of the rotary electric machine and regenerative power of the regenerating device, is provided with: a reduction control device configured to reduce the number of engine revolutions to a stop allowable number of revolutions or less; a stop control device configured to stop the engine after the number of engine revolutions is reduced to the stop allowable number of revolutions or less; a specifying device configured to specify allowable charging power of the electricity storage device at the time of the stop demand; and an inertia control device configured to reduce the inertial mass with decreasing the specified allowable charging power.
US09174632B2	Hydraulically operated clutch The present teachings provide for a power transmitting component including a friction clutch, a reservoir, a hydraulic ram to actuate the clutch, a motor, and first and second pumps simultaneously driven by the motor. The first pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the ram. The first pump is configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the ram when the motor rotates in a first direction. The second pump is coupled to the reservoir and provides hydraulic fluid to the ram when the output shaft rotates in the first direction and a pressure differential between the ram and the second pump is less than or equal to a predetermined pressure differential. The second pump has a displacement greater than the first pump and is configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the ram at a lower pressure and higher flow rate than the first pump.
US09174631B2	Method and apparatus for controlling transmission shifting in a multi-mode powertrain system A multi-mode transmission is configured to transfer torque among an internal combustion engine, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling shifting in the transmission includes, in response to a command to execute a range shift in the transmission to a target transmission range: applying mechanical braking torque to reduce output torque from the transmission to off-load torque from an off-going clutch, operating in a pseudo-gear range to synchronize an oncoming clutch, and applying the oncoming clutch to establish the transmission in the target range.
US09174627B2	Hybrid vehicle, control method for hybrid vehicle, and recording medium recorded with a control program for hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle configured to allow charging from a source external to the vehicle includes a connector electrically connecting a battery with an external commercial power supply, an absorption unit absorbing fuel vapor, and an activation unit activating the absorption unit to facilitate disengagement of the fuel vapor during connection of the power storage device with the external power supply by the connector. The absorption unit includes a canister to which fuel vapor adheres. The activation unit includes a heater receiving electric power from at least one of the battery and external power supply to heat the canister. The hybrid vehicle further includes a purge mechanism conducting a purge relative to the canister. Thus, there can be provided a hybrid vehicle that can process fuel evaporating gas without reducing the EV allowed travel distance.
US09174624B2	Method and device for preventing a surging of fluids in a tank of a tank truck A method and device for preventing a surging of fluids in a tank of a tank truck, during transportation, the tank truck having a drive train including an internal combustion engine, a clutch device and an automatic or automated transmission device, and the drive train is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU), which is prepared to receive input data from an arrangement for detecting a tank drive mode and sensors for sensing a load status of the tank truck. The method includes detecting a tank drive mode, calculating a launch gear, and limiting the clutch device torque gradient.
US09174617B2	Braking system for motor vehicles A braking system for motor vehicles. The system comprises a brake pedal, a travel simulator which is coupled via actuating-forces transmitting first mechanical connecting means to the brake pedal. A brake master cylinder having at least one pressure chamber and one piston. The pressure chamber is connected or connectable via a pressure line to at least one hydraulically actuable wheel brake, and an electrically controllable electromechanical drive device with which the piston of the brake master cylinder is actuable via a second mechanical connecting means. The electromechanical drive device is arranged between the brake pedal on one side and the brake master cylinder and the travel simulator on the other side. The first mechanical connecting means extends from the brake pedal through the drive device to the travel simulator.
US09174616B2	Electronic brake system line lock feature A method applying a line lock feature, i.e. a wheel hold mode, with a brake system for a vehicle comprises initiating a wheel hold mode for the brake system and applying pressure to the wheels of a non-driven axle. The wheel brake pressure is maintained at the wheels of the non-driven axle independent of application of the brake pedal. The wheel brake pressure at the wheels of the non-driven axle is released when a release trigger event occurs. The release trigger event may be an automatic trigger event or a driver actuated trigger event.
US09174613B2	Vehicle speed operating device for work vehicle A vehicle speed operating device for a work vehicle has a shift pedal that is disposed on a first lateral surface side of a body frame and is linked to an operating shaft of a continuously variable transmission via a first mechanical linkage mechanism, and a brake pedal, a speed maintenance mechanism and a second mechanical linkage mechanism are arranged on a second lateral surface side of the body frame.
US09174611B2	Windshield wiper adapter, connector and assembly Novel adapters, connectors and wiper blade assemblies including same for securing windshield wiper blades and arms are described, including those that accommodate side-saddle wiper arms. A wiper blade adapter may have a mounting portion comprising a wiper blade securing element, the wiper securing element being capable of securing a wiper blade, and a side-saddle portion comprising a connector securing element, the connector securing element being capable of securing a connector that is capable of securing a wiper arm.
US09174606B2	Harness retainer for juvenile vehicle seat A harness retainer for use with a juvenile vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure may include a first belt mount that couples to a first harness belt, a second belt mount that couples to a second harness belt and couples to the first belt mount, and a lock that moves from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock moves from the locked configuration, blocking movement of the first belt mount away from the second belt mount, to the unlocked configuration, allowing movement of the first belt mount away from the second belt mount.
US09174604B2	Activation system for actuators of a vehicle seat device An activation system for actuators of a vehicle seat device, including a first control device; a gas pressure accumulator having a gas pressure accumulator valve situated on it; a pressure distribution device functionally connected to the gas pressure accumulator; and a connecting device situated between the first control device and the pressure distribution device, the actuators being activatable as a function of an accident characteristic which is ascertainable with the aid of the first control device and which is transmittable to the pressure distribution device.
US09174600B1	Vehicle impact energy absorber An impact absorbing device includes a plate and a panel having a panel thickness. An intermediate portion has a portion thickness and extends between the plate and the panel. The intermediate portion defines a chamber between the plate and the panel. A port is in communication with the chamber. The portion thickness is less than the panel thickness. The impact absorbing device is movable to a deployed position to contact an occupant during a collision. Since the portion thickness is less than the panel thickness, the intermediate portion expands more quickly, providing an impact surface for the occupant.
US09174597B2	Electro-mechanical protector for vehicle latches during crash conditions and method for operating the same The present invention relates to an electronic mechanical protector system for vehicle door latches during crash conditions, vehicle door equipped with such a system, and methods for operating the system.
US09174595B2	Collision sensing and energy absorbing apparatus An apparatus includes an enclosed body defining a chamber therein. The body includes a rearward portion, a forward portion opposite the rearward portion and a first portion extending between the rearward and forward portions. The first portion has a stiffness less than at least one remaining portion of the body. The apparatus further includes at least one pressure sensor coupled to the body and the chamber to detect deformation of the first portion of the body.
US09174594B2	Crash box for vehicle A crash box for a vehicle may include a first plate having a middle end formed with a cylindrical first flange protruding in one direction, a second plate having a middle end formed with a cylindrical second flange protruding in another direction, a pipe having each of both ends coupled to the corresponding first and second flanges respectively, and an impact absorbing device configured to absorb an impact while the first flange and the pipe matched with each other through the impact absorbing device may be shear-deformed at a time of crash by pressing an overlapping portion of the first flange and one end of the pipe to deform shapes of a pressed portion of the first flange and the pipe into shapes matched with each other.
US09174593B2	Connecting block assembly A connecting block assembly includes a plurality of connecting block parts for connecting electric components which are assembled to each other. Each of the connecting block parts includes a plurality of conductive terminals having electric connecting portions and extended portions extended from the electric connecting portions respectively, and an insulating resin member which fixes the plurality of terminals at positions of the extended portions. A coupling portion is formed on one side wall of the resin member in a coupling direction being perpendicular to both of an extending direction of the extended portions and an arranging direction of the plurality of terminals, and a coupled portion having a shape to be coupled to the coupling portion is formed on the other side wall of the resin member in the coupling direction.
US09174592B2	Power line communications system, power line communication device, and connector device A coupling transformer 15 necessary for power line communication is provided in a connector device 3. The coupling transformer 15 is formed by winding an AC line 11 and a signal wire 13 around an annular toroidal core 15a, which is to be fitted on a tubular part 32 of the connector device 3. Cutouts for housing the AC line 11 and the signal wire 13 wound around the toroidal core 15a are formed in the tubular part 32 of the connector device 3. Further, a coil 17a is connected to the AC line 11, a capacitor 17b is connected to an AC line 12, and the coil 17a and the capacitor 17b are connected to each other with a wire 17c provided along the AC lines 11 and 12, whereby a filter circuit is formed.
US09174591B2	Roof molding A vehicle roof molding to be fitted into a roof groove of a roof panel of a vehicle is provided. The molding has a main body for filling at least a portion of a the roof groove in a groove width direction and a latching portion on a back side of the main body to secure the roof molding within the roof groove. The main body includes a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segments resides in different planes and are joined by a wall oriented generally transverse to both segments. A pair of protruding portions are provided on opposed edges of the first and second segments, respectively. Each protruding portion includes an elastic deforming region engaging an opposed side wall of the roof groove when the latching portion is fitted in the roof groove.
US09174590B2	Fascia bracket mounting system—captive floating nut system to weld stud A system for coupling a trim component to a body component having a bearing surface. The system has a threaded weld fastener coupled to the body. The trim piece has an exterior bearing surface and an interior bearing surface. Defined within the trim piece is an aperture having a lead-in portion. A rotatable fastener having a nut body with a cylindrical body portion is floatably positioned within the aperture. The body defines a fastener holding aperture and defines a side slot.
US09174583B2	Storage container for motor-vehicle interior A container for a vehicle interior has a base body in which at least one compartment is formed and a lid for at least partially closing the compartment and movable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator biases the lid into the open position and a latch can retain it in the closed position. A first brake associated with the actuator retards movement of the lid during movement of the lid from the closed into the opened position. A second brake further retards movement of the lid in only a limited end portion of its movement into the open position.
US09174582B2	Cargo area retention system A vehicular cargo retention system includes a first cargo retention rail pivotally coupled with a load floor. A second cargo retention rail is pivotally coupled with the load floor. The first cargo retention rail is configured to rotate to a position above the second cargo retention rail. First and second shelves are operably coupled to a vehicle seatback. The first and second shelves are operable between a stowed position, wherein each of the first and second shelves is generally coplanar with the seatback, and a deployed position, wherein the first and second shelves extend generally horizontally.
US09174581B2	Door step device for vehicle A door step device for a vehicle includes: a step panel; a rack gear part which extends from the step panel and has a locking groove formed at a side thereof; a pinion gear part which gear-meshed with the rack gear part, and rotates by power from a driving motor; a tilting operation part including a projection pin and a solenoid adjusting a projected amount of the projection pin; and a control unit which controls the driving motor at the time of the operation of the step panel to draw the rack gear part and controls the solenoid to tilt the rack gear part and the step panel to the ground.
US09174580B2	Intelligent side step apparatus for vehicle An intelligent side step apparatus for a vehicle includes a step panel (13) that protrudes and expands to a side of a vehicle body (16) when a getting-off mode signal of a passenger is generated. The step panel (13) moves down to a side of the vehicle body when a getting-on mode signal of a passenger is generated. A step lamp (14) mounted on the step panel (13) is turned on when a night mode signal is generated.
US09174579B2	Running board bracket A bracket for mounting a running board to a vehicle. The bracket comprising a main body comprising a support surface, an interlock structure and a mount element. The support surface provides a surface for supporting the running board. The interlock structure provides a mechanical engagement with a lower flange of the vehicle. The mount element cooperates with a fastener for fastening the bracket to a structural panel of the vehicle.
US09174578B2	Interior rearview mirror assembly A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing and an electro-optic reflective element assembly disposed at the mirror casing. A second surface of a front substrate of the reflective element assembly has a transparent conductive coating established thereat and a third surface of a rear substrate has a conductive coating established thereat. An electrical connector may be disposed at the fourth surface and in electrically conductive continuity with the transparent conductive coating and/or the conductive coating. The electrical connector may include a connector attaching portion for attaching at the fourth surface and a conductor attaching portion for soldering or welding an electrical conductor or wire to the electrical connector when the electrical connector is attached at the fourth surface. The conductor attaching portion is spaced from the plane of the connector attaching portion and the fourth surface of the rear substrate.
US09174576B2	Emergency release bracket system Certain embodiments provide emergency release bracket systems for use in connection with vehicle signage. The emergency release bracket system includes a mounting bracket for operably connecting to a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes bent out tabs and mounting plate attachment holes. The emergency release bracket system includes a mounting plate for operably connecting to vehicle signage. The mounting plate includes tab windows and tab slots. The mounting plate is adjustably and detachably coupled to the mounting bracket by mating the tab windows of the mounting plate with a portion of the bent out tabs of the mounting bracket. The mounting plate is secured to the mounting bracket using removable couplings extending through the tab slots of the mounting plate and the mounting plate attachment holes of the mounting bracket.
US09174569B2	Method for controlling a vehicle member A method and a system for controlling lighting beams for vehicles. It proposes controlling the road lighting beam by combining data obtained from a navigation device and detection means suitable for supplying distance and nature information concerning target objects situated in front of the vehicle equipped according to the invention.
US09174565B2	Recyclable rubber securement mat with self-provided incline stop The present invention provides a securement mat for mitigating the migration of loads within a shipping vessel. The securement mat having a length, a width, and a height, and including a first subsection and a second subsection, wherein an area of the second subsection is less than an area of the first subsection. The securement mat has a first fold boundary along the length or width of the sheet and proximate to one edge of the sheet defining a boundary between the first and second subsection, wherein the first subsection exhibits a first incline by folding, along the first fold boundary, the second subsection underneath the first subsection.
US09174562B2	Transport vehicle A control valve device (19) controls supply and discharge of pressurized oil to and from a hoist cylinder (12) which tilts a vessel (3). A throttle (24C) that limits a flow rate of hydraulic oil which is discharged from a hydraulic pump (13) and flows in a return line (16) through a pump line (15), a first directional control valve (24) and a center bypass oil passage (23) is provided in the floating position (F) of the first directional control valve (24). When the first directional control valve (24) is in the floating position (F), the upstream side of the throttle (24C) is connected to the pump line (15), and the downstream side of the throttle (24C) is connected to the return line (16). In addition, a rod-side actuator line (18) communicated with rod-side oil chambers (12E, 12F) in the hoist cylinder (12) is connected to the pump line (15).
US09174559B2	Headrest A headrest that is constructed and arranged to be mounted to one or more support rods that are adapted to be coupled to the backrest of a seat of a vehicle. The headrest has a main body portion and a separate bushing that is positioned at least partially in the main body portion. The bushing has a receptacle that is adapted to receive a portion of a support rod. The bushing is constructed and arranged to partially damp forces that are coupled to the bushing through the main body portion.
US09174558B2	Seat operating device and vehicle seat A seat operating device comprising: an operation member; a first clutch member that is connected to an adjusting mechanism, and in which is formed a first cut-out portion that opens outwardly in a rotation radial direction of the first clutch member; a second clutch member that is connected to another adjusting mechanism, and in which is formed a second cut-out portion that opens outwardly in a rotation radial direction of the second clutch member; and a switching member having a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that are positioned at mutually opposite sides across a rotational center. When the switching member is positioned at one end of a range of movement of the switching member, the first engaging portion engages with the first cut-out portion, and, when the switching member is positioned at another end of the range of movement, the second engaging portion engages with the second cut-out portion.
US09174553B2	Seat having a welded transverse shaft A seat, in particular motor vehicle seat, with a seat part and a backrest pivotally mounted relative to the seat part, which includes a backrest frame with two mutually opposite side bars, is provided. The two side bars are connected with each other via a transverse shaft which is rotatably mounted on the seat part in the region of a side bar. At least one fitting arrangement with a fitting part fixed at the backrest frame is provided, in order to arrest the pivotally mounted backrest relative to the seat part. The fitting part fixed at the backrest frame is welded to one of the side bars and the transverse shaft is welded to this fitting part. An end of the transverse shaft extends through one of the two side bars and this end is rotatably mounted in a seat side part of the seat part, so that the transverse shaft defines a pivot axis about which the backrest is pivotable relative to the seat part.
US09174552B2	Driving-environment setup system, in-vehicle device and program thereof, portable device and program thereof, management device and program thereof A driving-environment setup system has a plurality of portable devices, each of which transmits a feature identification information item used for identifying a physical feature of an associated user of the each of the plurality of portable devices and transmits an environment identification information item used for identifying a driving environment for the associated user. An in-vehicle device of the system detects a physical feature of a person sitting in a driver's seat and identifies one of the associated users as a driver when the physical feature identified based on the received feature identification information item of the one of the associated users corresponds to the detected physical feature. The in-vehicle device sets a driving environment for the driver based on the received environment identification information item.
US09174551B2	Drive device for electric vehicle A drive device for an electric vehicle includes: a parking lock mechanism that mechanically locks a rotation of a rotating shaft of drive wheels; a parking lock operating unit; an electric motor; a balancing torque estimating unit for applying rotational torque to the electric motor in the opposite direction of the direction of torsional torque applied to the rotating shaft, while locking via the parking lock mechanism is done, and for balancing torque in advance that balances out the torsional torque, based on a state of the rotational phase of the electric motor; and a torque applying unit for applying torque to the electric motor before the locking is released, the torque calculated based on the estimated balancing torque.
US09174548B2	Renewable energy power depositing/charging management system An energy power depositing/charging management system and method is provided. When energy is deposited in an energy storage station from an onboard power storage device of a vehicle, a vehicle energy management unit manages reductions in the remaining stored energy level of energy in the onboard power storage device. The vehicle energy management unit and a storage station energy management unit manage increases in the energy remaining amount of deposited energy in the energy storage station, thereby allowing for charging up to the remaining amount of deposited energy of energy identified with an ID for the vehicle in the energy storage station.
US09174547B2	Electric vehicle and charging control method for auxiliary battery thereof The present invention relates to an electric vehicle and a charging control method for an auxiliary battery of the electric vehicle. According to the present invention, the electric vehicle comprises: a high-voltage battery which drives the electric vehicle; a plurality of electric field loads; the auxiliary battery which supplies driving power to the plurality of electric field loads; a first voltage detection unit which detects an output voltage of an auxiliary battery side; a converter which performs a PWM switching to convert the voltage of the high-voltage battery into a voltage required in the electric field loads; a plurality of relays; a power relay assembly (PRA) which is switched to supply the energy of the high-voltage battery to the converter according to whether or not the plurality of relays are in operation; and a vehicle control module (VCM) which controls the driving of the power relay assembly, wherein the converter includes a converter control unit, which sends a driving instruction signal requesting the vehicle control module to drive the power relay assembly depending on a magnitude change of the output voltage of the auxiliary battery side. Accordingly, discharging of the auxiliary battery in a starting-off state is prevented, which makes it possible to stably operate the electric vehicle system.
US09174544B2	Method for charging a battery for supplying power to a drive motor of a motor vehicle A method for charging a battery, including: determining a final state of charge and a final temperature of the battery; and calculating charging power and/or cooling power required to reach the two final values within a minimum amount of time.
US09174543B2	Manganese oxide/graphene nanocomposite and producing method of the same The present disclosure provides a method for producing a manganese oxide/graphene nanocomposite including synthesizing a manganese oxide/graphene nanocomposite through liquid phase reaction at a room temperature, a manganese oxide/graphene nanocomposite produced by the method, and an electrode material and a super-capacitor electrode including the manganese oxide/graphene nanocomposite.
US09174537B1	Fiber composite support for vehicular components A vehicular instrument panel having a reinforcement that includes a plurality of chopped carbon fibers within a nylon resin, a substrate coupled to the reinforcement comprising a plurality of chopped carbon and chopped glass fibers within a nylon resin, and a steering column bracket defined from the substrate comprising a plurality of chopped carbon fibers within a nylon resin. The bracket engages a steering column such that the substrate and bracket support the steering column. The plurality of chopped carbon and glass fibers in the substrate can be segregated such that the carbon fibers and the glass fibers are each substantially concentrated within respective driver-side and passenger-side portions of the substrate.
US09174534B2	System and method for determining a vehicle velocity parameter A method is described for estimating longitudinal velocity of a vehicle on a road surface. The method includes obtaining a measured value of vehicle acceleration, which is dependent on longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle and vertical acceleration of the vehicle when a slope of the road surface is non-zero. The method includes determining an initial estimate of the slope. The method includes determining a difference between the initial estimate of the slope and a prior estimate of the slope and, based on the difference, setting a current estimate of the slope to be equal to the initial estimate or the prior estimate. The method includes estimating the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle based on the current estimate of the slope and the measured value of vehicle acceleration. The method includes controlling at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels based on the estimated longitudinal velocity of the vehicle.
US09174533B2	Drive structure for electric bicycle A motor structure for an electric bicycle including a motor provided with a rotor and a stator to generate a rotary force to drive a wheel of the electric bicycle, the rotor having an accommodation space formed at a center thereof, a first decelerator unit disposed in the accommodation space and connected to a rotating shaft that is rotated together with the rotor, a second decelerator unit connected to the first decelerator unit and disposed outside the motor, and a motor housing to accommodate the motor and the second decelerator unit.
US09174531B2	Modular fuel storage system A modular fuel storage system can include a container, a cover, a storage tank and fuel fill and delivery lines. The container can define an interior space therein and the cover can be configured to engage the container to enclose the interior space. The storage tank can be configured to store and selectively deliver a gaseous fuel. The fuel fill and fuel delivery lines can each be fluidly connected to the storage tank. The fill and delivery lines can each have a coupling connector extending external to the container and terminating in a recess formed in an exterior of the container. The modular fuel storage system can be configured to be assembled in the vehicle such that the cover forms a portion of a floor of the vehicle.
US09174529B2	Device for ventilating and aerating a fuel tank A device for ventilating and aerating a fuel tank includes a tank shut-off valve and two tank pressure control valves. One of the tank pressure control valves opens in response to a negative pressure in the fuel tank and the other one of the tank pressure control valves opens in response to an overpressure in the fuel tank. The opening pressures of the two tank pressure control valves are adjustable flexibly and independent of the respective other valve.
US09174528B2	Non-metallic fuel tank A non-metallic fuel tank includes a non-metallic tank body, at least one coupling device or mounting system for coupling the non-metallic tank body to a bed of a truck or to a trolley, and a fuel fill opening. A grounding wire may be coupled to the non-metallic tank as well as a fuel line connector which is also coupled to the existing fuel system of a truck. A mounting system for a non-metallic fuel tank includes two rear toe clamps and two front mounting assemblies which include a front mount base and an angle iron coupled together. A portable fuel tank includes a non-metallic tank body and a trolley coupled to the tank body. The trolley includes a base, a mounting system for coupling the non-metallic tank body and the base, at least one handle and at least one wheel.
US09174524B2	Control device and control method for electric motor vehicle A vehicle comprises a drive motor (15) that generates a drive torque to be transmitted to drive wheels (18), a power supply source (12, 17) that includes, at least, a generator (12), and supplies power to the drive motor (15), and a programmable controller (20). The programmable controller (20) is programmed so as to calculate a required drive torque based upon a vehicle traveling state, calculate a power supply value representing power to be supplied from the power supply source (12, 17) to the drive motor (15) based upon the required drive torque, control the drive motor (15) to enable the drive motor (15) to output a drive torque determined by reducing a frequency component in the required drive torque, which is equivalent to torsional vibration of the drive system, and control the power supply source (12, 17) to enable the power supply source (12, 17) to supply to the drive motor (15) power obtained by reducing the frequency component in the power supply that is equivalent to the torsional vibration of the drive system.
US09174521B2	Drive train of a mobile machine A drive train of a vehicle has a drive motor and a traction drive driven by the drive motor. A hydraulic work system has at least one hydraulic pump driven by the drive motor. To deliver torque into the drive train and/or to absorb torque from the drive train, the drive train is provided with an additional hydraulic machine which can be placed in communication with a hydraulic pressure accumulator and/or a tank and can be operated as a pump and a motor in the same direction of rotation. The hydraulic machine has an inlet connection and an outlet connection and a switching valve device is provided to control the connection of the inlet connection and the outlet connection with the pressure accumulator or the tank.
US09174519B2	Weatherstrip assembly having a variable length shim The subject invention provides a weatherstrip assembly for sealing between a frame and a closure member of a vehicle. The weatherstrip assembly includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a channel. The body has a plurality of retaining lips extending into the channel. A seal extends from the exterior surface. A locking fin has a first end and a second end. The first end of the locking fin is mounted to one of the interior surface and the exterior surface and the second end of the locking fin disposed within the channel. A shim extends from the second end of the locking fin. The shim engages the interior surface and supports the locking fin within the channel. The retaining lips and the locking fin at least partially define a slot for sandwiching the frame between the retaining lips and the locking fin within the slot.
US09174516B2	Adjustable sun visor system for vehicle windshield and side window A sun visor system includes multiple visors to provide selective window coverage for glare. This system can be employed on the driver side, passenger side, or both. The second visor (50), having pivotal device (56) on support rod (54), can be easily connected to the first visor (20) support rod (24) to provide pivotal movements between the windshield and side window. These visors, first and second, can be moved together or separately to stored positions, windshield and side window blocked positions, or combinations of both positions to provide window protection from glare quickly and easily for windshield, side window, or both. Also support rod of the visor can be made of flexible material, like gooseneck arm, to further provide flexible adjustments of visor to desired positions to block glare from different angles or positions of vehicle window. This adjustable visor system can be applied to a single sun visor system or multiple visors system.
US09174513B2	Heating control method for fuel cell vehicle The present invention provides a heating control method for a fuel cell vehicle, in which an additional heating source is used together with a typical electric heater to reduce power consumption and increase fuel efficiency as compared to the sole use of the electric heater. For this purpose, the present invention provides a heating control method for a fuel cell vehicle which comprises an electric heater for heating air supplied to the interior of the vehicle, and a heater core provided in a coolant line for cooling a fuel cell stack and heating the air supplied to the interior of the vehicle by heat exchange with the coolant discharged from the fuel cell stack. The method comprises: detecting a state of charge (SOC) of a battery when the interior temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature set by a driver and, if the SOC of the battery is above a predetermined lower limit, heating the interior of the vehicle by operating the electric heater by the power of a battery; heating the interior of the vehicle by operating the electric heater by the power generated by the fuel cell stack, if the SOC of the battery is below the lower limit; heating the interior of the vehicle using both the heater core and the electric heater, if the temperature of the coolant is above a predetermined temperature at which the fuel cell stack does not reach a normal operating temperature; and heating the interior of the vehicle using only the heater core while turning off the electric heater, if the temperature of the coolant is increased above a normal operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.
US09174512B2	Heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system, in particular for an electric automobile vehicle A heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system (10) for an automobile vehicle, including a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning housing (100) capable of allowing the thermal treatment of an air conditioning airflow to be used to maintain a desired temperature within the cabin, the heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning housing (100) having a primary distributor (132b, 133b, 134b) for the air conditioning air within the vehicle cabin so as to define a limited number of distribution configurations. The heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system (10) includes an additional module (200) having additional distributors (212b, 213b) for the air conditioning airflow out of the cabin.
US09174511B2	Vehicular air conditioning apparatus A vehicular air conditioning apparatus is equipped with a casing having respective air passages therein, and first and second blower units are connected to the casing. Further, the casing is constituted by first and second divided casings. In addition, air is supplied to the interior of the casing from the first and second blower units. Moisture, which is generated when the air is cooled by an evaporator, is guided to forward bottom surfaces of the first and second divided casings and the moisture is discharged to the exterior from first drain ports disposed at terminal end positions of inclined surfaces that decline gradually toward opposite sides of the casing.
US09174510B2	Closed profile crossmember for rear axle of motor vehicle A twistable closed profile crossmember for a rear axle of a motor vehicle, the crossmember making it possible to connect two longitudinal arms of the axle. The crossmember includes a tube including: end portions that are each connectable to one of the two arms; an intermediate portion that is deep-drawn so as to obtain a U- or V-shaped transverse section wherein the inner walls of the tube are separated by a space; and two transition portions having a transverse section modified to connect each end portion to the intermediate portion. The crossmember further includes two inserts, each closing one end of the intermediate portion on all or part of the length of each transition portion to avoid all contact between the inner walls at the intermediate portion when the crosspiece is subject to a twisting force.
US09174500B2	Tire pressure monitoring system A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is provided. The TPMS includes: a plurality of sensors which output sensing signals, the plurality of sensors including a printable pressure sensor which senses an air pressure of a tire, and a temperature sensor which senses an air temperature inside the tire; a signal processor which is configured to process the sensing signals output by the plurality of sensors; a wireless power receiver which is configured to receive energy from a power source and output power; and a rechargeable battery which is configured to be charged by the power output by the wireless receiver and supply power to the plurality of sensors to sense the air pressure of the tire and the air temperature inside the tire.
US09174493B2	Tire tread having improved rigidity Tire tread having at least two wearing layers, provided with at least one continuous groove having in the as new condition a plurality of external cavities opening onto the tread surface and a plurality of internal cavities placed radially and completely inside the tread surface, such that: the difference between the mean lengths of the internal cavities and of the external cavities is at most equal to 20% of the longest mean length, the difference in the mean cross-sectional areas of the internal and external cavities is at most equal to 20% of the largest mean area, each external cavity of a continuous groove being connected to at least two internal cavities of the same groove and having a plurality of incisions opening onto the tread surface, each connecting two consecutive external cavities of the same groove and at least two connecting channels and at least one internal cavity.
US09174490B2	Heavy goods vehicle tire A tire comprising a crown reinforcement formed from at least two working crown layers and from at least one layer of circumferential reinforcing elements positioned radially between two working crown layers, the working crown layers adjacent to the layer of circumferential reinforcing elements being on each side of the equatorial plane and in the axial continuation of the layer of circumferential reinforcing elements coupled over an axial width, in order thereafter to be decoupled. A first additional layer of polymer blend having a width at least equal to the width 1 of the coupling zone and having a maximum thickness of less than two times the thickness of the layer of circumferential reinforcing elements is positioned radially under the working crown layer radially adjacent to and inside the layer of circumferential reinforcing elements and is at least partially radially superposed on the coupling zone of the working crown layers.
US09174484B2	Rollable paint tray A rollable paint tray which will be maneuvered on a floor by the painter manipulating an extended handle of a paint roller assembly is disclosed. The tray will have a body, a plurality of rolling members and a structural configuration which permits placement of the paint roller on the tray where it will remain in contact during maneuvering of the tray by the painter. The body has a paint containment area, a paint roller containment area and a rolling surface area. The painter may easily replenish fresh paint on the paint roller and roll the paint roller to obtain a desired quantity and uniformity of coverage on the paint roller. The tray permits the painter to paint a large area, along a great distance, while remaining standing straight. This eliminates the conventional need for the painter to manually move their supply of fresh paint which often involves bending or squatting.
US09174482B2	Transfer apparatus and transfer method To peel off a transfer film varying in easy-to-peel according to the temperature of a recording medium (temperature of an adhesion surface) with a suitable peeling tension and to suppress the occurrence of peeling residues, in a transfer apparatus for nipping a transfer film 46 and recording medium K with a transfer roller 33 and transfer platen 31 to form an image on the recording medium, the temperature of the card K is detected by detecting an environmental temperature outside the apparatus, and the peeling tension (transfer film wind torque) required for peeling off the transfer film 46 from the card K subjected to transfer is changed corresponding to the card temperature. Further, in the case of performing backside transfer subsequently to frontside transfer, since the card temperature is high, the peeling tension in backside transfer is set to be lower than the peeling tension in frontside transfer.
US09174481B2	Booklet storage and electronic apparatus A booklet storage includes a first storage member that includes a first receiver portion and a second receiver portion connecting with the first receiver portion; and a second storage member that includes a third receiver portion and a fourth receiver portion connecting with the third receiver portion, wherein the first storage member and the second storage member together receive a booklet in combination, and wherein a first width between the first receiver portion or the second receiver portion and the third receiver portion and a second width between the first receiver portion or the second receiver portion and the fourth receiver portion are different from each other.
US09174477B2	Printed article and method of making same An article is printed based upon predetermined artwork. The artwork includes the specification of a palette of ink colors to be used in printing the article. Each of the colors is specified by a full tone color target and an undertone color target. Each ink formulation has a combined full tone L-C-H-a-b dE equal to or less than about 2, and a combined undertone dE less than or equal to about 3. The specification of ink colors may also include a light fastness value. The ink colors may be further specified by way of a proofing index value.
US09174476B2	Ribbon guide in a tape cassette A tape cassette includes a first guide member provided between a feed portion and a discharge slot, and positioned on or immediately before the discharge slot, on an upstream side in a travel direction of a ink ribbon, wherein the first guide member bends and guides travel of the ink ribbon in the predetermined direction while making contact with a reverse side of a inked surface of the ink ribbon and a second guide member provided between the feed portion and the discharge slot, and positioned on an upstream side in the travel direction of the ink ribbon with respect to the first guide member, wherein the second guide member bends and guides the travel of the ink ribbon in the predetermined direction while making contact with the reverse side of the inked surface of the ink ribbon.
US09174474B2	Temperature control assembly for controlling the temperature of functional parts of a printing machine, printing system with a printing machine and a temperature control assembly, and set of modules for forming a temperature control assembly A temperature control assembly controls the temperature of parts of a printing machine. A plurality of assembly-side sub-circuits, the temperature of which is to be individually controlled, each comprises a temperature control fluid outlet and a temperature control fluid inlet. An external temperature control sub-circuit, can be connected to each assembly-side sub-circuit to form a respective temperature control circuit. The assembly-side sub-circuits are coupled to a common feed line, which conducts temperature control fluid, in a thermal and/or fluidic manner on the feed side to control the temperature of the assembly-side sub-circuits and to a common return line on the return side. The feed line is connected to a fluid store, which provides temperature control fluid to supply the feed line. The temperature control assembly comprises the common feed line, the fluid store, and an assembly which controls the temperature of the temperature control fluid of the fluid store.
US09174471B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus includes: an apparatus casing in which a transport path for transporting a sheet is formed; a first sheet support unit having a first support surface configured to support the sheet; a feed unit configured to feed the sheet supported by the first support surface to the transport path; a second sheet support unit having a second support surface configured to support the sheet; a transport unit configured to transport the sheet from the first and second sheet support units via the transport path; and a recording unit configured to record an image on the sheet transported by the transport unit in the transport path. The first and second sheet support units are arranged on one side surface of the apparatus casing, and the first and second support surfaces are configured to incline with respect to a placement surface on which the apparatus casing is placed.
US09174470B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes: first and second recording modules; a storage accommodating a recording medium; a first path extending from the storage to the first recording module; a second path extending from the storage to the second recording module and including a first shared portion shared with the first path; a first roller pair disposed downstream of a first branch position on the first path; and a movement causing member for moving two rollers of the first roller pair to a contact position or a separated position. A controller is configured to: determine whether a leading edge of the recording medium has reached an individual conveyor of the first recording module; when the leading edge has reached the individual conveyor, move the two rollers to the separated position; and supply a recording medium from the storage to the second recording module.
US09174467B2	Printer and printer control method A printer includes a media stacking section, a print section, a pickup roller, a relay roller, a common actuator, a transport mechanism section and a control section. The control section is configured to control the common actuator based on a print job and displacement of the printing media. The control section is configured to stop transferring of driving force of the common actuator from the pickup roller to an nth printing medium after the pickup roller draws out the nth printing medium and the relay roller starts to send out the nth printing medium which is drawn out in a case where a print job, where printing is carried out on n of the printing media with a length in a transport direction shorter than a transport distance of the printing media from the pickup roller to the print section, is processed in the continuous transport mode.
US09174466B2	Printer and non-transitory computer-readable medium A printer includes a feeding portion configured to feed a printing medium, a printing portion including a plurality of heating elements configured to perform printing of one line at a time on the printing medium, and a processor configured to specify numbers of ON dots for at least a first specified block and a second specified block, specify first speeds that respectively correspond to at least the first specified block and the second specified block based on the numbers of ON dots, set a second speed for the second specified block based on the first speeds that respectively correspond to the first specified block and the second specified block, such that the printing medium is fed at the first speed for the first specified block when the printing of the first specified block is performed, and control the feeding portion and the printing portion.
US09174464B2	Sublimation printer A sublimation printer includes a casing, a platen roller, a thermal printing head and a paper cassette. The platen roller, the thermal printing head and the paper cassette are disposed inside the casing. The platen roller is configured to support a printing medium when the printing medium moves along a first direction or a second direction, in which the first direction is opposite to the second direction. The thermal printing head faces to the platen roller and is used to transfer dyes of a ribbon onto the printing medium. The paper cassette is located on a side of the platen roller along the second direction and is configured to accommodate the printing medium, in which the orthogonal projections of the paper cassette and the platen roller on the casing at least partially overlap with each other.
US09174463B2	Control method of a serial printer, and serial printer A control method of a serial printer enables easily removing the printing paper when a paper jam occurs, and can prevent or suppress damage to the printhead when removing the printing paper. A serial printer 1 conveys printing paper P by a conveyance mechanism 22 including a second paper feed roller pair 31 located upstream from the print position A in the first conveyance direction M1. If a paper jam of the printing paper P is detected when the printhead 12 is at a position opposite the horizontal conveyance path portion 13c of the paper conveyance path 13, conveyance of the printing paper P first stops, and the printhead 12 is then moved on the vertical axis Z away from the horizontal conveyance path portion 13c. Next, the printhead 12 is moved on the transverse axis X to a away position 12AW outside the horizontal conveyance path portion 13c, and nipping of the printing paper P by the second paper feed roller pair 31 is then released.
US09174460B2	Liquid discharging apparatus A liquid discharging apparatus includes a head that discharges a liquid onto a medium, a medium supporting portion that supports the medium, a heater that heats the medium supported by the medium supporting portion, and a detecting unit that performs sensing and detects energy. The radiation energy of the heater is controlled on the basis of the energy detected by the detecting unit. The medium supporting portion is provided with a sensing target portion that can be sensed by the detecting unit.
US09174457B1	Printing apparatus To provide a printing apparatus that does not degrade the printing quality even when reciprocating shifts of a film-shaped medium are continued, an ink ribbon 41 that is the film-shaped medium is laid between a supply spool 43 and a wind-up spool 44 with regions used in printing on a single printing medium formed continuously in the longitudinal direction. A counter counts the number of times an unused region in the ink ribbon 41 located in a predetermined position between the supply spool 43 and the wind-up spool 44 reciprocates and shifts between the supply spool 43 and the wind-up spool 44, and when the number of times reaches the predetermined number, the wind-up spool 44 is driven to shift the region in the wind-up direction from the printing position.
US09174454B2	Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid supply member having a plurality of liquid supply passages, a connecting surface having a plurality of connecting portions connected to the liquid supply passages, a first positioning portion configured to determine relative positions between the liquid supply passages and the connecting portions in one direction along the connecting surface, and a second positioning portion configured to determine relative positions between the liquid supply passages and the connecting portions in the one direction and an other direction perpendicular to the one direction. A first distance between centers of gravity of the first positioning portion and the connecting portion farthest from the first positioning portion is longer than a second distance between centers of gravity of the second positioning portion and the connecting portion farthest from the second positioning portion.
US09174453B1	Microfluidic refill cartridge having a vent hole and a nozzle plate on same side Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a microfluidic refill cartridge having a vent hole and nozzles on a same side of the cartridge. In one or more embodiments, the vent hole and nozzles are located on upper surfaces of the cartridge, such as on a lid that is coupled to a reservoir. In particular, the nozzles and the vent hole may be formed on a microfluidic delivery member that is secured to the lid. A single cover may be used to cover the vent hole and the nozzles. In some embodiments, the single cover may be a flexible material and may adhere to the microfluidic delivery member.
US09174452B2	Fluid droplet ejection device and ejection inspection method A print unit prints by ejecting fluid droplets from a plurality of nozzles while moving in a primary scanning direction relative to a print medium. An ejection inspection unit inspects fluid droplet ejection by a group of target nozzles, which are part of an ejection nozzle subset obtained by dividing the nozzles according to the number of nozzles required to form the smallest printing width in the secondary scanning direction. A control unit controls the print unit and the ejection inspection unit, and selects the group of target nozzles in the ejection nozzle subset and performs the ejection inspection each time a specific amount of printing is completed.
US09174444B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus Piezoelectric elements each have a configuration in which a lower electrode film, a piezoelectric body layer, and an upper electrode film are stacked in order from a side relatively near to a displacement portion that defines a pressure chamber by tightly closing a portion of a pressure chamber space that forms the pressure chamber. The lower electrode film is provided individually for each pressure chamber. The upper electrode film covers the lower electrode film and the piezoelectric body layer, and is common to the piezoelectric elements. The ratio of a length (L) of a displacement portion-side opening of each pressure chamber space in a direction orthogonal to a pressure chamber space juxtaposition direction to a width (W) of the displacement portion-side opening in the pressure chamber space juxtaposition direction is greater than or equal to 4.3 and less than or equal to 6.0.
US09174442B2	Inkjet head and method of manufacturing the inkjet head According to one embodiment, an inkjet head includes: a nozzle plate including plural nozzles; a piezoelectric element including plural pressure chambers corresponding to the nozzles and sidewalls provided adjacent to the pressure chambers and serving as driving elements configured to press the pressure chambers to eject liquid from the nozzles; a substrate to which the piezoelectric element is bonded; and a frame member placed on the substrate to surround the piezoelectric element. Grooves are formed on the upper end, and in which an adhesive is applied to bond the upper ends of the sidewalls and the nozzle plate.
US09174440B2	Independent adjustment of drop mass and drop speed using nozzle diameter and taper angle Methods and systems of ejecting ink drops from an inkjet printer are disclosed. The methods and systems can include a printhead with one or more tapered nozzles each with an associated taper angle and exit diameter. Ink can be received into the printhead and formed into ink drops in the tapered nozzles. The ink drops can each have an associated drop mass and drop speed. The tapered nozzles can be provided such that the exit diameter can independently dictate the drop mass and the taper angle can independently dictate the drop speed. As such, the complexity of jet design optimization is reduced.
US09174436B2	Printing apparatus and method of processing printing data A printing apparatus, comprising a driving unit for driving a printhead including a plurality of nozzles each of which prints a dot, a conveying unit for conveying a printing medium, a memory and a unit, wherein the plurality of nozzles are arranged to form nozzle arrays adjacent to each other, the unit performs a first operation for developing printing data column by column on the memory, a second operation for assigning the printing data to each nozzle array, and a third operation for controlling the driving unit based on the assigned printing data, and, after the first operation and before the second operation, the unit specifies a portion of the printing data corresponding to a dot deviated from a correct printing region due to a tilt of the nozzle arrays and rearranges the portion.
US09174433B2	Method and apparatus for load-locked printing The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.
US09174429B2	Method and system for the production of frame structure for printing presses A press cage may include pairs of opposing wall plates, each of the pairs of wall plates being orthogonal with respect to the other pairs, with corresponding machined indentations located at predetermined locations on broad faces of the wall plates which are adjacent to each other. The press cage may also include coupler assemblies made of coupler parts, each of the parts fixed to machined indentation of the corresponding machined indentations at one of the predetermined locations, the coupler parts locked together.
US09174428B2	Roll mechanics for enabling printed electronics A print press system and a method are described herein that print an electronic circuit onto a material (e.g., glass substrate, plastic film, plastic film-glass substrate laminate). In exemplary applications, the print press system can print an electronic circuit onto a material to form, for instance, a flexible Liquid Crystal Display, a retail point of purchase sign and an e-book.
US09174427B2	Printing relief plate, printing relief plate producing apparatus, printing apparatus, printing pressure determining apparatus, and methods therefor On a printing relief plate, which is produced by a printing relief plate producing apparatus and a printing relief plate producing method, convexities and detecting portions are set to be lower than a solid area of the printing relief plate. In the event that a detecting portion image and a solid area image are printed on a print medium using the printing relief plate by a printing apparatus and by carrying out a printing method, in a printing pressure determining apparatus and a printing pressure determining method, it is determined whether a printing pressure is an appropriate printing pressure or not by comparing an optical density of the detecting portion image and an optical density of the solid area image.
US09174425B2	Apparatus and method for laminating a first and a second sheet The invention relates to an apparatus for laminating a first and a second sheet with a plane carrier (10) and a drum shaped carrier (20) for carrying a respective sheet. The apparatus has a first main operational mode wherein the drum shaped carrier (20) is at distance from a first carrier surface (12) of the plane carrier (10) in said third direction (Z), and a second main operational mode wherein the drum shaped carrier (20) is close to first carrier surface to bring the first and the second sheet (1, 2) in contact with each other. In the first main operational mode the drum shaped carrier (20) is virtually rolled over the first carrier surface (12) and the sheets are mutually aligned. In the second operational mode the sheets are laminated.
US09174424B2	Positioning mechanism and bonding device using the same A positioning mechanism includes a loading assembly and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes a driver mounted on the bottom of the loading assembly, at least two sliding members driven by the driver, and at least two clamping subassemblies mounted on the top of the loading assembly. The clamping subassemblies are divided into two groups and are arranged and mounted adjacent to opposite sides of the loading assembly, and the sliding members are connected to the two groups of the at least two clamping subassemblies, respectively. The driver is capable of driving the sliding members to move away from or toward each other to enable the two groups of the clamping subassemblies to move toward or away from the loading assembly to clamp or release a workpiece on the loading assembly. The present invention further discloses a bonding device using the positioning mechanism.
US09174423B2	Method for producing a decorative laminate A method for producing a decorated laminate having a plate-shaped core made of wood or wood material, a decorative layer on at least one side of the core, and a cover layer having aminoplast on the decorative layer, comprising the following steps: providing the plate-shaped core, fastening a cellulose nonwoven material on at least one side of the core, printing the decoration on the exposed side of the cellulose nonwoven material, attaching at least one curable cover layer on the printed decoration, and curing the curable layers.
US09174421B2	Transfer assist members A transfer assist member comprising a plurality of layers, one of the layers being a check film layer comprised of a crosslinked mixture of urea-glyoxal resins, and polyester polyols present on a support polymer layer.
US09174419B2	Quake-resistant plywood laminate A plywood laminate includes: a plate having lateral wood grains as a core plate material; additional core plate materials that sandwich the core plate material from both sides, wood grains of one of the additional core plate materials being 45° inclined and wood grains of the other one thereof being 45° inclined in an opposite direction; and, a front plate material and a rear plate material having vertical wood grains and superposed on the outside of the additional core plate materials, wherein plates constituting the plywood laminate are formed by assembling cut pieces obtained by cutting along cutting lines obtained by assembling isosceles right triangles without gap or by cutting along cutting lines obtained by assembling a pentagon of which upper portion is an isosceles right triangle and an isosceles.
US09174415B2	Composite and preparation method of joining amorphous alloy material to heterogeneous material A method of joining an amorphous alloy material to a heterogeneous material and a composite formed by the same are provided. The method comprises steps of: placing a pre-formed piece made of one of the amorphous alloy material and the heterogeneous material into a mold; heating the other of the amorphous alloy material and the heterogeneous material to a predetermined temperature, and casting the other of the amorphous alloy material and the heterogeneous material into the mold to form a transition connection part joining the amorphous alloy material to the heterogeneous material and having a fusion welded structure, a microstructure reinforcing connection structure and a composite connection structure; and cooling the amorphous alloy material and the heterogeneous material at a rate higher than a critical cooling rate of the amorphous alloy material to obtain a composite formed by joining the amorphous alloy material to the heterogeneous material by the transition connection part.
US09174414B2	Graphene based structures and methods for shielding electromagnetic radiation Electromagnetic interference shielding structures and methods of shielding an object form electromagnetic radiation at frequencies greater than a megahertz generally include providing doped graphene sheets about the object to be shielded. The doped graphene sheets have a dopant concentration that is effective to reflect and/or absorb the electromagnetic radiation.
US09174412B2	High strength carbon fiber composite wafers for microfabrication A high strength carbon fiber composite (CFC) wafer, and method of making such wafer, with low surface roughness comprising at least one sheet of CFC including carbon fibers embedded in a matrix. The wafer can have a thickness of between 10-500 micrometers. The wafer can have a root mean square surface roughness Rq, on at least one side, of less than 300 nm in an area of 100 micrometers by 100 micrometers and less than 500 nm along a line of 2 millimeter length. The wafer may be cut to form x-ray window support structures, MEMS, or other micrometer sized structures.
US09174410B2	Composite materials A prepreg comprising resin and at least one fiber layer and further comprising an electrically insulating layer and an electrically conducting layer is provided, and particularly wherein the conductive layer is at or near the top surface, beneath that is the insulating layer and beneath that is a fiber/resin interleaf structure.
US09174398B2	Smart heating blanket A heating blanket may include a conductor for receiving electrical current and generating a magnetic field in response to the electrical current. A plurality of sleeve segments may be mounted on the conductor in end-to-end relation to one another. Each one of the sleeve segments may be formed of magnetic material having a Curie temperature. The sleeve segments may be inductively heated in response to the magnetic field.
US09174396B2	Method of making charge dissipative surfaces of polymeric materials with low temperature dependence of surface resistivity and low RF loss A method of making a charge dissipative surface of a dielectric polymeric material with tunable (selectable) surface resistivity, comprises the step of controllably carbonizing the surface of the polymeric material in a vacuum environment by bombarding the polymeric surface with an ion beam of rare gas ions, the energy level of the ion source being from 2.5 to 30 keV, in the fluence range 1E16-5E17 ion/cm2 so as to reach a surface resistivity in the static dissipative range of 1E6 to 1E9 ohm/square at room temperature, with a temperature dependence of less than three orders of magnitude between −150° C. and +150° C., while having no impact on the RF performance of the material, with high RF power handling capability, and with tunable thermo-optical properties of the surface, including negligible impact on the thermo-optical properties and RF performance of the material, if required by applications.
US09174388B2	Draw control for extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems A method for improving part quality for a printed three-dimensional part, the method comprising moving a print head nozzle along a substantially linear segment of a tool path at a tip height above a previous layer of the three-dimensional part while extruding a flowable material, and producing an extruded road from the extruded flowable material having a road height above the previous layer, where the tip height is greater than the road height due at least in part to draw on the extruded road.
US09174383B2	Method and system of making digital image transfer thermoformed objects A method and system is provided for forming a three-dimensional image and, more particularly, for making three-dimensional digital image transfer thermoformed objects on, e.g., generic molds. The method includes manipulating digital images of a subject into a single image; printing the single image onto a media; and thermoforming the media with the single image using a generic mold. The system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: receive images of a subject; display the images; stitch together the images to form a single image; adjust portions of the images or single image to compensate for deformation during thermoforming of the single image; register the single image with points on a mold; and print the single image.
US09174382B2	Hollow article with pillar structural members A hollow article is provided, comprising a first wall and a second wall, where the first and second walls are positioned in opposing relationship and define a space therebetween. A plurality of protruding structural pillars extend from the second wall and span the space, each of the structural pillars having an end surface integrally bonded with an inside surface of the first wall.
US09174366B2	Metal mold, process for manufacturing the same, and molded article produced using the mold The mold has a mold surface on which is formed as a release film a water-repellent and oil-repellent fluorocarbon-based chemisorbed film having a thickness that is uniform in nanoscale and having a controlled surface energy. As a result, even when a mold has an ultrafine shape on the nanometer scale, the mold allows high precision molding excellent in fluidity and penetrativity of a molding material. In addition, this mold eliminates the application of a release agent and can prevent a release agent from adhering to a molded article.
US09174365B2	Method of manufacturing a mold part Provided is a mold part for resin molding and a manufacturing method. A mold part for molding resin includes a base material layer, a design section and uneven sections which abut an inner surface so as to form ventilation sections. The design section has a design surface transferred by a reverse master having an uneven surface. At least the design section out of the base material layer and the design section is formed of a heat resistant material, and the mold part for resin molding is interchangeably attached to the molding tool so that a molding pressure acts in a direction to press the uneven sections against the inner surface of the molding tool at the time of molding the resin molded article.
US09174363B2	Extrusion expansion of low molecular weight polyalkylene terephthalate for production of expanded beads An extrusion expansion of low molecular weight polyalkylene terephthalates having an IV of below 1.0 dl/g to produce gas-charged beads is disclosed. The process includes an extrusion expanding of the resins and an underwater pelletizing of the melt threads. The obtained beads show a composite structure and are characterized by an IV of 0.69 dl/g or more and a melt viscosity η0 of higher than 300 Pa·s.
US09174362B2	Solvent-free plural component spraying system and method Solvent-free spraying system including methods and apparatus for spraying plural component materials without requiring the use of solvents to flush out equipment or as part of the materials being dispensed. Materials sprayed can have simultaneously widely varying viscosities, pressures, temperatures and ratios between two or more respective components being combined by the spraying apparatus. Cure rates and gel times can vary widely from hours to less than 10 seconds for mixing and dispensing various plural component thermoplastic and thermosetting materials including foams, moldings and coatings made from urethanes, ureas, epoxies, polyesters, phenolics and other chemical compositions that react rapidly upon mixing of the components thereof.
US09174346B2	Loading/unloading robot A loading/unloading robot includes an arm unit attached to a support unit that is capable of being raised and lowered and a hand unit for conveying a loaded/unloaded object, attached to the arm unit. The support unit includes a base portion capable of revolving around a raising/lowering axis and a head portion rotatably attached to the base portion. The arm unit includes arms that are rotatably attached to the head portion. Front ends of the arms move forward and backward along a forward/backward direction that passes the head portion. The hand unit includes a loading/unloading hand rotatably attached to the arm. A center distance from the rotational axis of the head portion to the rotational axes of rear arms is shorter than a center distance from an axis of revolution of the base portion to the rotational axis of the head portion.
US09174342B2	Social behavior rules for a medical telepresence robot Devices, systems, and methods for social behavior of a telepresence robot are disclosed herein. A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an object detection system, and a social behaviors component. The drive system is configured to move the telepresence robot. The control system is configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area. The object detection system is configured to detect a human in proximity to the telepresence robot. The social behaviors component is configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to operate according to a first set of rules when a presence of one or more humans is not detected and operate according to a second set of rules when the presence of one or more humans is detected.
US09174340B2	Robot system A robot system according to an aspect of embodiments includes a terminal part, a robot control unit, and a duplex signal line. The terminal part includes a connection terminal to which one or more external devices that output a plurality of signals can be connected. The robot control unit controls an operation of the robot in accordance with the signals from the external device(s). The duplex signal line connects the terminal part to the robot control unit and transmits the plurality of signals, input from the external device(s) into the terminal part, to the robot control unit via two routes. Moreover, the duplex signal line includes the two routes each of which collects the plurality of signals and transmits the signals with a signal line.
US09174339B2	Control system for a grasping device A method for operating a grasping device and grasping devices therefrom are provided. The grasping device is configured to use a plurality of parallel, bi-directional state flow maps each defining a sequence of poses for a plurality of joints in the grasping device. The method include receiving at least one control signal, determining a current pose of the grasping device within the one of the plurality of state flow maps currently selected for the grasping device, and selectively actuating the plurality of joints to traverse the sequence of poses, where a direction for traversing the sequence of poses is based on the at least one control signal.
US09174338B2	Robotic movement system A robotic movement system includes at least one orb-based transmission assembly that includes an orb mount structure to or in which a magnet is mounted. At least one motor and a plurality of rollers are also mounted to the orb mount structure. The rollers contact an orb, which is rotated via rotation of the rollers for displacement and rotation of the robotic platform. The orb also includes a magnet having a magnetic attraction to the magnet mounted to the orb mount structure to hold the orb in contact with the rollers. In exemplary embodiments, the robotic movement system can function as a navigation and displacement mechanism for a displaceable robotic system or as a robotic joint for robots or for living beings.
US09174335B1	Connection between handle and end effector of tool A device and method for making a tool for use in housekeeping or gardening is disclosed. The tool includes a handle and an end effector that are joined together using an end fitting attached to the end of the handle and a coupler attached to the end effector, such as a mop, brush, broom and the like. The end fitting and the coupler are fitted together and pinned using a clip to prevent rotation of one respect to the other. The end fitting and coupler may be fitted together with a threaded connection in addition to the clip and the end effector may be threaded and glued to the end effector. The end fitting may be received in the end fitting and secured with fasteners or be made integral to the end fitting.
US09174332B2	Fastening tool having an interchangeable power source A driving tool with tool portion and a gas delivery system. The tool portion includes a linear pneumatic motor that is configured to propel a driver blade. The gas delivery system is configured to deliver a pressurized gas, such as compressed air or nitrogen, to the tool portion for use in operating the linear pneumatic motor. The gas delivery system includes a first inlet, which is connectable to a first source of compressed gas, such as a stationary air compressor, a second inlet, which is connectable to a second source of compressed gas, such as a tank mounted to the tool portion, and a directional valve for selecting between the first and second inlets.
US09174330B2	Brake cylinder adjustment assembly A brake cylinder adjustment assembly for adjusting brake cylinders of different sizes and includes a rotation unit and a driving unit which is connected with the rotation unit. The rotation unit includes a rotatable disk, a fixed disk, at least two positioning rods and a clip. The rotatable disk has at least two curved slots and the fixed disk has at least two slide slots. The at least two positioning rods are engaged with the at least two slide slots and the at least two curved slots. The brake cylinder adjustment assembly uses a single driving unit and single rotation unit to adjust the left and right brake cylinders of different sizes.
US09174329B1	Plunger repositioning system A tool for repositioning a plunger is formed from a pair of concentric and relatively rotatable shafts. The inner and tubular outer shafts respectively support enlarged forward and rear head elements. The shafts are relatively rotatable between a first position, in which the cross-sectional profiles of the head elements are aligned, and a second position, in which the cross-sectional profiles of the head elements are in skewed opposition. A ball detent mechanism at the interface between the forward and rear head elements permits accurate location of the first and second positions. The tool is used with a tubular collar element having a stem section and an enlarged flange section, and a disk-shaped platform element having a centrally disposed and internally threaded opening. The threaded opening in the platform element receives the externally threaded outer shaft of the tool.
US09174327B1	Socket assembly A socket assembly includes a plurality of multi-faceted segments disposed in a standard multi-point socket in an annular arrangement, one multi-faceted segment for each apex in the multi-point socket. Each multi-faceted segment has a length extending between two ends and a plurality of flat facets extending along the length including two outer facets defining a pivot edge that engages an apex between two internal socket walls and an internal facet facing inwardly and sized to engage a side of a multi-sided fastener. A retaining mechanism is provided to secure the plurality of multi-faceted segments in the standard multi-point socket.
US09174324B2	Polishing apparatus with polishing head cover A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor. The polishing apparatus includes a polishing table configured to hold a polishing tool having a polishing surface, a polishing head having a top ring configured to press a substrate against the polishing surface, and a polishing head cover configured to cover the polishing head. The polishing apparatus further includes a first cleaning liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a cleaning liquid to an outer surface of the polishing head cover, and a second cleaning liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a cleaning liquid to an inner surface of the polishing head cover.
US09174320B1	Hammer union restoration apparatus The present invention relates to a hammer union restoration apparatus wherein a main sanding unit is mounted to a base. The main sanding unit including a sander for sanding the four side faces of a lug formed on the hammer union. The sander being resiliently movable in a direction away from a side face of the lug. The sander is movable under control of a motor to rotate the sander relative to the lug around the four faces of the lug with the sander floating across the corner edges of the four faces. The present invention further includes a sander for sanding the end face of the lug.
US09174317B1	Adjustable fixture mechanism A fixture mechanism may include first and second outer plates, a central plate and first and second guide members. The second outer plate includes a first face facing the first outer plate. The second outer plate may include first and second guide channels and a guide-member recess. The guide channels may be fixed relative to the first outer plate. The central plate is movably disposed between the first and second outer plates. The central plate may slidably engage first and second gripping arms that are movable relative to the outer plates between a clamped position and a retracted position. The guide members may be received in the guide-member recess and may be movable relative to the second outer plate and relative to each other within the guide-member recess to adjust a position at which the workpiece will be clamped when the gripping arms are in the clamped position.
US09174316B2	Method of manufacturing roller A workpiece is fixed by a retracting mechanical chuck mounted on a spindle head of a five-axis control machining center. The apparent outer diameter of the workpiece is increased by a jig. Clamp surfaces of the jaws and a support surface of the jig are formed on the machining center. A cutting tool is mounted on a spindle by an automatic tool exchanger. The workpiece is rotated about an axis to grind an end surface of the workpiece to approximately a predetermined target shape, which is a spherical surface. A grinder is then mounted on the spindle by the automatic tool exchanger, and the grinder is set relative to the workpiece by five-axis control such that the inclination angle, the offset amount, etc. satisfy a predetermined relationship according to the desired grinding. The grinder is then fed in the Z-axis direction to form the spherical surface by grinding.
US09174305B2	Laser processing apparatus including plasma detecting means A laser processing apparatus removes a sapphire substrate from an optical device wafer configured by forming an optical device layer on the front side of the sapphire substrate through a buffer layer. A chuck table holds the optical device wafer. A pulsed laser beam is applied to the optical device wafer to break the buffer layer, and the light intensity of plasma light produced in the buffer layer by the application of the pulsed laser beam is detected and displayed. The light intensity of a predetermined wavelength region of the plasma light generated from a substance forming the buffer layer is detected.
US09174303B2	Method of bonding aluminum alloy materials to each other A method of bonding two members including an aluminum alloy material as one member, and an aluminum alloy material or a pure aluminum material as the other member, the method being characterized in: that the aluminum alloy material for the one member and the aluminum alloy material for the other member are composed of an aluminum alloy containing Mg of not more than 0.5 mass %; and that a bonding process is carried out in a furnace having a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature, at which a ratio of a mass of liquid phases generated in the aluminum alloy material defined as the one member to the total mass of the aluminum alloy material falls within a range from 5% to 35%, on the condition that there is either a coated fluoride-based flux or a coated chloride-based flux between both of the members to be bonded.
US09174302B2	Friction stir welding devices and methods for tandem tool and anvil Friction Stir Welding (FSW) devices and methods for simultaneously welding both sides of an arcuate joint are described. The FSW method includes the step of operating a FSW tool and an anvil on the exterior surface of the joint and simultaneously operating another FSW tool and anvil on the interior surface of the joint. The anvils are positioned in a juxtaposing manner to the FSW tools, and move in tandem with the FSW tools, thus providing a supporting force to the FSW tools during their operation.
US09174301B2	Method and apparatus for friction stir welding tube ends for a heat exchanger A method for forming a joint between a tube and a sheet includes forming an anvil at least within the tube, and welding the tube to the sheet in the presence of the anvil. The anvil includes an anchor which is placed within the tube near or at the joint to be formed. At least one washer is placed over the end of the anchor that is near the joint to be formed. A threaded fastener is then placed into the anchor to securely hold the anchor within the tube and to provide a backing substantial enough so that a friction stir weld can be formed. The threaded fastener and the washer can be used as a guide for the friction stir weld. Once the weld is completed, the anvil can be removed. The weld can be further processed to remove burrs and other material.
US09174292B2	Electro chemical grinding (ECG) quill and method to manufacture a rotor blade retention slot An Electro Chemical Grinding (ECG) quill includes a tool manufactured of a porous tool material having a multitude of pores. An ECG electrolyte is communicated through a hollow tool shank for communication through the porous tool material to manufacture a slot.
US09174290B2	Motorized working tool A motor unit has a tool for engaging a work piece with a frame unit, which has a gripping element for the handheld operation of the device, wherein a mechanical coupling is provided between the motor unit and frame unit, which encompasses at least one dampening element, in such a way that makes it possible to precisely guide the tool while improving the dampening of vibrations between the motor unit and frame unit. The frame unit has at least one abutting element, against which the motor unit abuts when a working force exerted by the work piece on the tool has a value below a minimum value.
US09174287B2	Rotary cutting tool having a predetermined number of left and right handed helical flutes and end face cutting teeth A rotary cutting tool, having a longitudinal axis, includes cutting and mounting portions. The cutting portion includes an end face surface and a peripheral surface extending therefrom. The peripheral surface includes respective pluralities of main and auxiliary flutes that extend helically with opposite hand about the longitudinal axis. The cutting portion includes a plurality of evenly circumferentially distributed end gashes and a plurality of end face cutting teeth. The number of main flutes and auxiliary flutes are different, each being wholly divisible by, and greater than, the number of end face cutting teeth. In each cross sectional view of the cutting portion an imaginary contour line defined by a peripheral contour of the peripheral surface of one of the end face cutting teeth is in rotationally aligned relationship, about the longitudinal axis, with the peripheral contour of the peripheral surfaces of all other end face cutting teeth.
US09174286B1	Method for repairing a blowout preventer at sea A method for repairing a blowout preventer using a blowout preventer milling assembly while in an operational configuration at sea. The blowout preventer is lifted while secured to casing and the blowout preventer is locked to the platform of a rig. The opening doors of a gasket chamber of a blowout preventer have a gasket surface for resurfacing. A pair of legs slides into grooves in the gasket chamber. A support frame is attached to the pair of legs using a plurality of spring loaded mounting assemblies. A pneumatic spindle with a calibration head inserts into a spindle holder of the support frame. Each actuator of the support frame is connected to a portable controller. The portable controller calibrates a location of the pneumatic spindle over the gasket surface for resurfacing using the portable controller.
US09174283B2	Magnetic drill press A magnetic drill press includes a main housing, a base coupled to the main housing and including a magnet for selectively magnetically latching to a ferromagnetic workpiece. The magnetic drill press further includes a drill unit supported by the main housing for relative movement therewith in a direction of a rotational axis of the drill unit, a spindle assembly operable to selectively position the drill unit relative to the main housing, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly is removably coupled to the spindle assembly without the use of tools, for driving the spindle assembly.
US09174281B2	Power drill A drilling apparatus has a housing, a motor in the housing, a drive spindle rotatable about an axis on the housing, a chuck body, and a plurality of jaws shiftable in the chuck body. First and second elements interconnected by a screw thread and engaged between the body and the jaws for shifting the jaws on the housing. A drive sleeve rotationally fixed to the first element is drivable by the motor.
US09174276B2	Method of producing a piston ring having embedded particles A piston ring exhibiting particles capable of wear resistance on its shoulder is produced by producing a melt of the base materials of a metal material, adding ceramic particles to the melt, pouring the melt into a prefabricated mold and cooling the melt. During cooling, the mold is aligned such that the ceramic particles gather on at least one of the piston ring shoulders.
US09174268B2	Method and apparatus for forging An apparatus for forming an article by forging. The apparatus has at least one die having a die cavity to receive material, said material being at least partially molten, and at least one punch to slidably engage the die cavity and to exert a forming pressure on material disposed in the cavity. There is also at least one pin for forming an article feature. The pin is to slidably engage the die and to contact the material, the pin being further to recede upon exertion of the forming pressure and to exert a feature forming pressure when receded and thereby form the article having the article feature when the material solidifies under the forming pressure.
US09174266B2	Manifold bending support A bending support having a planar bracing member with a length (L) that is substantially equal to that of the inner diameter (I.D.) of the manifold header that the bending support is ultimately inserted in. Extending perpendicularly from a surface of the bracing member is a pair of bracketing members. The pair of bracketing member and the portion of the planar bracing member therebetween defines a refrigerant conduit clip. The interior surface of the refrigerant conduit clip includes a skived pattern defining a plurality of teeth or protrusions that aids in the attachment of the refrigerant conduit clip onto an internal refrigerant conduit. An aperture located on the planar bracing member between the pair of bracketing member provides an unobstructed path for refrigerant flow to the refrigerant conduit.
US09174264B2	Method of manufacturing a metal framing member A framing member incorporates a series of web slots along a portion of the member that are expanded through the process of manufacture. The expansion of the web slots creates voids and metal web elements in the webbed portion of the member, which can be a stud. The voids created during the expansion process can become the voids for running wiring, plumbing and heating ducts. The web elements can be designed to minimize thermal transmission from the exterior to the interior of a wall including the member, as well as provide adequate structure properties required from the structural member. The expanded slots allow the part to enlarge without increasing the amount of raw material and therefore substantially reducing the cost to manufacture.
US09174256B2	Hot rolling high-pressure fluid descaling method and descaling apparatus The present invention relates to a hot rolling high-pressure fluid descaling method and descaling apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least one descaling unit, a axial direction of a main pipe header of the descaling unit and a rolling stock transportation direction intersect. Each nozzle ejects fluid onto a surface of the rolling stock to form an impact region. The adjacent impact regions are presented in an alternate pattern on the surface of the rolling stock. The center lines of the impact regions along a longitudinal direction are spaced apart by a specific distance, and the center lines are essentially perpendicular to the rolling stock transportation direction.
US09174247B2	Cleaning implement comprising elastic compressed foam The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising elastic compressed foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.
US09174246B2	Sorting plant and sorting method with two types of sorting terminals A sorting plant and a sorting method sort objects according to a predefined sort criterion. The sorting plant has a plurality of transfer sites, a plurality of upper pick-up units which can be swiveled into a pick-up position and into a park position, and a plurality of lower pick-up units. The upper pick-up units are arranged in such a manner that the upper pick-up units are located between the transfer sites and the lower pick-up units when the upper pick-up units are swiveled into the park position. For each object to be sorted, one pick-up unit is automatically selected regardless of the sorting criterion value of the object. The object is first moved to a transfer site and then into or onto the selected pick-up unit.
US09174243B2	Sheet manufacturing apparatus and method for manufacturing sheet A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes comprises a screening unit configured to screen a defibrated material obtained by defibration treatment, and a sheet forming unit configured to form a sheet with the defibrated material screened with the screening unit. The screening unit has a first screening unit to which a plurality of first openings are provided and a second screening unit to which a plurality of second openings larger than the first openings are provided, and the defibrated material is screened by the first screening unit and the second screening unit. The defibrated material is screened at one of either the first screening unit or the second screening unit and thereafter screened at the other, and the sheet forming unit forms the sheet with the defibrated material that does not pass through the first openings and does pass through the second openings.
US09174239B2	Process for the production of a dark-color multi-layer coating A process for the production of a dark-color multi-layer coating, comprising the successive steps:(1) applying an NIR-opaque coating layer A′ from a solventborne coating composition A to a substrate,(2) applying a coating layer B′ from a solventborne coating composition B onto the substrate provided with coating layer A′,(3) subjecting the coated substrate obtained in step (2) to a drying step,(4) applying a clear coat layer, and(5) curing the coating layers simultaneously;wherein both coating compositions A and B comprise binders and crosslinkers comprising melamine-formaldehyde resin crosslinker,wherein both coating compositions A and B comprise certain proportions of cellulose ester binder and NAD binder and/or sheet silicate and/or fumed silica and/or urea SCA and/or polyolefine wax,wherein the pigment content of coating composition A comprises <90 wt. % of aluminum flake pigments and is composed in such a way that NIR-opaque coating layer A′ exhibits low NIR absorption,wherein the pigment content of coating composition B consists 50 to 100 wt. % of black pigment with low NIR absorption and 0 to 50 wt. % of further pigment.
US09174233B2	Apparatus for filling paint cartridges A paint filling apparatus has a plurality of header portions, and one common manifold portion that is capable of supplying a cleaning liquid to each header portion. One side of each header portion is attachable to and detachable from a paint cartridge, and another side of each header portion is attachable to and detachable from the common manifold portion. Each header portion has a paint supply channel for filling a paint into the paint cartridge. The paint supply channel of each header portion is constructed of a piping member and a paint channel. An end portion of each header portion is linkable in communication with the inside of the paint cartridge, and another end portion thereof is linked in communication with a corresponding one of paint tanks that are provided separately for each of the paint colors. An intermediate portion of each paint supply channel is provided with a paint valve that controls the open-closed state of the upstream side of the paint supply channel.
US09174232B2	Water spray gun A water spray gun including a gun body. The gun body includes: an inner part including a water channel; an outer part including a handle; an upper part including a spray bar, a water spray plate, a lock button, and a pull rod including a plug; and a lower part including an water stop plug disposed at an distal end thereof, a water stop plate, a water stop spring, a first sealing ring for stopping water, and a second sealing ring for introducing water. The water channel is disposed in the inner part of the gun body. The handle is movably mounted on the outer part of the gun body via a pin. A water sealing position of the water spray gun is disposed at the distal end for keeping the water out of the gun body and for preventing the gun body from becoming stuck and rupturing.
US09174230B2	Paint dosage device and system adapted for a program controlled spray painting apparatus A dosing device for a program controlled spray painting apparatus adapted for dosing electrically conductive fluid materials to a spray gun/applicator. The spray gun may be charged at a high voltage for electrostatically charged atomizing of electrically conductive fluid materials. A coating system includes the dosing device, which is moved by an actuator between a connecting member for a paint filling line or a cleaning fluid supply line, and a spray gun. A method and a computer program for carrying out the method.
US09174229B2	Dispenser having non-frustro-conical funnel wall A helix cup for use in a pressurized dispenser. The helix cup has a convergent funnel wall. The funnel wall is not straight and does not satisfy the mathematical equations for surface area or for subtended volume of the frustrum of a cone. Instead, the funnel wall provides a longer flow path than is achieved with straight sidewalls. The longer flow path provides for a tighter particle size distribution at lower pressures than occurs in the prior art.
US09174220B2	Dryer/grinder A grinder/dryer having a plurality of beater blades carried on a rotating shaft in a cylindrical housing, including one or a plurality of grinding members on the cylindrical side wall. The grinding members are adjustably positioned at different locations within the cylinder. The grinding members may be provided in a variety of different combination of elevated ridges and/or valleys used to dry and classify materials.
US09174219B2	Paddle assembly A radially projecting member (e.g., a paddle assembly) including a pin having a head; a paddle pivotally engaged to the head; and a shear member engaged to the head and to the paddle, the shear member being constructed and arranged to fracture to permit pivotal rotation of the paddle relative to the head.
US09174218B2	Comminuting and dispersing apparatus An apparatus (100) has a batch container (110) having one or more openings (120) for the introduction of the substances to be processed, one or more openings (130) for the discharge of the processed substances, and a process chamber (140) having a rotor (150) and a stator (160), the rotor (150) mounted rotatably about a rotational axis (155) with respect to the stator (160) for the purpose of processing substances introduced into the process chamber (140). The stator (160) has a working surface (161) which is inclined at an angle W1 in relation to the rotational axis (155) of the rotor (150) and the rotor (150) has a working surface (151) which is inclined at an angle W2>W1 in relation to the rotational axis (155) of the rotor (150), such that the working surfaces (161, 151) of stator (160) and rotor (150) are disposed at an acute angle relative to each other. The process chamber (140), in which the introduced substances are dispersed, comminuted and homogenized, is formed between the rotor (150) and the stator (160) and is of hollow-conical cross section.
US09174214B2	Method of coupling binding agents to a substrate surface The present invention relates to a method of coupling multiple binding agents to respective areas of a substrate surface by hydrodynamic addressing, using two laminar fluid flows that flow together in the same direction over the substrate surface with an interface to each other to successively couple the binding agents to the substrate areas, wherein each successive coupling of a binding agent to a surface area is followed or preceded by selective deactivation or activation of a selected surface area according to a defined protocol. The invention also relates to the use of such a binding agent-coupled substrate surface for analytical purposes.
US09174213B2	Passive chip-based droplet sorting An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.
US09174211B2	Microstructured micropillar arrays for controllable filling of a capillary pump The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a micro-fluidic device comprising a substrate, a cavity in the substrate and a plurality of micro-pillar columns located inside the cavity. The micro-pillars columns are configured to create a capillary action when a fluid sample is provided in the cavity. A micro-fluidic channel is present between two 5 walls of any two adjacent micro-pillars in a same micro-pillar column. Each of the two walls comprises a sharp corner along the direction of a propagation path of the fluid sample in the micro-fluidic channel thereby forming a capillary stop valve. A notch provided in a sidewall of the cavity acts as a capillary stop valve.
US09174203B2	Selective and efficient bifunctional and trifunctional nanoporous catalysts and methods of synthesis thereof Selective and efficient multifunctional nanoporous catalysts containing spatially distributed organoamine and silanol groups, and methods of preparation thereof. The catalysts have been observed to be very highly efficient in catalysis of the Henry reaction.
US09174199B2	Methanol steam reforming catalysts Novel catalysts, substantially free of Cu and Zn, useful for the reformation of methanol and steam into H2 for use in hydrogen fuel cells and their use are described herein.
US09174198B2	Exhaust gas purification catalyst An exhaust gas purification catalytic material for purifying exhaust gas from an engine includes ZrLaY composite oxide containing ZrO2 as a main component, 2% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of La2O3, and 2% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less of Y2O3, and Rh is loaded on the composite oxide.
US09174194B2	Adsorbent containing chelating polymer A metal adsorbent which can adsorb a wide variety of metals, can conform to various uses, and adsorbs metals in large amounts. Metal adsorbents in various forms, which have the property of highly efficiently adsorbing metals, are produced by (a) a method in which a polyamine polymer is chemically bonded and immobilized to a porous support, (b) a method in which a polyamine polymer is blended into a solution of a raw material for fibers and the mixture is formed into fibers by wet-spinning or dry spinning, and (c) a method in which a polyamine polymer is blended into a solution of a film-forming polymer and the mixture is formed into a film by a method of film formation from solution.
US09174189B2	Apparatus and method for ultrasound treatment for ballast water management The invention provides a method of treating a target area with an ultrasound wave pattern, including: providing an ultrasound apparatus having an ultrasound wave generator operatively attached to a plurality of transducers, coupled to an immersible support and configured to emit an ultrasound wave; immersing the apparatus into a water environment; positioning the apparatus proximate to a target area to treat at least one in situ organism; and emitting a pattern of ultrasound waves from the transducers, the pattern of ultrasound waves additive in effect and emitted onto the target area to threat an in situ underwater organism.
US09174187B2	Water-dispersable nanoparticles Provided herein are methods for making water-soluble nanoparticles comprising a core/shell nanocrystal that is coated with a surface layer comprising enough hydrophilic ligands to render the nanoparticle water soluble or water dispersable. Methods for crosslinking molecules on the surface of a nanoparticle, which methods can be used on the above water-soluble nanoparticles also are provided. Nanoparticle compositions resulting from these methods are also provided.
US09174186B2	Supercrystalline colloidal particles and method of production The present invention concerns size- and shape-controlled, colloidal superparticles (SPs) and methods for synthesizing the same. Ligand-functionalized nanoparticles such as nonpolar-solvent-dispersible nanoparticles, are used, and the solvophobic interactions can be controlled. Advantageously, supercrystalline SPs having a superlattice structure, such as a face-centered cubic structure, can be produced. Further, the methods of the invention can provide SPs that self-assemble and are monodisperse. The SPs can be doped with organic dyes and further assembled into more complex structures.
US09174184B2	Methods of producing carbonate minerals and apparatuses of producing the carbonate minerals An apparatus of producing a carbonate mineral includes a first reaction device including a fluid path along which an ion exchange solution moves; a cation exchange medium disposed in the fluid path, the cation exchange medium containing an alkaline earth metal; a second reaction device accommodating a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and receiving the ion exchange solution containing an alkaline earth metal ion from the first reaction device; and a carbon dioxide supplying device supplying a carbon dioxide to the second aqueous solution.
US09174183B2	Fluidized bed polymerization reactor and process for preparing polymer The invention provides a fluidized bed polymerization reactor, including: a column, in which a liquid distributor and a gas distributor above the liquid distributor are arranged, so that the reaction zone being divided into a first zone and a second zone through the gas distributor; and a circulating unit for circulating the gas material originated from the top zone of the column into the bottom zone thereof in a form of gas-liquid mixture. The gas-liquid mixture is undergone a gas-liquid separation in the bottom zone, the gas phase portion obtained being fed to the gas distributor and then into the second zone while the liquid phase portion obtained being entered into the first zone through the liquid distributor, so that the temperature in the first zone is lower than that in the second zone. Therefore, polymer with a molecular weight distributed in a relatively wide range can be obtained. The invention further provides a method for preparing polymer.
US09174178B2	Semi-continuous feed production of liquid personal care compositions A mixing assembly for use in a semi-continuous process for producing liquid personal care compositions, such as shampoos, includes a main feed tube carrying a base of the composition to be produced, a plurality of injection tubes in selective fluid communication with the main feed tube, and an orifice provided in a wall at an end of the main feed tube downstream of the plurality of injection tubes. The wall in which the orifice is provided includes a curved (e.g., semispherical) entry surface on an upstream or inlet side of an orifice, and a curved (e.g., semi-elliptical) exit surface on a downstream or outlet side of the orifice. The orifice may have a rectangular or elliptical shape. By maintaining symmetry of the injection tubes with respect to the orifice, and leveraging delay between introduction of dosed modules and increased viscosity, effective mixing may be achieved with minimal energy.
US09174176B2	Ultrasonic dispersion apparatus, system, and method An apparatus, system, and method of dispersing solid forms of drugs or medications reliably and consistently may generally employ ultrasonic energy. The disclosed embodiments facilitate preparation of a liquid dose from solid medications for administration to a patient.
US09174171B2	Bag for a circuit of a biological liquid treatment installation The invention concerns a bag comprising a first conduit (13C) which extends longitudinally between a flow pump connector (11C) emerging on a first side (68) and a tangential filter connector (11M) emerging on a second side (69); a second conduit (13B) which extends longitudinally from a first side of said conduit (13C) between a supply container connector (11B) emerging on said first side (68), and another tangential flow connector (11N) emerging on said second side (69); a third conduit (13H) which extends from a second side of said conduit (13C), starting at a collecting container connector (11J), until it enters said first conduit (13C); and a fourth conduit (13A) which extends from the first side of said conduit (13C), starting at a transfer pump connector (11A), until it enters said second conduit (13B).
US09174168B2	Flue gas treatment system The present invention relates to a gas cleaning system for cleaning a gas stream containing carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, said gas cleaning system comprising: a pre-conditioning section (3); a CO2 removal stage (5); and a post-conditioning section (4); said pre-conditioning section comprising at least two gas-liquid contacting devices (19,20) arranged upstream of the CO2 removal stage (5) with respect to the flow direction of the gas; and said post-conditioning section comprising at least two gas-liquid contacting devices (30,31) arranged downstream of the CO2 removal stage with respect to the flow direction of the gas. The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning a gas stream containing carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, said method including removing, at least partly, carbon dioxide from the gas stream in a carbon dioxide removal step by bringing the gas stream into contact with a liquid comprising ammonia; contacting the gas stream with liquid in at least two steps upstream of the carbon dioxide removal step; and contacting the gas stream with liquid in at least two steps downstream of the carbon dioxide removal step.
US09174167B2	Mixing plate providing reductant distribution A reductant mixing system having injector and mixing plate positioned within mixing canister is disclosed. Injector discharges reductant directly into vehicle exhaust gases. Mixing plate effects turbulence to mix gases for NO reduction. Mixing plate includes plurality of arms each having surface area and extending from center of plate, barrier region defined by collective surface areas of arms and substantially centered for diverting fluid flow outward, and first and second cut-outs, which allow the gases diverted by barrier region to pass mixing plate into adjacent canister of exhaust treatment system. Each of the first cutouts is defined by outer edge between adjacent arms, and second tier of cut-outs defined by inner edge proximate end of each arm.
US09174159B2	Framed pleated air filter with upstream bridging filaments A framed pleated air filter, including a non-self-supporting, compressible, pleated air filter media with a plurality of oppositely-facing pleats and with a plurality of upstream pleat tips and downstream pleat tips, the pleated air filter media further including a plurality of bridging filaments that are bonded to at least some of the upstream pleat tips. The framed pleated air filter does not include any support member on the downstream face of the pleated air filter media.
US09174158B2	Cement to make thermal shock resistant ceramic honeycomb structures and method to make them An improved ceramic honeycomb structure is comprised of at least two separate smaller ceramic honeycombs that have been adhered together by a cement layer comprised of a cement layer has at least two regions of differing porosity or cement layer where the ratio of toughness/Young's modulus is at least about 0.1 MPa·m1/2/GPa.
US09174157B2	Energy recuperating filtration apparatus A filtration apparatus comprises a casing defining an inner cavity with an upper cylindrical portion and a lower hopper portion. An inlet feeds gas and solids into the inner cavity and causes movement of the solids in a downward spiral path in the casing. A solids outlet at a bottom of the lower hopper portion outlets the solids from the casing. A gas outlet exhausts gases from the casing. An annular arrangement of ports in a wall of the casing injects an other gas in the inner cavity. The ports are oriented to guide the other gas into following a partially vertical path into the inner cavity to disrupt the movement of the solids in the downward spiral path to allow a capture of the solid particles by the capturing solids. A gas source is connected to the arrangement of ports.
US09174155B2	Air filter with balanced seal An air filter and dust collector are provided. In one embodiment, the air filter includes a filter element coupled at a first end to a end cap and at a second end to a first side of a rectangular filter flange assembly. The rectangular filter flange assembly includes a central aperture open to an interior region bounded by the filter element. A rectangular gasket is disposed on the second side of the filter flange assembly and circumscribes the central aperture.
US09174153B2	Method for separating gas in a fluidized gas/solid mixture Process for separating gases from a fluidized gas/solid mixture, comprising at least one injection of gas and optionally at least one injection of solids into and at least one discharge of solids from said fluidized bed, a discharge for gas from the mixture characterized in that it comprises a step of separating the solids entrained by the gas by means of an internal placed in that portion of the fluidized mixture where the voidage is greater than 0.7, occupying less than 10% of the free cross section of the bed.
US09174152B2	Filter medium and method of fabricating the same Provided is a method of fabricating a filter medium including the following steps. An assembly of first fiber is formed by a first spinning device. A plurality of second fiber is formed by a second spinning device. On a reception device is collected a film having a three-dimensional non-woven structure constructed by the first fibers and the second fibers. Each of the first fibers has a diameter of 1-50 μm. Each of the second fibers has a diameter of 1-1000 nm. The second spinning device is positioned between the first spinning device and the reception device. The first fibers and the second fibers stack with each other in a random manner to form the three-dimensional non-woven structure.
US09174149B2	Method and device for cleaning non-fixed media filters A method and apparatuses are presented for rejuvenating a bed of granular filter medium that has accumulated contaminants during filtration of a liquid stream. The method first includes the step of establishing a small volumetric flow rate of clean filtrate in reverse flow. Then, the filter media is agitated to break-up contaminants that have become agglomerated on the surface of or within the interstitial spaces of the filter media. The agitating step is accomplished by exposing the liquid-full filter media to a jetting stream comprised mostly of a gas mixed with a clean liquid. The jetting stream is dispersed throughout the filter media through a plurality of radial nozzles located within the filter bed. The radial nozzles disperse the gas within the liquid and filter media causing sufficient turbulence and agitation of the filter media granules to liberate the trapped contaminants without the need for high liquid flow rates. The number of nozzles and their placement within the filter bed are varied depending on factors such as size and shape of the filter vessel and the type of filter media being cleaned. The amount of water and gas flowing through the nozzles is also adjusted to provide substantially uniform cleaning of the entire bed. This method results in lower volumes of clean filtrate being consumed in the backwash cycle and the associated storage and recycle of that liquid back into the process. The radial nozzles are each comprised of two horizontal and parallel circular disks spaced apart to create a cylindrical void through which the pressurized gas and liquid jetting stream flows. The apparatuses presented are a singular filter vessel an a plurality of filter chambers within a common filter vessel each containing granular filter media and a plurality of radial nozzles disposed with the media for dispersing the jetting stream throughout during the cleaning and rejuvenation steps of a filtering process.
US09174143B1	Recovery of water from exhaust gas A system for recovering water from exhaust gasses, including a chamber having a first section for diverting and cooling a portion of the exhaust gases, and a second section for removing drinking water from the cooled gases. The first section slows down the flow rate of the diverted portion of exhaust gases and includes spaced apart helical tubes through which is passed a cooling fluid. The second section includes spaced apart helical tubes having a fluid permeable sidewall for travel of water from the exhaust gasses into the interior of the tubes of the second section. The tubes of the second section are coated on the exterior thereof with a porous material that promotes migration of drinking water from the exterior to the interior of the tubes.
US09174142B2	Fastening structure Disclosed herein is a fastening structure which enables objects to be easily coupled to or removed from each other, and which enables the relative positions between the objects to be changed in the longitudinal position of zipper rails. The fastening structure includes a first zipper rail unit which is provided on a planar portion of a first object and has zipper rails arranged parallel to each other, and a second zipper rail unit which is provided on a planar portion of a second object and has zipper rails arranged parallel to each other. While the zipper rails of the first zipper rail unit are individually coupled to the corresponding zipper rails of the second zipper rail unit in a female-male engagement manner, relative positions between the first object and the second object can be changed in the longitudinal direction of the zipper rails.
US09174136B2	Swing spring A swing spring comprises a first plate or top, a second plate or bottom, guide rods extending between and connected to the first plate and the second plate, a third slider or slider plate slidable along an axis along the guide rods between the first plate and the second plate, a compression spring captured between the third plate and the second plate, a first hook rotatably coupled to the first plate by a thrust bearing and extending in a first direction along the axis, and a second hook coupled to the third plate and extending in a second direction opposite the first direction through the second plate.
US09174132B2	Electronic game device, electronic game processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing electronic game program Image data including a plurality of consecutively arranged images each indicating an option that is selectable as an instruction specifying a next action in an electronic game is stored. An image area indicating part of the image data is displayed in a command selection area on the touch panel. A slide or a flick, input by a user, on the touch panel is detected. The image area is displayed by scrolling an image area displayed in the command selection area within the image data in response to detection of the input slide or flick.
US09174127B2	Video game with matchmaking based upon denial of communications A game system includes a server, and the server can communicate with and is connected to a plurality of game apparatuses via a network. In a case that a currently-connecting message is not received from any game apparatus during a communication game, the server determines that the game apparatus prematurely ends the communication game, and adds a bad reputation score of each of the players who is participating in the communication game. Furthermore, if the communication game is ended, and there is a game apparatus that refuses to participate in a next communication game, the bad reputation score of the game apparatus who permits participating in the next communication game is added. For example, the player having a high bad reputation score is refused to participate in the next communication game.
US09174126B2	Wireless communication game system A wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name UserName, a game name GameName, an OC flag, an E slot, a U slot, and a payload. All the parent device packets are received from the parent device existing within a communicationable range of a user's own apparatus, and the user's own apparatus creates a parent device list, and displays the parent device list on an LCD. Therefore, a user or a player of his own apparatus looks at the game name of the parent device list, for example, and operates a cross key included in an operation key so as to select one desired parent device. Then, transmitting a child device number CID of the user's own apparatus at the E slot designated by the parent device packet, the user's own apparatus transmits a connection request to the parent device.
US09174125B1	Social networking game system and method A social networking game system that includes at least one processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and operative to display at least one game on a display device, wherein the game includes displaying a plurality of pictures of online social networking contacts and non-contacts, requiring that a user identify which pictures belong to contacts or non-contacts, and allowing the user to move onto a next level if the user correctly identifies which pictures belong to contacts or non-contacts.
US09174123B2	Handheld computer systems and techniques for character and command recognition related to human movements Systems and methods for human hand gesture recognition through a training mode and a recognition mode are disclosed. In the training mode, a user can move a handheld device with a hand gesture intended to represent a command. Sensors within the handheld device can record raw data, which can be processed to obtain a set of values corresponding to a set of discrete features, which is stored in a database and associated with the intended command. The process is repeated for various hand gestures representing different commands. In the recognition mode, the user can move the handheld device with a hand gesture. A computer system can compare a set of values corresponding to a set of discrete features derived from the hand gesture with the sets of values stored in the database, select a command with the closest match and displays and/or executes the command.
US09174120B2	Gaming device having a graduated multiplier payout in a secondary game An apparatus and method for a secondary game of a wagering gaming system, and particularly the increase of an award in the secondary game by the value of different multipliers associated with different amounts wagered in a primary game. A secondary game provides a total award to a player based on the multiplier associated with the wagered amount in the primary game by applying the multiplier to the amount of the award earned by the player in the secondary game. A particular wagerable amount may be associated with a multiplier that is predetermined, or randomly selected from a group of predefined multipliers, or selected from a group based on a probability. The range of possible combinations of wagerable amounts and multipliers are displayed to the player in the base game to provide an incentive to maximize the wager.
US09174117B2	Roulette wheel with smart cover A system and method is provided for delaying an outcome of a roulette game is disclosed. Accordingly, the system includes a roulette wheel and a glass cover attached to the roulette wheel, the glass cover configured to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state in response to electrical signals. Game circuitry is configured to operate a ball release mechanism to launch a ball around an inner circumference of the roulette wheel, and to send electrical signals to the glass cover while the ball is in to change the glass cover from the transparent state to the opaque state so that the ball cannot be viewed from outside the glass cover. After the ball has stopped, signals are sent to change the glass cover from the opaque state to the transparent state, so that the ball and the outcome of the game can be viewed.
US09174111B2	Protective athletic equipment An appendage protector for an article of protective gear is provided. The protector includes an upper arm protector portion, a lower arm protector portion, and a protective arm hinge overlying a gap between the upper and lower arm protector portions. The arm hinge includes a forward-facing floater pad, a medial extension, and a lateral extension. The medial and lateral extensions are slidably coupled to at least one of the upper and lower arm protector portions to guide forward movement of the floater pad during rotation of the lower arm protector portion toward the upper arm protector portion, and to guide rearward movement of the floater pad during rotation of the lower arm protector portion away from the upper arm protector portion. The arm protector can form part of a goaltender chest protector to provide an integrated system allowing fluid movement of the wearer's arm with enhanced protection to the elbow region.
US09174105B2	Golf tee insertion tool An insertion tool having a hub and a mandrel extending from the hub and including a tip that is configured to be inserted into a teeing ground to create a depression for insertion of a golf tee, wherein the mandrel is configured to receive a golf tee. The insertion tool may also have a second mandrel that is also configured to be inserted into the teeing ground to create a depression for insertion of a golf tee. The insertion tool may also include a further golf tool coupled to the hub.
US09174104B1	Interchangeable golf grip system An interchangeable grip system for golf putters includes an inner sleeve installed on the butt end of a putter shaft, and a plurality of pre-manufactured outer grip sleeves adapted for universal removable installation on the inner sleeve. The look and/or feel of the putter may be changed by simply removing the outer sleeve and replacing it with an alternate outer sleeve. A threaded fastener secures the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve, and may further function to permit weight adjustment. A plurality of weighted fasteners is provided to allow for the overall weight of the putter to be adjusted. Each fastener is provided with a keyed head that requires a compatible tool or wrench for tightening and removal. A hand-tool is provided to allow for quick and easy removal of the fastener, and further functions to store various weighted fasteners to allow for weight adjustment.
US09174102B2	Putter head with distributive frame and weights A putter head includes a hosel connectable to a club shaft, a frame cooperable with the hosel, and a putter face connected to the frame. The putter face includes a toe portion and a corresponding toe shoulder and a heel portion and a corresponding heel shoulder. The toe shoulder and the heel shoulder define an encasement. Weights are positioned in the encasement respectively adjacent the toe shoulder and the heel shoulder.
US09174092B2	Golf ball An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a low spin rate on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) base rubber, (b) an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator and (d) a carboxylic acid having a benzene ring and/or a salt thereof, provided that the rubber composition further contains (e) a metal compound in case of containing only (b) the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as the co-crosslinking agent.
US09174090B2	Golf ball cover resin composition and golf ball An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball cover resin composition containing an ionomer resin with an excellent resilience and fluidity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball using an ionomer resin for a cover, with an excellent shot feeling, durability and resilience. The present invention provides a golf ball cover resin composition comprising (A) an ionomer resin consisting of a metal ion-neutralized product of a ternary copolymer composed of an olefin, an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester; (B) a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a ternary copolymer composed of an olefin, an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, and (C) a zinc compound, wherein a content ratio ((A)/(B)) of (A) component to (B) component ranges from 50/50 to 80/20 in a mass ratio and a content of (C) component ranges from 0.1 part to 20 parts with respect to 100 parts by mass of a sum of (A) component and (B) component, and the golf ball cover resin composition has a melt flow rate (190° C., 2.16 kg) of 5 g/10 min or more.
US09174081B2	Portable chest exercise pad A portable chest exercise pad for exercise has a convex pad having upper and lower tapered ends, a flat bottom surface extending between the upper and lower tapered ends, a convex top surface separated from the bottom surface, the convex top surface having an apex between opposing upper and lower inclined surfaces that rise respectively from the upper and lower tapered ends toward the apex, and left and right sides extending between the upper and lower tapered ends and separated from each, the left and right sides having opposing cutout regions positioned so that a width of the convex pad increases moving in the length direction from the apex toward the upper tapered end.
US09174077B2	Bracket for fixing fire-fighting sprinkler Provided is a bracket for fixing a fire-fighting sprinkler, which is equipped with a locking part including a cam protrusion having an eccentric axis and configured to securely fix a support frame and a sprinkler by pivotal movement, thereby enabling a technician to easily mount or demount the bracket at a desired position without any interruption.
US09174074B2	Toxic fume injector for extinguishing forest fires A fire extinguishing apparatus comprising of a metal dome, a deformable cylindrical section that can store a volume of gas, and a plurality of hanging canvases, around its perimeter as well as internally. Said volume of gas is the by-product of combustion, which is captured once the apparatus is place over and encapsulates the fire. As the apparatus is lowered onto the fire, the perimeter canvases form a seal, limiting the amount of oxygen inside the volume. As the fire consumes this limited amount of oxygen, the toxic gases produced are stored in its chamber, the apparatus continues being lowered onto the fire were the compression canvases compact the fire flames, extinguishing them. Furthermore, as the device continues to be lowered even further, the deformable cylindrical section begins to displace its stored volume of gases on to the encapsulated fire, displacing any remaining oxygen and stopping the combustion process.
US09174072B2	Self-belay set as well as a system with belay points For the purpose of avoiding accidents during use, a self-belay set with two carabiners (K1 and K2) which can be hung at belay points (2) and which are each attached to a connection piece (6) attached to the self-belaying person, is characterized in that the blocking devices (15, 17) of the two carabiners (K1, K2) are coupled by a coupling means (7, 7), and characterized by a belay means (5) provided for the carabiners (K1, K2) which by means of the blocking device (15, 17) prohibits the carabiners from opening during the hanging of a carabiner (K1, K2) at the belay point (2) and during operation of the belay means (5). The blocking devices (17, 25) of the second carabiner (K1, K2) are operated via the coupling means (7, 7) in such a way that the second carabiner (K1, K2) is released for opening such that at all times only one of the carabiners (K1, K2) can be opened.
US09174070B2	Oral care compositions Oral care compositions comprising a crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide, together with an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer. Some embodiments further comprise a calcium abrasive, e.g. calcium pyrophosphate or calcium carbonate, and some may have less than 3% water.
US09174069B2	Balloon catheter and applicator with balloon catheter The present invention relates to a balloon catheter (10) as well as an applicator (50), particularly for invasive radiotherapy. The balloon catheter (10) provides a catheter shaft (11) for introducing a probe (40), a first, outer balloon (20) and a second, inner balloon (30), disposed inside the outer balloon (20), the inner space (31) of the second, inner balloon (30) connecting to a channel (32) for connection to a media inlet (41) and intermediate space (21) between the first, outer balloon (20) and the second, inner balloon (30) connecting to a channel (22) for connection to a media storage unit (42). In order that the balloon catheter can be securely controlled with respect to its shape and position in a patient in a simple but clear manner prior to irradiation, it is provided according to the invention that outer balloon (20) is formed of a flexible, non-extendible material and that inner balloon (30) is formed of a flexible, extendible material.
US09174067B2	System for treating light treatable conditions and associated methods A system for treating a light treatable condition may include a luminaire configured to emit diagnostic output spectra and a sensor configured to measure a biotic response to the diagnostic output spectra. A computer may be positioned in electrical communication with each of the luminaire and the sensor and may utilize a measured biotic response to determine prescribed output spectra that is responsive to treat the light treatable condition. The luminaire may also be configurable to emit the prescribed output spectra by receiving an instruction from the computer.
US09174062B2	Method and apparatus for detecting arrhythmias in a subcutaneous medical device A method and apparatus for detecting a cardiac event in a medical device that includes sensing cardiac signals from a plurality of electrodes, determining a relationship between a plurality of characteristics associated with a morphology of the cardiac signals sensed during a predetermined sensing window, generating a threshold in response to the determined relationship, comparing a first characteristic of the plurality of characteristics with the threshold, and determining whether the sensed cardiac signals are associated with the cardiac event in response to the comparing of the first characteristic.
US09174060B2	Implantable cardiac devices and methods Embodiments relate to an implantable cardiac system and methods, including a housing, electronic circuitry for controlling one or more of power management, processing unit, information memory and management circuit, sensing and simulation output and how these operate. The system also includes diagnosis and treatment software for diagnosing health issues, diagnosing mechanical issues, determining therapy output and manage patient health indicators over time, a power supply system including at least one rechargeable battery, a recharging system, an alarm (or alert) system to inform patient of energy level and integrity of system, communication circuitry, one or more electrodes for delivering therapeutic signal to a heart and one or more electrodes for from delivering electrocardiogram signal from the heart to the electronic circuitry, and body orientation determination, in various aspects.
US09174057B1	Cardiac event detection based on selective pacing for establishing a paced heart signal parameter baseline A device for detecting cardiac ischemia is disclosed. The device includes a processor that is configured to distinguish between two different heart beats types such as ventricularly paced beats and supraventricular beats. The processor collects separate reference data for a first one of the beat types indicative of the normal values of a cardiac feature. The processor performs an ischemia test to beats of the first type by first checking whether valid reference data exists for that beat type. If so, the ischemia test is based on this reference data. If no valid reference data exists for the firs beat type, the processor applies an ischemia test that is not based on reference data for the first beat type.
US09174054B1	Monitoring heart disease using implantable sensors Specific embodiments of the present invention determine a range of a physiologic property, for each of a plurality of periods of time, and monitor changes in the patient's heart disease based on changes in the range. Other embodiments determine a minimum of a physiologic property, for each of a plurality of periods of time, and monitor changes in the patient's heart disease based on changes in the minimum. Still other embodiments determine a maximum of the physiologic property, for each of a plurality of periods of time, and monitor changes in the patient's heart disease based on changes in the maximum.
US09174044B2	Distributed neuro-modulation system with auxiliary stimulation-recording control units Systems and methods for modulating a physiological process are provided to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site. The systems may comprise an implantable device and an electrical lead body. The electrical lead body may comprise a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body, and a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to the plurality of transducer contacts.
US09174041B2	Nerve cuff with pocket for leadless stimulator An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.
US09174036B2	Introducer assembly An introducer assembly is composed of an introducer sheath and a dilator which have been previously integrated with each other to permit the hemostatic valve to exhibit its hemostatic function over an extended period of time without significantly adversely affecting the inherent function of the dilator tube. The introducer assembly includes a dilator tube passing through a passage of a hemostatic valve. The introducer assembly has a deforming member arranged between the hemostatic valve and a cap. As the cap is pushed toward the proximal end surface of a sheath hub for engagement with the sheath hub, the cap presses the hemostatic valve and applies a compressive force to the hemostatic valve in such a direction as to close the passage.
US09174033B2	Two-way slit valve A slit valve 10 for use with an inflatable medical device having a flange surface 12 with an opening therein. The slit valve 10 has a valve body 14 connected to the flange surface 12 and a chamber formed in the valve body 14 for accepting an inflation tube 34 inserted through the opening in the flange surface 12. The slit valve 10 has a concave section at one or both ends, which are connected by a slit 24 formed in the valve body 14.
US09174032B2	Subintimal reentry system A subintimal recanalization catheter system for recanalizing a blood vessel. The system includes a support catheter and a balloon catheter configured to extend through the support catheter. The support catheter includes a tubular portion and an extension segment extending distal of the distal opening of the tubular portion. The balloon catheter, having a balloon secured to a distal portion thereof, is positionable through the tubular portion of the support catheter to position the balloon alongside the extension segment. The system is configured to be advanced into a subintimal space between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer of a blood vessel wall where the balloon may be inflated against the extension segment to cause a distal portion of the catheter shaft of the balloon catheter to deflect toward the vessel lumen within the subintimal space to facilitate reentry into the vessel lumen.
US09174024B1	Steering control mechanisms for catheters A steering handle for a catheter. The steering handle includes a thumb knob arrangement for driving a cam assembly that in turn actuates a pull wire or pull wires. In some embodiments, the cam assembly includes a set of dual pins that actuate the pull wire in a quasi-linear relationship between cam rotation and axial displacement of the wire. In certain embodiments, the second set of dual pins imparts a reverse action on a second pull wire, also in quasi-linear fashion. That is, when one wire is released by the cam assembly, the other wire is taken in by the cam assembly. In various embodiments, the quasi-linear action can cause release of more pull wire than is taken in, thereby helping prevent the released pull wire to act as an unwanted counter force to the actuated pull wire.
US09174023B2	Unidirectional catheter control handle with tensioning control A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The plug is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the plug to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.
US09174020B2	Device and methods for transvascular tumor embolization with integrated flow regulation A catheter assembly may be provided with a catheter body and an inflatable balloon. The catheter body has a proximal end, a distal end and a balloon inflation lumen. The inflatable balloon is attachable to the distal end of the catheter body. The balloon has an inner surface that at least partially defines an interior volume. The balloon is configured such that the interior volume can be in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the catheter body to inflate the balloon. The balloon also has a proximal surface and a distal surface. The balloon is provided with a channel that extends through the balloon. The channel is configured to provide fluid communication between the proximal surface of the balloon and the distal surface of the balloon. Other catheter assemblies and methods of use are also disclosed.
US09174019B2	Solid-body catheter including lateral distal openings A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment and an arterial segment. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening, is separate from the venous segment, and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment. In one embodiment, the distal region is un-split, but includes symmetrically opposed lateral openings, as well as distal openings, in communication with the first and second lumens for providing a functional stagger for blood flow in both forward and reverse catheter flow directions.
US09174017B2	Humidifier heater base A humidifier heater base assembly has a heater plate with a thermally conductive portion and a perimeter portion around a perimeter of the heater plate. A resilient member has an inner part attached to the perimeter portion and an outer part adapted to provide a resilient perimeter flange around at least part and preferably the whole of the perimeter portion. The resilient member fixes the heater base to the humidifier by the resilient perimeter flange such that the heater plate and the inner part can move relative to the humidifier in a direction substantially transverse to the general plane of the heater plate. At least a portion of the resilient perimeter flange remains stationary relative to the humidifier.
US09174016B2	Humidifier for a breathing system An in-line humidifier is disposed along the passageway of a breathing system. The humidifier includes a humidification chamber having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a reservoir. The humidifier includes a liquid trap which includes a chamber, a fluid inlet in communication with the liquid trap chamber, and a fluid outlet in communication with the liquid trap chamber. The liquid trap is constructed and arranged to discourage liquid from back-flowing from the humidifier to a source of gas.
US09174013B2	Dose counters for inhalers, inhalers and methods of assembly thereof A manually operated metered dose inhaler includes a dose counter chamber including a dose display tape driven by a ratchet wheel which is driven in turn by an actuator pawl actuated by movement of a canister, the tape unwinding from a stock bobbin during use of the inhaler, a rotation regulator being provided for the stock bobbin and including a wavelike engagement surface with concavities which engage against control elements in the form of protrusions on resilient forks of a split pin thereby permitting incremental unwinding of the stock bobbin yet resisting excessive rotation if the inhaler is dropped onto a hard surface.
US09174012B2	Drug products, dry powder inhalers and polyflux collider arrangements This disclosure relates to dry powder inhalers and drug products and, more particularly to polyflux colliders useful for de-agglomerating dry powder in dry powder dispensers. Various embodiments provide drug products, dry powder inhalers and polyflux collider arrangement. With various embodiments of the present invention, a polyflux collider is provided which utilizes colliding streams of dry powder to provide desirable de-agglomerating capability for dry powder dispensers.
US09174011B2	Inhaler comprising a base having a plurality of medicament containing sealed cavities An inhaler which comprises a base having a plurality of consecutive sealed cavities containing medicament. Foil portions are on one side attached to the base for sealing the medicament within respective associated cavities. A plurality of separating elements are attached to the other side of the foil portions, each separating element being associated with a respective cavity for separating a foil portion from that cavity. Each separating element can be moved-away from its associated cavity so that the sealing foil portion is separated from the cavity which is thereby uncovered so that medicament contained therein is enabled to become entrained in a fluid flow, and then returned with the attached foil portion to cover its associated cavity. A method of operating an inhaler is also disclosed.
US09174009B2	Methods for detecting failure states in a medicine delivery device A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit, containing the fluid medicament, and an indicator unit adapted to be detachably coupled to the patient attachment unit. A method for monitoring the fluid medicament includes independently setting a flow rate of a fluid medicament with the patient attachment unit. A pressure and/or a flow rate of the fluid medicament is sensed with a sensor located in a separate indicator unit in a sensing mode. A status of the fluid medicament delivery device is determined based at least in part on the pressure and/or the flow rate.
US09174008B1	System and method for facilitating percutaneous intravascular access A system and method facilitate percutaneous intravascular access while militating against unwanted penetration of the accessed blood vessel. A small diameter access tube includes a terminal segment comprised of a shape memory polymer and configured to flare outwardly toward a larger diameter orifice. The configuration of the terminal segment is modified to taper toward the insertion point of an internal insertion needle for facilitating insertion of the access tube into a blood vessel. Subsequent to insertion, the access tube is advanced relative to the insertion needle which then is retracted, and the terminal segment is allowed to return to the flared configuration so that fluid flow through the access tube is facilitated.
US09174007B2	Medical device including an air evacuation system Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.
US09174006B2	Dermal access device A dermal access device for fluid injection comprising a bearing block for fixation of the device onto a patient's skin, a slider movably connected to the bearing block and a hollow needle arranged at the slider for puncturing the skin, wherein the needle creates a puncture angle with respect to the skin surface when puncturing the skin, which does not exceed 25°. A dermal access device for fluid injection comprising a bearing block for fixation of the device onto a patient's skin, a movable slider connected to the bearing block and a hollow needle arranged at the slider for puncturing the skin, wherein the device comprises a first stop for limiting a first moving direction of the slider at a first puncture position of the needle, where the device comprises a second stop at a second puncture position of the needle for limiting the second moving direction of the slider.
US09174005B2	Injection device An injection device comprises a housing (101) to (104) containing a syringe (24). The contents of the syringe (24) are viewable through a window (14) in the mid-section (102) of the housing. The window (14) is concealed by a slideable shutter (12). The slideable shutter (12) is biased by a bias spring (22) which also biases an internal syringe carrier. Also disclosed is a reversible needle cap which operates initially to cap the front end of the housing and, upon removal thereof, pulls a needle sheath (30) off the syringe needle (26). The cap is designed to be reversible so that, after use, it can be reversed and reconnected to the housing to cover the exposed needle.
US09174003B2	Quick release plunger A syringe system and components thereof are disclosed. The system may include a syringe body having a hollow lumen, a proximal open end, and a distal end. The syringe body may be configured to house a fluid therein. The syringe system may further include a plunger positioned in the hollow lumen of the syringe body, forming a seal with an inner wall of the syringe body. The plunger may include a removable piston having a shaft extending from the distal end towards the proximal open end, a stopper removably connected to a distal portion of the shaft, and at least one coupler attached to the distal portion of the shaft. The stopper may be configured to slidably move within the hollow lumen to facilitate movement of the fluid within the syringe body. The coupler may be configured to facilitate removal and attachment of the stopper from the piston.
US09174000B2	Drug delivery device with biodegradable plastic components The present invention relates to drug delivery device for dispensing of a predefined amount of a medicinal product, comprising: at least one housing component (2), a cartridge holder component (4) to receive a product-containing cartridge (3), the cartridge having a piston slidably arranged therein, a drive mechanism component operably engageable with the piston of the cartridge (3) for dispensing of a dose of the medicinal product, wherein at least one of said components (2, 4, 6) at least partially comprises a biodegradable plastic material comprising at least one additive adapted to modify a degradation process of the plastic material.
US09173999B2	Devices and methods for delivering medicaments from a multi-chamber container An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container, and a movable assembly. The movable assembly includes a first movable member and a second movable member. The second movable member is configured to move relative to the first movable member to move the movable assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration. A distal end portion of the second movable member is configured to move a plunger disposed within the medicament container in a distal direction when the movable assembly is moved to the second configuration. The movable assembly is configured to move between a first position and a second position to move the medicament container within the housing between a first container position and a second container position.
US09173998B2	System and method for detecting occlusions in an infusion pump Occlusions in a delivery line of an infusion pump can be detected by measuring pressure differentials in the pump over short periods of time in order to minimize the effects of long term systematic sensor changes. In a delivery mode such as basal insulin delivery where a small portion of a volume of fluid is delivered, pressure readings can be obtained before and after the motor move to deliver each portion and compared. The differentials after one or more motor moves can be compared to determine whether an occlusion is present. In a delivery mode such as bolus insulin delivery in which an entire volume of fluid is delivered, pressure differentials can be obtained for consecutive deliveries at a common point in the delivery cycle of each delivery. Comparison of these pressure values can be used to determine whether an occlusion is present.
US09173995B1	Self-orienting syringe and syringe interface A syringe includes a barrel having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end along a longitudinal axis. At least one syringe retaining member protrudes radially outwardly relative to an outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one syringe retaining member tapers axially in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end. The at least one syringe retaining member is configured for selective engagement with a locking mechanism on a fluid injector to releasably lock the syringe with the fluid injector. A taper of the at least one syringe retaining member is configured to rotationally guide the syringe into alignment with the locking mechanism.
US09173990B2	System for blood separation with replacement fluid apparatus and method A method is provided in a centrifugal blood processing system for adding replacement fluid without a dedicated peristaltic pump to blood components being returned to the donor. A disposable blood processing set for use in the method comprises a hermetically sealed set of blood bags, connecting tubes, needles or connectors, and supporting structures with a replacement fluid line coupled directly to a return reservoir without contact with an intervening pump.
US09173986B2	Blood treatment unit for an extra-corporeal blood treatment apparatus The housing of the blood treatment unit according to the invention holds both a blood pump and a semi-permeable membrane. The blood pump is an impeller pump. The impeller of the impeller pump is surrounded by a partition which divides the housing into two chambers. The semi-permeable membrane forms at least a part of the partition. It is therefore possible for an exchange of matter to take place between the blood which flows through the first chamber of the housing and the dialysis fluid which flows through the second chamber of the housing. The blood treatment unit is intended for an extra-corporeal blood treatment apparatus and has a particularly compact construction.
US09173983B2	Surface structure of a component of a medical device and a method of forming the surface structure A method of forming a surface structure of a component of a medical devices includes forming a fatigue-resistant portion, which entails forming a first layer comprising a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, Mo, V, Mn, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Si on at least a portion of a surface of the component, where the surface comprises a nickel-titanium alloy, and alloying the transition metal of the first layer with the nickel-titanium alloy of the surface. The method further includes forming a rough outer surface of the fatigue-resistant portion where the rough outer surface is adapted for adhesion of a material thereto.
US09173978B2	Bioabsorbable polymeric compositions, processing methods, and medical devices therefrom Novel bioabsorbable polymeric blends are disclosed. The blends have a first component that is a polylactide polymer or a copolymer of lactide and glycolide and a second component that is poly(p-dioxanone) polymer. The novel polymeric blends provide medical devices having dimensional stability. Also disclosed are novel bioabsorbable medical devices made from these novel polymer blends, as well as novel methods of manufacture.
US09173976B2	Compositions and methods for the treatment of bone voids and open fractures The present invention relates to compositions, methods and medical devices for the treatment of bone voids and bone defects. The methods of the invention comprise the step of applying to a bone void or bone defect site a composition comprising a matrix which provides local prolonged release of at least one antibiotic agent at the bone void site.
US09173975B2	Reparative cell delivery via hyaluronic acid vehicles Methods are described for generating autologous tissue grafts, including generating grafts at the point of care, which include isolated cell populations that are enriched with stem cells and are mixed with hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof. The hyaluronic acid localizes the cells to a desired injection site and stimulates collagen production thus enhancing the viability and the longevity of the graft.
US09173974B2	Hydrophilizing plasma coating The invention relates to a method for hydrophilizing surfaces of polymer workpieces. The method has a step (a) of pretreating the workpiece surfaces in a high-frequency gas plasma which is produced on the basis of an inert gas in order to clean and activate the workpiece surfaces; a step (b) of precoating the pretreated workpiece surfaces with polyacrylic acid using a high-frequency gas plasma made of a gas mixture, said gas mixture being composed of an inert gas and a first gas made of biocompatible, polymerizable carboxy group-containing monomers; and a step (c) of subsequently coating the precoated workpiece surfaces using a second gas substantially containing acrylic acid monomers.
US09173973B2	Bioabsorbable polymeric composition for a medical device A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.
US09173970B2	Biodegradable bone plates and bonding systems The invention relates to novel internal fixation devices, such as bone plates, generally and novel craniomaxillofacial bone plates more specifically and systems for bonding the same. More specifically, the invention relates to bone plates made of a polymer blend of (poly)lactic acid and Ecoflex as well as a novel hot-melt adhesive polymer blend of the same material.
US09173968B2	Sterilization apparatus and sterilization method There is provided a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing an object. The sterilization apparatus includes a concentration chamber configured to concentrate sterilizer, a vaporizing chamber configured to vaporize the sterilizer, a measuring pipe into which the sterilizer is introduced from the concentration chamber before being introduced into the vaporizing chamber, a vacuuming device configured to vacuum the sterilization chamber, and a first valve configured to be opened and closed to control communication between the sterilization chamber and the measuring pipe, wherein after the sterilizer is introduced from the concentration chamber into the measuring pipe, gas contained in the measuring pipe is removed from the measuring pipe by opening the first valve.
US09173966B2	Luciferin derivatives from bicyclic reactants and aminothiol derivatives and methods of use thereof The present disclosure features a condensation reaction and a luciferin-unmasking reaction that can be carried out under physiological conditions. In general, the condensation reaction involves reacting a bicyclic reactant with an aminothiol derivative, generating a luciferin or luciferin derivative. A luciferin can provide detectable luminescence. A luciferin derivative can be unmasked to provide detectable luminescence in a luciferin-unmasking reaction. The present disclosure provides bicyclic reactants and aminothiol derivatives suitable for use in the condensation reaction. The condensation and luciferin-unmasking reactions find use in a variety of applications, which are also provided.
US09173965B2	Device and method for measuring an analyte under the nail An apparatus includes a source and a detector. The source is operable to transmit light. The detector is operable to receive at least a portion of the light transmitted by the source. The source and the detector can be positioned on a nail of a digit such that the light enters the nail through an entrance region. The light further exits the nail through an exit region. The entrance region is defined by a lateral portion of the nail. The light is directed to interact with at least one analyte.
US09173964B2	Diphtheria toxin first open reading frame operably linked to an H19 promoter and a diphtheria toxin second open reading frame operably linked to an IGF-II promoter as nucleic acid construct The present invention relates to the field of cancer treatment, particularly to a novel constructs useful for treating tumors expressing H19 and/or IGF-II. More specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods utilizing a nucleic acid construct enabling expression of a cytotoxic gene product directed by more than one tumor specific promoter.
US09173962B2	Antigen binding protein and its use as addressing product for the treatment of cancer The present invention relates to a novel antigen binding protein, in particular a monoclonal antibody, capable of binding specifically to the protein Axl as well as the amino and nucleic acid sequences coding for said protein. From one aspect, the invention relates to a novel antigen binding protein, or antigen binding fragments, capable of binding specifically to Axl and, by inducing internalization of Axl, being internalized into the cell. The invention also comprises the use of said antigen binding protein as an addressing product in conjugation with other anti-cancer compounds, such as toxins, radio-elements or drugs, and the use of same for the treatment of certain cancers.
US09173961B2	CD20 antibodies and uses thereof CD20 is a transmembrane protein of the tetra-spanin family expressed on the surface of B-cells from peripheral blood as well as lymphoid tissues. CD20 expression persists from the early pre-B cell stage until the plasma cell differentiation stage. In addition to expression in normal B-cells, CD20 is expressed in B-cell derived malignancies such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The present invention includes anti-CD20 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof comprising a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region, wherein the CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 of said light chain variable region comprise the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 17-19, respectively, and wherein the CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 of said heavy chain variable region comprise the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 20-22, respectively.
US09173957B2	FGFR2 fusion proteins comprising C-terminal deletion mutants of FGFR2-IIIC The invention provides FGFR fusion proteins, methods of making them, and methods of using them to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers and disorders of angiogenesis. The FGFR fusion molecules can be made in CHO cells and may comprise deletion mutations in the extracellular domains of the FGFRs which improve their stability. These fusion proteins inhibit the growth and viability of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The combination of the relatively high affinity of these receptors for their ligand FGFs and the demonstrated ability of these decoy receptors to inhibit tumor growth is an indication of the clinical value of the compositions and methods provided herein.
US09173954B2	Polysaccharide immunogens conjugated to E. coli carrier proteins E. coli proteins have been identified that are useful as carrier proteins to improve a response to a polysaccharide immunogen conjugated to such protein. In particular, AcfD precursor protein (orf3526 polypeptide), Flu antigen 43 protein (orf1364 polypeptide), and Sel1 repeat-containing protein (upec-5211 polypeptide) have been shown to be effective. Additionally, these E. coli proteins can enhance the immune response to glucans, particularly fungal glucans.
US09173951B2	Carbohydrate-based drug delivery polymers and conjugates thereof Provided herein are water-soluble carbohydrate polymers which are monoderivatized at their reducing terminus, such that the carbohydrate polymers can be selectively conjugated at a single location. Also provided are methods of preparation and conjugation of the monoderivatized carbohydrate polymers.
US09173949B2	Dendritic high-molecular-weight polymer drug carriers and their conjugates with drugs especially for treatment of solid tumours The present invention relates to water-soluble high-molecular-weight polymer drug carriers and their conjugates with drugs, derived from dendrimers of the amidoamine and 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoic types, the amino and hydroxy end groups of which are attached to semitelechelic copolymers of N-(2 hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) through biodegradable spacers. The polymer carriers and conjugates enable targeted transport notably of anticancer drugs into solid tumors in which biodegradation, the associated controlled drug release and subsequent elimination of polymer carrier from the organism are provided. The polymer carrier conjugated with a cancerostatic for use in targeted therapy of human tumors.
US09173947B2	Hydroxyapatite-targeting multiarm polymers and conjugates made therefrom The present invention provides, among other things, polymeric reagents suitable for reaction with biologically active agents to form conjugates, the polymeric reagents comprising one or more polymer chains and a plurality of hydroxyapatite-targeting moieties, and optionally the reagents include one or more degradable linkages that serve to divide the polymer chains into polymer segments having a molecular weight suitable for renal clearance.
US09173943B2	Imprinted polymer nanoparticles The present invention relates to imprinted polymer nanoparticles. In particular, the present invention provides imprinted polymer nanoparticles polymerized in the presence of a target molecule (e.g., peptide), wherein the imprinted polymer nanoparticles comprise vinyl, acryl, and/or methacryl monomers, wherein the monomers have affinity for the target molecule. The present invention also relates to methods of using imprinted polymer nanoparticles in biomacromolecular purification methods (e.g., to purify monoclonal antibodies or hormones), in toxin elimination methods (e.g., hemoperfusion), in diagnostics, in research, as well as in therapeutic methods (e.g., therapeutic methods where antisera or monoclonal antibodies are normally employed).
US09173939B2	Ester derivatives of androgen receptor modulators and methods for their use Compounds having a structure of Structure I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer, or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, J1, J2, X, Z, n1 and n2 are as defined herein, and wherein at least one of R1, R2 or R3 is an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or aralkyl ester, are provided. Uses of such compounds for treatment of various indications, including prostate cancer, as well as methods of treatment involving such compounds are also provided.
US09173935B2	Phospholipid drug analogs Provided in some embodiments are compositions comprising a compound having a structure according to Formula A or Formula B: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer or hydrate thereof, where X2 is a bond or linker, X3 is bond or —PO4—, and X1, R1, R2, R3, and n are described herein. Also provided in some embodiments are methods for making and using such compounds and compositions.
US09173933B2	Recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara influenza vaccine The invention concerns a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA virus) expressing at least two external influenza virus antigens and/or an epitope of one or more of the at least two antigens and at least two internal influenza virus antigens and/or an epitope of the at least two antigens. The invention, thus, concerns a recombinant MVA virus encoding multiple external and/or internal influenza virus antigens, preferably from multiple influenza virus strains. The invention further concerns the use of said recombinant MVA in preparing a medicament and vaccine for influenza virus. Further encompassed by the present invention are methods, composition and kits.
US09173931B2	Process for preparing polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines Methods for the manufacture of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines at high yield are provided. The methods involve reaction of a hydrazide group on one reactant with an aldehyde group on the other reactant. The reaction proceeds rapidly with a high conjugation efficiency. Simplified purification processes can be employed to separate the conjugate product from the unconjugated protein and polysaccharide and other small molecule by-products.
US09173928B2	DNA vaccine for Alzheimer's disease The invention provides a recombinant vector, which includes repeats of Amyloid β 1-42 (Aβ1-42) gene, an immunoglobulin Fc gene, a spacer sequence and interleukin-4 gene in this order, the repeats of the Aβ1-42 gene contain spacer sequences between the individual Aβ1-42 genes. The invention also provides a DNA vaccine for Alzheimer's disease, which includes the recombinant vector.
US09173924B2	Stable glucagon peptide formulations There is provided glucagon formulations suitable for preparing coatings on microneedle patches for the transdermal delivery of glucagon. The coated patches may be used for the treatment of low blood sugar in diabetic patients. Also provided are glucagon loaded patches, methods for their preparation, and methods of their use.
US09173923B2	Modulating innate immune cell activity by lunasin and selected cytokines This disclosure provides compositions and methods for enhancing innate immune system activities and responses by combining lunasin with at least one cytokine. The compositions synergistically enhance the effect of these selected cytokine(s), including but not limited to, activating Natural Killer (NK) cells, augmenting NK's cytotoxicity against viruses and tumors, regulating NK mediated anti-allergic inflammation, producing potent NK cells for cellular therapy using adoptive transfer. and facilitating dendritic cells antigen presentation.
US09173914B2	Extraction technology of Xiao-yao-drink An extraction technology of a Xiao-yao-drink includes a medicine preparing step of preparing herbal medicines, a pulverizing step of pulverizing the herbal medicines to produce medicinal solid particles, a liquid extracting step of adding the medicinal solid particles into an extraction liquid to dissolve the medicinal solid particles in the extraction liquid, an ultrasonic extraction step of impacting the medicinal solid particles in the extraction liquid by concentrated ultrasonic waves to crush the medicinal solid particles into medicinal molecules, and a centrifugal filtering step of filtering the medicinal molecules from the extraction liquid by a strainer cloth to produce a medicinal extract which constructs a Xiao-yao-drink product. Thus, the extraction technology uses an ultrasonic extraction procedure to crush the medicinal solid particles into medicinal molecules by concentrated ultrasonic waves to efficiently increase the active component of the herbal medicine.
US09173913B2	Compositions comprising Paulownia tomentosa wood extracts and uses thereof Provided are compositions comprising an extract of Paulownia tomentosa wood and methods of use thereof.
US09173911B2	Method for producing vegetable cell sap concentrate and means for the production thereof The invention relates to extracting biologically active substances from raw vegetable matter, consists in using a liquefied carbon dioxide and can be used in the pharmaceutical, perfume-and-cosmetic and food industries. The aim of the invention is to produce a cell sap concentrate by using liquefied carbon dioxide for the irradiation thereof. The inventive method consists in extracting a milled matter by means of liquefied carbonic acid at room temperature and in separating an oil fraction, wherein the extraction is carried out at a high rate of the liquefied carbonic acid with a proportion of not less than 11 of carbonic acid per 1 g of extracted vegetable cell sap and a vegetable cell sap concentrate is produced by separating the oil fraction from a water fraction.
US09173906B2	Methods and compositions for tissue regeneration A kit is disclosed that includes a first component comprising alginate, wherein the first component is comprised in a first sterile vile, and a second component comprising cells comprising keratinocytes or fibroblasts, or mixtures thereof, that secrete one or more biologically active molecules selected from the group consisting of GM-CSF, VEGF, KGF, bFGF, TGFβ, angiopoietin, EGF, IL-Iβ, TGFα, and TNFα, wherein the cells are allogeneic and mitotically inactive, a buffered solution, and human serum albumin or a cryoprotectant, wherein the second component is comprised in a second vial.
US09173902B2	Skin-whitening agent A skin-whitening agent offering an excellent whitening effect and being effective in preventing and treating age spots, freckles, etc., where such skin-whitening agent contains as its effective ingredient a whey protein hydrolyzate characterized by a molecular weight distribution of 10 kDa or less, main peak of 200 Da to 3 kDa, APL (average peptide-chain length) of 2 to 8, free amino acid content of 20% or less, and antigenicity of one-ten thousandth of β-lactoglobulin or less, as well as a cosmetic, drink or food, feed, pharmaceutical preparation or other skin-whitening product containing such skin-whitening agent.
US09173897B2	Molecular targets for ALS and related disorders Provided herein are compositions and methods for diagnosis, risk assessment, research, and therapy related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ALS-related disorders. In particular, the present invention relates to mutations in the UBQLN2 gene that cause dominantly inherited chromosome X-linked ALS and ALS/dementia.
US09173895B2	Treatment of membrane bound transcription factor peptidase, site 1 (MBTPS1) related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to MBTPS1 The present invention relates to antisense oligonuclotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Membrane Bound Transcription Factor Peptidase, site 1 (MBTPS1), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Membrane Bound Transcription Factor Peptidase, site 1 (MBTPS1). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of MBTPS1.
US09173893B2	Purine nucleoside monophosphate prodrugs for treatment of cancer and viral infections The present invention is directed to compounds, compositions and methods for treating or preventing cancer and viral infections, in particular, HIV, HCV, Norovirus, Saporovirus, HSV-1, HSV-2, Dengue virus, Yellow fever, and HBV in human patients or other animal hosts. The compounds are certain 6-substituted purine monophosphates, and pharmaceutically acceptable, salts, prodrugs, and other derivatives thereof. In particular, the compounds show potent antiviral activity against HIV-1, HIV-2, HCV, Norovirus, Saporovirus, HSV-1, HSV-2, Dengue virus, Yellow fever, and HBV.
US09173888B1	Treatment and inhibition of protozoal diseases with nandrolone and its derivatives This invention provides new therapeutic potential of nandrolone or a derivative thereof, against protozoal diseases. More specifically, nandrolone or a derivative thereof exhibits anti-protozoal activity against Leishmania major. Anti-protozoal potential of nandrolone derivatives, such as compounds 1-8, can contribute in the development of effective therapies against protozoal diseases, such as leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis, babeosis, amoebic dysentery and lambliasis. Another aspect of the invention is a method of testing derivatives of nandrolone for anti-protozoal activity comprising growing Leishmania in the presence of the test derivative and determining the IC50 value.
US09173885B2	Inhibitors The invention relates to novel pyrrolidine derivatives of formula (I): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein, as inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5). QC catalyzes the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamine residues into pyroglutamic acid (5-oxo-prolyl, pGlu*) under liberation of ammonia and the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamate residues into pyroglutamic acid under liberation of water.
US09173880B2	Stabilized formulations containing anti-interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibodies The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a human antibody that specifically binds to human interleukin-6 receptor (hIL-6R). The formulations may contain, in addition to an anti-hIL-6R antibody, at least one amino acid, at least one sugar, and/or at least one non-ionic surfactant. The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention exhibit a substantial degree of antibody stability after storage for several months.
US09173879B2	Crystalline forms of (S)-7-([1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a ]pyridin-6-yl)-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and use thereof Novel [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl-6-yl-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines are described in the present invention. These compounds and crystalline forms SA1 and N-2 are used in the treatment of various neurological and physiological disorders. Methods of making these compounds and crystalline forms SA-1 and N-2 are also described in the present invention.
US09173878B2	Brain function improving agent The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition used in improving brain function including a compound of formula (I).
US09173875B2	Treatment for nicotine-induced lung disease using peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonists This invention provides pertains to the discovery that that nicotine interrupts molecular signaling between endodermal and mesodermal cells of the lung alveolus. Treatment of the lung with specific molecular agents (e.g., PPAR gamma agonists) can prevent and/or reverse the injury caused by nicotine.
US09173874B2	Anti-drug vaccines The present invention relates to anti-drug vaccines based on conjugates between the drug and a non-immunogenic carrier protein. In preferred embodiments, it provides for anti-cocaine vaccines and their use to diminish the effects and/or use of cocaine in a subject.
US09173873B2	Imidazopyridyl compounds as aldosterone synthase inhibitors This invention relates to imidazopyridyl compounds of the structural formula: I or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein the variable are defined herein. The inventive compounds selectively inhibit aldosterone synthase. This invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula I or their salts as well as potentially to methods for the treatment, amelioration or prevention of conditions that could be treated by inhibiting aldosterone synthase.
US09173872B2	Pyrazolopyrimidine compounds Compounds of formula (I) and salts thereof: wherein R1 is n-C1-6alkyl or C1-2alkoxyC1-2alkyl-, R2 is halo, OH or C1-3alkyl, m is an integer having a value of 4, 5, 6 or 7, n is an integer having a value of 0, 1, 2 or 3, and p is an integer having a value of 0, 1 or 2, are inducers of human interferon. Compounds which induce human interferon may be useful in the treatment of various disorders, for example the treatment of allergic diseases and other inflammatory conditions, for example allergic rhinitis and asthma, infectious diseases and cancer, and may also be useful as vaccine adjuvants.
US09173866B2	Compositions and products containing R-equol, and methods for their making A composition for use in making commercial food and skin products comprising R-equol. The composition can be used to make articles of commerce such as food supplements, pharmaceuticals, and medicaments. The compositions are useful in a method of delivering R-equol to a mammal to prevent or treat a disease or associated condition, including hormone-dependent diseases or conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lipid disorder, osteopenia, osteoporosis, liver disease, and acute ovarian estrogen deficiency. The R-equol enantiomer can be produced by chiral-phase column separation from a racemic mixture of equol.
US09173865B2	Treatment of obesity using non-daily administration of 6-O-(4-dimethylaminoethoxy) cinnamoyl fumagillol The invention generally relates to methods of treating an overweight or obese subject, and treating overweight- or obesity-related conditions using non-daily administration of e.g, a MetAP-2 inhibitor.
US09173863B2	Antiviral compound and COX-2 inhibitor combination therapy for functional somatic syndromes, including combination of famciclovir and celecoxib The disclosure relates to methods of treating fibromyalgia, by administering a therapeutically-effective combination of an antiviral component and a COX-2 inhibitor component. The invention is further related to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of a therapeutically-effective amount of the antiviral compound famciclovir and a therapeutically-effective amount of the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. The invention is also related to methods of treating functional somatic syndromes by administering a therapeutically-effective combination of famciclovir and celecoxib.
US09173854B2	Formulation of diclofenac The present invention relates to methods for producing particles of diclofenac using dry milling processes as well as compositions comprising diclofenac, medicaments produced using diclofenac in particulate form and/or compositions, and to methods of treatment of an animal, including man, using a therapeutically effective amount of diclofenac administered by way of said medicaments.
US09173845B2	Controlled release pharmaceutical compositions of milnacipran A controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprising Milnacipran or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and hydrophobic release controlling agent. The composition releases 90% of the total amount of Milnacipran or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof between 8 to 20 hours when dissolution is carried out in 900 ml 0.1N HCl, USP apparatus Type I (Basket) at 100 rpm for 2 hrs, followed by 900 ml Phosphate buffer pH 6.8 USP apparatus Type I (Basket) at 100 rpm. A process of preparing a controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprises: a) preparing a first layer comprising i) melting hydrophobic release controlling agent and Milnacipran or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in it ii) cooling followed by sieving the melted mass to obtain granules and iii) lubricating the granules; and b) preparing a second layer comprising granules which comprises hydrophobic release controlling agent and optionally Milnacipran or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US09173844B2	Pharmaceutical solid preparation An object of the present invention is to provide a gradual disintegration-type, sustained-release pharmaceutical solid preparation whose pharmacologically active substance release behavior is controlled. The solid pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is a matrix-type preparation containing: (a) a pharmacologically active substance; (b) calcium polycarbophil; and (c) a specific sugar and/or sugar alcohol.
US09173841B2	Polymer nanoparticle injection formulation composition containing rapamycin with improved water solubility, preparation method thereof, and anticancer composition for combined use with radiotherapy The present invention relates to a polymer nanoparticle injection formulation composition containing rapamycin with improved water solubility, and more specifically, to an injection formulation composition containing rapamycin wherein water solubility is improved by solubilizing rapamycin having low water solubility with polymer nanoparticles, a preparation method thereof, and an anticancer composition for a combined use with radiotherapy.
US09173834B2	Regeneration composition and method for natural hair recoloration and stimulation of hair growth by processed Makroot fruit extract The invention refers to a natural hair re-coloration and hair growth composition comprising boiled Makroot fruit (Citrus hystrix DC Rutaceae) that when applied returns white or grey hair to its original color and causes newly re-grown hair to return to its original color as well. The composition also stimulates hair growth. It is composed of natural organic ingredients and thus the composition is low cost and easy to prepare and the application of the composition is quite simple.
US09173831B2	Product for keratin containing fibers, containing at least one specific amphiphilic catonic polymer and at least a polymer with structural units derived from maleic acid Agents for treating keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair, are provided. The agents comprise, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, (a) at least one amphiphilic cationic polymer comprising respectively at least one structural unit of the formulae (I) to (IV), as provided herein, and (b) at least one copolymer comprising at least one structural unit of formula (A1) and at least one structural unit of formula (A2), as provided herein, the use of said agent for temporarily styling hair and for hair care, in particular as an aerosol hairspray or an aerosol hair mousse.
US09173830B1	Sunscreen compositions Compositions comprising an organic sunscreen in combination with (i) nylon particles, (ii) silica particles, and (iii) barium sulfate particles provide an improvement in SPF as compared to an otherwise identical composition lacking any one of the three ingredients (i)-(iii). The compositions advantageously provide high diffuse transmittance, giving a natural look to the skin.
US09173829B2	Compositions for dyeing keratin fibers Star polymers comprising (1) a structural fragment acting as a center, and (2) at least three groups radially bound to this center, wherein these groups (i) each have at least one polyether structural unit comprising a polyoxyalkylene chain consisting of either ethylene oxide units or both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units, wherein the polyoxyalkylene chain has a maximum proportion of 50 wt. % of propylene oxide units, relative to the weight of the polyoxyalkylene chain, and (ii) each have at least one residue comprising: (a) at least one *—Si(OR)x(R′)3-x group, in which R and R′, independently of one another, denote a (C1 to C4) alkyl group, x denotes 1, 2 or 3; (b) at least one anionic group; (c) at least one quaternized nitrogen atom; or (d) combinations thereof; are suitable for improving synthetic colorings of coloring compounds on keratin-containing fibers.
US09173826B2	Porous, dissolvable solid substrate and surface resident coating comprising a zync pyrithione The present invention relates to personal care compositions, especially those shave preparation article and skin care articles which are in the form of a porous dissolvable solid substrate having a surface resident coating comprising at least one skin treatment active. The present invention can deliver a consumer benefit as well as allow for separation of any incompatible actives in the substrate versus the coating.
US09173825B2	Personal care compositions comprising sulfated poloxamers and methods of making and using same Provided are personal care compositions comprising a first surfactant comprising sodium lauryl sulfate and a second surfactant having a structure represented by wherein each a has a value of about 1 to about 110, b has a value of about 16 to about 70, and at least one R group is SO3, and the other R group is SO3 or hydrogen. Also provided are methods of producing personal care compositions and methods of ameliorating skin or mucosal membrane irritation due to sodium lauryl sulfate.
US09173821B2	Oxidation dyeing process using a composition rich in fatty substances and metal catalysts, and device suitable therefor The present invention relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising the use of one or more metal catalysts chosen from transition metal salts and rare-earth metal salts, and mixtures thereof and a composition (I) comprising at least 10% by weight of one or more fatty substances different from fatty acids, one or more oxidation dyes and one or more oxidizing agents.
US09173820B2	Dental composition, method of producing and use thereof The invention is directed to a composition comprising a) compound (A) being characterized by at least the following features: comprising a backbone unit (U) comprising a tricylclic hydrocarbon moiety, two spacer units (S) each comprising a hydrocarbon chain (G) being directly connected to the backbone unit (U) via an urethane moiety, and at least two reactive groups (M) being connected to the hydrocarbon chain (G) via an ester linkage, with (G) being a non-branched hydrocarbon chain having a length of at least 3 carbon atoms, (G) not comprising ether moieties, and (M) being selected from acroyl and methacroyl, b) initiator (B) and c) optionally filler (C), the composition being a dental composition.
US09173818B2	Method for preparing stable-type vitamin A microcapsules continuously A method for continuously preparing stable-type vitamin A microcapsules is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: adding vitamin A crystals and an antioxidant into a crystal melter continuously according to a certain ratio under the protection of nitrogen to prepare vitamin A melting oil containing the antioxidant; pumping the above melting oil into a high gravity rotary packed bed emulsifier with a liquid distributor by a pump, and pumping aqueous solution containing gellable modified starch into the above high gravity rotary packed bed emulsifier after deoxidation treatment to obtain vitamin A emulsion at the outlet of the high gravity rotary packed bed emulsifier; and atomizing and spraying the emulsion continuously in a cooled starch bed for granulating, and performing fluidization drying and gelation treatment in a fluidized bed by taking nitrogen as a drying medium to obtain the stable-type vitamin A microcapsules. Above method has the advantage of capability of continuous production, and has good embedding effect due to adopting the gellable modified starch, granulating and gelation treatment, thus the product has good storage stability.
US09173815B2	Needle-less vial assembly for use with needle-free system A needle-less vial assembly that includes an assembly body arranged at least partially within a neck of a vial, the body having a first portion within the vial for receiving a substance, a second portion that includes a means for matingly engaging with a syringe, and a channel defined therein, thereby enabling fluid communication of the substance between the vial and the syringe. The assembly further including a first inlet arranged longitudinally along a length of the first portion and proximate to the second portion, wherein the first inlet enables fluid communication between an interior of the vial and the channel, thereby enabling withdrawal of substantially all of the substance within the vial, and an outlet arranged at an end of the second portion of the body, thereby enabling a needle-less transfer of substances between the channel and the syringe.
US09173814B2	Liquid container The present invention relates to a container for liquids, a method of filling it and the use of the container according to the invention for holding and storing radioactive substances. The container for a liquid comprises a cavity for holding the liquid, the cavity being bounded by walls (1) at the sides and at the bottom, an opening for filling the cavity with the liquid, a closure for closing off the cavity, the closure having a piercing region for inserting a cannula into the cavity, a bottom casing (20) which surrounds the walls of the cavity in the standing area, a top casing (10) which surrounds the pierceable closure with the exception of the piercing region, and a film (30) which extends from the top casing to the bottom casing and surrounds those areas of the walls of the cavity which are not already surrounded by the top casing or bottom casing.
US09173810B2	Pedicure spa with self-cleaning retractable basin A pedicure spa having a self-cleaning retractable basin provides a consistently cleaned and sanitized basin for use during a pedicure treatment. A cleansing chamber in the pedicure spa accepts the basin for a self-cleaning procedure. Cleansing products may be dispensed from one or more supply components for application to the basin by one or more cleansing devices. The self-cleaning procedure may proceed according to one or more predefined stages, which may include a drying stage provided by one or more dryers within the cleansing chamber.
US09173804B2	Lower-leg massage device There is provided a massage device capable of producing innovative and comfortable massage effect by massaging a target body part over a wide area in its lengthwise direction with substantially rectilinear motion of a pressure-applying point. The massage device 1 comprises a pair of treatment members 23, 24 arranged face-to-face with each other at a spacing large enough for insertion of part of human body; a holding mechanism 162 for holding and pressing the body part in sandwich style by moving at least one of the paired treatment members or both of them 23, 24 in the direction of width of the body part set in place between the paired treatment members; and a moving mechanism 26 for moving the treatment member 23, 24 in the direction of length of the body part while maintaining the holding condition of the treatment member 23, 24 effected by the holding mechanism 162.
US09173801B2	Graphic display of security threats based on indications of access to newly registered domains Domain names are determined for each computational event in a set, each event detailing requests or posts of webpages. A number of events or accesses associated with each domain name within a time period is determined. A registrar is further queried to determine when the domain name was registered. An object is generated that includes a representation of the access count and an age since registration for each domain names. A client can interact with the object to explore representations of domain names associated with high access counts and recent registrations. Upon determining that a given domain name is suspicious, a rule can be generated to block access to the domain name.
US09173800B2	Device for assisting childbirth A device for assisting parturition, which device can be used to practice delivery, in birth training, in delivery, and in post natal and other rehabilitation. The device includes a body part and a seat part for the woman in labor. In the seat part there is a cut-out for the exit of the baby. The seat part is connected to the frame part, and in the device there are support elements which the woman in labor can grip, and on which she can lean in various delivery positions. The seat part is attached to the body in such a way that the cut-out faces away from the body and the elements for attaching to the body are between the body and the seat part. The seat part can be turned laterally relative to the body.
US09173797B2	Siderail assembly for patient support apparatus A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support coupled to the guide to move relative to the guide, and a barrier coupled to the guide. The barrier is movable between a lowered position, wherein the barrier is situated substantially below a frame of a patient support apparatus, and a raised position, wherein the barrier is situated substantially above the frame.
US09173796B2	Bed with a powered width expansion wing with manual release A bed comprises a fixed width deck section, a wing movably coupled to the fixed width section, a leadscrew having a rotational axis, a leadscrew driver coupled to the leadscrew for rotating the leadscrew about its axis, and a release unit. The release unit is coupled to the wing and configured to move between a) an engaged position in which the release unit engages the lead screw and moves therealong as the leadscrew rotates about the rotational axis thereby causing the wing to translate relative to the fixed width section; and b) a disengaged position in which the release unit is disengaged from the leadscrew.
US09173795B2	Brake pedal mechanism for hospital bed A brake system for a patient support apparatus having a base frame includes pedals positioned to be moved by a user to move a brake and a mechanism positioned to coordinate movement of the pedals so that downward movement of one pedal positioned adjacent the head end of the base causes movement of the mechanism in a first direction and downward movement of another of the pedals causes movement of the mechanism in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
US09173793B2	Adjustable bed frame with mattress retaining brackets This disclosure concerns a wallhugger bed with a plurality of mattress retaining brackets secured to one or more corners of the mattress platform to keep the mattress from shifting on the mattress platform during operation of the actuator.
US09173790B2	Storage arrangement for medically-related transport or evacuation device(s) An exemplary storage arrangement can be provided, which can include a first section and a second section. The first section can be moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration and can have at least one slot. The second section can be coupled to the first section and comprising at least one protrusion configured and dimensioned to mate with the slot(s) to facilitate movement of the first section. In the exemplary storage arrangement, the space formed by the first and second sections can receive a portable transportation arrangement, and at least one of the first section or the second section can be coupled to a configuration provided at or near a patient. Alternatively or in addition, the exemplary storage arrangement can include a locking mechanism which can be configured to secure at least one portion of the first section to the second section.
US09173788B2	Anisotropic drapes and systems An anisotropic wound drape for treating a wound on a patient includes a flexible sheet for placing over a tissue site The flexible sheet includes a first isotropic zone, and a second isotropic zone. The first isotropic zone and the second isotropic zone are configured to provide the flexible sheet with anisotropic stretching properties. The anisotropic drape may used as part of a reduced-pressure wound treatment system. Other systems and methods are also presented.
US09173786B2	Absorbent personal care article having wings and protective strips An absorbent personal care article, such as a sanitary napkin or incontinence pad is described having a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline and including a pair of opposed first and second wings extending along the longitudinal sides of the article. The article further includes first and second protective strips attached to the sides of the article such that when the wings are folded under the article and around the wearer's undergarment, the first and second protective strips extend laterally outboard of the article and the edges of the wearer's undergarment to provide additional protection against leakage of body fluids deposited onto the absorbent personal care article.
US09173785B2	Absorbent products having improved packaging efficiency A package comprising an interior space and an exterior surface may have a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior space of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles may have a topsheet; a backsheet; a substantially cellulose free absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent products may exhibit an In-Bag Stack Height of less about 80 mm as measured according to an In-Bag Stack Height Test.
US09173783B1	Absorbent article and method of use The present invention is an absorbent article, such as incontinence pads, absorbent personal pads for involuntary bladder elimination, feminine guards for incontinence, catamenial products, sanitary napkins, maxi pads, mini pads, liners, pantiliners, pads, nursing pads, menstruation tampons, sanitary tampons, tampons, feminine hygiene pads, menstruation pads, and sanitary pads. By allowing the user to utilize an absorbent article by itself, or multiple absorbent articles connected together, and by incorporating a unique design and shape, the present invention provides the user with a form-fitting and comfortable shape, maximum flexibility of use to conform to the user's body and garment type, an efficient means of catching of urine and/or other bodily liquids or discharges, the ability to hide the absorbent article underneath the user's undergarments regardless of the type, materials, or color of the undergarment worn, and the ability to hide pubic or other hair located underneath or protruding from the user's undergarments.
US09173781B2	Disposable wearing article A disposable wearing article includes a front side edges lying in a front waist region, rear side edges lying in a rear waist region and crotch side edges lying in a crotch region. A chassis of the diaper includes a first backsheet forming the front waist region and a part of the crotch region and a second backsheet forming the rear waist region and a part of the crotch region. The front and rear waist regions are provided with first front and rear waist elastic yarns or threads and front and rear region elastic sheets, and the crotch region is provided along the crotch side edges with front and rear leg elastic elements. Ends of front leg elastic elements on one side overlap the front side edges. Ends of the rear leg elastic elements on one side overlap the rear side edges.
US09173780B2	Disposable garment The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a disposable garment having a front region, a back region, and a crotch region extending between the front region and the back region. The disposable garment comprises a chassis in the front region, the back region, and the crotch region. The chassis comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable garment comprises a pair of ear panels extending laterally outward from the chassis in the front region or the back region, a seam panel extending laterally outward from at least one of the ear panels, and a tab formed with the seam panel and extending laterally outward from the seam panel.
US09173775B2	System for delivering multiple ocular implants Systems and methods for delivering multiple ocular implants to reduce intraocular pressure are disclosed. The ocular implants can be implanted at multiple sites within a single human eye without requiring removal of the delivery apparatus from the eye. A system for delivering multiple ocular implants can include at least two implants preloaded within a delivery device and configured to be implanted within the eye, a metering device configured to transfer energy to the implants for delivery at selected locations within the eye, wherein the metering device is configured to meter a variable amount of energy for each implant delivery event in the eye. The system can further include an injector mechanism configured to serially engage and drive each of the implants.
US09173772B1	Microsurgical handle and instrument A microsurgical handle and instrument may include an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a plurality of actuation arms of the actuation structure, and an actuation structure base. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to expand an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of the actuation arms. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to collapse an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of actuation arms.
US09173767B2	Thin condom A condom comprises natural rubber and polyurethane. Preferably, the condom has a single wall thickness of less than 55 μm. More preferably the condom has a single wall thickness of less than 55 μm and a burst pressure of 1.0 kPa or above. A process for making the condom comprises mixing polyurethane and natural rubber latex and forming a condom therefrom.
US09173760B2	Delivery devices and methods for gastrointestinal implants Several gastrointestinal surgery procedures are effective as treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Minimally invasive procedures including intra-luminal gastrointestinal implants have been proposed to mimic the anatomical, physiological and metabolic changes achieved by these procedures. Many of these designs include long sleeve like elements that prevent contact of food with the walls of the small intestine. It is desirable to have simple delivery systems that can place these implants under endoscopic guidance. However, in order to anchor these sleeve elements safely and reliably, the inventors have previously disclosed anchoring means that anchor the sleeves at the junctions of the stomach and the intestine or the stomach and esophagus.
US09173758B2	Intragastric device Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.
US09173757B2	Apparatus and method for remote deflation of intragastric balloon An intragastric balloon system for facilitating weight loss in a human or animal patient generally includes a flexible shell suitable for placement in a digestive track of a patient and capable of being inflated with a fluid. The system further includes a valve mechanism coupled to the shell, an actuator for opening the valve mechanism to effect release of fluid from the shell, and a remote control device capable of sending a signal from outside the patient to the actuator in order to effectuate deflation of the shell in vivo and without surgical intervention.
US09173751B2	Slide-and-lock stent The invention relates to an expandable stent comprising circumferentially adjacent modules. The modules comprise longitudinally adjacent slide-and-lock radial elements which permit one-way sliding of the radial elements from a collapsed diameter to an expanded/deployed diameter, but inhibit radial recoil from the expanded diameter.
US09173746B2	Interspinous vertebral stabilization devices The present invention provides interspinous vertebral and lumbosacral stabilization devices, and methods of using these devices for treating spinal instability conditions. The invention includes interspinous vertebral stabilization devices adapted for placement between the spinous processes of two or more adjacent vertebrae. The invention also includes lumbar stabilization devices adapted to be placed between a lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, including the first sacral vertebra (S1), to stabilize the lumbosacral region of a patient, and method for using such devices.
US09173745B2	Instruments and methods for removing fixation devices from intervertebral implants Anchor removal instruments and methods for using the instruments are provided. In some embodiments, an intervertebral implant anchor extractor tool comprises a support, a support retainer configured to hold the support fixed with respect to the implant, an extractor having an anchor retainer, and an extractor guide. An embodiment of a method of using this implant anchor extractor tool comprises the steps of obtaining access to an anchor, grasping the anchor, and applying a withdrawal force on the anchor while applying a countervailing force against the implant or a vertebral structure.
US09173743B2	Method of implanting a unicondylar knee prosthesis A method of implanting a lateral unicondylar knee prosthesis in a lateral articulating portion of a femur having a lateral condyle for engagement with a tibia, the method including the steps of: bending a patients knee such that the knee is not in full extension; making an incision through the skin, muscle, and other soft tissue until the damaged bone surfaces are exposed; resecting an end portion of the lateral tibia; resecting an end portion of the lateral femoral condyle; attaching a tibial prosthetic component to the resected end portion of the tibia; attaching a lateral femoral condyle prosthetic component to the resected end portion of the lateral femoral condyle; determining the thickness of a mobile bearing member with the knee in full extension; and inserting the mobile bearing member between the tibial prosthetic component and the femoral prosthetic component.
US09173737B2	Stented heart valve devices A stent frame including an annular portion having first and second ends, a central longitudinal axis, and a wire portion with at least two extending posts and a generally sinusoidal series of peaks and valleys between each of the at least two extending posts; an atrial portion extending from the first end of the annular portion, wherein the atrial portion includes a plurality of flares that extend radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the annular portion; and a ventricular portion extending from the second end of the annular portion, wherein the ventricular portion includes at least one flare that extends radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the annular portion.
US09173736B2	Method of making an endoluminal vascular prosthesis A flat sheet of woven material includes warp yarns and weft yarns interlaced at substantially right angles to each other. A graft material is cut from the flat sheet of woven material such that the graft material includes a graft material longitudinal axis and the warp yarns are disposed at an angle relative to the graft material longitudinal axis. The warp yarns and weft yarns are not parallel to or perpendicular to the graft material longitudinal axis. The graft material is formed into the shape of an endoluminal prosthesis, such as by rolling opposing edges towards each other and securing the opposing edges to each other. The endoluminal prosthesis thus includes warp yarns disposed at an angle relative to the prosthesis longitudinal axis.
US09173734B2	Intragastric implant devices An intragastric anchor implant device with an elongate member having proximal and distal ends with atraumatic features disposed thereon is described herein. The atraumatic features inhibit damage to the tissues of the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract and help anchor the device. The elongate member may be substantially rigid to resist bending and engage a tissue of the stomach or gastrointestinal tract to prevent passage therethrough and may include one or more bends to conform to the shape of the tract. The anchor implant device may be coupled with a therapeutic device, such as an intestinal bypass sleeve with a sliding seal, such as an expandable structure, that secures the sleeve to direct a flow of food particles from the stomach therethrough, for use in treating various disorders, including obesity and diabetes. Methods of deploying the anchor implant devices are also disclosed.
US09173732B2	Medical devices for use in the surgical treatment of hyperproliferative diseases affecting the spinal cord Provided herein are new methods for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases affecting the spinal cord, including the use of biodegradable polymers to treat spinal cord tumor recessing, i.e., to patch open zones left by spinal tumor removal. Biocompatible polymeric materials are tailored to fill areas previously occupied by tumors, e.g., materials in the form of tubular articles configured for insertion into the spinal column after surgical removal of a tumor. These protective articles may also include medicinal agents that stimulate spinal column neural regeneration, such as medicines or donor neuronal cells such as human neural stem cells, thus assisting patients to recover motorsensory function after spinal tumor surgery.
US09173729B2	Surgical instrument for treating female urinary stress incontinence A suburethral sling device and method for treating female urinary stress incontinence which is anatomically configured to implant into the lower abdomen of a female in a manner providing support to mid-urethral and bladder neck sphincteric continence sites with the sling defining in part, mesh and tissue remodeling portions. The sling is deployed via a sling transfer instrument having distal and proximal ends with the instrument comprising in part a progressively curved shaft portion positioned between the distal and proximal ends. An insertion handle of the transfer instrument is secured to the curved metal shaft section guiding the shaft tip through the tissues of the abdomen in an anterior/posterior direction as well as a cephalad/caudad direction.
US09173728B2	Multi-cavity container having offset indentures for dispensing fluids Disclosed herein are dual-cavity containers comprising, among other things, a divider wall having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first cavity defined by a first wall coupled to the first surface of the divider wall, the first wall having an indenture shaped to conform to a thumb or finger; and a second cavity defined by a second wall and the second surface of the divider wall; the second wall having an indenture shaped to conform to a thumb or finger; and an opening mechanism.
US09173726B2	Illuminated intra-oral delivery device A medical syringe with a light source mounted on a distal end of the syringe to provide illumination of an injection site, a battery pack receiver configured to receive a battery pack with magnetic attraction a proximal end of the syringe, and a control circuit that is configured to illuminate the light source when the control circuit detects movement of the syringe and disconnects the battery from the light source either after a fixed period of time or after motion of the syringe ceases. Ideally the light source is a disc-shaped array of LED lights. The syringe is constructed of materials that can be sterilized.
US09173723B2	Method of installing a final dental prosthesis A cradle, assembly, system and method for installing a prosthesis at a surgical site. The cradle temporarily engages the prosthesis and holds it in the correct orientation and position adjacent the surgical site. An aperture is defined in the cradle and a portion of the prosthesis is received therein. In one embodiment, the cradle, assembly and system are used to install a final dental prosthesis in a patient's mouth in a single visit to the dentist's office. A securement member pins the surgical template and subsequently the cradle to the jaw. A metal sub-structure on the final dental prosthesis is received in the aperture in the cradle. Cylinders attached to implants anchored in the jaw extend through holes in the sub-structure and are bonded to the prosthesis. The cradle is detached from the jaw and from the prosthesis prior to screws being re-inserted through the cylinders and into the implants.
US09173722B2	Anchor for securing a tooth replacement An anchor for securing a tooth replacement includes an anchoring part secured to an implant or jaw, having a recess, and a pivoting part to which the tooth replacement can be secured and which contains a pin. The pivoting part is pivotable with respect to the anchoring part when the pin is received in the recess. The anchor is configured to permit application of a hardenable substance in the recess of the anchoring part so as to fix the pivoting part in a defined position of pivoting.
US09173720B2	Dental wedge with tooth guard and method of restoring a tooth using the same The present invention relates to dental devices utilized during the restoration of teeth and more particularly a dental wedge, for use in the inter-proximal space between adjacent teeth, the dental wedge comprising: a wedge body; and a guard releasably engaged to the wedge body, wherein the guard is transformable between a first position adjoined the wedge body and a second position disengaged from the wedge body.
US09173718B2	Blood vessel marking system Apparatus for marking a blood vessel for use as a bypass graft in a patient includes a preparation plate for supporting an isolated blood vessel that is in a state for anastomosing to the patient. A stencil plate is configured for overlying the blood vessel and preparation plate, wherein the stencil plate has an opening adapted to expose a portion of the blood vessel to a dye applied through the opening. The stencil plate around the opening is adapted to shield the blood vessel from the dye. A dye applicator is configured to direct a metered amount of the dye through the opening and onto the exposed portion of the blood vessel, preferably as a mist. Preferably, the opening is a lineal slot for creating a guide line extending longitudinally along an outer wall of the blood vessel.
US09173717B2	Real-time surgical reference indicium apparatus and methods for intraocular lens implantation Described herein are apparatus and associated methods for the generation of at least one user adjustable, accurate, real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium including natural patient vertical for use in ocular surgery. The apparatus used to generate real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium including natural patient vertical includes one or more real-time, multidimensional visualization modules, one or more data processors configured to produce real-time, virtual surgical reference indicia, and at least one user control input for adjusting the at least one real-time virtual surgical reference indicium including natural patient vertical. The associated methods generally involve the steps of providing one or more real-time multidimensional visualizations of a target surgical field, identifying at least one visual feature in a pre-operative dataset, aligning the visual features with the multidimensional visualization, and incorporating one or more real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium including natural patient vertical into the real-time visualization.
US09173715B2	Ultrasound CT registration for positioning A bone registration system is disclosed. The bone registration system may have a device including a scanner arranged to scan a target surface area of bone to obtain scan data and a first communication component. The registration system may have also a first marker positionable on a first portion of bone. The first marker may include a second communication component arranged to transmit a location signal for indicating a position of the first marker in a plurality of dimensions relative to the device. The system may have also a registration unit that compares the scan data with surface data of the bone to generate position data identifying overlapping elements of the scan data relative to the surface data, determines location data from the location signal and determines a location of the first marker on a surface of the bone using the position data and the location data.
US09173713B2	Torque-based catheter articulation A robotic surgical system configured for the articulation of a catheter comprises an input device, a control computer, and an instrument driver having at least one motor for displacing the pull-wire of a steerable catheter wherein the control computer is configured to determine the desired motor torque or tension of the pull-wire of a catheter based on user manipulation of the input device. The control computer is configured to output the desired motor torque or tension of the pull-wire to the instrument driver, whereby at least one motor of the instrument driver implements the desired motor torque to cause the desired pull-wire tension to articulate the distal tip of the catheter. The present embodiment further contemplates a robotic surgical method for the articulation of a steerable catheter wherein an input device is manipulated to communicate a desired catheter position to a control computer and motor torque commands are outputted to an instrument driver. The robotic system may further comprise a torque sensor. The robotic system may also incorporate closed loop feedback in which data from the torque measuring device is used to ensure that the torque in the motor or tension in the pull-wire closely matches the motor torque command from the control computer.
US09173712B2	Over-the-wire cardiac implant delivery system for treatment of CHF and other conditions Medical devices, systems, and methods reduce the distance between two locations in tissue in a minimally invasive manner, often for treatment of congestive heart failure. In one embodiment, an anchor of an implant system may, when the implant system is fully deployed, reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the ventricular septum. A tension member may extend from that anchor through the septum and an exterior wall of the left ventricle to a second anchor disposed along an epicardial surface of the heart. Deployment of the anchor within the right ventricle may be performed by inserting a guidewire through the septal wall into the right ventricle. The anchor may be inserted into the right ventricle over the guidewire and through a lumen of a delivery catheter. Delivering the anchor over the guidewire may provide improved control in the delivery and placement of the anchor within the right ventricle.
US09173711B2	Cardiac implant migration inhibiting systems Medical devices, systems, and methods reduce the distance between two locations in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure. In one embodiment an anchor of an implant system may reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the ventricular septum. A tension member may extend from that anchor through the septum and an exterior wall of the left ventricle to a second anchor disposed along an epicardial surface. Deployment of the anchor within the right ventricle may be performed by inserting a guidewire through the septal wall into the right ventricle. The anchor may be inserted into the right ventricle over the guidewire and through a lumen of a catheter. An anchor force may be applied within a desired range to secure the anchors about the septum and epicardial surface. The anchor force may inhibit migration of the anchors relative to the septum and epicardial surface.
US09173708B2	Dermatological treatment device with one or more laser diode bar A dermatological treatment device includes a device body; a laser diode bar configured to generate laser radiation for delivery to a target area of tissue, the laser diode bar having a fill factor of at least 50%; a power source; and control electronics configured to provide power from the power source to the laser diode bar such that the laser diode bar generates a laser beam; wherein the device is configured for delivering the generated laser beam to the target area of tissue to provide a dermatological treatment.
US09173705B2	Subxyphoid epicardial ablation Methods and devices described herein facilitate ablation patterns on the heart within a pericardial sac and without opening or deflating the lungs.
US09173704B2	Device and method for the ablation of fibrin sheath formation on a venous catheter An indwelling venous catheter and method capable of destroying undesirable cellular growth is provided. The catheter includes a shaft having at least one lumen and adapted to be placed inside a vein for long term use. A plurality of electrodes are positioned near a distal section of the shaft and are adapted to receive from a voltage generator a plurality of electrical pulses in an amount sufficient to cause destruction of cells in the undesirable cellular growth that have grown around the shaft. In one aspect of the invention, a probe is configured to be removably insertable into the at least one lumen and the electrodes are positioned near the distal section of the probe.
US09173703B1	Non-linear electrosurgical electrode extender A non-linear electrosurgical electrode extender is disclosed. The extender includes a shaft at a proximal end thereof, a receiver at a distal end thereof, and a curved body portion extending between the shaft and the receiver. The shaft fits in an electrosurgical handpiece that defines a handpiece central axis. The receiver receives the electrosurgical electrode. The curved body portion is disposed outside the handpiece central axis and positions the receiver at a converging angle relative to the handpiece central axis such that when the electrosurgical electrode is disposed in the receiver, a surgically active distal end of the electrode intersects the handpiece central axis. The electrode extender is adapted for use with wire loop gynecologic electrosurgical electrode in gynecologic procedures. The extender maintains the tactility and control of a straight electrode extender while permitting the handpiece to be disposed outside the cervix view axis.
US09173702B2	Hollow body cavity ablation apparatus An ablation apparatus places electrodes at the perimeter of a cavity. In an embodiment, the alternating electric field is used to expose the cavity to enough energy to ablate the cavity. In an embodiment, two modes are used to expose different regions of the cavity to different amounts of power for so that the thermal effect is more uniform. In an embodiment, the electrodes have a relatively large surface area so as to avoid charring the cavity, but are shaped so as to fit within a body orifice. For example, the diameter of the sheathed housing the electrodes during penetration may be only 5.5 mm.
US09173701B2	RF enabled inflatable bone tamp A device for performing a surgical procedure includes an elongated shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft includes an outer surface and an inner surface. An expandable member is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The expandable member is configured to receive inflation material. At least one electrode is disposed with the inflatable member. Methods of use are disclosed.
US09173695B2	Bone fastener assembly instrument A bone fastener assembly instrument that can assemble a two-component bone fastener during surgery is provided. The bone fastener may be of a type that comprises a threaded bolt and nut for securing an implantable device to bone, such as a spinous process. A method for using the bone fastener assembly instrument is also provided.
US09173694B2	Fusion cage with combined biological delivery system The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectably detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area.
US09173692B1	Composite metal and bone orthopedic fixation devices Composite orthopedic devices that facilitate spine stabilization, such as: bone screws, rods, plates, interbodies, and corpectomy cages are disclosed. They are designed to provide both strength and load carrying capabilities, while increasing bio-integration of the devices with the surrounding bone tissue. They are constructed of composite layers of allograft and/or autograft bone and a structural material, such as titanium alloy or carbon/graphite fiber composite. Cannulations within the device are loaded with a mixture of stem cells, particles of allograft and/or autograft bone, and bone growth factors, such as BMP-2. The cannulations are connected to the surface of the device via multiple fenestrations that provide pathways to supply the bone/stem cell mixture to the surface, allowing living bone tissue to grow and insure bio-integration. The devices can also have radiofrequency (RF) stimulation implantation within the structure of the implanted device, capable of responding to external RF stimulation of enhanced bone growth.
US09173690B2	Orthopedic plate assembly for a distal radius having re-contouring features and method for using same An orthopedic plate assembly for supporting a bone can include a y-shaped first plate and a second plate separate from the first plate. The first plate can be attached to the bone and have a center line. The first plate can include an elongate body attachable to a first portion of the bone and extending along the center line and first and second arms transversely extending from an end of the body. The first and second arms can define an aperture in the first plate. The second plate can be attached to the bone. The second plate can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end configured to be disposed on and engaged with the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The second plate can be configured to span the aperture transverse to the center line when engaged with the first and second arms.
US09173688B2	Bone implants The invention is related to medicine and, in particular, to a class of implants intended for osteosynthesis i.e. in the treatment of essentially all kinds of bone fractures. It is the aim of the present invention to eliminate the above contradiction and to design a bone implant and a spacer thereof that would not cause periosteum necrosis and osteoporosis of the bone and also a method of placing a bone implant of the kind. This aim is achieved by using polytetrafluorethylene, in particular, in the form of a porous surface three-dimensional structure as a spacer for a support surface of a bone implant.
US09173687B2	Fulcrum cap for spinal constructs Systems and methods for manipulating a spinal construct are provided herein. In general, the system includes first and second sleeves extending from vertebrae and a fulcrum that can be releasably coupled to the sleeves. In certain aspects, the fulcrum can receive a portion of the sleeves therein and can allow the sleeves to pivot about the fulcrum in response to an applied force. The fulcrum can releasably couple to the sleeves in a variety of ways, and a position of the fulcrum relative to the sleeves can vary depending on whether there is an applied distracting, compressing, and/or derotating force. In some embodiments, user can manipulate the first and second sleeves relative to the fulcrum, using one hand, to distract, compress, and/or derotate the vertebrae.
US09173683B2	Revisable orthopedic anchor and methods of use A revisable orthopedic anchor and method of use for removably securing an anchor in bone, such as compromised or degenerated bone, is described herein. In one embodiment, the anchor makes use of dual probes and vector divergence of the distal tips of the probes to achieve superior bone purchase and pull-out resistance. In such an embodiment, the probes can be inserted one at a time into a hole formed in, for example, the pedicle bone. After the probes are inserted and joined at the proximal end, they have a greater pull-out resistance than a threaded anchor. Removing the anchor involves separating the proximal heads and reversing the implantation process. As a result of the unique bone anchor design disclosed herein, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for less complicated implantation and removal of orthopedic anchors, all while providing enhanced bone purchase when implanted in a patient.
US09173682B2	Method for implanting a rod implant along a spine of a patient A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.
US09173677B2	Apparatus and method for transvaginal surgery An access port for performing surgery transvaginally is provided. The access port includes an elongated flexible member having proximal and distal ends and a central portion therebetween, and a retention mechanism formed on the distal end of the elongated member. The retention mechanism includes a first configuration for inserting the distal end of the elongated member within an opening and a second configuration for selectively securing the elongated member within an opening. Also provided is a method of performing a transvaginal surgery. The method includes providing an access port including a retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the access port within the vagina of a patient, forming an incision in the wall of the vagina into the abdomen of the patient, inserting a distal end of the access port into the vagina and through the incision, and activating the retention mechanism to secure the distal end of the access port within the abdominal cavity of the patient.
US09173676B2	Nerve modulation methods System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curved cannula comprising a curved distal end configured to be extended outward from the distal opening to generate a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.
US09173674B2	Devices for harvesting a skin graft The present invention generally relates to devices for harvesting a skin graft(s). The present invention provides a blister raising device integrated with a member for cutting the blister.
US09173673B2	Disc nucleus removal devices and methods Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration.
US09173669B2	Enhanced efficacy lung volume reduction devices, methods, and systems A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to bend the lung airway. The invention also discloses a method of bending a lung airway of a patient comprising inserting a device into the airway in a delivery configuration and bending the device into a deployed configuration, thereby bending the airway.
US09173668B2	Clot retrieval system The invention relates to systems for removing obstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other interior lumen of an animal. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a catheter and includes a pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end, and a distal body having a proximal hub, a basket, and a distal hub. In some embodiments, the distal body includes a plurality of proximal strips that form a closeable claw that is used to capture the obstruction. In other embodiments, the basket includes an enlarged opening that allows the object to enter the basket. Optionally, the basket includes x-ray markers adjacent to the enlarged openings to allow the operator to locate the openings, as well as twisting strips that connect the basket to the proximal hub. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using such systems.
US09173667B2	Apparatus and methods for transferring ultrasonic energy to a bodily tissue An apparatus includes a monolithically-constructed transmission member that defines a lumen along a longitudinal axis. The transmission member includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is configured to be coupled to an ultrasonic energy source. The second portion is configured to contact a bodily tissue to transfer ultrasonic energy from a first portion into the bodily tissue. The third portion is disposed between the first portion and the second portion and defines a cross-sectional moment of inertia that is less than at least one of a cross-sectional area moment of inertia of the first portion or a cross-sectional moment of inertia of the second portion.
US09173664B2	Intramedullary nail holding device A targeting instrument system is provided and methods for positioning an internal fixation prosthesis, such as an intramedullary rod or nail, including a targeting guide device, an internal fixation prosthesis, and a detachable holding device. The holding device may include an exterior grip portion and a clamp portion defining an interior engaging surface for maintaining a locking alignment between the prosthesis and the targeting guide device during the placement of the internal fixation prosthesis into a subject. The holding device may be formed as a monolithic component including at least two flexible, spaced apart arms defining an elongated receiving channel extending from a proximal end configured to releasably engage the prosthesis and a distal end configured to releasably engage the targeting guide device. Alternatively, the holding device may include two pivotally coupled clamp bodies joined by a shaft rod.
US09173663B2	Adapter for a surgical reamer driver An adapter for a surgical reamer driver having one of a crossbar and a crossbridge reamer driver. The adapter includes a base having an interface for connecting with one of the crossbar and crossbridge reamer drivers. The adapter further includes at least one recess on the opposite end of the base opening in an axial direction. The recess is configured to receive a reamer of a style unlike the given style interface. A pair of hooks or tabs resiliently hold the reamer in place in the recesses.
US09173661B2	Patient specific alignment guide with cutting surface and laser indicator A patient-specific guiding system for guiding an instrument relative to a portion of an anatomical feature of a patient. The patient-specific guiding system includes a patient-specific guide. The guide includes a first portion having a first patient-specific inner surface that conforms to a first surface of the anatomical feature and an outer surface opposite the first patient-specific inner surface. The first portion also includes a guide surface for use in guiding the instrument relative to the anatomical feature. The guide also includes a second portion having a second patient-specific inner surface that conforms to a second surface of the anatomical feature and an outer surface opposite the second patient-specific inner surface. The second portion is removably connected to the first portion.
US09173658B2	Apparatus and method for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system An anvil adapter for facilitating connection of a detachable anvil rod to a circular anastomosis instrument, comprising an anvil adapter member defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends, the first end configured for releasable attachment to a circular anastomosis instrument, the second end having an interior surface portion defining a longitudinal bore for releasably engaging an end of an anvil rod, the interior surface portion of the second end being dimensioned to releasably engage the end of the anvil rod in locking arrangement therewith to connect second end of the anvil adapter to the anvil rod such that the detachable anvil rod is releasably connected in spaced relation to the circular anastomosis instrument.
US09173646B2	Diagnostic catheters, guide catheters, visualization devices and chord manipulation devices, and related kits and methods Described herein are devices, methods and kits for assessing and/or enhancing the accessibility of a subvalvular space of a heart, accessing the subvalvular space of the heart (e.g., to provide access for one or more other devices), and/or positioning one or more devices in the subvalvular space of the heart. The devices described herein may, for example, comprise catheters that may be used to manipulate one or more chordae tendineae, diagnostic catheters having different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., different curvatures), guide catheters having different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., different curvatures), and visualization catheters. In some variations, the devices, methods, and/or kits may be used to visualize a target site, such as a subannular groove of a heart valve. In certain variations, the devices, methods, and/or kits may be used to manipulate chordae tendineae to provide additional space in a ventricle of a heart (e.g., enhancing the accessibility of the ventricle).
US09173644B2	Closure devices, systems, and methods The present disclosure includes vessel closure devices, systems, and methods. A closure system configured to close a body lumen opening may include a handle member. A tube set configured to deliver and/or deploy a closure element may be coupled to the handle member. The closure system may also include an inner lumen with an anchor member at least partially disposed in the inner lumen. A plunger member may be movably coupled to the handle member.
US09173641B2	Biopsy apparatus having integrated thumbwheel mechanism for manual rotation of biopsy cannula A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly and biopsy probe mechanism drivably coupled to the driver assembly. The biopsy probe mechanism includes a biopsy cannula having a cylindrical side wall that defines a lumen and has a side port located near a distal end that extends through the side wall to the lumen. A thumbwheel mechanism includes a thumbwheel mounted to the driver assembly to rotate about a first rotational axis, the first rotational axis being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A first gear is mounted to the thumbwheel for coaxial rotation with the thumbwheel about the first rotational axis. A second gear is mounted to the biopsy cannula for coaxial rotation with the biopsy cannula about the longitudinal axis, the second gear being located to be drivably engaged by the first gear. The housing is grasped and the thumbwheel rotated with a single hand.
US09173638B2	Cardiac mechanical assessment using ultrasound A method for diagnosis includes capturing a sequence of two-dimensional ultrasound images of a moving organ within a body of a patient. At least one contour of the organ is identified in a succession of the images in the sequence and is processed to generate an output indicative of motion of the organ over time.
US09173637B2	Miniature forward-looking ultrasound imaging mechanism enabled by local shape memory alloy actuator The present invention relates to a new forward-looking ultrasound device including a local actuator embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention includes an ultrasound transducer element configured to engage with the local actuator and rotate about an axis of rotation at least when the ultrasound transducer element and the local actuator are engaged. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.
US09173635B2	System and method for characterizing tissue based upon split spectrum analysis of backscattered ultrasound A system and method are disclosed that facilitate characterizing vascular plaque tissue based upon spectral analysis of intravascular ultrasound echo signal segments. In particular, split spectrum analysis of an integrated backscatter parameter introduces a spectral resolution component to parameterization of received intravascular ultrasound echo signal segments. The resulting parameter values for each of multiple bands within a larger frequency band supported by an ultrasound system are applied to plaque tissue characterization criteria to render a plaque tissue characterization corresponding to the corresponding ultrasound echo signal segments.
US09173633B2	Photoacoustic apparatus and method for controlling the same A photoacoustic apparatus capable of recognizing variation in reception characteristic among a plurality of receiving elements that detect an acoustic wave in the photoacoustic apparatus with a simple configuration unique to the photoacoustic apparatus. A detecting unit including a plurality of receiving elements is configured to detect an acoustic wave that is generated when an analyte is irradiated with light. A signal processing unit is configured to acquire information about the inside of the analyte from a detected signal acquired from the detecting unit. An optical absorber is configured to absorb the irradiation light; and a reception characteristic calculation unit is configured to calculate reception characteristic information of the plurality of receiving elements on the basis of detected signals when the plurality of receiving elements receive an acoustic wave that is generated from the optical absorber.
US09173632B2	Ultrasonic diagnosis system and image data display control program An ultrasonic diagnosis system that generates virtual endoscopic image data on a lumen of an organ of an object based on volume data acquired by three-dimensional scanning of the object, includes: a unit that sets a three-dimensional region of interest for the volume data; a unit that sets a center line of the lumen of the organ in the volume data based on the acquired volume data; a unit that detects a reference point at which a reference plane of the three-dimensional region of interest and the center line intersect with each other; a unit that sets a viewpoint and a view direction based on the reference point; a virtual endoscopic image data generating unit that processes the volume data based on the viewpoint and the view direction to generate the virtual endoscopic image data; and a display unit that displays the generated virtual endoscopic image data.
US09173627B2	Computed tomography (CT) data acquisition An imaging system (100) includes a stationary gantry (102), a rotating gantry (104), a radiation source (110), and a detector array (112). The detector array detects radiation for a plurality of integration periods during a rotating gantry revolution, the plurality of integration periods corresponds to different angular position ranges, and the detector array generates a signal indicative of the detected radiation respectively for the plurality of integration periods. The system further includes an integration period controller (118) that generates an integration period timing signal that includes timing for a start of each of the integration periods for a revolution of the rotating gantry based at least on a time duration of a previous revolution of the rotating gantry around the examination region, wherein the integration timing signal is used trigger the plurality of integration periods.
US09173625B2	Single photon emission computed tomography imaging method A SPECT diagnostic method of performing myocardial perfusion imaging on a patient by administering a rest radiotracer to the patient while the patient is at rest; then when the rest radiotracer is fixed in a heart of the patient, scanning the heart to obtain rest heart pumping ability information; scanning the heart of the patient to obtain a rest perfusion image; administering a stressing agent to the patient to place the patient's heart under stress; scanning the heart of the patient to obtain stress heart pumping ability information; then administering a stress radiotracer while the heart of the patient is under stress; then when the stress radiotracer is fixed in the heart, scanning the heart to obtain a stress perfusion image.
US09173622B2	Elevating and rotating ultrasound patient stand An elevating and rotating patient ultrasound stand facilitates accurate ultrasound evaluation. A base provides both elevation changes and rotation. An electric motor lifts and lowers the stand, and rotates on a “lazy susan” style base. One embodiment of a lifting mechanism is a scissors style mechanism and another embodiment is a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder mechanism. The stand resides above the elevating and rotating mechanism and includes arm rests on each side. In one embodiment a seat is attachable to the stand to provide a patient with a rest from standing for a long period of time.
US09173620B2	Imaging system with rigidly mounted fiducial markers An imaging system including a scanner having scanning components for creating an image of an interior portion of an object; an outer cover disposed over the scanning components; an opening formed in the outer cover; and a rigid mount which is rigidly mounted to the scanning components and extends through the opening formed in the outer cover.
US09173615B2	Method and apparatus for personalized physiologic parameters Methods and apparatus combine patient measurement data with demographic or physiological data of the patient to determine an output that can be used to diagnose and treat the patient. A customized output can be determined based the demographics of the patient, physiological data of the patient, and data of a population of patients. In another aspect, patient measurement data is used to predict an impending cardiac event, such as acute decompensated heart failure. At least one personalized value is determined for the patient, and a patient event prediction output is generated based at least in part on the personalized value and the measurement data. For example, bioimpedance data may be used to establish a baseline impedance specific to the patient, and the patient event prediction output generated based in part on the relationship of ongoing impedance measurements to the baseline impedance. Multivariate prediction models may enhance prediction accuracy.
US09173614B2	Use of machine learning for classification of magneto cardiograms The use of machine learning for pattern recognition in magnetocardiography (MCG) that measures magnetic fields emitted by the electrophysiological activity of the heart is disclosed herein. Direct kernel methods are used to separate abnormal MCG heart patterns from normal ones. For unsupervised learning, Direct Kernel based Self-Organizing Maps are introduced. For supervised learning Direct Kernel Partial Least Squares and (Direct) Kernel Ridge Regression are used. These results are then compared with classical Support Vector Machines and Kernel Partial Least Squares. The hyper-parameters for these methods are tuned on a validation subset of the training data before testing. Also investigated is the most effective pre-processing, using local, vertical, horizontal and two-dimensional (global) Mahanalobis scaling, wavelet transforms, and variable selection by filtering.
US09173610B2	EEG seizure analysis Automated seizure detection from within an electroencephalogram (EEG) by instrumental means employs novel algorithms within software, using specific measurements of individual waves in trains, rather than any “bulk” process. The acquired signal is filtered, the wave shapes are individually described within a number of parallel runs using a variety of parameters, then criteria (including regularity criteria) are calculated and applied in order to create raw detection results. Finally the raw results are “integrated” for display. As a result, reported seizures closely follow the incidence and duration of seizures detected by trained clinicians. The invention is useful in intensive-care monitoring of EEGs from neonates and in EEG monitoring in general.
US09173606B2	Polymer membranes for continuous analyte sensors Devices and methods are described for providing continuous measurement of an analyte concentration. In some embodiments, the device has a sensing mechanism and a sensing membrane that includes at least one surface-active group-containing polymer and that is located over the sensing mechanism. The sensing membrane may have a bioprotective layer configured to substantially block the effect and/or influence of non-constant noise-causing species.
US09173604B2	Measurement device, measurement method, measurement result processing device, measurement system, measurement result processing method, control program, and recording medium A measurement device (1) includes a probe (7) which irradiates a specific part or a specific location of a living body with excitation light and which receives fluorescence generated by irradiating the specific part or the specific location with excitation light.
US09173601B2	Measuring device A measuring device includes an insertion detecting switch, a measuring section, a radio communication section, and a microcontroller. The insertion detecting switch is configured to detect a specimen being inserted into the measuring device. The measuring section is configured to measure a blood sugar level of blood deposited on the specimen. The radio communication section is configured to transmit a puncturing allowing signal to a puncturing device. The microcontroller is configured to control the radio communication section to transmit the puncturing allowing signal when the insertion detecting switch detects the specimen being inserted into the measuring device.
US09173597B2	Analyte sensors, systems, testing apparatus and manufacturing methods In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor may include one or more conductors received in a hollow portion of a hollow member. The first conductor may be made, at least in part, of a semiconductor material and an active region may be provided in contact with at least the first conductor. The analyte sensor may, in one aspect, include a lancet and an integrated sensor. Manufacturing methods and apparatus and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
US09173596B1	Movement assessment apparatus and a method for providing biofeedback using the same A movement assessment apparatus configured to provide biofeedback to a user regarding one or more bodily movements executed by the user is disclosed herein. The movement assessment apparatus generally includes a sensing device comprising one or more sensors, a data processing device operatively coupled to the sensing device, and a sensory output device operatively coupled to the data processing device. The data processing device is configured to determine a movement path and/or velocity profile of the body portion of the user using one or more signals from the one or more sensors, to compare the movement path and/or the velocity profile determined for the body portion of the user to a respective baseline movement path and/or velocity profile, and to determine how closely the movement path and/or the velocity profile determined for the body portion of the user conforms to the respective baseline movement path and/or baseline velocity profile.
US09173593B2	Body-worn monitor for measuring respiratory rate The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.
US09173592B2	Methods and systems for acoustic data transmission A method of communicating with an ingestible capsule includes detecting the location of the ingestible capsule, focusing a multi-sensor acoustic array on the ingestible capsule, and communicating an acoustic information exchange with the ingestible capsule via the multi-sensor acoustic array. The ingestible capsule includes a sensor that receives a stimulus inside the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, a bidirectional acoustic information communications module that transmits an acoustic information signal containing information from the sensor, and an acoustically transmissive encapsulation that substantially encloses the sensor and communications module, wherein the acoustically transmissive encapsulation is of ingestible size. The multi-sensor array includes a plurality of acoustic transducers that receive an acoustic signal from a movable device, and a plurality of delays, wherein each delay is coupled to a corresponding acoustic transducer. Each delay may be adjusted according to a phase of a signal received by the corresponding acoustic transducer.
US09173589B2	System and method for inertial magnetic resonance elastography driver for use with interventional medical device A system and method for performing a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) procedure using an MRI system to monitor operation of a medical device performing a medical procedure. The driver system includes a housing, a port located in the housing and connected to a driving power, and an inertial driver moved within the housing by the driving power. A passage is formed in the housing and extends from a first opening in the housing, through the inertial driver, and to a second opening in the housing. The inertial driver receives a medical device extending through the passage and engages the medical device to impart oscillatory motion thereto as the inertial driver is moved by the driving power. The imparted oscillatory motion travels along the medical device as a waveguide to deliver the oscillatory motion to tissue receiving the medical procedure to perform the MRE procedure.
US09173586B2	System and method for assessing coupling between an electrode and tissue A system and method for assessing a degree of coupling between an electrode and tissue in a body is provided. Values for first and second components of a complex impedance (e.g., resistance and reactance or impedance magnitude and phase angle) between the electrode and the tissue are obtained. These values are used together with a standardization value indicative of a deviation from a reference standard by a parameter associated with at least one of the body, the electrode and another component of the system to calculate a coupling index that is indicative of a degree of coupling between the electrode and the tissue. The coupling index may be displayed to a clinician in a variety of ways to indicate the degree of coupling to the clinician. The system and method find particular application in ablation of tissue by permitting a clinician to create lesions in the tissue more effectively and safely.
US09173584B2	Wideband bio-imaging system and related methods An imaging and recordation system is provided. The system includes a high-power, focusing antenna for illuminating biological tissue. The system further includes a power source for powering the antenna. The system further includes a data acquisition module, for recording the dielectric properties of tissues illuminated by the high-power, focusing antenna. The system illuminates the tissues using ultrashort electrical pulses.
US09173578B2	Heart pulse detection There is provided an apparatus for determining a heart pulse of a person, the apparatus comprising at least two detectors configured to detect a blood pulse optically from the blood circulation of the person and to be placed optically on the skin of the person such that the detection of the blood pulse by each of the at least two detectors is expected to take place in a known order, a processor configured to determine that the detection of the blood pulse is correct when the detection of the blood pulse by each of the at least two detectors takes place in the known order, and to determine the heart pulse of the person on the basis of the detected pulses that are determined as correct.
US09173576B2	Biometric monitoring device having a body weight sensor, and methods of operating same A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.
US09173573B2	Imaging an object of interest An apparatus for imaging an object of interest includes an ultrasound device configured to emit ultrasonic waves of at least two different frequencies onto the object of interest, and an electromagnetic radiation detector configured to detect electromagnetic fluorescence radiation emitted by the object of interest in response to an absorption of primary electromagnetic radiation and in response to the ultrasonic waves.
US09173572B2	System, method and computer-accessible medium for tracking vessel motion during three-dimensional coronary artery microscopy Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, method and computer accessible medium can be provided which can facilitate a determination of at least one characteristic of a structure. For example, it is possible to use at least one first arrangement which can be structured to provide at least one first transmitted radiation along a first axis and at least one second transmitted radiation along a second axis. The first and second transmitted radiations can impact the structure and generate respective first and second returned radiation. The first and second axis can be provided at a predetermined angle with respect with one another which is greater than 0. Further, at least one second arrangement can be provided which can be configured to receive data associated with the first and second returned radiations, and determine at least one relative velocity between the structure and the first arrangement along the first and second axes.
US09173570B2	Viewing and processing multispectral images Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.
US09173569B2	Intravascular imaging device and uses thereof The invention is directed to a probe-type imaging device useful to visualize interior surfaces, e.g., the lumen of blood vessels. Specifically, the probe-type device is particularly useful for direct tissue imaging in the presence or absence of molecular imaging agents.
US09173564B2	System and method for sensing intraocular pressure Systems and methods of sensing intraocular pressure are described. An example miniaturized intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring system is provided using a nanophotonics-based implantable IOP sensor with remote optical readout that can be adapted for both patient and research use. A handheld detector optically excites the pressure-sensitive nanophotonic structure of the IOP-sensing implant placed in the anterior chamber and detects the reflected light, whose optical signature changes as a function of IOP. Optical detection eliminates the need for large, complex LC structures and simplifies sensor design. The use of nanophotonic components improves the sensor's resolution and sensitivity, increases optical readout distance, and reduces its size by a factor of 10-30 over previous implants. Its small size and convenient optical readout allows frequent and accurate self-tracking of IOP by patients in home settings.
US09173559B2	Fixation control device and method for controlling the fixation of an eye With some ophthalmological instruments, the patient to be examined or treated needs to gaze in a defined direction. Accordingly, the operator needs the most objective possible information as to whether the patient actually fixates the fixating target or when this may no longer be the case. The invention makes it possible to monitor fixation economically with a short reaction time and with high accuracy. Monitoring of the fixation of an eye is accomplished in an economical manner with a short reaction time and high accuracy through spectroscopic detection of fixation, particularly by identifying a reflection at the fovea or foveola based on different reflectance factors compared to the rest of the retina.
US09173558B2	Method for calculating tear film lipid and aqueous layer thicknesses and corneal surface refractive index from interferometry data Disclosed herein is a method of calculating tear film lipid and aqueous layer thicknesses and/or corneal surface refractive index from interferometry data obtained from simultaneous measurements of the aqueous and lipid layers of the tear film along with a measurement of the corneal surface reflectance.

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