| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09239121B1 |
Valley shaping reinforcement
A valley shaping means for bidirectionally reinforced convoluted hoses comprising high strength fibers and/or cords which is designed for bonding and/or integration into the valley portion of the bidirectionally reinforced convoluted hose. The high-strength fibers and/or cords can be pre-coated prior to integration with the bidirectionally reinforced convoluted hose, or be coated and bonded after placed in position at the bottom of the valley portion of the bidirectionally reinforced convoluted hose. |
| US09239117B1 |
Shrouded face seal and components thereof
One embodiment of the seal housing for a face seal described herein include a base with a seal element support and a shroud both extending from the base in a common direction. The seal element support and the base define a space for receiving a seal element. The shroud includes a tip having a head portion that tapers toward a neck portion that is reduced in size relative to the head portion. The tip is secured to a stem of the shroud through a set of circumferentially distributed countersunk holes. |
| US09239115B2 |
Gland packing and packing set
A gland packing provided in a fluid apparatus such as a pump and compressed in an axial direction so as to prevent penetration leakage of a fluid is provided.The gland packing has a packing base material 11 of a predetermined length including a band-like flat braid 12 braided by moving a plurality of yarns 13 along one track K. The band-like packing base material 11 is shaped into a ring by abutting longitudinal ends 12a and 12b of the packing base material 11 so that a width direction thereof is parallel with a packing axial direction, and is then compressed in the axial direction, whereby the packing base material 11 is overlappedly folded in a packing axial direction, with a longitudinal direction of the packing base material 11 as a direction of folding lines 14. |
| US09239112B2 |
Metal gasket
A metal gasket 10 includes a pair of bead plates 14 and 14 having a cylinder hole 12 corresponding to a cylinder bore, a full bead 22 surrounding the cylinder hole, a first intermediate plate 18 interposed between the pair of bead plates, and a shim plate 16 interposed between the first intermediate plate and one bead plate in an area around the cylinder hole. The shim plate 16 is disposed to overlap with the full bead 22, and the thickness of a contact portion 19 to contact with the shim plate 16 of the first intermediate plate changes in the peripheral direction of the cylinder hole. |
| US09239109B2 |
Device for shifting at least one freewheel on an associated shaft of a gear mechanism
The invention relates to an arrangement for shifting at least one freewheel (1, 2, 3) on an associated shaft of a gear mechanism, comprising at least one shifting device which comprises an actuation device and a non-positive and/or positive shifting device. Said shifting device can be axially displaced by the actuation device that is arranged at least partially in the shaft and the shifting device is arranged coaxially to the shaft. According to the invention, an axial extension can be disposed between the actuation device and the shifting device. |
| US09239108B2 |
Shift-by-wire transmission range selector system and actuator for the same
In general, a shift-by-wire transmission range selector system consistent with the present disclosure may include an actuator one or more electric motors to allow the actuator to operate for shifting the gear position of a transmission. In the event of a power or system failure, a fail safe release motor may be actuated by energy stored in a capacitor. The fail safe release motor drives a slide cam to release a trigger arm. Upon release of the trigger arm, a spring-driven mechanism safely returns the transmission to the PARK position by rotating an output shaft. A redundant control link may be provided, configured to actuate the fail safe release motor in the event of a power or system failure. |
| US09239107B2 |
Neutral locking system and tool for vehicle
A neutral locking system for a vehicle includes a park release shaft and a neutral locking tool. The park release shaft is operatively connected to the transmission such that rotation of the park release shaft places the transmission in a neutral state. The tool is configured to couple to the park release shaft such that rotation of the tool rotates the park release shaft. The tool can also include a sliding locking pin having a first position allowing rotation of the tool within an engine compartment and a second position in which the pin contacts a component in the engine compartment to limit rotation of the tool. |
| US09239102B2 |
Method for producing a spindle for a spindle drive, a roller screw drive comprising such a spindle and use of said roller screw drive
The disclosure relates to a threaded shaft for a roller screw drive, for example for an electromechanical brake booster or an electromechanical power steering system. According to the disclosure, a helical coil with a flat, square-threaded annular cross-section is arranged on a thin-walled pipe, the pipe being formed onto a root region of the helical coil by the application of high pressure from the inside of the pipe. |
| US09239097B2 |
Tensioning device for a traction element and method of installation of such a device
The invention relates to a tensioning device comprising a back plate, on which is installed a tensioning roller provided with at least one bearing. The tensioning roller is installed on the back plate with the possibility of rotation about an eccentric axis (X6) in relation to the axis (X4) of the tensioning roller. The tensioning roller is provided with a protuberance engaged in a peripheral recess of the back plate, this peripheral recess limiting the movement of the protuberance between two abutments. |
| US09239096B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft configured to receive torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set having a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear as rotation elements thereof, a second planetary gear set having a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear as rotation elements thereof, a third planetary gear set having a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear as rotation elements thereof, and a fourth planetary gear set having a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear as rotation elements thereof. |
| US09239095B1 |
Servo-automated transmission
A unique transmission based on a servo-automated gearbox is disclosed wherein each of its gear pairs is self-disengaging and self-engaging requiring only the switching of dedicated hydraulic valves to transition from the disengagement of a gear pair to the engagement of a newly selected pair. During shifting, one servo controls the zeroing of the difference between the speed of the engine and the speed of the gearbox output shaft as required by the gear ratio of the selected gear pair. Concurrently another servo, by controlling the slip of several gear pairs, maintains the current vehicle acceleration or deceleration while also decelerating or accelerating, respectively, the slip-engaged engine toward the required speed. |
| US09239092B2 |
Shock absorber with frequency dependent passive valve
A shock absorber has a pressure tube with a piston assembly slidably disposed within the pressure tube and attached to a piston rod. The piston assembly divides the pressure tube into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The piston assembly includes a frequency dependent valve assembly attached to the piston rod which defines a housing attached to the piston rod and a spool valve assembly. The spool valve assembly includes a spool valve and a bypass valve assembly that controls fluid flow through bypass passage that bypasses the piston assembly. |
| US09239090B2 |
Suspension damper with remotely-operable valve
A vehicle damper comprising a cylinder and a piston; a working fluid within the cylinder; a reservoir in fluid communication with the working fluid to receive working fluid from the cylinder in a compression stroke; and a remotely-operable valve, the valve operable to permit and restrict flow of the working fluid between the cylinder and the reservoir. |
| US09239089B2 |
Grease shut-off gas cylinder
A grease shut-off gas cylinder comprises an outer cylinder having a guide hole; a spindle inserted in the guide hole and having an inner pipe and an outer pipe; a piston rod having a piston wherein the bottom of a rod is fixed on a bottom surface of the outer cylinder and the top of the rod is slide-inserted in the inner pipe; a valve body secured to top of the spindle and controlling the spindle to move up or down about the piston on the basis of the operations of a valve pin which controls the moving direction of gas; a bushing member protruding from an outer side of the bottom of the spindle and coming into slide contact with an inner wall of the outer cylinder; and a bushing cap secured to top of the outer cylinder and having a guide hole configured to guide the spindle. |
| US09239088B2 |
Brake lining having adapter for disc brakes
A brake lining, particularly for a commercial vehicle disc brake, and an associated adapter (5, 6), and a disc brake having said brake lining and the adapter (5, 6) for commercial vehicles have a carrier plate (1) with a friction lining (2) disposed thereon and at least one force application region (3, 4) on the side thereof facing away from the friction lining (2). An adapter (5, 6) is in a contact position with the force application region (3, 4) in the operating position of the brake. The adapter, in turn, is in working contact with a brake plunger or a brake piston. In order to fix the adapter (5, 6) and the carrier plate (1) at least in the radial direction (11) and circumferential direction (12), mounting means (7, 8) are provided on the carrier plate (1), with corresponding mounting means (9, 10) provided on the adapter. The adapter (5, 6) is thereby simply disposed on the force application regions of the carrier plate (1) and releaseably connected thereto. |
| US09239082B2 |
Rotor and rotating electric machine equipped with the rotor
A rotor comprising: a rotating shaft with at least one keyway formed at an outer circumferential surface thereof and ranging along an axial direction; and a rotor core that includes a key that projects out on an inner circumferential side thereof, and is fitted in the keyway; wherein: a recessed portion that widens outward along a radial direction is formed at each of two sides of the key facing opposite each other along a circumferential direction at the rotor core; a planar portion is formed at a bottom area of the recessed portion so as to lessen stress occurring on each of the two sides of the key facing opposite each other along the circumferential direction; the planar portion is a straight contoured portion extending over a predetermined length along a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the key projects out, and a connecting side surface extending to an inner circumference of the rotor core is formed continuously to an end of the straight contoured portion located on a side opposite from a key side where a key is present; a first corner portion, connecting a side surface of the key with a key-side end of the straight contoured portion, is formed as a circular arc contoured portion; a second corner portion, connecting the end of the straight contoured portion, located on the side opposite from the key side, with the connecting side surface, is formed as a circular arc contoured portion; and dimensions and shapes of various portions are determined so as to substantially equalize stress levels in the first corner portion and in the second corner portion. |
| US09239081B2 |
Synthetic resin-made sliding bearing
A sliding bearing 1 includes: a synthetic resin-made upper casing 2 which is fixed to a vehicle body side via a mounting member; a synthetic resin-made lower casing 3 which is superposed on the upper casing 2 and on which a spring bearing surface for a suspension coil spring is formed; a synthetic resin-made sliding bearing piece 5 disposed in an annular space 4 between the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3; and an annular inner seal member 8 and an annular outer seal member 9, both made of a synthetic resin, for respectively sealing an annular gap 6 on an inner peripheral side in a radial direction X and an annular gap 7 on an outer peripheral side in the radial direction X between the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3, the annular gap 6 and the annular gap 7 allowing the annular space 4 to communicate with the outside. |
| US09239080B2 |
Rolling bearing having a bearing ring with a hardened surface zone
A rolling bearing (6), in particular for the mounting of the shaft of a turbocharger, which rolling bearing includes a bearing ring (1) and a number of rolling bodies (9). The bearing ring (1) is formed from a steel which comprises, as alloy constituents, 0.05 to 0.65 wt % carbon, 0.5 to 5.0 wt % chromium, up to 1.0 wt % molybdenum, up to 1.0 wt % vanadium, and up to 1.0 wt % aluminum. The surface of the bearing ring (1) has a hardened surface layer (2) which comprises nitrites and which comprises a diffusion layer (3) and a connecting layer (4) situated above said diffusion layer. The surface layer (2) has a thickness of up to 1 mm. The invention also relates to a method for producing a corresponding bearing ring (6). |
| US09239075B2 |
Forged crankshaft
To provide a forged crankshaft having an excellent wear resistance. The forged crankshaft according to the present embodiment includes a non-heat treated steel material. The non-heat treated steel material has a chemical composition which contains, by mass %, C: 0.45 to 0.70%, Si: 0.75 to 1.30%, Mn: 1.00 to 2.00%, S: 0.03 to 0.30%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.30%, Al: 0.005 to 0.050%, and N: 0.005 to 0.020%, the balance being Fe and impurities, and satisfies the following Formula (1): 1.1C+Mn+0.2Cr>2.0 (1) where a symbol of each element in Formula (1) is substituted by the content (mass %) of the each element. A matrix of the non-heat treated steel material is a ferrite-pearlite microstructure in which an area ratio of pro-eutectoid ferrite is less than 10% or a pearlite microstructure. |
| US09239072B1 |
Secure fastener assembly
A secure fastener assembly is described. The secure fastener assembly includes a flanged nut and a sleeve. The flanged nut includes a body portion and a flange portion. The sleeve includes an upper opening and a lower opening joined by a wall. The wall includes a shoulder in an inner surface of the wall near the upper opening. The shoulder receives the flange portion. A ball valve using the securing fastener assembly is also described. |
| US09239063B2 |
Jet pump
A fluid mover includes a hollow body with a straight-through passage of substantially constant cross-section with an inlet end an outlet end for the entry and discharge respectively of a working fluid. A nozzle substantially circumscribes and opens into the passage intermediate the inlet and outlet ends. An inlet communicates with the nozzle for the introduction of a transport fluid, and a mixing chamber is formed within the passage downstream of the nozzle. The nozzle internal geometry and the bore profile upstream of the nozzle exit optimize the energy transfer between the transport fluid and working fluid. Working fluids are atomized to form a dispersed vapor/droplet flow with locally supersonic conditions within a pseudo-vena contracta, resulting in the creation of a supersonic condensation shock wave within the downstream mixing chamber by the condensation of the transport fluid. Methods of moving and processing fluids using the fluid mover are also disclosed. |
| US09239059B2 |
Systems and methods for supplying reduced pressure and measuring flow using a disc pump system
Disc pump systems and methods relate to a disc pump system that includes a first disc pump having a first actuator and a second disc pump having a second actuator. The systems and methods utilize sensors to measure the displacements of the actuators and a processor to determine the pressure differential across each actuator as a function of the measured displacements of the actuators. The disc pumps are fluidly coupled by a known restriction and the processor determines the flow rate of the disc pump system based on the determined pressure differentials across each actuator and the characteristics of the known restriction. |
| US09239058B2 |
Rotor and motor
A rotor includes a first rotor core, a second rotor core, a field magnet, and an auxiliary magnet. The first rotor core includes a first core base and a plurality of first hook-shaped poles. The second rotor core includes a second core base and a plurality of second hook-shaped poles. The first and second hook-shaped poles are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction of the rotor. The field magnet is arranged between the first and second core bases in an axial direction. The field magnet cause the first hook-shaped poles to function as first poles and the second hook-shaped poles to function as second poles. The auxiliary magnet includes at least two interpolar magnet portions, which are integrally formed. Each interpolar magnet portion is arranged in a void between the first hook-shaped pole and the second hook-shaped pole and magnetized in the circumferential direction. |
| US09239056B2 |
Pump impeller and submersible pump having such pump impeller
A non-clogging type pump impeller includes: a fluid passage provided in an approximately cylindrical body and connecting a suction port to a discharge port. The fluid passage has a vortex shape as viewed from an axial direction. A first recess, which is sunk downwardly in the axial direction, is formed on a first end surface of the approximately cylindrical body so as to surround a boss. A second recess, which is sunk upwardly in the axial direction, is formed on a second end surface of the approximately cylindrical body so as to surround the suction port. At least one communication hole provides fluid communication between the first recess and the second recess. Sewage in the second recess is introduced into the first recess through the at least one communication hole to thereby effectively remove an air pocket trapped on the first end surface of the impeller and in the first recess. |
| US09239051B1 |
Waterborne fluoropolymer composition
This invention relates to a waterborne fluoropolymer composition useful for the fabrication of Li-Ion-Battery (LIB) electrodes. The fluoropolymer composition contains an organic carbonate compound, which is more environmentally friendly than other fugitive adhesion promoters currently used in waterborne fluoropolymer binders. An especially useful organic carbonate compound is ethylene carbonate (EC) and vinylene carbonate (VC), which are solids at room temperature, and other carbonates which are liquid at room temperature such as propylene carbonate, methyl carbonate and ethyl carbonate. The composition of the invention is low cost, environmentally friendly, safer, and has enhanced performance compared to current compositions. |
| US09239045B2 |
Off-axis variable displacement oil pump
An oil pump assembly for use with an internal combustion engine having an engine block, a crankshaft that is rotatable with respect to the engine block on a crankshaft axis, and a sump that is connected to the engine block for receiving and storing oil therein. The oil pump assembly includes a housing and a drive assembly that is arranged on the housing. The drive assembly is connected to the crankshaft for rotation in unison therewith. An oil pump is connected to the housing for pumping oil between an inlet and an outlet of the oil pump in response to rotation of a drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to the drive assembly for rotation in unison therewith. |
| US09239043B1 |
Conversion of kinetic into electric energy utilizing the universal principles of gravity and magnetism
The present invention is directed to a method of generating electricity from the unharnessed existing kinetic movement of various self-propelled sources: vehicles, wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, objects and/or wheeled objects with the aid of natural phenomena (i.e., gravity, buoyancy, magnetism, etc.) in combination with supporting undersurfaces, over surfaces and side surfaces upon which or about which they translate. In a first embodiment, floating platforms over which moving objects pass are implanted into a road surface. In a second embodiment, rollers rather than platforms are utilized. In a third embodiment, the moving vehicles, pedestrians and/or objects are provided with magnetic material generating electricity by passing over, under or by magnetized kinetic capturing panels containing coiled metallic wire (“kinetic panels”). |
| US09239040B2 |
Root end assembly configuration for a wind turbine rotor blade and associated forming methods
An assembly configuration between a wind turbine rotor blade and a rotor hub includes a rotor hub having one or more pitch bearings, with each pitch bearing having an outer diameter race and an inner diameter race. Rotor blades are affixed to the respective pitch bearing rings, with the rotor blades having a root end with an outer diameter. An adaptor is configured between the root end and the pitch bearing, with the adaptor affixed to the inner diameter race and the root end affixed to the adaptor. The adaptor defines a mounting surface for the root end radially inward of the pitch bearing such that the root end outer diameter is less than the diameter of the inner diameter race. |
| US09239038B2 |
Power generation apparatus
A marine power generation apparatus is provided for generating power from an ocean current. The apparatus includes a turbine operable to generate power when within an ocean current. The turbine includes a pair of turbine blade assemblies each having a hub, a set of turbine spokes, stays or blades extending radially from the hub; and a circumferential ring extending around and connected to an outer periphery of the set of turbine spokes, stays or blades. The pair of turbine blade assemblies is mounted for same-direction rotation when placed in an ocean current and each being coupled with a common turbine shaft or a turbine shaft assembly. In addition, the turbine shaft is coupled along a shared axis with a rotor or an electrical generator. Means is also provided for anchoring the power generation means relative to a floor of the ocean and in alignment with the ocean current. |
| US09239036B2 |
Ultrasonic liquid treatment and delivery system and process
In a system and process for ultrasonically treating a liquid and delivering the liquid as a spray of liquid droplets, liquid is directed to flow along a flow path over a first ultrasonic waveguide, with the first ultrasonic waveguide having at least one agitating member extending outward therefrom and into the flow path. The first ultrasonic waveguide and agitating member(s) are excited to agitate the liquid as the liquid flows along the flow path. The liquid is further directed to flow along the flow path over a second waveguide, with the second waveguide having a terminal end adjacent an exit of the flow path. The second ultrasonic waveguide is ultrasonically excited at least at its terminal end to ultrasonically energize the liquid just prior to the liquid exiting the flow path such that the liquid exits the flow path as a spray of liquid droplets. |
| US09239034B2 |
Ejector system for a vehicle
A selectively operable vacuum source designed to reduce leakage is disclosed. In one example, the vacuum source is at least partially within an engine air intake system. The approach may reduce a number of sensors required to diagnose whether or not leaks are present within the vacuum source. |
| US09239033B2 |
Fuel vapor treatment system
An ECU controls a selector valve so as to connect a first pump passage and a second pump passage, and determines whether a fuel vapor leak from a fuel tank is in an allowable range based on a pressure in the fuel tank which is detected by a pressure sensor while a pump is driven to decrease a pressure in the fuel tank. The ECU opens a purge valve, whereby the fuel vapor adsorbed by a canister is introduce into an engine through an intake passage. The ECU controls the selector valve to connect a first pump passage and the second pump passage so as to circulate an atmospheric air in the pump while the purge valve is opened to introduce the fuel vapor into the internal combustion engine, whereby a foreign matter in the pump can be removed. |
| US09239032B2 |
Fuel system and method for operating a fuel system
A fuel system, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a fuel tank and a ventilation device for ventilating the fuel tank, wherein the ventilation device has at least one separation device which has a temporary accumulator for liquid fuel. The separation device has a fill level determination device for determining the fill level of in the temporary accumulator. The invention further relates to a method for operating a fuel system. |
| US09239030B2 |
Nacelle electrical locking system for leading edge of openable panel
A nacelle structure for a gas turbine engine includes an outer nacelle surrounding a fan section and defining an outer boundary of a bypass flow passage and an inner nacelle surrounding a core engine section and defining an inner boundary of the bypass flow passage. A panel of the inner nacelle is moveable between an open position providing access to the core engine section and a closed position. A lock is supported within the inner nacelle proximate the panel. The lock includes an electric actuator for moving a locking pin between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock prevents opening and limits deflection of the panel when in the locked position. |
| US09239029B2 |
Nozzle arrangement for a gas turbine engine
A nozzle arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes an engine nozzle and an ejector nozzle arranged axially downstream thereof. A gap S is formed between the outlet of the engine nozzle and the inlet of the ejector nozzle, and a flange which reduces the gap S is arranged at the outlet of the engine nozzle. |
| US09239026B2 |
Fuel supply control device and control method for engine
In an engine that includes a liquid fuel injector and a gaseous fuel injector connected to an intake pipe via a fuel passage and that switches fuel supplied into intake air between liquid fuel and gaseous fuel, an electronic control unit increases fuel in an amount required to fill the fuel passage with gaseous fuel at the time of initial fuel injection from the gaseous fuel injector after switching from liquid fuel to gaseous fuel. |
| US09239023B2 |
Straddle type vehicle
The opening control mechanism includes a frame, a support shaft, a first pulley, a second pulley, a first elastic member and a second elastic member. A position taken by the second pulley when no force acts on the grip is referred to as a second reference position. The second pulley can be rotated in a second direction of rotation, starting from the second reference position. A processing unit performs a specified operation when the second pulley has been rotated in the second direction of rotation, starting from the second reference position, by a predetermined amount. |
| US09239022B2 |
Control device of internal combustion engine
Disclosed is an internal-combustion engine controller capable of improving emission characteristics at a start of an internal-combustion engine. When injection during an exhaust stroke is controlled in a port-injection engine, the engine controller ECU performs the first fuel injection during t1 to t2 according to a memory-based crank angle as illustrated in FIG. 12(b) at a fuel injection timing before determination of an actual stroke. Thus, the injected fuel has been introduced into a cylinder during the actual stroke. If fuel is not injected during t1N to t3N within the next exhaust stroke as denoted by the solid line, this causes misfire in the cylinder, so that the engine rotation at the start cannot be smooth. Thus, the ECU clears a finished fuel injection flag (F_INJ) at an incorrect crank angle storage determination timing (tJUD) as denoted by the dashed-dotted line, thereby capable of controlling the fuel injection. |
| US09239021B2 |
Internal combustion engine with supercharger
An internal combustion engine with a supercharger comprises an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; an intake passage that supplies gas to the internal combustion engine; a turbocharger-type supercharger including a turbine portion having a plurality of exhaust gas introduction passages; and an exhaust passage including a plurality of connecting passages that connect the plurality of cylinders and the plurality of exhaust gas introduction passages, wherein exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine flows through the exhaust passage. The internal combustion engine comprises a bridge passage that connects two or more of the plurality of connecting passages to each other; a branch passage connected to the bridge passage; and a first opening and closing device provided into the bridge passage to open and close the bridge passage. |
| US09239019B2 |
Particulate matter retaining system
Methods and systems are provided for passive regeneration of a particulate matter filter coupled to a gasoline engine. During vehicle deceleration conditions, an engine is operated leaner than stoichiometry over two subsequent lean phases, including an initial longer and leaner phase followed by a shorter and less lean phase. By passively regenerating the filter using intermittent lean engine operation, engine performance can be improved. |
| US09239016B2 |
Catalyst heating with exhaust back-pressure
Embodiments for controlling an exhaust back-pressure valve are provided. In one example, a method for operating an engine comprises closing an exhaust back-pressure valve in response to a component temperature, adjusting intake and/or exhaust valve operation in response to closing the exhaust back-pressure valve to reduce cylinder internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and while the exhaust back-pressure valve is closing, indicating degradation of an exhaust back-pressure system if a designated engine operating parameter remains constant. In this way, degradation of the exhaust back-pressure system may be diagnosed while maintaining combustion stability. |
| US09239014B2 |
Automotive control device and period measurement method for the same
The invention relates to an automotive control device and a period measurement method for measuring a period of a pulse signal input from outside. The automotive control device processes the pulse signal input from outside using an analog filter in parallel with a digital filter. When a difference between a measured value of a period of an output signal of analog filter and a measured value of a period of an output signal of digital filter is less than a threshold value, the automotive control device selects the measured value of the period of the output signal of analog filter as the period of the pulse signal. Meanwhile, when the difference between the measured values is greater than the threshold value, the automotive control device selects the measured value of the period of the output signal of digital filter as the period of the pulse signal. |
| US09239012B2 |
Flexible support structure for a geared architecture gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a fan shaft and a support which supports the fan shaft. The support defines at least one of a support transverse and a support lateral stiffness. A gear system drives the fan shaft. A flexible support at least partially supports the gear system, and defines at least one of a flexible support transverse and a flexible support lateral stiffness with respect to at least one of the support transverse and the support lateral stiffness. An input to the gear system defines at least one of an input transverse and an input lateral stiffness with respect to at least one of the support transverse and the support lateral stiffness. A method of designing a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. |
| US09239010B2 |
Fuel flowmeter having an improved regulator device
A fuel flowmeter for being fed by a pump including an inlet and an outlet, including: a metering valve including an inlet and an outlet, and arranged downstream from the outlet of the pump; a return circuit connecting the inlet of the metering valve to the inlet of the pump; and a pressure regulator device including: a movable valve member to close and open the return circuit, a pressure difference detection surface fastened to the valve member and axially separating a first chamber in communication with the inlet of the metering valve from a second chamber in communication with the outlet from the metering valve, a piston axially separating the second chamber from a third chamber connected to the outlet of the metering valve, and a channel putting the second chamber in communication with the third chamber. |
| US09239009B2 |
Gas turbine system with cooling fluid generator
A gas turbine system (1A) includes a gas turbine unit (2) and a cooling fluid generator (5). The gas turbine unit (2) includes a first compressor (21) and a first expansion turbine (23) coupled to each other by a first shaft (22), a combustor (26), and a fuel tank (30). A fuel held in the fuel tank (30) circulates through a fuel circulation passage (31). A working fluid that has a pressure increased by the first compressor (1) is extracted from the gas turbine unit (2). The cooling fluid generator (5) includes a cooler (55) for cooling, with the fuel flowing through the fuel circulation passage (31), the working fluid that has been extracted from the gas turbine unit (2), and a second expansion turbine (53) for expanding the working fluid that has flowed out of the cooler (55). |
| US09239008B2 |
Turbine leak detection system
Various embodiments include a leak detection system for a turbine compartment. In some embodiments, the leak detection system includes: a tracer fluid system fluidly connected with the turbine compartment, the tracer fluid system configured to provide an optically detectable fluid to a fluid supply of the turbine compartment; an optical detection system operably connected to the turbine compartment, the optical detection system configured to detect the presence of the optically detectable fluid in at least one location of the turbine compartment; and a control system operably connected to the tracer fluid system and the optical detection system, the control system configured to obtain data about the presence of the optically detectable fluid in the at least one location, and provide an indicator indicating a potential leak location based upon the data about the presence of the optically detectable fluid in the at least one location. |
| US09239002B2 |
Orbiting planetary gearing system and internal combustion engine employing the same
The innovation concerns an orbiting planetary gearing system and an internal-combustion engine employing the same. In aspects, the engine can comprise an engine housing having a first wall delimiting a first combustion chamber, a first primary member having a first piston and a second primary member having a second piston. The pistons can also delimit the first combustion chamber. The first wall defines at least a section of a toroid, and the pistons are guided along a curved path defined by the section of the toroid. The primary members can be coupled to an intermediate member. In various embodiments, the intermediate member can couple motion of the primary members to a crankshaft via an orbiting planetary gearing system. |
| US09238994B2 |
Cooling device for a hybrid vehicle
A device for cooling the heat engine, electrical components, and an electrical energy storage device including: a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit for cooling each of the heat engine, the electrical components, and the electrical energy storage device, respectively; a heat exchange device separated into three members, including a high temperature member connected to the first circuit, a low temperature member connected to the second circuit, and a very low temperature member connected to the third circuit; an upstream valve connected between the first and the third circuit located upstream of the high temperature member of the heat exchanger in the first circuit; and, a downstream valve connected between the first circuit and the third circuit located downstream of the high temperature member of the heat exchanger in the first circuit, where the downstream valve is a thermostatic valve which is actuated as a function of the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the first circuit and where the upstream valve is actuated as a function of flow of the heat transfer fluid in the first circuit. |
| US09238990B2 |
Muffler for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine
A muffler for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine comprises: a casing having an inner space, an inlet pipe for sound to enter the muffler, an outlet pipe for sound to exit the muffler, and a separation wall arranged to extend from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe and being embodied in a manner such as to define first and second acoustical ducts extending through the casing to allow sound propagating along the first acoustical duct to enter the inner space of the casing and to thereafter exit the inner space of the casing again, and to allow sound propagating along the second acoustical duct to acoustically bypass the inner space of the casing. |
| US09238987B2 |
Method and device for testing the function capacity of an NO oxidation catalyst
The invention concerns a method and a device for testing the function capacity of an NO oxidation catalyst (5) which is used to reduce nitrous oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine (1) operated with air surplus. In the exhaust gas flow which is supplied to the NO oxidation catalyst (5), a change is made in the concentration of a reducing agent and the resulting change in NOx concentration in the exhaust gas flow within the NO oxidation catalyst (5) and/or downstream after the NO oxidation catalyst (5) is determined and used to test its function capacity. |
| US09238984B2 |
Exhaust emission prediction system and method
An exhaust emissions prediction system includes a catalytic device configured to receive a flow of exhaust and a downstream NOx sensor located downstream of the catalytic device. The downstream NOx sensor is sensitive to NOx and ammonia, and is configured to generate a measured value. The system also includes a controller connected to the downstream NOx sensor. The controller is configured to determine a predicted value for the downstream NOx sensor, determine a mass flow rate of the flow of exhaust into the catalytic device, adjust the mass flow rate based on the predicted value and the measured value, and determine at least one emissions characteristic downstream of the catalytic device using the adjusted mass flow rate. |
| US09238982B2 |
Exhaust gas aftertreatment device and method for a gasoline engine
Embodiments for an exhaust gas aftertreatment device are provided. In one example, an exhaust gas aftertreatment device for a gasoline engine comprises a filter body with porous filter walls through which exhaust gas flows to remove soot, the porous filter walls containing a first catalyst material and having a coating of a second catalyst material on partial areas of the filter walls. In this way, a particulate filter and catalyst may be provided in a common aftertreatment device. |
| US09238978B2 |
Method and device for waste-water purification
Disclosed are systems and methods useful in waste processing. Disclosed is the use of a regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) unit for production of industrially useable steam. Disclosed are systems including a stripping unit associated with a regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) unit so that the stripping unit provides fuel for the RTO unit and the RTO unit provides a stripping gas for the stripping unit. Disclosed are systems including an RTO unit providing steam to operate a vapor condensation (VC) unit. |
| US09238977B2 |
Turbine shroud mounting and sealing arrangement
A turbine shroud apparatus for a gas turbine engine having a centerline axis includes: a shroud segment having: an arcuate body extending axially between forward and aft ends and laterally between opposed end faces, wherein each of the end faces includes seal slots formed therein; and an arcuate stationary seal member mounted to the body; a turbine vane disposed axially aft of the shroud segment; and a casing surrounding the shroud segment and the turbine vane; wherein the turbine vane is mounted to the case so as to bear against the stationary seal member, compressing it and forcing the shroud segment radially outward against the casing. |
| US09238974B2 |
Turbine engine shaft
A shaft for a turbine engine, the shaft having a cavity subdivided axially into first and second chambers. The shaft also includes a distributor member having an axial duct, a first radial orifice, and a second radial orifice. The axial duct has an open first end and a second end closed in the axial direction. The first radial orifice connects the second end of the axial duct to the first chamber in order to feed a first bearing with lubricating fluid, and the second radial orifice connects the second end of the axial duct to the second chamber to feed a second bearing with lubricating fluid. The first radial orifice and the second radial orifice of the distributor member are at substantially equal axial distances from the lubricating fluid inlet. |
| US09238973B2 |
Gas turbine engine and foil bearing system
A gas turbine engine including a compressor, a turbine and a static structure is disclosed herein. The gas turbine engine further includes a foil bearing system operative to transmit rotor loads from at least one of the compressor and the turbine to the static structure. The foil bearing system includes a foil bearing and a self-aligning foil bearing mount to align the foil bearing with an axis of rotation of the compressor and the turbine. A snubber operative to transmit rotor loads to the static structure in parallel with the foil bearing is also disclosed. |
| US09238968B2 |
Vane
A vane is provided for directing hot gases in a gas turbine engine. The vane includes a hollow aerofoil portion, which in use spans the working gas annulus of the engine. The vane further includes an impingement tube which forms a covering over the interior surface of the aerofoil portion and which has jet-forming apertures formed therein for the production of impingement cooling jets. The impingement tube includes two tube portions which are separately insertable into position into the aerofoil portion to form the covering. The impingement tube further includes an expansion member which, when the tube portions are in position in the aerofoil portion, is locatable in the aerofoil portion to urge each tube portion outwardly and thereby holds the tube portions in position against the aerofoil portion. |
| US09238963B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting phases in multiphase borehole fluids
A method detects at least one phase of multiphase borehole fluids within a borehole. The method has a step of providing coiled tubing connected to a top end of a bottom hole assembly having a sensor configured to detect a property associated with the multiphase borehole fluids. Further, the method has a step of positioning the sensor adjacent to a first phase of the multiphase borehole fluids by rotating the bottom hole assembly or a portion of the bottom hole assembly. Moreover, the method has the steps of detecting a first measurement with the sensor as the sensor rotates and determining a fractional amount of at least one phase of the multiphase borehole fluids. |
| US09238960B2 |
System and method for formation detection and evaluation
A method for using markers with a drilling plan uses a first log file of a first well in order to identify and store one or more markers that have a name, a true vertical depth (TVD) and a waveform. Second well log data generated while a second well is being drilled is monitored in real time. The second well log data is compared to the one or more markers to located a match to at least one marker in a predetermined TVD range. An estimated TVD value and an uncertainty range value are assigned to each of the at least one planned marker. When a matching marker is located for one of the one or more markers in the predetermined TVD range a report is generated. |
| US09238959B2 |
Methods for improved active ranging and target well magnetization
A method for magnetizing a portion of a pre-deployed casing string includes deploying an electromagnetic array in a cased wellbore and energizing the array. The array includes a plurality of axially spaced electromagnets and is configured to generate a magnetic field pattern having at least first and second pairs of magnetically opposing poles. Passive ranging measurements of the induced magnetic field may be advantageously utilized, for example, to survey and guide continued drilling of a twin well. The electromagnetic array may also be used in active ranging applications. An array of permanent magnets providing a similar magnetic field pattern may also be used in active ranging applications. |
| US09238958B2 |
Drill bit with rate of penetration sensor
An apparatus for estimating a rate-of-penetration of a drill bit is provided, which in one embodiment includes a first sensor positioned on a drill bit configured to provide a first measurement of a parameter at a selected location in a formation at a first time, and a second sensor positioned spaced a selected distance from the first sensor to provide a second measurement of the parameter at the selected location at a second time when the drill bit travels downhole. The apparatus may also include a processor configured to estimate the rate-of-penetration using the selected distance and the first and second times. |
| US09238957B2 |
Downhole injection assembly having an annular orifice
A downhole injection apparatus having a sleeve disposed in a tubular housing. The sleeve and housing define an annular orifice through which steam flows prior to injection into the wellbore. Water condensate collects at the orifice or restriction proximate the orifice and is mixed with or entrained into the flow of steam. The sleeve preferably has a plurality of generally radial ports such that steam flows from interior the sleeve to the annulus. Preferably the injection ports and sleeve ports are angled to reduce or eliminate radical changes in direction of the steam flow. |
| US09238956B2 |
Perforating gun apparatus for generating perforations having variable penetration profiles
A perforating gun apparatus includes a carrier gun body having a plurality of jet target regions. A first set of the jet target regions has a first resistance to jet penetration and a second set of the jet target regions has a second resistance to jet penetration. A charge holder is positioned within the carrier gun body. A plurality of shaped charges is supported by the charge holder. A first set of the shaped charges is oriented to have discharge ends aligned with the first set of the jet target regions and a second set of the shaped charges is oriented to have discharge ends aligned with the second set of the jet target regions such that firing the first set of the shaped charges creates perforations having a first penetration profile and firing the second set of the shaped charges creates perforations having a second penetration profile. |
| US09238954B2 |
Pressure activated down hole systems and methods
Systems and methods for activating a down hole tool in a wellbore. A piston is moveable from a first position to a second position for activating the down hole tool. The piston includes a first side exposed to an activation chamber, and a second side operatively coupled to the down hole tool. A rupture member has a first side exposed to the activation chamber and a second side exposed to the interior of a base pipe. The rupture member is configured to rupture when a pressure differential between the activation chamber and the interior reaches a predetermined threshold value, at which point the rupture member allows fluid communication between the interior and the activation chamber to pressurize the activation chamber and move the piston, thereby activating the down hole tool. |
| US09238953B2 |
Completion method for stimulation of multiple intervals
A technique provides for stimulating or otherwise treating multiple intervals/zones of a well by controlling flow of treatment fluid via a plurality of flow control devices. The flow control devices are provided with internal profiles and flow through passages. Hydraulic darts are designed for selective engagement with the internal profiles of specific flow control devices, and each hydraulic dart may be moved downhole for engagement with and activation of a specific flow control device. |
| US09238949B2 |
Wellbore casing section with moveable portion for providing a casing exit
Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a casing exit. One method includes introducing into a wellbore a casing section having an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve rotatably received within the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve defining an outer window and the inner sleeve defining an inner window rotationally alignable with the outer window, wherein the inner sleeve defines a first alignment portion engageable to rotate the inner sleeve, advancing the casing section to a wellbore location with the inner window rotationally misaligned with the outer window, extending a deflector tool within the casing section such that a second alignment portion provided on the deflector tool engages the first alignment portion, and rotating the deflector tool such that the inner sleeve rotates with respect to the outer sleeve and moves the casing section into an open configuration where the inner window is rotationally aligned with the outer window. |
| US09238945B2 |
Base beam and self-propelled derrick rig assembly
Improvements to base beams and self-propelled derrick rigs are described. The base beam can have two or more stabilizer arms which can be deployed. The base beam is also designed to support the derrick rig. An optional counterweight assembly can be connected to the front of the rig. The self-propelled derrick rig can be easily and quickly mounted to the base beam, and when mounted, the assembly will be able to withstand high hook loads and wind loading without the danger of the rig coming off of its wheels or falling over. |
| US09238943B2 |
Method and apparatus for drilling multiple subsea wells from an offshore platform at a single site
A floating, offshore drilling and/or production platform is equipped with a rail-mounted transport system that can be positioned at a plurality of selected positions over the well bay of the vessel. The transport system can move a drilling riser with a drilling riser tensioner system and a blowout preventer from one drilling location to another without removing them from the well bay of the vessel. Using the transport system, the drilling riser is lifted just clear of a first well head and positioned over an adjacent, second well head using guidelines. The transport system may then move the upper end of the drilling riser (together with its attached tensioner and BOP) to a second drilling location. A dummy wellhead may be provided on the seafloor in order to secure the lower end of the drilling riser without removing it from the sea while production risers are being installed. |
| US09238933B1 |
Framing elements
A framing element is provided. The framing element includes an F-shaped body defined via a spine, a first flange extending from the spine, and a second flange extending from the spine. The body is unitary. The first flange having a flange end portion distal to the spine. The flange end portion including a first track. The spine having a spine end portion distal to the first flange. The spine end portion including a second track. The second flange is between the first flange and the second track. |
| US09238931B1 |
Stay-open universal automobile door jam
The invention is a simple, low-cost, mechanical device to be inserted in the hinge area of an open door of a parked vehicle to keep the door open while people or equipment are added to or removed from the automobile. A particular use of the invention is a safety mechanism to hold the passenger-side door open while a disabled passenger is assisted in exiting the vehicle without the care-giving individual having to hold the door open or having the door slam shut on the disabled person. After this use, the device may be removed and stored in the glove compartment for easy access. |
| US09238927B2 |
Gear-driven clutching and resetting device of door lock
A gear-driven clutching and resetting device of a door lock comprising a clutch 1, a rotary ring 2, a reset block 3, a reset spring 4, a reset block 5, and a locating pin 6. The clutch 1 is assembled inside the rotary ring 2, both of them rotate around the same center shaft. The reset spring 4 is fitted inside the reset block 5 which is in turn fitted inside the reset block 3, all three rotating around the same center shaft. A projection 61 of the locating pin 6 is fitted inside the groove 51 of the reset block 5, and has a limiting role on the reset block 5 when rotating. The gear 31 of the reset block 3 engages with the gear 11 of the clutch 1, thus realizing the transmission function between the reset block 3 and the clutch 1. |
| US09238922B2 |
Ground anchor for flexible delineator
A ground anchor for a delineator includes a unitary plastic body having a receptacle shaped and configured for connection to a delineator post and a ground engaging portion extending from the receptacle along a longitudinal axis. The ground engaging portion includes a plurality of tapered blades. Delineator assemblies using the ground anchor, and methods of installing the ground anchor, are also provided. |
| US09238919B2 |
Seismic isolation mechanism
A seismic isolation mechanism includes a seismic isolation apparatus which is installed at one end in a vertical direction on a superstructure and installed at another end 4 in the vertical direction on a floor serving as a foundation or a substructure to isolate the vibration of the superstructure with respect to the floor; a first attenuation damper which is connected to the superstructure and connected at another end a portion of the seismic isolation apparatus to attenuate the vibration of the superstructure with respect to the floor; and a second attenuation damper. |
| US09238917B2 |
Mechanical locking system for floor panels
Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a beveled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue. |
| US09238915B2 |
Asphalt roof shingle sealing device
An asphalt roof shingle sealing device comprised of a single flat non-perforated blank sheet of metal or rigid plastic, preferably aluminum or copper and having a width, length and thickness selected to substantially span the beneath the width and length of a shingle to be repaired having at least one hole, tear or puncture therein and includes a cutting edge for cutting through adhesive between shingles to be repaired and securing elements for securing the blank sheet in place beneath the shingle to be repaired thereby preventing any water passing through the hole or puncture in the shingle, or allowing any water passing through the hole or puncture to be collected by the blank sheet and drained onto a shingle below the repaired shingle. |
| US09238912B1 |
Method for installing acoustic panel
Described herein is a multi-component panel comprising a ceiling panel and a sound attenuation layer, as well as a ceiling system that includes the multi-component panel. |
| US09238910B2 |
Interlocking wall unit system for constructing a wall on a pre-existing structural grid matrix
A system for assembling two-sided walls on, through, and around a pre-installed structural steel grid. System wall units have an outer side and an inner side, the outer side being an outer wall surface, the inner side opposing an inner side of one or more wall units on an opposing side of the structural steel grid. Interlock elements extend through spaces in the structural steel grid and connect opposing wall units to prevent separation of the opposing wall units. Installed in courses, the wall units create a continuous void between opposing wall units, such that structural void fill material can be poured into the assembled wall at one or more openings, and the void fill material will fill the continuous void from the top of the wall to the bottom of the wall. Plumbing, electrical, and other building systems can be installed on the steel grid prior to wall assembly. |
| US09238906B2 |
Water-carrying line section having an aerating duct
A water-carrying line section having at least one aerating duct (2), the aerating duct (2), on the inlet side, having at least one duct opening (5) open to atmosphere and, on the outlet side, having at least one duct opening (6) that can be flushed by the water flowing past and/or is adjacent thereto, and in which aerating duct (2) a water jet aerator (7) is provided. The line section is characterized in that the water jet aerator (7) has a filtering or separating device (8) which is configured to be permeable to air in the direction from the at least one duct opening (5) on the inlet side toward the at least one duct opening (6) on the outlet side but is impermeable to water in the opposite direction. With the aid of the water jet aerator (7) which is used in the line section (1) and which serves to aerate the water flowing through a sanitary outlet fitting or the like, the undesired emergence of water can be prevented with certainty in any installation situation. |
| US09238904B2 |
In-ground flushing device
A flushing device includes an enclosure having an access opening; a discharge conduit; a fluid system conduit; a platform situated within the enclosure, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface facing the access opening and movable to proximate the access opening; a flushing valve mounted on the platform and in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit, the flushing valve operatively connected to a flushing controller, the flushing valve controllable by the flushing controller; and a meter mounted on the top surface of the platform, the meter including a meter inlet and a meter outlet, the meter inlet in fluid communication with the flushing valve, the flushing valve in fluid communication with the meter and the fluid system conduit, the meter outlet in fluid communication with the discharge conduit. |
| US09238903B2 |
Control method and control apparatus for work vehicle
The present invention provides a control method and a control apparatus for a vehicle that make it possible to moderate or completely eliminate the impacts generated when the bucket is operated in a tilt direction, from a state in which the bucket in a dump position is forcibly actuated in the tilt direction and the bucket hydraulic cylinder is pressurized by the lifting operation of the boom and also to perform the boom lifting operation with good operability and workability. Control is performed to supply a pressure oil to the bucket hydraulic cylinder so as to actuate the bucket hydraulic cylinder in the tilt direction when a work equipment is being actuated in an actuation region close to an actuation region in which the bucket is forcibly actuated in the tilt direction by lifting the boom in a state in which the bucket is operated to a neutral position or dump operated, or when the bucket is being actuated in the tilt direction in the actuation region in which the bucket is forcibly actuated in the tilt direction. Further, a pressure oil supplied to the bucket hydraulic cylinder is controlled so as to restrict an actuation speed of the bucket hydraulic cylinder in a dump direction when [the work equipment] being actuated in an actuation region close to an actuation region in which the bucket is forcibly actuated in the tilt direction by operating the boom to a neutral position or lowering the boom in a state in which the bucket is dump operated. |
| US09238901B2 |
Supporting mechanism, exhaust treatment unit, and wheel loader
A supporting mechanism supports first and second exhaust treatment devices for treating exhaust gas from an engine, and includes a sub-bracket, a base bracket, and first and second supporting members. The base bracket includes first and second connecting parts, and first and second pipe members. The sub-bracket supports the first and second exhaust treatment devices. The base bracket supports the sub-bracket. The first and second supporting members respectively support one side and the other side of the base bracket. The first and second connecting parts are respectively joined to the first and second supporting members. The first and second pipe members are installed between the first and second connecting parts. The sub-bracket is attached to the first and second pipe members, extends in the lateral direction of the first and second pipe members, and is separated from the first and second connecting parts. |
| US09238900B2 |
Front loader
The front loader includes a boom actuator configured to pivotally drive a boom along a vertical direction relative to a traveling vehicle body about a first pivot axis which is oriented along a right/left direction, a bucket actuator configured to pivotally drive a bucket along the vertical direction relative to the boom about a second pivot axis which is oriented along the right/left direction, a manual controlling section for controlling operations of the boom actuator and the bucket actuator based on a manual operation of an operational tool, a boom angle detector for detecting a vertical pivot angle of the boom, a bucket angle detector for detecting a vertical pivot angle of the bucket relative to the boom, a calculating section for calculating a ground pivot angle of the bucket based on an output from the boom angle detector and an output from the bucket angle detector. |
| US09238895B2 |
Anti-dry fire mechanism for a post driver
The post driver machine includes a housing, inside of which is a weight which can be lifted by a chain being rotated around a generally elliptical path by a powered sprocket. A catch mechanism is affixed to the chain, and can engage with a weight catch attached to the weight. However, when there is not a post positioned within the post driver, the weight rests at a position too low the weight catch to engage with the catch mechanism. Upon properly inserting a post into the post driver, the post presses upwardly on the weight until the weight catch engages with the catch mechanism to lift the weight. |
| US09238891B1 |
High strength, integrally pre-stressed monoblock concrete crosstie with optimal geometry for use in ballasted railways
A monoblock concrete crosstie for railway tracks that achieves a high performance in operation includes a steel structure that is formed from ultra-resistant high strength steel plates embedded in a concrete element and having pre-stressed cold rolled wires with ends that form button head knots which are anchored to the steel plates. A faceted geometry allows optimal material usage and in turn increases the crosstie-ballast interlocking and stability with respect to the support surface. |
| US09238888B2 |
Method for cleaning cellulose suspensions
The present invention concerns a hydrocyclone for cleaning cellulose suspensions from light impurities i.e. a so called reverse hydrocyclone, having a base end and an apex end and a separation chamber having an elongated shape between the base end and the apex end, at least one inlet arranged at the base end and at least one underflow outlet at the apex end and at least one overflow outlet at the base end. The overflow outlet is provided with an additional, light reject outlet arranged concentrically to a length axis of the hydrocyclone. The invention also concerns a system and a method for producing and/or treating cellulose suspension comprising at least a reverse cleaning stage and at least a dewatering stage. |
| US09238884B2 |
Washing machine
The inventive washing machine is capable of hygienically and properly performing a rinsing operation with the use of bathwater. The washing machine includes a bathwater pump (34), so that bathwater can be retained in a washing tub (3). A water circulation passage (42, 43, 44, 45, 15, 55, 25, 57, 26, 58, 59) is provided for circulating laundry water to the washing tub (3). The bathwater retained in the washing tub (3) is circulated through the water circulation passage, and ozone generated by an ozone generator (19) is mixed with the circulated water, whereby the water (bathwater) is cleaned. This water cleaning operation is performed in a rinsing step. When the ozone is supplied in the rinsing step, the ozone is effective to sterilize the bathwater and decompose dirt and odorant of laundry. Therefore, the rinsing operation to be performed in this manner is comparable to a rinsing operation to be performed with the use of tap water. |
| US09238879B2 |
Method of fabricating thermal conductive polymer
Provided is a method of fabricating a thermal conductive polymer, including: a) fabricating a gel filament by primarily elongating a solution filament formed by spinning a mixed solution containing an ultra high molecular weight polyolefin (UHMWPO) resin and a first solvent, followed by cooling; b) secondarily elongating the gel filament; c) fabricating a dry filament by removing the solvent from the gel filament, followed by tertiary elongation; and d) converting the dry filament into the gel filament by adding the first solvent to the dry filament; e) removing the first solvent from the converted gel filament; and f) quaternarily elongating the gel filament from which the first solvent is removed. |
| US09238877B2 |
Method for producing a silicon ingot by solidification of a melt comprising a nucleation agent including nanoscale particles
Method for producing a silicon ingot, comprising the following steps: providing a container to receive a silicon melt, providing a temperature control device to control the temperature of the silicon melt in the container, arranging raw material in the container comprising silicon and at least one nucleation agent to assist a heterogeneous nucleation in the silicon melt, and control of the temperature in the container for the directed solidification of the silicon melt, the nucleation agent comprising nanoscale particles. |
| US09238876B2 |
Method of washing polycrystalline silicon, apparatus for washing polycrystalline silicon, and method of producing polycrystalline silicon
A method of washing polycrystalline silicon is provided. The method includes a step of acid cleaning in which the polycrystalline silicon is cleaned with an acid solution and a step of a water cleaning in which the polycrystalline silicon is cleaned by pure water after the step of acid cleaning. In the step of water cleaning, residual acid solution on the surface of the polycrystalline silicon is removed by immersing the polycrystalline silicon in pure water held in a water cleaning bath, and replacing the pure water in the water cleaning bath at least once. The electrical conductivity (C) of the pure water in the water cleaning bath is measured. Based on the reading of the electrical conductivity (C), the timing for finishing the step of water cleaning is decided. |
| US09238875B2 |
Multilayer structure for a diamond growth and a method of providing the same
A multi-layer structure in a reaction cell for a diamond growth is provided. The multi-layer structure includes: a diamond seed; a first metal catalyst layer provided on the diamond seed, the first metal catalyst layer containing a first concentration of carbon; a second metal catalyst layer provided on the first metal layer, the second metal catalyst layer containing a second concentration of carbon that is higher than the first concentration; and a carbon source layer provided on the second metal layer. |
| US09238872B2 |
Method for synthesizing fluorine compound by electrolysis and electrode therefor
Disclosed is an electrode for electrolytic synthesis of a fluorine compound, including: an electrode substrate having at least a surface thereof formed of a conductive carbon material; a conducting diamond layer formed on a part of the surface of the electrode substrate; and a metal fluoride-containing coating layer formed on an exposed part of the electrode substrate that is uncovered by the conducting diamond layer. It is possible for the electrolytic synthesis electrode to limit the growth of a graphite fluoride layer on the electrode surface, prevent decrease in effective electrolysis area and allow stable electrolysis in an electrolytic bath of a hydrogen fluoride-containing molten salt. |
| US09238867B2 |
Apparatus and method for high-throughput atomic layer deposition
An atomic layer deposition apparatus for depositing a film in a continuous fashion is described. The apparatus includes a downwardly sloping process tunnel, extending in a transport direction and bounded by at least two tunnel walls. Both walls are provided with a plurality of gas injection channels, whereby the gas injection channels in at least one of the walls, viewed in the transport direction, are connected successively to a first precursor gas source, a purge gas source, a second precursor gas source and a purge gas source respectively, so as to create a series of tunnel segments that—in use—comprise successive zones containing a first precursor gas, a purge gas, a second precursor gas and a purge gas, respectively. The downward slope of the process tunnel enables gravity to drive the floatingly supported substrates through the successive segments, causing the atomic layer deposition of a film onto the substrates. |
| US09238862B2 |
Method and device for applying or embedding particles onto or into a layer applied by plasma coating
A method for applying or embedding nanoparticles or microparticles of any substance in a defined manner onto or into a layer to be applied to a substrate surface by plasma coating before, during or after the plasma coating operation in a magnetron or plasmatron. The particles are introduced from the outside into the vacuum chamber of the magnetron or plasmatron via at least one pressure stage. The particles are spatially distributed in the plasma space between the target and the substrate. The particles in the plasma space are preferably exposed to an electric field generating a movement of the particles toward the substrate. It is advantageous for this purpose if the particles are electrically charged before being introduced into the plasma space. |
| US09238859B2 |
Method for the hardened galvanization of a steel strip
A method produces a hardened galvanization of a continuously-running rolled steel strip. The strip is immersed in a coating tank containing a bath of a liquid metal mixture, e.g. zinc and aluminum, to be deposited on the strip, and permanently circulated between the coating tank and a preparation device. The temperature of the liquid mixture is deliberately lowered in order to reduce the iron solubility threshold and sufficiently high for initiating, in the preparation device, the fusion of at least one Zn—Al ingot in an amount necessary for compensating for the liquid mixture used for deposition on the strip. The device is implemented so that the circuit for circulating the liquid mixture is thermally optimized. |
| US09238856B2 |
Lead free free-cutting steel
A lead free free-cutting steel is described having the following composition in percent by weight: C 0.85-1.2 Si 0.1-0.6 Mn 0.4-1.2 P max 0.05 S 0.04-0.3 Cr max 2 Ni max 1 Mo max 0.5 Cu max 2 Al max 0.1 B max 0.008 Bi+Se+Te max 0.005 Ti+Nb+Zr+V max 0.2 balance Fe and normally occurring impurities. The steel is mainly intended for small/thin dimensions and/or low cutting speeds during manufacture of a product formed of the steel. |
| US09238855B2 |
Ferrite-based stainless steel for use in components of automobile exhaust system
This ferritic stainless steel for components of an automobile exhaust system includes, in terms of percent by mass: C: ≦0.015%; Si: 0.01% to 0.50%; Mn: 0.01% to 0.50%; P: ≦0.050%; S: ≦0.010%; N: ≦0.015%; Al: 0.010% to 0.100%; Cr: 16.5% to 22.5%; Ni: 0.5% to 2.0%; and Sn: 0.01% to 0.50%, and further includes either one or both of Ti: 0.03% to 0.30% and Nb: 0.03% to 0.30%, with a remainder being Fe and inevitable impurities. |
| US09238853B2 |
Nickel-base casting superalloy and cast component for stream turbine using the same as material
A Ni-base casting superalloy containing, in masse, C: 0.05 to 0.2, Si: 0.01 to 1, Mn: 0.01 to 1, Co: 5 to 20, Fe: 10 or less, Cr: 15 to 25, and one kind or two kinds or more of Mo, W, and Re, with Mo+(W+Re)/2: 8 to 25, the balance being Ni and unavoidable impurities. |
| US09238850B2 |
Sustainable process for reclaiming precious metals and base metals from e-waste
Processes for recycling electronic components removed from printed wire boards, whereby precious metals and base metals are extracted from the electronic components using environmentally friendly compositions. At least gold, silver and copper ions can be extracted from the electronic components and reduced to their respective metals using the processes and compositions described herein. |
| US09238849B2 |
Steel sheet for an oil sand slurry pipe having excellent abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and low-temperature toughness and method for manufacturing same
Provided is a steel sheet for an oil sand slurry pipe having excellent abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and low-temperature toughness including 0.2 wt % to 0.35 wt % of carbon (C), 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of silicon (Si), 0.5 wt % to 1.8 wt % of manganese (Mn), 0.1 wt % to 0.6 wt % of nickel (Ni), 0.005 wt % to 0.05 wt % of niobium (Nb), 0.005 wt % to 0.02 wt % of titanium (Ti), 0.03 wt % or less of phosphorous (P), 0.03 wt % or less of sulfur (S), 0.05 wt % or less (excluding 0 wt %) of aluminum (Al), 0.01 wt % or less (excluding 0 wt %) of nitrogen (N), and iron (Fe) as well as other unavoidable impurities as a remainder. |
| US09238844B2 |
Compositions and methods to detect influenza variants
Methods and kits used in the detection of variants of the Influenza virus are disclosed, including variants that are resistant to treatment with antiviral compositions. |
| US09238843B2 |
Compositions and methods for identifying and differentiating viral components of multivalent shipping fever vaccines
Disclosed are methods and compositions for identifying viral-specific polynucleotide sequences in a biological sample, and particularly in samples of veterinary origin. Also disclosed are oligonucleotide primer pairs, as well as labeled oligonucleotide detection probes useful in detecting the presence of one or more particular species, strains, types, or subtypes of one or more mammalian pathogens of viral origin, as well as systems, diagnostic kits and articles of manufacture comprising virus-specific primers and labeled detection probes, including those useful in identifying viral components of a multivalent vaccine, and quantitating the potency of particular attenuated, live viruses that comprise a livestock vaccine. In certain embodiments, real-time, quantitative PCR methods have been utilized to identify and distinguish between the three known genetic subtypes of bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV-1a, BVDV-1b, and BVDV-2) in a multivalent bovid shipping fever vaccine. |
| US09238841B2 |
Multi-biomarker-based outcome risk stratification model for pediatric septic shock
The invention provides multi-biomarker based methods to stratify pediatric septic shock patients into high and low risk groups. |
| US09238836B2 |
Methods and compositions for sequencing modified nucleic acids
Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid. |
| US09238833B2 |
Thermally controlled chamber with optical access for high-performance PCR
Novel methods and systems for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are disclosed. A PCR device has a bottom heater layer, a central reacting layer, and a top heater layer. The central reacting layer has a PCR reacting chamber connected with fluidics channels. Photoluminescence of a DNA solution in the PCR reactive chamber is carried out through the transparent top layers. |
| US09238830B2 |
Methods and systems for O-glycosylating proteins
Described herein are methods and systems for O-glycosylating proteins in vivo or in vitro in any prokaryotic organism. In these methods and systems, DNA comprising a gene that produces a PglL-like oligosaccharyltransferase and DNA comprising a gene that produces a protein to be O-glycosylated are used. The PglL-like oligosaccharyltransferase facilitates the covalent attachment of the glycan to the protein to produce the O-glycosylated protein. The methods and systems described herein provide an approach for the design and production of new vaccines and therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases. |
| US09238826B2 |
Method for producing terpenes
The present invention relates to a method for producing terpenes in fungi, wherein a terpene biosynthetic gene cluster having terpene biosynthetic genes and regulatory regions operably linked to said genes is activated. The invention relates also to a terpene biosynthetic gene duster and regulatory regions of such terpene biosynthetic gene cluster usable is production of terpenes, use of regulator for regulating the terpene production and use of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 for producing terpenes. The method of invention provides higher yields of enriched terpene product without essential amount of side-products. |
| US09238823B2 |
Pesticidal genes from brevibacillus and methods for their use
Compositions and methods for conferring insecticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions including a coding sequence for a Brevibacillus-derived delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also include transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules having nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 7, or 10, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, as well as variants and fragments thereof. |
| US09238822B2 |
Compositions and methods for control of insect infestations in plants
The present invention is directed to controlling pest infestation by inhibiting one or more biological functions in an invertebrate pest. The invention discloses methods and compositions for use in controlling pest infestation by feeding one or more different recombinant double stranded RNA molecules to the pest in order to achieve a reduction in pest infestation through suppression of gene expression. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants that express the double stranded RNA molecules, and to particular combinations of transgenic pesticidal agents for use in protecting plants from pest infestation. |
| US09238818B2 |
Methods and genetic constructs for modification of lignin composition of corn cobs
Expression cassettes causing specific regulatory control of transgene expression in plants, wherein the expression cassettes include regulatory sequences from the MADS gene family for expression of recombinant gene products in the reproductive tissue of plants for the purpose of generating maize plants with altered lignin content of the cobs. |
| US09238817B2 |
Method for producing natively folded proteins in a prokaryotic host
The present invention relates to a method for producing a protein of interest containing one or more disulfide bonds in its native state. The method comprises that a prokaryotic host cell is genetically engineered to express the protein of interest and a sulfhydryl oxidase in the cytoplasm of the host cell. The protein of interest is formed in a soluble form and contains disulfide bonds due to the presence of the sulfhydryl oxidase in the cytoplasm of said host cell. The present invention relates also to a prokaryotic host cell and a vector system for producing a protein of interest containing natively folded disulfide bonds. |
| US09238814B2 |
Ribozyme for identifying modification on RNA sequence and RNA cleavage method using same
The hammerhead ribozyme according to the present invention produces a hammerhead ribozyme—target RNA construct by base-pairing with an edited target RNA, and an editing recognition site of the hammerhead ribozyme cleaves the modification site by forming a base pair with the target RNA modification site. The cleavage of the modification site is expected to be applicable to the research and development of new drugs that can be used to prevent or treat diseases caused by the edited target RNA. |
| US09238813B2 |
Targeted pre-mRNA/mRNA modification and gene regulation
Methods for affecting mRNA expression or translation through the modification of pre-mRNA or mRNA transcripts are described. In one embodiment of the methods of the present invention, the branch point adenosine of a pre-mRNA transcript is 2′-0-methylated to block splicing and subsequent expression of the protein encoded by the transcript. In another embodiment, a uridine residue in a nonsense stop codon may be modified to pseudouridine, causing the translation machinery to read through the nonsense stop codon and translate a full length protein. |
| US09238811B2 |
siRNA phospholipid conjugate
siRNA-conjugated liposomes and micelles, methods of making such conjugates, and methods of using such conjugates, such as for the delivery of siRNA to cells to reduce expression of target polypeptides in such cells, are described. |
| US09238810B2 |
Polypeptide
The invention provides an immunoglobulin G Fc region binding polypeptide, which polypeptide comprises an immunoglobulin G Fc region binding motif, BM, consisting of an amino acid sequence selected from: i) EQQX4AFYEILHLPNLTEX18QX20X21AFIX25X26LRX29, (SEQ ID NO:12) and ii) an amino acid sequence which has at least 85% identity to the sequence defined in i). Also provided are methods of isolation or production of IgG Fc-containing molecules. |
| US09238809B2 |
Compositions, methods, and kits for isolating and analyzing nucleic acids using an anion exchange material
The present disclosure relates to methods for isolating, amplifying, and/or analyzing nucleic acids in the presence of an anion exchange material by performing the isolation, amplification and/or analysis step in the presence of at least one anionic compound. |
| US09238807B2 |
Peptide increasing fusiogenic capacity of a gamete
The invention relates to a cyclic peptide increasing the fusiogenic capacity of the oocyte arising from the disintegrin loop of fertilin beta, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said cyclic peptide and to the use thereof, particularly in order to supplement culture media used to carry out in vitro fertilization. |
| US09238806B2 |
Cellulase enzyme mixtures for depilling and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a depilling composition comprising an enzyme mixture that comprises a Family 45 cellulase and one or more additional cellulases selected from a Family 5 cellulase, a Family 6 cellulase or a combination thereof. The enzyme mixture may be characterized in that the Family 45 and Family 5 cellulases or the Family 45 and Family 6 cellulases are present at a weight ratio that exhibits synergy in an assay that measures specific depilling activity. The enzyme mixture may be secreted by a genetically modified microbe overexpressing the foregoing cellulases. Also provided is a process for depilling that comprises a step of contacting cellulose-containing goods with the depilling composition. |
| US09238804B2 |
Hydrolases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them
Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils. |
| US09238802B2 |
E. coli transformant, method for producing flavin-bound glucose dehydrogenase using the same, and mutant flavin-bound glucose dehydrogenases
A flavin-bound glucose dehydrogenase (FAD-GDH) with high substrate specificity for D-glucose. A gene encoding a mutant FAD-GDH with its N-terminal region, containing an amino acid sequence corresponding to MKITAAIITVATAFASFASA that exists in the N-terminal region, deleted from the amino acid sequence of a wild-type FAD-GDH derived from Mucor is introduced into E. coli to obtain an E. coli transformant. Subsequently, this E. coli transformant is cultured to obtain an FAD-GDH with a specific N-terminal region deleted. The transformant allows the production of a large amount of GDH in a short time as compared with the original microorganism. An FAD-GDH that is less susceptible to the effects of dissolved oxygen and allows accurate measurement of glucose even in the presence of sugar compounds other than glucose in a sample. |
| US09238801B2 |
Ketol-acid reductoisomerase using NADH
Methods for the evolution of NADPH specific ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes to acquire NADH specificity are provided. Specific mutant ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes isolated from Pseudomonas that have undergone co-factor switching to utilize NADH are described. |
| US09238795B2 |
Populations of smooth muscle cells of specific embryonic lineages
This invention relates to the production of populations of Smooth Muscle Cells (SMCs) of specific embryonic lineages, such as neuroectodermal and mesodermal SMCs. Pluripotent stem cells are cultured in one or more lineage induction media to produce progenitor cells of a defined embryonic lineage, which are then cultured in an SMC induction medium to produce a population of SMCs of the embryonic lineage. Populations of SMCs of defined lineages may be useful, for example, in accurately modelling vascular disease. |
| US09238792B2 |
Compartmentalized simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of biomass
Methods and apparatus' are disclosed for the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of biomass providing for the compartmentalization of the saccharification process and the fermentation process resulting in decreased enzymatic end-product inhibition. |
| US09238787B2 |
Textile cleaning composition comprising a supercritical noble gas
A cleaning system can include a noble gas, and one or more vessels configured to convert the noble gas into a supercritical fluid, and/or receive and clean an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state. A cleaning process can include converting a noble gas into a supercritical fluid state; and cleaning an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state so as to remove one or more contaminants from the article of manufacture. A cleaning composition can include a noble gas in a supercritical fluid state, and a textile article of manufacture having one or more contaminants located in the supercritical noble gas. |
| US09238786B2 |
Translucent fragrance composition
The present invention provides an alcohol-based stable and translucent fragrance composition containing a large amount of perfume. The fragrance composition of the present invention is a composition in which the total amount of (a) silicone oil and (b) α-olefin oligomer that is a hydrogenated trimer, tetramer, pentamer, and/or hexamer of α-olefin having 4 to 12 carbon atoms is 2 to 12% by mass in the composition, and the mass ratio of (b)/(a) is 0.1 to 0.7; the amount of (c) polyether-modified silicone with respect to (b) α-olefin oligomer is 2 to 10 times in mass; the amount of (d) perfume is 3 to 30% by mass in the composition; the amount of (e) lower alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is 50% by mass or more in the composition; the amount of (f) water is 3.5 to 15% by mass in the composition; and the L value of the composition is 70 to 95 provided the L value is a percentage (%) of strength of a transmitted light compared with a strength of an incident light. |
| US09238782B2 |
Process to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and mercury from coal-fired boilers
A flue gas additive is provided that includes both a nitrogenous component to reduce gas phase nitrogen oxides and a halogen-containing component to oxidize gas phase elemental mercury. |
| US09238781B2 |
Systems and methods for liquid fuel desulfurization
In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for removing sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon fuel. The system includes a reactor having a fuel inlet and fuel outlet. The fuel inlet and fuel outlet are in fluid communication with a fuel path passing through the reactor. The fuel path is defined by an inner helical thread portion and an outer helical thread portion. The inner helical thread portion is complimentary with and has a smaller diameter than the outer helical thread portion. The inner helical thread portion surrounds a heating element and the outer helical thread portion is surrounded by an outer cover. |
| US09238778B2 |
Systems and methods for improving quenched coke recovery
The present technology is generally directed to systems and methods for improving quenched coke recovery. More specifically, some embodiments are directed to systems and methods utilizing one or more of a screen, barrier, or reflector panel to contain or redirect coke during or after quenching. In a particular embodiment, a quench car system for containing coke includes a quench car having a base, a plurality of sidewalls, and a top portion. The system can further include a permeable barrier covering at least a portion of the top of the quench car, wherein the permeable barrier has a plurality of apertures therethrough. |
| US09238774B2 |
Soil fixation, dust suppression and water retention
A method for at least temporarily retaining moisture in a soil-based substrate includes applying an acrylamide pyranose polymer to the soil-based substrate. |
| US09238767B2 |
Hybrid adhesive and the use thereof in engineered wood boards
The present invention relates to a hybrid adhesive, in particular for use in the production of engineered wood such as particle boards, fiber boards, plywood or glued-laminated timber, comprising at least one polycondensation adhesive, at least one polyaddition adhesive, and at least one particular, in particular a nanoparticle smaller than 500 nm, wherein the at least one particle is modified with at least one compound of the general Formula (I) RaSiX(4-a), or the general Formula (II) ObXc(OH)dReSiO(4-b-c-d-e)/2. The present invention also relates to the use of the adhesive in engineered wood boards and to methods for the production thereof. |
| US09238764B2 |
Two-component coating compositions
The present invention describes two-component coating compositions which for curing require no polyisocyanates or melamine-formaldehyde resins as crosslinkers. |
| US09238762B2 |
Optical adhesive with diffusive properties
Optical adhesives that also diffuse visible light include a blend of an adhesive matrix which is an optical adhesive and a block copolymer. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive and contains either acid or basic functionality. The block copolymer, which may be a diblock copolymer, contains a high Tg block and a functional block, the functionality of the functional block is complimentary to the functionality of the adhesive matrix to form an acid-base interaction. The adhesive may also contain a crosslinking agent. |
| US09238760B2 |
Charge collection side adhesive tape
A charge collection tape includes a foil substrate and an adhesive layer laminated on the foil substrate. The foil substrate is constructed of an aluminum base foil having a conductive metal coating overlying and in direct contact with a non-oxidized surface of the aluminum base foil. |
| US09238759B1 |
Systems and methods for adherable and removable thin flexible glass
A flexible assembly is configured to be removably applied to a curved or planar surface of an underlying component. The assembly includes a flexible glass layer and an adhesive layer provided on at least one surface of the flexible glass layer. The flexible glass layer and the adhesive layer in combination enable the flexible assembly to be removably secured to the curved or planar surface. |
| US09238757B2 |
Bonding method, bondability improving agent, surface modification method, surface modifying agent, and novel compound
To provide a technique by which an —OH group can be effectively formed on a material surface for the purpose of making the material suitable for bonding (for example, for molecular bonding) that utilizes a chemical reaction (chemical binding). [Solution] A bonding method for bonding a substrate A and a substrate B, which comprises: a step for applying an agent that contains the compound (α) described below on the surface of the substrate A; a step for arranging the substrate B so as to face the compound (α) that is present on the surface of the substrate A; and a step for integrally bonding the substrate A and the substrate B by applying a force onto the substrate A and/or the substrate B. The compound (α) is a compound that has an OH group or an OH-forming group, an azide group and a triazine ring in each molecule, and the substrate A is configured using a polymer. |
| US09238756B2 |
Microdomained emulsion polymers
A microdomained aqueous emulsion polymer is provided. The polymer comprises a first domain having a Tg of from −80 to −10° C. and comprising from 80 to 100 wt % of acrylic monomer; and a non-crosslinked second domain having a Tg of from 50 to 120° C. and comprising, as polymerized unit and based on the weight of the second domain, from 50 to 100 wt % of styrenic monomer; wherein the content of the second domain ranges from greater than 6 wt % to 30 wt % of the total weight of the first domain and the second domain. The polymer is suitable for applications including adhesives and binders, especially for pressure sensitive adhesives. |
| US09238755B2 |
Polishing composition
A polishing composition of the present invention is to be used for polishing an object including a portion containing a high-mobility material and a portion containing a silicon material. The polishing composition comprises an oxidizing agent and abrasive grains having an average primary particle diameter of 40 nm or less. The polishing composition preferably further contains a hydrolysis-suppressing compound that bonds to a surface OH group of the portion containing a silicon material of the object to function to suppress hydrolysis of the portion containing a silicon material. Alternatively, a polishing composition of the present invention contains abrasive grains, an oxidizing agent, and a hydrolysis-suppressing compound. The polishing composition preferably has a neutral pH. |
| US09238754B2 |
Composition for tungsten CMP
A chemical mechanical polishing composition for polishing a substrate having a tungsten layer includes a water based liquid carrier, a colloidal silica abrasive dispersed in the liquid carrier and having a permanent positive charge of at least 6 mV, an amine compound in solution in the liquid carrier, and an iron containing accelerator. A method for chemical mechanical polishing a substrate including a tungsten layer includes contacting the substrate with the above described polishing composition, moving the polishing composition relative to the substrate, and abrading the substrate to remove a portion of the tungsten from the substrate and thereby polish the substrate. |
| US09238753B2 |
CMP compositions selective for oxide and nitride with high removal rate and low defectivity
The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition containing a ceria abrasive, one or more nonionic polymers, optionally one or more phosphonic acids, optionally one or more nitrogen-containing zwitterionic compounds, optionally one or more sulfonic acid copolymers, optionally one or more anionic copolymers, optionally one or more polymers comprising quaternary amines, optionally one or more compounds that adjust the pH of the polishing compositions, water, and optionally one or more additives. The invention further provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate with the inventive chemical-mechanical polishing composition. Typically, the substrate contains silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or polysilicon. |
| US09238752B2 |
Bituminous composition with thermoreversible properties
The invention relates to a method of making a theremorevsible bituminous composition. The method includes transferring an additive to a bitumen to form a mixture, and stirring the mixture until its appearance is homogenous. The additive can be an organogelator with general formula R″—(COOH)z, where R″ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated chain having 4 to 68 carbon atoms and z is an integer varying from 2 to 4. The bituminous composition is hard at the temperature of use without increasing its viscosity when hot. |
| US09238749B2 |
Aqueous binder for granular and/or fibrous substrates
Aqueous binders for granular and/or fibrous substrates are based on polyacids and polyols. |
| US09238747B2 |
Stain blocking compositions
An aqueous coating composition for blocking stains and a method of using the coating composition is described. The coating composition includes an aqueous dispersion of a copolymer that is derived from a single stage emulsion polymerization of an ethylenically unsaturated nonionic monomer, greater than 0 and less than 1.5% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated strong acid monomer or salt thereof, and greater than 1.5% and less than 3% by weight of methacrylic acid. |
| US09238745B2 |
Stray light resistance of UV inkjet inks
An energy curable inkjet ink includes a nitroxy inhibitor, a compound having an ethylenic unsaturated bond, a photoinitiator, a coloring agent, and a stray light resistance index of at least 7. A method of preparing an energy curable inkjet ink with stray light resistance includes providing a nitroxy inhibitor; providing a mixture of a compound having an ethylenic unsaturated bond, and a photoinitiator, and a coloring agent; combining the nitroxy inhibitor and the mixture to obtain the energy curable inkjet ink and thereby to increase a stray light resistance index of the energy curable inkjet ink to at least 7. |
| US09238744B2 |
Non-aqueous ink composition for ink jet recording and ink jet recording method
A colorant, lactone having a content in a range of 5% by mass to 40% by mass, a first solvent having a water vapor pressure of 2 hPa or more and a content in a range of 5% by mass to 18% by mass at 20° C., and a second solvent having a water vapor pressure of 0.9 hPa or more and a content in a range of 2% by mass to 80% by mass at 20° C. are contained, a sum of the content of the first solvent and the content of the second solvent is 20% by mass or more, and the second solvent is at least one solvent selected from a group consisting of (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether and (poly)alkylene glycol dialkyl ether. |
| US09238742B2 |
Method of preparing UV-curable inkjet pigment ink for textile printing
The present invention provides a method of preparing UV-curable inkjet pigment ink for textile printing, in which mini-emulsion techniques are used to encapsulate monomer, photo initiator, thermal initiator and pigment in mini-emulsion particles to make a UV-curable pigment paste, and the UV-curable pigment paste is mixed with water-soluble co-solvent, surfactant and water to make a UV-curable pigment ink. The preparation process is simple and easy. The UV-curable inkjet pigment ink of the invention exhibits good fluency during printing, bright color and strong color fastness in printed products. |
| US09238736B2 |
Surface modified organic black pigments, surface modified carbon blacks, pigment mixtures using them, and low dielectric black dispersions, coatings, films, black matrices, and devices containing same
The present invention relates to surface modified organic black pigments, surface modified carbon blacks, pigment mixtures and dispersions formed with these pigments, curable compositions, black matrices, and products incorporating them. The surface modified organic black pigment can have attached at least one organic group having the formula -X-Z, wherein X, which is directly attached to the pigment, represents an arylene group, a heteroarylene group, an alkylene group, an aralkylene group, or an alkarylene group, and Z represents at least one ionic group, at least one ionizable group, at least one nonionic group, at least one polymeric group, or any combinations thereof. Also disclosed are carbon black pigment combinations with the surface modified organic black pigments, low dielectric black dispersions, films, and black matrices containing them. Methods of preparing and making these various materials also are provided. |
| US09238730B2 |
Anti-vibration rubber composition, crosslinked anti-vibration rubber composition, and anti-vibration rubber
Provided is a vibration-insulating rubber composition and a crosslinked vibration-insulating rubber composition which are excellent in low dynamic-to-static modulus ratio, elongation fatigue resistance, low temperature characteristics, and processability, and a vibration-insulating rubber using the vibration-insulating rubber composition and the crosslinked vibration-insulating rubber composition. The vibration-insulating rubber composition of the present invention includes: a rubber component having a conjugated diene compound/non-conjugated olefin copolymer, and a non-conjugated diene-based polymer; a vulcanizing agent having a bismaleimide compound; and N-phenyl-N-(trichloromethylthio)benzenesulfonamide. |
| US09238727B2 |
Treated mineral filler products, process for the preparation thereof and uses of same
The present invention relates to the technical field of treated mineral filler products. The invention further relates to a process for preparing such treated mineral filler products, and to its preferred use in the field of plastic applications, and in particular polypropylene (PP)- or polyethylene (PE)-based breathable or extrusion coating film applications. |
| US09238724B2 |
Elastomer composite and method for producing it
A method of producing an elastomer composite. The method includes A) combining a first fluid comprising elastomer latex with a second fluid comprising particulate filler; B) causing the elastomer latex to coagulate, thereby forming masterbatch crumb; C) bringing the masterbatch crumb to a water content of about 1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, thereby forming a de-watered coagulum; D) removing water from the de-watered coagulum by subjecting the dewatered coagulum to mechanical energy, thereby causing the dewatered coagulum to heat as a result of friction, while allowing the dewatered coagulum to achieve a temperature of about 130° C. to about 190° C., wherein water content is reduced to about 0.5% to about 3% and wherein substantially all of the decrease in water content is accomplished by evaporation, thereby producing a masticated masterbatch; and E) subjecting the masticated masterbatch to at least an additional 0.3 MJ/kg of mechanical energy while further reducing the water content. |
| US09238723B2 |
Melt devolatilization extrusion process
Thermally sensitive polymers containing polymerizable carbon-carbon unsaturation and/or aliphatically bound halogen are devolatilized in a devolatilizing extruder. The thermally sensitive polymer is blended with a second polymer, which does not contain polymerizable carbon-carbon unsaturation or more than 5% by weight aliphatically bound halogen, and which has a molecular weight of from 25,000 to 175,000. The blend is then devolatilized in the extruder to produce a devolatilized polymer blend. Thermal degradation of the thermally sensitive polymer is minimized in this process. |
| US09238722B2 |
Rigid polyurethane foam and system and method for making the same
An embodiment of a closed-cell polymeric rigid foam may be made using a one-shot method and a reaction system that includes a hydrofluoroalkene physical blowing agent and a polyol mixture having an aminic polyol. The hydrofluoroalkene blowing agent has 3 to 5 carbon atoms and a boiling point between 10° C. and 40° C. at 1 atmosphere pressure. Embodiments of rigid foams may have high closed cell content and are particularly well suited for thermal insulation. |
| US09238719B2 |
Process for producing high molecular weight polyethylene
The invention relates to a process for producing an (ultra) high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) article comprising:—incorporating into the HMWPE resin a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) and—cross-link the (U)HMWPE during or after molding the (U)HMWPE resin. In particular the invention relates to a process comprising the following steps: a) incorporating into (U)HMWPE resin a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) according to one of the following general formulas or combinations hereof: wherein R1 up to and including R5 are herein independent substituents; for example containing hydrogen, ether, ester, amine, amide, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl and/or aryl groups, which substituents may in turn contain functional groups, for example alcohols, ketones, anhydrides, imines, siloxanes, ethers, carboxyl groups, aldehydes, esters, amides, imides, amines, nitriles, ethers, urethanes and any combination thereof; b) molding the (U)HMWPE resin comprising the HALS, resulting in an article; c) cross-linking and sterilizing the article via gamma radiation or electron beam radiation; d) optionally, if step b results in a stock shape, machining the stock shape into an article; wherein step c and step d can be performed in either order. |
| US09238718B2 |
Hydrogel forming composition and hydrogel produced therefrom
There is provided a self-supporting hydrogel that can be produced only through mixing at room temperature and that has a high mechanical strength. A hydrogel forming composition that is capable of forming a hydrogel having a self-supporting property, the hydrogel forming composition characterized by including: a water-soluble organic polymer having an organic acid salt structure or an organic acid anion structure; a silicate salt; a dispersant for the silicate salt; and a polyhydric alcohol, and having an extremely high mechanical strength. |
| US09238716B2 |
Conjugated lipomers and uses thereof
The present invention provides inventive conjugated polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers and conjugated aza-macrocycles (collectively referred to herein as “conjugated lipomers” or “lipomers”) containing one or more groups of the formula (iii): wherein R3 and R4 are as defined herein. Also provided are compositions comprising the inventive conjugated lipomers, and methods of preparation and use. |
| US09238714B2 |
Polymers derived from renewably resourced lysinol
Disclosed are salt compositions of lysinol and dicarboxylic acids; and lysinol derived polymers including polyamide, polyimide, polyurea, cross-linked polyurea comprising urethane linkages, polyurea foams, cross-linked polyurea foams, and lysinol-epoxy thermoset. |
| US09238713B2 |
2-pyrrolidone polymer or copolymer having modified physical properties, and manufacturing method for same
Disclosed is a 2-pyrrolidone polymer or copolymer having optionally substituted methylol groups, and a process for producing the 2-pyrrolidone polymer or copolymer having methylol groups, the process comprising reacting a 2-pyrrolidone polymer or copolymer with an aldehyde. |
| US09238711B2 |
Hydroxylamino polymer and method for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a hydroxy-amino polymer, comprising the steps: a) reacting an H-functional starter compound carrying at least one Zerewitinoff-active H atom with an unsaturated cyclic carboxylic acid anhydride to give a carboxyl-group-carrying prepolymer, b) reacting the carboxyl-group-carrying prepolymer with at least one epoxide compound to give a hydroxyl-group-carrying prepolymer, c) adding a primary amine and/or ammonia to the double bond of the hydroxyl-group-carrying prepolymer obtained according to step b) to give the hydroxy-amino polymer, wherein the ratio of the amount of carboxylic acid anhydride to the number of Zerewitinoff-active H atoms of the H-functional starter compound is so chosen that almost all the Zerewitinoff-active H atoms of the H-functional starter compound are reacted. The invention relates additionally to a hydroxy-amino polymer obtainable by the above-mentioned process, wherein the ratio of the amount of unsaturated cyclic carboxylic acid anhydride to the number of Zerewitinoff-active H atoms of the H-functional starter compound is at least approximately 0.9:1, and further to the use of this hydroxy-amino polymer in the preparation of a polyurethane urea polymer. |
| US09238709B2 |
Latent, high-activity olefin metathesis catalysts containing an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand
The invention provides novel organometallic complexes useful as olefin metathesis catalysts. The complexes have an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and a chelating carbene ligand associated with a Group 8 transition metal center. The molecular structure of the complexes can be altered so as to provide a substantial latency period. The complexes are particularly useful in catalyzing ring closing metathesis of acyclic olefins and ring opening metathesis polymerization of cyclic olefins. |
| US09238704B2 |
Polyether polyurethanes exhibiting enhanced slip resistance under wet conditions
A polyurethane foam is prepared by combining a polyether triol with a hydroxyl value of from 25 to 30 and a molecular weight from 5000 to 7000 g/mol; a polyether diol with a hydroxyl value of from 25 to 30 and a molecular weight from 3000 to less than 5000 g/mol; a chain extender mixture including 1,4-butanediol and at least one of monoethylene glycol, hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, and isomers thereof; a copolymer polyether polyol having a styrene acrylonitrile solids content of at least 38 wt % and an average hydroxyl number of at least 23; an isocyanate component; and a blowing agent. It is particularly suitable for shoe sole applications, where it exhibits improvement in slip resistance under wet conditions when compared with some other polyether-polyurethane formulations. |
| US09238703B2 |
Curable composition, cured product and laminate
A hard coat layer on which adhered fingerprints are inconspicuous is provided. The hard coat layer 1 consists of a cured product. The cured product is formed by curing a curable composition by irradiating it with an ultraviolet ray. The curable composition contains a curable resin. The curable resin contains reactive monomers. The reactive monomers contain an isocyanuric acid derivative. The isocyanuric acid derivative is preferably tri(meth)acrylate of an ethylene oxide and ε-caprolactone adduct of isocyanuric acid. |
| US09238701B2 |
Olefin block copolymers and production methods thereof
The present description relates to olefin block copolymers having excellent elasticity and processability in conjunction with enhanced heat resistance, and to a preparation method thereof. The olefin block copolymers comprise a plurality of blocks or segments that comprise ethylene or propylene repeating units and α-olefin repeating units at different mole fractions from one another, wherein the block copolymer shows peaks at the 2θ of 21.5±0.5° and 23.7±0.5° in a wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) pattern, and the peak ratio defined by (the peak area at 21.5±0.5°)/(the peak area at 23.7±0.5°) is no more than 3.0. |
| US09238700B2 |
Process for the preparation of ethylene copolymers in the presence of free-radical polymerization initiator by copolymerizing ethylene, a bi- or multifunctional comonomer and optionally further comonomers
Process for preparing ethylene copolymers in the presence of free-radical polymerization initiator at pressures in the range of from 160 MPa to 350 MPa and temperatures in the range of from 100° C. to 350° C. in a tubular reactor by copolymerizing ethylene, a bi- or multifunctional comonomer and optionally further comonomers, wherein the bi- or multifunctional comonomer bears at least two different functional groups, of which at least one is a unsaturated group, which can be incorporated into the growing polymer chain, and at least another functional group can act as chain transfer agent in radical ethylene polymerization, ethylene copolymers obtainable by such a process, the use of the ethylene copolymers for extrusion coating and a process for extrusion coating a substrate selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, polymeric film, and metal, with such ethylene copolymers. |
| US09238698B2 |
Pressure management for slurry polymerization
Processes and systems for the production for pressure management of a polymerization product flowing from a loop polymerization reactor to a separation vessel in a slurry polymerization system are disclosed herein. For example, a process comprises withdrawing a polymerization product slurry from a loop polymerization reactor, conveying the polymerization product slurry through a first line comprising a continuous take-off valve to yield a mixture comprising a vapor phase, wherein the mixture exits the continuous take-off valve, and conveying the mixture through a second line comprising a flashline heater so that the mixture has a Froude number in a range from about 5 to about 100. |
| US09238691B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding antibodies to CCR2
Provided are antibodies including human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to CCR2, preferably human CCR2, and that may inhibit CCR2. The present antibodies may bind to the first and/or second extracellular loops of CCR2. Isolated heavy and light chains derived from the antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies and chains are provided. Methods of making and using the anti-CCR2 antibodies or antigen-binding portions, and compositions comprising these antibodies or antigen-binding portions, including compositions for diagnosis and treatment, are provided. Also provided are gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light chains that comprise the human anti-CCR2 antibodies or antigen-binding portions thereof. |
| US09238690B2 |
Non-antagonistic EGFR-binding molecules and immunoconjugates thereof
Novel anti-cancer agents, including, but not limited to, antibodies and immunoconjugates, that bind to EGFR are provided. Methods of using the agents, antibodies, or immunoconjugates, such as methods of inhibiting tumor growth are further provided. |
| US09238685B2 |
Inhibition of collagen synthesis
Therapies and compositions for reducing collagen synthesis in mammalian cells and tissues wherein the targets are scleraxis, sclerax-is-binding sites, receptor-regulated Smads, and/or binding sites for receptor-regulated Smads whereby synergistic interactions between scleraxis proteins and receptor-regulated Smads are reduced, inhibited, interfered with, stopped, and/or prevented thereby reducing, inhibiting and/or interfering with the activation of collagen 1α2 promoter thereby inhibiting collagen production in mammalian cells and tissues. Alternatively, the therapies and compositions may reduce, inhibit, interfere with, stop, and/or prevent binding of the collagen 1α2 promoter to DNA thereby inhibiting expression of the collagen 1α2 gene in mammalian cells and tissues. |
| US09238680B2 |
Engineering heat-stable disease resistance in plants
Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules which encode heat-stable plant resistance polypeptides having NB-LRR structural motifs, where the polypeptide confers heat-stability to a plant defense response. The invention further involves transgenic plants and transformed host cells that express these nucleic acid molecules and exhibit enhanced disease resistance over a wide range of temperatures. |
| US09238679B2 |
Nucleic acid molecule encoding hepatitis B virus core protein and surface antigen protein and vaccine comprising the same
Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding hepatitis B virus (HBV) core proteins, surface antigen proteins, fragments and combinations thereof as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines that express said protein sequences. These vaccines are able to induce an immune response peripherally and in the liver by recruiting both cellular and humoral agents. Also provided are methods for prophylactically and/or therapeutically immunizing individuals against HBV. The combination vaccine can also be used for particular design vaccines for particular levels of immune responses to HBV challenge. |
| US09238677B2 |
Agonists of guanylate cyclase useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, cancer and other disorders
The invention provides novel guanylate cyclase-C agonist peptides and their use in the treatment of human diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation or cancer (e.g., a gastrointestinal cancer). The peptides can be administered either alone or in combination with an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase. The gastrointestinal disorder may be classified as either irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or excessive acidity etc. The gastrointestinal disease may be classified as either inflammatory bowel disease or other GI condition, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and cancer. |
| US09238675B2 |
Inhibitors of IAP
Novel inhibitors of IAP that are useful as therapeutic agents for treating malignancies and have the general formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as described herein. |
| US09238674B2 |
Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequence and methods thereof
In one aspect, methods relate to the field of recombinant DNA therapeutics. Methods may involve bio-informatics design, synthesis of artificial genes for a human insulin precursor having a leader peptide coding sequence, cloning artificial genes into an expression vector, and expression in an organism such as one selected from the genus Pichia. In another aspect, methods may include downstream processing for obtaining protein precursor molecules and subsequent conversion of protein precursor molecules to functional proteins. |
| US09238673B2 |
Preparation and uses of obeticholic acid
The present invention relates to obeticholic acid: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or amino acid conjugate thereof. Obeticholic acid is useful for the treatment or prevention of a FXR mediated disease or condition, cardiovascular disease or cholestatic liver disease, and for reducing HDL cholesterol, for lowering triglycerides in a mammal, or for inhibition of fibrosis. The present invention also relates to processes for the synthesis of obeticholic acid. |
| US09238671B2 |
Oligonucleotide replacement for di-tagged and directional libraries
Transposomes and oligonucleotide replacement methods to make DNA libraries that have distinct 5′ and 3′ tags, and to make directional libraries that are enriched for a desired strand. |
| US09238669B2 |
Oligosaccharides and oligosaccharide-protein conjugates derived from Clostridium difficile polysaccharide PS-I, methods of synthesis and uses thereof, in particular as vaccines and diagnostic tools
The invention relates to a synthetic oligosaccharide representing part of the repeating unit of the Clostridium difficile glycopolymer PS-I and having the sequence of the pentasaccharide a-L-Rhap-(1→3)-β-D-Glcp-(1→4)-[a-L-Rhap-(1→3]-a-D-Glcp-(1→2)-a-D-Glcp or a synthetic fragment or derivative thereof. Preferably, the claimed synthetic oligosaccharide bears at least one linker L for conjugation to a carrier protein or for immobilization on a surface. Further aspects of the invention relate to advantageous methods for synthesizing said synthetic oligosaccharide and oligosaccharide-protein conjugate as well as to uses thereof, in particular as vaccines and diagnostic tools. |
| US09238663B2 |
Organosilicon compounds, making methods, and adhesion improver
Mercapto-containing organosilicon compounds of specific structure are low volatile and serve to enhance the adhesion of resins to inorganic substrates. |
| US09238662B2 |
Silicone compound having a radical-polymerizable group and a method for the preparation thereof
A purpose of the present invention is to provide a polymerizable group-containing silicone compound which is liquid at room temperature, has good handling properties and compatibility with other polymerizable monomers. The present invention provides a silicone compound represented by the general formula (1) which has a structure represented by the following formula (2) or (3): wherein Rc is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and Z is a radical-polymerizable group; wherein p1 and p2 are, independently of each other, positive integers such that a total number of p1 and p2 is 3 to 10, and Z is a radical-polymerizable group; and has a silicone structure bonded to the aforesaid formula (2) or (3) via a substituted or unsubstituted divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The present invention further provides a method for preparation the aforesaid silicone compound. |
| US09238658B2 |
Substituted piperidinyl-carboxamide derivatives useful as SCD 1 inhibitors
The present invention is directed to novel piperidinyl-carboxamide derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as inhibitors of SCD1, useful in the treatment of obesity, type-II diabetes and other related metabolic disorders. |
| US09238649B2 |
Salts and crystalline forms of 4-(4-{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl]methyl piperazin-1-yl)-N-({3-nitro-4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylmethyl)amino]phenyl}sulfonyl)-2-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yloxy)benzamide
Salts and crystalline forms of 4-(4-{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl]methyl}piperazin-1-yl)-N-({3-nitro-4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylmethyl)amino]phenyl}-sulfonyl)-2-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yloxy)benzamide are suitable active pharmaceutical ingredients for pharmaceutical compositions useful in treatment of a disease characterized by overexpression of one or more anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, for example cancer. |
| US09238640B2 |
Anti-inflammatory agents
Disclosed are novel compounds that are useful in regulating the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and/or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and their use in the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases and related disease states, such as, for example, atherosclerosis, asthma, arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel diseases, and autoimmune disease(s). Also, disclosed are compositions comprising the novel compounds, as well as methods for their preparation. |
| US09238639B2 |
Aromatic ring compound
The present invention provides a compound having a GOAT inhibitory action, which is useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of obesity and the like, and has superior efficacy. The present invention is a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof. |
| US09238638B2 |
Method for preparing alcohol carbonate using rare earth oxides as catalysts
Disclosed is a method for preparing, by transcarbonation, a compound of formula (I), including reacting a polyol of formula (II) with an alkyl carbonate or an alkylene carbonate in the presence of a catalytic system consisting of a catalytic entity selected from among the rare earth oxides or the mixtures thereof, and optionally an inert substrate. |
| US09238637B2 |
Stable polymorphic forms of compound as hypoxia mimetics, and uses thereof
The polymorphic forms of the compound of Formula I, the preparation thereof including the preparation of the intermediates, the pharmaceutical compositions thereof and the uses of a polymorph above in the manufacture of medicaments for treating a disease, a disorder or a condition are disclosed. |
| US09238624B2 |
Method of producing aromatic amino compounds
A method of producing an aromatic amino compound by using a primary or secondary amine compound having an aromatic ring group and a halogenated aromatic compound as starting materials, reacting the amine compound with the halogenated aromatic compound in the presence of a copper catalyst and a base so as to produce the aromatic amino compound having a structure in which an aromatic ring group derived from the halogenated aromatic compound is coupled to the amino group of the amine compound, wherein the amine compound and the halogenated aromatic compound are reacted together under a condition where an aromatic oxycarboxylic acid having a hydroxyl group and a hydroxycarbonyl group that are bonded to neighboring carbon atoms, is made present together with the copper catalyst and the base. |
| US09238621B2 |
Processes for the preparation of prostaglandin amides
The subject of the invention is process for the preparation of the prostaglandin amides of the general formula I, —where in the formula the bonds marked with dotted lines may be single or double bonds, in the case of double bounds at positions 5,6 and 13,14 they may be in cis or in trans orientation, Q stands for a hydroxyl-group and Z stands for a hydroxyl- or oxo-group, R1 and R2 independently represent hydrogen atom or a straight or branched C1-10 alkyl- or aralkyl-group, optionally substituted with —ONO2 group, or an aralkyl- or aryl-group, which contains heteroatom, R3 represents a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated C4-6 hydrocarbon group, or a C4-10 alkylcycloalkyl- or cycloalkyl-group, or an optionally with alkyl group or halogen atom substituted phenyl-, C7-10 alkylaryl- or hetaryl-group, Y represents (CH2)n group or 0 atom or S atom, and where n=0-3. |
| US09238619B2 |
Phenalkylamine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy
The present invention relates to phenalkylamine derivatives of the formula (I) or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof. The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such phenalkylamine derivatives, and the use of such phenalkylamine derivatives for therapeutic purposes. The phenalkylamine derivatives are GlyT1 inhibitors. |
| US09238615B2 |
Process for the iodination of aromatic compounds
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of iodinated anilines; in particular, it relates to a process including the direct iodination, with suitably activated iodine, of 3,5-disubstituted anilines to the corresponding 3,5-disubstituted-2,4,6-triiodoanilines, which are useful intermediates for the synthesis of x-ray contrast media, and to the preparation of the contrast media themselves. |
| US09238612B2 |
Method for producing unsaturated acid and/or unsaturated acid ester
The present invention relates to a method for producing an unsaturated acid and/or an unsaturated acid ester, containing a process A of reacting a compound (1) represented by the following formula (1) at a temperature of 0° C. to 350° C. in the presence of a Brønsted acid catalyst and/or a Lewis acid catalyst, to prepare a compound (2) represented by the following formula (2); in which each of R1, R2 and R4 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a deuterium atom or an alkyl group; each of R3 and R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a deuterium atom; R6 represents a hydrogen atom, a deuterium atom, or an alkyl group or an aryl group; and X represents a chlorine atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom. |
| US09238610B2 |
Method for purifying methacrylic acid
Provided is a crystallization method by which a highly-pure methacrylic acid crystal can be produced with high productivity. The method for purifying methacrylic acid according to the present disclosure involves using crude methacrylic acid having a maleic acid concentration of 2000 ppm by mass or less and an acrylic acid concentration of 2000 ppm by mass or less and setting the slurry temperature to −10 to 10° C. in order to crystallize methacrylic acid. A suspension-type jacket-cooling-system crystallization vessel is used as the crystallization apparatus, and an absolute value of the difference between a crystallization temperature and a temperature of a cooling medium in the jacket is preferably 15° C. or less. |
| US09238606B1 |
Methyl-Iodide-free carbonylation of methanol to acetaldehyde
Disclosed is a process for the reductive carbonylation of methanol to produce acetaldehyde. The process includes conducting the reaction to produce acetaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst comprising a complex composed of cobalt, an onium cation and iodide in a ratio of 1:2:4, a phosphine ligand, and a phosphonium iodide. The reductive carbonylation reaction produces a crude reductive carbonylation product substantially free of methyl iodide. |
| US09238605B2 |
Oxidation of hydrocarbons
A process for oxidizing a first hydrocarbon to a corresponding first oxygenate by feeding a first feedstock comprising the first hydrocarbon into an oxidation reactor, contacting the reaction medium with a gas stream comprising O2 in the oxidation reactor, and supplying a hydroperoxide additive to the oxidation reactor. By including the hydroperoxide additive in the reaction medium, foaming at and/or close to the beginning of the oxidation reaction can be significantly reduced. |
| US09238601B2 |
Method for providing oxygen free regeneration gas for natural gas dryers
Methods of removing free oxygen from a hydrocarbon stream are described. A hydrocarbon stream containing free oxygen is contacted with an adsorbent comprising a metal in a reduced state. The free oxygen in the hydrocarbon stream reacts with the metal in the reduced state to form oxidized metal and a reduced oxygen hydrocarbon stream. Syngas is made from a portion of the reduced oxygen hydrocarbon stream. A regeneration gas stream comprising a mixture of the syngas and another portion of the reduced oxygen hydrocarbon stream is contacted with the oxidized metal to reduce the oxidized metal to form the metal in the reduced state. |
| US09238598B2 |
Carbon dioxide conversion to hydrocarbon fuel via syngas production cell harnessed from solar radiation
A process for converting carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon fuels using solar energy harnessed with a solar thermal power system to create thermal energy and electricity, using the thermal energy to heat a fuel feed stream, the heated fuel feed stream comprising carbon dioxide and water, the carbon dioxide captured from a flue gas stream, converting the carbon dioxide and water in a syngas production cell, the syngas production cell comprising a solid oxide electrolyte, to create carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and converting the carbon monoxide and hydrogen to hydrocarbon fuels in a catalytic reactor. In at least one embodiment, the syngas production cell is a solid oxide fuel cell. In at least one embodiment, the syngas production cell is a solid oxide electrolyzer cell. |
| US09238596B2 |
Process simplification for precursor compound
The invention relates to a process for preparation of radiopharmaceutical precursors, and in particular protected amino acid derivatives which are used as precursors for production of radiolabelled amino acids for use in in vivo imaging procedures such as positron emission tomography (PET). Particularly, the invention relates to a process for preparation of a precursor useful in the preparation of the [18F]-1-amino-3-fluorocyclobutanecarboxylic acid ([18F] FACBC) PET tracer. |
| US09238593B2 |
Ceramic member, probe holder, and manufacturing method of ceramic member
There is provided a ceramic member which is a sintered body containing enstatite and boron nitride as constituents, in which boron nitride is oriented in a single direction, a probe holder formed using the ceramic member, and a manufacturing method of the ceramic member. In the ceramic member, an index of orientation degree is not less than 0.8. In so doing, it is possible to provide a ceramic member which has a free machining property, a coefficient of thermal expansion which is close to that of silicon, and high strength, and a probe holder which is formed using the ceramic member, and a manufacturing method of the ceramic member. |
| US09238590B2 |
Mirror elements for EUV lithography and production methods therefor
A method for the production of a mirror element (10) that has a reflective coating (10a) for the EUV wavelength range and a substrate (10b). The substrate (10b) is pre-compacted by hot isostatic pressing, and the reflective coating (10a) is applied to the pre-compacted substrate (10b). In the method, either the pre-compacting of the substrate (10b) is performed until a saturation value of the compaction of the substrate (10b) by long-term EUV irradiation is reached, or, for further compaction, the pre-compacted substrate (10b) is irradiated, preferably homogeneously, with ions (16) and/or with electrons in a surface region (15) in which the coating (10a) has been or will be applied. A mirror element (10) for the EUV wavelength range associated with the method has a substrate (10b) pre-compacted by hot isostatic pressing. Such a mirror element (10) is suitable to be provided in an EUV projection exposure system. |
| US09238589B2 |
Waste sludge dewatering
Technologies are generally described for processes, compositions and systems for waste sludge dewatering. In an example, the process may include receiving a waste sludge including a water component and an initial content of suspended particulates. The process may include treating the waste sludge with a combination of flocculant produced by Proteus mirabilis and a flocculant including chloride. The combination may be sufficient to flocculate at least some of the suspended particulates in the water component of the waste sludge and sufficient to produce treated waste sludge. The treated waste sludge may have a water component with a reduced content of suspended particulates. The process may include separating at least some of the water component with a reduced content of suspended particulates from the treated waste sludge to produce dewatered waste sludge. |
| US09238588B2 |
Organic disulfide based corrosion inhibitors
Disclosed are corrosion inhibitor compounds and compositions useful in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas. Also disclosed are methods of using the compounds and compositions as corrosion inhibitors, particularly in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas. |
| US09238585B2 |
Method for treatment of water comprising non-polar compounds
A process for removal of non-polar compounds from water, wherein the non-polar compounds exist in dissolved or dispersed form, wherein the water is led through a preparation tank wherein the temperature is adjusted and wherein possible solid particles are removed. The water is then led via pipe into a reactor tank and is mixed with a hydrate forming compound, wherein simultaneously hydrate seeds are added which have been recycled for continuous use in the process; whereby the drops or molecules of the non-polar compounds are attached or associated to hydrate particles being formed in the reactor tank. The hydrate particles are separated from the water and melted. The hydrate forming compound is recycled to the reactor tank and the non-polar compounds discharged. In addition, a device for use of the process as well as hydrates for removal of non-polar compounds in water. |
| US09238580B2 |
Spread-spectrum MEMS self-test system and method
A MEMS sensor includes a micro-electromechanical structure, a detection circuit, and a self-test circuit to test the health of the MEMS sensor during runtime operations. The self-test circuit is configured to inject into the micro-electromechanical structure a plurality of injected test signals that are broad-band frequency-varying frequency signals, which are based on spread spectrum based modulation. The injected test signals may a magnitude that is below an observable threshold of the sensor signal as well as a test-signal bandwidth that overlaps with a substantial portion of the sensor bandwidth, including the stimulus of interest. |
| US09238578B2 |
Semiconductor arrangement with stress release and thermal insulation
Among other things, one or more semiconductor arrangements and techniques for forming such semiconductor arrangements are provided herein. A semiconductor arrangement comprises a cap wafer, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafer, and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer. The cap wafer comprises one or more spring structures, such as a first spring structure and a second spring structure. The first spring structure and the second spring structure relieve stress as portions of the semiconductor arrangement, such as a membrane and a poly layer, move. An ambient pressure chamber is formed between the CMOS wafer and the MEMS wafer, such as for CMOS outgassing relief. One or more thermal insulator structures are formed between the CMOS wafer and the MEMS wafer to protect the MEMS wafer from heat originating from the CMOS wafer. |
| US09238568B2 |
Hall call registration apparatus of elevator including a destination floor changing device
An elevator hall call registration apparatus automatically registers a destination floor call based on verification information by a personal authentication device. The hall call registration apparatus includes a first personal authentication device which authenticates a user, a hall call registration apparatus main body which performs destination floor call registration based on verification information including personal ID unique to the user verified in the first personal authentication device, and a destination floor changing device which accepts an operation for the user to perform at least one of a change and cancel of the destination floor of a destination floor call registration. If it is judged based on an operation performed in the destination floor changing device that the operation is performed by the user authenticated by the first personal authentication device, the hall call registration apparatus can perform a change and cancel of a destination floor of the destination floor call registration. |
| US09238564B2 |
Sheet conveyance apparatus, tray unit and discharge tray
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance unit which conveys sheets and a discharge tray which supports the sheets conveyed by the conveyance unit. The discharge tray includes: a first tray which has first, second and third rail sections arranged at different positions respectively in a widthwise direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction and extending respectively in the conveyance direction; and a second tray which is arranged on a lower side of the first tray and which is slidably supported by the first, second, and third rail sections. The first rail section and the third rail section are contrary to each other in relation to the positions in the widthwise direction with respect to the second rail section. The first rail section has a first rib and a first protruding section; and the second rail section has a second rib and a second protruding section. |
| US09238560B1 |
Conveyance device, image reading device and image forming apparatus
The invention is directed to a conveyance device including: a pair of conveyance members; a connection member as defined herein; an operating member as defined herein; a to-be-stopped member as defined herein; a stopping member as defined herein; and a contact/separation control unit, and a document conveyance device including: a document loading portion in which documents are loaded; a document discharge portion to which the documents are discharged; a discharge member that is disposed on a downstream side of a document reading position in a document conveyance direction and that discharges each of the documents; a reversal passage as defined herein; a discharge member control unit as defined herein; and a transmission system as defined herein. |
| US09238558B2 |
Reciprocating placer system
A reciprocating placer system for selectively picking and placing articles includes a picking assembly that is moveable between one or more magazines in which the articles are each received and stored in a stacked configuration. The picking assembly can include a series of vacuum cups for engaging and selectively picking articles from one or more magazines and thereafter depositing the selected articles on a conveyor or within a receptacle. A drive system controls the transverse movement of the picking assembly with respect to the one or more magazines in order to control the movement of the picking assembly between the one or more magazines and for adjusting the position of the picking assembly, with a selected article engaged thereby, with respect to the conveyor or receptacle on which the article is to be deposited. |
| US09238556B2 |
Apparatus for the automated feed of connecting elements to a processing unit and feed hose for the connecting elements
In order to ensure a reliable automated feed of connecting elements to a processing unit, an apparatus, in particular an industrial robot, is provided. The apparatus has a hose pack, in which a feed hose for connecting elements is contained as a supply line. In order to ensure reliable operation and kink protection of the feed hose, the latter is formed from an inner hose which is embedded in a over-molded hose jacket. This measure permits the integration of the feed hose into the hose pack without problems. In addition, the risk of the feed hose kinking is kept small. |
| US09238553B2 |
Powered curb ramp tugger lift
A number of variations may include a vehicle for transporting or moving a load including a frame and may include a telescopic beam, a drive wheel and a support wheel, an arm connected to the drive wheel, and a conveyor having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is connected to the arm and the second end is connected to the support wheel. The telescopic beam may elongate and contract to reposition the position of the drive wheel in relation to the support wheel and thereby change the configuration of the vehicle and correspondingly the position of the conveyor. |
| US09238552B2 |
Belt tracking system, roller assembly, and image forming apparatus including same
A belt tracking system for adjusting misalignment of a movable belt in an axial direction of a plurality of rollers about which the movable belt is entrained includes a slope member and a stationary shaft guide. The slope member is disposed at both ends of at least one of the plurality of rollers in the axial direction, to tilt the roller as the belt moves in the axial direction. The stationary shaft guide contacts the slope member. A distance between a contact point of the slope member that contacts the stationary shaft guide and an end portion of the slope member in the axial direction is longer than a maximum traveling distance that the slope member travels in the axial direction. |
| US09238551B2 |
Ball transfer unit for cargo bay
A ball transfer unit for use in association with installed trays in vehicle cargo bays. Ball transfer unit is a modular unit that includes a larger main roller ball, a semi-spherical housing for holding the larger main roller ball, a plurality of smaller roller balls interposed between the housing and the main roller ball and a unitary cover affixed to the housing for securing the various ball elements in relation to the housing and cover. The large roller ball protrudes partially through the cover, and the cover is designed to discourage the ingress of water and contaminants from entering the housing. |
| US09238548B2 |
Receptacle with spring hinge and forward lean
A receptacle includes a container having a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall. The side wall defines an opening and is comprised of a front wall portion and a back wall portion. A lid is secured to the container along the back wall portion at a spring hinge where the lid covers the opening. The front wall portion diverges as it extends away from the base at a first angle and the back wall portion diverges as it extends away from the base at a second angle where the first angle is greater than the second angle. The spring hinge defines an axis of rotation of the lid where the axis of rotation of the lid is outside of the rim of the opening. The lid is shaped and dimensioned such that the lid contacts the rim for substantially the entire periphery thereof. |
| US09238546B1 |
Media storage assembly
A media storage assembly holds, organizes, and displays one or more of a user's media collections. The assembly includes a base panel having an upper surface. The upper surface is flat wherein the upper surface is configured to receive a plurality of media thereon. A slot extends into the base panel. A rod is positioned in the slot. A pair of end panels is slidably coupled to the rod. The end panels are slidable to a selectable position on the rod wherein the end panels are configured to abut an outermost one of the media and prevent spacing between adjacently positioned ones of the media. |
| US09238543B2 |
Container for the at least substantially separate storage and release of substances, in particular for storage and release in outer space
The invention relates to a container, particularly in syringe form, for an at least substantially separate storage and release of substances, in particular for storage and release in outer space, with an outflow opening, a storage chamber for the storage of the substances, with at least one slideable separator element which divides the storage chamber into sub-chambers, and with at least one shaped overflow channel which is provided for transporting substances from a sub-chamber into a sub-chamber which is arranged forward as seen in the direction of the outflow opening, and/or into the outflow opening. It is proposed that the overflow channel and the separator element are designed for an at least substantially sequential release of substances and/or for washing-out a stored solid by a liquid. |
| US09238538B2 |
Easy open package for snack bars
A package for consumable wrapped products, such as cereal bars, power bars, granola bars or other snacks. The package may include an elongated body and a fin seal on the elongated body that folds to the left side of the package. The fin seal may be located near the center of the package or on an edge of the package and may include one or more nicks on an edge of the fin seal. The package may include a top seal and a side seal. The package may also include a tear notch for propagating a tear across the package. The package may include one or more score lines extending across the package. The package may include a vertical score that prevents further tearing of the package. |
| US09238537B2 |
Method for producing multi-compartment packages
An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided below a product delivery tube. |
| US09238536B2 |
Method for providing consumers with a food storage kit
A method of providing a food storage product dispensing kit for de-bulking food includes a plurality of re-sealable primary bags and a plurality of secondary pouches, wherein the secondary pouches are adapted and configured to be worn and inverted over a user's hand as well as minimize freezer burn of food items therein. |
| US09238535B2 |
Packaging material comprising magnetisable portions
A packaging material comprises a plurality of magnetizable portions thereon. The magnetizable portions are provided as at least one spot per package to be formed from the packaging material. The spots comprises magnetizable particles. |
| US09238525B2 |
Drain assembly for a tank or containment vessel
A drain assembly for a tank or containment vessel of the type having a flexible and removable interior liner. The drain assembly comprises a drain intake in fluid communication with a wall traversing portion. The drain intake is operatively deployable in proximity to the bottom of the tank and the wall traversing portion is operatively deployable through a wall of the tank. The wall traversing portion includes a conduit portion in fluid communication with the drain intake and with a location exterior to the tank. The conduit portion includes an interior stopper plate and a threaded portion. The drain assembly includes a hammer nut threadably receivable over the threaded portion when the conduit portion is received through the wall of the tank such that tightening the hammer nut upon the threaded portion causes the hammer nut to engage the exterior of the tank wall causing the stopper plate to compress the tank liner against the interior surface of the tank wall thereby securing the drain assembly to the tank wall and helping to prevent the unintentional leakage of the contents of the tank through the tank wall. |
| US09238524B2 |
Cup made of a paper material
A cup made of paper material having a fillable interior is provided. The cup is formed by a conical sleeve and a bottom. The bottom is attached to the sleeve at the lower end of the interior with a bottom skirt in an essentially liquid-tight way. The sleeve and/or the bottom in the area of the bottom skirt and/or the bottom skirt itself includes, at least in one area along the periphery, an outwardly projecting widening. A lower edge of the widening forms a standing surface for the cup. The widening can form a structure for holding another cup of the same type, which structure can act together with a similar cup during stacking. The cup can include a heat-insulting outer sleeve. |
| US09238522B1 |
One-piece foldable corrugated cooler with improved locking system
A one-piece, foldable corrugated cooler includes a storage portion having a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and four corner panels; two handle panels forming a lid and a handle; and at least one locking panel. The at least one locking panel is adapted to secure the lid in a closed orientation, and the at least one locking panel is integral with at least one corner panel and at least one handle panel. |
| US09238520B2 |
Container and vending machine
A collapsible container is made with a pair of upper and lower bellows sections connected by a rigid section with inwardly tapering ends, such that the container can be collapsed with the rigid section and the bellows sections overlapping. The collapsible container may be provided with an identifier such as an RFID tag which cooperates with a vending machine with a detector such as an RFID reader so as to dispense liquid into the container. |
| US09238510B2 |
Boomerang link with vibration filtering ability and aircraft engine mount provided with such link
A boomerang link for aircraft engine mounts, including a first orifice and a second orifice both designed to connect the boomerang link to an aircraft pylon, and a third orifice designed to connect the boomerang link to an aircraft engine. The third orifice is offset relative to a plane passing simultaneously through an axis of the first orifice and through an axis of the second orifice. When the boomerang link is seen in section in any plane orthogonal to the axes, a straight line segment extending from the axis of the second orifice to an axis of the third orifice crosses a region external to the boomerang link. This conformation confers on the boomerang link a flexibility enabling it to filter transverse vibrations between an engine and an aircraft pylon. |
| US09238501B1 |
Bilge keel with porous leading edge
A bilge keel design for improved ship roll damping performance. The bilge keel has a porous region substantially at a forward end, and is designed to alleviate and mitigate added drag from flow misalignment due to scale effects and variation in vessel speed and loading conditions. The bilge keel design is use on both port and starboard sides of the vessel hull. |
| US09238500B2 |
Cargo hold structure for a very large crude oil carrier
A cargo hold structure for an oil tanker is provided, in which a plurality of vertical webs that is mounted on longitudinal bulkheads of the cargo hold in a height direction of a hull is made wide and horizontal girders which connect the vertical webs to each other and support them, thereby controlling the sloshing load of the cargo hold and improving the structural strength of the cargo hold without having to mount crossties. The cargo hold structure includes a longitudinal bulkhead (20) arranged in a lengthwise direction of a hull to divide an internal space, a plurality of vertical webs (22) coupled onto the longitudinal bulkhead (20) in a height direction of the hull, the vertical web (22) having a width of 0.15 to 0.20 times the total height (H) of the cargo hold, and a horizontal girder (24) arranged between the vertical webs (22) in the lengthwise direction of the hull, the level of the horizontal girder (24) being within 30% to 60% of the total height (H) of the cargo hold from the bottom thereof. |
| US09238496B2 |
Motorcycle
Vibration generators are provided on a vehicle to give vibration to the body of an occupant in response to outside information inputted from the outside of the vehicle, or vehicle information outputted from an in-vehicle system. The vibration generators are installed under the seating faces or inside the back of the occupant seats, or in the side wall surface of a fuel tank. The vibration generators are driven by information on predetermined contents among outside information obtained by two-way radio communication with another vehicle using radio communication equipment. The vibration generator provided in the occupant seats can be operated as speaker means producing deep bass sound in response to an audio signal of an in-vehicle audio unit. The resulting configuration enables information to be transmitted to the occupant of the vehicle by vibration given to his/her body, rather than being transmitted audibly or visually. |
| US09238494B2 |
Vehicle
A transformation restricting mechanism is configured to change a resisting force between a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a caliper that are configured to be displaced relative to each other. The first connecting member includes a turn supporting portion supported by a first shock absorbing device. The second connecting member includes a turn supporting portion supported by a second shock absorbing device. The turn supporting portion is supported by the first shock absorbing device closer to a first center axis than an intermediate axis which is coincident with a turning axis of a steering shaft when the vehicle body frame is in an upright state. The turn supporting portion is supported by the second shock absorbing device closer to a second center axis than the intermediate axis when the vehicle body frame is in an upright state. |
| US09238492B2 |
Chassis for a robot
In a chassis (1) for a robot for traveling over smooth, curved or firm surfaces with two track guides that are mirror-symmetric to one another and firmly arranged in the chassis (1) in parallel with the traveling surface and self-contained in each case, along which controllable adhesive modules (14) circulate one behind the other in such a way that their adhesive feet (15), which can be lifted and lowered vis-a-vis the traveling surface, always point towards the traveling surface, the individual adhesive modules (14) have their own controllable lifting and traveling drives in each case. |
| US09238488B2 |
Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods
In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component including an alignment member, the alignment member including a base portion extending from an edge of the first component, and a connector portion coupled to the base portion. The system also includes a second component including a receiving member. The receiving member includes a pair of cantilever members extending from an edge of the second component and defines a receiving aperture configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the receiving aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component edge relative to the second component edge. |
| US09238487B1 |
Inner front side member to rocker support reinforcement gussets for vehicle front structures
A vehicle includes a side member that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A dash panel is coupled to the side member and extending in a vehicle lateral direction. A rocker support extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is spaced outboard of the side member in the vehicle lateral direction. An A-pillar is coupled to and extends upward from the rocker support. An inner front side member to rocker support reinforcement gusset includes a dash reinforcement portion that is connected to the side member and the dash panel and a floor reinforcement portion that is connected to the rocker support and the side member. |
| US09238484B2 |
Integrated lateral load-transmittal system
According to one aspect of the present invention, a load-transmittal system for a vehicle includes a cross member of a vehicle frame extending substantially perpendicular to a vehicle door. A pusher is disposed within a cavity defined between inner and outer sheet metal panels of the vehicle door, wherein the pusher is disposed distal from the cross member to define an idle state. A container receptacle is disposed between the pusher and the cross member, wherein the container receptacle defines a transmittal zone of the vehicle door. When the vehicle door experiences a side-impact load, the side-impact load moves the pusher through the transmittal zone and into at least partial engagement with the cross member to define a collapsed position of the pusher. In this manner, the side-impact load is transferred through the pusher to the cross member. |
| US09238483B2 |
Trailer backup assist system with trajectory planner for multiple waypoints
A trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment, includes a state estimator that determines a current position of a trailer relative to a plurality of waypoints. A trajectory planner may then incrementally generate a path from the current position to the plurality of waypoints. The trajectory planner has a first mode that generates first and second circular trajectories tangent to one another connecting between the current position and a waypoint of the plurality of waypoints. A second mode of the trajectory planner generates the second circular trajectory between the current position and the waypoint after the trailer traverses the first circular trajectory. Also, a third mode of the trajectory planner switches to the first operating mode when the trailer reaches the waypoint for guidance to a subsequent waypoint. A curvature controller guides the trailer based on a curvature of the respective first or second circular trajectories. |
| US09238480B2 |
Steering control device
The turning amount of a turning unit is controlled based on the steering amount of a steering unit mechanically uncoupled from the turning unit, and the change amount of the steering reaction force relative to the change amount of the self-aligning torque in a steering reaction force characteristic is increased as a curvature of a white line is increased when the steering reaction force corresponding to the self-aligning torque is applied to the steering unit based on the steering reaction force characteristic corresponding to the self-aligning torque such that the larger the self-aligning torque, the larger the steering reaction force. |
| US09238479B2 |
Steering system with dynamic slip reduction
A steering system includes a fluid motor and a steering unit. The steering unit is in fluid communication with the fluid motor. The steering unit includes a fluid meter adapted to meter fluid to the fluid motor in response to actuation of the steering unit. A valve housing is in fluid communication with the fluid meter. The valve housing defines a valve bore. A valve assembly is disposed in the valve bore. The valve assembly defines a primary fluid path to the fluid meter and to the fluid motor from the fluid meter. The valve assembly further defines a secondary fluid path to the fluid motor that bypasses the fluid meter. An amount of fluid through the secondary fluid path is based on volumetric efficiency of the fluid motor. |
| US09238477B2 |
Method and system for a lift device having independently steerable wheels
A system and method of controlling a scissors lift vehicle are provided. The scissors lift vehicle system includes a carriage including a plurality of independently steerable wheel assemblies configured to engage a travel surface. The plurality of independently steerable wheel assemblies, each steerable about a steer axis of rotation include one of the plurality of wheel assemblies being designated a master wheel and the remaining wheel assemblies being designated slave wheels. The wheel assemblies each include a variable-speed steer actuator configured to rotate a respective wheel assembly about the steer axis of rotation of that wheel assembly at a selectable rate. The wheel assemblies each also include a wheel including a respective drive axis of rotation and a variable-speed drive actuator configured to rotate that wheel about a respective steer axis of rotation at a selectable rate. |
| US09238476B2 |
Tilt steering apparatus
Construction is achieved in which a steering column 4b and a support bracket 17b are able to smoothly displace in the forward direction during a secondary collision. Spring-side locking sections 40 of a bias spring 32a engage with locking tabs 41 of the support bracket 17b in a state so as to press downward on the locking tabs 41. A pressure section 35a of the bias spring 32a engages with a receiving surface of the steering column 4b in a state so as to cause an upward pressure force to act on the steering column 4b. During a secondary collision, when the bias spring 32a displaces in the forward direction during the stroke through which the steering column 4b and support bracket 17b are able to displace in the forward direction and interferes with a gear housing 12 of a steering-assist apparatus 5, the locked state between the spring-side locking sections 40 and the locking tabs 41 is released, which allows the steering column 4b and the support bracket 17b to smoothly displace further in the forward direction. |
| US09238473B2 |
Incremented brake pipe pressure reduction
A system and method for incrementally accomplishing brake pipe reductions using an operator button, touch sensitive screen or other human machine interface. The system is preferably made available to the user when the brake handle is positioned in the ‘minimum’ brake application position and allows an operator to create a more precise target reduction value without having to manually move the brake handle to the location that the operator believes may result in the desired reduction. Using small, predetermined increments, the system allows for more precise control over brake pressure without an operator having to estimate what handle movement will accomplish the desired brake pressure. |
| US09238472B2 |
Wheelset axle protection
The wheel set shaft of a rail vehicle is protected in an effective and economical manner by a protection device. The device includes an elastomeric mat which can be easily placed on the wheel set shaft and retaining means for retaining the elastomeric mat on the wheel set shaft. |
| US09238471B2 |
Method for control of vehicle body tilting of railway vehicle
Control of vehicle body tilting when a railway vehicle travels along a curve includes: detecting a pressure of compressed air in an air tank; driving a compressor that supplies compressed air to the tank when detecting a pressure drop in the tank to or below a first threshold level P1 in association with introduction of compressed air into air springs; and limiting the amount of compressed air to be introduced from the tank into the springs to a level equal to or lower than the amount of compressed air to be supplied from the compressor to the tank while continuing the introduction from the tank into the springs. This ensures that the tank pressure is maintained at a level equal to or higher than a minimum level required for braking actuation of the railway vehicle to have ride comfort when traveling along a curve and without causing braking trouble. |
| US09238467B1 |
Automatic engagement of a driver assistance system
A system for automatic engagement of a driver assistance system comprises an input interface, a processor, and an output interface. The input interface is configured to receive data associated with one or more events. The processor is configured to evaluate the risk associated with the data and to determine that the risk indicates a state change in a driver assistance system is appropriate. The output interface is configured to provide an indication that the state change in the driver assistance system is appropriate. |
| US09238466B2 |
Control of the driving style of a motor vehicle within localities (city driving cycle)
A control system for vehicles to operate at an ecological driving modus, for example in case they are used within a locality such as a city or town. A control system initiated by a clearly identifiable switch installed either at the dashboard or on the steering wheel, the switch being manually operated by the driver. The control system can be can also be initiated via radio- or light-waves' signals. |
| US09238463B2 |
Driving assistance system for vehicle and system for estimating frictional state of road surface
In a driving assistance system for a vehicle according to the present invention, when a solid object existing in the traveling direction of the driver's own vehicle is recognized, a target control value setting part sets a target control value pertaining to control for avoiding a collision including turning control of the driver's own vehicle in order to bring a running state of the driver's own vehicle to a target running state that causes the driver's own vehicle to avoid a collision with the solid object. A control part performs collision avoidance control in accordance with the target control value. Moreover, a control value correction part corrects the target control value pertaining to the turning control of the driver's own vehicle based on the value of a state variable relating to the running state of the driver's own vehicle during the time in which the control by said control part is performed and said target control value associated with said state variable. |
| US09238461B1 |
Output bump management in a strong hybrid vehicle
A method for managing output bump/clunk in a neutral state in a strong hybrid vehicle includes calculating a motor torque for an electric traction motor connected to a third node of a planetary gear set. The motor torque is calculated as a product of a predetermined inertia of the electric traction motor, the calculated acceleration of the engine, and a gear ratio of the planetary gear set. The calculated motor torque is commanded from the electric traction motor via a controller in a direction opposite the calculated acceleration of the output shaft, including transmitting a motor torque command to the electric traction motor for the duration of the neutral state. The vehicle includes the engine, a damper assembly, the transmission, and the controller. |
| US09238459B2 |
Battery charging method for hybrid electric vehicles
A battery charging method for a hybrid electric vehicle, may include a step of receiving a vehicle gradient value through a transmission control unit (TCU) or an inclination sensor when the vehicle stops, a step of converting a transmission stage into an N stage and driving an engine to recharge a battery by a main motor when the received vehicle gradient value a preset gradient value or less, and a step of charging the battery by Generating the main motor by engaging an engine clutch after the engine driven. |
| US09238458B2 |
Hybrid-electric vehicle engine starting method and system
A system or method for controlling an engine in a hybrid vehicle include cranking the engine subject to a first torque limit in response to an engine start request, receiving an engine rotational position signal, and cranking the engine subject to a second torque limit in response to the engine rotational position signal indicating a number of engine revolutions being less than a threshold value. |
| US09238455B2 |
Chamber case of brake chamber of vehicle
Provided is a chamber case of a brake chamber of a vehicle, which may reduce the weight of a vehicle by applying a plastic resin-based material to the chamber case and also enhance rigidity and durability of the chamber case by forming a reinforcement rib at the chamber case and adjusting a thickness of the chamber case to reinforce weak portions of the chamber case. The chamber case of a brake chamber of a vehicle is configured to surround a power spring and a piston, and a top portion of the chamber case is formed to have a relatively greater thickness than a side portion thereof to reinforce the strength of the chamber case. |
| US09238453B2 |
Master cylinder device
A master cylinder device including: a housing whose front side is closed and which has a separation wall for separating the inside of the housing into a front side chamber and a rear side chamber; a pressurizing piston disposed in the front side chamber so as to define a pressurizing chamber for pressurizing the brake fluid and an input chamber into which a brake fluid from a high pressure source is introduced; an input piston disposed in the rear side chamber and moving forward by an operation force; and a transmission rod which is through the separation wall, whose proximal end portion is fixed in one of the pressurizing and input pistons, and whose distal end portion is apart from the other of the pressurizing and input pistons in a state of no forward movement. |
| US09238451B2 |
Vacuum assembly with inlet through removable tank
The disclosed vacuum assembly can be mounted in a vehicle. The motor/fan assembly is positioned above a chassis wall. Lateral flanges on opposed sides of the tank support the tank in generally horizontal sliding motion from a forward position to an elevated rearward position. A rear flange supports the tank as it pivots to a mounted position in which an inlet on a removable lid on the tank communicates with a hose, and an outlet on the lid communicates with the motor/fan assembly. In a removed position, the inlet and outlet are disconnected. Alignment bosses fit in aligned openings when the tank is in the mounted position. |
| US09238449B2 |
Vehicle control system including accelerometer based security warning and related methods
A vehicle control system may include a wireless communications device, a vehicle position determining device, and an accelerometer. The vehicle control system may also include at least one controller configured to communicate vehicle position information based upon the vehicle position determining device via the wireless communications device, and communicate vehicle acceleration data based upon the accelerometer via the wireless communications device. The controller may also be configured to generate a security pre-warning signal based upon the accelerometer. |
| US09238443B2 |
Blow molded energy absorber and systems and methods of making and using the same
In one embodiment, a vehicle energy absorber system, comprises: blow molded crush lobes that are open on one side, wherein the energy absorber comprises fillets having a fillet radius of less than 20 mm and a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm; a bumper beam adjacent the open side; and a fascia, wherein the energy absorber is located between the fascia and the bumper beam. In one embodiment, a method for making a blow molded energy absorber comprises: introducing a molten plastic to a first mold cavity; introducing gas into the plastic to conform the plastic to the interior of the first mold cavity and form a first preform; and separating the first preform along a centerline thereof to form open, first preform portions having first crush lobes. |
| US09238440B1 |
Vehicle door including compartment for dispensable paper products
A door for a vehicle includes an interior surface and a compartment extending into the interior surface for receiving a dispensable paper product. A cover is movable between a closed position covering the compartment and an open position exposing the compartment. The cover defines an opening for accessing the dispensable paper product. The cover includes an outer surface flush with the interior surface when the cover is in the closed position. |
| US09238436B2 |
Mirror for vehicle
A joint portion is provided to an upper case of a mirror unit tilting mechanism so as to protrude therefrom. A fitting portion is formed on a pivot plate side so as to correspond to the joint portion. The joint portion is formed into a hollow hemisphere shape. A support shaft is provided upright at a center portion of an outer wall, and a spherical portion is formed in the outer wall. The fitting portion has a hollow hemisphere dome shape and includes a spherical side wall portion and a ceiling portion which has a wave shape in cross section. The fitting portion is lightly press-fitted to the joint portion through one-touch insertion operation. The fitting portion and the joint portion are swingably connected to each other under a state in which curved surfaces of the spherical portion and the side wall portion are held in contact with each other. |
| US09238434B2 |
Rear view mirror simulation
The invention relates to an exterior mirror simulation with image data recording and a display of the recorded and improved data for the driver of a motor vehicle. The display on a display device shows the data in a way chosen by the driver or the vehicle manufacturer. |
| US09238430B2 |
Locking device
A locking device for locking a container on a loading surface. A locking head of the mechanism protrudes through a standardized reception opening and projects above the loading surface to engage and behind a wall of a corner fitting of the container to lock the container on the loading surface. A grooved bushing is disposed below the standardized reception opening. The locking device is guided in the grooved bushing so that it can be lowered to a first position below the loading surface. The locking device is supported on the grooved bushing, protruding upwards beyond the loading surface, in a second position. A securing ring holds the locking device below the loading surface in a mounting opening in the first position. The locking device has a (semi-) automatic locking mechanism in a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing is guided through the grooved bushing, the mounting opening and the securing ring. |
| US09238428B2 |
Back frame for vehicle seat
There is provided a back frame of a vehicle seat, which includes a frame body formed by extrusion molding and including a press-fitting portion into which a part attachment bracket is press-fitted for attaching a part to the frame body. The press-fitting portion of the frame body and an abutment surface of the bracket are formed with an engagement portion where one of the frame body and the bracket is brought into engagement with the other in a direction in which the part attachment bracket is press-fitted into the press-fitting portion. |
| US09238426B2 |
Method for actuating a seat
A seat having a backrest and a seat cushion is provided with at least one adjusting element on both sides of the longitudinal center plane of the seat. By alternatingly actuating the adjusting elements in the two halves of the seat, mobilization of the spinal column of a seat user occurs. In order to increase the acceptance of such a mobilization, which requires comparatively long stroke lengths of the adjusting elements to achieve a physiological effectiveness, an accustomization phase occurs before the action phase. During the accustomization phase, the adjusting elements exercise, for example, only about half of the stroke during the action phase. Preferably, a transition phase may be interposed between the accustomization phase and the action phase. |
| US09238425B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat that can effectively restrain a passenger from moving outward in a vehicle width direction in the event of a collision of a vehicle is obtained. The vehicle seat disclosed is equipped with a pop-up bar that is supported displaceably upward, an MGG that is operated to displace the pop-up bar upward, a tension cloth that is connected on an upper end side thereof to the pop-up bar and on a lower end side thereof to a front end side of a seat cushion, and a lateral collision ECU that operates the MGG in a case where a lateral collision of the vehicle is detected or predicted. The tension cloth is deployed such that a tensile force is applied between a connection portion thereof to the pop-up bar and a connection portion thereof to the seat cushion as the pop-up bar is displaced to a popped-up position. |
| US09238424B1 |
Seat cushion
A seat cushion is provided with seat belt strap engaging arms operable to engage and spread the lap belt and shoulder belt straps, if present, of a seat belt structure away from the center of the stroller or other seat to provide easier access to place a user of the seat in the seat. Installation of the cushion is facilitated in one embodiment by adapting the arms to be detachably coupled to seat belt and shoulder belt straps. As a result, the cushion can be placed in the seat and the arms coupled to the straps without the need to undo the straps of the seat belt structure before use of the cushion. |
| US09238422B2 |
Vehicle seat sliding apparatus
A vehicle seat sliding apparatus includes: an upper rail configured to freely support a seat thereabove; a lower rail supporting the upper rail in a relatively movable manner; a locking mechanism capable of switching between a lock state where the relative movement of the upper rail with respect to the lower rail is regulated and an unlock state where the relative movement is allowed; and an unlock operation prevention mechanism regulating an unlock operation of the locking mechanism based on a deployment pressure of an airbag which is disposed in a seat cushion. |
| US09238421B2 |
Seat adjustment apparatus
A seat adjustment apparatus for adjusting seat elements of a seat in a motor vehicle comprises a gear mechanism housing of an electric motor/gear mechanism unit attached to a fitting part of a first seat element by an attachment element. A rotation movement can be transmitted to a rotation axis by the gear mechanism unit of the electric motor/gear mechanism unit. The attachment element can be attached to the gear mechanism housing by an end region and has an expansion plug part which projects through a recess in the fitting part, and has a passage opening axial to the recess in the fitting part and an identical cross section. An expansion element, which radially expands the expansion plug part, can be inserted into the passage opening. |
| US09238419B2 |
Conductor rail
A conductor rail assembly for use in transit rail transportation systems to transmit electrical power to rail cars comprising a first and second support sections preferably of aluminum to give the rail assembly its rail-shape and conductivity and a cap section preferably of stainless steel to provide a wear resistant surface to prevent damaging of the conductor rail by collector shoes that extend from rail cars and run on the conductor rail. The first support section has a rib and the second support section has a concavity. In the assembly, the rib of the first support member preferably is disposed within the concavity of the second support member, portions of both support members preferably are friction fit or compression fit within the cap and a friction stir weld preferably is disposed on the bottom of the assembly along a joint between the first and second support sections. |
| US09238414B2 |
Charging system for battery-powered unmanned aerial vehicles
A rack system is provided that includes a plurality of trays configured to hold a respective plurality of battery-powered UAVs, and a frame configured to support the plurality of trays in a vertical arrangement. Each tray of the plurality of trays includes a platform, bumper and first plurality of electrical contacts. The platform may be configured to carry a UAV of the plurality of battery-powered UAVs. The bumper may be sized and positioned on the platform to guide the UAV to a resting position on the platform. And the first plurality of electrical contacts may be connected to a battery-charging apparatus, and configured to physically and electrically contact a respective second plurality of electrical contacts connected to a respective plurality of batteries on the UAV at the resting position on the platform. A related battery-charging apparatus including a charge switching system for charging battery-powered UAVs is also provided. |
| US09238412B2 |
Normalizing deceleration of a vehicle having a regenerative braking system
A method of operating a vehicle having a friction braking system and a regenerative braking system is presented here. The method determines a regenerative torque capacity, calculates a desired regenerative torque amount for the braking system, detects that the desired regenerative torque amount exceeds the regenerative torque capacity by at least a threshold amount, and controls actuation of the friction braking system in response to the detecting. Another operating method determines a coastdown torque capability of the vehicle, calculates a desired coastdown torque amount, detects that the desired coastdown torque amount exceeds the coastdown torque capability by at least a threshold amount, and controls actuation of the friction braking system in response to the detecting. |
| US09238407B1 |
Tire pressure dependent cruise control device
A tire pressure dependent cruise control device automatically disengages cruise control upon detection of unbalanced tire pressures. The device includes a vehicle and a pair of aligned wheels coupled to the vehicle. A cruise control unit is operationally coupled to the vehicle for maintaining a speed of the vehicle independent of a driver constantly depressing a pedal of the vehicle. Each of a pair of sensors is coupled to the vehicle adjacent to an associated one of the wheels. The sensors are aligned and the sensors monitor alignment of the sensors. The sensors are communicatively coupled to the cruise control unit wherein the cruise control unit is deactivated from maintaining a constant speed of the vehicle upon the sensors detecting misalignment of the sensors indicating unbalanced tire pressure in the wheels. |
| US09238405B2 |
Motor unit and grill shutter driving device including the same
A motor unit and a grill shutter driving device are disclosed. The grill shutter driving device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept includes a body unit interposed between a plurality of grill shutters, a motor unit installed inside the body unit for generating driving power to drive the grill shutter, a control unit for controlling generation of driving power of the motor unit, and a connection unit for providing driving power of the motor unit to the grill shutter. The motor unit includes a plurality of coil units in which electric coil is rolled, a stator to be magnetized, a rotator having magnetism with a permanent magnet and rotating due to interference of the magnetization of the stator, wherein the plurality of coil units are separated with each other in a radial form with even number, and any one side of the mutually facing coil units includes electric coil rolled in, thereby forming an asymmetry coil structure. |
| US09238402B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
A vehicle control apparatus for a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, and that is capable of traveling by motive power from at least one of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor includes: a control portion that causes the vehicle to travel in a travel mode of a plurality of travel modes that differ in an engine start condition for the internal combustion engine; and a determination portion that determines whether exhaust from the internal combustion engine has deteriorated, wherein the determination portion changes the deterioration determination condition for determining that the exhaust has deteriorated, according to the travel mode. |
| US09238401B2 |
Z-fold convertible top supporting retractable quarter window
A Z-fold convertible top has a frame supporting a textile cover. The frame includes support in the form of at least one of a pair of pivoted rails rigidly mounted to a bow, stabilizing other pivoted rails. The stability may be employed to displace a quarter window with the rail in a manner that provides a compact top stack packaged in the vehicle body. The stability is also employed to coordinate sealing engagement of the quarter window with a cloth control link pivoted to the vehicle body ground, but displacing the cloth away from the window during retraction. A worm link may enhance interaction between the cloth control link and the rail supporting a quarter window. |
| US09238393B2 |
System and method for monitoring vibration isolators
A system may monitor a vibration isolating connection between a first part and a second part. The system may include a light source, an optical sensor mounted to receive light from the light source, and a processing unit for providing an output indicative of the deformation of the vibration isolating connection based on the output of the optical sensor. |
| US09238390B2 |
Composite articles, wear plates and methods
A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch. |
| US09238389B2 |
Adjustable tire pressure detector
An adjustable tire pressure detector is installed on a tire rim, and includes a detector body, a gas intake nozzle, and a gas nozzle assembly member for fastening the gas intake nozzle onto the detector body. The detector body includes a housing and a gas nozzle assembly portion. The gas nozzle assembly portion includes two parallel limiting contact surfaces, an assembly surface connecting the two limiting contact surfaces and including an opening, and an assembly space surrounded by the two limiting contact surfaces and the assembly surface. The gas intake nozzle includes a coupling section inserted in the assembly space and a gas intake section connected to the coupling section. The coupling section includes two assembly contact surfaces corresponding to the limiting contact surfaces, and an arched assembly surface connecting the two assembly contact surfaces, including a ventilation hole and being in line contact with the assembly surface. |
| US09238388B2 |
Tire pressure maintenance apparatus and system
A tire pressure maintenance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system comprises a high pressure reservoir and a pressure regulator secured to the high pressure reservoir. A high pressure relief valve is also provided. The high pressure reservoir is circumferentially continuous. Further, the pressure regulator has a passive valve in fluid communication with the high pressure reservoir and the pressure regulator opens at a low pressure point and closes at a high pressure point. |
| US09238387B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes an inner liner disposed inwardly in the tire relative to a carcass ply bridged between a pair of bead portions, the inner liner being formed of a first layer disposed inwardly in the tire, and a second layer disposed in contact with a rubber layer of the carcass ply, the first layer being a thermoplastic elastomer composition mainly containing a styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer, the second layer being a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer composition, (a) at least one of the thermoplastic elastomer compositions of the first and second layers containing a tackifier by 0.1 part by mass to 100 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer component, or (b) the second layer containing the styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer by 10 mass % to 80 mass % relative to a thermoplastic elastomer component thereof. |
| US09238385B2 |
Bicycle hub and method for the production thereof
A bicycle hub is made of shaped sheet metal. The bicycle hub comprises two flanges (6, 7) which are located at end sections (3, 4) of the hub. The flanges (6, 7) comprise holes (11) for accommodating spokes, and are bent radially outwards and held at a distance from one another by a sleeve (5; 50). The end sections (3, 4) further comprise internal ball tracks (8). The end sections (3, 4) are designed such that each of the end sections (3, 4) is formed as a double wall comprising an inner wall and a closely fitting and abutting outer wall at least in the ball track area (8), whereby the flange (6, 7) is attached to the outer wall. |
| US09238384B2 |
Method of manufacturing microneedle
The invention discloses a method of manufacturing a microneedle including the steps of forming an island etching mask having thickness distribution on a substrate, and processing the substrate into a needle by taking advantage of a difference in etching rates between the etching mask and the substrate. The invention enables to readily control a point angle and height of the manufactured needle. |
| US09238377B1 |
Method and system of lens shading color correction using block matching
A system, article, and method to provide lens shading color correction using block matching. |
| US09238376B2 |
Thermal head and thermal printer equipped with the same
There are provided a thermal head capable of decreasing the possibility of occurrence of layer separation in a protective layer, and a thermal printer equipped with the same. A thermal head includes a substrate; an electrode disposed on the substrate; an electric resistor connected to the electrode, part of which serves as a heat-generating section; and a protective layer disposed on the electrode and on the heat-generating section. The protective layer includes a first layer containing silicon nitride or silicon oxide; and a second layer disposed on the first layer, containing tantalum oxide and silicon oxynitride. |
| US09238374B2 |
Print head module
A print head module for delivering ink to a print head comprising a module venting system comprising a one-time vent built into the interior of the print head module in which, when an amount of ink comes in contact with the one-time vent, air is prevented from passing through the one-time vent. A system for delivering ink to a print head comprising a print head, a external reservoir of ink, and a print head module comprising a one-time vent built into the interior of the print head module and fluidly coupling the print head to the external reservoir of ink, in which, when an amount of ink comes in contact with the one-time vent within the print head module, air is prevented from passing through the one-time vent. |
| US09238363B2 |
Electronic component moving mechanism and printer
An electronic component moving mechanism includes a holding portion holding an electronic component, a position changing portion, a first wiring portion, a second wiring portion, a third wiring portion, and a connection line. The third wiring portion protrudes from a leading end portion of the second wiring portion toward another side in the first direction. The connection line includes a first bent portion and a second bent portion in a case where the position of the holding portion is changed to a position on the other side. The first bent portion is folded back from the other side to the one side along the leading end portion of the third wiring portion, and the second bent portion is folded back from the one side to the other side between the first bent portion and a second end portion connecting the connection line and an external circuit. |
| US09238359B2 |
Method and apparatus for attaching flexographic and metal back plates on an imaging cylinder
Apparatus and methods for attaching flexible or magnetic plates onto an imaging cylinder are provided. A drum apparatus of an imaging device includes an imaging cylinder having an outer surface and a magnetic foil attachable to the outer surface of the imaging cylinder. In a configuration with the magnetic foil attached to the outer surface of the imaging cylinder, at least one metal back plate can be attached to the imaging cylinder via magnetic coupling to the magnetic foil. In a configuration without the magnetic foil attached to the outer surface of the imaging cylinder, at least one flexographic plate can be attached to the imaging cylinder. |
| US09238357B2 |
Supporting member separation apparatus and supporting member separation method
A supporting member separation apparatus that separates a supporting member from a laminate having a substrate, an adhesive layer, a release layer which has a property that changes when it absorbs light, and the supporting member which are laminated in this order. The apparatus includes a holding unit that holds one surface of the laminate, a lifting and lowering unit that lifts and lowers the holding unit, and an adjustment unit that maintains a constant applied force to the holding unit. |
| US09238356B2 |
Method for applying a decoration to a composite wood board
The invention relates to a method for applying a decoration to the upper face of a composite wood board, in particular a MDF or HDF board, wherein said method is characterized in that at least one second decoration produced by digital printing is applied to a first decoration produced by intaglio printing. |
| US09238353B2 |
Intermediate film for laminated glass and laminated glass
An interlayer film for a laminated glass provides excellent vibration damping performance at high temperature and excellent sound insulation in a wide temperature range. The interlayer film comprises a part A containing a resin composition A or a resin A and a part B containing a resin composition B or a resin B, and the part A and the part B are horizontally arranged. The interlayer film for a laminated glass has a difference between temperatures Ta and Tb of 10° C. or larger when the temperature Ta is a temperature at which the resin composition A or the resin A shows a maximum loss tangent of a dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 1 Hz, and the temperature Tb is a temperature at which the resin composition B or the resin B shows a maximum loss tangent of a dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 1 Hz. |
| US09238352B2 |
Roll of flexible glass and method for rolling
A roll (10) of glass ribbon (20), having a thickness of 0.3 mm or less, wherein a thickness compliant material interlayer (40) is wound together with the glass ribbon. The characteristics of the interlayer are chosen to form the roll with minimal lateral offset (9). For example, the static coefficient of friction between the interlayer and the glass ribbon may be greater than or equal to 3.0 (as measured with a vertical force of 0.5 N). Other characteristics may include the width, thickness, and compliance, of the interlayer. There is also disclosed a method of rolling a glass ribbon wherein the roll winding parameters, for example web tension and pressure between the layers of the roll, are chosen to minimize the lateral offset. |
| US09238351B2 |
Composite film of linearly-scratched, thin metal film and plastic film, and its production apparatus
The present invention provides a composite film having a linearly-scratched, thin metal film and a plastic film, which has good absorbability to electromagnetic waves in various frequencies, as well as reduced anisotropy in electromagnetic wave absorbability, suitable for electromagnetic wave absorbers, and its production apparatus. The composite film having a linearly-scratched, thin metal film and a plastic film according to the present invention comprises a plastic film, and a single- or multi-layer, thin metal film formed on at least one surface of the plastic film, the thin metal film being provided with large numbers of substantially parallel, intermittent, linear scratches with irregular widths and intervals in plural directions. Its production apparatus comprises pluralities of pattern rolls each having large numbers of fine, high-hardness particles on the surface, which are arranged to form linear scratches on the thin metal film side of a thin metal film-plastic composite film, and means each pressing the pattern roll to the composite film, and pluralities of the pattern rolls being oriented in different directions in a plane in which they are in sliding contact with the thin metal film of the composite film. |
| US09238350B2 |
Method for affixing water-and-oil-repellent layer to amorphous carbon film layer, and laminated body formed by said method
One object is to provide a method for providing a water- and oil-repellent layer on an amorphous carbon film with excellent fixity. A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of: preparing a substrate; providing, directly or indirectly on the substrate, an amorphous carbon film layer containing silicon and nitrogen in at least a surface thereof; and providing a water- and oil-repellent layer containing fluorine on the amorphous carbon film layer via a coupling agent capable of forming, with the amorphous carbon film layer, hydrogen bonds based on polarity and/or —O-M bonds (M is any one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Ti, Al, and Zr) by condensation reaction with functional groups of the amorphous carbon film. |
| US09238348B2 |
Method of manufacture of article for delivering health-benefit agent
A laminate of nonwoven materials having fine particulate matter attached thereto is made with a lamination process capable of supplying up to about 60 gsm of particulate matter to a substrate. The particulate matter may be applied to the substrate using a powder coating apparatus. The laminate may be used in personal absorbent articles such as diapers, feminine pads, bandages, bed pads, and the like. |
| US09238344B2 |
Laminated articles having discontinuous bonded regions
Laminated articles that include a first textile and a functional film layer bonded together by an adhesive layer having a non-uniform adhesive pattern is provided. The non-uniform adhesive pattern creates regions free or substantially free of adhesive that permits the laminate to preferentially bend in those regions. The adhesive regions, together with the non-adhesive regions, create a visible pattern on the surface of the laminate. A second textile may optionally be bonded to the functional film layer opposing the first textile by an adhesive. The first textile or the film layer may be elastic, shrinkable, or expandable. In such embodiments, raised portions of the laminate corresponding to the non-adhesive regions and curled portions corresponding to the adhesive regions are visible. The laminated article is waterproof, liquid-proof, breathable, and aesthetically pleasing and demonstrates a reduction in stiffness, improved insulation properties, and a reduction of noise associated with bending the article. |
| US09238343B2 |
Method and apparatus for making bags
A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, heating wire, and/or may create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire is powered by a source of power at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or with a feedback loop. The heating wire may make intermittent contact with the web and/or be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy. |
| US09238333B2 |
Method for manufacturing a fibre-containing element and element produced by that method
A method for manufacturing a fiber-containing element, said method comprising the steps of: providing fibers, at least some of which are first fibers, such as mineral fibers, polymer fibers, cellulose fibers, or other types of fibers, in an amount of from 3 to 98 wt % of the total weight of starting materials in the form of a collected web, providing a binder in an amount of from 1 to 30 wt % of the total weight of starting materials, subjecting the collected web of fibers to a disentanglement process, suspending the fibers in a primary air flow, mixing the binder with the fibers before, during or after the disentanglement process, providing a filler, such as a fire retardant, in an amount of 1 to 55 wt % of the total weight of starting materials, adding the filler at any suitable step of the method, such as before, during or after the disentanglement process, collecting the mixture of fibers, filler and binder and pressing and curing the mixture to provide a consolidated composite with a density of from 120 kg/m3 to 1000 kg/m3. With this method homogeneous composites can be produced. |
| US09238332B2 |
Protective material arrangement
According to the invention there is provided an arrangement of protective material for dissipating the kinetic energy of a moving object including one or more layers of fibrous armour material encased within a sealed encasement, in which the sealed encasement is formed from a textile armour material which is impregnated with a polymeric substance. |
| US09238331B2 |
Three-dimensional printer tool systems
An extruder or other similar tool head of a three-dimensional printer is slidably mounted along a feedpath of build material so that the extruder can move into and out of contact with a build surface according to whether build material is being extruded. The extruder may be spring-biased against the forward feedpath so that the extruder remains above the build surface in the absence of applied forces, and then moves downward into a position for extrusion when build material is fed into the extruder. In another aspect, modular tool heads are disclosed that can be automatically coupled to and removed from the three-dimensional printer by a suitable robotics system. A tool crib may be provided to store multiple tool heads while not in use. |
| US09238329B2 |
Voice coil mechanism for use in additive manufacturing system
A print head assembly that includes a receptacle supported from a carriage frame and configured to receive a print head, and a toggle mechanism configured to move the receptacle relative to the carriage frame. |
| US09238328B2 |
Method for producing an adhesive connection
A method for producing an adhesive connection between a workpiece having a metal surface and a workpiece having a plastic surface with the steps of providing a workpiece having a metal surface that has a coating which includes a thermoplastic, at least at a melt surface; providing a workpiece having a thermoplastic surface; placing the melt surface of the first workpiece having the metal surface and the workpiece having the thermoplastic surface against each other; and welding the workpiece having a metal surface and the non-metallic workpiece having the thermoplastic surface at the melt surface by exposure to ultrasonic. |
| US09238327B2 |
Film for reinforcing electrolyte membrane of polymer electrolyte fuel cell
An object of the present invention is to provide a biaxially oriented film suitable as a reinforcing member for an electrolyte membrane of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the film having excellent hot water resistance in a high-temperature and high-humidity use environment and being capable of maintaining the reinforcing effect for a prolonged period of time. The invention resides in a biaxially oriented film for reinforcing an electrolyte membrane of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the film being characterized in that the film (i) contains syndiotactic polystyrene as a major component and (ii) has a Young's modulus in at least one of the machine direction and the transverse direction ranging from 4,500 to 8,000 MPa. |
| US09238326B2 |
Print pitch correcting apparatus for plastic film
It is intended to correct print pitches P at which a pattern A is printed on a plastic film 1 repeatedly. A first optical sensor detects positions at which the pattern A is printed on the plastic film 1 repeatedly, to measure the print pitches P individually. A first stretching device 4 stretches the plastic film 1 after measuring the print pitch P to correct the print pitches P individually. A second optical sensor detects the positions after correcting the print pitch P to measure a sum of print pitches P(1)+P(2)+ - - - +P(N) of a number of patterns A. A second stretching device 10 stretches the plastic film 1 after measuring the sum of print pitches to correct the sum of print pitches. |
| US09238323B2 |
Injection molding machine having a temperature controlled baseplate
An injection molding machine for producing molded parts has a machine table with a base frame on which three supporting elements with a baseplate disposed thereon are arranged. The base plate has a temperature-control element. |
| US09238317B2 |
Lighting apparatus, LED mounting substrate and mold for manufacturing the same
An LED mounting substrate includes a lead frame, a base, and a residue of injection molding material. The base is placed on the lead frame, and includes a cavity. The bottom of the cavity includes an opening for exposing portion of the lead frame. The cross-sectional area of the cavity increases along the direction from the lead frame to the top surface of the base. The residue of injection molding material is remained on one of outer walls of the base surrounding the cavity. The cross-sectional area of the residue of injection molding material decreases along the direction from the lead frame to the top surface of the base. |
| US09238316B2 |
Method of making an anisotropic filtration media
A method of making an anisotropic filtration media includes foaming a media, straining the media in a selected direction, and relieving strain of the media in the selected direction. |
| US09238315B2 |
Rigid film having high puncture resistance and tear propagation resistance
The present invention relates to a film and a method for the production thereof, wherein a starting film web comprising at least one layer having a polypropylene content of at least 45% by weight and a polyethylene content in the same layer or in a further layer is produced, the starting film web is heated to the molten state of the polyethylene, yet to below the molten state of the polypropylene and the heated starting film web is passed through a cooled roller nip. |
| US09238312B2 |
Plastic injection mould with inner air extraction and extraction method for extracting the air carried out with said mould
A plastic injection mold which allows extracting the air from inside it during the injection process, and an extraction method, where the mold includes closing means, one or more injection cavities provided with at least one injection nozzle for introducing the hot material in a liquid state and at least one ejector device formed by a housing for an ejector pin responsible for extracting the part already molded, where an air duct connected to a vacuum pump or a suction device intercepts the housings of the ejector pins causing a suction of the air from inside the mold. |
| US09238306B2 |
Feeding device and machine tool using the same
A feeding device includes a tool holder, a cutter, a feeding mechanism and a mounting seat. The cutter is positioned on the tool holder. The mounting seat has at least one guiding portion. The tool holder is slidably engaged with the at least one guiding portion. The feeding mechanism includes at least two drivers. Each driver includes a forcer and a stator. The forcers are mounted in the mounting seat, the stators are fixedly positioned on the tool holder. Interactions between alternating magnetic fields produced by the forcers and magnetic fields produced by the stators drive the tool holder and the cutter to backwards and forwards under precise control along the guiding portion. |
| US09238304B1 |
Continuous updating of plan for robotic object manipulation based on received sensor data
Example systems and methods allow for dynamic updating of a plan to move objects using a robotic device. One example method includes determining a virtual environment by one or more processors based on sensor data received from one or more sensors, the virtual environment representing a physical environment containing a plurality of physical objects, developing a plan, based on the virtual environment, to cause a robotic manipulator to move one or more of the physical objects in the physical environment, causing the robotic manipulator to perform a first action according to the plan, receiving updated sensor data from the one or more sensors after the robotic manipulator performs the first action, modifying the virtual environment based on the updated sensor data, determining one or more modifications to the plan based on the modified virtual environment, and causing the robotic manipulator to perform a second action according to the modified plan. |
| US09238301B2 |
Tool container
A tool container has a pair of housing members pivotally coupled with one another to provide an opened and closed position. At least one of the members defines a cavity to receive tools. The cavity is defined by a base and a wall extending from the base. A tool retaining insert is permanently secured in the cavity. The insert and wall include tenons and grooves to secure the insert in the housing member. Also, an arcuate locking mechanism is included to maintain the pair of housing members in a closed position. |
| US09238298B2 |
Two-switch device for an electric nail gun
A two-switch device is used for an electric nail gun. The electric nail gun includes a safety member movable to press against an article to thereby move in the gun body, a kinetic power unit for generating kinetic energy, an impact unit for outputting kinetic energy to perform a nail-striking operation, and a transmission unit for transmitting the kinetic energy. The two-switch device includes a first electrical control unit controlled by a trigger and the safety member for driving the kinetic power unit, and a second electrical control unit controlled by an inner plate for driving the transmission unit. By controlling actuation order of the safety member and the trigger, the electric nail gun can be changed between a single shot mode and a continuous shooting mode. |
| US09238297B2 |
Actual grinding depth measurement method, machining method, and machine tool
In a machining method of supporting a workpiece having a cylindrical machined portion such that the workpiece is rotatable and feeding a grinding wheel in a radial direction, a start diameter that is a diameter including a measurement start point on a surface of the machined portion is measured, and, after the measurement start point passes through a machining application portion, an end diameter that is a diameter including a measurement end point is measured. An actual grinding depth at the time when the measurement start point is machined is computed by the equation, U=|D0−D1|, a runout of the machined portion is computed from a relative difference in the actual grinding depth (U) between positions of the machined portion in a rotational direction, and infeed control of the grinding wheel is executed such that the runout is removed. |
| US09238295B2 |
Soft and conditionable chemical mechanical window polishing pad
A chemical mechanical polishing pad is provided containing: a polishing layer; a plug in place endpoint detection window block; a rigid layer; and, a hot melt adhesive bonding the polishing layer to the rigid layer; wherein the polishing layer comprises the reaction product of ingredients, including: a polyfunctional isocyanate; and, a curative package; wherein the curative package contains an amine initiated polyol curative and a high molecular weight polyol curative; wherein the polishing layer exhibits a density of greater than 0.6 g/cm3; a Shore D hardness of 5 to 40; an elongation to break of 100 to 450%; and, a cut rate of 25 to 150 μm/hr; and, wherein the polishing layer has a polishing surface adapted for polishing the substrate. Also provide are methods of making and using the chemical mechanical polishing pad. |
| US09238288B2 |
Method for processing plate object
In a method for processing a plate object, etching is performed for a flat plate object by a predetermined etching method and the shape of the plate object after the etching is grasped in advance. In a grinding step, the plate object is ground into a grinding-finished shape that is a non-flat shape obtained by inverting the shape of the plate object after the etching to the reverse shape. When subsequent etching by the predetermined etching method is performed for a grinding-target surface, the plate object is formed into a flat shape with a uniform thickness. |
| US09238285B2 |
Ceramic cutting insert and method of making same
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a ceramic cutting insert, based on an oxide ceramic or a nitride ceramic or a mixed ceramic material, possibly containing whiskers, in a process comprising the powder metallurgical steps of providing a ready-to-press ceramic powder, pressing the ready-to-press powder into a compact of desired shape, sintering the compact to dense a ceramic blank followed by tumbling the ceramic blank, to remove sinter skin and provide an edge rounding. |
| US09238283B2 |
Friction welded steel piston having optimized cooling channel
A piston of an internal combustion engine includes a top part produced from steel and a bottom part, which are integrally bonded in the region of a contact geometry via joining webs by a friction weld to form a structural unit. At least one cooling duct permeated by a coolant is integrated in the piston, wherein a lubricating oil of the internal combustion engine passes as the coolant into an inlet opening via a free jet of an injection nozzle, flows through the cooling duct and leaves the cooling duct via an outlet opening. For the introduction of the coolant into the cooling duct, the inlet opening is assigned a flow pipe which is inserted in the bottom part and protrudes from a cooling duct base, the opening of the flow pipe being arranged above the weld beads of the friction weld. |
| US09238282B2 |
Method for manufacturing a metal part
A method for manufacturing a metal part by producing a preform with a fibrous structure of metal fibers, and subjecting the preform to hot isostatic pressing in a tool until a solid part is obtained, the tool including at least one first element including a cavity for molding the part. The first tool element is elongate in a direction between two ends, and the fibrous structure is at least partially formed by winding at least one metal wire around the first tool element in the direction, from one end to the other. The method can be used, for example, for manufacturing reinforcement parts for a fan blade of a turbojet engine. |
| US09238277B2 |
Cutting/polishing tool and manufacturing method thereof
There are provided a cutting/polishing tool that may be readily manufactured and have an improved cutting performance, and a manufacturing method thereof.The method for manufacturing the cutting/polishing tool including at least one cutting/polishing body may comprise preparing a tool body, and forming a cladding layer including cutting material particles by spraying, onto an outer surface of the tool body, the cutting material particles and a metal powder having a specific gravity greater than a specific gravity of the cutting material particles while heating the outer surface of the tool body using a heating device installed in a lower side of the outer surface of the tool body so that the metal powder is deposited on the outer surface of the tool body, wherein the cladding layer configures the at least one cutting/polishing body. |
| US09238274B2 |
System and method for hot wire TIG positioned heat control
The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to energizing a welding wire based on a location of an electrode at an edge on a workpiece. An edge detector can be configured to identify an edge on the workpiece during a welding operation and a controller can be configured to mange a temperature of a puddle formed by the electrode by adjusting one or more welding parameters. The welding parameters can be, but are not limited to, an energizing of the welding wire, a wire feed speed, a temperature of a high intensity heat source (e.g., arc, a sub arc, a tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc, a metal inert gas (MIG) arc, a laser, a plasma arc, a metal core, or a flux core), movement speed, among others. |
| US09238273B2 |
Milling tool
A milling tool is disclosed having a front head and a rear holder, which are detachably connected by means of a male/female coupling as well as a screw and a washer. Via a main duct, cooling liquid is fed to a chamber, from which it is fed out via branch ducts to individual milling inserts. The front chamber is closed by means of a cover that is held applied against a ring surface surrounding the chamber. The cover is tightenable by means of a threaded joint that is operative independently of a threaded joint between the screw and a front section of the main duct. |
| US09238272B2 |
Drill
TASKAn inexpensive drill with high processing accuracy is provided.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMA chisel edge 11 of a tip 12 is removed, and a pyramid 1 is formed in that part, in which an inclination angle θ1 of each edge 4 extending from an apex P relative to a center line of the drill CL is formed to be larger than an angle θ2 that is one-half of a drill tip angle θ0, and so chisel steps are resolved and stable cutting becomes possible, thereby improving hole accuracy. Also, it is possible to form the pyramid 1 by grinding a tip of an existing drill by a grinder, so that a drill can be realized at a low cost. |
| US09238271B2 |
Diaphragm chuck and machine tool
A diaphragm chuck for a machine tool has a first clamping diaphragm and a second clamping diaphragm which is offset relative to the first clamping diaphragm along an axial direction. The first clamping diaphragm has multiple first chuck jaws and the second clamping diaphragm has multiple second chuck jaws, and the first and the second clamping diaphragms are detachably connected to one another. |
| US09238270B2 |
Bit retaining system for rotary tool
A bit retaining system for a rotary tool or device such as a router is disclosed. The bit retaining system may include a collet assembly and a control assembly. The collet assembly may include a spindle, a collet adapted to receive the bit, and a collet nut. The collet assembly may further include a collet gear mounted on the collet nut and/or a spindle gear mounted on the spindle. The control assembly selectively engages the collet assembly to drive the collet nut and/or secure the spindle in a fixed position, preventing its rotation. In operation, a hand tool is utilized to engage the control assembly. This configuration enables a user to capture and release the rotary tool bit using one hand. |
| US09238266B2 |
Cold chamber die casting with melt crucible under vacuum environment
Exemplary embodiments described herein related to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated. |
| US09238262B2 |
Heat-dissipating device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a heat-dissipating device and a method for manufacturing the same. The heat-dissipating device includes a base and a first heat-dissipating fin. The outer periphery of the base has a trough. The first heat-dissipating fin has a first heat-dissipating portion, a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are disposed in the trough. By a machining process, both ends of the first heat-dissipating fin are pressed into the trough of the base at a high speed, so that the base can be combined with the first heat-dissipating fin rapidly. In this way, the manufacture cost is reduced and the heat-dissipating efficiency is increased. |
| US09238257B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, cleaning method, and substrate processing apparatus
It is possible to efficiently remove deposited materials such as a conductive film or insulting film adhered to parts such as the inner wall of a processing chamber and a substrate supporting tool disposed in the processing chamber. There is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method comprises: loading a substrate into a processing chamber; forming a conductive film or an insulating film on the substrate by supplying a plurality of source gases into the processing chamber; unloading the substrate from the processing chamber; and modifying a conductive film or an insulating film adhered to the processing chamber by supplying a modifying gas into the processing chamber. After performing a cycle of the loading, the forming, the unloading, and the modifying processes a plurality of times, the modified conductive film or the modified insulating film adhered to the processing chamber is removed from the processing chamber by supplying a cleaning gas into the processing chamber. |
| US09238256B2 |
Substrate processing scrubber, substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
A removal target can be effectively removed from a substrate. In a substrate processing apparatus 1 and a substrate processing method by using a substrate processing scrubber 29 of removing the removal target from the substrate 5, the substrate processing scrubber 29 includes a base 31 connected to a rotation shaft 28; scrubber main bodies 32 provided at the base 31 and arranged at a regular distance in a rotational direction of the base 31; and a processing liquid supply opening 36 formed at the base 31 and configured to supply a processing liquid to the scrubber main bodies 32. Further, an area of an attachment surface of each of the scrubber main bodies 32 to be attached to the base 31 is larger than an area of a contact surface of each of the scrubber main bodies 32 to be brought into contact with the substrate 5. |
| US09238254B1 |
Helical disc for use in a disc screen
A disc for use in a disc screen is disclosed that creates an “intended space”—i.e., the designed space through which material is intended to pass—that undulates in both directions in the plane defined by the screen's rotatable shafts. The disc design includes a major axis that is rotated along the length of the shaft, creating a helical ridge. The ridge is continuous and non-stepwise, thereby avoiding the “pinch” of the prior art designs. And by having the helical ridge of adjacent discs on the same shaft with opposing rotations, the lateral movement of material may alternate along the length of the shaft—further spreading the material throughout the width of the disc screen and increasing the screen's efficiency. |
| US09238245B2 |
Coating apparatus and method for filling coating liquid
A coating apparatus includes a nozzle, a moving mechanism, a pressure adjusting unit and a pressure control unit. The nozzle is provided with a storage chamber and a slit-like flow path, and configured to discharge the coating liquid from a discharge port formed at a front end of the flow path. The moving mechanism moves the nozzle and a substrate relatively to each other along the surface of the substrate. The pressure adjusting unit adjusts the pressure inside the storage chamber. The pressure control unit controls the pressure adjusting unit so as to adjust pressure inside the storage chamber. The pressure control unit controls the pressure adjusting unit such that the inside of the storage chamber becomes a negative pressure, and fills the coating liquid inside the storage chamber while slowly decreasing the negative pressure inside the storage chamber. |
| US09238242B2 |
Smart solenoid compound gun driver and automatic calibration method
A device for calibrating a spray gun and an associated method are provided. The spray gun has a nozzle that is opened and closed by moving an internal needle out of and into sealing engagement with the nozzle. A virtual position of the needle is tracked and recorded by the control system. The control system is recalibrated when the virtual position and the actual position of the needle do not correspond. The device includes a sensor structured to detect characteristics of the current used to power the solenoid, and to identify an anomaly in solenoid current characteristics associated with an actuator member seating against said solenoid. During calibration, the solenoid is placed in a calibration configuration and the identifiable anomaly is detected. When the identifiable anomaly is detected, the spray gun is returned to an initial configuration and the virtual needle position is reset. |
| US09238240B2 |
Airbrush
A junction device for a spray system. The device is arranged so as to connect, to an airbrush, at least one removable container containing a composition for spraying, the device includes at least a composition-outlet first orifice enabling the composition to leave the container in order to be sprayed via the airbrush, and at least an air-inlet second orifice enabling air intake by the container, the device including an air-intake channel that is connected to the air-inlet orifice, and said channel terminating by an air-entry orifice that is situated above the air-inlet orifice and the composition-outlet orifice. |
| US09238238B2 |
Rotating sprinkler head valve
The rotating sprinkler head valve includes an upper assembly with a stationary rigid cone received in a conical interior chamber of a rotor, and a cylindrical shaft extending through the stationary rigid cone and rotor. A lower assembly includes a bottom helix member, a strainer adapter having an internal transverse slotted plate and a rotatable slotted flow plate to permit flow when the flow plate slots are aligned with slots in the internal transverse slotted plate. A base top member includes a downwardly extending inner tubular portion and a lower interior edge surface with a helical lower surface forming an adjustable helical aperture in cooperation with the bottom helix member, and a recessed inner helical lip is configured to receive the upper helical surface of the bottom helix member for adjusting a helical aperture. |
| US09238236B2 |
Waterway switch valve set and a shower head using same
A waterway switch valve set and a shower head using same includes a fixed unit with an inlet waterway and a rotation unit rotatably connected to the fixed unit. The rotation has a water diversion base and a sealing component unit and can rotate about a rotation axis. The water diversion base is has a cooperated surface vertical to the rotation axis, the cooperated surface is disposed with a plurality of diversion water holes annularly arranged about the rotation axis, the diversion water holes are available to connect to the inlet waterway; the sealing component has a rotation frame and a plurality of press blocks, the rotation frame and the water diversion base are assembled together, and form a synchronous rotation relationship, the press blocks are slidably connected to the rotation frame and are available to slide parallel to the rotation axis. |
| US09238234B2 |
Device and method for removing suspended-material particles
Device (5) and method or removing suspended-material particles, more particularly fine and ultra-fine particles from a water flow containing suspended-material particles in a pressurised water line (3) of a hydroelectric power plant (2), whereby a tubular element (6) forming a flow channel (7) is provided in the pressurised water line (3), whereby the flow channel (7) essentially extends in the axial direction of the pressurised water line (3), and in the flow channel (7) a stationary swirl-generating device (11) is arranged for stimulating a flow component of the water flow which runs perpendicularly to the main flow direction (9), and in the flow direction after swirl-generating device (11) a separating device (13) is provided for removing the suspended-material particles carried radially outwards due to the effect of centrifugal force. |
| US09238233B2 |
Centrifugal separator with shaft sealing mechanism for a centrifugal separation bowl rotatable within a casing
The object of the present invention is to realize standardization of products of the vertical centrifugal separators so that it is no longer necessary to change the pressure-resistant design specifications of the bearing mechanism depending on the set pressure inside the casing. The vertical centrifugal separator having the bearing mechanism that is disposed in an opening of the casing and rotatably supports the rotary shaft of the bowl passing through the opening. The shaft sealing mechanism is a contactless shaft sealing mechanism. |
| US09238232B2 |
Continuous loading and unloading centrifuge
A system for treating tar sand involving a centrifuge where under centrifugal force solvent treated tar sand and water form a three layer system of wet sand, water, and petroleum, where solvent solubilized hydrocarbons are stripped from the wet sand layer, passed through the water, and into the petroleum layer. The hydrocarbons are skimmed from the hydrocarbon layer and recovered. |
| US09238231B2 |
Flotation machine rotor
A rotor for flotation machines or flotation cells of flotation machines includes blades that are configured to provide improved bubble flow and bubble generation performance while also reducing the power requirements for rotating the rotor to generate bubble flow within a tank of a flotation cell used to generate froth. Embodiments of the rotor may also be configured to be smaller than conventional rotor designs, which may help reduce the costs of manufacturing the rotor or flotation machines using such embodiments of the rotor. |
| US09238229B1 |
Variable conveyor
A vibratory apparatus includes a trough having a first end and a second end, and at least first and second variable amplitude vibration generators coupled to the trough. The first and second variable amplitude vibration generators include at least one variable eccentric weight assembly having a variable center of mass relative to an axis of rotation. The first and second variable amplitude vibration generators have at least a first state wherein an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the first vibration generator is different than an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the second vibration generator to cause movement of material in the trough toward the first end or the second end. |
| US09238225B2 |
Fluid controlling apparatus and method of controlling fluid by using the same
A fluid controlling apparatus including at least one sample chamber for holding a fluid containing target materials; a cleaning chamber for holding a cleaning solution; a first multi-port connected to the at least one sample chamber through a first channel and connected to the cleaning chamber through a second channel; a filter portion, connected to the first multi-port through a third channel, for filtering the target materials; and a first pump, connected to the filter portion, for applying a pressure; and a method of controlling a fluid using the fluid controlling apparatus, which comprises passing the fluid containing the target materials from the at least one sample chamber to the filter portion; and cleaning a path of the fluid by passing the cleaning solution through the path. |
| US09238221B2 |
Curable compositions and membranes
A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the molar ratio of (i):(ii) is 0.1 to 1.5. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes. |
| US09238217B2 |
Catalyst for preparation of an unsaturated carboxylic acid by gas phase oxidation of an unsaturated aldehyde
What is described is a catalyst for preparation of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid by gas phase oxidation of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, comprising a shaped support body with an active composition applied thereto, wherein the active composition coverage q q = Q ( 100 - Q ) S m is at most 0.3 mg/mm2, where Q is the active composition content of the catalyst in % by weight and Sm is the specific geometric surface area of the shaped support body in mm2/mg. Also described are a process for preparing the catalyst and a process for preparing an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid by gas phase oxidation of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde over a fixed catalyst bed comprising a bed of the catalyst. The catalyst, with constantly high conversion of acrolein, reduces overoxidation to COx and increases the selectivity of acrylic acid formation. |
| US09238212B2 |
Process and apparatus for treating a gas stream
A process of treating hydrogen gas liberated from the acid or alkaline dissolution of a metal is provided. The process comprises a step of passing the liberated hydrogen gas through a reactor containing an oxidizing agent for oxidation of the hydrogen gas into water, followed by a step of regenerating the oxidizing agent. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out the process, the apparatus comprising a reactor containing the oxidizing agent, wherein the reactor is at least partially immersed in an alumina bath. |
| US09238209B2 |
Advanced elevated feed distribution apparatus and process for large diameter FCC reactor risers
An FCC process and apparatus may include injecting hydrocarbon feedstock at different radial positions while at the same elevation inside a riser. Multiple distributors may be used to position the tips for injecting feedstock at multiple radial positions. The distributors with tips more deeply positioned in the riser will penetrate a dense catalyst column we discovered generates in risers of larger diameter over 1.3 meters. |
| US09238208B2 |
CO shift reaction apparatus and gasification gas refining system
A CO shift reaction apparatus 11 according to the present invention includes: adiabatic reactors 31A to 31C, each having CO shift catalyst layers 35A to 35C filled with a CO shift catalyst 34 which reforms CO in gasification gas 15; gas supply lines l11 to l15 which supply the gasification gas 15 to the adiabatic reactors 31A to 31C; first gas flow rate control units 32A and 32B which adjust the amounts of gas supplied to the adiabatic reactors 31A to 31C; gas discharge lines l21 to l25 which discharge processing gas; and second gas flow rate control unit 33A and 33B which adjust flow rates of processing gas 38A-1, 38A-2, 38B-1, and 38B-2. |
| US09238207B2 |
Brazed diamond tools and methods for making the same
Superabrasive tools and methods for the making thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, superabrasive particles are chemically bonded to a matrix support material according to a predetermined pattern by a braze alloy. The brazing alloy may be provided as a powder, thin sheet, or sheet of amorphous alloy. A template having a plurality of apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern may be used to place the superabrasive particles on a given substrate or matrix support material. |
| US09238197B2 |
Exhaust gas purification filter, and method for producing same
Provided are an exhaust gas purification filter having a high particulate matter (PM) combustion efficiency, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and superior thermal resistance and a method for producing the same. An exhaust gas purification filter is formed by sintering columnar aluminum titanate particles whose surfaces have a catalyst material deposited thereon and which have an average aspect ratio (=number average major-axis length/number average minor-axis length) of 1.3 or more, wherein a catalyst made from the catalyst material by thermal treatment during the sintering is supported on the surface of the aluminum titanate. |
| US09238188B2 |
Disc filter
A disc filter for dewatering cellulose fiber suspensions comprising disc-shaped filter elements (11) carried by a rotor shaft (7) in order to rotate inside a vessel (2) while being partly immersed in a suspension received in the vessel. Each filter element comprises several filter sectors (12) distributed about the rotor shaft. Loosening members (25) are provided for loosening fiber material that has been filtered out of the suspension and deposited on a filtering lining (13) of the respective filter element. Receiver chutes (30) are located in the part of the vessel where the filter sectors (12) are rotated down into the suspension from a position above the suspension. The receiver chutes receive loosened fiber material together with flushing liquid from cleaning members (26) located above the receiver chutes to thereby allow the fiber material to be diluted in the receiver chutes to a desired dry content by means of this flushing liquid. |
| US09238183B2 |
System to process effluent brine and interface rag from an oil dehydration/desalting system
A system for processing interface emulsion, water, and solids contained within a separator vessel that comprises the steps of continually extracting those components from the vessel and then passing them through a gas flotation cell. The cell, which is preferably a vertical induced gas flotation cell, separates the oil and water contained in the interface emulsion and discharges recovered oil from an upper portion of the cell and treated water from a bottom portion of the cell. The recovered oil and treated water may be further processed and recycled to the vessel or sent elsewhere. The treated water may also be recycled to the cell or sent to a process sewer. Fuel gas residing in an upper portion of the cell may be cooled and passed through a splitter. All the steps of the system comprise a closed system with no air emissions. |
| US09238182B2 |
System for recycling product streams separated from a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream
The present invention relates to a process for recycling product streams that have been separated from a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream comprising olefin monomer, olefin co-monomer, hydrocarbon diluent and components such as H2, N2, O2, CO, CO2, and formaldehyde. In accordance with the present process a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream is separated into a) a first side stream comprising hydrocarbon diluent and olefin monomer; b) a second side stream which is substantially hydrogen-free and comprises hydrocarbon diluent and olefin monomer, c) a bottom stream comprising substantially olefin-free hydrocarbon diluent, and d) an overhead vapor stream comprising olefin monomer, hydrocarbon diluent and components such as formaldehyde, H2, N2, O2, CO and CO2. The present process further includes recycling said first and said second side streams in a polymerization process for preparing bimodal polyolefin. |
| US09238179B2 |
Building block toy with interconnecting edges
The present invention relates generally to a block toy and a method for producing the same, and in particular to a block with interconnecting edges that can have other blocks connected thereto in succession in three dimensions to form various shapes and a method for producing the same. |
| US09238178B2 |
Climbing vibration-driven robot
An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, a vibrating mechanism, and a plurality of appendages each having an appendage base proximal to the housing and an appendage tip distal from the housing. One or more of the appendages are adapted to cause the apparatus to move across a surface in a forward direction generally defined by a longitudinal offset between the appendage base and the appendage tip, and the appendages include two or more appendages disposed such that the appendage tips of the two or more appendages are adapted to contact opposing surfaces to produce a net force in a direction generally defined by a longitudinal offset between the appendage base and the appendage tip of the two or more appendages as the vibrating mechanism causes the apparatus to vibrate. The net force can allow the apparatus to climb when the opposing surfaces are inclined. |
| US09238177B2 |
Distributed system of autonomously controlled mobile agents
A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface. |
| US09238176B2 |
Suspension device and suspension system
A suspension device for a connecting component (5) to which a dynamic load is mountable and which forms at least one eye, the suspension device comprising an axial member (2) fixed to a carrier (1), a roller (3) rotatably mounted on the axial member (2) and having a circumferential groove into which the connecting component (5) can be hooked in frictionally, and at least one safety device (4) adapted to be moved manually from a locking position, in which it prevents a hooking-in or hooking-off of the connecting component (5), into a release position permitting a hooking-in or hooking-off of the connecting component (5). |
| US09238173B2 |
Storage medium having information processing program stored thereon, information processing device, information processing system, and attitude calculation method
An example information processing device calculates an attitude of an input unit having a magnetic sensor. The information processing device repeatedly obtains detected magnetic vectors detected by the magnetic sensor. The information processing device stores the detected magnetic vectors in a storage unit where each detected magnetic vector is classified based on a direction from a reference position to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector. The information processing device repeatedly estimates a center position of a spherical body having a curved surface which is estimated based on the end point positions of detected magnetic vectors obtained by extracting, from among the classified detected magnetic vectors, at least one detected magnetic vector for each class. The attitude of the input unit is calculated based on a direction vector representing a direction from the center position to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector. |
| US09238172B2 |
Highlight management for fantasy gaming
An exemplary method includes identifying a plurality of highlight media segments associated with a plurality of events that occur during one or more sporting events, identifying one or more players involved in the plurality of events, determining that the identified one or more players are of interest to a user, sending, in response to the determining, one or more highlight messages that indicate an availability of the highlight media segments to a user device associated with the user while the user device is presenting media content within a display screen associated with the user device, and causing, in accordance with the one or more highlight messages, the user device to present, within the display screen while the media content is being presented within the display screen, a user interface that includes listings of the highlight media segments. |
| US09238167B2 |
Protective equipment
A protective apparatus comprising a cantilever yoke system including a left arch slot, a right arch slot and one or more swivel slots, a left distal arch including attachment points configurable with the left arch slot of the cantilever yoke system, a left proximal arch including attachment points configurable with at least one of the attachment points of the left distal arch to join the left proximal arch to the left distal arch, a right distal arch including attachment points configurable with the right arch slot of the cantilever yoke system, a right proximal arch including attachment points configurable with at least one of the attachment points of the right distal arch to join the right proximal arch with the right distal arch, and a swivel including proximal arch slots configurable to join the left proximal arch with the right proximal arch. |
| US09238166B1 |
Putter with alignment device
A golf putter with a putter head having a bore extending between its upper and lower surfaces perpendicular to the putter head lower surface, and an alignment guide including a column slidable within the bore between raised and lowered positions, a plate with an outer periphery on the upper end of the column, and an indicator on the upper surface of the putter head around the bore, the indicator being equally visible around the plate periphery when viewed directly over the putter when the alignment device is in the raised position. The alignment device can also include a releasibly attached sighting guide, which includes a sighting bar having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the putter head front face. |
| US09238161B2 |
Golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a great flight distance 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 mercaptocarboxylic acid derivative and/or a dithiodicarboxylic acid derivative. |
| US09238158B2 |
Stair climber apparatuses and stair apparatuses
A stair climber apparatus has a frame and a plurality of stairs that are pivotably connected together in series and travel in a loop with respect to the frame. The plurality of stairs comprises a first stair having a tread and a riser. The tread and riser are pivotably connected together at a first pivot axis. The tread has a tread surface that supports an operator's foot. A stopping member is on the tread. The stopping member has a stop surface that extends transversely to and upwardly from the tread surface and prevents the operator's foot from overshooting the first pivot axis and engaging the riser as the operator steps onto the tread surface when the riser is pivoted away from the tread. |
| US09238156B2 |
Personal fall limiter arrangement and user connection arrangement therefor
A personal fall limiter arrangement having a user connection arrangement, including: a body attached to at least a portion of the frame and having a recess configured to receive at least a portion of a user connector; at least one tab pivotally attached to a first portion of the body; and at least one biasing member engaged with the at least one tab and configured to urge the at least one tab towards a locked (or closed) position; wherein, in operation, the at least one tab is pivotal between: (1) an open position to permit passage of at least a portion of the user connector into or out of the recess; and (2) the locked position to prevent passage of at least a portion of the user connector out of the recess. |
| US09238153B2 |
Transoral methods and compositions for wrinkle reduction and cosmetic lip and facial augmentation
The purpose of this patent is to teach the methods of application and compositions of cosmetic and therapeutic products for reducing wrinkle appearance and augmenting certain compartments of the facial integument of a mammal, especially a human. These methods and compositions utilize the hypodermis-targeted release from bioadhesive oral films, pastes or patches applied to oral mucosa or teeth for the purpose of improving the appearance or health of the lips and facial skin. |
| US09238144B2 |
Optimizing data retrieval from an active implantable medical device
An external data retrieval apparatus includes a transceiver, and a processing system coupled to the transceiver. The processing system obtains a plurality of measures over a period of time. The measures relate to a quality of a communications channel between the data retrieval apparatus and an active implantable medical device. The processing system determines a trend in the plurality of measures over the period of time, and then determines a preferred time during which to retrieve data based on the trend. |
| US09238137B2 |
Neuromuscular stimulation
Apparatus for rehabilitating a patient who has a paretic body part, the apparatus comprising: a) at least one electromyograph (EMG) sensor adapted to being applied to a voluntary muscle of a healthy body part of the same type as the paretic body part, which at least one sensor produces at least one EMG signal; b) a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device adapted for stimulating at least one voluntary muscle of the paretic body part; and c) a controller which controls the NMES device, making the amplitude of stimulation of the paretic body part at least partly dependent on the EMG signal from the healthy body part. |
| US09238135B2 |
Flagging of electrodes of an implantable medical device, controller, system and method therefore
Method, controller and system for an implantable medical device having a plurality of electrodes, the implantable medical device capable of delivering therapeutic stimulation to a patient, comprising a control module, a user interface operatively coupled to the control module, the user interface providing control of the control module by a medical professional or other user, and an electrode interface operatively coupled between the plurality of electrodes and the control module. The control module uses the electrode interface to obtain a plurality of measurements of impedance values for a plurality of selected pairs of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes. The control module flags electrodes using the plurality of measurements of impedance values of the selected pairs of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes comparative to a range, and the delivery of therapy on flagged electrodes is inhibited. |
| US09238134B2 |
Electrical stimulation system and associated apparatus for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain
In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain. The apparatus includes a flexible disc comprising a substantially radial slot adapted to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. The slot is adapted to elastically expand as the lead is inserted into the slot and is also adapted to elastically contract on the lead to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. The apparatus further includes a ring adapted to seat within a burr hole formed in the person's skull. The ring comprises a channel adapted to receive and secure the flexible disc. |
| US09238133B2 |
Method, device and system for modulating an activity of brown adipose tissue in a vertebrate subject
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more passive cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, wherein at least a portion of the one or more passive cooling elements is configured to be implantable, and wherein the one or more passive cooling elements includes a first portion configured to be in association with the one or more tissues to be cooled, and a second portion configured to be placed in association with one or more tissues adjacent to an external epidermal tissue of the vertebrate subject. |
| US09238132B2 |
Systems and methods for making and using electrical stimulation systems having multi-lead-element lead bodies
A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a distal lead element, at least two proximal lead elements, and a junction coupling the distal lead element to each of the at least two proximal lead elements. The distal lead element includes a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrodes and extending along a longitudinal axis of the distal lead element. Each of the at least two proximal lead elements includes a plurality of terminals and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of terminals and extending along a longitudinal axis of the proximal lead element. The junction includes a circuit arrangement electrically coupling each of the conductive wires of the distal lead element to at least one of the conductive wires of at least one of the at least two proximal lead elements. |
| US09238130B2 |
Medical connector
A medical connector and method of using the medical connector are provided. In one form, the medical connector includes an elongate main body having a longitudinal axis and a lumen extending axially therethrough, proximal and distal end portions of the elongate main body with the distal end portion being configured to be connected to a first tubular medical device, an auxiliary connection device having a port for being connected to a second tubular medical device, and an adjustable connection between the auxiliary connection device and the elongate main body that allows positioning of the port of the auxiliary connection device relative to the elongate main body to be adjustably selected by a user for ease in connecting the second tubular medical device to the auxiliary connection device. |
| US09238126B2 |
Biofeedback controlled deformation of sinus ostia
A method of dilating a paranasal sinus ostium of a patient, which includes inserting a catheter having at least one balloon into a sinus ostium having an ostial wall, inflating the balloon by supplying fluid thereto such that the balloon exerts a force on the ostial wall, determining at least one parameter of the balloon, establishing an amount the balloon can be inflated without fracturing the sinus ostium based at least in part on the determined parameter of the balloon, and dilating the sinus ostium by inflating the balloon to an amount that does not exceed the established amount. |
| US09238121B2 |
Catheter shaft with improved manifold bond
A catheter shaft with an improved manifold bond and methods for making and using the same. The catheter shaft may include a sleeve disposed, for example, near its proximal end. The sleeve may include a first layer that is attached to the catheter shaft and a second layer to which a hub or manifold may be attached. |
| US09238119B2 |
Infusion flow system and fluid coupling
Fluid infusion systems and fluid couplings are described herein. The infusion systems may include one or more fluid couplings used to make fluidic connection between a supply line and delivery tubing. The fluid couplings separate the functions of providing a seal around a delivery tube and retaining the delivery tube within the fluid coupling. The seal provided around the delivery tube prevents leakage around an exterior surface of a delivery tube such that fluid passing through the coupling must pass through the delivery tube rather than leak around the delivery tube. The structure used to retain the delivery tube in the fluid coupling prevents ejection of the delivery tube from the coupling due to the fluid pressures present in the coupling. The separate functions are performed by different structures within the fluid couplings. |
| US09238118B2 |
Multiple lumen hose
A multiple lumen hose includes a generally circumferential base wall. A plurality of corrugations extend radially outward from the base wall. A septum is disposed interior to the base wall such as to divide the interior of the base wall into at least a first lumen and a second lumen. A first scallop extends outward from the circumferential base wall between adjacent corrugations. A second scallop extends outward from the circumferential base wall between adjacent corrugations. |
| US09238115B2 |
Systems and methods for therapeutic intrathoracic pressure regulation
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for delivering respiratory treatment to a patient. For example, a treatment system may include a mechanism for delivering a positive pressure breath to a patient, and one or more limb flow control assemblies which modulate gas flow to and from the patient. Exemplary treatment techniques are embodied in anesthesia machines, mechanical ventilators, and manual ventilators. |
| US09238114B2 |
Process for the automatic control of a respirator
A process for automatic control of a respirator changes between two phases of respiration by checking a detected respiratory breathing activity signal for a threshold criterion. If the threshold criterion is met, a changeover is made. |
| US09238113B2 |
Nasal respiratory devices for positive end-expiratory pressure
Described herein are nasal respiratory devices, in particular, nasal respiratory devices configured to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a subject wearing the device. PEEP devices may have a threshold pressure for opening during expiration. In some variations, these devices have a threshold pressure for closing during expiration. |
| US09238111B2 |
Pen needles and needle cap assemblies
A pen needle or pen needle cap assembly is designed to be manually attached e.g. by screwing onto an injection device, and is provided with a gripping region designed to allow the torque that can be applied in the tightening sense to be less than that which can be applied in the loosening sense. |
| US09238108B2 |
Medicament delivery device having an electronic circuit system
Medicament delivery devices are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a medical injector and an electronic circuit system. The medical injector includes a housing, a medicament container, and a medicament delivery member. The housing defines a first region and a second region. The first region includes the medicament container and is physically isolated from the second region. The electronic circuit system is configured to be disposed within the second region defined by the housing. The electronic circuit system is configured to output an electronic output associated with a use of the medical injector. |
| US09238105B2 |
Liquid infusion apparatus
The present invention relates to a liquid infusion apparatus, including: a finger module provided in a main body such that the finger module can elastically move backward from a liquid delivery tube; a tube clamp, in which two clamp bodies spaced apart from each other approach each other by means of restoring force of an elastic member upon the opening of a door during infusion, so as to compress and block the liquid delivery tube; and a tube blockage detection device which detects whether the liquid delivery tube is blocked by a cause, for example, when the outlet-side portion of the liquid delivery tube, which delivers medicinal liquid pumped by a liquid pump during infusion, is bent. |
| US09238100B2 |
Device and method for training users of ambulatory medical devices
Apparatuses and methods for training users of ambulatory medical devices. The methods relate to improving user interactions with the touchscreens of devices. In one embodiment there is an operating mode that records all user interactions along with various device parameters and allows the clinician to review the patient's performance for the initial use period. Automated analysis software may be employed to analyze the data generated by the device. The results of the analysis may be used by the clinician to improve the patient and device interaction. |
| US09238099B2 |
System and apparatus for modeling pressures generated during an injection procedure
A fluid injection apparatus includes at least one pressurizing mechanism and at least a first fluid container (for example, a syringe or a bulk container) operably associated with the at least one pressurizing mechanism. The first fluid container is adapted to contain a first fluid to be injected. The fluid injection apparatus also includes a pressure modeling system adapted to predict a pressure to be generated at one or more points in the injection fluid path during planned injection procedure based upon variables associated with an injection protocol. |
| US09238098B2 |
Method of initialising an apparatus for blood treatment in the single-needle mode and apparatus for blood treatment in the single-needle mode
An apparatus and method for blood treatment for the single-needle mode, the apparatus having an extra-corporeal blood circuit with a blood infeed line running to the inlet and a blood return line leading away from the outlet, of a blood treating unit, includes in the blood return line a device, e.g., container, for amassing blood, which is in flow-permitting connection for gas transfer with a device, e.g., container, for storing gas. A pressure is calculated and set in the device for storing gas before the arterial and venous phases are started, with two constraints. First, the pressure should be sufficiently low to ensure both no infusion of air into the patient and also regulated flow of blood into the patient even at opposing pressures lower than ambient pressure. Second, the pressure should be sufficiently high to expel blood from the device for amassing blood into the device for storing gas. |
| US09238096B2 |
Method and device for separating blood using a centrifuge
The invention relates to a method and a device for separating blood using a centrifuge in order to obtain different blood fractions. The aim of the invention is to eliminate the risk of contamination during the supply of blood and the removal of blood fractions. To achieve this, the separation container is filled with blood via a feed connection that can be aseptically connected to the container, the relevant blood fraction is removed from the separation container via a removal connection that can be aseptically connected to the container and both the feed device and the removal device form a respective closed system during the sterile connection to the separation container. The separation container (4) has at least one feed connection (5, 6) that can be aseptically connected to the container and at least one removal connection (7) that can be aseptically connected to the container, to which hermetically sealed feed and removal devices (8, 9, 10) can be aseptically attached in a sterile manner. |
| US09238090B1 |
Tissue-based compositions
Compositions comprising extracellular matrix (ECM) materials and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The compositions may comprise two or more ECM materials derived from different types of tissues, such as, e.g., lung tissue and spleen tissue, formulated for administration to a patient or configured as a medical device for implantation in or application to the patient. The compositions may combine complementary properties of different types of ECM materials for customized patient-specific and/or site-specific tissue repair and/or regeneration. |
| US09238089B2 |
Absorbent structure with discrete acquisition cells
An absorbent structure including a composite absorbent laminate is disclosed, with the structure suitable for use in disposable absorbent products such as for infant or incontinence care. Notably the laminate comprises discrete acquisition cells each comprising particles of preferably cellulosic absorbent material. The absorbent structure further comprises particulate superabsorbent polymer which can either be blended with the particulate discrete acquisition cells in the absorbent laminate, or provided in a separate absorbent layer of the absorbent structure. The discrete acquisition cells desirably generate free volume for rapid capillary absorption in an ultra-thin absorbent structure. |
| US09238080B2 |
Bi-specific fusion proteins
Bi-specific fusion proteins with therapeutic uses are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such fusion proteins, and methods for using such fusion proteins to repair or regenerate damaged or diseased tissue. The bi-specific fusion proteins generally comprise: (a) a targeting polypeptide domain that binds to a target molecule; and (b) an activator domain that detectably modulates tissue regeneration. |
| US09238077B2 |
Fatty acid niacin conjugates and their uses
The invention relates to fatty acid niacin conjugates; compositions comprising an effective amount of a fatty acid niacin conjugate; and methods for treating or preventing an metabolic disease comprising the administration of an effective amount of a fatty acid niacin conjugate. |
| US09238076B2 |
Polymer-based sustained release device
This invention relates to compositions for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein, a biologically active polypeptide and a sugar. |
| US09238072B2 |
Controlled release delivery system for nasal applications and method of treatment
This invention relates to a gel formulation for nasal administration of a controlled release formulation of hormones to the systemic circulation and/or to the brain. The special lipophilic or partly lipophilic system of the invention leads to higher bioavailability of the active ingredient caused by sustained serum levels in plasma but also leads to a more favorable serum level profile. The special lipophilic or partly lipophilic system also allows for the modulation of brain functioning. The invention also relates to the nasal administration of steroid hormones for treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) or female arousal disorder. |
| US09238070B2 |
Therapies for hematologic malignancies
The invention provides methods that relate to a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hematological malignancies and inflammatory diseases. In particular, the method comprises administration of a compound of formula A, wherein R is H, halo, or C1-C6 alkyl; R′ is C1-C6 alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. |
| US09238069B2 |
Method of sensitizing cancer cells to the cytotoxic effects of death receptor ligands in cancer treatment
Disclosed is a method of enhancing the response of cancer cells in a mammal to treatment with a death receptor ligand, which method comprises contacting the cancer cells with a death receptor ligand in conjunction with an effective amount of a compound described herein, for example, a cucurbitacin (I) or a withanolide (II). Also disclosed is a method of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells in a mammal, comprising contacting the cancer cells with a compound described herein, for example, a cucurbitacin (I) or a withanolide (II) and also contacting the cancer cells with a death receptor ligand, whereby apoptosis is induced in the cancer cells. |
| US09238066B2 |
Proteins expressed by mycobacterium tuberculosis and not by BCG and their use as diagnostic reagents and vaccines
The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis. |
| US09238065B2 |
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine
The invention provides an improved Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine composition, which advantageously provides immunity from infection after a single administration. The composition comprises an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and an adjuvant mixture, which, in combination, provide immunity from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection after a single administration, and elicit an immune response specific to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and including cell-mediated immunity and local (secretory IgA) immunity. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant mixture comprises an acrylic acid polymer, most preferably CARBOPOL®, and a mixture of a metabolizable oil such as one or more unsaturated terpene hydrocarbons, preferably squalene or squalane, and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosol and/or EDTA. |
| US09238063B2 |
Semi-allogenic anti-tumour vaccine with HLA haplo-identical antigen-presenting cells
The present invention relates to semi-allogeneic antigen-presenting cells into which proteins and/or peptides or RNA or DNA or cDNA, respectively, encoding said proteins and/or peptides which are overexpressed in tumor cells or which are derived from autologous tumor cells or different tumor cells or different tumor cell lines have been introduced. Furthermore the invention relates to methods for the generation of these semi-allogeneic antigen-presenting cells as well as to the use thereof in the treatment of tumor diseases. |
| US09238061B2 |
Botulinum toxin treatment of anxiety and bipolar disorders
Methods for preventing or treating depression including a depression mediated by the thalamus. Depression, including a thalamically mediated depression, can be treated by peripheral administration of a botulinum toxin to or to the vicinity of a trigeminal sensory nerve, thereby preventing or treating the depression. |
| US09238060B2 |
Chimeric factor VII molecules
The present invention relates to chimeric Factor VII polypeptides and methods of using the same. |
| US09238059B2 |
Topical therapeutic formulations
The invention provides topical compositions and methods for using the compositions. The compositions can be used for the treatment of fibrotic or connective tissue disorders involving scarring, sub-dermal plaque accumulations, or fibrosis of muscle tissue. The disorders can be painlessly treated by the topical application of a composition described herein. One or more calcium channel blocker agents can serve as an active ingredient of the compositions, optionally in combination with, for example, one or more of emu oil and superoxide dismutase. The composition can further include pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that can facilitate the non-invasive transdermal delivery of the active(s) to subdermal sites. |
| US09238057B2 |
Method for treating ocular neovascularization
Methods are provided for the treatment of ocular neovascularization by increasing, in an individual afflicted with ocular neovascularization, in vivo concentrations of an endostatin protein in the ocular tissues of the individual to an ocular neovascularization inhibiting effective amount, where the endostatin protein has anti-ocular neovascularization activity in vivo. |
| US09238056B2 |
Cyclic peptide and conjugate thereof for binding to keratinocytes
A cyclic peptide capable of binding specifically to the α2 I domain of a collagen binding integrin receptor may be conjugated to a drug containing particle via a linker moiety. The conjugate may be used to target a therapeutic drug to a cell expressing a collagen binding integrin receptor on its surface. |
| US09238053B2 |
Methods for treatment of pain
The invention provides for methods and compositions for treatment of pain via craniofacial mucosal administration of an analgesic compound (e.g. a non-opioid analgesic peptide, an NOP agonist or N/OFQ). Intranasal administration of certain analgesic peptides such as N/OFQ results in global analgesic effects. |
| US09238050B1 |
Compositions for reducing environmental sensitivity and regulating immune function
The present invention is directed to compositions for improving immune function and sensitivities to the natural and manmade environment that include ingredients from natural sources. It is further directed to methods of administering the compositions and kits containing the compositions. In a composition aspect, the composition is for regulating immune function and non-immune related sensitivities. It consists essentially of: 2 weight percent to 95 weight percent Psoralea; 2 weight percent to 95 weight percent Scutellaria; and 2 weight percent to 95 weight percent Xanthium. The Scutellaria portion may be replaced by Gardenia (in equal measure), or by a mixture of Scutellaria and Gardenia. |
| US09238048B2 |
Milk yield and/or milk quality improving agent, perinatal disease preventive or therapeutic agent, and reproductivity improving agent for ruminant
An object of the present invention is to improve the milk yield and/or milk quality of a ruminant for milk production, to prevent or treat a perinatal disease of a ruminant, and to improve the reproductivity of a ruminant. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the following is provided. An agent for improving at least one of milk yield and milk quality of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol. An agent for preventing or treating a perinatal disease of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol. An agent for improving reproductivity of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol. |
| US09238042B2 |
Antisense modulation of interleukins 17 and 23 signaling
Provided are antisense oligonucleotides and other agents that target and modulate IL-17 and/or IL-23 signaling activity in a cell, compositions that comprise the same, and methods of use thereof. Also provided are animal models for identifying agents that modulate 17 and/or IL-23 signaling activity. |
| US09238041B2 |
Methods and compositions for regulating RNA import into mitochondria
Disclosed herein are methods of manipulating the processing, targeting, and/or internalization of a nucleic acid molecule. Also disclosed are recombinant and/or isolated nucleic acid molecules having a first nucleic acid sequence, which is a wild-type sequence or an altered sequence, directly or indirectly linked to a second nucleic acid sequence which is a mitochondria localization sequence, an RNA import sequence, or a combination thereof, and methods of using thereof. |
| US09238038B2 |
Tunable nitric oxide-releasing macromolecules having multiple nitric oxide donor structures
Provided here are nitric oxide-releasing compounds that include at least two different NO donor functional groups of the same class. In some embodiments, such nitric oxide-releasing compounds are macromolecules such as dendrimer and co-condensed silica. Pharmaceutical compositions, wound dressings, kits and methods of treatments are also provided herein. |
| US09238037B2 |
Enema composition for treatment of ulcerative colitis having long term stability
Long term storage stable budesonide-containing solutions are disclosed. The solutions can include budesonide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, cromolyn sodium, antioxidizing agent, benzoic acid, and a pharmaceutically acceptable fluid including propylene glycol and water. Kits including the long term storage stable budesonide-containing solutions and methods of treating ulcerative colitis are also disclosed. |
| US09238036B2 |
Pharmaceutical uses of lanosta-8,24-dien-3-ols
The invention generally refers to pharmaceutical uses of lanosta-8,24-dien-3-ols, a family of tetracyclic terpenols, as anti-inflammatory, anticancerigenous and analgesic agents via the inhibition of the disordered activation of serine-threonine protein kinases, particularly PKC. |
| US09238033B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition containing KW-6002 and fluoxetine or paroxentine
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, which are useful for treatment of depression and the like, and which comprises a compound having an adenosine A2A receptor antagonistic activity such as (E)-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-1,3-diethyl-7-methyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an antidepressant drug (for example, a tricyclic antidepressant, a tetracyclic antidepressant, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a selective noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, a serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, a 5-HT2 antagonist or the like), and the like. |
| US09238032B2 |
Compositions and methods comprising bupropion or related compounds for sustained delivery of dextromethorphan
Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to sustained release of dextromethorphan or improved therapeutic effects are disclosed. Typically, bupropion or a related compound is orally administered to a human being to be treated with, or being treated with, dextromethorphan. |
| US09238031B2 |
Propellant-free aerosol formulation for inhalation
The present invention relates to propellant-free aerosol formulations for inhalation containing ipratropium bromide and salbutamol. |
| US09238029B2 |
Multiple PPI dosage form
Herein provided are dosage forms (variously referred to as “formulations”) comprising a PPI that is released from the dosage form as a first and a second dose. Each dose of PPI is present in an amount sufficient to raise the plasma levels of the PPI to at least 100 ng/ml. |
| US09238028B2 |
HDAC inhibitors to treat charcot-marie-tooth disease
The disclosure relates to diseases in the peripheral nervous system, particularly hereditary neuropathies, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. It is shown that this disease is associated with decreased acetylated tubulin levels, which can be overcome by inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs). Using HDAC inhibitors, it is shown herein that the symptoms of the CMT phenotype can be overcome both in vitro and in vivo. Also provided herein are two different mouse models of CMT disease. |
| US09238026B2 |
Inhibitors of viral replication, their process of preparation and their therapeutical uses
The present invention relates to compounds, their use in the treatment or the prevention of viral disorders, including HIV. |
| US09238024B2 |
Methods for improving health in canines
A method of improving health in a canine includes administering to the canine a nutritional supplement comprising an amino acid secretagogue composition, which stimulates the pituitary gland of the canines to produce growth hormone. The nutritional supplement may be administered orally. The nutritional supplement may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride, Oxo-proline, L-lysine hydrochloride, and cysteine. When desired, the nutritional supplement may consist essentially of L-arginine hydrochloride, Oxo-proline, L-lysine hydrochloride, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, L-glutamine, and schizonepeta powder. |
| US09238022B2 |
Xanthanodien for the treatment of cancer
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease associated with hyperproliferative cellular division, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective dosage of the pharmaceutical composition comprising xanthanodien, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US09238021B2 |
Method of producing a cationic liposomal preparation comprising a lipophilic compound
A method for producing a cationic liposomal preparation comprising a lipophilic active compound with physical and chemical stability during manufacturing, storing and reconstituting, and further a cationic liposomal preparation obtainable by this method as well as specific cationic liposomal preparations as well as pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. |
| US09238018B2 |
Use of bucillamine in the treatment of gout
Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising, bucillamine, including bucillamine and allopurinol or colchicine, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents and excipients. Methods for use of the said compositions in the treatment of gout and metabolic syndrome are also disclosed. |
| US09238016B2 |
Antibiotic composition comprising flufenamic acid as an active ingredient
The present invention relates to a novel antibiotic, and more specifically relates to an antibiotic composition comprising flufenamic acid as an active ingredient, which can reduce drug toxicity and side effects and the problem of antibiotic resistance caused by excessive use of antibiotics since the composition exhibits a good therapeutic effect, even in a small dose, when it is administered either alone or together with another antibiotic of the prior art. |
| US09238015B2 |
4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid and cardiovascular health
The present invention relates generally to compositions with a health benefit. In particular, the invention relates to the field of cardiovascular disorders, for example, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, and heart failure. A subject matter of the invention is a composition comprising 4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid for use in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular disorders. |
| US09238013B2 |
Hyaluronic acid-based gels including lidocaine
Disclosed herein are cohesive soft tissue fillers, for example, dermal and subdermal fillers, based on hyaluronic acids and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In one aspect, hyaluronic acid-based compositions described herein include a therapeutically effective amount of at least one anesthetic agent, for example, lidocaine. The present hyaluronic acid-based compositions including lidocaine have an enhanced stability and cohesivity, relative to conventional compositions including lidocaine, for example when subjected to sterilization techniques or when stored for long periods of time. Methods and processes of preparing such hyaluronic acid-based compositions are also provided. |
| US09238005B2 |
Dry powder formulations and methods for treating pulmonary diseases
The present invention is directed toward respirable dry particles for delivery of divalent metal cation salts and/or monovalent cation salts to the respiratory tract and methods for treating a subject having a respiratory disease and/or infection. |
| US09238000B2 |
Method of improving aging appearance of skin by modulation of WIPI-1
Methods of using WIPI-1 to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin and/or improve skin conditions resulting from reduced autophagy activity. |
| US09237996B2 |
Glucosyltransferase inhibitor containing epigallocatechin gallate polymer as active ingredient
Provided is a highly palatable and safe glucosyltransferase inhibitor or anti-dental caries agent. A glucosyltransferase inhibitor or anti-dental caries agent having an epigallocatechin gallate polymer or a salt thereof. Particularly, the above agent containing an epigallocatechin gallate polymer, which is a compound in which chroman rings are bonded at position 6 and/or 8 via a methylene group. |
| US09237995B2 |
Methods of cleansing skin and rinse-off or wipe-off compositions therefor
Methods of cleansing skin comprise the steps of contacting the skin with a cleansing compositions comprising a fatty ester in combination with a lipid, and either rinsing the composition from the skin with water or wiping the composition from the skin with a dry or damp substrate. The cleansing compositions can comprise at least 8%, by weight of the composition, of fatty ester and/or further comprise a nonionic surfactant and less than about 50%, by weight of the composition, of an alcohol solvent such as ethanol, isopropanol, or mixtures thereof. The methods and compositions provide skin cleansing and hydration benefits. |
| US09237993B2 |
Gradual haircolor compositions and methods of using the same
The disclosure relates to a method for gradually coloring hair comprising the steps of: a) applying an air oxidation haircolor composition to hair; b) removing the air oxidation haircolor composition from the hair directly after application; and c) repeating a set comprising the steps a) and b) in multiple spaced intervals. The air oxidation haircolor composition can include: 1) at least one primary oxidation dye intermediate; 2) at least one aromatic triol; and 3) water. |
| US09237992B2 |
Two-step mascara product
A two-step mascara product that includes a first mascara composition and a second mascara composition. The first mascara composition includes a film-forming polymer dispersed in a first carrier, and the second mascara composition includes a film-former selected from the group consisting of tall oil glycerides, pentaerythrityl rosinate, glyceryl rosinate, hydrogenated versions of these and mixtures thereof. The two-step mascara product also includes a package for storing and dispensing each of the first and second mascara compositions. The package includes a first container configured to store and dispense the first mascara composition and a second container configured to store and dispense the second composition. |
| US09237988B2 |
Benzalkonium chloride compositions for inhibiting the hydrolytic activity of endogenous matrix metalloproteinases in dental restorations
The present application relates to dental adhesive and restoration compositions comprising benzalkonium chloride, having the general structure C6H5CH2N(CH3)2—R—Cl, and salts thereof in a range between approximately 0.01% and approximately 10% by weight in dental primer, dental adhesive, dental resin, and other dental polymeric compositions or in dental solutions. In particular, it has been shown that dental compositions comprising benzalkonium chloride result in the inhibition of the hydrolytic activity of MMP on the dentin adhesive layer, thereby reducing the degradation of bond strength between a resulting dental restoration and the underlying dental tissue. |
| US09237984B2 |
Shockwave nerve therapy system and method
Disclosed herein are intravascular systems and methods for modulating the activation of neural activity using shock wave devices. In one embodiment, the system is used to treat the nerves in the renal plexus. In a second embodiment, the system is used to treat the baroreceptors in the carotid sinus. In a preferred embodiment, the shock wave generator is in the form of electrodes mounted within an inflatable balloon. |
| US09237983B2 |
Dual-penetration sex toy for heterosexual couples
A dual-penetration anal sex toy for couples is disclosed. For heterosexual couples, this toy is designed to enhance vaginal penetration with an anal-to-anal connection. A cock ring or means for attachment may fix the device against the wearer's perineum and act as a pivot-point to transfer the thrusting motion of the wearer directly to a prostate massaging butt plug. Because of the pivot point and possible simultaneous anal penetration both partners can feel a direct connection with the anal movements of the other. |
| US09237980B2 |
Garment for therapeutic treatment
A medical compression suit has first and second elongate openings and first and second fasteners for releasably closing the first and second elongate openings respectively such that releasing the fasteners allows the openings to be opened, facilitating the donning and doffing of the suit by a wearer, the first and second openings being provided on the front or the rear of the suit. |
| US09237977B2 |
Support for relief of pressure ulcers
A support for use with a pillow on a mattress and a method for use thereof are disclosed. The support includes a sham extending longitudinally along an axis. The sham has a sleeve having two or three substantially closed sides and one or two substantially open sides. The sham has extensions extending longitudinally from the sleeve. The extensions are constructed to extend around sides and at least a portion of the bottom of a mattress. The sleeve is constructed to receive a pillow therein. The method includes providing such a sham and extending the extensions around the sides and under a portion of the mattress. |
| US09237975B2 |
Absorbent article with side barriers and decolorizing agents
A feminine care absorbent article having fluid barrier and decolorizing structures is described. Such structures can prevent the spread of menses fluid towards the edges of the article and can also decolorize stains so that the stains are less noticeable. The article includes a liquid permeable topsheet having a central layer positioned adjacent opposing side layers. The side layers can include a separating region that at least partially separates a decolorizing agent carrier material treated with a decolorizing agent from an absorbent core. At least one of the side layers can also include at least one fluid barrier region that can prevent or slow the spread of fluids from the center of the article to the edges. The combination of the separating and fluid barrier regions can allow the decolorizing agent to sufficiently decolorize a fluid insult that may have spread to the lateral edges of the article. |
| US09237974B2 |
Disposable diaper having excellent migration speed and satisfactory feeling
A disposable diaper includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet and an absorber between the top sheet and back sheet, and having a front body waist region, a crotch region and a back body waist region. The top sheet is a nonwoven fabric having on the skin contact surface a plurality of ridges and a plurality of recesses extending in the lengthwise direction of the disposable diaper, and alternating in the widthwise direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The top sheet has point-like compressed sections at a prescribed density in the front body waist region and/or back body waist region, the ridges in prescribed zones having different heights than the adjacent ridges at the same location in the lengthwise direction. |
| US09237971B2 |
Tampon skirt
A tampon skirt is disclosed. The tampon skirt can comprise a finger cover associated with the tampon that expands or opens when a user unwraps a tampon, or an integrated tampon wrapper/cover that expands or opens when a user unwraps a tampon. The tampon skirt is associated with a tampon and conforms around a surface of the tampon. The cover is deployable to cover a finger of a user when the user prepares to insert the tampon. The user's grips the withdrawal end underneath the extended tampon skirt when the user is inserting the tampon. The tampon skirt is appropriately sized to cover a user's fingers and/or hand to prevent contact with menstrual discharge. When the user finishes inserting the tampon with the associated tampon skirt, the user disposes of the remaining tampon applicator and associated tampon skirt. |
| US09237965B2 |
Re-treatment for ophthalmic correction of refraction
A planning device generating control data for a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery is provided, said apparatus using a laser device to separate a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface in the cornea of an eye, said planning device comprising an interface for receiving corneal data including information on pre-operative cuts which were generated in a previous ophthalmic operation, and computing means for defining a corneal cut surface which confines the corneal volume to be removed, said computing means defining the corneal cut surface on the basis of the corneal data and generating a control dataset for the corneal cut surface for control of the laser device. |
| US09237962B2 |
Toe orthosis
An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around a toe of a patient and methods for using the same are provided. The orthosis includes a foot plate, a toe assembly and a drive assembly. The toe assembly can include a first member including a first extension member and a second member including a second extension member. The drive assembly can move the second member with respect to the first member. |
| US09237960B2 |
Apparatus for curving an implantable medical device in a lumen
An introducer assembly (100) including at its distal end a dilator tip (20) and an inner catheter for supporting an implantable medical device (1) for deployment, is provided with a plurality of strut elements (102, 202) extending from the dilator tip (20) to the proximal end of the medical device (1). The strut elements (102, 202) act to apply both a pulling and a pushing force against the proximal end of the medical device (1), having the effect of assisting in the correct positioning of the proximal end of the medical device in a patient's lumen, particularly where this is curved such as with the aortic arch. The strut elements (102, 202) form part of the introducer assembly and are removed from the patient following the deployment procedure. The device avoids the need for bare stents at the end of a stent graft. |
| US09237954B2 |
Height adjustable spinal prostheses
Dimensionally adjustable spinal prostheses are adjustable in an axial or superior to inferior dimension such that spinal prostheses may assume variations in height. The height adjustable spinal prostheses are characterized by first and second portions that are configured for adjustable coupling with one another. Spatial adjustment between the first and second portions is provided by an adjustment assembly. The adjustment mechanism preferably, but not necessarily, provides infinite adjustment over a minimum prosthesis height to a maximum prosthesis height. In one form, first and second ends of the height adjustable spinal prostheses are configured to receive an endplate. The endplates aid in attachment and/or anchoring of the spinal prosthesis within the spine. The endplates may be fashioned in various configurations such as circular or anatomical. In one form, the adjustment assembly utilizes rotational motion for varying the axial position of one prosthetic portion relative to the other prosthetic portion. Rotational movement of an adjustment mechanism of the adjustment assembly is translated into axial movement of one prosthetic portion relative to the other prosthetic portion. In another form, the adjustment mechanism is a screw and gearing assembly. In yet another form, the adjustment mechanism is a rack and pinion assembly. |
| US09237952B2 |
Total knee arthroplasty system and method
Disclosed herein are prosthesis, surgical tools, and methods to preserve one or more ligaments of the knee by cutting a least a portion of natural bone during joint surgery. The natural bone may be cut using various methods and associated cutting guides, and the natural bone is retained along with the natural attachment of an associated soft tissue structure. The bone block cutting guides may create a variety of standard natural block shapes or may create mechanical mating features (e.g., keystone or dovetail configuration) in the natural bone portion that may be inserted, wedged, press-fit, and/or mechanically attached to the tibia. The natural bone block with the associated soft tissue may be further secured by incorporating features in the tibial prosthesis, providing the surgeon with additional fixation components and/or fixation mechanisms. |
| US09237950B2 |
Implant with patient-specific porous structure
A method of manufacturing a joint implant for a joint of a specific patient includes obtaining a three-dimensional image of a bone of the joint of the specific patient from medical imaging scans of the bone of the patient and determining on the three-dimensional image a resection plane for contacting a corresponding planar surface of the joint implant for the specific patient. The method includes determining a three-dimensional image of a porous structure of a bone layer along the resection plane from the medical imaging scans of the patient. The joint implant is manufactured with a layer of a patient-specific porous construct attached to the planar surface of the joint implant. The layer of the patient-specific porous construct substantially replicates the porous structure of the bone layer of the specific patient. |
| US09237947B2 |
Hingeless cartridge for intraocular lens injector providing haptic control
A method of loading an IOL having an optic and a leading haptic into a cartridge, comprising folding the leading haptic radially inward relative to the optic as the IOL moves into a lumen of the cartridge, by using a proximal end feature of the cartridge. |
| US09237945B2 |
Bioerodible wraps and uses therefor
A tubular tissue graft device is provided comprising a tubular tissue and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the tubular tissue. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft comprising depositing a fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a perimeter of a tubular tissue to produce a tubular tissue graft device. A cardiac bypass method comprising bypassing a coronary artery with a tubular tissue graft device comprising a vein and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the vein also is provided. |
| US09237940B2 |
Orthodontic apparatus
The invention relates to an orthodontic apparatus that includes an upper jaw brace and a lower jaw brace. The braces each have an adjustment mechanism for an engaging part. The engaging parts engage together when the mouth is closed. Each adjustment mechanism has an adjustment spindle running in the sagittal direction of the jaw brace, the spindle head thereof can be accessed at the front by a tool. The position of the engaging part can thereby be adjusted very easily, and, among other things, also while the orthodontic apparatus is in the mouth of the patient. |
| US09237939B2 |
Hand tool for dentistry and dental prosthetics
A hand tool for dentistry and/or dental prosthetics, having a grip part which defines a main axis and, in the direction of the main axis, has a front end area and a read end area. The grip part has, in the front end area, an open receiving recess in which the collet element is arranged with an adjustable receiving diameter for receiving an object. The receiving diameter of the collet element can be modified by way of an actuating device. The collet element can be secured against rotation in the grip part. |
| US09237936B2 |
System and method for integrating candidate implant location test results with real-time tissue images for use with implantable device leads
Patient tissues are imaged using, e.g., a real-time fluoroscopic imaging system, along with a lead system being implanted. Parameters representative of lead placement efficacy—such as capture thresholds, phrenic nerve stimulation thresholds, impedance values or screw-in tip mechanical resistance values—are measured at candidate implant locations. Localization parameters identifying the candidate implant locations are also measured. In one example, a display is generated substantially in real-time showing: images of the tissues of the patient and the lead system being implanted; candidate locations of the electrodes; and parameters representative of lead placement efficacy at the candidate locations. In this manner, the implanting clinician can readily view capture thresholds and other helpful parameters at various candidate locations along with actual real-time images of the tissues of the patient and the lead system being implanted. Recorded images can also be displayed and, in some examples, multiple images can be superimposed over one another. |
| US09237935B2 |
Fatigue testing system for prosthetic devices
A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested. |
| US09237934B2 |
System for stethoscope head disinfection
A stethoscope disinfection system comprising a guide member comprising a body member, a rotation-imparting member, a slide guide track, a spring guide track, and a trolley guide track, and a trolley comprising a lower housing member, a cam member, a lock head, a spring apparatus, a brush member, an upper housing member configured to receive at least a portion of a head of a stethoscope, and a dispersing member positioned in the dispersing mechanism chamber. The system may further comprise a slide guide configured to engage with each of the arm of the lock head and the slide guide track and to translate along a length of the slide guide track. |
| US09237929B2 |
System for guiding a medical instrument in a patient body
The present invention relates to a system for guiding a medical instrument in a patient body. Such a system comprises means for acquiring a 2D X-ray image of said medical instrument, means for acquiring a 3D ultrasound data set of said medical instrument using an ultrasound probe, means for localizing said ultrasound probe in a referential of said X-ray acquisition means, means for selecting a region of interest around said medical instrument within the 3D ultrasound data set and means for generating a bimodal representation of said medical instrument detection by combining said 2D X-ray image and said 3D ultrasound data set. A bimodal representation is generated on the basis of the 2D X-ray image by replacing the X-ray intensity value of points belonging to said region of interest by the ultrasound intensity value of the corresponding point in the 3D ultrasound data set. |
| US09237928B2 |
Mobile functional hospital unit for the temporary distribution of medical fluids
Mobile functional hospital unit (1) for the temporary distribution of medical fluids, comprising at least one rear outlet (5, 25; 30) for tapping off medical fluid designed and able to be connected to a medical fluid distribution network arranged within a hospital building and associated with the rear wall (6) of the cabinet (2), at least one side outlet (21, 22, 23, 24; 17) for tapping off medical fluid associated with at least one side wall (27, 28) of the cabinet (2), and at least one connecting line (9) fluidically connecting at least one gas cylinder (3, 4; 7, 8) to at least one of the rear (5, 25) and side (21, 22, 23, 24) gas tapping outlets in order to supply at least one of the rear (5, 25) and side (21, 22, 23, 24) outlets with gas delivered by at least one gas cylinder (3, 4; 7, 8). |
| US09237926B2 |
Pair of endocardial and epicardial catheters, catheter and method for positioning electrodes on a cardiac wall and method for the ablation of cardiac muscle tissue
The ablation of tissue in a cardiac wall is performed by introducing an endocardial catheter into the interior of a heart and an epicardial catheter is placed on the cardiac wall. With the aid of an electromagnet and a counter-element, which can be permanently magnetized or can also be an electromagnet, the two catheters are mutually attracted in such a way that electrodes come into contact with opposite sides of the cardiac wall such that the electrodes are optimally positioned. The use of a catheter with a plurality of such electrodes in a row enables the removal of whole lines of destroyed cardiac wall tissue by ablation. |
| US09237924B2 |
Methods and devices to treat nasal airways
Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways. |
| US09237922B2 |
Hand-held electrosurgical instrument
Electrosurgical instruments and associated methods are provided. An electrosurgical instrument may include one or more light emitters that comprise a light source in operative communication with a power supply supportably interconnected to a handle portion. The instrument may have a toggle member with one or more selectable positions that may selectively activate any of one or more operational states of an electrosurgical electrode comprising the instrument. The toggle member may selectively activate the light emitter(s) provided on the instrument alone and/or in conjunction with the activation of one or more operational state. The handle portion may include an elastomeric handle portion that extends continuously along the handle portion and over the toggle member to seal the handle portion. |
| US09237921B2 |
Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue
Various forms are directed to systems and methods for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. A generator may generate at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal may be monitored against a first set of logic conditions. When an ultrasonic impedance of the surgical instrument exceeds a threshold impedance, a resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal may be stored as a baseline frequency. A first response of the generator may be triggered upon the occurrence of either the first set of logic conditions being met or the resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal differing from the baseline frequency by a baseline deviation threshold. |
| US09237917B2 |
Cement-directing orthopedic implants
A cement-directing structure for use in cement-injection bone therapy includes a collapsible, self-restoring braided structure with regions of differential permeability to the bone cement. The regions of differential permeability may be provided by areas where the braided mesh density is greater or lesser than surrounding areas and/or by means of a baffle. After the structure is placed in a void within a bony structure, cement is injected into the interior of the structure then oozes out in preferred directions according to the locations of the regions of differential permeability. |
| US09237916B2 |
Devices and methods for vertebrostenting
The invention relates to methods of creating and/or enlarging a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other body structure. The invention also relates to devices that may be used to perform the steps to create and/or enlarge the curvilinear cavity. In various embodiments, an apparatus for creating and/or enlarging a curvilinear cavity includes a handle and a flexible shaft assembly including a cutting tip or blade, a flexible rotatable drive shaft, and a flexible, moveable and non-rotatable housing. |
| US09237914B2 |
Bone fixation system
A bone fixation system is provided. The bone fixation system may include a plate, one or more fasteners configured to attach the plate to a target anatomical location such as bone, and a surgical device that facilitates the attachment of the plate and the fasteners. |
| US09237913B2 |
Cerclage system for bone
Method of stabilizing a sternum with a fastening member defining a plurality of cleats. In the method, the fastening member may be disposed on a sternum having a discontinuity, with the fastening member spanning the discontinuity and the cleats contacting the sternum. The fastening member may be arranged with a wire or cable such that the wire or cable extends twice through the fastening member and forms a loop around a portion of the sternum. The fastening member may be crimped to secure both ends of the loop to the fastening member. |
| US09237911B2 |
Locking pin plate assembly adapted for fracture fixation
A lockable pin plate assembly which has a pin plate adapted to be secured to stable bone and provided with pin holes for pins for pinning an unstable bone fragment. One or more pin holes are engageable by pins of an integral U-pin. The pins have stop surfaces thereon which are resiliently displaced when the pins are seated to automatically and self-lock the pin and the pin plate to oppose withdrawal and backing out of the pins from the pin plate. In a preferred embodiment, each pin of the U pin has a leading portion and a trailing portion, the leading portion being of smaller diameter to pass freely through an elliptical hole in the pin plate whereas the trailing portion is of larger size to become locked in the pin hole as it is advanced therein. |
| US09237908B2 |
Dynamic stabilization system for the spine
A system for dynamic stabilization of the spine includes a bone engaging fastener configured to be anchored in a vertebra and a deflectable element mounted on the fastener. The deflectable element or bumper is configured and arranged to contact a portion of an adjacent vertebra, such as the facet, during extension of the spine, while offering no resistance during flexion. In certain embodiments, a cable may be fastened to the bone engaging fastener and arranged to contact a portion of the adjacent vertebra, such as the spinous process, during flexion of the spine. In one surgical technique of the invention, a contralateral approach is used to introduce the bone engaging fastener through the deflectable element and into the vertebra. |
| US09237903B2 |
Rotational atherectomy device with fluid inflatable support elements and distal protection capability
A rotational atherectomy device for abrading a stenotic lesion from a vessel of a patient includes a flexible drive shaft (1) which extends towards a distal end of the device, a distal fluid inflatable support element (3, 3″) located at a distal end of the drive shaft and an abrasive element (5) mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from the distal fluid inflatable support element. Both the abrasive element and the distal fluid inflatable support element are rotatable together with the drive shaft and the drive shaft includes a torque transmitting coil (2) which defines a long lumen of the drive shaft. The distal fluid inflatable support element is formed from a fluid impermeable membrane (9, 9″) that crosses a longitudinal axis (x-x) common to the torque transmitting coil and the lumen of the drive shaft at the distal end of the device, thereby preventing pressurized fluid flowing along the lumen of the drive shaft from entering the vessel in the direction of said longitudinal axis so that fluid has to pass through the fluid inflatable support element, inflating said support element and exiting from the device through an outflow opening (66) in the fluid inflatable support element in a direction different from the direction of the longitudinal axis of the coil and the lumen. |
| US09237901B2 |
Liquid injection device and medical apparatus
A liquid injection device includes an injection unit which injects a liquid, a liquid supply instrument which supplies the liquid to the injection unit, and a control unit which controls operation of the injection unit and the liquid supply instrument, wherein the injection unit includes a distal end portion where a nozzle for injecting the liquid is formed, and a body portion in which the distal end portion is removably loaded, at the distal end portion, a distal end-side memory is provided in which first startup data is written, and the control unit is a control unit which reads and writes the first startup data from and to the distal end-side memory in the distal end portion loaded in the body portion and manages use time of the distal end portion based on the first startup data that is read out. |
| US09237900B2 |
Surgical instrument with split jaw
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw that pivots relative to the first jaw from a closed position to an open position. The second jaw includes a first portion and a second portion that pivots relative to the first portion. The second portion is positioned adjacent to the first portion of the second jaw when the second jaw is in the closed position. The first and second portions of the second jaw pivot outwardly as the second jaw is pivoted from the closed position to the open position. |
| US09237899B2 |
Tissue grasping forceps and localizing needle holder
A tissue grasping forceps and needle holder. A pair of movable arms are pivotably connected about a pivot connection, with each arm having a handle portion on one side and a working portion on the opposite side of the pivot connection. The working portions interengage when the handle portions are closed to a minimum spaced relation. The working portion has a clamp components and jaw component, with the clamp component comprising a plurality of synchronous teeth located to interlock when the handle portions are in the minimum spaced relation. The jaw component comprises a plurality of regularly spaced tines, with the tines being joined in pairs when the handle portions are in the minimum spaced relation with a gap between the tines, and an interstice between each spaced pair. |
| US09237898B2 |
Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging and insonation of microbubbles
A catheter system including an elongate tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a lumen extending through at least a portion of a length of the elongate tubular member. The distal end portion of the elongate member is dimensioned and adapted to advance to or in proximity to a treatment site of a subject. A microbubble device is in fluid communication with the lumen. The microbubble device includes at least one input port for receiving a flow of material into the device and an output port configured to output microbubbles from the microbubble device. A second tubular member is in fluid communication with one of the at least one input ports. A pressure fitting arrangement is adapted to maintain a seal between the second tubular member and the input port. |
| US09237897B2 |
Endovascular devices and methods
Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion, inserting the device into the vascular lumen, positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall to at least partially surround the occlusion, and removing at least a portion of the surrounded occlusion from the lumen. |
| US09237891B2 |
Robotically-controlled surgical stapling devices that produce formed staples having different lengths
A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector that is configured to receive various control motions from a robotic system. |
| US09237890B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus
A surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly defines staple forming depressions. One or both of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are pivotable relative to the other between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a first plurality of staples and a second plurality of staples. The first plurality of staples is initially positioned in alignment with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly for ejection from the cartridge assembly. The second plurality of staples is movably supported in the cartridge assembly from a first position misaligned with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly to a second position aligned with the staple forming depressions for subsequent ejection from the cartridge assembly. |
| US09237878B2 |
Generation and assessment of shear waves in elasticity imaging
A method for generation and analysis of shear waves in a subject with an ultrasound system. Multiple short ultrasound push pulses are applied, as a set and optionally more than once, to one or more push origins at the subject to produce first and second shear waves of large amplitudes and desired spatial distributions, which are separated in space and time and which have opposite polarity such that initial movements of the subject tissue, respectively caused by the first and second shear waves, occur in opposite directions. At least one mechanical property of the subject (including that represented by shear wave group velocity, phase velocity, and attenuation of a shear wave) is determined based at least in part on a distance between wavefronts of the first and second shear waves. |
| US09237877B2 |
Thoracic diagnosis assistance system and computer readable storage medium
Provided is a thoracic diagnosis assistance system. The system includes, an imaging unit, an extracting unit, a region dividing unit, an analysis unit and a display unit. The extraction unit extracts a lung field region from the plurality of successive image frames generated by the imaging unit. The region dividing unit divides the lung field region extracted by the extraction unit into a plurality of sub-regions and correlates the sub-regions among the plurality of image frames. The analysis unit performs an analysis of the sub-regions to calculate an inspiratory feature quantity and an expiratory feature quantity and to calculate a value of a ratio of the calculated inspiratory feature quantity to expiratory feature quantity and creates a histogram of the calculated ratio value. The display unit displays the histogram. |
| US09237876B2 |
Single step X-ray phase imaging
A system and method for single step x-ray phase contrast imaging. In one embodiment, a method for single step x-ray phase contrast imaging includes illuminating an object to be imaged with x-rays. The x-rays passing through the object are detected by a spectral detector. Image data derived from the detected x-rays is provided to an x-ray image processor. A phase image is generated based on the image data. |
| US09237870B2 |
Device and method for processing heart sounds for ausculation
A device for independently and controllably amplifying components of the heart sound signals without removing any component of the signal by filtering. With such a device all the signal components that carry information are still available and can be useful to a user. Filtering may however be applied to very high frequency signals, compared to the signal of interest, that are totally unrelated to the heart sounds. |
| US09237869B1 |
Lapel adapter for physiological sensor pod
Described herein is a lapel adaptor for use with a physiologic sensor pod having a housing including a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral surface, a groove extending around the peripheral surface, and a pair of electrodes spaced apart from one another on the bottom surface. The lapel adaptor includes a first portion comprising an elastic ring including an opening having an inner circumference slightly smaller than an outer circumference of the groove extending around the peripheral surface of the sensor pod housing. The lapel adaptor also includes a second portion having a pair of magnets spaced apart from one another by substantially a same distance as a distance between the pair of electrodes on the bottom surface of the sensor pod housing. The lapel adaptor further includes a third portion that enables the first and second portions of the lapel adaptor to be folded toward one another. |
| US09237868B2 |
Fitness test
This document describes a fitness test application which allows the user to exercise freely (running and cycling outdoors, bicycle ergometer, rowing ergometer, treadmill) and which provides an estimate of user's fitness during and/or after the exercise. The analysis can be performed either as real-time or as post-analysis. |
| US09237866B2 |
Blood glucose management
This disclosure provides equipment and processes for blood glucose management. Embodiments may comprise a lancet device that includes a base that supports a lancet and a cover. The cover can move controllably from an un-depressed position to a depressed position when a predetermined force is applied. The cover can provide access to the lancet in the depressed position. In another aspect, a biological test kit may include a reusable module and a disposable module. The disposable module may include one or more lancet devices such as that described above to collect a biological sample, one or more strip stations supporting biological strips and a disposable module connector. The reusable module may support measuring equipment to measure a property of the biological sample and a reusable module connector that engages removably with the disposable module connector. |
| US09237864B2 |
Analyte sensors and methods of manufacturing same
Analyte sensors and methods of manufacturing same are provided, including analyte sensors comprising multi-axis flexibility. For example, a multi-electrode sensor system 800 comprising two working electrodes and at least one reference/counter electrode is provided. The sensor system 800 comprises first and second elongated bodies E1, E2, each formed of a conductive core or of a core with a conductive layer deposited thereon, insulating layer 810 that separates the conductive layer 820 from the elongated body, a membrane layer deposited on top of the elongated bodies E1, E2, and working electrodes 802′, 802″ formed by removing portions of the conductive layer 820 and the insulating layer 810, thereby exposing electroactive surface of the elongated bodies E1, E2. |
| US09237863B2 |
Personal authentication apparatus and body weight/body composition meter
A personal authentication apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a measurement result including body weight and body impedance; a calculation unit configured to, based on the measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit and personal information, calculate a calculation value relating to body composition that is less susceptible to temporal variation than body water amount; a storage unit configured to store the body weight, the personal information, and the calculation value in association with measurement subject specification information that specifies the measurement subject; a comparison unit configured to compare the most recent calculation value and a new calculation value; and a measurement subject specification unit configured to, based on a difference between calculation values, specify which of the pieces of measurement subject specification information stored in the storage unit corresponds to the measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit. |
| US09237858B2 |
Detecting loss of full skin contact in patient electrodes
Patient electrodes, patient monitors, defibrillators, wearable defibrillators, software and methods may warn when an electrode stops being fully attached to the patient's skin. A patient electrode includes a pad for attaching to the skin of a patient, a lead coupled to the pad, and a contact detector that can change state, when the pad does not contact fully the skin of the patient. When the detector changes state, an output device may emit an alert, for notifying a rescuer or even the patient. |
| US09237855B2 |
Wearable heart rate monitor
Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for using response characteristics of the user's skin to adjust a gain and/or light emission intensity of the heart rate monitor. |
| US09237853B2 |
System for detection and treatment of infection or inflammation
A system for visualizing a medical treatment of a human or animal body part. The system has means for thermal treatment of the body part, means for determining the temperature distribution on the body part, and means for identifying the location of a particular temperature determined on the body part. Further, a method for visualizing the temperature characteristics of a human or animal body part is provided. The method includes the steps of comparing a first temperature distribution data set of the surface of the body part with a second temperature distribution data set of the surface of the body part, wherein the first temperature distribution data set is determined before and the second temperature distribution data set is determined after a thermal treatment of the body part, and visualizing the temperature distribution data sets of the body part. |
| US09237852B2 |
Probe
A probe is shown. According to one implementation, the following is included at a tip of the probe, as the optical system. A first optical fiber system forms an irradiating light guiding path to guide irradiating light. A second optical fiber system forms a receiving light guiding path to guide measuring light. A condenser lens system is positioned opposed to the first optical fiber system and the second optical fiber system, and the irradiating light is irradiated thereon and the measuring light is condensed. An optical axis of the condenser lens system, a central axis of a light emitting end of the first optical fiber system, and a central axis of a light receiving end of the second optical fiber system are positioned so a straight line which passes through two axes does not pass through a remaining axis. |
| US09237850B2 |
System and method for noninvasively monitoring conditions of a subject
A method and system are presented for use in determining one or more parameters of a subject. A region of interest of the subject is irradiated with acoustic tagging radiation, which comprises at least one acoustic tagging beam. At least a portion of the region of interest is irradiated with at least one electromagnetic beam of a predetermined frequency range. Electromagnetic radiation response of the at least portion of the region of interest is detected and measured data indicative thereof is generated. The detected response comprises electromagnetic radiation tagged by the acoustic radiation. This enables processing of the measured data indicative of the detected electromagnetic radiation response to determine at least one parameter of the subject in a region corresponding to the locations in the medium at which the electromagnetic radiation has been tagged by the acoustic radiation, and outputting data indicative of the at least one determined parameter. |
| US09237848B2 |
Modular physiological sensing patch
A modular holder or patch is described that may be used with or as part of a wireless physiological sensing device. The wireless physiological sensing device may include a holder or patch, first and second electrodes, and an electronics package that may be removably coupled with the holder or patch and which may be in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes. The electronics package may include a housing, a wireless transceiver and electronic circuitry configured to process signals received via the first and second electrodes and the wireless transceiver. |
| US09237847B2 |
Ophthalmoscope device
An ophthalmoscope device includes a support structure, an image capture device, and a display device. The support structure is configured to be worn by a subject. The image capture device is configured to capture images of the eye fundus of the subject. The display device is configured to overlay images in the field of view of the subject. The overlaid images are used to align the pupil/fovea orientation axis with the optical axis of the image capture device. |
| US09237844B2 |
System and method for tracking the point of gaze of an observer
A system for tracking the point of gaze of an observer observing an object comprises a camera for recording an image of an eye of the observer, comprises a means for providing a luminous marker, and means for analyzing the image of the eye to determine the reflection of the marker on the eye and the centre of the pupil. The relative positions of the corneal reflection of the marker and the pupil centre are measured. The marker is repositioned, in dependence on the determined relative positions, to improve correspondence between the corneal reflection of the marker and the pupil center. |
| US09237843B1 |
System for measuring visual fixation disparity
There is disclosed herein a system for measuring visual fixation disparity comprising a display apparatus for presenting stereoscopic visual content to a patient. A sensing apparatus tracks eye movement of the patient. A controller controls the display apparatus to stereoscopically display a central image target alternately to a left eye and a right eye of the patient and tracking eye movement for a period of time as the central image target is alternated between the left eye and the right eye, and incrementally relocating the central image target left and right images until the patient perceives the left and right images to be physically coincident. |
| US09237836B2 |
Rotating filter for a dishwasher
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid. |
| US09237835B2 |
Collecting apparatus of sucked materials for vacuum cleaner appliances
A collection apparatus for use in vacuum cleaners appliance to collect sucked up materials includes a tank that has a bottom, peripheral walls and an upper opening opposite to the bottom, and that is adapted to be closed by a removable lid; suction means that are coupled to the tank to create a negative pressure therein; and separation means that separate the sucked up materials from the air flows moving in a suction direction defined from an inlet into the tank and an outlet from the tank, which are either wet separation means or dry separation means that can be alternately and interchangeably mounted within the tank using removable mounting means. |
| US09237834B2 |
Cyclonic separator
A cyclonic separator comprising a first cyclone stage, a second cyclone stage and an inlet duct. The first cyclone stage comprises a cyclone chamber and a first dirt collection chamber. The second cyclone stage is located downstream of the first cyclone stage and comprises a second dirt collection chamber. The inlet duct carries fluid from an opening in the base of the cyclonic separator to the cyclone chamber, and the first dirt collection chamber surrounds at least partly the inlet duct and the second dirt collection chamber. |
| US09237833B2 |
Vacuum cleaner and dust container
A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body and a dust container separably mounted on the cleaner body. The dust container includes a dust collection body including an opening, a wall, and a dust separation part. A cover covers the opening of the dust collection body. An air guide is disposed at the dust collection body, the air guide having an opening provides an inflow hole through which air separated from dust in the dust separation part is introduced, and a filter accommodated in the air guide filters the air separated from the dust. When the cover uncovers the opening of the dust collection body, the filter is visible through the opening of the air guide. |
| US09237828B2 |
Charcoal barbecue grills
A charcoal grill includes a vessel configured to hold and burn charcoal for cooking food. The charcoal grill may include a receptacle moveable between a first position in which the receptacle is positioned for collecting ashes from charcoal burned in the vessel and a second position in which the receptacle is separated from the vessel for disposal of the collected ashes. Additionally, or alternatively, the vessel may define a passage extending from an exterior side of the vessel to an interior side of the vessel for permitting a starter device to be inserted into the passage for igniting charcoal within the vessel. Additionally, or alternatively, the charcoal grill may include a vent system including at least one vent opening extending through a portion of the vessel, a vent cover movable with respect to the vent opening between a closed position and an open position, and at least one calibration associated with the vent cover between the closed position and the open position. |
| US09237827B2 |
Cooking appliance of the grill or barbecue type
A cooking appliance (1) of the grill or barbecue type, comprises a frame (10) supporting a cooking surface (2) on which foodstuffs to be cooked can be arranged, and a heating surface (3) arranged opposite said cooking surface (2). The frame (10) defines a housing (4) parallel to a horizontal plane (P) and designed to accommodate the cooking surface (2) between a storage position in which it lies on the bottom of the housing (4) and a use position in which it is inclined at an angle α to said horizontal plane (P). The heating surface (3) is connected to the frame (10) by a hinge (5) allowing the displacement of the heating surface (3) between a passive position in which it closes the housing (4) and an active position in which it is inclined at an angle β to the horizontal plane (P), the housing (4) is open and the cooking surface (2) can be deployed and positioned opposite the heating surface (3). The cooking surface (2) is arranged between the horizontal plane (P) and the heating surface (3) so that the substances released by the foodstuffs while they cook do not run onto the heating surface (3). |
| US09237826B2 |
Sandwich press and grill apparatus
A sandwich press and grill apparatus. The apparatus comprising a lower housing and an upper housing, each hingedly interconnected. The lower housing is adapted to releasably engage a lower cooking plate, the lower housing including a first temperature sensor adapted to be in thermal communication with the lower cooking plate when engaged. The upper housing is adapted to releasably engage the upper cooking plate, the upper housing including a second temperature sensor adapted to be in thermal communication with the upper cooking plate when engaged. The lower housing has a first releasable power coupling element for providing electrical power to a lower heating element integrally formed with the lower cooking plate, and the upper housing has a second releasable power coupling element for providing electrical power to an upper heating element integrally formed with the upper cooking plate. A temperature controller adapted to receive at least one temperature set point signal and to independently control the temperature of the lower cooking plate and the upper cooking plate. |
| US09237825B2 |
Cooking vessel for a cooking and mixing appliance kit
A cooking appliance kit includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining a heating cavity and a cooking vessel that is configured to be inserted into the heating cavity. The cooking vessel includes a first rounded end, a second rounded end, and an intermediate necked portion that define first and second wells that at least partially intersect. First and second distinct heater plates are disposed in the first and second wells, respectively. An arcuate dividing wall is disposed in the heating cavity and is removably engaged with the intermediate necked portion between the first and second distinct heater plates. The arcuate dividing wall defines a circular cooking zone and a crescent cooking zone. A drive arm is removably coupled to the housing and extends over the circular cooking zone. The drive arm includes one of a flipping wand and a stirring wand. |
| US09237824B2 |
Capsule piercing module
A capsule-based beverage production machine that comprises a module designed for producing a beverage on the basis of ingredients which are contained in a capsule. The module comprises: means for retaining the capsule in a fixed position, and means for perforation of the capsule, wherein the perforation means are controlled to perforate the capsule after the capsule is retained in the fixed position by the retaining means. |
| US09237821B2 |
Assembly for mounting shades
The present embodiments provide for a system of fastening devices, e.g., mounts, brackets, and assemblies for installing roller window shades. In one embodiment, the fastening device system comprises two one-piece, disk-shaped mounting brackets, one for each end of a shade tube, wherein the mounting brackets are configured such that, in use, the outer circumference of the brackets are visible; the mounting means being largely hidden within the bracket or by the shade. In a particular embodiment, the fastening system is designed for use with motorized shades, wherein one mounting bracket is configured to key the shade motor, and one mounting bracket is configured to receive the idler pin. |
| US09237813B2 |
Adjustable height aid for stretching a sheet
An adjustable height device for aiding in the stretching of a sheet. The device may include a bracket for attaching the device to a bottom surface of a bed frame, a first connector attached to the bracket by a first rotating element so that the first connector can rotate about the first rotating element with respect to the bracket, a telescoping shaft attached to the first connector by a second rotating element so that the telescoping shaft is rotatable about the second rotating element with respect to the first connector, and a gripping device attached to the telescoping shaft by a second connector. The telescoping shaft may be made of an inner shaft slidably inserted into an outer shaft. The gripping device may include a base having a first gripping surface and a movable element having a second gripping surface rotatable about a rotational axis with respect to the base. |
| US09237812B1 |
Bodily cushion assembly
A bodily cushion assembly for retaining a user's arms and legs within a chair such that said assembly prevents bruising from occurring on the user's arms and legs includes a pad that may be positionable on a chair. The user sits on the pad after the pad is positioned on the chair. A plurality of bolsters is coupled to an outer edge of the pad. The plurality of bolsters retains the user's arms and legs on the pad. |
| US09237808B2 |
Bracket assembly for slide
A bracket assembly includes a bracket, an inserting member, an elastic member disposed on the bracket, first and second arms oppositely and pivotally connected to the bracket, and an operation member. The elastic member includes first and second elastic portions correspondingly disposed. The first and second arms each include a first portion having a contact portion abutting against the respective first or second elastic portion and a second portion having a hook portion and a connecting portion oppositely disposed. The operation member is connected between the connecting portions of the first and second arms. |
| US09237807B1 |
Furniture slide assembly
A furniture slide assembly includes a slide body with a top for supporting the furniture leg and also has a bottom surface with a substantially low coefficient of friction. A clamp assembly is affixed to and supported above the slide body assembly and includes a clamp body formed of a resilient material. The body has a first arm and an opposing second arm wherein the body, the first arm, and the second arm have an inner surface which defines a receiving aperture in the clamp body. The first arm and the second arm further define an opening therebetween. A clamp arm extends from a distal end of the first arm and is securable to the second arm. |
| US09237806B2 |
Sliding track assembly
A sliding track assembly including a first, second and third rails, the second rail slidably mounted on the first rail, and the third rail slidably mounted on the second rail, so that the second and third rail can move relatively to the first rail and to each other. The sliding tract assembly also includes a latch member mounted on the third rail near its outer end and having two resilient or/and compressible portions each having asymmetric inward and outward facing slopes, and a lock member mounted or formed on the second rail near its outer end. The third rail can move together with the second rail when the latch member and the lock member are engaged, and the third rails can move freely by itself when the latch member and the lock member are disengaged. |
| US09237801B2 |
Table top with a plurality of closely spaced depressions
A folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached. A first pivotal support brace includes a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace includes a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. In addition, the support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, and each support leg of the first and second support pedestals may be laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position. |
| US09237798B2 |
Fluid dispensing oral care implement
A fluid dispensing oral care implement with fluid delivery system. The implement includes a storage member containing a fluid. A channel formed of one or more wicking or capillary members extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver fluid(s) through one or more fluid outlets via capillary action. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet is comprised of a wicking or capillary material and is disposed in the head of the implement. In some embodiments, the implement may include a valve and a specially configured storage cap. A variety of fluids can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, tooth sensitivity, plaque and/or tartar control, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling. |
| US09237794B2 |
Lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus having engageable and/or constriction means
The present invention relates generally to a cosmetic apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses an accessory sleeve for a cosmetic item. The present invention is also directed to a novel lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve. The accessory sleeve has a first opening to securely and releaseably accommodate a first cosmetic container, and a second opening to securely and releaseably accommodate a second cosmetic container. The accessory sleeve and/or the containers have at least one releaseable engagement means to securely hold each to the other. The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve has at least one engageable and/or constriction means to engage with and securely, and releaseably, hold a first cosmetic container at a first open end, and/or to engage with and securely, and releaseably, hold a second cosmetic container at a second open end. The constriction means could be at least one leaf spring type means. |
| US09237793B2 |
Cap for cosmetic bottle
Disclosed is a cap for a cosmetic bottle. The cap for the cosmetic bottle includes a coupling member provided at the upper end thereof with a plurality of moving bars, a button member provided at an inner surface thereof with a plurality of moving grooves so that the moving bars are vertically inserted into the moving grooves, a pumping part being coupled with a lower end of a pumping member, an elastic member interposed between the coupling member and the button member, a rotating member rotatably coupled with an outside of the coupling member, an adjusting member rotatably inserted into an inner surface of an upper end of the rotating member, a button member outputting unit to allow the button member to vertically move up or down if the rotating member is rotated, and a coupling unit to couple the rotating member with the coupling member or the adjusting member. |
| US09237792B2 |
Cosmetic container
When a turning portion on the front end side of the cover is turned in one direction, a turning-portion engagement part disposed in the turning portion engages with a container main body-side engagement part so as to close the cover. When the turning portion of the cover is turned in the opposite direction, engagement between the turning-portion engagement part and the container main body-side engagement part is released. When the turning portion is kept turned in the opposite direction, a turning-portion opening-operation auxiliary portion disposed in the turning portion abuts on a container main body-side opening-operation auxiliary portion and the cover can be pressed up with a weak force by the principle of the lever. |
| US09237787B2 |
Hair styling iron with timer
A hair styling iron has a handle to which a heated barrel is mounted and a motor for moving the barrel. The iron includes a drive switch which is user actuable and connected to the control circuit for controlling operation of the motor. The control circuit includes a timer and monitors at least one change of state of the user-actuable drive switch to determine a starting time, and actuates an alarm, or another response, such as a reversal of the motor to unwind the hair, after an elapsed time measured from the starting time. The elapsed time may be user-selected or calculated automatically depending upon the length of hair wound onto the barrel, with compensation for barrel temperature. |
| US09237784B1 |
Slide fastener slider
A slide fastener slider has a body including an upper wing, a lower wing and a coupling pillar mutually coupling the respective upper and lower wings. The slide fastener slider has been cast molded to have a configuration where the post to which a pull is attached extends over the upper wing substantially in parallel with the upper wing, and then a logo or a pattern or the like has been engraved on the upper surface of the post. |
| US09237781B2 |
Slider fastener and method for manufacturing same
A slide fastener is provided. A pair of fastener element rows respectively provided along opposing one side edge portions of pair of fastener tapes. A slider is configured to engage and disengage the pair of fastener element rows. Tape members are respectively provided in parallel along another side edge portions of the pair of fastener tapes, that are opposite to the one side edge portions. The tape members are respectively sewn to the another side edge portions of the fastener tapes with sewing threads which bridge over the fastener tapes and the tape members. |
| US09237777B2 |
Series of ski boots
A series of ski boots comprising at least two ski boots whose rigid outer shell (2) is identical, and in which at least one of the boots of the series of boots has a rigid shell (2) comprising an internally inserted slipper (20; 20′), the slipper (20; 20′) comprising a bootboard (25; 25′) and side walls (21; 21′), so that the at least two ski boots comprising an identical rigid outer shell (2) are of different sizes. |
| US09237776B2 |
Hat accessory
An accessory for a hat is disclosed which a wearer can use to show support for a team, cause or event and/or to protect the wearer from rain and damaging UV rays. In particular, the hat accessory may receive a protective covering with printed indicia on the exterior surface thereof. The protective covering may also be coated with a water repellent and also embedded with a treatment for UV protection. The protective covering may be removably attachable to the hat accessory so that the wearer can show support to a particular team, event or cause depending on the circumstances. |
| US09237771B2 |
Neck, spine, and spinal cord support device for newborn baby and infant, and blanket assembly for same
An assembly for supporting an infant (e.g., newborn baby) includes a fabric body defining a pocket between an upper layer and a lower layer of the body at one end of the fabric body, the pocket accessible via an opening selectively closeable to seal the pocket. A neck, spine and spinal cord support device of a semi-rigid material is removably insertable in the pocket of the fabric body by the pocket so as to maintain the support device in a substantially fixed position within the fabric body. The support device supports the head, neck, spine and spinal cord of a newborn baby or infant when the infant is on the fabric body to inhibit injury to the infant's head, neck, spine and spinal cord. The fabric body can be a swaddle blanket and/or sleeve. |
| US09237767B2 |
Photonic wine processor
An apparatus and method for modifying the organoleptic properties of a beverage, such as wine in a bottle, said apparatus having a least one light-source, said light-source applying peak wavelengths at intensities and time durations optimal for modifying said beverage's organoleptic properties. |