| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09284169B2 |
Sailboat winch
A sailboat winch basically includes a support, a winch drum, a drive shaft and a transmission mechanism. The support is mounted to a sailboat. The winch drum is rotatable with respect to the support. The drive shaft is rotatable with respect to the support and the winch drum. The transmission mechanism is operatively disposed between the drive shaft and the winch drum to transmit rotation from the drive shaft to the winch drum in a single output rotational direction. The transmission mechanism increases an output rotational speed of the winch drum with respect to an input rotational speed of the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates in a first rotational direction. The transmission mechanism also decreases the output rotational speed of the winch drum with respect to the input rotational speed of the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates in a second rotational direction. |
| US09284168B2 |
Guyless service rig with side-mounted, pivotally deployable rear outriggers
A service or workover rig (50) that does not require guy lines is disclosed. Components of the rig (50) include a carrier (52) and a mast (120) that is movable between transport and deployed positions. Two rear outriggers (160) are pivotally mounted to a bumper (64) of the carrier (52). In their transport position, the rear outriggers (160) are positioned along respective sides (58) of the carrier (52), for instance in cutouts (60) in the bed or decking (56) of the carrier (52). In their deployed position, the rear outriggers (160) extend rearwardly of the carrier (52) and also away from their respective carrier side (58). Each rear outrigger (160) may be in the form of a hollow beam. |
| US09284163B2 |
Movement control method, movement manipulation apparatus, and method for manipulating movement of moving body
In a movement control apparatus manipulation can be carried out while watching the movement of the moving body, without needing to watch one's hands, so even a novice operator can perform the manipulation easily, safely, reliably, and quickly. The apparatus can include a signal transmission cable, a casing of a manipulation remote controller disposed at one end of the cable, a rotary encoder that produces a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing, and a motor drive control circuit that is disposed on the other side of the cable and controls the movement of a moving body on the basis of a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing. The signal corresponding to the direction of the casing can be supplied from the rotary encoder, through the cable, to the motor drive control circuit. Therefore, the operator can hold down a manipulation switch without looking at his hands and thereby adjust the direction of the casing of the manipulation remote controller while looking at the movement direction of a load. |
| US09284157B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of duplex printing
A duplex-printable image forming apparatus which is capable of increasing a speed of duplex printing. The image forming apparatus includes: a developing unit which forms a visible image, which is formed of a developer, on a printing medium; a fixing unit which fixes the visible image formed on the printing medium onto the printing medium; a discharging roller unit which can be regularly/reversely rotated such that the printing medium passed through the fixing unit is conveyed to the developing unit along a duplex printing path or is discharged out of the apparatus; and an intermediate conveying unit which is interposed between the fixing unit and the discharging roller unit and selectively holds the printing medium. |
| US09284155B2 |
Collapsible cord holder
A collapsible cord holder is an apparatus that is specifically designed to prevent entanglements when unwinding an existing cord bundle. The collapsible cord holder accomplishes this through the use of an extendable arm assembly that is pivotally coupled to a handle assembly and secured in both an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration through a locking mechanism. The arm assembly is able to arcuately expand beyond the diameter of the cord bundle in order to apply tension facilitating the unwinding of the cord bundle. The handle assembly permits an axial rotation of the cord bundle mounted on the collapsible cord holder in order to facilitate unwinding and prevent entanglements. The locking mechanism provides a secure engagement in the expanded configuration allowing the apparatus to transition into the collapsed configuration. |
| US09284152B2 |
Post-processing device and image forming apparatus
A post-processing device includes: a tray; a sheet output section; a stapler provided movably in a direction perpendicular to a direction of discharge of a stack of paper sheets and configured to apply staples to a plurality of locations on the stack of paper sheets loaded on the tray; a sheet stack shifting section configured to shift the stack of paper sheets loaded on the tray in the direction perpendicular to the direction of discharge of the stack; and an operation control section configured to allow the stapler to apply a staple to a first location on the stack of paper sheets and then allow the stapler to move to a position corresponding to a location to be stapled next while allowing the sheet stack shifting section to shift the stack in a direction opposite to a direction of the movement of the stapler. |
| US09284151B2 |
Output assembly for receiving a sheet output by a printing device
In order to enable simple and easy handling of a large number of large format sheets, an output assembly is provided. The output assembly comprises a lower output tray element for receiving the sheets. In order to reliably transport and deposit a large format sheet from the printing device onto the lower output tray element, a guide element is provided just below an output opening of the printing device such to guide a leading edge of the sheet onto the lower output tray element. Once the leading edge is supported by the lower output tray element, the guide element is retracted such to enable a trailing edge to be deposited on the lower output tray element. |
| US09284147B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing coreless rolls of paper
The mandrel is formed from flexible and elastic material, and after the roll is wound, the mandrel is pulled longitudinally and withdrawn from the roll of paper to form a coreless roll. |
| US09284146B2 |
Revolver-type winding machine for strip material
The winding machine is intended for plastic, laminated, aluminum, paper and self-adhesive materials and comprises two winding shafts (10, 11) which are each provided with a direct-drive motor (13, 14) and which are mounted on a plate (15) that is rotationally supported with respect to a vertical wall (16a) of a framing (16). The plate (15) has associated guides (50, 51) and drive means for moving the motors (13, 14) and shafts (10, 11) linearly with respect to the plate (15). The second end of each winding shaft (10,11) is supported by a carriage (40, 41) that can move in guides (44, 45) provided on a wall (16b), each carriage (40, 41) including a clamp (42, 43) that holds the ends of the winding shafts (10, 11) in a horizontal plane during the formation of a reel on any of said winding shafts (10, 11) and as the reel is moved into an unloading position. |
| US09284145B2 |
Duplex printing method for printing apparatus
A duplex printing method performed by a printing apparatus comprises the steps of feeding in a first sheet; transporting the first sheet along a sheet-circulating path; forming an image on a front side of the first sheet when the first sheet is transported past an image forming system of the printing apparatus at a first time; feeding in a second sheet; detecting a sheet-feeding error; inhibiting an entry of the second sheet into the sheet-circulating path; forming an image on a back side of the first sheet when the first sheet is transported past the image forming system at a second time; and ejecting the first sheet. |
| US09284144B2 |
Validator with a dynamic document path height
A document validator includes a sensor, a transportation unit, an actuator, and a controller. The transportation unit is adjacent the sensor and has a document path, at least a portion of which has an adjustable path height. The transportation unit is configured to transport a document from a first location past the sensor to a second location. The actuator is operable to transition the adjustable path height between a first path height and a second path height different from the first path height. The controller is configured to automatically cause the actuator to transition the adjustable path height between the first path height and the second path height. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described. |
| US09284137B2 |
Recording sheet stacking tray
A recording sheet stacking tray stores a stack of recording sheets to be fed into an image forming apparatus. The recording sheet stacking tray includes a sheet feed tray main body, a sub-tray, and a trailing edge restriction member. The sheet feed tray main body has a first turning fulcrum extending perpendicular to a sheet feed direction of the recording sheets in a plan view. The sub-tray is attached to the sheet feed tray main body in such a manner that the sub-tray is turnable about the first turning fulcrum and extendable from the sheet feed tray main body. The trailing edge restriction member is attached to the sub-tray and restricts trailing edges of the recording sheets in the sheet feed direction. |
| US09284136B1 |
Media guide
In one example an input tray is disclosed. The input tray has a support surface, at least one media guide and an over-center device. The media guide is movable between a first position and a second position. The over-center device forces the media guide towards the first position when the media guide is closer to the first position than to the second position and forces the media guide towards the second position when the media guide is closer to the second position than to the first position. |
| US09284133B2 |
Conveyor system and method
The conveyor system is provided for carrying a shingled stream of items along at least two possible transport paths. The conveyor system includes an incoming endless-belt conveyor unit. The downstream end portion of the incoming conveyor unit includes a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt forming juxtaposed first and second conveyor belt runs between which the items are frictionally engaged when carried along the incoming portion of the transport paths. A diverter is provided within the downstream end portion of the incoming conveyor unit. The diverter includes at least one diverter segment pivotable around a transversal pivot axis, each diverter segment supporting one of the first rollers for the first conveyor belt run and one of the second rollers for the second conveyor belt run. A method of minimizing the length of a diverter in a conveyor system is also disclosed. |
| US09284125B2 |
Wing pulley having central reinforcing disk
Wing pulleys that engage a conveyor belt during conveying operations are described. The wing pulley includes a central reinforcing disk that strengthens and stabilizes the pulley. |
| US09284124B2 |
Scraper for chain scraper conveyors
The present disclosure relates to a scraper for chain scraper conveyors, particularly twin chain scraper conveyors. The scraper may comprise a one-piece scraper bridge including two side scraper wings connected by a head web, a retaining bracket insertable from an underneath side of the scraper bridge into an insert recess, and a locking device. The retaining bracket may be insertable for detachably locking the scraper on a chain link of a scraper chain. The retaining bracket may engage with grooves on either side of the insert recess in an assembled state. The scraper may further include a locking device for securing the assembly state of the retaining bracket in the insert recess, wherein the retaining bracket may be displaceable in the associated insert recess parallel to the head web on one of the scraper wings into a locking position and having at least one retaining cam. |
| US09284123B2 |
Transport device with twistable conveyor belt and method of use
The invention relates to a transport device (1) for carrying products with a displaceable carrying surface, comprising: a conveyor belt (3), a frame (2) provided with a belt guide (5-10) for holding the conveyor belt (3) displaceably, and a drive (4) for displacing the conveyor belt (3), wherein the belt guide (5-10) of the frame (2) is adjustable. The invention also relates to a method for allowing a conveyor belt (3) to connect to other devices. |
| US09284122B2 |
Roller frame
A roller frame including at least two rollers mounted in a housing between which a nip can be formed. The ends of the rollers are supported in rotary fashion in bearings and at least one of the rollers is embodied as an advancing roller and has an adjusting system by which it is possible to move the bearings of the advancing roller, thus changing the nip. The adjusting system has a rack and a pinion whose teeth engage with those of the rack and can be driven to rotate by a motor. It is possible to change the distance between the pinion and the rack by changing the tooth engagement depth between them. |
| US09284120B2 |
Methods for storing hydrogen in a salt cavern with a permeation barrier
A novel method and system for storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern is provided. Particularly, the storage process involves storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern without seepage or leakage of the stored hydrogen through the salt cavern walls, by creating a substantially impermeable permeation barrier along the salt cavern walls. The cavern pressure is monitored and controlled to ensure formation and maintenance of the substantially impermeable permeation barrier. Optional temperature treatments may also be incorporated as desired. |
| US09284118B2 |
Refuse vehicle shield and bin cover
A front loading refuse collection vehicle (10) has a cab (12) connected with a storage bin (14). The storage bin (14) includes an opening (18) that enables refuse to enter into the storage bin (14). The refuse is supplied by a front loading device (16) into the bin. Covers (20, 120) overlay the opening (18) when the vehicle (10) is in motion from collection position to collection position. Additionally, the cover (20, 120) moves from a bin covering position into a cab shielding position. |
| US09284112B2 |
Aerosol spray device
An aerosol spray device comprising a pressurized or pressurizable container and a spray discharge assembly mounted on the container. The spray discharge assembly comprises a valve stem moveable from a first limit position to a second limit position to effect spray discharge from the device, a spray outlet region having an outlet orifice from which fluid from the container is discharged, and a flow conduit for supplying fluid from the container to the spray outlet region. The flow conduit has at least one first inlet for liquid from the container and at least one second inlet at the same distance along the conduit as the first inlet(s) or downstream of the first inlet(s) for propellant gas from a headspace of the container. A valving arrangement is adapted such that movement of the valve stem from its first to second limit position opens the first and the second inlets to cause a bubble laden flow to be created in the flow conduit and movement of the valve stem back to its first limit position closes the first and the second inlets. |
| US09284111B2 |
Automatic pill grasping apparatus
An automatic pill grasping apparatus includes an enclosure, a control chip, a pill grasping mechanism, and a pill storage mechanism. The enclosure includes a base. The pill grasping mechanism includes a grasping arm, a nozzle, and a driving mechanism. The nozzle being is engaged with the grasping arm, and the driving mechanism is attached to the base. The pill storage mechanism includes a plurality of pill storage cases for storing pills and an actuating mechanism attached to the base. The control chip is configured to control the actuating mechanism to rotate the plurality of pill storage cases in a first plane substantially parallel to the base and control the driving mechanism to rotate the grasping arm in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, for rotating the nozzle to stretch into the one of the plurality of pill storage cases to pick a pill. |
| US09284106B2 |
Bottle registration feature
A fitment has an axis and a registration feature. The fitment is sealed within a bottle neck in a position in which the registration feature has a predetermined orientation to the bottle neck rotationally about the axis. Preferably, the fitment has a screw thread defining a limit of rotation for a bottle cap to be screwed onto the fitment. The registration feature has a predetermined orientation to the screw thread rotationally about the axis, whereby the limit of rotation also has a predetermined orientation to the bottle neck rotationally about the axis. |
| US09284102B2 |
Dispenser and methods
A chamber body is mounted to the bottle body and has an opening and partially bounds a first chamber and a second chamber. A selector is mounted to the chamber body for relative rotation between a first dosing condition and a second dosing condition. In the first dosing condition: flow is not blocked from the first chamber out the opening; flow is blocked from the second chamber out the opening; flow is blocked from the bottle interior to the first chamber; and flow is not blocked from the bottle interior to the second chamber. In the second dosing condition: flow is blocked from the first chamber out the opening; flow is not blocked from the second chamber out the opening; flow is not blocked from the bottle interior to the first chamber; and flow is blocked from the bottle interior to the second chamber. |
| US09284101B2 |
Enclosure clamps and clamp systems
Enclosure clamps and clamp systems are provided for fastening a cover to an enclosure body to provide an explosion-proof container, while minimizing the number of bolts used over conventional systems. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems create a sufficient force so as to provide a flamepath between the cover and the enclosure body. The enclosure clamps described include a channel for receiving the cover and a flange on the enclosure body. The enclosure clamp is secured to the enclosure body by one or more bolts and/or by a cam actuated securing mechanism. The clamp systems described include a force distributing plate secured to a cover by cam actuated securing mechanism that is coupled to an enclosure body. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems allow a user to attach or remove the cover from the enclosure body more easily than possible with conventional explosion-proof enclosures. |
| US09284099B2 |
Flat pack containers
A child-resistant package includes a seal for sealing a package and a latch for securing the package in a closed position. According to embodiments, the package includes a first shell portion having a first closed lip and a second shell portion having a second closed lip. According to embodiments, the seal may be formed by the engagement of an angled outer wall of the first closed lip with a bent or deformed thin wall of the second closed lip. The package may also incorporate one or more elastomeric ancillary face and/or side seals. The first and second shell portions may be joined by a hinge, such as a double hinge. Additionally, the insert may include a dispenser assembly that controls the dispensing of product from a product containing space to a dispenser receptacle. A spring may bias the latch in a locked or rest position. |
| US09284093B2 |
Rigid tray container and method of use
Embodiments of this disclosure include a rigid tray container and methods and equipment for using the rigid tray container in batched process operations. In one embodiment, a mass container is sized and dimensioned to receive one or several rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to lid/unlid, secure, stack, load/unload, and buffer rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to stack and stage mass containers. In some embodiments, methods are provided for batch processing items. |
| US09284090B2 |
Divider for package
A divider for dividing at least two layers of articles in a package. The divider comprises a central panel, and at least one article attachment flap foldably connected to the central panel. The at least one article attachment flap is for attaching the divider to at least one of the articles as the divider and the articles are formed into the package. |
| US09284089B2 |
Carton for packaging articles, blank and method for forming same
A package includes a carton (2) and articles (A). The carton includes primary walls (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) a first one (16) of which has at least one window flap (64) struck therefrom. The at least one window flap is connected at its hinged connection (68) to the first wall (16) for movement between a first position in which the at least one window flap is coplanar with the first wall and a second position in which the at least one window flap extends into the interior volume to define a window (66) in the first wall through which one of the articles is exposed to view. The at least one window flap (64) is allowed to move unimpeded by the one article when moving from the first position to the second position whereas it is in engagement at its free end edge at least in part with the one of the articles when in the second position. |
| US09284087B2 |
Die-cutting blade and case-forming die-cut blank
A die-cutting blade can form smooth die-cut lines in case-forming blanks which are less likely to injure hands when touched. A strip-plate-shaped steel blade plate has a pair of chamfers formed on opposite side surfaces of the blade plate, respectively, so as to extend from one side edge of the blade plate at substantially equal inclination angles. The chamfers define a cutting edge along the one side edge. The cutting edge has a composite wave pattern formed from a small wave pattern bent to have a wave shape within the range of the thickness of the blade plate, and a large wave pattern formed by a large undulation in the small wavy edge toward opposite side surfaces of the blade plate over its entire length within the range of the thickness of the blade plate, in order to provide smooth die-cut lines. |
| US09284082B2 |
Method and device for preparation of piping bags for prefilling
A method for preparing a piping bag for pre-filling, the set comprising, a thin walled polymer tube, and at least one severance mark extending across the entire width of the polymer tube, partitioning the set into two separable piping bags having a respective openable portion, said openable portions pointing in substantially opposite directions, as seen in a longitudinal direction of the set. The method comprises gripping the set at or near the respective openable portion, positioning the openable portions to point in substantially the same direction, and separating the piping bags from each other along the severance mark. |
| US09284081B2 |
Plastic container, method for manufacture thereof and ring for a container
Plastic container, particularly for storing liquid under pressure, comprising an integrally formed body with a bottom, an upright substantially cylindrical side wall and an upper side with a neck having a bottom end and an open top end in which a closing element of the container can be mounted, wherein the upper side of the container, around the neck, is formed with at least one shoulder and at least one valley which runs downward in radial direction from the neck in the direction of the upright side wall; wherein each shoulder protrudes upward relative to the at least one valley; which at least one shoulder and at least one valley are formed integrally with the body of the container. |
| US09284077B2 |
Methods and apparatus for filling a container with a pouch and a flowable food product
Methods and apparatus for tilting and filling a carton with a pouch and a flowable food product are described. The carton can be tilted prior to filling in order to minimize a void between the pouch and a sidewall of the carton. The carton is pivoted to a tilted orientation, such that the sidewall includes a lowermost inclined segment. The pouch is then inserted into the carton either prior to or after pivoting the carton to the tilted orientation so that the pouch can substantially rest against the inclined segment. The flowable food product is then at partially deposited into the carton, such that the flowable food product substantially fills in next to the pouch instead of between the pouch and the inclined segment. After a sufficient height of flowable food product has been deposited into the carton, the carton can be returned to a vertical orientation and closed. |
| US09284075B2 |
Apparatus for compacting product and high speed bagmaking
A method for compacting and packaging a plurality of slugs of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form compact slugs of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber for each slug of product or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slugs can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the slugs of product are discharged to a multiple bagmaking packaging apparatus. |
| US09284070B2 |
Propellant tank with radiometric measurement of content quantity
A propellant tank for containing a propellant with a liquid phase, preferably for a satellite, includes a tank shell wrapped or wound with scintillating glass fibers, a gamma radiation emitter arranged preferably in the center of the tank, and photodiodes allocated to the glass fibers. Preferably, plural glass fibers are wound in cylindrically symmetrical sections around the tank, and the winding axis of the glass fibers extends through the tank outlet. The glass fibers scintillate and emit pulses of light in response to being impinged upon by gamma radiation. The quantity and location of liquid propellant in the tank is determined by evaluating the light signals emitted by the glass fibers. The tank shell is preferably fabricated of a lightweight metal such as aluminum or titanium, to minimize gamma radiation absorption in the tank shell wall, and thereby minimize the required emitting magnitude of the gamma radiation source. |
| US09284069B2 |
Solar generator tug
A solar generator tug is disclosed. The tug can dock with spacecraft to provide power for the spacecraft. Further, the tug may dock with other specialty tugs to form a custom transport system. |
| US09284068B2 |
Fast-low energy transfer to Earth-Moon Lagrange point L2
A control system for a hybrid propulsion spacecraft, configured for transfer between low earth parking orbit (LEO) and a Lissajous L2 orbit (L2O), including a first control portion communicably connected to a high thrust (HT) engine portion of the hybrid propulsion spacecraft, a second control portion communicably connected to a low thrust high specific impulse (LT-HI) engine portion of the hybrid propulsion spacecraft, the first and second control portions being configured to control both the HT engine portion and the LT-HI engine portion to provide an optimal LEO to L2O transfer trajectory, wherein the optimal LEO to L2O trajectory includes an optimal LT-HI trajectory portion, selected from a stable manifold trajectory, and an optimal HT trajectory portion, and wherein the LT-HI trajectory portion and HT trajectory portion are configured for providing a combined optimal trajectory along the LEO to L2O transfer trajectory, and are optimized substantially simultaneously. |
| US09284067B2 |
Foreign object debris barrier for runways
A collapsible runway side barrier for preventing foreign object debris (FOD) from entering a runway and taxiway is disclosed. The barrier may have an aerodynamic profile, one side of the bather profile may be convex and the other side of the barrier profile may be concave. The side barrier may further have ground attachment elements and may be constructed to collapse if the landing wheels of an aircraft impact the barrier. |
| US09284064B2 |
Lining/fairing panel and method for measuring the electrical bonding resistance of a lining/fairing panel
A lining/fairing panel, in particular a lining/fairing panel for an airborne vehicle such as an aircraft or a spacecraft is provided. The lining/fairing panel includes a panel body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, an electrically conductive coating applied to the first surface or the second surface, and a via arranged in the panel body reaching from the first surface to the second surface of the panel body. The via is formed in an inner region of the panel body. The borders of the inner region are spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the borders of the first and second surface of the panel body. |
| US09284061B2 |
Multipurpose flying boom
Embodiments provide a flying boom that is capable of refueling both receptacle-equipped aircraft and probe-equipped aircraft. In one embodiment, a flying boom includes a refueling tube at an end of the flying boom that is adapted to extend from the end of the flying boom to refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft. The flying boom further includes a retractable hose and drogue assembly at the end of the flying boom that is adapted to extend from the end of the flying boom to refuel probe-equipped aircraft. |
| US09284060B2 |
Aircraft nacelle including a rear frame inclined to the rear
An aircraft nacelle includes a lip whose surface contacts with the aerodynamic streams extends inside the nacelle by an inside wall that delimits a layer that empties at a power plant and outside of the nacelle by an outside wall, a first front frame connects the inside and outside walls, delimiting an annular pipe with the lip, and a rear frame connects the inside and outside walls at a junction zone between the inside pipe and power plant pipe, for a given cross-section of the nacelle along a plane that contains the longitudinal axis of the nacelle, a point A at the intersection between the rear frame and the inside wall, and a point B at the intersection between the rear frame and the outside wall, with B being offset toward the rear of the nacelle relative to A over more than 50% of the rear frame's periphery. |
| US09284059B2 |
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). |
| US09284057B2 |
System for cooling a heat exchanger on board an aircraft
A system for cooling a heat exchanger on board an aircraft includes an engine bleed air line connected to an engine of the aircraft and adapted to supply engine bleed air to the heat exchanger. The system further includes a process air line branching off from the engine bleed air line such that the engine bleed air is supplied to the process air line and connecting to an input side of a turbine. The system also includes a cooling air line connected to an output side of the turbine such that cooling air produced by an expansion of the engine bleed air supplied to the turbine is supplied to the cooling air line and then to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is adapted to transfer cooling energy from the cooling air to the engine bleed air supplied to the heat exchanger from the engine bleed air line. |
| US09284056B2 |
Seat fastening device
A seat fastening device for fastening a seat or for lashing loads to a fastening rail fastened to a floor includes at least one movable fastening means, which is provided for coupling to the fastening rail, a force accumulation unit, an actuating unit and a gear unit. The gear unit is provided to prestress the force accumulator unit in an unlocking operation and to relieve the stress on the force accumulator unit in a locking operation. |
| US09284050B2 |
Airfoil for rotor blade with reduced pitching moment
A rotor blade for a rotary wing aircraft includes a root region extending from a rotor head to about 15% to 20% of a blade radius, a main region extending from a radial extent of the root region to about 80% to 95% of the blade radius, and a tip region extending from a radial extent of the main region to a blade tip. At least a portion of one of the root region, the main region and the tip region includes an airfoil profile section defined by a scaled set of coordinates in which a set of y/c coordinates listed in Table I are scaled by a selected factor. |
| US09284049B1 |
Unmanned aerial vehicle and operations thereof
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors. |
| US09284048B2 |
Global airframe health characterization
According to one aspect, a controller, including a processor, sets an initial vibration frequency to be applied to an airframe. The controller commands one or more force generators to apply a vibratory load to the airframe at the initial vibration frequency. The controller determines a vibration response of the airframe at the initial vibration frequency using sensors. The controller sweeps through a range of vibration frequencies to be applied to the airframe. The one or more force generators are commanded to apply a plurality of vibratory loads to the airframe over the range of vibration frequencies. The controller determines a range of vibration responses of the airframe over the range of vibration frequencies using the sensors. A global stiffness of the airframe is determined based on the vibration response and the range of vibration responses. The controller reports results of the determined global stiffness of the airframe. |
| US09284047B2 |
Routings for articulated landing gear
An articulated landing gear may include electrical lines and/or hydraulic lines located within the articulated landing gear. The articulated landing gear may have a hollow structural post and a hollow trailing arm coupled by a pivot joint. The electrical lines and/or hydraulic lines may be routed through an interior of the hollow structural post and through an interior of the hollow trailing arm. A bulkhead within the hollow structural post or the hollow trailing arms may include guide holes. The electrical lines and/or hydraulic lines may be supported by the bulkhead by passing through the guide holes. The electrical lines and/or hydraulic lines may be flexible around the pivot joint. |
| US09284040B2 |
Self-tightening rotor
Systems, methods, and devices for propelling self-propelled movable objects are provided. In one aspect, a rotor assembly for a self-propelled movable object comprises: a hub comprising a first fastening feature; a drive shaft comprising a second fastening feature and directly coupled to the hub by a mating connection of the first and second fastening features, wherein the drive shaft is configured to cause rotation of the hub such that the mating connection of the first and second fastening features is tightened by the rotation; and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub and configured to rotate therewith to generate a propulsive force. |
| US09284037B2 |
Hover-capable aircraft
A hover-capable aircraft having propulsion means; at least one rotor; transmission means for transmitting power from the propulsion means to the rotor and lubricated with a lubricant; a heat exchanger, which receives the heated lubricant from the transmission means and feeds the cooled lubricant back to the transmission means; and a fan for producing airflow through the heat exchanger to cool the lubricant, and which has an impeller with blades, and an exhaust pipe for expelling the hot air produced by cooling the lubricant; at least one portion of the wall of the exhaust pipe has dissipating means designed to selectively absorb pressure waves in a given frequency band related to the rotation speed of the impeller and to the number of blades of the impeller. |
| US09284026B2 |
Assembly for transporting a boat lift
A boat lift transport device is disclosed for moving a boat lift in and out of the water. The transport device includes a floating platform depending from which are a plurality of booms, beams, or crane arms that extend outboard of the platform. Cables extending along and from the ends of the crane arms are attachable to the boat lift and can be reeled in or paid out by way of winch to move the boat lift between a suspended position and a lowered and resting position. |
| US09284022B2 |
Motorboat with wind shroud
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a boat motor assembly which includes a boat motor with a housing that serves as the body or chassis of the boat motor; a handle, coupled to and extending at length from the housing and configured to be grasped by a user; and a shroud assembly, which includes a shroud extension coupled to the handle extending at length from the handle; and a shroud coupled to the shroud extension, wherein the shroud is spaced apart from the housing to allow access to the handle between the shroud and the housing. |
| US09284019B2 |
Ellipsoidal V-hull
An improved boat hull design includes a region of ellipsiodal fullness in the forward portion of the hull, ellipsiodal curvature over the remainder of the hull, a chine with a chine flat with an increasing width as it approaches the stern and one or more strakes. One of the strakes is located where the chine flat meets the V portion of the hull. The hull provides stability and a smooth ride at both high and low speeds in smooth and rough water and is highly maneuverable. The hull also has good weight carrying ability at speed while not requiring excessive power. The hull minimizes rolling when stationary or at low speed in waves. |
| US09284018B2 |
Bicycle transmission control apparatus
A bicycle transmission control apparatus includes an inclination sensor and a controller. The controller outputs a shift signal to shift a bicycle transmission to a prescribed shift position based on an inclination detected by the inclination sensor while a bicycle equipped with the bicycle transmission is determined to be in a state corresponding to at least one of stopping to a rest state and beginning to move from the rest state. |
| US09284017B2 |
Bicycle derailleur and method
A front derailleur for use on devices such as bicycles includes a moveable chain guide for engaging a chain and able to cause the chain to be moved between two or more chainrings. The guide includes a first discrete alignment indicator and a second discrete alignment indicator for aligning the derailleur. |
| US09284009B2 |
Sand-rideable bicycle with positive traction gear assembly
An unmotorized sand-rideable bicycle utilizes oversized balloon tires that have an enlarged footprint to permit the bicycle to ride up over even loose sand to provide ease of pedaling, as well as enhanced steering and stability over that associated with standard bicycles. A positive traction gear assembly may be employed to switch between single and dual rear wheel drive. |
| US09284008B2 |
Folding kick scooter
A folding kick scooter includes a quick release clamp on top of a head tube and including a lever; a neck having a front end secured to the head tube and including two opposite slot members; a footboard having an upwardly bent front portion pivotably secured to the neck and including two front, opposite cavities; a brake member at a rear portion of the footboard; a lock device including a seat in the neck, the seat having a through hole, and a spring biased pin through the slot members to have two ends releasably anchored in the opposite cavities respectively; a cable extending from the lever and passing through the neck and the through hole of the seat to secure to the pin; a brake member including a hole and a slot element communicating with the hole; and a lever fastening device moveably secured to the brake member. |
| US09284004B2 |
Seat support structure for saddle-riding type vehicle having rider's seat and separate pillion seat
A seat support structure for a saddle-riding vehicle having a rider's seat and a pillion seat separate from and disposed posterior to the rider's seat includes a bracket disposed on the rider's seat which is fixed to a vehicle body, the bracket providing a coupling between the rider's seat and the pillion seat, wherein the bracket is detachably inserted in a front portion of the pillion seat when the pillion seat is mounted to the vehicle body, and the pillion seat has a rear portion removably secured to the vehicle body. |
| US09284003B2 |
Bicycle saddle
A bicycle saddle, in particular a bicycle sports saddle, comprises a saddle shell. On the lower side of the saddle shell reinforcing ribs are provided. The present design and the arrangement of the reinforcing ribs make it possible to realize a light bicycle saddle having a high inherent flexibility. |
| US09284001B2 |
Buoyant track amphibious transporter and traction cells therefor
A traction cell for use in a track drive of an amphibious or all-terrain vehicle includes a rigid section for connection to a track drive and at least one semi-rigid compliant section which is connected to the rigid section. The semi-rigid compliant section has a bottom surface to which a penetration resistant sole is secured on a rear face which is raked relative to the vertical. |
| US09283999B2 |
Motor vehicle with a rear diffuser
A diffuser is arranged at the rear of a vehicle in the region of the underbody and has a fixed front part and an adjoining, pivotable rear part. Negative and positive lift effects and aerodynamic drag effects are obtained by adjusting pivotable rear part between an upwardly pivoted position and a downwardly pivoted position. |
| US09283993B2 |
Driver's cab suspension
A pair of front couplings and a pair of rear air spring over shocks couple the cab to the vehicle frame. A motion control link includes a central base and pair of arms extending longitudinally from the central base. A base coupling directly couples the base to the vehicle frame. A rear arm coupling for each arm directly couples the arm to the rear of the cab. The rear base coupling and the rear arm coupling essentially restrict lateral movement of the motion control link and permit tuned lateral movement of the frame relative to the rear of the cab to provide lateral motion control at the rear of the cab. The motion control link defines an arc that intersects the front coupling arc. The rear arm couplings include a rear elastomeric bushing member including voids to accommodate for the intersecting arcs. |
| US09283984B2 |
Steering column assembly
A steering column assembly includes a support bracket provided with a pair of side plates, a lower jacket provided with a pair of jacket side plates and pivotally coupled with the support bracket swingably about a tilt axis, an upper jacket provided with a support flange coupled with the lower jacket slidable between the pair of the jacket side plates in a telescopic direction, spacers disposed between the support flange and the pair of the jacket side plates, respectively, and a lock mechanism including a lock bolt. The lock mechanism fastens, by the lock bolt, the pair of the side plates of the support bracket to press and fix the pair of jacket side plates of the lower jacket, and to press and fix the support flange of the upper jacket via the spacers. |
| US09283981B2 |
Steering device
A steering device includes: a column pipe; an outer housing having a clamping portion; a pair of stopper plates; a fastener having a bolt shaft that is mounted on the clamping portion so as to fasten the clamping portion to thereby fix the column pipe; and a buffer member. The buffer member is mounted on any one of the pair of facing stopper plates and the bolt shaft and makes contact with the other by mutual displacement, and a plurality of projection ribs having a triangular cross-sectional shape is formed on a contacting surface of the buffer member. |
| US09283979B1 |
Flexible handle stroller light
An element for providing bright, directed illumination is provided having a housing that can be attached to the handle of a child's stroller, thereby increasing visibility when walking at night. A small and compact housing contains a plurality of LED lights to allow others to see the child's stroller from a great distance away. Attached at the back of the head is an elasticized circular band that attaches to a push handle by wrapping tightly around and locking in place by engaging with impingement structures formed on the housing. |
| US09283972B2 |
Networking operation dispatch system based on electronic zones for rail vehicle
A networking operation dispatch system based on electronic zones for rail vehicle comprises: a zone-end relay computer, a communication ranging antenna along rail, a locomotive-mounted response computer and a road networking computer, wherein: the zone-end relay computer is installed on an end of each electronic zone; the communication ranging antenna along rail has an equivalent length to the electronic zone, a first end of the communication ranging antenna along rail is connected with the zone-end relay computer and a second thereof is disposed in the air; the locomotive-mounted response computer is installed on each locomotive and communicates with the zone-end relay computer in the electronic zone occupied by the locomotive via the communication ranging antenna; and the road networking computer connects each zone-end relay computer to form a network. A rail security detecting sensor is provided in the electronic zone. |
| US09283968B2 |
Driving model creating apparatus and driving support apparatus
Provided is a driving model creating apparatus that can create a more desirable driving model for practical use, even when creating the driving model on the basis of driving track records, and a driving support apparatus that can execute a more appropriate driving support based on the driving model. The driving model creating apparatus creates a driving model for indicating the driving state of a vehicle (10). The driving model creating apparatus creates the driving model on the basis of road information that is information related to the driving environment of the vehicle (10), and driving information that is information related to the driving state of the vehicle, which will change as a result of a driver's driving operation. The driving model creating apparatus also makes the contribution ratio of the driving information with respect to the driving model to be created, to be variable in accordance with the road information. |
| US09283964B2 |
Driving mode recommendation system based on customer characteristic information and environment analysis information, and method thereof
A driving mode recommendation method stores driving mode information in a database for each customer and recommends a driving mode based on customer characteristic and environment analysis information. The method includes receiving a starting point and a destination from a terminal of a corresponding customer vehicle by a server. A route from the starting point to the destination is divided into sections according to a road type and a road form. It is determined whether the driving mode information is stored in the database for the divided sections. The stored driving mode information is generated as recommendation mode information for a section where the driving mode information is stored in the database by the server. Average value information of a general customer is generated as the recommendation mode information for a section where the driving mode information is not stored in the database. |
| US09283961B2 |
Method and system for control of a clutch
A method for control of an automatically controlled clutch when setting a vehicle in motion on a running surface: the vehicle includes a combustion engine for generating driving force transmitted to at least one powered wheel, and a throttle control for demanding driving force from the engine. The magnitude of the driving force demanded from the engine is controlled by a driver of the vehicle by means of the throttle control. The method includes a step, when a first criterion representing the grip of the powered wheels on the running surface is fulfilled, of opening the automatically controlled clutch if the driver uses the throttle control to reduce the demand for driving force from the engine. |
| US09283960B1 |
Control of a vehicle to automatically exit a parking space
An automatic park-out system is provided for a vehicle to assist in automatically exiting a parking space. The vehicle is equipped with various sensors configured to sense the location of external objects, such as vehicles surrounding the parking space and vehicle in the adjacent lane of traffic. At least one controller receives signals from these sensors and commands the vehicle to automatically move and align itself for exiting the parking space. The operator of the vehicle can depress the accelerator pedal to signal a desire to move out of the parking space. Even if the driver increasingly depresses the accelerator pedal, the at least one controller is programmed to limit an actual speed of the vehicle based on a distance between the vehicle and the external objects. This constraint placed on the actual speed be removed or reduced based on the distance increasing. |
| US09283959B2 |
Vehicle behavior control apparatus
In order to control a behavior generated on a body as a result of a travel of a vehicle, an electronic control unit controls rotation of each of in-wheel motors, thereby generating a predetermined braking force or driving force approximately the same in magnitude on each wheel. Meanwhile, the electronic control unit uses respective pipelines and a direction control circuit depending on the behavior generated on the body to connect fluid pressure cylinders on a fluid pressure supplying side and fluid pressure cylinders on a fluid pressure supplied side to each other for communication. As a result, the fluid pressure cylinders convert vertical forces of the body acting as component forces of a predetermined braking/driving force into hydraulic pressures and supply the fluid pressure cylinders with the hydraulic pressures, and the fluid pressure cylinders convert the supplied hydraulic pressures into vertical forces, thereby exerting the vertical forces on the body. |
| US09283958B2 |
Method and device for assisting in returning a vehicle after leaving a roadway
A method for assisting a driver in returning a vehicle to a roadway from a periphery or shoulder of the roadway includes the following steps. Data is received from a sensor that monitors a region ahead of the vehicle. The data is analyzed to detect a transition between the roadway and the periphery, and to detect a free space ahead of the vehicle on the roadway. It is assessed whether the transition at a transition point is suitable for returning the vehicle to the roadway, and a corresponding first signal is issued. It is assessed whether the free space is sufficient for returning the vehicle and/or whether obstacles are present, and a corresponding second signal is issued. An output signal is generated based on the first and second signals, and alerts the driver or autonomously or semi-autonomously controls the vehicle to return the vehicle onto the roadway. |
| US09283956B2 |
Hybrid vehicle rapid deceleration control device
Provided is a hybrid vehicle in which a motor/generator 5 is positioned between an engine 1 and an automatic transmission 3, the engine 1 and the motor/generator 5 are connected through a first clutch 6 and a second clutch 7 is provided between the motor/generator 5 and a drive road wheel 2. In an HEV mode in which the first clutch 6 is engaged, when deceleration of a vehicle is determined to be rapid deceleration of a threshold value or greater, the first clutch 6 is released and at the same time fuel supply to the engine 1 is stopped through an engine controller 21. Even when, due to rapid decelerating, the engine speed Ne drops to an idling speed or lower due to delay in the release of the first clutch 6, there is no combustion or explosion and thus floor vibration does not occur. |
| US09283953B2 |
Travel control device
A travel control device selects the travel modes of the hybrid vehicle that includes a battery configured to be charged with electric power from an external power source, an MG configured to generate a driving force for running with the electric power of the battery, and an engine configured to generate a driving force for running. The travel control device includes a second estimating unit and a drive switching unit. The second estimating unit estimates an expected charging time at a destination where the battery can be charged. The drive switching unit increases a usage frequency of the EV mode until reaching to the destination in a case where the expected charging time estimated by the second estimating unit is longer than a case where expected charging time is short. |
| US09283951B2 |
Speed change system for work vehicle
A speed change system for work vehicle having a continuously variable transmission device selects a first change gear ratio which is set larger than a smallest change gear ratio, when an engine rotational speed is a first set rotational speed which is set equal or close to an idling rotational speed of an engine; retains the change gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission device at the smallest change gear ratio, when the engine rotational speed is equal to or above a second set rotational speed set on a high-speed side relative to the first set rotational speed; and makes the change gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission device larger between the first change gear ratio and the smallest change gear ratio, as the engine rotational speed at that moment becomes lower, when the engine rotational speed is between the first and second set rotational speeds. |
| US09283950B2 |
Drive device for vehicle
A drive device for a vehicle, which is capable of improving reliability of an in-gear operation for switching a speed position to an in-gear state while ensuring the degree of freedom in design of the drive device and realizing reduction of manufacturing costs thereof. When a transmission condition for transmitting motive power of the engine to front wheels via a first-speed forward position is satisfied, the ECU controls a first speed synchronization mechanism such that the first-speed forward position is switched to the in-gear state. At this time, if a condition of output shaft rotational speed≧predetermined detection lower limit is satisfied, the ECU controls the rotational speed of the front motor such that a ring gear speed is reduced, whereas if the condition is not satisfied, the ECU controls the same to a predetermined synchronization assist value for suppressing the rotational speed difference. |
| US09283942B2 |
Vehicle compressed air supply device
Disclosed is a vehicle compressed air supply device, comprising pressure maintenance valves for service brakes, which are positioned between a junction chamber and compressed air channels for primary brakes; a pressure maintenance valve for the parking brake, which is positioned between the junction chamber and a compressed air channel for the parking brake; and a pressure maintenance valve, positioned on a supply path that connects the pressure maintenance valve for the parking, brake with the junction chamber, and which is closed until the pressure of the compressed air that is supplied to the compressed air channels for the primary brakes reaches a prescribed pressure value. The pressure maintenance valve has the same structure as the pressure maintenance valves for service brakes and the pressure maintenance valve for the parking brake. |
| US09283938B2 |
Vehicle brake hydraulic control apparatus
A vehicle brake hydraulic control apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a suction valve; a pump; a motor for driving the pump; and a control unit controlling the suction valve and the motor through connection/disconnection of power thereto. The control unit includes: a detection module configured to detect a back electromotive voltage generated due to an inertia rotation of the motor after disconnection of power; a voltage check module configured to check whether a voltage condition is satisfied or not that the back electromotive voltage is equal to or less than a given voltage; and a time check module configured to check whether a time condition is satisfied or not that a given time has passed after the voltage condition has been satisfied. And, the control unit closes the suction valve when the time condition is satisfied. |
| US09283936B2 |
Braking force control apparatus for vehicle
An electronic control unit of a braking force control apparatus for a vehicle activates, as a first state, in-wheel motors in a regeneration state, thereby generating motor braking torques, and causes friction brake mechanisms to generate friction braking forces. Moreover, the unit activates, as a second state, the motors in a power running state, thereby generating motor driving torques, and causes the mechanisms to generate friction braking forces. Then, when the state is caused to transition between the first state and the second state, the unit changes magnitudes of the braking torques or the driving torques generated by the motors to one of increase and decrease, and changes magnitudes of the friction braking forces generated by the mechanisms to one of increase and decrease. |
| US09283928B2 |
Load limiter
Disclosed is a load limiter mounted within a cylindrical spool on which a webbing is wound to constrain a load applied to the webbing from exceeding a preset load, the load limiter including: a first torsion bar inserted into a hollow portion formed at a center of the spool and one end of which is coupled to one end of the spool; and a second torsion bar one end of which is connected to an opposite end of the first torsion bar to be inserted into the hollow portion of the spool together with the first torsion bar and an opposite end of which is coupled to a locker installed at an opposite end of the spool, wherein the torsion bar is configured such that a torsion load limit of the first torsion bar is smaller than a torsion load limit of the second torsion bar. |
| US09283917B2 |
Curtain airbag device
A curtain airbag device that can be applied to a small-width pillar. The curtain airbag device is accommodated in a region extending from at least an A-pillar to an upper portion of a window frame, and includes an airbag that is deployed in a curtain form near a side window of a vehicle interior in order to protect an occupant; and a gas generator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag. The accommodated airbag is formed in a rod shape by being folded in a roll form. When the airbag is accommodated, the airbag is partially compressed toward the center of the airbag at a narrow portion where an installation area of the A-pillar is narrow, in order to partially decrease a diameter of the airbag. |
| US09283915B2 |
Air belt device
An air belt device includes a shoulder belt section that is worn from a shoulder on one side in a seat width direction to a lumbar on another side in the seat width direction of a passenger, who is seated on a seat. The shoulder belt section includes an inflation section that is inflated by a supply of gas and in which a portion on a head side of the passenger with respect to a center section in a width direction of the shoulder belt section is deployed to be larger than a portion on an opposite side from the head side. |
| US09283913B2 |
Seat belt system
A seat belt system (20) includes a manifold assembly (60) having an inner housing (68) and an outer housing (70) which extends at least part way around the inner housing. One of the housings (68 or 70) is movable relative to a vehicle with a portion of the seat belt system. The other housing is connected with a source (54) of inflation fluid. In one specific embodiment of the invention, inner and outer housings (68 and 70) of the manifold assembly (60) extend around a portion of an anchor (36) for a seat belt (40). In this embodiment, the housings (68 and 70) have arcuate configurations and have axes which are coincident with a central axis (84) of the anchor (36). In addition to being pivotal relative to each other, the housings (68 and 70) may be movable transversely to each other. A seal (136) may be provided between the housings. |
| US09283912B2 |
Airbag control unit
An airbag control unit including two, independent trigger control paths that operate sets of first and second switches placed in series with a power source, sets of trigger outputs, and a ground. Each trigger control path is capable of detecting a shock and determining if the shock is a crash-level shock. Each trigger control path outputs a trigger signal to a switch when a crash-level shock is detected and the trigger control path is armed. Current is only supplied to the trigger output if both trigger control paths sense a crash-level shock and are armed. Upon sensing a shock, each trigger control path can power a power hold element that provides temporary power to the trigger control paths long enough to process the shock signals and generate any necessary trigger signals. |
| US09283910B2 |
Object detection apparatus and object detection method
Provided is an object detection apparatus and an object detecting method for, with respect to an object detected by a radar, determining whether the object is an automobile and performing an appropriate collision determination based on a determination result. The apparatus comprises a radar device 1 which detects a target in a surrounding area of an own vehicle VM; a target processing section 21 which calculates, with respect to the detected target, information containing at least two of information indicating a position of presence, information indicating a moving direction, and information indicating a moving speed, of the target as target information; and a target determination section 23 which determines, based on the calculated target information, whether a target object is a bicycle depending on whether the target satisfies a predetermined condition, and which determines a risk of collision between the vehicle VM and the target object. |
| US09283907B2 |
Adjustable front fascia for vehicles
An adjustable front fascia for vehicles includes a second vehicle structure that is fixed to a first vehicle structure at a location that is predefined relative to a hood of the vehicle. During assembly, the front fascia is movably supported on the second vehicle structure utilizing a temporary retaining mechanism that prevents unintended fore-aft movement of the front fascia unless a force exceeding a predefined release force is applied to the fascia. The front fascia can be fixed at a location providing a predefined gap relative to a front edge of the hood. The vertical position of the fascia relative to the hood can also be adjusted during assembly. |
| US09283905B2 |
Error avoidance in the gesture-controlled opening of a motor vehicle door and trunk
For error-proof, gesture-controlled opening of an actuating element in a motor vehicle, provision is made to detect a vehicle user's gesture, which conveys an opening command, by means of a sensor, to check a control behavior for activating at least one further gesture-controlled actuating element of the motor vehicle for plausibility in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion and, upon identification of the opening command, to refuse the opening of the actuating element if, in a temporal relationship with the identification of the opening command, the control behavior for activating the further actuating element is identified as being implausible. |
| US09283902B2 |
Tether clip and garnish attachment device including the same
A tether clip includes: a seat portion; a tether portion standing on the seat portion; an anchor portion connecting to one end portion of the tether portion that is opposite to the other end portion thereof; an engagement retention portion located at each of both sides of the tether portion and standing on the seat portion on the same side as the tether portion; and an independence facilitation structure provided between the tether portion and each of the engagement retention portions and the tether portion when the tether clip received load in a first direction parallel to the seat portion and orthogonal to a direction of a line that connects the engagement retention portions provided at the both sides of the tether portion and is parallel to the seat portion. |
| US09283899B2 |
Lock for torque nose
A lock arrangement for a drive shaft of a tightening mechanism in a sports carrier. The lock arrangement includes a lock-wheel coupled to the drive shaft for rotation therewith, the lock-wheel having a peripheral zone with a detent and an abutment area adjacent thereto. The lock arrangement further includes a blocking tab that is movable toward the peripheral zone of the lock-wheel and insertable into the detent. The blocking tab being in abutting engagement with the abutment area in a lock-actuated configuration of the lock arrangement, the blocking tab being received in the detent in a locked configuration of the lock arrangement and the blocking tab being withdrawn from the detent in an unlocked configuration of the lock arrangement. |
| US09283895B2 |
Sandwich panel, method of forming core material for sandwich panel, and method of forming sandwich panel
An object of the present invention is to provide a sandwich panel which is capable of securing its flexural or its shear rigidity as a whole and securing a compression rigidity of a core material itself, while at the same time of readily reducing the weight of the sandwich panel.According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a sandwich panel comprising two resin skin sheets, and a resin core material sandwiched between the two resin skin sheets and planarly adhered to each of the two resin skin sheets, said core material consists of an foamed resin with a predetermined expanding ratio and has a plurality of recesses each of which forms an opening formed on at least one surface thereof and extends inwardly to define an inner space closed by the corresponding skin sheet, the number of said recesses and the total area of the openings are determined in such a manner that the planer adhesion of at least one surface of the resin core material to the corresponding skin sheet is maintained, while at the same time solid portions of the foamed resin of the resin core material excluding said inner space formed by the plurality of recesses function to support a compressive load in the thickness direction of the resin core material, under the predetermined void volume allocated to said plurality of recesses in relation with said predetermined expanding ratio. |
| US09283894B2 |
Wireless power supply system
A wireless power supply system has a power sending resonance coil, a power receiving resonance coil, and a relay resonance coil. The power sending resonance coil has a predetermined resonance frequency characteristic, and transmits power wirelessly. The power receiving resonance coil has the same resonance frequency characteristic as the power sending resonance coil, and receives power wirelessly with a magnetic field resonance mode generated by synchronization of the resonance frequency. The relay resonance coil has the same resonance frequency characteristic as the power sending resonance coil and the power receiving resonance coil, and relay power from the power sending resonance coil to the power receiving resonance coil wirelessly with the magnetic field resonance mode generated by synchronization of the resonance frequency with them. |
| US09283893B2 |
Vision-controlled interaction for data spectacles
A display system is disclosed, including data spectacles which have a spectacles frame and a display which is mounted at the spectacles frame such that it is situated in the field of vision of the wearer of the spectacles frame. The display system further includes an image-taking unit, particularly at least one camera set up for providing an image of an eye of the wearer of the data spectacles; a processing unit configured to: receive the image; determine the viewing direction of the eye in the image; determine the display area in the display in which an activating element is displayed; determine whether the viewing direction of the eye is directed at the display area of the activating element; and in response to a meeting of a condition: display assigned contents on the display, which are assigned to the activating element, on a display area that is larger than the display area of the activating element The condition is that the viewing direction of the eye is aimed at the display area of the activating element. |
| US09283889B1 |
License plate frame with emergency lighting
A license plate frame assembly a housing and a first plurality of lighting elements. The housing is adapted for mounting to a vehicle and has first and second generally opposed pairs of side members defining a central aperture dimensioned for a vehicle license plate to be visible therethrough. Each of the first pair of side members defines a first plurality of lighting element apertures therein. The first plurality of lighting elements is arranged in the housing under the first plurality of lighting element apertures, and mounted in the housing such that light emitted thereby from the first pair of side members is oriented along intersecting first axes at acute angles relative to a plane of the vehicle license plate. |
| US09283888B2 |
Motor vehicle status display visible from outside the vehicle for the state of an operationally relevant component
A status display for the state of an operationally-relevant component (1) of a motor vehicle, in which an illuminating structure (4) supplied by at least two light sources (5, 6) is arranged in a position of the vehicle which is visible from the outside and a control circuit (3) which is associated with the light sources is designed to control the light sources in accordance with a state signal (sz) representing the state of the operationally-relevant component (1), such that the luminance and/or the color indicates, along the illuminating structure and in a scaled manner, the state of the component. |
| US09283885B2 |
Method of manufacture of a lighting device
A method of manufacturing a lighting device comprising a body of headlamp or rear light of a motor vehicle that comprises a housing enclosing a transparent cover wherein: 1) the body is clamped in a fixture and a set of actual positions of control points of the cover or housing are measured; 2) the measured actual positions of the control points are compared in a three-dimensional model with a respective calculated tolerance space of control points bounded by permissible deviations from nominal positions; 3) if the actual positions of all the control points do not match up within the respective calculated tolerance space of control points, a set of corrected positions is identified and selected; 4) determining corresponding corrected positions of the associated locating elements for attachment of the lighting device from the corrected positions of the control points; and 5) joining the locating elements in the corrected positions. |
| US09283883B2 |
Storage tank
A storage tank including a frame and a tank assembly. The tank assembly including a vessel supported by the frame and having a first end, a second end, and a polygonal sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. The vessel further having a top, a bottom, at least one side, and an internal surface, and an outlet fluidly coupled with the bottom; and a chemical-resistant lining associated with the internal surface of the sidewall and being substantially flexible. The frame is configured to support the tank assembly so that the bottom of the vessel is elevated a distance above a surface to allow for visual inspection of the top, bottom, and the at least one side of the sidewall. |
| US09283877B2 |
Movable headrest
A movable headrest includes a base member including a headrest stay; a movable member that is slidable relative to the headrest stay; and a lock mechanism that locks the movable member such that the movable member is restrained from sliding relative to the headrest stay. The movable member includes a flexure part that bends due to a load received from a head of an occupant, a frame part that supports the flexure part, and an engaging portion. The frame part includes a sliding portion that slides relative to the headrest stay, and when the flexure part is bent such that the engaging portion is moved relative to the frame part, the movable member is unlocked. |
| US09283876B2 |
Head restraint with storage
A seat assembly having a seatback and a head restraint is provided. The seat assembly includes a support member extending between the head restraint and the seatback. The support member is configured to attach the head restraint to the seatback, and may extend downward into the seatback. The support member separates the head restraint into a forward portion and a rearward portion. A receptacle cavity is defined within the rearward portion of the head restraint. The receptacle cavity is configured to receive one or more articles. |
| US09283875B1 |
Seat cushion
A semi-active seat cushion and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the semi-active seat cushion comprises a plurality of chambers for containing a pressurized fluid, wherein each chamber is connected to at least one other chamber by an orifice that provides a fluid connection; a supply conduit for supplying a pressurized fluid to each of the plurality of chambers; and at least one relief valve that permits rapid and controlled deflation of the plurality of chambers. In another embodiment, the semi-active seat cushion comprises a smart fluid; a plurality of chambers configured for containing the smart fluid; a field generator; and a field controller. |
| US09283870B2 |
Seat sliding device for vehicle
A seat sliding device for a vehicle includes a first rail, which is adapted to be fixed to one of a vehicle floor and a seat and a second rail, which is adapted to be fixed to the other one of the vehicle floor and the seat and coupled to the first rail to make relative movement with respect to the first rail. An urging member is provided with a latch part, which is latched to a second coupling wall part and a latch end part, which is latched to a lock lever. The urging member generates in association with bending deformation an urging force which urges the lock lever in a vertical direction toward a direction in which the lock lever engages with the first rail. The urging member has a coil part wound about a rotating shaft between the latch part and the latch end part. |
| US09283868B2 |
Seat apparatus
In order to improve steering operation operability during cornering while maintaining a driver holding property, a seat apparatus is provided with: a seat back frame; a cornering sensor for detecting a cornering direction of a vehicle; and a control unit that controls the seat back frame on the basis of the result of detection by the cornering sensor. The seat back frame is provided with: left and right side frames disposed on both sides of the seat back frame; a back plate disposed between the left and right side frames; and a swinging mechanism for swinging the back plate with respect to the direction of movement of the vehicle. The control unit controls the swinging mechanism such that, upon detection of a cornering direction of the vehicle by the cornering sensor, the inner one of the sides of the back plate with respect to the cornering direction is positioned rearward of the outer one of the sides with respect to the cornering direction. |
| US09283864B2 |
Circuit, electric power train and method for charging a battery
A circuit is provided, including a battery, an omnipolar switch, a switching element, a DC-intermediate circuit and a current supplying circuit. The omnipolar switch may be coupled to the battery and may be configured to electrically disconnect the battery. The DC-intermediate circuit may be coupled to the omnipolar switch via the switching element, and the current supplying device may be coupled to the DC-intermediate circuit. |
| US09283863B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing electrical energy
In a charging management system for electrical vehicles, a maximum charging current for a plurality of charging operations, e.g., for a plurality of charging stations and/or a plurality of electrical vehicles, is coordinated in a centralized or a decentralized manner while complying with predefined flexibly adjustable secondary conditions. The secondary conditions can include economic and/or technical stipulations. In addition to a centralized load management system, a decentralized load management facility carries out a load distribution via a master charging station or autonomously by each charging station itself. If the master charging station fails, a changeover is made to a backup master charging station. The method can be used, for example, in electrical mobility, in particular the electrification of individual traffic. |
| US09283858B2 |
Inductive power transfer apparatus
A magnetic flux pad for generating or receiving magnetic flux has two pole areas (11, 12), a permeable core (14) and a coil (16) wound about the core. The pad allows useable flux to be generated at a significant height above a surface of the pad. |
| US09283853B2 |
Hybrid drive of a hybrid vehicle
A hybrid drive of a hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine (10), at least one electrical machine (11, 12) and an electrical energy storage (13) that can be discharged when the electrical machine is operated as a motor, and can be charged when the electrical machine is operated as a generator. Each electrical machine (11, 12) has a converter (15, 16) coupled to the respective electrical machine (1, 12) by a plug connection (19, 20), and the electrical energy storage (13) has a converter (14) coupled to the converter (15, 16) of the electrical machine (11, 12) by a plug connection (18). The plug connections (18, 19, 20) are connected firs in a high-voltage circuit and second in a protective circuit. The plug connections (18, 19, 20) are automatically disconnected from the high voltage when the protective circuit is interrupted. |
| US09283852B2 |
Diagnostic receptacle for electric vehicle supply equipment
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media provide electric supply equipment 200 configured to perform diagnostics. The electric supply equipment 200 may include a receptacle 210 for forming a closed circuit loop. The electric supply equipment 200 includes a connector 203 for charging devices, such as electric vehicles 101. The connector 203 may include one or more conductors, some of which may be wrapped with insulation. When the connector 103, 203 is not used for charging, the connector 203 may be connected to a receptacle 210 of the electric supply equipment 200. Thus, the electric supply equipment 200, via the receptacle 210, may form a closed loop circuit with the conductors. Further, the electric supply equipment 200 may include a diagnostic unit 250 for performing diagnostic tests on the conductors. In particular, the diagnostic unit 250 may access ends of the conductors via the receptacle 210. |
| US09283851B2 |
Drive control device for motor vehicle during low temperature
A low temperature drive control device is used for a motor mounted automotive vehicle in which the rotation of a motor is transmitted to a wheel and a common oil is used for cooling the motor and also for lubricating gears. The motor mounted automotive vehicle includes a command torque calculator for calculating a command torque to be applied to the motor in dependence on an acceleration input, a motor drive controller for controlling an electric current value to be supplied to the motor in dependence on the command torque calculated by the command torque calculator an oil temperature detector for detecting the oil temperature, and a motor torque changer for changing the command torque in dependence on the oil temperature detected by the oil temperature detector. |
| US09283849B2 |
Operation equipment for a vehicle
Operation equipment for a vehicle includes a control element, an actuator device, and an electronic control unit. A sensor distinguishes an origin of a control action applied to the control element. The control element is operated in a contactless manner. The sensor may use signal transmission through a human body. The origins distinguished may include a driver seat and a passenger seat. |
| US09283848B2 |
Foldable, ultra-lightweight tricycle having an electric motor
Ultralight tricycle with electric engine including a base frame (15) fitted with two front wheels and one driving back wheel (9), an electric engine propelling the driving wheel, and one steering wheel (3) including a steering wheel (4) maneuvered by the user in order to control the steering and/or speed of the tricycle, the tricycle being designed to switch from the unfolded configuration allowing the user positioned on the base frame to ride the tricycle into a folded configuration enabling the user to seize the steering wheel in order to have the tricycle rolling on its two front wheels while keeping the back wheel away from the ground. The tricycle includes a tachymeter that measures the speed of the tricycle and one slowing down/braking command unit connected to the tachymeter and suited to command the transformation of the engine into a generator of electric current provided to a battery when the speed of the engine exceeds a preset speed ranging between 20 km/h and 30 km/h so that the tricycle slows down as a result of the engine being turned into a generator acts as a brake. |
| US09283842B2 |
Method and apparatus for drive shaft extension
A method and apparatus are provided for extending the length of a vehicle without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. The method includes disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the vehicle transmission, extending the length of the vehicle frame, and inserting a drive shaft extension segment which includes: a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission; and a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft. The extension segment rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment that was disconnected from the vehicle transmission. The extension segment is installed in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. |
| US09283840B2 |
Hollow output shaft corner flotation drive
The present invention discloses a hollow output shaft for a corner system that allows flotation and traction in difficult field conditions to reduce wheel rutting. According to a preferred embodiment, a system is provided which includes a rectangular tube leg, a gearbox, a substantially square tube extension member, a gear motor, a fully keyed shaft and a pair of hub units. |
| US09283835B2 |
Door inner weather strip
A weather strip capable of preventing the reversing of seal lips caused by the raising and lowering of a door glass, and restraining the increment of the raising/lowering load of the door glass to enable the smooth raising and lowering of the door glass. The door inner weather strip includes a trim section and a seal section. The seal section includes a first seal section and a second seal section, and the first seal section and the second seal section are respectively provided with a first attaching leg and a second attaching leg along with a first seal lip and a second seal lip for contacting the door glass. The first seal lip and the second seal lip are formed such that tips thereof face each other, and the first seal lip is formed such that when the first seal lip and the second seal lip contact the door glass, the tip of the second seal lip is overlapped with the tip of the first seal lip so as to press the same. |
| US09283832B2 |
Rolling cover system motor mount
A motorized rolling cover system for covering the top of an open-top vehicle. The system includes a cover, a shaft, a motor assembly, an arm assembly and a motor mount that supports the motor assembly on the arm assembly. The motor mount is pivotally attached to the end of the arm assembly to provide pivotal movement of the mount in a single plane. The plane of pivotal movement is either the same as (i.e., parallel to) the plane defined by the arm and the shaft, or is perpendicular to the arm-shaft plane. |
| US09283826B2 |
Device for cooling a heat source of a motor vehicle
A device for cooling a heat source of a motor vehicle, including a cooling body (7) which is in thermal contact with the heat source, a first fluid stream for the discharge of heat being capable of flowing to the cooling body (7), wherein at least one second fluid stream for the discharge of heat can flow selectably to the cooling body (7). |
| US09283825B2 |
System, method, and apparatus to prevent commercial vehicle rollover
A rollover prevention apparatus includes a primary hydraulic cylinder attached to a frame bracket, a secondary hydraulic cylinder attached to the primary hydraulic cylinder and a wheel bracket. The rollover prevention apparatus includes a stabilizing wheel affixed to the wheel bracket. The stabilizing wheel is substantially in line with a plurality of wheels affixed to the frame while the primary and secondary hydraulic cylinders are retracted, the line being substantially perpendicular to the primary and secondary hydraulic cylinders. The stabilizing wheel has a negative camber angle with respect to the plurality of wheels while the primary and secondary hydraulic cylinders are retracted. A rollover event may be averted by extending the primary and secondary hydraulic cylinders such that the stabilizing wheel makes contact with a road without substantially leaving a lane, and using the secondary hydraulic cylinder to push against the road until the rollover event has been averted. |
| US09283820B1 |
Wheel assembly service machine with back cone center clamp mechanism
A center clamping mechanism for a wheel assembly service machine such as a tire changer machine includes a back cone centering element projecting outwardly from a platen and configured to engage a center bore of the wheel rim hub mount pad from an inner side of the hub mount pad. The centering element may include a compliant element configured to at least partially support the weight of the wheel rim and tire when being clamped. A pivot arm defines a contact surface for the inner side of the wheel rim hub mount pad, and when the tire is rotated by an operator with the inner side in contact with the contact surface, an anti-rotate pin carried on the pivot arm may be adjusted in radial position relative to the drive axis to accommodate different lug holes at varying lug bolt circle diameters. |
| US09283813B2 |
Pneumatic tire
The present invention has an object of providing a pneumatic tire having a tread pattern capable of providing both excellent drivability and a high partial wear resistance. The pneumatic tire of the present invention includes, in a tread surface, a compound groove partitioned into a first groove portion and a second groove portion by a first groove side and a second groove side, the first groove side having an oblique side portion diagonally disposed relative to a tire circumferential line in plan view, the second groove side intersecting with the oblique side portion of the first groove side at an acute angle in plan view, in which: the first groove portion and the second groove portion both have a groove depth that gradually reduces in an extending direction of the groove toward an intersection between the oblique side portion and the second groove side; and a groove wall extending from the first groove side is formed as a tapered surface mildly-sloped toward a groove bottom on the intersection side when viewed in the groove transverse direction. Further, the pneumatic tire of the present invention includes, in a tread surface, a groove partitioned by at least three groove sides in plan view, in which: one or more of groove walls extending from one of the at least three groove sides that extends in the longitudinal direction of the groove is formed as a tapered surface at least in part thereof; and the tapered surface forms an angle with a plane perpendicular to the tread surface, which varies in the extending direction of the groove side. |
| US09283812B2 |
Pneumatic radial tire for heavy loads
A pneumatic radial tire for heavy loads that prevents occurrence of a side cut due to a projection while decelerating spread of a cut damage to a tire inner surface. In a widthwise cross section of the tire, angle α satisfies a relation 0<α≦30° that a line joining an intersection between a virtual line and a tire outer surface and a maximum tire width position forms with respect to a radial line segment, the virtual line passing through a maximum carcass width position that is parallel to a tire axis line. An angle β satisfies a relation 0≦β<30° that a line joining the maximum tire width position and a turnoff point forms with respect to the radial line segment, and a reinforcing rubber is disposed between a body portion and a turn-up portion of the carcass. |
| US09283810B2 |
Wheel and tire assembly
A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless flexible tire with certain performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The rigid wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements removably attached to a radially outer margin of the central portion. The tire is mounted on the wheel and engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space. The tire is configured such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure, thereby minimizing ground penetration and soil disruption. The tire may include one or more tension elements embedded in the tire to increase the tire's strength and resilience. |
| US09283806B2 |
Wheel assembly for an irrigation system
A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections flex inwardly when the flexible sections contact the ground surface so that the rigid sections and the flexible sections cooperatively form a corrugated pattern in the ground surface without urging the soil to side margins of the airless flexible covering, the corrugated pattern having a plurality of valleys formed by the rigid sections and a plurality of peaks formed by the flexible sections. |
| US09283803B2 |
Sealed letter forming apparatus
A sealed letter forming apparatus has a sheet feed unit containing an envelope sheet to be an envelope and a content sheet to be a content; a printer for printing on the respective sheets supplied from the paper feed unit; an enclosing and sealing unit for folding the respective sheets printed by the printer, and enclosing and sealing the respective sheets; and a controller to control the enclosing and sealing unit to stop the sealed letter forming processing when an error related to the envelope sheet or the content sheet in an n-th article occurs, and to perform the sealed letter forming processing without sealing a sealed letter of the n-th article as a sealed letter to be checked by a user when the error is canceled. A sealed letter forming processing is performed on each article which is a combination of the envelope sheet and the content sheet. |
| US09283794B2 |
Substrates having improved crockfastness
An ink-printed substrate comprising a substrate and water-based ink composition printed on the substrate, wherein the ink-printed substrate has an average crockfastness of at least about 2.5 or greater. |
| US09283791B2 |
Replaceable printer component including a memory updated atomically
A replaceable printer component includes a memory device and a communication link. The memory device includes a memory and a circuit configured to atomically update data stored in the memory. The communication link is configured to communicatively link the memory device to a printer controller when the replaceable printer component is installed in a printing system. The circuit is configured to receive a write request including data, a data length, and an address from the printer controller; copy the data length of data stored at the address to a backup area of the memory; store the data length and the address in the memory; set a write state stored in the memory to a first state; update the data length of data stored at the address with the received data; and set the write state stored in the memory to a second state. |
| US09283785B2 |
Image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus, a carriage mounts a recording head for discharging droplets, and moves in a main scan direction. A guide member slidably guides the carriage. An encoder scale is arranged along the main scan direction. An encoder sensor reads the encoder scale. The carriage includes a head mounting part for mounting the recording head, and a sensor attaching part for attaching the encoder sensor. The sensor attaching part is provided so as to be extended from the head mounting part. The encoder scale is arranged at a location which the encoder sensor can read. A partition member is provided to separate the head mounting part from the sensor attaching part in the carriage. The head mounting part is arranged in a first space, and the sensor attaching part and the encoder scale are arranged in a second space separated from the first space by the partition member. |
| US09283781B2 |
Cutting apparatus
A cutting apparatus which avoids exposing a fixed blade mounted in a lid portion even when the lid portion is opened. A fixed blade 40 is arranged so that a blade surface 40b faces the upstream side in the direction of transport of a printed medium 1. A cover 48 is slidably mounted on the fixed blade 40, is configured to cover a cutting edge line 40a of the fixed blade 40 from the side of the blade surface 40b when a lid portion 13 is released, and may be slid toward a root of the fixed blade 40 to expose the cutting edge line 40a of the fixed blade 40 when the lid portion 13 is closed. |
| US09283779B2 |
Conveyor device and inkjet recording apparatus
A conveyor device includes a feed member, a conveyor belt, and a suction section. The feed member feeds a recording medium while in contact with a part of the recording medium. The conveyor belt conveys the recording medium having been conveyed by the feed member. The suction section sucks the recording medium onto the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt includes a first region that is to receive the part of the recording medium and a second region adjacent to the first region. The conveyor belt has a plurality of suction holes in communication with the suction section. The suction holes have a lower opening ratio in the first region than in the second region. |
| US09283776B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes (A) a carriage that moves a nozzle ejecting a liquid which is cured by irradiation of an electromagnetic wave in a moving direction, (B) a first irradiation section that is installed on the carriage and irradiates electromagnetic waves on dots formed by landing the liquid which is ejected from the moving nozzle, on a medium, and (C) a second irradiation section that is installed on the carriage and irradiates electromagnetic waves on the dots which are irradiated by the electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation section, in which an irradiance level of the electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation section is different from that of the electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation section. |
| US09283773B2 |
Plasma processing device and image forming apparatus including the same
A plasma processing device in an image forming apparatus includes: a first electrode; a second electrode which is disposed opposing to the first electrode to form a discharge space, has a hollow inside, and has both ends open; and a partition wall disposed at the side opposite to the first electrode with respect to the second electrode for forming a first wind tunnel in combination with a subject to be processed, when the subject to be processed is present in the discharge space, the first wind tunnel restricting a flow of a first cooling medium. |
| US09283772B2 |
Drying assembly
A drying assembly is disclosed. The drying assembly has at least 2 fan units where each fan unit has a fan. The fan speed of each fan is adjusted independently to control the air temperature from the fan. The airflow through all of the fans is maintained at a constant value. |
| US09283770B2 |
Apparatus for thermal printing or embossing
The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal printing or embossing, comprising a film conveying section for a carrier film coated with a coloring agent, a print support for a printable medium and a printhead for selectively heating the carrier film in accordance with a predetermined printed image, so that the coloring agent is transferred from the carrier film to the printable medium in accordance with the predetermined printed image. The apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises a sensor device set up for recording a remaining pattern of the coloring agent on the carrier film after the heating of the carrier film and set up for generating a sensor signal on the basis of the recorded pattern. The invention additionally relates to a corresponding process for printed image inspection in thermal printing or embossing and to a computer program with program code for carrying out the process when the computer program is performed in a computer. |
| US09283769B2 |
Self-cleaning thermal media and methods of manufacturing thereof
Thermal media comprises a substrate having a front side and a back side opposite the front side. The thermal media also comprises a thermally-sensitive coating disposed on the front side of the substrate. The thermal media further comprises a cleaner material disposed on a portion of the thermally-sensitive coating. The cleaner material is integrated into the thermally-sensitive coating to perform cleaning of a thermal print head when the cleaner coating moves past the thermal print head. |
| US09283767B2 |
Cartridge and sealing member
A cartridge or a sealing member is provided to reduce the likelihood that a fluid is leaked outside. The cartridge is configured to supply a fluid to a fluid ejection apparatus. The cartridge has: a fluid accommodation portion; and a fluid supply port connectable with the fluid ejection apparatus. The fluid supply port includes: a fluid exit provided to flow out the fluid to the fluid ejection apparatus; and an opening arranged to connect outside of the fluid supply port with inside of the fluid supply port. The opening is not in contact with a side face of the fluid supply port. |
| US09283766B2 |
Recording apparatus
An ink jet type printer including: a printing function section, a liquid ejecting head that is supported on a carriage movably disposed in the printing function section and performs recording by ejecting ink with respect to a paper sheet, and an ink supply tube that guides the ink of a main tank in which the ink is stored to the liquid ejecting head and has a deformation movable section capable of being deformed following movement of the carriage. The printing function section is provided with a filling port for filling the ink and the filling port and the main tank are connected through a connection pipe, a sub-tank, and an ink communication pipe. |
| US09283763B2 |
Recording head recovery mechanism, ink-jet recording apparatus therewith, and recording head recovery method
A recording head recovery mechanism has a wiper, a drive mechanism, and a controller. The controller can perform recording head recovery operation including a residual ink sticking step of letting residual ink at the tip of the wiper stick to a first position, and a wiping step of, after the residual ink sticking step, moving the wiper across an ink ejection surface from a second position, which is a position opposite from the nozzle region with respect to the first position, in a first direction toward the nozzle region to wipe off the residual ink along with purged ink. |
| US09283761B2 |
Ink-jet recording head, recording element substrate, method for manufacturing ink-jet recording head, and method for manufacturing recording element substrate
An ink-jet recording head includes a plurality of recording element substrates each having an ejection pressure generating element configured to generate pressure for ejecting ink from an ink discharge port. The plurality of recording element substrates each include a first surface on which the corresponding ejection pressure generating element is disposed and a second surface, serving as an end surface intersecting with the first surface, being at least partially formed by etching. |
| US09283760B2 |
Liquid discharge head and method of producing the same
Provided is a liquid discharge head comprising a discharge port-forming member having discharge ports for discharging a liquid and having a surface provided with a liquid-repellent film. The liquid-repellent film includes a layer containing a resin composition containing at least one of polyurethane and polyrotaxane disposed on the discharge port-forming member and a layer containing a fluorine compound and having a thickness of 10 nm or less disposed on the resin composition-containing layer. When a scratch-forming tool, a diamond tip having a tip diameter of 15 μm, is pressed onto the liquid-repellent film with a load of 0.098 N (10 gf) and is reciprocated ten times, the depth of a scratch formed on the surface of the liquid-repellent film is smaller than the thickness of the fluorine compound-containing layer. |
| US09283758B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid jet head, liquid jet head, and liquid jet apparatus
A method of manufacturing a liquid jet head includes: a groove forming step of alternately forming ejection grooves and non-ejection grooves in a reference direction on an upper surface of an actuator substrate; a cover plate processing step of forming a recessed portion on an upper surface of a cover plate and slits penetrating the cover plate from a bottom surface of the recessed portion through a lower surface located opposite to the upper surface of the cover plate; a substrate bonding step of bonding the lower surface of the cover plate to the upper surface of the actuator substrate to allow the slits to communicate with the respective ejection grooves; and an electrode forming step of simultaneously forming conductive films on side surfaces of the ejection grooves, side surfaces of the non-ejection grooves, and inner surfaces of the slits and the recessed portion. |
| US09283757B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric element, and ultrasonic sensor
A liquid ejecting head which includes a piezoelectric element which includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer which is provided on the first electrode, and on which a plurality of piezoelectric films are laminated, a second electrode which is provided on the piezoelectric layer, and a plurality of active units which are interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a pressure generating chamber which communicates with nozzle openings which eject liquid, and in which a pressure fluctuation is generated by the piezoelectric element, in which a plurality of grooves with inner faces facing the first electrode side are formed on a side surface of the piezoelectric layer on each interface of each of the piezoelectric films along a first direction and a second direction which cross a third direction which goes from the first electrode to the second electrode. |
| US09283752B2 |
Method for printing contiguous swaths
A method for printing an image on an image receiving member is provided, in which a print head having an array of print elements moves in a scanning direction to print image lines and the image receiving member is advanced in a transport direction after printing a swath. In order to obtain various contiguous swaths of print lines without a light or dark line between the swaths, the position of a prior swath printed preceding to a current swath is determined during the printing of the current swath. A digital mask is applied to the print data that is associated with the print elements at the to the prior swath adjoining edge of the current swath in dependence on the determination of the position of the prior swath. |
| US09283750B2 |
Constant current mode firing circuit for thermal inkjet-printing nozzle
A firing circuit for a thermal inkjet-printing nozzle includes a heater resistor and a switch. The heater resistor heats ink to cause the ink to be ejected from the nozzle. The heater resistor has a first end and a second end, the second end connected to a ground. The switch controls activation of the heater resistor. The switch has a first end connected to a voltage source and a second end connected to the first end of the heater resistor. The switch operates in a constant current mode, such that an at least substantially constant current flows through the heater resistor upon activation. |
| US09283747B2 |
Fluid ejection devices and methods thereof
Fluid ejection devices and methods thereof are disclosed in the present disclosure. A method includes establishing fluid communication between an ejection chamber and a fluid supply chamber of the fluid ejection device such that the ejection chamber includes a nozzle and an ejection member to selectively eject fluid through the nozzle. The method also includes detecting at least one impedance in the fluid by a sensor unit having a sensor plate. |
| US09283745B2 |
Printing device
Disclosed is a printing device includes a substrate fixing unit to a bottom of which a substrate is fixed. The device includes a solution discharge unit separately disposed in a bottom direction and spaced apart from the substrate fixing unit and to deliver a printing solution to the substrate by discharging printing solutions with various colors. The device includes a solution supply unit to supply the printing solution to the solution discharge unit. The device also includes a drive unit configured to control the substrate fixing unit to move with respect to the solution discharge unit or to control the solution discharge unit to move with respect to the substrate fixing unit. |
| US09283743B2 |
Printing press for numbering and varnishing of security documents, including banknotes
There is described a sheet-fed or web-fed printing press for numbering and varnishing of security documents, including banknotes, comprising: —a numbering group (02) comprising at least one numbering unit (21, 22) for numbering printed material in the form of individual sheets or successive portions of a continuous web carrying multiple security imprints; and—a varnishing group (03; 03*) located downstream of the numbering group (02) for applying varnish onto recto and verso sides of the printed material, the varnishing group (03; 03*) comprising at least a first varnishing unit (31) disposed above a path of the printed material to apply varnish on the recto side of the printed material and at least a second varnishing unit (32) disposed below the path of the printed material to apply varnish on the verso side of the printed material. |
| US09283742B2 |
Film peeling apparatus and film peeling method
A film peeling apparatus is provided. The film peeling apparatus comprises: a film peeling roller which is sticky; at least one peeling belt which is non-sticky; at least one first rotation shaft which is configured to drive the peeling belt to rotate, wherein when the film peeling roller rotates, the film peeling roller sticks to the film peeling belt and a release film such that the release film is peeled from an original film. |
| US09283734B2 |
Manufacturing apparatus and method of forming a preform
The present invention provides for a manufacturing apparatus for forming a ceramic preform from an extrudate having a first end and a second end. A cutter forms the first and second ends of the extrudate complementary to each other such that the first and second ends of the extrudate align with each other in a spaced relationship to define a preform having a substantially uniform exterior surface and a substantially uniform thickness. The present invention provides for a method of forming the preform from the extrudate having the first and second ends utilizing a mandrel. The method includes the step of aligning the second end complementary to the first end of the first layer in a spaced relationship to define the preform having the substantially uniform exterior surface and the substantially uniform thickness. |
| US09283730B2 |
High basis weight creped tissue
In general, the present disclosure is directed to creped tissue webs, and products produced therefrom. The creped webs and products are strong, soft, and have fine crepe structure, such as less than about 12, measured as % COV at a STFI wavelength of 16 to 32 mm, using the test method set forth herein. Fine crepe structure is achieved even at basis weights in excess of 16 gsm per ply. |
| US09283726B2 |
Wind turbine blade segment and method of manufacturing the wind turbine blade segment
A method of forming a wind turbine component, the method including forming a segment (10, 12) by impregnating a portion (18, 20) of a fiber reinforcement (50) with a thermoset resin (60) up to a boundary (56), curing the thermoset resin, and leaving unimpregnated fiber reinforcement (22) extending from the boundary. The component may then be assembled by impregnating and joining the unimpregnated fiber reinforcement of two such segments. |
| US09283721B2 |
Pore-free tire segmented mold pattern block, segmented mold, and cleaning methods therefor
A pore-free tire segmented mold pattern block (100) and a segmented mold are provided. The pore-free tire segmented mold pattern block (100) is used for forming a tire segmented mold. Also disclosed is a cleaning method for the pore-free tire segmented mold pattern block (100) and the segmented mold. When the mold is cleaned, the exhaust channel (20) is used as a cleaning channel, and the axial exhaust holes (27) of the exhaust channel are used as an entrance for a cleaning medium. |
| US09283720B2 |
Position detection apparatus, imprint apparatus, and position detection method
A position detection apparatus includes an illumination optical system for illuminating a first diffraction grating having periods in each of a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and a second diffraction grating having a period different from the period in the second direction of the first diffraction grating in the second direction, at an oblique incidence, and a detection optical system for detecting diffracted light from the first diffraction grating and the second diffraction grating, wherein a relative position of the first diffraction grating and the second diffraction grating is detected based on the detected diffracted light, and wherein the illumination optical system includes a plurality of light intensity distributions in the first direction except for on an optical axis of the detection optical system, in a pupil plane thereof. |
| US09283718B2 |
Reduced-tilt back plastic feature for a contact lens mold
A mold assembly for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses which comprises an anti-tilt feature that prevent relative movement of one half of the mold assembly relative to the other half of the mold assembly. The anti-tilt feature ensures that the edges of the ophthalmic lenses are symmetric around their periphery. |
| US09283712B2 |
Providing laminated gloves one over the other of the same hand size
A system for protecting eye glass frames during a hair dye, coloring, or highlighting process is described. The system includes a support layer, a pair of gloves laminated onto the support layer, and a pair of eyeglass arm protectors laminated onto the support layer. Each eyeglass arm protector is formed as a sleeve having an open end. An apparatus and method are also disclosed for manufacturing sections of a support layer material, each section having a pair of gloves and a pair of eyeglass arm protectors laminated thereto. Also disclosed is a system for providing laminated gloves one over the other, having a carrier sheet and a pair of gloves on the carrier sheet, the pair of gloves having a top glove and a bottom glove. The top glove overlaps the bottom glove and is laminated directly on the bottom glove, without the gloves being sealed together, and the gloves are the same hand size. |
| US09283708B2 |
Impregnation section for impregnating fiber rovings
An impregnation section of a die and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. The impregnation section includes an impregnation zone configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone includes a plurality of contact surfaces, at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces defining a cut-away portion downstream in a run direction of the roving of a point-of-contact for the at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces. The at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces further includes an edge defined by the cut-away portion. Excess material build up is reduced by the cut-away portion. |
| US09283704B2 |
Multilayer containers
A multilayer evacuated blood collection tube is provided having a first tube layer, and a second tube layer formed on the first tube layer and a closure, the second tube layer being a nanocomposite barrier layer. Such containers include but are not limited to blood collection tubes, evacuated blood collection tubes, centrifuge tubes, culture bottles, and syringe barrels. |
| US09283702B2 |
Door for a motor vehicle and method for the production thereof
A door for a motor car includes a door support with at least one metal carrier element at least partially provided with plastic. The at least one metal carrier element is formed as an internal high pressure formed part. At least one metal reinforcement part and/or support part is/are attached to the metal carrier element. |
| US09283700B2 |
Removable magnetic liner and screening media, and processes of production, installation, and use thereof
A removable, magnetically-affixed mechanical wear element, preferably comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or polyurethane materials, is provided for affixation to a ferrous substrate material. The mechanical wear element is configured so that the magnetic attachment element is not easily removed or dislodged from the mechanical wear element, without regard to choice of mechanical wear element material utilized. |
| US09283698B2 |
System and method for preventing warpage of metal components during manufacturing processes
A method for manufacturing a component including a bi-metallic sheet includes performing a manufacturing process that heats the bi-metallic sheet and physically constraining the bi-metallic sheet from deformation during the cooling of the bi-metallic sheet. Optionally, the method additionally includes physically constraining the bi-metallic sheet from deformation during the manufacturing process that heats the bi-metallic sheet. A constraining apparatus is also disclosed and includes a first constraining component having a first thermally conductive contact surface adapted to abut a first surface of a metal sheet, a second constraining component having a second contact surface adapted to abut a second surface of the metal sheet, and an engaging device operative to fix the first constraining component and the second constraining component in position relative to one another. The metal sheet is constrained between the first contact surface and the second contact surface during heating and/or cooling. |
| US09283697B2 |
Stretched and foamed plastic container and method of producing the same
A foamed plastic container in which the cell diameters vary along a gradient so as not to decrease the content protection performance, in a manner quite different from the foamed cells distributed in the conventional foamed containers. The foamed plastic container has a container wall formed by using a plastic material and in which foamed cells are distributed, the lengths of the foamed cells in the surface direction of the container wall decreasing from the outer surface of the container toward the inner surface thereof. |
| US09283694B2 |
Composite polyester article
A method for manufacturing a composite article is described that includes a step of impregnating a reinforcing fabric with a semi-aromatic polyester composition in the molten state, having a melt viscosity η of 20 Pa·s to 200 Pa·s. The reinforcing fabric can be maintained at a temperature of plus or minus 50° C. relative to the melting temperature of the polyester. |
| US09283691B2 |
Method of making a log insulator
A koozie and method of making a same. A suitable log is first selected. The size of the log can vary depending upon the size of the desired koozie. The log is cut into at least one segment. The segments are secured to a table. Next, the segments are hollowed leaving a bottom plane and a stem extending from the bottom plane. Thereafter the stem is removed. This provides a koozie made from a log. |
| US09283687B2 |
Apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable medium
An apparatus includes an information obtaining device configured to obtain information representing an optionally designated position on an object, a projector, a processing device, a pattern specifying device and a control device. The control device is configured to cause the apparatus to specify two designated positions on an object based on information obtained by the information obtaining device, to change a size of a specified pattern according to a distance between the specified designated positions, to cause the projector to project a marker onto the object in a size matched with the changed size of the pattern, based on the specified designated positions on the object, to determine a cutting or printing position of the pattern based on the specified designated positions on the object and to control the processing device to perform cutting or printing of the pattern in the changed size at the determined cutting or printing positions. |
| US09283686B2 |
Method for manufacturing solder column, apparatus for manufacturing solder column, and solder column
Solder wires are conveyed from insert openings for allowing the solder wires to be inserted toward discharge openings from which the solder wires are discharged and the solder wires project. The projecting wires are cut with first cutting blades and the solder wires inserted into the insert openings are cut with second cutting blades. This enables fixed cutting stress on a portion of the solder wires to be cut with the first cutting blades and a portion of the solder wires to be cut with the second cutting blades at the same time to prevent deformation of the cut surface of the cut solder wires. Solder columns having a column shape and having a uniform length along a conveying direction thereof can be manufactured. |
| US09283685B2 |
Pivoting razors
Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and an elastomeric element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems. |
| US09283682B2 |
Robot system having wireless acceleration sensor
A robot system capable of effectively transmitting acceleration data from a wireless acceleration sensor to a robot controller. The acceleration sensor has a time series number adding part which adds a number representing time series of the acceleration data of the robot, a data set generating part which generates a data set including acceleration data in a plurality of periods of time, and a first wireless communication part which transmits the data set to the robot controller by radio. The robot controller has an acceleration data judging part which checks the time series number added to the acceleration data contained in the data set received by a second wireless communication part and judges as to whether the time series is correctly received, and a vibration suppression controlling part which carries out vibration suppression control for the robot based on the time series of the acceleration data. |
| US09283674B2 |
Remotely operating a mobile robot
A method of operating a robot includes electronically receiving images and augmenting the images by overlaying a representation of the robot on the images. The robot representation includes user-selectable portions. The method includes electronically displaying the augmented images and receiving an indication of a selection of at least one user-selectable portion of the robot representation. The method also includes electronically displaying an intent to command the selected at least one user-selectable portion of the robot representation, receiving an input representative of a user interaction with at least one user-selectable portion, and issuing a command to the robot based on the user interaction. |
| US09283673B2 |
Fast runner limb articulation system
A robotic limb structure which is capable of achieving high speeds. In the context of a biped, the structure is used for a pair of hind limbs. The limb structure includes a primary driven link—such as a thigh pivoting about a hip joint in the case of a hind limb. Secondary links are pivotally connected to the primary driving link. Auxiliary links are provided to constrain the motion between the links. Elastic trim elements are also provided to define a “relaxed” state for the limb and to influence the resonance characteristics of the structure. The control system takes advantage of the resonant characteristics of the structure as a whole. |
| US09283671B2 |
Translational parallel manipulators and methods of operating the same
In one aspect, a translational parallel manipulator is provided and includes a fixed platform including three guide members. The three guide members include first ends and second ends, and the first ends of the three guide members are all coupled to each other and the second ends of the three guide members are all spaced-apart from each other. The manipulator also includes a movable platform spaced-apart from the fixed platform and three serial subchains coupled between the three guide members and the movable platform. In one aspect, a translational parallel manipulator is provided and includes a fixed platform, a movable platform spaced-apart from the fixed platform, and a plurality of subchains coupled between the fixed platform and the movable platform. At least one of the plurality of subchains includes no more than four one degree-of-freedom joints. |
| US09283668B2 |
Implement with a shaft attached to a tool portion via a plug
An implement includes a shaft, a plug, and a tool portion. The plug is received and retained at one end of the shaft, and the plug and the tool portion are adapted to engage with one another. In addition, an implement for use with a slide hammer includes a shaft which has a receiving portion at one end thereof for receiving an implement head and an aperture at the opposite end thereof forming a guiding portion for the slide hammer, a plug having first and second sections (wherein the first section is received and retained at one end of the shaft and the second portion is not received by the shaft and includes an aperture therein for receiving a tool portion), a tool portion, which includes a slot or aperture therein for engagement with both said second section of said plug and the said shaft, or part thereof. |
| US09283661B2 |
Impact socket
An impact socket includes a socket body having a first end configured to mount to a drive shaft of an impact wrench and an opposing second end, the socket body defining at least one socket body fastener driving structure at the second end. The impact socket includes a collar assembly carried by the socket body, the collar assembly defining at least one collar assembly fastener driving structure. The collar assembly is configured to move linearly between (i) a first position relative to the socket body where a distal end of the collar assembly extends beyond a distal end of the socket body and (ii) a second position where the distal end is disposed at least equidistant to the second end of the socket body. |
| US09283653B2 |
Dynamically tracking spectrum features for endpoint detection
A method of controlling polishing includes polishing a substrate and receiving an identification of a selected spectral feature, a wavelength range having a width, and a characteristic of the selected spectral feature to monitor during polishing. A sequence of spectra of light from the substrate is measured while the substrate is being polished. A sequence of values of the characteristic of the selected spectral feature is generated from the sequence of spectra. For at least some spectra from the sequence of spectra, a modified wavelength range is generated based on a position of the spectral feature within a previous wavelength range used for a previous spectrum in the sequence of spectra, the modified wavelength range is searched for the selected spectral feature, and a value of a characteristic of the selected spectral feature is determined. |
| US09283652B2 |
Edge grinding apparatus and method for grinding glass substrate
An edge grinding apparatus and method for grinding a glass substrate, with which a glass substrate can be ground by a fixed amount and the occurrence of defects can be minimized. The edge grinding apparatus includes an edge grinding unit which grinds a cut edge of a glass substrate while following the cut edge; a measuring unit which obtains positional information of the cut edge; and a control unit which receives the positional information of the cut edge from the measuring unit and controls a position of the edge grinding unit based on the positional information of the cut edge. |
| US09283651B2 |
Apparatus including electrical lapping guide and methods of using the same
An electrical lapping guide has a body with a thickness along a wafer axis, the body comprising a layer of conductive material having a resistivity. The conductive material layer comprises a first contact region and a second contact region, the first and second contact regions configured to electrically connect the electrical lapping guide to electrical leads. A lapping edge comprises an air-bearing plane axis perpendicular to a lapping axis, and a back edge opposite the lapping edge, the back edge comprising a plurality of notches. |
| US09283648B2 |
Methods of polishing sapphire surfaces
Described herein are methods for polishing sapphire surfaces using compositions comprising colloidal silica, wherein the colloidal silica has a broad particle size distribution. |
| US09283644B2 |
Heating apparatus for manufacturing display device
Disclosed is a heating apparatus for manufacturing a display device, which prevents damage or breakage even though a heating member is deformed by heat, and extends a period for replacement of the heating member, wherein the heating apparatus comprises the heating member for emitting heat so as to heat a material to be deposited on a substrate prepared for manufacturing the display device, a first installing device for supporting the heating member, and a second installing device provided with a passing hole for passing the other end of the heating member therethrough. |
| US09283641B2 |
Flux materials for heated solder placement and associated techniques and configurations
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards flux materials for heated solder placement and associated techniques and configurations. In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a flux material on one or more pads of a package substrate, the flux material including a rosin material and a thixotropic agent and depositing one or more solder balls on the flux material disposed on the one or more pads, wherein depositing the one or more solder balls on the flux material is performed at a temperature greater than 80° C., and wherein the rosin material and the thixotropic agent are configured to resist softening at the temperature greater than 80° C. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09283635B2 |
Synchronized hybrid gas metal arc welding with TIG/plasma welding
A system and method is provided in which each of a GMAW power supply and a TIG/plasma power supply are utilized in a common weld joint, where the waveforms from each of the power supplies are pulsed waveform which are pulsed out of phase which each other. Such a system minimizes arc interference and arc blow while at the same time increasing travel speed and throughput of a welding operation. |
| US09283634B2 |
Arc welding method and arc welding apparatus
Provided is an arc welding method and arc welding apparatus for arc welding by a brazing filler metal two base materials subjected to a plating process. An arc welding method for arc welding two base materials, at least one of which has a plating layer thereon, by a brazing filler material, performs alternately a plating layer removal process of removing a plating layer by performing arc discharge at a first current value while moving a welding torch along a welding line in a state of stopping feed of the brazing filler metal, and a brazing filler metal welding process of welding the brazing filler metal to a position where the plating layer is removed, by performing arc discharge at a second current value smaller than the first current value while feeding the brazing filler metal in a state of stopping a movement of the welding torch. |
| US09283632B2 |
Tapping machine and tap die, and method of detecting overstroke of tap
An adapter for tapping used in a turret punch press includes a ring gear in which a tapping tool is mountable. Further, a gear holder in which the ring gear is disposed and which is mountable on a turret of the turret punch press so as to locate the disposed ring gear at a position corresponding to a punch mounting section formed in advance in the turret of the turret punch press is also provided. |
| US09283630B2 |
Reciprocating tool
An arcuate action tool attachment is adapted to receive an input and to convert that input into reciprocating output motion along an arcuate path. The tool may be adapted to be combined with an existing linear reciprocating device or a rotary device, or the tool may comprise a single unit including a linear reciprocating device or a rotary device. The tool may be fitted with one or more curved or arc-shaped accessories, such as saw blades or the like, that reciprocate along the arcuate paths that may have substantially the same radius of curvature as the accessory. |
| US09283629B2 |
Handheld power saw
The handheld power saw includes a drive mechanism with a lifting rod; a saw blade with an elongated recess in a guide region thereof and a retaining region with a T-shaped extension; a coupling device for retaining and driving the saw blade located on the lifting rod, which includes a clamping sleeve configured to receive the T-shaped extension to connect the saw blade to the lifting rod; a guide assembly for guiding oscillatory motion of the saw blade, which includes two lateral bracing devices arranged on opposite sides of the saw blade that shield the coupling device from shear forces; a pressure roller supported on a bolt, which is arranged to bear on an edge of the saw blade and a pressure bolt arranged in the elongated recess to directly guide the saw blade. |
| US09283626B2 |
Double-sided cutting inserts with anti-rotation features
A double-sided cutting insert may generally comprise: a top surface; a bottom surface; at least one side surface interconnecting the top surface and the bottom surface and forming at least one cutting edge; a through hole extending between the top surface and bottom surface; and wherein each of the top surface and bottom surface comprise an anti-rotation element comprising a single recess comprising a generally cyclic conical periphery. Each of the top surface and bottom surface may comprise at least one cyclic conical face. The recess may comprise a geometry that is complementary to the at least one cyclic conical face of the projection in an insert receiving pocket in a tool holder. A cutting tool incorporating one or more of the cutting inserts, and methods of making and using the cutting inserts are also described. |
| US09283624B2 |
Boring tool on a flange
A boring tool on a flange consisting of at least one tool holder and a flange, in which the tool holder is fitted with a means of gripping designed to engage the guiding and clamping assembly of the slide for guiding and holding the fastening flange, which is provided, in addition, with a device for limiting the travel of the tool holder or of the counterweight, or the positioning lug of a tool holder or of a counterweight can be put aside during placement a tool holder or a counterweight and returns automatically into position after this placement and in which each tool holder is fitted with a device for lubricating the cutting edge of the tool, coupled to the means of centralized lubrication of the flange. The tool is more particularly applicable in the field of numerically-controlled machine-tool accessories, tooling centers, cubicles, and flexible workshops. |
| US09283621B2 |
Method for forming a composite article
A method for forming a composite article includes providing a metallic substrate and a preform adjacent the metallic substrate. The preform includes an unfused metallic powder material with an organic binder dispersed through the powder material. The metallic substrate and the preform are then subjected to a monocyclic heating process. The monocyclic heating process causes removal of the organic binder from the preform, fusing of the metallic powder material and metallurgical bonding of the metallic powder to the metallic substrate. |
| US09283618B2 |
Conductive pastes containing silver carboxylates
A paste composition includes a branched metal carboxylate, a solvent in which the branched metal carboxylate is soluble and a gelling agent, wherein the gelling agent is a linear metal carboxylate. The paste solvent may be an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent. The paste compositing may be free of polymeric binder. The paste may be used in forming conductive features on a substrate, including by screen printing or offset printing. |
| US09283617B2 |
Screw design and method for metal injection molding
A screw and method for processing metal, metallic alloys, and metal matrix composites in a plastic injection molding machine is disclosed. The screw includes shank with a screw shaft extending from the shank. The screw shaft includes a rear portion proximate to the shank, a middle portion proximate the rear portion, and a front portion proximate the middle portion. Flights extend from the rear portion of the screw shaft for advancing material through the plastic injection molding machine into the middle portion of the screw shaft. Flights may optionally be included in the front portion of the screw. |
| US09283609B2 |
Metal forming system with accelerated mass production
The present invention provides a metal forming system, comprising a platform and a gantry means, in which the platform is provided with a plurality of lower mold bases bearing sheet metals, while the gantry means is provided with at least one upper mold base and a toggle unit. The gantry means is performing lateral displacement on the platform, so as to be displaced to a location above the lower mold base which is predetermined to operate. The toggle unit is for adjusting the longitudinal position of the upper mold base so as to change the distance between the upper mold base and the lower mold base, resulting in determining whether a mold-closing state or a mold-opening state. A metal forming operation is performed on the sheet metal between the upper mold base and the lower mold base so as to manufacture a metal formed part when the mold-closing state. |
| US09283605B2 |
Pivoting conduit bender
A conduit bender having a unitary frame is mounted to a wheeled base which provides for transportation of the bender. A braking assembly provides for simplified locking of the wheels to secure the bender in a location. The bender is mounted to the base through a pivoting assembly which allows for bending of conduit in either a horizontal or vertical plane. A circuit is provided for controlling the bending operation. An auto-sensing portion of the circuit receives information regarding the characteristics of the conduit to be bent upon placement of the conduit in the bender. A feed back portion of the circuit is used to provide a precise bending operation. |
| US09283602B2 |
Process and apparatus for producing a hollow body, and hollow body
A process for producing a metal hollow body comprising a first axial portion with a first cross-sectional area and a second axial portion with a second cross-sectional area, and in which the two axial portions are connected to one another by means of a shape transition running in the axial direction, the method includes producing a preform body having at least one transition region which extends in the axial direction and is arranged between the first and second axial portions, wherein, in the transition region, the cross-sectional area of the preform body continuously changes from the cross-sectional area of the first axial portion into the cross-sectional area of the second axial portion, accommodating the preform body in a die, a shaping mandrel into the preform body, and axially moving the shaping mandrel to upset the preform body in the die into the final shape of the hollow body. |
| US09283601B2 |
Apparatus for in-line thermally treating semi-finished products
An apparatus (1) for cooling a bar (10) comprising: —an outer casing (3), —a passageway (2) defining a crossing direction (X) for the bar (10), —at least one drum (4) comprising a plurality of cooling lines (6) each having at least one respective through cavity (9) parallel to the crossing direction (X) and a respective cover (15) which can move between an open position and a closed position, the drum (4) being accommodated in the casing (3) and rotational about a rotation axis (Y) to move the cooling lines (6) between an operating position (11), in which the cavity (9) is aligned with the passageway (2), and at least one resting position (12), in which the cavity (9) is separated from the passageway (2), the casing (3) being shaped so as to touch and hold the respective cover (15) in the closed position when the cooling line (6) is in the resting position (12). |
| US09283581B2 |
Trigger dispenser for liquids with a stop for the dispensing valve
A trigger dispenser (1) for liquids comprises a suction valve (30) and a delivery valve (60), separate from the suction valve (30). The dispenser (1) has a detachable stop (100), comprising a bottom (104) positioned rearwards of the delivery valve (60) to form an end stop abutment with this during the dispensing step. |
| US09283580B2 |
Car wash wand with LED light
Disclosed herein are water spray wands comprising an internal water pipe; a spray handle; a compartment for a battery; and a light. |
| US09283579B2 |
Variable volume hot melt adhesive dispensing nozzle or die assembly with choke suppression
A dual, variable volume hot melt adhesive dispensing nozzle or die assembly is provided with a pair of choke slots within a first fluid control plate. The provision of the choke slots within the first fluid control plate effectively restricts and retards the flow of the fluid through such choke slots whereby volumes of the fluids are effectively built up and stored upstream of the choke slots so as to effectively delay the reaction of pressure spikes upon the fluid flows under both positive and negative conditions. This buildup in pressure and volume is then dispensed over time so as to cause the fluid flow to smoothly transition between positive and negative spiked fluid flow conditions and normal fluid flow conditions. Accordingly, the pressure spikes do not adversely affect the resulting fluid flows whereby, for example, under conventional negative pressure spike conditions, gaps in the dispensed hot melt adhesive would otherwise occur. |
| US09283578B2 |
Dispensing device for both froth and non-froth coatings
A dispensing device (10) capable of dispensing both frothed and non-frothed liquids, the dispensing device having in order a fluid transport medium (20) defining a flow channel (25), a trigger controlled liquid flow regulator (30) defining a flow channel (35) through which fluid may flow when the trigger (37) is in one position but not when the trigger is in another position, a flow block (50) defining a flow channel (55) in fluid communication with a gas channel (65) and removably attached to the flow regulator, a flow restriction orifice (40) between the flow block and the flow regulator (30), a mixing block (70) defining a flow channel (75) containing mixing elements and optionally stabilization (80) and extension blocks each containing a flow channel (85) wherein each flow channel is in fluid communication with one another. |
| US09283572B2 |
Centrifuge with automatic sampling and control and method thereof
A centrifuge including a bowl, a bowl drive motor, a screw conveyor, a screw conveyor drive motor, a pump, a pump motor, a bowl VFD to drive the bowl drive motor, a conveyor VFD to drive the screw conveyor drive motor, a pump VFD to drive the pump drive motor, an analysis assembly and a computer electrically connected to the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD, the pump VFD, and the analysis assembly. The analysis assembly is configured to automatically sample slurry pumped into the bowl and automatically transmit data, characterizing the slurry, to the computer. The computer is configured to calculate control schemes for the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD, and the pump VFD using the data and, transmit control signals to the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD and the pump VFD to operate the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD and the pump VFD according to the control schemes. |
| US09283568B2 |
Method of controlling an inertia cone crusher
A method of controlling the crushing of material in an inertia cone crusher includes the step of charging material to be crushed from a feeding hopper to a crushing chamber formed between an inner crushing shell being supported on a crushing head, and an outer crushing shell of the inertia cone crusher. An unbalance bushing, which is provided with an unbalance weight and rotatably connected to the crushing head by a drive shaft, is rotated such that a central axis of the crushing head gyrates about a gyration axis. The number of revolutions of the unbalance bushing is sensed using an rpm sensor. The number of revolutions of the unbalance bushing is controlled by a control system and the material is crushed in the crushing chamber. |
| US09283567B2 |
Shredder with jam proof system
A shredder has a jam proof system with a thickness detector having a contact member which displaces as an article is inserted into the shredder and a resistance generating mechanism which provides a resistance force to the contact member, in response to its displacement. The greater the thickness of the article, the greater the resistance force realized. When a predetermined thickness is reached, there is a significant change in the resistance force. The resistance generating mechanism may include at least two spring mechanisms and provide feedback to the user that the inserted article may be too thick. In addition, the thickness detector may include a thickness sensor. The sensor may communicate with a controller to alert the user, and/or alter the operation of the shredder, in response to the thickness of the inserted article. For example, the controller may visually and/or audibly alert the user, or control shredder motor response. |
| US09283565B2 |
Soil classifier
A lightweight soil classifier consisting of a singular motor, a fully articulated flexible Vierendeel frame motor mount platform and conical basket lid weldment for the self-aligning and centering of a rotating shaft through a cylindrical screened classifier basket containing classified media, with an impervious conical bottom and a cylindrical bearing post incorporating a conduit, a classifier drive shaft with a semi-rigid coupling to the motor and a pumping screw extending through the bearing post conduit and submerged bearing surfaces to develop fluid dynamic bearing films of fine soils and liquid vehicle, fitted with an inverted cup-shaped classifier head consisting of outwardly projecting spirally arrayed classifier pins located within the confines of the classifier basket. Along with a rotating blade fastened to the tip of the classifier shaft below the basket bottom, the soil classifier is self-supported on feet within and on the floor of a vessel enabling a process for the deconglomeration, dispersion, particle size reduction and classification of soils all to within a common size. |
| US09283564B2 |
Frame of jaw crusher, jaw crusher and crushing plant
A frame of a jaw crusher comprises a front wall for receiving crushing force and side walls connected to the front wall. The frame of the jaw crusher comprises a front part and a rear part joinable to the front part, and the front part comprises the front wall, and a major part of the front wall and the front part of both side walls form a unitary piece. A jaw crusher and a crushing plant. |
| US09283555B2 |
Phosphinyl amidine compounds, metal complexes, catalyst systems, and their use to oligomerize or polymerize olefins
N2-phosphinyl amidine compounds, N2-phosphinyl amidinates, N2-phosphinyl amidine metal salt complexes, N2-phosphinyl amidinate metal salt complexes are described. Methods for making N2-phosphinyl amidine compounds, N2-phosphinyl amidinates, N2-phosphinyl amidine metal salt complexes, and N2-phosphinyl amidinate metal salt complexes are also disclosed. Catalyst systems utilizing the N2-phosphinyl amidine metal salt complexes and N2-phosphinyl amidinate metal salt complexes are also disclosed along with the use of the N2-phosphinyl amidine compounds, N2-phosphinyl amidinates, N2-phosphinyl amidine metal salt complexes, and N2-phosphinyl amidinate metal salt complexes for the oligomerization and/or polymerization of olefins. |
| US09283553B2 |
Hydrocracking catalyst for preparing valuable light aromatic hydrocarbons from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
This invention relates to a hydrocracking catalyst for preparing valuable light aromatic hydrocarbons from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons derived from oil, which includes (i) beta-zeolite, (ii) pseudo-boehmite, and (iii) one or more metals selected from among metals of Groups VIII and VIB, and which further includes a cocatalyst component, thereby producing a maximum amount of BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) from LCO (Light Cycle Oil). |
| US09283544B2 |
Fabric phase sorptive extractors
A fabric phase sorptive extractor (FPSE) is a sampling device where a flexible fabric is coated with at least one sol-gel derived film that includes at least two of a metal oxide portion, a siloxy portion, and an organic portion, where the gel has at least some amorphous portions. The FPSE is flexible such that it can be used in an extended form or draped over a solid surface to contact a gaseous, liquid, or solid environment and can be manipulated for placement in a container where the absorbed analyte can be removed from the FPSE for instrumental analysis. The FPSE can have specific functionalities that bind to specific analytes or can provide a general sorbent medium for extraction of a wide range of analytes, such that the sampling device can be employed for sampling analytes with biological, environmental, food, pharmaceutical, bio-analytical, clinical, forensic, toxicological, national security, public health, and/or safety implications. |
| US09283542B2 |
Chromatography medium, preparation method of the same, and method for producing virus vaccine using the chromatography medium
A Chromatography medium having the properties of high virus adsorption and high fluidity, and a method for producing a virus vaccine using these are provided. The Chromatography medium is formed by binding a sulfated polysaccharide to porous particles having an exclusion limit molecular weight of 6000 Da or less when pure water is used as mobile phase and standard polyethylene glycol is used and an average particle size in the range of 30-200 μm. |
| US09283537B2 |
Processing biomass
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation. |
| US09283536B2 |
Generating methanol using ultrapure, high pressure hydrogen
In various implementations, methanol is produced using a (CO+H2) containing synthesis gas produced from a combined POX plus EHTR or a combined ATR plus EHTR at a pressure of 70 bar to 100 bar at the correct stoichiometric composition for methanol synthesis so that no feed gas compressor is required for the feed to the methanol synthesis reactor loop. |
| US09283531B2 |
Split feed reactor bed in hydrotreater device
A hydrotreater reactor device includes a reactor chamber including a first bed and a second bed. A first input is disposed to provide a hydrocarbon stream to the first bed and a second input is disposed to bypass the first bed and provide a hydrocarbon stream to the second bed. A differential temperature controller measures a temperature difference across the first bed. A control valve at the second input adjusts an amount of the hydrocarbon stream admitted through the second input based on the measured temperature difference. A charge heater provides a hydrocarbon stream as an output through a split output line having a first branch connected to the first input and in fluid communication with the first bed, and a second branch connected to the second input and in fluid communication with the second bed. A restrictor downstream of the split controls a pressure drop at the first input. |
| US09283525B2 |
Porous polymer film and production method for porous polymer film
The present invention aims to provide a porous polymer membrane that is excellent not only in water permeability and alkali resistance but also in mechanical strength. The porous polymer membrane of the present invention includes a fluoropolymer (A) that includes a vinylidene fluoride unit and a tetrafluoroethylene unit. |
| US09283522B2 |
Process for separating liquid mixtures
The invention is directed to a process for separating liquid mixtures, which includes passing a liquid stream of the liquid mixture over a membrane, the membrane being selective for at least one of a first compound and a second compound, whereby at least part of the liquid stream passes through the membrane leaving the other side of the membrane as a vapor, with the remainder of the liquid stream forming a retentate stream, and condensing the vapor on a condenser surface having a lower temperature than the liquid stream to give a distillate stream, the condenser surface forming a non-permeable heat conducting separation wall between the distillate stream and a cooling stream which cooling stream is a) a feed stream, or b) the retentate stream. |
| US09283520B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment apparatus
An object of the present invention is to easily reduce dust having large particle diameter that affects blocking and abrasion to prevent deposition thereof in a reactor. An exhaust gas NOx removal apparatus comprises a NOx removal rector having a catalyst layer for removing nitrogen oxides in a combustion exhaust gas; a duct structure having a stab-up point at which a flow of the exhaust gas changes from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction in an exhaust gas duct on the upstream side of the NOx removal reactor; a tilt thin plate slit in which a number of thin plates are disposed in the duct of the horizontal direction of an inlet of the stub-up point or/and in an inlet of the catalyst layer in the NOx removal reactor in a vertical direction with a slit width smaller than an opening width of the catalyst layer at a predetermined inclination angle relative to the cross-section of an exhaust gas flow path; and a dust collecting/discharging portion attached to the lower end of a tilt thin plate slit. |
| US09283519B2 |
Filter comprising combined soot oxidation and NH3-SCR catalyst
A wall-flow filter for filtering particulate matter from a flowing exhaust gas comprises a catalyst for catalyzing both the conversion of solid carbon in the particulate matter by oxygen and the selective reduction of oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust gas with a nitrogenous reductant, which catalyst comprising optionally stabilized ceria and at least one metal selected from (i) tungsten and (ii) both tungsten and iron. |
| US09283518B2 |
Fluid treatment systems and methods using selective transfer membranes
Systems and methods for cooling and/or separating a component from a fluid are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can include one or more of a separator (e.g., a dehumidifier), a chiller, and/or an expirator, each of which can include a selective transfer membrane. Such systems and methods can be used for a wide variety of applications including, for example, cooling and/or dehumidifying air. |
| US09283515B2 |
Carbon dioxide recovery device and carbon dioxide recovery system
A carbon dioxide recovery device can perform a carbon dioxide adsorption treatment, a carbon dioxide separation treatment, a carbon dioxide adsorbing material repair treatment, and a carbon dioxide adsorbing material manufacture treatment. The carbon dioxide recovery device includes: a casing including a fluid treatment passage, a gas supply port through which a fluid is supplied to the fluid treatment passage, and a gas exhaust port through which the gas supplied to the fluid treatment passage is discharged; a plurality of housing tanks provided in a fluid treatment passage and each configured to house carbon dioxide adsorbing materials K; and an adsorbing liquid supplying portion configured to supply an adsorbing liquid to the housing tanks. Passage opening-closing mechanisms configured to store the adsorbing liquid in or discharge the adsorbing liquid from the housing tanks are respectively provided at bottom portions of the housing tanks. |
| US09283513B2 |
Fuel vapor treatment device
A fuel vapor treatment device including a casing including a gas passage formed in the casing, a granular adsorbent filled in the gas passage, the granular adsorbent serving to adsorb and desorb fuel vapor, and a desorption promoting structure to promote desorption of the fuel vapor in a central portion of a cross-sectional area of the gas passage as compared to an outer peripheral portion of the cross-sectional area of the gas passage. |
| US09283512B2 |
Adsorbent having utility for CO2 capture from gas mixtures
A carbon pyrolyzate adsorbent is described that is selective for carbon dioxide in contact with gas mixtures including carbon dioxide and methane. The adsorbent has a carbon dioxide adsorbent capacity at 1 bar pressure of greater than 50 cm3 carbon dioxide per gram of adsorbent at 273K, a methane adsorption capacity at 1 bar pressure of less than 35 cm3 methane per gram of adsorbent at 21° C., and a bulk density of greater than 0.55 gram per cubic centimeter of volume. Such adsorbent can be utilized, for example, for biogas upgrading, natural gas purification, coal bed methane purification, and refining operations. |
| US09283511B2 |
Composite materials for reversible CO2 capture
Composite materials for carbon dioxide (C02) capture that include: (1) a mesoporous carbon source; and (2) an in situ polymerized polymer that is associated with the mesoporous carbon source, where the in situ polymerized polymer is selected from the group consisting of thiol-based polymers, amine-based polymers, and combinations thereof. Methods of making the composite materials for C02 capture include: (1) associating a mesoporous carbon source with monomers, where the monomers are selected from the group consisting of thiol-based monomers, amine-based monomers, and combinations thereof; and (2) polymerizing the monomers in situ to form said composite materials. Further embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of capturing C02 from an environment by associating the environment with one or more of the aforementioned composite materials. |
| US09283510B2 |
Method for producing a moisture swing sorbent for carbon dioxide capture from air
Methods and systems for producing a moisture swing sorbent for carbon dioxide capture from air are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: providing a heterogeneous ion-exchange material; soaking the material in deionized water; washing the material in hydroxide or carbonate solutions; rinsing the material in deionized water; collecting and titrating residuals of the soaking and the washing steps into a residual solution; measuring an amount of chloride in the residual solution; repeating all of the steps if the amount of chloride measured in the residual solution is greater than zero; and drying the material with either dry nitrogen gas or air free of carbon dioxide and water. |
| US09283508B2 |
Filter element
A filter element includes: a filter member formed of a non-woven fabric formed by laminating a plurality of non-woven fabric layers and folding the thus formed non-woven fabric in form of pleat having a predetermined size along a width direction of the filter member; a holder frame formed of a soft material and disposed along an outer peripheral edge of the filter member, the holder frame being constituted by first and second frame members; and a reinforcing member having one end connected to the first frame member disposed along the width direction of the holder frame and having another end formed as a free end free from connection. The reinforcing member extends so as to intersect the width direction of the filter member. |
| US09283507B2 |
Filter arrangements; housings; assemblies; and, methods
Air cleaner and preferred components for an air cleaner are provided. In certain arrangements, a band is permanently mounted to the media pack, surrounding the media. Also, the cartridge is non-circular and includes a radial seal thereon. |
| US09283504B2 |
Bag filter for cleaning dust-laden gases and injector nozzle for such a bag filter
A bag filter assembly for cleaning dust-laden gases has a housing, which is divided into a filtered-gas side and an unfiltered-gas side by a bag bottom formed with openings. Several filter bags with a flat cross-section and support baskets are arranged in the bag bottom openings. The filter bags have support baskets and injector nozzle at the open end for conducting and accelerating compressed-air pulses for dedusting. The injector nozzle protrudes at least partially into the openings of the bag bottom. Sealing elements are arranged on the outside of the injector nozzle at the level of the bag bottom in order to form a defined gap for a defined compression of the filter bag between the sealing elements and the jacket surface of the opening in the bag bottom and thus to independently seal the filter bag with respect to the opening of the bag bottom. |
| US09283500B2 |
Spin-on filter without a nut plate
A spin-on filter that eliminates the use of a nut plate and reduces the number of separate components. Instead, the spin-on filter utilizes the end plate of the filter cartridge to perform a number of functions, including closing the open end of the filter shell, sealing between the dirty and clean fluid sides, sealing between the filter and the mounting head to prevent leakage outside the filter to environment, attaching the filter cartridge to the shell, and sealing the end of the filter media. |
| US09283499B2 |
Feedwell system for a separation vessel
A feedwell system for delivering a slurry (for example a bituminous slurry) to a separation vessel (for example a primary separation vessel) includes a feedwell barrel with an inlet for receiving the slurry, internal baffles, and a bottom outlet. A downpipe extends from the bottom of the barrel directing the existing slurry onto a deflector plate deflecting the slurry radially and outwardly. A protector plate located between the downpipe and the deflector plate improves the underwash layer stability. Ventilation openings in the protector plate induce inflow which reduces the discharge velocity, limits the formation of an adverse pressure gradient and encourages circumferential distribution. |
| US09283498B2 |
Defoaming method and device
Provided are a deforming method and device that use laser-induced breakdown. The provided method and device make it possible to shorten the focal distance, thereby improving laser beam convergence, and increase the utilization efficiency of sound waves that contribute to defoaming. Pulsed laser light is focused and irradiated into a space inside an acoustic waveguide (4), thereby generating pulsed sound waves from the illumination point (7). The pulsed sound waves propagate down the acoustic waveguide as plane waves, then propagate beyond an open end (16) as spherical waves, and break up a foam outside the open end of the acoustic wave guide. |
| US09283492B2 |
Flying disk toy
A toy includes a generally disk-shaped body, a periphery of which includes a bottom which lies generally on a plane. The disk-shaped body further includes a series of protrusions on an undersurface of the disk, disposed radially inward of the periphery, which extend beyond the plane on which the periphery lies, such that the disk is supported by the protrusions when resting on a support surface, such as the ground, leaving the periphery elevated from the support surface. |
| US09283488B2 |
Belt tire swing
A belt swing comprises a belt having a front edge, a rear edge, a first end and a second end for attaching to suspension lines, a lower surface and an upper seating surface. A plurality of treads are on the upper seating surface. |
| US09283487B2 |
Systems and methods for processing in game help requests during a battle
A server device includes a storage unit which stores data of player information including information on the amount of virtual currency possessed by the player in the game and data of a friend player associated with the player; an acceptance processing part which accepts a help request asking for help in the battle from a first player in the battle to another player; an update processing part which, when the help request from the first player is accepted, deducts data of compensation to be paid for making the help request from the data of the player information relevant to the first player and stores/updates the data in the storage unit; and a screen data generation part which generates screen data of a game page including a link which invites the friend player and a second player different from the friend player to participate in the battle to help the first player. |
| US09283480B2 |
Virtual competitive group management systems and methods
Virtual competitive group management systems and methods are provided herein. Exemplary systems may execute methods via one or more processors, which are programmed to compare one or more skill levels of a player to skill levels of a plurality competitors, wherein a skill level is associated with player competitiveness within the interactive game, determine at least one of the plurality of competitors who have at least one skill level that is greater than the skill level of the player, and place the player and the at least one of the plurality of competitors into a competitive group such that the player is at a competitive disadvantage to at least one of the plurality of competitors. |
| US09283479B2 |
System and methods for prize-based marketing
A method is described for providing advertisements on a mobile device. The method includes monitoring tactile input from a user, providing a game comprising identifiable game pieces on a playing surface, and displaying an advertisement adjacent to the playing surface. Play of the game is initiated based upon the monitored tactile input from the user. One or more of the plurality of identifiable game pieces is associated to a prize based upon input from a random number generator. A user is able to select a game piece from the plurality of game pieces in an attempt to select the game piece associated with the prize. Upon selection of the associated game piece, the user is awarded the prize. By requiring shaking of the mobile device to initiate a game the user is more engaged in game play, better retaining focus to the game and advertisement. |
| US09283475B2 |
Game system, game apparatus and computer program for game
To provide a game system to perform various modifications to a tune being reproduced for game background displayed together with the tune, without the uncomfortable feeling, but with restriction of amount of memory consumption. The game system of the present invention is a game system (1) which informs a player of the operation timings of operation members (11) to a tune to be reproduced by a display device (3), wherein the game system (1) has background image data (24) for displaying game background image (34) by the display device (3), a break position monitoring device (7c) for monitoring at least one break positions set in the tune in units of beats during which the tune is reproduced, and a background image control device (7d) for controlling the appearance of modification of the game background image (34) so that the appearance of modification changes depending on the play situation of the player when the break position is recognized by the break position monitoring device (7c). |
| US09283474B2 |
Method and system for operating and participating in fantasy leagues
A computer-implemented method for operating a fantasy league including: Fantasy player information including performance history of one or more real-world athletes selected as fantasy players is provided. The fantasy player information is updated in real-time based on fantasy player performance information from a real-world performance. A fantasy team player list is received, the list including a plurality of fantasy team players. The plurality of fantasy team players is associated with a first user of the fantasy server system. A plurality of highlight video clip links is received, each associated with at least one specific fantasy player and at least one piece of fantasy player performance information. At least one highlight video clip link is determined from the plurality of highlight video clip links based upon at least one of the fantasy team players associated with the first user. The determined highlight video clip link is provided to the first user. |
| US09283472B2 |
Method and device for controlling and/or monitoring racing vehicles on a racetrack
A method and a device for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of racing vehicles on a racetrack which are controlled by participants in a race is disclosed. Each racing vehicle provided with one vehicle memory in which vehicle data which are read out from a receiving/reading device assigned to the racetrack are stored in a database. Each participant in the race is provided with separate a participant memory in which participant data is stored, the participant data being read out from a receiving/reading device and stored in the database in which the vehicle data are also stored. The vehicle data and participant data which are stored in the database are assigned to one another. The vehicle data and participant data are read and the assignment of the vehicle data which are read with the participant data which are read is compared with the assignment which was previously assigned. |
| US09283470B2 |
Two party puzzle game
It is provided a game system which includes 36 indexed elements, and a pattern structure having six hexagonal patterns arranged in a cycle such that each pattern has two neighboring patterns. Each element has an index of six different indexes. Two or more indexed elements are associated with each index. Each pattern has two sites shared with each of the two neighboring patterns, and one non-shared site. The system includes a cube for selecting a sub-set of 24 indexed elements. In a number version, the different indexes constitute a single arithmetic series. In a two-party game version, 12 pattern sites are associated with a first site index and 12 pattern sites are associated with a second index, six of the sites having the first site index and six of the sites having the second site index are shared sites, and the other sites are non-shared sites. A computerized two party game includes means for prohibiting a player from disposing an indexed element on a pattern site already having that indexed element. |
| US09283465B1 |
Golf practice aid to enhance shooting distance and accuracy
A golf practice aid enhances shooting distance and accuracy by enabling a user to properly align a ball relative to a stance of the user. This improves contact between the ball and a club during a golf swing. The golf practice aid includes a rope with a first end and a second end, a fastening component affixed to the second end of the rope and slidably connected to an intermediate portion of the rope to create a loop portion in the rope, and a plurality of marker components slidably mounted to the rope. The rope is disposed on a ground surface and the plurality of marker components are slidably adjusted based on the stance of the user to create a visual tool that aids the user to properly align the ball on the ground surface for the golf swing. |
| US09283460B1 |
Training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers
A training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers includes a platform base with multiple panels and the panels are pivotally connected to each other and configured to fold together when not in use for ease of transportation and reduced storage space. The platform is configured to removably mate with an adjustable stabilization bar configured to provide stabilization support to a cyclist when using stationary bicycle rollers. |
| US09283459B2 |
Soccer training device, method of use and system
The invention provided is directed to a soccer training device, module training system and method of use. The device is a deflection wall that may be portable or permanently affixed to a ground surface. The wall having a larger and smaller embodiment, mimicking the silhouette of a soccer goal or an average player of a given age range from a far distance at simulated closer range. The inventive features of the wall intended to enhance quantity, quality, speed, and accuracy of interaction and perception between the user, the ball and the wall according to professional quality and professional level training techniques. Multiple wall units may be combined to create individualized training modules wherein one person may train in a simulated multiplayer environment of varying levels of complexity. Two or more module units may be combined to create a soccer training system. The modules and systems may be staged in limited ground surface area both indoor and outdoor. |
| US09283458B2 |
Soccer training device
A soccer training device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking of a soccer ball. The invention develops a soccer player's ball control using all parts of the foot including: first touch, striking, dribbling, trapping, rolling, and passing. The invention is made up of 5 main parts: Tethered Soccer Ball, Adjustable Rope, X-Y Rotation device, Base Plate and a Digital Counter/Timer which keeps track of the rotations. The training device comprises a weighted ground level base plate that supports the X-Y rotation device. The horizontal and vertical rotating axis apparatus extends upward and outward attaching to a tethered soccer ball. The ball attachment is connected to the apparatus with a rope. When kicked, the device allows for the ball to move across the floor in an uniform 360° motion. The device minimizes friction at the axis points and absorbs inertia allowing the ball to roll on the floor minimizing bounce at maximum acceleration for repeated rotations and constant delivery without rope fraying, encumbrance to the kicker, and base plate movement. |
| US09283452B2 |
System to improve swinging motion
A shirt for improving a swinging motion of a user wearing the shirt includes front and rear panels each having corresponding top, bottom and generally opposing side edges, wherein the front and rear panels are adjoined to each other by the top and side edges, defining an interior space of the shirt. The front and rear panels include sleeve cutouts formed on each side edge adjacent the top edge, and a neck cutout formed on the top edges of the front and rear panels. At least one tubular sleeve is permanently joined to the front and rear panels of at least one of the sleeve cutouts, the tubular sleeve defining an inside area, the inside area being fluidly connected to the interior space of the shirt. A member is substantially adjacent to the sleeve cutout and the side edges of both the front and rear panels. |
| US09283451B2 |
Golf club assembly and golf club head with tension member
A golf club head includes a body, a first arm and a second arm. The body has a ball striking face for striking a golf ball and extends from a heel-side to a toe-side. The first arm projects rearwardly from the body. The second arm also projects rearwardly from the body. The second arm is spaced from the first arm in a heel-to-toe direction to thereby define a gap. The club head further includes a tension member spanning the gap between the first and second arms. The tension member has a first end attached to the first arm and a second end attached to the second arm. The tension member may be pre-tensioned, thereby imparting increased rigidity to the club head. A golf club, particularly a putter, may be provided with this club head. |
| US09283449B1 |
Golf club head with composite face
A novel material comprising collections of prepreg plies and a variable thickness core material such as sheet molding compound or metal, methods of forming said material, and golf clubs comprising said material are disclosed herein. Golf club heads having faces made of multiple materials, including a composite layer at least partially sandwiched between two metal layers, are also disclosed herein. |
| US09283448B2 |
Golf club head with polymeric face
A golf club head includes a body and a face plate insert. The body includes an annular face support having a recessed shelf configured to receive the face plate insert, and partially defining a central cavity. The face plate insert includes a hitting surface and a rear surface that is opposite the hitting surface. The face plate insert is disposed within the annular face such that the rear surface of the face plate insert abuts the recessed shelf. The face plate insert includes a polymeric material that is disposed across the cavity and that has a tensile strength of at least about 220 MPa. |
| US09283437B2 |
Golf ball having partial cured UV coating
A golf ball may include a UV curable coating layer that is only partially cured upon finishing. The golf ball may be used in its partially cured state in a game of golf, where the partially cured state may be advantageous for play under wet conditions. The coating layer may then further cure upon exposure to UV light, such as ambient environmental light from the sun during a game of golf in sunny conditions. As a result of this further curing, the coating may transition to a cured state that is associated with play characteristics that are advantageous for play under sunny dry conditions. |
| US09283434B1 |
Method of detecting and prompting human lower limbs stepping motion
A method of detecting and prompting a human lower limbs stepping motion is applied to an exercise machine with pedals installed to both left and right sides of the exercise machine and provided for detecting a pedaling force while stepping the pedals. In the method, a force sensor is installed to the pedals, such that when an exerciser steps on the pedals by feet alternately, the force sensor detects, generates and transmits an electric signal to a control unit and converts the electric signal into a pedaling force value, and the control unit compares the pedaling force value with a predetermined value and prompts a message when the pedaling force value is beyond the range of the predetermined value. |
| US09283433B2 |
Stand-alone therapeutical training device
The present invention relates to a stand-alone therapeutical training device which is peculiar in that the stand-alone therapeutical training device comprising a shallow housing having at least a top surface and a bottom surface, said housing comprising at least one force sensor, said force sensor measuring the force applied to said top surface of said housing and generating a response signal, at least one user feedback unit, a controller placed inside said housing configured for controlling said user feedback unit and that the controller controls the user feedback unit proportionally to said response signal from said force sensor. Hereby can be archived a simple stand-alone therapeutically training device enabling the patient and/or the physiotherapist to evaluate the force or weight applied by the user on the upper surface of the device. |
| US09283431B2 |
Trajectory detection and feedback system
A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner. |
| US09283430B2 |
Footwork training system and method
A system and method for evaluating an activity includes an article of clothing provided with a sensor capable of detecting the impact of the article of clothing, such as a shoe, on a surface. A system receives and interprets the pattern of impacts made during the performance of the activity. The system compares these impacts with those of a target routine. Iterations of the same performance may be stored in the system so that ongoing progress may be measured. The system may be used to enhance class teaching, in the home, or for Internet competition. The activity may include dance, yoga, martial arts, or similar activities. |
| US09283428B1 |
Exercise system
A housing has an upper cover, a bottom, front and rear faces, and parallel left and right side faces. The height of the rear and side faces between their top edge and bottom edge is less that the height of the front face between its top edge and bottom edge. Laterally spaced parallel guiding slots are formed in the upper cover. A pedal mount extends through each of the guiding slots and is attached to an associated left or right pedal. A glide rail beneath each guiding slot has an upwardly facing recess slidably receiving a lower extent of one of the pedal mounts. A motion imparter includes corner pulleys. A cable in a closed loop configuration is trained around the corner pulleys and is attached to the lower extents of the pedal mounts to move the foot pedals in equal and opposite directions during use. |
| US09283423B2 |
Technique plate
A technique plate is usable to engage in various exercise activities, such as weightlifting movements. The technique plate may include various elements, such as a weight amount and a diameter, which is consistent with Olympic-weightlifting standards. |
| US09283421B2 |
Stationary exercise equipment power generator
An exercise apparatus is mechanically engaged with an electrical current producer so that exercise by a person using the apparatus produces output power which is used at the time of exercising or saved for later use. A motor provides additional drive force by rotating a rotor engaged with the apparatus, the rotor operating by magnetic attraction and repulsion depending on relative positions of permanent magnets on the rotor and electromagnets on a stator. The apparatus is light in weight, low cost to produce and highly durable. |
| US09283418B2 |
Concentrate treatment system
One aspect of the invention provides a system for treating wastestream, particularly a liquid or aqueous radwaste, for safe disposal and, in final processing, converting it into one or both forms including an aqueous form for safe discharge to the environment and a solidified form for safe disposal. Another aspect provides the capacity to employ a step where a specific target element strategy can be set up synchronizing sorbent substance choices and multiple recycle options to remove target substances from wastestream as a part of its Sorption or Powder Sorbent Isotopic Reduction step (II). Other steps cooperate with Sorption step (II) including Oxidation (I) to inactivate or destroy existing chelants, Solid-Liquid separation (III), and Selective Ion Exchange (IV) to deliver the wastestream to final processing. Still further aspects of the invention address the recovery and safe handling of substances such as C-14. |
| US09283416B2 |
Star-shaped hyperbranched polymer with triethanolamine core, carboxylate lateral group and dithiocarboxylate end group, and preparing method as well as application thereof
A star-shaped hyperbranched polymer with a triethanolamine core, a carboxylate lateral group and a dithiocarboxylate end group has a formula of N[CH2CH2OCOCH2CH2(COOM)N(CSSM)CH2CH2N(CSSM)2]3, wherein M is Na+, NH4+ or K+. The star-shaped hyperbranched polymer has an effectively stabilization effect on heavy metals in MSWI fly ash. A method thereof for stabilizing is simple, low in dosage, cheap and without secondary pollution. Therefore, heavy metals leaching concentration in fly ash stabilized production is lower than a limit of Chinese national standard. Furthermore, acid and alkali resistance thereof is sufficient, which decreases a long-term pollution risk in natural environment. |
| US09283407B2 |
Compact proton therapy system with energy selection onboard a rotatable gantry
Systems and apparatuses for providing particle beams for radiation therapy with a compact design and suitable to a single treatment room. The radiation system comprises a stationary cyclotron coupled to a rotating gantry assembly through a beam line assembly. The system is equipped with a single set of dipole magnets that are installed on the rotating gantry assembly and undertakes the dual functions of beam energy selection and beam deflection. The energy degrader may be exposed to the air pressure. The beam line assembly comprises a rotating segment and a stationary segment that are separated from each other through an intermediate segment that is exposed to an ambient pressure. |
| US09283406B2 |
Charged hadron beam delivery
A charged hadron therapy system for delivering charged hadron radiation to a target is provided. The system comprises a target positioning couch for supporting the target being moveable along a translation direction and a beam delivery system comprising a beam scanning means for scanning a hadron pencil beam over said target in a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction being substantially parallel with the translation direction. The beam scanning means is limited for providing a maximum scanning amplitude AY in the second scanning direction. The system comprises an irradiation controller configured for simultaneously and synchronously performing the moving of the couch and the scanning, so as to deliver charged hadron radiation to a target over a target size being larger in the Y direction than the maximum scanning amplitude AY. |
| US09283400B2 |
System and method for electrocardiogram analysis and optimization of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and therapy delivery
The system and method provide for electrocardiogram analysis and optimization of patient-customized cardiopulmonary resuscitation and therapy delivery. An external medical device includes a housing and a processor within the housing. The processor can be configured to receive an input signal for a patient receiving chest compressions and to select at least one filter mechanism and to apply the filter mechanism to the signal to at least substantially remove chest compression artifacts from the signal. A real time dynamic analysis of a cardiac rhythm is applied to adjust and integrate CPR prompting of a medical device. Real-time cardiac rhythm quality is facilitated using a rhythm assessment meter. |
| US09283394B2 |
Implantable microstimulators and methods for unidirectional propagation of action potentials
Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation. |
| US09283393B2 |
Active implantable medical device for atrial stimulation for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
An active implantable medical device includes digital processor circuits configured to sense right and left atrial depolarizations and deliver left atrial stimulation pulses according to a stimulation protocol. The stimulation protocol includes delivering a left atrial stimulation pulse at an inter-atrial coupling interval. The inter-atrial coupling interval is a coupling interval shorter than the sinus rhythm coupling interval, so as to deliver a premature pulse. The protocol further includes delivering a not premature left-atrial stimulation pulse during an immediately subsequent cardiac cycle, at an inter-atrial coupling interval corresponding to the sinus rhythm coupling interval. The protocol also includes assessing the right atrial coupling interval between the right atrial depolarizations and comparing the right atrial coupling interval to the sinus rhythm coupling interval. And finally, modifying an adjustable controlling parameters if necessary according to the result of the comparison. The device has no means for collecting and analyzing the endocardial acceleration. |
| US09283392B2 |
Temporary electrode connection for wireless pacing systems
Delivery of an implantable wireless receiver-stimulator (R-S) into the heart using delivery catheter is described. R-S comprises a cathode and an anode and wirelessly receives and converts energy, such as acoustic ultrasound energy, to electrical energy to stimulate the heart. Conductive wires routed through the delivery system temporarily connect R-S electrodes to external monitor and pacing controller. R-S comprises a first temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the cathode, and a second temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the anode. Temporary electrical connections allow external monitoring of heart's electrical activity as sensed by R-S electrodes to determine tissue viability for excitation as well as to assess energy conversion efficiency. |
| US09283390B2 |
Methods and apparatus for treating anaphylaxis using electrical modulation
Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. |
| US09283389B2 |
Method of treating movement disorders of a living being
The present invention relates to a method of treating movement disorders of a living being, a method of treating refractory gait disturbances of a human Parkinson's disease patient being affected by gait disturbances, and an apparatus for deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a living being affected by movement disorders. |
| US09283381B2 |
Fixation for implantable medical devices
A tine portion of an implantable medical device includes a hook segment and a distal segment extending therefrom, wherein the hook segment is pre-set to extend along a curvature and is elastically deformable therefrom to an open position. The distal segment includes a tooth and an end that surrounds the tooth, wherein the end includes a pair of legs and a distal arch. The legs extend along a length of, and on opposing sides of the tooth, and the distal arch extends between the legs, distal to a tissue-piercing tip of the tooth. When the hook segment is in the open position, and a force is applied along a longitudinal axis of the device, to push the distal arch of the distal segment against tissue, for initial tissue penetration, the legs of the end of the distal segment bend in elastic deformation to expose the tissue-piercing tip to the tissue. |
| US09283379B2 |
Pinch to open cuff electrode
The present invention provides a cuff electrode assembly for implantation on a target nerve. The cuff electrode assembly can include a resilient cuff body configured to be disposed about the target nerve. The cuff body includes a first end portion having a first free end, and a second end portion having a second free end. The cuff electrode assembly further includes a first arm member and a second arm member each projecting radially outward from the cuff body and spaced from one another along the cuff body. The cuff body can be configured such that a force applied to urge the first and second arm members toward one another defines an open configuration of the cuff body configured to allow the cuff body to be positioned around the target nerve. The cuff electrode assembly further includes an electrode oriented to provide electrical stimuli to the target nerve. |
| US09283378B2 |
Systems and methods for implanting an electrical stimulation lead using a sheath
A method for implanting an electrical stimulation lead into a patient includes inserting an elongated sheath into a patient. The sheath includes a sheath body with a proximal end and a distal tip. The sheath defines a lumen extending from the proximal end of the sheath to the distal tip. The distal tip of the sheath is advanced to the patient's epidural space. The distal tip of the sheath is positioned at a target implantation location. A lead is advanced along the lumen of the sheath from the proximal end of the sheath body to the distal tip. The lead includes a lead body and a plurality of electrodes disposed along a distal end of the lead body. The sheath is removed from the patient while leaving the distal end of the lead at the target implantation location. |
| US09283377B1 |
Devices for delivering non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient
A mouthpiece for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient. The mouthpiece includes an elongated housing having a center of gravity located within a posterior region, a positioning pad attached to the top surface of the elongated housing for minimizing contact between a patient's upper teeth and the exterior top surface of the elongated housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to a bottom portion of the elongated housing, the printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes for delivering subcutaneous local electrical stimulation to the patient's tongue. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece includes at least one locator disposed along the anterior region of the elongated housing for contacting a patient's teeth to securely position the mouthpiece within the patient's mouth. |
| US09283375B2 |
Leads with segmented electrodes for electrical stimulation of planar regions and methods of making and using
One embodiment is a stimulation lead that includes a lead body having a longitudinal surface, a distal end, and a proximal end; and multiple electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead body near the distal end of the lead body. The electrodes include multiple groups of segmented electrodes with each group of segmented electrodes having multiple segmented electrodes disposed at a same longitudinal position along the lead. For at least one first group of segmented electrodes, a first pair of the segmented electrodes in the first group are disposed on opposite sides of the lead body and are electrically ganged together by a conductor therebetween. |
| US09283370B2 |
Method of preventing free flow of fluid from an infusion pump
An infusion pump for metering fluid flow through an delivery tube of an infusion tubing set has an internal occlusion clamp which clamps the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid through the tube when access to the delivery tube in the infusion pump is possible. To release the delivery tube from the infusion pump, a slide clamp is manually used to release the occlusion clamp to an open, non-occluding position while simultaneously occluding the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid. |
| US09283369B2 |
IV access port cap for providing antimicrobial protection
A cap is configured to provide antimicrobial protection to a female luer port of an intravenous device. The cap distributes an antimicrobial solution within the intraluminal surfaces of the port when the cap is connected to the port. A cap may also be designed to distribute an antimicrobial solution around the exterior surfaces of the port. Once connected to a port, the cap can form a seal that minimizes the evaporation of the antimicrobial solution from within the lumen of a port. The cap can therefore provide antimicrobial protection against another device that is connected to the port once the cap is removed. |
| US09283367B2 |
Patient fluid line access valve antimicrobial cap/cleaner
Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line. |
| US09283363B1 |
Composition delivery device and methods of use
A self-contained composition dosing and delivery system provides an efficient device to store and deliver materials, particularly liquids, in a safe and controlled manner. The device also provides a dosing element internal the device chamber, thus eliminating the need for additional components. In particular, the device itself may be used to deliver liquid medicine and other compositions which are liquids, or gel-like, in controlled amounts or doses. The device may also include child-proof mechanism, or child safety feature to reduce child poisoning due to Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication overdoses. |
| US09283361B2 |
Implantable drug delivery devices for genitourinary sites
Implantable drug delivery devices are provided lo have a deployment shape for implantation in the body and a retention shape for retention in the body. The device may have one or more elongated drug reservoirs containing a drug, mid the drug reservoir may be formed from a deformable material. In one case, a first filament is attached to the first end of the drug reservoir and second filament is attached to the second end of the drug reservoir, wherein a fastener is positioned about the first and second filaments to permit shortening and prevent lengthening of the filaments with reference to the ends of the daig reservoir, as a means for transforming the device from the implantation shape to the retention shape. |
| US09283358B2 |
Drug releasing coatings for medical devices
Medical devices are provided for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. The additive has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part and the therapeutic agent is not enclosed in micelles or encapsulated in particles or controlled release carriers. |
| US09283353B2 |
Devices, systems and related methods for delivery of fluid to tissue
Described are devices useful to inject fluid to tissue without the use of a needle, and related methods; the devices include one or a combination of features such as ejection orifices (40), distal end control features, or combinations of these; the systems can include a fluid delivery system having an injector source and an access device; the access device can comprise a minimally invasive, tubular delivery lumen (34) such as a catheter or endoscope; the tube-like device further includes one or more apposing jets that are selectively fired to force the injection orifice of the tube-like device against the target tissue; selective firing can include a continuous firing during the injection to improve the efficiency of the treatment. |
| US09283351B2 |
Reduced friction catheter introducer and method of manufacturing and using the same
Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. A splittable sheath introducer may include a sheath, a hub disposed at a proximal end of the sheath, a valve included with the hub, and a valve actuator movable from a first position to a second position, the valve actuator opening the valve when in the second position. The valve actuator may include a retaining feature that interacts with the hub to connect the retaining member to the hub. |
| US09283342B1 |
Endotracheal tube insertion device
An endotracheal tube insertion device includes an insertion member, an optical assembly movably mounted to the insertion member, and an intubation assembly. The intubation assembly includes an intubation assembly body and has a guide system formed thereon. The guide system is configured for releasable attachment to the optical assembly. An endotracheal tube carried by the intubation assembly body. |
| US09283340B2 |
Automated ventilator with assisted compressions
A system for performing simultaneous ventilation and resuscitation of a patient includes an oxygen source, at least one inspiration control valve, a breathing apparatus, at least one expiration control valve, at least one indicator, and at least one timer. The breathing apparatus is configured to form an air seal with at least a portion of the patient's respiratory tract such that a gas including oxygen can flow from the oxygen source to the lungs. The at least one expiration control valve being configured to selectively actuate an exhalation valve. The at least one indicator for indicating when a rescuer should perform a chest compression. The at least one timer for synchronizing actuation of the at least one inspiration control valve, the at least one expiration control valve, and the indicator, thereby enabling continuous compressions to be provided to the patient while the patient undergoes inspiration and expiration. |
| US09283337B2 |
Dispenser and method for entraining powder in an airflow
The present disclosure relates to a method for entraining in an airflow a medicament powder contained in a cavity having a cavity opening. Large airflow vortices are provided, for instance, by use of an obstacle in a flow passage, The airflow with large vortices is arranged to by-pass the cavity opening, thereby generating an eddy in the cavity which contributes to entraining the powder in said airflow. The present disclosure also relates to a medical dispenser, for instance an inhaler, in which the method may be performed. |
| US09283330B2 |
Injection needle assembly and drug injection apparatus
An injection needle assembly includes a needle tube having a needle tip to be stuck into a skin, a first member, a second member, an adjustment portion, and a pressing force restricting member. The first member holds the needle tube and the second member holds the first member movably toward the axial direction of the needle tube. A discharge portion of the syringe is fitted into this second member. The adjustment portion is provided at the periphery of the needle tube and includes a needle protrusion surface which abuts the skin in a case in which the needle tube is stuck to the living body. The pressing force restricting member is arranged between the first member and the second member, and restricts the pressing force added from the first member to the skin. |
| US09283326B2 |
Auto-injector
The invention refers to an auto-injector and to a method for operating it, the auto-injector comprising of a tubular chassis; a carrier subassembly comprising a tubular carrier slidably arranged in the chassis, the carrier containing a syringe with a hollow injection needle, a drive spring and a plunger for forwarding load of the drive spring to a stopper of the syringe; a wrap-over trigger sleeve arranged over the distal end (D) of the auto-injector; the trigger sleeve extending at least almost over the whole length of the auto-injector; a control spring arranged around the carrier; first interlock means for coupling a proximal end of the control spring to either the carrier for advancing it for needle insertion or to the chassis for needle retraction; second interlock means arranged for releasing the drive spring for injection; third interlock means arranged for coupling the chassis to the carrier for joint axial translation relative to the trigger sleeve; and fourth interlock means arranged for coupling a distal end of the control spring to either the carrier for needle retraction or to the trigger sleeve otherwise. |
| US09283325B2 |
Medicament delivery device with dose re-setting
The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a housing (10,12), capable of containing a medicament container (14), a plunger rod (18) and a drive member (34) arranged to said plunger rod and capable of acting on said plunger rod (18) for moving it in the proximal direction of the device for expelling a dose of medicament from said medicament container (14), a dose and drive setting mechanism (52) comprising a dose setting member (56) operably connected to a force member (82) such that setting of a dose causes said force member (82) to be energized. The intermediate member (68) is configured to interact with a dose setting sleeve (50) through a first unidirectional connection (64, 62), configured to interact with said drive member (34) through a second unidirectional connection (70, 72), and configured to interact with a dose drive sleeve (76) through a third connection (74,78). |
| US09283322B2 |
Drug-delivery pump with dynamic, adaptive control
In various embodiments, actuation of a drug-delivery pump is controlled based on a change in a condition of the pump. |
| US09283317B2 |
Functional brown adipose tissue imaging technique
Disclosed embodiments for assessing brown adipose tissue use imaging of metabolic contrast agents. For example, activated brown adipose tissue may be assessed by evaluating a difference in production of the hyperpolarized 13C metabolic contrast agent from a pre-polarized 13C metabolic contrast agent precursor before and after exposure of the subject to an activating event or agent. In one embodiment, the subject is given a dose of norepinephrine, and the production of the hyperpolarized 13C metabolic contrast agent before and after the dose is assessed. |
| US09283315B2 |
Apparatus and method for real time measurement of a constituent of blood to monitor blood volume
Apparatus and method for non-invasively determining the level of a constituent of a patient's blood drawn though an elastomeric tubing to a dialysis machine deforms the tubing in the slot of a measuring head having two points of different transverse length with a transmit/receive sensor at each point that transmits a signal through the tubing and the blood and is reflected back to it from the tubing internal wall. The round trip transit time of the signal at each sensor is measured and the blood sound velocity is calculated from the two round trip transit times and the differential of the transverse lengths at the two points. Blood hematocrit level, which is related to blood volume, is calculated from the calculated sound velocity and an empirical relationship. |
| US09283313B2 |
Device and filter cartridge for separating plasma from whole blood
A multi-part device for separating plasma from whole blood is provided, with a sample taking unit for receiving whole blood, a filter unit with a layered filter with multiple layers for extracting plasma, and a pumping unit, typically a plunger pump, for creating a partial vacuum in the filter unit. The filter unit and a plasma collector vessel with a conical tip extending towards the filter unit are contained in a filter cartridge, which may be taken apart after plasma extraction, thus exposing the conical tip of the plasma collector vessel for sample input into an analyzer. |
| US09283311B2 |
Oxygenator and extracorporeal circuit
An oxygenator includes: a housing; a hollow fiber membrane bundle stored in the housing and having multiple integrated hollow fiber membranes with a gas exchange function; a gas inlet portion and a gas outlet portion provided on the upstream and downstream of gas passages in lumens of the hollow fiber membranes, respectively; a blood inlet portion and a blood outlet portion provided on the upstream and downstream of blood passages outside the hollow fiber membranes, respectively; a first filter member provided on the hollow fiber membrane bundle in contact with a blood outlet portion side surface so as to cover substantially the entire surface and has a function to catch bubbles in blood; and a second filter member that is separated from the first filter member, positioned between the first filter member and the blood outlet portion, and has a function to catch bubbles in blood. |
| US09283309B2 |
Device for supplying energy to hydraulically or pneumatically actuated active implants
A device for supplying energy to hydraulically or pneumatically actuated active implants. The device can take the form of pumping systems, metering systems, and/or occlusion systems. The device comprises a receiving coil for generating an electric voltage due to a changing magnetic flux that is generated by an extracorporeal transmitting coil. The receiving coil is designed such that said coil can be implanted into subcutaneous tissue. Furthermore, an electric line is provided for transmitting the electric current that is generated by the receiving coil from the receiving coil to the active implant. The device further comprises a compensation container for temporarily receiving a transmitter fluid, by means of which the active implant is activated. The compensating container is mounted on the receiving coil and/or on the electric line such that the compensating container together with the receiving coil and/or the electric line can be implanted into a common tissue or muscle pocket in the body of a patient. |
| US09283304B2 |
Absorbable stent having a coating for controlling degradation of the stent and maintaining pH neutrality
A biocompatible metallic material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices, including intraluminal stents. The biocompatible metallic material may comprise a magnesium alloy. The magnesium alloy implantable medical device may be designed to degrade over a given period of time. In order to control the degradation time, the device may be coated or otherwise have affixed thereto one or more coatings, one of which comprises a material for controlling the degradation time and maintain a pH neutral environment proximate the device. Additionally, therapeutic agents may be incorporated into one or more of the coatings on the implantable medical device. |
| US09283302B2 |
Extracellular matrix encasement structures and methods
A remodelable encasement structure comprising a pouch formed from at least one sheet of bioremodelable material, the pouch including an internal region and at least one lead conduit, the internal region being configured to receive a device therein, the lead conduit being configures to receive at least one device lead therein, the bioremodelable material comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition that includes an ECM component derived from a mammalian source. |
| US09283299B2 |
Injectable hydrogels
The present disclosure generally relates to injectable compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to injectable, thermogelling hydrogels and associated methods. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a composition comprising a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based macromer and a polyamidoamine-based macromer. |
| US09283297B2 |
Sanitary article comprising a microbe-inhibiting composition
A sanitary article (1) such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence protector, a diaper, an incontinence pad, a feminine insert, a tampon, or the like includes a top sheet (2) and a microbe-inhibiting composition (8). The microbe-inhibiting composition (8) includes at least one extracellular product of at least one probiotic bacterium and/or at least one probiotic bacterium and at least one additive in the form of an organic acid, with at least one of its pKa value not exceeding 5.5, and/or a salt thereof. |
| US09283293B2 |
Pasteurizer with controlled sprayer output
A method for pasteurizing a continuous product chain in a device having an inlet, heat-up, pasteurization, and cooling regions all divided into treatment zones, and a transporter for passing products through these regions includes heating up, pasteurizing, and cooling by heat transfer between the products and a spray medium with which the products are sprayed, for each of the treatment zones, adapting a temperature of the spray medium to cause a desired consequence to heat transfer in the treatment zone, and varying a pasteurization process by changing a volumetric flow rate of the spray medium in at least one treatment zone between a maximum value and a minimum value. |
| US09283292B2 |
Device for use in a medical treatment room
A device (1; 26) for use in a medical treatment room includes at least one control unit (2, 6; 18) designed as a light guide and at least one light source (3, 3′; 21) which emits light with a wavelength between 380 nanometers and 420 nanometers, particularly 405 nanometers, and is arranged in such a manner that emitted light is coupled into the light guide. The light guide is designed in such a manner that light exiting the light guide again at least partially illuminates the surface of the control unit (2, 6; 18). |
| US09283291B2 |
Methods for radiolabeling macromolecules
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a radiolabeled macromolecule, the method comprising contacting a macromolecule with a carbon encapsulated nanoparticle composite having a radioactive particulate core in an aqueous medium comprising a pH selected to promote short-range attractive forces between the nanoparticles and the macromolecule by attenuating repulsive electrostatic forces. |
| US09283290B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating luminal inflammatory disease
Compositions, articles, and methods for treating and imaging vulnerable plaque and other inflamed regions in a patient rely on delivery of a conversion electron emitting source (CEES) to a body location. The CEES may be delivered by coupling to a substance which preferentially binds to vulnerable plaque or other inflammatory marker. Alternatively, the CEES can be delivered on a catheter, scaffold, or other device. |
| US09283286B2 |
Pro-drug form (P2PDox) of the highly potent 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin conjugated to antibodies for targeted therapy of cancer
Disclosed are methods, compositions and uses of conjugates of prodrug forms of 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (P2PDox) with antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof (ADCs), with targetable construct peptides or with other targeting molecules that are capable of delivering the P2PDox to a targeted cell, tissue or pathogen. Once delivered to the target cell, the ADC or peptide conjugate is internalized, a highly toxic 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (2-PDox) is released intracellularly. The P2PDox-peptide or ADC conjugates are of use to treat a wide variety of diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disease or infectious disease. |
| US09283284B2 |
Use of conjugates of hyaluronic acid in the local treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases
The use is described of a conjugate between hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof and antitumoral drugs for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the topical treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases. |
| US09283283B2 |
Hyaluronic acid based hydrogel and use thereof in surgery
The present invention relates to hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid based derivatives, that are more resistant than hyaluronic acid alone towards chemical and enzymatic degradation and are endowed with a mix of chemical and mechanical properties such that they are of optimal use in several surgeries, for instance for injection in bone fractures or cavities and for the production of coatings of prostheses in orthopedic surgery, as fillers in cosmetic and maxillo-facial surgery, as anti-adhesion barrier in the prevention of postoperative adhesions in abdominal and abdominal/pelvic surgery, and in general surgery. These hydrogels can be loaded with several different kinds of compounds having pharmacological and biological activity, that are then released from the hydrogel in the site of intervention. |
| US09283282B2 |
Sustained release polymer
A polymer and a method for its preparation are provided. The polymer comprises poly(lactide), poly(lactide/glycolide) or poly(lactic acid/glycolic acid) segments bonded by ester linkages to both ends of an alkanediol core unit. The polymer is for use in a controlled release formulation for a medicament, preferably leuprolide acetate. The controlled release formulation is administered to a patient as a subcutaneous depot of a flowable composition comprising the polymer, a biocompatible solvent, and the medicament. Controlled release formulations comprising the polymer release leuprolide for treatment of prostate cancer patients over periods of 3-6 months. |
| US09283280B2 |
Compositions for drug administration
The present invention provides compositions and methods and for increasing the bioavailability of therapeutic agents in a subject, as well as compositions and methods for providing migraine pain relief. The compositions include at least one alkyl glycoside and at least one therapeutic agent, such as a 5-HT receptor agonist, wherein the alkylglycoside has an alkyl chain length from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms. |
| US09283277B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of obesity
The invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of obesity. The methods and compositions relate to the use of an agent that reduces or prevents endoplasmic reticulum stress in conjunction with leptin. |
| US09283275B2 |
Methods and systems for treating cell proliferation disorders using plasmonics enhanced photospectral therapy (PEPST) and exciton-plasmon enhanced phototherapy (EPEP)
The use of plasmonics enhanced photospectral therapy (PEPST) and exiton-plasmon enhanced phototherapy (EPEP) in the treatment of various cell proliferation disorders, and the PEPST and EPEP agents and probes used therein. |
| US09283269B2 |
Method for reducing the allergenicity of animal dander
The present invention relates to a non-invasive medical therapy and a composition for avoiding organ transplantation, or controlling biological rejection of transplanted organs, or treating organs under consideration for replacement by transplant, and otherwise treating aged, diseased and/or abnormal tissues and/or organs. More specifically, the non-invasive medical therapy involves administering to a patient an elemental nutritional feeding comprising a free amino acid profile simulating and/or replicating a targeted diseased or transplanted tissue and/or organ. The subject invention provides methods of inactivating reactive component epitopes of moieties pathogenic substances or producing immunogenic compositions containing pathogenic substances comprising contacting pathogenic substances, or compositions containing pathogenic substances, with super critical carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. Similar benefits are produced using high HLB surfactants also reducing carcinogenic factors. In various embodiments, the pathogenic reactive components, epitopes, moieties or substances are inactivated and processed into immunogenic compositions. The subject invention also provides oral mucosal delivery systems for the subject therapeutic compositions and/or medications, and/or vaccines that avert the need for parenteral administration in the medical and veterinary fields. |
| US09283265B2 |
DNA vaccines encoding heat shock proteins
A method of treating a T cell-mediated inflammatory autoimmune disease by administering to an individual in need thereof an immunogenic composition comprising a recombinant construct of a nucleic acid sequence encoding heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90), or an active fragment thereof, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is operatively linked to one or more transcription control sequences. The disease is other than insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or rheumatoid arthritis. The administering of the immunogenic composition results in a shift of the immune response to a Th2 response, thereby treating the disease. |
| US09283264B2 |
Schistosoma vaccine
The method for large scale production of a full length Schistosomal paramyosin coiled coil dimer composition is carried out by providing a composition comprising recombinant paramyosin, contacting the composition with a strand separation agent to remove paramyosin fragments and other contaminants. The purified paramyosin is used in vaccines for humans and bovine animals to induce immunity against schistosomal infection. |
| US09283263B2 |
Compositions and methods for enhancing recovery after surgery or an athletic performance
The invention provides compositions and dosage forms, e.g., in the form of dietary supplements, such as pills, tablets, beverages, or gels, that enhance recovery after surgery or after an athletic performance. An exemplary composition or dosage form comprises about 5000 IU of vitamin A, about 15 mg of vitamin B1, about 34 mg of vitamin B2, about 25 mg of vitamin B3, about 50 mg of vitamin B5, about 20 mg of vitamin B6, about 90 μg of vitamin B12, about 300 mg of vitamin C, about 500 IU of vitamin D, about 60 IU of vitamin E, about 160 μg of vitamin K1, about 5 μg of vitamin K2, about 300 μg of biotin, about 400 μg of folate, about 30 μg of PABA, about 1 mg of boron, about 200 μg of chromium, about 500 μg of copper, about 150 mg of magnesium, about 5 μg of manganese, about 100 μg of molybdenum, about 135 μg of selenium, about 100 μg of vanadium, about 20 mg of zinc, about 150 μg of iodine, about 1.2 mg of pomegranate extract, about 250 mg of bromelain, and about 250 mg of quercetin. Methods for using the compositions and dosage forms for enhancing recovery after surgery or after an athletic performance are also provided herein. The invention also provides kits comprising a composition or dosage form described herein. |
| US09283261B2 |
Linaclotide compositions
The present invention is directed to stable linaclotide compositions and methods of treating gastrointestinal disorders in patients in need thereof by providing the stable linaclotide compositions. |
| US09283253B2 |
Metallo-lactoferrin-coenzyme compositions for detoxification support
Formulations are provided for detoxification support. The formulations generally include a trigger complex, an elemental complex and a coenzyme-vitamin B complex. The trigger complex is high in fiber such as glucomannan and includes Metallo-Lactoferrin protein in an alkaline buffer system. The elemental complex includes one or more trace element as a suitable salt. The coenzyme-vitamin B complex includes one or more coenzyme, coenzyme precursor and/or B-vitamin. The compositions may optionally include additional components such as Lactic Acid bacteria, L-theanine, cranberry root extract, tumeric root extract, inulin and blond psyllium. The compositions can be administered orally in a variety of forms. |
| US09283244B2 |
Treatment of cancer by inhibiting activity or expression of late SV-40 factor
Inhibitors of Late SV-40 Factor (LSF) are used to treat cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In particular, small molecule chemical LSF inhibitors are employed. In addition, the activity and/or pattern of expression of LSF may is used to diagnose cancer, to characterize the cancer (e.g. stage, grade, prognosis, etc.) and also to develop suitable protocols for cancer treatment. |
| US09283243B2 |
CD36 inhibition to control obesity and insulin sensitivity
The disclosure relates to the therapeutic utility of CD36 antagonists to reduce body weight, inhibit fat accumulation and especially visceral fat accumulation, improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose levels, and treat and prevent metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and diabetes, and lower plasma cholesterol levels and decrease fat deposit in the liver. CD36 antagonists, including SAB or its metabolites, such as RA and DSS, are useful for these purposes. |
| US09283240B2 |
Human milk oligosaccharides for modulating inflammation
Disclosed are nutritional compositions including human milk oligosaccharides that can be administered to preterm infants, term infants, toddlers, and children for reducing inflammation and the incidence of inflammatory diseases. |
| US09283237B2 |
Methods of inhibiting presbyopia
Described herein are methods of inhibiting or reversing the progression of presbyopia in an eye by administering a βL-crystallin electrostatic interaction inhibitor. Presbyopia is caused by aggregation of the soluble crystalline lens proteins called the crystallins, particularly βL-crystallin. It has been found that the aggregation of βL-crystallin is an electrostatic phenomenon and that electrostatic interaction inhibitors can be employed to prevent the formation of βL-crystallin aggregates as well as to deaggregate already formed aggregates. |
| US09283235B2 |
Intermittent lowering of cortisol as treatment of clinical conditions associated with abnormal concentrations of cortisol in animals
Use of a compound of formula (I) or a 3-enol C1-4 alkanoate ester thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the intermittent treatment of a condition of a human or non-human mammal in which said mammal has an abnormally high serum concentration of an adrenal hormone: Wherein R1, R2, R5, and R6 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C1 to 4? alkyl; R3 is hydrogen C1 to 4? alkyl, C1 to 4? alkenyl or C1 to 4? alkynyl; R4 is hydroxy, C1 to 4? alkanoyloxy, a group of formula (II) or (III) Wherein R7 is (CH2)n, where n is an integer of from 0 to 4, R8 is hydrogen, C1 to 4? alkyl, hydroxy or NH2 and R9 and R10 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C1 to 4? Alkyl; or R3 and R4 together are oxo, ethylenedioxy or propylenedioxy. The invention has practical benefits for the treatment of man and other animals with diseases associated with abnormal production of adrenal steroids. The invention also shows that sustained suppression of the adrenal hormones is not required to achieve relief of symptoms in these conditions. |
| US09283230B2 |
Phenothiazine diaminium salts and their use
The invention relates to compounds of general formula (I): wherein: each of R1 and R9 is independently selected from: —H, C1-4alkyl, C2-4alkenyl, and halogenated C1-4alkyl; each of R3NA and R3NB is independently selected from: —H, C1-4alkyl, C2-4alkenyl, and halogenated C1-4alkyl; each of R7NA and R7NB is independently selected from: —H, C1-4alkyl, C2-4alkenyl, and halogenated C1-4alkyl; and wherein: each of RA and RB is independently selected from: C1-4alkyl, halogenated C1-4alkyl, and C6-10aryl; or RA and RB are linked to form a group selected from: C1-6 alkylene and C6-10 arylene; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are useful in the treatment of, for example, Alzheimer's disease. In other aspects the invention also relates to novel formulations of 3,7-diamino-10H-phenothiazinium salts. |
| US09283217B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising 7-(1 H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline for treating skin diseases and conditions
The present invention relates to a method for treating skin diseases and skin conditions in a patient in need thereof which comprises of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of 7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or its individual enantiomers or the tautomers thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09283212B2 |
Pharmaceutical preparation and delivery system
The present invention relates to unique delivery systems and the use of an imidazobenzodiazepine derivative, such as flumazenil either alone or in combination with other receptor antagonists in the treatment of disease or medical disorders. |
| US09283207B2 |
Methods of using (+)-2-[1-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione
Stereomerically pure (+)-2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione, substantially free of its (−) isomer, and prodrugs, metabolites, polymorphs, salts, solvates, hydrates, and clathrates thereof are discussed. Also discussed are methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the (+) enantiomer of 2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating and/or preventing disorders ameliorated by the reduction of levels of TNF-α or the inhibition of PDE4. |
| US09283203B2 |
Methods and compositions for improving cognitive function
This invention relates to compositions, and methods of use thereof, for (i) enhancing executive cognitive function(s) (for example, decision making, planning, working memory, multitasking, judgment, numerical problem-solving, reading comprehension), and/or (ii) increasing blood flow in brain vasculature, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, certain polyphenols such as flavanols, procyanidins, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives thereof. |
| US09283201B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating or preventing obesity in a subject in need thereof
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent obesity. |
| US09283200B2 |
Treatment of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
The present invention provides for methods and compositions for treating medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that phenylbutyrate can serve as a substrate for medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. In non-limiting embodiments, phenylbutyrate and/or another source of phenylacetate is administered as a chaperone treatment to patients suffering from medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. |
| US09283199B2 |
Halogenated aliphatic carboxylic acids, oligomers and/or polymers thereof and their use in devitalizing external and internal neoplasms
Halogenated aliphatic carboxylic acids, salts and/or oligomers or polymers thereof, which exhibit a devitalizing effect of neoplastic tissues, are disclosed. Methods and uses that utilize these compounds for the treatment of medical conditions associated with a neoplastic tissue are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods and uses that utilize these compounds for reducing or abolishing blood and lymph as well local dissemination of malignant neoplastic cells during a surgical removal thereof, thereby preventing recurrences and distance metastases, and/or inducing immune response to potentially malignant, pre-malignant and/or malignant cells. Further disclosed are novel oligomeric forms of halogenated aliphatic carboxylic acids, pharmaceutical compositions containing same and uses thereof. |
| US09283198B2 |
Materials and methods for treating viral infections
The subject invention provides materials and methods for treating various health conditions, including the prevention and/or treatment of a viral infection. In a preferred embodiment, a cysteamine compound is administered to a subject to treat an influenza virus infection. More preferably, a cysteamine compound is administered to a subject to treat influenza A, influenza B, influenza C virus infections, including avian influenza virus subtypes (such as H5N1 avian influenza virus). |
| US09283196B1 |
Cycloalkyl-diamines for CNS disorders
The invention is directed to the use of a compound of formula I as defined herein, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of formula I, in treating a mammal, including a human, for a psychiatric disorder or condition selected from the group consisting of depression, mood disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (also referred to as manic-depressive disorder), addiction, cognitive impairment, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. |
| US09283192B2 |
Delayed prolonged drug delivery
In one aspect, the present invention is concerned with a treatment where it is desired that an active agent is designed to be released in a prolonged manner at a time point some time after administration of the active agent. The present invention is particularly suited to administering an agent which may be released whilst a subject is sleeping, shortly before waking and continues to administer the drug during the early waking hours. As well as treating certain conditions by a particular regime, the invention also provides novel formulations for a delayed, followed by a prolonged release of drug. |
| US09283190B2 |
Highly efficient and long-acting slow-release formulation of poorly soluble drugs and preparation method thereof
A high-efficacy, long-acting, slow-release formulation of the poorly soluble drug, comprising solid dispersion of the poorly soluble drug, silica nanoparticles loaded with the poorly soluble drug, matrix material, and release enhancer, wherein the mass ratio of these components is solid dispersion of the poorly soluble drug: silica nanoparticles loaded with the poorly soluble drug: matrix material: release enhancer=1: 0.5˜1.25: 0.1˜0.3: 0.1˜0.3; the said solid dispersion of the poorly soluble drug contains povidone K30, soybean lecithin, and acrylic resin IV, wherein the mass ratio of the drug and the accessory materials is poorly soluble drug: povidone K30: soybean lecithin: acrylic resin IV=1: 1˜3: 0.3˜0.8: 0.2˜0.5. Compared with the existing formulations, the in vivo half life of the high-efficacy, long-acting formulation of the poorly soluble drug disclosed in this invention is 2.3˜14.8 times longer while the mean residence time (MRT) of which is 7.94˜4.52 times longer; when tested in vivo in Beagle dogs, this new formulation of the poorly soluble drug presents a smoother concentration-time curve and reaches a continuous release for 72 hours. This invention discloses its preparation method. |
| US09283189B2 |
Sustained-release preparation of ivabradine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof
Disclosed is a sustained-release preparation of ivabradine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The preparation contains ivabradine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and a sustained-release framework material, wherein the sustained-release framework material is selected from polyoxyethylene, or a mixture of polyoxyethylene and polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl pyrrolidone. |
| US09283187B2 |
Hemostatic compositions
The invention relates to a hemostatic composition in powder form comprising collagen of the fibrillar type comprising a content of fibrous collagen and/or fibrillar collagen of at least 70% by weight relative to the total weight of the collagen, and at least one monosaccharide, and optionally, at least one compound selected from coagulation factors and glycosaminoglycans. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such composition, and to a unit comprising such composition and a spraying device. |
| US09283186B2 |
Amphoteric liposomes, a method of formulating an amphoteric liposome and a method of loading an amphoteric liposome
An amphoteric liposome composed of a mixture of lipids, said mixture comprising a cationic amphiphile, an anionic amphiphile and optionally one or more neutral amphiphiles, at least one of said cationic and anionic amphiphiles being chargeable and the respective amounts of said cationic and anionic amphiphiles being selected such there is a stoichiometric excess of positively charged cationic amphiphile at a first lower pH, a stoichiometric excess of negatively charged anionic amphiphile at a second higher pH and said mixture has an isoelectric point intermediate said first and second pHs; characterised in that said positively charged cationic and negatively charged anionic amphiphiles are adapted to form a lipid salt with one another at said isoelectric point. Also disclosed are methods of predicting the fusogenicity of an amphoteric liposome at a given pH, formulating an amphoteric liposome and loading an amphoteric liposome with a cargo moiety. |
| US09283171B2 |
Cosmetic formulation
Disclosed is a topical skin cleanser comprising Silybum marianum fruit extract, Momordica grosvenorii fruit extract, and a cosmetic vehicle comprising at least 50% by weight of the composition of water and disodium EDTA, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, triethanolamine, 3-Iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, and benzyl alcohol. |
| US09283168B2 |
Complex polyol polyesters
The present invention is directed to a series of polyesters that are made by the reaction of a diacid with a pre-formed mono-hydroxy, di-hydroxy and optionally a tri-hydroxy ester of polyols selected from pentaerythritol, di pentearythritol trimethylolpropane and mixtures thereof. When reacted in the sequence shown, that is pre-formation of the mono-ester, di-ester and tri-ester, selection of the proper ratio of one to the other and then and only then reacted with the diacid, do these polyesters remain free of a gel and form cosmetically elegant oil phases. |
| US09283165B2 |
Cosmetic composition
A cosmetic composition comprising an aminoalcohol-modified organopolysiloxane as a surfactant has high emulsion stability and offers favorable properties including non-sticky and moist feelings, long lasting quality, and no strange odor release with the lapse of time. |
| US09283163B2 |
Collagen stimulators and their use in the treatment of skin
Methods for preventing, ameliorating, or reducing dermatological signs of aging are provided which employ cosmetic composition comprising novel active agents that enhance collagen production in the skin. |
| US09283162B2 |
Composition for oily foamable aerosol
The present invention provides a composition for an oily foamable aerosol, characterized in that the composition comprises a fat or oil, and a polyglycerol fatty acid ester and/or an organic and fatty acid esters of glycerol; and an aerosol comprising the composition as defined in above and a propellant. |
| US09283161B2 |
Aqueous cosmetic compositions containing resveratrol solubilized in a liquid phosphate ester surfactant
The present invention relates to a fluid composition comprising water and a self-emulsifying cosmetic base consisting of resveratrol, a liquid phosphate ester surfactant, at least one cosmetic oil and optionally a co-emulsifier. The present invention also relates to the process to make such fluids. |
| US09283160B2 |
Stabilization of cosmetic compositions
Disclosed is the Use of UV absorbers selected from (a1) diphenylacrylates; and (a2) specific hydroxyphenyl triazines for stabilizing cosmetic compositions comprising an organic UV absorber selected from (b1) a specific benzophenone derivative, (b2) a specific benzotriazole derivative and (b3) a specific triazine derivative and UV filters selected from (c1) cinnamic acid derivatives; and (c2) dibenzoylmethane derivatives. |
| US09283159B2 |
1-vinylcyclohex-3-ene carbaldehyde and 4-vinylcyclohex-1-ene carbaldehyde for use in flavour and oral care composition
Provided are oral care compositions comprising a) at least one compound of formula (I) wherein R is carbonyl attached at C-1 or C-4; and b) at least one mint flavor, for example, mint oil, menthol, l-carvone, l-limonene or menthone. The compositions possess an enhanced mint flavor character. |
| US09283157B2 |
Hair treatment and revitalizing composition and methods
A hair care composition containing inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, and/or relaxing hair, and a method for using the hair care composition a hair care composition containing an inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, defrizzing, curling and/or relaxing of hair, and its method of use in a variety of hair care products, e.g., straightener solution, shampoo, conditioner, color binding treatment, volumizing treatment, a combination thereof, etc. The hair care composition is formaldehyde-free, even when heated. |
| US09283153B2 |
Curable composition with shortened setting time, process of production and use thereof
The invention relates to a curable dental composition being prepared by mixing a base paste and a catalyst paste, “the base paste comprising component(s) (A) with curable moieties (AC),” the catalyst paste comprising a catalyst (C) being able to initiate or catalyse a crosslinking reaction involving components (A) upon mixing base paste and catalyst paste, the curable composition comprising a component (X) with reactive moieties, component (X) being either produced during the curing reaction or being present in either the base paste or the catalyst paste before the crosslinking reaction is initiated or catalysed, component X being different from component(s) (A), either base paste or catalyst paste comprising a reactant (Y), reactant (Y) being able to interact with component (X), but not taking part in the crosslinking reaction, the curable composition being able to produce energy in an amount sufficient to increase the temperature T1 of the composition being present 20 s after mixing the base paste and the catalyst paste to a temperature T2 being from about 6 to about 20° C. above T1. |
| US09283148B2 |
Multi-purpose syringe
A multi-purpose syringe that may be used both for gravity feeding and syringe pump assisted feeding of a neonate is disclosed. The multi-purpose syringe includes a cap and a plunger. The cap and plunger may be selectively engaged to the barrel depending on whether the neonate is fed by gravity or syringe pump. The cap seals the top of the barrel but allows gas to pass between the inside of the barrel and the environment and traps liquid within the barrel. To this end, the cap has an aperture covered by a hydrophobic member. |
| US09283136B2 |
Walking aid
The present invention relates to the walking aid field. The present invention provides a walking aid, including a support frame, with a plurality of support legs disposed at a bottom of the support frame, and omni-directional wheels disposed on the support legs, wherein a buffering structure is further disposed between each support leg and each omni-directional wheel. In the walking aid provided by the present invention, a buffering structure is disposed between a support frame structure and an omni-directional wheel of the walking aid. On the one hand, the buffering structure may have a buffering effect in use of the entire walking aid, and when the walking aid contacts the ground, can act as a buffer to reduce physical energy consumption of a user in use of the walking aid, and lessen discomfort of the user as much as possible; on the other hand, when the walking aid stops moving, the buffering structure can better support the walking aid securely on the ground, and when the walking aid stops, apply force downward to the walking aid, so that four effective contacts are formed by the casing of the buffering structure. |
| US09283135B2 |
Compression sleeve augmenting calf muscle pump
A method of selecting and using a compression garment is disclosed. The method may include selecting a garment comprising a compression sleeve including a proximal end and a distal end. The compression sleeve may comprise material having one of short-stretch function and inelastic function. The method may include donning the garment by inserting a limb of an animal or human through an opening in the proximal end and positioning the compression sleeve such that the material extends over at least a portion of a muscle mass of the limb. When the muscle mass is activated, the compression sleeve may augment the venous muscle return produced by the muscle mass. |
| US09283131B2 |
Portable topical oxygen therapy system
The present invention provides a topical oxygen therapy system for treating chronic non-healing wounds. The system is configured to be extremely portable, allowing patients to be completely ambulatory during treatment. The topical oxygen therapy system includes an oxygen source and a wound dressing capsule. The oxygen source includes a miniature compressed oxygen cylinder and a miniature pressure regulator that delivers oxygen through an outlet tube to the interior of the wound dressing capsule. The oxygen source may be attached directly to or integrated into the wound dressing capsule. Alternatively, the oxygen source and wound dressing capsule may be separate modules connected by a flexible tube. |
| US09283129B1 |
Rescue life system
A lower sheet has lower front and rear edges separated by a lower length. The lower sheet has lower left and right edges separated by a lower width. Lateral straps are stitched to the lower sheet parallel with the lower front and rear edges. Longitudinal straps are stitched to the lower sheet parallel with the lower left and right edges. The longitudinal straps include an edge strap adapted to lie flat for receiving and discharging a patient and elevated for carrying the patient. An upper sheet has upper front and rear edges. A hard plastic sheet is removably received between the upper sheet and the lower sheet. |
| US09283128B2 |
Cotton pad dispenser and a method for its production
The cotton pad dispenser (1) comprises a side wall (2) extending between a top and a bottom end of the dispenser (1), and an end wall (7) near the bottom end, a plurality of disc-shaped cotton pads (9) being stacked within the dispenser. A first cut-out (3) provided in said side wall (2) extends upwards from the bottom end of the dispenser (1) so as to form an entrance into said volume through the side wall (2), and a second cut-out (4) provided in said end wall (7) extends from the first cut-out (3) such that the cut-outs (3, 4) comprise a mutual transition to form one combined withdrawal aperture (1a). The withdrawal aperture (1a) is arranged such as to enable withdrawal of a bottommost cotton pad by gripping a peripheral portion (9b) of the cotton pad (9) with an indexing finger and a thumb, and pulling the cotton pad out of the withdrawal aperture (1a) by means of deformation of the cotton pad (9). |
| US09283126B2 |
Disposable diaper with integrated disposal aid
A disposable diaper is provided which includes a disposal aid containing an integrated cleaning wipe and disposal bag for convenient cleanup and disposal of the diaper after use. The disposable diaper generally comprises a diaper body having a waistband section, an upper fastening element, a crotch section, and a lower fastening element. The disposal aid is positioned adjacent to one of the fastening elements and comprises a pouch having a cleaning wipe compartment and a disposal bag compartment. The cleaning wipe compartment contains a cleaning wipe having a pull tab affixed thereto that protrudes from the wipe compartment and facilitates removal of the cleaning wipe. Similarly, the disposal bag compartment contains a disposal bag having a pull tab affixed thereto that protrudes from the bag compartment and facilitates removal of the bag. |
| US09283124B2 |
Wearing article
In a wearing article including front and rear waist panels and a crotch panel, a pair of leg sheets including backing sheets and leg elastics attached under tension between two layers of the respectively doubled up backing sheets extends along lateral edge portions of the crotch panel, and distal end portions of the leg sheets are attached to respective skin-facing surfaces of the front and rear waist panels through first and second joint regions. In this way, the pair of leg sheets has an elastically contractible region between the first and second joint regions and elastically relaxed regions in end portions located outboard of the first and second joint regions in a longitudinal direction, and the elastically relaxed regions are formed on surfaces thereof with gathers. |
| US09283120B2 |
Method for applying stretched elastic strands to a substrate
A system and method applies a plurality of stretched elastic strands onto a substrate such as along a predetermined non-linear path, to form a leg gather of a disposable absorbent personal hygiene product. The system includes an adhesive dispensing module for individually applying adhesive to the elastic strands. A heated strand guide located downstream of the dispensing module includes guide openings for the respective elastic strands. A drive mechanism coupled to the strand guide actuates movement of the strand guide in a direction transverse to the movement direction of the substrate, thereby causing the elastic strands to be applied to the substrate along the predetermined non-linear path. |
| US09283116B2 |
Intraocular shunt deployment device
An intraocular shunt deployment device can release an intraocular shunt into an eye using a deployment mechanism that coordinates action between a pusher component, a shaft component, and a housing of the device. The deployment mechanism causes axial movement of the components in response to a rotational input force. |
| US09283115B2 |
Passive to active staged drainage device
Described herein is an IOP control system for implantation in an eye of a patient, comprising a drainage device and a control device. The drainage system includes a housing including an inlet port and an outlet port, a fluid flow passageway extending from the inlet port to the outlet port to allow the flow of fluid therethrough, and at least one valve disposed within the housing. The at least one valve includes a first side and an opposing second side, and is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the inlet port to the outlet port by moving in response to pressure differentials acting on the opposing sides. The control device comprises an actuator including an activated mode and a deactivated mode, and the actuator in the activated mode is configured to selectively adjust flow through the drainage device in response to changes in intraocular pressure. |
| US09283112B2 |
Patient temperature control catheter with outer sleeve cooled by inner sleeve
A catheter has an inner sleeve through which refrigerant circulates to and from a source of refrigerant. The catheter also has an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve, including a distal end thereof. The outer sleeve is filled with a frozen biocompatible substance. The refrigerant is separated from the biocompatible substance by one or more walls of the inner sleeve such that the refrigerant is isolated from a patient in whom the catheter is positioned by both the inner sleeve and the frozen biocompatible substance. The refrigerant circulates through the catheter when the catheter is positioned in the patient to maintain the biocompatible substance frozen as heat is transferred from the patient to the biocompatible substance. |
| US09283111B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for bilateral caloric vestibular stimulation
An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device. |
| US09283109B2 |
Fluid manipulating device and tissue interacting device for a thermal therapy system
A thermal therapy device (100) comprises a tissue-interacting device (400) which is designed to target one or more significant areas of the therapy-receiving person's body by concentrating the passage of the therapy-providing fluid in these areas. The thermal therapy device (400) can comprise a head pad, eye pads, a knee pad, an ankle/foot pad, an elbow pad, or a neck/shoulder pad. |
| US09283105B2 |
Lumbar support belt
A belt comprising an elastic band having a central portion and two end portions, wherein a cushion is fastened on the inner surface of the central portion of the band, centered relative to the transverse median axis. The cushion is in the shape of a V whereby the tip is oriented downward when the belt is worn, and has two flanges connected by a joining area. The cushion is designed and positioned so that, when the belt is worn, the free end portion of each flange bears on the corresponding iliac crest of the person, and the joining area is in contact with the area comprising the upper portion of the sacrum and the lower portion of the lumbar vertebrae. |
| US09283101B2 |
Catheter having hydraulic actuator and locking system
Catheter including a pressure chamber defined by proximal and distal seals and inner and outer tubular members. An actuator member, moveable between first and second positions, is disposed within the pressure chamber. Fluid introduced into the pressure chamber applies a force on the actuator member to move the actuator member toward the second position. A lock mechanism, disposed between inner and outer tubular members, includes a latch having an engaged condition preventing movement of the outer tubular member relative the inner member and a disengaged condition allowing movement the outer member. The latch is shifted to the disengaged condition when the actuator member is moved to the second position. With the actuator member in the second position and the latch in the disengaged condition, fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to urge the outer tubular member proximally. |
| US09283099B2 |
Stent-catheter assembly with a releasable connection for stent retention
Medical assemblies with a releasable connection and methods of constructing such medical assemblies are disclosed. The medical assemblies generally comprise a stent, a catheter assembly having catheter body a balloon, and a releasable connection between the stent and the catheter assembly that releases the stent from the catheter assembly in response to enlargement of the balloon or when the balloon has been enlarged to an expanded configuration. |
| US09283095B2 |
Systems and methods for magnetized stent having growth-promoting properties
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for magnetized stent having growth-promoting properties. A stent assembly comprising a tubular elongated body having a magnetized region and a tissue nidus area is inserted beneath the orifice of a vascular aneurysm. The magnetic region can serve to attract and position both residual red blood cells and magnetically nano-ireated growth-promoting cells to the orifice area of the aneurysm. The outer circumference of the tubular elongated body can act as a floor or scaffold for regenerated smooth vascular muscle cells. In embodiments, the tissue nidus area can be provided on the exterior stent, while the magnetized region is provided on the interior stent, of a stent-in-stent structure. In embodiments, the exterior stent is made of biodegradable material which gradually dissolves or dissipates in situ. |
| US09283091B2 |
Spinal implant system and method
A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US09283089B2 |
Interbody bone implant device
An expandable implant device for implantation at a surgical site is provided. The implant device is made of cortical bone and includes a top and bottom piece, both pieces configured to couple with each other. The top piece has superior and inferior surfaces, and at least a tapered leading end configured to distract open an intervertebral disc space so that the top piece can be slidably inserted over the bottom piece until a desired overlap is achieved. A composite interbody bone implant device is also provided including a body skeleton having a non-bone composition, such as a polymer, formed into a shape and including one or more cavities which can be filled with other material, for example, allograft material. A method of placing an expandable device into a disc space is also provided. |
| US09283080B1 |
Hip implant with porous body
A hip implant has a neck body that connects to a bone fixation body. The bone fixation body has a porous structure with an elongated shape. An internal cavity is formed in the bone fixation body and includes a substance to stimulate bone growth. |
| US09283079B2 |
Cup with crosslinked polymer layer cable ties
This invention related to a method of forming a polymer component and comprises blending polymer particles with antioxidant to form a mixture in which the antioxidant coats the polymer particles, irradiating the polymer particles to cross-link the polymer particles therein and forming the irradiated mixture into a consolidated component. The invention also relates to a method of forming an articular surface for a prosthesis and a prosthesis having a polymer articular bearing surface wherein at least one predetermined portion of the bearing surface is provided with cross-linked polymer bonds. |
| US09283078B2 |
Patient-specific intraluminal implants
Methods are provided for generating intraluminal prosthetic implants designed to fit onto specific anatomical locations within regions which are stable in terms of their motion in time. |
| US09283075B2 |
Shoulder arthroplasty system
An implant system for total shoulder arthroplasties, hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties including a humeral stem having an enlarged head portion with interfaces adapted to removably receive various modular interchangeable components, such as articulating liners, spacers, and adapter inserts. The humeral stem functions as a universal platform that may be used in either conventional or “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties, as well as hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and may remain implanted in place during a revision in which the implant system is converted between the foregoing configurations, for example. |
| US09283073B2 |
Annuloplasty ring and method
An annuloplasty ring including a sheath, an arcuate stiffening element, and a tensioning member. The stiffening element is disposed within the sheath and defines discrete, first and second ends separated by a lateral spacing. The tensioning member extends between the stiffening element ends. The tensioning member is characterized as being more flexible than the stiffening element and is configured to provide a taut state in which the tensioning member is substantially non-extensible and impedes expansion of the lateral spacing. With this configuration, the stiffening element serves to remodel the valve annulus to a desired shape, while the tensioning member exhibits sufficient flexibility to allow for natural movement of the valve annulus while limiting (in the taut state) the extent of annular dilatation (e.g., overt lateral separation of the first and second ends of the stiffening member) due to in vivo forces. |
| US09283064B2 |
Methods and systems for treatment of prolapse
Described are implants, tools, and related methods, for use in pelvic surgery to treat conditions such as prolapse, including embodiments of methods that involve a tissue path above the arcus tendineus. |
| US09283062B2 |
Device and system for dental applications and method relating thereto
The present invention relates to various devices, systems, kits and methods having dental applications. For instance, a dental tray is provided for use in taking an impression of a person's teeth. A dental shade chart is also provided and includes a shade sticker for use in determining the shade of a person's tooth. Further, the dental tray and/or the shade chart can be included in a kit. |
| US09283061B2 |
Method and analysis system for the geometrical analysis of scan data from oral structures
The invention describes a method for the geometrical analysis of scan data from oral structures, comprising the steps of selecting a number of parameterized tooth models of desired tooth types according to the scan data to be analyzed, whereby each tooth model comprises at least one boundary line whose path is defined by line parameters and which divides a tooth model in at least one active adjustment area and at least one inactive adjustment area, and segmenting the scan data on the basis of individualized tooth models and individualized boundary lines and/or determining at least one boundary line in the scan data. The invention further describes a method of generating a model database; and an analysis system for the geometrical analysis of scan data from oral structures. |
| US09283060B2 |
Device for dispensing a dental substance and method of dispensing
A device for dispensing a dental substance. The device includes a cartridge for containing the dental substance. The cartridge has a plunger, and a dispensing opening. Further the device is operable to urge the dental substance toward the dispensing opening. The device further includes a cutter for cutting off a portion of the dental substance which protrudes over the dispensing opening. The device may particularly facilitate precise dispensation of a high viscosity dental substance. |
| US09283058B2 |
Impression tray for local area
The invention provides a plastic impression tray for a local area having an outer wall provided in an outer side of a curve of a bottom portion, and an inner wall provided in an inner side of the curve of the bottom portion. A rim having a particular height is provided in the bottom portion side along each of upper ends of the outer wall and the inner wall, elongated through holes each reaching the bottom portion from a portion just below the rim are formed approximately at uniform distances in the outer wall and the inner wall, circular through holes each having a particular diameter are formed at particular positions in the bottom portion, and elongated end portion side through holes each having a particular width and a particular length are provided vertically to an axial direction of the bottom portion, in both ends of the bottom portion. |
| US09283057B2 |
System, apparatus and method for implementing implants
Systems, apparatuses, devices, kits and processes are provided to enhance bone implants. The bone implant includes one or more bone attachment components for securing the implant into a bone and a head component independent of and separable from the bone attachment components. In one embodiment, each bone attachment component includes an internally threaded bore hole sleeve for receiving a connector component. The head component preferably is adapted so as to be secured to the one or more bone attachment components at the time of initial implantation of the one or more bone attachment components and the head component into the bone. The head component preferably is adapted to be oriented relative to at least one of the one or more bone attachment components at a predetermined tilt angle, so that the implant generally conforms with a natural root structure of a missing tooth. |
| US09283052B2 |
Planning movement trajectories of medical instruments into heterogeneous body structures
A method is provided for planning a position and/or a movement trajectory of a medical instrument in a heterogeneous body structure. The method includes providing at least one of a) body structure data corresponding to mechanical properties of the heterogeneous body structure, wherein said mechanical properties influence a movement of the instrument through the heterogeneous body structure due to the mechanical interaction between the instrument and the heterogeneous body structure, b) instrument data concerning mechanical and/or geometric properties of the instrument, or c) movement data concerning mechanical properties that are intended to cause and/or describe a movement of the instrument through the heterogeneous body structure. The position and/or movement trajectory-of the instrument or a probability that said position and/or movement trajectory will be achieved then is determined based on at least one of the movement data, the body structure data or the instrument data. |
| US09283036B2 |
Laser therapy apparatus with controlled optical coherence
A laser therapy method and apparatus is disclosed. The optical coherence property of the therapy laser is actively controlled to provide optimum therapy results for difference types of biological tissue and body parts. |
| US09283035B2 |
Tissue-treatment methods
Polymer insulators and methods of using polymer insulators are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes separating a first portion of a subject's tissue from a second portion of the subject's tissue so that there is a space between the first and second portions of tissue. Deionized water, a buffered saline solution, liquid polymers, gels, particles, foams, and/or gases are disposed between the first and second portions of tissue, and the first portion of tissue is exposed to energy to treat the first portion of tissue. |
| US09283034B2 |
Recanalization system using radiofrequency energy
A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. In this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using collateral vessels, the distal end of the occlusion is crossed in a retrograde fashion. By appropriately maneuvering each member and applying radiofrequency energy between the proximal and distal ends of the occlusion, a continuous channel is created. |
| US09283033B2 |
Carotid body ablation via directed energy
Methods and devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation. |
| US09283031B2 |
Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction
An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The ratio of the surface area of the first conductive electrode to the surface area of the second conductive electrode may be adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgical probe having a probe body which defines a single longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe of this aspect of the invention further includes more than two electrodes operatively disposed at separate and distinct positions along the axis of the probe body. The electrodes may be selectively connected to one of or a combination of a stimulation energy source, an ablation energy source or a ground for either energy source. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of placing an electrosurgical probe such as described above for specific ablation procedures. |
| US09283028B2 |
Crest-factor control of phase-shifted inverter
A method for controlling an electrosurgical generator includes generating at least one electrosurgical waveform at a selected energy setting through an RF output stage comprising an RF inverter coupled to a power source. The at least one electrosurgical waveform has a duty cycle and a crest factor. The method also includes adjusting a repetition rate of the at least one electrosurgical waveform based on the selected energy setting to regulate the duty cycle of the at least one electrosurgical waveform. The method also includes applying the at least one electrosurgical waveform to tissue through at least one electrode and measuring an output voltage of the at least one electrosurgical waveform. The method also includes supplying a control signal to the RF inverter based on the repetition rate when the output voltage is increasing to regulate the crest factor of the at least one electrosurgical waveform. |
| US09283025B2 |
Assessment of electrode coupling for tissue ablation
An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance. |
| US09283020B2 |
Surgical tack delivery system, method and kit
A system for delivering a surgical tack in tissue includes a driver, including: a shaft having a slot and a channel; and a handle slidably connected to the shaft and having a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism having a driving pin for providing a downward force through the shaft; and a tack cartridge having a plurality of tacks and adapted to be received in the slot and further adapted to feed the tacks between the driving mechanism and the channel. |
| US09283014B2 |
Osteoarthritis treatment and device
A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container. |
| US09283012B2 |
Storage unit, set and surgical container
A storage unit for storing and/or making available at least one carrier for at least one surgical item, in particular for at least one bone screw. The carrier can be brought to a holding position and to a release position, the carrier being held by the storage unit in the holding position and being released or releasable from the storage unit in the release position. The storage unit has at least one release part. The carrier can be brought from the holding position to the release position by actuation of the release part. The invention further relates to a set containing at least one such storage unit and at least one carrier for at least one surgical item, in particular for at least one bone screw. The invention moreover relates to a surgical container containing at least one storage unit and/or at least one set. |
| US09283011B2 |
Bone-anchoring or bone-connecting device that induces a strain stimulus
The invention relates to an implant in the form of a bone-connecting device with an implant carrier, having at least two structure carriers for stimulating bone growth, the structure carriers can move relative to one another so that, due to a loading of the implant, a relative movement of the structure carriers occurs, the structure carriers furthermore contain structure elements that are arranged so that they define a plurality of partially open intermediate spaces, wherein a volume defined by these intermediate spaces and an immediate environment is deformed by the implant load, and a strain in the intermediate spaces and its immediate environment resulting from the deformation lies in the physiological range for bone growth. |
| US09283008B2 |
Bone plate for plate osteosynthesis and method for use thereof
A bone plate and method for use thereof affords use of at least two surgical approaches to attach the bone plate to a fractured bone to facilitate reduction and repair thereof. The bone plate includes two domains extending in different directions from a transition zone. The directions in which each of the two domains extend are generally opposite, and the transition zone is configured to afford portions of the two domains to be substantially disposed in planes that are transverse to one another. |
| US09283006B2 |
Osteosynthetic shape memory material intramedullary bone stent and method for treating a bone fracture using the same
A method for providing stabilization and compression of a bone fracture, the method comprising: providing an intramedullary prosthesis sized for insertion into the intramedullary canal of a bone and having a distal end, a proximal end and a porous structure therebetween, wherein (i) in a first state, the prosthesis is longitudinally expanded and radially contracted, and (ii) in a second state, the prosthesis is longitudinally contracted and radially expanded, conforms to the shape of the adjacent bone and exerts forces on the adjacent bone; and positioning the intramedullary prosthesis within the intramedullary canal of a bone so that the intramedullary prosthesis spans the bone fracture, whereby to provide stabilization and compression of the bone fracture. |
| US09283003B2 |
Orthopedic clamp and extension rod
Spinal implants and methods of extending pre-existing spinal implant constructs. An extension clamp may be connected to an original spinal implant including an elongated rod attached to a portion of the spine without removal of the original spinal implant. The extension clamp may include a yoke and an extension rod extending from the yoke. The yoke may include a first end and a second end, the first end having first and second rod engaging portions and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions for encompassing a fastener, and the second end being spaced apart from the first end. The first and second rod engaging portions may be configured and dimensioned to secure the extension clamp to the elongated rod. |
| US09283002B2 |
Orthopaedic device and methods for its pre-assembly and assembly
Orthopaedic devices including a connecting element suited for receiving at least part of a first rod, and a lock screw. The connecting element includes an anchor for securing the connecting element to a bone, in particular a vertebra, a first lateral opening, and a top opening with a first inner screw thread. The lock screw is received within the top opening and includes a proximal face presenting a screw drive, accessible from outside the connecting element, a distal end for locking the first rod within the connecting element, and wherein the lock screw is adapted to fit through the first lateral opening to be subsequently introduced into the top opening with the proximal face leading. |
| US09282999B2 |
Anchoring element and stabilization device for the dynamic stabilization of vertebrae or bones using such anchoring elements
An anchoring element for a stabilization device for bones or vertebrae, with which a bone or vertebra can be connected to a rod-shaped element is described. By providing for at least one degree of rotational freedom between the rod and an anchoring element that is firmly connected to the bone or vertebra, the transfer of torque (M) onto the anchoring element and can be prevented as well as loosening or even separation of the bone anchoring element from the bone or vertebra. Moreover, the invention provides a stabilization device, in which such bone anchoring elements are used. |
| US09282998B2 |
Bone fixation assembly
The present invention is directed an anchor assembly for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The anchor assembly preferably includes a bone anchor (10), a body (20) with a rod-receiving channel, an insert member (40) (preferably a bushing), and a locking cap with a saddle (70). The anchor assembly preferably enables in-situ assembly where the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body of the bone anchor assembly. Accordingly, the anchor assembly enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the body may be snapped onto the bone anchor and a spinal rod may be inserted into the rod-receiving channel. |
| US09282991B2 |
Cutting wire assembly with coating for use with a catheter
A device for treating a lesion in a body lumen to enlarge a passageway in the body lumen having at least one cutting member and a tracking member. The at least one cutting member has a cutting surface and a separate material associated therewith. The cutting member and tracking member are connected at a distal portion and insertable into the body lumen as a unit, the cutting member configured for movement in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tracking member to widen a gap between the cutting member and tracking member at least at a distal region and to apply the separate material to an interior of the lesion. |
| US09282989B2 |
Method of controlling a surgical system based on a load on the cutting tip of a handpiece
A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines an approximate temperature of the eye using an irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power to the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip. |
| US09282986B2 |
Method and articles for treating the sinus system
A method of treating a sinus cavity of a subject includes advancing a distal portion of a light source through a drainage pathway of a sinus cavity and into the sinus cavity and visually observing a transdermal light emitted from the light source. A distal portion of a substantially rigid inner guide member of a balloon dilation catheter is advanced into the drainage pathway, the balloon dilation catheter including a movable shaft including a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. The movable shaft and balloon are advanced distally over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place a portion of the balloon in the drainage pathway whereby the balloon is inflated. |
| US09282985B2 |
Aiming beam detection for safe laser lithotripsy
Medical apparatus includes an endoscope, which includes a distal end configured for insertion into a body cavity and which includes an imaging assembly, configured to capture and output an image of a region of the body cavity in proximity to the distal end. An energy source is configured to emit pulses of energy through an energy guide. A control unit is configured to process the image so as to identify a target mass in the body cavity and to verify that an aiming beam directed through the energy guide is incident on the target mass and, responsively to so verifying, to actuate the energy source to direct a pulse of the energy via the energy guide onto the target mass. |
| US09282970B2 |
Systems and methods for positioning and compacting a bodily implant
Bodily implants that can be compacted in a distal-to-proximal direction, and which facilitate repositioning of the implant after compaction. The implants include at least one pull string for expanding the implant in a radial direction while compacting the implant in the longitudinal direction. Where multiple pull strings are provided, they can be secured to the implant at spaced locations along the implant length, and pulled successively to compact the implant in a distal-to-proximal direction. A guide member may also be provided to receive the pull strings and facilitate longitudinal compaction. |
| US09282969B2 |
Methods for treating a gastrointestinal tract
A system including an implantable fastener for fastening layers of tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a proximal anchor member and a distal anchor member each being movable from a reduced profile position to a deployed position. The anchor members are mesh structures capable of moving to the deployed position by reducing the axial spacing between opposite ends of the anchor members.Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also disclosed. One of the methods includes placing the distal anchor member through a hole formed in the wall of the esophagus and through a hole formed in the gastric wall. The distal anchor member and the proximal anchor member are then placed in their deployed positions to fasten the wall of the esophagus and the gastric wall together between the anchor members. |
| US09282967B2 |
Implantable flow connector
A method of implanting and securing an implantable flow connector in a body of a patient for providing communication of a first space within the body of the patient with a second space within the body of the patient. The method includes providing a flow connector having a lumen having a first orifice and a second orifice, inserting a retention device into the first space within the body, subsequently inserting the flow connector through an opening in the retention device so the second portion of the flow connector extends into the first space within the body and placing the second space within the body over the retention device. |
| US09282961B2 |
Surgical device having multiple drivers
A surgical device is provided, the surgical device including a first driver for performing a first movement function; a second driver for performing a second movement function; a first rotatable drive shaft configured, upon actuation, to cause selective engagement of one of the first and second drivers with a second rotatable drive shaft, wherein the second rotatable drive shaft is configured to drive the selectively engaged one of the first and second drivers. Third and fourth drivers may also be included. The drivers may function to rotate a shaft portion of the surgical device relative to, and about the longitudinal axis of, a handle; move a jaw portion relative to the shaft portion; move a first jaw relative to a second jaw; and/or move a surgical member within the second jaw. |
| US09282955B2 |
Tissue puncture closure device
The present disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for closing and/or sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or an adjacent tissue tract. In one illustrative embodiment, a device is provided for delivering and deploying an anchor, plug, filament, and locking element adjacent to the opening in the vessel wall and/or tissue tract. |
| US09282951B2 |
Frictional trans-epithelial tissue disruption collection apparatus and method of inducing an immune response
In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet. |
| US09282948B2 |
Total core biopsy device and method of use
Total core biopsy devices and methods of use are provided for taking a total core biopsy sample and a means for using the devices that provide for an adequate sample size and quality while being light-weight, easy to use, small, inexpensive, and permitting one-handed operation and beveled edges to reduce trauma to the surrounding tissue and organs from which a total core biopsy sample may be taken. |
| US09282947B2 |
Imager focusing based on intraoperative data
Various embodiments herein provide for imager focusing based on intraoperative data. Ideally, an imaging plane of an ultrasound transducer would be truly planar. That is not the case, though. Instead, ultrasound transducers image a volume that is closer to a rectangular volume, but that has focal depths or areas in the imaged volume that are “thinner” and provide a better resolution. In general, embodiments herein may include determining the pose of an imager, such as an ultrasound transducer, and the pose of a location of interest. Based on those poses, a focal adjustment may be determined in order to, for example, better focus the imager on the object of interest. Then data is generated and the focus of the imager is adjusted. Additionally, imaging data and/or the object of interest may be displayed. In other embodiments, estimated projections of medical devices are displayed to allow for better intraoperative planning. |
| US09282945B2 |
Calibration of ultrasound probes
A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider. |
| US09282942B2 |
Device and method for a diagnostic apparatus
In this device and the associated method, a connection unit that can be attached to an arm bearing an x-ray source and an x-ray receiver is fashioned such that said connection unit compensates for a pivot movement of the arm so that a compression unit arranged at the connection unit remains stationary during a pivot movement. |
| US09282938B2 |
Radiolucent patient table
A radiolucent patient table top including a first face sheet, a second face sheet, and a honeycomb core is provided. The first face sheet includes carbon fibers in a first radiolucent plastic matrix. The second face sheet includes carbon fibers in a second radiolucent plastic matrix. The honeycomb core is disposed between the first face sheet and the second face sheet, where the first face sheet and the second face sheet sandwich the honeycomb core. The honeycomb core includes carbon fibers embedded in a third radiolucent plastic matrix. |
| US09282936B2 |
Image diagnostic apparatus, X ray computed tomography apparatus, medical bed apparatus, and bed control method
According to one embodiment, a support mechanism movably supports the table top. A bed driver generates driving power to be supplied to the support mechanism to move the table top. An imaging mechanism includes a mechanism for acquiring medical image data associated with a subject placed on the table top. An ascending switch receives an ascending instruction for the table top. A descending switch receives a descending instruction for the table top. A storage unit stores the height of the table top at the time of the issuance of an ascending instruction as a target return position. When a descending instruction is issued, a bed controller controls the bed driver to descend the table top to the target return position stored in the storage unit. |
| US09282933B2 |
Magnetic resonance elastography for ultrasound image simulation
Ultrasound data is simulated using magnetic resonance (MR) elastography. MR elastography provides tissue characteristic information, such as elastic modulus, velocity, or stiffness. This tissue characteristic information indicates a density or viscosity of the tissue, allowing simulation of ultrasound data with MR acquired data. The same MR imaging system may be used to acquire the MR elastography and pre-operative anatomy information. The actual ultrasound information may be registered with simulated ultrasound information for registration of the actual ultrasound information with the MR anatomy information. |
| US09282932B2 |
Biometric apparatus and image-generating method
The bioinstrumentation apparatus includes a light irradiation unit irradiating a measurement region with light, a light detection unit detecting diffused light from the measurement region, and a computing unit generating a reconstructed image for the interior of the measurement region. The computing unit calculates J coefficients wj set for every pixel of the reconstructed image and more than 0 and not more than 1 (where J is the number of pixels of the reconstructed image) and carries out successive approximation computation by the following iterative formula xj(k+1)=xj(k)+wjdj(k) (where k is an integer from 1 to N, N is the number of times of iterative computation, xj(k) is a pixel value of the jth pixel on the kth iterative computation, and dj(k) is an update amount of the jth pixel on the kth iterative computation) to generate the reconstructed image. |
| US09282926B2 |
Camera for recording surface structures, such as for dental purposes
A 3-D camera for obtaining an image of at least one surface of at least one object. The camera comprises a light source, arranged to illuminate the object, wherein a light beam emitted from the light source defines a projection optical path. The camera also includes at least one first aperture having a first predetermined size, interposed in the projection optical path such that the light beam passes through it. An image sensor receives light back-scattered by the object, the back-scattered light defining an observation optical path. At least one second aperture having a second predetermined size, is interposed in the observation optical path such that the back-scattered light passes through it. In one example embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined size is greater than the second predetermined size, and at least one optic is arranged in both the projection and observation optical paths. |
| US09282925B2 |
Systems and methods for replacing signal artifacts in a glucose sensor data stream
Systems and methods for detecting noise episodes and processing analyte sensor data responsive thereto. In some embodiments, processing analyte sensor data includes filtering the sensor data to reduce or eliminate the effects of the noise episode on the signal. |
| US09282923B2 |
Fluorochrome material and method for using the same
It is an object of the present invention to extend the usefulness of an iron-salen complex. The present invention is a new fluorochrome material containing Chemical Formula (I) below. However, M is Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Nd, Sm, Eu, or Gd. |
| US09282920B2 |
Sacrificial layers for bio-compatible devices
A method may involve: forming a sacrificial layer on a working substrate; forming a first bio-compatible layer on the sacrificial layer such that the first bio-compatible layer adheres to the sacrificial layer; forming a conductive pattern on the first bio-compatible layer; mounting an electronic component to the conductive pattern; forming a second bio-compatible layer over the first bio-compatible layer, the electronic component, and the conductive pattern; and removing the sacrificial layer to release the bio-compatible device from the working substrate. The first bio-compatible layer defines a first side of a bio-compatible device. The second bio-compatible layer defines a second side of the bio-compatible device. |
| US09282916B2 |
Vascular branch characterization
An apparatus and method for characterizing a region of interest (ROI) including measuring position and orientation data within the ROI; and generating a geometric data set to include one or more of: length, bifurcation location, angle and curvature characteristics of the ROI. Also, sequentially taking an image of a tool within the ROI; comparing tool dimensions with ROI dimensions; and estimating diameter, length, take-off angle, and/or tortuosity characteristics based on the comparisons. |
| US09282915B2 |
Method and system for generating and/or repairing a surface model of a geometric structure
A method and system for generating and/or repairing surface models is provided. The method comprises acquiring data points corresponding to surface locations of a structure. The method further comprises generating a surface model of the structure based on the data points. The method further comprises adding additional data points to the point cloud formed by the acquired data points, and updating the model by constructing a surface model based on the added data points. The system comprises a processing apparatus configured to acquire data points corresponding to respective surface locations of a structure. The processing apparatus is further configured to generate a surface model of the structure based on the data points. The processing apparatus is further configured to add additional data points to the point cloud formed by the acquired data points, and update the surface model by constructing a surface model based on the added data points. |
| US09282913B2 |
Apparatus and method for self-examining abnormality of breast tissue
An apparatus for self-examining whether a breast tissue is abnormal includes an examination checker configured to transmit a microwave to one side of an examinee's breast, receive the microwave that has passed through the breast and calculate a value in the microwave reception of the received microwave. Further, the apparatus includes a self-examination device configured to analyze the value in the microwave reception received from the examination checker and examines whether the breast is abnormal. |
| US09282912B2 |
Measurement device with electroencephalography and electrocardiography functionalities
A measurement device with electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) functionalities includes a shell and a turning structure. The shell includes a first contact and a second contact located at a first side of the shell; and a third contact. The turning structure, disposed on the shell, is utilized for adjusting the third contact to be located at the first side when the measurement device is in an EEG mode, and adjusting the third contact to be located at a second side of the shell when the measurement device his in an ECG mode, wherein the second side is substantially opposite to the first side. |
| US09282911B2 |
Linear display of ECG signals
An illustrative method and system for displaying ECG data of a patient includes the steps of: receiving an ECG waveform of a patient, determining at least a first attribute of the ECG waveform, and determining at least one data point from the first attribute of the ECG waveform. The first data point and associated first attribute of the ECG waveform are displayed on a linear scale. In an alternative method, the at least one data point is structured in a database of ECG data according to the Cabrera sequence; the display domain of the display is divided into several recurrent display slots; and a sequential one of the several recurrent display slots is associated with the at least one data point, which is displayed on the linear scale in the order in which the at least one data point appears in the Cabrera structured database of ECG data. |
| US09282909B2 |
Measurement device with electroencephalography and electrocardiography functionalities
A measurement device with electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) functionalities includes a first shell having ECG functionality and a second shell. The first shell includes a first contact and a second contact located at a first side of the first shell; and a third contact located at a second side of the first shell, wherein the second side of the first shell is substantially opposite to the first side of the first shell. The second shell includes a fixing device, for connecting with and fixing on the first shell; and a fourth contact, a fifth contact and a sixth contact, located at a first side of the second shell, for electrically connecting with the first contact, the second contact and the third contact respectively when the first shell is connected to and fixed on the fixing device, in order to perform EEG measurement. |
| US09282906B2 |
Blood volume measuring method and blood volume measuring apparatus
A blood volume measuring method, apparatus and program for removing an artifact when used in an apparatus for analyzing respiratory variation of the stroke volume of a patient in order to determine the fluid response of the patient or adequately set artificial ventilation is provided. |
| US09282903B2 |
Device for measuring biological information
A device for measuring biological information by being worn on a person includes a sensor unit subjected to measure biological information, a device main unit provided with a concavity and subjected to accommodate the sensor unit, and a holding unit supported on one side by the sensor unit and on the other side by the device main unit; wherein the holding unit is elastic and has a space on one side of the concavity to hold the sensor unit so that at least part of the sensor unit extends outside from the device main unit, and wherein the sensor unit is displaced relative to the device main unit by elastic deformation in accordance with an external force applied to the sensor unit. |
| US09282902B2 |
Heart rate data collection
One innovative aspect is directed to heartrate data collection. In some implementations, a circuit includes a light detector for generating a detected signal based on received light. The circuit includes a switching circuit configured to receive a first signal based on the detected signal and to switch among a first and a second configuration. In some implementations, the circuit includes a first and a second sampling circuit for sampling a value of the first signal when the switching circuit is in the first configuration and second configurations, respectively. In some implementations, the circuit includes an ambient light cancellation circuit for countering a first component of the first signal while the first switching circuit is in the first configuration. In some implementations, the circuit includes an adjustable gain circuit for adjusting a gain of the first signal while the first switching circuit is in the first configuration. |
| US09282901B2 |
Methods and systems to correlate arrhythmic and ischemic events
Systems and methods for determining whether there is a correlation between arrhythmias and myocardial ischemic episodes are provided. An implantable system (e.g., a monitor, pacemaker or ICD) is used to monitor for arrhythmias and to monitor for myocardial ischemic episodes. When such events are detected by the implantable system, the implantable system stores (e.g., in its memory) data indicative of the detected arrhythmias and data indicative of the detected myocardial ischemic episodes. Then, for each detected arrhythmia, a determination is made based on the data, whether there was a myocardial ischemic episode detected within a specified temporal proximity of (e.g., within a specified amount of time of) the arrhythmia. Where a myocardial ischemic episode occurred within the specified temporal proximity of an arrhythmia, data for the two events can be linked. Additionally, when a log of arrhythmias is displayed, for each arrhythmia there is an indication of whether a myocardial ischemic episode was detected within the specified temporal proximity of the arrhythmia. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. |
| US09282900B2 |
Acoustic wave detection probe and photoacoustic measurement apparatus provided with the same
In an acoustic wave detection probe provided with a light guide section that guides measuring light such that the measuring light is outputted toward a subject and an acoustic wave transducer that detects a photoacoustic wave generated in the subject by the projection of the measuring light, the light guide section includes a homogenizer that flat-tops an energy profile of the measuring light entered from the upstream side of the optical system, a light condensing member that condenses the measuring light transmitted through the homogenizer, and a bundle fiber which includes a plurality of optical fibers and is disposed such that the measuring light transmitted through the light condensing member enters from an entrance end of the bundle fiber. |
| US09282896B2 |
Thermometer having a digital infrared sensor
A non-touch thermometer to measure a temperature includes a microprocessor, a battery that is operably coupled to the microprocessor, a single button that is operably coupled to the microprocessor, a digital infrared sensor that is operably coupled to the microprocessor with no analog-to-digital converter operably coupled between the digital infrared sensor and the microprocessor, the digital infrared sensor having only digital readout ports, and a display device that is operably coupled to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor is operable to receive from the digital readout ports a digital signal that is representative of a temperature detected by the digital infrared sensor and the microprocessor is operable to determine a body core temperature from the digital signal that is representative of the temperature. |
| US09282887B2 |
Three-dimensional retina image generator
Provided is a three-dimensional retina image generator that can detect, in a precise manner, the scanning position displacement during scanning of the retina with a simple configuration and, as a result, and can obtain a high-quality retinal image with a reduced influence of speckle noise therein. In order to detect the movement of retina R, the three-dimensional retina image generator has: second light source unit 210 that outputs a line beam to be imaged on retina R; positional displacement detector 220 that detects the line beam reflected from retina R and that detects the “displacement” of the scanning position during scanning of retina R; and dichroic mirror 230 that causes the line beam to propagate along the same light path as that of the object light scanning beam in inspection unit 140. |
| US09282886B2 |
Device for determining a group of vision aids suitable for a person
A device (10) for determining a group of at least one vision aid apparatus suitable for the vision of an individual, includes computing elements programmed to: a) determine at least one characteristic of the vision of the individual, b) determine at least one use of the group of at least one vision aid apparatus, desired by the individual, c) determine the group of at least one vision aid apparatus as a function of the characteristic of the vision and of the use desired by the individual. |
| US09282885B2 |
Device for selecting contact lens within a cabinet arranged to receive a plurality of contact lens and method associated thereof
The invention relates to a device for selecting contact lenses within a cabinet arranged to receive a plurality of contact lenses, the device including a storage data device, for storing data based on measurements from an auto refractometer; and a data processor device associated with a calculation module for identifying a contact lens on the basis firstly of data from the auto refractometer as previously stored in the storage device and secondly of additional data relating to the contact lens that is to be identified and that was previously input by the user, the data processor device associated with said calculation module also being arranged to identify the location of the lens within the cabinet. The invention also relates to an associated method. |
| US09282881B2 |
3D image shooting apparatus and endoscope
An exemplary 3D image shooting apparatus comprises: a polarized light source; an image capturing section that sequentially captures an image of the object that is being illuminated with each of plane polarized light rays, and an image processor. The image capturing section includes: a lens; an image sensor; and an incoming light transmitting section which has a transparent area and a plurality of polarization filter areas. The polarization filter areas are arranged outside of the transparent area, generally have a concentric ring shape, and include left and right filter areas so that their polarization transmission axis directions define an angle α (0<α<90 degrees). The image processing section generates a plurality of images from light that has been transmitted through the transparent area and light that has been transmitted through the plurality of polarization filter areas. |
| US09282879B2 |
Laparoscope system
A visual system for laparoscopy comprising a visual device having a visual head member and an elongated connector; a manipulation device having a handheld operation portion, an insertion portion and a first contact element; and an external device comprising means to communicate with the vision head member, via the first contact element, when the elongated connector is mounted in an lumen of the insertion portion. The insertion portion of the manipulation device is configured to be extendable out from a body cavity through an airtight passage whereby the elongated connector is configured to be slidably mounted into the lumen of the insertion portion outside of the body cavity upon the insertion portion is withdrawn into the body cavity. |
| US09282877B2 |
Dishwasher with a pivot system for a dish rack
A dishwasher includes a slide system for sliding movement of a dish rack in and out of a wash chamber, and a pivot system to enable cooperative pivoting of the dish rack and an access door when the dish rack at least partially overlies the door and the door is pivoted from an opened to a closed position. |
| US09282860B2 |
Vacuum cleaning device for charcoal grills
Described is a vacuum cleaning device for charcoal grills. The present invention includes a portable vacuum cleaning device having a vacuum source used to draw air and debris through a collection hose and into a vacuum bag. The vacuum bag and the collection hose are composed of flame-retardant material that will not melt or burn from having hot ash and embers from a grill drawn therethrough. The end of the collection hose that is secured to the vacuum cleaning device includes a fan that is used to break-up and extinguish embers drawn through the collection hose. The vacuum bag is enclosed between a housing and a lid secured thereto, and the lid is removable to allow access to the vacuum bag. The vacuum cleaning device also includes one or more straps thereon that can be adjustably secured together such that a user can wear the device over the user's shoulder. |
| US09282859B2 |
Canister vacuum cleaner
A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a floor engaging rolling assembly, and a steering mechanism for steering the cleaning appliance as it is maneuvered over a floor surface and for pivoting the separating apparatus relative to the rolling assembly. |
| US09282848B2 |
Beverage brewing devices
Capsules for holding in an interior space a portion of a product for preparing a food product include a first part (501) and a second part (502), arranged along a direction of extension (A). The first and second parts define at least a portion of an interior space (S) for holding a portion of a food product. At least one of the first and second parts of the capsule may include a substantially rigid connector portion (533) with at least one inlet for connecting to the apparatus wherein the at least one inlet defines a first flow direction for a fluid to be introduced into the inlet which first flow direction extends more than about 45 degrees to the direction of extension of the capsule. An apparatus may include an actuator for cooperating with the capsule. |
| US09282842B1 |
System for holding dispensing bottles
The present invention is a system for holding a liquid container having a holder constructed and arranged with a bottle support, a bottle retainer member, and a magnet, said holder constructed and arranged such that said magnet provides for mounting said holder on a metallic surface. |
| US09282840B2 |
Device for putting on tights and garments of similar kind
A device for putting on tights and garments of similar kind, includes: a pair of shoehorns (1′, 1″) onto which it is possible to slip on and maintain in position of stable opening tights (CL) or garments of similar kind; engagement elements (4) for strengthening the grip of the shoehorns (1′, 1″) onto the garment slipped on and kept into opening position thereon; handles (5) for gripping and handling, arranged for allowing the use of the device; and a coupling joint (9) arranged for allowing the reversible connection of the shoehorns (1′, 1″) to each other and the reciprocal movement thereof. |
| US09282839B2 |
Hanger
In one embodiment a hanger has two interlocking regions, each located at the lower corners of the hanger arms. The interlocking regions have a hole that extends at least part way through the body of the hanger and an extruded lip that extends beyond the body of the hanger at the interlocking region. In one embodiment the outer surface of the interlocking region is narrower than the upper hanging arms of the hanger and the outer edge of the extruded lip is substantially co-planar with the outer surface of the upper hanging arms. This allows the upper hanging arms to be in direct contact with each other when the two hangers are locked together, creating a smooth upper surface. |
| US09282834B2 |
Protective bed cover adapted for pets
A pet protective bedding that includes a flat top, a flap, and a bed skirt. The flat top is sized to cover or approximately cover the top surface of a bed, i.e. the top surface of a mattress and conventional bedding. The flap is integrally attached to flap top at the top end, and is sized and configured for an upper portion of the flap to be folded over and on top of one or more pillows on the bed for encasing the pillows in order to protect the pillows from exposure to any production of pet soiling. The bed skirt is integrally attached at opposite sides and bottom end of the flat top, and is sized and configured to hang down from the flat top and adjacent to the bed mattress and box spring to the floor. A pocket at the bottom end of the flat top is sized and configured for engaged receipt of a pet or, in the alternative, a portion of a person's legs and feet. |
| US09282832B2 |
Corner clamp and method for providing a suspension point in a three-dimensional space
A corner clamp for clamping thereof between two surfaces substantially at right angles to each other includes a first rigid element having a first outer end for supporting, optionally via a contact member which can be fixed thereto, on a first of the two surfaces; a second rigid element having a second outer end for supporting, optionally via a contact member coupled thereto, on a second of the two surfaces. The second element is coupled pivotally to the first element at a pivot point. The corner clamp has one or more placing states in which the elements are positioned such that, when clamped in the corner, the pivot point is situated between the corner and a straight line running from the first outer end to the second outer end. |
| US09282831B2 |
Food display counter
A food display counter (10) in which the chamber (14) for housing food products is closed at the upper part by a fixed longitudinal panel (22) and by a mobile longitudinal panel (24) which are arranged coplanar in a horizontal plane and the mobile panel in its open position is in a horizontal plane superimposed with respect to the fixed panel. The mobile panel is fixed at its ends respectively to a control device (27) which includes an electrical actuator (30) actuating to and fro a slider (36) with vertical guides (46), a horizontal guide (34) fixed to a sheet (28) supporting the actuator (30), same case applying to a plate (50) which supports the mobile panel and it also has a bearing (58) cooperating with an oblique cam (60) which is fixed to the sheet and determines the execution of the opening and closing movement of the mobile panel. |
| US09282828B2 |
Foam spring
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. |
| US09282827B1 |
Lifting stand for adjusting headrest
A lifting stand for adjusting headrest includes a linear drive device and a connecting link assembly. The connecting link assembly includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a first connecting link, a second connecting link, a third connecting link, and a fourth connecting link. The first and second links are pivotally connected to the first fastener, the other end of the first connecting link is pivotally connected to the third connecting link which is connected to the second fastener, and the second connecting link is pivotally connected to the fourth connecting link which is connected to the second fastener and the third connecting link. The linear drive device is connected to the first fastener, and its output end is connected to the third connecting link. The lifting stand can automatically adjust the position of the headrest and keep a nice appearance for sofas. |
| US09282823B2 |
Linking mechanism and chair
A linking mechanism includes a convex linking member and a concave linking member, which are provided to each of the chairs aligned in a left and right direction. Each of the linking members is engaged with each other so that linkage of the neighboring chairs is realized. The convex linking member includes a convex-side mounting portion, an extending portion, a notch portion, and an engaging piece. The concave linking member includes a concave-side mounting portion, an engaging projection, and a pair of engaging wall portions. |
| US09282819B2 |
Portable animal training table interlockable with like tables
A table configured to aid in the training of animals. The table can include legs that can be in multiple positions, one of which allows the legs to be stored. Multiple of such tables and/or table tops can be stacked atop each other to alter the height of the table top and still be laterally stable between the tables and/or table tops. The tables can also include projections and recesses that enable lateral interlocking of the tables to form a larger table top surface. Each table can be designed to be lightweight, portable, rigid, and stable for use as an animal training aid. |
| US09282818B2 |
Furniture ensemble with sofa table island
A furniture ensemble includes a tuxedo sofa, a two-level sofa table island piece adapted to be disposed behind the tuxedo sofa, stools or other additional seating behind the sofa table island piece, and an ottoman or, alternatively, a cocktail table with nesting footstools for further seating. The sofa table island piece has a front horizontal shelf member supported between left and right side walls and a rear counter top member a few inches higher than the front shelf. The front horizontal shelf member of the island piece is at the same level as the top of the sofa back. An open space is formed below the counter top member. Stools or similar seating units with their seat portions higher than the sofa seating space are removably stored in the island piece. This group provides seating for a group of persons with an unobstructed view of activities taking place ahead of the furniture ensemble. |
| US09282817B2 |
Support rack and method of supporting one or more elongated objects
A support rack includes a first plate extending in a first plane. At least two spaced-apart openings extend through the first plate. A second plate extends in a second plane. The second plane may be parallel to and spaced-apart from the first plane. A third plate extends from the first plate to the second plate. The third plate extends in a third plane. The third plane extends perpendicularly to both the first and second planes. At least one tab extends outwardly from the third plate and between the first and second plates. The tab extends perpendicularly to the third plane and parallel to both the first and second planes. The tab includes an opening extending therethrough. The opening of the tab is aligned with one of the openings of the first plate along a common longitudinal axis. |
| US09282813B2 |
Runner arrangement of injection mold foldable table
A foldable table includes two runners and an injection mold table frame including a tabletop and a runner arrangement integrated with the tabletop. The tabletop includes a surrounding rim downwardly extended from a peripheral of the tabletop, wherein the runners are extended along two longitudinal sides of the tabletop to align with the surrounding rim. The runner arrangement includes a plurality of injection attachments integrally and spacedly extended from an inner side of the surrounding rim. A plurality of fasteners fasten at the injection attachments respectively through each of the runners to securely lock up the runners at the longitudinal sides of the tabletop respectively. |
| US09282811B2 |
Indicator system for replacement of a brush portion of a power skin brush
The skin brush appliance includes a handle member with a replaceable brushhead assembly. The replaceable brushhead assembly includes a bristle portion which becomes worn in use to the point where it must be replaced to maintain performance of the appliance. An LED light is provided in the vicinity of the bristle portion which is controlled to come on when the bristle assembly is in need of replacement. |
| US09282810B2 |
Oral care applicator
Oral care applicators, including a tip, which can be optimized based on the desired use. |
| US09282809B2 |
Earbud holder for a belt
An earbud holder for a belt is provided. The earbud may be a speaker, headphone or the like for allowing a user to hear an audio transmission. The earbud holder moves from a closed First Position A to an open Second Position B so as to allow a user to open and store an earbud. The earbud holder has a front panel and a back panel wherein the front panel moves with respect to the back panel and wherein magnets secure the earbud holder in the closed First Position A. The earbud holder has a generally u-shaped drawer located between the front panel and the back panel for securing the earbud. |
| US09282807B1 |
Exercise rest break stool
An exercise rest break stool provides a stool including a base with foldable legs that are released and locked into an extended position via a lock-release mechanism, an attachable backrest, and two attachable trays, along with a skirt magnetically attached to the base to shield the legs from view during use. The device also includes a backpack to transport the base, the legs, the backrest and the trays on walks and along for other exercise activities for availability of the stool wherever and whenever needed for a rest break. |
| US09282805B2 |
Cosmetic unit with squeezable container
A cosmetic unit, in particular a mascara unit, having a reservoir for containing a cosmetic and having a cosmetic applicator for applying the cosmetic, in which the cosmetic applicator can be inserted into the reservoir so that it is loaded with the cosmetic contained in the reservoir, wherein at least one wall section of the reservoir is elastically embodied so that by exerting pressure on the above-mentioned region, a significant portion of the stored cosmetic can be pushed out of a reservoir region that is farther from the applicator into a reservoir region that is closer to the applicator; the region closer to the applicator is separated from the region farther from the applicator by means of a partition wall that has a plurality of through openings spaced apart from one another through which the cosmetic can be pushed into the region closer to the applicator. |
| US09282803B2 |
Ultrasonic cosmetic applicator
A portable ultrasonic cosmetic applicator for spraying makeup/sterilants onto the body or face. Eliminates the use of noisy compressors, pressurized cylinders and air lines. Characterized by a small, lightweight device without the use of cumbersome attachments or pumps. Produces a fine misty spray that is easily applied with a smaller and more uniform droplet size than commonly used spray equipment or hand applicators, thus reducing the amount of unused cosmetics. |
| US09282802B2 |
Container for fluid products, in particular perfumes, deodorants, creams and similar
A container for fluid products, in particular perfumes, deodorants, creams and the like, comprising: a holding body (2) for containing the fluid (6), preferably a perfume, deodorant or similar product; a dispensing member (3) associated with said holding body (2) and having a tube (4) to draw said fluid (6) from the holding body, and a spray head (5) to dispense the fluid drawn by said tube (4), said spray head (5) being at least partly inserted in said holding body (2). The container (1) also comprises a transponder device (8) of the near-field type. |
| US09282796B2 |
UV radiation control for disinfecting of ophthalmic lenses
The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base with a radiation source for providing disinfecting radiation to a storage case for an ophthalmic lens, such as a contact lens. The disinfecting radiation base includes a diffusing material is molded into a shape or geometry that is capable of providing disinfecting radiation to all regions of the lens being disinfected in uniform intensity and contrast. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base. |
| US09282787B2 |
Molded footwear with woven appearance and ventilation features
According to embodiments of the invention, a precursor sheet is formed by injecting an EVA-based material into a mold cavity. The mold cavity is configured to create a series of indentations through a first portion of the precursor sheet and into a second portion of the precursor sheet. The precursor sheet is removed from the mold cavity and the second portion of the precursor sheet is removed from the first portion of the precursor sheet to create an isolated sheet with a series of through-holes. The isolated sheet is then formed into a portion of a shoe. |
| US09282784B2 |
Sole structures and articles of footwear having a lightweight midsole with segmented protective elements
Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include: (a) a lightweight foam midsole component for supporting the foot; and (b) a plurality of heavier and/or denser cage components covering selected areas of the midsole component. Spaces are provided between the cage components. These spaces may be sized, shaped, and oriented to define and/or correspond to flexion lines of the foot and/or to produce a more natural flex motion to the sole. The soles additionally may include one or more outsole components, e.g., on bottom surface(s) of the cage component(s) and/or the foam midsole. These sole structures may be engaged with an upper to form a shoe. The uppers may include one or more lace receiving openings supported by elongated wire or textile components. Methods of making footwear including such uppers and/or sole structures also are described. |
| US09282783B2 |
Human locomotion assisting shoe
Embodiments of footwear, in particular, a shoe, sandal or boot, may reduce the effort and improve the performance of walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other motion involving the ankle and lower leg and Achilles tendon, through integration of force-carrying mechanisms within footwear that manage the forces and energy associated with such motion by productively harvesting and storing energy during dorsiflexion motion and releasing and returning energy during plantar flexion. One structural element of such footwear may comprise a top collar yoke having anterior and posterior gussets forming a channel and a shoe comprising a rotation zone supporting the channel and an elastomeric zone forming a tension spring via an elastomeric overlay or otherwise providing a spring-like member approximately parallel to and to assist the Achilles tendon during locomotion. |
| US09282781B2 |
Footwear with expandable entry and exit feature
Footwear includes a shaft and a shell connected to the shaft. The shaft includes an expandable portion adapted to expand to facilitate ease of entry and exit of a heel of a foot into and out of the shell. The expandable portion is surrounded by a material forming the shaft. |
| US09282780B2 |
Article of footwear for use with a prosthetic
An article of footwear for a prosthesis is provided and may include an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The article of footwear may also include a cavity having a first portion defined between the upper and the midsole that receives the prosthesis when the prosthesis is inserted into the article of footwear and a second portion having a constant dimension between the upper and the midsole along the length of the second portion. The second portion may extend in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the midsole and may receive a distal end of the prosthesis when the prosthesis is fully inserted into the article of footwear. |
| US09282774B2 |
Undergarment
An undergarment is provided that does not show through an outer garment. The undergarment includes a flexible waistband. A front panel is coupled to a front portion of the waistband, the front panel having a right corner, an opposing left corner and a center corner disposed between the right corner and left corner, the right corner, left corner and center corner being distally spaced from the waistband. A flexible first strap is coupled between the right corner and the center corner. A flexible second strap is coupled between the right corner and the center corner. |
| US09282771B2 |
Ashtray system
An ashtray system for a cigarette, cigars, and pipes is provided. The ashtray system comprises a base with a clock tower secured to the base and extending in a general direction away from the base. A clock is mounted in the clock tower. A pair of ashtrays are formed in the base. A plurality of cigarette/cigar holders are formed in the base for holding cigarettes/cigars in a substantially vertical position with each holder extending into at least one of the ashtrays. A plurality of apertures are formed in the base for holding cigarettes/cigars in a substantially vertical position. At least one storage area is formed for holding a pack of cigarettes, a pipe, tobacco, or several cigars. At least one drawer compartment is formed for holding a cigar-cutter; a pipe-tamper and cleaner; and lighters. |
| US09282770B2 |
Device for storing and smoking tobacco and tobacco-related products in an inclement weather environment
The present invention provides a hand worn smoking device comprising a glove having a burning reservoir for containing substance to be smoked, a reservoir closing feature, a smoke transport pathway, and an oral interface wherein the burning reservoir is connected to the oral interface via the smoke transport pathway allowing the burning reservoir to be in smoke communication with the oral interface during use. The present invention also includes a method of smoking the substance to be smoked using this device. |
| US09282767B1 |
Smoking article and method
A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled to a tube or shell or tube-like shape and then packaged in an unfilled or partially filled condition, one end portion of the tube or shell or tube-like shape being at least partially closed. In one embodiment, multiple sheets are rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged with one end closed or partially closed. In another embodiment, a rod that assists in loading tobacco into the shell cavity is provided. In one embodiment, the plug takes the form of a mouthpiece. |
| US09282764B1 |
Distiller grain production device
A device for producing a high density compact livestock feed from a loose granular material according to various embodiment can include a source for supplying a loose granular material to be treated and moving the treated material through a series of successive treatment zones. Rotatable screws are provided within an extruder to compress and transport the treated material a die. The treated material is pressed through the die while a two-dimensional cross-section compression is applied to the treated material. |
| US09282763B2 |
Apparatus for removing hulls from nuts
An apparatus for removing hulls from nuts includes a rotating drum with protrusions on its surface, a hulling plate and a separator plate. Rotation of the drum causes nuts deposited on an upper surface of the drum surface between the hulling plate and the separator plate to be impinged by the protrusions against the hulling plate, thereby removing the hulls and pushing the hulls through a hulling gap between the hulling plate and the upper surface of the drum, while the hulled nuts pass through a separator gap between the separator plate and the upper surface of the drum, thereby separating the hulled nuts. |
| US09282761B2 |
Bacteria isolated from fresh honey or the honey producing tract of honey bees
The invention relates to new isolated Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains which have been isolated from fresh honey having a water content above 18% by weight or from the honey producing tract of at least one bee. The bacterial strains have unique properties rendering them useful in many products such as in food and beverage products, feed products and medica products. |
| US09282756B2 |
High temperature methods of steeping grain
The application relates to a process comprising: a) steeping high amylose corn kernels at a temperature from about 71° C. to about 93° C. for a time from about 24 hours to about 72 hours; b) subjecting the high-temperature steep corn kernels to conventional wet milling; c) recovering starch with a total dietary fiber (TDF) content from about 33% to about 45% (w/w); and d) wherein the recovered starch has not been chemically modified. |
| US09282755B2 |
Heat stable concentrated dairy liquid and cream product
Disclosed are stable concentrated dairy liquids exhibiting enhanced fresh dairy flavor notes and methods of making thereof. The resultant concentrated products herein include a reduced dairy protein level and increased fat content through a cream addition. By one approach, the concentrated dairy liquids have a protein to fat ratio of about 0.4 to about 0.7 achieved through the selection of the starting dairy base and a selected cream addition. Preferably, the cream addition occurs at specific input locations in the process in order to achieve stable concentrates. |
| US09282754B2 |
Method and device for adjusting the compression in a vane cell pump
A method for adjusting the compression in the vane cell chambers in the compression region of a vane cell pump for conveying pasty substance, in particular sausage meat, and a corresponding vane cell pump, wherein the compression is adjusted by changing the guide of the vane. |
| US09282753B2 |
Venting window
A device for eliminating vacuum as the plunger is returned by venting it to the atmosphere in a patty molding machine. |
| US09282750B1 |
Online decorating system for edible products
A web-enabled standalone application may, in selected implementations, prevent received license-controlled image data from unauthorized re-use, editing, or distribution, and permits image processing, such as applying the International Color Consortium's color correction process, at the local control device. The web-enabled standalone application may further generate a printer specific byte stream based on post-image processed data, providing a color managed workflow independent of local control device operating system print drivers. |
| US09282743B2 |
Chemical compounds
Compounds of formula (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are useful as a pesticides and herbicides. |
| US09282742B2 |
Insecticidal compounds
A compound of formula (I): where A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, G1, L, R1, R2, R3, R4, Y1, Y2 and Y3 are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or N-oxide thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes and intermediates for preparing compounds of formula (I), to insecticidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal and nematicidal compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and to methods of using compounds of formula (I) to combat and control insect, acarine, mollusc and nematode pests. |
| US09282741B2 |
Aniline type compounds
The present invention relates to a crystalline form of 2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-N-[2-methyl-4-chloro-6-[(diethyl-λ4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling invertebrate pest, which method comprises contacting the invertebrate pest or their food supply, habitat, breeding grounds or their locus with a pesticidally effective amount of a crystalline form of 2-(3-chloro- 2-pyridyl)-N-[2-methyl-4-chloro-6-[(diethyl-λ4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide. |
| US09282740B2 |
Synergistic pesticidal compositions and related methods
A pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a ryanodine receptor modulator compound and a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl) -1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1 -(pyridine-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-(((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. A method of controlling pests comprises applying the pesticidal composition near a population of pests. A method of protecting a plant from infestation and attack by insects comprises contacting the plant with the synergistic pesticidal composition. |
| US09282738B2 |
Antimicrobial compositions and methods of use thereof
Described herein is a novel class of inhibitors of bacterial cell division. Several lines of evidence suggest the compounds disclosed herein specifically target the division process and have antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitors are useful for treating subject in need of treatment for bacterial infections as will as for inhibiting bacterial growth, such as growth on contaminated surfaces. |
| US09282735B2 |
Use of EDDS and calcium ions as enchancers of molluscicidal activity
A molluscicidal composition, comprising: a molluscicidal activity promoting additive comprising a calcium-containing salt of ethylene disuccinic acid or calcium ions and ethylenediamine disuccinic moieties, having at least 1 mole of calcium per mole of ethylenediamine disuccinic acid; and a carrier material edible to molluscs. |
| US09282730B2 |
Illuminated fishing lure
The present invention relates to fishing lures equipped with one or more light sources interacting and/or interfacing with one or more light transmission mediums. The light transmission medium acts to illuminate one or more areas proximate to the fishing lure to provide a natural luminance or iridescence. The light transmission medium can be made from a flexible translucent hot melt thermoplastic material extruded into a polymer lens and can be located on an outer surface of a body of the fishing lure or inside the body of the fishing lure. The light transmission medium can also be provided in the form of a soft flexible component made from Plastisol or other similar translucent materials. The light source can be embedded in or located proximate to the light transmission medium to amplify, intensify, and/or disperse light along the light transmission medium to provide a natural looking luminescence to the fishing lure. |
| US09282724B2 |
Pet toy with noise making device activated by expansion and contraction of toy
The invention is a pet toy with a noise making device secured therein and activated by at least one of a compression force, tension force, or combinations thereof applied to the pet toy. A preferred embodiment includes a flexible and resilient body with a noisemaking device disposed within the body and mounted to an elastic base secured to an interior surface of the body. The device includes a flexible or elastomeric bladder with a noisemaking element mounted within the bladder. Deformation of the bladder by applied forces allows air to pass through the noisemaking device, thereby producing sound. The invention also includes a method of activating a noise making device of the pet toy by a selected one, or a combination of forces applied to the toy. |
| US09282721B2 |
System and method of use of gyroscopic forces on animal equilibrium
An animal training system is disclosed. Said animal training system comprises a one or more gyroscopic assemblies each having a one or more rotors, a one or more gyroscope brackets, a power source attached to a one or more engines, and a one or more gyroscopic resistance forces. Said one or more rotors each comprise an axis. Said one or more gyroscope brackets attaching said one or more gyroscopic assemblies to an animal. Said one or more engines transmit a torque to said one or more rotors. Said one or more gyroscopic resistance forces are generated by rotating said one or more rotors in said one or more gyroscopic assemblies. |
| US09282720B2 |
Arrangement of milking box stalls
A system includes a first milking box stall cluster comprising a first plurality of milking box stalls and a first robotic attacher associated with the first milking box stall cluster. The first robotic attacher is positioned to service each of the first plurality of milking box stalls. The system further includes a second milking box cluster comprising a second plurality of milking box stalls. It is positioned adjacent to the first milking box stall cluster. A second robotic attacher is associated with the second milking box stall cluster and is positioned to service each of the second plurality of milking box stalls. |
| US09282719B2 |
Covering for a pet crate
A covering for an animal crate is described. In accordance with one implementation, a covering is configured to prevent an amount of an animal's hair, dirt, or mess created by the animal from escaping through at least one aperture located on a lower portion of a wall of a crate. The covering comprises a panel operably attached to the lower portion of the wall of the crate. The panel is of a length and height sufficient to prevent an amount of the animal's hair, dirt, or mess created by the animal from escaping through the at least one aperture located on the lower portion of the wall of the crate. |
| US09282718B2 |
Milking box with robotic attacher
In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. |
| US09282715B2 |
Darlington lettuce variety
A new lettuce variety designated ‘Darlington’ is described. ‘Darlington’ is an iceberg lettuce variety exhibiting stability and uniformity. |
| US09282710B2 |
Soybean variety 01051522
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051522. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051522. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051522 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051522 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09282709B2 |
Soybean variety 01046794
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046794. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046794. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046794 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046794 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09282704B1 |
Maize inbred PH1V7G
A novel maize variety designated PH1V7G and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1V7G with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1V7G through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1V7G or a locus conversion of PH1V7G with another maize variety. |
| US09282703B1 |
Maize inbred PH24WZ
A novel maize variety designated PH24WZ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH24WZ with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH24WZ through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH24WZ or a locus conversion of PH24WZ with another maize variety. |
| US09282695B2 |
Electric power mower
An electric wheeled apparatus comprises a main body, at least one wheel supported by the main body in a rotatable manner; an electric motor configured to apply torque to the at least one wheel, a battery interface configured to removably receive at least one battery pack which is originally designed as a power source of an electric power tool, and an electric circuit unit configured to electrically connect the at least one battery pack attached to the battery interface with the electric motor. |
| US09282693B2 |
Data encoding with planting attributes
A controller controls a device to vary the at least one attribute for each of a plurality of individual plants so as to form a pattern of attributes that encodes data for later recovery. |
| US09282691B2 |
Air seed meter disc with flow directing pockets
A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor. |
| US09288930B2 |
Thermal energy storage with a phase-change material in a non-metal container
A thermal energy storage apparatus that absorbs thermal energy from a heat-generating device is described. In one aspect, the thermal energy storage apparatus comprises a non-metal container and a phase-change material. The non-metal container is configured to receive the heat-generating device thereon. The phase-change material is contained in the non-metal container and configured to absorb at least a portion of heat from the heat-generating device through the non-metal container. |
| US09288924B2 |
Desktop receptacle with mounting plate
A desktop receptacle assembly includes a box having a bottom surface, an electrical connection assembly held within the box, a first finger connected to the bottom surface that has a first portion connected to the bottom surface and a second portion connected to the first portion, the first portion having a first width and the second portion having a second width that is greater than the first width, and a mounting plate associated with the bottom surface that includes at least one bracket and a first finger opening associated with the first finger. The first finger opening has a first opening width corresponding to the first width of the first finger and a second opening width corresponding to the second width of the first finger. |
| US09288923B2 |
Field device
A field device with a housing for accommodating an electronics unit. The housing is pot shaped and composed of a non-conductive material, wherein at least one line guide passageway with a screw thread is provided on the housing, wherein the line guide passageway is provided with a conductive coating in the region of the thread, and wherein the screw thread has at least one groove in at least one region extending in the axial direction of the line guide passageway. |
| US09288920B1 |
Electronic device holder
An electronic device holder comprises an elongated main body, a handle affixed to the main body, and a U-shaped bracket for holding an electronic device. The bracket is slidably and rotatably engaged with the main body such that the bracket is selectively slidable along at least a portion of a length of the main body and such that the bracket is selectively rotatable at least between a first position that is parallel to the main body and a second position that is perpendicular to the main body. |
| US09288916B2 |
Electronic device, cable coupling structure, and method of fabricating electronic device
A structure includes a substrate on a surface of which a functional element and a first electrode are disposed, wherein the functional element provides a predetermined function by an operation based on an electrical signal and the first electrode is coupled to the functional element; an insulating member in a thin film that covers the surface of the substrate and extends from an end of the substrate; and a second electrode disposed on a substrate-side surface of the extending portion, which is extending from the end of the substrate, of the insulating member, wherein the second electrode is coupled to the first electrode. The second electrode is electrically coupled to a coaxial cable. |
| US09288910B2 |
Substrate with built-in electronic component and method for manufacturing substrate with built-in electronic component
A substrate with a built-in electronic component includes multiple resin insulating layers including first, second, third and fourth insulating layers, multiple conductor layers including a first wiring layer including a first pad, a second wiring layer including a second pad, and a third wiring layer including third and fourth pads, multiple via conductors including a first via connecting the first and second pads through the second insulating layer, a second via connecting the second and third pads through the third and fourth insulating layers, and a third via connected to the fourth pad through the fourth insulating layer, and an electronic component positioned a cavity through the second and third insulating layers such that the third via is connecting terminal of the component and fourth pad. The second and third vias have filled plating filling opening portions through the third and fourth insulating layers and through the fourth insulating layer. |
| US09288904B2 |
Halogen-free resin composition, copper clad laminate using the same, and printed circuit board using the same
A halogen-free resin composition includes (A) 100 parts by weight of epoxy resin; (B) 10 to 100 parts by weight of benzoxazine resin; (C) 5 to 50 parts by weight of diallylbisphenol A resin; and (D) 0.05 to 20 parts by weight of an amine curing agent. The halogen-free resin composition includes specific ingredients and proportions thereof to attain low dielectric constant (Dk), low dissipation factor (Df), high heat resistance, and high flame retardation. The halogen-free resin composition is suitable for producing a prepreg or a resin film and thus applicable to copper clad laminates and printed circuit boards. |
| US09288903B2 |
Printed circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
A plurality of conductor traces are formed on a porous base insulating layer made of porous ePTFE. Each conductor trace has a laminated structure of a seed layer and a conductor layer. A cover insulating layer is formed on the base insulating layer to cover each conductor trace. The ePTFE used as the porous base insulating layer has continuous pores. An average pore size of the ePTFE is not less than 0.05 μm and not more than 1.0 μm. |
| US09288898B2 |
Reconfigurable stretchable connector substrate
Systems and methods are disclosed that include electrically connecting multiple electrical components via an electrical connection that extends through a common conductor substrate. The electrical components are bonded or otherwise secured to the common conductor substrate and the electrical connection extends between the multiple electrical components. The multiple electrical components may be components fabricated by different methods, such as photolithography and printed circuitry, and may be of different heights. The common conductor substrate is stretchable and may be a mesh configuration is some examples. |
| US09288890B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing an anisotropic and mono-energetic neutral beam by non-ambipolar electron plasma
Embodiments include a chemical processing apparatus and method of using the chemical processing apparatus to treat a substrate with a mono-energetic space-charge neutralized neutral beam-activated chemical process which is comprised of a substantially anisotropic beam of neutral particles. The chemical processing apparatus comprises a first plasma chamber for forming a first plasma at a first plasma potential, and a second plasma chamber for forming a second plasma at a second plasma potential greater than the first plasma potential, wherein the second plasma is formed using electron flux from the first plasma. Further, the chemical processing apparatus comprises an ungrounded dielectric (insulator) neutralizer grid configured to expose a substrate in the second plasma chamber to the substantially anisotropic beam of neutral particles traveling from the neutralizer grid. |
| US09288887B2 |
Plasma arc torch with secondary starting circuit and electrode
A plasma arc torch includes an electrode, a tip, a third element, and a secondary power circuit. The electrode is disposed within the plasma arc torch and adapted for electrical connection to a cathodic side of a power supply. The tip is positioned distally from the electrode and adapted for electrical connection to an anodic side of the power supply during piloting. A plasma chamber is formed between the electrode and the tip. The third element is disposed near a proximal end of the plasma chamber. The secondary power circuit is disposed proximate the plasma arc torch and in electrical communication with the third element. The secondary power circuit is configured to generate a high voltage pulse on the third element using input to secondary power circuit to initiate a first arc to start the plasma arc torch. |
| US09288884B2 |
Discharge lamp lighting device, discharge lamp lighting method, and projector
A discharge lamp lighting method for controlling lighting of a discharge lamp includes varying an amount of generation (current value) of overshoot and undershoot generated in a waveform of a drive current that is applied when driving the discharge lamp, according to a magnitude of drive power supplied to the discharge lamp and a drive mode. |
| US09288882B2 |
Light sharpening for energy lighting
Methods and systems herein provide for determining lighting contributions of light fixtures to an environment. In one embodiment, a system includes a light sensor and a controller. The light sensor generates light level data based on measured light levels. The controller determines a nominal light level based on the light level data, and identifies an optical burst pattern in the light level data generated by a light fixture. The controller then determines a lighting contribution of the light fixture based on the optical burst pattern and the nominal light level. |
| US09288877B2 |
Sensor module for a lighting fixture
A sensor module is integrated into a lighting fixture. The sensor module includes one or more environmental sensors and can be readily installed in or removed from the lighting fixture. In one embodiment, a heatsink of the lighting fixture is configured to receive the sensor module. Readings from the environmental sensors may be passed to control electronics associated with the lighting fixture and used to control the light output of the lighting fixture. The readings may also be passed on to other lighting fixtures, which may also use the readings to control their light output. |
| US09288876B2 |
Method and device for automatically controlling state indicator of terminal device
Provided are a method and device for automatically controlling a state indicator of a terminal device. The method comprises: brightness of a working environment of a terminal device is detected in real time to acquire a brightness signal of the working environment of the terminal device; a current electric level value of the brightness signal is determined according to a variation of the electric level value of the brightness signal within a preset duration; the current electric level value is determined as a light-on electric level value or a light-off electric level value by using a preset threshold; and the state indicator of the terminal device is controlled to carry out a light-on or light-off operation according to the determined light-on electric level value or light-off electric level value. |
| US09288874B2 |
Turning off multiple fluorescent lamps simultaneously using RF-enabled lamp starter units
A multi-lamp fluorescent light fixture includes a plurality of replaceable fluorescent lamp starter units. Each starter unit has a built-in microcontroller, an RF (Radio-Frequency) receiver, and communicates wirelessly with a master unit. Each starter unit can be wirelessly controlled to turn off coupled fluorescent lamps. Each starter unit receives a turn off command, monitors the AC voltage supplied to coupled lamps, and initiates turn off when the AC voltage reaches a threshold voltage stored in a memory of the microcontroller. In one novel aspect, each threshold voltage is selected such that turn off of lamps coupled to each starter is initiated within one millisecond. Systems of existing light fixtures are retrofitted with such wireless starter units, and thereby made controllable by a master unit so that the master unit can turn off the lights if room occupancy is not detected or if sufficient ambient light is available. |
| US09288871B2 |
Actuation of a lighting module
A circuit for actuating a lighting module, comprising at least two semiconductor light-emitting elements (D1, D2) which are connected in series in a first operating mode; wherein, in the event of a predetermined threshold value for an operating voltage (101) being undershot, a second operating mode is detectable (102); and wherein, in the second operating mode, the at least two semiconductor light-emitting elements (D1, D2) are alternately actuable. |
| US09288868B2 |
Collecting/recycling system of organic EL lighting device
A collecting/recycling system includes: information collecting section 10 that obtains a status of the organic EL panel used in a market; information processing section 20 that processes and stores, as collection/recycling information, information about a reutilizable member, part, and material of the organic EL panel; collection/recycling predicting section 30 that predicts the timing and quantity of the reutilizable member, part, and material of the organic EL panel, whose the status has been obtained by information collecting section 10, to be distributed to a recycling step based on the collection/recycling information stored in information processing section 20; and production plan setting section 40 that sets a production plan of a recycled organic EL panel using the reutilizable member/part/material based on the timing and quantity predicted by collection/recycling predicting section 30. |
| US09288867B2 |
Linear solid-state lighting with a wide range of input voltage and frequency free of fire and shock hazards
A linear light-emitting diode (LED)-based solid-state universal lamp using an all-in-one LED driving circuit with a power factor correction (PFC) and control device operates normally for a regulated power and current from either electronic ballast or AC mains. The all-in-one LED driving circuit is configured to operate in a wide range of input voltages and frequencies, especially for various high voltages and high frequencies associated with various electronic ballasts. With a cycle-by-cycle current control and power switching at a constant on-time and varied off-time, an over-rated surge current is limited, preventing occasional fire hazards occurred in the ballast. When two shock protection switches are used in two lamp bases in the lamp, the universal lamp fully protects a person from possible electric shock during initial installation and re-lamping. |