最新美国发明专利第2016-04-26期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US09322079B2	Method for recovering copper from a copper sulphide ore The invention relates to a method whereby copper is recovered from a copper sulphide ore containing pyrite. According to the method the ore is ground and leached into a solution containing sulfuric acid in atmospheric conditions by means of trivalent copper. As the copper sulphide leaches out, the trivalent iron is reduced to divalent and is oxidized back to trivalent by means of oxygen during leaching. Leaching is carried out in a closed reactor, where the undissolved gas rising from the solution in the supper section of the reactor is circulated back into the suspension of solution, solids and gas. leaching is performed in the presence of both divalent and trivalent iron and preferably with the dissolved copper acting as a catalyst to promote leaching. The conditions are adjusted to be such that the pyrite of the ore essentially does not dissolve.
US09322077B2	Method for obtaining metals and rare earth metals from scrap The method is used to obtain metals, noble metals, and rare earth metals from scrap. The aim of the invention is to provide a method that allows an efficient recovery even from electronic scrap. This is achieved in that the scrap and carbon-containing materials (A) are oxidized with oxygen containing gases (11) in the presence of alkaline materials under overall reducing conditions with an overall lambda of <1 in an updraft gasifier (2) with a bulk material moving bed, said gasifier having a reduction zone (13) and an oxidation zone (7). The resulting syngas is drawn at the upper part (16) of the updraft gasifier, and the metals, noble metals, and rare earth metals are bound at least partly to the alkaline materials as oxides and/or in elementary form. Finally, said metals are obtained from the process as an enriched mixture (B) by means of physical separation methods.
US09322073B1	Preparation of flux lime for a BOF converter including conversion of troublesome fines to high quality fluidized lime Crushed flux lime to be used in a BOF converter is processed to minimize waste dust, obviate environmental complications caused by high pH in waste water, and to utilize a very high percentage of the original crushed lime for useful products. The crushed flux lime is screened to provide a fine grain fraction and a modified flux lime fraction. Only a small percentage of the modified flux lime fraction is dust which may be removed in a dust collection system, and the modified flux lime fraction is then passed to the BOF converter. The fine grain fraction is made into a highly fluidized lime of very small dimensions by pulverizing it further in the presence of a fluidizing agent.
US09322070B2	Reporter constructs for compound screening The instant description provides reporter constructs, transgenic cells, and transgenic organisms and methods for identifying agents that can regulate gene expression and improve plant performance and yield. Compounds that increase plant performance or yield are identified by contacting a test compound with a plant cell that comprises a target promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding a DNA sequence-specific transactivator, and a reporter polynucleotide that is operably linked to a promoter sequence that is recognized by the DNA sequence-specific transactivator. The target promoter sequence can be recognized by a transcriptional regulatory polypeptide capable of modulating specific signaling pathways that enhance plant performance or yield.
US09322069B2	Elite event A2704-12 and methods and kits for identifying such event in biological samples Tools are provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification elite event A207-12 in biological samples.
US09322065B2	Methods for determining methylation of the TWIST1 gene for bladder cancer detection Disclosed are methods of detecting a predisposition to, or the incidence of, bladder cancer in a sample comprising detecting an epigenetic change, such as methylation, in at least one gene selected from TWIST1, NID2, RUNX3, BMP7, CCNA1, PDLIM4, TNFRSF25, APC, RASSF1A, LOXL1, TUBB4, NTRK2, ARFGAP3, OSMR and TJP2, or a panel thereof. Also disclosed are kits for performing the disclosed methods, such as kits for detecting a predisposition to, or the incidence of, bladder cancer in a sample comprising at least one primer pair for determining the methylation status of each of NID2, TWIST1 and RUNX3. The kits may contain means for processing a urine sample.
US09322063B2	Efficient biomolecule recycling method and system A technique is disclosed for recapturing and recycling biomolecule reagents. The technique may be applied in a range of settings, including biopolymer synthesis, sequencing, and so forth. Biomolecule reagents such as nucleotides and oligonucleotides used to process nucleic acids, which may be marked with fluorescent tags, carry blocking agents, and so forth, are introduced to samples in a sample container. After the desired reaction occurs with some of the biomolecule reagents, such as some of the nucleotides or oligonucleotides, the effluent stream is processed to recapture unreacted biomolecule reagents. These may be separated from other reaction components, and recycled into the same or a different sample container. The recaptured biomolecule reagents may be mixed with additional biomolecule reagents prior to reintroduction to the same or different samples.
US09322062B2	Process for biosensor well formation A biochip for molecular detection and sensing is disclosed. The biochip includes a substrate. The biochip includes a plurality of discrete sites formed on the substrate having a density of greater than five hundred wells per square millimeter. Each discrete site includes sidewalls disposed on the substrate to form a well. Each discrete site includes an electrode disposed at the bottom of the well. In some embodiments, the wells are formed such that cross-talk between the wells is reduced. In some embodiments, the electrodes disposed at the bottom of the wells are organized into groups of electrodes, wherein each group of electrodes shares a common counter electrode. In some embodiments, the electrode disposed at the bottom of the well has a dedicated counter electrode. In some embodiments, surfaces of the sidewalls are silanized such that the surfaces facilitate the forming of a membrane in or adjacent to the well.
US09322057B2	Methods for nucleic acid manipulation A method for replicating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence is described. A method of the invention involves the formation of a recombination intermediate without the prior denaturing of a nucleic acid duplex through the use of a recombination factor. The recombination intermediate is treated with a high fidelity polymerase to permit the replication and amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence. In preferred embodiments, the polymerase comprises a polymerase holoenzyme. In further preferred embodiments, the recombination factor is bacteriophage T4 UvsX protein or homologs from other species, and the polymerase holoenzyme comprises a polymerase enzyme, a clamp protein and a clamp loader protein, derived from viral, bacteriophage, prokaryotic, archaebacterial, or eukaryotic systems.
US09322055B2	System and method for determining copies-per-unit-volume using PCR and flow control of droplets Methods and systems for quantification of a target nucleic acid in a sample are provided. The method includes forming a plurality of discrete sample portions. Each of the plurality of discrete sample portions comprising a portion of the sample, and a reaction mixture. The method further includes amplifying the plurality of discrete sample portions to form a plurality of discrete processed sample portions. At least one discrete processed sample portion containing nucleic acid amplification reaction products. Fluorescence signals are detected from the at least one of the plurality of discrete processed sample portions to determine a presence of the at least one target nucleic acid. The method also includes determining the respective volumes of the plurality of the plurality of discrete processed sample portions, and estimating the number of copies-per-unit-volume of the at least one target nucleic acid in the sample. Estimating the number of copies-per-unit-volume is based on the number of discrete processed sample portions determined to contain the at least one target nucleic acid therein.
US09322047B2	Methods of and devices for capturing circulating tumor cells A device and methods are provided for efficient and quick capture of target cells through a main microchannel having capture elements immobilized thereon and manipulating a velocity profile of a sample as it passes through the main microchannel. The cell capture device may have a main microchannel with a depth slightly larger than the diameter of the target cells and a plurality of side microchannels. The side microchannels may have a depth smaller than the diameter of the target cells. The device and methods may be used for early cancer detection.
US09322044B2	Method for producing phosphoserine incorporated proteins by using SepRS mutants and EF-Tu mutants The present invention relates to a method of producing a phosphorylated protein using a SepRS (O-phosphoseryl-tRNA synthetase) mutant and an EF-Tu mutant, which have increased activity. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of producing a phosphorylated protein by incorporating phosphoserine into the specific position of a target protein or polypeptide using tRNASep serving to recognize at least one codon in the mRNA of the target protein or polypeptide, an O-phosphoseryl-tRNA synthetase (SepRS) mutant selected by a molecular evolution technique and serving to aminoacylate tRNASep with phosphoserine (Sep), and an EF-Tu mutant serving to bind and deliver Sep-tRNASep to the ribosome.According to the invention, a phosphorylated protein can be produced in an amount of mg per liter using the SepRS and EF-Tu mutants. Thus, the invention is useful for the production of various phosphorylated proteins, including phosphorylated enzymes, the production of antibodies, the fabrication of protein chips, and cell-based screening for new drug development.
US09322039B2	Compositions and methods for producing benzylisoquinoline alkaloids The present invention relates to host cells that produce compounds that are characterized as benzylisoquinolines, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof. The host cells comprise one, two or more heterologous coding sequences wherein each of the heterologous coding sequences encodes an enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of a benzylisoquinoline, or its precursors or intermediates from a starting compound. The invention also relates to methods of producing the benzylisoquinoline, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof by culturing the host cells under culture conditions that promote expression of the enzymes that produce the benzylisoquinoline or precursors or intermediates thereof.
US09322038B2	Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation(SSF) of lignocellulosic biomass for single cell oil production by oleaginous microorganisms Methods for producing lipids from lignocellulosic biomass are provided. Sugars produced by pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass are utilized by heterotrophic oleaginous fungi or yeast to increase their biomass and to produce lipids without prior detoxification of the pretreated biomass. After the fungi/yeast are cultured with the sugars, solid residues from the pretreated biomass are combined with the fungi/yeast under conditions which allow simultaneous 1) enzymatic degradation of cellulose and/or hemicellulose to produce sugars and 2) fermentation of the sugars for further increases in biomass and lipid production.
US09322029B2	Transgenic plants with reduced nitrate content The present invention relates to genetic constructs, which can be used in the preparation of transgenic plants. The constructs can have the ability of reducing nitrate concentration in the plant, in particular the plant's leaves, and for inducing a senescence-like phenotype. The invention extends to plant cells transformed with such constructs, and to the transgenic plants themselves. The invention also relates to methods of producing transgenic plants, and to methods of reducing nitrate content in plants. The invention also relates to harvested plant leaves, for example tobacco leaves, that have been transformed with the genetic constructs, and to various tobacco articles, such as smoking articles, comprising such harvested plant leaves.
US09322021B2	Methods for modulating kallikrein (KLKB1) expression Disclosed herein are methods for decreasing kallikrein and treating or preventing thromboembolic conditions in an individual in need thereof. Examples of disease conditions that can be ameliorated with the administration of antisense compounds targeted to kallikrein include thrombosis, embolism, and thromboembolism, such as, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Methods for inhibiting kallikrein can also be used as a prophylactic treatment to prevent individuals at risk for thrombosis and embolism.
US09322020B2	RNA interference mediated inhibition of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene expression The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of IDH1 and mutant IDH1 gene expression and/or activity, and/or modulate an IDH1 or mutant IDH1 gene expression pathway. Specifically, the invention relates to double-stranded nucleic acid molecules, including small nucleic acid molecules such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules, that are capable of mediating or that mediate RNA interference (RNAi) against IDH1 or mutant IDH1 gene expression.
US09322018B2	Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) iRNA compositions and methods of use thereof The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) compositions targeting the ANGPTL3 gene, as well as methods of inhibiting expression of ANGPTL3 and methods of treating subjects having a disorder of lipid metabolism, such as hyperlipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia, using such dsRNA compositions.
US09322016B2	MicroRNA-based methods and assays for osteosarcoma Provided are methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of osteosarcoma. Antisense to certain microRNA (miRNA) found to be associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells (TICs) of osteosarcoma are useful to suppress tumor growth and metastasis, and prolong survival. Antisense oligonucleotides to miR-133a are synergistic in combination with standard chemotherapy such as cisplatin in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
US09322014B1	Multiplexed microfluidic approach for nucleic acid enrichment A system for enhancing a nucleic acid sample may include a one pump, a denaturing chamber; a microfluidic hydroxyapatite chromatography device configured for performing hydroxyapatite chromatography on the nucleic acid sample, a sample collector, and tubing connecting the pump with the denaturing chamber, the hydroxyapatite chromatography device and the sample collector such that the pump may be used to move the nucleic acid sample from the denaturing chamber to the hydroxyapatite chromatography device and then to the sample collector.
US09322011B2	Fusion protein for secretory protein expression There is provided a fusion protein suitable for secretion of more than one polypeptide(s) of interest (POI) comprising a signal peptide, a POI, a passenger domain comprising a beta stem domain from an autotransporter protein, and a translocator domain from an autotransporter protein, wherein the beta stem-forming sequence of the passenger domain is essentially intact and the POI(s) is/are fused to the beta stem domain.
US09322008B2	Mutants of L-asparaginase The present invention relates to a mutant of L-asparaginase enzyme characterized in having high thermostability, pH stability and no glutaminase activity useful for therapeutics and the process of preparing the same. The present invention specifically relates to mutants MTCC 5580, MTCC 5581 and MTCC 5582 characterized in having higher stability, no glutaminase activity etc., to allow their usage in the form of improved protein therapeutics.
US09322004B2	Method of producing fatty acid alkyl ester using microorganisms having ability to produce oil The present invention relates to a method of producing a fatty acid alkyl ester using microorganisms having the ability to produce oil, and more particularly to a method of producing a fatty acid alkyl ester, the method comprising culturing microorganisms having the ability to produce oil, thus accumulating a large amount of oil in the microorganisms, inducing the autolysis of the produced oil in the microorganisms to produce a free fatty acid, and converting the free fatty acid into an alkyl ester. According to the method of the present invention, oil accumulated in microorganisms, such as triacylglycerol that is typical oil produced by microorganisms, can be converted into a fatty acid alkyl ester with high efficiency using a metabolic engineering approach. Thus, the method of the present invention is useful for the industrial production of a fatty acid alkyl ester which has been recently found to be effective as biodiesel.
US09321997B2	Tissue modeling in embryonic stem (ES) cell system Provided are embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived tissue modeling systems. In particular, systems for the de novo generation of tissue by parallel drug selection of cell types constituting the tissue of interest in one culture of differentiating ES cells is described as well as the use of such systems in transplantation and drug development.
US09321993B2	Tissue culture method for producing cartilage using trimethylamine N-oxide and chondroitinase The present disclosure provides cell culture medium comprising trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Progenitor cells cultured with such medium can form connective tissue with enhanced mechanical properties. Also provided are methods of forming connective tissue and methods of treatment for connective tissue defects.
US09321992B2	Cell targeting methods and compositions In certain aspects, the invention relates to cell delivery compositions comprising a chondrogenic cell and a targeting moiety. Such compositions may be used, for example, in administering a targeted cell therapy to a subject.
US09321988B2	Gas and liquid tissue culture interface An apparatus and method is described for culturing and conditioning cells on a sample. The apparatus includes a fluid delivery system that transmits gas to a first surface of a sample and transmits liquid to an opposite surface of the sample without transmitting liquid onto the first surface. Further, while culturing cells on the sample, the apparatus enables a constant or variable tension and shear stress applied to the sample. The apparatus may thus, for example, be used to culture cells on an external surface of a tissue construct with air and culture cells underneath the tissue construct with a cell growth media. The fluid delivery system may alternatively transmit liquid cell growth media underneath and on the sides of the tissue construct without flowing onto a designated external surface of the tissue construct. In this manner, cells may be cultured on the tissue construct while stretching and relaxing the tissue and further simulating a dissimilar environment on opposite surfaces of the tissue construct.
US09321987B2	Encapsulated benefit agents The invention provides improved deposition and reduced leakage benefits from a particle comprising: (a) a core comprising a benefit agent; (b) a shell, wherein the shell comprises a crosslinked, hydrophobically modified polyvinyl alcohol, which comprises a crosslinking agent comprising i) a first dextran aldehyde having a molecular weight of from 2,000 to 50,000 Da; and ii) a second dextran aldehyde having a molecular weight of from greater than 50,000 to 2,000,000 Da.
US09321978B1	Fire kindler A fire kindler (8) comprised of a comfortably portable geometrically shaped quartered plate of combustible material having a variable plurality of horizontal apertures therethrough which extract additional evolving gases into immediate combustion for extra heat and which operates in an elevated vertical position between two parallel logs so to present a common lower crest (18A) which bifurcates into a symmetric divergent communal acclivity of surfaces (10), (12), and (14A) which rise into opposite common divergent convergent junctions (16) whereby symmetric surfaces (14B) rise convergently to terminate at vertical height in a common upper crest (18B) so that fire kindler (8) is easy to ignite and will convergently and prominently direct combustion into a hotter and steadier solitary flame whereby potential heat is aimed at a localized area of any intended fuel placed above it. Thus, developing a hot spot on the firewood which increases entropy and rate of ignition.
US09321976B1	Hydroxyalkyl substituted succinimides and fuels containing them A fuel composition and method for reducing friction or wear and improving fuel economy in an engine. The fuel composition includes gasoline and from about 10 to about 750 ppm by weight based on a total weight of the fuel composition of a hydroxyalkyl hydrocarbyl-substituted succinimide compound having at least two hydroxyl groups attached to a tertiary nitrogen atom of a polyamino group through a hydrocarbyl link, wherein the hydroxyalkyl hydrocarbyl-substituted succinimide is devoid of primary and secondary amino groups.
US09321974B2	Process for mild hydrocracking of heavy hydrocarbon fractions with optimized thermal integration This invention describes a process for mild hydrocracking of heavy hydrocarbon fractions of the vacuum distillate type or the deasphalted oil type with optimized thermal integration for the purpose of reducing the cost of the exchangers that are used as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
US09321972B2	Energy-efficient and environmentally advanced configurations for naptha hydrotreating process Systems and methods of hydrotreating different naphtha feed stocks destined for a refining reforming unit and other applications with less energy consumption than conventionally possible, while producing less greenhouse gas emissions, and/or using a lesser number of heaters and correspondingly less capital investment in such heaters, air coolers, and water coolers, are provided. According to the more examples of such systems and methods, such reductions are accomplished by directly integrating a naphtha stripping process section with a naphtha splitting process section. Additional reductions can also be accomplished through directly integrating a naphtha hydrotreat reaction process section with the naphtha stripping process section.
US09321971B2	Removal of asphaltene contaminants from hydrocarbon streams using carbon based adsorbents A process and adsorption vessel are provided for adsorbing asphaltenes from a hydrocarbon stream. Additionally, a process and adsorption vessel are provided for steam cracking a hydrocarbon stream containing asphaltenes by adsorbing asphaltenes from the hydrocarbon stream prior to steam cracking. Asphaltene adsorption is achieved through a carbon adsorbent having at least 25% of total pore volume provided by pores with pore diameter in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 micrometers and an oil adsorption number of at least 200.
US09321967B2	Oil sands extraction A process for the separation of high purity organic fractions from oil sands is disclosed.
US09321966B2	Method for carbonization of crop straws The present invention is to provide a method for carbonification of crop straws and a device thereof. Pyrolysis process is controlled by regulating the feeding of oxygen during said pyrolysis process, and pyrolysis and carbonification are respectively conducted in separate pyrolysis and carbonification pools, wherein the straws are pyrolyzed in said pyrolysis pool and entered into said carbonification pool to be carbonified. The present invention can quickly raise the temperature of the pyrolysis process, shorten the time of the pyrolysis process, and improve the pyrolysis carbonification efficiency.
US09321965B2	Flat push coke wet quenching apparatus and process A method and apparatus for quenching metallurgical coke made in a coking oven. The method includes pushing a unitary slab of incandescent coke onto a substantially planar receiving surface of an enclosed quenching car so that substantially all of the coke from the coking oven is pushed as a unitary slab onto the receiving surface of the quenching car. The slab of incandescent coke is quenched in an enclosed environment within the quenching car with a plurality of water quench nozzles while submerging at least a portion of the slab of incandescent coke by raising a water level in the quenching car. Subsequent to quenching the coke, the planar receiving surface is tilted to an angle sufficient to slide the quenched coke off of the planar receiving surface and onto a product collection conveyer and sufficient to drain water from the quenched coke.
US09321964B2	Method and apparatus for the energy densification of a material in the form of divided solids, with a view to obtaining pyrolysis oils for energy purposes A method and installation for energy densification of a material to obtain pyrolytic oils for energy. The method includes preconditioning the material by heating and drying to raise the material temperature close to 100° C. and a relative humidity not exceeding about 10%; pyrolyzing the material that is subsequently caused to flow through a substantially hermetic reactor containing at least one transfer screw or vibrating tube heated by the Joule effect, the material heated progressively in the range of 300° C. to 850° C., the electrical power passing through the transfer screw or the vibrating tube for providing heating regulated as a function of the material in order to obtain the desired temperature level during the transit time of the material through the reactor; extracting pyrolysis gas from a high portion of the reactor for rapid recondensation in a vertical condenser; and recovering pyrolytic oils from a low portion of the vertical condenser.
US09321963B2	Flame-retardant styrene thermoplastic resin composition and molded product thereof A flame-retardant styrene thermoplastic resin composition including 6 to 15 parts by weight of a phosphoric acid ester flame retardant (II) and 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of an aromatic carbonate oligomer (III) having a viscosity average molecular weight [Mv] of 1,000 to 10,000 with respect to 100 parts by weight of a styrene resin (I), and molded products thereof have excellent flame retardancy, mechanical properties and moldability.
US09321962B2	Liquid crystal orientation layer Linearly photopolymerized (LPP) orientation layers for liquid crystals, that is to say liquid crystal orientation layers, are oriented and crosslinked by means of linearly polarized light. The properties of an LPP orientation layer, such as the angle of tilt, surface wetting, voltage holding ratio and anchoring energy, can be adjusted and/or improved by mixing further substances into the starting material for the preparation of the orientation layer.
US09321961B2	Nematic liquid crystal composition Provided is a liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal composition containing two or more compounds selected from compounds represented by general formula (LC0-1) to general formula (LC0-3), and one or more compounds selected from groups of compounds represented by general formula (LC1) to general formula (LC5). The liquid crystal composition has features of a large Δ∈ and a low viscosity, and provides a practical, highly reliable liquid crystal display element that can realize low-voltage driving and high-speed response. The liquid crystal composition is useful for an active matrix driving liquid crystal display element. The liquid crystal composition can be applied to a liquid crystal display element of an IPS mode or the like.
US09321955B2	Methods and compositions for stimulating the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations Methods for treating an oil or gas well having a wellbore and selecting compositions for treating an oil or gas well having a wellbore.
US09321954B2	Consolidation compositions for use in subterranean formation operations Methods comprising providing a consolidation composition comprising the reaction product of a liquid curable resin and a liquid curing agent, wherein the liquid curable resin is an epoxy-functionalized alkoxysilane and wherein the liquid curing agent is selected from the group consisting of: a polyamine; a hydrophobically modified polyamine; a polyimine; a hydrophobically modified polyimine; a polyalcohol; hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide; a hydrophobically modified polyacrylate; and any combination thereof; coating proppant particulates with the consolidation composition, thereby creating coated proppant particulates; introducing the coated proppant particulates into a subterranean formation and placing the coated proppant particulates into a fracture therein; and curing the consolidation composition so as to consolidate the coated proppant particulates in the fracture and form a proppant pack therein.
US09321949B2	Adhesive, thermally conductive, electrical insulators According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of adhesive, thermally conductive electrically insulators. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material includes 4 to 40 parts by weight of a macromolecular matrix material; 1 to 20 parts by weight of an adhesive additive; and 40 to 85 parts by weight of thermally conductive electrically insulating particles. The adhesive additive includes a reactive group that is the same as or similar to at least one curable active group in the macromolecular matrix material.
US09321944B2	Easily dismantlable adhesive agent composition and easily dismantlable adhesive tape Suitable adhesive properties and dismantling properties can be obtained, and an interface between an adherent/an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer/a substrate can be suitably dismantlable by the easily dismantlable adhesive composition including an acrylate polymer including a (meth)acrylate monomer having a carboxyl precursor group, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, and a monomer having a polar group as a monomer, and an acid catalyst or an acid generator.
US09321938B2	Dual crosslinked tackified pressure sensitive adhesive Tackfied PSAs and tapes comprising a copolymer based on an acrylic backbone, with a glycidyl monomer, unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer and a tackifier, said adhesives being dual curable and having combination of outstanding peel adhesion on the LSE substrates, high temperature shear performance, excellent stress relieving properties and excellent converting properties.
US09321932B2	Latex comprising water and a styrenic block copolymer and a process for preparing articles therefrom Articles with enhanced tensile strength and comfort are prepared from a latex comprising water and a styrenic block copolymer, wherein the styrenic block copolymer has 2 or more poly(vinyl aromatic) blocks and at least one block of polymerized conjugated diene, wherein the styrenic block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 150,000 to 250,000, the poly(vinyl aromatic) blocks have a weight average molecular weight ranging from 9,000 to 15,000, and the content of poly(vinylaromatic) blocks in the styrenic block copolymer ranges from 8 to 15% wt, based on the total styrenic block copolymer, by a process which comprises coating a surface with the latex to obtain a film, wherein the latex comprises a vulcanizing agent. The invention also provides a latex comprising such a styrenic block copolymer and a vulcanizing agent, as well as a styrenic block copolymer that is particularly suitable for use in such a latex.
US09321930B2	Water-based ink for ink-jet recording and ink cartridge A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes: a colorant containing a self-dispersible pigment; water; and fumed silica. The blending ratio of the fumed silica to the self-dispersible pigment may be not less than 0.2 and not more than 1 by weight. Using the self-dispersible pigment and the fumed silica in combination can satisfy improved optical density and an excellent discharge property.
US09321927B2	Enhanced washability inks and methods of making the same An enhanced washability ink composition has enhanced rinsability and/or washability from fabric, walls, or skin. The composition may comprise about 70 wt % to about 95 wt % water; about 5 wt % to about 35 wt % one or more sugars (e.g., dextrins); about 1 wt % to about 40 wt % one or more optional dye blockers; about 0.1 wt % to about 15 wt % one or more dyes; and one or more optional additives. The rinsable ink composition is usable in a variety of instruments, including markers or pens. A method for making the rinsable ink composition comprises dissolving one or more sugars (e.g., dextrins) in water to form a sugar solution; subsequently adding one or more dyes to the sugar solution to form a sugar-dye solution; and subsequently adding one or more optional dye blockers to the sugar-dye solution.
US09321926B2	Ink for inkjet recording, ink cartridge, and ink-recorded matter An ink for inkjet recording includes water; a hydrosoluble solvent; a pigment; and a copolymer including a phosphonic acid group. The copolymer including a phosphonic acid group includes structural units having the following formulae (1) and (2): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal or an organic ammonium; and wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and each of n and m represents 0 or an integer of from 1 to 30, provided n+m is from 2 to 30.
US09321925B2	Dry ink for digital printing Pigment based particles in powder form intended to be used as colorants in a digital print formed by applying dry colorants on a surface, bonding a part of the colorants with a binder and removing the non-bonded colorants from the surface. A panel with a surface including a digitally formed print of macro colorants including a particle body and colour pigments attached to the surface of the particle body is also described. The colorants are arranged in patterns with pigments on an upper and lower surface of the particle body.
US09321922B2	Composition and method for reducing bacterial biofilm formation in connection with a dental procedure A composition for reducing bacterial biofilm formation after endodontic therapy comprising water, ethanol, benzalkonium chloride, citric acid, and nonionic surfactant. A method of making a composition for reducing bacterial biofilm. A method for reducing bacterial biofilm formation after a dental procedure.
US09321920B2	Self-assembly of metallic nanoparticles into macroscopic, high-density, monolayer films A method of forming a monolayer film of nanoparticles includes forming a fluid mixture by combining nanoparticles dispersed in water with a water-miscible organic solvent and a molecular ligand comprising a head group with affinity for the nanoparticle, and introducing the fluid mixture to a substrate in the presence of an air/fluid interface, thereby causing a monolayer film of nanoparticles to form on the substrate. Such monolayers films can include metallic nanoparticles such as gold, and possess substantially uniform spacing over at least a one centimeter length scale.
US09321915B2	Solvent-free method for making ethylene propylene diene polymer latex A solvent free method for making an ethylene propylene diene terpolymer latex by blending water with 1 weight percent to 50 weight percent surfactant; blending solvent free ethylene propylene diene terpolymer with the water and surfactant at a low pressure to form a terpolymer mixture; high shear mixing the terpolymer mixture at 0.5 atm to 1.5 atm for 5 minutes to 24 hours at a temperature from 20 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius to form a solvent free ethylene propylene diene terpolymer latex formation, wherein the solvent free ethylene propylene diene terpolymer latex formation has a viscosity from 1 centipoise to 2000 centipoise; a density from 0.8 to 1.1; and a shelf life of from 7 days to 365 days without separating or stratifying.
US09321912B2	Halogen-free flame retardant thermoplastic compositions for wire and cable applications Disclosed is a halogen-free, flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition based on polypropylene and one or more thermoplastic elastomers with an organic nitrogen- and/or phosphorus-based intumescent flame retardant comprising a piperazine component. The composition is processed easily to make a wire and cable sheath exhibiting a balance of high flame retardancy, good flexibility, high wet electrical resistance and excellent heat deformation properties, and which passes the VW-I flame retardancy test, the UL1581 heat deformation test at 150° C. and the wet electrical resistance test, and also exhibits good tensile and flexibility properties. Also disclosed is a wire and cable sheath made from the composition.
US09321908B2	Methods for dispersing water soluble polymer powder The present invention relates generally to a method for dispersing a dry cellulose ether powder in an aqueous solution without forming lumps using powder handling and mixing devices. The cellulose ethers can be cross-linked with an aldehyde cross-linker. An acid or partially neutralized acid is used to improve the solubility.
US09321904B2	Polyamide resin compositions and articles including the same A polyamide resin composition includes (A) a semi-aromatic polyamide resin including a dicarboxylic acid unit including about 40 to about 100 mol % of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid unit, and an aliphatic diamine unit; (B) a glass fiber, and optionally (C) a heat stabilizer including copper halide and/or alkali metal halide, where a content of a terminal carboxyl group [COOH] and a content of a terminal amino group [NH2] of a molecular chain in the semi-aromatic polyamide resin (A) satisfy the following conditions: [COOH]>37 μeq/g; [NH2]>80 μeq/g; and, [NH2]/[COOH]>1.
US09321900B2	Inhibition of polymer surface oxidation utilizing two primary antioxidants in certain polymers This invention relates to a polymer composition comprising: (A) a copolyester comprising residues of terephthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-cyclobutanediol, and (B) a stabilizing composition comprising: (1) a phenolic antioxidant without a long-chain substituent; and (2) a phenolic antioxidant with a long-chain substituent, wherein the phenolic antioxidant (1) has 10 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the phenolic antioxidant (2) has greater than 20 carbon atoms, and wherein the weight ratio of phenolic antioxidant (1) to phenolic antioxidant (2) is from 0.7:1 to 1.3:1.
US09321896B2	Polymer composition The invention relates to a method for modifying a polymer composition, to modified polymer compositions, to an article, preferably wire or cable, comprising said modified polymer composition, to a process for preparing an article, preferably a wire or cable, to the use of said modified polymer in one or more layers of a wire or cable, as well as to a compound for use as a radical generating compound for modifying a polymer composition.
US09321894B2	Reinforced polymeric articles Polymeric article reinforced with a reinforcing component. The reinforcing component includes a composition made from at least one polymer and graphene sheets.
US09321893B2	Radiation-curable whipped foams The present invention relates to a process for the production of radiation-cured foams, characterized in that the radiation-cured foams are produced by 1) foaming of an aqueous composition A), 2) thermal drying of the foam produced from step 1), 3) curing of the foam by actinic radiation, the radiation-curable aqueous compositions A), the radiation-cured foams produced by the process according to the invention and the use of the radiation-cured foams for coating substrates.
US09321891B2	Encapsulated flexible polyurethane foam and method for making polyol to form foam A cellular material. The cellular material can be the reaction product of a vegetable-based polyol made from a vegetable oil exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, wherein a free radical oxidation reaction is catalyzed by the UV light and the vegetable oil is converted into the vegetable-based polyol; and an isocyanate.
US09321890B2	Macroinitiator containing hydrophobic segment The present invention relates to macroinitiators comprising at least one hydrophobic segments in a molecule, wherein a molecular weight of the hydrophobic segment is 300 to 1800. The present invention further relates to block copolymers, wetting agent and polymeric materials having the block copolymers of the present invention associated with, which is suitable for medical devices, particularly for ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses, ophthalmic lenses, punctal plugs and artificial corneas.
US09321888B2	Branched polyamide The invention relates to a branched polyamide prepolymer obtained or obtainable by polymerization of a polyamide forming monomer mixture, comprising AA-BB repeat units and branching units derived from diamines (monomer A) dicarboxylic acids (monomer B), and/or a salt of A and B, and a higher functional monomer (monomer C) present in a molar amounts defined by formula I and formula II: MC=(Q/FC)(MA+MB) (Formula I) and R=((MA2)+(MCFCA))/((MB2)+(MC*FCB)) (Formula II) wherein—MA, MB and MC represent the molar amounts of repeat units derived from the monomers A, B and C, respectively; —FC represent the functionality of monomer C, and is equal to FC-A+FC-B; —FC-A is the number of the amino functional groups comprised by monomer C; —FC-B is the number of carboxyl functional groups or precursor groups thereof comprised by monomer C; —Q is a number in the range of 0.06-1.00; and —R is a number in the range of 0.7-1.3, which polyamide prepolymer has a viscosity number (VN), measured according to ISO 307, in the range of 7-30 mL/g. The invention also relates to a process for preparing a branched polyamide polymer, comprising (1) a melt-mixing step wherein an essentially linear polyamide (pre)polymer and a branched polyamide prepolymer are provided to and mixed and heated in a melt mixing apparatus, thereby forming a mixed melt, and the mixed melt being cooled, thereby forming a solid mixture; and (2) a solid state post condensation step wherein the solid mixture is post-condensed at elevated temperature in the solid state, thereby forming a high molecular weight branched polyamide polymer.
US09321883B2	Biobased alkyd resin and process for manufacturing such an alkyd resin The object of a present invention is an alkyd resin as well as the method for preparing such a resin, said alkyd resin comprising: a preferably biosourced, polyacid component or its preferably biosourced acid anhydride; a first polyol component, preferably biosourced, having at least two hydroxyl groups; a second biosourced polyol component having at least one 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol unit; and a component based on biosourced oil or its corresponding biosourced fatty acid.
US09321882B2	Polyester polymer, resin composition, molded product, and film Provided is a polyester polymer including a repeating unit derived from a dicarboxylic acid compound containing a partial structure represented by the following Formula (C) and a repeating unit derived from a diol compound containing a cyclic structure, in which the partial structure represented by Formula (C) constitutes a portion of the main chain: wherein in Formula (C), RA and RB each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; n and in each independently represent an integer from 0 to 2; Cy represents an unsaturated 6-membered or 7-membered ring which may contain a heteroatom; and * and ** each represent a bonding hand, while * may be a bonding hand extending from RA.
US09321878B2	Process for the preparation of silylated polyurethane polymers using titanium-containing and zirconium-containing catalysts The present invention relates to a process for preparing silylated polyurethane polymers which have increased stability under ambient condition or storage toward atmospheric moisture, in the presence of at least one of titanium-containing catalyst or zirconium-containing catalyst and to silylated polyurethane polymer compositions comprising these catalysts.
US09321876B2	Process for producing porous materials based on isocyanate The present invention relates to a process for producing porous materials, which comprises reaction of at least one polyfunctional isocyanate with at least one polyfunctional aromatic amine in the presence of at least one catalyst and a solvent. The invention further relates to the porous materials which can be obtained in this way and the use of the porous materials as insulation material, in particular for applications in the building sector and in vacuum insulation panels.
US09321875B2	Additive for resist and resist composition comprising same Provided are an additive for resist represented by the following formula (1), and a resist composition containing the additive. The additive according to the present invention can suppress leaching caused by water during an immersion lithographic process by increasing hydrophobicity of the surface of the resist film in the exposure at the time of applying the additive to a resist composition, and can form a fine resist pattern having excellent sensitivity and resolution at the time of applying the additive to a resist composition. wherein the substituents respectively have the same meanings as defined above.
US09321873B2	Hybrid copolymer compositions for personal care applications A personal care composition includes a hybrid copolymer including at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent as an end group, a hybrid synthetic copolymer including one or more synthetic polymers derived from the at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer with at least one initiator fragment as an end group and an effective amount of a cosmetic or personal care additive.
US09321872B2	Surface modification method and surface-modified elastic body The present invention aims to provide a surface modification method for a rubber vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer, which can impart various functions such as sliding properties and biocompatibility according to its use. The present invention relates to a surface modification method for modifying a rubber vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer as an object to be modified, the method including: Step 1 of forming polymerization initiation points on a surface of the object to be modified; Step 2 of radical polymerizing monomers starting from the polymerization initiation points to grow polymer chains on the surface of the object to be modified; and Step 3 of functionalizing the polymer chains.
US09321870B2	Diisopropyl fumarate-cinnamic acid derivative copolymer and retardation film using the same To provide a novel diisopropyl fumarate-cinnamic acid derivative-based copolymer expected to be formed into a retardation film having excellent optical properties ensuring that, for example, the refractive index in the film thickness direction and the out-of-plane retardation are large and even in the form of a thin film, the film has a high out-of-plane retardation, and a retardation film using the same. The diisopropyl fumarate-cinnamic acid derivative-based copolymer contains: a diisopropyl fumarate residue unit; and a cinnamic acid residue unit or a cinnamic acid ester residue unit having an alkyl group with a carbon number of 1 to 6.
US09321866B2	Polymer monoliths for solvent exchange in continuous flow microfluidic device The present disclosure relates to the novel multistep procedure for preparation of polymer monoliths for use in solvent exchange, such as methods to exchange and activate fluoride ions on a flow through microfluidic chip for subsequent chemical synthesis. Methods according to the present disclosure include the application of such microfluidic platforms for rapid F18 radiosynthesis on a flow through microfluidic chip with high efficiency, followed by a subsequent nucleophilic fluorination reaction. Various other methods of exchanging and activating fluoride ions on a flow through microfluidic chip are also disclosed. Methods incorporating features of the present invention can be applicable to any flow through microfluidic device in any field, such as radiosyntheses, chemical syntheses, concentration of ions for environmental analyzes and sample preparation such as concentrating minute amounts of analyte to improve the downstream detection.
US09321865B2	Rotomolding resin Resins suitable for rotomolded articles comprise a bimodal polyethylene copolymer comprising from 0.1 to 5 weight % of one or more C6-8 alpha olefins and the balance ethylene, comprising from 20 to 50 weight % of a higher molecular weight polymer component having an Mw greater than 120,000 and correspondingly from 80 to 50 weight % of a lower molecular weight polymer component having an Mw less than 100,000 having a density greater than 0.942 g/cc [but less than 0.965 g/cc] and a bent strip ESCR as determined by ASTM D 1693 in 100% Igepal® CO-630 (ethoxylated nonylphenols) for conditions A and B of greater than 1000 hours. The resulting articles have a very good balance of properties and significant ESCR.
US09321863B2	Polyvinyl sulfonic acid, production method thereof, and use thereof The present invention relates to polyvinyl sulfonic acid comprising a vinyl sulfonic acid unit represented by a specific general formula (1), wherein the molar amount of sulfonic acid groups derived from vinyl sulfonic acid monomers with respect to the molar amount of total monomer units is 50.0 to 98.0 mol %, and the polyvinyl sulfonic acid has an absorbance of 0.1 or greater (aqueous solution: 0.2 mass %, cell length: 10 mm) in a wavelength range of 255 to 800 nm.
US09321861B2	Azo-crosslinked fluoropolymer with perfluoroether pendant groups, process for preparing, and method for forming imaged article therewith This invention pertains to an azo-crosslinked fluoropolymer with perfluoroether pendant groups. The polymer so formed is highly useful in the form of shaped articles with excellent chemical and thermal stability, including photoimaged coatings. The azo-crosslinked fluoropolymer hereof is advantageously formed by exposure to UV radiation of a fluorinated polymer having dichloroamino-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups. In one embodiment, a fluorinated polymer having dichloroamino-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups is formed into a shaped article that is then UV-treated in situ.
US09321860B2	Thermoplastic resin A thermoplastic resin has excellent heat resistance and thermal stability, low water absorption properties, excellent surface hardness and mechanical strength. A thermoplastic resin includes a constituent unit (a) that is derived from a (meth)acrylate monomer and represented by the formula (1); a constituent unit (b) that is derived from a vinyl monomer and represented by the formula (2); and a constituent unit (c) that is derived from a vinyl monomer and represented by the formula (3), and the weight percentage of the constituent unit (a), based on the total weight of the all constituent units, is 60 to 85% by weight, the weight percentage of the constituent unit (b), based on the total weight of the all constituent units, is 5 to 30% by weight, and the weight percentage of the constituent unit (c), based on the total weight of the all constituent units, is 5 to 15% by weight.
US09321858B2	Pyridyldiamide metal catalysts and processes to produce polyolefins Disclosed are new classes of pyridyldiamide catalyst components useful in olefin polymerization, an example of which includes: wherein M is a hafnium or zirconium; R1 and R11 are selected from phenyl and substituted phenyl, wherein the substitutions are selected from C1 to C5 hydrocarbyls, preferably C2 to C4 hydrocarbyls, and can reside in any of the ortho, meta, para positions on the phenyl ring; R2′ and R2″ are selected independently from hydrogen and C1 to C6 hydrocarbyls, preferably hydrogen; R10 is a hydrocarbyl bridging group; R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, hydrocarbyls, and substituted hydrocarbyls; and R6, R7, R8, and R9 are independently selected from hydrogen, hydrocarbyls, and substituted hydrocarbyls; wherein R6 and R7 form an aromatic ring or R7 is hydrogen and R6 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl, preferably methyl.
US09321855B2	Method for producing water absorbent resin In a method for producing a water absorbent resin by drying a particulate hydrogel having a high solid content concentration (of 45% by weight or more, preferably 50% by weight or more, and more preferably 55% by weight or more), a method for efficient drying water absorbent resin having maintained/improved physical properties is provided. Disclosed is a method for producing a water absorbent resin, comprising: a polymerization step to polymerize an unsaturated monomer, and; a drying step to dry a particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer, which is obtained by micronization of a hydrogel polymer during or after the polymerization and which has a solid content concentration of 45% by weight or more, wherein, an amount of a peroxide in the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer to be dried in the drying step is 1 to 100 ppm relative to the weight of the solid content of the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer, and a drying temperature of the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer in the drying step is 160° C. or more.
US09321854B2	Aluminum alkyl with C5 cyclic and pendent olefin polymerization catalyst This invention relates to organoaluminum compounds, to organoaluminum activator systems, preferably supported, to polymerization catalyst systems containing these activator systems and to polymerization processes utilizing the same. In particular, this invention relates to catalyst systems comprising an ion-exchange layered silicate, an organoaluminum compound, and a metallocene.
US09321851B2	Water soluble polymer powder formulation having improved dispersing properties The present invention relates generally to water soluble polymer powder formulations, and more particularly, to a cellulose ether formulation which in powder form is suitable for direct addition to water-based systems to produce smooth, lump free solutions. The cellulose ethers are crosslinked with an aldehyde crosslinker and include a dry weak acid which slows hydrolysis of the hermiacetal linkage formed by the crosslinker. The selected acid does not adversely affect solubility stability.
US09321850B2	Processing biomass Methods are provided for reducing one or more dimensions of individual pieces of biomass; treating biomass, such as size-reduced biomass; changing a molecular structure of a biomass material; and, optionally, subjecting the biomass to a primary process to form a product. The methods include processing biomass materials using a screw extrusion process, and treating the biomass material with a screw extrusion process in size-reduction and treating steps.
US09321848B2	Method for preventing the unfolding of a (poly)peptide and/or inducing the (re-)folding of a (poly)peptide The present invention relates to a method for preventing the unfolding of a (poly)peptide during drying and/or inducing the (re-)folding of a (poly)peptide after drying, comprising the step of embedding the (poly)peptide in an aqueous solution, wherein the solution comprises (i) at least three different amino acids; or (ii) at least one dipeptide or tripeptide; and wherein the solution is free or substantially free of (a) sugar; and (b-i) protein; and/or (b-ii) denaturing compounds; and (c) silanes.
US09321847B2	Activatable toxin complexes comprising a cleavable inhibitory peptide The present invention relates to activatable toxin complexes which include a cleavable inhibitory peptide. More specifically, the complexes comprise a cell targeting domain, a toxin catalytic domain, a specific protease cleavage site and an inhibitory peptide domain. The inhibitory peptide prevents the catalytic domain from exerting toxic effects until its release from the complex by the action of a protease, such a viral protease, at the protease cleavage site. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the complexes and use thereof for treating infections and malignant disease.
US09321845B2	Antibodies binding to an intracellular PRL-1 or PRL-3 polypeptide We provide an antibody capable of binding to an intracellular PRL-I or PRL-3 polypeptide, in which the antibody is capable of binding to an epitope bound by antibody 269, antibody 223 or antibody 318. Such anti-PRL antibodies may be capable of binding to intracellular PRL-I or PRL-3. They may be suitable for use as therapies against cancer or metastasis thereof, or in clinical diagnosis to identify PRL-3 or PRL-I positive patients.
US09321844B2	Anti-polyubiquitin antibodies The invention provides anti-polyubiquitin antibodies and methods of using the same.
US09321843B2	Antibody glycosylation variants having increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity The present invention relates to the field of glycosylation engineering of proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to glycosylation engineering to generate proteins with improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
US09321838B2	Therapy targeting cathepsin S The invention relates to a method of inhibiting chemotherapy induced upregulation of Cathepsin S on the surface of tumor cells, the method comprising the administration of a Cathepsin S inhibitor to said cells. Also provided is a therapy comprising an anti Cathepsin S antibody, in particular an anti-Cathepsin S antibody which does not inhibit the proteolytic effect of Cathepsin S but nevertheless inhibits angiogenesis and a combination treatment comprising a Cathepsin S inhibitor and a therapeutic agent.
US09321835B2	Antibodies that specifically bind SOST and WISE peptides The present invention is directed to isolated polypeptides and antibodies suitable for producing therapeutic preparations, methods, and kits relating to bone deposition. One objective of the present invention is to provide compositions that improve bone deposition. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide methods and compositions to be utilized in diagnosing bone dysregulation. The therapeutic compositions and methods of the present invention are related to the regulation of Wise, Sost, and closely related sequences. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides include Wise and Sost as well as a family of molecules that express a cysteine knot polypeptide.
US09321826B2	Compositions and methods for modulating thrombin generation Factor V peptides and methods of use thereof are disclosed.
US09321825B2	N-terminal modified PEG-TRAIL Disclosed herein are an N-terminal modified PEG-TRAIL conjugate and a preparation method and use thereof. The PEG-TAIL conjugate has pharmaceutical activity identical or similar to that of native TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) with extended in vivo half-life and enhanced stability. Compared to native TRAIL, the PEG-TAIL conjugate exhibits high solubility and solution stability, with highly improved pharmacokinetic profiles. Thus, the PEG-TAIL conjugate may be very useful for preventing and treating proliferative diseases and autoimmune diseases.
US09321824B2	Methods and compositions for modulating Toso activity The present invention is further directed to methods and compositions for modulating the activity of the Toso protein. The invention further encompasses treatment of disorders associated with inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer using compositions that include a soluble Toso protein.
US09321823B2	Mutant smoothened and methods of using the same The emergence of mutations in tyrosine kinases following treatment of cancer patients with molecular-targeted therapy represents a major mechanism of acquired drug resistance. Here, we describe a mutation in the serpentine receptor, Smoothened (SMO), which results in resistance to a Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitor in medulloblastoma. A single amino acid substitution in a conserved aspartic acid residue of SMO maintains Hh signaling, but results in the inability of the Hh pathway inhibitor, GDC-0449, to bind SMO and suppress the pathway. This mutation was not only acquired in a GDC-0449-resistant mouse model of medulloblastoma, but was identified in a Medulloblastoma patient following relapse on GDC-0449. The invention provides screening methods to detect SMO mutations and methods to screen for drugs that specifically modulate mutant SMO exhibiting drug resistance.
US09321821B2	Cosmetic composition for improving skin conditions comprising fusion protein The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a skin-penetrating peptide, a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide, a transformant comprising the expression vector, a method for preparing the fusion protein, a cosmetic composition for improving skin conditions, which comprises the fusion protein, and a pharmaceutical composition for external skin use, which comprises the fusion protein. The fusion protein of the invention comprises a skin-penetrating peptide bound to a physiologically active protein. The fusion protein significantly enhances the skin penetration and skin retention of the physiologically active protein while maintaining or enhancing the ability of the physiologically active protein to synthesize a material showing physiologically active effects. Thus, it can be widely used as an active ingredient in functional cosmetic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions for external skin use.
US09321815B2	System for extracting protein from a fermentation product A method of producing bioproducts from a feedstock in a system configured to produce ethanol and distillers grains from a fermentation product is disclosed. A system configured to process feedstock into a fermentation product and bioproducts including ethanol and meal is disclosed. A bioproduct produced from a fermentation product produced from a feedstock in a biorefining system is disclosed.
US09321814B2	AXMI238 toxin gene and methods for its use Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2-5, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
US09321811B2	Further novel anti-parasitic compounds A novel structural class of highly N-methylated linear lipopeptide compounds useful for the treatment of parasitic disease.
US09321802B2	Nuclear sulfated oxysterol, potent regulator of lipid homeostasis, for therapy of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglycerides, fatty liver diseases, and atherosclerosis The sulfated oxysterol 5-cholesten-3β, 25-diol 3-sulphate, a nuclear cholesterol metabolite that decreases lipid biosynthesis and increases cholesterol secretion and degradation, is provided as an agent to lower intracellular and serum cholesterol and/or triglycerides, and to prevent or treat lipid accumulation-associated inflammation and conditions associated with such inflammation. Methods which involve the use of this sulfated oxysterol to treat conditions associated with high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides and/or inflammation (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, atherosclerosis, etc.) are also provided.
US09321801B2	Method for reducing the amount of steryl glycoside in an oil or fat The present invention relates to a method for reducing the amount of steryl glycoside in an oil or fat (e.g. a biofuel substrate) and/or a biofuel, the method comprising admixing one or more enzymes with an oil or fat comprising steryl glycoside; such that said one or more enzymes degrades the steryl glycoside. The one or more enzymes is preferably an enzyme which is capable of hydrolysing the glycosidic bond in a steryl glycoside. Suitably the enzyme may be a glycosidase enzyme and/or a β-glucosidase and/or an amyloglucosidase.
US09321794B2	Synthesis of racemic amphetamine derivatives by cuprate addition reaction with aziridine phosphoramidate compounds The invention includes processes for the synthesis of amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methamphetamine, derivatives of these, including their salts, and novel precursors and intermediates obtained thereby, by synthesizing aziridine phosphoramidate compounds in specified solvents at specified temperatures, and then converting to a novel aryl or aryl-alkyl phosphoramidate precursors using an organometallic compound such as a copper salt, where the novel aryl or aryl-alkyl phosphoramidate precursor is then easily converted to the target compounds using known reactions.
US09321793B2	Purification of chlorosilanes using chromatography The present invention relates to a method for separating organohalosilanes. The method includes introducing a mixture including at least a first organohalosilane and a second organohalosilane onto a chromatographic bed including a stationary phase. The method also includes passing a liquid mobile phase through the chromatographic bed to produce an eluate including at least one fraction enriched in the first organohalosilane and at least one fraction enriched in the second organohalosilane.
US09321789B2	Methods of producing substituted (4R,12AS)-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-6,8-dioxo-3,4,6,8,12,12A-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[1′,2′:4,5]pyrazino[2,1-B][1,3]oxazine-9-carboxamides A process for preparing a compound represented by formula (Y1) or (Y2) wherein Rx is an optionally substituted carbocyclyl lower alkyl, or the like or a salt thereof, using a novel process for preparing a pyridone derivative represented by formula (X4) wherein R1d, R2d, and R4d are as defined herein.
US09321787B2	Carboxylic acid derivatives having an oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine ring The invention therefore relates to compounds of the formula I in which A, X, Y, R1, R2 and R3 have the given meanings. The compounds of the formula I are suitable, for example, for wound healing.
US09321783B2	Method for preparing dialkyloxydianhyrohexitol by etherification of dianhydrohexitol using a light alcohol, in the presence of an acidic catalyst A method for preparing a dialkyloxydianhyrohexitol (dimethylisosorbide) composition by etherification of dianhydrohexitol (isosorbide). The aim is to achieve a “clean” method that avoids the use of a methylation agent such as dimethyl sulfate or methyl chloride, which generates stoechiometric quantities of salts, or expensive dialkyl-carbonates, wherein only one of the two methyl groups participates in the preparation of mixed isosorbide ethers. The method involves using at least one O-alkylation agent and a catalyst including an acid or an acid salt, preferably a catalyst having Lewis or BrØnsted acid properties. A device for carrying out the method wherein the device includes a vaporization oven and a reaction oven is also described.
US09321774B2	Pyrrolobenzodiazepines A compound of formula (I) or a salt or solvate thereof, wherein the dotted double bond indicates the presence of a single or double bond between C2 and C3; R2 is selected from —H, —OH, ═O, ═CH2, —CN, —R, OR, halo, dihalo, ═CHR, ═CHRR′, —O—SO2—R, CO2R and COR; R7 is selected from H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH2, NHR, NRR′, nitro, Me3Sn and halo; where R and R′ are independently selected from optionally substituted C1-7 alkyl, C3-20 heterocyclyl and C5-20 aryl groups; R10 and R11 either together form a double bond, or are selected from H and QRQ respectively, where Q is selected from O, S and NH and RQ is H or C1-7 alkyl or H and SOxM, where x is 2 or 3, and M is a monovalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation; A is selected from (A1), (A2), (A3), (A4) or (A5) where X1 and Y1 are selected from: CH and NH; CH and NMe; N and NMe; CH and S; N and S; N and O; and CH and O, respectively; X2 and Y2 are selected from: CH and NH; CH and NMe; N and NMe; CH and S; N and S; N and O; and CH and O, respectively; Z1 is selected from O and S; Z2 is selected from CH and N; F is selected from a single bond and -(E-F1)m—; each E is independently selected from a single bond, and —C(═O)—NH—; each F1 is independently a C3-20 heteroarylene group; m is 1, 2 or 3; G is selected from hydrogen, C1-4alkyl, —C(═O)—O—C1-4alkyl, —(CH2)n—C3-20 heterocycloalkyl, and —O—(CH2)n—C3-20 heterocycloalkyl group; each n is 0-4; provided that A2 is not A2′, where X1 and Y1 of A2′ are selected from: CH and NMe; COH and NMe; CH and S; N and NMe; N and S, respectively; and provided that A3 is not A3′, where X2 and Y2 of A3′ are selected from: CH and NMe; COH and NMe; CH and S; N and NMe; N and S, respectively; B is either a single bond or (B1), where X and Y of B1 are selected from: CH and NMe; COH and NMe; CH and S; N and NMe; N and S, respectively; and R1 is C1-4 alkyl.
US09321771B2	5-alkynyl-pyrimidines The present invention encompasses compounds of general formula (1) wherein R1 to R3 are defined as in claim 1, which are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, and the use thereof for preparing a medicament having the above-mentioned properties.
US09321767B2	Azabenzimidazoles as respiratory syncytial virus antiviral agents A compound satisfying formula I, a prodrug, N-oxide, addition salt, quaternary amine, metal complex, or a stereochemically isomeric form thereof; compositions contain these compounds as active ingredient and processes for preparing these compounds and compositions
US09321763B2	Protein kinase C inhibitors and uses thereof This disclosure concerns compounds which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and are thus useful for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are mediated or sustained through the activity of PKC. This disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US09321761B2	Pyridyl inhibitors of hedgehog signalling The invention provides novel inhibitors of hedgehog signaling that are useful as a therapeutic agents for treating malignancies where the compounds have the general formula I: wherein A, X, Y R1, R2, R3, R4, m and n are as described herein.
US09321759B2	Methods and use of bifunctional enzyme-building clamp-shaped molecules This invention is in the fields of cancer therapy. More particularly it concerns compounds which are useful agents for inhibiting cell proliferative disorders, especially those disorders characterized by over activity and/or inappropriate activity of a EGFR, including EGFR-related cancers, and methods for treating these disorders.
US09321756B2	Azole compounds as PIM inhibitors The invention relates to bicyclic compounds of formulas I and Ia, and salts thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to inhibitors or modulators of Pim-1 and/or Pim-2, and/or Pim-3 protein kinase activity or enzyme function. In still further embodiments, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds disclosed herein, and their use in the prevention and treatment of Pim kinase related conditions and diseases, preferably cancer.
US09321751B2	Piperine derivatives and uses thereof The present invention provides novel piperine derivatives. The present pharmaceutical or food composition containing a piperine derivative as an active ingredient is very effective in preventing or treating metabolic diseases including obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, fatty liver and insulin resistance syndrome. Piperine derivatives of the present invention useful as pharmaceuticals compositions or functional food compositions has therapeutic efficacies for metabolic syndrome selected from the group consisting of obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver and insulin resistance syndrome, and also suppress the differentiation of progenitor cells and reduce the accumulation of triglycerides.
US09321736B2	Pyrimidine cyclohexyl glucocorticoid receptor modulators The present invention provides a class of pyrimidinedione cyclohexyl compounds and methods of using these compounds as glucocorticoid receptor modulators.
US09321732B2	Phenyl(oxy/thio)alkanol derivatives The present invention relates to novel phenyl(oxy/thio)alkanol derivatives, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds and to their use as biologically active compounds, in particular for controlling harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators.
US09321731B2	Substituted hydroxamic acids and uses thereof This invention provides compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, G, m, n, p and q have values as described in the specification, useful as inhibitors of HDAC6. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of proliferative, inflammatory, infectious, neurological or cardiovascular diseases or disorders.
US09321729B2	Substituted pyridyl amide compounds as modulators of the histamine H3 receptor Certain substituted pyridyl amide compounds are histamine H3 receptor modulators useful in the treatment of histamine H3 receptor-mediated diseases.
US09321724B2	Heteroaryl compounds with A-cyclic bridging unit This invention relates to certain heteroaryl compounds which may be used as medicaments, more specifically as medicaments for treating animals. The medicament can be used for the treatment of parasitic infections such as helminth infections and the treatment of parasitosis caused by such infections. This invention also relates to uses of the compounds to make medicaments and treatments comprising the administration of the compounds to animals in need of the treatments. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the compounds.
US09321717B2	Process for rapid identification and preparation of crystalline forms Disclosed is a method of rapid identification and preparation of a crystalline form of an organic compound by using sub-gram level of said organic compound, comprising the steps of temperature-cycled slurrying, cooling, antisolvent addition and solvent evaporation as the major crystallization steps.
US09321714B1	Processes and catalysts for conversion of 2,5-dimethylfuran derivatives to terephthalate A process of making terephthalic acid or a derivative of terephthalic acid is described. The process includes reacting a derivative of 2,5-dimethylfuran, with a dienophile containing an unsaturated 2-carbon unit, in the presence of a catalyst having Brönsted acidity to form a para-xylene derivative; and optionally reacting the para-xylene derivative to terephthalic acid.
US09321712B2	Process for the preparation of ospemifene The present invention is related to the process for the preparation ospemifene or (Z)-2-[4-(4-chloro-1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)phenoxy]ethanol (I) and to intermediate compounds used in the process.
US09321708B2	Method for purifying (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene Provided is a purification method for efficiently reducing an undesirable organic compound or compound in (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and thereby obtaining (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with high purity. The purification method of OF-1233E according to the present invention is characterized by bringing a composition containing OF-1233E and at least one organic compound selected from the group consisting of HCFC-142 isomers, HCFC-244fa, HFC-245fa, OF-1234E, OF-1234Z and OF-1233Z into contact with a solid adsorbent.
US09321706B2	Recovery of monomers Process for the recovery of diene or vinylaromatic monomers from a gas stream, including bringing the gas stream into contact, in an extraction column (C1), with an organic extraction solvent, which absorbs the monomer, and stripping or desorption with an inert gas in (C1), by feeding, at the bottom of (C1) below the feeding of the monomers, a stream of inert gas, a liquid stream having the extraction solvent and the monomer recovered at the bottom of (C1) and an exiting gas stream recovered at the top of (C1), then within a second recovery column C2,recovery of the monomer, wherein the monomer is separated from the extraction solvent by distillation fed with the liquid stream recovered at the bottom of (C1), a stream comprising concentrated monomer(s) recovered at the top of (C2) and a liquid stream having the extraction solvent recovered at the bottom of (C2) and then recycled to the top of (C), the monomer or monomers being dienes, vinylaromatic compounds, or isobutene.
US09321702B2	Ethylene-to-liquids systems and methods Integrated systems are provided for the production of higher hydrocarbon compositions, for example liquid hydrocarbon compositions, from methane using an oxidative coupling of methane system to convert methane to ethylene, followed by conversion of ethylene to selectable higher hydrocarbon products. Integrated systems and processes are provided that process methane through to these higher hydrocarbon products.
US09321701B2	Microorganisms and methods for the biosynthesis of butadiene The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a butadiene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce butadiene.
US09321700B2	Production of nanoparticles using homogeneous milling and associated products A method of producing nanoparticles can comprise milling a plurality of milling bodies sufficient to produce the nanoparticles from exterior surfaces of the plurality of milling bodies. In this manner, the milling bodies are simultaneously the milling media and the feedstock for production of nanoparticles such that additional solids are not present during milling. Nanoparticles can be readily formed and optional milling agent and capping agents can be provided to stabilize and/or customize the nanoparticles for a particular application.
US09321698B2	Method for treating organic waste and method of utilizing heat energy The method is for reaction treatment including: an organic waste in which oxygen is difficult to penetrate and in which a biochemical reaction by microbe is difficult to occur. This method includes: forcedly supplying oxygen to inner parts of the organic waste to elevate, by biochemical reactions, the temperature of the inner parts of the organic waste to which oxygen has been supplied; and maintaining the elevated temperature to continue the biochemical reactions and thereby compost the organic waste. Thereafter, the organic waste which has been composted is held in the presence of oxygen and carbon monoxide to cause an exothermic reaction and thereby reduce the volume of the organic waste or carbonize the waste.
US09321692B2	Rapid synthesis of silicon carbide-carbon composites Production of pore-free carbon/carbon-silicon carbide composite materials with mechanical properties making them suitable for use in such applications as the production of aircraft landing system brake components including brake discs. The method includes: providing a porous carbon-carbon composite preform; surrounding the porous carbon-carbon composite preform with silicon powder to form an intermediate construct; applying a uniaxial load to the construct; applying direct electrical current to an assembly containing the loaded construct of porous carbon-carbon preform surrounded by silicon powder, thereby melting the silicon powder and infiltrating the pores of the carbon-carbon preform with liquid silicon; and initiating a combustion-type reaction between the silicon and carbon in the preform, thereby forming silicon carbide in the preform.
US09321690B2	Sintered refractory material based on silicon carbide with a silicon nitride binder A sintered material based on silicon carbide (SiC) reactively sintered between 1,100° C. and 1,700° C. to form a silicon nitride binder (Si3N4), intended in particular for fabricating an aluminum electrolysis cell, including 0.05% to 1.5% of boron, the Si3N4/SiC weight ratio being in the range 0.05 to 0.45. Application, in particular, to an electrolysis cell.
US09321689B2	Molded object, heating device and method for producing a molded object A mold (30), which has a first region (10) comprising an electroceramic material and a second region (20) comprising a structural ceramic material, is provided. A heating device with this mold is also specified. Furthermore, a method for producing a mold is provided.
US09321688B2	Method for preparing polycrystalline aluminum oxynitride having enhanced transparency Disclosed is a method for preparing polycrystalline aluminum oxynitride having enhanced transparency, and preparing polycrystalline aluminum oxynitride by sintering a powder mixture of Al2O3 and AlN under atmospheric pressure, wherein the content of AlN is set to 17 to 26 mol %, a first sintering is performed at 1,575° C. to 1,675° C. so as to enable raw-material powders to have a relative density of 95% or higher, and a second sintering is performed so as to enable the raw-material powders to have a higher relative density.
US09321687B2	Low concentration alkali fly ash cement and method of making A method for making a low-alkali fly ash cement includes forming a mixture of class C fly ash and an aqueous solution and forming low-alkali fly ash cement from the mixture. The aqueous solution has an alkali at a molar concentration between about 0.002 M and about 2 M. A low-alkali fly ash cement includes class C fly ash and an alkali activating agent. The low-alkali fly ash cement contains between about 3×10−4 wt % alkali activating agent and about 2 wt % alkali activating agent. A method for making fly ash cement includes forming a mixture of class C fly ash and water, wet pressing the mixture and forming fly ash cement from the mixture by curing the mixture at a temperature between about 60° C. and about 90° C.
US09321679B2	Bendable glass stack assemblies, articles and methods of making the same A glass element having a thickness from 25 μm to 125 μm, a first primary surface, a second primary surface, and a compressive stress region extending from the first primary surface to a first depth, the region defined by a compressive stress σI of at least about 100 MPa at the first primary surface. Further, the glass element has a stress profile such that it does not fail when it is held at a bend radius from about 1 mm to about 20 mm for at least 60 minutes at about 25° C. and about 50% relative humidity. Still further, the glass element has a puncture resistance of greater than about 1.5 kgf when the first primary surface of the glass element is loaded with a tungsten carbide ball having a diameter of 1.5 mm.
US09321672B2	Crystallized glass housing To provide a crystallized glass housing excellent in properties suitable for a housing for an electronic device, such as shielding properties, high strength and production cost. A crystallized glass housing made of crystallized glass, said crystallized glass having a diffused transmittance of 15% or less in the entire light wavelength region of from 380 nm to 780 nm, as measured by using an integrated sphere.
US09321670B2	Optical fiber preform and method of manufacturing optical fiber using optical fiber preform An optical fiber preform that is used in a method in which a core rod that forms a core is inserted into a quartz tube that forms a cladding, and at the same time as they are fiber-drawn, the quartz tube and the core rod are formed into a single body, includes: a tapered portion that is formed by grinding an outer circumferential portion of a distal end portion of the quartz tube into a tapered shape; and a conical portion that is formed by welding a dummy tube that has substantially the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of a distal end portion of the tapered portion to the distal end portion of the tapered portion, and by applying heat to the dummy tube and stretching out the dummy tube, where the core rod is inserted inside the quartz tube.
US09321669B2	Thin glass sheet with tunable coefficient of thermal expansion A glass sheet is formed using a roll-to-roll glass soot deposition and sintering process. The glass sheet formation involves forming a first glass soot layer on a deposition surface of a soot-receiving device, removing the first glass soot layer from the deposition surface, and forming a second glass soot layer on the unsupported first glass soot layer. The resulting composite glass soot sheet is heated to form a sintered glass sheet. The glass sheet can be a substantially homogeneous glass sheet or a composite glass sheet having layer-specific attributes.
US09321668B2	Manufacturing method for glass molded body and manufacturing apparatus for glass molded body Provided are a manufacturing method for a glass molded body and a manufacturing apparatus for a glass molded body, which employs the manufacturing method. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: heating molds each containing a glass material; press-molding the glass material; and cooling the press-molded glass material. The heating step includes: heating the molds with heating members arranged on both sides of a conveying direction of a support for conveying the molds in one direction; and conveying the two molds through rotation of the support or the like so as to reverse, at least once, an arrangement order of the two molds, which are arranged on a supporting surface of the support conveying the molds between the heating members, with respect to the conveying direction of the support.
US09321667B2	System and method for aeration An aeration device includes a foam suppression system. The aeration device raises the level of oxygen and air in a body of substantially liquid fluid, such as an aerating-oxidizing pond, lagoon, basin, or reservoir. The aeration system is buoyant and floats on top of the body of fluid. The foam suppression system includes a submersible grinder pump coupled to a sprinkler head by a fluid conduction system. The submersible grinder pump draws in a fluid from beneath a surface of a body of fluid and pumps it through the fluid conduction system and out of the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head sprays the fluid drawn from beneath the fluid surface far outward onto an area surrounding the aeration device with surface foam. The falling water or fluid sprayed from the sprinkler head quashes the surface foam. The sprinkler head is disposed in a location on the aeration device suitable to suppress the surface foam.
US09321662B2	Method for preventing scale deposits and removing contaminants from fluid columns A method for providing fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points utilizing magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along a fluid flow path. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
US09321659B2	Desalting device Provided is a desalting device which includes a tower body and a bulge portion bulging downward therefrom, and which prevents uneven flow and causes no dead space within the tower body. The desalting device includes a tower body having a bulge portion 1b bulging downward at a bottom portion thereof, an ion-exchange resin packed in the tower body, and a plurality of strainers 3 for collecting water being arranged within the bulge portion 1b. The strainers are arranged only in a central region of an inside of the bulge portion excluding an outer peripheral portion of the bulge portion.
US09321658B2	Systems and methods for fluid treatment with homogeneous distribution of ultraviolet light In various embodiments, a fluid is treated by flowing the fluid through a flow cell having (i) a fluid entry, (ii) a fluid exit, (iii) a treatment region disposed between the fluid entry and exit, and (iv) an interior surface reflective to ultraviolet (UV) light, and diffusively reflecting UV light emitted from one or more UV light sources to illuminate the treatment region substantially uniformly, thereby treating the fluid.
US09321650B2	Carbon nanofiber, dispersion liquid and composition thereof The carbon nanofiber has a content of oxygen controlled in a range of 8% by mass to 20% by mass and excellent dispersibility in polar solvents by means of an oxidization treatment carried out on a raw material of the carbon nanofiber. The above-described oxidization treatment is preferably carried out at 100° C. or higher using an mixed acid of nitric acid and sulfuric acid in which the nitric acid concentration is in a range of 10% by mass to 30% by mass. A carbon nanofiber dispersion liquid is obtained by dispersing the above-described carbon nanofiber in a polar solvent, and a carbon nanofiber composition contains the above-described dispersion liquid and a binder component.
US09321648B2	Preparation method of battery composite material and precursor thereof A preparation method of a battery composite material includes steps of providing phosphoric acid, iron powder, a carbon source and a first reactant, processing a reaction of the phosphoric acid and the iron powder to produce a first product, calcining the first product to produce a precursor, among which the formula of the precursor is written by Fe7(PO4)6, and processing a reaction of the precursor, the carbon source and the first reactant to get a reaction mixture and calcining the reaction mixture to produce the battery composite material. As a result, the present invention achieves the advantages of reducing grind time of fabricating processes, so that the prime cost, the time cost, and the difficulty of fabricating are reduced.
US09321647B2	Polycrystalline aluminum nitride material and method of production thereof Methods of preparing polycrystalline aluminum nitride materials that have high density, high purity, and favorable surface morphology are disclosed. The methods generally comprises pressing aluminum nitride powders to form a slug, sintering the slug to form a sintered, polycrystalline aluminum nitride boule, and optionally shaping the boule and/or polishing at least a portion of the boule to provide a finished substrate. The sintered, polycrystalline aluminum nitride materials beneficially are prepared without the use of any sintering aid or binder, and the formed materials exhibit excellent density, AlN purity, and surface morphology.
US09321646B2	Hydrogen sulfide gas production plant system and method for recovering and using hydrogen sulfide gas The present invention allows low-concentration hydrogen sulfide gas to be recovered and supplied to a processing plant that uses hydrogen sulfide gas. The hydrogen sulfide gas production plant is provided with a first supply pipe that supplies hydrogen sulfide gas obtained from a sulfur recovery facility to a processing plant, and a second supply pipe that is branched at a predetermined point in the first supply pipe and supplies the hydrogen sulfide gas from the sulfur recovery facility to the processing plant. The first supply pipe has a concentration meter that is provided on the upstream side than the branch point and measures the concentration of the hydrogen sulfide gas. The first supply pipe and the second supply pipe have ON/OFF valves that are provided on the downstream side of the branch point and perform ON/OFF control of the supply to the processing plant through the supply pipe.
US09321643B2	Process for producing synthesis gas with preservation of the energy transfer by means of the fumes The present invention concerns a process for producing synthesis gas by steam reforming a hydrocarbon load in a reforming furnace provided with a combustion chamber and a convection chamber; the combustion chamber includes vertical tubes filled with catalyst wherein a mixture of hydrocarbons and steam circulates from top to bottom recovering raw synthesis gas at the bottom of the tubes, and burners disposed in rows heat the tubes; the convection chamber discharges fumes containing the gases produced by the combustion. The process also comprises steps of using the heat contained in the fumes for preheating and/or heating various fluids related or unrelated to the process. In the event of the reduction of the mass flow of fumes, the quantity of energy to be transferred into the convection area is maintained by supplying a supplementary gaseous flow to the combustion area.
US09321642B2	Method for decreasing SMR tube temperature A method for decreasing steam methane reformer (SMR) tube temperature is provided. The method can include the steps of introducing a hydrocarbon containing feed to be reformed to a plurality of SMR tubes in the presence of steam under conditions effective to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide, monitoring the temperature of at least a plurality of the tubes within the SMR during operation, comparing the monitored temperature against a first predetermined value, and introducing an effective amount of water to a reformer tube when the monitored temperature of the reformer tube is at or above the predetermined value, such that the temperature of the reformer tube is reduced.
US09321640B2	Gasification system with processed feedstock/char conversion and gas reformulation The invention provides a system designed for the complete conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into syngas and slag. The system comprises a primary chamber for the volatilization of feedstock generating a primary chamber gas (an offgas); a secondary chamber for the further conversion of processed feedstock to a secondary chamber gas (a syngas) and a residue; a gas-reformulating zone for processing gas generated within one or more of the chambers; and a melting chamber for vitrifying residue. The primary chamber comprises direct or indirect feedstock additive capabilities in order to adjust the carbon content of the feedstock.The system also comprises a control system for use with the gasification system to monitor and regulate the different stages of the process to ensure the efficient and complete conversion of the carbonaceous feedstock into a syngas product.
US09321637B2	Devices for arranging carbon nanotube wires A device is provided, including a supplying unit and an arranging unit. The supplying unit includes a guiding axle. A supplying element is located on the guiding axle and a first motor. The supplying element supplies the at least one carbon nanotube wire to the arranging unit, and the first motor drives the supplying element reciprocating straightly along the guiding axle. The arranging unit includes a prism shaped supporter, a whirling arm and a driving mechanism. The prism shaped supporter supports at least one planar substrate, and the driving mechanism drives the whirling arm and the prism shaped supporter rotating round an axis of the prism shaped supporter.
US09321634B2	Forming magnetic microelectromechanical inductive components A micro-electromechanical device and method of manufacture are disclosed. A sacrificial layer is formed on a silicon substrate. A metal layer is formed on a top surface of the sacrificial layer. Soft magnetic material is electrolessly deposited on the metal layer to manufacture the micro-electromechanical device. The sacrificial layer is removed to produce a metal beam separated from the silicon substrate by a space.
US09321631B2	Method for embedding controlled-cavity MEMS package in integration board A method for fabricating a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) provides a semiconductor chip having a cavity with a radiation sensor MEMS. The opening of the cavity at the chip surface is covered by a plate transmissive to the radiation sensed by the MEMS. A patterned metal film is placed across the plate surface remote from the cavity.
US09321630B2	Sensor with vacuum-sealed cavity A method and apparatus for detecting underwater sounds is disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a substrate with a vacuum-sealed cavity. A support structure and an acoustic pressure sensor are situated on the substrate. The support structure of the apparatus may include a first oxide layer situated on the substrate, a silicon layer situated on the first oxide layer, and a second oxide layer situated on the silicon layer. The acoustic pressure sensor of the apparatus includes a first electrode layer situated on the substrate, a piezoelectric layer situated on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer situated on the piezoelectric layer. In one embodiment, the surface area of the second electrode layer is between about 70 to 90 percent of the surface area of the piezoelectric layer. In various embodiments, the support structure is thicker than the piezoelectric layer.
US09321627B2	Electronic device, electronic module, electronic apparatus, and moving object An electronic device includes an accommodation space formed between a first base material and a second base material, and a first functional element and a second functional element in the accommodation space. The accommodation space is disposed in an internal region of a bonding portion that bonds the first base material and the second base material together. The bonding portion includes a first bonding region provided on one side thereof and a second bonding region provided on the other side thereof. The electronic device includes a first wiring portion which is electrically connected to the first functional element and has a first direction toward the outside of the accommodation space through the first bonding region, and a second wiring portion which is electrically connected to the second functional element and has a second direction toward the outside of the accommodation space through the second bonding region.
US09321626B2	Method of packaging a MEMS transducer device and packaged MEMS transducer device A packaged MEMS transducer device comprising: a die, including: a semiconductor body having a front side and a back side, opposite to one another in a first direction, at least one cavity extending through the semiconductor body between the front side and the back side, and at least one membrane extending on the front side at least partially suspended over the cavity; and a package designed to house the die on an inner surface thereof. The transducer device moreover includes a sealing layer extending on the back side of the semiconductor body for sealing the cavity, and includes a paste layer extending between the sealing layer and the inner surface of the package for firmly coupling the die to the package.
US09321623B2	Water dispenser A Sabbath compliant water dispenser, which comprises a hot water chamber, a heating element that is positioned in the hot water chamber for heating a body of water which is retained within the hot water chamber and a tap, through which hot water is dispensable. The water dispenser is controlled by a controller which is operable in a Sabbath mode to command the heating element to maintain the body of water at an essentially constant temperature which is near to scalding temperature and to command introduction of unheated water into the hot water chamber, when a low water level condition is detected. This way, overheating of the heating element is prevented, while also preventing the introduced water from being dispensed.
US09321622B2	Beverage dispenser container and carton A container for insertion of a carton containing a beverage ingredient into a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The container may include a base surface and a front surface, a back surface, and two side surfaces that may extend from the base surface. The surfaces may define a cavity sized to receive the carton. A method for inserting the carton containing the beverage ingredient into the beverage dispenser is disclosed. The method includes inserting the carton into the container, partially inserting the container into the beverage dispenser, and causing a fitment to engage the beverage dispenser. The fitment protruding from the carton.
US09321619B2	Multi-axis load gripping arm A gripping arm for a clamping attachment for a forklift has a load engaging inner arm including portions defining a load face. The inner arm is pivotal about a first axis parallel to the load face and pivots about a second axis normal to the first axis to engage and secure a load.
US09321615B2	Panel hoist A panel hoist and components of various kits including components of a panel hoist are described herein. A panel hoist can be used to hold any of a variety of panels, such as a door attachable to a semi-tractor trailer, and to maneuver the panel for putting into a position for mounting the panel to a panel mounting point or for removing a panel disconnected from a panel mounting point. Various types of suction cups and supplemental panel holders can be used to hold the panel while the panel is moved or prepared for movement. A panel hoist can allow a single person to maneuver panels in various ways instead of having to rely on multiple people to maneuver the panel. Maneuvering the panel can include raising, lowering, or rotating the panel. Various panel hoist components can be configured as a kit.
US09321611B2	Elevator brake having a brake release feature An exemplary braking device for an elevator car includes a first brake member configured to remain fixed relative to an elevator car for applying a braking force to a first side of an element such as a guide rail. A second brake member is moveable relative to the first brake member for applying a braking force to a second side of the element. A brake release member adjacent the first brake member is received against the first side of the element between the first brake member and the first side of the guide rail. The brake release member is moveable relative to the first brake member for selectively releasing the braking device from engagement with the element.
US09321610B2	Frictional damper for reducing elevator car movement An exemplary device for use in an elevator system includes at least one friction member that is selectively moveable into a damping position in which the friction member is useful to damp movement of an elevator car associated with the device. A solenoid actuator has an armature that is situated for vertical movement. The armature moves upward when the solenoid is energized to move the friction member into the damping position. The armature mass urges the armature in a downward vertical direction causing the friction member to move out of the damping position when the solenoid is not energized.
US09321609B2	Filament drive mechanism for use in additive manufacturing system A filament drive mechanism for use with an additive manufacturing system, the filament drive mechanism comprising first and second drive shafts engaged with each other and configured to rotate in opposing rotational directions around substantially parallel and fixed axes, where the first and second drive shafts include engagement surfaces substantially aligned with each other for engaging a filament therebetween.
US09321606B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: a discharge tray having a supporting surface supporting a recording medium; a discharge mechanism which has a discharging slot through which the recording medium on which an image is formed is discharged and is provided to discharge the recording medium from the discharging slot in a discharge direction which is a direction toward a space vertically above the supporting surface of the discharge tray; and a press down unit which is configured to relatively move toward and away from the supporting surface with respect to the discharge tray, the press down unit being relatively moved away when contacting with a downstream end in the discharge direction of the recording medium discharged onto the discharge tray by the discharge mechanism, and applying the own weight to the downstream end of the recording medium when the recording medium is supported by the supporting surface.
US09321605B2	Web tension brake anti-squeal improvement An apparatus and method for reducing brake squeal in a web tension brake. The apparatus comprising an anti-squeal friction pad assembly having a friction pad mounted on a back plate and a rubber isolation layer sandwiched between the back plate and a second back plate. The rubber isolation layer to dampen vibrations and break up the symmetry of the brake assembly minimizing acoustic resonances that cause the objectionable squeal.
US09321604B2	Automatic splicer for continuous supply of laminar strips The present invention relates to an automatic splicer for the continuous supply of laminar strips, comprising a reel holder for incorporating two reels that can be positioned alternately in a feed position for feeding to an application process and in a standby position, there being above the reel holder a guide rail on which a splicer head that can move in a movement projected towards a splicing zone is mounted, carrying the laminar strip of a reel arranged in standby for splicing it with the laminar strip of the feed reel during a joint movement of said laminar strips.
US09321603B1	Image forming apparatus There is provided an image forming apparatus of an embodiment including a first roller, a second roller, a plurality of biasing members, a control section, and a driving section. The second roller is provided to face the first roller. The plurality of biasing members bias the second roller toward the first roller at different strengths respectively. The control section selects one biasing member of the plurality of biasing members. The driving section selectively drives the biasing member that is selected by the control section and makes the biasing member bias the second roller toward the first roller.
US09321602B2	Device for handling single sheets, for introducing and distributing rectangular single sheets, especially bank notes, respectively into and out of a container A single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) for the input and the output of rectangular single sheets (38) respectively into and out of a container (12a to 12d). These rectangular single sheets can in particular be banknotes (38). The single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) has a feeding device with feeding elements for the sheet-by-sheet feeding of single sheets (38) and for storing these single sheets (38) in a stack (36) of single sheets in the container (12a to 12d). Further, the single sheet handling device has a separating device with separating elements for the sheet-by-sheet removal of single sheets (38) of the stack (36) from the container (12a to 12d). The feeding elements and the separating elements are arranged separately from the container (12a to 12d).
US09321601B2	Automated unloader base belt and container A base belt for use with an automated unloading apparatus that can automatically unload a container having a plurality of items located on the base belt, and a container configured for use with an automated unloading apparatus. The base belt has a trailer end configured to be removably attached to a container. The base belt has an unloader end configured to be removably attached to the automated unloading apparatus. The container has a container body having an interior and an attachment point on the interior of the container.
US09321600B2	Automatic analyzer A convey mechanism is a moving mechanism used to move a rack, which can store cuvettes, along a linear moving direction. A driving unit drives the convey mechanism to intermittently move the rack along. A detection unit outputs an error signal when it detects that a placement state of the rack on the convey mechanism corresponds to an error placement which does not allow the convey mechanism to normally convey the rack, and does not output any error signal when it detects that the placement state does not correspond to the error placement. A controller controls the driving unit to stop a convey operation of the rack when the error signal is output. The controller controls the driving unit to execute the convey operation of the rack when the error signal is not output.
US09321599B2	Transport device for goods and method for operating a transport device A transport device for goods, comprising a transfer device for transferring the goods (4) from a delivering conveying device (3) of the transport device to a discharging conveying device (6) of the transport device having an endless transport element (8) which can be driven in a circulating manner, having a first drive (15) for driving a first section (7) of the endless transport element (8), which first section (7) is intended to receive the goods (4) and is assigned to the delivering conveying device (3), and a second drive (17) for driving a second section (16) of the endless transport element (8), which second section (16) is intended to dispense the received goods (4) and is assigned to the discharging conveying device (6), wherein the endless transport element (8) is arranged on a carriage (9) which is held by a carriage carrier, and the carriage (9) can be adjusted along a carriage axis by way of a speed difference between the first and the second drive (15, 17).
US09321598B2	Conveyor and weight sensing method using conveyor It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor which estimates weight of a transport object while it is carried without using devices such as a load cell which directly measures weight.The conveyor has a plurality of zones forming a series of carriage ways. An approach-run zone and a weight-measurement zone are arranged adjacently in the conveying direction and are provided with different drive motors. The drive motor of the approach-run zone and the drive motor of the weight-measurement zone are controlled with respectively different predetermined rotation speeds as their target rotation speeds. A rotation speed sensing means obtains the change of rotation speed of the drive motor in the weight-measurement zone when a transport object is conveyed into the weight-measurement zone from the approach-run zone, and a weight sensing means then calculates the weight of the transport object based on the change of the rotation speed.
US09321588B2	Storage tank containment system A large volume natural gas storage tank comprises a plurality of rigid tubular walls each having opposing ends and an intermediate segment with a closed tubular cross-section, the plurality of rigid tubular walls arranged in a closely spaced relationship and interconnected at their ends to form a six-sided storage tank, with each of the six sides of the storage tank defined by four successive of the plurality of rigid tubular walls connected end-to-end, such that the interiors of the plurality of rigid tubular walls define an interior fluid storage chamber; and an exterior support structure, the exterior support structure including one or more braces connected to the exteriors of at least some of the plurality of rigid tubular walls and adapted to reinforce the at least some of the plurality of rigid tubular walls against dynamic loading from fluid in the interior fluid storage chamber.
US09321587B2	Locking system applicable in large container A locking system applicable in a large container comprises a first component, a second component, and a latch (10). The latch (10) is movably received within the first component, and correspondingly the second component is provided with a groove (14) to receive a section of the latch (10) extending from the receiving section of the first component. The locking system also comprises a handle (9). The handle (9) is arranged on the first component via pivot shafts (13) and is allowed to turn towards an outer side of the first component. The handle (9) is provided at a section thereof away from the pivot shaft (13) with male pins (11). The latch (10) is provided with concave profiles in correspondence to the male pin (11). The male pin (11) and the concave profile (12) are engaged to form a sliding pair. Furthermore, the handle (9) and the latch (10) constitute a lever system. The lever system uses the pivot shaft (13) as a fulcrum, the handle (9) as a driving member, and the latch (10) as a driven member, where the distance between a force-exerting section of the handle (9) and the fulcrum is greater than the distance from the sliding pair to the fulcrum. The locking system has the advantages of effortless operation, easy installation, and, when in use, improved conformation of movements to gesture habits of people.
US09321581B2	Process and device for delivery of fluid by chemical reaction Processes and devices for delivering a fluid by chemical reaction are disclosed. A chemical reaction is initiated in a reaction chamber to produce a gas, and the gas acts upon a piston to deliver the fluid. Preferred devices typically include an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a fluid chamber, a piston between the lower chamber and the fluid chamber, and a barrier between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. When the barrier is broken, reagents in the upper chamber and the lower chamber are mixed together to generate the gas.
US09321580B2	Internal pouch held in a double-structured aerosol can An internal pouch held in a double-structured aerosol can, composed of first and second internal pouches for containing first and second agents, respectively, the aerosol can being capable of simultaneously ejecting the first and second agents. The first internal pouch has a layer constitution that includes a polyolefin inner layer, an adhesive resin layer on the inner layer side, an aluminum foil, an adhesive resin layer on the outer layer side and a thermoplastic resin outer layer; the second internal pouch has a layer constitution that includes a polyolefin inner layer, an adhesive resin layer on the inner layer side, an aluminum foil, an adhesive resin layer on the outer layer side and a thermoplastic resin outer layer; and the adhesive resin forming the adhesive resin layer on the inner layer side of the first internal pouch contains a polyether type urethane resin.
US09321576B2	Packaging device for liquid crystal modules A packaging device for liquid crystal modules is provided, comprising a bracket installed at the bottom of the liquid crystal module, a pallet carried by a supporting member and used for fixing the bracket, a protective layer arranged on all sides of the liquid crystal module for fixing and buffering, and a packaging box arranged outside the protective layer for packaging. The packaging device for liquid crystal modules of the present invention ensures the transport safety, facilitates the manual packaging and transporting, and reduces the entire packaging weight.
US09321569B2	Lid and closure member assembly A lid and closure member assembly for placement on a container is provided. The lid includes a cover portion, an access port and an elongated channel defined in the cover portion. The channel may include two opposing side walls, two opposing end walls and a bottom. The channel's side walls can each include an inwardly-projecting lip forming an undercut for slidably receiving a portion of the closure member. The closure member includes an access port cap, a retainer slidably received within the channel and a strap extending between the access port cap and the retainer. The closure member is selectively movable between open and closed positions. The access port cap may cover the access port when the retainer is in a first position within the channel or may be at least partially received within the channel when the retainer is in a second position within the channel.
US09321567B2	Closure with tamper evident push-pull tether A closure comprising a main portion and a flip-top portion are provided. The main portion comprises a tab and at least one rib. The flip-top portion is operatively connected to the main portion and is movable with respect to the main portion. The tab can be configured to break at least partially away from the at least one rib as a result of downward force applied to the tab. The at least one rib can be configured to spiral partially away from the tab and the main portion when the tab is pulled in an upward direction away from the main portion. The tab and the at least one rib comprise a tamper evident seal.
US09321560B2	Child resistant closure system including hood arrangement for recloseable bag and methods A child resistant zipper closure for a plastic bag includes a zipper closure having a hood arrangement that includes at least a non-removable hood section in covering relation to a first portion of the zipper closure. There can be slider to open and close the closure, and the non-removable hood section will be sized to accommodate the slider. The hood arrangement can include a removable section to expose the zipper closure and allow access to the slider.
US09321557B2	Method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, and product of same A method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, such as a labeled EPS cup uses a heated pocket to thermally bond a label to a plastic cup. Also described is a labeled plastic foam container, such as a labeled EPS cup, having high quality printing capabilities, sufficient stiffness, acceptable insulation and barrier properties and reduced production cost.
US09321553B1	Carton with handle A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and comprises at least a top panel. A handle is positionable between a first position and a second position. The handle comprises at least a first handle panel and a second handle panel, and at least one of the first handle panel and the second handle panel is foldably connected to the top panel. At least one of the first handle panel and the second handle panel is generally coplanar with at least a portion of the top panel in the first position of the handle. Each of the first handle panel and the second handle panel extends upwardly relative to the top panel and the first handle panel is spaced apart from the second handle panel in the second position of the handle.
US09321552B2	Magnetically sealable cover A magnetically sealable cover forms a hollow container having a cube or parallelogram shape. The cover includes a planar main body and six flaps. The main body has top, bottom, left, and right edges respectively forming a right angle. Each edge has a flap connected thereto, except the right and left edges each have two flaps connected thereto. The main body can be bent such that pairs of flaps magnetically engage.
US09321549B2	Biopolymer roll stock for form-fill-sealed article A system and method for forming a biopolymer roll stock for a biopolymer form-fill-sealed package, the biopolymer roll stock includes at least one biopolymer resin; and at least one additive, the additive including at least one impact modifier between 5-50 weight % of the total weight of the additive; and at least one polymer color concentrate between 5-50 weight % of the total weight of the additive, whereby the biopolymer roll stock has a predetermined thickness and impact resistance.
US09321543B2	Method and device for condition monitoring A computer-implemented method, a computer program product and a device for the condition monitoring of a component or system, such as for an aircraft or spacecraft. The method includes: providing an optimized decision tree, the nodes of which contain attributes of an input vector, the leaves of which each contain a classification function and the connections of which between the nodes are weighted; providing an input vector derived from a data signal; implementing a condition monitoring in which the condition of the component or system is determined using the weighted decision tree and on the basis of the input vector. In addition to an item of information concerning which of the classification functions of the decision tree best corresponds to the input vector, an additional item of information concerning the probability with which the other classes of the decision tree correspond to the examined input vector is calculated and output.
US09321540B2	Flight data recorder The invention relates to a flight data recorder. It is equipped with capsules designed to break at determined depths. The capsules release hydraulic tracing elements, generating a luminous streak in the water, when they are broken, so that the searches for the flight data recorders, or black boxes, are made easier.
US09321538B2	Superconducting electrical system This invention relates to a superconducting electrical network, comprising: an electrical system including a plurality of superconducting electrical equipment; a cryogenic system including one or more refrigeration units for providing coolant to the plurality of superconducting electrical equipment; a controller configured to control the flow of coolant to the plurality of superconducting electrical equipment, wherein the controller is configured to isolate the supply of refrigerant to one or more of the plurality of electrical equipment upon demand and increase the flow of coolant to one or more of the non-isolated plurality of electrical equipment.
US09321537B2	Beam for suspending a turboshaft engine from an aircraft structure A beam for suspending a turboshaft engine from an aircraft structure, including a first attachment mechanism configured to be secured to the aircraft structure and at least one second attachment mechanism configured to be secured to the engine. The beam is at least partially made from a metal-matrix composite material including reinforcing fibers. In one embodiment, the beam takes a form of a circle arc.
US09321533B2	Aircraft passageway storage units Aircraft passageway storage units are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a storage assembly to be supported on a floor of an interior of a fuselage of an aircraft. The storage assembly has a corner to be adjacent a passageway of the interior of the fuselage, and the passageway is to extend around the corner. The example apparatus also includes a door coupled to the storage assembly. The door extends from a first side of the storage assembly to a second side of the storage assembly and defines a portion of the corner. The door is to cover an opening of a compartment of the storage assembly when the door is in a closed position, and the opening is to extend from the first side to the second side.
US09321532B2	Acceleration protective suit The altitude-optimized, pressurized suit consists of a sheath of a sparingly expansible textile material. This sheath has fastened in it, and on it, by sewing, adhesive bonding or welding, compartments which are formed by virtue of the sheath being doubled, in that a strip of textile material is applied to the inside, or in the second case to the outside, of the sheath, and therefore it is connected to the sheath if only along its periphery. These compartments likewise consist of textile materials, in the first case of the same material as the sheath, and in the second case of an expansible knitted fabric. Flexible tubes-which expand under pressure are introduced into these compartments. The first-mentioned compartments act as “spacers” for tightening the suit over the topography of the wearer's body. The second-mentioned compartments act as “muscles” and press locally onto the wearer's body.
US09321530B2	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.
US09321526B2	Compound helicopter The invention relates to a compound helicopter comprising a fuselage, at least one engine and a main rotor driven by said at least one engine. At least one pair of fixed wings are mounted in an essentially horizontal plane on a left hand and a right hand side of the fuselage and horizontally oriented propulsion devices are mounted to each of the fixed wings, the fixed wings encompassing each a drive shaft from the at least one engine. Each fixed wing comprises a lower main wing and an upper secondary wing being connected to each other within an interconnection region. The propulsion devices include pusher propellers arranged at the interconnection region and the upper secondary wing houses the drive shaft from the at least one engine.
US09321525B2	Shrink strut landing gear system, method, and apparatus The landing gear systems, methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may comprise a shrink pump and an unshrink valve that are capable of shrinking a landing gear shock strut up to about 40% of its available stroke. The shrink pump may be configured to pump fluid (e.g., a hydraulic fluid) between an oil chamber, where hydraulic fluid is likely present and a shrink chamber to shrink the landing gear. Moreover, the shrink pump and unshrink valve may be part of a strut shrink system.
US09321524B2	Bogie beam articulation mechanism A bogie articulation mechanism is provided comprising, for example, a first torque link and a second torque link coupled for rotation about a pivot joint, the first torque link coupled to a bogie beam, a pitch trimmer having a first terminus and a second terminus, the first terminus coupled to the pivot joint, a bell crank having a pivot point, a first coupling point and a second coupling point, first coupling point couple to the second terminus of the pitch trimmer, and a reaction link coupled to the second coupling point of the bell crank.
US09321521B2	Thermally activated variable stiffness composites for aircraft seals An apparatus has a first structure, a second structure, and an activated seal. The second structure has a first position adjacent to the first structure such that the first structure is not in contact with the second structure. The activated seal is attached to at least one of the first structure and the second structure. The activated seal has a variable stiffness that may be changed in response to a stimuli such that the activated seal is capable of being deformed when at least one of the first structure and the second structure are moved relative to each other.
US09321520B2	Drainage mast of the compartment of the auxiliary power unit of an aircraft A drainage mast for draining liquids from an APU compartment of an aircraft with a first end connected to the APU compartment and a second end for discharging the liquids to the atmosphere. The drainage mast is configured with at least a sector having decreasing cross section areas towards the second end. The area of the initial cross section of the sector is lesser than the area of any cross section of the drainage mast closer to the first end. The invention also refers to an aircraft comprising the drainage mast.
US09321519B2	Support plate for the passage of systems between two zones with different pressurizations of an aircraft A support plate for the passage of systems between two zones at different pressurizations of an aircraft, in the region of a bulkhead separating the two zones. The support plate comprises a connection plate including at least one retaining element and at least one sealing joint and is provided with a plurality of holes intended for the passage of an assembly of systems which have to pass through said bulkhead.
US09321517B1	Methods and systems for altitude control of balloons to improve wind data A method may involve analyzing, by a computing device, a wind model to identify one or more locations in a coverage area of a balloon network where updated wind data is desirable. The balloon network may include a plurality of balloons that are configured to provide data service. The method may further involve determining, by the computing device, a flight plan for each of one or more balloons in the balloon network. At least one flight plan may be determined based at least in part on both: (a) the one or more locations where updated wind data is desirable and (b) data-service requirements in the coverage area of the balloon network. And the method may involve sending each determined flight plan for implementation by the corresponding balloon.
US09321516B1	Hybrid propulsion system for a watercraft A watercraft propulsion system has a driveshaft, an impeller or a propeller, an overrunning clutch, an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The overrunning clutch has a first race and a second race. The first race is one of an inner race and an outer race. The second race is an other one of the inner race and the outer race. The first race is connected to the driveshaft for driving the driveshaft. The electric motor has a motor output shaft operatively connected to the first race. The internal combustion engine has an engine output shaft operatively connected to the second race. The overrunning clutch is connected to the motor output shaft and the engine output shaft such that the electric motor is able to selectively rotate the first race at a higher speed than the second race. A watercraft having the propulsion system is also disclosed.
US09321511B2	Floating element and method of forming a buoyancy system A floating element is for forming a modularly constructed buoyancy system. The floating element is provided with a cavity. At least the first side face of the floating element is provided with at least one first cut-out which, at its first end, is connected to a first channel whose mouth is in a first coupling face, and which, at its second end, is connected to a second channel whose mouth is in a second coupling face. A buoyancy system is made up of a plurality of floating elements. A method is for forming such a buoyancy system.
US09321504B2	Braking device for a personal mobility vehicle A personal mobility vehicle, such as a scooter, includes at least one battery and motor for powering at least one driven wheel. The vehicle also includes a braking assembly configured to isolate the motor from the at least one driven wheel such that power is terminated from the motor to the at least one wheel in response to a user engaging a braking assembly of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a switch or position sensor that interacts with the braking assembly to initiate the isolation of the motor from the at least one driven wheel and the switch or position sensor preferably is inaccessible to the foot of the user.
US09321499B2	Bicycle frame and bicycle, and baby carriage using same capable of two-wheel and three-wheel conversion A cycle frame easily converted from a bicycle to a tricycle and vice versa, and to a cycle and a baby carriage using same. The cycle includes a main frame including a main support and a pair of sub-supports branching from the main support, a pair of conversion frames, front end portions thereof being hingeably connected to rear end portions of the sub-supports such that the distance between rear end portions thereof is adjustable, a pair of connection brackets respectively connected to the rear end portions of the conversion frames, a fork frame rotatably connected to the front end portion of the main support, a front wheel shaft rotatably connected to the fork frame, a main rear wheel shaft, both ends thereof being respectively and separably connected to the connection brackets, and a propelling pedal rotatably mounted on the main support and drive-connected to the main rear wheel shaft.
US09321496B2	Bicycle seat The present invention relates to a bicycle seat including two or more support cushions. Two support cushions are independently rotatable to move with a bicycle rider's legs, and comprise angled portions that support the rider's buttocks and upper thighs. Another fixed cushion supports the genital and perineal areas of a rider's anatomy.
US09321489B1	Illuminated platform system An illuminated platform system which improves safety by providing an illuminated and non-slip surface adapted for lining a surface such as a truck frame. The illuminated platform system generally includes one or more platforms which are adapted to be secured to a surface such as a truck frame. Each of the platforms is interlockable utilizing side apertures extending along the outer perimeter of the platforms in combination with fasteners and anchors. A light source such as a light string is positioned within an outer channel extending along the lower surface of the platforms. Light from the light source will emanate through both the side apertures and a plurality of upper apertures which extend along the outer perimeter of the platform along its upper surface. By interlocking the platforms and activating the light source, the surface such as a truck frame may be safely illuminated and adapted to store heavy objects.
US09321487B2	Vehicle frame structure A frame body (1) has a closed cross-section formed by a first surface (11), a second surface (12) wider than the first surface (11), and two side surfaces (13), and each of the side surfaces (13) has a single bent part (14) or two or more bent parts (14). In the cross-section of the frame body (1), the first surface (11) and an outer part (13a) of the side surface (13) form an angle of approximately 90 degrees or larger than 90 degrees inside the closed cross-section, and a specific bent part which is the single bent part (14) or one of the bent parts (14) closest to the second surface (12) is bent to protrude inward of the closed cross-section.
US09321483B2	System and method for maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel A system and method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel uses at least one sensor generating output information representative of the relative position between the vehicle rear and the trailer front. An electronic processing unit compares the measured quantity with a reference value and determines from the comparison whether the trailer deviates from a straight alignment with the vehicle. If the trailer is not aligned with the vehicle, the system can interfere with the vehicle's steering system, the trailer's brake system, or both.The sensor can be a distance sensor or a camera, and the quantity can be a distance or a marker position. As a reference value for comparison, the method can use a stored value or previously or simultaneously measured values. The method can be activated automatically or by a switch operated by the vehicle driver.
US09321482B2	Steering device Left and right front wheels are steered by rotation of steering shafts, and a steering force from a steering wheel is inputted into the steering shaft. Mutually adjacent ends of the shafts are coupled to a ring gear and a sun gear of a planetary gear set, a steering angle adjustment motor is drivably coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set, and the rotation ratio between the shafts is made changeable. Left and right rear wheels are steered by rotation of steering shafts, and a steering force from a steering motor is inputted into the shaft. Mutually adjacent ends of the shafts are respectively coupled to a ring gear and a sun gear of a planetary gear set, a steering angle adjustment motor is drivably coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set, and the rotation ratio between the shafts is made changeable.
US09321479B2	Vehicle power steering waste heat recovery A power steering waste heat recovery system for a vehicle and method of operating is disclosed. The system may include a power steering system and a waste heat absorption system. The power steering system may include a power steering pump, a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger located downstream of the power steering pump and configured to allow power steering fluid flow therethrough, and a steering rack operatively engaging the heat exchanger to receive the power steering fluid therefrom. The waste heat absorption system may include an auxiliary heater loop configured to direct a liquid through the heat exchanger; and an automatically controllable heat control valve having an inlet, a first outlet for directing the liquid to bypass the auxiliary heater loop, and a second outlet for directing the liquid through the heat exchanger in the auxiliary heater loop.
US09321478B2	Electric power steering assembly A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a bearing assembly disposed in a rack housing and carried by a ball nut assembly for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to a steering member; and a spanner nut carried by the rack housing for securing the bearing assembly in the rack housing. A first isolator, a second isolator and a first shim are provided wherein the first isolator is disposed between an inner surface of the housing and a first surface of an outer race of the bearing, the second isolator is disposed between an opposite second surface of the outer race of said bearing and the first shim, the first shim is disposed between the second isolator and the spanner nut. The first shim is provided with a member configured to be coupled to the housing to allow for axial movement but prevent rotational motion of the shim during installation of the spanner nut.
US09321476B2	Steering apparatus for a vehicle A steering apparatus is provided for reducing its size by reducing a load applied to a driving unit, and configuring an electrically operated tilt mechanism which is small in size and easily mounted on a vehicle. A driving unit adjusting a relative position of a steering column to a fixing bracket, and a biasing member (e.g., tension coil spring) having one end supported on the fixing bracket, and holding the steering column at a predetermined neutral position when the driving unit is not actuated, are provided, so that the driving unit adjusts the steering column to be placed at a tilt position with a desired tilt angle relative to the fixing bracket.
US09321472B2	Cart for use with pedal-cycle or other tilt-cornering vehicle A cart with a pair of wheels (14) connected via a tilt mechanism (16) on opposing sides of a cart body (12). The cart body is releasably attachable to a frame (99) of a pedal cycle or other tilt-cornering vehicle so that the pair of wheels function as front wheels of a tricycle configuration. When separate from the pedal-cycle, the cart (10, 100, 150, 170, 200) forms a free-standing cart with a tilt lock (18) deployed to lock tilting of cart body (12).
US09321471B1	Adjustable and collapsible hand truck with lifting apparatus A hand truck is designed to include three separate frame components: (1) a main component, which is defined as a conventional hand truck frame; (2) a pivoting frame component connected along one end termination of the main frame via a hinge (allowing for the pivoting frame to be raised with respect to the main frame component and create a platform at a raised elevation); and (3) a back frame component that is connected to a rear portion of the main frame and may be extended to allow for the frame to have a four-point (i.e., “four-wheeled”) configuration. A removable jack may be positioned between the back frame and the pivoting frame and used to raise/lower the pivoting frame.
US09321467B2	Fuel tank assembly and method of use A fuel assembly and a method of providing fuel is disclosed. The fuel assembly includes a frame, a first fuel storage tank sized to fit within the frame and configured to store one of a liquid and a gaseous fuel, and a fuel control assembly configured to regulate delivery of the gaseous fuel to an external power unit. The fuel control assembly includes a first fuel assembly memory module having stored thereon identifying information of the interchangeable fuel assembly.
US09321463B2	Regenerative braking apparatus for electric vehicle A regenerative braking apparatus has an inverter. The inverter uses the rotational energy of the wheels to let the motor generator generate electric power for the purpose of providing regenerative braking. The regenerative braking apparatus also includes a refrigeration cycle unit and a heating cycle unit. The refrigeration cycle unit compresses a refrigerant with the electric power of the battery in order to heat a heat exchanger. The heating cycle unit is a unit in which a medium heated by the heat exchanger flows to heat the battery. When the battery is in a fully charged state where the battery cannot be charged with regenerative electric power of the motor generator, the regenerative braking apparatus exercises electric power consumption control to force the refrigeration cycle unit and the heating cycle unit to consume the electric power of the battery.
US09321454B2	Method for operating a vehicle A method for operating a vehicle includes: specifying a time-related target power demand for the vehicle to an internal combustion engine; and switching in an additional powering device in addition to the internal combustion engine when a time-related actual power demand of the vehicle on the internal combustion engine deviates from the time-related target power demand. The present invention makes it possible to operate the internal combustion engine in a diagnosis mode largely independently of the specific driving situation.
US09321453B2	Engine clutch control system for hybrid vehicle and method of controlling engine clutch An engine clutch control system for a hybrid vehicle has a power source including an engine and a motor, an engine clutch between the engine and the motor, a traveling information detector that detects traveling information including at least one of the vehicle speed, shift gear, displacement of the accelerator pedal, and displacement of the brake pedal, and a hybrid controller that selects an EV mode or HEV mode by controlling disengagement or engagement of the engine clutch. A method of controlling the engine clutch includes determining whether there is a request for changing into the HEV mode from the EV mode; determining a reference speed from traveling inertia of the vehicle and inertia of the engine and the motor; determining a desired speed for controlling the determined reference speed; and calculating transmission torque of the engine clutch.
US09321452B2	Methods and systems for adjusting driveline operation during an accelerator tip-out Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be operated at an idle speed while a driveline disconnect clutch separating the engine from a driveline is open in response to a reduction in driver demand torque. Engine torque may be applied to the driveline by simply closing the driveline disconnect clutch.
US09321451B2	Managing ring gear torque in a hybrid electric vehicle to increase available wheel torque A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine that can selectively provide drive torque to propel the vehicle. An electric machine also selectively provides drive torque. A differential transfers the torque to and amongst wheels. A planetary gearset is coupled to the engine and has a ring-gear for transmitting ring-gear-torque to the differential. A continuous torque transfer member operatively couples the ring-gear and the electric machine to the differential. At least one controller is configured to alter engine output based on a ring-gear-torque-threshold. This enables a desired torque to transfer through the continuous torque transfer member to the differential.
US09321449B2	Transmission control system A method and a system for choosing a transmission mode in a vehicle over the course of a road section, in which a simulation of at least one future speed profile vsim for the road section ahead of the vehicle is conducted on the basis of a road slope for the road section. A time period Tappl is determined on the basis of the at least one simulated future speed profile vsim, which ensures that a lower transmission mode is chosen before a lowest permitted speed vmin defined for the road section and/or a set speed vset for a speed control is reached. During the determined time period Tappl, the transmission mode which is utilized when the simulation is made is applicable for the vehicle. After this, it is evaluated whether a lower transmission mode than the currently used transmission mode shall be chosen. A lower transmission mode shall be chosen if the time period Tappl for which the current transmission mode is applicable is shorter than a first threshold period Tlim.
US09321445B2	Method for operating a hydraulic system and brake system A method for operating a hydraulic system with a plurality of consumers an electrically controllable pressure supply device and an electrically actuable inlet valve, per consumer, which inlet valve is arranged between the pressure supply device and the consumer, wherein a pressure/volume relationship is predefined or determined for each consumer, wherein each consumer is assigned to a first group or a second group of consumers, wherein the first group of consumers includes at least one consumer, and wherein, in order to set predefined consumer-specific setpoint pressures, the first group of consumers is connected via the respectively opened inlet valve to the pressure supply device, and the inlet valves of the consumers of the second group are closed, wherein the inlet valve of a single, selected consumer of the second group is opened while being regulated to build up a pressure, and a brake system for motor vehicles.
US09321439B2	Method, regulating and control appliance, and parking brake comprising such a regulating and control appliance, for adjusting a clamping force exerted by a parking brake In a method for adjusting the clamping force exerted by a parking brake, which force is applied by an electric-motor braking apparatus that encompasses an electric braking motor and power-supply and control units, and as necessary by an additional braking apparatus, an equivalent resistance is ascertained from a measurement of current and voltage and is used as the basis for calculating the maximum generatable clamping force.
US09321438B2	Automatic braking control device An automatic braking control device includes a temperature obtaining section for obtaining an index value of a temperature of brake fluid, a collision prediction time calculation section for calculating collision prediction time of a vehicle with an object, a collision determination section for determining whether the collision prediction time is less than or equal to a threshold, and a pressure control section for controlling a start timing of pressurization of the brake fluid when the collision prediction time is less than or equal to the threshold. The pressure control section sets the start timing to a first timing when the index value is a first temperature and to a second timing when the index value is a second temperature higher than the first temperature. Time from determination of the collision determination section to the first timing is shorter than time from the determination to the second timing.
US09321436B2	Brake system for motor vehicles A “brake-by wire” brake system for motor vehicles, with a brake master cylinder which can be actuated by a brake pedal and has a housing and a piston, which is arranged displaceably in the housing and, together with the housing, delimits a pressure space. The piston of the brake master cylinder is designed as a stepped piston with at least two hydraulic active surfaces A1, A2 of differing size, wherein a first, small active surface A1 is assigned to the pressure space, and a second, large active surface A2 is assigned to a filling space, and, after a closing travel has been overcome, the second, large hydraulic active surface A2 is effective and the active surface A2, A1 are switched over in dependence on a hydraulic pressure in the pressure space and on the pedal force, respectively.
US09321434B2	Retractable jack foot A trailer hitch jack for rapidly raising and lowering the tongue of a trailer.
US09321428B2	Vehicle seat provided with compact fast-installing safety belt system A vehicle seat is provided with a safety belt system having compact size and rapid installation, which can be preassembled and installed simultaneously with the framework of the seat-back.
US09321424B2	Energy dissipative cushioning elements An apparatus, method, computer program product, and/or system are described that determine an event, actuate a cushioning element in response to the determining the event, the cushioning element including one or more tension-bearing members, and dissipate at least some of an energy associated with a collision based on deforming at least one of the tension-bearing members during the collision, the deforming including substantially inelastically stretching the at least one of the tension-bearing members. Other example embodiments are also provided relating to actuatable cushioning elements.
US09321417B1	Attachment arrangement for side curtain air bag utilizing rotatable fastener A quarter-turn fastener and hanger assembly for connection to a base plate having a fastener receiving receptacle, including a hanger bracket having a fastener receiving hole. The fastener includes a body rotatable between an insertion position for connection to the base plate and a locked position releasably securing said hanger bracket to the base plate having a head portion to move said fastener between the insertion position and the locked position, and an attachment portion sized to pass through the fastener receiving hole in the hanger bracket and the fastener receptacle in the base plate with at least one abutment surface to abut the back surface of the base plate in the locked position. The head portion includes deformable resilient arms extending laterally outward and toward said attachment portion with ends to engage a front face of said hanger bracket to urge said at least one abutment surface into abutting relation to the back surface of the base plate. The hanger assembly further includes a fabric member connected to the hanger bracket and to a supported element. In one form the hanger bracket includes forwardly bent tangs defining a locked position limit stop surface and a locked position retention limit stop surface with one of said deformable resilient arms abutting the stop surfaces to maintain the fastener in the locked position.
US09321415B2	Power-supplying system An objective of the present invention is to provide a power-supplying system that can restrain an increase in size thereof with a spring equipped therewith. A first end of a rolling spring projects inwardly, and a first locking section is formed on a primary shaft of a turning member, the primary shaft being disposed inside the rolling spring so that the turning member can engage with the rolling spring at the inside of the rolling spring, thereby restraining an increase in size thereof.
US09321408B2	Bicycle transportation device A bicycle transportation device that can be removably attached to any bicycle for transportation of the bicycle in the bed of a truck. The bicycle transportation device can be attached to the bike without the need to install hardware on the bicycle and carried securely in the bed of a truck without the need to make any modifications to the truck bed or to install any hardware on the truck anywhere.
US09321406B2	Collapsible bicycle rack having adjustable front wheel holders A collapsible bicycle rack to be transported at the rear of a motor vehicle for carrying bicycles that are aligned vertically with their front wheels facing up. The bicycle rack includes an upper front wheel support having stationary front wheel holders and oppositely-aligned adjustable front wheel holders that can be moved relative to the stationary front wheel holders to vary the distance therebetween in order to support the front wheels of bicycles having different diameters. The bicycle rack also includes a lower rear wheel support that rotates simultaneously with the upper front wheel support between an unfolded deployed configuration extending outwardly from an upstanding main support bar and a collapsed compact configuration lying adjacent the upstanding main support bar.
US09321401B2	Stop-arm with camera system A stop-arm with camera system for a vehicle is provided. The stop-arm with camera system may include a shield, a stop-arm, and a camera assembly. The stop-arm includes a first side and a second side. The stop-arm may be deployable between a first position where the first side of the stop-arm is disposed at least partially inside the shield, and a second position where the stop-arm is substantially perpendicular to the shield. The camera assembly is coupled to the first side of the stop-arm. The stop-arm with camera system may be mounted on a rear passenger side of the vehicle, which may be a bus. The camera assembly may provide a view including an area that is under the vehicle and between a rear wheel of the vehicle and a front wheel of the vehicle when the stop-arm is in the second position.
US09321399B2	Surrounding area monitoring device for vehicle A surrounding area monitoring apparatus, which is built into a vehicle, images the area surrounding the vehicle and detects physical objects in the area surrounding the vehicle based on the image taken. The apparatus determines whether the detected physical object is a pedestrian or an animal, and a warning is given to the driver of the vehicle if the determined physical object is present within a specified area from the vehicle. If it is determined that the detected physical object is an animal and that the animal is present within the specified area, the warning in continued for a specified period even after the animal has left the specified area. Since animals have habits of behaving in a herd, the risk of lurking animals can be brought to the driver's attention by the continuation of the warning.
US09321398B2	Systems, methods and apparatus for providing to a driver of a vehicle carrying a mixture real-time information relating to a characteristic of the mixture Information relating to a change made to a concrete mixture in a concrete mixer truck is obtained. An expected value of a selected characteristic of the concrete mixture is determined based on the change. A representation of the expected value is displayed on a processing device located in a cab of the concrete mixer truck. In one embodiment, the mixture comprises a concrete mixture. The change may comprise an addition of water to the mixture.
US09321397B2	Full-screen display device of automobile taillights A full-screen display device of automobile taillights relates to a light-emitting display technology for automobile taillights, including left and right taillights, a linked switch and a light-emitting display controlling circuit. The left and the right taillights are divided into three light-emitting zones (I, II, and III), wherein light-emitting diodes (LEDs), respectively for displaying red, yellow and white light, are arranged in each light-emitting zone. The light-emitting display controlling circuit includes a signal inputting circuit, a single-chip microcomputer controlling circuit, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOS FET) switching constant-current source circuit, a light-emitting executive circuit and a power source. The signal inputting circuit is connected with a signal inputting terminal of a single-chip microcomputer; a signal outputting terminal of the single-chip microcomputer is connected with an inputting terminal of the MOS FET switching constant-current source circuit; and the MOS FET switching constant-current source circuit is connected in series with the LEDs.
US09321395B2	Vehicle puddle lamp assembly generating animated image and method A vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided and includes a plurality of light projectors located on a vehicle and configured to illuminate different lighted image patterns on a ground surface adjacent to the vehicle. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly also includes a controller for sequentially activating the plurality of light projectors to generate an animated lighted image on the ground surface.
US09321391B2	Convertible cargo transportation container and convertible cargo transportation vehicle The present invention provides a convertible cargo transportation vehicle. The convertible cargo transportation vehicle has a front end and a rear end with respect to the driving direction of the vehicle and comprises, in particular, a base frame, two or more containers attached to the base frame, the containers being arranged consecutively in the driving direction of the vehicle.
US09321386B1	Low profile compact tool carriers Compact tool carriers having a loader mounted to a low-profile mainframe are disclosed. In some embodiments, the pivot points of the mainframe about which the loader is pivoted are low relative to the mainframe to reduce the mainframe size and to lower the center of gravity to improve the stability of the compact tool carrier during use.
US09321385B2	Hungry board assembly Hungry boards, or spill boards, for mounting about a tip truck load carrying body are formed with a pair of spaced apart vertical bores corresponding to and depending downward from the access cutouts. Vertical bores formed through the hungry board receive the threaded end of an anchor bolt which is welded to lip of the body. The anchor bolt comprises part of a resilient fastening system for attachment of the hungry board the anchor bolt is formed with a flat foot from which a shank extends. The shank terminates upwardly in a threaded upper end. A compression spring is located about the shank and arranged to absorb impact forces directed at the hungry board during use. The hungry boards are made of a light weight resilient material such as a tough synthetic rubber.
US09321383B2	Head and neck restraining system A head and neck restraint system includes a vertical support and a head and neck restraint assembly coupled to the vertical support. The head and neck restraint assembly includes a pair of spaced members coupled to the vertical support. The pair of spaced members have a spring memory that permits movement of one of said members toward and away from the other member or movement of both of said members toward and away from each other. One or more spring biased wedges avoid the spring memory from returning one or both of the spaced members to a starting position after movement of one of the members toward the other member or movement of both of the members towards each other.
US09321382B2	Connection element of the headrest poles on a seat structure A connection element of a headrest pole on a seat structure of a motor vehicle seat, includes a connection profile which receives the headrest pole and/or a headrest pole housing. The connection profile protrudes through a lateral wall of the seat structure.
US09321379B2	Fiber-reinforced resin structure A fiber-reinforced resin structure having a hole into which a connector that connects to another member is inserted, wherein a bearing strength at a part of an inside surface of the hole on which a load from the connector acts, represented by a stress at which displacement of the part of the inside surface of the hole starts increasing even without the load acting on the part of the inside surface of the hole from the connector increasing, is less than a breaking strength of a fiber-reinforced resin constituting that part of the structure.
US09321375B2	Vehicle seat apparatus having suspension with independent armrest adjustment A vehicle seat apparatus comprising a base, a seat, a fore and aft seat adjustment mechanism, an armrest bracket, and a fore and aft armrest adjustment mechanism. The fore and aft seat adjustment mechanism connects the seat to the base and includes seat slide rails and spacers thereby defining a vertical space between the seat and seat slide rails. The armrest bracket is positioned below the seat in the vertical space between the seat and seat slide rails and includes side supports to which armrests or armrest associated components may be mounted. The bracket also has a plurality of slots positioned coincident with the spacers of the fore and aft seat adjustment mechanism. The fore and aft armrest adjustment mechanism connects the bracket to the seat and includes a pair of armrest slide rails, whereby the position of the armrest bracket relative to the seat may be adjusted.
US09321374B2	Vehicle seat slide device A vehicle seat slide device includes: an upper rail including a bracket support having side walls and an upper wall connecting upper ends of the side walls; a lower rail supporting the upper rail so as to be relatively movable; and a bracket fixed to the bracket support. A cutout portion open upward is formed in the bracket support, a nut member which can be screwed to a bolt inserted into the bracket support via a terminal of the bracket support is disposed in the cutout portion, the bracket includes first and second vertical walls having an insertion hole into which the bolt is inserted, and which oppose each other, the first vertical wall is fixed to the terminal, and the second vertical wall is arranged inside the cutout portion at a position where the nut member is interposed between the first and second vertical walls.
US09321373B2	Vehicle seats Embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle seat having a seat cushion. The seat cushion may have a cushion frame, a cushion pad arranged on the cushion frame, and an airbag provided on a front portion of the seat cushion. The airbag preferably has a lower air chamber and an upper air chamber situated above the lower air chamber. The airbag is configured such that, when the upper and lower air chambers are at least partially filled with compressed air, the seat cushion is elongated while an upper portion of a peripheral wall of the lower air chamber supports a lower portion of a peripheral wall of the upper air chamber.
US09321371B2	Method for controlling a power train and corresponding control system A system and method for controlling a power train of a motor vehicle having an electric motor includes regulating the currents in the rotor and stator of the electric motor so that they reach required current values using control signals of the electric motor. The currents to be regulated and the control signals being expressed in a rotating reference frame including a plurality of axes. The control signals result from a transformation including a change of variable allowing the dynamic decoupling of the regulation along each of the axes. Regulating each axis includes an application to the current to be regulated of two different linear operators as a function of the value of the current to be regulated of that axis with respect to its required value, the result of the application of the two linear operators having to be substantially equal to the control signal of that axis.
US09321368B2	Multi-step model predictive iterative techniques for battery system peak power estimation An electrified vehicle and method for estimating peak power of a battery system of the electrified vehicle are presented. In one exemplary implementation, the method includes receiving, at a controller of the electrified vehicle, measured current, voltage, and temperature of the battery system and determining, at the controller, operating parameters for the battery system based on the measured current, voltage, and temperature. An initial peak current at a start of a current prediction period for the battery system is determined, at the controller, based on the operating parameters, and an instantaneous peak current of the battery system is determined based on its initial peak current by performing voltage-limited extrapolation of resistances and open-circuit voltage (VLERO) of a battery model for the battery system. The battery system and an electric motor of the electrified vehicle are controlled, by the controller, based on the instantaneous peak current.
US09321367B2	Apparatus for energy transfer using converter and method of manufacturing same According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.
US09321365B2	Variable gain reference antenna for non-contact charging device A non-contact charging device for charging a battery includes a source resonator, a reference antenna, and a variable gain amplifier. The source resonator is configured to transfer electrical energy to a capture resonator in a vehicle. The reference antenna is configured to detect a reference signal originating from the source resonator. The reference antenna is configured to be less sensitive to a presence of a foreign object than a foreign object detection (FOD) antenna proximate to the reference antenna. The variable gain amplifier is configured to amplify a reference signal from the reference antenna.
US09321363B2	Charging port lid for an electric vehicle having a first striking part contacting a location on a charging gun other than its unlocking operation part An external charging structure for an electric vehicle is provided with a normal charging port to be connected with a charging gun, and a charging port lid that closes when charging is not occurring to cover an opening of a port chamber where the normal charging port is disposed and opens when charging is occurring to ensure an open space allowing a port connection with the charging gun. In the external charging structure of the electric vehicle, the charging gun has a locking part for holding a port coupling in a position of electrical connection, and an unlocking operation part placed projecting from a surface of the gun and used for unlocking by a push operation. A first-striking part is disposed on a rear surface of the charging port lid, the first-striking part coming in contact with a location other than the unlocking operation part ahead of where contact would be made with the unlocking operation part when the charging port lid is closed toward the charging gun during charging.
US09321362B2	Cooling of charging cable A charging system for an electric vehicle includes: a power supply; a cable having first and second ends, the first end attached to the power supply, the cable comprising a charging conductor and a cooling conduit, each of which extends from the first end to the second end; and a connector attached to the second end of the cable, the connector having a form factor corresponding to a charge port of the electric vehicle; wherein the cooling conduit is adapted to convey a fluid that cools the charging conductor.
US09321356B2	System and method for braking a hybrid or electric traction vehicle A braking system and method for a motor vehicle including a hybrid or electric traction system, including a decoupled brake pedal module, a hydraulic braking module, and an electric braking module used for recovery of electrical energy during braking carried out by the electric traction system, the decoupled braking module including a brake pedal and a mechanism controlling the hydraulic braking system and the electric braking module. The system measures at least one parameter associated with the pedal, and limits the recovery of electrical energy by the electric braking module.
US09321354B2	Electrically driven dump truck A control device which executes the following control based on image information acquired by a camera: When the vehicle is traveling outside a trolley wire linkage section C, the control device executes control to give a yaw moment to the vehicle so that the vehicle travels while tracing a trolley wire 3R/3L. When the vehicle is traveling in the trolley wire linkage section C, the control device performs control not to execute the control to give the yaw moment. Further, the control device converts the acquired image information into coordinate information. Based on the coordinate information, when the vehicle is traveling outside the trolley wire linkage section C, the control device calculates a representative point of the vehicle and a target point situated on the trolley wire 3R/3L and gives a yaw moment to the vehicle so that the representative point approaches the target point.
US09321347B2	Compliance structure for a distensible fuel tank A distensible fuel tank included in a vehicle is provided. The distensible fuel tank includes a housing and a compliance structure coupled to the housing, the compliance structure including a base element coupled to a side of a structural element.
US09321344B2	Transmission system of hybrid electric vehicle A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include two shafts, two hollow shafts and two motor/generators. A first shaft connected to an engine. A first hollow shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first shaft, selectively connected to the first shaft, and provided with a first output gear. A second hollow shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first hollow shaft and provided with a second output gear. A second shaft disposed in parallel with the first shaft and operably connected to the first shaft and the first hollow shaft through a gear unit to selectively transmit torque of the first shaft to the first hollow shaft. Clutches may connect the first shaft and the second shaft selectively to the first hollow shaft. A first motor/generator operably connected to the second hollow shaft and a second motor/generator operably connected to the second shaft.
US09321343B2	System for hybrid vehicle to enhance performance during electric mode Disclosed is system for a hybrid vehicle in which a rotor in a motor is continuously and directly connected to a transmission and is rotatable with the transmission. A first stator mounted around an exterior side of the rotor is directly connected to a shaft of the engine to be rotatable with the shaft of the engine, and a second stator is fixedly mounted to the exterior side of the motor housing around the rotor. The system may further include a lock-up clutch configured to selectively connect a rotation shaft of the rotor with the shaft of the engine, a first inverter configured to control an operation of the first stator, and a second inverter configured to control an operation of the second stator.
US09321339B2	Vehicle with a hydraulic drive system A vehicle with a hydraulic transformer including a forward propulsion valve and a reverse propulsion valve connecting a common low-pressure rail respectively to a first motor line and a second motor line, which propulsion valves have a spring to hold the valve in a first position wherein it acts as a check valve blocking the flow to the common low-pressure rail and an actuator that can switch the propulsion valve to a second position connecting the common low-pressure rail to one of the motor lines.
US09321337B2	Battery array rail assembly with tie bracket A battery array according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rail that supports a battery cell and a tie bracket connected to the rail and configured to limit travel of the rail.
US09321329B2	Glare elimination and image enhancement system improving lenses, windows and displays New optic control systems are provided that manage camera, user or environmental movement and other factors impacting optical and resulting image quality. In some aspects of the invention, a variably, directionally shadable screen and actuating system is provided, which prevents and limits problematic glare for an observation point. In other aspects of the invention, a matrix of specialized pixels creates variably-directed light from a plurality of angle-directable, shiftable sources, which aids in creating virtual, 3-D objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods and aid in reducing the appearance of distracting interceding objects (e.g., finger blocking a touch screen). In these aspects, existing images and objects viewed through a screen may be enhanced and overlaid with effects and demonstrative information related to the overlaid images and objects and an environment. In still other aspects of the invention, electromagnetically actuated optical control techniques, including rotational lenses and sensors, are provided.
US09321327B2	Automotive vehicle and method for controlling power consumption of a compressor therein A method for controlling power consumption of a compressor of an automotive vehicle climate system may include identifying an energy source providing energy to power the compressor and selecting an operating parameter of the climate system based on the identified energy source to control power consumption of the compressor.
US09321326B2	Pressure relief valve for a vehicle A pressure relief valve including a housing that mounts in an aperture in a panel. The housing has a side wall defining an air flow passage. The side wall has a first side wall section at least partially defining the air flow passage. The first side wall section extends at an angle to the panel when the housing is mounted in the aperture in the panel. The first side wall section has an opening extending through the first side wall section. A valve element extends from the first side wall section. The valve element has a closed condition preventing air flow through the opening in the first side wall section and an open condition permitting air flow through the opening in the first side wall section. A louver assembly may be mounted in the aperture in the panel. The louver assembly has at least one louver that directs foreign matter and sound away from the valve element when the valve element is in the closed condition.
US09321323B2	Adjustable wheel suspension for the wheels of an axle of a motor vehicle An adjustable wheel suspension for the wheels of an axle of a motor vehicle is disclosed, wherein each wheel is guided by means of wheel guide elements and each wheel is operatively connected to a torsion bar, which can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device, via its wheel guide elements, the torsion bars being partially aligned with each other and each torsion bar being mounted on an auxiliary frame by its associated adjusting device. The two adjusting devices are connected to one another via a crossmember of the housing.
US09321322B2	Vehicle in which left and right wheels are attached to vehicle body by sub-frame module In a sub-frame module that is used to attach a set of left and right wheels in pair to a vehicle body, a sub-frame attached to the vehicle body and left and right hub carriers, to which the left and right wheels in pair are attached, are connected by left and right link arms to be capable of swinging. A stabilizer is laid across the left and right rear link arms, and a holder that holds the stabilizer is supported by an vehicle body side member that is provided in a bush attached to the vehicle body. The holder is fixed to the vehicle body by attaching the vehicle body side member to the vehicle body.
US09321321B2	Vehicle state estimating device, vehicle state estimating method, and vehicle control device A vehicle state estimating device includes a wheel speed detection unit; a brake operation amount detection unit; a drive operation amount detection unit; a steering operation amount detection unit; a first state amount estimating unit configured to estimate a sprung state amount caused by an operation input; a first fluctuation estimating unit configured to estimate a wheel speed fluctuation amount caused by an operation input; a second fluctuation estimating unit configured to estimate an actual wheel speed fluctuation amount from which a wheel speed fluctuation amount by a brake/drive force is excluded; a third fluctuation estimating unit configured to estimate a wheel speed fluctuation amount caused by a road surface input; and a second state amount estimating unit configured to estimate at least one of a sprung state amount and an unsprung state amount caused by a road surface input.
US09321317B2	Vehicle component A vehicle component with at least two connection points, a structural component that extends between the connection points and rigidly connects them with one another. The structural component comprises at least one insert made of a ductile material and at least two connection zones that support or form the two connection points, at least one of the zones comprises plastic. The structural component comprises at least one intermediate section that connects the two connection zones rigidly to one another and comprises the insert or is formed by the insert, this section is more ductile than at least one of the two connection zones and, in relation to a mechanical overload of the structural component, forms a locally delimited weak-point or region.
US09321314B2	Wireless sensor for sensing temperature and pressure within dual passage Disclosed is a wireless sensor for sensing temperature and pressure within a dual passage shell. The wireless sensor comprises a dual passage shell, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, a power supplying module, and a circuit board. The dual passage shell includes a cover, a base body, and a fixing receptacle. A receiving space is formed by assembling the cover and the base body. An air chamber is formed by disposing the fixing receptacle in the receiving space and by combining the base body. The base body is provided with an intake passage and an exhaust passage both communicating with the air chamber. The intake valve is provided and integrally formed within the intake passage. The exhaust valve is provided and integrally formed with the exhaust passage. Thus, a user can inflate the tire without disassembling wireless sensor, and the usage convenience of the wireless sensor is enhanced.
US09321309B2	Manufacturing method for a bearing device for a wheel A bearing device for a wheel prevents backlash in a circumferential direction and has excellent workability for connecting a hub wheel and an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. The bearing device includes a recess-projection fitting structure in which the hub wheel and a shaft section, which is fitted in a hole of the hub wheel of the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint, are unitized together. In the recess-projection fitting structure, entire fitting regions among projections on the outer surface of the shaft section of the outer joint member and recesses, which fit on the projections, are brought into intimate contact with each other.
US09321304B2	Tractor/trailer wheel cover The present invention provides a wheel cover for use to cover the wheel of a tractor or trailer. The wheel cover includes an inner support section and an outer main section. The outer main section includes a wheel cover surface and an outer edge. Further, the wheel cover includes a ratchet assembly comprising a spring, a support block, an operating holder and an extension. When installed on a truck wheel, the ratchet extension engages an outer radial edge of the inner support section that is installed on a wheel hub.
US09321303B2	Road wheel ornament A road wheel includes an outboard surface defining an orifice and a cavity. The road wheel additionally includes an ornament having a bottom surface and a key extending from the bottom surface to interface with the cavity. The ornament also includes a post extending from the bottom surface to interface with the orifice in the outboard surface. The key may include a semi-circular profile. The cavity and key may have corresponding triangular shapes. The post may have an internally threaded portion. The cavity may have a slot oriented along a wheel radius sized to receive the key, and the orifice open in the slot.
US09321301B2	Attachment arrangement for composite wheels The present invention provides an attachment arrangement for use in attaching at least one composite wheel to a mount using an elongate fastener element and a fastening nut which can be fastened on the elongate fastener element. The attachment arrangement is used with a composite wheel that includes at least one attachment aperture through which the elongate fastener element is inserted. The attachment arrangement includes a fastening washer having a fastening aperture through which the elongate fastener element can be inserted when in use. The fastening aperture includes a radially central fastening axis. The fastening washer also has a base configured to face a surface of the composite wheel about the attachment aperture. In addition, the fastening washer has a fastening side facing substantially axially outwardly from the attachment aperture. The fastening side includes at least one engagement surface configured to operatively engage a complementary portion of the fastening nut when the fastening nut is assembled on the elongate fastener element. The fastening arrangement also includes a sleeve which extends axially relative to the fastening axis outwardly from the base about the fastening aperture. The sleeve is configured to extend into the attachment aperture of the composite wheel. The sleeve also includes a distal end configured to be received in a complementary shaped sleeve aperture located in the mount or in an element located adjacent the mount.
US09321288B2	Printer with mechanism for controlling recording medium tension A inkjet printer has a mechanism to counter change in the tension of the recording medium to convey the recording medium with more precision. In a method, the position or movement of a movable member is detected by a detector, and the recording medium is conveyed based on output from the detector so that the movable member is maintained in or urged back to a set position. Also, one or more operations are stopped when the movable member moves outside of an allowable movement range. Which operation(s) is or are stopped depends on whether the movable member moves outside its allowable range in a direction that increases or decreases the tension in the recording medium.
US09321276B2	Decorating method, control apparatus, and decorating system Pattern information for identifying a pattern and color information for identifying a color are acquired. Image data corresponding to the acquired pattern information and color information is acquired from a storage unit configured to store at least two types of image data out of first to fourth image data. The first image data corresponds to first pattern information for identifying a first pattern and first color information for identifying a first color. The second image data corresponds to the first pattern information and second color information for identifying a second color. The third image data corresponds to second pattern information for identifying a second pattern and the first color information. The fourth image data corresponds to the second pattern information and the second color information. A colored pattern corresponding to the acquired image data is recorded onto a base material.
US09321275B2	Valve systems for managing air in a fluid ejection system Valve systems for managing air in a fluid ejection system are described herein. One example valve system includes an inlet chamber, a return chamber in communication with the inlet chamber, and a filter-side chamber in communication with the inlet chamber and the return chamber. A first valve controls fluid flow between the filter-side chamber and the return chamber, and a second valve controls fluid flow between the return chamber and the inlet chamber.
US09321274B2	Liquid ejection cartridge and liquid ejection apparatus A liquid ejection cartridge having a liquid ejection section for ejecting liquid includes an electrical contact section to be electrically connected to a terminal section of an apparatus main body, the electrical contact section being formed by a plurality of printed substrates arranged on a same surface.
US09321270B2	Apparatus for preventing clogging of printer nozzle and printer ink cartridge A printer nozzle apparatus, including a nozzle that sprays ink, at least one vibration unit that is arranged on one surface of the nozzle and of a ring shape, and a controller that controls a vibration frequency of the vibration unit.
US09321268B1	System and method for imaging in an aqueous inkjet printer A printer includes a surface preparatory material remover. The remover is configured with a pad mounted to a roller to engage selectively the surface preparatory material on a surface of a rotating member to remove a portion of the surface preparatory material outside of an area where an ink image is formed to reduce the adhesion of media to the rotating member surface as the media exits a nip in which the ink image is transferred to the media.
US09321259B2	Anti-friction roller At least one roller connected to a clip via an axle. The clip capable of being removably attached to a wicket, the wicket being well known in the art. The roller provides anti-friction engagement of wicket workpieces that are handled by wickets in industrial processing such as the processing of tinplate sheets.
US09321254B2	Article and method of making and using the same Article having a first single, discrete atomic, dry layer of a first weakly bonded crystalline material on at least a surface of a substrate. Embodiments of the articles are useful, for example, in automotive under-the-hood parts exposed to chemicals and extreme temperatures.
US09321253B2	Roll device The invention relates to a roll device (300) that comprises: a roll (100) removably connectable to a support structure (200); —a heating element (7) seated within the roll (100); an electrical connector for supplying the heating element (7). The roll device is characterized in that the connector comprises: —a first contact (12) arranged in a bottom wall (8) of the roll (100); —a second contact (13) arranged in the support structure (200) and adapted for engaging the first contact (12) in pressing contact, wherein one between the first (12) and the second (13) contact is movable between a retracted position and a position extended towards the other contact and permanently stressed in the extended position.
US09321247B2	Transparent film and use thereof A transparent film, the back-face of which has excellent resistance to scratch and printability, and a surface protection film which has such a transparent film are provided. A transparent film 10 has a substrate layer 12 formed of a transparent resin material, and a back-face layer 14 with a thickness of 1 μm or less provided on a first face 12A thereof. A percent change in coefficient of friction Δμ is less than 10% for the transparent film 10 when the percent change is determined from a coefficient of friction μ50 of the back-face layer after being conserved at 50° C. and 15% RH for three days and a coefficient of friction μ80 of the back-face layer after being conserved at 80° C. and 80% RH for three days, with an absolute value of difference between the two coefficients of friction \|μ80−μ50\| being divided by the smaller value of the two coefficients of friction.
US09321246B2	Cold rolled steel sheet In order to obtain a cold rolled steel sheet having excellent press formability, a cold rolled steel sheet has, on a surface thereof, an organic-inorganic composite film containing: an organic resin; and a crystalline layered material. The organic-inorganic composite film has an average film thickness of 0.10 to 2.0 μm and contains 0.5 part or more by weight of the crystalline layered material as a solid with respect to 100 parts by weight of a solid of the organic resin. The crystalline layered material preferably is, for example, a layered double hydroxide represented by [M2+1-xM3+x(OH)2][An−]x/n.zH2O, where: M2+ is one or more of Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+; M3+ is one or more of Al3+, Fe3+, and Cr3+; and An− is one or more of OH−, CO32−, Cl−, and (SO4)2−.
US09321236B2	Automated inflation device Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated inflation device configured for inflating an inflatable structure, which can then be used—for example—as a protective packaging material. As described in detail herein, various embodiments of the inflation device are configured to be mounted on a wall for convenient installation and use. According to certain embodiments, the inflation device is configured to automatically inflate multiple inflatable chambers in the inflatable structure using an efficient inflation-at-a-distance method. Moreover, various embodiments are provided with one or more user input controls and/or remote sensors to enable a user to conveniently request inflation of a particular number of inflatable chambers or a particular length of the inflatable structure.
US09321234B2	Automated dunnage filling system and method A system (10) for automatically dispensing a strip of dunnage to a container (14) includes a dispenser (12) having an outlet (92) from which the dispenser can feed a length of a strip of dunnage lengthwise, a container support (36) for supporting a container (14) thereon, and a pusher device (114) at the outlet (92) for pushing, more particularly propelling, a trailing end of the strip of dunnage from the outlet (92) toward the container support (36). The outlet (92) is aligned with the container support (36). Thus the outlet (92) is positioned relative to a container (14) such that the strip will curl or fold back and forth upon itself within the confines of the container (14) as it is being fed from the outlet (92). A container closer (120, 130 and 32) automatically closes the flaps (80 and 82) of the container (14).
US09321228B2	Process for the manufacture of an article comprising a recess The present invention relates to a process for blowing an article with at least one recess.
US09321227B2	Phase difference plate manufacturing method, phase difference plate, and liquid crystal display device A step of forming a layered body including a resin layer (a) containing a resin A having positive intrinsic birefringence and a resin layer (b) containing a resin B having negative intrinsic birefringence, the resin layer (b) being provided on one side of the resin layer (a); a first stretching step of stretching the layered body in one direction at a temperature T1; and a second stretching step of, after the first stretching step, stretching the layered body in another direction that is approximately orthogonal to the previous stretching direction at a temperature T2 which is lower than the temperature T1 to obtain a phase difference plate are performed. By these steps, a phase difference plate wherein a slow axis of the resin layer (a) after the stretching treatment and a slow axis of the resin layer (b) after the stretching treatment are approximately parallel to each other, and in-plane retardation Rea and NZ coefficient NZa in the resin layer (a) after the stretching treatment, and in-plane retardation Reb and NZ coefficient NZb in the resin layer (b) after the stretching treatment satisfy specific relationship is obtained.
US09321226B2	Method for mechanical and/or optical functionalization of a transparent timepiece component A method for mechanical and/or optical functionalization of a transparent timepiece component, including: forming a body of methyl polymethacrylate, including a bottom surface and a mechanical and/or optically functionalized intermediate surface; coating the body with a layer made by injecting a second transparent polymerizable material into a cavity between a mold and the body or an intermediate body delimited by a complementary intermediate surface of a contact surface of a preceding mold, the last mold being the negative of the top surface of the component; polymerizing the second material therein; removing the component from the flexible mold by deformation of the mold. Hardness can be improved by UV irradiation of a component.
US09321225B2	Optical plate with microstructures An optical plate includes a substrate having a light emitting surface, a rear surface opposite to the light emitting surface, and a plurality of microstructures that cooperatively define the light emitting surface and each of which parallelly extends in a light traveling direction. Each of the microstructures includes first and second convex portions and a concave portion disposed between and interconnecting the first and second convex portions, and two adjacent ones of the microstructures are connected. Intersections between the microstructures cooperatively define an imaginary plane, and a lowest point of the concave portion is disposed at one side of the imaginary plane opposite to the rear surface of the substrate.
US09321218B2	Fiber products, prepregs, composites and method of producing same A 3-dimension (3D) multi-layer composite comprises a first sheet layer with fastening components on at least one side of the first sheet layer, a second sheet layer with fastening components on both sides of the second sheet layer, and a third sheet layer with fastening components on at least one side of the third sheet layer, wherein the second sheet layer is positioned adjacent to and between the first sheet layer and the third sheet layer, wherein the fastening components on the one side of the first sheet layer engage with the fastening components on one side of the second sheet layer, wherein the fastening components on the one side of the third sheet layer engage with the fastening components on the other side of the second sheet layer, and wherein the engaged fastening components enhance interlayer strength.
US09321216B2	Composite ePTFE-silicone covering for stent A medical device consists of a stent having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface; a single expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) layer contacting the first surface of the stent; and an elastomeric layer applied to at least one surface of the stent. In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric layer is silicone. In at least one embodiment, the medical device is manufactured by positioning the ePTFE layer such that a first surface of the ePTFE layer contacts a first surface of the stent to form a stent-ePTFE assembly; and applying an elastomeric solution to the first surface of the ePTFE layer and at least one surface of the stent.
US09321215B2	3D printing using spiral buildup Methods, devices and systems for efficient 3D printing that address conventional inefficiencies while utilizing a single compact device are set forth. Some embodiments utilize a circular-shaped build area revolving symmetrically around a single center point utilizing a continuous helical printing process. In one embodiment a liquid photopolymer for solidification is deposited on a build platform to form the physical object The Build platform is continuously rotated and simultaneously raised in a gradual programmed manner. Focused from below the platform produces a single continuous “layer” of material deposited and bonded in a helical fashion.
US09321213B2	Template system and nano-imprint method using the same A template system, and a nano-imprint method using the same, include a template having a nano-pattern and configured to transfer the nano-pattern to a resin material on a substrate, and a pressure controlling apparatus configured to change a pressure of the template with respect to the substrate according to an intensity of bubbles captured between the substrate and the template.
US09321211B2	Blow molding machine with blow molding piston with obliquely arranged connecting lines An apparatus (1) for the transforming of plastics material preforms (10) into plastics material containers with a blow molding nozzle (2) arranged on a blow molding piston (14) extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction (L), in order to act upon these plastics material preforms with a gaseous medium for the expansion thereof, with an attachment device in order to supply the gaseous medium to the blow molding nozzle (2), and with at least one connecting line (22) which conveys the gaseous medium from the attachment device to the blow molding nozzle. According to the invention at least one portion of this connecting line (22) extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction (L).
US09321207B2	Method and apparatus for micropelletization In a method and apparatus for micropelletization of a polymeric material, a melt thread of the polymeric material is formed by an extruder. A flowing gas is directed to the melt thread to form Rayleigh disturbances in the melt thread and break up the melt thread into discrete microdroplets. The discrete microdroplets are then solidified to form micropellets.
US09321205B2	Valve pin rotation limiter Injection machine and fluid distribution system having a valve pin reciprocally movable along its longitudinal axis between upstream and downstream (axial) positions, including a valve pin rotation limiter for resisting or preventing rotation of the valve pin around its axis. The limiter includes an elongated rail having a rail axis, stationarily mounted relative to an actuator that drives the valve pin upstream-downstream along its longitudinal axis wherein the rail axis is radially spaced from the valve pin axis. A finger projects between the rail and the valve pin, having a first end mounted on or to one of the rail and the valve pin, and a second end slidably engaged against a receiving surface of the other of the rail or valve pin, wherein such engagement is adapted to resist or prevent rotation of the valve pin.
US09321204B2	System and method for shoreline preservation Disclosed is a removable erosion-control and fencing (“REAF”) system for shoreline preservation along a line defined by a plurality of posts. An exemplary REAF system comprises first and second post clamp pairs mounted to adjacent posts. Each post clamp pair “sandwiches” a post and is fixedly attached to the post by virtue of fasteners that lock one half of the post clamp pair to its other half. In this way, the post clamp pair “hugs” the post and is secured thereon without having to be permanently fixed to the post or damaging the structural rigidity of the post. Each post clamp pair includes a substantially vertical wall slot such that one or more cross-members may be received into the walls slots to form a wall section in a space defined between the adjacent posts.
US09321192B2	Production of an article by selective fusion of polymer powder layers A process is described for manufacturing articles by selective fusion of polymer powder layers, especially the rapid prototyping by solid-phase laser sintering of a powder based on a copolyamide of type 6 having a low enthalpy of cold crystallization. Further described, are the articles obtained by such a process.
US09321190B2	Temperature-controlled thermokinetic mixer A shaft assembly for use in a temperature-controlled K-mixer is provided, along with the mixer including the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an inner hollow shaft defining an inner passage, and an outer hollow shaft coaxially surrounding the inner hollow shaft. An outer passage extends between the inner and outer hollow shafts. The shaft also includes a plurality of blades extending from the outer hollow shaft, for mixing the material. Each of the blades is provided with channels. The inner passage, the channels and the outer passage form a continuous flow path allowing a pressurized fluid to circulate within inner and outer hollow shafts and the blades, for controlling temperature of the shafts and the blades. The channels allow a flow of the fluid in the blades in an opposite direction of a rotational direction of the shaft assembly.
US09321183B2	Pivoting thumb support for power operated rotary knife A thumbpiece or thumb support (400) positioned between a head assembly (300) and a handle assembly (200) of a power operated rotary knife (100). The thumb support (400) includes a thumb supporting surface (454) to support a thumb of an operator's hand during operation of the power operated rotary knife (100). The thumb support (400) comprises a base portion (410) and thumb supporting portion (450) including the thumb supporting surface (454). The thumb support (400) further includes an interface assembly (480) between the thumb supporting portion (450) and the base portion (410) for relative pivotal movement between the thumb supporting portion (450) and the base portion (410).
US09321178B2	Machine system including wireless sensor A machine system including a sensor unit detecting periodically an acceleration at a tip part of a movable member, a data acquisition unit acquiring first time-series data of the acceleration at the tip part of the movable member corresponding to sensor signal received via a wireless signal path, a data calculation unit configured to calculate second time-series data corresponding to the first time-series data based on a driving command of the motor, a delay time calculation unit calculating a delay time of the first time-series data with respect to the second time-series data according to a degree of correlation between first time-series data and the second time-series data, and a correction unit correcting the first time-series data based on the delay time.
US09321177B2	Reducer abnormality determination method, abnormality determination device, and robot system The invention provides a method and a device capable of precisely and simply extracting data used for abnormality determination and life diagnosis of a drive system of an industrial robot while executing a normal action program. Regarding a torque signal Tf outputted from a motor driver for controlling a motor in accordance with a position command Xs generated based on an operation program of a robot to the motor, a highpass filter is applied after gravity compensating torque and interference torque due to other shafts of the robot are removed from the torque signal Tf, and an abnormality in a reducer is determined based on an extracted oscillating component of the reducer.
US09321176B1	Systems and methods for planning a robot grasp based upon a demonstrated grasp In one embodiment, planning a robot grasp of an object includes determining a grasp type that would be used by a human being to grasp the object, determining a position and orientation of the human being's thumb relative to the object, and planning the robot grasp based upon the determined grasp type and thumb position and orientation.
US09321175B2	Robotic manipulator articulation techniques A controller determines a set of solutions to an inverse kinematic relationship relating received three axes position and orientation requirements defining a tool control point (TCP) of a robotic manipulator, the robotic manipulator including at least seven revolute joints, to a respective angular position of each of the seven revolute joints. The set of solutions specifies, in terms of an angular position of a first revolute joint proximate to a proximal end of the robotic manipulator, at least one set of angular positions of the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh revolute joints. The set of solutions results from solving only closed-form mathematical expressions.
US09321173B2	Tracking and following people with a mobile robotic device Tracking and following technique embodiments are presented that are generally employed to track and follow a person using a mobile robotic device having a color video camera and a depth video camera. A computer associated with the mobile robotic device is used to perform various actions. Namely, in a tracking mode, a face detection method and the output from the color video camera is used to detect potential persons in an environment. In addition, a motion detection method and the output from the depth video camera is also used to detect potential persons in the environment. Detection results obtained using the face and motion detection methods are then fused and used to determine the location of one or more persons in the environment. Then, in a following mode, a mobile robotic device following method is used to follow a person whose location was determined in the tracking mode.
US09321171B2	Electrical box layout tool An electrical box layout tool includes a first pointed end, a first cylindrical section, a stopper, a second cylindrical section, and a second pointed end. The first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section are concentrically connected with the stopper in such a way that the first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section are oppositely positioned from each other. The first pointed end is concentrically connected with the first cylindrical section while the second pointed end is concentrically connected with the second cylindrical section. The electrical box layout tool is used to create an opening within a drywall or paneling so that the drywall or paneling is able to accommodate an electrical box that is mounted on a framing stud.
US09321169B1	Sawhorse bracket A sawhorse bracket comprising a U-channel and two rectangular tubes. The U-channel comprises two vertical plates joined together at their base by a first hollow square tube that is welded to the base of each of the first and second vertical plates at their front section and by a second hollow square tube that is welded to the base of each of the vertical plates at their rear section. The first and second square tubes are configured to create a gap between them at a base and in a center of the U-channel. The rectangular tubes are roughly centered on the outside surfaces of the vertical plates. The distal end of each of the rectangular tubes is open for receiving a piece of lumber. The long axis of the first and second rectangular tubes is oriented in the range of eight to fifteen degrees downward from a horizontal plane.
US09321164B2	Impact tool An impact comprising: a motor (20) defined as a brushless DC motor; a battery (130); a cooling fan (90); a driving current providing device (70) which provides current from the battery (130) to the motor (20); and a controller (60) which controls the driving current providing device (70). The motor (20), the controller (60) and the driving current providing device (70) are arranged adjacently to each other and are cooled by the cooling air generated by the cooling fan (90).
US09321162B2	Electric driving tool having drive mechanism controller In an electric driving tool of the invention, when moving a driver 21 having driven out a fastener upwardly from a bottom dead center position and making the driver 21 to stop at a wait position, a wait position when a decrease of a residual quantity of connected fasteners in the magazine 12 is detected is set to be lower than a wait position when the decrease of a residual quantity of connected fasteners in the magazine 12 is not detected.
US09321159B2	Impact tool In a pneumatic impact wrench there is an output shaft that is connectable in a removable manner to a screw coupling member; a torque sensor, which is mounted on the shaft, sends signals to a control unit that calculates the energy transferred through the output shaft and controls the wrench on the basis of a comparison between the calculated energy and a predefined threshold value.
US09321157B2	Wrench A wrench includes a first part having a first pivotal portion, a first recess and a first hole, a second part having a second pivotal portion, a second recess and a second hole, and a third part which is received in the first and second recesses. The third part has third, fourth and fifth holes, and a control slot. A control unit is connected to the third part and has four urging members, two first acting members and a second acting member. The urging members are located in the third and fourth holes, and engaged with the first and second holes to pivotably connect the first and third parts, and the second and third parts. The first acting members are located in the fifth hole. The second acting member is located in the control slot and controls the first acting members to contact and the urging members or not.
US09321156B2	Power tool having rotary input control An improved method is provided for operating a power tool. The method includes: monitoring rotational motion of the power tool about an axis using a rotational motion sensor disposed in the power tool; determining a direction of the rotational motion about the axis; and driving the output member in a direction defined by the detected rotational motion of the tool, where the output member is driven by a motor residing in the power tool. Thus, the output member is drive clockwise when the rotational motion of the tool is clockwise about the axis and the output member is drive counter-clockwise when the rotational motion of the tool is counter-clockwise about the axis.
US09321155B2	Power tool having switch and rotary input control A power tool includes a housing, an electric motor, an end effector coupled to the motor, a control circuit configured to control electrical power delivery to the motor, and a switch for selectively providing electrical power to the control circuit. The switch includes an elongated outer casing having at least a portion exterior of the housing. The casing is linearly moveable in a first linear direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the housing. A linkage is disposed inside of the housing and coupled to the casing such that linear movement of the casing in the first direction causes linear movement of the linkage in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction. An electrical switch is disposed inside the housing and coupled to the linkage such that linear movement of the linkage in the second direction causes activation of the electrical switch.
US09321153B1	Water meter wrench retainer A water meter wrench retainer that removably attaches to a water meter lid of a water meter can. The retainer has an elongated bar attached centrally to one end of a flexible member. An opposite end of the flexible member secures to a water meter wrench. When the retainer is attached to the lid, the bar is on top of the lid, the flexible member extends through an opening in the lid and the wrench hangs downward within the can. The bar is sized so that it can be inserted through the can opening as a way of securing the retainer to and removing it from the lid. One end of the bar is flattened to scrape mud and dirt from the meter. The flattened end aids a user in grasping the bar which allows the bar to serve as a handle to remove the lid from the can.
US09321152B2	Pliers The invention relates to A pliers (1) having two pliers limbs (2, 3) which are connected so as to be pivotable relative to one another in a box joint having a joint pin (4), a working region (7, 8) being formed on one pliers limb (2, 3) on the one side of the joint and a gripping region (9, 10) being formed on the other side of the joint, and a passed-through pliers limb (3) being formed with a push-through slot (11) which has a slot width (s) in the joint region and through which the other through-passing pliers limb (2) extends, the working regions of the pliers limbs (2, 3) moreover having, at least in part, a width (b) that is greater than the slot width (s), and the working regions (7, 8) designed in the form of jaws or cutting edges pivoting toward a shared central plane (E). In order to improve the pliers with regard to high performance while optimizing manufacturability, it is proposed that the joint pin (4) be laterally offset with respect to the central plane (E).
US09321149B2	Composite abrasive wheel A composite abrasive wheel comprises primary and secondary abrasive portions. The primary abrasive portion comprises shaped ceramic abrasive particles retained in a first organic binder. The secondary abrasive portion is bonded to the primary abrasive portion, and comprises secondary crushed abrasive particles retained in a second organic binder. The primary abrasive portion comprises a larger volume percentage of the shaped ceramic abrasive particles than the secondary abrasive portion. A central aperture extends through the composite abrasive wheel.
US09321145B2	Device for fine machining of optically effective surfaces on in particular spectacle lenses and flexible production cell comprising such a device The invention relates to a polishing machine for spectacle lenses, including a least one workpiece spindle protruding into a workspace for a rotary drive of the spectacle lens about a workpiece rotational axis. At least one feed device lowers and raises a polishing tool relative to the spectacle lens. An oscillation drive unit moves the feed device back and forth in an oscillation direction, which during the polishing runs substantially transversely to the workpiece rotational axis. A swivel drive unit swivels the feed device about a swivel-adjusting axis which runs substantially perpendicular to the workpiece rotational axis and substantially normal to the oscillation direction. A swivel mechanism is provided to swivel the feed device, the oscillation drive unit and the swivel drive unit relative to the workpiece.
US09321144B2	Polishing head in chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and chemical mechanical polishing apparatus including the same A polishing head of a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a housing moving up and down, a base assembly connected to a bottom of the housing to support the housing, a membrane on a bottom of the base assembly and a retainer ring surrounding the membrane and connected to the bottom of the base assembly, the membrane including a pressing portion to adsorb and press a substrate, a first partition on the pressing portion and extending from an edge of the pressing portion along a height direction, a first horizontal extending portion extending from an upper end portion of the first partition toward a center of the membrane, and a second horizontal extending portion from the upper end portion of the first partition toward the center of the membrane, the second horizontal extending portion being above the first horizontal extending portion and including a curved portion expanding by pneumatic pressure.
US09321135B2	Fluidostatic rolling device for surface processing and method for shaping the edge layer A fluidostatic tool with at least one rolling element uses a pressurized lubricant mist or aerosol to apply force against a metal workpiece surface that is flat, curved or cylindrical. The rolling element, such as a ball, is held within a tubular borehole of the tool and cushioned on the pressurized lubricant mist during machining of the metal surface. Viscosity of the lubricant mist increases and reduces friction between the ball and the metal surface as it exits the tool, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for other lubricants during the machining process. The pressure of the lubricant mist against the ball seals the borehole of the tool and prevents leakage of the pressurized lubricant mist when the tool is not engaged with a metal workpiece surface. The lubricant mist can be an oil-free lubricant or a mixture of oil-free lubricant and oil components.
US09321134B2	Clamping device for centring pipes A clamping device (1) for internally centering pipes with respect to one another includes two clamping heads (5, 6), which can be placed into the mutually facing ends of the pipes. The clamping heads each have radially displaceable clamping shoes (7) which are evenly distributed over its external periphery and a drive mechanism (8) for causing the radial displacements of the clamping shoes. Adjusting piston/cylinder devices (10) are provided for adjusting the mutual positions of the clamping heads in the axial direction and a guide element (11) for guiding the clamping heads in the axial direction with respect to one another. Bearings (13) are provided on at least one (5) of the clamping heads and on the guide element (11). The guide element has several guide bodies (12) which are positioned in an eccentric manner in connection with the stability of the clamping heads.
US09321133B2	Flux moisture control for sub-arc welding process The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for detecting a moisture with a flux used in a welding process. A sensor is employed with a flux source that supplies a welding operation or process in which the sensor detects a moisture level with a flux within the flux source. A monitor component is configured to receive or aggregate data from the sensor, wherein the data relates to the moisture level associated with a flux supply or a portion of flux.
US09321129B2	Machine and method for the material processing of workpieces by way of a laser beam The invention relates to a machine for material processing with a laser beam, in particular laser welding. It is comprised of a machine guided protective housing with an outlet opening surrounding the laser beam that is pointed at the material during processing.To create a machine for laser beam welding which ensures improved operator and personal safety without completely enclosing the machine, it is suggested that the protective housing contains at least one sensor which measures certain chemical or physical properties. The sensor is connected to the machines control unit which compares the current values with reference values for a measure and, depending on current/reference value comparison, interrupts the laser beam or prevents laser beam activation. In addition a method and arrangement for improved operator and personal safety for operation of such a machine is presented.
US09321128B2	High power laser system A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.
US09321126B2	Laser-based material processing apparatus and methods Various embodiments may be used for laser-based modification of target material of a workpiece while advantageously achieving improvements in processing throughput and/or quality. Embodiments of a method of processing may include focusing and directing laser pulses to a region of the workpiece at a pulse width sufficiently short so that material is efficiently removed by nonlinear optical absorption from the region and a quantity of heat affected zone and thermal stress on the material within the region, proximate to the region, or both is reduced relative to a quantity obtainable using a laser with longer pulses. In at least one embodiment, an ultrashort pulse laser system may include at least one of a fiber amplifier or fiber laser. Various embodiments are suitable for at least one of dicing, cutting, scribing, and forming features on or within a composite material.
US09321125B2	Parts assembled through friction welding A system includes a unit of a first part, and a proximal portion through an intermediate portion extended by a distal portion including a first extremity surface. A second part with a second portion includes a second surface to be friction welded with the extremity surface. A second portion is bordered laterally by a lateral surface and has a proximal portion, which extends through an intermediate portion extended by a distal portion. The distal portion of the second portion is carried in a malleable state during a friction welding. The intermediate portion of the second portion flares from the distal portion by the second towards and till the proximal portion of the second portion such that the bead of material from the deformation of the distal portion of the second portion during welding rubs against the lateral surface of the intermediate portion of the second portion during welding.
US09321118B2	Welding device including a carriage and two actuators for orienting a welding head A welding device for weld-assembly of first and second parts, defining therebetween a sealing surface, along a weld joint. The device includes: a supporting mechanism configured to move the device along the weld joint; at least one welding mechanism; and an automatic command and control mechanism. The welding mechanism is mounted on a single supporting element oriented substantially parallel to the sealing surface. A first motorized actuator secured to the supporting mechanism includes a first projection cooperating with an open housing in a first end face of the supporting element, and a second motorized actuator secured to the supporting mechanism includes a second projection cooperating with an open housing in a second end face of the supporting element. The first and second projections are movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the sealing surface and generate controlled movement of the supporting element of the welding mechanism.
US09321117B2	Automatic system for abrasive hardfacing Arc welding systems, apparatus and methods are for hardfacing are provided, including particle feeding apparatus. In one aspect the workpiece is moved in an oscillatory fashion while keeping the welding torch and the particulate delivery system stationary during at least a portion of welding pass. The welding torch and particulate delivery system may also be moved in a non-oscillatory fashion. Process speeds of about 18-30 in/min can be obtained with carbide incorporation of greater than 30% and uniform distribution.
US09321115B2	Method of repairing a transition duct side seal The present invention discloses various methods for repairing a side seal region of a transition duct aft frame region. Embodiments of the present invention include application of a braze filler material to worn locations of seal teeth, brazing of a braze preform to the seal teeth or removal of a worn seal tooth and brazing of material compatible with the transition duct to form a replacement tooth of the side seal. The transition duct is brazed in a furnace in an incremental heated process which elevates the transition duct to a temperature where the braze filler material adheres to the side seal region while also providing a stress relief to the transition duct.
US09321114B2	Wire electric-discharge machining device and wire-electrode removing device configured to remove cut wire-electrode A wire electric-discharge machining device and wire-electrode removing device are provided. The wire-electric discharge machining device includes a wire-electrode cutting unit that is arranged in a running path of a wire electrode, and a removing unit configured to remove the wire electrode cut by the wire-electrode cutting unit from the running path. The removing unit includes a wire-electrode guide unit that is arranged below the wire-electrode cutting unit and includes a through hole configured to receive a wire-electrode guide pipe and further configured to receive the wire electrode in the running path. The wire-electrode guide unit is configured to guide an end of the wire electrode to a position outside the running path, with the cut wire electrode provided in the through hole, by rotationally moving about a wire-electrode guide shaft.
US09321111B2	Rotationally driven multi-bevel step tool A rotationally driven multi-bevel step tool comprises a plurality of single- or multi-edged cutting steps arranged in a staggered manner in a cutting and feeding direction, a number of flutes in each step corresponding to the number of cutting edges in each corresponding step, at least one web, and at least one swarf window. Flutes which are adjacent in the circumferential direction in each step are delimited from one another by at least one of the at least one web. The flutes which are adjacent in the circumferential direction, of two successive cutting steps, are connected to one another by at least one of the at least one swarf window, the at least one of the at least one swarf window penetrating the web located therebetween and being open on the circumferential side.
US09321103B2	Finish heat treatment method and finish heat treatment apparatus for iron powder In a finish heat treatment method and finish heat treatment apparatus for an iron powder, a raw iron powder is placed on a continuous moving hearth and continuously charged into the apparatus. In the pretreatment zone, the raw iron powder is subjected to a pretreatment of heating the raw iron powder in an atmosphere of hydrogen gas and/or inert gas at 450 to 1100° C. In decarburization, deoxidation, and denitrification zones, the pretreated iron powder is subsequently subjected to at least two treatments of decarburization, deoxidation, and denitrification. In the pretreatment zone, a hydrogen gas and/or an inert gas serving as a pretreatment ambient gas is introduced separately from an ambient gas used in the at least two treatments is introduced from the upstream side of the pretreatment zone and released from the downstream side so as to flow in the same direction as a moving direction of the moving hearth.
US09321102B2	Steering column and manufacturing method thereof A steering column has an overall hollow and cylindrical shape at least part of which is formed using a column member. The column member includes a main body portion having one-side end section and the other-side end section and a cylindrical member having one-side end section and the other-side section. The cylindrical member is joined in the axial direction with respect to the main body portion by fitting and fastening the other-side end section of the cylindrical member inside the one-side end section of the main body portion. The inner diameter of the end surface of the other-side end section of the cylindrical member is smaller than the inner diameter of a portion of the other-side end section of the cylindrical member. The portion of the other end section of the cylindrical member constitutes a joined section between the main body and the cylindrical member.
US09321100B2	Method for producing a metal reinforcement for a turbomachine blade A method for producing a metal reinforcement for the leading edge or trailing edge of a turbomachine blade, the method including cutting a plurality of metal foils from a flexible metal sheet, corresponding substantially to the developed length of the leading or trailing edge metal reinforcement; producing a plurality of metal pockets, each pocket being produced from two of the metal foils obtained during the cutting; stacking the metal pockets one inside the other, such as to form a preform of the leading or trailing edge metal reinforcement; and hot isostatic pressing the preform, causing the metal pockets to bond to one another, so as to produce the leading or trailing edge metal reinforcement.
US09321098B2	Press for upsetting an end of a metallic material pipe The present invention relates to an upsetting press (1, 1′) for upsetting an end (2) of a metallic material pipe (3), e.g. for petroleum applications. The press (1, 1′) comprises a supporting structure (10) which defines a working space and first locking means (15) for locking the pipe (3) to be upset. The press further comprises first upsetting means comprising at least one first upsetting die formed by a first pair of half dies (21, 22) which can be separated and closed about the end (2) of the pipe (3) to be upset and at least one axially movable cylindrical punch (30). The press (1, 1′) further comprises die holding means which support the half dies (21, 22) moving them between a closing position and an opening position. According to the invention, the die holding means are independent from said supporting structure and are transversally movable (102) between an operating position in which the half dies (21, 22) can be closed about the end (2) of the pipe (3) to be upset and at least a non-operating position such that the half dies can be washed and/or lubricated outside the working space of the press.
US09321094B2	Press apparatus for vehicle A press apparatus includes a lower die cam base slidably disposed inside of a lower die, and having a lower die pad connected to a upper portion of the lower die cam base; an upper die pad mounted under an upper die through a cushion spring at a position corresponding to the lower die pad; and an upper die cam slide having a cam slide surface formed at a lower portion, a cam surface formed at an upper portion, and a cam steel mounted to the upper die cam slide.
US09321089B2	Method and apparatus for production of helical springs by spring winding A method of producing helical springs by spring winding with a numerically controlled spring winding machine includes feeding a wire, controlled by an NC control program, through a feed device to a forming device of the spring winding machine, forming a helical spring from the wire with the forming device, measuring an actual geometry of the helical spring to obtain actual spring data, comparing the actual spring data with nominal spring data to determine discrepancy data which represents a discrepancy between an actual geometry and a predetermined nominal geometry of the helical spring for at least one spring geometry parameter, analyzing the discrepancy data and producing correction data when discrepancies are outside selected predetermined tolerance limits, varying an actuating movement of at least a portion of the forming device on the basis of the correction data for producing a next helical spring, selecting a spring section, determining a correction value for an actuating movement of a portion of the forming device, which correction value influences a spring geometry parameter in the selected spring section, and correcting the NC control program based on the correction value.
US09321085B2	Substrate processing method, storage medium storing computer program for implementing substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus A chemical liquid process is performed on a substrate. Then, a rinse process that supplies a rinse liquid to the substrate is performed. Thereafter, a drying process that dries the substrate is performed while rotating the substrate. The drying process includes a first drying process that rotates the substrate at a first rotational speed; a second drying process that decreases the rotational speed of the substrate to a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed after the first drying process. In the second drying process, the rinse liquid and a drying solution are agitated and substituted while generating braking effect. In a third drying process, the rotational speed of the substrate is increased from the second rotational speed to a third rotational speed after the second drying process. Thereafter, in a fourth drying process, the drying solution on the substrate is scattered away by rotating the substrate.
US09321084B2	Descaling nozzle for removing scale from steel sheet, descaling apparatus for removing scale from steel sheet, and descaling method for removing scale from steel sheet A descaling nozzle that can efficiently remove scale from a steel sheet. A spray section at an end of the descaling nozzle includes a taper portion continuous with a large diameter portion that forms a cylindrical channel, a first orifice formed on an outlet side of the taper portion, a resonant chamber continuous with an outlet side of the first orifice and that has a dimension in a radial direction that is greater than a major axis of the first orifice, and a second orifice formed on an outlet side of the resonant chamber.
US09321081B2	Apparatus and methods of tuning and amplifying piezoelectric sonic and ultrasonic outputs An apparatus and method associated with amplifying piezoelectric sonic and ultrasonic outputs is presented which provides high power output from piezoelectric devices, especially at high ultrasonic frequencies, in open air, which mitigates or eliminates overheating of the piezoelectric devices when stimulated at or near their peak outputs for extended periods. In addition, the invention provides a means of amplifying a piezoelectric sonic and ultrasonic device if a desired output power exceeds a normal maximum capability of the piezoelectric device.
US09321080B2	Electromechanical transducer and method for detecting sensitivity variation of electromechanical transducer An electromechanical transducer includes a plurality of elements each including a first electrode and a second electrode with a gap therebetween, a voltage applying unit configured to apply an AC voltage to the first electrode, and a sensitivity variation computing unit configured to compute a sensitivity variation for each of the elements using a signal output from the second electrode of the element due to the application of the AC voltage.
US09321077B2	Plating method There is provided a method and apparatus for plating high strength steel such as advanced high strength steel (AHSS) after irradiating the high strength steel with at least one of laser light and plasma to remove Si/Mn/Al oxides from the surface of the high strength steel, modify the surface of the high strength steel, or make the surface of the high strength steel suitable for a post process such as a zinc plating process. For this, a plating method includes heating high strength steel; treating a surface of the high strength steel with plasma to remove at least one of a Mn oxide, an Al oxide, and an Si oxide formed on the surface of the high strength steel during the heating of the high strength steel; and plating the surface-treated high strength steel.
US09321075B2	Methods and apparatus for applying product An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.
US09321072B2	Coating apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus A coating apparatus includes: a coating roller configured to apply coating liquid to a recording medium; a measuring roller configured to intermittently supply the coating liquid to the coating roller by being brought into contact with and being separated from the coating roller; a coating liquid pan configured to stores the coating liquid; and a roller cover configured to cover the measuring roller. When the measuring roller moves between a contact position where the coating roller and the measuring roller come into contact with each other and a separation position where the coating roller and the measuring roller are separated from each other, the measuring roller and the roller cover integrally operate while maintaining their relative positions, in a state where the coating liquid pan is fixed.
US09321071B2	High frequency uniform droplet maker and method There is disclosed a piezoelectric droplet maker that is driven at high frequency and energized with high power and high frequency Operational Amplifier (OP-AMP) electronics. The droplet maker implements a method of producing jets of uniform droplets of solution precursors (or any other homogeneous liquids). The formation of droplets results from stream break up due to the disturbance of liquid jets by the piezo actuator as they leave an orifice. This disturbance can be electronically tuned to produce uniform droplets with high repeatability. In another aspect, the droplet maker can be used to inject axially uniform diameter solution precursor droplets into process gas flow of a microwave plasma apparatus.
US09321070B2	Method and device for precipitating overspray and installation provided therewith A method for precipitating overspray from the overspray-laden booth exhaust air of coating installations, in particular from painting installations, the overspray is carried by an air stream to a precipitation device, where a majority at least of the solid material is precipitated from the overspray. The overspray-laden booth exhaust air is guided through filter modules, in which overspray is precipitated and which are designed as replaceable one-way components having a filter housing and a filter unit, wherein each filter module is replaced by an empty filter module after reaching a loading overspray. Moreover, the invention relates to a device for precipitating overspray by means of such one-way filter modules, and to an installation for coating objects, in particular vehicle bodies.
US09321067B2	Seal cartridge for a rotating nozzle assembly A seal cartridge and a rotating nozzle assembly utilizing the seal cartridge are disclosed. The main seal member in the nozzle assembly is mounted as part of the seal cartridge. The seal cartridge is also easily removable from the rotating nozzle assembly without requiring the separate removal of the main seal member from the seal cartridge. This configuration allows a user to quickly install a new or rebuilt seal during an operation while minimizing or eliminating the necessity to manipulate small parts in the field.
US09321065B2	Actuator cap for a fluid dispenser An actuator cap for dispensing a liquid product, comprising: i) a rotatable outer body and an associated actuator button, the outer body comprising an inward projecting retaining clip and ii) a non-rotatable chassis and an associated spray channel assembly, the non-rotatable chassis comprising a circumferentially extending slot into which the inward projecting retaining clip of the rotatable outer body fits; the outer body and actuator button being rotatable between: a first position in which the actuator button is incapable of depression and the inward projecting retaining clip of the rotatable outer body is held firmly in the circumferentially extending slot of the non-rotatable chassis and a second position in which actuator button is capable of depression and the inward projecting retaining clip of the rotatable outer body is held less firmly in the circumferentially extending slot of the non-rotatable chassis.
US09321059B2	Ball arm switching shower A ball arm switching shower has a fixed unit and a switching mechanism. The fixed unit is provided with multiple outlet functions, a assembling slot and a water inlet passage, each outlet function is provided with a water division hole. The switching mechanism comprises a connecting part, a handle, a switching plate, a transmission shaft and a sealing piece. The connecting part can be mounted in the assembling slot in a sliding and swinging manner. The handle is fixedly connected to the connecting part. The transmission shaft can fixedly connect to the connecting part and the switching plate, so that the switching plate can be driven to swing and slide through the movement of the handle.
US09321057B2	Separation apparatus and processes An apparatus may include a separator and/or a discharger. A separator may include a separator channel, an influent portion configured to allow the passage of a first fluid into a separator channel, an effluent portion disposed above an influent portion and/or a fluid-lift portion between an influent portion and an effluent portion. A discharger may be disposed below a fluid-lift portion and/or may include a portion external to a separator channel, which may include a downward angle relative to an effluent portion and/or may be configured to minimize the passage of a second fluid into a discharger as the second fluid buoyantly travels in a separator channel from an influent portion to an effluent portion. A second fluid may have a density that is less than the density of a first and/or may be configured to lift a first fluid to a fluid-lift portion.
US09321056B2	Wet-cleaning electrostatic filter for cleaning exhaust gas and a suitable method for the same The invention relates to an electro-filter (1) for exhaust gas cleaning and/or heat recovery, particularly also for exhaust gas cleaning for the exhaust gases of biomass firings, in which the electro-filter (1) has a precipitation chamber (2) through which the exhaust gas is passed, whereby a charging device (6) for electrostatic charging of particles present in the exhaust gas is disposed in the region of the precipitation chamber (2) or adjacent to the precipitation chamber (2). In such an electro-filter (1), a precipitation device (12) that is electrostatically charged opposite to the charge of the particles, or is grounded, and has a large surface area in relation to its volume, is disposed in the region of the precipitation chamber (2), to interact with the particles, through which device the particles electrostatically charged by the charging device (6) flow, whereby a dispensing device (5) for cleaning fluid sprays the region of the precipitation device (12), at least periodically, and the cleaning fluid cleans away the particles deposited on the surface of the precipitation device (12).
US09321055B2	Gas electrostatic coalescer An electrostatic coalescer that includes an outer wall defining a flow path for receiving a process fluid comprising primarily a gas, a power source, a plurality of electrode plates coupled to the power source to generate an electrical field across the flow path wherein each of the plurality of electrode plates is coated with an insulation material and at least one insulating member is disposed between two adjacent electrode plates.
US09321054B2	Assembly, operating method and circuit for a mill driven by a ring motor An assembly is provided for receiving characteristic data of a mill including a rotating mill sleeve having rotor coils and a stator having stator coils, wherein oscillations of the mill sleeve are transmitted to stator coils and/or measurement coils on the stator. The assembly may include stator coil(s) configured to tap power supply induction voltages to detect oscillations of the mill sleeve, wherein the stator coil(s) and/or measurement coil(s) designed to tap induction voltages are positioned in a sector of the mill sleeve in which large oscillations are expected based on the scale of the mill sleeve. Further, a method includes determining the induction voltage induced on stator coil(s) and/or measurement coil(s) by tapping at least one stator coil power supply and/or by tapping at least one measurement coil, and deriving status variable(s) of a milling method that reflect the fill level status in the sector of the respective coil.
US09321053B2	Vertical clamp device A vertical clamping device is provided that supports a flow cell component in a vertical configuration in which the flow cell is on an opposite side of the vertical support from the electronic interface. The clamp includes a vertical setting to receive the flow cell component and provides an electronic interface on a vertical surface of the vertical setting. A block supports the fluidics interface and can move in a horizontal direction bringing the fluidics interface into contact with the flow cell component.
US09321052B2	Fluid sampling flask having cap and valve assembly A container for collecting water samples to determine dissolved gas includes a flask-type pouch with a spout. A removable cap and valve install on the spout. The valve includes an adapter that fits with an O-ring or other seal inside the mouth of the spout. The valve includes a valve element, which can be a one-way, self-closing type of valve, that fits with an O-ring or other seal inside the end of the adapter. A cap of the container fits over the adapter and affixes to the spout to hold the valve on the spout. In use, the cap can be removed so that the valve element and adapter can be removed for filling the pouch. Otherwise, the cap can remain in place so filling can be performed through the valve element. A tamper-evident ring on the cap may be provided to ensure the integrity of the sample contained in the flask.
US09321051B2	Microfluidic device and method of manufacturing the same A microfluidic device comprising a first substrate including a micro-flow path and a valve seat protruding into the micro-flow path, a second substrate coupled to the first substrate and including a cavity aligned with the valve seat, and a valve gate film provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, such that the valve gate film opens and closes the micro-flow path with air pressure applied to the cavity, wherein a surface of the valve seat is separated from the valve gate film at the initial stage such that the micro-flow path is opened at the initial stage, and the valve gate film moves to be in contact with the surface of the valve seat so that the micro-flow path is closed when air pressure is applied to the cavity.
US09321050B2	Microfluidic ultrasonic particle separators with engineered node locations and geometries An ultrasonic microfluidic system includes a separation channel for conveying a sample fluid containing small particles and large particles, flowing substantially parallel, adjacent to a recovery fluid, with which it is in contact. An acoustic transducer produces an ultrasound standing wave, that generates a pressure field having at least one node of minimum pressure amplitude. An acoustic extension structure is located proximate to said separation channel for positioning said acoustic node off center in said acoustic area and concentrating the large particles in said recovery fluid stream.
US09321049B2	Capacitance detection in a droplet actuator A method, circuit and apparatus for detecting capacitance on a droplet actuator, inter alia, for determining the presence, partial presence or absence of a droplet at an electrode on a droplet actuator by: (a) providing a droplet actuator comprising: (i) a substrate comprising electrodes arranged on the substrate for conducting droplet operations on a surface of the substrate; (ii) a capacitance detection circuit for detecting capacitance at the droplet operations surface at one or more of the electrodes; (b) detecting capacitance at the droplet operations surface at one or more of the electrodes; and (c) determining from the capacitance the presence, partial presence or absence of a droplet at the droplet operations surface at the electrode.
US09321048B2	Sample distribution system and process On the one hand the invention relates to a distribution apparatus 41 for hand held distribution of fluid samples with a data carrier and a first communication interface. On the other hand it concerns a positioning device 21 comprising a first holder 23 adapted for holding the distribution apparatus 41, a second holder 25 adapted for holding a target container 63, an actuator for effecting a relative movement of the first and the second holder 23, 25, and a second communication interface. These two components are part of a sample distribution system 11 which is also subject matter of the invention, including its use in a process for sample distribution. A relevant aspect of the invention is that the data carrier of the distribution apparatus contains information determining the operation of the actuator. The first and the second communication interfaces are configured for the transmission of said information from the distribution apparatus 41 to the positioning device 21, and the positioning device 21 is configured for effecting operation of the actuator as determined by the information.
US09321047B2	Anion exchange membrane and method for producing same There is provided an anion exchange membrane comprising, as a main element, a block copolymer having a vinyl alcohol polymer block and a cationic-group containing polymer block as components and which is subjected to a crosslinking treatment. An anion exchange membrane is produced by heating a film obtained from a solution of the block copolymer at a temperature of 100° C. or more, crosslinking the film with a dialdehyde compound in water, an alcohol or a mixture of these under an acidic condition and then washing the film with water. Thus, there can be provided an anion exchange membrane in which organic fouling can be prevented and which exhibiting excellent basic properties such as a membrane resistance and an ionic transport number and excellent membrane strength.
US09321046B2	Recovery method and recycling method for boron trifluoride complex In a reaction in which a boron trifluoride complex is used as a catalyst, the expensive and harmful boron trifluoride complex is separated from a reaction mixture containing the boron trifluoride complex by separating the boron trifluoride complex present in the reaction mixture by using a saturated hydrocarbon-based solvent.
US09321038B2	Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene and preparation of multimetallic mixed oxide catalyst for such process Oxidative dehydrogenation of light paraffins, such as ethane at moderate temperatures (<500° C.) to produce ethylene without the formation of side products such as acetic acid and/or other oxygenated hydrocarbons is achieved using tellurium-free, multimetallic catalysts possessing orthorhombic M1 phase and other crystalline structures that have an important role for obtaining high performance catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene. Such catalysts are prepared using thermal and hydrothermal methods.
US09321035B2	Modified carrier for silver based ethylene oxide catalyst Silver based ethylene oxide catalysts having enhanced stability are disclosed. The enhanced stability silver based ethylene oxide catalysts include an alumina carrier which has been modified to include cavities on the surface of the carrier. The presence of the cavities on the surface of the modified carrier stops or at least impedes the motion of silver particles on the surface of the carrier during an epoxidation process. In particular, the cavities on the surface of the alumina carrier effectively trap and/or anchor silver particles and prevent them from further motion.
US09321034B2	Aqueous dispersion liquid and coating material, film, and product using the same In one embodiment, an aqueous dispersion liquid contains at least one particles selected from tungsten oxide particles and tungsten oxide composite particles. A mean primary particle diameter (D50) of the particles is in the range of 1 nm to 400 nm. In the aqueous dispersion liquid, concentration of the particles is in the range of 0.1 mass % to 40 mass %, and pH is in the range of 1.5 to 6.5. The aqueous dispersion liquid excels in dispersibility of particles and capable of maintaining good liquidity for a long period.
US09321032B1	Inherently concrete-compatible carbon sorbents for mercury removal from flue gas A sorbent composition and process of making sorbent designed for the removal of contaminants from flue gas and subsequent use in cement or concrete formulations are discussed. The sorbent composition comprises a coal feed stock prepared to have a total BET surface area of at least 350 m2/g, and wherein the sorbent has a cumulative surface area less than 10 m2/g for pore diameters between 0.01 and 0.1 microns, a cumulative pore volume less than 0.055 cc/g for pore diameters between 0.01 and 0.1 microns, or both.
US09321031B2	Magnetic-cored dendrimer, the method for preparing the same, and the contaminant treatment method using the same Provided is a magnetic-cored dendrimer represented by the following Chemical Formula (1): wherein R represents a functional group represented by the following Chemical Formula (2) or (3):
US09321026B2	System and method for seal flush Techniques are provided for seal flush systems. A system may include a reactor circulation pump configured to circulate a slurry through a polymerization reactor. The slurry may include an olefin monomer, a catalyst, and a diluent. The system may also include a catalyst-inhibiting additive system configured to supply a catalyst-inhibiting additive to a seal of the reactor circulation pump and a seal flush system configured to generate a seal flush mixture and supply the seal flush mixture to the seal of the reactor circulation pump.
US09321024B2	Method for producing carbamate, method for producing isocyanate, carbamate production system, and isocyanate production system A method for producing carbamate including a urea production step; a carbamate-forming step; an ammonia separation step of absorbing the gas with water in the presence of carbonate to produce a gas absorption water, and separating ammonia; an aqueous alcohol solution separation step of separating an aqueous alcohol solution from the gas absorption water; an ammonia/carbon dioxide separation step of separating carbon dioxide gas from the aqueous ammonia solution in the gas absorption water from which the aqueous alcohol solution is separated; an aqueous ammonia solution reusing step of mixing the aqueous ammonia solution and carbonate with the water to be used for production of the gas absorption water.
US09321020B2	Centrifugal processing device A centrifugal processing device has structures in which a storage container housing a material is supported such as to rotate freely by a revolving body with a rotating shaft therebetween, and that applies revolution force and rotation force of the storage container to the material by rotating the storage container while revolving the storage container. Rotating shafts and are supported by the revolving body such as to intersect a revolving body center line of the revolving body.
US09321019B2	Wine bottle aerator An aerator includes an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is defined as having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion is configured to engage an opening of an uncorked wine bottle. The top portion is disposed above the opening of the uncorked wine bottle. The expansion chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with an inside of the uncorked wine bottle. A gas conduit has a proximal end in fluid communication with a distal end. The gas conduit passes through the bottom portion of the expansion chamber and the distal end is disposed below the bottom portion of the expansion chamber. The proximal end is disposed above the bottom portion of the expansion chamber. A gas source is in fluid communication with the proximal end of the gas conduit. The expansion chamber is configured to temporarily contain an expansion of wine bubbles during an aeration process.
US09321018B2	Gas diffusion apparatus for liquid aeration and carbonated liquids A wine and spirit aerator includes a tube, a diffuser and an air pump attached to opposing ends of the tube. The aerator may include a stopper sized and shaped to be inserted into a lip of a wine or spirit bottle. The tube and diffuser can extend to the bottom of the bottle. The tube can have telescoping sections or be sized for single glass operation where the pump can be set on a structure between uses. The diffuser can be porous or sintered metal. The pump can be removed and replaced with a carbon dioxide injector to turn the aerator into a carbonated beverage preparation apparatus or a plant feeding apparatus. A method of marketing wine and spirits is also provided in which videos of same aerated by the disclosed aerators are posted to a website that offers both the aerators and the wine or spirit for purchase.
US09321016B2	Porous body and honeycomb-shaped ceramic separation-membrane structure The present invention aims to provide a honeycomb-shaped ceramic porous body where the strength reduction upon forming a separation layer is less than conventional porous bodies. The ceramic porous body is provided with a honeycomb-shaped base material and an intermediate layer. At least a part of the ceramic porous body has a structure where aggregate particles are bonded to one another by an inorganic bonding material component. In the ceramic porous body, the intermediate layer thickness, which is the thickness of the intermediate layer, is 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less, the base material thickness at the shortest portion between the cells, but excluding the intermediate layer and the separation layer is 0.51 mm or more and 1.55 mm or less, and the ratio of the base material thickness to the intermediate layer thickness is 2.5 or more.
US09321015B2	Process for fabricating PBI hollow fiber asymmetric membranes for gas separation and liquid separation The invention provides methods for preparing an asymmetric hollow fiber, the asymmetric hollow fibers prepared by such methods, and uses of the asymmetric hollow fibers. One method involves passing a polymeric solution through an outer annular orifice of a tube-in-orifice spinneret, passing a bore fluid though an inner tube of the spinneret, dropping the polymeric solution and bore fluid through an atmosphere over a dropping distance, and quenching the polymeric solution and bore fluid in a bath to form an asymmetric hollow fiber.
US09321009B2	Emissions treatment system with ammonia-generating and SCR catalysts Provided are emissions treatment systems for an exhaust stream having an ammonia-generating component, such as a NOx storage reduction (NSR) catalyst or a lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst, and an SCR catalyst disposed downstream of the ammonia-generating catalyst. The SCR catalyst can be a molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure, for example SSZ-13 or SAPO-34, which can be ion-exchanged with copper. The LNT can be layered, having an undercoat washcoat layer comprising a support material, at least one precious metal, and at least one NOx sorbent selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth elements, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof and a top washcoat layer comprising a support material, at least one precious metal, and ceria in particulate form, the top washcoat layer being substantially free of alkaline earth components. The emissions treatment system is advantageously used for the treatment of exhaust streams from diesel engines and lean burn gasoline engines.
US09321007B2	Blends of amines with piperazine for CO2 capture Compositions and methods related to the removal of acidic gas. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a composition and method for the removal of acidic gas from a gas mixture using a solvent comprising a blend of piperazine and at least one diamine or triamine.
US09321003B2	Process stream upgrading The invention generally relates to processes for upgrading a process stream, such as those containing C2+ olefin and one or more acidic gases, to equipment useful in such processes, and to upgraded process streams.
US09321001B2	Portable oxygen concentrator with integrated manifold Methods and system for concentrating oxygen include a plurality of sieve beds configured to absorb nitrogen from air, at least one reservoir configured to store oxygen-enriched gas exiting from the plurality of sieve beds, a compressor configured to deliver air at one or more desired pressures to the plurality of sieve beds, a support member positioned in housing and configured to support the compressor, the plurality of sieve beds and the reservoir, an air manifold providing a plurality of channels therein that at least partially define passages communicating between the compressor and the plurality of sieve beds, and an oxygen delivery manifold providing a plurality of channels therein that at least partially define passages for delivering the oxygen-enriched to a user. The air manifold and the oxygen delivery manifold are integrally formed with the support member.
US09320999B2	Method and device for removing airborne pollutants A multilayer filter with a material structure to allow air flow therethrough is positioned in front of a radiator of a land vehicle for removal of airborne pollutants from the environment. Each layer of the multifilter is formed of a pollutant capture material. Layers of filter material may be formed of a hepa material, a carbon material, a magnetized material or a spongy material. A protective screen may be positioned in front of the filter air intake side.
US09320996B1	Filter housing utilizing heat shrinkable materials Apparatus related to an air filter and filter housing are disclosed herein. The filter housing and/or filter frame utilize heat shrinkable sealant pieces to enhance the sealing capabilities of the filter housing and/or filter frame.
US09320995B2	Method and apparatus for processing sample material Methods and systems for treating material with focused acoustic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation are described. Sample material may be provided to a single batch vessel or may flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of a processing chamber within which the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to focused acoustics in a flow through environment may enhance the effects of the radiation on the sample material. Further, in flow-through or single batch arrangements, sample material may be retained exterior to or within a processing chamber by one or more retaining members (e.g., filter, valve, etc.) until a characteristic of the sample material reaches one or more particular criteria (e.g., physical, chemical, biological). Once the criteria of the sample material is attained (e.g., via further treatment), the material is then permitted to flow past the retaining member(s) and through the inlet or outlet of the chamber. Further, focused acoustic processing may be used to treat articles, such as the retaining member(s), rather than only sample material located within an internal processing volume of the chamber.
US09320994B2	Method for making an acetate tow band with shape and size used for coding Disclosed is a method of making an acetate tow bands comprising identification fibers which can be used for tracking and tracing the acetate tow band through at least part of the supply chain. Each identification fiber exhibits at least one distinct feature. Each group of distinguishable identification fibers can exhibit a taggant cross-section shape, a taggant cross-section size, or combination of the same taggant cross-section shape and same taggant cross-section size. The distinct features and the number of fibers in each group of distinguishable identification fibers can represent at least one supply chain component of the acetate tow band, including the manufacturer of the acetate tow band and the customer of the acetate tow band. The identification fibers can be produced on a cellulose acetate tow line using one or more spinnerets with spinneret holes to produce the taggant cross-section shapes and/or taggant cross-section sizes.
US09320981B2	Flying discs and methods of making and using the same Flying discs (i.e., similar to FRISBEE® brand flying discs) suitable for use in a disc golf game or ultimate golf game are disclosed. Methods of making and using flying discs are also disclosed.
US09320980B2	Modular kinematic construction kit A construction kit comprises a plurality of building modules, wherein at least one of the building modules is functional and adapted to perform a specific behavior. In some embodiments, each of the building modules includes at least one connection face adapted to pass either data or power from a first face of a first building module to a first face of a second building module. In certain other embodiments, each connection face of the building modules is electrically connected with each of the other faces. The kit includes at least one connector adapted to couple the at least one functional module to at least one other module while providing up to three degrees of freedom between the functional module and the at least one other module.
US09320978B2	Construction system for creating a customizable adhesive toy playscape using printed adhesive tape and other accessories A customizable adhesive toy playscape is constructed of a combination of printed adhesive playscape tape and other accessories, such as printed stickers, upstanding signs, toy vehicles, and the tape roll core that can be used by children (or adults) for creating imaginary playscape tape worlds for play, education, or other uses. The playscape tape includes any number of different types of printed indicia, such as road surfaces or natural surfaces (e.g., rocks, dirt, grass), to provide a lifelike play experience. Although the discussion of the present invention centers around construction of a playscape for toy cars, the present invention contemplates that a playscape can be reasonably constructed using playscape tape for any number of different play domains. The only necessary commonalities among these different play domains is the ability to reasonably construct them using playscape tape and relevant accessories. For instance, a different playscape such as the human bloodstream, plant capillaries, computer circuitry, computer networks, or building architecture may also be constructed using playscape tape with differently printed indicia, differently printed stickers, and different, relevant accessories.
US09320977B2	Dynamic stabilization system and methods for a RC vehicle Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.
US09320975B2	Soothing device with removably attached toy A combination soother-toy device includes a soothing device such as a pacifier, a toy such as a plush animal character, and a coupling that removably attaches them together. In some embodiments, the coupling includes a transverse tab and a transverse opening that couple and decouple by a transverse motion. In this way, the axial pulling motion and forces that babies often apply to the toy when holding the pacifier in its mouth do not cause the components to separate. In some embodiments, the tab (transverse or not) is retained on the toy by a primary attachment such as stitching and a secondary retainer for redundancy as a safety feature. For example, the secondary retainer can be a tether attaching the tab extension arm to the toy, or wings extending from the tab extension arm laterally beyond the toy opening through which the extension arm extends.
US09320974B1	Recreational swing set A swing set designed to have improved structural integrity wherein the swing set includes components manufactured from either 3500 psi concrete or 5000 psi concrete. The swing set includes a first vertical column and a second vertical column that are in axial alignment and further include a portion thereof inserted into the ground. The first vertical column and second vertical column are superposed concrete mounting pads. A horizontal crossbeam is coupled to the upper ends of the first vertical column and second vertical column and functions to have a plurality of swings suspendedly mounted thereto. The first vertical column and second vertical column further include a mounting structure operable to mateably couple with a portion of the horizontal crossbeam. The aforementioned swing set elements additionally include metal support bars of varying sizes and additionally have stirrups coupled thereto wherein the stirrups vary in distance between centers.
US09320973B2	Game server, game controlling method, game program recording medium, and game system A game data processing section 100 is provided with an item assessment section 41 and an event generation section 42. The item assessment section 41 assesses whether or not the number of pieces of a virtual item possessed by a virtual user is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, extracts one type of virtual item from among virtual items possessed by the virtual user, and assesses whether or not the number of pieces of the one type of virtual item is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value. The event generation section 42 generates an event in which the one type of virtual item can be consumed, when the item assessment section assesses the number of pieces of the one type of virtual item is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value.
US09320972B2	Wireless communication game system A wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name UserName, a game name GameName, an OC flag, an E slot, a U slot, and a payload. All the parent device packets are received from the parent device existing within a communicationable range of a user's own apparatus, and the user's own apparatus creates a parent device list, and displays the parent device list on an LCD. Therefore, a user or a player of his own apparatus looks at the game name of the parent device list, for example, and operates a cross key included in an operation key so as to select one desired parent device. Then, transmitting a child device number CID of the user's own apparatus at the E slot designated by the parent device packet, the user's own apparatus transmits a connection request to the parent device.
US09320970B2	System controlled player-related bonuses in gaming machines The present invention integrates the concepts of interactive player based promotions, games, and bonusing that utilize a touch screen display on a gaming system associated with a remote player tracking system. The promotions are configured at a remote configuration workstation by selecting system criteria defining the particular bonus promotion to thereby create a “bonus rule”. Promotions have four primary criteria. The first is the “Trigger” which is the criterion that determines when the bonus screen is activated to display a promotion. The second is the “Interface” that determines what will be displayed on the bonus screen. The third is the “Award” in which the nature of the bonus payment, including the method of choosing the value to award and the required player interaction to receive the promotion, is determined. And finally, the “Currency” system determines the method of payment to the player for earning or receiving the promotion.
US09320968B1	Online game with matching of different data types An online game mechanic matches requests and responses of different data types that include text, image and audio. Request values corresponding to a first data type are sent to users in a distribution list, and those users send response values corresponding to a second data type. Winning response values are selected and announced.
US09320967B2	Method for implementing a computer game A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which computer game graphics for a casual, social game are shown on a display of a computing device and in which one or more of the processors are programmed: to show a virtual path or other virtual world that indicates the level reached by the player and that player's social network friends; to show on the computing device a gameboard with multiple game elements that are removed when matched or switched by a player, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which a processor generates, if no move has been made for a defined time, help or hints by brightening and enlarging game elements used in a possible move on the gameboard with an animation.
US09320966B2	Card selection and display and restoration Embodiments related to conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. In some embodiments the player plays multiple sequential game hand by placing a wager, receiving game indicia from the finite set cumulatively excluding any game indicia previously dealt, playing the game hand to completion, collecting the game indicia from the player and excluding the dealt game indicia from further play, and displaying at least the excluded game indicia or any winning combinations precluded by the excluded game indicia. In some embodiments the game hands continue in sequence until a restoration event, which may include a manually triggered restoration or an automatic restoration event, that restores the excluded game indicia. Other embodiments are also described.
US09320958B2	Golf putting practice machine having laser pointer Provided is a golf putting practice machine having a laser pointer, the golf putting practice machine includes: a laser direction adjustment plate (1) that that determines whether or not an emitted laser beam is directed in a normal direction; a laser pointer (2) that emits the laser beam toward the laser direction adjustment plate (1) when an ON/OFF switch (2-1) is in the ON state, wherein said switch is arranged to enable or prevent the emission of the laser beam; a laser pointer accommodating portion (3) that accommodates and fixes the laser pointer (2); a laser mount (4) on which the laser pointer accommodating portion (3) is mounted in an adhering manner; an aiming upper plate (5) on which the laser direction adjustment plate (1) and the laser mount (4) are placed so as to be slidable; an aiming plate (6) on which the aiming upper plate (5) is placed such that the ongoing direction of a golf ball is accurately set; a force-conversion roller (7) that converts the freefall of a golf ball into a horizontal force; a horizontal adjustment support plate (8) that fixes and supports the force-conversion roller (7) and performs leveling; an inclined height plate (9) that is connected to the force-conversion roller (7) so as to cause the golf ball to freefall; and a ball height adjustment plate (10) that is slidably connected to the inclined height plate (9) so as to determine the height from which the golf ball freefalls.
US09320955B2	Workout device The device is composed of a structure that comprises four inter-hinged modules (1-2-3-4), which enables multiple mounting possibilities thereof. Each module is formed of two essentially straight lateral bars (15-15′) that incorporate a pair of inwardly curved sections (17), which act as links between the two lateral bars in such a way that the end of each module ends in a pair of legs in the form of forks (18), which in turn end either in support legs (19) of the device, or in a hinging means (16), it having been provided that a series of adjustable and non-essential crossbars (20-20′-20″) are subject to being inserted into place in a center of the frame defined by the lateral bars (15-15′). The device is complemented by a series of accessories that make it possible to significantly increase the diverse types of exercises that may be carried out with the same.
US09320954B1	Reflex strike technology A martial arts and combat sports training advantage comprised of using traditional shaped training striking pads worn or held by a combat sports trainers, as disclosed in previous patents, and equipping the striking pads with trainer triggered adjustably timed lights designed to stimulate reflexes and allow the trainer to give non-verbal striking orders to the person being trained. Vibration sensors detect the strike, transmitting the strike to an internal microchip which allow for the characteristics of the strike to be shown on the digital number display.
US09320952B2	Two-part hockey stick A two-part hockey stick having a hockey stick blade and a hockey stick shaft joined together at a joint. The hockey stick has a blade with a neck, a heel, and a toe. The joint has a male joint portion on an end of the shaft, which has heel and opposed toe walls, each of which extend away from a distal surface of the shaft and terminate at a mating surface. The heel wall is disposed on a side of the joint adjacent to a heel of the blade, and is longer than the toe wall. The mating surface extends between the heel and toe walls. The joint also has a hollow female joint portion disposed in a neck of the blade. The male joint portion mates with the female joint portion, thereby joining the shaft to the blade and forming the hockey stick.
US09320950B2	Golf club A golf club 2 includes a face angle adjusting mechanism 20 provided on a sole s4. The face angle adjusting mechanism 20 has a grounding member 22 which can be protruded from the sole s4, a storing part 24 storing the grounding member 22, and a coil spring 26 pressing the grounding member 22 so that the grounding member 22 is protruded from the storing part 24. The grounding member 22 is set so that a protruding amount of the grounding member 22 from the sole s4 is varied depending on its position of rotation angle about its axis in a state where the grounding member 22 is stored in the storing part 24. By changing a position of rotation angle of the grounding member 22, the protruding amount of the grounding member 22 is changed thereby to change a face angle.
US09320945B2	Multi-piece golf ball comprising low hardness gradient core A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient.
US09320941B2	Arrangement for imparting motion through counter-rotation of opposing end terminations of arched flexible member An arrangement for imparting translational movement of a load with respect to a columnar structure that takes the form of at least one flexible elastic member (e.g., bungee cord) that is disposed to surround a portion of the structure and a platform coupled to the opposing ends of the flexible elastic member. The platform is used to support the load and the ends of the flexible member are coupled to the platform in a manner such that the ends are free to rotate. Thus, the application of counter-rotational forces to these opposing end terminations will impart a tension to the flexible elastic member that ultimately causes the flexible member to flip over to relieve the tension. By continuing to apply the counter-rotational forces, the flexible member will continue to flip, and progress in translational movement along the columnar structure.
US09320940B2	Muscular training device, system and method An exercise device includes a relatively rigid platform supported by a compressible base. The base has a central flat and then slopes outward and upward from the central flat in a spherical section. The base permits instability in height, angle, and shear strain movement. The user performs postures and/or exercises using the exercise device under each appendage being used for support. The instability triggers the Golgi tendon receptor and the muscle spindle receptor and thereby achieves physiological benefits. The muscular training devices come in different sizes and configurations to make up a muscular training system.
US09320934B1	Exercise device for use by drivers The present application is directed to an exercise device that is applicable for use by a driver while out on the road. The device includes a frame with one or more horizontal supports configured to provide for one or more different exercises. A tire connector may extend outward from the frame and is configured to connect to the tire of the vehicle. The tire connector supports the frame outward from the tire and the side of the vehicle. The frame provides a sturdy platform for the driver to perform a variety of different exercises. The device is constructed from multiple pieces that can be assembled and disassembled in a straight-forward manner for use while the driver is out on the road. Each of the pieces is sized to be stored on the vehicle when disassembled and not in use.
US09320933B2	Weighted exercise hoops Devices such as exercise hoops are detailed. The hoops may include multiple, serially-connected sections designed to receive internal weights and configured so as to accept both differing numbers and masses of weights as desired. At least some sections, furthermore, may comprise multiple detachable pieces, with complementary pieces exposing one or more weight-receiving compartments when detached.
US09320928B2	Ceiling-only dry sprinkler systems and methods for addressing a storage occupancy fire A ceiling-only dry sprinkler system configured to address a storage occupancy fire event with a sprinkler operational area sufficient in size to surround and drown the fire. The system and method preferably provide for the surround and effect by activating one or more initial sprinklers, delaying fluid flow to the initial activated sprinklers for a defined delay period to permit the thermal activation of a subsequent one or more sprinklers so as to form the preferred sprinkler operational area. The sprinklers of the operational area are preferably configured so as to provide sufficient fluid volume and cooling to address the fire-event with a surround and drown configuration. The defined delay period is of a defined period having a maximum and a minimum. The preferred sprinkler system is adapted for fire protection of storage commodities and provides a ceiling only system that eliminates or otherwise minimizes the economic disadvantages and design penalties of current dry sprinkler system design.
US09320923B2	Surgical face mask, including reusable masks, with filtered inhalation and exhalation valves Face masks that can be used, for example, in medical and surgical procedures, including both completely or partially disposable and reusable masks, that can be custom fitted to the wearer, and which can include one or more filtering inhalation and exhalation valves and/or compartments allowing for separated filtering of inhalation and exhalation gases. Some embodiments include systems, methods and kits for reducing contaminants in an inhalation and exhalation flow stream.
US09320918B2	Modular processing of magnetic resonance data The invention provides for medical instrument (800, 1000) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system. Execution of the instruction cause a processor controlling the instrument to: execute (900) a magnetic resonance data processing application (42, 852) thereby providing a plug-in framework, execute (902) a protocol definition interface to load a first selection (858) of the plug-ins into the plug-in framework, acquire (904) the magnetic resonance data by using the pulse sequence data to control the magnetic resonance imaging system; and reconstruct (906) a magnetic resonance image from the magnetic resonance data using the first selection of the plug-ins.
US09320917B2	Intensity modulated arc therapy with continuous coach rotation/shift and simultaneous cone beam imaging A system for radiotherapy includes a couch having a top lateral surface upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned. The couch has continuous arc rotation for delivery of accelerated irradiation to the patient. The couch is movable rotationally and translationally. Delivery of the accelerated irradiation is performed during at least a portion of the movement.
US09320914B2	Endoscopic delivery of red/NIR light to the subventricular zone Endoscopic delivery of Red/NIR light to the Substantia Nigra to treat Parkinson's Disease in order to raise the energy levels in the substantia nigra.
US09320911B2	Radiofrequency hyperthermia device with target feedback signal modulation The present invention relates to a radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia device for capacitive coupling comprising a radiofrequency source, an amplifier, a sensor, a feedback amplifier and a modulation signal generator, wherein the radiofrequency source produces a source signal which is modulated by the modulation signal generator, amplified by the amplifier and directed to a target, the sensor receives a feed back signal from the target that is directed to the feed back amplifier, wherein the feedback signal is amplified by the feedback amplifier and modulates the source signal to generate a target modified signal. This radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia device is designed for increasing the selectivity of the hyperthermia treatment.
US09320910B2	Method of fabricating implantable pulse generator using wire connections to feedthrough structures and implantable pulse generators An implantable pulse generator (IPG) is fabricated by utilizing a lead body with a plurality of conductors enclosed in insulative material along a first length of the conductors, and a second length of the conductors being exposed. A tubular structure is placed over the lead body with the plurality of conductors extending through it. A feedthrough assembly includes a plurality of feedthrough pins surrounded by insular material with a ferrule extending about an outer surface of the feedthrough assembly. The plurality of conductors are attached to the plurality of feedthrough pins and the ferrule of the feedthrough assembly is welded to the tubular structure to form an intermediate assembly. The intermediate assembly is then welded to one or more housing components of the IPG providing a hermetically seal. A connector portion on a distal end of the lead body is provided to electrically connect to terminals of a stimulation lead.
US09320907B2	Integrated surface stimulation device for pain management and wound therapy The present invention provides a thin and flexible device and method of use thereof for pain and wound treatment of a subject. The integrated surface stimulation device may comprise a complete wireless stimulation system in a disposable and/or reusable flexible device for widespread use in multiple therapeutic applications. The invention would be situated on the skin surface of a patient and would be activated so as to reduce the overall occurrence of pain and/or increase wound healing rates. As provided, the device will comprise an integrated power supply and pre-programmable stimulator/control system mounted on the upper face of a flexible polymeric substrate layer. The lower face of the substrate layer will comprise areas of stimulating electrodes, applied using thin film coating techniques. The device can then be applied to the user with a medical grade pressure sensitive adhesive coating provided on the lower face of the substrate layer.
US09320906B2	Heart sounds template comparison to identify true pacing mode An apparatus may include an implantable therapy circuit that provides bi-ventricular pacing to a subject, a heart sound signal sensing circuit that produces a sensed heart sound signal that is representative of at least one heart sound associated with mechanical cardiac activity, a memory circuit to store one or more heart sound templates of cardiac capture, and a comparison circuit that compares a segment of the sensed heart sound signal to the one or more heart sound templates of cardiac capture to identify ventricles in which cardiac capture was induced by the bi-ventricular pacing. In some situations, an indication of the ventricles in which cardiac capture was induced may be generated according to the comparison.
US09320902B2	Spinal cord stimulation with interferential current A stimulator and a method for the treatment of intractable pain syndromes by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is disclosed in which implantable electrodes positioned around a targeted area of the spinal cord transmit an interferential current that has a base medium frequency alternating current between 500 Hz-20 KHz. A digital signal processor generates a sine-wave-like waveform from a pulse generator which after further processing is used to generate at least two circuits for use in producing the beat frequency signal. An effective area of stimulation is controlled by the quantity of electrodes, positioning of the electrodes and electrode cross pattern orientation. Amplitude modulation of electrical circuits created at the electrode placements also augments the effective area of stimulation. The stimulator and method reduce accommodation of the body to the electrical stimulation and provide deeper penetration of the resultant signal.
US09320897B2	Inductive link coupled miniature intra-cochlear elements An implantable stimulation device is described which includes a flexible carrier member for implantation adjacent to target neural tissue. Carrier wires are embedded within the carrier member for conducting electrical signals. At least one active interface device also is within the carrier member and includes a hermetically sealed device housing without penetration by any electrical conductor, an active interface element within the device housing, an inductive link arrangement providing an electrical connection between the active interface element and a terminal end of one of the carrier wires, and an outer interface surface adjacent to the target neural tissue that provides a communication link between the adjacent target neural tissue and the active interface element.
US09320894B2	Methods and compositions for treating a renal associated condition in a subject Methods for treating a renal associated condition in a subject are provided. Aspects of the subject methods include paradoxically enhancing renal sympathetic bias in the subject in a manner effective to treat the renal associated condition. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.
US09320883B2	Auto-configuration circuit for safety mode operation of implantable medical device An implantable medical device comprises a non-volatile memory circuit including a configuration memory portion to store auto-configuration data for the IMD, a controller circuit, a reset circuit adapted to generate a reset signal and disable the controller circuit, and a startup circuit adapted to transfer the auto-configuration data from the configuration memory portion to one or more configuration registers in response to the reset signal, wherein values of the one or more configuration registers configure the IMD for a safety mode operation.
US09320875B2	Systems for implanting and using a conduit within a tissue wall Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit system including an outer lumen (810), an inner lumen (805), and an attaching device (820). In other embodiments, a multiple access port device adapted for communication with at least one of an outer lumen, an inner lumen, or an attaching device of a conduit system is provided. In yet other embodiments, a system including an inner lumen that is collapsible is provided. Means for closing a conduit system are also provided, including a plug for insertion through an attaching device and a variable radius coiled member associated with an attaching device.
US09320873B2	Introducer sheath and introducer assembly An introducer sheath, which is formed from a tubular member provided with a hollow portion through which an elongated body is freely insertable, and which includes a distal portion and a main body portion, wherein the inner diameter of the distal portion is formed to become gradually smaller toward the distal side, and on the inner surface of the distal portion, there is provided a hydrophobic coating having a friction coefficient lower than the friction coefficient of the tubular member.
US09320870B2	Catheter insertion device The present disclosure relates to a catheter insertion device, which comprises a catheter hub in which a check valve is arranged, and a catheter, which is in fluid communication with the catheter hub, wherein a support element is attached to the catheter, and a flexible buffer element is provided between the support element and the catheter hub.
US09320869B2	Apparatus for making a catheter The present invention concerns a catheter for medical purposes, such as for insertion into a body opening for draining fluids, wherein the catheter comprises a flexible tube having a distal end region wherein the tube is provided with at least one draining opening, characterised in that the peripheral edge on the outside of the tube is provided with a curvature for creating a smooth transition between the exterior surface of the tube and the substantially radially oriented cut constituting the opening side and wherein said curvature is a rounded edge with a curvature radius between 0.2-0.6 mm. The invention further concerns a method of making such catheter and an apparatus for performing this method.
US09320867B2	Connection system A breathing filter system for a vaporizer system includes a connector comprising a first portion comprising a conduit manifold comprising having lumens; a second portion comprising an interface plug comprising a plug end; an external surface comprising ribs and grooves, the second portion further comprising openings in communication with the lumens of the conduits, each lumen communicating with a single opening, the openings being arranged in the grooves; and, a breathing filter system assembly comprising a housing comprising a first section including a first port, a second section including a second port, providing a bi-directional flow path between the ports; a gas reflection device, and a heat and moisture exchanging breathing filter, disposed in the housing across the fluid flow path, the breathing filter arranged in the first section, and the gas reflection device arranged in the second section; wherein the housing is in communication with the first portion.
US09320862B2	Fluid dispensing device A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid form medicament formulation having a viscosity of from 10 to 2000 mPa·s, is disclosed having a housing and a fluid discharge device. The fluid discharge device is arranged to be actuated by one or more levers, so as to apply a force to the fluid discharge device which is used to move a container forming part of the fluid discharge device, along a longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device to cause actuation of a pump forming. A pre-load mechanism prevents actuation of the pump until a pre-determined force is applied to each lever of sufficient magnitude to guarantee the production of a well-developed, efficient spray from the fluid dispensing device.
US09320861B2	Smoke vent for access port device An access port device is provided including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end with at least one lumen extending therethrough, a first ring secured at the proximal end of the tubular member, and a second ring secured at the distal end of the tubular member. The access port device further includes a flow regulator disposed on a top portion of the at least one lumen, the flow regulator having a head portion and a body portion, the body portion extending asymmetrically downward to form a substantially triangular opening for regulating an output rate of insufflation gasses from a surgical site.
US09320859B2	Self-priming, anti-free flow valve for infusion pumps A cap assembly for a self-priming IV set valve includes a body portion that is configured to be removably connected to the IV set valve; a hydrophobic filter that is mounted to the body portion; and an actuator having a free end that is configured to either puncture, move or displace a valve element of the IV set valve. A fluid passageway is disposed either in or along the actuator. When the cap assembly is mounted to the IV set valve, the actuator either punctures, moves or displaces the valve element of the IV set valve such that air and liquid within the IV set valve can flow through the fluid passageway and onto the hydrophobic filter, whereupon the hydrophobic filter of the cap assembly prevents the passage of liquid through the hydrophobic filter while the hydrophobic filter permits the passage of air there-through and into the atmosphere.
US09320855B2	Medicament delivery device A medicament delivery device for a reconstituted medicament, comprising a proximal housing part (12; 12″; 12′″), a distal housing part (10; 10″; 10′″), a medicament delivery drive unit and actuation means, wherein the medicament delivery drive unit is mounted in said distal housing part and wherein the actuation means further include an activation member (74; 101; 201) which is displaceable between an inactive position wherein the actuator is prevented from engaging the medicament delivery drive unit and an active position wherein the actuator is able to engage the medicament delivery drive, whereby the actuator is capable of interacting with said medicament delivery drive unit to perform a delivery of the reconstituted medicament only in the active position of the activation member and in the second position of the medicament delivery drive unit.
US09320854B2	Dose setting mechanism with maximum dose limited element A dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device is provided comprising first maximum dose stop features (1) on a first component part (2) of the drug delivery device and corresponding second maximum dose stop features (3) on a second component part (4) of the drug delivery device, with the first and second maximum dose stop features (1, 3) being designed to limit a relative movement between the first and second component parts (2, 4). To limit the maximum dose which can be chosen, a maximum dose limiting device (5, 10, 10′, 10″, 10″′) is provided interposed on the first component part (2) between the first and second maximum dose stop features (1, 3).
US09320849B2	Infusion pumps Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, insertion tools, and related components as well as combinations thereof and related methods.
US09320848B2	Infusion pump assembly An infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw.
US09320847B2	Combination therapy including peripheral nerve field stimulation Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.
US09320844B2	Arrangement for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood by means of inert gases The invention relates to an arrangement (10, 100, 200) for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood. The arrangement (10, 100, 200) comprises a filter (12) which has a membrane (16) that separates a blood region (14) from a gas region (18). The extracorporeal flow of blood is passed through the blood region (14) of the filter (12). Likewise, a gas flow of a purge gas is passed through the gas region (18), the purge gas being an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases. Further, the invention relates to a method for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood in which likewise an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases is used as a purge gas.
US09320841B2	Ventricular assist device A ventricle assist device comprises an inlet for receiving blood, an outlet for discharging blood, and a chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet. There is also a means for actuating the ventricle assist device between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. In the expanded configuration blood flows into the inlet. In the contracted configuration blood flows out of the outlet. There may be a one-way valve at the outlet for preventing blood flow back into the chamber. The one-way valve is a diaphragm valve. The chamber may have a resilient outer wall. The chamber may have an ovoid shape.
US09320840B2	Catheter vacuum dressing apparatus and methods of use A vacuum dressing to cover a medical device insertion site, generally comprising a transparent film dressing member, adapted to form a sealed region between the film dressing member and a region of skin surrounding the insertion site; a sponge/foam member adapted to be positioned over the insertion site; and vacuum tubing, wherein the vacuum tubing permits vacuum pressure to be applied to the sealed region.
US09320833B2	Polymers of fluorinated monomers and hydrocarbon monomers It is provided an implantable device including a polymer blend that contains a polymer formed of fluorinated monomers and hydrocarbon monomers and another biocompatible polymer.
US09320824B2	Liquid-activated formulation with solvent-based binding matrix A liquid-activated formulation is provided, comprising a liquid-activated colorant, a hydrochromic ionic compound, an opacifier, and a solvent-based binding matrix.
US09320822B2	Polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbing resin and manufacturing method therefor The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a water-absorbing resin which (i) is made of acrylic acid that is suitable for mass production of water-absorbing resin and (ii) has an excellent water-absorbing property. In the method, a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water-absorbing resin is manufactured by sequentially carrying out predetermined monomer preparing step, polymerization step, drying step, and surface crosslinking step. An acetic acid concentration in acrylic acid or the like supplied in the monomer preparing step is in a range of 300 ppm to 10000 ppm on the acrylic acid basis, and an acetic acid concentration lowering rate defined by a predetermined formula is 35% or higher.
US09320821B2	Method for counteracting ammonia malodor The present invention relates to a method for counteracting ammonia malodor comprising indentifying PRMs capable of elevating the lateralization threshold of ammonia and using such ingredients in a perfume applied to surfaces or spaces exposed to ammonia or to consumer product bases comprising ammonia.
US09320820B2	Sterilization method A method of sterilizing a material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a solution comprising peroxyacetic acid into a hot gaseous stream to produce a peroxyacetic acid vapor; and (b) contacting such peroxyacetic acid vapor with the material to be sterilized.
US09320816B2	Methods of treating cell culture media for use in a bioreactor The invention provides methods for treating cell culture media for use in a bioreactor using ultraviolet C (UVC) light and filtration.
US09320814B2	Polyplexes of hydrophobically-modified siRNA for delivery of siRNA The present invention provides compositions and methods for delivering nucleic acid molecules to a cell.
US09320812B2	Modulators and methods of use Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of such modulators to treat hyperproliferative disorders are provided.
US09320809B2	Nanoparticle comprising hydrophobic drug conjugated to cationic polymer and hydrophilic drug conjugated to anionic polymer The present invention relates to a nanoparticle including a hydrophobic drug conjugated to a cationic polymer and a hydrophilic drug conjugated to an anionic polymer, a method of preparing the same and a pharmaceutical use thereof. The nanoparticle according to an embodiment of the present invention may deliver the hydrophilic drug and the hydrophobic drug at the same time, and may control an initial drug burst. Further, the nanoparticle according to an embodiment of the present invention is specific to a cancer cell environment, and thus selective diagnosis or treatment of cancer cells is possible.
US09320803B2	Bisphosphonate-prodrugs The present invention relates to a prodrug, comprising a pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active compound, and one or more bisphosphonate groups, to a process for producing such a prodrug, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said prodrug, to be used for the treatment of bone-related disorders such as bone cancer.
US09320802B2	Aqueous ophthalmic composition This invention relates to an aqueous ophthalmic composition comprising (A) polyoxyethylene castor oil in which the average number of moles of added ethylene oxide is 2 to 12 and (B) terpenoid. According to the present invention, an aqueous ophthalmic composition having an improved foam disappearance speed can be obtained.
US09320800B2	Methods and compositions for enhancing intranasal delivery of therapeutic agents A method for treating a patient suffering from a condition with an active compound comprising the steps of (a) treating the patient intranasally with an effective amount of MMP-9 or a functionally equivalent fragment, wherein the tight junctions of the patient's nasal epithelial cells are modulated or wherein the basal lamina of the patient is partially digested and type IV collagen of the patient is degraded or wherein access to the patient's perineural, perivascular, or lymphatic compartment spaces is facilitated and (b) treating the patient intranasally with an active compound is disclosed.
US09320798B2	Lipid delivery formulations The invention provides formulations that contain an immunogenic or immunostimulatory cargo, delivery moiety and/or lipid, and a lipid that functions to reduce or prevent induction in a subject of an immune response which would otherwise occur when the immunogenic or immunostimulatory cargo, delivery moiety and/or lipid is administered to a subject as a component of an appropriate control formulation lacking the immune response reducing lipid. Specific immune response reducing lipids and uses thereof are further provided.
US09320797B2	Pharmaceutical formulations A stable pharmaceutical formulation is provided that comprises a biologically active protein and an excipient selected from carnitine, creatine or creatinine.
US09320794B2	Ablative immunotherapy The disclosure herein relates generally to immunotherapy and, more specifically, to the use of immunotherapy for treating tumors and pathogen infected tissues. The immunotherapy relates to first priming patients with allogeneic cells designed to be rejected by a Th1 mediated mechanism, then inducing in situ necrosis or apoptosis in a tumor or pathogen infected lesion. Necrosis or apoptosis can be induced by methods such as cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy, ethanol chemoablation, microwave thermal ablation, radiofrequency energy or a combination thereof applied against at least a portion of the tumor or pathogen infected tissue. One or more doses of allogeneic cells (e.g., Th1 cells) are then delivered within or proximate to the tumor or pathogen-infected tissue in the primed patient. The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic strategy to develop de-novo systemic (adaptive) immunity to a tumor or pathogen.
US09320793B2	Method for treating a disease associated with soluble, oligomeric species of amyloid beta 1-42 This invention is a method and kit for treating a disease associated with, or resulting from, the accumulation of soluble oligomer amyloid beta 1-42 using an antibody, or antibody fragment thereof, that has a higher affinity for amyloid beta 1-42 oligomers than for amyloid beta 1-42 monomer, amyloid beta 1-40 monomer, plaques and amyloid beta fibrils and, optionally, a tau therapeutic or an inhibitor of amyloid beta production or aggregation.
US09320791B2	Peptides from chaperonin 60.1 Peptides from the polypeptide chaperonin 60.1, and their use in medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions are described.
US09320783B2	Methods of treatment using alpha-1-antitrypsin compositions A streamlined method for purifying alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) from an AAT-containing protein mixture, such as Coh fraction IV precipitate, is provided. In the method of the invention, contaminating proteins are destabilized by cleavage of disulfide bonds with a reducing reagent, such as dithiol, which does not affect AAT. The destabilized proteins are then preferentially adsorbed on a solid protein-adsorbing material, without the addition of a salt as a precipitante. Separation of the solid absorbent from the solution leaves a purified AAT solution that is directly suitable for chromatographic purification, without the need for extensive desalting as in prior art processes. A process incorporating this method, which provides pharmaceutical grade AAT in high yield on a commercial scale, is also described.
US09320779B2	Process for separating proteins fibrinogen, factor XIII and biological glue from a solubilized plasma fraction and for preparing lyophilised concentrates of said proteins Process for separating proteins fibrinogen, Factor XIII and biological glue from a solubilized plasma fraction and for preparing lyophilized concentrates of said proteins.
US09320778B2	Method for controlled ovarian stimulation with combined FSH and hCG A product comprising follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for the treatment of infertility.
US09320776B2	Methods and compositions for repair of cartilage using an in vivo bioreactor Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.
US09320768B2	Composition for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or disorders, method and use comprising electromagnetically irradiated yeast Provided is a composition which comprises yeast cells treated with, or grown from yeast cells treated with electromagnetic waves in the range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz. Said composition may be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or disorders. A method relating to the composition is also provided.
US09320765B2	Bioeffective krill oil compositions This invention discloses new krill oil compositions characterized by having high amounts of phospholipids, astaxanthin esters and/or omega-3 contents. The krill oils are obtained from krill meal using supercritical fluid extraction in a two stage process. Stage 1 removes the neutral lipid by extracting with neat supercritical CO2 or CO2 plus approximately 5% of a co-solvent. Stage 2 extracts the actual krill oils by using supercritical CO2 in combination with approximately 20% ethanol. The krill oil materials obtained are compared with commercially available krill oil and found to be more bioeffective in a number of areas such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant effects, improving insulin resistances and improving blood lipid profile.
US09320764B2	Method for producing Vitamin D in a person A method for enhancing production of Vitamin D within a person's skin includes a source of Vitamin D, a sunlight exposure indicator, and a sunscreen. Vitamin D, for example, cod liver oil, is applied to the skin topically via a patch or towlette, or ingested orally. The exposure indicator is worn by the user and changes its state to indicate that the person has been exposed to sunlight for a predetermined period of time. The user preferably waits a sufficient time for the Vitamin D to be absorbed into the skin, and then exposes his or her skin to direct sunlight, and monitors the exposure indicator to determine if it has changed state. The user applies the sunscreen to the user's skin after the exposure indicator changes state.
US09320761B2	Bone induction system and methods An osteogenic composition suitable for use in bone and soft tissue reparative procedures is provided for herein. Methods for preparing osteogenic composition from blood and bone marrow are also provided for. The osteogenic compositions contain therapeutically effective concentrations of one or more osteogenic agents such as BMP-2, TGF-β, PDGF and VEGF.
US09320760B2	Compositions and methods of use of compounds to increase cancer patient survival time The present invention discloses and claims compositions, methods of treatment, and kits which cause an increase in time of survival in cancer patients, wherein the cancer either: (i) overexpresses thioredoxin or glutaredoxin and/or (ii) exhibits evidence of thioredoxin- or glutaredoxin-mediated resistance to one or more chemotherapeutic interventions. The present invention also discloses and claims methods and kits for the administration of said compositions to properly treat cancer patients. Additionally, the present invention discloses and claims methods and kits for quantitatively determining the level of expression of thioredoxin or glutaredoxin in the cancer cells of a cancer patient, methods of using those determined levels in the initial diagnosis and/or planning of subsequent treatment methodologies for said cancer patient, as well as ascertaining the potential growth “aggressiveness” of the particular cancer and treatment responsiveness of the particular type of cancer. Further, the present invention discloses and claims novel pharmaceutical compositions, methods, and kits used for the treatment of patients with medical conditions and disease where there is the overexpression of thioredoxin and/or glutaredoxin, and wherein this overexpression is associated with deleterious physiological effects in the patients.
US09320759B2	Methods and compositions for treating, reducing or preventing deterioration of the visual system of animals Methods and compositions for treating, reducing, or preventing deterioration of at least one component of the visual system of an animal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the animal a composition comprising UFA and NORC in an amount effective to treat, reduce, or prevent deterioration of at least one component of the visual system. Methods extending the prime years of an animal's life, improving the quality of life, and promoting health and wellness of an animal using compositions comprising UFA and NORC are also disclosed.
US09320758B2	Brain and neural treatments comprising peptides and other compositions The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects in need of muscle growth, muscle repair, improved muscular and neuromuscular control, and treatments for neuromuscular and neurological disorders, including brain disorders. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptides may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide and/or peptide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto a location where muscle growth, muscle repair, or improved muscular and neuromuscular control is desired, or on another suitable portion of the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09320751B2	Modified saponins for the treatment of fungal infections Methods of treating a fungal infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a modified saponin.
US09320749B2	Nanoparticle delivery system for targeted anti-obesity treatment A magnetic nanoparticles including a TRPV1 agonist, as well as methods of preparation and use, are described herein. A magnetically responsive pharmaceutical can include a core region having a magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs) and a TRPV1 protein agonist. Further, an exterior coating comprising a polymer can be formed around the core region. The magnetically responsive pharmaceutical can be administered to a recipient and directed to a target region using an external magnetic field.
US09320747B1	System and method for diagnosis and treatment This invention relates to a low cost rapid response diagnostic system to determine cortisol levels in patients selected as potential candidates for GCR (glucocorticoid receptor) antagonist therapy utilizing a GCR antagonist, such as ORG 34517. The rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive test can be used to determine patients who have non-normal cortisol production or disordered circadian rhythms as a method for selecting subjects for GCR antagonist therapy for whom it is likely to have beneficial and/or therapeutic effects, and can also be used to monitor changes in cortisol levels in response to treatment.
US09320746B2	Method for treating intestinal fibrosis A method for treating intestinal fibrosis in a subject, wherein the subject is medically considered to be suffering from intestinal fibrosis, the method comprising enterally administering a steroid to the subject, wherein the steroid is selected from: (i) steroids susceptible to first pass metabolism, (ii) corticosteroids, and (iii) aclometasone, aclometasone dipropionate, aldosterone, amcinonide, beclomethasone, beclomethasone dipropionate, betamethasone, betamethasone dipropionate, betamethasone sodium phosphate, betamethasone valerate, budesonide, clobetasone, clobetasone butyrate, clobetasol propionate, cloprednol, cortisone, cortisone acetate, cortivazol, deoxycortone, desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, dexamethasone isonicotinate, difluorocortolone, fluclorolone, flumethasone, fluocinolone, fluocinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, fluocortin butyl, fluorocortisone, fluorocortolone, fluocortolone caproate, fluocortolone pivalate, fluorometholone, fluprednidene, fluprednidene acetate, flurandrenolone, fluticasone, fluticasone propionate, halcinonide, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone butyrate, hydrocortisone aceponate, hydrocortisone buteprate, hydrocortisone valerate, icomethasone, icomethasone enbutate, meprednisone, methylprednisolone, mometasone paramethasone, mometasone furoate monohydrate, prednicarbate, prednisolone, prednisone, tixocortol, tixocortol pivalate, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone alcohol and their respective pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, and combinations thereof.
US09320741B2	Compositions and methods for treating neoplasia, inflammatory disease and other disorders The invention features compositions and methods for treating or preventing a neoplasia. More specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods for disrupting the interaction of a BET family polypeptide comprising a bromodomain with chromatin (e.g., disrupting a bromodomain interaction with an acetyl-lysine modification present on a histone N-terminal tail).
US09320740B2	Ceftolozane-tazobactam pharmaceutical compositions Pharmaceutical compositions are provided in unit dosage forms comprising ceftolozane and tazobactam in separate unit dosage form containers, ceftolozane prepared in the absence of tazobactam, tazobactam prepared in the absence of ceftolozane, and/or compositions where ceftolozane and tazobactam are first combined within a unit dosage form container.
US09320736B2	Zinc chelating agents for depleting XIAP and sensitizing tumor cells to apoptosis The invention provides zinc chelating agents and formulations thereof that deplete XIAP in cancer cells and sensitize the cells to apoptosis-inducing agents. The invention provides methods for sensitizing apoptosis-resistant cancer cells to apoptosis-inducing agents, as well as methods for treating a subject with a combined therapy of a zinc chelating agent and an apoptosis-inducing agent.
US09320732B2	1,2,5-oxadiazoles as inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase The present invention is directed to 1,2,5-oxadiazole derivatives, and compositions of the same, which are inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and are useful in the treatment of cancer and other disorders, and to the processes and intermediates for making such 1,2,5-oxadiazole derivatives.
US09320731B2	7-azoniabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives, methods of production, and pharmaceutical uses thereof Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists and methods of using them for the treatment of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated diseases, such as pulmonary diseases, are provided.
US09320730B2	Bendamustine solid dispersions and continuous infusion Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising nitrogen mustard, for example bendamustine hydrochloride, solid dispersions substantially free of degradants. Also provided are methods of producing and administering nitrogen mustards and in particular bendamustine hydrochloride solid dispersions substantially free of degradants. The pharmaceutical compositions can be used for any disease that is sensitive to treatment with bendamustine hydrochloride, such as neoplastic diseases.
US09320725B2	Pharmaceutical composition comprising (1r,4r)-6′-fluoro-N,N-dimethyl-4-phenyl-4′9′-dihydro-3′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′-pyrano[3,4,b]indol]-4-amine and a gabapentinoid The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a first pharmacologically active ingredient selected from (1r,4r)-6′-fluoro-N,N-dimethyl-4-phenyl-4′,9′-dihydro-3′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′-pyrano[3,4,b]indol]-4-amine and the physiologically acceptable salts thereof, and a second pharmacologically active ingredient selected from gabapentinoids and the physiologically acceptable salts thereof.
US09320719B2	Multifunctional metal nanoparticles having a polydopamine-based surface and methods of making and using the same The present invention provides nanoparticles including a metallic core having a length along each axis of from 1 to 100 nanometers and a coating disposed on at least part of the surface of the metallic core, wherein the coating comprises polydopamine, along with methods for making and using such nanoparticles. The metallic core may be gold, silver or iron oxide and the polydopamine coating may have other substances bound to it, such as silver, targeting ligands or antibodies, or other therapeutic or imaging contrast agents. The disclosed nanoparticles can be targeted to cells for treating cancer or bacterial infections, and for use in diagnostic imaging.
US09320716B2	Controlled release and taste masking oral pharmaceutical compositions The invention relates to an oral pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent, a macroscopically homogeneous structure and a gastro-resistant coating. The macroscopically homogeneous structure comprises at least one hydrophilic compound and at least one lipophilic compound and/or at least one amphiphilic compound. The macroscopically homogeneous structure controls the release of the active ingredient, and the gastro-resistant film prevents release of the active agent in the stomach.
US09320705B2	Sensation modifying topical composition foam This invention relates to foamable compositions that are capable of producing a sensation or sensation modifying effect upon application on a body surface. More particularly the invention relates to foamable pharmaceutical, therapeutic and cosmetic compositions, comprising an active agent, having a sensation or sensation modifying affect on a body surface, upon application. More particularly, the invention relates to foamable compositions comprising: (a) a foamable carrier; (b) at least one sensation or sensation modifying agent, selected from the group of a cooling agent; a warming agent; a relaxing or soothing agent; stimulating or refreshing agent; or mixtures thereof and (c) a propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 45% by weight of the total composition. The foamable carrier can be an emollient emulsion foamable vehicle, a foamable gel vehicle and can also be a substantially non aqueous foamable vehicle.
US09320700B2	Cosmetic composition including acid The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising a latex film forming polymer, an acid, water and optionally a pigment, said composition having a pH of from about 6.5 to about 8. The invention also relates to a method for making up and/or enhancing the appearance of a keratinous substrate, in particular lashes, by applying these compositions to the keratinous substrate.
US09320698B2	Peptide tyrosinase inhibitors and uses thereof Disclosed are peptides that inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory pep tides in a topical formulation. Preferred octapeptide sequences are internally rich in tryptophan and/or tyrosine or arginine. The present invention is further directed to kits and compositions containing the present peptides, and methods of treatment of conditions involving expression of tyrosinase, in which the present peptides are administered topically for the treatment of conditions involving melanocyte activity in the skin.
US09320696B2	Oral care compositions and methods Described herein are compositions comprising a MMP-13 inhibitor, and methods of using the same.
US09320683B2	Monolithic ceramic body with mixed-oxide marginal region and metallic surface, method for producing same and use of same Monolithic ceramic bodies that have a mixed-oxide marginal region and a metallic surface, where the ceramic body includes an oxide of a first metal (I), while the mixed-oxide marginal region includes the oxide of the first metal (I) and the oxide of a further metal (II) having a high affinity for oxygen, and the metallic surface includes the further metal (II). The mixed oxide marginal region includes a continuous concentration gradient of the first metal (I), from 100% in the core to 0% in the transitional region to the metallic surface of the ceramic body, and a continuous concentration gradient of the further metal (II), starting from 0% in the core to 100% in the transitional region to the metallic surface of the ceramic body, where the oxygen concentration in the mixed-oxide marginal region remains constant, and the monolithic structure of the ceramic body has no phase boundaries.
US09320678B2	Chest compression device A chest compression device includes a piston to apply compression to the sternum and incorporates leaf springs simultaneously driven by the piston to apply lateral compression to the thorax during chest compressions. A motor in the chest compression device provides motive power to cyclically extend and contract the piston to provide therapeutic chest compressions. One end of each leaf spring is operably connected to the piston and the other end of each leaf spring is secured to the backboard/base or to a support leg of the chest compression device such that during extension of the piston, each leaf spring is compressed against the device base or leg which causes the springs to flex and provide lateral compression of the patient's thorax in addition to the sternal compression of the piston.
US09320675B2	Massage device and mounting body A massage device mounting system may include a massage ball with a plurality of massage fingers positioned across the ball aligned with the vertices of a pentakis dodecahedron. The massage device mounting system may also include a mounting body removably entrapped between a plurality of massage fingers on the massage apparatus. The mounting body may include a mounting shoulder with a continuous or discontinuous ring. The mounting shoulder may also be circular shaped or polygonal shaped. The mounting body may also include one or two handles coupled to the mounting shoulder. Some mounting bodies may also include a mounting base that can mount to a mounting wall.
US09320674B2	Inflatable wearable deep pressure therapy systems The present invention relates to a deep pressure therapy system. The system includes an inflatable component and a shell component. The inflatable component can be removably attached to the shell component to form a wearable assembly. The inflatable component is shaped to conform to a portion of a body of an individual, and includes an inflatable bladder having an inlet port and an outlet port for passage of a fluid. The bladder includes a plurality of depressions which are generally evenly-distributed over a portion of the bladder. In some embodiments, the depressions are circular welds. In some embodiments, the depressions are three-dimensional welds. The bladder may additionally include weld strips. The shell component may include one or more stretchable strips which are expandable as safety feature.
US09320672B2	Foldable walker apparatus There is provided a mounting assembly including a frame portion of a walker apparatus having a first bore and a second bore extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first bore. The assembly includes a shaft rotatably connected to a wheel fork. The shaft is partially disposed within the first bore. The shaft has a recess for aligning with the second bore. The recess may be annular according to one aspect. The assembly includes a securing member threadably engageable with the second bore. The securing member couples to the frame portion of the walker apparatus. The frame portion may have a closed top according to another aspect within which a first end of the shaft is positioned. The assembly may include a bearing and a female threaded member connected to a second end of the shaft, with the female threaded member situating the bearing in place.
US09320670B2	Method and apparatus for rehabilitation of individual after knee replacement An apparatus is provided for rehabilitating an individual's leg after the individual has undergone a knee replacement. The apparatus reduces the individual's awareness of discomfort produced while increasing the range of motion of the individual's leg. The individual's awareness is decreased by having the individual focus simultaneously on a display screen indicating range of motion and on manually operating the apparatus to increase range of motion of the individual's lower leg.
US09320668B1	Extremity surgical support debridement platform The present invention provides a surgical support debridement platform for extremities of a human or mammal to assist a physician in treating such extremity. The platform generally includes a body member. The body member includes a bottom end and at least one side wall. The body member defines an interior volume for temporarily containing fluid. In operation, the extremity is positioned upon an upper surface of the platform to facilitate the process of debridement and lavage of extremities.
US09320666B2	Multi-layered cushioning support Multi-layer cushion supports are described which may generally comprise a first support having a first contact surface for contacting a portion of a body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first support defining a central chamber and a peripheral chamber surrounding the central chamber, wherein the first support is filled with a first gas or liquid and a second support attached to the first support along the first contact surface. The second support may be filled with a second gas or liquid which is relatively more viscous than the first gas or liquid. In particular, the first support may be filled with a volume of air and the second support may be filled with oil which is less than the volume of air.
US09320664B2	User interface for hospital bed A user module for a patient support apparatus is provided. The user module has a user interface operably coupled thereto. The user interface includes an input device and an output device. The output device includes a visual display including textual and non-textual elements. The non-textual elements include enhanced, graphical, and animated portions relating to one or more operational features of the patient support or to a person positionable on the patient support. The input device includes one or more touch sensors corresponding to defined regions of the visual display.
US09320662B2	Patient support apparatus with in-room device communication A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus—which may be a bed or the like—and one or more mobile electronic tags that are positionable in the room and which communicate wirelessly with the patient support apparatus. The electronic tags are attached to one or more of a patient, a medical device, or a caregiver. After detecting the tag(s), the patient support apparatus implements one or more patient care protocols, and provides alerts if the protocols are violated. The implementation may be automatic or require caregiver confirmation. The protocols can be for fall prevention, bed sore prevention, pneumonia prevention, caregiver hand washing, dialysis, and/or other purposes. The patient support apparatus determines the protocol(s) based on one or more of the following: the type of medical device, the specific patient, the presence or absence of the caregiver, and/or information transmitted to, or input into, the patient support apparatus.
US09320661B2	Electric mid-wheel drive wheelchair A wheelchair of the mid-wheel drive type has a chassis frame (10), a pair of front link arms (30) and a pair of rear link arms. The link arms are pivotally connected to the chassis frame. Front caster wheels (32) and drive wheels (53) are fixed to the front link arms. Rear caster wheels (42) are fixed to the rear link arms. Each front link arm (30) is operatively connected to an adjacent rear link arm (40) by a respective coupling (70), which is arranged to transmit pivotal movement of one of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm to an opposite pivotal movement of the other of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm.
US09320653B2	Hemostatic compositions and uses therefor The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to achieve hemostasis at an increased rate. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that achieve a hemostatic effect at a distance from the site of application of the composition, and a method for administering such a composition to effectively reduce localized vascular complications associated with treating a breach or puncture in a vein or artery and reduce the time to achieve hemostasis.
US09320652B2	Features to improve and sense tympanic membrane apposition by tympanostomy tube delivery instrument A tympanostomy tube delivery device comprises a shaft assembly, a pressure equalization tube, and a sensor. The shaft assembly comprises a cannula and a pusher operable to translate relative to the cannula. The pressure equalization tube is positioned within the shaft assembly. The pusher is operable to drive the pressure equalization tube out of the shaft assembly. The sensor is operable to detect a physical parameter associated with engagement between the distal end of the shaft assembly and a tympanic membrane. A controller may activate a feedback device to inform an operator that the distal end of the shaft assembly has achieved suitable apposition with the tympanic membrane, based on information from the sensor.
US09320649B2	Steerable laser probe A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.
US09320646B2	System and method for a procedure based graphical interface Embodiments of the present invention may allow each of the surgical steps of a surgical procedure to be defined and associated with a function of the surgical console using a GUI. The defined surgical procedure can then be saved and later invoked by a user of the surgical console to conduct the surgical procedure. When the saved surgical procedure is invoked representations of the defined surgical steps are displayed to the user using a GUI so the user can conduct the surgical procedure by navigating through the representations of the surgical steps such that when a representation of a surgical step is selected the surgical console is configured according to the functionality associated with that surgical step.
US09320642B1	Method of and system for selecting patient temperature regulation tools The invention provides a method of selecting one or more patient temperature regulation tools is provided. The method comprises: providing a database storing one or more properties of each of a plurality of temperature regulation tools; selecting one or more patient temperature regulation tools from the database; calculating an estimated patient heat balance taking into account one or more of the one or more properties of the selected patient temperature regulation tool(s); providing an indication of the estimated patient heat balance; and providing a visual aid illustrating the one or more selected patient temperature regulation tools regulating the temperature of a patient. The method may be used for selecting one or more patient temperature tools for a patient who is to undergo a medical procedure. Additionally or alternatively, the method may be use as an e-learning tool.
US09320635B2	Semi-rigid shoulder braces and related methods Shoulder braces for inhibiting secondary anterior shoulder dislocations that are configured to allow for a wide range of motion for mobility and stabilization, include a brace body with a single arm portion configured to reside about a shoulder of a user and a torso portion, a plurality of shoulder straps extending over the single arm portion shoulder, a substantially rigid thermoplastic insert releasably held by the arm portion of the brace body. The insert can have a user-specific custom shape that substantially conforms to shoulder anatomy of the shoulder of the user. The brace can also include at least one adjustable length laterally extending torso strap attached to the torso portion.
US09320631B2	Aligning device for stent graft delivery system A prosthesis implanting system includes a delivery sheath for receiving the prosthesis and delivering it to the treatment site and an alignment device on the sheath visible to a user for indicating a rotational and an axial position of the sheath with respect to the treatment site. The alignment device is part of a delivery assembly slidably disposed in a handle. The delivery assembly has a hollow first lumen for slidably receiving therein a guidewire, a hollow second lumen slidably disposed about the first lumen, a hollow third lumen slidably disposed about the second lumen and having a distal end at which the sheath is connected and is disposed about the first and second lumen. The sheath holds the prosthesis therein prior to implantation and the alignment device is connected to the sheath. A relatively stiff outer lumen is slidably disposed about the third lumen and sheath.
US09320626B2	Guidewires and thin film catheter-sheaths and method of making same Guidewires and thin-film catheter-sheaths, fabricated using vacuum deposition techniques, which are monolayer or plural-layer members having ultra-thin wall thicknesses to provide very-low profile delivery assemblies for introduction and delivery of endoluminal devices.
US09320625B2	Bioabsorbable stents with reinforced filaments According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.
US09320621B2	Hand prosthesis A prosthetic hand system may include a plurality of prosthetic fingers and a prosthetic thumb. The prosthetic hand system may include a thumb drive mechanism that may be used to actuate the prosthetic thumb. In some examples, the thumb drive mechanism may be configured to enable the prosthetic thumb to perform a pinching or grasping motion and a release motion. The prosthetic hand system may also include a backlock that enables the prosthetic thumb to maintain pinching or gripping pressure after a motor has been disengaged. The prosthetic hand system may also include a gear lock that may be configured to lock a finger joint. The prosthetic hand system may also include an adaptive gripping joint that may be located on each prosthetic finger. In some examples, the adaptive gripping joint may be configured to passively adapt the plurality of prosthetic fingers to one or more differently shaped objects.
US09320616B2	Systems and methods for providing an asymmetrical femoral component Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include an asymmetrical femoral component that includes a femoral prosthesis that is configured to attach to a distal portion of a femur. In some such instances, the prosthesis includes a medial condyle and a lateral condyle, wherein a medial-lateral width of an articulation surface of the lateral condyle is approximately 75% or less of a medial-lateral width of an articulation surface of the medial condyle. Other implementations are also discussed.
US09320614B2	Spinal fusion implant The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.
US09320612B2	Corporectomy implant This Implant (1) includes, in a known manner, two pieces (2, 3) that are telescopically mobile relative to one another and elements (4) for positioning one piece (3) in a particular position relative to the other piece (2), the two pieces (2, 3) being made from a polymer material. At least one of the two pieces (2, 3) has a plurality of micro-cavities (15, 20, 32) over at least one wide portion of its peripheral wall (5); and the implant includes internal communications (16, 21, 33) in its wall(s) (5, 7, 31) including the micro-cavities (15, 20, 32), connecting all or some of the micro-cavities to one another.
US09320611B2	Surgically implantable joint spacer A spacer formed of an intermetallic compound, such as nitinol. The spacer includes two segments shaped in opposing arches. The unique properties of the intermetallic compound enable the material to be deformed into a planar, insertable shape when the material is cooled below a transition temperature and returns to the undeformed shape when the material returns to an ambient, operational temperature. An expansion mechanism assembly can engage with the spacer to apply an expansion force. The expansion force extends the spacer longitudinally drawing the spacer into the planar configuration. The expansion mechanism assembly can be used to guide the spacer into the desired position within the patient. The spacer control mechanism assembly is subsequently removed, relieving the expansion force. The spacer returns to the natural undeformed shape as it returns to body temperature. Retention features can be integrated in the spacer to aid in retaining the spacer in location.
US09320609B2	Semi-constrained ankle joint prosthesis and its method of implantation The ankle joint prosthesis adapted to involve the patient's distal tibia and talus has, according to the present invention, tibial, talar and mobile or semi-constrained bearing components that are laterally to medially implanted in the patient. The tibial component's top surface has convex curvature in its anterior to posterior plane and is configured so as to approximate and match with the curvature of a prepared portion of the distal tibia; its bottom surface being approximately flat. The talar component's top surface has saddle-shaped, convex curvature in its anterior to posterior plane, it's bottom surface has concave curvature and is configured so as to approximate and match with the curvature of a prepared portion of the talus. The mobile or semi-constrained bearing components have embodiments that comprise a wide variety of geometric shapes. A method for implanting such a prosthesis is also disclosed.
US09320608B2	Method for optimization of joint arthroplasty component design Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders.
US09320607B2	Reverse joint replacement device and methods thereof Embodiments relate to a joint replacement device, including a fixed socket including an inner surface and an outer surface supporting a ball, an articulating socket including an inner surface and an outer surface the inner surface in contact with the ball and a stem component attached to the outer surface of the articulating socket. The inner surface of the articulating socket articulates with the ball and the outer surface of the articulating socket can articulate with the inner surface of the fixed socket.
US09320605B2	High performance knee prostheses Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes. Other surfaces can also be specially shaped to achieve similar results, preferably using iterative automated techniques that allow testing and iterative design taking into account a manageable set of major forces acting on the knee during normal functioning, together with information that is known about natural knee joint kinetics and kinematics.
US09320603B2	Surgical instrument system with multiple lengths of broaches sharing a common geometry An orthopaedic surgical instrument system includes a first broach including a first end configured to be separately secured to a handle and a tapered body having a plurality of cutting teeth defined therein, and a second broach including a first end configured to be separately secured to the handle in place of the first broach, a first tapered body extending distally from a second end positioned opposite the first end, and a second tapered body extending distally from the first tapered body. The tapered body of the first broach and the first tapered body of the second broach have a first outer geometry and the second tapered body has a second outer geometry different from the first outer geometry.
US09320594B2	Diffractive trifocal lens A diffractive multifocal lens is disclosed, comprising an optical element having at least one diffractive surface, the surface profile comprising a plurality of annular concentric zones. The optical thickness of the surface profile changes monotonically with radius within each zone, while a distinct step in optical thickness at the junction between adjacent zones defines a step height. The step heights for respective zones may differ from one zone to another periodically so as to tailor diffraction order efficiencies of the optical element. In one example of a trifocal lens, step heights alternate between two values, the even-numbered step heights being lower than the odd-numbered step heights. By plotting a topographical representation of the diffraction efficiencies resulting from such a surface profile, step heights may be optimized to direct a desired level oflight power into the diffraction orders corresponding to near, intermediate, and distance vision, thereby optimizing the performance of the multifocal lens.

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