最新美国发明专利第2016-03-01期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US09273096B2	Amphiphilic peptides comprising the formula I: (X1Y1X2Y2)n, and uses thereof Disclosed are amphiphilic peptides. Also disclosed are methods of treating proliferative disease, bacterial infection, viral infection and fungal infection, endotoxin neutralization and a method of removing biofilm. Also disclosed is the use of the amphiphilic peptides.
US09273090B1	Heterologous expression of cellular adhesion molecules Methods for the production of unicellular photosynthetic organisms capable of producing cell adhesion proteins are disclosed. DNA constructs as well as methods for integration of the DNA constructs into the genomes of unicellular photosynthetic organisms for the expression of cell adhesion proteins are also disclosed.
US09273086B2	Protected monomer and method of final deprotection for RNA synthesis A method of deprotecting a solid support bound polynucleotide includes the step of contacting the polynucleotide with a composition comprising a diamine under conditions sufficient to deprotect the 2′-protected ribonucleotide residue. The solid support bound polynucleotide has at least one 2′-protected ribonucleotide residue, which has the following structure: wherein BP is a protected or unprotected heterocycle; R12 is a protecting group selected from a hydrocarbyl, a substituted hydrocarbyl, an aryl, and a substituted aryl; X is O or S; and PG is a thionocarbamate protecting group.
US09273084B2	Moenomycin analogs, methods of synthesis, and uses thereof The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable form thereof; wherein R1,R2,R3,R6,R7,R12,Ra, and Rb are as defined herein, and G is a group of Formula (a), (b), or (c): Formula (II), wherein X1; X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, Y, RC, Rd, Rz, a, d, e, x, n, and m are as defined herein. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I), kits comprising such compositions, methods of use and treatment, and preparative methods.
US09273083B2	Nickel fluorinating complexes and uses thereof The present invention provides novel nickel complexes. These complexes are in providing fluorinating organic compounds. The invention is particularly useful for fluorinating compounds with 18 F for PET imaging.
US09273081B2	Method for in-situ formation of metathesis catalysts Synthetic methods for the in-situ formation of olefin metathesis catalysts are disclosed, as well as the use of such catalysts in metathesis reactions of olefins and olefin compounds. In one aspect, a method is provided for synthesizing an organometallic compound of the formula comprising contacting a precursor compound of the formula (X1X2MLjL1kL3m)i with an acetylenic compound comprising a chelating moiety, optionally, in the presence of a neutral electron donor, wherein M is a Group 8 transition metal, L, L1, L2, and L3 are neutral electron donors, X1 and X2 are anionic ligands, j is 1, 2, or 3; k is zero, 1, or 2; m is zero or 1; n is 1 or 2; and i is an integer; with the proviso that k is zero when the precursor compound is contacted with the acetylenic compound in the presence of the neutral electron donor, and R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heteroatom-containing hydrocarbyl, substituted heteroatom-containing hydrocarbyl, and functional groups, wherein R1 and R2 are linked and together form one or more cyclic groups, R2 and L2 are linked and together form one or more cyclic groups, and any other two or more of X1, X2, L1, L2, L3, R1, and R2 can be taken together to form one or more cyclic groups. The invention has utility in the fields of catalysis, organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and industrial and fine chemicals chemistry.
US09273075B2	Prodrugs of 1,4-benzodiazepinone compounds Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) and salts thereof, wherein: a) R1 is H or CH3, and R2 is Ry; or b) R1 is Rx and R2 is H; wherein Rx and Ry are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds to inhibit the Notch receptor, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. These compounds are prodrugs of compounds that are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases or disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas, such as cancer.
US09273069B2	Compounds as diacylglycerol acyltransferase inhibitors This invention relates to novel compounds which are inhibitors of acyl coenzymeA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT-1), to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation, and to their use in therapy for the prevention or treatment of diseases related to DGAT-1 dysfunction or where modulation of DGAT-1 activity may have therapeutic benefit including but not limited to obesity, obesity related disorders, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, chylomicronemia, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hepatitis C virus infection and acne or other skin disorders.
US09273063B2	Method for preparing a rifaximin product A process is described which enables Rifaximin in a completely amorphous form to be obtained. Said process comprises the steps of dissolving crude Rifaximin in absolute ethanol while hot and then collecting after precipitation by—cooling the title compound under amorphous form.
US09273059B2	Macrocyclic HOPO chelators The present invention provides a novel class of macrocyclic compounds as well as complexes formed between a metal (e.g., lanthanide) ion and the compounds of the invention. Preferred complexes exhibit high stability as well as high quantum yields of lanthanide ion luminescence in aqueous media without the need for secondary activating agents. Preferred compounds comprise hydroxypyridinonyl moieties within their macrocyclic structure and are characterized by surprisingly low, non-specific binding to a variety of polypeptides such as antibodies and proteins as well as high kinetic stability.
US09273047B2	Heteroaryl-ketone fused azadecalin glucocorticoid receptor modulators The present invention provides heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin compounds and methods of using the compounds as glucocorticoid receptor modulators.
US09273046B2	Fused tricyclic compounds as Raf kinase inhibitors Provided are certain fused tricyclic compounds and salts thereof, compositions thereof, and methods of use therefor.
US09273045B2	Azabicyclo compound and salt thereof It is intended to provide a novel azabicyclo compound which exhibits both HSP90 inhibitory activity and cell proliferation inhibitory effect. Specifically disclosed is a compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein X1 represents CH or N; any one of X2, X3 and X4 represents N, and the others represent CH; any one or two of Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 represent C—R4, and the others are the same or different and represent CH or N; R1 represents an optionally substituted monocyclic or bicyclic unsaturated heterocyclic group having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, S and O; R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or the like; and R3 and R4 represent —CO—R5 or the like.
US09273041B2	Compounds for the treatment of dyslipidemia and related diseases The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I), their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods for their preparation, use of these compounds in medicine and the intermediates involved in their preparation. The present invention is directed to compounds suitable for the treatment of Disease conditions such as hyperlipidemia.
US09273040B2	Benzoxazolinone compounds with selective activity in voltage-gated sodium channels Disclosed are compounds of Formula (A) or a salt thereof, wherein “Het”, Ra, and Rb are defined herein, which have properties for blocking Nav 1.7 ion channels found in peripheral and sympathetic neurons. Also described are pharmaceutical formulations comprising the compounds of Formula (A) or their salts, and methods of treating neuropathic pain disorders using the same.
US09273037B2	Processes for the preparation of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles Provided herein are processes for the preparation of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles and salts thereof comprising reacting a N-hydroxyamidine with an acyl chloride in a reaction mixture comprising a water-immiscible organic solvent and an aqueous base at relatively low reaction temperatures.
US09273034B2	Meglumine salt formulations of 1-(5,6-dichloro-1H-benzo[D]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid The meglumine salt of 1-(5,6-dichloro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (compound (1)) and pharmaceutically acceptable formulations thereof are described. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by prolyl hydroxylase activity.
US09273033B2	Substituted pyridone derivatives as PDE10 inhibitors The present invention is directed to substituted pyridinone compounds which are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of central nervous system disorders associated with phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10). The present invention also relates to the use of such compounds for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, psychosis or Huntington's disease, and those associated with striatal hypofunction or basal ganglia dysfunction.
US09273027B2	Arylpiperazine opioid receptor antagonists Provided are opioid receptor antagonists represented by the formula (I) where R, Y3, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein.
US09273023B2	Modular synthesis of graphene nanoribbons and graphene substructures from oligo-alkynes A method for the synthesis of carbon-based structures, particularly graphene substructures and ribbons, from oligo- and poly-alkyne starting materials.
US09273021B2	Dibenzofuran derivatives as inhibitors of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase and methods of use thereof The invention is directed to a compound according to formula (I). The compounds of formula (I) include prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomer mixtures, and enantiomers thereof. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and to methods for treating diabetes by administering such a pharmaceutical composition alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents. The invention is also directed to inhibitors of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase.
US09273020B2	Process for the production of chemical compounds from carbon dioxide Process for the production of a chemical compound from a carbon dioxide starting material, comprising the steps of a) providing a feed stream consisting mainly of carbon dioxide; b) electrolyzing in an electrolysis stage the carbon dioxide in the feed stream to a first gas stream containing carbon monoxide and a second gas stream containing oxygen, wherein the molar ratio between carbon monoxide and oxygen is about 1:0.5 in an electrolysis stage; c) adjusting the composition of the first gas stream or the second gas stream or both gas streams to include carbon dioxide, either by operating at less than full conversion of CO2 or by sweeping one or both gas streams with a gas containing CO2 or by at some stage between the electrolysis cell and the oxidative carbonylation reactor diluting one or both gas streams with a gas containing CO2; all while maintaining an overall molar ratio of carbon monoxide to oxygen of about 1:0.5; and d) introducing the first and second process stream into a reaction stage and reacting the first and second process stream combined or in succession with a substrate to the chemical compound by means of an oxidative carbonylation reaction with the carbon monoxide and oxygen contained in the process feed stream.
US09273017B2	(Thio)morpholine derivatives as S1P modulators The present disclosure relates to (thio)morpholine derivatives of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a solvate or hydrate thereof; with the proviso that the derivative of formula (I) is not 2-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-morpholinoethanol or 4-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-morpholinyl]benzeneacetonitrile or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a solvate or hydrate thereof. The compounds of the invention have affinity to S1P receptors and may be used in the treatment, alleviation or prevention of S1P receptor mediated diseases and conditions.
US09273008B2	Dual-acting imidazole antihypertensive agents The invention is directed to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, R2-3, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US09273006B2	Anabolic compounds for treating and preventing bone loss diseases There is provided compounds for treating bone loss diseases and for preventing bone loss. Specifically the present invention relates to compounds, preferable isoquinolene derivatives.
US09273005B2	Hydroxypyridone derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and their therapeutic use for treating proliferative diseases Provided herein are hydroxypyridone derivatives, for example, a compound of Formula I, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods of their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a proliferative disease.
US09273004B2	Selective placement of carbon nanotubes via coulombic attraction of oppositely charged carbon nanotubes and self-assembled monolayers A method of forming a structure having selectively placed carbon nanotubes, a method of making charged carbon nanotubes, a bi-functional precursor, and a structure having a high density carbon nanotube layer with minimal bundling. Carbon nanotubes are selectively placed on a substrate having two regions. The first region has an isoelectric point exceeding the second region's isoelectric point. The substrate is immersed in a solution of a bi-functional precursor having anchoring and charged ends. The anchoring end bonds to the first region to form a self-assembled monolayer having a charged end. The substrate with charged monolayer is immersed in a solution of carbon nanotubes having an opposite charge to form a carbon nanotube layer on the self-assembled monolayer. The charged carbon nanotubes are made by functionalization or coating with an ionic surfactant.
US09273000B2	Method for producing organic electroluminescence element Provided is a method for producing an organic electroluminescence device which contains an anode, a cathode and an organic layer between the anode and the cathode where the organic layer contains a light-emitting layer and an adjacent layer adjacent to the light-emitting layer, the method including: applying to the adjacent layer a coating liquid prepared by dissolving or dispersing a light-emitting material and a host material in a solvent, and heating the coating liquid applied to the adjacent layer at a temperature higher than a melting temperature of the host material and higher than a boiling point of the solvent, to thereby form the light-emitting layer, wherein a difference as an absolute value between contact angle A (°) of the light-emitting layer with respect to pure water and contact angle B (°) of the adjacent layer with respect to pure water is 13 (°) or smaller.
US09272998B1	Modulation of c-FOS and BDNF protein expression in pentylenetetrazole-kindled mice following the treatment with novel anti-epileptic compound HHL-6 The present invention evaluated the anti-epileptogenic effect of tryptamine derivative HHL-6 and its effects on the expression of BDNF and c-Fos. HHL-6 possesses potent anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic activity in PTZ-induced acute seizure and chemical kindling model of epilepsy. The results suggests that one of the possible mechanism of HHL-6 to inhibit epileptogenesis might be due to its controlling effect on the cellular and molecular expression of the factors that contribute in the development of epileptogenic plasticity in the CNS.
US09272997B2	Process for the preparation of 1-H-pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of 1-H-pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives and to novel intermediates and to a process for their preparation.
US09272996B2	2-acylaminopropoanol-type glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors A compound for use in treating polycystic kidney disease is represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of treating polycystic kidney disease in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods of treating in polycystic kidney disease in a subject in need thereof respectively comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09272995B2	Process for producing ionic liquids The present invention provides a method for producing ionic liquids without the use of a volatile solvent and/or water. In some embodiments, methods of the invention allow a continuous process for producing ionic liquids.
US09272993B2	Naphthoquinone derivatives useful for prevention of amyloid deposits and treatment of diseases involving amyloidogenesis The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising substituted 1,4 naphthoquinones that are effective in preventing oligomerization of beta amyloid and subsequent pathologies associated with amyloid fibrils. These compositions are useful for the treatment of disease involving amyloidogenesis including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease or senile dementia. Particularly effective compositions comprise 1,4 naphthoquinones substituted with an amino acid residue selected from a heterocyclic or aromatic amino acid.
US09272988B2	Method for producing diisocyanates by phosgenating diamine suspensions The invention relates to a method for producing organic diisocyanates by reacting the corresponding diamines with phosgene in inert solvents. High-melting diamines from the series of 1,5-naphthalenediamine, tetralindiamine, 1,4-phenylenediamine, durenediamine, and o-tolidinediamine are used as diamines. According to the invention, a suspension of the diamines in inert solvents is produced, wherein dynamic mixing units, selected from dispersion disks and rotor-stator systems, are used, and the obtained suspension is phosgenated.
US09272987B2	Diazeniumdiolate cyclohexyl derivatives A compound having the structure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R6 is hydrogen, —OH, —C1-6alkyl, —OC1-6alkyl, aryl, or halogen, or together with R7, forms an oxo group, or together with R7 and the atom to which they are attached, form a 5-7-membered carbocycle ring or a 5-7-membered heterocyclic ring having 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms, wherein alkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or independently mono-, di-, or tri-substituted with R14; R7 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, —CF3, aryl, —O-aryl, —O—C1-6alkyl, —C(O)OC1-6alkyl, —C(R15R16)OH, a 5-7-membered heteroaryl having 1, 2, 3 or 4 nitrogen atoms, or halogen, or together with R6, forms an oxo group, or together with R6 and the atom to which they are attached, form a 5-7-membered carbocycle ring or a 5-7-membered heterocyclic ring having 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms wherein alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or independently mono-, di- or tri-substituted with R14; R12 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, or —(CH2)1-2OH, or together with R13 and the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a 4- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring containing one nitrogen atom and 0 or 1 oxygen atoms, wherein said ring is unsubstituted or independently mono-, di- or tri-substituted with halogen or —C1-6alkyl; R13 is —C1-6alkyl or —(CH2)1-2OH, or together with R12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a 4- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring containing one nitrogen atom and 0 or 1 oxygen atoms, wherein said ring is unsubstituted or independently mono-, di- or tri-substituted with halogen or —C1-6alkyl.
US09272986B2	Diacylhydrazine ligands for modulating the expression of exogenous genes in mammalian systems via an ecdysone receptor complex The present invention relates to non-steroidal ligands for use in nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system, and a method to modulate exogenous gene expression in which an ecdysone receptor complex comprising: a DNA binding domain; a ligand binding domain; a transactivation domain; and a ligand is contacted with a DNA construct comprising: the exogenous gene and a response element; wherein the exogenous gene is under the control of the response element and binding of the DNA binding domain to the response element in the presence of the ligand results in activation or suppression of the gene.
US09272985B2	Antibacterial hydroxyphenyl compound The invention relates to a novel hydroxyphenyl compound, to the preparation of the compound and intermediates used therein, to the use of the compound as an antibacterial medicament and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
US09272981B1	Method of preparing a compound A method of preparing a compound corresponding to general formula (3): R1 and R2 each independently being an alkyl group, and the method comprising reacting a compound corresponding to general formula (2): with an alkylamine corresponding to general formula (4): H2N—R2 (4).
US09272976B2	Method for purifying carboxylic acids from fermentation broths Disclosed is a method for removing and purifying carboxylic acids from fermentation broths, comprising removing biomass and any solids present from the fermentation broth, finely cleaning up the biomass-free and solids-free fermentation broth by nanofiltration, and removing the carboxylic acid from the finely cleaned, biomass-free, and solids free fermentation broth by adsorption to one or more solid phases having tertiary amino groups.
US09272973B2	Stable long-term method for producing C5-aldehydes The invention relates to a process for preparing aldehydes having five carbon atoms, in which an input mixture containing 10% by weight to 50% by weight of linear butenes and less than 5% by weight of 1-butene is hydroformylated with synthesis gas in the presence of a catalyst system comprising rhodium and at least one bisphosphite ligand, wherein the hydroformylation is effected in a reactor from which, over an operating period, a cycle gas containing at least a portion of the products and unconverted reactants from the hydroformylation is continuously drawn off and partly condensed, and uncondensed components of the cycle gas are recycled into the reactor, and wherein, after the operating period has expired, the hydroformylation is stopped, the reactor is freed of reaction residues and the hydroformylation is restarted. It is based on the problem of making such a process more economically viable. The problem is solved by using a bisphosphite of the formula (1) and/or (2) as ligand, extending the operating period to more than 8000 h, and not separating solid reaction residues out of the reactor during the course of the operating period.
US09272972B2	Salt removal and transport system and method for use in a mono ethylene glycol reclamation process A system for removing salt from a rich mono ethylene glycol (MEG) stream being fed into a flash separator isolates the fluid residing in the brine column of the separator from the MEG and introduces a swirling motive fluid into the column. The swirling motive fluid comes into contact with salt components residing in the isolated fluid of the column to create a salt slurry. The salt slurry is then removed and sent to a brine generation vessel. Saturated brine from the vessel is transported back to the column to replace the motive fluid in the column.
US09272971B2	Catalyst for C2 oxygenate synthesis, device for manufacturing C2 oxygenate, and method for manufacturing C2 oxygenate The present invention relates to a catalyst for C2 oxygenate synthesis in which a hydrogenated active metal is supported on a porous carrier to synthesize a C2 oxygenate from a mixed gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, wherein the porous carrier has an average pore diameter of 0.1 to 20 nm.
US09272970B2	Hydrogenolysis of ethyl acetate in alcohol separation processes Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and by reacting a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams containing ethyl acetate obtained therefrom in the presence of hydrogen, via hydrogenolyzis. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate that are reacted via hydrogenolyzis to form additional ethanol that may be directly or indirectly fed to the separation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.
US09272967B2	Process for producing 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene in an ionic liquid This invention relates to methods and systems for producing hydrochlorofluoro-olefins, particularly 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd) by the fluorination of a starting material selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (HCC-240fa), 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene, and 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropene, alone or in combination, in an ionic liquid.
US09272958B2	Sintered zircon material for forming block A component includes a body including zircon (ZrSiO4) grains, the body having a free silica intergranular phase present between the zircon grains and distributed substantially uniformly through the body. The body comprises a content of free silica not greater than about 2 wt. % for the total weight of the body.
US09272949B2	Coated glass substrate with heat treatable ultraviolet blocking characteristics Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the development of temperable UV blocking coatings having enhanced UV blocking efficiency and aesthetic appearance on stock sheets of glass substrates using large-scale wet coating manufacturing methods. A glass substrate is provided. A base coat is curtain coated on the glass substrate from a oxide precursor material including zinc, cerium, titanium, and silicon precursor materials. The base coat is cured. A top coat is roll coated, directly or indirectly, on the base coat, with the top coat being a sacrificial cross-linked organic polymer-based layer. The substrate is heat treated with the base coat and the top coat thereon. The base coat and the top coat are substantially uniform in thickness, and the heat treating removes substantially all of the top coat while causing substantially no cracking in the base coat.
US09272947B2	Glass article having antireflective layer and method of making Durable antireflective coatings and glass articles having such coatings are described herein. The antireflective coatings generally include a layer of nominally hexagonally packed nanoparticles that are partially embedded either in a surface of the glass article or in a binder that is on the surface of the glass article. Methods of making the antireflective coatings or layers and glass articles having such antireflective layers are also described.
US09272945B2	Thermo-electric method for texturing of glass surfaces A thermo-electric method for texturing a glass surface including, for example, simultaneously heating a glass substrate to a temperature less than its glass transition temperature and applying a bias across the glass substrate using a template electrode. The applied bias at the processing temperature induces localized ion migration within the glass, which results in the formation in the glass surface of a negative topographical image of the pattern formed in the electrode.
US09272942B2	Method for producing synthetic quartz glass and quartz glass for use as cladding material of an optical fiber A known method for producing synthetic quartz glass comprises: (a) reacting a carbonic silicon compound-containing raw material with oxygen in a reaction zone into SiO2 particles, (b) precipitating the SiO2 particles on a sedimentation area by forming a porous SiO2 soot body containing hydrogen and hydroxyl groups, (c) drying the porous SiO2 soot body, and (d) glazing to the synthetic quartz glass by heating the soot body up to a glazing temperature. In order to facilitate cost-efficient production of quartz glass by means of pyrolyzing or hydrolyzing a carbon-containing silicon compound using a carbon-containing raw material, the invention describes the production of a soot body with a carbon content within the range of 1 ppm by weight to 50 ppm by weight.
US09272940B2	Ion transport membranes in float glass manufacturing An ion transport membrane, a heat exchanger, and a recuperator are integrated with a float glass manufacturing process. Only feeds of fuel and air are necessary for producing hot oxygen for a melting furnace and a nitrogen-enriched stream to a float bath. The oxygen and nitrogen are produced on-site without requiring cryogenic distillation.
US09272938B2	Split loading funnel for charging a molten glass gob into a blank mold A split loading funnel includes two or more individual funnel segments, each of which includes an interior guide surface. The two or more individual funnel segments are arranged relative to one another so that interior guide surfaces of the individual funnel segments cooperate to define a guide passage having a longitudinal axis. An apparatus that includes a split loading funnel and a process for delivering a gob of molten glass from a gob delivery system into a blank mold using a split loading funnel are also disclosed.
US09272937B2	Glass melting furnace The present invention relates to a furnace (12) for melting heated glass using burners (13), wherein the combustion energy is at least partially produced by oxy-fuel combustion, and wherein at least a portion of the oxygen used in the burners (13) is produced by separation, on a ceramic separation membrane (18), from a gaseous mixture including oxygen, the oxygen from the separation being directly channeled into at least one burner (13).
US09272928B2	Tank overflow dechlorinating assembly and method A water tank overflow dechlorinating assembly is used with a water tank including an overflow pipe with exit above an overflow discharge region with an air gap between the two. The assembly includes a dechlorinating material delivery assembly comprising a guide tube having a material supply region and a perforated region positioned within the air gap. Overflow water passes through the perforated region for interaction with dechlorinating material therein. Depleted dechlorinating material within the perforated region is automatically replaced by dechlorinating material from the material supply region. A weight can be used to bias the dechlorinating material within the material supply region into the perforated region.
US09272926B2	Membrane enhanced deionization capacitor device A membrane enhanced deionized capacitor (MEDC) device, consisting of insulating plates (6,7) and a series of MEDC unit cells, is provided. The MEDC unit cell includes a cation and anion ion-exchange membranes (2,4), one pair of carbon electrodes (1-1,1-2), a spacer (3) and an insulating holder (5) and is assembled in the order of [(1-1)/(2)/(3)/(5)/(4)/(1-2)]. The cation-exchange membrane combined with one electrode is used as negative electrosorptive electrode while the anion-exchange membrane combined with another electrode is used as positive electrode. Unit cells can be connected with each other in series, or in parallel. The devices can be made as either stack type or roll type.
US09272924B2	Process and apparatus to remove and destroy volatile organic compounds by atomizing water in ozone atmosphere A process and apparatus to remove and breakdown volatile organic compounds from drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, frack water and air exhaust. The process entails filling a tank, chamber, pipe, or column with ozone-containing gas, introducing into this ozone-containing gas-filled tank, chamber, pipe or column, very small droplets of water, contaminated with volatile organic compounds which then volatilize out from the water and break down in the ozone gas thereby improving the water quality and associated air quality. The current invention has been shown to achieve more than 99% combined removal efficiency. The process can also be used to treat air streams containing volatile organic compounds. To increase efficiency, ozone is introduced where the atomized particles are smallest. Three configurations utilizing said process include upward and downward spray of contaminated water into ozone and pumping through openings in an enclosure to a reaction chamber filled with ozone-containing gas.
US09272918B2	Synthetic amorphous silica powder and method for producing same The synthetic amorphous silica powder of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a synthetic amorphous silica powder obtained by applying a spheroidizing treatment to a silica powder, and by subsequently cleaning and drying it so that the synthetic amorphous silica powder has an average particle diameter D50 of 10 to 2,000 μm; wherein the synthetic amorphous silica powder has: a quotient of 1.00 to 1.35 obtained by dividing a BET specific surface area of the powder by a theoretical specific surface area calculated from the average particle diameter D50; a real density of 2.10 to 2.20 g/cm3; an intra-particulate porosity of 0 to 0.05; a circularity of 0.75 to 1.00; and a spheroidization ratio of 0.55 to 1.00.
US09272915B2	Flaky mesoporous particles, and method for producing the same Provided is a mesoporous particle having a flaky shape, having a single-layer structure, having a thickness of 0.1 μm to 3 μm, and having an average pore diameter of 10 nm or more. The mesoporous particle can be obtained by a production method including: feeding a metal oxide sol having a pH of 7 or higher and containing metal oxide colloidal particles as dispersoids and water as a dispersion medium, into a liquid containing a water-miscible solvent having a relative permittivity of 30 or lower (protic solvent) or of 40 or lower (aprotic solvent) at 20° C., and thereby forming a flaky aggregate of the metal oxide colloidal particles in the liquid; and subjecting the aggregate to treatment such as drying and heating, and thereby converting the aggregate into a flaky particle that is insoluble in water.
US09272913B2	Methods for producing silicon carbide fibers Methods of producing silicon carbide fibers. The method comprises reacting a continuous carbon fiber material and a silicon-containing gas in a reaction chamber at a temperature ranging from approximately 1500° C. to approximately 2000° C. A partial pressure of oxygen in the reaction chamber is maintained at less than approximately 1.01×102 Pascal to produce continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers. Continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers and articles formed from the continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers are also disclosed.
US09272910B2	Methods of nondestructively delaminating graphene from a metal substrate Methods of delaminating a graphene film (60) from a metal substrate (50) are disclosed that substantially preserve the metal substrate. The methods include forming a support layer (80) on the graphene film and then performing an electrochemical process in an electrochemical apparatus (10). The electrochemical process creates gas bubbles (36) at the metal-film interface (64), thereby causing the delamination. The graphene film and support layer form a structure (86) that is collected by a take-up roller (120). The support layer and graphene structure are then separated to obtain the graphene film.
US09272909B2	Porous carbon particle and producing method of the same The present disclosure relates to a porous carbon particle of which a pore size can be controlled by using a copolymer that allows selective cross-linking of a polymer particle and selective carbonization of a polymer particle, and a producing method of the porous carbon particle and a photo electrode including a porous layer containing the porous carbon particle and a dye-sensitized solar cell including the photo electrode.
US09272902B2	Resistance heating composition, heating composite using the composition, method of preparing the heating composite, and heating apparatus and fusing apparatus using the same A resistance heating composition including a silicon emulsion particle, a carbon nanotube, and an aqueous medium.
US09272901B2	MEMS device with sealed cavity and release chamber and related double release method Disclosed is a MEMS device having lower, upper and release chambers with a similar pressure and/or a similar gaseous chemistry. The MEMS device includes a top MEMS plate and a bottom MEMS plate. The MEMS device also includes a lower chamber between the bottom MEMS plate and the top MEMS plate, and an upper chamber between the top MEMS plate and a first sealing layer. The MEMS device further includes a release chamber between the top MEMS plate and a second sealing layer, the release chamber allowing gaseous content of the upper and/or the lower chambers to be released. Also disclosed is a double release method for releasing gaseous content of the upper and/or the lower chambers.
US09272899B2	Bonding method using porosified surfaces for making stacked structures A bonded device having at least one porosified surface is disclosed. The porosification process introduces nanoporous holes into the microstructure of the bonding surfaces of the devices. The material property of a porosified material is softer as compared to a non-porosified material. For the same bonding conditions, the use of the porosified bonding surfaces enhances the bond strength of the bonded interface as compared to the non-porosified material.
US09272894B2	Liquid delivery system and liquid-flowpath regulating device Easily serviced and hygienically maintained liquid supply system. A liquid storage vessel switching device switches between vessels to supply liquid uninterruptedly. Provided in a first connection tube is a liquid cutoff device, including a loop section, for switching the system between allowing/cutting-off supplying of liquid to a dispenser through the first connection tube. Utilizing the liquid cutoff device eliminates, along the first connection tube, intervening conventional valves having structural components that come in direct contact with the supplied liquid, and on which sponges or other cleaning elements might get caught. The inner wall of the first connection tube may thus be cleaned readily with a sponge or the like. Beverages such as beer thus can easily be kept hygienically and served.
US09272893B2	Multi-valve liquid flow control for liquid supply Systems and methods for controlling liquid flow to the liquid supply of a beverage forming apparatus. The liquid supply may include two valves positioned in series for controlling a flow of a liquid into the liquid supply. Pressures upstream, between and/or downstream of the valves may be detected and used to determine if one or both of the valves leak when closed.
US09272889B2	Tactile feedback for joystick position/speed controls A joystick controller is disclosed for controlling speed of a boom lift platform, the controller having motors or the like that provide tactile feedback that is intuitively interpreted and adjusted by the user of the joystick speed control, the joystick being neutrally-biased to effect a null velocity when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position, but the tactile feedback forcing the joystick away from neutral to a degree that represents the platform's actual speed.
US09272888B2	Machine and method of manufacturing a machine A machine includes a machine body; a lifting arm assembly coupled to the machine body and carrying a pivotal mounting arrangement adapted to receive a working implement and being moveable between a raised and a lowered configuration; a compensation ram coupled between the machine body and the lifting arm assembly and configured to extend and retract; a tilt ram configured to move the pivotal mounting assembly between a crowd and a dump configuration, the tilt ram having a first and a second chamber; and a first sensor for sensing a hose burst signal, a second sensor for sensing a lift signal; a hose burst protection system such that fluid passes into the hose burst protection system, the hose burst protection system being configured to allow the passage of fluid from the second chamber when there is no hose burst signal.
US09272887B2	Systems and methods for providing access to wireline communication equipment Systems and methods for providing access to wireline communication equipment are disclosed. Exemplary methods include positioning the wireline communication equipment at least partly below ground level, positioning an electric-powered lifting device near the wireline communication equipment and at least partly below the ground level, connecting the electric-powered lifting device to the wireline communication equipment, and configuring the lifting device to lift the wireline communication equipment above the ground level when access to the wireline communication equipment is desired.
US09272885B2	Assembly comprising a security apparatus equipping a lifting device, in particular a winch, and a system for actuating said apparatus This assembly includes a security apparatus equipping a lifting device, in particular a winch, and a system for actuating the apparatus The security apparatus includes a toothed wheel, wedged on the shaft of the lifting device, and a worm meshing with the toothed wheel. The assembly also includes: a splined shaft secured to one end of the worm; a pocketed wheel with inner and outer splines, engaged on the splined shaft; an elastic member between the pocketed wheel and a stop piece; a drive wheel with a splined hub, with which the pocketed wheel is capable of engaging rotationally; and a back-up motor, capable of rotating the drive wheel.
US09272881B2	Mining elevator A mine elevator is provided having an anti-explosion traction system, an anti-explosion lift car protection system, a flexible guide rail guiding system, a compound lift car, and a counterweight system. The anti-explosion traction system comprises a traction rope tension regulating device, an anti-explosion traction machine, and an anti-explosion control cabinet. The anti-explosion lift car protection system comprises a rope holder, a speed limiter, two hydraulic buffers, a safety clamp, a brake rope, and a brake rope tension buffer device. The flexible guide rail guiding system comprises a steel wire rope guide rail, a guide rail tension device connected to the steel wire rope guide rail and fixed to the an upper platform, a guide rail connection device connected to the steel wire rope guide rail and fixed to a lower platform, and a flexible guide rail guide sleeve fixed to the compound lift car and the counterweight system.
US09272879B2	Elevator with compensating device A compensating means is guided between an elevator cage and a counterweight on the counterweight side by a guide device and monitored by a monitoring device.
US09272878B2	Shaft access enabling device of an elevator system A shaft access enabling device of an elevator system has a shaft access control unit and at least one access monitoring unit, wherein the shaft access control unit controls an operating state of the at least one access monitoring unit and the access monitoring unit monitors at least one shaft access. The shaft access control unit has at least two different operating modes for controlling the operating state of the at least one access monitoring unit and inspects access authorization before changing between the at least two operating modes thereof.
US09272872B2	Sheet stacking device and printing apparatus A sheet stacking device that can appropriately stack, at a fixed position, sheets that are discharged to a discharge tray, and a printing apparatus are provided. A presser member holds down, at a pressing position, the sheets stacked on the discharge tray. The presser member is moved from the pressing position to a retraction position in a period after discharging of a sheet has been started and before discharging of a succeeding sheet is started.
US09272867B2	Sheet conveyance device, image forming system and control method of sheet conveyance device At occurrence of jamming, a downstream-side conveying roller pair is stopped, while an upstream-side conveying roller pair continuously rotates, whereby a sheet between the downstream-side conveying roller pair and the upstream-side conveying roller pair is ejected from a sheet conveying path opened by a movable guide portion. At this time, a conveying force of a stepping motor driving the upstream-side conveying roller pair is made larger than the conveying force before the occurrence of jamming.
US09272864B2	Finisher transport assembly jam access cover for digital printers A sheet jam access assembly in combination with a finisher transport assembly having a main transport cover, is used with a digital printer. First and second axles with idler nip rollers are mounted on the transport assembly for movement away from the process path. First and second drive nip rollers are mounted for driven rotation on the transport assembly. A jam access cover pivots on the main transport cover from a closed to an open position. First and second hinges each have a first outer leaf on the jam access cover connected by a hinge pin to an inner leaf which translates transverse to the process direction. The hinge axis is spaced apart from the cover axis. A cam plate base portion translates parallel to the process direction. First and second ramps adjacent the axles extend away from the base portion at an angle to the process direction. A slot extends through the first inner leaf at an angle to the process direction. A transfer pin attached to the base portion engages the slot to move the cam plate ramps, which engage the axles to raise the nip rollers and release the jammed sheet. A leaf spring detent holds the jam access cover open.
US09272863B2	Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus A sheet feeding device having; a mounting portion capable of accommodating a stack of sheets; a blowing device that blows air onto the stack placed in the mounting portion, thereby floating at least a top sheet from the stack; a suction/transportation mechanism that includes a suction belt provided above the mounting portion and attracting the top sheet floated by the blowing device to transport the attracted sheet toward a transportation path; an image pickup device disposed so as to capture an image of the floated top sheet and the next sheet therebelow; and an illuminating device that emits light toward an area to be captured by the image pickup device. The light emitted by the illuminating device illuminates a plane in a direction approximately normal thereto, the plane including the closest end surface of the stack of sheets to the image pickup device.
US09272862B2	Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus When a sheet is determined to arrive at a registration roller, a motor is temporarily stopped and then, is rotated so as to return a cam to an initial position. When the motor is rotated, in a case where a relation between a rotation angle θ of the cam at the time of stopping the motor and a rotation angle γ of the cam according to the rotation of the motor in a time required for the motor until acceleration up to constant-speed rotation from a stopped state of the motor and until deceleration from the constant-speed rotation and stop after the deceleration is “θ<360−γ”, the motor is rotated at a first speed by controlling acceleration/deceleration of the motor and, in a case where the relation is “θ>360−γ”, the motor is rotated at a constant second speed lower than the first speed.
US09272860B2	Sheet feeding apparatus, image reading apparatus, and image forming apparatus A sheet feeding apparatus, in which a feeding roller can take a feeding and retracted positions through a simple configuration, and an image reading apparatus, and an image forming apparatus including the same. The sheet feeding apparatus includes an original stack tray, a pickup roller, a pickup arm, a separation shaft of a separation roller which is connected to the pickup roller and rotates the pickup arm, a driving motor which is connected to the shaft, and a weight member which is supported to the pickup arm on a side opposite to the pickup roller. When the driving motor is driven, the pickup arm is rotated to a feeding position to feed an original. When transmission of a driving to the shaft is blocked, the pickup roller is rotated to a retracted position by the weight member.
US09272855B2	Paper-sheet stacking apparatus According to one embodiment, a paper-sheet stacking apparatus includes a holding unit, a pushing mechanism, a backup, and a variable-force spring mechanism. The holding unit has a stacking base for holding a plurality of paper sheets in standing position and is configured to stack the paper sheets, one laid on another in a direction of a plane. The pushing mechanism is configured to push paper sheets transported, into the holding unit. The backup opposed to the pushing mechanism, is able to move in the direction the paper sheets are stacked and is configured to hold any paper sheet stacked between the backup and the pushing mechanism and to move away from the pushing mechanism as paper sheets are stacked one after another.
US09272854B2	Vehicle restraints with activated catches Vehicle restraints with activated catches are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body mountable at a loading dock and to move vertically relative to the loading dock. A barrier is movable relative to the main body to selectively block and release a RIG of a vehicle, where the barrier is selectively movable to a first blocking position to block the RIG, a stored position to release the RIG, and an intermediate position between the first blocking position and the stored position. A pawl is movable relative to the barrier between an activated position and a released position. A stop is carried by the main body and a pawl actuator is coupled to at least one of the main body and the barrier. The pawl actuator has a contact surface to engage the RIG, where the contact surface is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the barrier. The contact surface moves between the raised position and the lowered position in response to relative movement between the RIG and the barrier while the contact surface is in engagement with the RIG. Movement of the contact surface from the raised position to the lowered position is to cause the pawl to move from the released position to the activated position. The pawl is spaced apart from the stop when the barrier is at the intermediate position while the pawl is in the released position and the pawl to engage the stop when the barrier is at the intermediate position while the pawl is in the activated position.
US09272850B2	Diversion apparatus A diversion apparatus for a manufacturing line.
US09272846B2	Conveyor chute for the interior of a building and method of palletizing same for shipment A chute apparatus for conveying objects by gravity from at least one higher floor to at least one lower floor of internally a building includes one or more sets of discrete sections having passages which form an elongated conduit which may pass through one or more floors inside the building. The passage of one section of each set section decreases in transverse cross section in a given longitudinal direction and a passage of one of the other sections increases in transverse cross-section by a substantially corresponding amount. Two sections of each set couple telescopingly to permit their longitudinal span to be selected and/or adjusted in the field.
US09272845B2	Overhead robot system and a method for its operation The objective of the invention is to create an overhead robot system that reduces the movements of the system's gripper when it is desired to pick up an individual object from the middle of a stack of objects. The number of movements is reduced as the gripper can be driven to above the desired stack of objects and does not need to be subsequently moved to another location above the warehouse area in order to pick up and move a single object. The invention comprises a separate arrangement for moving a single picked-up object to the edge of the warehouse area. The gripper can move more quickly to the next object to be picked up.
US09272844B2	Vertically moving device A vertically moving device includes a spool mechanism for spooling at least two wires that are fed out to form loops and a vertically movable platform suspended by looped portions of the at least two wires fed out from the spool mechanism. The vertically movable platform includes at least four wire-guiding rotating bodies over which the looped portions of the wires are run. And a looped portion of one of the wires is run over at least two of the wire-guiding rotating bodies, and a looped portion of the other of the wires is run over at least two other of the wire-guiding rotating bodies
US09272840B2	Disposable processing bag with alignment feature The present invention is an alignment device for a bag containing one or more ports. The alignment device is attached to either the one or more ports or to the bag adjacent the one or more ports. The plate has an indicator or a unique outer edge shape that is designed to fit into a corresponding unique opening in a holder to ensure proper alignment of the bag and its port(s) in the holder. The plate is has a series of holes equal to and in alignment with the one or more ports of the bag and the port(s) extend through the holes of the plate.
US09272838B2	Conformable face mask packaging and dispensing systems A system for containing a stack of face masks and dispensing individual face masks from the stack. The system includes a container and a stack of folded face masks. The container has a bottom panel forming a cut-line that defining a flap that is transitionable to an open state to generate an opening in the bottom panel. The stack is disposed within the container, and each face mask includes an elastic sheet forming a central portion and opposing first and second lateral end portions. Each face mask is folded such that a section of the first lateral end portion extends from a first fold line along the central portion. In a dispensing mode, the first lateral end portion of a bottommost folded face mask naturally drops through the opening due to gravity.
US09272834B2	System and method for preserving wine and other perishable substances A volumetric displacement preservation system for preserving a volume of flowable substance in a vessel. A fluid exchange structure has a stopper, a head portion, and a fluid exchange valve with a first condition where fluid inlet and exhaust pathways in the fluid exchange structure are simultaneously closed and a second condition where the fluid inlet and exhaust pathways are simultaneously opened by conduit joining portions in the fluid exchange valve. A chamber retains a volume of preservative gas and is connected to the fluid inlet pathway externally to the vessel. The preservative gas can be supplied from the chamber into the vessel through the fluid inlet pathway as liquid is exhausted through the fluid exhaust pathway. The chamber can be replenished from preservative gas displaced from the vessel in a reverse volumetric displacement process or from preservative gas supplied by a preservative gas production canister.
US09272832B2	Pallet cornerboard locator A pallet corner board locator comprises an insert panel and first and second notches on an end portion of the insert panel to receive a pallet corner board.
US09272830B2	Unitized package of card and fluid vessel Unitized packages for containing and dispensing a product material are described herein. In particular, the unitized packages comprise a printed base card and a fluid vessel permanently bonded to the printed base card. The fluid vessel comprises a first laminate barrier layer comprising at least one layer of a biaxially oriented thermoplastic polymer, a portion of which is formed into a modified dome shape, and a planar second laminate barrier layer. The first and second laminate barrier layers are sealed together to form a fluid-tight enclosure, wherein the product material substantially fills the enclosure and the modified dome shape is resiliently sustainable. A method of manufacturing the unitized packages as described above is also provided. In particular, the method includes forming a portion of the first laminate barrier layer comprising the biaxially oriented polymer into the modified dome shape using a force such as pressurized gas.
US09272828B2	Condensation control film A film that can be used in packaging applications includes one or more layers, wherein the layers include an anti-fog additive and/or an IR additive and the resulting film has greater than about a 50% prestretch capability.
US09272819B1	Resealable container lid including methods of manufacture and use A resealable container lid assembly including a cap rotationally assembled to a lid. The cap rotates between storage, opening, removal and resealing positions. Various configurations of cams and ramps are used to generate and apply an opening force to a score line. An elastomeric sealing element is disposed between the cap and the socket so that when the cap is in the fully seated or sealed position, an substantially or completely airtight seal is created to prevent the contents of the container from leaking out. Further enhancements are disclosed that include a score line structure in the socket bottom wall that facilitates a predictable and repeatable opening of the container along the score line. A grip is provided that includes a gap or space into which a coin or other implement can be inserted to allow the consumer a better grip to provide adequate opening force.
US09272817B2	Liquid-dispensing systems with integrated aeration Liquid-dispensing systems that include integrated aeration systems to aerate a liquid while the liquid is being dispensed are described. Integrated aeration systems enable seamless aeration of a liquid during dispensing. In one aspect, a liquid-dispensing system includes a liquid-conditioning dispenser with an integrated aeration system composed of one or more channels that convey a fluid to mix with a liquid as the liquid is dispensed. The aeration system also includes an aeration switch used to open and close the channels and regulate the amount of the fluid that mixes with the liquid. The liquid-dispensing system also includes a pump and control system to apply pressure on a reservoir that contains the liquid. The pressure forces the liquid from the reservoir to the dispenser via a liquid supply line.
US09272815B2	Digital printing plastic container A plastic container includes a medium applied to a portion of the container. A digital image is applied to a portion of the medium, the digital image being comprised of a plurality of ink droplets. Methods for digital printing on a portion of a medium that is applied to a container are also disclosed.
US09272809B2	Divided wooden tank A wooden water tank for a building has a tank wall, a tank bottom and a wooden dividing wall across the tank defining at least two water compartments. There are attachments between the foregoing parts, and leak preventing connections between parts. The dividing wall is a sequential series of staves or boards extending horizontally and pressed secured together for leak prevention.
US09272803B2	Vacuum cementing system A vacuum cementing system has at least one cement powder cartridge and a container-opening system. The container-opening system has at least one container for at least one liquid and/or at least one powder, an opening device, and an outlet opening for applying a negative pressure. When a negative pressure is being applied, the opening device is mobile relative to at least a part of the at least one container. The vacuum cementing system has a means for connecting the cement powder cartridge to the at least one container and utilizes necessary vacuum for automatically opening the at least one container.
US09272801B2	Method and machine for filling a flexible pouch having a fitment A machine for filling a flexible pouch having a fitment assembly, a gripper and a filler. The fitment assembly having a tap and a fitment mounted to the pouch body. The gripper operable to remove the tap from the fitment, retain the tap during filling operations, and mount the tap back onto the fitment after filling operations. The fitment assembly having a tap operable to be mounted on the fitment in a transport position and a fixed position, wherein in the transport position a first predetermined amount of force is required to remove the tap. In the fixed position, a second predetermined amount of force is required to remove the tap. The second predetermined amount of force is substantially larger than the first predetermined amount of force.
US09272800B2	Packaging machine for wrapping smoking articles A cigarette packaging machine provided with a wrapping wheel to wrap products in wrapping sheets. The wrapping wheel has peripheral pockets to receive the products and the wrapping sheets, a first loading station to load the products in succession into the peripheral pockets, and a second loading station to load, in succession, first wrapping sheets of the wrapping sheets into the peripheral pockets. The wrapping wheel also has a third loading station to load, in succession, second wrapping sheets of the wrapping sheets into the peripheral pockets, thus reducing the bulk of a packaging machine.
US09272798B2	Complete cutting station and method for separating packaging units A complete cutting station for separatingly cutting out packaging units from a film composite, the cutting station having a movable complete cutting tool configured for severing the film composite. The complete cutting station further comprises a conveying system having a plurality of conveyor elements for conveying a respective separated packaging unit, wherein each conveyor element in turn comprises a head portion for engaging with a respective packaging unit. The head portions of the conveyor elements may be movable between a first position in which the gripped packaging units are at a first distance relative to each other, and a second position in which the packaging units are at a second, smaller distance from each other or at least partially overlap in at least one spatial direction.
US09272794B2	Systems and methods for non-destructive inspection of airplanes A method for managing an airplane fleet is described. The method includes: (i) developing a gold body database for an airplane model for each non-destructive inspection system implemented to detect defects; (ii) inspecting, over a period of time, a plurality of candidate airplanes of the airplane model, using different types of non-destructive inspection systems and the gold body database associated with each of the different types of non-destructive inspection systems, to identify defects present on the plurality of candidate airplanes; (iii) repairing or monitoring defects detected on the plurality of candidate airplanes; (iv) conducting a trend analysis by analyzing collective defect data obtained from inspecting of plurality of candidate airplanes; and (v) maintaining the airplane fleet, which includes plurality of candidate airplanes, by performing predictive analysis using results of trend analysis.
US09272792B2	Mechanical position indicator A mechanical position indicator for providing a visual indication that a first part of an aircraft landing gear has assumed a predetermined position relative to a second part, the position indicator being arranged to be coupled to a first one of the first and second parts and in a first state arranged to hold an indicator element in a deployed position, the position indicator being arranged such that upon the first part assuming the predetermined position relative to the second part, a second one of the first and second parts changes the position indicator from the first state to a second state in which the indicator element is displaced from the deployed position, the position indicator being arranged to inhibit the indicator element thereafter returning to the deployed position.
US09272791B2	Aircraft refuel system piping The invention provides a pipe 100 for an aircraft refuel system, the pipe comprising an outer section 200 making up a pipe wall, the pipe wall having an outer and inner 230 surface, a surface texture 310 on the inner pipe wall surface, the surface texture comprising projections 311 projecting inwards from the inner pipe wall surface towards the centre of the pipe. The surface texture may be riblets 311 and may be coated with an anti-bacterial coating 340. The surface texture may be formed from a layer of conductive material, in the form of a foil 300. The outer section 200 may be made from a non-conductive, preferably composite material. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing piping for an aircraft refuel system using a mandrel 400.
US09272790B2	Nitrogen enriched air supply system and aircraft The present invention intends to extend the operating life of an air separation module (ASM) in a nitrogen enriched air (NEA) supply system by controlling the temperature of bleed air as a supply source of the NEA. The NEA supply system produces NEA that is enriched with nitrogen upon supply of source gas during a flight through an ascent phase, a cruising phase, and a descent phase, and supplies the NEA to a fuel tank, the system including: an air separation module that separates oxygen and nitrogen in the source gas; and a temperature regulation mechanism that regulates a temperature of the source gas supplied to the air separation module. In at least a part of a flight period through the ascent phase and the cruising phase, the temperature regulation mechanism regulates the temperature of the source gas to below a temperature of the source gas in the descent phase.
US09272789B2	Rotary wing rotorcraft having a plurality of propellers A hybrid aircraft (1) having a fuselage (2) extending longitudinally along an anteroposterior plane of symmetry (PSYM) from the rear (4) of the aircraft (1) towards the front (3) of the aircraft (1). The aircraft (1) has a rotary wing (6) carried by the fuselage (2) of a lift surface (10) fastened to the fuselage (2) and constituted by a first half-wing (11) and a second half-wing (12). The aircraft (1) has a first propulsion unit (30) carried by the first half-wing (11) and a second propulsion unit (40) carried by the second half-wing (12). Each propulsion unit (30, 40) includes at least one tractor propeller (31, 32, 41, 42), and at least one propulsion unit has two propellers (31-32, 41-42) on the same axis, each of said propellers rotating about an axis of rotation (AX) that is offset transversely from said anteroposterior plane of symmetry (PSYM).
US09272788B2	Aircraft cooling system and method for operating an aircraft cooling system An aircraft cooling system including a cooler having a cold transfer circuit, in which a cold transfer medium circulates. The cooler supplies cooling energy to an aircraft device to be cooled. The aircraft cooling system further includes a heat transfer arrangement having a heat transfer circuit, in which a heat transfer medium circulates and which is thermally coupled to the cold transfer circuit of the cooler via a heat exchanger, in order to absorb waste heat generated by the cooler and transfer it to a cabin air extraction system. The heat transfer arrangement further includes at least one heat pump which brings about an increase of the heat energy transfer from the cold transfer medium circulating in the cold transfer circuit of the cooler to the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer circuit, at least in certain operating phases of the aircraft cooling system.
US09272787B2	Flow reduction for bleed air systems A valve control system includes a valve connected to regulate flow of a medium provided to an output and a sensor connected to monitor a feedback value associated with the medium. A controller modulates the valve based on a comparison of a reference value to the feedback value provided by the sensor. The controller detects saturation of the valve if the error between the monitored feedback value and reference value exceeds a threshold. In response to detected saturation, the controller reduces the reference value to a value less than the monitored feedback value.
US09272786B2	Circuit for supplying oxygen to aircraft passengers The invention relates to a circuit for supplying oxygen to aircraft passengers. According to the invention, the line (5) used to supply pressurized oxygen to the passenger masks (6) comprises a motorized pressure regulator (8) which can be actuated in response to a pressure control signal (10) provided by an electronic control unit (9) according to a signal (11) that is representative of the cabin pressure (12).
US09272785B2	Wing mount adjustment A mounting apparatus includes a fixed mounting structure that includes a first fixed fitting including a plurality of first flanges and a second fixed fitting. A rotatable mounting structure has a swivel fitting configured to engage and swivel with respect to the first fixed fitting. The swivel fitting includes a plurality of second flanges, one of which is configured to rest on one of the plurality of first flanges when the swivel fitting and first fixed fitting are engaged. The rotatable mounting structure also has a slide fitting configured to slide with respect to the second fixed fitting based on the swivel fitting being engaged with the first fixed fitting. An adjustment assembly is arranged at an interface between the second fixed fitting and the slide fitting. The adjustment assembly is configured to adjust an angular position of the slide fitting relative to the swivel fitting.
US09272781B2	Rotor system anti-rotation wear protector A rotating control system includes a member having at least one clevis defined by a pair of clevis arms disposed in a clevis plane, the at least one clevis having an axis of symmetry disposed in the clevis plane midway between the pair of clevis arms, a shaft member pivotally coupled between the pair of clevis arms, the shaft member having a shaft axis, the shaft axis disposed axially along the shaft member, and an anti-rotation device for limiting a rotation of the shaft member about the shaft axis, the anti-rotation device having a plurality of flanges configured to couple to the clevis arms of the member, the flanges extending from a surface of a base member, the anti-rotation device having at least one restraining member that protrudes toward the shaft member for limiting the axial rotation of the shaft member.
US09272776B2	Device for intermediate fastening between an aircraft fuselage and an aircraft landing gear A device for intermediate fastening between an aircraft fuselage and an aircraft landing gear is provided. The device includes at least one semi-open support structure comprising a pair of webs, which are substantially parallel to each other. The webs comprise first support means intended to receive the main pivot shaft of the landing gear and second support means intended to receive the stay joint or joints of the landing gear. The device includes two support structures linked together by a central box structure. The central box structure includes a front wall, a rear wall and linking walls linking those two walls.
US09272775B2	Compact improved aircraft landing gear A breaker strut of an aircraft landing gear, including means to adjust the length of at least one of its lower and upper portions and/or a space allowing a nesting of the lower and upper portions in the folded position of the strut. A landing gear including such a strut and/or retraction means including two slider-crank mechanisms which are phase shifted by a non-zero angle φ allowing a reduction of the variations of torque C applied to the undercarriage of the gear as it moves between the lowered and raised states of the latter.
US09272774B2	Landing gear bogie beam with jacking dome An aircraft landing gear assembly comprising a bogie beam (2), an axle (4) extending through the bogie beam and a jacking dome fitting (6) extending through a sidewall (8) of the bogie beam and arranged to transfer vertical loads applied to the jacking dome fitting to the axle.
US09272768B2	Soundproofing cladding panel, and an aircraft A self-supporting acoustic insulation panel (1) comprising a visible wall (3) that is not self-supporting and an invisible wall (2) that is not self-supporting facing a source (50) of soundwaves. A porous core (20) is arranged between the visible wall (3) and the invisible wall (2), a plurality of link elements (5) each extending from the invisible wall (2) towards the visible wall (3), each link element (5) passing through an orifice (21) in said core (20) and being connected to the visible wall (3) and to the invisible wall (2), each link element (5) separating the visible wall (3) from the invisible wall (2) and mechanically linking the visible wall (3) with the invisible wall (2) while acoustically decoupling the visible wall (3) from the invisible wall (2).
US09272767B2	Compacting uncured composite members on contoured mandrel surfaces An uncured composite member is formed over a mandrel having a contour using a flexible compactor. Forming is performed outwardly from the apex of the contour.
US09272766B2	“In-situ” ballast water treatment method and system A method and system for ballast water treatment is provided for a vessel with a ballast water tank system that pumps water from a local environment through a conduit into at least one tank on the vessel. The water contains aerobic micro-organisms from the local environment. Oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the water as it is pumped through the conduit. Living organisms are added into the water with the oxygen-containing gas introduced therein. As a result, the tank receives a mixture of the water with the oxygen-containing gas introduced therein and the living organisms added thereto. The living organisms are selected to consume (i) the aerobic micro-organisms, (ii) oxygen dissolved in the water, and (iii) food sources for the aerobic micro-organisms contained in the water. A vacuum is applied to the tank's ullage space at a point in time after the mixture is received in the tank.
US09272762B1	Method and apparatus for wake enlargement system A Method and Apparatus for Wake Enlargement System have been disclosed. By using water pick ups that are mounted or deployable on a boat controlled filling of ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.
US09272761B2	Angular velocity-controlled pontoon propulsion system An apparatus for floatation and propulsion of a user on a body of water, with the user in a standing position, includes two pontoons, a mechanical connection of the pontoons and a propulsion system responsive to vertical articulation of the pontoons.
US09272760B2	Adjustable boot for a water sport device A water sport device with an adjustable boot. The boot is mounted to a support on which the user rides. The boot includes separate toe and heel portions that are adjustable to fit the needs of the user, and to also accommodate different users. One or more rails extend along the support and provide for adjustment of the boot. Each of the one or more rails includes an adjustment mechanism that can be rotated by the user to move the toe and heel portions relative to each other to adjust the boot size. Each rail may also include a locking mechanism to prevent adjustment of the boot. When engaged, the locking mechanism may prevent any adjustment of the boot, or may prevent enlargement of the boot but allow for additional reduction in boot size.
US09272759B2	Slidable surfboard fin A sliding fin for a surfboard includes a base having a planar tab with an upper flange, a large fin piece having a first indentation, and a small fin piece for mating face-to-face with the large fin piece. The second fin piece has a second indentation that forms a channel that has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the planar tab and upper flange, the channel being longer than the width of the planar tab, the small fin piece being translucent to enable the planar tab in the channel to be seen, the large and small fin pieces being slidable relative to the base on the planar tab.
US09272754B1	Modular boat lift cover The modular boat lift cover for a watercraft has a gable assembly. All of the straight components of the gable assembly are packaged into the main box frame channel for simplicity in packaging as well as quality control, ensuring no components are missing during packaging and shipping. The modular boat lift cover has a robust, lightweight design that is compatible and adjustable for width, height and length as the boat owner modifies his existing boat or purchases a new boat of different dimensions that will protect the watercraft from the elements and is designed to withstand even the severest of storms, undamaged. The modular boat lift cover is easy for the user to assemble and adjust on square lake style boat lifts, as well as the typically non-square tidal lifts.
US09272753B2	Improvements to multi-hull vessel suspension geometry A hull locating arrangement for a multi-hulled vessel having a body at least partially suspended above at least a first and a second hull by support components is disclosed. The hull locating arrangement comprises, for a hull, a first locating linkage and a second locating linkage to together constrain the hull in the lateral, longitudinal, roll and yaw directions relative to the body. The first and second locating linkages are longitudinally spaced, and the first locating linkage includes a first part and a second part, one of the parts of the first locating linkage being pivotally connected to the body about a body end pivot axis, and the other of the parts being pivotally connected to the hull about a hull end pivot axis. The first locating linkage is also arranged to permit relative motion between the first and second parts along at least one sliding axis to thereby permit the first locating linkage to vary in length between the body end pivot axis and the hull end pivot axis. The support components include a first support component adjacent the first locating linkage, the first support component including a first support element providing a support force supporting a portion of the body above the first hull. The support force of the first support element has a line of action that is within thirty degrees of parallel to a first linkage plane extending through the body end pivot axis and the hull end pivot axis.
US09272751B2	Electrically assisted cycle kit An electrically assisted cycle kit (50) for fitting to a pedal cycle (2) comprises an electric motor (58) for assisting pedal cycle motion, a battery (52) for powering the motor (58), and a controller (60) for controlling the drive of the motor (58). A gear tooth sensor (65) provides a gear motion signal indicative of the speed/acceleration of motion of gear teeth (94) and valleys (95) of a gear sprocket (32) of the cycle. The controller controls the drive of the motor (58) in dependence on the gear motion signal.
US09272744B1	Three-wheeled vehicles The present disclosure relates to three-wheeled vehicles. The three-wheeled vehicles disclosed herein are characterized by two front wheels and a single rear wheel, an engine located rearward of the cockpit and a drivetrain configured to power the front wheels. Three-wheeled vehicle configurations in accordance with the present disclosure may enhance various handling characteristics of the vehicle.
US09272742B2	Crawler belt link and crawler belt apparatus A crawler belt link includes a center portion, one end portion located on one end side of the center portion, and the other end portion located on the other end side of the center portion. In a second surface, the center portion has a first portion of a rail surface, the one end portion has a second portion of the rail surface, and the other end portion has a third portion of the rail surface. A first outer circumferential portion reaching the second portion of the rail surface is located closer to a second side portion with respect to a bushing hole surrounding portion. Accordingly, a crawler belt link and a crawler belt apparatus can be implemented, by which wear of the rail surface above a bushing hole can be suppressed while maintaining the width of the crawler belt link to be relatively small.
US09272738B2	Structure for connecting wheel house panel to rear floor of vehicle A structure for connecting a wheel house panel with a rear floor of a vehicle, which connects the rear floor forming a rear portion of a bottom of the vehicle with the wheel house panel on which shock absorber mounting brackets attached to both sides of the rear floor and supporting a shock absorber are mounted may include a first member bending between a lower end of an inner side of the wheel house panel and a side of the rear floor, with both ends attached to the wheel house panel and the rear floor, respectively, a second member vertically elongated and attached to an outer side of the wheel house panel and disposed behind the shock absorber mounting brackets, and a third member vertically elongated and attached to the outer side of the wheel house panel and disposed in front of the shock absorber mounting brackets.
US09272735B2	Opening-closing body structure for vehicle An opening-closing body structure for a vehicle can improve build state of a vehicle opening-closing body. Reinforcement beads extending in three directions from stopper contact portions are formed at an inner hood panel. The three reinforcement beads are each formed at a position that is not on the same straight line as any other reinforcement bead. The reinforcement bead extends from the stopper contact portion toward the hood front side and is connected to an outer peripheral bead. The reinforcement beads are coupled to a framework portion by coupling beads.
US09272734B2	Cowl top cover A cowl top cover of the present invention provides that hardly applies influence when a dimension error occurs to a component, on sealability between the cowl top cover and a bonnet hood, a performance of a washer nozzle. The cowl top cover of the present invention includes at least one bent part that is formed to be bent in a mountain-like and a valley-like shape in a vehicle height direction as viewed in a cross section orthogonal to a vehicle widthwise direction, and the bent part includes a flexural deformation structure with which it is possible to allow a locally flexural deformation in a vehicle lengthwise direction in the bent part and to enable expansion and contraction of a distance in the vehicle lengthwise direction between a locking pawl part disposed at first end of the cowl top cover and a seal member fixation part disposed at second end of the cowl top cover.
US09272731B2	Driving-operation assist and recording medium A vehicle-operation assist includes a circumferential-state imager for imaging a circumferential state of a vehicle with a camera and generating a circumferential-state image; a synthetic-image generator for generating a synthetic image by superimposing on the circumferential-state image, an assumed-movement pattern of the vehicle performing a predetermined series of driving operations; and a display for displaying the synthetic image. The circumferential-state imager has at least one camera and a camera parameter table for storing characteristics of the camera and generating the circumferential-state image on the basis of the camera characteristics.
US09272723B2	Retractable, sanitary covering sleeve A small container partitioned into two sections—one for housing a pair of retractable cords and the other half for housing a packet containing sanitizing material. Each of the sections have empty spaces therein and are conjoined together via click-and-lock hinges. The empty spaces between two sections when conjoined, they together house the protective covering sleeve. In operation, a user engages a cart handle by attaching the device thereto, and can detach the two sections from each other easily. The two sections when separated deploy the protective covering sleeve over the surface of the handle, providing a sanitary surface for the user to grip.
US09272722B2	Tray having improved rims, furniture including one such tray, and corresponding tool trolley The placement tray (6) comprises a general plane (6a) and at least one rim (60, 80) movable between a rest position in which the or each rim (60, 80) is disposed so that it projects relative to the general plane (6a) and a working position in which the or each rim (60, 80) is aligned relative to the general plane (6a). The or each rim (60, 80) retracts automatically under the action of a load (F) which biases the or each rim (60, 80) from its rest position towards its working position, the load being placed on the upper surface of the tray (6) vertically above the or each rim (60, 80).
US09272721B2	User configurable horizontal brake feature for railroad crossing gates A user configurable horizontal brake feature for a railroad crossing gate. The braking feature will maintain lowered crossing gate arms in the horizontal position when a train is approaching and until it is the proper time to raise the gate arms (e.g., after the passing of the approaching train).
US09272720B2	Information processing apparatus, communication terminal, information processing method, and program Accident information determination server apparatus, when receiving a request from mobile communication terminal operated by a requester, specifies a train line, a terminal location, a moving direction, and a car number where mobile communication terminal that has made the request resides. Then, accident information determination server apparatus determines an impact of the accident represented by the accident information has on the requester who moves from the terminal location in the specified moving direction. Accident information determination server apparatus transmits a data that associates the accident information with the determined result on the accident information to mobile communication terminal.
US09272717B2	Rail road hopper car ridge fittings A hopper car discharge section may be wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Outflow is controlled by movable closure members. The hopper car has a plurality of hoppers of which two hoppers share a common ridge assembly. The ridge assembly forms a common mating and fit up location for the upper margins of the slope sheets of two lengthwise adjacent hoppers. The ridge assembly includes an horizontal center section and two end plates that angle upwardly outboard toward the top chords of the sidewalls. The ridge assembly stands proud of the upper margin of the respective adjacent slope sheets. A gusset is mounted between the adjacent slope sheets below the ridge plate such that the slope sheets and gusset form a reinforcement tube running across the car, the end plates forming the stems of a vertical T-section attached to the sidewall and overlapping the top chord.
US09272716B2	Anti-theft device for a locomotive horn An anti-theft device for use with a locomotive horn is disclosed. An angled L-shaped bracket of the anti-theft device has a horizontal portion that is connected to an anti-theft or tamper proof fastener used to attach a base of the horn to the locomotive. A vertical portion of the bracket receives a shackle portion of a padlock for connection with and locking on the bracket. A bushing is placed on the shackle portion of the padlock over the anti-theft fastener to limit slack of the padlock relative to the bracket. When assembled with the locomotive horn, the anti-theft device at least partially covers the anti-theft fastener such that access to and/or removal of at least the anti-theft fastener is substantially prevented. Thus, theft of the horn is reduced and/or prevented.
US09272714B2	Driver behavior based vehicle application recommendation A vehicle computing system may execute a recommendation application to identify driver characteristics descriptive of the driving style of a driver of the vehicle based at least in part on captured vehicle data, determine an application recommendation for a mobile application to be installed by the driver based on the driver characteristics, and to send the application recommendation to the driver.
US09272710B2	Apparatus and method for preventing vehicle collision An apparatus and a method for preventing a vehicle collision are provided. The method includes collecting, by a controller, vehicle information of a traveling vehicle and calculating a last point to brake time to collision, a last point to steer time to collision, a front collision warning time to collision, and time to collision based on the collected vehicle information. The controller confirms whether the traveling vehicle enters a collision risk area in which there is a collision possibility between the traveling vehicle and a front vehicle. A vehicle driving support is controlled based on a direction in which a rear-side vehicle is present and whether steering is attempted when the traveling vehicle enters the collision risk area, thereby minimizing the collision between the traveling vehicle and the front vehicle and rear-side vehicle.
US09272709B2	Systems and methods for detecting traffic lights Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous navigation features. In one implementation, a system includes at least one image capture device configured to acquire a plurality of images of a traffic light located in a region above the vehicle, outside of a sightline of a typical driver location in the vehicle. The system further includes a data interface, and at least one processing device. The at least one processing device may be configured to receive the plurality of images via the data interface, determine a status of the traffic light based on analysis of at least a first image from among the plurality of images, determine a change in status of the traffic light based on at least a second image from among the plurality of images, and cause a system response based on the determination of the change in status.
US09272704B2	Hybrid vehicle having boost converter and control method of a hybrid vehicle having a boost converter A hybrid vehicle provided with a battery 10, a boost converter 20, a first inverter 30, a second inverter 40, a first motor generator (MG) 50 connected to the first inverter 30, a second MG 60 connected to the second inverter 40, an engine 70 capable of driving the first MG 50, and a controller 90 which starts and stops the boost converter 20. When electric power transmitted between the battery 10 and the boost converter 20 is equal to or below a predetermined threshold, the boost converter 20 is stopped. When an actual boost voltage of the boost converter 20 reaches a predetermined threshold, the first MG 50 is driven by the engine 70. In this way, the system efficiency of a hybrid vehicle can be advantageously improved by efficiently maintaining the boost converter at a halt for a sufficiently long period.
US09272699B2	Torque control device of driving source In a driving device of a vehicle provided with driving sources, an input shaft rotatable due to driving force of the driving sources, a continuously variable transmission mechanism that shifts the rotation of the input shaft to be transmitted to an output shaft, and a start clutch for switching presence/absence of driving force transmission from the output shaft to a downstream side; when a ratio of the continuously variable transmission is on a lower ratio side than a predetermined threshold value, the output torque control means for controlling the output torque of the driving sources perform control to restrict the upper limit of output torque of the driving sources to a value smaller than the upper limit when a ratio is on the higher ratio side than the threshold value.
US09272695B2	Electric parking brake An electric parking brake includes an actuator, first and second linings adjacent respectively to first and second end surfaces of a brake disk, and first and second braking members. Through operation of the actuator, the first lining is driven by the first braking member to move toward or away from the first end surface in a direction to thereby move the second braking member toward or away from the second end surface in an opposite direction, so that the first and second linings can be moved toward each other to clamp the brake dish therebetween.
US09272681B1	Knee airbag deployable from a side panel A knee airbag can be deployed from a side panel of a vehicle to cushion the lower leg of a vehicle occupant during a collision event. Such knee airbags can provide protection to occupants that move in a forward and outboard direction during a collision event. In some circumstances, the knee airbag includes one or more chambers.
US09272680B1	Airbag for protection of multiple body regions The different advantageous embodiments comprise an apparatus comprising an airbag. The airbag is configured to inflate into a configuration that covers a region around a seat in which a top of a head, a front of a head, upper body region, knees, and shins of a passenger in the seat is expected to be located when an event occurs in which the airbag is deployed.
US09272675B2	Wiring harness The invention relates to a wiring harness having a plurality of electrical wires and a tubular shielding member capable of accommodating the plurality of electrical wires as a whole therein. The wiring harness includes a plurality of electrical wires; and a tubular shielding member configured to receive the plurality of electrical wires as a whole, and coupled to a shield part of a device side via a tubular terminal portion thereof. The tubular shielding member includes a shielding body portion disposed over a bundled portion in which the plurality of electrical wires is bundled as a whole, and a shielding terminal portion disposed over an enlarged portion which gradually enlarges from the bundled portion in conformity with terminal arrangement of the plurality of electrical wires or a shape of the shield part of the device side, and continuous with at least one end of the shielding body portion. The shielding body portion is formed of metallic film and the shielding terminal portion is formed of braid.
US09272668B2	Overhead console and a coupling method thereof A temporal engaging portion is provided at a bin. Therefore, by engaging a bin-side arm with a bin-side engaging portion and temporally engaging a panel-side arm with the temporal engaging portion after elastically deforming the panel-side arm, a torsion spring can be set to the bin before the bin is coupled with a panel. The bin set with the torsion spring is inserted into a recess of the panel. During rotation of the bin toward a closed position, a temporal engagement of the panel-side arm with the temporal engaging portion is released, and upon being released, the panel-side arm is elastically sprung-back to be finally engaged with the panel-side engaging portion. As a result, by only coupling the bin set with the torsion spring with the panel, the bin and the torsion spring can be coupled with the panel so that coupling work is improved.
US09272667B2	Automated retractable vehicle step Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.
US09272660B2	Gear screw adjuster A headlamp assembly includes a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap-fit into the headlamp housing, a grommet that is positioned around the gear screw and snap-fit into the headlamp reflector, and an O-ring to ensure a good seal.
US09272655B2	Latch system for truck-bed mounted camper A latch system for securing a camper within the bed of a truck is provided. The latch system comprises two main assemblies: the bed-mounted rail-receiver track assembly and the camper rail frame assembly which is adapted to be secured to the bottom of the camper. The camper rail frame assembly includes at least a left camper rail and at least a right camper rail. The bed-mounted rail-receiver track assembly includes at least two and preferably four bed-mounted rail-receiver track members adapted for receiving the rail members carried by the bottom of the camper. Each bed-mounted rail-receiver track member preferably includes a flange flared so as to compensate for slight misalignments, either up or side to side, of the camper as the camper is being mounted within the bed of the truck.
US09272652B2	Hopper box and hopper constructed with a collapsed and elongated longitudinally curved C-shaped floor A hopper box for a heavy lift truck such as mining trucks that minimizes the height of the gravity center of the load includes sheets that generate a floor, a front wall and two side walls. The sheets includes at least one sheet having a first longitudinal concave curved portion as a floor which continues with a longitudinal upper elongated portion which comprises the front wall thereby generating a single longitudinal curved, collapsed and elongated C-shaped sheet. A multiple number of such sheet may be provided and are placed in a juxtaposed manner until reaching the width by incorporating two side walls having on its lower face two longitudinal rigid U-shaped beams, wherein are also included half-round cross stiffeners on its ends.
US09272649B2	Angle adjustment device for vehicle seat A hinge of an automotive vehicle seat for adjusting the angle of a seat back relative to a seat bottom about a hinge axis, comprising first and second plates, a control device adapted to move locking elements which immobilize the first plate relative to the second plate, a control shaft adapted to cause said control device to rotate on the axis, wherein the control shaft is held in the direction of the main axis by a snap-in means, such that the control shaft can be assembled manually without tools.
US09272648B1	Removable backrest for an automobile storage area A backrest system for use in an automobile storage space includes a back rest member with a front surface, a back surface and a channel coupled to the back surface. The channel extends along a longitudinal axis of the backrest member and includes a first open end and a second open end opposite from the first open end. A first extension member is positionable in the channel and is movable within the channel with respect to the first open end. A second extension member is positionable in the channel and is movable with respect to the second open end. A first coupling member and a second coupling member are positionable on opposite sides of an automobile storage space so as to provide a coupling location for the first extension and the second extension to secure the backrest system in an automobile storage space.
US09272647B2	Seat climate control system A seat climate control system includes a seat body having a first body surface and a second body surface opposite and spaced apart from the first body surface. The seat body defines an interior volume. The seat climate control system further includes at least one thermoelectric module at least partially disposed within the interior volume of the seat body. The thermoelectric module is configured to facilitate heat transfer upon receipt of electrical energy. The seat climate control system further includes at least one thermally conductive member disposed along the first body surface. The thermally conductive member is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric module. The thermally conductive member is configured to transfer heat between the thermoelectric module and a surface in contact with the thermally conductive member.
US09272645B2	Adjusting apparatus for a pivotable comfort element, in particular for an armrest of a vehicle An adjusting apparatus for a comfort element swingable in relation to a support structure, in particular for an armrest of a vehicle, includes a latching device actuatable by adjusting the comfort element and having a latching arm connected to the comfort element and a latching lever interacting with the latching arm. A swing position of the comfort element is locked by providing a locking lever which is swingably articulated to the latching arm and has an engagement portion which locks the swing position by a spring force, when the engagement portion assumes an engagement position with a locking portion of a locking element that is fixed to the support structure, and the swing position of the comfort element is unlocked by an actuator by which the locking lever is disengageable from the engagement position with the locking element.
US09272644B2	Arm-rest adjustable in inclination, in particular for vehicles An adjustable arm-rest for vehicles has a fixed part and a movable part, hinged so as to move between a lowered angular position and a raised angular position; and a system for adjusting the inclination of said movable part between the lowered position and the raised position. The adjusting system has a freewheeling bearing which allows the movable part to rotate only from the lowered position to the raised position, and releasing means which enable the movable part to move from the raised position to the lowered position.
US09272642B2	Vehicle seat In a vehicle seat (car seat 1) including a first seat portion (seat cushion 10) movable between a use position and a retracted position, and a second seat portion (seat back 20) movable between a use position and a retracted position, an actuator mechanism is configured to cause the second seat portion to start moving toward its retracted position at a time when the first seat portion passes a predetermined intermediate position that is on a way from the use position toward the retracted position. In one embodiment, the actuator mechanism includes a biasing member (torsion spring 13, 23) configured to bias each of the seat cushion 10 and the seat back 20 from the use position toward the retracted position, a lock member (lock arm 42) configured to lock the seat back 20 in the use position, and an unlock device (cable 44, 42A) configured to release the lock member to cause the seat back 20 to start moving toward the retracted position, at a time when the seat cushion 10 passes the predetermined intermediate position that is on the way from a posture in which the seat cushion is ready for use toward a posture in which the seat cushion 10 is tipped up.
US09272641B2	Child seat A child seat includes a seat shell having an anchor strap made of a continuous web material, and a lock. The anchor strap has two end portions, and an intermediate portion between the two end portions. The two end portions are located at the rear of the seat shell and are respectively provided with fasteners operable to attach with an anchor structure of a vehicle, and the intermediate portion is folded over to define two segments of the web material. The lock can releasibly clamp a portion of the two segments, the intermediate portion extending outward from the lock to define a looped tab. Moreover, an interior of the seat shell can have a strap guiding structure including two sidewalls between which is defined a passage for the web material. The two sidewalls are substantially close to each other to prevent twisting of the web material.
US09272639B2	Locking device of seat rail of vehicle A vehicle seat rail locking device restricts movement of an upper rail along a longitudinal direction of a lower rail fixed to the body of the vehicle. The locking device includes lock units moving together with the upper rail, disposed movably in a vertical direction between the lower and upper rails, and for performing a locking operation, and a lock guide moving together with the lock units and for guiding vertical movement of the lock units. Each lock unit is independently inserted into one of a plurality of lock holes formed in the lower rail to fix the upper rail onto the lower rail. A user's safety may be improved by independently forming a plurality of lock members fitted into lock holes of a lower rail and fixing one of lock members into the lock hole to perform a locking operation even when a seat rail position deviation occurs.
US09272636B2	Work vehicle for transmitting drive power from an electric motor to a propelling transmission system A work vehicle comprising, a power unit, an electric motor activated by electric power from the power unit, a propelling transmission system for receiving drive power from the electric motor, a cabin including a roof portion the driver rides, an air conditioner for adjusting air temperature in the interior of the cabin. the power unit and the air conditioner are provided in the roof portion of the cabin.
US09272635B2	Power storage system and method of calculating full charge capacity A power storage system includes a power storage device configured to be charged and discharged, and a controller configured to calculate an open-circuit voltage of the power storage device from relationships between a plurality of current values and voltage values detected in a predetermined period during charge and discharge of the power storage device, specify an SOC corresponding to the calculated open-circuit voltage, from a correspondence relationship between the SOC and the open-circuit voltage of the power storage device, and calculate a full charge capacity of the power storage device, based on the SOC specified with respect to each of a first period and a second period during charge and discharge, and an integrated value of charge and discharge current of the power storage device from the first period to the second period. A method of calculating the full charge capacity in this manner is also provided.
US09272634B2	Active battery system estimation request generation Hybrid-electric and pure electric vehicles include a traction battery. During vehicle operation, impedance parameters of the traction battery may be estimated. To ensure accurate estimation results, certain persistent excitation criteria may be met. These conditions may not always be met, in which case active excitation of the traction battery power demand may be initiated. The invocation of active battery excitation may be based on a variability of estimates of a battery parameter and an age of a most recent estimate of the battery parameter. As the variability of the parameter estimates increases, the time between active battery excitation requests may decrease.
US09272633B2	Motive battery thermal initialization algorithm A system includes a battery control module that determines at least one temperature associated with a battery pack of an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle control module selects between a plurality of operating modes of the electric vehicle based on the at least one temperature. The plurality of operating modes includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode the electric vehicle control module prevents the electric vehicle from being turned on. In second mode the electric vehicle control module allows the electric vehicle to be turned on in response to a determination that the battery pack has sufficient energy to adjust the at least one temperature a predetermined amount and to drive the vehicle a predetermined distance.
US09272632B2	Charging control apparatus and method, charging system, correlation method, and computer program A charging control apparatus (310) controls wireless charging between one charging apparatus (10) and a vehicle (20) which communicates with the one charging apparatus via a communication relay apparatus (30). The charging control apparatus is provided with: an outputting device (320, 330) for transmitting a first signal which is a signal for designating a signal outputted from the one charging apparatuses, to of the one charging apparatuses; a detecting device (320, 330) for detecting a third signal, which is transmitted by wireless communication from the vehicle and which is a signal corresponding to a second signal which is a signal outputted from the one charging apparatus due to the transmitted first signal; and a distinguishing device (310) for correlating the one charging apparatus with the vehicle on the basis of the transmitted first signal and the detected third signal.
US09272630B2	Electronic device and method for transmitting and receiving wireless power An electronic device and method for transmitting and receiving a wireless power are provided. An electronic device for transmitting and receiving wireless power may include a resonator configured to operate, based on a plurality of operating modes of the electronic device including a power reception mode, a relay mode, and a power transmission mode, wherein: (i) in the power reception mode, the resonator is configured to receive power from a wireless power transmitter, (ii) in the relay mode, the resonator is configured to relay power received from the wireless power transmitter to a wireless power receiver, and (iii) in the power transmission mode, the resonator is configured to transmit power to the wireless power receiver; and a path controller configured to control at least one electrical pathway of electronic device based on the operating mode.
US09272624B2	Display apparatus for vehicle A display apparatus for vehicle includes a speedometer that measures speed of a vehicle, an eco-drive level determination unit that determines an eco-drive level at driving the vehicle based on a recommended depression amount and an actual depression amount, a determination display portion located inside a peripheral visual field region of the driver, a detail display portion located outside of the peripheral visual field region, and a display control unit that controls display in the determination display portion and the detail display portion. The display control unit performs the following controls of (A) setting the display in the determination display portion to ambient display in which contrast of the outline region is lower than contrast inside the outline region, and (B) changing the ambient display according to the change in the eco-drive level.
US09272622B2	Multi-view movable projection system A projection system including a projection screen and a projection apparatus is provided. The projection screen has a plurality of optical microstructures. The optical microstructures are arranged along a first direction. The projection apparatus is capable of moving relative to the projection screen along the first direction. The projection apparatus includes an illumination unit, a light valve, and a projection lens. The illumination unit is capable of providing an illuminating beam. The light valve is disposed on a transmission path of the illuminating beam. The light valve is capable of converting the illuminating beam to an image beam. The projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam. The projection lens is capable of moving relative to the light valve along a second direction and projecting the image beam on the projection screen. The first direction and the second direction are opposite directions.
US09272621B2	Systems and methods for vehicle speed management Controlling a speed of a vehicle based on at least a portion of a route grade and a route distance divided into a plurality of route sections, each including at least one of a section grade and section length. Controlling the speed of the vehicle is further based on determining a cruise control speed mode for the vehicle for each of the plurality of route sections and determining a speed reference command of the vehicle based on at least one of the cruise control speed mode, the section length, the section grade, and a current speed.
US09272619B2	Powertrain for a motor vehicle The invention relates to a powertrain for a motor vehicle having a permanently driven primary axle, comprising: a drive unit for the generation of a drive torque; a first clutch for the transfer of a variable portion of the drive torque to a secondary axle of the motor vehicle; a second clutch for the deactuation of a torque transfer section of the powertrain arranged between the first clutch and the second clutch when the first clutch is opened; and a control unit for the automatic control of the first clutch, with the control unit being connected to at least one sensor for the detection of a wheel slip at the primary axle; with the control unit being made, starting from a deactuated state of the torque transfer section, to close the second clutch in dependence on a detected wheel slip at the primary axle.
US09272612B2	Plastic channel assembly-below belt bracket for glassrun system A below belt bracket assembly includes a weatherstrip or glassrun having first and second sidewalls interconnected along a base member that form a cavity configured to receive an associated window edge. A support member has a cavity configured to at least partially receive the weatherstrip. A first end of the support member includes first and second retention members that each operatively engage an end region of the weatherstrip. A recess/opening formed between the first and second retention members is dimensioned to receive the end region of the base member such that the end region of the weatherstrip base member ramps downwardly from the support member base wall through the recess/opening.
US09272610B2	Roll-up tarp apparatus A roll-up tarp apparatus for attachment to an open top truck trailer having a truck box, having end caps at each end that partially cover the top opening. Preferred embodiments include at least one magnet on at least one of the end caps; even more preferably, a plurality of magnets along each end of the end caps, which are configured to releasably secure the flexible tarp to the end cap when the flexible tarp is in the secured position. Preferably, the flexible tarp is wound around an elongated roll bar that is secured to at least one arm that connects the elongated roll bar to the truck box and selectively activates movement of the elongated roll bar to move the flexible tarp from an open position to a secured position. Various embodiments include biasing members to bias the arm(s).
US09272608B2	Sunroof apparatus A sunroof apparatus includes a first panel, a second panel, a front holding member provided at a front end portion of the first panel, a center link bringing the first panel that is in a fully closed state to be raised in a height direction of the vehicle by engaging with the first panel and moving in a rear direction of the vehicle along with the first panel while maintaining the first panel in the raised state, the center link thereafter disengaging from the first panel, and a rear link arranged at a lower side of the second panel to be engageable and disengageable relative to the first panel, the rear link engaging with the first panel to maintain the first panel in the raised state after the first panel and the center link move in the rear direction and moving in the rear direction along with the first panel.
US09272603B2	Air conditioning system having improved condensate drainage The invention relates to an air conditioning system for a cab of an agricultural machine, comprising: an air conditioning unit that comprises an evaporator (23), a blower (25) for generating a reduced pressure in the air conditioning unit and supplying the conditioned air into the cab, a condensate drain unite that comprises a reservoir (6) to which one or more drain pipes (7a, 7b) are connected, which lead to drain pipes (8a, 8b) that can be mounted in upright profile posts of the cab, characterized in that the system further comprises one or more T-junctions (11a, 11b) or similar connection elements, and one or more supplementary pipe elements (10a, 10b), wherein each of the drain pipes (7a, 7b) is connected to an upright drain pipe (8a, 8b) via two branches of a T-junction (11a, 11b), wherein the inlet end of a supplementary pipe element (10a, 10b) is mounted onto the third branch of the T-junction and wherein the outlet end (12a, 12b) of each supplementary pipe element (10a, 10b) is located at the suction side of the blower.
US09272600B2	Low profile air conditioning unit for vehicles A vehicle may include a roof and an air conditioning system. The roof may have an exterior surface, an interior surface, and an aperture extending through the roof between the exterior surface and the interior surface. The air conditioning system may include an exterior housing that is mounted to the exterior surface of the roof. The air conditioning system may also include an evaporator and an evaporator blower. The air conditioning system may further include an interior housing that is removably mounted to the interior surface of the roof and defines a mounted position and a removed position. When the interior housing is in the removed position, the evaporator and evaporator blower may be accessible for servicing from the interior of the vehicle.
US09272599B1	Controllable load distribution system for a vehicle A weight distribution system for dynamically controlling and adjusting the weight load on each axle of a vehicle uses a manifold that is fluid flow disposed between a source of pressured air of the vehicle and the air bags of the vehicle. The manifold allows an individual air bag to be inflated or deflated to a desired pressurization depending on either preprogrammed or user input parameters. By individually controlling the air bags, the system allows the setting of the maximum amount of weight to be borne by a given axle so that tires can be removed from that axle without weight overloading the remaining tires. The system also automatically self-levels the chassis of the vehicle and maintains proper ride height of the vehicle using input from a height sensor located on one of the axles. The system wirelessly communicates, terrestrially or via satellite, its parameters to roadway officials to verify that the vehicle is in compliance with weight loading requirements and to the home office or other location via a satellite link.
US09272597B2	Air suspension system and control method thereof Disclosed is a control method of an air suspension system includes: sensing an error of a tire or an air spring; and controlling the height of a peripheral air spring based on the tire or the air spring in which the error occurs.
US09272595B2	Controlling a compressor for air suspension of electric vehicle A method of controlling a compressor for an air suspension of an electric vehicle includes: determining a state of a reservoir in the electric vehicle, the reservoir coupled to drive air springs of a suspension system; determining whether the electric vehicle is connected to an external source of electric energy for charging an energy storage of the electric vehicle; in response to determining that the electric vehicle is connected to the external source, applying a first value as a threshold for whether to replenish the reservoir by a compressor; and in response to determining that the electric vehicle is not connected to the external source, applying a second value, different from the first value, as the threshold for whether to replenish the reservoir by the compressor.
US09272593B2	Top mount with MCU isolator in inner metal One variation may include a product comprising a top mount for a strut having a first inner strut rod attachment component comprising a metal, a second strut attachment component having at least a portion received in the first strut rod attachment component, a resilient or elastomeric material interposed between the first inner strut rod attachment component and the second inner strut rod attachment component, the second inner strut rod attachment component being constructed and arranged to receive a strut rod. One variation may include a product comprising a top mount for a strut having an inner strut rod attachment component, a first damping material and embedded in a resilient or elastomeric material, and wherein the first damping material has a greater damping property than the resilient or elastomeric material. One variation may include a product comprising an attachment collar for a strut rod, a microcellular urethane covering at least a portion of the collar.
US09272592B1	Tow hook connection system A tow hook connection system which may be universally and efficiently secured to a vehicle in a manner which reduces the risk of damaging the vehicle. The tow hook connection system generally includes a spread bar, a first connector, a second connector, and a tow member. The first and second connectors are adapted to be secured to a vehicle. The spread bar is secured between the first and second connectors, such as by fasteners and/or nuts. A tow member having a tow loop may be fixedly or removably secured to the spread bar. By connecting an object to the tow loop, the force of towing may be spread between the first and second connectors by the spread bar to reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle while towing.
US09272589B2	Carrier vehicle and coupling mechanism The carrier vehicle includes a coaxial two-wheel vehicle including two wheels arranged on the same axial centerline, a cart, and a coupling mechanism to couple the coaxial two-wheel vehicle to the cart. The coupling mechanism 4 includes a roll rotation tolerance portion that tolerates, when a traveling direction of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle is defined as a roll axis, rotation of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle in a roll direction. Further, the coupling mechanism includes a pitch rotation tolerance portion that tolerates, when a left-and-right direction of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle is defined as a pitch axis, rotation of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle in a pitch direction.
US09272588B1	Method and apparatus for replacing a tire valve stem without having to raise the vehicle, remove the wheel, or tire from the wheel A method for replacing a leaking valve stem includes the steps of cutting a part of the valve stem external to a hollow interior of a tire at the external surface of a wheel/rim so that a base of the valve stem falls into the hollow interior of the tire and so that a wheel aperture is exposed. A replacement valve stem has a radially expandable base, a main body of frusto-conical shape, and an annular step is formed where the base meets the main body. Wrench-engageable flats are formed in a narrow end of the main body and an internally threaded boss is secured to the wrench-engageable flats. The radially expandable base is inserted into the wheel aperture and the annular step abuts an exterior surface of the wheel/rim. The expandable base is then expanded until the wheel/rim is tightly sandwiched between the expanded base and the annular step.
US09272586B2	Valve stem-based air maintenance tire and method A valve stem-based air maintenance tire assembly and method of operation is provided employing a tire mounted air pumping system, The assembly includes a rim-mounted pressure regulator positioned within a tire cavity opposite an inward end of a tire valve stem to selectively open and close pressurized air flow from a valve stem internal passageway into the tire cavity. An elongate valve stem shaft is mounted within the valve stem air passageway and reciprocally moves axially to close off and open the valve stem air passageway to create or close a pressurized air path into the tire cavity as needed.
US09272585B2	Method for filtering data in a tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle A method for filtering data in a tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle includes the steps of: recording a variable that is dependent on the tire radius for a wheel of the vehicle, and filtering the variable that is dependent on the tire radius on the basis of driving dynamics data and/or a global navigation satellite system signal, called GNSS signal below. A vehicle control system and a vehicle having the control system are also described.
US09272584B2	Pneumatic tire The disclosed pneumatic tire (1) comprises a stiffener (31) and a rubber pad (32) which, disposed between a toroidal carcass body (21) and a folded-back carcass portion (22) folded back at a bead core (11), are arranged so as to be oriented radially outwards of the tire from the bead core (11). Further, from the rim baseline (BL), the height KSH to the end (31A) of the stiffener (31), the height OWH to the maximum carcass width (20W), and the height FH to the end (101A) of the rim flange (101) fulfill 0.2≦[(KSH−FH)/(OWH−FH)]≦0.28.
US09272583B2	Pneumatic tire A tire 2 includes beads 10, a carcass 12, and an insert 18. The carcass 12 includes a carcass ply 36. An inner part 34a of each bead 10 includes an inner core 46a and an inner apex 48a that extends almost outward of the inner core 46a in the radial direction. An outer part 34b of each bead 10 includes an outer core 46b and an outer apex 48b that extends almost outward of the outer core 46b in the radial direction. A ratio of a complex elastic modulus Ea of the inner apex 48a to a complex elastic modulus Eb of the outer apex 48b is less than or equal to 0.3. A ratio of the complex elastic modulus Ea to a complex elastic modulus Ec of the insert 18 is greater than or equal to 1.
US09272575B2	Wheel bearing retainer The knuckle-hub assembly includes a knuckle and a wheel bearing attached by a retainer. Both the knuckle and the retainer have recesses and the retainer is arranged in both recesses upon assembly. The retainer is generally ring-shaped and has a axial direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction. Near one end surface in the axial direction and the retainer has a union portion connected to one or more flange portions. The one or more flange portions may be a single flange portion angled relative to the axial direction. The one or more flange portions may include a first flange portion and a second flange portion that are angled relative to each other.
US09272574B2	Spindle nut and washer assembly and method of utilization An apparatus for and a method of securing hubs and bearings on truck spindles includes a flat or non-flat washer with a key and a nut having an integral and axially spaced locking ring with threads through the nut and locking ring complementary to threads on a spindle. The nut also includes a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings and a plurality of threaded fasteners that extend through apertures in the locking ring and into the threaded openings. An alternate embodiment includes a washer, a nut having threads complementary to threads on the spindle and a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings, a locking plate having a pattern of arcuate slots and a key which engages a keyway on the spindle and a plurality of fasteners which secure the locking plate to the nut in a desired position.
US09272571B2	Drive wheel assembly for self-propelled irrigation system A drive wheel attachment for a self-propelled irrigation system includes an annular-shaped clamping band assembly having multiple sections that fit around and clamp to existing wheel rims. A plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending structures are secured to and extend radially outwardly from the clamping band assembly. A plurality of foot assemblies are attached to the radially extending structures. Each foot assembly includes a first hinge sleeve removably attached to a respective one of the radially extending structures, and a ground engaging foot pad pivotally attached to the first hinge sleeve by a pair of second hinge sleeves and a pivot pin extending through the first and second hinge sleeves. The pivot pin is fixed to the second hinge sleeves and allows rocking movement of the foot pad relative to the radially extending structure about a pivot axis that extends generally parallel to an axial direction of the wheel rim.
US09272569B2	Wheel lug ring A wheel lug ring is provided having an annular body with a cavity formed on one side having a plurality of lug wells in a registered positioning to engage around a plurality of lug nuts holding a wheel to an axle. So positioned, the device forms a protective cavity for the lug nuts and lugs from moisture, ice, mud, and other road hazards.
US09272565B2	Integrated tab hanging file system An integral tab system for a 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab (20) is provided in the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs being affixed. The 3-D tab version (120) is created by an extension which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side. These tabs may also be supplied in a detachable form.
US09272564B2	Photonic crystal security device and method A method of forming an optically variable security device is provided. In the method, a photonic crystal material is provided and a process is performed upon the material which causes deformation of the material so as to form a first region (A) for which incident light received by the crystal material is selectively reflected or transmitted to generate a first optically variable effect, and a second region (B) for which incident light received generates an optical effect, different from the first optically variable effect. Corresponding devices having first and second regions are also disclosed.
US09272561B2	Printing system for inhibiting Z-folding and control method thereof A printing system for controlling to allow various settings by one job and reducing output of unnecessary printed materials is provided. To accomplish this, the present invention sets a post-process to be executed for a plurality of sheets that are printed by execution of a job as a first setting, sets a post-process to be executed for part of the sheets included in the plurality of sheets as a second setting, and causes a post-processing unit to execute post-processes according to the setting of the post-processes set as the first setting and the second setting.
US09272560B2	Thermal transfer sheet Provided is a thermal transfer sheet capable of repressing residue that accumulates before insertion of a heating element of the thermal head. In the thermal transfer sheet, a heat-resistant lubricating layer is formed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the heat-resistant lubricating layer includes one or more of layers which include a back face layer, the back face layer is arranged at a position farthest from the substrate, at least one layer which composes the heat-resistant lubricating layer includes a binder resin and organic minute particles which each has a polygonal shape, and a portion of surfaces of the organic minute particles protrude from a surface of the back layer.
US09272556B1	Portable stamp A portable stamp has a stamp housing, and a driving member, an ink member with an ink pad and a stamp seat for mounting a stamp pad mounted in the stamp housing. An operating member is mounted through a guiding slot of the stamp housing and is connected to the driving member. Each of the ink member and the stamp seat is pivotally connected to the driving member via a pivot rod and a torsion spring. By pushing the driving member, the ink member and the stamp seat can be driven to selectively pivot out of the stamp housing or be folded in the stamp housing. When the portable stamp is folded, a stamping surface of the stamp pad that is mounted on the stamp seat is sure to touch the ink pad of the ink member and be coated with the ink uniformly.
US09272552B2	Arbitrary surface printing device for untethered multi-pass printing An untethered, arbitrary-surface printing device includes a housing, a print head, positioning means, locomotive means, and sensors configured to perform multi-pass high-precision printing (i.e. at least 300 dots per inch) on nearly any surface texture.
US09272551B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus with liquid ejecting head unit and rollers A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head unit which has liquid ejecting heads that eject liquid; an in-head roller which abuts against a landing surface of an ejecting medium; and a frame which pivotally supports the in-head roller. The liquid ejecting head unit is provided to be able to ascend and descend with respect to the frame. In the liquid ejecting head unit, at least two head rows, each of which includes the liquid ejecting heads and a void aligned in a reference direction intersecting a transporting direction of the ejecting medium, are arranged in the transporting direction. The in-head roller is disposed at a position where at least a part of the in-head roller faces the void, in a direction which is orthogonal to the landing surface.
US09272546B2	Sheet feeding apparatus A sheet feeding apparatus includes: a tray storing a sheet and detachably mounted on an apparatus body; a rotatable arm; a roller, provided on the arm, configured to pick up the sheet on the tray; a sensor, provided on the arm, configured to detect a physical property; and a determination unit configured to determine, based on detection by the sensor, at least any of a mounting state of the tray on the apparatus body and at least one of states of the sheet on the tray selected from the group consisting of the presence or absence of the sheet, a remaining amount of the sheet, a type of the sheet, front and back sides of the sheet, and a size of the sheet stored on the tray.
US09272544B2	Control apparatus, control method, and storage medium An embodiment of this invention is directed to reducing waste paper caused by a margin added between images even between different jobs. According to the embodiment, a printing unit is caused to print an image based on an input job. It is determined, in accordance with a mode of a first job and a mode of a second job next to the first job, whether to provide a margin between an image printed based on the first job and an image to be printed based on the second job.
US09272540B2	Printing system and method A printing system includes a media transport device to move a medium at a speed ranging from about 15.24 mpm to about 609.6 mpm. The system includes an ink applicator to apply ink on the medium, and a treatment applicator to apply a treatment composition (including liquid vehicle, polyvalent metal salt fixing agent, and latex resin having an acid number less than 20) before or after the ink is applied, to form a printed-on medium. The system further includes a heating system programmed to: i) dry the printed-on medium at a predetermined temperature for a reduced dwell time (from about 1 second to about 40 seconds); and ii) leave residual moisture in the printed-on medium for a predetermined time after the reduced dwell time. The residual moisture is at a level that is higher than an initial moisture content of the medium prior to treatment composition and ink application.
US09272539B2	Image forming apparatus using a pre-processing liquid and a post-processing liquid, and an image forming method using a pre-processing liquid and a post-processing liquid Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that ejects droplets from an image forming apparatus, and forms an image on a surface of a printing medium, a pre-processing unit that applies a pre-processing liquid to the surface of the printing medium before the image is formed by the image forming unit, and a post-processing unit that applies a post-processing liquid different from the pre-processing liquid to the surface of the printing medium after the image is formed by the image forming unit. The pre-processing unit applies an amount of the pre-processing liquid which is determined based on a type of the printing medium and the post-processing unit applies an amount of the post-processing liquid which is determined based on the type of the printing medium.
US09272537B2	Printing information on electronic paper A method and system for displaying information on an electronic paper (or “e-paper”) is included herein. The method includes passing the e-paper through an e-paper printer. Additionally, the method includes changing a status of a pixel on the e-paper.
US09272534B2	Printing device for printing on containers A printing device for printing on containers in a rotationally-driven container conveying unit by means of which containers are conveyed between at least one container feed location and at least one container removal location, the printing device, and including at least one print head and at least one housing for housing a container. Each housing includes a hollow body, which is partially open at least in a printing area and which is used for accommodating the container, the opening for the printing area defining a front side and a side located opposite the front side defining a rear side.
US09272529B2	Inkjet printer An inkjet printer includes a transfer unit that transfers a paper, a print unit that has three or more nozzle rows aligned along a transfer direction of the paper, and a controller that ejects ink on the paper by controlling the print unit while transferring the paper by controlling the transfer unit. The most-upstream nozzle row of the nozzle row and the most-downstream nozzle row are capable of ejecting ink whose color has a lowest brightness among colors of ink to be used for printing. The controller selects the most-upstream nozzle row or the most-downstream nozzle row as a nozzle row for ejecting the ink whose color has a lowest brightness according to a type of the paper. According to the printer, it becomes possible to restrict contaminations on a printed media while also restricting degradation of print quality.
US09272524B1	Ink circulation type inkjet printer A controller regulates pressures of a positive pressure space and a negative pressure space and maintains the pressures at setting pressures when ink is circulated in a circulation path, by: driving an air pump to apply the setting pressures to the positive pressure space and the negative pressure space; and after the setting pressures are applied, controlling opening and closing of a positive-pressure-side pressure regulation valve, opening and closing of a negative-pressure-side pressure regulation valve, and driving of the air pump according to the pressures in the positive pressure space and the negative pressure space, and opening the positive-pressure-side pressure regulation valve or the negative-pressure-side pressure regulation valve simultaneously with the driving of the air pump.
US09272523B2	Printer configured for optimized printing An inkjet printer includes a printhead having first and second ports; an ink container for supplying ink to the printhead, the ink container having a supply port and a return port; a first ink conduit interconnecting the supply port and the first port; a second ink conduit interconnecting the return port and the second port; an ink valve positioned in the first ink conduit; a first pump positioned in the second conduit; and a second pump positioned in a valve bypass conduit. The first and second pumps are employed during pressurized priming of the printhead so as to optimize a pressure gradient along a length of the printhead.
US09272522B1	Printing apparatus and ink amount detection method A printing apparatus includes a main tank for containing ink; a sub tank for containing ink supplied from the main tank and containing ink to be supplied to a print head; a detection unit configured to detect an ink amount in the sub tank; and a filling unit configured to perform ink filling operation that fills the sub tank with ink from the main tank by driving a driving unit, in a case where the detection unit detects the ink amount in the sub tank that is less than a first predetermined amount, wherein in a case where the ink amount in the main tank is less than a second predetermined amount, the filling unit drives the driving unit at smaller drive amount than that in a case where the ink amount in the main tank is greater than the second predetermined amount.
US09272519B2	Liquid consuming apparatus There is provided a liquid consuming apparatus which includes a tank including first and second liquid storage chambers, and a liquid consuming unit. The tank includes a first inlet, a first atmosphere communication channel, a first liquid outflow channel, a first return channel, a second inlet, a second atmosphere communication channel, a second liquid outflow channel, and a second return channel. A volume of the first liquid outflow channel from the first position up to the second position and a volume of the second liquid outflow channel from the fourth position up to the fifth position differ mutually.
US09272517B2	Liquid discharge head and recording device using the same The present invention provides a liquid discharge head that causes less deviation in a discharge direction of a liquid from a direction orthogonal to a discharge hole surface, and a recording device using the liquid discharge head. The liquid discharge head of the present invention includes a discharge hole, a discharge hole surface having an opening of the discharge hole, a pressurizing chamber, and a flow channel connecting the discharge hole and the pressurizing chamber. The flow channel includes a nozzle part and a partial flow channel.
US09272515B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric element, ultrasonic transducer, and ultrasonic device A liquid ejecting head includes a passage-forming substrate provided with a pressure-generating chamber communicating with a nozzle orifice for ejecting a liquid and includes a piezoelectric element including a diaphragm disposed on the passage-forming substrate, a first electrode disposed on the diaphragm, a piezoelectric layer disposed on the first electrode, and second electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer. The diaphragm includes a metal oxide layer of a metal oxide formed by a gas-phase method and a zirconium oxide layer of zirconium oxide formed by a liquid-phase method.
US09272513B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method A printer includes an apparatus main body and an image reading unit. The apparatus main body includes an opening in which at least a part of a stroke region of a carriage is exposed. An ink supply tube extending from an ink tank is routed through between the apparatus main body and the image reading unit, and inserted through the opening to supply ink to a liquid ejecting head. Although the image reading unit is unable to be closed because the tube runs on the upper face of the apparatus main body, a sensor is activated by inserting an insertion piece into a detection recess, so that a printing operation is permitted to be performed.
US09272511B2	Method, apparatus, and system to provide multi-pulse waveforms with meniscus control for droplet ejection A method, apparatus, and system are described herein for driving a droplet ejection device with multi-pulse waveforms. In one embodiment, a method for driving a droplet ejection device having an actuator includes applying a multi-pulse waveform with a drop-firing portion having at least one drive pulse and a non-drop-firing portion to an actuator of the droplet ejection device. The non-drop-firing portion includes a jet straightening edge having a droplet straightening function and at least one cancellation edge having an energy canceling function. The at least drive pulse causes the droplet ejection device to eject a droplet of a fluid.
US09272509B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus comprises: a printhead, which has a heater board on which heaters are disposed, configured to discharge ink; a transfer unit configured to transfer a discharge image signal to the printhead; and a power supply circuit configured to generate power for heating the heaters. Here, the printhead includes a supply circuit which, based upon the discharge image signal, supplies the heater board with power generated by the power supply circuit.
US09272498B2	Precast thermal interface adhesive for easy and repeated, separation and remating Precast curable thermal interface adhesives facilitating the easy and repeatable separation and remaining of electronic components at thermal interfaces thereof, and a method for implementing the foregoing repeatable separation and remating at the thermal interfaces of components through the use of such adhesives.
US09272497B2	Hermetically sealed electronic device using coated glass flakes A glass-flake loaded organic sealant system is useful for sealing active layers such as those in electronic devices and solar cells.
US09272495B1	Compaction system for composite stringers A method and apparatus for compacting composite stringers. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a compacting structure, a compactor vacuum system, and a carrier vacuum system. The compacting structure has a shape configured to contact layers of uncured composite material for a composite stringer. The compactor vacuum system is associated with the compacting structure. The compactor vacuum system is configured to cause the compacting structure to apply a pressure to the layers of uncured composite material when a compactor vacuum is applied to the compactor vacuum system. The carrier vacuum system is associated with the compacting structure. The carrier vacuum system is configured to hold the layers of uncured composite material against the compacting structure when a carrier vacuum is applied to the carrier vacuum system.
US09272493B2	Stamping head used for pressing anisotropic conductive film onto ceramic substrate A stamping head includes a stamping portion and a connection portion connected to the stamping portion. The stamping portion includes a top surface and four side surfaces. The stamping head defines a jag extending from a junction between a specific one of the side surfaces and the top surface toward a centre of the top surface. The jag passes through the specific side surface. When the stamping head presses a ACF onto a ceramic substrate, a residual air between the ACF and the ceramic substrate flows outside through the jag.
US09272481B2	Bottom-gusseted package and method A bottom-gusseted package comprises a package body, and a bottom gusset positioned transversely of a longitudinal axis of the package body. A top sleeve portion of the package body can be configured to include a recloseable fastener, a dispensing spout, or an upper package seal. Formation of the bottom-gusseted package is effected by positioning individual sleeves transversely of the longitudinal axis of a flexible web which forms the package body. During package formation, the flexible web is cut to form individual packages, and each individual sleeve can be cut to form a bottom gusset in one package, and a top sleeve portion in an adjacent package.
US09272479B2	Press A press for producing a pellet from a powdered material, comprising a press frame with an upper and a lower retaining plate, which are connected with one another by several vertical spacers and with at least one supporting element disposed between the upper and the lower retaining plate, at least one upper punch unit with at least one upper press punch and/or at least one lower punch unit with at least one lower press punch as well as at least one holder for powdered material, which is to be pressed by the upper and/or lower press punch, at least one upper drive unit with at least one upper drive motor for moving the upper punch unit in the vertical direction and/or at least one lower drive unit with at least one lower drive motor for moving the lower punch unit and/or the holder in the vertical direction, wherein, when the press is operating, the upper drive unit and/or the lower drive unit are supported at the supporting element in such a manner, that the reaction forces, which are generated as action forces by the pressing forces, produced during the pressing of the powdered material in the at least one holder, are passed into the supporting element and wherein the upper drive motor and/or the lower drive motor are disposed at the press frame, so that the upper drive motor and/or the lower drive motor are not moved in the vertical direction when the upper punch unit and/or the lower punch unit and/or the holder are moved vertically.
US09272478B2	Apparatus for reducing the thickness of an absorbent body and method of the same Provided is an apparatus for reducing a thickness of an absorbent body having liquid absorbent fiber as a main material. The apparatus includes a pressing device that reduces the thickness of the absorbent body transported in a transport direction, by sandwiching and pressing the absorbent body in a thickness direction orthogonal to the transport direction, a pair of rollers that are positioned on a downstream side of the pressing device along the transport direction, and rotate while passing the absorbent body through a gap formed by outer circumferences of the pair of rollers opposing each other, a sensor that outputs measurement information relating to the thickness of the absorbent body at a position between the pressing device and the pair of rollers, and a controller that sets a size of the gap between the pair of rollers based on the measurement information.
US09272469B2	Crosslinked, melt-shaped articles and compositions for producing same Disclosed is a crosslinkable mixture comprising a polyolefin, an alkoxysilane, an organopolysiloxane, a free radical initiator and a liquid polymer modifier. The organopolysiloxane contains two or more hydroxyl end groups. When the crosslinkable mixture is melt-shaped, a unique crosslinked composition is formed. The liquid polymer modifier improves flexibility of the melt-shaped article without decreasing dielectric strength.
US09272468B1	Apparatus and method for producing biobased carriers from byproducts of biomass processing An apparatus for producing biobased carriers for dispersal of biological and chemical molecules includes a premixer having a first inlet, a first outlet, a cavity configured for receiving a wet coproduct and a binder through the first inlet, and a stirring apparatus within the cavity for premixing the wet coproduct and binder into a substantially homogeneous mixture; a high shear mixer having a housing, a drive apparatus and a high shear apparatus, the housing defining an opening, the drive apparatus being within the housing and for forcing the substantially homogeneous mixture from the premixer into the high shear apparatus, and the high shear apparatus including a rotor, a stator and a screen covering the opening and being for shear mixing the mixture including forcing the mixture through the screen and out of the housing in the form of nucleation enhanced particles; and an agglomerator having an interior chamber sized and configured to receive the nucleation enhanced particles from the high shear mixer and for transforming the nucleation enhanced particles into substantially spherical biomass pellets.
US09272460B2	Method of producing polarizing film A method of producing a polarizing film having a high polarizing function. Provided is a method of producing a polarizing film, including the steps of: at least dyeing and stretching a first polyvinyl alcohol of two or more band-like polyvinyl alcohol films in the course of a traveling path while traveling the first polyvinyl alcohol film in a longitudinal direction, and bonding a tail end of the first polyvinyl alcohol resin film to a leading end of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin film to at least dye and stretch the first and second polyvinyl alcohol resin films continuously, wherein the first and second polyvinyl alcohol resin films are arranged with the tail end of the first polyvinyl alcohol resin film and the leading end of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin film being layered, and an interface portion thereof is laser welded to perform the bonding.
US09272455B2	Hot runner system sealing arrangement A sealing arrangement between hot runner components includes a sealing component positioned between a first hot runner component and a second hot runner component having a molding material channel extending therebetween. The sealing component includes an opening through which the molding material channel extends. The sealing component is received in a bore in the second hot runner component such that a portion of the sealing component projects beyond the second hot runner component to create a gap between the first hot runner component and the second hot runner component. The sealing component has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the second hot runner component and less than a hardness of the first hot runner component. Further, the sealing component has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is proximate to a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second hot runner component.
US09272453B1	Hot runner with removable gate pad An injection molding machine comprises a manifold plate, a nozzle extending through the manifold plate, and a gate pad. A valve stem is disposed within the nozzle and is movable between a first position in which the valve stem extends through an outlet of the nozzle, and a retracted position. The gate pad has an inlet end with an inlet opening and an outlet end with a gate aperture. The inlet end is removably attachable to the manifold plate so that the nozzle is received through the inlet opening and the outlet of the nozzle is in communication with the gate aperture, wherein the valve stem seals the gate aperture in the extended position. The outlet end of the gate pad abuts a mold insert and molding material is delivered from the nozzle to a cavity defined by the mold insert through the gate aperture.
US09272450B2	Insert molding method for connector To provide an insert molding method for a connector which enables terminals to be inserted easily into insertion destination places for the terminals. An insert-molding method for insert molding a connector 1 equipped with a plurality of terminals 10 integrated with a housing 40 and aligned in two rows, includes setting the plurality of terminals 10 in a housing mold 80 to uniform warping directions D of the terminals 10 so that the warping directions D are respectively directed toward outer sides of the rows of the terminals 10.
US09272440B1	Saw chain cutter link having end of life indicator Embodiments herein provide a cutter link having an end of life indicator to provide feedback to the user that the saw chain, and more specifically the cutter link(s), has been worn and/or sharpened to an undesirable state or degree. There is provided one or more disruptions to the cutting surface of a cutter link in a region that is past the manufacturer's recommended wear limit. When exposed, such disruptions in the cutting surface provide perceptible indications to the user that the chain should no longer be used.
US09272439B2	Rip fence for a table saw having independent alignment and locking A rip fence for a table saw includes a frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A front clamping lever is pivotably supported in the front portion of the frame for movement between a clamped and an unclamped position. A handle is pivotably supported in the front portion of the frame for movement between a locked and an unlocked position. The handle includes a lever portion that engages the front clamping lever and moves the front clamping lever from the unclamped to the clamped position when the handle is moved from the unlocked position toward the locked position. A rear clamping lever is attached to the rear portion of the frame and movable between a clamped and unclamped position. When the front clamping lever is moved to clamped position by the lever portion of the handle, continued movement of the handle to locked position results in the handle pulling the rear clamping lever from the unclamped to the clamped position.
US09272436B2	Automotive emblem assembly and method A method of reusing an existing emblem from a vehicle. The method includes the steps of providing the identification of the existing emblem. From there, the dimensional characteristics of the existing emblem can be determined. The determined dimensional characteristics are then turned into a plurality of perforations through an adhesive sheet so that they correspond to the dimensional characteristics of the existing emblem. The existing emblem can then be applied to the adhesive sheet, and in turn, can be attached to a vehicle by way of the adhesive sheet. An entire library of templates corresponding to the dimensional characteristics of a plurality of existing emblems can be created.
US09272433B2	Food product slicing machine with motor torque assistance profile In order to improve a food product slicing machine with a circular knife, a carriage for accommodating products to be cut which is guided for displacement parallel to the cutting plane of the circular knife, and a drive motor for the displacement of the carriage, wherein the carriage can be operated manually in a servo operating mode and the operation is assisted by the drive motor, the slicing machine is configured that the assistance by the drive motor in the servo operating mode is dependent on at least one parameter of the carriage movement, wherein the at least one parameter may include the speed or acceleration of the carriage.
US09272428B2	Method, device and measuring device for cutting open foodstuff New methods, devices and measuring devices for slicing food are required for solving problems that occur with existing methods and devices and/or for reacting to changes to the food product being sliced. The devices include a blade for slicing food comprising a blade edge and a recess. The recess has a center point and may be employed for mounting and centering the blade on a slicing device. At least one dimension, D, of the recess is a length or diameter of the recess and preferably is at least 140 mm and at most 450 mm. The blade edge preferably has a radius, R, measured from the blade edge to the center point of the recess. The ratio of R/D preferably is less than 2.0 for every point on the blade edge.
US09272424B2	Gripper for a contact lens and process for transporting a contact lens A gripper (1) for a contact lens comprises a gripper head (2) having a bearing surface (21) for the contact lens (L) to adhere thereto. The gripper (1) further comprises an ejector (23) for mechanically displacing the contact lens, at least partially, away from the bearing surface (21). Also a process for transporting a contact lens (L) from a start location to a destination location, comprising the steps of providing the gripper (1) and positioning the gripper head (2) of the gripper at the start location with its bearing surface (21) adjacent to the contact lens (L) at a distance sufficiently close to the contact lens (L) to cause the contact lens to adhere to the bearing surface (21), moving the gripper (1) together with the contact lens (L) adhered to the bearing surface (21) to the destination location, and actuating the ejector (23, 24) in order to mechanically displace the contact lens (L) at least partially from the bearing surface (21) until the contact lens comes into sufficient contact with a receiving liquid at the destination location in order to release the contact lens (L) from the gripper (1).
US09272420B2	Robot system and imaging method A robot system includes: an imaging unit including an imaging device and a distance measuring part; and a robot to which the imaging unit is attached. The imaging device preliminarily images a workpiece. The robot preliminarily moves the imaging unit based on the result of the preliminary imaging. The distance measuring part measures the distance to the workpiece. The robot actually moves the imaging unit based on the result of the measurement. The imaging device actually images the workpiece.
US09272418B1	System and method for flexible human-machine collaboration Methods and systems for enabling human-machine collaborations includes a generalizable framework that supports dynamic adaptation and reuse of robotic capability representations and human-machine collaborative behaviors. Specifically, a computer-implemented method of enabling user-robot collaboration includes providing a composition of user interaction capabilities and a robot capability that models a functionality of a robot for performing a type of task action based on a set of parameters; specializing the robot capability with an information kernel that encapsulates the set of parameters; providing a robot capability element based on the robot capability and the information kernel and interaction capability elements based on the user interaction capabilities; connecting the robot capability element to the interaction capability elements; providing, based on the interaction capability elements, user interfaces to acquire user input associated with the set of parameters; and controlling, based on the user input and the information kernel, the functionality of the robot via the robot capability element to perform a task action of the type of task action.
US09272417B2	Real-time determination of object metrics for trajectory planning Example systems and methods may be used to determine a trajectory for moving an object using a robotic device. One example method includes determining a plurality of possible trajectories for moving an object with an end effector of a robotic manipulator based on a plurality of possible object measurements. The method may further include causing the robotic manipulator to pick up the object with the end effector. After causing the robotic manipulator to pick up the object with the end effector, the method may also include receiving sensor data from one or more sensors indicative of one or more measurements of the object. Based on the received sensor data, the method may additionally include selecting a trajectory for moving the object from the plurality of possible trajectories. The method may further include causing the robotic manipulator to move the object through the selected trajectory.
US09272410B2	Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus The present invention relates to a multi-function peripheral 1 that can allow a paper feeding cassette deck 3 to connect to an apparatus main body 2. The paper feeding cassette deck 3 has an opening portion 17 and handles. The opening portion 17 is provided on a connecting face 3a with respect to the apparatus main body 2. The handle is configured with at least a part of a rear reinforcing frame 21 and a front reinforcing frame 22 composing an edge of the opening portion 17, the at least parts of the frames protruding inward.
US09272409B2	Combinatorial objects formed by parts folding into pocket-knife like enclosures The invention describes objects that may be formed by unfolding and combining in space several parts, initially folded into a pocket-knife-like enclosure.
US09272408B2	Hand-held machine tool A hand-held machine tool is provided. The hand-held machine tool includes a striking element that is accelerated along a working axis, and a guide for the striking element. A cushioning damper limits a motion of the striking element along the working axis and has an elastic damping ring. The damping ring has grooves running on at least one face side radial to the working axis.
US09272406B2	Fastener cartridge comprising a cutting member for releasing a tissue thickness compensator A staple cartridge, or fastener cartridge, for a surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, wherein the staple cartridge includes a distally-located cutting blade arranged to cut a distal end portion of a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator and/or a buttress material, for example, attached to the staple cartridge. The distally-located cutting blade can extend out of a distal cavity of the staple cartridge. The distally-located cutting blade can move in a direction that is perpendicular to a staple deck of the staple cartridge. The distally-located cutting blade can also move in any suitable direction relative to the staple deck.
US09272404B1	Rotation tool A tool for assessing rotatable objects in an engine by selectively imparting a rotation to a chosen number of the rotatable objects that includes an engagement member, a shaft portion, and a motor as a rotation source. In the preferred embodiment, the engagement member mounted on a first end of the shaft engages the rotatable object. A support member means is mounted on a second end of the extendable member or on the shaft. A rotation source is used to impart rotation on shaft and engagement member and thus to the rotatable object to be rotated as may be required to facilitate for the testing and adjustment procedures to be performed upon the rotatable member.
US09272402B2	Hand tool with an embossed character A hand tool includes a body having first and second surfaces spaced from each other in a height direction. A marking unit is formed on the first surface and includes a groove formed in the first surface of the body. The groove includes a bottom face spaced from the first surface of the body in the height direction. An embossed character protrudes from the bottom face towards the first surface and has a stepped portion to provide a clear indication effect.
US09272399B2	Electrical wrench An electrical wrench includes a motor, a transmission mechanism, a ratchet assembly and a controlling member coupled to each other. The transmission mechanism is configured to provide idle travels. The ratchet assembly receives the rotating torque output by the transmission mechanism and drives the ratchet therein in a single direction. The controlling member is connected with the motor and controls the motor to rotate in the opposite direction when detecting the motor is stalled. The electrical wrench thus provides impacting action by electrical control and simplifies the mechanical structure of the tool, which not only reduces the manufacturing cost, but also prolongs the working life of the tool.
US09272398B2	Hand machine tool A hand machine tool includes a tool retainer that retains a tool, a motor that drives the tool retainer in a rotary motion, and a torque-controlled sliding clutch that is connected in a drivetrain between the motor and the tool retainer. The sliding clutch includes a first clutch disk, a second clutch disk, a spring and a controlling unit which can be activated manually. The second clutch disk is arranged displaceably alongside an axis limited by a stop in the direction toward the first clutch disk. Force is applied to the second clutch disk by the spring alongside the axis in the direction toward the first clutch disk. The manually activated controlling unit variably sets an axial distance between the first clutch disk and the stop, with which an engagement depth of the first clutch disk with the second clutch disk can be defined.
US09272397B2	Transportable screwing tool with integrated switching element A transportable screwing tool configured to mount and/or dismount screws into and/or out of a work piece includes an electric motor operable by electrical energy and a switching element configured to activate and/or deactivate the electric motor. The screwing tool further includes a drive train arranged inside a housing of the screwing tool. The drive train is mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation arranged essentially perpendicularly to the drive train. A method for activating and/or deactivating the electric motor includes moving at least one element of the switching element for the purpose of activating the electric motor out of a position of nonuse into a position of use when the drive train is moved in rotation about the axis of rotation.
US09272394B2	Pliers apparatus A pliers apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises two arms, two jaws, struts and a switch allowing the apparatus to function as a ratcheting device, pliers and clamps.
US09272393B2	Foamed rigid bottom sanding block A foamed rigid bottom sanding block includes a sanding block formed of polyfoam material having a bottom portion with an integrally formed rigid member made of a material to lend weight as well as rigidity to said bottom portion, said rigid member nearly spanning a length and a width of said bottom portion and which encased within said polyfoam material, an upper portion of said sanding block having a handle which protrudes from said bottom portion and is made of said polyfoam material. A method and sanding block formed by the method are included.
US09272390B2	Pad conditioning tool having sapphire dressing particles A pad conditioning tool includes a sapphire substrate with a specific orientation plane, wherein the specific orientation plane is selected from a group consisting of a-plane, c-plane, r-plane, m-plane, n-plane and v-plane, the sapphire substrate further defining a mounting surface; and a plurality of sapphire dressing particles and a plurality of scrapers formed on the mounting surface of the substrate in a predetermined geometric arrangement, wherein the dressing particles are scattered between an adjacent pair of the scrapers. In case a wafer polishing pad is conditioned by the dressing particles of the pad conditioning tool, the scrapers are capable of removing abrasive waste and particles from the wafer polishing pad during a dressing operation, thereby forming new trenches and cilia structure on a polishing surface of the wafer polishing pad.
US09272388B2	Polishing systems Described herein are polishing apparatus, polishing formulations, and polymeric substrates for use in polishing surfaces, and related methods. The apparatus, formulations, substrates, and methods may each be used in applications involving the polishing of metal and/or metal-containing surfaces such as semiconductor wafers. The apparatus, formulations, polymeric substrates, and related methods described herein may be used without abrasives, and in some instances, without mechanical friction of a pad surface against the surface to be polished. Therefore, defects on a polished surface due to such mechanical polishing processes may be reduced.
US09272386B2	Polishing head, and chemical-mechanical polishing system for polishing substrate A polishing head for a chemical-mechanical polishing system includes a carrier head, at least one electromagnetism actuated pressure sector and a membrane. The electromagnetism actuated pressure sector is disposed on the carrier head. The membrane covers the electromagnetism actuated pressure sector.
US09272381B2	Method for automatically inspecting and trimming a patch antenna A method is configured to automatically inspect and trim a ceramic patch antenna which has a radiation metal surface. Firstly, an inspection apparatus electrically connected to a radio frequency component testing fixture is arranged. The inspection apparatus is inputted standard parameters of electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna. Then, the ceramic patch antenna is arranged on the radio frequency component testing fixture. The inspection apparatus is configured to measure electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna and to judge whether the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are the same as the standard parameters or not. The inspection apparatus is configured to drive a trimming machine for trimming the radiation metal surface of the ceramic patch antenna if the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are different from the stand parameters.
US09272378B1	System for holding working objects A modular vise system for holding working objects. The system includes a fixture plate and an adjustable vise member for coupling the working object to the fixture plate. The adjustable vise member is configured to locate and secure the working object in relation to the fixture plate. The adjustable vise member includes a body, a moveable assembly, and a gripper. The body has a fastener configured to allow the body to selectively translate relative to the fixture plate. The body has a cavity formed within it. The moveable assembly is housed at least partially within the cavity of the body and configured to selectively translate relative to the body, thereby allowing further precision locating of the working object. The gripper is configured to secure the working object. The gripper is coupled to the moveable assembly.
US09272375B2	Manufacturing process of a foldable repairing tool bit A manufacturing process of a foldable repairing tool bit includes a material preparing step, an unnecessary material removing step and a material bending step. Wherein, a stick with a designated length is prepared firstly, where one end of the stick is a bending portion, and another end of the stick is an embodying portion; and then, at least one side of the bending portion is partially removed so as to form a smooth surface thereof; finally, the bending portion are bent so as to form a tool bit with a pivoting hole. Under this arrangement, said tool bits are pivotally assembled in a tool base so as to form a foldable repairing tool set.
US09272372B2	Welding spinners, and related methods and devices A welding spinner has a base; a wheel with a mounting face for an implement to be welded; and a cam arm laterally connecting the wheel to the base and mounted to rotate between the base and the wheel to adjust the height of the wheel relative to the base. A method of using the welding spinner includes rotating the cam arm relative to the base to adjust the height of the wheel relative to the base. A counterweight device and a removable chuck are disclosed and may be used with a welding spinner.
US09272371B2	Solder joint for an electrical conductor and a window pane including same A solder joint is disposed on an electrical conductor which comprises silver. The solder joint comprises bismuth and tin. The solder joint has a microstructure comprising a bismuth-rich solder bulk and a silver-solder reaction zone. The bismuth-rich solder bulk is disposed adjacent to the silver-solder reaction zone. The solder joint comprises a plurality of bismuth-rich grains formed from bismuth and substantially dispersed throughout at least the bismuth-rich solder bulk of the solder joint. A window pane comprising the solder joint is also disclosed.
US09272369B2	Method for automated superalloy laser cladding with 3D imaging weld path control Superalloy components, such as service-degraded turbine blades and vanes, are clad by laser beam welding. The welding/cladding path, including cladding application profile, is determined by prior, preferably real time, non-contact 3D dimensional scanning of the component and comparison of the acquired dimensional scan data with specification dimensional data for the component. A welding path for cladding the scanned component to conform its dimensions to the specification dimensional data is determined. The laser welding apparatus, preferably in cooperation with a cladding filler material distribution apparatus, executes the welding path to apply the desired cladding profile. In some embodiments a post-weld non-contact 3D dimensional scan of the welded component is performed and the post-weld scan dimensional data are compared with the specification dimensional data. Preferably the welding path and/or cladding profile application are modified in a feedback loop with the pre- and/or post-welding 3D dimensional scanning.
US09272364B2	Laser irradiation device and laser induced thermal imaging method A laser irradiation device includes a laser generator for patterning and a laser generator for preheating. A laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) method, includes preparing an acceptor substrate, laminating a donor substrate on the acceptor substrate, and irradiating a laser beam onto a predetermined region of the donor substrate and carrying out transfer using a laser irradiation device having a laser generator for patterning and a laser generator for preheating. Advantageously, a laser beam having high intensity generated by the laser generator for patterning is used to prevent the transfer layer from being degraded, and a laser beam generated by the laser generator for preheating is simultaneously used for preheating so that an edge open failure does not occur and the transfer can be readily carried out even in a portion having a step of the acceptor substrate.
US09272360B2	Universal plasma extension gun Universal plasma spray extension gun systems and devices for thermal spraying of machine components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma gun extension system includes: a plasma extension arm; an arm connector disposed on the plasma extension arm and configured to connect to an adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus; an arm coupler disposed on the plasma extension arm and configured to connect the plasma extension arm to a robotic arm; and a set of feed conduits disposed on the plasma extension arm between the arm coupler and the arm connector, the set of feed conduits configured to supply a flow to the adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus.
US09272357B2	Systems and methods for wire feed speed control A welding system including a fine tuning knob and a coarse adjustment knob for setting a weld wire feed speed are provided. The welding system may include a welder having the coarse adjustment knob and a spool gun having the fine tuning knob. A user may adjust the knob on the welder to set a coarse adjustment wire feed speed and may adjust the knob on the spool gun to fine tune the wire feed speed setting.
US09272355B2	Hydraulically driven dual operator welding system and method Welding systems including a hydraulically driven welding power supply adapted to utilize hydraulic primary power to generate a first welding output for a first welding operation and a second welding output for a second welding operation are provided. Such welding systems may include control circuitry coupled to the hydraulically driven welding power supply and adapted to enable the hydraulically driven welding power supply to provide the first welding output and the second welding output at the same time to enable a first welding operator and a second welding operator to perform the first welding operation and the second welding operation, respectively, at the same time.
US09272352B1	Vacuum reflow voiding rework system A solar cell module comprises a solar cell soldered to a mounting element, such as a ceramic substrate. The solder bond can comprise a void. A method of reducing a solder void comprises reflowing the solder using a vacuum source and a heat source in a sealed chamber. The chamber is formed, at least in part, by a cowling into which the solar cell module is mounted. A system for reducing voids in a solder bond comprises a heat source and a vacuum source coupled to the sealed chamber into which a solar cell module is placed. The system can optionally include a control system that automates the execution of methods of reducing solder voids. The system can further include a pressure source to aid in reducing the solder void and reflowing the solder after the void is reduced.
US09272345B2	Portable work bench An improved portable work bench includes a structural body, and a platform disposed on and frictionally contacting the structural body. In addition, the platform includes an override mechanism for allowing horizontal movement of the platform along the structural body. Further, the portable work bench may include a plurality of legs for supporting the structural body. The structural body may be tubular and preferably has a trapezoidal cross-section. Such work bench can be used by disposing the platform on the structural body, so that the platform frictionally contacts the structural body. Then the user can mechanically override the static friction between the platform and the structural body and move the platform horizontally along the structural body.
US09272342B2	Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of producing machined product using the same Tools and methods are disclosed for producing a machined product using a cutting tool with a cutting insert. The cutting insert has an upper surface sequentially including a first rake surface and a second rake surface. The first rake surface is inclined toward the lower surface going inward from the cutting edge at a first rake angle on a basis of a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a central axis extending between the upper surface and a lower surface. The second rake surface is located more inward than the first rake surface and is inclined toward the lower surface at a second rake angle different from the first rake angle on the basis of the perpendicular plane. An intersecting part between the first rake surface and the second rake surface includes a protruded part located at a highest position in a region of the intersecting part along the second side surface.
US09272341B2	Device and method for generating microstructures in cylindrical surfaces Tool and method for generating microstructures within cylindrical surfaces with a higher degree of efficiency, thereby allowing to provide cylindrical surfaces with a corresponding microstructure in much shorter cycle time. Cutting elements of the tool are arranged within seats to be radially displaceable in said seats during rotation of said tool body. The cutting elements are radially displaceable at least between two different radial positions, namely a radially retracted and a radially extended position. The cutting elements can be evenly distributed about the circumference of the tool at the same radial distance such that the tips of the cutting teeth and also the seats define a common cylindrical envelope surface the axis of which coincides with the axis of the tool body.
US09272338B2	Machine tool Provided is a machine tool, which is capable of highly accurately performing machining with respect to a bent surface of a subject to be machined. The machine tool fixes work (W), which has an upper flat surface (Wa) and a lower bent surface (Wb), in a state wherein the upper flat surface (Wa) is horizontally disposed, and makes a hole in the lower bent surface (Wb). The machine tool is provided with: a lower machining head (25), which has rotatably mounted thereon a tool (T1) that makes the hole in the lower bent surface (Wb); a lower saddle (24) which moves the lower machining head (25) in the axis direction of the tool (T1); and a lower cross rail (23), which is provided by being tilted, with respect to the upper flat surface (Wa), at a tilt angle (α) that is set corresponding to the curvature of the lower bent surface (Wb), and which supports the lower saddle (24) such that the lower saddle can move in the tilt direction of the tilt angle (α).
US09272333B2	Method of making a porous sintered body, a compound for making the porous sintered body, and the porous sintered body A method of making a porous sintered body includes a formation step S102 where a sintering compound which contains a binder and a sinterable powder material is into a predetermined shape; a degreasing steps S103, S104 and S105 where the binder is removed from a formed body obtained in the formation step; and a sintering step S108 where a degreased body after the degreasing step is sintered into a sintered body. The binder contains a component which drains at a temperature higher than a draining temperature of the pore formation material drains. The pore formation material is drained in the degreasing step, with part of the binder remaining un-drained. The present invention enables to manufacture porous sintered bodies which are highly porous, and highly accurate in shape and dimensions. The present invention also enables to manufacture porous sintered bodies which offer functionalities not available before.
US09272330B2	Method and apparatus for managing heat energy in a metal casting plant A method for managing heat energy in a metal casting plant includes executing a local control optimization model to control mass of solid metal charges to each modular melting furnace. The local control optimization model is configured to achieve a commanded total mass of molten material and coincidentally minimize waste heat for each of the modular melting furnaces. The method for managing heat energy in the metal casting plant further includes executing a system control optimization model to manage operation of a heat energy recovery system. The system control optimization model is configured to manage the operation of the heat energy recovery system including transferring the waste heat from the modular melting furnaces to a plurality of heat demand centers while minimizing total loss of the waste heat in the metal casting plant.
US09272329B2	Sand knock-out head clamping assembly A sand knock-out head clamping assembly of a casting vibratory apparatus for engaging a casting to be vibrated is provided. The assembly includes a holder configured to be releasably mounted to a vibratory mechanism of the vibratory apparatus. The holder includes a holder body having a first face in contact with the vibratory mechanism and a second face opposite the first face. The holder body includes an engagement member extending outwardly from the second face. An insert is removably mounted only to the holder. The insert is configured to at least partially receive the engagement member.
US09272327B2	Method for producing shaped article of aluminum alloy, shaped aluminum alloy article and production system A method for producing an aluminum-alloy shaped product, includes a step of forging a continuously cast rod of aluminum alloy serving as a forging material, in which the aluminum alloy contains Si in an amount of 10.5 to 13.5 mass %, Fe in an amount of 0.15 to 0.65 mass %, Cu in an amount of 2.5 to 5.5 mass % and Mg in an amount of 0.3 to 1.5 mass %, and heat treatment and heating steps including a step of subjecting the forging material to pre-heat treatment, a step of heating the forging material during a course of forging of the forging material and a step of subjecting a shaped product to post-heat treatment, the pre-heat treatment including treatment of maintaining the forging material at a temperature of −10 to 480° C. for two to six hours.
US09272326B2	Apparatus for ventilation of a casting mold An apparatus for ventilation of a casting mold has two mold halves that lie opposite one another and are complementary, in terms of shape and function, to one another. The halves have a plurality of elevations and/or depressions, in each instance, which run essentially parallel to one another and essentially transverse to a flow direction, on their surfaces that face one another, in such a manner that when the mold halves are set onto one another, a gap having an inlet and an outlet forms between the mold halves, at least in part. The gap is washboard-shaped, labyrinth-shaped and/or meander-shaped. Through the gap, air displaced out of the casting mold and excess molten material flow during filling of the casting mold. At least one mold half is formed by multiple segments disposed next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the mold half and releasably attached.
US09272324B2	Investment casting process for hollow components An investment casting process for a hollow component such as a gas turbine blade utilizing a ceramic core (10) that is cast in a flexible mold (24) using a low pressure, vibration assisted casting process. The flexible mold is cast from a master tool (14) machined from soft metal using a relatively low precision machining process, with relatively higher precision surfaces being defined by a precision formed insert (22) incorporated into the master tool. A plurality of identical flexible molds may be formed from a single master tool in order to permit the production of ceramic cores at a desired rate with a desired degree of part-to-part precision.
US09272322B2	Supply device, and method for supplying band-like member A feeding device (10) comprises: a support frame (12); an annular-shaped rotary frame (13); paired feeding rollers (15, 161) for nipping a strip-shaped member therebetween; a rotating motor (M1) for rotating the rotating frame (13); a feeding motor (M2) for rotating at least one (15) of the feeding rollers; and a driving force transmission mechanism (17) comprising a rotatable member relatively rotatable with respect to the rotating frame (13). The rotating frame (13) is rotated by driving of the rotating motor (M1) through a roller or a gear, and the at least one feeding roller (15) is rotated by the feeding motor (M2) through the driving force transmission mechanism (17), so that the strip-shaped member (100) is fed out in the form of a given helical configuration.
US09272311B2	Laser probe tip fiber cap cleaning A system for cleaning a fiber cap including a first fixture configured to hold the fiber cap, the fiber cap having an internal cavity with an opening therein. The fiber cap also includes a first axis generally aligned with the central axis of the fiber cap and internal cavity, a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes. The system further includes a second fixture configured to hold a particulate collecting member (1) to receive and hold an electrical charge and (2) for insertion into the opening of the fiber cap. Also included with the system is a first camera positioned to provide a view of the fiber cap held in the first fixture and the particulate collecting member held in the second fixture in the direction of the third axis of the fiber cap and a second camera positioned to provide a view of the fiber cap held in the first fixture and the particulate collecting member held in the second fixture in the direction of the second axis of the fiber cap.
US09272309B2	Method for applying a pattern, such as a logo, onto the outer skin of an aircraft element A method for applying a pattern, such as a logo, onto the outer skin of an aircraft element includes the following steps: a) applying a coat of paint onto the aircraft element; b) applying a top coat (base coat) onto the coat of paint; c) applying a first coat of transparent varnish (clear coat) onto the base coat; d) applying the pattern onto the first coat of transparent varnish; and e) applying a second coat of transparent varnish (clear coat) onto the pattern.
US09272308B2	Method of manufacturing optical device A method of manufacturing an optical device that includes a relief structure formation layer, a first layer made of a first material having a refractive index different from that of a material of the relief structure formation layer, and a second layer made of a second material different from the first material and covering the first layer. A ratio of an amount of the second material at a position of the second region to an apparatus area of the second region is zero or smaller than a ratio of an amount of the second material at the position of the second sub-region to an apparatus area of the second sub region.
US09272307B2	Contact coating of prostheses A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.
US09272306B2	Coating material distribution using simultaneous rotation and vibration Provided are methods and systems for distributing coating materials using simultaneous vibration and rotation. Inertial forces generated during vibration and centrifugal forces generated during rotation redistribute the coating materials previously deposited on the surface resulting in uniform and/or conformal layers. The coated surfaces may have various shapes and degrees of roughness and may be referred to as complex surfaces. An initial layer of the coating material may be deposited on a complex surface of the part using dipping, spraying, spin coating, or other like techniques. The coating material is redistributed by simultaneous rotation and vibration of the part using specifically selected process conditions, such as orientation of vibrational and rotational axes relative to the part, rotational speeds, and vibrational frequencies and amplitudes. The redistribution operation may be repeated one or more times using different process conditions to ensure uniform distribution on different portions of the complex surfaces.
US09272304B1	Paint edger devices An edger for a paint roller, comprising: a roller frame; a roller cover, having lateral edges, the lateral edges being outside a painting width of the paint roller and being configured to glide against a surface without marring the surface; a displaceable mount, configured to have a first position in which a roller cover is fully engaged over the paint roller and a second position in which the roller cover is disengaged from the paint roller; and at least one auxiliary brush, located on at least one lateral edge of the roller cover, configured to provide painting coverage adjacent to an edge of the roller. A paintbrush edger comprising a linked pair of selectively deployed shields, separated by a wicking space, having tips which glide in a corner, protecting a from contact with paint, while withdrawing paint which seeps into the corner into the wicking space.
US09272303B1	Material dispense tips and methods for forming the same A dispense tip constructed and arranged to communicate with a material dispensing pump comprises an elongated neck and a molded base having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The neck extends from the first portion of the base. The second portion is constructed and arranged to abut an outlet surface of the pump. An outermost region of the second portion of the base includes a compressible fluid-tight surface that compliantly conforms to the outlet surface when the dispense tip is mounted to the pump.
US09272299B2	Dispenser A dispenser includes a hollow containment body with a hole located inside the bottle and an orifice for pumping a liquid product contained inside the bottle. The dispenser also includes a ring nut, a piston, and a hollow stem slidable inside the body and associated with a dispensing spout to actuate the piston in order to dispense fluid contained in the bottle. The body further includes an aperture to selectively place an ambient air inlet passage in fluid communication with the hole in the body. The ring nut has a first substantially cylindrical portion and a second substantially cylindrical portion which are mutually coupled to define the air inlet passage between them.
US09272293B2	Particle separator A particle separator comprises a vessel, a fluid inlet, a fluid swirl passage, a scupper cavity, a first fluid outlet, and a second fluid outlet. The vessel includes a vessel sidewall extending between a vessel top side and a vessel bottom side. The fluid swirl passage includes a first passage end in communication with a fluid inlet disposed on the vessel top side. A second passage end is in communication with a vessel swirl cavity defined at least in part by an inner surface of the vessel sidewall. The scupper cavity includes a scupper entrance disposed along the inner surface of the vessel sidewall, and is spaced circumferentially apart from the second passage end. The first fluid outlet is in communication with the scupper cavity and disposed on the vessel bottom side. The second fluid outlet is disposed above the first fluid outlet in communication with the vessel swirl cavity.
US09272292B1	Electronic biological eliminator for inhibiting bio-film and microorganism development in fuels and lubricants Apparatus, systems and methods for subjecting biological contaminated liquid fuels and/or liquids to an oscillating electric field for an extended duration within a treatment vessel that has a defined cavity having an insulating fill material encasing a number of insulating flow tubes each having at least one conductive body therein. The defined cavity also has one or more reservoirs in communication with the insulating flow tubes. An oscillating electric field is generated within the insulating flow tubes and reservoirs, whereby a biologically contaminated liquid fuel and/or lubricant is subjected to this oscillating electric field for an extended time to inhibit proliferation of these biological contaminants within the liquid fuels and/or lubricants.
US09272285B2	Emulsification grinder The emulsification grinder includes a feeder module, a grinding wheel assembly and a driver module. The grinding wheel assembly separately connects the feeder module and driver module and includes an upper grinding wheel, a lower grinding wheel and a turntable. The upper grinding wheel is radially formed with knives. The lower grinding wheel corresponds to the upper grinding wheel at an interval and has a receiving room and knives. The turntable is received in the receiving room.
US09272281B2	Method and device for targeted process control in a microfluidic processor having integrated active elements The invention relates to a microfluidic micromechanical system having integrated active elements (7) and a method for microfluidic process control in a microfluidic micromechanical system. According to the invention, the microfluidic system comprises integrated active elements (7), which can be activated without auxiliary energy by means of ambient variables that can be influenced and which are designed to bring about active functions as a result of the change of the swelling state thereof or the mechanical properties thereof. The microfluidic micromechanical system further comprises at least one structural support (2) having at least one first (3) and one second (4) channel, wherein a reaction chamber (6) bounded by active elements (7) is formed in an overlapping region (5) of the first and second channels.
US09272279B2	Immunoassay product and process The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.
US09272276B2	In-situ catalyst sulfiding, passivating and coking systems and methods A system and method for efficiently treating metal catalyst resident in a reactor vessel comprises a sulfiding module, a sulfur source, an ammonia source, and/or a coking source, a hydrogen sulfide detection module, a hydrogen gas detection module, a pH detection module, an ammonia gas detection module and a remote computer all arranged and configured to communicate wirelessly and to allow remote control and monitoring of the modules and process so that catalyst may be sulfided, passivated and/or soft-coked in situ.
US09272273B2	Vertically aligned mesoporous thin film, method of manufacturing the same, and catalytic application thereof This invention relates to a vertically aligned mesoporous silicate film with site-selective metal deposition from a single polymeric precursor and to diverse catalytic applications thereof. There is an innovative approach of a single precursor to manufacture a vertically aligned mesoporous silicate thin film having high thermal and chemical resistance on a large-area silicon wafer (2 cm×3 cm). A precisely designed organic-inorganic block copolymer (BCP) polyethyleneoxide-ss-polyvinylcyclicsilazane (PEO-ss-PVCSZ) with a disulfide bridge that is chemically cleavable is newly synthesized as the single precursor for an oriented silicate nanoporous film, and using such a precursor, solvent annealing, self-assembling, block cleaving treatment, and then hydrolysis conversion of a polymer into a siliceous phase at room temperature are carried out, thus directly forming a mesostructure on the substrate.
US09272267B2	Catalyst for oxygenate synthesis and method for manufacturing same, device for manufacturing oxygenate, and method for manufacturing oxygenate The present invention relates to a catalyst for oxygenate synthesis for synthesizing an oxygenate from a mixed gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the catalyst for oxygenate synthesis containing: a component (A): rhodium, a component (B): manganese, a component (C): an alkali metal, and a component (D): a component (D1), component (D2) or component (D3), wherein the component (D1) is one or more substances selected from the group consisting of titanium, vanadium and chromium, the component (D2) is an element belonging to group 13 of the periodic table, and the component (D3) is one or more substances selected from the group consisting of magnesium and lanthanoids. According to the present invention, an oxygenate can be synthesized efficiently from a mixed gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
US09272266B2	Palladium—gold catalyst synthesis A supported palladium-gold catalyst is produced under mild conditions using a commonly available base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). In this method, support materials and a base solution are mixed together and the temperature of the mixture is increased to a temperature above room temperature. Then, palladium salt and gold salt are added to the mixture while maintaining the pH of the mixture to be greater than 7.0 and keeping the mixture at a temperature above room temperature. This is followed by cooling the mixture while adding acetic acid to maintain the pH of the mixture to be within a desired pH range, filtering out the supported palladium-gold particles, washing with a pH buffer solution and calcining.
US09272263B2	Sand bed downdraft furnace and activated carbon scrubber A device for roasting spent activated carbon, waste sludges, or other organic wastes, includes a downdraft bed furnace, a first adsorber fluidly coupled to the furnace including a closed tank of adsorber process solution, a venturi scrubber and a cyclone separator coupled to the tank such that gases are sucked through the venturi and the cyclone separator, liquid effluents from the scrubber and separator falling by gravity into the tank, a second adsorber fluidly coupled to the first adsorber including a closed tank of adsorber liquid, a venturi scrubber and a cyclone separator coupled to the tank such that gases are sucked through the venturi and the cyclone separator, liquid effluents from the scrubber and separator falling by gravity into the tank, the second adsorber configured to remove impurities not removed in the first adsorber; and an exhaust blower fluidly coupled to the second adsorber unit and configured to pull air into the furnace and through the first and second adsorbers.
US09272260B2	Methods of synthesis and purification by use of a solid support Disclosed herein are novel methods of using polymeric adsorbent resin for chemical synthesis and the purification of product therefrom. Also disclosed herein is a novel method of using silica gel for the combination of chemical reaction and chromatography into a single step. The methods disclosed herein increase the efficiency of chemical synthesis processes. Accordingly, the utility of the methods disclosed herein includes the ability to automate chemical synthesis and purification of the resulting products.
US09272258B2	Process for preparing alkenylhalosilanes and reactor suitable therefore A process for preparing alkenylhalosilanes by reacting alkenyl halide in the gas phase in a reactor comprising a reaction tube (1) equipped with an inlet (2) at one end of the tube and with an outlet (3) at the other end of the tube, and having a gas inlet device (4) having a plurality of gas feed points (5) that are spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the reaction tube (1) and open into the reaction tube (1). The process permits the preparation of alkenylhalosilanes in high yield and with high selectivity. The formation of soot is distinctly lower compared to conventional reactors.
US09272256B2	Process for treating hydrocarbon streams A process is disclosed for treating a hydrocarbon stream including flowing the hydrocarbon stream through a hydrocarbon treating vessel, heating a portion of the hydrocarbon treating vessel to a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined amount of time and controlling sensitization of the portion of the interior surface of the hydrocarbon treating vessel.
US09272255B2	Combustion device that produces hydrogen with the re-use of captured CO2 The combustion device according to the invention produces gases containing CO2 and water vapor and comprises a circulating fluidized bed reaction chamber (1, 2), a separator (10, 20), heat recovery means of which a part is situated in a dense fluidized bed (12, 12a, 22), wherein the part located in the bed of the heat recovery system(s) is composed of catalyst tubes (120, 120a, 220) through which a gas mixture flows. The gas mixture is composed of natural gas and/or naphtha or refinery gas or two or more of these gases. The gas undergoes reformation which converts it into a synthesis gas containing hydrogen. The fact of the catalyst tubes being situated in the dense fluidized bed made up of ashes from the combustion allows the catalyst to be reheated in a homogenous manner and the reforming reaction of the natural gas mixture to be stimulated.
US09272242B2	High cyclic capacity amines for high efficiency CO2 scrubbing processes A high cyclic capacity carbon dioxide scrubbing process contacts a gas stream containing carbon dioxide in a sorption zone with a liquid scrubbing solution of a low molecular weight sterically hindered amine, particularly a secondary alkanolamine or aminoether at a high concentration, typically at least 3.5M and at a temperature of at least 30° C. to sorb the carbon dioxide into the solution and form a rich stream of the sorbed carbon dioxide in the solution in the form of dissolved amine carbamate and/or alkanolamine bicarbonate. The rich stream is then passed from the sorption zone to at least one regeneration zone and the sorbed carbon dioxide is desorbed as gas from the solution to form a lean solution containing a reduced concentration of sorbed carbon dioxide relative to the rich stream; the lean stream is then returned to the sorption zone for a further sorption cycle.
US09272239B2	Two-stage gas washing method applying sulfide precipitation and alkaline absorption Disclosed is a method relating to hydrocarbon production by gasification of carbonaceous material, for example, a two-stage gas washing method as a part of gas refining. Disclosed is a method for hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide removal from synthesis gas produced by gasification. Disclosed is a use of a combination of two chemical wash approaches. The process can be utilized as a part of biomass to liquid (BTL) process.
US09272238B1	Plasma generation through ceramic substrate The present general inventive concept discloses a ceramic composite substrate that, with proper construction and proper excitation, can generate uniform plasma throughout the substrate for fluid flow treatment to influence a change in its chemical, electrical or physical properties, and method for generating plasma throughout the substrate. The ceramic substrate can include fibrous or sintered semiconducting material, and can include optional structural fiber for support of the semiconducting materials, as well as an optional auxiliary thermal heating source for cleaning excess particulate matter.
US09272237B2	Three-phase portable airborne component extractor with rotational direction control An extraction system is designed for metal working and other applications. The system may include a blower that delivers a positive pressure airflow to a hood that creates an air region for removal of airborne components from a work area. The blower is driven by a three-phase motor in a portable base unit that may be plugged into a source of three-phase power. A rotational direction reversing switch is provided between the motor and a three-phase plug to permit reversal of the rotational direction of the motor when the motor is determined not to rotation in the intended direction when the plug is connected to a receptacle. The switch may be manual or automatic.
US09272235B2	Filter apparatus A filter apparatus is equipped with a first body, a case unit connected to a lower part of the first body, and a filter unit, which is accommodated in the interior of the case unit. The case unit is made up from an outer case, which is formed as a bottomed cylinder from a light-permeable transparent material, and an inner case that is inserted into the interior of the outer case. The case unit is inserted into an installation hole that opens on the lower part of the first body, and by rotation thereof, projections and retaining walls provided on an outer circumferential surface of the case unit are made to engage with support members provided in the installation hole, to thereby result in a connected state.
US09272232B2	Powder antifoaming agent and method for producing same Disclosed is a powder antifoaming agent containing: (A) a hydrophobic organopolysiloxane that has a viscosity at 25° C. of 10-100,000 mm2/s; (B) a fine silica powder; (C) a surfactant; and (D) a water-soluble encapsulating agent that is in a solid state at 25° C. This powder antifoaming agent is characterized by being obtained by spray drying a dispersion liquid that is obtained by dispersing a silicone oil compound, which is obtained by mixing the component (A) and the component (B), and the component (D) in water in the presence of the component (C), and is also characterized in that the silicone oil compound is encapsulated by the component (D) that serves as an outer shell. Since the present powder antifoaming agent does not contain water by being produced by a spray drying method, the powder antifoaming agent is free from problems of emulsion antifoaming agents such as separation and putrefaction.
US09272225B2	Crib soother A soother device for calming infants and children and inducing sleep. The soother includes a light source and a rotating image bar through which light from the source is projected to generate a soothing light pattern visible to the infant or child, for example in wave form or having the appearance of moving water or light reflecting from moving water.
US09272224B2	Amusement park ride with cantilevered ride vehicles An amusement park ride adapted to provide passengers unobstructed lines of sight in turns and increased turn velocities. The ride includes a track and a ride vehicle. The ride vehicle includes a track connector assembly coupled to the track for movement along the ride path in a direction of travel. The vehicle also includes a vehicle base mounted to the track connector assembly to move with the track connector. The vehicle includes a bridge, or cantilever support arm or boom, extending from the vehicle base. The vehicle further includes a passenger compartment with one or more passenger seats. The passenger compartment is mounted to the bridge such that the seats and any passengers seated therein are spaced apart from the base at a cantilever distance. As a result, the passenger compartment has fore or aft cantilever mounting relative to the track connector assembly and relative to the vehicle base.
US09272219B2	Three dimensional operations in an isometric projection A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing three-dimensional operations in an isometric projection are presented. A graphical user interface may be presented to a user that presents an isometric projection of a virtual environment. A placement event corresponding to a user initiating a placement of a game object within the virtual environment may then be detected. The game object may be modeled with a two-dimensional model. Selection coordinates associated with the placement event are then obtained. Using the selection coordinates, it may be determined that the user selected one of a plurality of surface areas of an existing game object. Then, the game object is then inserted within the virtual environment relative to the one of the plurality of surface areas of the existing game object.
US09272214B2	Consolidating businesses in a gamespace for an online game Software receives a command from a player selecting one or more businesses from a game menu in an online game that is a builder-type game. The software then receives a command from the player identifying an empty location in a game space for the game. The software causes the one or more businesses to be displayed in the game space at the location and receives a command from the player selecting a plurality of displayed businesses. The software then receives a command from the player to consolidate the displayed businesses that were selected into a consolidated business and displays the consolidated business in the game space.
US09272208B1	Methods and systems for generating tailored game challenges A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for generating tailored game challenges are presented. To begin, a method may first identify a first game object and a second game object operable within a game challenge. The method may calculate, based on game profile data associated with a player, a first selection factor associated with the first game object and a second selection factor associated with the second game object. A game object from the first game object and the second game object is then selected. The selection is based on the first selection factor and the second selection factor. The game challenge is then generated, wherein the game challenge with the selected game object for the user.
US09272204B2	Education through employment of gaming A calculation engine of an apparatus in an example is employable for interactive simulation gaming to create an active learning environment on credit risk management for a learner. The calculation engine simulates one or more retail lending portfolios in a retail bank over a selectable period of time in the active learning environment for the learner. The calculation engine allows and/or requests the learner to decide, select, and/or choose one or more parameters for a strategy for credit policy and/or loan approval. The calculation engine employs the one or more parameters from the learner to calculate a financial outcome of the one or more retail lending portfolios in the retail bank over the selectable period of time that reflects the strategy for credit policy and/or loan approval by the learner in a corresponding run of the active learning environment on credit risk management for the learner.
US09272201B2	Football fan officiating system A sports novelty to help football fans increase their enjoyment of watching televised professional football games. The football fan officiating system is a hollow football containing football penalty flags and game instructions comprising football rules and regulations allow users to view a football game and use the penalty flags to call a penalty on one or more players during play of the game.
US09272196B2	Double-sided home plate The present invention relates to home plates for ball fields, such as softball and baseball fields. Embodiments of the invention provide a double-sided home plate. Double-sided home plates according to embodiments can comprise a support base with two opposing recesses each shaped to receive a home plate insert, with a home plate insert fixed in each recess. Also provided is an improved home plate comprising two identical sides so when one side is worn due to use all that is required is to invert the home plate to expose a new surface.
US09272193B1	Golf putter The golf putter is configured such that the stop step of the rotary linkage is formed outwardly in an extended length to cause the lock screws to stop the rotary linkage from being rotated with a large torque at a position remote from the center of the threaded axle hole, so that when a user does not desire to change the lie angle in use, the adjusted lie angle is not changed for a long period of time.
US09272183B2	Method and apparatus for exercise monitoring combining exercise monitoring and visual data with wireless wearable devices Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for a wireless exercise monitoring system for interactively monitoring an aspect of exercise, sports, or fitness utilizing a wearable device, such as a watch, eyewear, or smart apparel. The device is equipped with, or connected to, a digital camera. Sensors integrated with, or wirelessly connected to, the wearable internet device record physiological data during exercise and data measuring the amount of exercise performed. The data and visual images from the camera are transmitted to one or more internet servers, and may be shared with other mobile internet devices.
US09272181B2	Selectable stride elliptical An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, a left foot link supporting a left foot pad, a right foot link supporting a right foot pad in a left foot link supporting a left foot pad. The right foot pad is linked to the left foot pad so as to synchronously move out of phase with the left foot pad through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height and an adjustable stride length. An adjustment synchronizer is operably coupled to the left foot link and the right foot link to synchronously adjust both the step height and the stride length of the elliptical path.
US09272178B2	Resistance training device A resistance training device is provided that comprises a waist harness, one or more limb harnesses, and one or more elongated resistance bands disposed therebetween. The bands are secured at each end by retainer assemblies comprising a ring device disposed within a clamshell retainer housing, whereby the ring supports the band at one end and secures to a D-link at an opposite end. The bands are removable from the rings, while the rings may also be removable from the D-links. The D-links are disposed on the limb harnesses and the waist harness, whereby the limb harness is secured to a foot or arm portion while the waist harness secures around the torso of the wearer. In this way the resistance bands are anchored to the user, who can engage in stretching or strength training exercises by stretching the band between the harnesses.
US09272175B2	Exercise device This invention relates to an exercise device (1) and more particularly to an exercise device of the type that allows the user of the exercise device to exercise with part of their body in a negative pressure environment. These devices are becoming increasingly popular however the known devices are usually bulky, difficult to transport, difficult to install and difficult to maintain. The present invention provides a construction of exercise device that will enable the device to be transported and installed in a more efficient manner by providing the casing (3), in particular, in a number or pieces (21, 23) that can be connected together easily and quickly on site. The casing will still be sufficiently air tight. Furthermore, the construction of the present invention permits easier access to the interior of the casing (3) for cleaning/servicing purposes thereby simplifying cleaning and repair significantly.
US09272173B2	Recirculating ratcheting plyometric assembly The present invention is a telescoping plyometric exercise device which can be rapidly adjusted for height using a single lifting motion. The apparatus is incrementally height-adjusted and secured in a position capable of withstanding force. The apparatus requires a single lifting motion to securely and incrementally adjust the device, and to balance impact and force through the use of novel, contoured inner components and structural assemblies. These inner components and structural assemblies are engineered to provide the capability for rapid height adjustment of the apparatus.
US09272172B2	Sensory, motor, individual language and educational assessment and training unit An instrument for assessment and intervention in the areas of sensory, motor, language, and the educational requirements of the children at-risk, developmentally delayed, and disabled. The devise is constructed on a base board with four sides. Its front side has one in-built height adjustable chair bar with chair, and adjustable visual stimulating roof. Its back side has height adjustable parallel bars and one mirror. On right and left side it has two height and length adjustable hands in addition to that right side have height measuring scale on the wall and extended space to stand and to keep weighing machine. On the top it has space for two sided video display frame and two stands for video cameras.
US09272167B2	Fall protection system The invention concerns a fall protection system for use when working on an elevated structure. The system includes an anchor rope which is securable on opposite sides of the elevated structure so that the anchor rope extends from one side of the structure to the opposite side of the structure. A safety rope, which is connectable to the anchor rope and to a harness worn by a user, is also provided. The system further includes a rope length adjustment device which is connectable to the safety rope and adapted to allow the safety rope to pass therethrough so that the effective length of safety rope extending between the rope length adjustment device and the anchor rope can be adjusted up to a certain length determined by the user in order to define a safe working area. The anchor rope may be connected to anchor points on the structure by means of belay-fall arrest-descending devices which allows a user to be lowered in a controlled manner down to ground level in the event of a fall occurring. The invention also concerns a method of installing the fall protection system.
US09272166B2	Movable cable loop descent system A movable cable loop descent system comprises a cable for forming into a loop, a receiver for attachment to a structure having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop, a brake assembly, having a drive pulley for being rotated by the cable loop, the brake assembly for slowing a rate of travel of the cable loop and a carriage supporting a load for attachment to the cable loop at a point and for movement between the structure and the ground. A rotor and substantially parallel conductive frame is mounted on an axle through the drive pulley. Magnets on a surface of the rotor and/or the frame induce eddy currents, as they are relatively rotated, which create a rotational braking force controlling descent of the carriage and load. The brake assembly may be removably positioned by a drive-on anchor. The cable is removable and the system may form a kit.
US09272162B2	Imaging, therapy, and temperature monitoring ultrasonic method An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. Additionally, the acoustic transducer assembly can be configured to provide three-dimensional imaging, temperature monitoring or therapeutic heating through the use of adaptive algorithms and/or rotational or translational movement. Moreover, a plurality of the exemplary single transducers can be provided to facilitate enhanced treatment capabilities.
US09272161B2	Orthovoltage radiotherapy Radiosurgery systems are described that are configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, and in some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.
US09272159B2	Systems and methods for neuro-EEG synchronization therapy Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects.
US09272158B2	Method for non-invasive brain stimulation Magneto-electric nanoparticles in a subject interact with an external magnetic field to cause stimulation of neural networks in the subject. Electric signals in the neural network are coupled to magnetic dipoles induced in the nanoparticles to cause changes in electric pulse sequences of the subject's brain.
US09272157B2	Modulating function of neural structures near the ear Stimulation of the facial nerve system (e.g., electrically, electromagnetically, etc.) in ischemic stroke patients will cause dilation of occluded arteries and dilation of surrounding arteries, allowing for blood flow to circumvent the obstruction and reach previously-deprived tissue. The device approaches the facial nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the ear. In use, the device can be inserted into the ear canal and/or placed in proximity to the ear in order to stimulate the facial nerve system non-invasively (e.g., using an electromagnetic field). The device can be used in the emergency treatment of acute stroke or chronically variations for long-term maintenance of blood flow to the brain and stroke prevention. Additional embodiments of the device may be adapted for use on different regions of the body.
US09272156B2	External controller/charger system for an implantable medical device capable of automatically providing data telemetry through a charging coil during a charging session An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil.
US09272151B2	Adaptive phrenic nerve stimulation detection An example of a system comprises a cardiac pulse generator configured to generate cardiac paces to pace the heart, a sensor configured to sense a physiological signal for use in detecting pace-induced phrenic nerve stimulation (PS), a storage, and a phrenic nerve stimulation detector. The storage is configured for use to store patient-specific PS features for PS beats with a desirably large signal-to-noise ratio. The phrenic nerve stimulation detector may be configured to detect PS features for the patient by analyzing a PS beat with a desirably large signal-to-noise ratio induced using a pacing pulse with a large energy output and store patient-specific PS features in the storage, and use the patient-specific PS features stored in the memory to detect PS beats when the heart is paced heart using cardiac pacing pulses with a smaller energy output.
US09272143B2	Responsive neurostimulation for the treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time, and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation.
US09272132B2	Medical device for treating airways and related methods of use A medical device for treating an airway of a patient. The medical device may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a surface of the elongate tubular member. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of conductive elements may be disposed distally of another of the plurality of conductive elements. In addition, each of the plurality of conductive elements may be electrically coupled to a surface of the lumen. The medical device may also include a piston movably disposed within the lumen. The piston may include a distal portion configured to make electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of conductive elements.
US09272131B2	Flexible and/or tapered therapy electrode An electrode assembly includes a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin and a second surface including a plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel. The plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel are disposed on sections of the electrode assembly that are at least partially physically separated and may move at least partially independently of one another to conform to contours of a body of a patient. The electrode assembly is configured to dispense an amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface in response to an activation signal and to provide for a defibrillating shock to be applied to the patient through the amount of the electrically conductive gel.
US09272129B2	Method for controlling drug delivery through an infusion set A slide clamp for use with an infusion pump and infusion set provides finger grips and support members for supporting the infusion tubing. The finger grips make the slide clamp easier to use while reducing the risk of error. The tubing support members reduce the likelihood of improperly loading the tubing and reduce the risk of kinking the tubing during use. An infusion set is provided wherein the slide clamp may be coded through the use of colors, holes, or the like so as to identify the type of infusion tubing used therewith. The infusion pump can identify the code on the slide clamp and thereby determine the type of infusion tubing, and thereby allow access only to infusion programs for drugs or infusion solutions which are compatible with the particular type of infusion tubing.
US09272128B2	Methods and systems for attaching medical device sections Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and systems for attaching an articulation section. In an embodiment, a medical instrument includes a first tubular member including a first end. The medical instrument also includes a second tubular member including a first end. The second tubular member includes a plurality of layers including an inner layer and a first layer including a fluorinated material. The inner layer includes a first section disposed under the first layer and a second section extending out from under the first layer. A portion of the first tubular member overlaps and is bonded to at least a portion of the second section of the inner layer of the second tubular member.
US09272127B2	Connector for a fluid transport line of a medical device Connector for a fluid transport line of a medical device, comprising: a first body having a first access port for a fluid, a second access port for a fluid, and a first fluid path extending in the first body and directly connecting, for fluid transport, the first access port and second access port, at least a second body, mountable to the first body, having at least a third access port for a fluid, the second body being movable with respect to the first body at least between: a main operating position in which the first fluid path is interrupted and in which a second fluid path is defined and enabled, for fluid transport, from the first access port to the third access port, and an auxiliary operating position in which the first fluid path is enabled and in which the second fluid path is interrupted. The second body has at least a fourth access port for a fluid and in the main operating position a third fluid path is defined and enabled, for fluid transport, from the second access port to the fourth access port, the third fluid path being interrupted in the auxiliary operating position.
US09272122B2	Shaft and guidewire employing the same A shaft suppresses a permanent set, or plastic deformation, even when inserted into an extremely winding blood vessel. A guidewire incorporates the above shaft. The shaft is twisted along its longitudinal axis and has a cross section forming a substantially rectangular shape extending in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross section has at least one arcuate recess.
US09272116B2	Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus includes a liquid storage container configured to hold a body of liquid. The liquid storage container includes a humidifying region above a metallic heat conducting material, the humidifying region being a region inside the liquid storage container in which the liquid is evaporated into pressurized respiratory gas generated in the CPAP apparatus. The CPAP apparatus also includes a base unit configured to a) receive the liquid storage container and b) securely and releasably connect to a CPAP unit of the CPAP apparatus, the base unit having a bottom portion to support the liquid storage container thereon, the bottom portion including a heating element configured to contact the heat conducting material of the liquid storage container when the liquid storage container is supported on the base unit. When the liquid storage container is received by the base unit, the liquid storage container and the base unit together define an airflow path through the humidifier assembly, an inlet of the airflow path being upstream of the liquid storage container and an outlet of the airflow path being downstream of the liquid storage container.
US09272113B2	Transporting liquid in a respiratory component A respiratory component coupled with a breathing circuit, the respiratory component including at least one groove disposed upon a surface of the respiratory component, wherein the respiratory component is not a heater wire.
US09272110B2	Replaceable nasal interface system A replaceable nasal interface system including a molded air tube having a generally D-shaped cross section, and including first and second lumens. The system further includes a base member operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the molded air tube; and a nasal interface operatively connected to the base member.
US09272109B2	Cushion coupling assembly Various embodiments of a respiratory interface device, such as a mask, that includes a substantially rigid frame member and a cushion device wherein the frame member and cushion device are coupled together using a clip assembly wherein the clip assembly includes a plurality of tabs and a plurality of detents. The detents and tabs engage with one another to removably couple the cushion device to the frame member.
US09272105B2	System and method for diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea A system for diagnosis and treatment of breathing disorders in a patient, comprises a flow generator supplying an air flow to an airway of a patient via a flow path, a venting arrangement moveable between (i) a closed position in which the flow path is substantially sealed between the flow generator and the patient's airway and (ii) an open position in which the flow path is open to an ambient atmosphere, a sensor detecting data corresponding to flow through the patient's airway, and a processing arrangement controlling operation of the venting arrangement and the flow generator, wherein, in a diagnostic mode, the processing arrangement maintains the venting arrangement in the open position and in a therapeutic mode, the processing arrangement maintains the venting arrangement in the closed position and controls the flow generator to supply to the patient's airway via the flow path a calculated therapeutic pressure.
US09272101B2	Identifying dry nebulizer elements Various arrangements for determining whether a liquid is in contact with a nebulizer element are disclosed. A nebulizer element may be energized with an electrical signal at a measurement frequency. An impedance of the nebulizer element may be measured, thereby obtaining a measured impedance value. The impedance value may be compared to a stored impedance value. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether the liquid contacts the nebulizer element.
US09272098B2	Auto-injector An auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M) comprises of a substantially cylindrical housing arranged to contain a pre-filled syringe with an injection needle, a plunger and a stopper for sealing a syringe barrel and a drive means releasably coupled to the plunger for advancing the syringe in the proximal direction (P) for needle insertion into an injection site and for displacing the dose of medicament (M) into the injection site. The drive means is arranged to be decoupled from the plunger for advancing a needle shroud to a safe position (PS) to surround the injection needle after the injection. According to the invention, the drive means bears against a thrust collar arranged to be releasably coupled to the plunger through a ramped engagement of a first tongue and a first recess so as to rotate the thrust collar on translation in proximal direction (P). At least one longitudinal gap (G1, G2) is provided for guiding at a first and/or second protrusion of the thrust collar to prevent a rotation of the thrust collar. A circumferential gap (G3) is arranged to allow the thrust collar to rotate out of engagement to the plunger on removal of the auto-injector from the injection site.
US09272095B2	Vessels, contact surfaces, and coating and inspection apparatus and methods Methods for processing a contact surface, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity or to modify the wetting properties on a medical device, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other contact surface processing stations or devices and a contact surface holder comprising a contact surface port are provided. An opening of the contact surface can be seated on the contact surface port. The interior contact surface of the seated contact surface can be processed via the contact surface port by the first and second processing stations or devices. contact surface barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated contact surfaces, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A contact surface processing system and contact surface inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.
US09272090B2	Burn patient resuscitation system A system for operating a semi-closed loop and/or a closed loop resuscitation of a burn patient in view of patient information and other physiological data gathered by the system. The system in at least one embodiment includes an urine sensor, an infusion pump and a processor that controls the operation of the infusion pump at least in part from a signal received from the urine sensor.
US09272088B2	Intravenous catheter inserter An intravenous catheter inserter device comprising a catheter threader body on which is slidably attached a septum activator, a catheter threader, and a needle hub. Some embodiments further include a safety bar that is configured to assist in coordinating the movement of the various components of the device during a catheterization procedure. In general, the septum activator provides a pathway through a septum of a Luer adapter. The Luer adapter comprises a wedge seal that is configured to receive a base portion of a catheter that is inserted into the Luer adapter by the catheter threader. Accordingly, the device of the present invention simultaneously accesses the vasculature of a patient while assembling the catheter into the Luer adapter. The final configuration provides an integrated unit that is attached to the patient and in fluid communication with patient's vascular system.
US09272087B2	Fluid line occlusion detection system and methods The systems, methods and articles described herein are directed to at least one pressure sensor along a downstream fluid line which senses fluid pressure and assists an occlusion detection feature in determining the presence of occlusions in the downstream fluid line. In addition, the system can dynamically adapt the occlusion detection feature based on a delivery of fluid, such as a bolus, in order to prevent the system from creating a false alarm regarding an occlusion of the downstream fluid line.
US09272084B2	Medication delivery device An ear medication delivery device for delivering a treatment liquid and retaining the treatment liquid within an ear canal of a patient including a unitary, one piece earplug formed of a soft resilient material including an ear canal engaging portion and an external portion and defining a single internal passage therethrough. The external portion includes a major disk and an annular medication applicator receiving portion in fluid communication with the internal passage. The ear canal engaging portion includes at least two minor disks of progressively different size extending outwardly in a generally radial direction. The ear canal engaging portion defines a molded resilient valve unitary with the earplug that is shiftable from a closed position to an open position in either direction under a preselected fluid pressure and that resiliently returns to the closed position below the preselected fluid pressure.
US09272076B2	Preform produced by electrospinning, method for producing the same and use of such a preform The invention relates to a method for producing a preform by means of an electrospinning process. The present invention also relates to the use of the present preform as a substrate for growing human or animal tissue thereon. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for growing human or animal tissue on a substrate, wherein the present preform is used as the substrate.
US09272074B2	Surgical fasteners and methods for sealing wounds A method for closing a wound in tissue is provided which includes providing a surgical fastener having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair attached on a surface of the surgical fastener, and providing tissue with a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the surgical fastener with the complimentary reactive members on the tissue, covalent bonds are formed between the reactive members and the complementary reactive members, thus adhering the device to the tissue.
US09272072B1	Osteoinductive bone graft substitute An osteoinductive bone graft substitute including an osteoinductive calcium phosphate component retained within a collagen scaffold, wherein the collagen scaffold is formulated to maintain the osteoinductivity of the calcium phosphate component while also exhibiting the following characteristics (1) ability to absorb bone marrow and/or other physiologic liquids, (2) compression resistance; (3) moldability; (4) retaining the calcium phosphate component during and after manipulation of the collagen scaffold and (5) fibrous collagen matrix that retains but does not occlude the osteoinductive calcium phosphate component.
US09272071B2	Osteoinductive nanocomposites The present invention relates porous osteoinductive nanocomposites and for the methods to prepare osteoinductive nanocomposites. The osteoinductive composites consist of biocompatible polymers and non-heated (or non-sintered), needle-shaped or plate-like calcium phosphate nanocrystals and the methods comprise the steps of: a. adding phosphate to a calcium solution thereby evoking precipitation of calcium phosphate nanocrystals; b. washing the nanocrystals with water and suspending them in an organic solvent or getting dry calcium phosphate nanocrystals after evaporating organic solvent; c. adding polymers (previously dissolved in an organic solvent) to calcium phosphate nanocrystal suspension, rotational mixing of the components using beads, mixing with porogenic agents, moulding the composite material and evaporating of the organic solvent; or mixing polymers (not dissolved in an organic solvent but raw powder), dry calcium phosphate nanocrystals and porogenic agents with melting intrusion and moulding the composites; d. leaching porogenic agents in water.
US09272069B2	Adhesive complex coacervates and methods of making and using thereof Described herein is the synthesis of adhesive complex coacervates. The adhesive complex coacervates are composed of a mixture of one or more polycations, one or more polyanions, and one of more multivalent cations. The polycations and polyanions in the adhesice complex coacervate are crosslinked with one another by covalent bonds upon curing. The adhesive complex coacervates have several desirable features when compared to conventional bioadhesives, which are effective in water-based applicatgions. The adhesive complex coacervates described herein exhibit good interfacial tension in water when applied to a substrate (i.e., they spread over the interface rather than being beaded up). Additionally, the ability of the complex coacervate to crosslink intermolecularly increases the cohesive strength of the adhesive complex coacervate. The adhesive complex coacervates have numerous biological applications as bioadhesives and drug delivery devices. In particular, the adhesive complex coacervates described herein are particularly useful in underwater applications and situations where water is present such as, for example, physiological conditions.
US09272066B2	Ophthalmic and contact lens solutions using choline The present invention relates to a lens care solution having 0.001 to about 5 weight percent of a low molecular weight amine of the general formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are —H or low molecular weight radicals, and R5 is a low molecular weight radical, or salt thereof; an effective amount of a tonicity agent; and the balance water.
US09272065B2	Volatile medium delivery device A delivery device as disclosed herein includes an article, a cradle, and a reservoir. The cradle which supports the article includes a wicking protrusion and is adapted to engage with the article. The reservoir contains a volatile medium and is adapted to engage with the cradle. The volatile medium is in fluid communication with the wicking extension. The delivery device can include a wide variety of articles, including decorative articles, functional articles, and substance-containing articles such as fragrance diffusers, which benefit from their union with the porous emanator.
US09272064B2	Perfume dispenser for motor vehicles A perfume dispenser for motor vehicles includes a support bearing a perfume-dispensing body, wherein the support has a generally circular base provided with slits and an articulated dorsal attachment coupled to a supporting structure of a motor vehicle, and a front arm connected to the base and bent in front of this to form an open receptacle. The perfume-dispensing body consists of a flattened cylindrical casing set in a projecting way within the receptacle and connected in a coaxially rotatable way to the base. The casing contains a hydrophilic material soaked with a perfumed fluid and has dorsal slits facing the slits of the base of the support.
US09272051B2	Methods and systems for modulating hormones and related methods, agents and compositions Provided herein are bitter taste receptor ligands, related agents, combinations, compositions, methods and systems for modulating release of a metabolic hormone in vitro or in vivo from cells of the GI tract of an individual.
US09272048B2	PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone compounds A chemically modified human Growth Hormone (rhGH) prepared by attaching a transient linker which comprises a polyethylene glycol. The chemically modified protein may have a much longer lasting rhGH activity than that of the unmodified rhGH, enabling reduced dose and scheduling opportunities and the modified rhGH may not cause lipoatrophy. Also includes methods of use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases or disorders in which use of growth hormone is beneficial.
US09272044B2	Injectable flowable composition buprenorphine The present invention is directed to a buprenorphine sustained release delivery system capable of delivering buprenorphine, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof for a duration of about 14 days to about 3 months. The buprenorphine sustained release delivery system includes a flowable composition and a solid implant for the sustained release of buprenorphine, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof. The implant is produced from the flowable composition. The buprenorphine sustained release delivery system provides in situ 1-month and 3-month release profiles characterized by an exceptionally high bioavailability and minimal risk of permanent tissue damage and typically no risk of muscle necrosis.
US09272043B2	Enzymatic synthesis of poly(amine-co-esters) and methods of use thereof for gene delivery Poly(amine-co-ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control other transfection reagents. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are suitable for in vivo delivery, and can be administered systemically to a subject to treat a disease or condition.
US09272042B2	Formulation of human antibodies for treating TNF-alpha associated disorders A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation is described which has a high protein concentration, a pH of between about 4 and about 8, and enhanced stability.
US09272030B2	Use of tau to monitor immunotherapy The invention provides methods of immunotherapy of Alzheimer's and similar diseases in which the regime administered is monitored by measuring levels of tau.
US09272027B1	Francisella tularensis live vaccine strains and methods of use The present invention includes live strain of Francisella tularensis wherein a gene selected from the group consisting of priA and purA is inactivated. The present invention further includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more live strains of Francisella tularensis according to the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention further includes a method of using one or more live strains of Francisella tularensis according to the present invention to confer immunity against a virulent strain of Francisella tularensis. The method comprises administering an effective amount of one or more live strains of Francisella tularensis according to the present invention or a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more live Francisella tularensis strains to an animal such that an immune response is produced in the animal.
US09272013B2	Methods for treating combined radiation and thermal injury The present invention provides methods for treating a subject that has suffered combined exposure to total body ionizing irradiation and burns by administering a peptide of at least 5 amino acids of a peptide of SEQ ID NO:1 (Asp-Arg-Nle-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro), or a pharmaceutical salt thereof in an amount effective to treat the radiation effects and/or the burn.
US09272012B1	Herbal skin care composition Described herein is a method of treating aging skin in a subject, the method comprising applying a topical skin care composition to a surface of the skin of the subject in need thereof, the composition containing a whole plant extract solution of Dendrobium Huoshanense.
US09272010B2	Herbal extract and a method of treating liver cancer The invention discloses an herbal extract of treating liver cancer, wherein a method of producing the herbal extract comprising the steps of: blending Antrodia cinnamomea, Rhinacanthus nasutus and Phellinus linteus and obtaining a mixture, wherein the weight percentages of Antrodia cinnamomea, Rhinacanthus nasutus and Phellinus linteus are 33.4 to 60%, 20 to 33.4% and 20 to 33.4% by weight of the mixture, respectively; soaking the mixture with a 95% ethanol solution with a weight-volume percentage being 50%, followed by extracting at 50 to 80° C.; and concentrating the extracted product to obtain the herbal extract. The invention also discloses a method of treating liver cancer.
US09272008B2	Oncolytic measles virus The present invention pertains to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a recombinant measles virus encoding a suicide gene for use in the treatment of malignant cells with primary or secondary resistances against an oncolytic measles virus without suicide gene activity. Further, the present invention pertains to a recombinant measles virus based on measles vaccine strain Schwarz encoding a suicide gene, which comprises a fusion of a cytosine deaminase, particularly yeast cytosine deaminase, and a uracil phosphoribosyltransferase, particularly yeast uracil phosphoribosyltransferase, to a method and a kit for preparing the recombinant measles virus as claimed herein.
US09272007B2	Strain of L. bulgaricus capable of inhibiting the adhesion of H. pylori strains to epithelial cells The present invention relates to a new strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, suitable for use in the treatment or prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection.
US09272001B2	Ablative immunotherapy The invention disclosed herein relates generally to immunotherapy and, more specifically, to the use of immunotherapy for treating tumors and pathogen infected tissues by first priming patients with allogeneic cells designed to be rejected by a Th1 mediated mechanism, then inducing necrosis or apoptosis in a tumor or pathogen infected lesion by methods such as cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy, ethanol chemoablation, microwave thermal ablation, radiofrequency energy or a combination thereof applied against at least a portion of the tumor or pathogen infected tissue, and then delivering one or more doses of allogeneic cells (e.g., Th1 cells) within or proximate to the tumor or pathogen-infected tissue in the primed patient. The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic strategy to develop de-novo systemic (adaptive) immunity to a tumor or pathogen.
US09272000B2	Compositions and methods for treating insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating diabetes and diabetes-associated conditions or disorders (e.g., insulin resistance), or symptoms thereof. Provided are electrokinetically-altered ioinic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Particular aspects provide for regulating or modulating intracellular signal transduction associated with said inflammatory responses by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential, membrane proteins such as membrane receptors, including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and intercellular junctions (e.g., tight junctions, gap junctions, zona adherins and desmasomes). Other embodiments include particular routes of administration or formulations for the electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., electrokinetically-altered gas-enriched fluids and solutions) and therapeutic compositions.
US09271999B2	Treatment of myelosuppression Methods are presented for attenuating myelosuppressive side effects of treatment regimens, promoting thrombopoiesis and neutrophil production, and increasing efficacy of treatment regimens, by administering PF4-interacting heparinoids.
US09271997B2	Regulators of NFAT and/or store-operated calcium entry Embodiments of the inventions relate to modulating NFAT activity, modulating store-operated Ca2+ entry into a cell and treating and/or preventing hyperactivity or inappropriate immune response by inhibiting the expression or activities of proteins involved in the calcineurin/NFAT axis.
US09271995B2	Agent for ameliorating brain hypofunction Provided are effective and highly safe agents, medicaments and the like for ameliorating various disorders caused by brain hypofunction. Also provided is a preventing or ameliorating agent for brain hypofunction containing N-acetyl-D-mannosamine, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing, ameliorating or treating disorders due to brain hypofunction, containing an effective amount of N-acetyl-D-mannosamine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a food comprising N-acetyl-D-mannosamine added thereto.
US09271994B2	Compositions and methods related to calcitriol Contemplated compositions and methods are drawn to use of various boron-containing compounds to temporarily and transiently increase endogenous blood calcitriol concentration. The boron-containing compound is preferably a carbohydrate-boron complex having sufficient stability to achieve measurable quantities of the complex in blood upon oral administration of the complex.
US09271986B2	Crystalline forms of neurotrophin mimetic compounds and their salts The present invention includes crystalline forms of 2-amino-3-methyl-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)-pentanamide and crystalline forms of salts and/or solvates of 2-amino-3-methyl-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)-pentanamide. Furthermore, the present invention provides compositions comprising the crystalline forms and therapeutic use of the crystalline forms.
US09271983B2	Composition for enhancing athletic performance A composition including a plurality of active ingredients. A first active ingredient of the active ingredients is pyruvate. For each other active ingredient, an amount of that active ingredient is proportionally less than an amount of the first active ingredient. The composition can affect ATP and Krebs efficiency when ingested by an animal.
US09271981B2	Pyrrolo[2,3-D]pyrimidine compounds Described herein is pyrrolo{2,3-d}pyrimidine compounds, their use as Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing this compounds, and methods for the preparation of these compounds.
US09271972B2	Compounds for modulating TLR2 The present invention is directed to methods, kits, and uses of inhibitors of LCMV mediated NF-κB activation to treat viral infections and inflammatory conditions.
US09271971B2	Pyrido[3,4-B]indoles and methods of use This disclosure relates to new heterocyclic compounds that may be used to modulate a histamine receptor in an individual. Pyrido[3,4-b]indoles are described, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of therapeutic applications, including the treatment of a cognitive disorder, psychotic disorder, neurotransmitter-mediated disorder and/or a neuronal disorder.
US09271968B2	Polymorphous forms of rifaximin, processes for their production and use thereof in the medicinal preparations Crystalline polymorphous forms of the rifaximin (INN) antibiotic named rifaximin δ and rifaximin ε useful in the production of medicinal preparations containing rifaximin for oral and topical use and obtained by means of a crystallization process carried out by hot-dissolving the raw rifaximin in ethyl alcohol and by causing the crystallization of the product by addition of water at a determinate temperature and for a determinate period of time, followed by a drying carried out under controlled conditions until reaching a settled water content in the end product, are the object of the invention.
US09271967B2	1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives and their use as positive allosteric modulators of mGluR2 receptors The present invention relates to novel triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives of Formula (I) wherein all radicals are as defined in the claims. The compounds according to the invention are positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2 (“mGluR2”), which are useful for the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction and diseases in which the mGluR2 subtype of metabotropic receptors is involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, to processes to prepare such compounds and compositions, and to the use of such compounds for the prevention or treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which mGluR2 is involved.
US09271965B2	Crystalline forms of (R)-3-[N-(3'-chlorobiphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-N'-(3-hydroxyisoxazole-5-carbonyl)hydrazino]-2-hydroxyproprionic acid isopropyl ester The invention provides crystalline forms of (R)-3-[N-(3′-chlorobiphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-N′-(3-hydroxyisoxazole-5-carbonyl)hydrazino]-2-hydroxypropionic acid isopropyl ester. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline compound, processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compound, and methods of using the crystalline compound to treat diseases.
US09271962B2	Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase for modulation of cannabinoid receptors Disclosed are compounds and compositions that inhibit the action of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), methods of inhibiting FAAH and MGL, methods of modulating cannabinoid receptors, and methods of treating various disorders related to modulation of cannabinoid receptors.
US09271959B2	Bicyclic tetrahydropyrrole compounds The present invention relates to substituted bicyclic tetrahydropyrrole compounds of general formula (I), methods for their preparation, medicaments comprising these compounds as well their use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of humans and animals.
US09271954B2	Use of docosahexaenoic glycerides for the treatment of tumorous diseases The present invention relates to the use of an oil enriched in docosahexaenoic acid, which is conjugated to triglyceride, for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a tumorous disease, said oil being enriched in a concentration of up to 70% by weight in relation to the total weight of said pharmaceutical composition, and said docosahexaenoic acid being in a percentage of at least 50% in relation to the total fatty acids in said oil.
US09271950B2	Compositions for treating chronic inflammation and inflammatory diseases The present specification discloses pharmaceutical compositions, methods of preparing such pharmaceutical compositions, and methods and uses of treating a chronic inflammation and/or an inflammatory disease in an individual using such pharmaceutical compositions.
US09271945B2	Dermal pain relief delivery system An easy to apply dermal delivery system embodying an apparatus and a method for relieving the localized discomfort caused by footwear is provided. The delivery system may include a generally planar base, adhesive layer and delivery apparatus. The base forms a basic recess on one side, whereby the non-recessed portion provides a basic framework along the periphery thereof. The adhesive layer overlaid the recessed-side of a similarly shaped base forms an adhesive recess and an adhesive framework. The delivery apparatus may be sized and shaped to substantially fill the adhesive recess and be substantially flush with a top side of the adhesive framework. The delivery apparatus may include a film, housing and/or impregnated with a plurality of anesthetic components, wherein the film is adapted for dermal delivery of the plurality of anesthetic components, while the adhesive framework removably attaches the delivery system to a user.
US09271943B2	Arsenic compound solution and albumin nanoparticle and lyophilized preparation entrapping arsenic compound prepared using same An arsenic compound solution, and an albumin nanoparticle and a lyophilized preparation prepared using same and entrapping an arsenic compound. The arsenic compound solution is prepared using the following method: adding As2O3 powder in sterile deionized water to obtain a suspension, 6 to 25 mg of As2O3 powder being added in every mL of sterile deionized water; dripping an NaOH solution to the obtained suspension until the powder is fully dissolved and adjusting the pH of the solution to 7.5 to 9, and making the concentration of the obtained arsenic compound solution be 5 to 20 mg/mL in terms of the added As2O3. The albumin nanoparticle is prepared by mixing an albumin solution and the arsenic solution and the arsenic solution with the mass ratio of the added As2O3 in arsenic compound solution to the albumin ranging from 1:5 to 1:20 and using a method of solvent removing and physical curing.
US09271938B2	Sustained release beads and suspensions including the same for sustained delivery of active ingredients Sustained-released beads providing active ingredients over an extended period of time to an individual orally ingesting the sustained release beads. The sustained-release beads can be part of a suspension wherein the sustained-release beads are suspended and evenly dispersed in the suspension. Binding agents are used to form the structural framework of the sustained released beads and retain the active ingredients without chemical or electrical bonding. The components of the dispersion medium are GRAS designated, making the suspension suitable for use as a food product.
US09271937B2	Oxidized cellulose microspheres A process for forming microspheres is disclosed. The process includes contacting a solvent with a modified cellulose to form a solution; contacting the modified cellulose solution with at least one bioactive agent to form a discontinuous phase liquid; contacting the discontinuous phase liquid with a continuous phase liquid to form an emulsion; and contacting the emulsion with a third phase liquid to extract the solvent from the emulsion, thereby forming a plurality of modified cellulose microspheres.
US09271935B2	Xanthophyll compositions and methods of use The present invention encompasses a carotenoid composition, a process for producing a carotenoid composition, and methods of use thereof.
US09271933B2	Graft copolymer polyelectrolyte complexes for drug delivery Graft copolymer polyelectrolyte complexes are disclosed for the efficient delivery of anionic, cationic or polyelectrolyte therapeutic agents into biological cells, and for maintaining the biological activity of these molecules while in serum and other aqueous environments are provided. Such complexes comprise (1) an anionic graft copolymer containing an anionic polymer backbone, with pendent carboxylic acid groups and pendant chains containing amphipathic or hydrophilic polymers covalently bonded to a portion of the pendant carboxylic acid groups, (2) one or more anionic, cationic or polyelectrolyte therapeutic agents, and (3) optionally a liposome optionally containing an additional therapeutic agent. Also disclosed are functional nanoparticles containing the complexes.
US09271924B2	Method of identifying prebiotics and compositions containing the same A high-throughput, tiered screening method of indentifying test agents that exhibit prebiotic activity on human skin commensal microorganisms and cosmetic compositions that include such agents. The method includes determining the metabolite level of a culture and comparing the metabolite level to a control value. The assay further comprises performing a plate count using the culture when the metabolite level of the culture is greater than its corresponding control value. The plate count results are compared to another control value, and the test agent is identified as a prebiotic agent when the number of colonies present in the plate count assay of the culture is greater than the second control value.
US09271920B2	PVOH copolymers for personal care applications Epilatory compositions may be formed from: 40 to 80 wt % water; 5 to 30 wt % of a mixture of at least one polyvinyl alcohol and at least one polyvinyl alcohol copolymer; 1 to 15 wt % plasticizer, where the plasticizer is a linear or branched composition having from 3 to 15 wt % OH; and up to 40 wt % of one or more additives. Pore strip, keratonic plug removal, and other cosmetic applications may be formed from a similar composition, where the plasticizer is a linear, cyclic, or branched composition having greater than 25 wt % OH; and up to 40 wt % of one or more additives. The adhesive properties of the formulations may be tailored, where a low OH content may result in increased adhesion relative to plasticizers having a high OH content.
US09271919B2	Hair treatment agent composition The present invention relates to a hair treatment composition capable of imparting good finger combability, body and manageability to the hair treated therewith and dried, and to a method for producing the composition. The hair treatment composition contains a cationized hydroxypropyl cellulose (A) and at least one treating agent (B) selected from a hair-coloring dye, an oxidizing agent, an alkali agent and a keratin-reducing agent.
US09271916B2	Composition for reducing skin wrinkles including PDE5 inhibitor Disclosed is a composition effective in reducing skin wrinkles. The composition comprises a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, preferably the compound of chemical formula 1, more preferably, mirodenafil as an active ingredient. Further disclosed is a method for reducing skin wrinkles using the composition.
US09271915B2	Composition for dyeing keratin fibres comprising a direct dye bearing a disulphide/thiol function, a non-cellulose-based thickening polymer, an alkaline agent and a reducing agent The invention relates to a process for dyeing and/or lightening keratin fibres such as the hair, using i) at least one direct dye bearing a disulfide, thiol or protected-thiol function and ii) at least one non-cellulose-based thickening organic polymer, iii) at least one alkaline agent, iv) at least one reducing agent and optionally v) at least one surfactant. The invention also relates to a composition comprising the ingredients i) to iv) and optionally v), to the use of the combination of i), ii), iii), iv) and optionally v) for the dyeing and/or lightening of keratin fibres, and to a multi-compartment kit comprising the ingredients i) to iv) and optionally v). The dyeing process and the composition according to the invention especially afford a long-lasting coloration on keratin fibres, which is strong, chromatic and/or homogeneous, with or without the use of an oxidizing agent.
US09271911B2	Quarternary amine surfactant cleaner A composition for cleaning and sanitizing dental appliances and dentures having at least one of anti-viral, anti-fungal, antibacterial, germicidal, and anti-microbial properties and comprising (a) a surfactant system having a quaternary amine as a first component and a nonionic surfactant as a second component, (b) peppermint oil, (c) a quaternary salt additive, (d) propolis resin extract, (e) antibiotic additive, and (f) Triclosan.
US09271908B2	Aqueous hair and skin cleaning compositions comprising biotensides The present invention is directed to compositions comprising water, at least one biosurfactant and at least one fatty acid, which are characterized in that the fraction of the sum of all surfactants in the composition is from 1 to 30% by weight, and that the fraction of fatty acid, based on the sum of fatty acid and surfactants, is from 0.1 to 20% by weight, and to the use thereof as or for producing bath additives, shower gel, shampoos, conditioners, body cleansers or skin cleansers.
US09271906B2	Oral compositions containing microaggregates The invention relates to a composite and oral care compositions for use in the mouth to retard the accumulation of dental plaque and/or calculus. The composite is a microaggregate comprising polymer coated, surfactant stabilized particles of a substantially insoluble metal, metal salt or metal oxide, for example zinc oxide. Also methods for retarding the accumulation of dental plaque and/or calculus are provided.
US09271904B2	Controlled release oral delivery systems Oral delivery systems including at least one encapsulated active are provided. The oral delivery systems include at least one active component; and a polymer matrix at least partially encapsulating the at least one active component. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix has a tensile strength of at least about 6,500 psi and/or includes at least one polymer having a water absorption of about 0.01% to about 50% by weight. The at least one active component may be an oral care active, which may be encapsulated alone or in combination with other actives, such as a taste masking active.
US09271898B2	Pill organizer and dispenser A device is provided for storing, organizing, and dispensing prescription pills that includes a clamshell container configured to house a pill tray, pill tray lid, and sliding card. The pill tray contains an array of pill chambers that are covered by the pill tray lid, or alternatively, by an adhesive foil seal. The clamshell container includes a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having an array of pill holes that correspond with the chambers of the pill tray. The top of the sliding card has markings corresponding to the pill chambers beneath it and slides over the pill tray and beneath the top portion of the claim shell. Pills are placed within the pill holes on top of the sliding card. When the sliding card is removed, the pills fall through the pill holes and into the pill chambers of the pill tray.
US09271895B2	Method for treating urinary incontinence A method of treating urinary incontinence, uncontrolled urination, and frequent urination in a human in need thereof is provided. The method includes placement of at least two calibrated, differential disturbances or protuberances under the human's feet.
US09271892B1	Walker leg rest A leg rest for a walker contains: (a) a vertical post having a top; (b) a bifurcated semi-cylindrical hook having a horizontal axis attached to the top of the vertical post, the hook adapted for placement over a handle of a walker; and (c) a leg rest platform attached to one or more of the attachment receptacles of the vertical post.
US09271888B2	Transfer robot for caring for patient Disclosed is a transfer robot for caring for a patient. The robot includes a body section against which the upper half of the body of a patient is leaned, a first clamp which is rotatably provided on one side of the body section for supporting the upper half of the body of the patient, a second clamp, which is provided at a position adjacent to the first clamp so that the position of the second clamp is able to be changed, for supporting the lower half of the body of the patient, a prop which is extendedly arranged below the body for adjusting the height of the body section, and a transfer board, which is connected to the prop, for rotating and moving positions.
US09271887B2	Patient support apparatus having an auxiliary wheel A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.
US09271886B2	Reactive headrest system for disabled individuals A headrest assembly for assisting individuals with hypertonic extension pattern provides a pivoting support that better matches the pivoting motion of the patient's head in backward extension. A restoring spring absorbs and dissipates the energy of the extension and provides adjustable spring restoring force.
US09271882B2	Absorbent article An absorbent article configured to ensure that even when the excreted urine diffuses by running down the wearer's skin, the skin is prevented from remaining wetted. In the absorbent article of the present invention, when an artificial urine is dropped and absorbed in the urination region of the crotch region, where an absorbent sheet is not disposed, the return amount of the artificial urine in the buttock region of the rear waist region, where an absorbent sheet is disposed, takes a value of 200 times less than the return amount of the artificial urine in the urination region; and the return amount of the artificial urine in the buttock region when the artificial urine is dropped and absorbed in the buttock region takes a value of 0.7 or less of the return amount of the artificial urine in the urination region when the artificial urine is dropped and absorbed in the urination region.
US09271880B2	Absorbent article comprising an elastic web material A pant type absorbent article such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant, said article having a core region (3) comprising an absorbent core (2) and a chassis region (4) surrounding the core region. The chassis comprises front, back and waist regions (5, 6 and 7). The article in at least a part of the chassis region (4) comprises an outer coversheet (10) in the form of an elastic web material (11) constituting the sole component of the chassis (4) in at least 20% of the total surface area of the article (1), said elastic laminate having an opacity of at least 40% and a basis weight of no more than 100 g/m2.
US09271872B2	Welding helmet air flow barrier An air barrier that prevents entrainment of surrounding air from the welding environment into the welding helmet is provided. The barrier for the welding helmet contains a flexible curtain, front and rear edges, and means for securing the front edge of the curtain adjacent to the rear edge of the helmet. The flexible curtain may be made of fire-resistant and flexible molded material. The air barrier may be permanently secured to or removable from the welding helmet. The invention may be used in conjunction with a variety of ventilation and cooling systems, including small units that mount on or in welding helmets, as well as more elaborate blowing systems partially carried by the welder.
US09271868B2	Ophthalmic surgical device for capsulotomy A surgical device and procedure are provided for performing microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device has an elastically deformable cutting element mounted within an elastomeric suction cup. The suction cup is attached to an arm for manipulating the device. The device can be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, through a corneal incision, to cut a piece from the anterior portion of the lens capsule of the eye. The device is secured against the lens capsule using suction applied by one or more suction elements. The device is then removed from the eye, with the cut piece of membrane retained within the device by suction.
US09271867B2	Vitrectomy surgical apparatus with regulating of material processed A vitrectomy apparatus is provided, including a pressure source, a cut valve connected to the pressure source, the cut valve configured to be turned on and off to provide pressure to selectively extend and retract a vitrectomy cutting device, a sensor configured to sense pressure provided from the cut valve, and a controller configured to control operation of the cut valve based on pressure sensed by the sensor. The controller is configured to monitor an amount of dwell time the vitrectomy cutting device remains open and monitor aspiration rate, and control a rate of material processed by the vitrectomy cutting device based on amount of dwell time and aspiration rate.
US09271866B2	Apparatus and methods for delivering therapeutic agents In various embodiments, a drug-delivery device includes one or more reservoirs that may each contain a therapeutic agent for delivery to a patient.
US09271852B2	Stent with alternating amplitudes A tubular stent (1) has first and second ends (2,3) and a longitudinal axis (4) therebetween. The tubular stent (1) is formed from a network of struts which defines a cylindrical surface about the longitudinal axis (4), the struts delineating a plurality of cells {23, 30, 31, 32, 33) within the network, there being rows of cells parallel to the longitudinal axis (4). At least one cell in each row is a nodal cell (23). There is an increase in the maximum length parallel to the longitudinal axis (4) of cells from the at least one nodal cell (23) to a first distal cell (30) in the row that is closer to the first or second end (2, 3) of the tubular stent (1). There is a second distal cell (31) in the row which has a different maximum length parallel to the longitudinal axis (4) from the nodal cell (23) and the first distal cell (30). The network of struts comprises a plurality of circumferential rings (6, 6′, 9, 9′, 13, 13′, 16, 16′, 17, 17′). Each ring (6, 6′, 9, 9′, 13, 13′, 16, 16′, 17, 17′) extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (4) and the rings are located adjacent to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis (4) to define the cylindrical surface. The circumferential rings (6, 6′, 9, 9′, 13, 13′, 16, 16′, 17, 17′) are of a wave form. Each circumferential ring (6, 6′, 9, 9′, 13, 13′, 16, 16′, 17, 17′) has an amplitude parallel to the longitudinal axis (4), such that each wave form comprises a plurality of peaks (7, 10, 14, 18, 20) which extend towards the axial centre (5) of the tubular stent (1) and a plurality of troughs (8, 12, 29, 21, 36) which extend away from the axial centre (5) of the tubular stent (1).
US09271850B2	Method and device for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint The invention relates to a method and device for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity having a resistance device to which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is changed depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. During use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors, wherein a cyclic movement different from walking is determined and the resistance is reduced for the duration of the cyclic movement.
US09271844B2	Expandable spinal implant system and method A spinal implant comprises a first member including a wall that defines a first cavity and a second member including a wall defining a second cavity. At least one first expandable bone graft is disposable within the second cavity. The second member is axially translatable relative to the first member between a first configuration and a second, expanded configuration such that at least a portion of the at least one first graft is disposed within the first cavity and the first cavity includes a substantially void portion. At least one second bone graft has a selective configuration and dimension for disposal within the substantially void portion. Systems and methods are disclosed.
US09271842B2	Expandable trial assembly for expandable vertebral implant The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing a trial assembly. The method may further comprise positioning the trial assembly between vertebrae in a patient. The method may further comprise rotating a drive shaft of the trial assembly to cause upper and lower gear members of the trial assembly to rotate causing expansion of a tip assembly of the trial assembly. The method may further comprise measuring expansion of the trial assembly with a scale at a proximal end of the trial assembly. The method may further comprise removing the trial assembly from the patient. The method may further comprise positioning an implant between the vertebrae in the patient. The method may further comprise expanding the implant based on the measured expansion of the trial assembly.
US09271840B2	Low stress all poly tibial component A tibial component for use in conjunction with a knee replacement surgery. An inferior surface of the tibial component may be concave to thereby improve bonding between the tibial component and a tibia. The tibial component may produce low stress in the cement mantle during in-vivo loading. A stem extending from the inferior surface of the tibial component may include an anterior curvature to facilitate the use of minimally evasive surgical techniques. The stem may further include medial-lateral wing portions with a posterior curvature to provide improved support.
US09271833B2	Transcatheter coronary sinus mitral valve annuloplasty procedure and coronary artery and myocardial protection device A protective device or bridge comprising a central arch is suitable to be placed between an annuplasty device placed in the coronary sinus and an underlying coronary artery to inhibit transmission of compressive force on the coronary artery by the annuplasty device.
US09271831B2	Stentless support structure A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
US09271830B2	Accommodating intraocular lens and method of manufacture thereof An accommodating IOL comprises an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of an eye, and a movement assembly coupled to the eye to provide effective accommodating movement, preferably axial movement, of the optic. At least a portion of the movement assembly is made from a material that is less stiff and/or more resilient than the material used to make the optic. Optionally, an outer ring or support portion made at least partially from either a relatively stiff material such as the material used in the optic or a relatively resilient material such as the material used in the movement assembly is also provided.
US09271826B2	Implantable system having a dissolution mechanism upon recovery The invention relates to a system for controlled loading of a reconstructed human or animal tissue during the healing phase, comprising an anchor element (10) for implanting in a first bone (50), at least one connecting element (20), and one retaining element (30) for the at least one connecting element (20) on a second bone (40). The anchor element (10) and/or the connecting element (20) and/or the retaining element (30) are made of self-dissolving bioresorbable material.
US09271824B2	Cell scaffold constructs The present invention relates to the regeneration, reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures using scaffolds and autologous cells that are not derived from such organs or tissues.
US09271822B2	Artificial dura mater and manufacturing method thereof Disclosed are an artificial dura mater and manufacturing method thereof. The artificial dura mater includes electrospun layers prepared by electrostatic spinning, at least one of which is a hydrophobic electrospun layer. Further, above the hydrophobic electrospun layer, there can be at least one hydrophilic electrospun layer. A transition layer can be further included between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers. Additionally, cytokines and/or medicines can be affixed to either or both of the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers, by way of bio-printing. The disclosed artificial dura mater shows good biocompatibility, enhances dural tissue regeneration, achieves excellent repairing effects, prevents adhesion, allows complete absorption, has good mechanical properties, ensures low infection rates, and can be loaded with therapeutic agents.
US09271821B2	Elongated tissue matrices Elongated and high aspect ratio tissue treatment products are provided. Methods of making and using the tissue treatment products are also provided. The tissue treatment products can be used as implants that conform to the site of implantation and resist migration away from their implantation site in vivo.
US09271819B2	Apparatus and method for the ligation of tissue A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.
US09271818B2	Conical vena cava filter with jugular or femoral retrieval An intravascular filter configured for upstream or downstream retrieval and a method for retrieving an intravascular filter from a patient's vena cava through the patient's femoral vein. The filter includes a downstream hub, an upstream hub, a plurality of primary struts extending from the downstream hub to the upstream hub, a plurality of secondary struts extending upstream from fixed ends housed in the downstream hub to free ends, secondary strut eyelets disposed at the free ends of the secondary struts, a loop member disposed through the secondary strut eyelets, an upstream coupling element disposed with the upstream hub, and a tether extending from the loop member to the upstream coupling element.
US09271810B2	Orthodontic archwire bracket The orthodontic archwire bracket comprises a base body (10) having a base element (11) to be fixed to a tooth and a bracket body (20) having a socket element (25) surrounded by a perimetric wall (32) including two opposed slot portions (21a, 21b) forming a slot (21) to receive an archwire. The base and bracket bodies (10, 20) are connected by a ball and socket joint coupling. The perimetric wall (32) has a slit (33) providing a gap. A control element (60) mounted on the bracket body (20) is changeable between locking and unlocking positions to expand or constrict the bracket body (20) by increasing or reducing the gap. The ball and socket joint coupling is locked by friction when the control element (50) is in the locking position and the ball and socket joint coupling is unlocked enabling relative movement in three coordinate axes when the control element (50) is in the unlocking position.
US09271809B2	Tracking teeth movement correction Embodiments are provided for tracking teeth movement correction. One method embodiment includes using a set of positioning appliances shaped to move teeth through a number of successive stages of arrangements of an expected teeth arrangement model where each stage corresponds to a particular positioning appliance, mapping a current teeth position based upon positions of a number of physical markers attached to a number of physical teeth, comparing the positions of the number of physical markers with a corresponding number of virtual markers positioned on a number of virtual teeth of a stage in the expected teeth arrangement model, determining whether midcourse correction is needed.
US09271806B2	Adjustable foot pedal control for ophthalmic surgery A foot pedal control for a surgical system, e.g., an ophthalmic surgery system, that adjusts to a number of different sizes of user's shoes. The foot pedal control has a treadle on which a user places his or her foot and a sensor that tracks the movements thereof. Adjustable lateral guides mount to the treadle and conform to both sides of the foot. The guides are shaped and positioned to conform to a wide variety of feet or shoes, and may easily be adjusted between users. A retractable heel stop converts between up for reference and down to enhance movement of the user's foot. A convertible handle may be stowed in a down position parallel to a base or pivoted up over the treadle for protection and ease of movement of the foot pedal control. The foot pedal control may be wireless and have various other electronic controls, and may have a dual-control treadle.
US09271803B2	Hybrid registration method A registration method whereby a sensor-based approach is used to establish initial registration and whereby upon the commencement of navigating an endoscope, image-based registration methods are used in order to more accurately maintain the registration between the endoscope location and previously-acquired images. A six-degree-of-freedom location sensor is placed on the probe in order to reduce the number of previously-acquired images that must be compared to a real-time image obtained from the endoscope.
US09271802B2	Malleolar registration clamp and malleolar registration method A malleolar registration clamp comprising a reference unit and a receiving portion for receiving the malleolus, wherein the receiving portion is designed to receive at least part of the malleolus in a defined position relative to the receiving portion, and the position of the reference unit relative to the receiving portion is defined.
US09271801B2	Methods, systems, and devices for gauging a bone tunnel Devices, systems, and methods are provided for gauging a bone tunnel. In one exemplary embodiment, a graft repair system can include an elongate pin, an elongate pusher shaft configured to be positioned over one opposed end of the pin when the pin is positioned within a bone tunnel, and a gauge member configured to be positioned over another opposed end of the pin when the pin is positioned within the bone tunnel. When the pusher shaft abuts the bone adjacent one of the open ends of the bone tunnel and the gauge member abuts the bone adjacent the other open end of the bone tunnel, an indicator mark on the pin can be visible through one or more windows formed in the gauge member. The indicator mark's position relative to each of the one or more windows can indicate one or more characteristics related to the bone tunnel.
US09271799B2	Robotic surgical system with removable motor housing A robotic system. A housing is removably attachable to a tool interface portion of the robotic system and includes a drive system. In various arrangements, the drive system includes at least one onboard motor that is configured to generate a rotary control motion for application to a surgical end effector. A first drive assembly operably interfaces with portions of the tool interface portion to generate another rotary control motion for application to the surgical end effector.
US09271797B2	Robotic surgery A robotic tool holder, including a housing, configured to be gripped by a human hand, and a wireless transmitter, located within the housing. The holder further includes a plurality of individual controls attached to the housing, the controls being configured, in a first mode of operation of the robotic tool holder, to activate respective motions of a first surgical tool physically attached to the housing in response to manipulation of the controls by the human hand, and in a second mode of operation of the robotic tool holder, to activate via the wireless transmitter respective motions of a second surgical tool remote from and disconnected from the housing in response to the manipulation.
US09271794B2	Monitoring and noise masking of thermal therapy Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient. By tracking a probe position within tissue through feedback, multiple data slices provided around the probe position can be processed to monitor treatment and view thermal data. The operator selects treatment area reference points with the assistance of noise masking.
US09271793B2	Method and apparatus for personal skin treatment Disclosed is a skin treatment device for personal use. The device includes an optical radiation providing module operating in pulsed or continuous operation mode, a mechanism for continuously displacing the device across the skin, and a device displacement speed monitoring arrangement. When the device is applied to skin, the optical pulses repetition rate establishes the power of the optical radiation as a function of the device displacement speed. The device a hair removal mechanism configured to mechanically remove hair from the treated segment of the skin.
US09271792B2	Peripheral switching device for microwave energy platforms An electrosurgical system includes a power source, a microwave applicator, a switching mechanism, and a controller. The power source is configured to generate microwave energy. The microwave applicator is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue. The switching mechanism includes a housing having input and output ports. The input port is connectable to the power source and the output port is connectable to the microwave applicator. The housing is configured to house one or more switches therein. The controller is in operative communication with the switching mechanism to toggle the switch from a first state, wherein microwave energy generated by the power source is directed to the microwave applicator to a second state, wherein microwave energy is directed to a resistive load operably coupled to the switching mechanism.
US09271790B2	Real-time arc control in electrosurgical generators An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes a radio frequency output stage configured to generate a radio frequency waveform and a sensor circuit configured to measure a property of the radio frequency waveform during a predetermined sampling period to determine whether an arc event has occurred. The generator also includes a controller configured to determine a total charge and/or total energy deposited by the radio frequency waveform during the predetermined sampling period associated with the arc event. The controller is further configured to adjust the output of the electrosurgical generator based on at least one parameter to limit arcing.
US09271788B2	Ablation devices with adjustable radiating section lengths, electrosurgical systems including same, and methods of adjusting ablation fields using same An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline, wherein the radiating section has a length. The energy applicator also includes a length adjustment member adapted to allow for selective adjustment of the length of the radiating section.
US09271783B2	End-effector assembly including a pressure-sensitive layer disposed on an electrode An end-effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another, at least one of the jaw members moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. First and second conductive plates are disposed on opposing surfaces of corresponding first and second jaw members. First and second compressible membranes are configured to electrically connect corresponding first and second conductive plates to a surgical field when subjected to a compression bias.
US09271781B2	Skeletal manipulation method A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.
US09271780B2	Distractor with removable footplates A bone distractor assembly configured to distract first and second bone segments on opposite sides of a bone gap is provided. In one embodiment the distractor assembly includes a distractor having a first coupler and a second coupler, a first footplate releasably coupled to the first coupler, a second footplate releasably coupled to the second coupler, and a locking mechanism releasably coupling the first and second footplates to the first and second couplers. The first and second footplates releasably are each configured to attach to bone. The locking mechanism includes a tube, wherein removal of the tube releases the first and second footplates from the first and second couplers.
US09271778B2	Method and an apparatus for screw removal A method and an apparatus for screw removal from bone plates used in osteosynthesis. The method includes the steps of: performing an incision in the soft tissue surrounding an implanted bone screw having a screw head inserted in an elongated plate hole of a bone plate; positioning an expandable tip of the apparatus in a portion of the plate hole which is not occupied by the bone screw and in the proximity of the screw head of the bone screw, wherein the expandable tip is in an unexpanded position; and widening the plate hole in a lateral direction essentially perpendicular to a major axis of the elongated plate hole by expanding the expandable tip of the apparatus from the unexpanded position to an expanded position.
US09271776B2	System and method for facilitating repair and reattachment of comminuted bone portions A fracture fixation system serves in repairing comminuted bone portions of a bone. The fracture fixation system includes a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, one of a screw and a post, and at least one aperture for receiving the one of the screw and the post therethrough. The plate is secured to a main portion of the bone, and the one of the screw and the post is inserted through the at least one aperture through the plate. The portion of the comminuted bone portions is attached to the one of the screw and the post using at least one suture. The one of the screw and the post is rotated to wind the at least one suture therearound to reposition the portion of the comminuted bone portions relative to the main portion of the bone.
US09271773B2	Bone plate structure The present invention discloses an approximately π-shaped improved bone plate structure, fixed on a bone of an animal for maintaining the relative positions of different portions of the bone. One of the other features of the present invention is that bone plate structure comprises at least one contouring portion for allowing the surgeons to intra-operatively adjusting the shape in accordance with the shape of the bone. Furthermore, the present invention may fit the bone with multi-axis, decreasing stress concentration, preventing the opening portion from being unsuitably covered and preventing the wound deformation from being pressed.
US09271766B2	Devices and methods for stabilizing tissue and implants An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.
US09271763B2	Transverse rod connector A transverse rod connector includes an elongate member having first and second ends and first and second connection members. The first and second connection members are connected with first and second ends, respectively. The first and second connection members are configured for multidirectional positioning with respect to the elongate member. The first and second connection members are each dimensioned to be selectively and releasably secured to a bone anchor.
US09271762B2	Offset variable angle connection assembly Systems for securely connecting a spinal implant to a bone anchor by using an offset connection assembly. The variable angle connection assembly is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. The connection assembly will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.
US09271761B2	Bone anchoring device A bone anchoring device for securement to a bone. The device includes an anchor, a receiver, a retainer and an insert. The receiver includes a seating surface defining a cavity communicating with the exterior of the receiver through a first opening configured to receive the connection head of the anchor therethrough. The retainer includes at least two discrete retaining members configured to engage with the receiver seating surface when they are captured between the connection head and the seating surface. The insert is disposed within the receiver and configured to frictionally engage the connection head. The insert includes a main body and at least one pin protruding from the main body, for circumferential insertion between two adjacent retaining members of the retainer.
US09271760B2	Locking device for locking a rod-shaped element in a receiving part of a bone anchor and bone anchor with such a locking device A locking device includes a first locking member including a first end, a second end, a central axis, an outer surface with an external thread, a coaxial bore, and an internal thread provided along at least a portion of the bore, and a second locking member including a first end, a second end, and an outer surface with an external thread. When the second locking member is positioned in the first locking member, the second locking member is movable along the central axis by rotating the second locking member. Movement of the second locking member is limited towards the first end of the first locking member by a first stop and towards the second end of the first locking member by a second stop, where at least one of the first stop or second stop is arranged in the bore of the first locking member.
US09271757B2	Automated growing rod device A remotely controllable growing rod device comprises a housing containing on-board electronics and at least one drive assembly operable to move associated extension elements relative to each other. Each extension element terminates in an anchor element configured to be anchored to a part of the spine, such as the pedicle of a vertebral body. The on-board electronics includes a microprocessor, a power supply, such as an inductive power supply, and a receiver/transmitter. The microprocessor is configured to receive remotely transmitted movement data through the receiver and is further configured for feedback controlled actuation of the drive assembly for relative movement the associated extension elements to achieve a desired physiological condition of the patient's spine.
US09271756B2	Systems and methods for joint replacement Systems and methods for joint replacement are provided. The systems and methods include a surgical orientation device, a reference sensor device, and at least one orthopedic fixture. The surgical orientation device, reference sensor device, and orthopedic fixtures can be used to locate the orientation of an axis in the body, to adjust an orientation of a cutting plane or planes along a bony surface, or otherwise to assist in an orthopedic procedure(s).
US09271752B2	Method and apparatus for placing a cannula in a bladder A cannula is placed in an enlarged opening through a bladder wall and an abdominal wall by applying pulling tension to a placement guide extending through a small pathway to hold an inflated placement balloon in sealing contact with the bladder wall. The seal confines distension fluid in the bladder to establish sufficient reactive resistance to enlarge the opening through the bladder wall with blunt force dilation from an obturator.
US09271750B2	Expandable cannula and method of use A cutting device includes an elongated shaft that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A distal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The distal arm includes an inner surface defining a cavity and an outer surface defining a blunt tip. At least one proximal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft at a position proximal to the distal arm. The at least one proximal arm having an inner surface defines a cavity including a cutting portion configured to cut tissue.
US09271744B2	Patient-specific guide for partial acetabular socket replacement A device for partial acetabular replacement includes a patient-specific acetabular guide. The acetabular guide has a first surface configured to nestingly mate in only one position to the patient's acetabulum. The acetabular guide includes a patient-specific guiding formation configured to guide a cutting tool to remove damaged tissue from a defect of the patient's acetabulum and prepare a patient-specific implantation slot corresponding to the defect after removal of the damaged tissue. A patient-specific partial acetabular implant can be configured to nestingly mate with the patient-specific implantation slot.
US09271739B2	Surgical instrument and system of surgical instruments A surgical instrument, for example a cutting block for use in knee surgery, comprises a mounting surface defining at least one opening for receiving a mounting projection. The mounting surface further defines a blind recess which extends linearly from the at least one opening. The blind recess may extend to an edge of the mounting surface. A system including a surgical instrument and one or more mounting projections is also disclosed. The blind recess can be used as a track to guide a projection to an opening, increasing the area of the instrument that can be used to locate the projection in the correct position. The recess acts as a guide for the projection to enter the opening by providing tactile feedback to guide the projection towards the opening. If the recess also extends to the edge of the instrument, the recess may be visible more easily when the surgeon is installing the instrument providing visual as well as tactile feedback.
US09271738B2	Device for control of difficult to compress hemorrhage Bleeding from blood vessels located in difficult-to-compress regions of the body (especially the abdomen, pelvic or groin region) is controlled by the use of a portable, small-footprint belt-like device that contains multiple inflatable bladders. The inflatable bladders are selectively positioned and inflated over exsanguinating blood vessels, thereby exerting pressure to stop the bleeding. The device may also be used to provide perfusion support in low flow disease states such as hemorrhagic shock and cardiac arrest.
US09271734B2	Methods and devices for sheath compression A sheath is configured for elongation from a first length to a second, longer length and a retention member retains the sheath at the first length. A portion of the retention member is removed or disengaged, the sheath is released and expands in situ to the second longer length. A method for releasing the retention member is also disclosed.
US09271731B2	Device and method for through the scope endoscopic hemostatic clipping Medical device used to cause hemostasis of blood vessels using a clip arrangement delivered to a target region through an endoscope. Method for using the device to cause hemostasis of a blood vessel through an endoscope. Medical device including a reversibly closeable clip, a locking arrangement, a control wire, a sheath, and a handle with an actuating trigger. Through the endoscope, hemostatic clipping device that is fully reversible and lockable. Hemostatic clip that reversibly targets and clips bleeding ulcers.
US09271730B2	Instrument for stretching the skin Instrument for stretching the skin for closing wounds, having a skin expander, having at least two jaws mechanically adjustable relative to each other in a tension direction on the skin expander, having barbs associated with the jaws the barbs being anchorable in the skin in the area of the edges of the wound, wherein a tensile force is exerted on the skin by means of the barbs by adjusting the jaws, the force stretching the skin and drawing the edges of the wound toward each other, wherein one or more barbs are each disposed on a carrier extending transverse to the tension direction, wherein the carriers are releasably mounted on the jaws, and wherein the carriers can be fixed in position relative to each other by attachable fixing elements.
US09271722B2	Methods for passing multiple sutures through tissue Methods for passing multiple sutures through tissue are provided herein. In particular, the methods described herein allow multiple sutures to be passed through tissue without removing a suture passing instrument from a patient's body. In one embodiment, a method for passing a suture through tissue is provided that includes loading first and second suture limbs into a suture passing instrument, positioning the instrument within a patient's body, actuating the instrument to pass a portion of the first suture limb through the tissue, pulling the first suture limb through the tissue, pulling the second suture limb to reload the suture passing instrument without removing the instrument from the patient's body, actuating the instrument a second time to pass a portion of the second suture limb through the tissue, and pulling the second suture limb through the tissue.
US09271718B2	Suturing and ligating method In a suturing and ligating method, a suture strand is wound around a gripper a predetermined number of times by turning a proximal end portion of a curved needle with a rolling mechanism. The gripper then grips the portion of the suture strand, which has not been inserted into the tissue. The gripper is then withdrawn through loops of the suture strand, which are wound around the gripper. The distal-end working unit and the gripper are then moved relatively to each other in order to form a knot across the incision.
US09271716B2	Surgical constructs and methods for securing tissue Suture constructs and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a construct includes a first limb, a second limb, a coaxial region, and a collapsible snare defined by the first and second limbs. The coaxial region can be formed by a portion of the second limb being disposed in a volume of the first limb, which allows for a low profile construct that is useful in various soft tissue repair procedures. The construct can be configured to be disposed in tissue to draw the tissue toward bone, and the coaxial region can be deconstructed so that the first and second limbs can be used to help secure the desired location of the tissue with respect to the bone. Various features of the construct and methods for using the same in a surgical procedure are also provided.
US09271713B2	Method and apparatus for tensioning a suture An apparatus can include a tensioning member having a body defining a first bone engaging surface, a second opposite suture receiving surface, and an outer perimeter. First and second suture attachment members can be positioned relative to the second surface and spaced apart from each other, and can be configured to be coupled to a suture. First and second suture engaging members can extend from the second surface and can be positioned in spaced relation to the first and second suture attachment members. Rotation of the tensioning member in a first direction can selectively engage the first and second suture receiving members with the suture, thereby forming a non-linear path of travel of the suture relative to the first and second suture attachment members and suture engaging members and increasing the tension in the suture.
US09271711B2	Methods and devices for tissue retraction Methods and devices are provided for retracting tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a retractor is provided that includes a base and a plurality of blades configured to removably and replaceably mate to the base. One or more of the plurality of blades can be configured to mate to the base in one of a plurality of available positions. In use, one or more adjustment mechanisms can be actuated to move one or more of the blades, thereby forming a pathway through tissue. The retractor can be formed from one or more radiolucent materials.
US09271707B2	Clip applier and methods of use An apparatus for delivering a closure element can include a splittable carrier tube and a splitter to split the tube. The carrier tube can have an outer surface retaining a closure element in a tubular configuration and can be split into radially-expandable flaps. A closure element can have a shape-memory body having a relaxed configuration with a planar-annular body defining a lumen with tines directed inwardly from the body. The clip can be held in a retaining configuration having a substantially asymmetrically-elongated tubular shape with a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional profile and a proximal end having the tines being longitudinally directed with a first tine being more distally oriented compared to a substantially opposite second tine being more proximal, and retracting to a deploying configuration having a tubular shape with a rectangular longitudinal cross-sectional profile with the first tine being even with the second tine when being delivered.
US09271705B2	Surgical instrument adapter with highly secure locking shaft mechanism A highly secure instrument adapter includes a handle with an internal locking and release mechanism which does not use a pushing release and which requires little physical effort to lock and release, yet provides a stable and secure connection between an instrument and the handle. The locking mechanism is comprised an ergometric handle having an open handle cavity, a receiver having an internal threaded tubular body and a plurality of locking apertures, and a rotating collar having a limited range of rotation, a plurality of fingers that project outward from the flattened surface on a spacer structure, and a plurality of circular apertures placed alternately between said fingers.
US09271704B2	Reel for surgical tape The present invention relates to a component (101) intended to be mounted on the ejection barrel of a device for dispensing surgical staples, characterized in that it comprises: fixing means (102) designed to fix said component (101) on said ejection barrel removably or non-removably, securing means (103) for securing a surgical tape to said component (101), said securing means allowing said tape to slide within said component (101). The invention further relates to a kit comprising such a component and/or a device for dispensing surgical staples and/or a surgical tape.
US09271702B2	Medical instrument with a detent A medical instrument includes a shaft which is connected at the proximal end to a handle, and it also includes an insert which is guided along the shaft and which is connected at the proximal end to a movable grip part of the handle. At its distal end, the insert has a tool which can be actuated by pivoting of the grip part. A lock is also provided which can be brought into locking engagement with the movable grip part. To cancel the lock function, a detent is provided which can be brought between lock and movable grip part, such that the lock function can be cancelled by the detent.
US09271692B2	System and method for triggering an imaging process based on non-periodicity in breathing A method of triggering an imaging process includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A computer product having a set of instructions stored in a non-transitory medium, wherein an execution of the instructions causes a method to be performed, the method includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A system for triggering an imaging process includes a processor that is configured for obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity.
US09271691B2	Method and x-ray device to determine a three-dimensional target image data set In a method and x-ray device to determine a three-dimensional target image data set showing at least one partial region of interest of an acquisition region, wherein the image data of the three-dimensional target image data set are reconstructed from two-dimensional projection images acquired from various projection directions, first projection images are acquired without a collimation of the radiation source from first projection directions and a three-dimensional overview image data set of the acquisition region is reconstructed from the first projection images. The partial region of interest is selected in the overview image data set. Second projection images are acquired, with collimation at the partial region, from second projection directions, the second projection directions differing from the first projection directions. The target image data set showing the acquisition region and the partial region of interest is reconstructed from all first and second projection images.
US09271687B2	Method and apparatus for adjusting an X-ray emission range A method of adjusting an X-ray emission range includes: displaying an image obtained by capturing X-rays which pass through a subject; receiving a user input with respect to the captured image; and controlling a collimator according to the received user input, to adjust the X-ray emission range according to a size and position of the collimator.
US09271686B2	Endorectal prostate probe composed of a combined mini gamma camera and ultrasound sensor A dual modality probe is disclosed having both a gamma probe sensor and an ultrasound sensor. A dual imaging system is provided having the probe and at least one external gamma imaging detector and a data acquisition computer system for collecting data simultaneously from the gamma probe sensor, the gamma imaging detector, and the ultrasound sensor of the probe. A method for evaluating a target organ of a patient utilizing the probe and imaging system, and performing a biopsy of the organ is disclosed.
US09271684B2	CT imaging apparatus and methods An apparatus has a patient support, a rotatable gantry supporting a source of imaging radiation, and a radiation detector that operates in a cyclical pattern of an exposure phase followed by a readout phase. For a first detector cycle in which the gantry has a first angle of rotation, the source of radiation is controlled to emit a first radiation beam pulse during the exposure phase, and respective first imaging data is read out during the readout phase. For a second, subsequent detector cycle, it is determined if the gantry has rotated through at least a threshold angular displacement relative to said first angle of rotation, and if so, the source of radiation is controlled to emit a second radiation beam pulse during the exposure phase, and respective second imaging data is read out during the readout phase.
US09271683B2	Radiation focal position detecting method, radiation detecting apparatus and radiation tomographic imaging apparatus A radiation focal position detecting method for detecting a positional displacement of a focal point of a radiation source in a radiation tomographic imaging apparatus is provided. The method includes providing a radiation absorber that covers parts of first and second detecting element regions, the parts lying on mutually adjoining sides of the first and second detecting element regions in a radiation detector including a plurality of detecting elements arranged in channel and slice directions, and specifying, based on intensities of radiation detected by the detecting elements in the first and second detecting element regions, a position of the focal point or an amount of movement of the focal point from a reference position.
US09271681B2	X-ray computed tomography apparatus According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprises an X-ray generating unit, an X-ray detecting unit, a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit, a reconstruction processing unit configured to reconstruct first images respectively corresponding to volumes, a shift detecting unit configured to detect shifts of an object image due to warp of the top within a reconstruction coordinate system of the reconstruction processing unit, which shifts respectively correspond to the first images, and a control unit configured to move an origin of the reconstruction coordinate system for each of the volumes based on each of the detected shifts and control the reconstruction processing unit to reconstruct second images, which shifts respectively correspond to the volumes from the output from the X-ray detecting unit on the reconstruction coordinate system whose origin has been moved.
US09271680B2	System and methods for computing activation maps Systems and methods can be used to determine activation information for points along a surface or selected region of interest. In one example, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method that includes computing a local activation vector based on relative timing among electrical signals corresponding to neighboring points of a plurality of points on a surface envelope. An activation time can be computed for each of the plurality of points as a function of corresponding local activation vectors.
US09271679B2	Method and apparatus for processing medical image signal A method of processing a medical image signal includes estimating first time courses and first spatial patterns for a group of objects from first brain function data for the group, and estimating second time courses and second spatial patterns for a target object from second brain function data obtained from the target object by using the first time courses and the first spatial patterns.
US09271672B2	Method and apparatus for indicating the emergence of an ulcer A method of monitoring a patient's foot forms a thermogram of the sole of at least one foot of the patient, and determines whether the thermogram presents at least one of a plurality of prescribed patterns. The method also compares the thermogram against a prior thermogram of the same foot, and produces output information indicating the emergence of an ulcer on a given portion on the at least one foot as a function of 1) whether the thermogram is determined to present the at least one pattern, and 2) the comparison with the prior thermogram, which shows non-ulcerated tissue at the given location.
US09271671B2	Sensor and method for removing interfering substance A technique is provided, wherein any influence, which would be otherwise exerted on a reaction of an objective substance caused by a reagent enzyme by an interfering substance contained in a specimen, is suppressed in relation to an electrochemical sensor for measuring the objective substance contained in the specimen. A sensor comprises a substrate; a detecting unit which is provided on the substrate and which detects an objective substance; a filter which covers the detecting unit, which permits permeation of the objective substance on one hand, and which regulates permeation of an interfering substance contained in a sample on the other hand; and removing unit which removes the interfering substance adhered to the filter.
US09271668B2	Safety blood collection assembly with indicator A needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly includes a housing having a flash chamber, and having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with a specimen collection container. The assembly includes a cannula having a patient end, a non-patient end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a cannula interior. The patient end of the cannula projects at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the cannula interior is in fluid communication with the flash chamber. The assembly further includes a shield restrainably engaged with a portion of the housing and axially transitionable over the patient cannula from a retracted position in which the patient end is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the shield, wherein at least a portion of the flash chamber is visible in the retracted position.
US09271660B2	Virtual prosthetic limb system A system for configuring a prosthetic limb for use by a living being is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to receive a control signal generated in response to a command from the living being and to generate a plurality of virtual bodies on a display including members of a virtual prosthetic limb and at least one virtual object. The ECU is further configured to control movement of at least one member of the virtual limb responsive to the control signal, to determine a contact force between first and second virtual bodies of the plurality of virtual bodies upon engagement between the first and second bodies caused by movement of one of the one member of the virtual limb and the at least one virtual object and to adjust a position of at least one of the first and second bodies responsive to the contact force.
US09271657B2	Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.
US09271651B2	System and method for integrated quantifiable detection, diagnosis and monitoring of disease using patient related time trend data A system comprising a memory device having a plurality of routines stored therein, a processor configured to execute the plurality of routines stored in the memory device, the plurality of routines comprising: a routine configured to effect, when executed, accessing of patient deviation scores indicative of differences between patient data and reference data representative of a population segment, wherein the patient deviation scores are derived from longitudinal data of the patient data such that the patient deviation scores include a plurality of sets of patient deviation scores, each set indicative of differences between patient data collected at a respective point in time and the reference data; a routine configured to effect, when executed, identifying a trend in the patient deviation scores for at least one clinical parameter; a routine configured to effect, when executed, generating of a report including a visual indication of the trend; and a routine configured to effect, when executed, outputting of the report. The report includes one or more views including Z, T, D, DT, and D feedback on T views, using image and non-image data.
US09271649B2	Imaging apparatus including a lens rotatably connected to a front cover An imaging apparatus configured to capture an image of an object to be detected is provided. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a lens, and a front cover. The lens is located on the imaging unit and has a first optical axis. The front cover is rotatably connected to the lens. Relative locations of the front cover and the object are fixed by the leaning-against of the front cover. The lens is rotated with respect to the front cover, so that the first optical axis is rotated with respect to the object.
US09271647B2	Methods for objectively determining the visual axis of the eye and measuring its refraction Provided are methods for determining an axis of best vision of an eye or for objectively determining a visual axis of an eye and for making the most accurate measurement of refraction. Generally, an optical measuring device or instrument projects laser beams into the eye during a scan. Positions of the projected beams are detected and measured on the retina to produce a set of projections. Wave front tilt of radiation that is backscattered from the retina is calculated as a best fit from the set of projections. The axis of best vision or the visual axis is reconstructed from a set of those traces of chief rays exiting from the eye that cross the nodal point of the optical system of the eye and that are normal to the wave front tilts. Measuring with the Styles Crawford scans centered over this axis provides the most accurate objective refraction.
US09271644B2	Laser scanning systems The invention provides a method of reducing jitter error in a laser scanning system (1) adapted to produce a scanned image comprising a number of lines of an object (18). The method comprising the steps of providing a reference object (22) arranged such that the scanned image produced by the laser scanning system (1) includes a reference image (24) of the reference object (22); processing the reference image (24) to calculate an error arising from non-repeatable displacement of the lines of the reference image (24); and adjusting at least one operating parameter of the laser scanning system (1) in response to the calculated error.
US09271643B2	Compact multimodality optical coherence tomography imaging systems having a ring of optical fibers in image capture path Systems for imaging a sample are provided. The system includes an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging portion having an associated OCT path defined by one set of optical elements between an OCT signal delivery optical fiber and the sample; an image capture portion having an associated image capture path defined by a second set of optical elements between an image capture device and the sample, different from the OCT path; and an illuminator portion having an associated illumination path defined by a third set of optical elements between an illumination source and the sample. The OCT path, the image capture path, and the illuminator path have at least one optical element in common, and the respective paths differ from each other by at least one optical element. The OCT path and the image capture path share a common intermediate conjugate image plane. Focal control is achieved for the OCT path and the image capture path concurrently through adjustment of one or more common optical elements distal to the common intermediate conjugate plane, such that focal control requires no differential adjustment between optical elements not in common to both paths.
US09271640B2	Optical speculum A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes an image acquisition system comprising a plurality of independently movable optical elements. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field source divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.
US09271637B2	Solid state illumination for endoscopy A device for illuminating a body cavity may include an elongate tube, at least one lens element, and at least one deployable element. The elongate tube may include an internal lumen extending between a distal opening at a distal end and a proximal opening at a proximal end opposite the distal end. The at least one lens element may extend substantially across a diameter of the internal lumen of the elongate tube. The at least one deployable element may include a light source. The at least one deployable element may be operably coupled to a region of the elongate tube proximate the distal end and may be configured to be moved between an insertion position and a deployed position.
US09271635B2	Fluorescence endoscope apparatus A fluorescence endoscope apparatus includes: a light source unit emitting light in a combination of light in plural types of wavelength bands in two types of wavelength ranges of RGB and two types of exciting light, with plural types of emitting patterns and in a time division; an image pickup unit receiving reflected light and two types of fluorescence; and an image-processing unit outputting a white light image and two types of fluorescence images.
US09271633B2	Stereo camera for hermetically sealed endoscope In one embodiment, an endoscopic camera for a robotic surgical system includes a stereo camera module mounted to a robotic arm of a patient side cart. The optical and electro-optic components of the camera module are hermetically sealed within a first housing. Signals from an electro-optic component travel through traces in a ceramic substrate forming one side of the hermetically sealed first housing. A second housing surrounds the first housing and optical fibers are dispersed between the housings to provide lighting in a body cavity. The camera module may be sterilized by an autoclave.
US09271632B2	Rotation unit, insertion apparatus, insertion body, and insertion system A cylindrical rotation unit attachable to an elongated insertion unit which includes a base in which a central axis is defined, and a rotation member provided on an outer circumference of the base movably in an axial direction of the central axis relative to the base and rotatably around the central axis in response to the rotation of a rotation force transmission portion which is rotatable around a longitudinal axis parallel with the central axis of the base includes: an engagement portion attachable to and detachable from an outer circumferential surface of the base; and a contact portion which is provided to contact on the rotation member away from the engagement portion and which disposes the rotation member on an outer circumference of the rotation force transmission portion while the engagement portion is engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the base.
US09271629B2	Frequency domain optical coherence tomography image noise reduction by subtraction of adjacent depth data An information processing apparatus for frequency domain optical coherence tomography comprises an image scanning unit that receives measurement data from an optical coherence tomography device, while moving a measurement point to the next adjacent point at each measurement time by controlling the optical coherence tomography device, and generates depth information based on the measurement data to produce a raw tomographic image. The apparatus includes a noise reduction unit that reduces noise from the raw tomographic image to produce a result tomographic image. The noise reduction unit reduces the noise from the raw tomographic image by subtracting the depth information generated by the image scanning unit at each measurement time from the depth information generated at another measurement time adjacent to said each measurement time.
US09271628B2	Lid operating mechanism for a drawer-type dishwasher A dishwasher includes an outer housing, a drawer having front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls that collectively define a washing tub, a lid for selectively closing the washing tub and an operating mechanism that raises and lowers the lid as the drawer is shifted into and out of the outer housing. The operating mechanism includes a lifting slider slidably mounted in the outer housing operatively coupled to a lifting spring and a compression slider, also slidably mounted in the outer housing coupled to a compression spring. The lifting slider and compression slider are provided with corresponding lifting rollers and compression rollers that engage the lid. As the drawer is withdrawn from the outer housing, the lifting spring urges the lifting slider upward raising the lid and, as the drawer is inserted into the outer housing, the compression slider forces the lid downward onto the washing tub.
US09271625B2	Cleaning device A cleaning cloth constructed of an upper sheet and lower sheet that are joined together for form an interior cavity into which additional cleaning cloths, cleaning materials, abrasive materials, scented materials, etc. can be placed. The cleaning cloth includes strips that can be used to connect the cleaning cloth to a mop head or other surface.
US09271624B2	High efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper A disposable cellulosic wiper includes a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a Laplace pore volume fraction at pore sizes less than 15 microns of at least 1.5 times that of a like wiper prepared without regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers.
US09271622B2	High efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper A disposable cellulosic wiper includes a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a relative water residue removal efficiency of at least 150% as compared with a like sheet without regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers.
US09271616B2	Moist towelette dispensing apparatus A moist towelette dispenser device adapted for use in combination with a toilet paper holder assembly having an elongated cylindrical spindle with two ends engageable which mount on a conventional toilet paper fixture to support a roll of toilet paper. The device provides for concurrent dispensing of toilet paper and moist towelettes and an air freshener. A housing provides a dispensing site for the towelettes and is engageable to the room mount by two elongated members. The toilet paper is operatively mounted on the spindle engaged between the members.
US09271615B1	Method of installation of bathroom accessories Disclosed is a method of installing bathroom accessories such as towel racks on the walls of a bathroom. The method includes the following primary steps: revising accessories if said accessories lack horizontal wall fastener apertures to provide that they have at least one such aperture, selecting a location to place an accessory and marking it, drilling a fine opening at each mark to determine whether a wall stud is disposed at such opening, drilling a big enough hole to accommodate an expansion anchor collapsed end at each fine opening where no wall stud has been located, locating the accessory at that point, inserting fasteners into each aperture using a screw if a wall stud was found at that opening and using an expansion anchor at the other locations, tightening the fasteners while inserting any central element such as a towel bar, completing tightening, and covering each fastener with a cover cap.
US09271613B2	Electronic soap dispenser An electronic soap dispenser includes an upper dispensing head supported above a sink deck, and a liquid soap reservoir and a pump assembly supported below the sink deck. A capacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor and activates the pump assembly in response to input from the capacitive sensor.
US09271612B2	Dispensing device A dispensing device has a downward-facing outlet for dispensing a material, a mechanism causing material to be dispensed, a first sensor facing in a first horizontal direction, adapted to detect a person approaching the dispensing device, and an alert mechanism. The first sensor, detecting an approaching person, activates the alert mechanism, signaling the approaching person of the presence of the dispensing device.
US09271611B2	Systems for improving hand hygiene The invention relates generally to the field of hand sanitation, and particularly to a systems that encourage or compel the use of a hand sanitizer in order to open or unlock a door, unlock an access panel or drawer, or use a shared electronic device.
US09271609B2	Expandable surface modular cutting board system A modular cutting board system comprised of a plurality of cutting boards is disclosed. In this invention, individual cutting boards can be retentively conjoined to other cutting boards of the same or similar make through magnetic holding force, provided by magnets disposed in the non-working surface sides of the cutting boards, to produce a larger working surface. This invention allows for the optional use of magnetic assemblies in place of magnets alone to increase holding force and prevent magnetic interference with steel utensils. Other optional embodiments include rubber gaskets to produce watertight seals and complementary protrusions and recessions to aid in alignment at the conjoining sides. Importantly, this plurality of cutting boards can be easily detached from a conjoined state and into individual cutting boards. This quality of the present invention improves sanitation through easier cleaning and also facilitates storage, compared to large and unwieldy cutting boards.
US09271606B1	Retrofittable grill fan assembly A retrofittable grill fan assembly for PURPOSE includes a housing that has a first end wall, a second end wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the first and second end walls. An air conduit is attached to the housing and is in fluid communication with an interior of the housing. The air conduit extends outwardly and downwardly from the housing. A coupler is mounted on the housing and is releasably engaged to an upper edge of a grill bowl. A fan is positioned within the housing and the housing at least one air inlet extending therethrough. The fan draws air into the housing through the at least one air inlet and expels air outwardly through the conduit when the fan is turned on. A power supply is electrically coupled to the fan and an actuator is electrically coupled to the fan to turn the fan on or off.
US09271603B2	Bottled water dispensers with single-serve coffee brewing features Combined water dispensers and coffee making devices are disclosed, which include a cabinet configured to house a water bottle in a bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; a cold tank that is configured to receive water from the water bottle, which is connected to an evaporator; one or more hot tanks that are configured to receive water (directly or indirectly) from the cold tank, which are connected to a heating coil to heat the water that is contained therein; and a coffee making device located on a top side of the cabinet. The coffee making device receives water from the hot tank, receives a disposable cartridge that contains coffee grinds for a single-serving of coffee, causes water to contact the coffee grinds to produce a coffee beverage, and employs a set of spikes to make water entry and exit apertures in the cartridge.
US09271601B2	System, method and capsule for preparing a beverage The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The capsule comprises an exit area to allow draining from the prepared beverage from the capsule there through, wherein the exit area comprises a filter layer. The filter layer comprises a layer of non-woven and/or woven fibrous material with at least one first region where the non-woven and/or woven material has been sealed to prevent egress of liquid there through and at least one second region where the non-woven and/or woven material has not been sealed to allow egress of liquid there through.
US09271598B2	Method for preparing a food liquid contained in a capsule by centrifugation and device adapted for such method A method for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in a single-use capsule by passing water through the substance. The method includes centrifugally rotating the capsule while introducing water therein to pass the water through the substance to form the food liquid, opening at least one liquid delivery outlet in the capsule which is peripherally offset relative to the center of the capsule, and delivering the food liquid from the at least one liquid delivery outlet to dispense the beverage.
US09271593B1	Suspension device for shower rod A suspension device includes a sticking piece, a suspension seat, and a connecting head. The sticking piece has a back face coated with a hydrophilic adhesive. The suspension seat has a first shell connected with a front face of the sticking piece. The first shell has a slideway and two insertion plates. The connecting head has a mounting portion and a resting portion. The mounting portion has a mounting hole mounted on one end of a shower rod. The resting portion has a second shell provided with a protruding slide and two slots. The second shell is juxtaposed to the first shell, with the slide sliding into the slideway, and with the two insertion plates being inserted into the two slots, such that the connecting head is combined with the suspension seat.
US09271591B2	Kilt hanger A kilt hanger for accommodating a kilt and kilt accessories is disclosed. The kilt hanger includes a frame defining two arms and three horizontal members. A kilt is folded into thirds or three panels and connected to the kilt hanger using a pair of clasps or clips on each horizontal member. Accordingly, each panel of the folded kilt is connected to a different horizontal member with a center panel of the kilt connected to a central horizontal member and each other panel connected to an outer horizontal member. The outer horizontal members are positioned higher on the arms than the central horizontal member. A vest and jacket can also be placed on the kilt hanger along with a fly plaid that is draped over an optional horizontal dowel member. Methods of using and fabricating the kilt hanger are also disclosed.

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